We are excited to celebrate students this year each Friday during our homeroom time with Fun Fridays! Last week was our first week allowing all three grades (6-8) to participate in Fun Friday. The guidance below is the most updated guidelines we have for students as we continue to fine tune this exciting time each week for our students!

1) No D's or F's for the grading period 

2) No referrals/suspensions for the week 

3) Absent Less than 2 Days for the week (Friday through Thursday)

4) Updated "Tracking my Weekly Progress Page" in Homeroom Folder 

5) Sign up for a Fun Friday location before the end of homeroom (4th period) on Thursday 

Students who do not meet one or more of the five criteria above will not serve a consequence, but instead be assigned to a teacher's classroom to take advantage of a study hall setting to complete homework and any other items listed within SPARE time during their Friday homeroom time. 

We look forward to celebrating our students throughout the year. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to let me know.

It is imperative that students be in attendance each day in order to maintain consistency in their learning. Most learning is a result of active participation in the classroom and cannot be replaced by individual study.

Students who miss more than 10% of the school year are labeled as chronically absent and are at a greater risk of falling behind academically. Thank you for partnership in sending your students to Eastbrook Middle School and communicating with us in the event that your student will not be at school for the day.

In the event that a student must miss school: 

Tardy T 

Excused Illness (by parent) EM-I 

Truant U-AT 

Unexcused U-AU 

Parent Planned absence EP-A (After 5 prearranged absences or didn’t meet criteria for pre-arranged absence)

Disregulated and sent home EA-EP

Doctor’s written note EA-D

Funeral EF-B

Medical dismissal per school nurse EU-NI

Out-of-school suspension O-S 

Pre-arranged absence EA-PA (no more than 5)

In-school suspension I-IS 

Field trip I-F

College visit I-CV

Page or Honoree of the General Assembly X-P

Serving during a primary or general election X-E

Court Appearance X-C

Serving in National Guard X-NG

Serving in Civil Air Patrol X-CA

Educational-related non-school activity X-FT

State Fair Participation X-SF

*All exempt absences require paperwork verifying the absence/activity.

In rare instances, there are life circumstances that prevent a student from being able to attend school that are not related to a personal illness. Please read and follow the information below. on how to communicate with EMS.

PARENT PREARRANGED ABSENCES (PPA) 

If it becomes absolutely necessary to take a student out of school during school hours, a parent/guardian must complete a pre-arranged absence form. Failure to complete a form will result in unexcused absences.

A student must have an attendance record of 95% for the current school year. (During August, September, and October, the attendance record of the prior semester may be used to qualify). Special medical circumstances may be a mitigating factor toward meeting this requirement. 

● A PPA is intended for family-related activities. 

● A PPA is not expected to exceed five (5) days per school year. 

● No PPA will be allowed during the first or last five (5) school days of any semester without special approval from the principal. 

● A PPA must be approved 1 week prior to the date of the leave. 

After receiving approval from the principal as outlined above, the parent must agree to: 

Parents upon registering their student for the 2025-2026 school year agreed to the details within the EMS handbook.

Students during the first week of school reviewed and agreed to the details within the EMS handbook.

I have been pleased so far with our students effort and behavior here at school and our parents responsiveness towards supporting their student and our staff in correcting student behavior. Thank you for your partnership between school and home - it is very much appreciated!

I encourage you to review the handbook below with your students and to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Welcome back to a new school year. My name is Amy Richards, and I am the middle school counselor. This is my 5th year at Eastbrook Middle School and my 30th year in education. I graduated from Eastbrook High School and live in Eastbrook’s attendance area. I’m proud to be an Eastbrook Panther, and it is a privilege to serve you and your children. I am available to support your children in academics, preparation for high school and college, and personal or social issues that arise. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can help your child in any way. I can be reached by calling the school, through Parent Square, or via email at arichards@eastbrook.k12.in.us. I’m looking forward to a great year!

September 22nd-26th is College GO Week! The state of Indiana designates one week each September that is designed to deliver important college and career planning information to students in simple and fun ways. We will have special activities and college goody giveaways throughout this week. All throughout the year, I will be talking with your children about college and career information. College GO Week is just a week with extra emphasis on college and career planning.

In September, eighth-grade math students will focus on three key areas: square roots, real numbers, and solving equations. They will learn how to calculate the square roots of perfect squares and estimate non-perfect square roots, as well as compare and order real numbers. Toward the end of the month, students will begin a unit on solving equations. Developing these skills will build confidence and accuracy when approaching more challenging math problems, supporting both their current learning and future success.

Algebra students will explore the practical applications of ratios and proportions, examining their use in contexts such as rates, percents, scale drawings, similarity, and indirect measurement. This work will deepen their understanding of how math connects to real-world situations. In addition, they will practice solving one-step, multi-step, and compound inequalities in one variable, strengthening their problem-solving skills and preparing them for increasingly complex mathematical concepts.

Click the Link - Principal's Message - 2025-2026 School Year

We want all students to be successful and have a positive experience during their years at Eastbrook Middle School! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions throughout the school year.

Mr. Todd Lunsford

Principal

Eastbrook Middle School

(765) 668-7136, Extension 3000

tlunsford@eastbrook.k12.in.us

Go Panthers!