United South Middle School

Infobox School
name=United South Middle School
type=Public
location=3707 Ave. Los Presidentes
Laredo, TX
information=[phone]
established=1990
grades=6th-8th
enrollment=1,200
faculty=300
principal=Selma Santos
mascot=Leopard
colors=Black and Silver
district=United Independent School District
website= [http://usms.unitedisd.org/ USMS eChalk Website]

United South Middle School is a middle school located in the southern portion of Laredo, Texas and a part of the United Independent School District. After the construction of its adjacent high school, the United Independent School District decided to construct a middle school under the same name, to fill students that resided in that developing area at that time. In 1999, the school's name changed from "United South Junior High School" to "United South Middle School", as a decision from UISD to rename all junior high schools to middle schools. Due to overcrowdiness of students in the late '90s and the rapid development of neighborhoods in south Laredo, two middle schools were constructed, those being Los Obispos Middle and Gonzalez Middle, to relieve United South, although it is still currently crowded.

USMS' current motto for the 2007-2008 school year is "Aim High for Success".

ubdivision Zones

The school zones the following subdivisions within 5-7 miles of the area.
*Los Presidentes
*Freedom Park
*Independence Hills (partial)
*Cheyenne
*Villa Del Sol

tandardized Dress

Starting in the 2006-2007 school year, UISD students in pre-Kindergarten through 8th grades are required to follow standardized dress code by the school district. [http://www.uisd.net/DressCodebrochureEnglishFinal.pdf] .

The Texas Education Agency specified that the parents and/or guardians of students zoned to a school with school uniforms may apply for a waiver to opt out of the uniform policy so their children do not have to wear the uniform [http://www.tea.state.tx.us/field/uniforms.html] ; parents must specify "bona fide" reasons, such as religious reasons or philosophical objections.

chool Band

The Mighty Leopard Band is considered to be the most recognized among all junior high bands within the city of Laredo. The band is directed by Yolanda Moreno and San Juanita Rodriguez.

The Band is recognized with various awards. The Band has also had 4 consecutive "Sweepstakes" awards at the Regional U.I.L Competition.

Feeder Patterns

Feeder elementary schools include:
* Bonnie L. Garcia Elementary School
* Prada Elementary School
* Ruiz Elementary School
* Salinas Elementary School
* Judith Zaffirini Elementary School

All USMS-zoned residents are zoned to United South High School. Students who are eligible for magnet school programs may attend different UISD high schools in the Laredo area.

External links

* [http://usms.unitedisd.org United South Middle School website]