McMichael Middle School Minute
November Parent Newsletter
Message from Mr. Fonzie:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the busy holiday season, I want to take a moment to ask for your help in encouraging your students to stay focused on their academic pursuits. This time of year can be filled with distractions, but it is essential that we maintain our commitment to learning and personal growth.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our football, volleyball, softball, and baseball teams for their outstanding seasons! Their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship have truly made us proud. We are excited to see what the future holds for these talented athletes.
A special shout-out goes to our choir for their remarkable performances at the All-Region competition. Their talent and dedication were on full display and we applaud their efforts in representing our school so well.
I want to express our immense pride in our cheerleaders, dancers, band members, and twirlers. Their hard work has shone brightly this year, and we are thrilled to witness their passion and talent on display.
Additionally, we have loved seeing our Student Council members and members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) actively volunteering in our community. Their commitment to service and leadership is truly commendable, and it exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our students. Thank you for your continued support in encouraging our young leaders.
As we move forward, please remind your children of the importance of being present and on time for class. It is crucial that they come to school respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. These qualities will not only enhance their educational experience but also set them up for success in their future endeavors.
Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing these values at home. Together, we can ensure that our students remain focused and engaged during this festive season.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season ahead!
Warm regards,
Gerald Fonzie
Principal
McMichael Middle School
Campus Announcements:
Cell Phones:
Technology is an amazing tool and we will give students the opportunity to earn special tech-free privileges, but these items distract from the learning environment of the classroom during academic times.
If your student gets their phone confiscated, the teacher will take the phone from the student and remit it to the front office. The parent will be required to come and pick up the phone with a fee. Please speak with your student about the importance of learning with out distractions.
Discipline:
- Cussing at or threatening any member of the McMichael Staff
- Blatant Defiance
- Serious or persistent misbehavior
- Fighting
- Weapons
- Drugs-including vape pens of any kind.
Please note that McMichael Middle School reserves the right to make disciplinarian decisions based on the safety and learning outcomes of ALL students.
ID Badges:
Students are expected to wear ID Badges at all times. Badges can be replaced in the front office for a fee of $5. Badges are to be worn for safety reasons, but will also allow your dragon the opportunity to participate in special events. Students who do not have their badges visible will be denied entry to VIP lunch, pep rally events and other school functions. Please note that bus drivers will not take home students who do not have their ID to scan onto the bus.
Campus Visitors:
All visitors must enter through door number one. If you need to check out your student, please bring a form of identification. We do not release students after 3:30 through the front office. The car rider line is moving smoothly. Please do not park and have your child walk to your car. Dismissal runs smoother when everyone works together and follows the correct procedures.
Schedule for the Month:
Week of November 4th-8th:
4th- No School (Professional Development)
5th - Dragon Football @ Hallsville- Games start at 4:30
5th- Picture Retake Day
6th- Boy's Basketball Tryouts
- 7th Grade (during the period) AND from 4:00-5:00
- 8th Grade (during the period AND from 5:00-6:00
7th- 8th Grade Band performs at Veteran's Day Program @ Raguet at 5:30
8th- 7th and 8th Grade Band perform @ NHS Senior Night at 7:30
9th- 8th Grade Band performs at Veteran's Day Parade @ TJR at 10:00
Week of November 11th-15th:
11th- Girl's Basketball @ Home vs. Hallsville - Games start at 5:00
11th- Japan Interest Meeting @ 5:00 (McMichael Library)
12th- Lot Crew (Participating students off campus)
15th- Fun Food Friday
- Sign up to volunteer here: Fun Food Friday Volunteer Sign Up
- Students must wear ID badges
- This is a privilege!
16th- Jambalaya Dinner @ NHS (Benefitting the Band)
Week of November 18th-22nd:
18th- Girl's Basketball @ Home vs. Texas High- Games start at 5:00
18th- Boy's Basketball @ Texas High- Games start at 5:00
Week of November 25th- 29th:
November 25th-29th- Thanksgiving Break!
28th- Happy Thanksgiving!
UIL Academics Practice Schedule
Grade Level Updates:
6th Grade Updates from Mrs. McKenzie:
Our 6th graders are settling into the middle school and doing well!
As we progress through this first semester, I want to encourage you to have meaningful conversations with your student at home in an effort to enhance their learning experience and keep you informed.
Here are some examples to help get the conversations started:
Open-Ended Questions: “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?”
Opinion-Based Questions: “How do you feel about the book you are reading?”
Clarifying Questions: “Can you explain a concept from math that you found challenging?”
The 6th grade team appreciates you for being a special part of our learning community!
Contact Information: Emckenzie@nacisd.org
7th Grade Updates from Mr. McGee:
Greetings, 7th Grade Parents and Guardians, and thank you for a great second six weeks here at McMichael Middle School!
I have enjoyed meeting and working with many of you over the course of the year so far, and I appreciate all of the positive support you have provided for our students and our campus. Your efforts from home definitely show, as 7th Grade students by-and-large are a hard-working, responsible group of kids who show continued dedication to achieving high behavioral and academic expectations across our campus. As we move toward the holiday season, we will continue to reinforce those high expectations in our hallways and classrooms, as students continue to work toward mastery of behavioral and academic goals.
If you have any questions you’d like to ask or concerns that you would like to share with me, please reach out at 936-552-0519 or at jmcgee@nacisd.org and I will be glad to help. Thank you again for being a crucial part of the McMichael team!
Contact Information: Jmcgee@nacisd.org
8th Grade Updates from Ms. Foy:
As we enter another month, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of punctuality, responsibility, and ownership of learning within our 8th-grade community. These values are essential for fostering a productive and respectful learning environment.
The Importance of Being On Time:
Arriving to class on time is crucial for both academic success and classroom dynamics. When students arrive punctually, they can fully engage in the learning process, participate in discussions, and avoid missing important instructions. Tardies are monitored in HERO and result in disciplinary action.
Responsibility in the Hallways and Classrooms:
We have observed that our students are making great strides in demonstrating responsibility throughout the school. We ask that you continue to support your child in understanding the significance of being respectful and responsible in hallways and classrooms. This includes adhering to school rules, maintaining a tidy environment, and treating peers and staff with respect.
Taking Ownership of Learning:
Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey is vital. When students take responsibility for their education, they are more likely to be motivated, set personal goals, and seek help when needed.
Together, we can instill these values in our students, helping them to become responsible and engaged learners. Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing these important principles at home.
Contact Information: Lfoy@nacisd.org
Grading Portal Information:
The best way to stay informed on your students academic progress will be to make sure you have an accurate email address on file for teacher newsletters and have signed up for the Home Access Center (HAC). The HAC will help you track your student's grades and also keep track of absences. If you do not have access to the HAC, please print and return this form or email me your child's name and I will send one home with them.
Contact Information: hstidham@nacisd.org
Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda
Thank you to Mr. Tovar's classes for creating this display!