Principal’s Message to Parents & Students

Dear Parents and Students:

The 2009-2010 school year is going to be one to remember here in the middle school. There are a great deal of exciting changes and opportunities happening in our school this year. Whether it be new technology in the classrooms, new and energetic teachers, or even a new principal, our school is moving in a very positive direction. Our middle school team is a strong and compassionate group of educators who have worked hard with our previous principal to create a very positive community. We will continue that work with the help of parents, students, and all members of our educational community.

Parents: Remember that your involvement in your child’s education is absolutely critical. You are your child’s first and most important teacher and role model. You can show your child your belief in the importance of education by making sure your child is in school ready to learn each day, making sure your child has a specific homework routine, and keeping the lines of communication open with your child’s teachers.

Students: Remember that you are responsible for your actions and your learning. The adults in your life are here to help, guide, and support you during these critical middle school years, but ultimately you control your destiny. Be positive, open to new ideas, respectful of others, and willing to learn, and you are sure to have an outstanding school year.

Please feel free to contact teachers with any concerns you might have. Our entire team wants to work with you to ensure your child’s success. All teachers can be reached by calling 933-5354 or by email. You can also contact me with any concerns at the same number, or by email at eremmers@enosburgk12.net.

Let’s work together to make the 2009-2010 school year a success for everyone!

Respectfully,

Erik Remmers

OVERVIEW OF THE ENOSBURG FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Philosophy

We view the Middle school program as a designed to reinforce skills in reading, writing,

developmental bridge between elementary listening, speaking, research, problem solving,

school and high school, specifically focused on technology, and the arts. The core courses at

young adolescents, and their special learning, Enosburg include Language Arts, Math,

social, and personal needs. Science, Social Studies, and Reading.

Enosburg Falls Middle School programs and In addition, middle school is a time to address

practices have been developed to enable personal and social needs that are important to

students to become independent, responsible students of this age. Health and physical

learners who can think critically and education and co-curricular activities

creatively. We believe this goal can best be appropriate to the development of the

accomplished through an educational adolescent and exploratory courses in art,

partnership of parents, educators, students, and home economics, industrial arts, computer

community members working together. skills, and career awareness are offered as well

as other subjects of interest. By the time

We strive to provide a relevant curriculum that students leave middle school, they are well

meets the specific needs of young adolescents. prepared for success in high school and as

Classroom practices in all subjects are proactive citizens.

Mission Statement

The mission of Enosburg Schools is to create an environment conductive to the expansion of

knowledge: the learning of technical, creative, and academic skills; and the appreciation of cultural

diversity. This environment shall empower students to realize their potential in cooperation with

peers, educators, parents, and the community.

Student Code of Conduct

1. I am responsible for my actions.

2. I will respect others, their belongings, and myself.

3. I will cooperate with others.

4. I have the right to a safe pleasant learning environment AND the responsibility to contribute to a positive learning environment.

My signature below indicates that I have received and reviewed the Enosburg Falls Middle School Parent/Student Handbook.

_______________ _________________

Parent Signature Parent Signature

_______________

Student Signature

Please tear this page out and return to the Middle School Office by 09/01/09

OUR SCHOOL

The School is supported by community taxes. Please share the pride we feel and help keep our building looking its best at all times. All students are expected to conduct themselves as young women and men, in a manner that will not offend any other person.

THE PRUDENTAL COMMITTEE

Lori Perley

Kathy Gaston

Michael Wright

Michael Howrigan II

Ron Larose

TEAMING IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

To help students adapt and develop, the middle school uses a team approach to instruction. The current teams consist of five teachers who share all of the 7^th and 8^th grade students and two teachers who share all 6^th grade students. Middle school classes are taught in a specific part of the school building and the teachers share a common planning time. Teaming, which is like a school within a school, allows teachers to get to know students and their academic and emotional needs better. Through teaming, teachers are able to coordinate instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and reading, and to vary, as needed, the size of groups and the amount of time used for instruction. Teachers on a team may specialize in one or two subject areas, but also collaborate with other team members to better ensure student learning. Students feel a sense of belonging to their team and parents have the opportunity to talk with all of their child’s teachers during the team’s planning time and/or during parent - teacher conference day.

The Enosburg Falls Middle School Community

Middle School Staff

Core Team Members
Writing	Mr. Nathan Gingras
Mathematics	Ms. Elizabeth Brown
Reading	Ms. Keeli Counos
Science	Mr. Todd Rohlen
Social Studies	Mrs. Kerry Flieger
Special Education	Mr. Tom Kafka Ms. Anissa Seguin
6^th grade	Mr. Randy Swainbank
6^th grade	Mrs. Jessica Eagles
Exploratory Teachers
Family & Consumer Sciences	Mrs. Jessica Leo
Physical Education	Mr. Steve Jette & Ms. Julie Snider
Art	Ms. Heidi Lague
Band	Mr. Andy Frappier
Chorus Technology Education Library Media Guidance Commuter Applications Spanish Culture	Ms. Danielle Hurley Mr. Paul Pikna Mrs. Barb Grady Mrs. Tammy Farr Ms. Megan Martinson Ms. Olga Saldarriaga
Guidance	Ms. Kate Gallagher
	Ms. Nicole Lewis
Para-Educators	Mrs. Candy Clark, Mrs. Cindy Dudley,
	Mrs. Joanne Fuller, Ms. Maggy Young
	Mr. Terry Butson, Mr. Dustin Rushlow
Nurse	Mrs. Kelly Cota
	Mrs. Dianne Tibbits
Administrative Assistants	Mrs. Kelly Gervais – Middle School
Planning Room Coordinator	Mrs. Donna Flanders

Core Team Biographies

**I’m Erik Remmers, and I’m the new middle school principal. Although I am new to this position, I am not new to the school. I have taught Language Arts to the 7^th and 8^th grade in this school since 2006, and am now very excited to serve all of the students in our school as the principal. I moved to northern Vermont in 2002 from Pennsylvania (Go Steelers!) with my wife, and we have resided in Montgomery since 2003. We have a beautiful and energetic 2-year-old daughter named Aine who has her daddy wrapped around her little finger, and a walker coonhound that’s about the same age. I am very excited for the coming school year, and can’t wait to see what the year will bring!

**My name is Tom Kafka. I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. I received my Masters degree from the University of Maine and have over twenty- five years of teaching experience. I have also taught skiing in Colorado, been a City Parks foreman and City Hall janitor, done landscaping and tree service work, and have years of dairy, fruit, and vegetable farm experience. My twin sons are now 17 and are going off to VTC. I have taught at the middle school level in Enosburg since 1988. We have a great community here and I'm proud to be a part of it. I enjoy many outdoor activities, something for every season, and love encouraging kids to be the best that they can be!

**My name is Kerry Flieger and I was born and raised in Sharon, Massachussetts. After graduating from St.Michael's College in 1997

with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History my husband, Scott, and I decided to settle in Vermont. I joined the Enosburg Falls Middle School Faculty in 2000 and have enjoyed becoming part of the community. We live in Bakersfield with our 2 daughters, Sophie and Emily, and our dog, Bandit. Sophie is 4 and loves to sing and dance. Emily is a busy 1 year old exploring everything around her. You may find us at the cremee stand quite a bit, but when I’m not there I may be gardening, baking, reading, or just playing with my girls. I’m excited for another school year and look forward to learning with you!

**My name is Jessica Eagles and I am one of the sixth grade teachers. I grew up in Enosburg and went to college in Winooski. I graduated from St. Michael's College with a double major in Education and Psychology. I have been teaching at Enosburg Middle School for six years and look forward to another great year. Outside of school I love walking, especially with my son Brady. I also like to spend time with family and friends.

**My name is Randy Swainbank. I have been teaching since 2003. I currently teach 6th grade social studies and language arts. I live in Enosburg with my wife and three children. I graduated from Champlain College with an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement and Johnson State College with a Bachelors Degree in Education. I have also coached varsity boy's soccer since 1993, and I have coached here in Enosburg since 1997.

**My name is Todd Rohlen and I am very excited to be returning for my third year in Enosburg! Previously I have taught in Winooski, New York, and I was an instructor for Outward Bound for a while. I went to the University of Vermont, where I studied Forest Biology. I loved my science classes there, as many of the labs were out in the woods. I have been in New England, mostly Vermont and Maine, for 15 or more years now. I am originally from Chicago, but had to leave as there was not enough mountains or forests there. I love to ski, garden, and run.

**My name is Anissa Seguin. I live in Fairfield, with my husband, Chris and our three high school children. I love to travel, work in my flower garden, and enjoy sports. I am looking forward to returning to Enosburg Middle School this year.

** My name is Keeli Counos and I grew up in St. Albans Vermont and live there with my fiance Derrick. I graduated from UVM and recently earned my MAT in Education. This is my first year as a full-time middle school teacher at Enosburg, and I am excited for the 2009-2010 school year. I love cooking for my friends and family, and if their lucky my students too. In the winter I enjoy downhill skiing and ice skating. I enjoy watching and playing all kinds of sports: basketball, softball, hockey, and football.

**Nathan Gingras - After completing a one-year internship at Main Street Middle School in Montpelier, I am ecstatic to join the team at Enosburg Middle. Although I live in Essex Junction, I was raised in Williamstown, Vermont. I graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2008, and currently I am completing my master’s of arts in teaching degree, also at UVM. When I have a free moment I enjoy skiing, hunting, reading, and watching the Red Sox. By far my favorite book of all time is J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, with Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises coming in a close second.

**I am Elisabeth Brown and I grew up in Fairfield and went to high school at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. I graduated from the University of Vermont in May 2009 with a BS in Secondary Education for Mathematics, as well as a BA in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics. I am a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do as well as an instructor. I was recently a counselor at the Governor’s Institute for Mathematical Sciences where campers can explore more advanced and interesting mathematical topics. I also love acting and doing things outdoors.

6^th Grade Schedule

Period/Time	A-Day	B-Day	C-Day
1- 8:15-9:07	Elective (55)	Elective (55)	Elective(55)
2 - 9:10-9:57	Core (47	Core (47)	Core (47)
S - 9:57-10:05	Snack (8)	Snack (8)	Snack (8)
3 - 10:05-10:52	Core (47)	Core (47)	Core (47)
4 -10:52-11:40	Eective (48)	Elective (48)	Elective (48)
L -11:40-12:10	Lunch (30)	Lunch (30)	Lunch (30)
5 - 12:10-12:50	Core (40)	Core (40)	Core (40)
6 - 12:50-1:41	Core (51)	Core (51)	Core (51)
7 - 1:41-2:32	Enrichment (51)	Enrichment (51)	Enrichment (51)
8 - 2:32-2:47	TA (15)	TA (15)	TA (15)

7^th & 8^th Grade Schedule

Period	A-Day	B-Day	C-Day
1	8:15-9:07 Elec. (52)	8:15-9:07 Elec. (52)	8:15- 9:07 C1 (52)
2	9:10-9:57 C3 (47)	9:10-9:57 C4 (47)	9:07-9:57 C2 (49)
snack	9:57-10:05 Snack (8)	9:57-10:05 Snack (8)	9:57-10:05 Snack (8)
3	10:05-10:52 C1 (47)	10:05-10:52 C5 (47)	10:05-10:52 C3 (47)
4	10:52-11:40 C2 (48)	10:52-11:40 C1 (48)	10:52- 11:40 C4 (48)
L	11:40-12:10 (30)	11:40-12:10 (30)	11:40-12:10 (30)
5	12:15-1:00 (45) C5	12:15-12:58 (43) TP	12:15-12:45 (PD) (30)
6	1:00-1:45 Elec. (45)	12:58-1:45 C2 (47)	12:45-1:45 Elec. (60)
7	1:48-2:32 C4 (45)	1:45-2:32 C3 (48)	1:48-2:32 C5 (45)
8	2:32-2:47 TA (15)	2:32-2:47 TA (15)	2:32-2:47 TA (15)

Dress Code:

The following policy on clothing apparel and accessories will be enforced at EFMS. Students are expected to dress in a respectable fashion. While you and your family are generally free to determine your appearance in school, there are items of clothing and accessories that are unacceptable.

Examples of clothing considered to be unacceptable include:

v Muscle shirts

v Tank tops (with less than 2 inch wide straps)

v Tube Tops

v Tops baring midriffs, back area or cleavage

v Underclothing may not be exposed in any situation

v Shorts or skirts which are shorter than extended fingertips

v Clothing that exposes large areas of skin; ie, cutouts or holes in jeans or skirts, low cut tops, or low rise pants

v Clothing that advertises, promotes or depicts alcohol, tobacco, and/or illegal substances

v Items that display vulgar, offensive, or demeaning language

v Jewelry or accessories deemed potentially dangerous or disruptive

Students must not be barefoot.

Students in violation will be given the choice to change their clothing and/or a phone call will be made to parents, and/or students will be sent home to change their clothing

PARENT PARTICIPATION

The role of parents in the middle school philosophy is imperative for a successful student experience. We have decided upon the following beliefs that we have regarding our parents. We hope that you feel comfortable within the school community and find time to contribute your talents.

We believe that all parents have areas of knowledge and expertise that will enrich the lives of our Middle School students.

We hope parents will play an active role in what their children are doing and in what the school is doing for and with their children to promote a positive atmosphere for everyone.

We hope parents will suggest ideas for activities and projects to include in Middle School programs.

We believe that parents can be our best advocates in the community, and that their involvement will effectively inform the community about our school.

We want to involve parents in all aspects of middle school life including curriculum, communication, vision, special events, fundraising, the arts, athletics, School-to-Work, facilities, and as classroom volunteers.

We hope parents will attend conferences, meeting and other forums currently established to meet the educational needs of individual students.

We believe that Middle School parents and community members should become involved in the Parent’s Group, which is a great forum for developing greater parent involvement in the Middle School.

We know that personal contact is an important component in helping people feel that they are part of the plan. We need to organize early parental contact from the teachers to the parents and from the parents to each other to bring everyone together in a way that makes each individual feel that he or she is an integral part of the process.

We believe that parents themselves should help identify and define ways to participate in all aspects of our program.

EFMS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

STANDARDS AND PARENTS

There is a lot of talk in the media about national and state standards and about raising student achievement by using standards. In Vermont, we have been involved in standards-based reform for some time, yet not everyone has a clear idea of what standards are.

In Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union, we are focusing our improvement efforts in Content and Performance Standards. These are elements of the Vermont Framework of Standards and of Learning Opportunities. Content Standards are a set of statements that provide a clear description of what students should be able to do in a subject area. Performance Standards are a set of statements that tell us how good students’ work must be to meet the Content Standards. There are Performance and Content Standards for all subject areas. Here is an example for the area of Science:

7.13

Students understand the characteristics of organisms, see patterns of similarity

and differences among living organisms, understand the role of evolution, and

recognize the interdependence of all systems that support life. This is evident

when students:

1. Identify, model, and explain the structure and function of organisms both as individual

entities and as components of larger systems.

Identify and use anatomical structures to classify organisms
Describe, model, and explain the principles of the interdependence of all systems that support life and apply them to local, regional, and global systems; and
Describe evolution in terms of diversity and adaptation, variation, extinction, and natural selection.

Our new Performance Standards for student achievement give students, teachers, and parents’ clear goals to work toward. All of us think our children do wonderful, creative work. What we don’t know is if it is good enough to meet the standards of our school district and state. This is why the Performance Standards are accompanied by several other important pieces of information, which you can compare with the work you see your child actually doing:

* A sample performance task that shows you the kind of work you can expect to see your child doing;

A sample of student work along with the scoring criteria of what makes it a quality piece of work.

A listing of the supporting skills and prior learning your child needs to meet the standards successfully.

To obtain a copy of the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities and Vital Results, you can ask Mr. Nichols in the Middle School Office. This tool will enable you to learn what your child is studying daily in his or her classes.

Core Curriculum

Each Core Teacher will be responsible for developing curriculum aligned with the Vermont’s Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities.

Grade Level Expectations

Teachers will give parents and students course descriptions near the beginning of the school year

Exploratory Classes

Exploratory is a cycle of elective classes that all students may experience during their middle school years. The courses are technology education, physical education, art, family & consumer sciences (FACS) band, chorus, library/media, and guidance. The goal of each of these courses is to have students glimpse at other areas in which students could pursue careers. Certified teachers teach the courses and grades are awarded.

Library

Students will be using the library individually, as a class, or before and after school. Our library has a number of holdings for research such as periodicals, Internet connections, and resource materials. Every student who is enrolled in the school is permitted to check out certain materials. If a student does not responsibly care for materials or return them promptly, these privileges may be suspended.

We invite community members and parents to use the library as long as each individual checks in

at the main office and with Angel Harris, our media specialist.

The library is a quiet place. The emphasis is on learning in the library. This is accomplished by quiet research, study, or reading activities.

Guidance services

The Guidance counselors assist students in their transition in to high school and out into the world of work. Ms. Lewis and Guidance Director Ms. Gallagher will consult with the students and parents to provide the most academically challenging and vocationally relevant courses. In addition, Ms. Lewis who works primarily with the Middle school, is available for assistance with everything from career and post high school planning to personal or family problems that may be affecting a student’s ability to learn.

SPECIAL SERVICES

Peer Support Program

The Guidance department has created this program which is available to help students in grades 7 to 12 solve conflicts such as arguments with friends, gossip, and harassment. Peer Support Program members are students specially trained in problem solving, communication skills, and mediation. Services include academic tutoring, personal problems, new-student orientation, conflict resolution, drug and/or alcohol assistance, information, and referral.

National Honor Society Tutors

Tutors are available to provide students with extra help in all content areas. A list of tutors and their availability throughout the school day will be published at the beginning of the year. The National Honor Society advisor, or a classroom teacher can help make the arrangements. Tutors are trained to help you be comfortable. Get in touch with a tutor before things get out of hand. Remember: a mature person knows when to get help!

Extra Help

Teachers are available before and after school. Students are encouraged to see their teachers to take advantage of this opportunity. Teachers are also available to help students during study halls if schedules allow.

Special Education Services

Students with disabilities that prevent or limit success in the regular education programs are eligible under state and federal guidelines to receive special education services and accommodations. These students will receive extra help in remedial and regular education classrooms. Mr. Kafka works with students in the middle school. Students receive assistance in reading, writing, math, and other core courses, as well as in study skills and organization. Students with behavior, hearing, and vision disabilities may also be eligible to receive help under this program.

Act 504

This is a Federal Civil Rights Law, which entitles people with disabilities to have necessary accommodations at jobs, in school, and in communities. These accommodations are intended to

make all aspects of life accessible to all people. Act 504 is not the same as “special education” which provides specifically and individually designed supports in education. Mr. Nichols is responsible for monitoring Act 504 provisions.

Act 230

This is Vermont Regular Education law, which requires schools to assist students who need a little extra support in order to succeed in school. Accommodations for students as well as an instructional support team can be established for students who are failing or at risk of failing. An Educational Support team (EST) is made-up of the student’s teachers, parents, and usually, the student to design a plan to help the student at risk of failing. Mr. Nichols is the Act 230 coordinator.

Para-educators

These individuals work with students individually, in the classroom. The individual attention they can provide is invaluable. For many students, the patience and support of para-educators makes all the difference in their educational experience.

PUBLICATIONS

EFMS posts announcements and highlights student activities in the local weekly newspaper, the County Courier, which comes out on Thursdays.

MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES

Parents are encouraged to contact teachers at any time. They can leave a message for any teacher at 933-5354. One conference time has been established for the school year. Conferences occur after school to accommodate parents. In addition, individual conferences will be scheduled to accommodate parents who so request. Every effort will be made to schedule parent meetings during common planning time.

Individual Education Program (IEP) and Education Support Team (EST) meetings are scheduled throughout the year to discuss students’ progress.

The Middle School Team will help publish a newsletter to be mailed to parents with report cards and progress reports.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

You will receive a phone call through our alert now system letting you know of school closings and delays you can also be notified by the following radio and TV stations:

WOKO 98.9 FM

WEZF 92.9 FM

WLFE 102.3 FM

WWSR 1420 AM

WCAX Channel 3

WPTZ Channel 5

A SCHOOL DAY AT EFMS

The Start and Finish of the Day

Classes for the middle school will begin at 8:15 this year. The day finishes with another bell at 2:47. At this time students leave their classes, go to their lockers, and leave the building. If students choose to remain after school for extra help, extra-curricular activities, or any other school sponsored activity, an adult must supervise them.

Each school day includes, one 8-minute break in the morning, and a 30-minute lunch period. There are three types of days: A,B,C Each Middle School student will have 5 core classes: Math, Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Reading.

Arriving to School Late

If a student comes to school tardy, he/she should go immediately to the Middle School Office to receive a pass admitting him/her to class. Students requesting an early dismissal during the school day must present a written request to do so from a parent/guardian before period one begins. The request must indicate the reason and the date of the early dismissal request, and must be signed by a parent/guardian.

Lockers

Students will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the year, and must respect the right of each student to have a safe, secure place to store books and other necessary items. Teachers will help incoming students learn to manipulate the locks on their lockers. Remember that lockers are school property and may be opened for safety reasons. Please note that student are liable for the cost of repair for any intentional damage to their locker.

Students will be able to go the their lockers only at designated times during the day.

The School Nurse

The Nurse and the Nurse’s Assistant are available for all students throughout the day and offers assistance to students when they are injured or feeling ill. The Nurse is also available for information on a wide variety of teen-related topics such as depression, suicide, eating disorders, harassment, cleanliness, and more. The School Nurse will require a health permission form from each student at the beginning of the year. It is imperative that the form be returned to the school as soon as possible because it contains emergency contact information, medical complications information, and permission to administer over the counter medications through the nurse’s office.

Dispensing of Medication to Students

The Prudential Committee will permit the distribution or dispensing of medical supplies or medication by approved personnel who are employees of the Supervisory Union on school property during the regular daily schedule. Those authorized by the Prudential Committee will be building principals or their specific designated representative for each occasion. The school’s nurse shall be responsible for the general oversight of medication and health programs. The Nurse shall be the only person to give injection or supervise self-administered injections. The following procedures shall be used in the administration of this policy:

Prescription medication will be the only medicine dispensed to students.
Written orders from a physician must be issued to the school stating: diagnosis, name of medication and dosage, time the medication is to be administered, date medication is to begin and end, adverse reactions that should be reported to the physician, and special instructions. For the administration of the drug, including storage, sterile conditions, etc.
Written permission from the parent and/or guardian must accompany physician orders and medication.
Medication is not to be taken without the above information.
Non-prescription medication will not be given without physician’s orders.
Medication must be sent to school in a container appropriately labeled by a pharmacist or physician. Medication is not to be sent in tissue, plastic wrap, etc.
Parents will furnish all medication.
The student is to bring the medication, physician orders and parent permission slip to the principal’s office.
The school nurse will check the authenticity of medication. If further clarification is needed, the parent will be contacted.
All medication will remain in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office.
It is the student’s responsibility to report to the nurse’s office when medication is due to be given.
An adult must dispense all medication.
Records will be kept on a medication sheet, which includes: date, time, student, medication, and initials of person dispensing medication.
The student is not to take any medication without proper authorization from the nurse or office.
Medication taken over a prolonged period should be sent to school with more than one dose. The orders and parents’ note should explain this.
Students taking prolonged medication will have their parents notified by the school when a refill is needed.

Homework

Homework is an essential element in a student’s education. Homework is the display of understanding of the particular skill taught that day or during a unit. This, meaningful homework will be assigned to students and will be recorded by teachers. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all homework assignments to the best of their ability. Assistance is available to students with homework questions and problems immediately after school upon request. You can call the homework hotline after 4pm and listen to a recording of the daily homework. Dial – 933-5354 use the following extensions: 6^th – 406, 7^th – 407, 8^th – 408

Grading

Grades are assigned to help students and their parents measure progress in school. The Enosburg Falls Middle School uses a numeric system for reporting performance. The following scale is used:

A+ = 97 to 100 B = 83 to 86 C- = 70 to 72

A = 93 to 96 B- = 80 to 82 D+ = 67 to 69

A- = 90 to 92 C+ = 77 to 79 D = 63 to 66

B+ = 87 to 89 C = 73 to 76 D- = 62 to 60

F = 59 and below

LUNCH

Lunch is a thirty – minute period scheduled from 10:40-11:10AM for middle school students every day. Hot lunch is available every day for and Students may purchase a sandwich instead of hot lunch and will receive dessert and milk with their sandwich. Free or reduced lunch is available based on family income; students will receive applications for this on the first day of school.

Parents and students do have the option of paying for many lunches at one time. Checks can be written to Enosburg Falls Food Service Program for the amount of lunches you would like to purchase. Students will be assigned a personal identification code, which they will enter when they buy lunch. The account is automatically credited for one lunch.

Benefit Students, Parents, and Staff

Student planner

Additional information about rules, regulations and expectations, as well as further information about daily life, can be found in the first 20 pages of the Student Planner. Each student will receive a copy of the Student Planner on the first day of school. We encourage all students and parents to thoroughly review the information contained in that document.

You will find the following information in the Student Planner:

1. A letter of welcome

2. The EFMHS Mission Statement

3. Student Rights and Responsibilities

4. Discipline: Behavior and Consequences

5. Extra Curricular Activities including Fundraising

6. Guidance Services

7. Academic Issues such as cheating, plagiarism, homework, etc.

8. Non-Discrimination Notice and School Board Policy

9. Procedures and Bus Misconduct

Since this information is extremely important for the maintenance of a balanced community, all parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss each of these topics with their Middle School student.

Study Tips

1. Whether you are studying at school or at home, there are several things you can do that will help you use your time more efficiently and accomplish more work in a shorter period of time. A key to better grades is good study habits. The following study tips may help you to use your time more effectively and improve your grades.

2. Before you start to work, know what you are going to do.

3. Find a good place to study. A place where you can be alone and have it quiet is best for studying.

4. Have your materials such as books, pencils, pens and a dictionary handy so you will not interrupt your study.

5. Try studying your most difficult subject or longest assignment first.

6. Try to work out a schedule for studying, as it helps to have a regular time for each task.

7. Keep an active mind while you study.

8. Keep asking yourself questions.

9. Try explaining what you have learned to someone else.

10. Think and concentrate.

11. Take time to go over your assignments to make sure you have them correct and complete.

Parent Tips

A Child’s Development

In order to enhance your child’s potential for full development:

Provide your child with a nutritious breakfast each morning
Ensure a minimum of 8 hours sleep nightly
Allow a daily play and recreation time
Schedule a regular reading or homework time
Set aside a quiet, well-lit study and reading area
Encourage daily reading
Read with or to your child when possible
Monitor television viewing
Serve low carbohydrate snacks such as apples and carrot sticks
Reward your child through praise and recognition for both effort and success.

The Parent as Tutor

Sometimes parents think that they cannot help their child with homework because they have difficulty in that particular subject area. Well, here are some valuable tips helping any student do any homework assignment! No need to be an expert in the content area, just a reliable parent.

Sit with your child and watch him/her work to see where he/she is having difficulty.
DON’T DO THE WORK FOR YOUR CHILD. This sends the message that your child cannot succeed.
Give help. It encourages your child to take responsibility. Focus on building skills such as remembering, planning ahead, organizing work, concentrating, and completing a task and problem solving.
Help your child learn about things – talk about what is going on in everyday life. e.g at the laundromat, the store, the garage.
Encourage perseverance. Share your own experiences with your child.
Have your child “think out loud” to solve problems by explaining each step.
Do not correct work for your child or expect perfection.
Ask the teacher to provide extra study drills where your child is experiencing difficulties (e.g. flashcards).
Provide your child with a healthy snack before beginning homework.
Help select time to set aside for homework. It is best if it is the same time every day.
Even when there is other homework, set aside time for reading.
Have for “homework” a pencil, an eraser, crayons, scissors, glue, and a dictionary. Arrange for a small box or shelf where your child can keep supplies.
Break homework down into small steps, write them down, and check off each as it is completed.
Use the Student Planner to monitor homework.