Dear parents, guardians and returning students:
You are an important part of this place we call WMMS, and we're looking forward to another year with you!
We have high expectations for our students. You will work even harder than you have before - that is the nature of middle school. Our primary goal is to make our students successful. WMMS is a positive place, and we want you to do your best.
You and your parents will work with new teachers. You will know them well, and they will know you well.
The strong relationships you have will be a key ingredient for your success.
Your daily class schedule will include science, math, language arts and social studies.
Electives will give you other opportunities for trying new things and finding your strengths.
We will invite you to get more involved in the extracurricular programs - academic competitions, band, sports, and chorus. We know that students who get involved in school activities will be more successful in school.
We are proud when our students do well academically, and we believe all students deserve rewards for good grades and for working hard. I will expect you to work hard and make good choices in school.
Don't forget you are always welcome to ask questions. You can contact any staff member if you have questions about enrollment or anything else that has to do with middle school.
I know that all of your hard work in school will pay off in the future. I look forward to another year with you here at WMMS!
Dr. Michael Mitchell
Principal
William Matthew Middle School

SEVENTH GRADE
ACADEMICS
1.
Through a variety of reading, writing, speaking and listening activities, the seventh grader is encouraged to extend and refine his/her communication skills. Interpretative and developmental reading, specific skills related to composition (spelling, capitalization, punctuation usage), and the study of language are stressed. A variety of reading is encouraged through individual selection of books from the library.
2.
This course is the study of world history beginning with the Old Stone Age and traversing through many of the ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, the Fertile Crescent and Indus River Valley civilizations. The Greek and
Roman civilizations are a primary focus as well. The year’s study concludes with a look at the Middle Ages in
Europe. The curriculum analyzes the commonalties of cultures and traces the seeds of democracy from its beginnings in ancient cultures. The cause-effect relationships of historical events are emphasized.
3.
This seventh grade mathematics course, being a continuation of the sixth grade course, allows time for review in the necessary areas. Topics presented at the seventh grade level include: whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percents, elementary number theory, word problems, measurements, basic geometry, and an introduction to basic algebraic equations.
Seventh Grade Pre-algebra: 2 semesters
This class is intended to provide a foundation for algebra. There will be instruction to further the understanding of computations with integers and rational numbers. Early introductions to variables give students extensive experience in solving equations. Enrollment is by teacher recommendation and test scores. Students must maintain an 80% average for the first semester.
4.
Science comes alive through various hands-on experiments that explore the world of physics and chemistry.
STEAM principles are brought in throughout the year when students design solar cookers, a model parking lot and light it with rewired Christmas lights and a Rube Goldberg machine. Students will conduct several investigations in thermal energy, chemistry and Newton’s Laws.
5.
Seventh grade reading is a developmental continuum for students, to learn the process of reading, understand the application of reading strategies, apply self-monitoring skills, and communicate knowledge of fiction and nonfiction as life-long learners and as contributing members of society. 7th graders will progress in their ability to increase: reading fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension in fiction and nonfiction by reading strategically. Students will work on reading independently for information and/or pleasure and incorporate written communication in response to reading giving credible, sufficient evidence to support responses.

ALTERNATING CLASSES FOR SEVENTH GRADE
1.
Students are required to enroll in physical education. Some of the scheduled activities include individual and team sports, fitness tests, and other recreational activities. Cardiovascular fitness, joint flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance are continually stressed. Health instruction will occur throughout the year. Physical education will alternate days with other science and computer skills.
2. Other Science: Alternating Days
In Other Science, we will investigate weather and how it is driven in our atmosphere, where it occurs, and how it affects us. We will track weather, using Google Docs, for different parts of the country. We will explore severe weather, how it forms, what conditions are needed for it to form, and what we should do to prepare for different types of severe weather.
3.
This course is designed to advance the computer skills which include the use of Google Apps, Google
Classroom, and other online Web 2.0 applications. In-depth study of digital photography, video production and online web programs are the main focus of this course. Integration with core subjects is brought into the curriculum. Students will continue to improve their typing skills as well. Computer skills will alternate days with physical education for one semester.
Course offerings and descriptions are subject to change based on administration directive.

EXPLORATORY ELECTIVES FOR SEVENTH GRADE
1. Art: 7th Grade
The student will explore line drawing, shading, texture, space and color through 2-dimensional picture making and 3-D works and will apply the elements of composition. Studio experiences will include still life drawing, portraits, printmaking techniques, polymer clay jewelry/figures, sand paintings, collage, mask making, relief prints, figure drawing, pottery, and contour line drawing. This course will also incorporate art history of the early 20th century through art of the 1940's.
2. Family and Consumer Sciences: 1 quarter
This course builds on the 6th grade exploratory competencies in the areas of personal challenges, resource challenges, family life issues, clothing and textile decisions, food and nutrition choices, health and wellness, and career awareness. Students use the sewing machine to construct a sewing project. Students experience cooperative learning in several food labs.
3.
Students will receive an introduction to world languages with an emphasis on romance languages. They will work on projects to help develop their new vocabulary. They will also study the creation of language. Students will learn how culture influences the development of language.
4.
Students will gain experiences/knowledge in the following areas: safety (lab and machine), machine use, measurements/decimal equivalents, hand tool identification and use, simple joinery, and project with applications. This will prepare students for the 8 th
grade level of Industrial Technology.
5. Music: 1 quarter
The focus of this course is on learning vocal music skills, continued music reading skills and introduction to the ukulele. Students will sing daily and practice proper techniques for breathing. Lessons over general music theory and the history of popular music from 1900 to present will also be incorporated into the curriculum.
6.
The seventh grade band is a performing group of the instrumental program. During the year, the band concentrates on concert band music. The music played will vary during the year. Many numbers from various periods will be played by the band. Students will continue the fundamentals of musicianship in order to develop more advanced instrumentals. During the fall, the band practices marching and often appears in the high school and college parades. If time permits, they play at a high school half time with the high school band.
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
As many sponsors volunteer time and talent, activities are subject to change.
FCCLA
To be eligible for membership, students need to be enrolled or have previously had a family and consumer sciences class. Members affiliate on the regional, state, and national level. Family, Career and Community
LEADERS OF AMERICA promote personal growth and leadership skills for family, career, and community leaders of America.
FCA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes meets on Tuesday mornings before school starts. It is open to any student who is interested in student led devotions. Students also look for opportunities to be a positive influence in the school.
CHORALIERS
This is an auditioned choir that meets two days a week, Monday and Friday before school, for the purpose of improving musical skills and most importantly to have fun singing. Students will have the opportunity to perform in a least two concerts per year and participate in the music festivals in the spring at Moberly.
QUIZ BOWL
This activity offers students the opportunity to compete academically against other schools in a team format.
Questions cover a wide variety of topics, so students can display their knowledge in many areas. The season runs from December until March. Open to 7 th and 8 th grade.
SPORTS
Seventh and eighth grade students may participate in school sponsored football, wrestling, basketball, track, volleyball, softball, cross country, and cheerleading. Seventh and eighth grade students must have a physical prior to participation.
TALENT SEARCH PROGRAMS
The Middle School participates in the Truman State University and Duke University talent search programs.
Students are nominated by scoring at the 95th percentile in some area of a standardized test (in most cases, the
MAP). Once nominated, students take the ACT and can apply for acceptance into a summer program on the college campus. Counselors will also assist students and parents with applications to other talent search programs as needed.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council focuses on student leadership and civic responsibilities. Each homeroom has a representative on the council. Members will serve the students, staff and community members by volunteering their time and talents, fundraising activities and arranging character building programs to challenge the student body to be respectful, responsible and safe. The student council will meet one time per week to discuss, present and plan activities throughout the year. All grade levels, 6-8 are represented.
FUN NIGHT
Several Fun Nights are held through the school year. Students have a variety of activities to enjoy. They can play in the gym, dance in the commons, sing to karaoke, play video games, or choose other activities.
PBS/ADVISORY TIME
The last period of the day is set aside for advisory activities throughout the building. Students have time to study, complete homework assignments, ask teachers for help, or work on group projects. One day each week, students either participate in intramural gym activities. On Mondays they are presented with a PBS lesson.

ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS AND ENRICHMENT
WMMS TIGER TUTORING – (AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK HELP)
Students can enroll in this tutoring program. Sessions are held Monday through Friday at 2:50-4:20 p.m.
Sessions include a 15 minute physical activity time followed by homework help and a snack.
PLANNERS
Each student at WMMS is given a planner at no charge. Students are expected to keep their planners current as to assignments and other crucial information. To help motivate students to keep their planners current, special prizes are given away to matching numbers in student planners. Students also use their planners as hall passes.
GUIDANCE SERVICES
Guidance counselors are available to all students. (See “Guidance and Counseling Services” page for specific interventions.)
STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM (SRP)
The Student Recognition Program recognizes achievement while giving students more responsibility for maintaining academic and citizenship standards. Students qualifying for the “A” honor roll will receive an “A” honor roll card. Students qualifying for the “B” honor roll will receive a “B” honor roll card. With these cards come rewards such as: free admission to athletic events and fun nights.
ZAP
Students who do not have work completed satisfactorily by the time it is due might receive what we call a
“ZAP”. ZAP stands for “Zeros Aren’t Permitted”. We believe students should not settle for failure and will give this extra chance to complete an overdue or poorly done assignment.
LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER
The WMMS library provides an automated card catalog and circulation system for all WMMS students and staff. The library is open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. daily. Access to information is available via books, online newspaper and magazine databases, multimedia resources, a periodical collection and the Internet. Our goal is for all WMMS students to become independent, proficient library users and for them to develop a lifetime enjoyment of reading and learning.
INFORMATION NOW
Parents and students can monitor academic progress online using Information Now. Teachers input grades on student assignments periodically, and a running average is computed throughout the semester.* Families who do not have internet access can request a periodic printout from the Guidance Office. Questions regarding specific grades or averages can be directed to the student’s teacher via e-mail or phone.
*It should be noted that daily grades may not appear on the same day an assignment is turned in. Most grades should be recorded, however, at each “3-Week Progress Check” date.

Note : Changes need made for 8 th grade meningitis shot
HEALTH SERVICES
William Matthew Middle School has a full-time nurse. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s health, please contact our nurse by calling the office at 665-3793 ext. 5.
Medications at School
If your child requires medication at school, it can be administered by school personnel according to the following guidelines:
1. The medication must be prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist. If over the counter medication needs to be administered at school, the medication must be in the original container and accompanied by written permission and designated instructions from parent or guardian.
2. The medicine shall be in the original prescription container which shall be labeled with: (a)
Name of student ; (b) Name of medication ; (c) Directions for use ; (d) Name of physician or dentist; (e) Name and address of pharmacy ; and (f) Date of prescription.
3. The medicine must be accompanied by written permission from the parent or guardian to have the medication given to the student. Additionally, Kirksville R-III requires that each student receiving medication at school have a signed Medication Administration Consent for each medication on file in the nurse’s office. This must be renewed annually .
4. The medication, while at school, shall be kept in the school health office. When required, refrigeration will be provided. Special provisions are made for inhalers; however , the school nurse needs to be aware that the student has the inhaler.
5. The nurse will keep a written record of any medication(s) given at school. This record will include the student’s name, the name of the medication, the amount of medication to be given, the time to be given, doctor’s name, pharmacy, and prescription number.
6. At the end of the dispensing time or end of the school year, any remaining medication shall be returned to the student’s parents or destroyed.
7. When students are required to receive any medication at school, it is necessary that a parent or guardian bring the medication to the school health office . It will then be dispensed in accordance with the above guidelines. If you have questions or wish to give more information to the nurse, please call the Middle School office at 665-3793 ext. 5.
Immunizations for 2016-2017
William Matthew Middle School students must be immunized for:
1.
2.
3.
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*5.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DPT - minimum of 3 doses, last dose after 4th birthday; Td booster given every 10 years.)
Polio (minimum of 3 doses, last dose after 4th birthday.)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR - 2 doses on or after first birthday.)
Hepatitis B - 3 doses (mandatory for all grades, K-12.)
Tetanus, Diphtheria Booster must be completed prior to entering 8 must be notified of the date immunization was given.
th grade. The school
*8. Parents should send only enough medication to cover the required amount to be given during school hours. When requested, local pharmacies will provide you with an additional labeled container to be left at school.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SERVICES
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CONFERENCES: Parents are encouraged to call the Guidance Office when they want to meet with a team of teachers and /or a counselor to discuss a student’s progress. Counselors can help parents decide if/when a team conference is needed, set the agenda, and coordinate planning for the meeting.
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CONSULTING: Counselors will consult with teachers, parents and others involved in the education process, for the purpose of developing coordinated plans to help students.
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INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING: Counselors serve as effective listeners who help students with a variety of problems and concerns.
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CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS: Counselors teach units in study skills, knowledge of self and others, and career exploration. In addition, the Guidance Office coordinates Advisory activities during
PBS to enhance the guidance curriculum.