FAQ's From Parents of Incoming 7th Grade Students


Questions
1)  Who are the administrative personnel at the middle school?
2)  When can my student pick up his/her schedule?
3)  When is Parent Orientation?
4)  How is attendance handled at the middle school?
5)  How are tardies handled at the middle school?
6)  What is 'remediation' and who does it affect?
7)  What extra-curricular activities are available at the middle school?
8)  What kind of discipline is used at the middle school?
9)  What kind of opportunities do parents have to become involved at the middle school?
10)  What organizations are available for parents at the middle school?
11)  What are some things I can do to help my student be more successful at the middle school?
12)  How can I help my child with his/her homework?
13)  How can I communicate with my child's teachers or the school administration?
14)  What if I have concerns about my child?
 
Answers
1)  Q Who are the administrative personnel at the middle school?
A
Principal - Mike Lemon
Assistant Principal - Robin Ross
Assistant Principal - Rich Wallace
7th Grade Counselor - Sandy Rayon
8th Grade Counselor - Megan Brown
2)  Q When can my student pick up his/her schedule?
A
Schedule pick up for students will be on Tuesday, August 7th and Thursday, August 9th from 9:00 to 11:00 am and from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Due to the continued construction at the new middle school, it is possible that schedule pick up will have to take place at another location in the district. As the date approaches, we will update this page with the location and Mr. Lemon will contact parents via a ConnectEd phone call to make this information public.
3)  Q When is Parent Orientation?
A
The date and time for Parent Orientation for the 2012-13 school year is Thursday, August 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for you to meet your student's teachers and receive important information from our principal.
4)  Q How is attendance handled at the middle school?
A
Attendance at middle school is very important and sets the stage for your student's high school career. Attendance is taken every hour. Attendance codes at the middle school are:

Absent - Parent did not notify school of student's absence.
Verified - Parent notified school of student's absence
Excused - School received documentation from doctor, dentist, funeral, etc.
5)  Q How are tardies handled at the middle school?
A
Students are expected to be in each class on time. When attendance is taken at the beginning of each hour, students who are late to class will be recorded as 'tardy'. Students have 5 minutes between classes to get their books from their lockers, use the restroom, get a drink from the water fountain, etc. Individual teachers have consequences for being tardy to class. In addition, when a student receives 5 tardies he or she will be assigned to IHP (In-House Placement). Each additional tardy after the fifth will result in an additional day of IHP. This will start over at the beginning of each new semester. Five tardies in one class is equal to one unexcused absence.
6)  Q What is 'remediation' and who does it affect?
A
Oklahoma State Law requires that students who do not pass the 6th grade math or reading OCCT be remediated. Bixby Middle School remediates math and reading during the school day. The remediation class replaces an elective. If your student failed both, he or she will not have an elective. Students have the opportunity to test out of the remediation class at the end of each trimester and would then gain an elective class.
7)  Q What extra-curricular activities are available at the middle school?
A
Currently, we offer the following to 7th grade students: Band, Choir, Winter Guard, Gifted and Talented Organization (GTO), MathCounts, Student Council, Junior Optimist Club, and the BMS Musical.
8)  Q What kind of discipline is used at the middle school?
A
Each teacher has his or her own set of expectations and consequences. There is a difference between discipline and punishment. Discipline is instruction in behavior that teaches students how to conduct themselves in such a way that punishment becomes unnecessary. Discipline is never used to humiliate. Group punishment is not condoned at the middle school.
9)  Q What kind of opportunities do parents have to become involved at the middle school?
A
Parent involvement is very important at this level. We welcome parents in our building and encourage you to stay involved in your child's education, but at the same time allow your child some freedom to do things on their own. For example, try letting your child keep up with his or her own homework. You can keep track by checking the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Teachers are required to have grades updated weekly for eligibility purposes. Also, most teachers have class websites with weekly lesson plans posted.
10)  Q What organizations are available for parents at the middle school?
A
Parents can join our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) at the middle school. We are fortunate to have a great PTO to help us in various ways, one of which is to raise money that goes directly back to our students. Parents can also contact the district office for training to become a BEST volunteer. The middle school utilizes volunteers in a variety of ways, such as helping out at schedule pick up or during field trips.
11)  Q What are some things I can do to help my student be more successful at the middle school?
A

The best way to ensure success at the middle school is to help your student become more organized. Some examples of this include:

  • Daily Planner: All students are required to have this in every class. Writing down assignments, projects, and due dates is highly encouraged.
  • Color Coding Classes: Some students benefit from making all their math materials the same color, such as a purple folder, a purple book cover, etc. Each class is designated by a different color.
  • One big binder for all classes with dividers for each class.
  • Keep one folder for all homework that needs to be completed and all homework that needs to be turned in.
12)  Q How can I help my child with his/her homework?
A
We understand that parents may not be able to help with homework at this level. Middle school teachers are available for extra help both before and after school. Please check with individual teachers to make appointments. If you are helping your student with their work, try not to give your child the answers. Try asking them questions that will lead them to the correct answer. If your child has trouble completing homework, it might be a good idea for you to check their homework at night to ensure its completion.
13)  Q How can I communicate with my child's teachers or the school administration?
A
We encourage all parents to advocate for their children and good communication is vital to this. All teachers have e-mail addresses through the district and websites with links for communication. The main number for the middle school is (918) 366-2201. Calls having to do with student absences need to be directed to our attendance secretary at (918) 366-2202. Our principal, Mike Lemon, can be reached via e-mail at mlemon@bixbyps.org or by telephone at (918) 366-2203.
14)  Q What if I have concerns about my child?
A
We want to hear from you! You have a network of concerned professionals wanting the best for you and your student. Feel free to visit with individual teachers as needed or necessary. You can also request a conference with all your student's teachers by calling the middle school front office at (918) 366-2201. We have two wonderful counselors, Sandy Rayon (7th grade) and Megan Brown (8th grade), who are available to you and your child as necessary. They also have resources at their disposal to help students and families through difficult situations.