Middle School 101 For Parents Rule #1 DON’T PANIC! 

Garcia Middle School opens at 8:20 a.m. There is no supervision for students who are dropped off prior to 8:20 a.m. All GMS students must wear their GMS issued student ID at all times.

CAFETERIA Students may bring cash or parents may deposit money to lunch account via online system. From the GMS Website, use the Parents Tab at the top, then scroll down to “pay for my child’s lunch” shortcut Breakfast served from 8:20 – 8:45 Breakfast - Students $1.25 Reduced Price - $ .30 Lunch times – see Bell Schedule Lunch - Secondary $2.50 Reduced Price - $ .40 Free/Reduced lunch applications MUST be completed ONLINE and renewed each year.

Emergency Information Write any names and numbers of people that you trust to pick up your child if he/she is ill or if an emergency occurs. We will not release your child to someone who is not listed, even if we receive your verbal permission over the phone. For your child’s safety, we must have written authorization.

ATTENDANCE Refer to District Attendance Policy. Absence notes must be turned in to the Attendance Office (not to a teacher). Students will only be released to authorized adults. Please allow sufficient time when picking up for appointments. Students will not be released after 3:30 pm.

NO Unauthorized Cell Phone Use Teachers may authorize the use of personal electronic devices in class for educational purposes…any other use is subject to confiscation. If the device is confiscated, the student may pick up from the front office at end of the day. Upon the 3rd confiscation, a $15 fee will also be charged.

DRESS CODE NO Sagging pants or excessively tight pants/leggings/jeggings If leggings are worn, they must be covered by a skirt/dress that is within dress code (<3” above knee) NO halters, spaghetti straps, camisoles, tube tops, tank tops, bare midriffs, bare backs, or bare shoulders NO ripped or torn clothing. All skirts and shorts worn must be no more than three (3) inches above the knee. NO bandanas, hats, and/or visors NO house slippers or sleep attire NO designs may be cut or shaved into the hair or eyebrows NO severe, distracting, or unnatural hair colors or styles NO attire deemed gang-related or inappropriate (as determined by administrative staff) NO sleeveless shirts for boys

DRESS CODE (cont’d) Consequence for Dress Code Violations: Student given opportunity to phone home for a change of clothes. Campus will loan shirt/shorts so that instructional time is maximized. A referral is entered into Skyward. Repeated offenses may result in additional consequences. Student MAY NOT wear PE Uniform outside of gym class. PE Uniforms will be sold during the first week of school for $30 ($15 each for shirt/shorts)

PE UNIFORMS Purchase PE Uniforms online. Go to our campus website at www.fortbendisd.com/gms Look under Quick Links for “Pay for My Child’s Dues” Select PE Uniforms Uniforms will be distributed during class the first week of school

LOCKERS

LOCKERS Students are assigned a locker in the team area (has a built-in lock) Students will need to purchase a combination lock for use in PE (also sold during PE class) If students are in BAND, they will need a second combination lock for their BAND locker. Check Target or Wal-mart for a TWIN pack, 2 locks with the same combination! There is no locker “schedule” but help your child plan his locker time effectively. Backpacks are not carried during the day.

TARDIES Tardies accumulate for all classes throughout the 9-week grading period. Consequences begin at 4 tardies and escalate if tardies persist. Review your child’s schedule and help him/her find the best route to/from classes. WEB Leaders will be helping with this… Encourage your child not to go the locker between EVERY period, and to plan a bathroom routine Backpacks go into the locker before 1st period and then are packed up and taken to 7th period.

“How can I stay informed?” Family Access through Skyward Need Access?? If you had access in elementary, the information rolls over. If you registered this summer, it was part of your registration. What can I see in Family Access? Check grades, cafeteria balances, etc. Set notifications based on preferences Contact teachers via e-mail Campus Website www.fortbendisd.com/gms Follow us on Twitter @GarciaMS_Gators

First Day of SCHOOL… Students only need a pen/pencil Send a sack lunch the first week if possible Make sure your child knows his full address and phone number If he/she is a bus rider, please have him/her ride the bus to and from school on the first day to help us establish routines & procedures Be aware that bus routes will be running a little slower than usual on the first few days as drivers/students get used to new routes 6th graders will report to the commons and be assisted by WEB Leaders in finding their Advisory teacher’s name and a seat in that teacher’s section. The commons will be a NO PARENT zone 

GMS PTO Please get involved! Membership Spirit Gear Committees