Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sub-section of our website. Below are common list of question and answers regarding the new Hays Catholic Middle School.
If you need additional information, please use the web form on our contact us page.
What grades will make up the
middle school?
The current plan is to have 7th and 8th grades in the middle school. Future plans being considered would have 5th grade through 8th grade in the middle school.
What facilities will be used for the middle school?
Current plans are to have the students attend class at the TMP-Marian facility. In addition to the TMP campus for athletic practices and events, we will continue to use the Kennedy Gymnasium as well as the Holy Family Elementary gym. Future plans are being considered to use the Kennedy facility.
Where will the middle school
classrooms be located at TMP-Marian?
Current plans are to have classrooms on the 2nd and
3rd floor of the main building. As the plans
progress, things could change. The NE second and
third floors will house the junior high classrooms.
This will allow the 7th & 8th graders to have their
own restrooms, stairwell and entrance/exit from the
high school students.
How many middle school students will there be space for at TMP-Marian?
Seven classrooms are currently being considered for use by the middle school. Projected numbers are 100 to 120 students.
Will the middle school students wear uniforms?
Yes the students will wear uniforms similar to the high school students with slight modifications.
How will middle school students be
separated from the high school students?
7th & 8th Grade Students will be placed in a
segregated unit within the school.
- Private Entrance
- Dedicated Junior High Restrooms
- Separate Bell Schedule
- Homeroom Periods
- Earlier Dismissal
- Seating arrangements for 7-12 assemblies (All-School
Mass)
- Core Teacher Assignments
- 7th & 8th Grade Counselor
Will middle school students have religion during school?
Yes, religion will be a required part of the middle school curriculum.
Will we be able to use the KMS gym next year?
Yes, the Kennedy gym will be available for use next year.
Will the Diocese give financial support to our Middle School?
Yes, financial support from the Diocese will be on a per student basis as it currently is for not only TMP-Marian and Holy Family Elementary, but all the Catholic schools in the Diocese. The amount each school received per student for the 2011-12 school year was $66 per student. While the schools are grateful to the Diocese for their support, we must acknowledge that additional funds will need to be raised for this middle school endeavor.
Will there be special teachers for the 7th and 8th grade and if so, when will they be hired?
The core teachers and a counselor position will be posted until the end of January. It is the hope to fill the positions by spring break. We will also offer special education courses when necessary and use teachers provided through the USD 489 coop.
Will there be advanced courses available?
Advanced Social Studies and Advanced English will be offered as well as multiple levels of Math.
Will Confirmation be part of the program?
Yes. The Religion curriculum for 7th & 8th grade is currently being written by the Heartland Parish leaders and it will include confirmation training as part of the eighth grade curriculum.
What will the school colors and mascot be?
The colors are navy & white. The mascot is the Monarch, which commemorates the Kansas buffalo known as the “Monarch of the Plains.”
Will service hours be required of students during the day time or outside of school?
Yes, 20 hours of service will be required per year. Hours can be gained during school as well as at home, in the community or for a parish or church community.
Will a yearbook be produced?
Yes, a separate Junior High yearbook will be produced, but the 7th & 8th graders will also be included in the main publication.
Will the middle school students be on the same schedule as the high school students?
The 7th & 8th graders will have a different scheduled and they will eat on separate lunch shift but there will be some overlap as students are coming and going.
Will the sports run similar to those available at Kennedy? Will there be try-outs and cuts?
Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Wrestling and Track will be offered. No try-outs or cuts. Does not guarantee that everyone will play but we will run multiple levels where available.
Will there be early release days like at the high school?
Yes, 7th and 8th however, study hall will be provided through the regular release time.
Will there be designated entrance for just 7 and 8 grade?
Yes, the NE entrance will be a dedicated 7th & 8th grade entrance/exit.
Will the district bus come out to the school?
When requested to do so, particularly during cold and inclement weather, district buses drop of TMP students at the SE corner of the main building.
Will there be a graduation for the 8th graders?
There will not be a graduation/promotion ceremony for 8th graders. An awards night in the spring will honor the many achievements of our 8th graders.
What is the cost to pre-enroll my student?
There is an application fee of $35 dollars, which is good for the duration 7-12.
Are there any book fees?
All students K-12 are assessed a student/book fee of $300, not to exceed $1000 per family.
Will you use any of Kennedy’s athletic uniforms?
No. Uniforms for the 7th and 8th graders will be purchased in the proper school colors and logo. Additionally, 7th and 8th graders will not use hand-me-downs from the high school programs.
Will the students take State Assessment tests?
Yes. Thomas More Prep-Marian maintains accreditation by the state of Kansas and is therefore subject to state accreditation requirements which include state assessments in the 8th grade year.