Who are the school administrators?
Dr. Laura Palka is the Principal. She has been a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. John Fitzpatrick has served as the Assistant Principal for the past seven years. He is located in the Student Life Office. Mr. Fitz taught in the Niagara Wheatfield School District before joining our ETMS Administrative Team. He is also a Niagara Wheatfield graduate!
If I have a concern about my child, whom should I contact first?
A parent should always contact their child's assigned counselor. The counselors can then refer a parent to the appropriate resources depending upon the issue. If necessary, appointments can be made with classroom teachers, counselors or administrators to address your child's needs.
6th Grade - Ms. Muszynski 215-3157
7th Grade - Mrs. Lombardo 215-3156
8th Grade - Mr. Gaume 215-3155
What if my child is struggling in classes?
Call for an appointment with your child’s counselor. We offer Academic Intervention Services through our Math Lab and Literacy Lab as well as developmental reading during the regular school day. It is absolutely essential that we provide a strong literacy and math foundation to enable your child to find success throughout his or her formal education and throughout life. We also have Team and Academic Web Sites along with the Parent Portal that can assist with current assignments, units of study and grades.
Can I visit the classrooms?
We absolutely encourage a home connection to support learning. We also recognize that early adolescents are sometimes embarrassed when their parents sit in classes. We ask that you first make an appointment through the team leader to assure it is not a day with tests or out-of-the-classroom work and discuss with the team leader how your child might react to your visit. Teams try to assure that parents are included from time to time to see students at work as well as student work.
How can I get involved at ETMS?
We have Book Stops that are run by volunteer teachers. A title is selected by each Club and during lunch, the students and leader read and discuss the literature. You might find this something you would enjoy. Likewise, we have a terrific Home-School Association that oversees many social activities for our student population.
What should I do if my child comes home and has complaints about being picked on by other students?
Unfortunately, this type of behavior, although unacceptable, is all too common at the middle school level. The best thing a parent can do is to listen, provide some strategies that make sense, and then let the counselor, team teachers and Mr. Fitzpatrick (215-3152) know immediately... We cannot intervene unless we know and we are actually quite skilled at resolving these conflicts without making your child a “tattletale”. Also, as a parent, it is very easy to join your own child in the upset and drama. We urge you to listen and remain calm. At this stage, emotions can easily go out-of-control. One day, a student hates everything and the next day, life seems perfect! This is why middle school aged students are so interesting and energetic!
What should I do if there is a problem on the bus?
Again, remain calm, listen and then report the problem to the school and to the transportation department (215-3300).
What do I need to do to help my child get involved in sports?
Please call the Athletic Office and speak directly to the Athletic Director. Our Physical Education teachers are also available to discuss our sports program. You will also need to speak to one of our School Nurses, Mrs. McGranor or Mrs. Destino (215-3163) regarding the sports physical.
What other ways can my child get involved in school other than sports?
We have several worthwhile clubs and groups that meet regularly either before or after school. Some of the clubs include: Outdoor Adventure, Spirit, Native American, Yearbook, and Jazz Band and Swing Choir.
