Does the building at Moore accommodate four grade levels well?

Our building is actually well-suited to accommodate students in four grade levels.

There are six separate hallways of classrooms, four with academic classrooms (two for 5^th & 6^th graders and two for 7^th and 8^th graders) and two with, mainly, Related Arts classrooms ( i.e. PE, Art, Music).

The 5th and 6th grades each have their own separate hallways with self-contained classrooms for their academic subjects, both hallways located on the north side of the school.

The 7th and 8th grades have most of their academic classes in two hallways on the south side of the building. The JT Moore library is located on either side of the two academic sections of the school (5^th/6^th being on the north side of the library, 7^th/8^th being on the south side of the library.)

How many teachers do students have?

5^th and 6^th grade students have a team of 3-4 teachers for their academic subjects. Generally, one teacher teaches math and reading/language arts during two uninterrupted blocks of time, or periods. Another teacher on the team teaches social studies and another teacher on the team teaches science every day. In addition, students have different teachers for their Related Arts classes.

The 5^th and 6^th grade schedule is very flexible and allows teachers to take more time for particular lessons and projects, as needed. Students are assigned a Home Room Teacher for the year - one of the members of the teaching team.

7^th and 8^th grade students have a different teacher for each of their 5 academic subjects and their Related Arts elective in a 6-period schedule. Classes last 55 minutes. Students are assigned a Home Room Teacher for the year - one of the teachers who teach in their grade.

What are the Related Arts options, and what is “The Wheel”?

“The Wheel” is a descriptive term meant to illustrate Option(s) #3 (below) in regards to Related Arts subjects.

5^th and 6^th grade students may choose from the following 3 options:

1. Band: Band 4 days a week and PE on Fridays.
2. Strings: Strings 4 days a week, and PE on Fridays
3. The Wheel: PE – every other day all year; Art, Music Appreciation and Spanish, rotated throughout the week on the other days of the week, between days of PE, all year long.

7^th and 8^th grade students may choose from the following 3 options:

1. Band: Band 4 days a week and PE on Fridays.

2. Strings: Strings 4 days a week and PE on Fridays.

3. The Wheel: PE – every other day all year, with two consecutive 9-week cycles of Art, and two consecutive 9-week cycles of Music Appreciation, on the other days of the week, between days of PE.

Do 5^th and 6^th grades eat lunch with 7^th and 8^th graders?

Each grade eats lunch, as a grade, together, but at different times. Students may sit wherever they choose.

Do 5^th and 6^th graders change classes at the same time as 7^th and 8^th graders?

Usually, but their schedules are different and their academic classes and their lockers are in different hallways.

How do I arrange to speak with my child’s teacher?

All teachers are available by email from the “Faculty” section of the website, or call the school at 615-298-8095 and follow the directives to reach a teacher’s voicemail.

How does Moore keep parents informed of school news?

There are many ways.

The first day of school, a folder containing lots of information is sent home with the students.

The JT Moore website is updated weekly with upcoming events, volunteer requests, extra-curricular opportunities, and news.

We have an email list (Listserv) for parents who sign-up for it. The calendar of events is usually emailed every week on the Listserv, as are announcements, news, and reminders.

The PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) publishes a newsletter that is sent home with report cards every 9 weeks.

The sign in front of the school is updated regularly with information of interest.

Flyers with a variety of information are sent home with students in backpacks throughout the year.

How do I sign-up for the Listserv?

Send your child’s name, grade level, and your email address to: Katherine Franklin at

4franklins@bellsouth.net,

an email address which will be changed at the beginning of the 2008/2009 school year. Stay tuned for the new Listserv representative’s email address! You may have Listserv messages sent to as many as 4 of your email addresses.

Is there an active parent support organization?

Yes. Moores’ PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) provides volunteer and financial support to the school that greatly enhances the experience for the students and the teachers. Many parents volunteer in the school regularly to provide tutoring, staff support, and leadership for after-school activities.

The PTO supports fund-raisers and other activities which provide funds for educational and administrative materials and equipment. Contact one of the PTO elected officers (see the “PTO” Section on the website for their names and numbers), for more information about volunteering at Moore.

What high school credit classes are offered at Moore?

Algebra I, Physical Science, Spanish I, French I.

What sports are offered at Moore?

7^th and 8^th grade teams compete against other TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) middle schools in football, girls soccer, boys soccer, girls volleyball, wrestling, girls basketball, boys basketball, girls track and boys track.

Moore has a recent history of excellence in both basketball and football programs.

Try-outs for all sports are announced and posted in advance. Everyone is welcome to try-out, but space is limited on each team.

After-school clubs like lacrosse, tennis, and karate are led by parents for these grades, as well.

Moore also sponsors 7^th and 8^th grade cheerleading, led by a Moore teacher.

Our combined 5^th and 6th grade boys play football and basketball through WNSL (West Nashville Sports League) on teams consisting mainly of students from Moore. Students interested in trying out for either football or basketball should contact WNSL or the PTO.

5^th and 6^th grade students may also participate in sports, like tennis, soccer, lacrosse, karate, and track through after-school clubs led by parents.

Cheerleading is offered as an after-school activity currently led by a former JT Moore parent, who is also a JT Moore graduate herself.

How do I sign my child up for a club?

Watch for information in the First Day folder, go to the “Clubs” section on the website, check for Listserv messages, or just show up for a club’s scheduled time. There you will find contact information for the individual club sponsors and you can contact them directly. For questions about clubs, contact the Clubs Coordinator on the PTO Board.

Is a copy of Moore’s Accelerated Reader List available for parents to use?

A copy is available in the library at Moore and at the Green Hills branch of the public library at the main and children’s section information desks.