2026-2027 Future Cheyenne Mustangs

Hello Future Mustangs! We are so excited to begin our journey with you. This newsletter has information that will help you prepare for your transition to middle school. We will be able to provide additional videos and details about Cheyenne through this format.

We look forward to a spring tour of our school. Tours are during the school day. Students participate in a concert as well as a tour of the 6th grade area and other frequented areas of the building.

Michelle Grinsteiner- Principal michelle.grinsteiner@edmondschools.net

Please be sure to read all the way to the bottom of this newsletter. The enrollment form is linked there.

Follow us on Facebook- @EDMONDCHEYENNE

Edmond Public Schools' 2026-2027 Annual Update will open in May!

The Annual Update allows you to confirm and/or update your student's current residency, family, demographic and medical information. To begin, please log in to your Parent Portal. From the left-hand Menu, select More | Online Registration , then click the Start button out to the right of 2026-2027 under Existing Student Annual Update.

Please note: completion of your Annual Update is required before your student(s) may receive their 2026-2027 schedule and teacher assignments.

For questions or login issues related to Parent Portal, please contact your school or email parentportalhelp@edmondschools.net. If your student will not be returning to Edmond Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year, please let your current school(s) know or email parentportalhelp@edmondschools.net as soon as possible.

Are you interested in learning a Band or Orchestra instrument in 6th grade?

At this event, 5th graders can try out and be “fitted” for either the Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. Students interested in Percussion must be fitted for a Band instrument, and then audition during the first week of school in August. Students interested in Saxophone must learn Clarinet and then be considered to switch during the spring semester.

Band and orchestra directors from the North Vertical will be on hand to help students discover which instrument is best suited for them. Each student will leave with an instrument recommendation for 6th grade.

Dear Families:

As a sixth grader, your child finally has the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before them, Be Part of the Music in band/orchestra!

We know that for some of you, this will be your first exposure to instrumental music education and we wanted to take a brief minute to share some information with you.

Attached to this letter is information regarding our program and the different opportunities it provides for your child. This is a time where the both of you can explore the different options and get help choosing the experiences and classes that will help them be successful in middle school and beyond. If you after reading these materials still have questions, please feel free to contact us at any time using the info listed below.

Instrumental music education is more than just playing an instrument. It is immersing your child in a culture of successful students and teachers who care about education. It challenges each child to use the creative side of their brain while, at the same time, learning a foreign language…MUSIC.

All of the current data clearly states that students involved in music education academically outperform their non-musical counterparts. But, more importantly, studies are showing that music students are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drugs and alcohol.

Every destination starts with a decision to embark on a journey. Now is the time to start your child in middle school music and Cheyenne Middle School is the place to do it. We can’t promise that every child will be a musical prodigy, but we can promise they will learn, laugh, and grow along the way.

Sincerely,

JoeLee Mills, Band Director

(405) 726-5729

Joelee.mills@edmondschools.net

Band information to help make a decision

Cheyenne Band Website

Jeff Ketch, Orchestra Director

(405) 726-729-5739

Jeff.ketch@edmondschools.net

What if I am not sure if I want my child to do music?

Remember when your children wouldn’t eat the food you made for them? You always said, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.” Music is the same way. Your child should sign up for band or orchestra even if you or they are unsure. If at the end of the 6th-grade year your child decides that music is not for them, they can choose another class for 7th grade. Students can only join band or orchestra in 6th grade, so give it a shot!

What if I don’t know anything about music?

That’s okay! We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. From how to assemble and care for the instrument to reading notes and rhythms, we will guide your child through the process. All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sound.

How much out-of-school time is required?

Like any new skill, learning to play an instrument takes patience and consistent practice outside of music class. We ask that your child spend some time with their instrument each and every day. Think of it as musical homework, but much more fun.

What instrument should my child play?

The answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most important that they play something that they enjoy. We encourage you to visit the websites listed at the top of this page, watch the different instrument videos with your child, and discuss the different options. On??????? we will help guide your child based on his/her musical interests, physical make-up, and instrument availability. Your child knows what they want, you know your child, and we know music. Together we will find the instrument that they will not only enjoy but will give them the best chance of musical success.

What are the costs?

The costs associated with music depend on which instrument your child chooses and if you already own an instrument. We wish funds were available for us to provide every child with an instrument; however, this is simply not possible. You can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevent you from being able to do this, please contact us and allow us to help. We will not let instrument availability or financial constraints keep your child from participating.

How do I obtain an instrument?

First of all, you do not have to obtain an instrument until after school has begun. In the fall, local music stores will hold instrument rental nights/websites to make this process as easy as possible. If you have further questions about obtaining an instrument, or you want advice on a pre-owned instrument, please contact us so that we may help you find a high quality instrument for your child.

What if I have other questions?

Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have. The best way for you to reach us is by email. This will allow us to respond to your question, whether you are available by phone or not. If you would like to know more about the individual instruments or music in general, visit the links listed at the top of this page.

Hello Future Families!

We Need You!

Please email us if you are interested in serving on the board or volunteering for one of our committees. cheyennemspto@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting and working with you!

Sincerely,

Cheyenne PTO

Join our Facebook page- @CheyenneMiddleSchoolPto

Instagram- Cheyennemspto

March 31st - Enrollment Google Form Completed by each 5th Grade Family

May 5 Complete 26-267 Annual Update Online in Parent Portal

The Annual Update must be completed online through Parent Portal to have a schedule for early release dates.

April 30th 6:00pm Welcome to Middle School- short introduction to middle school and tour the 6th grade and elective wings

May 20 - Last Day of School-

Late July- Early Utility Check- details and instructions regarding July or August utility bills will be emailed, utility bills will be submitted electronically.

August 05 - First evening of Digital Schedule Release through email

*Parents/Guardians must provide a current utility bill (July or August only) during Utility Bill Collection(more details to come). The school will accept a current gas or electric bill electronically. The bill must indicate the service address as well as the name of the Parent/Guardian. Students will NOT have his/her schedule released without a current utility bill being provided.

*ALL changes to student information, except address, must be made by you on the Parent Portal. If you have moved, you must let the registrar know and show the required residency documentation.

August 6- Mustang Round-Up and Parent Meeting in the evening- 6pm

August 8- Tour Your Schedule 8-11am

August 11- Tour Your Schedule 4-7pm

August 13 - First Day of School

October 6 & 12 - Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:30-8pm

For details regarding testing see the School District Webpage- https://edmondschools.net/parents-students/testing/

Testing Dates and Deadlines

Proficiency Testing applications are closed for the 25-26 school year. Applications for the

26-27 school year will open on April 1, 2026.

Please contact Kristi Kargl (405-340-2268) for additional information.

Website: https://cheyenne.edmondschools.net/
Location: Cheyenne Middle School, West Covell Road, Edmond, OK, USA
Phone: 405-340-2940
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EDMONDCHEYENNE/