08/19/2013
WELCOME BACK!
August 19, 2013
Dear Parent/Guardian and Students:
We hope you have enjoyed your summer break! Over the last few months, we have been working diligently to prepare for the 2013-2014 school year. The new school year will provide our fifth and sixth grade students’ opportunities to grow academically and socially as we expand our focus within “The Whole Student Approach”. This program encourages schools to consider all aspects of childhood development rather than just delivering content. The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 3, 2013. Here are some updates and dates to remember, as the beginning of the school year gets closer.
Back to School Picnic
Our Back to School Picnic (formerly meet the teacher night) will be on Wednesday August 28, 2013 in the rear parking lot of MSMS. This is a time for you to learn more about our MSMS community as well as celebrate the return of school.
Moss Side Middle Goes Green
In an effort to do our part for the environment, MSMS will make every attempt to cut down on the use of paper. We will be using more electronic methods of communicating with parents on a regular basis.
We regularly send messages through Alert Now. To receive these messages you must be signed up. If you have any questions regarding this process please contact the Moss Side Middle School Office, 412-373-5830.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does school start?
Buses drop off students at 7:55am for entrance into the building. Students have the option to purchase a grab and go breakfast or report directly to their Homeroom. Students will be made aware when breakfast service begins. If you get a ride to school you should enter the school through door 23 and report directly to the cafeteria. This entrance is around the front island of MSMS. Students are not permitted to enter the building until 7:55 am. Students are considered tardy after 8:06 am.
Are you allowed to use cell phones in Moss Side Middle School?
Students are not permitted to carry cell phones. If a cell phone is brought to school it must be kept in the student’s locker during the day. If a cell phone is visible and/or in use, it will be confiscated. This includes sending/receiving text messages.
How do I check my child’s grades?
MSMS uses Edline to allow parents and students daily access to current grades and progress. Report cards will now be electronic using the Edline system. Please make sure you are signed up to access Edline and monitor your child’s progress. Parent Activation codes will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.
Reminder: Effective July 1, 2013, students participating in any sports and/or extracurricular activities (clubs and organizations) must maintain a 2.0 or above cumulative grade point average.
What types of clothing can my child wear to school?
Students are encouraged to take pride in their appearance and to wear clothing that is suitable for school. While the choice of clothing is a personal matter, students are reminded that some forms of dress and/or personal grooming can distract from or disrupt the educational environment. The Moss Side Administration has the right to designate which types of dress or appearance disrupt or detract from the educational program and thus. Please refer to the Online Student Handbook for a complete list of guidelines. Students found in violation of dress code will not be permitted to return to class until the violation is resolved.
Student Handbook: The complete Handbook can be found on the MSMS Website.