Kate Bond Middle School, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is dedicated to providing an enriching and supportive educational environment for students in grades 6-8. As part of the Shelby County Schools district, Kate Bond is committed to fostering academic achievement, personal growth, and community involvement. This guide for the 2024–2025 academic year highlights important school dates, academic programs, student opportunities, and ways for families to stay connected and involved.
Academic Calendar and Major Dates
First Day of School
The 2024–2025 school year at Kate Bond Middle School will begin in mid-August. Students will start the year with an orientation to help them adjust to middle school life, meet their teachers, and set academic goals for the upcoming year.
Grading Periods and Progress Reports
Kate Bond Middle School follows a semester-based grading system. The key academic dates include:
- Progress Reports: Issued midway through each semester.
- Report Cards: Distributed at the end of each term.
All academic data can be accessed in real-time through the Skyward Family Access portal, keeping parents up to date on their child’s academic performance.
School Holidays and Breaks
Kate Bond Middle School observes the following holidays as per the Shelby County Schools district calendar:
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break
- Spring Break
- Memorial Day
These breaks provide essential rest for both students and staff, allowing them to return to school refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead.
Early Release and Staff Development Days
Throughout the year, there will be designated early release days and staff development days. On these days, students are dismissed early to allow teachers to attend professional development sessions. Parents will be notified in advance about early release dates.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Core Subjects
Kate Bond Middle School offers a comprehensive academic program that includes:
- English Language Arts: A focus on reading, writing, and communication skills.
- Mathematics: Covering a range of topics from basic algebra to advanced geometry.
- Science: Hands-on experiments and learning in the areas of life, physical, and earth sciences.
- Social Studies: Emphasizing historical knowledge and global understanding.
These core subjects are taught with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world applications.
Advanced Courses and Gifted & Talented (GT) Programs
Kate Bond Middle School offers advanced coursework and Gifted & Talented (GT) programs for students seeking an academic challenge. These programs are designed to offer rigorous academic content and foster intellectual growth, preparing students for high school and beyond.
Special Education and Multilingual Support
To support every student, Kate Bond Middle School provides services such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). These programs are designed to ensure that all students receive the tailored support they need to succeed academically.
Electives and Enrichment Opportunities
Kate Bond Middle School offers a wide variety of elective courses that allow students to explore different interests and talents. Elective options include:
- Visual Arts
- Band, Choir, and Orchestra
- Physical Education
- Foreign Languages (Spanish)
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Technology and Media Literacy
These electives help students develop new skills, discover their passions, and prepare for future academic and career pursuits.
Student Life, Clubs, and Activities
Extracurricular Clubs
Kate Bond Middle School encourages student involvement through a variety of clubs and organizations. Some of the clubs and activities available include:
- National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
- Student Government
- Robotics Club
- Drama Club
- Coding Club
- Book Club
These extracurricular activities offer students opportunities to develop leadership skills, form lasting friendships, and engage in creative and intellectual pursuits outside the classroom.
Sports and Athletics
Kate Bond offers a variety of sports programs for students in grades 7 and 8, including:
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Track and Field
- Soccer
- Cheerleading
Participation in sports not only promotes physical fitness but also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Technology Integration
Kate Bond Middle School is dedicated to incorporating technology into the learning process. Every student receives a Chromebook, enabling them to complete assignments, access online resources, and communicate with teachers. The school uses a variety of digital platforms, including:
- Google Classroom
- Edmentum
- i-Ready
These tools enhance student learning, help track progress, and provide engaging ways for students to interact with their coursework.
Family Involvement and Communication
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
Kate Bond Middle School values the involvement of families and encourages them to participate through the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO supports the school by organizing events, fundraising efforts, and volunteer opportunities. Parents can also attend meetings to stay informed and contribute to the school’s success.
Communication Tools
To ensure that families stay up to date with school events and student progress, Kate Bond Middle School uses several communication tools, including:
- Weekly Newsletters
- Skyward Family Access Portal
- School Website
- Social Media (Facebook, Instagram)
These tools ensure that parents have access to timely information regarding school activities, important updates, and student performance.
School Policies and Expectations
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance is essential for academic success. Students are expected to:
- Attend school every day unless excused for illness.
- Arrive on time for each class.
- Make up missed work when absent.
Parents should notify the school of any absences to ensure students can catch up on missed assignments and remain on track.
Dress Code
Kate Bond Middle School has a dress code policy to maintain a respectful and focused learning environment. Students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for school and free from inappropriate messages or graphics.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
Kate Bond Middle School implements Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to encourage respectful and responsible behavior. Students are expected to:
- Follow school rules and guidelines.
- Demonstrate integrity and responsibility.
- Show respect for others.
Positive behaviors are recognized through rewards and schoolwide celebrations, creating a positive and motivating environment.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Campus Safety
Safety is a top priority at Kate Bond Middle School. The school is equipped with secure entry points, surveillance cameras, and a School Resource Officer (SRO). Regular safety drills, including fire drills, lockdown drills, and evacuation procedures, ensure students and staff are well-prepared in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Communication
In case of an emergency, Kate Bond will communicate with families through:
- Robocalls and text messages
- Email alerts
- Updates on the school website and social media platforms
This ensures that parents receive timely and accurate information during emergencies.
FAQs About Kate Bond Middle School
When does the 2024–2025 school year begin?
The school year starts in mid-August, with an orientation session for new students.
Are Chromebooks provided to students?
Yes, each student is provided with a Chromebook to use in class and at home.
How can I track my child’s academic progress?
Parents can track grades, attendance, and assignments through the Skyward Family Access portal.
What extracurricular activities are available at Kate Bond?
Students can participate in sports such as volleyball and track, as well as clubs like NJHS, robotics, and drama.
How can parents get involved in school activities?
Parents can join the PTO, attend school events, and volunteer in various school activities.