The Mustang Minute
October 8, 2021 - Issue 7
Fall and fabulous!
And ask your Mustang about the fabulous items they selected at today's PRIDE point store - the first of many exciting PRIDE activities to come!
Unified Champion Torch Relay
Our #choosetoinclude campaign takes off next Thursday with our Unified champions Torch Relay. Twelve students from CMS will run the torch around our back field track to kick off a new year of Unified Champion Activities! After the launch, Mr. Nimblett and Ms. Doliner will lead us throughout the year through a variety of activities that promote inclusivity, kindness, and school unity. Middle School is one of the hardest times, where student's often find themselves in difficult situations or making decisions and engaging in behaviors that are harmful to themselves and others. We are planning to use this activity as a way to launch true inclusion for all students at CMS and to promote kindness towards others
Intramural Sports Sign Up
This week I sent out a Google form to students to sign up for our two fall intramural sports, Floor Hockey and Indoor Soccer. Each sport costs $40 for the session but we don't want any student to not play due to finances. If you need a reduced fee or scholarship pleas email me (mfraczek@norwood.k12.ma.us) directly. To sign up students need to fill in the google form (in their school email) and bring in a signed permission slip, I have attached the permission slip below.
Picture Day
Tuesday, October 12th is picture day (note we DO NOT have school Monday). Picture Day forms were sent home with students this week. I have attached a copy to this newsletter as well.
Equity Audit of NPS
As you may know, Norwood Public Schools is working with Mass Insight Education & Research to conduct an Equity Audit for the district. This process is part of Norwood’s commitment to provide a high quality, equitable education for all of our students and families. The Equity Audit will give the district a clear understanding of our current strengths and areas for growth regarding equitable opportunities for all students, provide recommendations for improving equitable practices, and lead to the development of a strategic plan that will focus attention and resources on supporting Norwood’s diverse students, staff, families, and community.
We want to include the perspectives of a broad range of students, staff, families, and community members to inform this audit. To that end, be on the lookout for opportunities to share your experiences through surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
we will be looking for student volunteers to participate in several focus groups over the next few weeks. We wills end out emails to the students and ask them to fill out a form if interested. All student that would like to participate will be given a permission slip to return to ensure that our families are aware of their participation.
We are also looking to include voices from the many families in our community. We want to hear as many perspectives as possible, so I’m hoping you’ll do two things:
Sign up for a virtual focus group at this link to share your experiences with a staff member from Mass Insight, and
Complete the online family survey I’ll be sending home soon.
If you would like to learn more about the Norwood Equity Audit, please click the button below which will take you to the website.
PTO Dues Letter
The PTO Needs You!
PTO Board Openings
With the new year comes new opportunities to be involved with CMS. We are looking for PTO Board members that collectively make decisions about activities for the school. We are also in need of a PTO treasurer. The treasurer maintains the records and bank account for the PTO. Please email coakleynorwoodPTO@gmail.com or mfraczek@norwood.k12.ma.us if you are interested.
PTO Meeting Dates (4th Tuesday of the month)
October 26th
November 23rd
December - TBD
January 25th
February - TBD
March 22nd
April 26nd
May 24th
June - TBD
Clubs and Teams at CMS
This week, I have a list of clubs that will be starting soon. Next week, we will have start dates and meeting times listed as well.
Friendship Club - TBD
Student Council - First Meeting Thursday, October 14
Artist Circle - Wednesday 2:10-3:00pm
Yearbook Club - Grade 8 Only Starts October 6th in 201 (every other Wednesday)
Bowling Club - Begins in January 2022
Intramural Sports - Start Early October
Homework Club - Starting September 27th at 2:10 pm in the Library
Drama Club - 1st and 3rd Mondays starting October 4th in room 101
Rocket Club - Spring 2022
Cartooning Club - Meets Mondays, Starting October 25th
Math Team - First meeting Thursday, September 28th
More to come!
NEW! Aspen Parent/Guardian Emergency Contact Updates and Annual Permissions
Emergency Contact Updates and Annual Permissions are completed online in your Aspen Family Portal Account. One parent/guardian per student should log into Aspen to complete the Online Returning Student Registration.
Click the button below for a video that shows you exactly how to use this new module
This new module works best on a computer or Chromebook. We are working to make this module mobile compatible. If you do not have a computer or a Chromebook, you can log into Aspen on your phone or tablet, click on the Menu to View Full Site, and then zoom in on the screen to Initiate and complete the workflow.
If you don't know your Aspen Family Portal account log in, please email npsaspensupport@norwood.k12.ma.us
PTO Teacher's Cafe Restock
Dr. Margo Fraczek
Email: mfraczek@norwood.k12.ma.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/norwood.k12.ma.us/cms-principal/home
Phone: 781-762-7880
Facebook: facebook.com/CoakleyMIddleSchoolPTO
Twitter: @mfraczek