Dr. Cauldwell - Principal
Dear Pershing Families,
Welcome to Pershing Middle School. Pershing has established a reputation for academic excellence. We are thrilled you will be a part of our team. This year promises to be an exciting school year as we focus on our mission to improve student achievement by using instructional strategies that promote critical thinking, cooperation, and personal awareness. We want students to be engaged and enthusiastic about learning. Students will be encouraged to set high goals for themselves for this school year.
Middle school students exhibit the unique developmental needs of early adolescents (11 – 14 year olds). Your student’s middle school program is designed to meet the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of this age group. During sixth and seventh grades, we employ the middle school concept where teams are an integral part of academic success. Your child has been assigned to a team of teachers who work with the same group of students in his/her core subject areas (English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science). Teams will plan together and coordinate various activities. As we transition our eighth grade students from middle school to high school, they will have the opportunity to take advantage of advanced courses, some which will allow for high school credit to be earned. Eighth grade students are not scheduled by teams.
The staff and Pershing PTSA have made it very easy for you to stay informed. Our webpage, http://sps.k12.mo.us/pms/, is up-to-date and contains many reference materials for you. One document that you and your student need to review together is the Middle School Student Handbook & Assignment Book. There is a link to this document on the webpage and a copy of the handbook will be sent home with your child the first week of school. This handbook contains the policies and procedures that will be implemented at Pershing. Additionally, your student will be expected to keep an assignment book that you should check often to ensure your student is keeping up with his/her work.
I am looking forward to your involvement in your student's education at Pershing. One of the best ways to become involved is by joining our PTSA. Memberships are available NOW. Your involvement in our PTSA is very important as this organization supports our middle school students. The Pershing staff is committed to working with you as we believe the educational process is a partnership between the home and the school. We count on you to support our many, many activities throughout the school year.
I am here to serve you and your children. If you have any questions or need assistance with a school matter you may email me (ncauldwell@spsmail.org), call me (523-2400) or stop by my office. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be the principal at Pershing. I look forward to working with you this school year.
Respectfully,
Dr. Natalie Cauldwell
Principal