We are off to a fantastic start this school year! Our students have jumped right into learning, building friendships, and showing great school spirit. Teachers are working hard to create engaging lessons and a welcoming environment where every child feels supported and challenged. Thank you for partnering with us to make these first weeks so smooth. Your encouragement at home makes a big difference. We’re excited about the months ahead and all the growth, discovery, and success this year will bring!
Shelby East Middle School
From the Principal's Desk - Ryan Allan
Important Announcements
Cell Phones
You may be aware of the statewide changes to the cell phone policies in public schools. East Middle's policy has not changed, as we comply with the new state law. Our policy is:
Students shall not have their cell phones in class. They are to be kept in their lockers throughout the day.
Violations of the policy include: first offense = warning, second offense = parent must pick up the cell phone, third and further offenses = parent must meet with Administration.
Schedule Changes
Our goal is to limit schedule changes as much as possible from this point forward. While we may need to make adjustments for various needs, those will hopefully be minimal. Similarly, the add/drop window for students has now closed.
iXL
You may remember the MAP Assessment from last year and before. MAP helped us know some information about our students' academic progress. We're excited about our next step in the process. Instead of MAP, we are shifting to iXL.
This year, students will take an iXL Benchmark each month. The Benchmark is a brief snapshot of their academic progress (similar to MAP, but much more precise and frequent). It will give us a better understanding of their academic progress IF THEY GIVE A GOOD EFFORT. If they don't, we'll/they'll waste valuable time focusing on areas they already have mastered. Our first Benchmark is this week. Please encourage your student to give a good effort.
Student Athlete Requirements - Did you know?
We are very proud of our school and our athletes. East Middle believes being a part of a team has huge benefits for students, but also requires commitment. This year, we are requiring each athlete and family to sign an agreement that asks for three commitments. Student athletes will maintain a certain academic standing, regularly attend classes, and abide by a code of conduct befitting a representative of our school. Wearing the East Middle name on the front of your jersey means something. It's like my mom always told me, Remember Who You Are, and Don't Embarrass the Family. GO MISSILES!
EMS Sports
Volleyball Home Games
September 9, 11, and 15
September 16 @ West
September 18 @ MCM
Football Home Games
September 2, 16, 30
Superintendent's Message
Dr. Matthews will be launching a five-part video series over the coming weeks that explores the district's vision: Complete the Circle. The first video provides an overview of Complete the Circle, setting the stage for the subsequent installments. Future videos will focus on key pillars of the vision: elevating instruction, deepening experiences, and strengthening support. The series will conclude with a final video that brings the Complete the Circle message full circle.
Student Handbook Highlight
This month's Student Handbook highlight focuses on our DRESS CODE. The weather has been incredibly hot recently, and we've had a few violations. It's always helpful to keep this at the forefront of everyone's minds.
All students at East Middle are expected to adhere to a common practice of modesty (no cleavage, midriffs, or backsides visible regardless of movement), cleanliness, and neatness to promote an academic atmosphere while ensuring the health and safety of themselves and others. Any clothing, object, or writing on clothing that refers to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gangs, sexual innuendo, violence, foul language, or is otherwise disruptive or disrespectful is prohibited.
Recommended: Khakis, jeans, shorts, athletic pants, capris, skorts, or skirts.
Length of skirts, shorts, tunics (long shirts), dresses, and skorts shall be of modest, appropriate length. Length of skirts, shorts, and skorts no shorter than fingertip length.
Tights, leggings, jeggings, or hosiery are allowed under the items listed above. If tights, leggings, jeggings, or hosiery are worn as pants, the student’s shirt/top must cover their bottom.
No rips, tears, or frays above fingertip length.
No sagging pants.
No pajama bottoms unless during a principal-approved special event.
Recommended: Collared shirts, crew neck tops, v-neck tops, sweaters, hooded pullovers.
All tops shall have long, short, or capped sleeves.
Tops must have a sleeve that completely covers undergarments.
No see-through or tight-fitting tops; no undergarments showing.
No tanks and/or camisoles may be worn alone. No athletic cut-out workout shirts (like what students may wear to ball practice or to lift weights).
Students shall wear shoes at all times.
No house slippers will be permitted.
Tennis or athletic shoes are required for PE.
Coats and jackets shall be worn in accordance with weather conditions and put in lockers during the school day.
Head coverings of any kind (hats, caps, scarves, bandanas, hoodies, sweatbands, or sunglasses) shall not be worn inside the building unless they pertain to a religious practice, are prescribed by a physician, or the administration declares a special day (spirit days, field day, fundraiser, etc).
Visible facial or body piercings or makeup shall not be disruptive to the educational environment of the students.
Backpacks, drawstring bags, purses, and athletic bags may not be worn or carried during the instructional day and must be stored in the student's locker.
It is an honor to help educate your student. Thank you for your partnership!