ACADEMICS
At Smitha Middle School , our vision is to be a premier middle school that fosters and empowers life-long , global leaders who are engaged as stakeholders in their diverse communities . As an institution , we strive to reach , teach , and empower all students . In this quest , experiences are fostered where learning and growing are key objectives . For students to thrive , they must ask for help when needed and keep parents / guardians informed about their progress . As parents / guardians , our hope is that you will encourage your child to do his / her best every day , to ask for assistance when needed , and to check CTLS Parent and ParentVue consistently .
CURRICULUM Students in middle school will take the following academic courses : English / language arts , reading , science , math , and social studies . At the 8 th grade level , Spanish , high school science and high school math are available for qualifying students . Advanced content classes are available at all three grade levels for qualifying students . Students will also participate in Connections classes . These may include art , engineering , AVID , general music , math support , band , orchestra , chorus , and physical education ( PE ). Students have the choice from year-to-year to be a member of band , chorus , and orchestra ; however , once they choose one of these classes , they are making a yearlong commitment to the class / program .
Student Schedules Great efforts are made to ensure students ’ course schedules are appropriate for their academic needs . Student schedules are created based on several factors such as success in the previous grade level , success in previous courses , test scores and / or teacher recommendations , as well as other educational data . As a result , parent and student request for schedule changes cannot be honored for teacher preferences , social groups , connections , dissatisfaction , etc .
Other than band , chorus , and orchestra , connection classes are scheduled using random selection . Unfortunately , Smitha Middle School does not take requests concerning connection classes . Please contact the grade level administrator if there are questions or concerns related to the student ’ s schedule .
Conferences Parents / Guardians are welcome to meet with teachers , counselors , and administrators to discuss their child ’ s progress throughout the year . When conferences are arranged with teachers , they take place during teachers ’ planning period or before or after school .
Additionally , a countywide conference week is held in October . All Cobb County middle schools will be on an early release schedule during conference week with student dismissal beginning at 1:30 p . m .
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