East Chicago Middle School at Block

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January 16, 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It may be hard to believe, but your eighth-grader is now in his or her final semester at East Chicago Middle School at Block!  As the time for graduation is quickly approaching we want to make sure you are reminded and aware of the eligibility criteria for every eighth-grade student.

Please be advised that participation in our graduation ceremony is a privilege and not a right.  At East Chicago Middle School at Block, we have established clear academic and behavior expectations which must be met by all students. 

If any of the following criteria applies to your eighth-grader, he or she will NOT be allowed to participate in graduation or any end-of-the-year activities:

• Has accumulated three or more suspensions during the 2017-18 SY
• Does not have at least a “C” in all core classes (English, Math, Soc. Studies, Science)
• Fails to meet our 95% attendance rate policy
• Has been placed on the “No Fly” list for three grading periods
• Receives an ineligibility recommendation from team teachers

If your eighth-grader meets our eligibility requirements and will be attending graduation, the date is scheduled June 1, 2018. Each student will be issued two tickets to invite family and friends. Our 8^th graders will be required to wear cap and gowns. The cost of the cap and gown is $20 (cash only). The deadline for submitting your payment is April 30^th.  If your child does not order a cap and gown, he/she will not be allowed to participate in our graduation ceremony.  You may pay your $20 to Connie Panousis in the main office at any time. In addition, students will take graduation pictures the morning of the ceremony payable graduation day. Information on purchasing picture packets will be forthcoming.

We will also have our annual 8^th grade luncheon and awards on May 31^st.  The attire at the luncheon is also dressy. All young men will be required to wear dress pants and shoes. Jeans or gym shoes are NOT allowed at the graduation or the 8^th grade luncheon.

No refunds are allowed in the event your student does not meet our participation criteria.

Sincerely,

Dee Etta Wright

16 de enero del 2018

Estimados padres / tutores,

Puede ser difícil de creer, pero su estudiante de octávo grado ahora se encuentra en su último semestre en East Chicago Middle School en Block. Como el momento de la graduación se acerca rápidamente, queremos asegurarnos de que se recuerden y estén al tanto de los criterios de elegibilidad para cada estudiante de octávo grado.

Tenga en cuenta que la participación en nuestra ceremonia de graduación es un privilegio y no un derecho. En East Chicago Middle School en Block, hemos establecido claras expectativas académicas y de conducta que deben cumplir todos los estudiantes.

Si alguno de los siguientes criterios se aplica a su hijo de octávo grado, NO se le permitirá participar en la graduación ó en actividades de fin de año:

• Ha acumulado tres o más suspensiones durante el año escolar 2017-18.
• No tiene al menos una "C" en todas las clases de (Lectura y Lenguaje, Matemáticas, Estudios Sociales, Ciencia)
• No cumple con nuestra póliza de asistencia al escuela del 95%
• Ha sido incluido en la lista "No Volar" (No Fly) durante tres períodos de calificación
• Recibe una recomendación de inelegibilidad de los maestros del equipo

Si su alumno de octavo grado cumple con nuestros requisítos de elegibilidad y asistirá a la graduación, la fecha está programada para el 1 de junio de 2018.  Cada estudiante recibirá dos boletos para invitar a familiares y amigos. Nuestros estudiantes de 8º grado deberán usar gorra y bata de graduación. El costo de la gorra y la bata es de $ 20 (solo en efectivo). Si su hijo no pide una gorra y una bata, no se le permitirá participar en nuestra ceremonia de graduación. Puede pagarle sus $ 20 a Connie Panousis en la oficina principal a cualquier momento.

Además, los estudiantes tomarán fotos de graduación por la mañana del día de graduación.  Las fotos podrán ser pagadas el día de la ceremonia. La información sobre la compra de paquetes de fotos estará próxima.También tendremos nuestro almuerzo y premios anuales de 8 grado el 31 de mayo. El vestuario deberá ser semiformal.  Todos los hombres jóvenes deberán usar pantalones y zapatos de vestir. Los pantalones (Jeans ) o zapatos de gimnasia NO están permitidos en la graduación o en el almuerzo de octavo grado.

No se permiten reembolsos en caso de que su estudiante no cumpla con nuestros criterios de participación.

Sinceramente,

Dee Etta Wright

October 18, 2017

Dear Parent,

I am pleased to share that Block Middle School students made significant growth on the 2017 ISTEP+ Test.  With continued support, I am confident that students can and will pass the ISTEP in 2018.  Fortunately, Block Middle School has an online program for Math (ALEKS) and English (Compass).  Both of these programs will reinforce the skills taught in the classroom and can be accessed at home.

Starting next week, if your child spends at least one hour per week on both ALEKS and Compass, he or she will receive a free “Dress Down” day until further notice.  Our guidance counselors will monitor your child’s online usage each week, and will issue a “Dress Down” pass or wrist band to students who meet the two-hour weekly minimum.  Your child will know that he or she is allowed to dress down by the end of school each Thursday, and must display the wristband or pass to you and his or her teachers each Friday.

Please be mindful that this incentive only applies to ALEKS and Compass usage during after-school hours.  We will not use school time for this incentive.  Your child has his or her login information for both programs.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s guidance counselor at 219-391-4084.

Sincerely,

Dee-Etta Wright

Principal

Block Middle School  

• New Student Hours for 2017-18
  Pre-K: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  Elementary Schools: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Late Start Wednesdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
  Middle School: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Late Start Wednesdays: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM)
  High School: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Late Start Wednesdays: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM)
  
  
• Middle School Code of Conduct and Dress Code