Back-to-School FAQs

Mon, 06/25/2018 - 6:41am

We hope you find this list helpful as you prepare your child to return to school.  If you have questions that you would like added to this list, click here to contact Principal Shindel.  This is meant to help you, so all feedback and suggestions are appreciated!  With that, please check back often as this list will be updated over the summer.  Thanks!

 

What type of backpack do kids usually use, and what do they do with it between classes?

Students usually use over the shoulder backpacks (not roller types) to bring their materials to and from school.  Backpacks are not permitted in classes, so students will keep them in their lockers. They are allowed to go to their lockers before school, before and after lunch, and after school.

 

What type of 3-ring binder do most kids use?

In 6th grade, most students use the zippered kind that they can carry between classes. This stops papers from falling out, and keeps everything in one place. They also usually keep a pencil case attached to their binder.

 

Should parents really get everything on the school supply list, or wait to see what teachers really recommend.  Do students really need to buy the TI-84 Silver Edition Graphing calculator?

While it is suggested to get everything on the list, you may find that, depending on the classes your child takes, not everything may be needed, and some things may be left off.  The list is our best estimate of what will be needed based on the most common classes, but it may not be all inclusive. Do not be surprised if your child is asked to get additional supplies on the first day.  In addition, we encourage you to keep your receipts in case items are not needed. 

As far as the calculator, while it might be nice to have one at home, it is fine to wait to see if your child actually needs it, and buy it at a later time.

 

When do kids need to bring in their PE clothes - the first day, or several days later?  Do most kids order them through the school or bring their own? How many sets should they get? What color combinations?

During the first few days students will become familiar with PE expectations, and assigned lockers.  There is no need for your child to bring in PE clothes until they have been assigned their own PE locker (in addition to their main locker).  The makeup of school ordered clothes vs. parent purchased is about 50/50. If you do want to purchase your own, our color combinations are gray or white tops and black or red shorts. We ask that they each be solid colors.  As far as how many sets, that will depend on how often your child brings them home and launders them.

 

What type of pencils do kids use (mechanical or regular, or does it really not matter)?

Most students prefer mechanical pencils, but it is personal preference.

 

What should kids really bring to the first day of school?

On the first day, it is recommended that students bring a backpack and a binder with basic school supplies in it.  They should also bring their lunch, if they do not plan on buying lunch.

 

Should band/strings students bring their instruments to the first day of school?

No.  The first day will be orientation.  The music directors will let them know when to start bringing their instruments.
 

What will happen during the first few days of school if my child cannot get their locker open?  Should I really be practicing with them over the summer, or are there lots of people there to help if needed?

Lockers are assigned to 6th graders during the 6th grade orientation. During the orientation, students will be given time to practice opening their lockers, with their parents there to help. If the locker is not working properly, your child may be assigned a new locker at that time, so that they should have a functional locker on the first day of school.  During the first week of school, there will also be a lot of teachers out by the lockers helping students who are having troubles, or may have forgotten how to use a locker.  

*7th and 8th grade students receive lockers after all required paperwork has been signed and submitted.  Paperwork will be sent home with students on the first day of school.

 

What do you recommend for electronic devices in school?  What is the current policy? 

It’s up to parents to determine what (if any) electronic devices students should bring to school. It is common for students to bring cell phones to school, but it is also common for students not to bring cell phones to school. If your child does bring a cell phone to school, the school is not responsible for devices that are lost, stolen or broken.

Students are permitted to use their personal device during lunch/recess with one ear bud only. Cell phones must away, and off or silent (not set to vibrate) in classes.  There are times that teachers may allow the use of cell phones during a lesson, but  this is only when approved by the teacher or administrators, and will be indicated visually on a “stoplight” in each classroom. Cell phones are not permitted in hallway during school hours. Personal electronic devices may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms at any time. Students are not allowed at any time to videotape, audiotape or take photographs during the school day, including during the bus ride to and from school.

 

 HCPSS Guidelines state that, “Students must comply with class and school rules and all relevant HCPSS Board Policies (Responsible Use of Technology & Social Media, Technology Security).  For more information about the cell phone policy at Mayfield Woods, review your child’s agenda book, or visit our website here: http://mwms.hcpss.org/news/2017/08/mwms-cell-phone-electronic-devices-policy-2017-2018

 

When will kids find out their schedules?

6th grade students will be given their schedules during our 6th grade orientation, which will take place during the week before school starts.  7th and 8th grade students get their schedules on the first day of school.

 

What is the policy for having water bottles in class? 

Students are permitted to carry clear water bottles during the school day, as long as students comply with the following:

  • Teachers may restrict access of water bottles near technology or other items. 
  • Water bottles must be clear (not color-tinted) so that its contents are clearly visible.
  • The only liquid permitted to be carried is water (not juice, soda, etc.).

 

When can kids go to the bathroom (Do they need a hall pass?  Can they only go between periods, and if so, is there enough time?)?

In order for students to leave class they will need to get their agenda book signed and carry it with them as their pass.   

Students are allowed to use the restroom between classes (yes, there is enough time if your child is efficient - no dawdling over their hair, etc.).  They can also use the restroom during class at the teacher’s discretion. We ask students to avoid the first five and last five minutes of class to avoid missing instructions.

 

How will my child find their first classroom on the first day of school if they forget where it is?

There will be lots of teachers in the hallways to help guide students on where to go.  We also allow for this on the first day, with extra time allowed between classes.

Students have an opportunity to walk their schedule during 6th grade orientation.

*Note: Students who being Mayfield during the year will be assigned a "buddy" student to shadow for a day, to help him/her get acclimated with our school.

 

What do I do if my child needs to be picked up from school early?

When you arrive to Mayfield to pick-up your child, be sure to bring proper identification so that we can verify authorization in your child's Synergy account.  We will only release students to those people authorized on the  emergency card in Synergy.  Early dismissals will be done until 2:35 p.m. After that time students will be released at 2:45 p.m.   Prior to 2:35 p.m. and once verified, we will call your child to the front office for his/her early dismissal.

 

*Note: If you wish for someone to pick up your child who is not authorized on your child’s account, you may either add that person in Synergy or send in a note with your signature authorizing the early dismissal.  We cannot accept permission over the phone or via email without a signature.

 

I drive my child to school. How does that work?

First (and this is important), we kindly ask that you do not park in the “drop-off” lane, even if you remain the car while it is parked.  If you arrive early and do not wish for your child to wait outside, please:
  • Do not park in the drop-off lane
  • Park your car in a parking spot in the back portion of the school parking lot (since your parking is temporary)
  • Return to the drop-off lane when your child is ready to leave the car and go into school
Students enter the building at 7:52 a.m., so around 7:48 a.m. we encourage parents to have students vacate cars and start to walk to the proper entrance. 
 
We are sure you agree how important it is to maintain a safe drop-off for our students. When cars park in the drop-off lane it causes a back-up.  Further, we have observed unsafe actions of cars pulling around parked cars, and dropping students off in the middle of the lane, causing students to have to weave around moving and parked cars. 
 
Please help us keep our students and community safe, and do not park in the drop-off lane.

 

Does Mayfield Woods have a "dress code"?

          Yes, we follow the HCPSS Dress Code Policy, 9210.  Click here for the full policy. Otherwise, the following are a few key highlights:

  • Students will not wear attire that is disruptive to the school environment, that promotes illegal or harmful activities, or that could endanger the health or safety of that student or others during school hours and school-related activities. Prohibited attire includes, but is not limited to, that which:
    • Depicts profanity, obscenity, the use of weapons, or violence.
    • Promotes use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products.
    • Promotes, implies or contains sexually suggestive messages.
    • Depicts gang affiliation.
    • Unduly exposes or reveals skin or undergarments.
    • Contains language or symbols that demean an identifiable person or group or otherwise infringes on the rights of others.
    • Causes or is likely to cause a material disruption, a substantial disorder to school activities or the orderly operation of the school, or an invasion of the rights of others.
    • Contains rude, disrespectful, or discourteous expressions inconsistent with civil discourse and behavior.
    • May damage school property
  • Headcoverings will not be worn in the school building or during indoor school-related activities. This includes hats and hoods.  However, headcoverings required for medical reasons or religious obligations may be worn (please contact the principal with requests for religious or medical reasons).  
  • Backpacks, bookbags, and large purses may not be carried during the school day.  Small purses are permitted as long as they are not a "backpack" style.

If a student fails to follow these guidelines, he/she will be asked to remove the item or change into another item.

 

If I need to visit Mayfield Woods during the school day, what do I need to do?

Like the past couple of years, in order to ensure the safety of all students and staff - all visitors will be required to press the buzzer located inside the foyer in the main entrance to our building.  Click here to familiarize yourself with the arrrival procedures we follow for all guests wishing to enter Mayfield Woods. If you would like to visit classrooms or others in the building, click here for more information. Thank you for working with us so that we together we can keep our school safe – and please be sure to bring identification with you if you plan to visit.

 

Does my child need to bring his/her instrument on the first day of school?

No, your child does not need to bring his/her instrument on the first day of school. More information will be given to your child from the band and orchestra teachers during the first week of school.

 

Does my child need to bring clothes to change into for Physical Education (PE) during the first week of school?

No, your child does not need to bring clothes to change into for PE during the first week of school. More information will be given to your child from the PE teachers during the first week of school.
 

Lost and Found

Is your child missing his/her coat?  Right shoe? Lunch box? Sweatshirt? These and so many other items build up each year in our lost and found (located in the cafeteria for large items, and the front office for electronics and small items). After Thanksgiving, any items not claimed will be donated. After that, we will donate unclaimed items at the end of each each quarter.   Please be sure to encourage your child to check the lost and found for missing items.