Frequently Asked Questions

• When does the school day begin? How long is the school day?
  The school doors open at 8:05AM for students. Students are expected to enter the building through their assigned entrance door and go straight to their lockers. By 8:15, all students are expected to be in homeroom. School ends at 2:45 PM.
  
  
• How long are classes? How many will I attend each day?
  Old Court Middle School operates on a seven period day. Each class is fifty minutes long. The lunch period is only thirty minutes long. Special classes  (e.g. Physical Education) are scheduled either Tuesday and Thursday or Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
  
  
• What about the Cafeteria? The School Library? The School store?
  The cafeteria is open each day for breakfast and lunch except for half days. On half days, breakfast is not served. Breakfast is served from 7:45 until 8:05.
  
  The School library is open each day. Students may obtain passes before school to go to the library during their lunch time. Students may check out books for a fifteen day period.  The library maintains subscriptions to several magazines.
  
  
• What about technology?
  Old Court Middle School has three full computer labs, three mobile laptop labs and a teacher computer station in each classroom. The internet is available throughout the building. Teachers utilized various forms of technology to enhance instruction.
  
  
• Does OCMS have a dress code, or can I wear whatever I want to school?
  The Baltimore County Public Schools School Handbook states that students have the responsibility to dress appropriately to help set the proper standard of school and social behavior.  Students’ dress should not cause a safety or health hazard, hinder their or other students’ education, or be obscene.  Therefore, in accordance, all students must adhere to the following guidelines for dress.
  
  Students are not to wear:
  • Clothing that does not cover the midriff or back i.e. spaghetti straps, tube tops; halter-tops or tank tops.
  • Skirts, shorts, splits, or rips that do not meet the tips of the fingers when the arm is extended straight down to the side.
  • Any headwear including hats, caps, bandannas and scarves except for documented religious reasons.
  • Pants hanging below the waist.
  • Belts anywhere other than around the waist.
  • Undergarments as outwear.
  • Any clothing that promotes sexual activity, violence, drugs, or disrespect.
  • Any unsafe footwear as deemed by OCMS administration and staff.