Palisades Middle School

What is the daily schedule at PALMS (Palisades Middle School)?

The schedule is an eight period day, with homeroom and resource period at the start of each day and Mentoring Meetings in the middle of the day. There are five academic classes, two exploratory (or "specials") periods, and, of course, one period for lunch. Each of our class periods is approximately 45 minutes long, except lunch which is 25 minutes. The entire schedule operates on a six day cycle so the schedule is repeated every six days.

Where do I go when I arrive to school each morning?

Many buses arrive to the middle school as early as 7:05. When dismissed from the buses, sixth graders report to the auditorium, seventh graders report to the gym, and eighth graders report to the cafeteria. You may talk to your friends until you are dismissed to go to your locker at 7:25. This is the time to prepare for your morning classes by getting the needed textbooks and materials. All students must report to homeroom by 7:32.

What are the exploratory classes?

There are five exploratory classes that run on a quarterly schedule: art, technology, computer, family consumer science (FCS), and Spanish. Every sixth grader is scheduled to take four of the five exploratories. On the days that you have these classes, you will have them for two periods in a row. The other exploratory classes are gym and music. You have your gym and music classes every other day throughout the year opposite your art, tech, computer, FCS, or Spanish class. All seventh graders are assigned Spanish, art, technology, and FCS as quarterly exploratories. Eighth graders are assigned art, technology, computer, and FCS.

What is Mentoring?

Between 3rd and 4th period each day you will meet with your mentoring group for a 20-minute block of time. Mentoring groups are made up of a mix of approximately 12 boys and girls. During mentoring, you will be able to meet with your mentoring group for academic and social support. Each day there will be a different activity such as team building activities, lessons on school topics/concerns, stress reduction tips, school-wide competitions, goal setting, and outdoor events.

What is Resource?

Resource is a 35-minute period of time after homeroom. If you are in a music program, you will have rehearsal with your entire group on one of the days of the six-day cycle during resource period. This is also a time when you might have a meeting with your homeroom group or can get extra help from one of your classroom teachers. At times when you are working on a group project, you also might use this time to work with your group. Resource period is an excellent time for getting books from the library, reading toward your book goal, or working on online assignments.

What do I need to know about gym and health classes?

Health classes are usually held on Thursdays and Fridays and gym classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Gym uniforms are a requirement for class participation and can be purchased at the school store for $20.00. ($14.00 for shorts and $6.00 for the t-shirt) A good habit to start, so that you are always prepared for gym class with a clean uniform, is to take your uniform home each Friday to be laundered and to bring it back to school clean each Monday. Gym bags can also be purchased at the school store and are helpful in keeping everything needed for gym (uniform and sneakers) together in one place. You will not need your gym uniform for your first gym class of the school year, but you should be prepared with your gym uniform and sneakers for the second gym class.

Where is the school store?

The school store is located across from the student office, next to the gym. At the start of the school year it will be open for the purchase of gym uniforms, assignment books, and school supplies.

What are the rules at PALMS?

Mr. Spering, our assistant principal, will meet with each grade level to review important rules and procedures during the first week of school. The two key words for success at PALMS are respect and responsibility. Respecting your classmates, teachers, and our school building and taking responsibility for your class work and actions are keys to success.

What activities can I get involved in at PALMS?

SPORTS:

7th & 8th Grades - Both girls and boys can get involved in cross country running in the fall. In the fall, students can participate in football, soccer, field hockey, and cheerleading. Winter sports include both basketball and wrestling. In the spring, girls may try-out for softball, and all 7th or 8th grade students can have an opportunity to participate in track.

MUSIC:

All grades - PALMS has both a band and orchestra program. Both programs meet during exploratories, resource period, and sometimes after school. There is also a 6, 7, and 8 grade chorus. All students are eligible to try-out for the school play which is presented in January.

7th & 8th Grades - A special music group called PALMS Singers is open to those who would like to try-out for a select singing group. Those who are in the band may also wish to try-out for our renowned jazz band.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

All grades - Clubs available include Reading Olympics, Literary Magazine, Yearbook, Math Counts, Math Olympiad, Art Club, Student Council, and Herpetology Club. All students may sign-up for ski club in the winter. Enrollment for ski-club is on a first-come, first served basis.

Where do I store my books and belongings since I am traveling to so many different classrooms?

Each student is assigned his or her own locker, located outside his/her homeroom. Backpacks and coats go in the bottom section of the locker and books and binders go in the top section. You will be given lots of time during the first week of school to practice using your combination, so don’t be nervous about opening your locker. Also, remember not to share your combination with other students.

Who are the PALMS teachers?

PALMS sixth grade teachers include: Math- Mrs. Prego, Mr. Venner, Mrs. Garner, Mrs. Polefka, and Mrs. Smith. Reading- Mrs. Matyjasik, and Mrs. Smith. Social Studies: Mr. Ziegenfuss English- Mr. Flynn, and Mrs. Smith.  Science- Mrs. Heilig-Trexler. The 7th grade teachers are Mrs. Arlia, Mr. Venner, Mrs, Burley, Mrs. Bellew, Mrs. Jacoby, Mr. Hinkle, Mrs. Garner, Mrs. Semon and Mrs. Balliet. The 8th grade teachers are Mr. Gluck, Mrs. McBrearty, Mrs. Guthier, Mrs. Semon, Mr. Schlegel, and Mr. Venner. 

What about lunch?

Each grade eats lunch together in the PALMS cafeteria at 10:59 for 6th grade, 11:47 for 7th grade, and 12:36 for 8th grade. Lunches cost $3.15 and each day you have a choice of entrees which include the daily menu feature or select items such as pizza and sandwiches. PALMS also offers a healthy salad or deli bar option.

How are we dismissed at the end of the school day?

At 2:37 you are dismissed from your 8th period class to go to your locker. You will then go directly to your bus. Buses line up in the same order along the cement walkway each day, so it will be easy to find your bus. Make note of your bus number and location when you arrive the first day.

What should I do if I need help?

Always feel free to talk to your teachers if you have an academic question. Resource period is an excellent time to get the help you need. Your mentor teacher is also an excellent resource for help. Our school counselor, Mrs. Brown, is available to meet with you as well. The guidance office is located in the student office.

2020-2021 School Year Student Office Appointment Request for Mr. Spering and Mrs. Brown