NEWS
Fifth graders visit CMS for tour, Q & A session
June 14, 2011 - Students from Abram Lansing Elementary and Van Schaick Grade School traveled to Cohoes Middle School last week to take a tour of the school they will be attending as sixth graders in the fall. In addition to the tour, the group enjoyed a candid question and answer session with Principal Dan Martinelli. The group gathered in the cafeteria for the conversation and asked dozens of questions, only stumping Mr. Martinelli on one…the grade average a student needs to make High Honor Roll. The guidance department helped out with that one, noting that it takes an average of 91.5 or above to be on the school’s High Honor Roll (Mr. Martinelli missed it by a point).
Q & A Recap
AL Student: Are all the classes the same length?
Principal M: Yes. All classes are 44
minutes long, except for Period 1, which has an extra 5 minutes to
allow for announcements and other routine morning activities.
AL Student: How long do I have to get to my next class?
Principal M: There are three minutes
between the bells. That is plenty of time to get to class. In fact,
I could run to your house in three minutes!
AL Student: Will I get in trouble if I’m late to class?
Principal M: After the first week or
so...Yes.
AL Student: Do I have to carry all my books to all my
classes?
Principal M: No. We don’t want you
walking the halls looking like a Sherpa. You will learn quickly
which books can stay in your locker and which books you will need to
carry from class to class.
AL
Student: Can I bring a backpack to class with me?
Principal M: Yes. However, only a
backpack with straps will be allowed. No backpacks with wheels,
lights, bells or whistles.
AL Student: Do you have block parties?
Principal M: We don’t have a block, but
we do have parties. We celebrate positive behavior and no referrals
with special events and celebrations, including visits by magicians,
BMX trick riders, DJs and more.
AL Student: Will 6th Grade Teams 1, 2, and 3 all have lunch
together?
Principal M: No. There are two 22-minute
lunch periods for which half of the 6th grade students (mixed from
among the three teams) will be assigned. While one group is in the
cafeteria; the other will be in Quiet Study. At the end of the 22
minutes, they will switch.
AL Student: Is there a place for my bike?
Principal M: Yes, we have a fairly new
bike rack that can be used to lock your bicycle.
AL Student: Can I get soda at CMS?
Principal
M: We DO NOT sell soda at Cohoes Middle School. We will NOT
ALLOW students to bring energy drinks from home, or from anywhere
else for that matter.
AL Student: How do I make the Honor Roll?
Principal M (with an assist): To be
named to the CMS Honor Roll, a student must have a quarterly average
of at least 84.5. Students with an average above 91.5 will be named
to the High Honor Roll.
Mr.Martinelli was sure to invite the current 5th grade students to
attend the middle school's project based Summer Learning Aademy
(begining July 11th). Additionally, the transitioning 5th grade
students and their families are invited to the middle school's "Open
Doors" (August 19th and 20th). Students can walk their schedule,
practice their locker combinations, and stow their supplies. Parents
can call the middle school at 237-4131 for additionalinformation or
visit www. cohoes.org.
