Families

Can I play sports?

6th Graders are eligible to participate in cross-country, wrestling, and track. 6th Graders may participate in both practice and home contests, but are not allowed to travel to away contests. Their participation is strictly exhibition and their results are not counted for or against individual teams.

Can I walk or ride my bike to school?

Yes, if you live within close proximity. Bike racks are located on the west side of the school. Please utilize a lock to secure your bike.

Do I get my own locker?

Yes, every student will have his or her own locker. The locker will be located near the student’s core classrooms. Each locker is approximately 8” wide x 70” tall x 11” deep w/ 1 shelf & coat hooks. We find that larger backpacks and “roller bags” don’t fit well in the lockers here at school. The lockers have a standard combination-locking device built into them. Students will receive their assigned locker at our Banks’ Blastoff. We also recommend purchasing a combination lock for practice during the summer. Rest assured you will be able to open your locker without difficulty.

How do elective classes work?

Our elective (called Encore) class offerings include the following: Art, Communication Arts, Design Technology, Vocal Music, Physical Education, World Languages, Band, and Orchestra. Band and Orchestra are full year programs. All other Encore selections run for one semester. If a student elects to take Band or Orchestra, their schedule will allow room for two other semester-long Encore classes. If not in Band or Orchestra, students will take four of the six semester-long elective classes in 6th Grade.

How do I visit the Media Center?

Our teachers will bring the entire class down to the media center at different times during the year. The Media Center is also open to students with passes and during lunch several days a week.

How does the school day run?

Every student will attend four core classes - English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Students will also attend two Encore classes daily.

How do lunches work?

Lunches will be scheduled by grade and will not be mixed. 6th graders will be eating lunch with other 6th graders. Lunch will be 30 minutes long. After students have finished eating, we have several activities available to them. Basketball, air hockey, foosball, and other outdoor activities, weather permitting, are a few examples.

How much do lunches cost?

A full lunch: pizza slice, milk, fries, for example, begins @ $2.60 and run through approximately $3.85. However, many other additional lunch and snack items are available.

How much homework will I have?

On average, 6th grade students will have approximately 60 minutes of homework a night plus reading time. Sometimes there will be less, sometimes more. This is a basic guideline; individual pacing and class selection will impact the time it takes to complete the assigned homework. A student’s ability to use their time wisely during class time will also be a factor.

How will I learn my way around the school?

We will tour the school later in the spring when you come for your visit. You are also welcome to visit during the Banks Blastoff where you will receive your schedule. At this time, you will be able to locate your classes, the gymnasium, cafeteria, bathrooms, etc… We will also have staff on hand during the first few days of school to assist any student who needs it.

What is BYOD?

BYOD means “Bring Your Own Device”. We encourage students and teachers to use technology to its fullest in appropriate academic pursuits. Each academic team will give parameters for the use of devices to access the internet.

What are After School Activity Nights?

Activity Nights (or Bulldog Blasts) are after school activities hosted by our PTSA. All of these events are held from 3:10 – 4:25 p.m. The activity nights include a DJ, dancing, basketball, foosball, air hockey, and other fun activities. What are my core subjects? English, Math, Science, Social Studies.

What do I do if I am sick and cannot come to school?

Your parents will need to notify the Attendance Hotline at (248) 956-2290 or the Attendance Office at (248) 956-2213. Check your teachers’ websites or email them for missed work. Get better soon, you will be missed.

What does a counselor do?

Provide guidance and support, create schedules, deliver affective lessons in the classroom, assist parents and teachers with struggling students, coordinate M-Step and other testing requirements as well as other valuable services.

What is this Banks Blastoff?

The Banks Blastoff student orientation will be held in August (date will be sent home). The school will be open on this day for you to walk freely through it. This will allow you to pick up your schedule, walk from class-to-class, become more comfortable, locate the gymnasium, media center, and cafeteria etc. Several staff members will be available to assist you.

How much time will we have between classes?

Students will have five minutes between classes.

What leadership opportunities are available?

Students may join the Student Council and may be invited to apply for the chapter of National Junior Honor Society during their 7th grade year.

When can I get a drink/use the bathroom?

Drinks and bathroom breaks will take place between classes and on an as needed basis, within reason. Students are allowed to carry a water bottle with them at all times throughout the school day.

Who are my teachers?

We do not have staffing and scheduling finalized at this time. However, you will be able to pick up a schedule at the Banks Blastoff. Your teacher’s names will be included on this schedule.

Who is Bruno the Bulldog?

Bruno is our school mascot. Select students wear his bulldog costume at special events. Bruno is also in charge of our bully hotline and co sponsors our Facebook page with the Banks PTSA.

What elementary schools feed Sarah Banks?

Loon Lake, Walled Lake, and Wixom elementary schools students are fortunate enough to come here to Sarah Banks Middle School

• Authorization to Administer Medication Form - This file must be completed and turned in by a parent for any student needing to take medication during the school day.
• Criminal Background Check - District criminal background check for parents volunteers.