| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
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This section contains some of the most frequently asked questions here at Thurgood Marshall. You may either chose to scroll along to see the information presented, or we also have it attached as a printable PDF Document. We hope you will find this information helpful.
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Q: What are the school hours?
A: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30-4:15 pm; Wednesday 9:30-3:00 pm.
Q: What are early dismissal times?
A: The Pinellas County School Board has designated Wednesday as an early release day throughout the school year to facilitate teacher planning.
Q: What is the earliest time that I may drop my middle school child off in the morning?
A: Children may begin arriving no earlier than 30 minutes before school begins. All students should either remain in front of the school at the drop off circle or within the bus circle compound.
Q: Where do I drop my children off in the morning?
A: Families should drop children off in front of the school. Please pull up as far as possible and use both car lines.
Q: Where do I pick my child up in the afternoon?
A: Families should pick children up in front of the school. Please pull up as far as possible and use both car lines.
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Q: What else should I know about car line?
A: Here are some tips to help make the school's car line move along more smoothly:
--Aim to be in line by 9:10 a.m. to arrive on time, even earlier if it's raining.
--Patience is easier to muster when you plan realistically. The car line will take a minimum of 15 minutes from start to finish, more if you are arriving at peak times or on a rainy day.
--Read and observe the traffic pattern outlined in our school traffic plan here http://it.pinellas.k12.fl.us/schools/marshall-ms/trafficplan.html
--Notice that if you approach from 38th St. S, you can make a right to get into the parking lot.
--If you park and walk, observe and use the proper pedestrian crossings.
--Do not let your child out of the car in the morning until you have reached the drop off area in front of the school. Do not let your child cross the parking lot to meet you in the afternoons.
--Please stay off the cell phone when the car line is active.
Q: What if I am part of a carpool? Whose name do I include?
A: Please designate one family name to identify your carpool. Make sure all children are aware of whose name is being used.
Q: What happens if it is raining during this time?
A: Drop off and pick up patterns will remain the same.
Q: What if I am late in the morning or afternoon?
A: If your child arrives after the school start time, you must walk your child into the administration building and stop in the office for a tardy slip. In the afternoon, children not picked up within 30 minutes of school dismissal will wait in front of the school or in the office and students will be marked tardy. Please remember that fundamental school policies are in effect for tardiness and absences.
Q: Is before/after school care available?
A: The R-Club provides care on site before and after school. Contact the school administration office for additional information.
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Q: How do I find out about upcoming meetings, events and activities at TMFMS?
A: Please visit our website at http://www.marshall-ms.pinellas.k12.fl.us/or stop by the administration building.
Q: Is my child safe during the school day?
A: Our campus is a closed campus. All exterior doors remained locked during school hours. Visitors must enter at the administration building and sign in at the office.
Q: Is there a breakfast program at school?
A: Yes, healthier versions of a kid-friendly breakfast menu are available for purchase. Free and reduced prices are available for those who qualify.
Q: What does my child do for lunch?
A: Children may bring a lunch from home or purchase meals in the cafeteria. Students eat their lunch in the cafeteria and are given a 30-minute designated lunch period.
Q: If my child wants to buy his/her lunch, do I send money every day?
A: It is much simpler to put money into your child’s cafeteria account for lunch purchases. Even if your child brings a lunch from home, he/she may wish to purchase an additional snack, if allowed by the parent. Cafeteria accounts may also be managed through www.mealpayplus.com .
Q: Can I eat lunch with my child?
A: Yes, you are always welcome to eat lunch with your child during his/her designated lunch period. You may bring in food or purchase an adult meal for $2.75 in the cafeteria. You may sit outside at the picnic tables but we ask that you keep this special time for just you and your child(ren).
Q: Does TMFMS have an active PTSA?
A: Yes, PTSA hosts a monthly meeting, usually on the first Thursday of the month. PTSA provides support for faculty, student and family programs and events throughout the year. To learn more about PTSA happenings and get an exact meeting calendar, please check the PTSA link on the school website or call the school administration office.
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Q: How do I join?
A: PTSA membership is $5 per year per person. You may join at any PTSA meeting. Grandparents, teachers and students are also encouraged to join.
Q: What is SAC?
A: SAC is the School Advisory Council made up of parents/guardians, teachers, staff and the community who actively participate in the development of educational priorities, assessment of the school's needs and development of a School Improvement Plan.
Q: What meetings must I attend each month?
A: Parents are required to attend monthly meetings (eight meetings per school calendar year). A parent must attend either a PTSA or SAC meeting in a given month. However, if they miss both the SAC and PTSA meeting for that month, it is considered a missed meeting. “Sign-in” cards will be at each meeting and must be picked up within 15 minutes of the start of the meeting in order to receive attendance credit. Cards are signed and returned at the end of the meeting. Please note, you must remain for the entirety of the meeting to receive credit.
Q: What if I cannot attend a PTSA or SAC meeting?
A: You may send a family representative (must be at least 18 years old) to a maximum of two meetings per school year. The person representing your family must not be a current Thurgood Marshall fundamental parent and prior notice must be given to the principal. One representative per immediate family is allowed.
Q: How do I keep up to date on school happenings?
A: There are a variety of ways that Thurgood Marshall Fundamental keeps you informed: an online monthly newsletter, reminder/information flyers in your child’s backpack, Connect Ed phone calls, an online calendar of events and at PTSA and SAC meetings. The Thurgood Marshall Fundamental website is http://www.marshall-ms.pinellas.k12.fl.us/
Q: What should my child wear to school?
A: Thurgood Marshall Fundamental follows the fundamental school uniform policy. Shorts are not allowed in middle school. Refer to student handbook or school website for dress code information.
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Q: What do I need to know about signing homework?
A: Each child is required to purchase a school agenda at the beginning of the year. Assignments must be completed and signed according to the teachers’ directions. Failure to do so will result in your child receiving a missed homework form, which must be signed and returned the following day along with the missing assignment/agenda.
Q: Do I need to sign my middle school student’s agenda every day?
A: This is typically not required. Although some teachers will require a parent signature at times to acknowledge a completed homework assignment.
Q: My child forgot his homework or agenda. Can he run back in to the classroom to get it?
A: Students are not allowed to return to the classroom after dismissal. He/she may contact another classmate or refer to the teacher’s webpage (if provided) to find out about an assignment in order to avoid a missed homework. A student/parent may only go back into the classroom after dismissal for a prescription item – eyeglasses, medications, etc.
Q: When do I meet with my child’s teacher?
A: Middle school conferences may be requested by contacting your child’s guidance counselor. If your student has a last name that begins with A-K, their counselor will be Ms. Hagie. If your student has a last name that begins with L-Z, their counselor will be Mrs. Santos. Both can be reached at 727-552-1737.
Q: How can I contact my child’s teacher?
A: You may write a note in the agenda, call the school office at 727-552-1737 or send an email. Teacher’s email addresses are posted on the school website under the Faculty Contact link.
Q: When should I expect to see my child’s report card?
A: School report cards are issued every six weeks. Please refer to the school calendar for report card dates.
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Q: How do I track my middle school child’s progress?
A: Report cards are issued every six weeks. Students also receive mid-term progress reports 3-weeks in to every new marking period. Parents may also login to the district’s pcsPortal at https://portal.pcsb.org/focus/index.php or visit the school website and click the pcsPortal link. On this site, you will find student information, assignments, grades, attendance, discipline and demerits (if teachers note demerits on individual assignment scores). If you do not have a password, please visit the school administration office.
Q: Do I need to sign and return my child’s report card or progress notes?
A: At the middle of each 6 week grading period, students will be sent home a progress report to be signed and returned the following day. Failure to return the form will result in a student being assessed demerits. You do not need to sign and return your child’s report card.
Q: What is a grading period?
A: There are six middle school grading periods throughout the school year.
Q: What do I do if my child has a doctor’s appointment during school hours?
A: Please notify your child’s teacher ahead of time, if possible. Teachers request a note if you will be taking your child out early. This allows the child and teacher to have homework assignments and materials ready for your arrival. You must sign your child in and/or out in the main office if they are coming/going at a time other than normal arrival/dismissal times. If arriving after school begins, a doctor/dentist note is required for an excused tardy.
Q: How can I volunteer at TMFMS?
A: There are many opportunities to donate your time, talent and resources to TMFMS. Your first step would be to complete a Volunteer Form, along with providing photo identification. Volunteer forms are located in the school’s administration office. Please return the form to school and your application will be processed. Please note, it takes a few weeks to process the paperwork. For more information regarding the volunteer registration process, please contact Mrs. Booth at 727-552-1737 or at boothg@pcsb.org.
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Q: What are some of the volunteer opportunities available at TMFMS?
A: We are so glad that you inquired because we have many opportunities for parents/guardians and even grandparents whether you stay at home or work. Please feel free to contact the school, 727-552-1737, to get a full list of volunteer opportunities.
Some of the opportunities would be:
Car line: Please contact the school office at 727-552-1737.
IAC (Intervention and Appeals Committee): Please contact Mrs. Weinberg at weinbergam@pcsb.org.
Mentor and/or Tutors: Please contact the school’s front office at 727-552-1737.
PTSA (Parent/Teacher/Student Association) events and programs: Please contact the school’s front office at 727-552-1737 or you can contact the PTSA president at E-mail: ptsaprestm@aol.com Phone: 727-744-0861
SAC (School Advisory Committee): Please contact Dr. Dallas Jackson, at jacksonda@pcsb.org.
Many of the above opportunities are designed to fit your schedule. Any amount of volunteer time is appreciated so get involve today.
This packet is intended to answer frequently asked questions for Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle school and is for general information purposes only. Official policies and procedures are stated in the Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School handbook.
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