Unravel the Mysteries of Middle School

We asked families to ask questions about MSMS. Here’s our Q&A to help provide some answers!
Questions about policies & procedures may be answered in the MSMS Handbook

How do I find out what’s happening at MSMS?

What time does school start and end each day?
Classes start at 8:00am (please be on time!) and ends at 3:00pm. Students may arrive on school grounds starting at 7:30am and may go to the cafeteria for breakfast at 7:30. All others may enter starting at 7:50. After school, the school is open only for clubs and other planned activities in the building. Students may spend time outside of the building after school if they are waiting for rides or for organized activities to begin.

My student lost something - who should I ask?
Click here for the MSMS Lost and Found - student-led, this site should help you find what you have lost.

Where can I find out about holidays and other days off?
The full school year calendar is HERE. Note the days marked “ER” means Early Release, when school lets out at 1pm. Dates in parentheses ( ) are in-service days, meaning students are off but teachers are not, and bullets are full days off.

What if I need to get a message to my child during the day? Can I email them at their school address?
Contact the main office at 802-223-3404 to get your child a message during school hours. Please do not email your student during the school day, as it is distracting to their learning.

Who is the nurse at MSMS? What if my student has medication or an existing medical condition? What if a student gets ill or injured at school?
Nurse Caitlin Patterson is the MSMS full time nurse. If a student feels ill, their teacher gives them a pass to visit her office. If necessary, she will call the student’s caregivers to pick them up. Contact her if your student has serious allergies, needs to take or keep medication at school, or has any other medical conditions: caitlinpatterson@mpsvt.org
STAY HOME WHEN SICK! Keep your child home from school when any cold-like symptoms arise. If symptoms begin at school, your child may be sent home. In addition, your child must stay home from school if they have a fever. Also, reference the MSMS Handbook.

What is available in the cafeteria? Is food cooked on site? Do the students eat lunch all together? 
ALL STUDENTS may get free lunch and breakfast every day. They may also purchase a la carte items. Although breakfast and lunch meals are free, they still need us to send in the qualifying Application Form that comes in your “Back to School Packet”.

The MSMS cafeteria makes all food on-site, offering hot and cold breakfast and lunch options daily. Students can choose to bring their own lunch to school. View the MONTHLY MENU. Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:00am. For more information visit the Nutrition Services site or contact Jim Birmingham at jamesbirmingham@mpsvt.org.

What are the Bus Routes and times?  Are there late busses for after school activities?
Bus routes are HERE. For questions, contact Jenny Bartlett-Hardy: jennybartletthardy@mpsvt.org.

If I am dropping off/picking up my student by car, what do I need to know?
There is no official procedure/process for car drop off or afternoon pick up. This happens organically with the main goal of keeping students safe. There is a crossing guard that helps students cross Main Street, in front of the school. Typically, students are dropped off on Liberty Street, Franklin Street or in front of the school (if all buses are gone.)

In the afternoon, cars may line up in front of the school on Main Street after the buses have departed. Cars may also pick up on Liberty or Franklin Street, or people can park on the side streets and meet their students in person at the schoolyard or across the street. Make a clear plan with your student so everyone knows where to go.

Instruct your student about safety when crossing the road, and to always follow the crossing guard’s direction. Main Street is extremely busy and can get congested at dismissal time with busses, cars, walkers and bikers. Safety first!

My child wants to walk / bike to school - is it safe? Where do they leave their bikes?
Lots of students walk or bike to MSMS, either alone or with fellow students. This is a great opportunity for children to explore their independence and gain confidence in doing things on their own. There are 4 crossing guards at the major intersections around town. Occasionally we have heard of students intimidating others during this unsupervised time. It’s a good idea to keep open communication with your student about how this is going - these experiences can be opportunities to learn about problem solving, such as changing your route if you are walking near an intimidating group or individual, or about telling an adult about bullying.

If your student is biking, make sure they learn and follow road safety rules and practice extra care when approaching school grounds. At MSMS there are 3 bike racks available, and bikes can be locked there during the school day. We recommend locking your bike, and PLEASE: do not leave bikes overnight.

What are the “teams” in middle school?
5th and 6th grades each have 4 classrooms, organized in “teams.” Each team has one Math/Science teacher and one Humanities (Literacy and Social Studes) teacher who work very closely with one another. Students move back and forth between those 2 classrooms. They also change rooms for specials: P.E., Art, Music, Foreign Language, Health, and Sustainability). 
In addition, each morning there will be an additional Teacher Advisory (TA) time with an additional support teacher to provide a supportive environment to build relationships and support social/emotional learning.
2022-23 5th/6th grade teams:
5th Grade: Kiki Adams and Windy Kelly / Wendy McGuiggan and Melissa Parker
6th Grade: Scott Appel and Debbie Goodwin / Kara Attia and Chrissy Keegan

Starting in 7th grade, students are placed into a Team. Each team has 4 Core teachers (Math, Science, Literacy and Social Studies), and they stay together with the same class and teachers through 7th and 8th grades. Teams are meant to build a stronger relationship with both the teachers and fellow classmates. Note that in general, 7th and 8th grade teams do not mix - the idea is more to bring consistency across the 2 years. But sometimes the full teams work together for school activities.
The 2023-24 7th/8th grade teams:
TEAM 1: Asah Whalen, Michelle Harper, Ryan Humke & Melissa Piscitelli
TEAM 2: Kim Kendall, Jacob Lucas, Dan Maguire & Julie Conrad

In addition, 7th and 8th graders will meet in the beginning of the school day with a small group (10-11 students) known as “TA” (Teacher Advisory). This will be a mix of 7th and 8th graders and its purpose is to offer a home base for checking in with a trusted advisor, and to build a healthy team atmosphere.

What are the “specials” in Middle School? Are there choices? Do they change with different grades?
5th and 6th graders rotate through 4 daily specials blocks.
- World Language Exploration (Spanish and French)
- Art
- Sustainability
- Health
In addition, they have Physical Education and Music all year, alternating every other day. (Music class will be mixed with students from other classes in their grade.)

7th & 8th graders have 3 daily specials blocks:
1. Art, InnovationLab, Sustainability and Health - these 4 subjects are taught every day, one subject each quarter of the year (different rotations for each class)
2. Throughout the year - rotation of PhysEd and Music - switching every other day. (Music classes may be mixed with students from other classes in their grade.)
3. All year - Language: French, Spanish, or Special Education Language Chorus. At the end of 6th grade, students choose either French, Spanish or Special Language Chorus to study for the next 2 years. They may change their minds in the first 2 weeks of 7th grade, but no changes will be permitted after that. OR, a student may opt not to take any language, in which case they will have Structured Support Time (SST) to study or catch up on missing work.

How does P.E. work in Middle School?
Physical Education will be held for each grade at MSMS throughout the year (alternating every other day with Art in 5th/6th, Music in 7th/8th). MSMS has a large gymnasium, basketball courts outside and a field behind the school. For specific questions about PE, contact Pete Richards peterichards@mpsvt.org or Ryan Booth ryanbooth@mpsvt.org

How does the music program work? What if my child already plays an instrument, or is interested in an instrument that is not offered?
Incoming 5th graders receive notice before school starts, allowing them to choose Band, Orchestra or Chorus. From there they choose their top 3 choices in Band (flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, mallet percussion or electric bass) or Orchestra (violin, viola or cello). Each group works towards at least one group performance during the school year.

Music is a required class for 5th and 6th graders, and students may try a different group or instrument in 6th grade. So a student could try a different instrument, or could switch from Chorus to Orchestra, for instance. In 7th and 8th grade, students may choose to continue with Music, but it is not required.

Families are responsible for acquiring instruments - there are many places from which to purchase or lease an instrument. There are some available instruments for loan from the school. To find out more, contact the appropriate instructor. If your student plays an instrument that is not listed in the Band or Orchestra, contact the instructors to see if you can work something out.
MSMS Music Team:
Chorus: Christiana Athena-Blackwell: christianaathenablackwell@mpsvt.org
Orchestra: Ally Tarwater: allytarwater@mpsvt.org
Band: Kirk Kreitz: KirkK@mpsvt.org|

All students have the first 2 weeks to add/drop a music class.

What is the Innovation Lab special (STEAM on Powerschool)?
2022-23 marked the introduction of Innovation Lab. Students use design thinking and a range of programming, digital, and mechanical tools to create innovative solutions to a range of problems and challenges. From hand-crafted small gifts to large parties, students imagine, create, and share their work. In addition, the instructor, Eli Rosenberg, will work with all grade levels to integrate the tools with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math lessons. For questions, contact eli@mpsvt.org

What is Sustainability?
Inspired by the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, MSMS started a Sustainability special for all grades. The course includes opportunities for youth voice, community partnerships and mentoring, project based learning and a continued focus on our own youth leading the way. Don Taylor and Drew McNaughton are our Sustainability Teachers: dont@mpsvt.org and drewm@mpsvt.org

What is SEBL?
SEBL is the process through which children and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Britta Hock brittahock@mpsvt.org is the program’s director.

I heard there will be sex education taught within the Health classes: what will they be learning and at what grade levels? 
All four grade levels receive Health Education. They use the Get Real curriculum for the sex education portion of grades 6 -8 (and 9). Health teacher, Lucy Schmid, has joined our 7th/8th grade team, splitting her time between MSMS and MHS. For these and any other curriculum questions, contact curriculum director Michael Berry: michaelberry@mpsvt.org

Is there homework at MSMS? How do assignments get communicated to students? How can parents help students keep up with assignments and deadlines?
All students are expected to read on their own every day. Apart from that, students only bring home work that they had not managed to finish during school hours. To keep up with what your student has been learning, MSMS uses PowerSchool (see more below), and Google Classroom, and some teachers have their own methods for keeping you up to date. Ask your teacher (and your student!) for the best methods to communicate. 

What is Power School and how is it used?
PowerSchool is our school system’s technology management system, unifying teachers, administrators, students, curriculum developers and parents/caregivers. You will be sent  a link to create an account for each K-12 child you have in the school system. PowerSchool will be used by all teachers to offer up-to-date information on your students’ progress. Login page is HERE.

To help caregivers learn how to use PowerSchool, Lauren Chabot, MSMS Librarian and Technology Integrationist, made a short video on how to use it to see current and past assignments, what’s been handed in late or is missing, grades for each subject, upcoming assignments and more. Watch the video HERE. If you have more questions, contact your classroom teacher or email Lauren at laurenc@mpsvt.org

Teachers also may have their own additional methods for communicating with families - we recommend that you connect with your classroom teachers about the best way to keep up with current work.

When do Report Cards come out? When are Teacher Conferences?
Report cards come out twice during 2022-23: Late January and at the end of the year. Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year. You will be contacted by the school with instructions to sign up for a time.

You can contact the teachers any time with questions or concerns. The best way to communicate with teachers is through school email. Check the staff directory HERE. (Please remember that during school hours, a teacher’s computer time is limited, so allow them time to return any inquiries.) To get an urgent message to your child during the school day, call the front office: (802) 223-3404.

Do parents have access to curriculum?
MRPS Curriculum Director is Michael Berry michaelberry@mpsvt.org This is how he describes the curriculum in use at our schools: “MRPS uses a model of curriculum development and design centered around identifying prioritized standards (the most important from all our required standards), then identifying learning targets (what is it we want student to be able to do or know) and finally forming proficiency scales to show the progression of learning we want students to experience.” To answer specific questions you have about your student’s curriculum, contact your classroom teacher. 

Do students get their own computers? How much screen time is happening each day? What are my student’s responsibilities regarding this computer? Are there limits/restrictions for how they can be used?
All students will be issued a Chromebook for the school year. Students may only use their school login (MRPSVT email) and password to access their device. Students may be asked to take these devices home each night to keep them charged. If a student's Chromebook becomes damaged or lost, a Technology Incident Report is required which documents the incident and denotes the cost to repair or replace the Chromebook. For questions, contact Lauren Chabot at laurenc@mpsvt.org For more details, see the MSMS Handbook.

Check in with your student’s teacher to discuss any specific concerns you may have about screen time.

What if a student needs extra support in a certain subject like math or reading? And what is SST?
Every student has a 30 minute period in their day called SST (Student Support Time). During this time students work in small groups to focus on small, targeted intervention or enrichment, (including SEBL if needed). Teachers continuously make formative assessments to determine what focus will most benefit each student, so the SST time may be spent on different subjects throughout the year. If extra support is not needed, the student is placed in a variety of different subjects ranging from maker space, to art history, to leadership, etc. These are chosen by the students’ teaching staff.

What if a student is experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges?
In addition, MSMS has an Educational Support Team. When a team of teachers has exhausted multiple strategies within both a classroom and Tier 2 setting and feel that the support a student needs academically, behaviorally or socially is beyond daily differentiation and best practices for teaching and learning within our Multi-Tiered System of Support, then they would suggest holding an EST meeting. During this meeting, teachers, an administrator, and caregivers work together to identify a specific and measurable goal for the student and then outline a plan to reach it. An EST plan is typically put into place for a determined amount of time to document any student supports that go above and beyond the scope of best practices for teaching and learning.

If you are ever concerned with your student’s learning needs, contact MSMS staff immediately.

My child has special learning needs. How are these needs addressed at MSMS?
There is a Special Educator on each grade level team. If your child is on an IEP or 504, they will have a case manager working with them. We also have a Speech Language Pathologist that works with students. Also, check out the Handbook for Caregivers.

There is also an established Resiliency Team. This team is composed of our Administrators, School Counselor, School Nurse, Social Worker, and newly added in 2020, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Teacher. This team also plays a role in staff education around best practices related to SEL in the classroom. If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s needs, contact someone on the MSMS team:
Caitlin Patterson, School Nurse caitlinpatterson@mpsvt.org
Jenna Bravakis, School Counselor jenna@mpsvt.org
Ali Kuhlman, Social Worker alik@mpsvt.org
Britta Hock, SEBL Teacher brittahock@mpsvt.org

Can busers take part in after-school programs and sports? How do they get home?
Busses only run once a day right after school ends. In 2022-23, there was a bus line to serve those students who live the farthest, but we have not heard if they are continuing this program. (if you hear, let us know!)

How do students access the school library?
The MSMS library is open on school days from 8:00-3:00. Books in the collection are reviewed for readers in grades 5-8. During the school day, students may ask their teacher for permission to visit the library, and sometimes a class might visit the library together.

Books can be borrowed for 3 weeks, and if no one is waiting for it, they can renew for another 3 weeks. Overdue notices are sent to the students’ school emails. Return books to the bin outside the library, or hand them directly to a librarian during open hours. Students can access their library account HERE, using their school google account - they can see what books they have on loan, place a book on hold and rate the books they have read. Even without an account, you can search the library’s collection HERE.

For suggestions or questions about the library, contact librarian Lauren Chabot: laurenc@mpsvt.org

How much recess do MSMS students get each day? Are the grades mixed together at recess or are different grades kept separate?
Each grade goes outside for 20 minutes of recess each day, one grade at a time. MSMS also values “movement breaks”, so teachers may opt to spend more time outdoors in addition to recess. Encourage your students’ teachers to do this!

How are students supervised in the school? Are students on their own in the hallways? Are the different age groups all together or in separate parts of the building?
The different grades are generally in separate areas of the school. Each grade eats lunch and goes out for recess at separate times. Students are not escorted by their teachers between classrooms, but teachers stand outside their doorways to supervise during transition time. Of course there are always concerns about bullying - to find out more about how the school approaches this concern, see the MRPS HHB District policy HERE. If you (or your student) have witnessed an incident, you can report it HERE.

Are the restrooms separate for different grades? Are they gender-neutral? Are feminine products made available to students?
There are restrooms on every floor at MSMS and some are gender-neutral. While there are no restrictions about which grades can use each, the 2nd floor restrooms are primarily used by 7th and 8th graders, and the lower level restrooms by 5th and 6th grades. There are feminine products available in the restrooms, available free to students as needed.

What about MSMS Sports?
If your student is interested in sports, email Athletic Director Matt Link at matthewl@mpsvt.org to get on his email list. Typically, practices are held every day after school during the season, usually right after school. Transportation is provided to practice sites if necessary, parents must provide transportation at the end of practice. Current schedules can be found HERE. There are opportunities to help coach! If you are interested contact Matt Link

MSMS Fall Sports
7/8th grade Boys Soccer
7/8th grade Girls Soccer
5-8th grade Field Hockey
5-8th grade Cross Country
MSMS Winter Sports
7/8th grade Girls Basketball
7/8th grade Boys Basketball
5-8th grade Nordic Ski
MSMS Spring Sports
7/8th grade Softball
7/8th grade Baseball
5-8th grade Ultimate Frisbee
5-8th grade Track and Field
5-8th grade Boys Lacrosse 

What options are there for After School Enrichment Activities?

Starting September 5:
Mondays - Wild Walks: Forage and Hike - 3:00-4:30
Tuesdays - Mountain Biking Club - 3:00-5:00
Wednesdays - Garden Gurus - 3:00 - 5:30
Thursdays - Art Club: Inside and Out - 3:00-4:30
Fridays - Writer’s Workshop - 3:00-4:30
See the flyer for more info. Contact Drew McNaughton drewm@mpsvt.org with questions.
We need more after school programs! If you want to share your passion with students for an hour or two a week, reach out to Drew McNaughton with your ideas.

After-School Clubs at MSMS:
SMS Equity Alliance is a student group that welcomes all students to talk about race and racism. Their mission is to build an understanding of what racism is, how it affects our community, and what can be done to make MSMS a welcoming place for everyone. To find out more, contact: Hannah Barden hannahba@mpsvt.org or Ashley Dubois ashleyd@mpsvt.org
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) - Tuesdays: 3:00-3:45 in Room 208. GSA is for any student who is interested in talking about LGBTQ+ issues and topics, and how they can address them in our community. They hang out and talk, play games, listen to music, watch videos, and have fun. Learn more HERE. or email GSA advisor, Ali Kuhlman at alik@mpsvt.org
Masque Theatre - Masque is Montpelier High School's Theatre Club and it is now officially a 7th-12th grade production club! Kianna Bromley, MHS Theater teacher and Director welcomes interested 7th and 8th graders to the MHS campus to act in their Fall and Spring productions. It is her goal to integrate MSMS students into the program, providing a theater home where they can grow over the years - contact Kiannab@mpsvt.org with any questions.
Leadership Club: - After school for 5-8 graders who meet weekly to help plan dances, socials, spirit weeks and other school-wide activities. Contact Michelle Harper for more information.

OTHER AFTER-SCHOOL OPTIONS:
PART 2 is a full-time after school program available for students up to 5th grade - held at Union Elementary School. For more information visit their WEBSITE. 

Cardboard Teck Instantute - Starting September 18 - Dungeons & Dragons Campaigns and Maker Space activities with Ben Matchstick for ages 10-14. At the Center for Arts & Learning, 46 Barre St - Space is limited. 3:15 - 5:15pm
Changing schedule throughout the school year. For details, click HERE.

The Montpelier Recreation Department offers a Youth Sports program and open gym times at the Rec Center on Barre Street. Check their site for details HERE.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library offers after school activities for all ages, and they allow children over age 9 to be at the library unaccompanied by adults. For more information, contact librarian Nicole Westbom at nwestbom@kellogghubbard.org. (Also, the library offers free Museum & Park Passes.)

North Branch Nature Center Trekkers Program (age 9 - 13) at NBNC, 713 Elm Street, Montpelier
Tuesday afternoons right after school dismissal, 3pm until 5:30pm. 12 weeks starting Sept 13. Fully outdoors at NBNC, the Trekkers program uses the local landscape to push limits while practicing outdoor living skills such as tracking and fire-starting. - for more info click HERE.

TW Wood Gallery offers small group after school art every day at their building at 46 Barre Street (Center for Arts & Learning - next to Senior Center) They offer a Middle School Program up to 5th grade. Email Kevin Marlier for more information. Or visit their Webstie.

Time To Ride Mountain Biking Program - An after-school mountain bike program once or twice a week throughout the school year. Spring and Fall sessions. For more information, email or call Tristan von Duntz skithegreens@gmail.com  (802) 595-3457

The Basement Teen Center - A free drop-in space for arts programming, games, food, and more. It is safe space for positive activities and socialization after-school and summer. All youth ages 12 through 17 are welcome (not just for Montpelier - anyone is welcome). Once located in the basement of Montpelier City Hall, the BTC experienced a 100% loss during July’s flood. They have moved to a new home at 11 Loomis St thanks to Vermont Humanities, and are working to rebuild the original program and get fully staffed. If you are able to help in any way (financial, labor, or materials), fill out this SURVEY.

Do you know of other after-school options not listed here? Send us a message & we will add it to the list: msmscommunications@mrpspie.org

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL & LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

4-H Science Pathways Cafes - Meet scientists, learn about their work, explore different science pathways, and engage in hands-on activities and informal discussions. Open to grades 7-12. The program is FREE but participants must register. See the full schedule of cafes here.

Youth Environmental Summit (YES) - YES is an annual conference for middle and high school students to learn about environmental issues and get involved in local communities. Their mission is to inspire, encourage, and prepare youth for a life of environmental responsibility, service and leadership by increasing awareness and knowledge of environmental issues and fostering leadership skills. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, action-inspiring discussions, networking with environmental professionals and like-minded peers, and much, much more! Learn more here. Open to grades 6-12. This program is FREE but participants must register. Also needed: YES Ambassadors for grades 8-12.

Teens Reaching Youth (TRY) for the Environment: For grades 7-12. TRY is an environmental education program taught by teens and designed to increase environmental literacy and responsibility in younger youth. TRY for the Environment connects young people to real-world environmental problems by allowing them to be key change agents contributing to real-world solutions. Learn more here.

VTeen Leadership Weekend: November 17 - 19, 2023. A fun-filled weekend developing important skills and traits that will help stretch and improve leadership, communication, problem solving, teamwork and other transferable skills to take back and use in club work, school and community. Learn more here. Open to grades 7-12; limited to 50 youth.

Discover Engineering: A FREE full day event with workshops at UVM open to grades 5-12 to promote the field of engineering and help youth understand different pathways they can take to pursue a future as an engineer. View their Flyer. Saturday, February 17, 2024.

Vermont Legislative Page Program - For 8th Graders - each year a small group of students are selected to work as pages in the Vermont State House during the legislative session. Pages deliver messages for the members of the Senate, House, and legislative offices. Serving as a page offers a unique opportunity to witness the workings of Vermont’s legislature. The program is open to all Vermont 8th-graders. For more information, click HERE. Application Deadline: September 30.

What are MRPS PIE and MSMS CA?

MSMS CA (Main Street Middle School Community Association) is a volunteer organization made up of parents and caregivers with children in Main Street Middle School. We work to improve our school and build community by working together. We have held numerous fundraisers over the years and part of our focus is to identify needs of the school that may be outside of the school budget. The MSMS CA welcomes you to join! For more information, join our email list or drop us a line at MSMScommunications@mrpspie.org

MRPS PIE (Montpelier/Roxbury Public Schools Partners in Education) is a 501(3)c non-profit serving all school communities in our district. They act as an umbrella group for all 4 district school’s caregivers groups, helping to organize, support, and increase fundraising potential for each of our schools. To find out more, visit HERE

Thanks for all of your questions, and for being actively involved in your child’s education!
If you have questions that haven’t been addressed here, please let us know: msmscommunications@mrpspie.org