Thomas Starr King Middle School, located in Los Angeles, California, is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Serving students in grades 6–8, Thomas Starr King is dedicated to providing a well-rounded, engaging, and supportive educational environment. This guide for the 2024–2025 academic year will outline important school dates, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and ways for families to stay involved in their children’s education.
Academic Calendar and Major Dates
First Day of School
The 2024–2025 school year at Thomas Starr King Middle School will begin in mid-August. Students will start the year with an orientation session to introduce them to new routines, meet their teachers, and set academic goals for the year ahead.
Grading Periods and Progress Reports
Thomas Starr King Middle School follows a semester-based grading system. Important academic dates include:
- Progress Reports: Issued halfway through each semester.
- Report Cards: Distributed at the end of each term.
Parents can monitor their child’s academic progress in real-time through the school’s online portal, ensuring that they are kept up-to-date on grades and attendance.
School Holidays and Breaks
Thomas Starr King Middle School follows the district’s official holiday calendar, which includes the following breaks:
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break
- Spring Break
- Memorial Day
These holidays provide necessary rest periods, allowing students and staff to recharge before returning to school with renewed focus and energy.
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 earlier than usual to give teachers time for professional development and planning. Families will be notified in advance so they can make necessary arrangements.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Core Subjects
Thomas Starr King Middle School offers a comprehensive academic program with a focus on preparing students for high school and beyond. Core subjects include:
- English Language Arts: Focus on reading, writing, and communication skills.
- Mathematics: Covering everything from basic math to algebra and geometry.
- Science: Engaging students with hands-on learning experiences in physical, life, and earth sciences.
- Social Studies: Offering historical insights and a focus on global awareness.
These core subjects are designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge.
Advanced Courses and Gifted & Talented Programs
For students seeking academic challenges, Thomas Starr King offers advanced courses and Gifted & Talented (GT) programs. These courses provide a more rigorous curriculum designed to stretch students’ intellectual abilities and prepare them for higher education.
Special Education and Multilingual Support
Thomas Starr King Middle School offers services for students with diverse learning needs, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services. These support programs ensure that all students receive the resources necessary for academic success.
Electives and Enrichment Opportunities
In addition to core subjects, Thomas Starr King offers a wide range of elective courses to help students explore their interests. Elective offerings include:
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts (Band, Choir, Orchestra)
- Physical Education
- Foreign Languages (Spanish)
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- Technology and Media Literacy
These electives help students develop a well-rounded set of skills and foster their creative expression.
Student Life, Clubs and Activities
Extracurricular Clubs
Thomas Starr King Middle School encourages student participation in a variety of extracurricular activities. Some of the available clubs include:
- National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
- Student Government
- Robotics Club
- Drama Club
- Coding Club
- Environmental Club
- Book Club
These clubs allow students to build leadership skills, form friendships, and pursue their passions outside the classroom.
Sports and Athletics
Thomas Starr King Middle School offers a variety of athletic programs for students in grades 7 and 8. The sports teams include:
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Track and Field
- Soccer
- Cheerleading
Participation in these sports promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit while also helping students develop discipline and perseverance.
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
As part of its commitment to preparing students for a digital world, Thomas Starr King Middle School integrates technology into everyday learning. Each student is provided with a Chromebook for use in class and at home. The school utilizes various digital platforms, including:
- Google Classroom
- Edmentum
- i-Ready
- Clever
These platforms support students’ academic growth, enhance learning opportunities, and help teachers manage assignments and track progress.
Family Involvement and Communication
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
Thomas Starr King Middle School values family involvement and encourages parents to participate in the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO helps organize events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities that contribute to the school’s success. Parents are also invited to attend meetings to stay informed and actively engage with the school community.
Communication Tools
To keep families informed, Thomas Starr King Middle School uses various communication tools:
- Weekly Newsletters
- School Website
- Parent Portal
- Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
These platforms ensure that parents receive timely updates about school events, student progress, and important announcements.
School Policies and Expectations
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. Thomas Starr King Middle School expects students to:
- Attend school every day unless excused for illness.
- Arrive on time for each class.
- Make up missed work if absent.
Parents should notify the school if their child will be absent to ensure they can make up any missed assignments and stay on track.
Dress Code
Thomas Starr King Middle School has a dress code to ensure that students maintain a respectful and focused learning environment. Students are expected to wear clothing that adheres to the school’s dress code policy, which promotes safety and respect for others.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
Thomas Starr King Middle School uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to promote a positive school culture. Students are expected to:
- Follow school rules and policies.
- Show respect for their peers and staff.
- Demonstrate responsibility and integrity.
Positive behavior is recognized through rewards and schoolwide celebrations, contributing to an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Campus Safety
Thomas Starr King Middle School prioritizes student safety. The campus is equipped with secure entry points, surveillance cameras, and a School Resource Officer (SRO). Regular safety drills, including fire drills and lockdown drills, are conducted to ensure that students and staff are prepared for emergencies.
Emergency Communication
In case of an emergency, the school will communicate with families via:
- Robocalls and text messages
- Email alerts
- School website updates
- Social media posts
This ensures that families are kept informed in real-time and can take appropriate actions if necessary.
FAQs About Thomas Starr King Middle School
When does the 2024–2025 school year start?
The school year begins in mid-August, with an orientation session for new students.
Are Chromebooks provided to students?
Yes, each student is given a Chromebook to use both at school and at home.
How can parents track their child’s progress?
Parents can track their child’s grades, attendance, and assignments through the Parent Portal.
What extracurricular activities are available at Thomas Starr King?
Students can participate in sports like volleyball and track, or join clubs such as NJHS, robotics, and drama.
How can parents get involved in school activities?
Parents can join the PTO, volunteer at school events, and attend meetings to stay involved with the school community.