How many electives will my child participate in during the school year?
This will depend on the electives that are chosen by your child. Most students will take two electives per semester, for a total of four per school year. However, some electives, such as Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Combined Band/Choir, run for a full year.
Do the electives run for a quarter, semester, trimester, or year?
Most electives will run for a semester. The following electives will run for a full year: Concert Band, Concert Choir, and Combined Band/Choir. Seventh and eighth-grade students will have these electives together. Students may not take the same elective more than once, except for Band, Choir, and Band/Choir Combined.
How does the scheduling process work?
The scheduling process will quickly follow the parent and student orientation. The major academic courses: Mathematics, English, History, and Science will be
scheduled according to prerequisites. Students will have a choice in electives.
Do health and physical education classes run for a quarter, semester, trimester, or year?
Health classes will run for one quarter. Physical education classes will run for three quarters.
Can a student be excused from health class?
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may request in writing for their child to be only excused from the topics of family life/sexuality education units due to moral, ethical, and/or religious beliefs.
How many World Language courses will be offered? Are World Languages considered an elective?
Union Middle School will offer Spanish, and it’s not considered an elective. Spanish 1A is year one, and Spanish 1B is year two.
When my child chooses an elective, should they also choose an alternative?
It is important to list alternatives because your child may not get their first choice.
Where can I locate the prerequisites for academic courses?
You can locate the prerequisites for the academic courses in the Union Middle School Curriculum Guidebook.
If my child does not meet the prerequisites for an Accelerated course in grade seven, will they ever have the opportunity to enroll in one?
Students will be placed into the appropriate math/ELA class based on their multiple- measure matrix score, based on the following:
Class Average
LinkIt Benchmark B (Administered in January).
10 points is the maximum score. Students who receive a total of 8 points or higher will be placed into an accelerated course. To remain in an accelerated level course, students must earn a final grade of at least 70/C-.
What type of schedule will be utilized at Union Middle School?
They will follow a 56-minute A, B, C, and D rotating block schedule.
How will I know what day is an A, B, C, or D day?
We will provide you with a school calendar identifying the days accordingly. In addition, your child will be provided with an A, B, C, or D schedule, so they know where they need to be at all times. In addition, we will identify the day in the morning announcements.
What about one-session days and delayed opening days?
Students will follow a set schedule on these days.
Do you plan on offering an additional tour of the school in the summer?
Yes, the Guidance Department will offer a tour at the end of August for anyone who missed the orientation. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will be notified by the guidance department once a date has been confirmed.
When will my child receive their schedule?
Students will receive a tentative list of courses for the upcoming school year by the end of June.
How will the lunch program run?
There will be two different lunch periods (11:00 – 11:42 First Lunch and 11:59 -12:41 Second Lunch). Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria for half of the period, then go outside for recess for the other half. Seventh and Eighth-grade students will have lunch together. It is possible that a student will have a different lunch period on different days (A, B, C, D).
Does my child have to change for gym?
Yes, students must wear footwear and attire appropriate for physical education. Physical Education teachers will explain specific requirements during their first class.
Can I drop off lunch for my child?
Yes, lunch drop-off must take place by 10:45 AM in the bin by the front of the school.
When is start time, end time, and lineup location for the school day?
Students may arrive at the designated line-up location by 7:40 AM. The doors will open at 7:50 AM and homeroom will begin at 7:55 AM. The school day ends at 2:39 PM. Students enter and exit from their designated lineup location at the start and end of school.
Grade 7 A-K (Last name) Door 6: Springfield Ave.
Grade 7 L-Z (Last name) Door 5: Springfield Ave.
Grade 8 A-K (Last name) Door 4: Belford Ave.
Grade 8 L-Z (Last name) Door 2: Belford Ave.