For many families, the first day of middle school brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a few understandable nerves. Whether your child is entering sixth grade or joining Pine Mountain Middle School for the first time, Dr. Nelson wants families to know that students will be supported every step of the way as they begin this new chapter.

"Our goal is for every student and every family to feel welcomed, prepared, and confident on the first day," said Dr. Nelson. "Middle school is an exciting time of growth, and we have amazing teachers, staff, and support systems in place to help students succeed."

At the heart of Pine Mountain Middle School's culture is CLIMB, which stands for Commitment, Leadership, Integrity, Mindfulness, and Balance. These values serve as a guide for students as they navigate academics, friendships, extracurricular activities, and personal growth throughout the school year.

A Calm and Organized First Day

Families can take comfort in knowing that the first day has been intentionally structured to help students ease into their new environment.

School doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Students arriving during this time will report to Study Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., providing an opportunity to settle in, connect with peers, and become comfortable with their surroundings before the school day officially begins.

Breakfast and homeroom will take place from 8:50 a.m. to 9:10 a.m., and classes will begin at 9:15 a.m.

Students will dismiss at 4:15 p.m.

For parents who may be worried about their child finding classes, navigating hallways, or adjusting to a larger campus, Dr. Nelson encourages families to remember that these concerns are common and expected.

"Every year, students arrive with questions and a little uncertainty," Dr. Nelson said. "Within just a few days, they are confidently moving through the building, making new friends, and developing routines. Our staff is ready to help whenever a student needs assistance."

Families should also note that student checkouts will not be permitted after 3:45 p.m., and a photo ID is required for all checkouts.

Keeping the First Day Simple

One of the easiest ways to reduce first-day stress is knowing exactly what students need to bring.

For Day One, students only need:

• Paper
• A pen or pencil
• Their district-issued laptop

"There is no need to overload backpacks on the first day," Dr. Nelson explained. "We want students focused on getting comfortable, meeting teachers, and learning routines."

Students should arrive with laptops fully charged and stored in their protective case.

Helpful Reminders About Lockers and Electronics

To simplify daily routines, Pine Mountain Middle School provides lockers with built-in locks. Families are asked not to purchase separate locks.

Students should also be aware that cell phones and wearable devices must remain powered off and stored in lockers during the school day. This expectation helps students stay engaged in learning and build positive connections with classmates and teachers.

Transportation Information for Families

Transportation can often be one of the biggest concerns for families entering middle school. Dr. Nelson encourages parents to review transportation plans with students before the first day.

Car Riders

Parents dropping off or picking up students should follow all posted signs directing traffic to the Front Porch area.

Bus Riders

Families should download and monitor the Edulog Parent Portal App for transportation information and updates.

Dr. Nelson notes that previous bus-tracking applications are no longer supported, making Edulog the most reliable source for bus arrival and departure information.

Parents are encouraged to enable notifications to receive timely transportation alerts and updates.

Important Parent Resources

To help families stay connected throughout the school year, Pine Mountain Middle School recommends setting up the following applications and online resources:

• ParentVUE for grades and attendance
• CTLS Parent for school announcements and communication
• MySchoolBucks for meal account management
• MyPaymentsPlus for fees, field trips, and CLIMB cards
• Edulog Parent Portal for bus tracking and alerts

Having these tools installed before the first day will help families stay informed and engaged from the start. Click here for help on how to install these tools.

A Message to New Middle School Parents

If this is your first experience with middle school, know that feeling anxious is completely normal. The transition from elementary school often feels like a big step, but it is also a tremendous opportunity for growth. Students will gain independence, discover new interests, form meaningful relationships, and develop skills that prepare them for high school and beyond.

At Pine Mountain Middle School, staff members understand that successful transitions happen when schools and families work together. Questions are welcomed, support is available, and every effort is made to ensure students feel safe, connected, and valued.

As Pine Mountain Middle School begins another year of excellence, Dr. Nelson encourages students to embrace the CLIMB values and remember the school's motto:

Never Stop CLIMBing.

Established in 1979, Pine Mountain Middle School looks forward to partnering with families for a successful and rewarding school year.