Dr. Claudia Thomas Middle School

Middle School Preview 2020-2021

What does it take to be successful in middle school?

• Grades matter as they prepare you for high school
• Plan for your future (HSBP) High School and Beyond Plan
• Assessments: MAP Tests and Smarter Balanced Assessment
• Being prepared and ready.

What are the personal characteristics that lead to success at Thomas Middle School?

• Life-long learning
• Collaboration
• Leadership education
• Character

“Lifelong collaborative learners who demonstrate character and leadership.”

Good Practices in Preparing for Success

What can students and families do now to prepare for middle school success?

Some good practices to help your student transition include:

• Emailing your students’ teachers
• Encourage your student to email teachers, especially when sick
• Check Skyward often

ABCs

Attendance – Be there and on time

Behavior – Work hard, be determined and have a positive attitude. Be kind and respectful to yourself and others.

Course Completion/Grades – Focus on learning, complete work and turning it in.

Habits of Learning

• Study habits
• Organization
• Time management
• Positive peer interaction
• Mitigate screen time
• Develop self-advocacy

Attendance

Attendance Procedures

• If your student will be absent due to illness or appointments, please call the attendance line at (253) 583-5470 to leave a message.  Be sure to include the student’s name, the nature of the absence, your name and a phone number to call if there are questions.
• If your student will be out for number of days, a Pre-Planned Absence form should be completed.  This enables teachers to pull together classroom/homework to send with the student.  Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook you receive on the first day for the types of absences that can be excused.
• BECCA Letters – if after 3 days an absence has not been excused a BECCA Letter will be sent to the parent.  Chronic absenteeism can result in a referral to juvenile court.

Class Registration

Middle School Course Programs:

Three years of Core Subjects:

English
Math
Science
Social Studies
3 semesters of Physical education
One semester of Career and Technical Education (7^th & 8^th grade) 
Two semesters of Performing and Visual Arts (or Music) are offered in 6^th, 7^th or 8^th grade.
Extra support: up to 3 years of assigned Learning Strategies course in Reading and/or Math. Titan Time, this is where all students receive academic support during the school day 2 times each week.

Electives

Year-Long Electives:

AVID- (application required) Advanced Via Individual Determination
Band
Choir
Orchestra

Semester Electives:

Digital Communication Tools
Introduction to Robotics
STEM Technology
Computer Science Discoveries
Design and Technology
Drama
Introduction to World Cultures
Leadership
Music Appreciation
Drumline
Art
Office Assistant
Yearbook

Dress for Success

Dress Code: To be updated

Thomas Middle School ASB

What is ASB?

• ASB stands for Associated Student Body
• ASB consists of students elected to Student Council officer and representative positions. Student council plans ASB activities like dances and approves all ASB spending.
• ASB funds all non-curricular activities that are Cultural, Athletic, Recreation or Social
• All student athletes are required to purchase an ASB card for $20
• ASB Clubs also require the purchase of an ASB card
• ASB cards can be purchased in building with cash or check, or online with a credit/debit card
•  ASB cards are good for the entire school year

Thomas is a family friendly school. We encourage and invite you to get involved!

Ways to get involved:

• Join PTSA and attend meetings
• Attend school events
• Volunteer
• Site Council
• Have lunch with your student
•  Chaperone

Volunteers

We love our volunteers and we are always excited to see you!

Here are only of some of the ways you can volunteer:

• Chaperone field trips
• Chaperone school dances
• AVID Tutoring
• Event support
• Serve on committees
• Serve on Thomas PTSA
  

And more!

*All potential volunteers need to complete a Washington State Patrol Criminal History form (and provide proper identification) each school year before beginning their service in Clover Park School District.

Lunch Time

Students have the option to buy school lunch or bring home lunch. We also offer lunch/snack options at the A la Carte stand.

To prepay into your child's account, you may give payments (cash, money order, or check) directly to a member of the kitchen staff, or you may make online payments through RevTrak on Skyward Family Access.

Make checks/money orders payable to the Clover Park School District.

Please include the student's name, ID number, grade, and homeroom teacher's name on the check or money order (or on the envelope if you send a cash deposit).

Lunch:

$3.15 - full price
$0.40 - reduced price
$0.55 – milk

19-20 SY Prices
*subject to change

• Cell phones/headphones may be brought to school but need to be out of sight and not in use during school hours from 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
•  Should your student choose to bring an electronic device and/or accessory, Thomas Middle School will not be held responsible for any loss/theft/damage that may occur while on campus.

Welcome future Titans!

Thomas staff is dedicated to creating “Life-long collaborative learners who demonstrate character and leadership.”

As we embark in this new journey together, we look forward to helping your child become a Four Pillar student!