Daily Life at CMS

Daily life at Coopersville Middle School follows a consistent routine that helps students stay organized, focused, and ready to learn. The school day runs from 7:40 a.m. to 2:25 p.m., with a built-in BRIDGE period at the end of most days for organization, support, and schoolwide activities.

The School Day

  • Building Opens – 7:20 a.m.
    Students may enter the building at this time and report to a supervised area.
  • Breakfast – 7:20 to 7:40 a.m.
    Breakfast is available in the cafeteria as students arrive.
  • Regular Day (Mon–Thu):
    Six class periods followed by a BRIDGE period.
  • Friday Schedule:
    Adjusted class times with Homeroom before dismissal.
  • Half Days:
    All classes meet on a shortened schedule with earlier dismissal.
  • Two-Hour Delays:
    When a delay is called, school begins at 9:40 a.m. and runs on a shortened schedule.

This schedule shows the class times for a typical Monday–Thursday school day at CMS.

This schedule outlines the adjusted Friday class periods and Homeroom before dismissal.

This schedule provides the shortened timetable used on scheduled half days at CMS.

Dismissal at 10:50 a.m.

This schedule shows the modified timetable used when the school day begins at 9:40 a.m. due to a two-hour delay.

Breakfast

Breakfast is available to all students each morning and provides a healthy start to the school day. Students arriving early are encouraged to take advantage of this time to eat and prepare for learning.

  • Breakfast Time – 7:20 to 7:40 a.m.
    Students may enter the cafeteria beginning at 7:20 a.m. to eat breakfast before heading to class.
  • Location:
    Breakfast is served in the cafeteria.
  • Supervision:
    Staff are present to support students as they eat and transition to class on time.
  • Student Expectations:
    Students are expected to remain in the cafeteria until directed to head to class.

Arrival & Dismissal 

Morning arrival procedures help students begin their day safely and smoothly. Families are encouraged to follow the steps below to support a positive flow of traffic.

  • Arrival Time – 7:20 a.m.
    Students may enter the building starting at 7:20 a.m. and report to supervised areas before the school day begins.
  • Carline Arrival:
    Families using the carline should follow the marked traffic pattern, pull forward as directed, and have students ready to exit on the curbside.
  • Bus Arrival:
    Bus riders unload in designated areas and enter the building through approved entrances, following staff directions.
  • Walkers:
    Students who walk to school should use sidewalks and crosswalks and enter through the designated student entrance.

Afternoon dismissal procedures help students leave campus safely and efficiently. Families are encouraged to follow established routines to support a smooth end to the school day.

  • Dismissal Time – 2:25 p.m.
    Students are dismissed at 2:25 p.m. and should head directly to their transportation or after-school destination.
  • Carline Pick-Up:
    Families using the carline should follow the posted traffic pattern, pull forward as directed, and remain in their vehicle while students load.
  • Bus Riders:
    Students heading home by bus follow staff directions and board buses at the designated pickup area.
  • Walkers:
    Students who walk should use sidewalks and crosswalks and follow all safety procedures as they leave campus.

Attendance & Absences

Consistent attendance helps students stay connected to their learning and their school community. When an absence is necessary, families should notify the school as soon as possible to keep communication clear and accurate.

To report an absence, please call:
Main Office: 616-997-3400

  • How to Report an Absence:
    Families should call the school office each morning the student is absent and leave a message on the attendance line
  • Late Arrivals:
    Students arriving late must sign in through the main office before going to class.
  • Early Departures:
    Students departing from school early should be given parental permission by emailing the office or leaving a message on the attendance line. Students will sign out in the school office, no parent signature required when parental permission is given to the office prior.

Students are responsible for staying on track with schoolwork when they miss class. Clear communication between families, students, and teachers ensures that students return to learning smoothly after an absence.

  • Make-Up Work:
    Students should check classroom platforms or speak with teachers to complete missed assignments in a timely manner.
  • Teacher Communication:
    Students are encouraged to email teachers with questions or to clarify what was missed during an absence.
  • Excused vs. Unexcused Absences:
    Definitions and detailed attendance expectations are outlined in the CMS Student Handbook.
  • Extended Absences:
    Families should contact the school office if a student will be absent for multiple days to coordinate work and support.

Daily Routines

Daily routines at CMS help students stay organized, move safely through the building, and make the most of their time together. Clear expectations support a positive school environment and help students build healthy habits.

  • Lockers:
    Each student is assigned a locker for storing materials and personal items. Students should visit lockers at designated times and keep them locked throughout the day.
  • Hallways:
    Students are expected to move through hallways safely, use appropriate voice levels, and demonstrate respect for others during transitions.
  • Lunch:
    Lunch periods are scheduled by grade level. Students are expected to remain in designated areas, follow supervisor directions, and help keep shared spaces clean and welcoming.

Technology supports learning across all classes at CMS. Students are expected to use school-issued devices responsibly and bring them to class ready to use. Personal items should be kept secure to prevent loss or distraction.

  • Chromebooks:
    Students should bring their charged Chromebook to school each day and use it responsibly for academic purposes.
  • Responsible Use:
    Devices must be handled with care, used only for schoolwork, and kept free of damage.
  • Cell Phones & Personal Devices:
    Personal phones and devices must remain in lockers during the school day unless permitted by a teacher for learning.
  • Valuables:
    Students are encouraged to keep valuable items at home to avoid loss or damage.

CMS fosters a school climate built on respect, responsibility, and positive decision-making. Clear expectations help students grow academically and socially while contributing to a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.

  • Respect & Responsibility:
    Students are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior toward peers, staff, and school property at all times.
  • Classroom Expectations:
    Students should come prepared, follow teacher directions, participate appropriately, and support a positive learning environment.
  • Hallways & Shared Spaces:
    Students must move safely, use appropriate voice levels, and keep shared areas clean.
  • Positive Behavior Supports:
    Staff use encouragement, reminders, and restorative approaches to help students learn from challenges and make better choices.
  • Student Responsibility:
    Students are accountable for meeting behavior expectations and should ask for help when they need support.

Student health and safety are supported through clear procedures that help families and staff work together to meet individual needs. Proper handling of medications ensures student well-being throughout the school day.

  • Medication Storage:
    All medications must be stored in the main office in their original containers. A completed medication form is required for any medication administered at school.
  • Self-Carry Restrictions:
    Students may not carry medication unless specifically permitted under district policy and documented appropriately.
  • Health Needs:
    Families should communicate any medical conditions or health concerns to the office so appropriate support can be provided.
  • Required Forms:
    Health and medication forms are available through the school office or district website.
Coopersville Middle School

Coopersville Middle School

198 East Street Coopersville, MI 49404
(616) 997-3400 (616) 997-3414

6th–8th Grade

Office Hours
7:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Daily Schedule
7:40 a.m. – School day begins
2:25 p.m. – Dismissal

Half Days
10:50 a.m. – Dismissal
(School begins at the regular time)

Breakfast
Served from 7:20 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. in the cafeteria.