THE PAW PRINT
VOL. 25 - Week of February 8, 2021
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Join Us Monday for Council PTSA District-Wide Parent Night
Culver City Council PTA presents "Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Parenting," a parent engagement night open to all parents in CCUSD. An RSVP is required in order to receive the Zoom link, and space is limited. Please RSVP using this Google Form: DEI Parent Enrichment Night, February 8 @ 6:30 pm: Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Parenting
Join us Thursday for Parent Engagement Night!
Auditions now happening for Spring Musical - Peter Pan!
CCUSD Community Arts Night Invites You to Learn Cumbia!
CCMS PTSA Equity Committee Meeting Announcement
Dear Panther Parents, Caregivers and Families,
Last year, CCUSD adopted a Strategic Equity Action Plan for our district. This document offers a roadmap for achieving equity for all our students, educators and families. As parent leaders at CCMS, our PTSA is excited to participate in this process and to partner with you to make CCMS the most welcoming campus it can be.
This is the first step of that work. We want to reach out to you to share our vision of equity, but more importantly, to hear yours. We are firmly committed to this work: it is a pillar of our district, and we know it is necessary. Therefore, we would like to invite you to attend our first CCMS PTSA Equity Committee meeting on February 18, 7:00pm. Zoom link follows.
Culver City Middle School PTSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: CCMS PTSA Equity Meeting
Time: Feb 18, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86253740505?pwd=V3Y0VkVVU2QvZGRGM3FLM2c1bkxhZz09
Meeting ID: 862 5374 0505
Passcode: 635510
Culver City High School Invites All 8th Grade Families to 8th Grade Parent Night!
PERIOD.CulverCityMS
We at PERIOD.CulverCityMS are thrilled to announce our support of California Assembly member Christina Garcia's Menstrual Equity For all Act - AB-367. This bill mandates that all California community colleges, college campuses, middle schools, high schools, and all state and local municipal buildings provide free menstrual products in 50% of their public restrooms.
We are proud to be an early co-author of AB-367 and look forward to amplifying the voices of youth activists and marginalized communities fighting to end period poverty in the state of California and across the country.
Several organizations are co-sponsoring AB-367 in addition to PERIOD. - California Association of Student Councils, ACLU of California, Black Women for Wellness, IGNITE, Free the Period, The Santa Clara Office of Women’s Policy, Division of Equity and Social Justice, Alliance for Girls, Alliance for Period Supplies, and the National Diaper Bank Network. We are proud to stand beside them to introduce this important legislation!
Does your California Assembly member support the bill? Find your assembly member here.
If you are a resident of Assembly member’s Garcia 58th Congressional District, sign up for her newsletter updates here and be sure to thank her for fighting for menstrual equity!
Our National Programs Director, Damaris Pereda, reflects on this bill: “As a Southeast Los Angeles native and National Programs Director for PERIOD, I am incredibly proud to support the Menstrual Equity Act of 2021 as introduced by Assembly member Cristina Garcia. "California has a long history of shaping the national stage with its groundbreaking policies. When my home state acts, the country listens. Representing the largest state population of menstruators in the country, and the fifth largest economy in the world, California is leading the country by demonstrating menstrual equity for all is a matter of human rights. This bill, along with the continued organized efforts of hundreds of young activists throughout California and the nation, will move us all closer to eliminating period poverty and period stigma in our lifetime. It’s feasible, and possible. PERIOD is proud to stand with our California sisters and brothers to change millions of lives for the better.”
Black History Month Resources for Kids and Families (Plus, a free webinar!)
Black History Month links to help your family celebrate and go beyond just the month of February. And below, a free webinar from Facing History and Ourselves on February 10, 2021 (note--if you can't attend in real time, they will send a link to the recorded webinar at a later date!)
Black History Month Movies for Families
Black History Month Movies for Kids
Facing History and Ourselves: Honoring Black Agency and Black Joy
Register for Our Upcoming Webinar
Join us on February 10, 2021 for Engaging in Antiracism Work: During Black History Month and Beyond, an interactive webinar where we will explore the importance of taking a more antiracist approach to celebrating Black achievement throughout the year.
Engaging in Antiracism Work: During Black History Month and Beyond
Register for Our Upcoming Webinar
Join us on February 10, 2021 for Engaging in Antiracism Work: During Black History Month and Beyond, an interactive webinar where we will explore the importance of taking a more antiracist approach to celebrating Black achievement throughout the year.
Black History Month is too often approached as a once-a-year opportunity to highlight the contributions of African Americans to American industry, life, and culture. Join us in this interactive webinar where we will explore the importance of taking a more antiracist approach to celebrating Black achievement throughout the year. Taking a more antiracist approach means committing to confronting present-day inequities in schools and rejecting deficit approaches to educating Black students. “Black joy” can truly be expressed when students feel socially and emotionally safe and valued in school.
During the webinar, we will:
Discuss some of the educator mindsets and practices that continue to hinder the social, emotional, and academic growth of Black students.
Gain insight into not only the importance of Black History Month celebrations but also the year-long approaches to teaching from a racial equity lens that uplift Black students.
Explore the concept of “Black joy” and how to cultivate it daily.
You will be eligible to receive one hour of professional development credit for participation if you actively watch the webinar. At the conclusion of the webinar, you will be able to download a certificate of completion from the webinar console. Check with your school district in advance of the webinar to ensure that the professional development credit is accepted.
About the Presenter
Steven L. Becton is the Chief Officer for Equity and Inclusion for the international non-profit educational organization Facing History and Ourselves. He writes and speaks for Facing History on urban education and equity issues in and beyond the classroom. He presents at national conferences, writes blogs, and conducts workshops and webinars for educators and for the larger community centered on having courageous conversations about race and education. He is a skilled facilitator and experienced presenter.
He leads a team of Facing History staff who are working deeply in these schools to create whole school culture and transformational educational experiences that would equip educators, while also empowering students to overcome the systemic issues that have placed them at risk. Steve has a MS in Educational Leadership and is a final-term Ph.D. student at the University of Memphis where his research focuses on the historical construct of race and its impact on education.
Wednesday, February 10
4:00-5:00 PM ET
3:00-4:00 PM CT
2:00-3:00 PM MT
1:00-2:00 PM PT
Captioning will be available during this webinar. If this time doesn't work for your schedule, be sure to register and we'll notify you once the recording is available on our On-Demand Learning Center.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
February is Black History Month!
Does your student need grief support? Grief Group is currently taking new students
Yearbooks Needs Your Pictures!
Dear Panther Families,
We have some NEW PHOTO REQUESTS for the following pictures: favorite athletic shoes (the shoes themselves or your child IN their faves), students participating in any school events like their new digital clubs, watching the talent show, etc., GIRL GAMERS - we know you're out there and we need your photos, and working on any school work that is physical, like a poster or a science project or even working on math if it's on good old fashioned pencil and paper (remember that?).
Please send any of these photos to yearbookadvisor@ccusd.org.
Sincerely, The Yearbook Staff
The direct link to buy is: https://yearbookforever.com/schools/culver_city_middle_school_buy_yearbook_320597/F2m85cYMDkSymo6EWiqBfF1U
Next CCMS PTSA Meeting, 3/2
At the January 27th Executive Board meeting, the CCMS PTSA Executive Board approved the proposed slate of officers for next year (2021-22 school year). The proposed slate includes:
President - Lauren Jagnow
1st VP, Programs - Katherine-Marie Sage
2nd VP, Fundraising - Deanna Newell
3rd VP, Student Store/Spiritwear - Stephany Olsen
4th VP, Membership - Mara Bushansky
Recording Secretary - Allison Faris
Treasurer - Victoria Zerpoli
Financial Secretary - Joanne Nazarian
Auditor - Danielle Rose Ash
Parliamentarian - Will Mitchell
Historian - Ellen Davidson
All CCMS PTSA members are welcome and encouraged to attend our March 2nd PTSA Association meeting when official elections will be held. The meeting will be held at 7 pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86755573316?pwd=Qlh3eWlBYmRuc0VjdTNzdVRrTzFKUT09
Meeting ID: 867 5557 3316
Passcode: 308126
You can still sign up for Afterschool programs
Panther Partners is inviting you to sign up for their After School Classes(ASC). All classes are virtual, and first come first serve. Limited classes this Winter/Spring session so check it out. If there is space available we will open up the classes for CCHS students. Classes will run from Feb. 1- June 4. Scholarships are available.
Classes offered:
French for beginners and continuing students
Acting class
Art classes
Coding/JavaScript
Magic The Gathering
CCMS Choir Groups Share Beautiful Message
Every semester, the Singing Panthers (beginning group) and Voicestra (advanced group) put on beautiful concerts to showcase the culmination fo their work. This year, with live performances being unavailable, they have created the following virtual compilations.
Our incredible accompanist, Mr. Hernandez, stitched together all the individual recordings from each student in both choirs to create the final audio that you will hear. Each student also submitted an image that was emblematic of the lyrics or theme of each song, and Mr. Hernandez edited together those images into a slideshow for each song as well. So, on each video you will hear the students' voices singing each of their parts, stitched together "virtually" as one choir, and you will also see images they themselves chose for each song.
Spanish-Language Resources For Parents
School Counselor Hang Outs and Groups are BACK!
2021 Water is Life Student Art Contest - NOW OPEN
Tutoring Opportunity For Students
From Logon2Learn:
Logon2learn is a tutoring service dedicated to helping children learn and excel during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the students in Los Angeles County being forced into remote learning for most of 2020, and the foreseeable future, Logon2Learn was created to ensure children do not fall behind in class. All tutors are current high school students, which we believe makes them adept at peer tutoring other students. We get what you’re going through. And the best part about us- is that we are free! From student to student, Logon2Learn is here for you!
Click here to access their website!
If you have any questions, please contact davidzcohn@gmail.com
Low Cost and No Cost Tutoring Available
Click the link below for flyers in English and Spanish as well as how to sign up!
CC Parks and Rec offers supervision Pod Program for Middle Schoolers
Culver City Rec Extension Program—Now Expanded to Include Students in 1st through 8th Grade and Recently Upgraded Wi-Fi!
Ongoing Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, beginning January 4, 2021 at Veterans Memorial Building and Park.
Facilitated distance learning in a safe, supervised environment for your child as they go through their scheduled school day—as well as plenty of outdoor time during lunch and then again after school for play in the park. Counselors encourage students to stay on task, keep up with assignments, and pay attention to teachers.
Health and safety are the priority; therefore, all students must wear masks at all times. Temperature checks and health screenings for both the parent and student are taken at sign-in. Must be asymptomatic for participation. Cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing and other required protocols are in place for the safety of participants, parents and staff.
- Maximum 10 Students Per Pod
- Provide Your Own Laptop
- Headphones Required
- Bring All Necessary Chargers
- Kids Must Work Independently
- Bring Snacks, Lunch & Water
- Printed School Schedule Required
Limited enrollment space. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Program cost: $140 per week. Online registration begins on December 16that: www.culvercity.org/prcs
For questions and more details please contact the Parks, Recreation & Community Services at (310) 253-6650 or info.recreation@culvercity.org
Talent Nook Writing Contest
There is still plenty of time to participate - submissions are due by 3/31/21.
Scan the QR code or click the link below for more info, including how to enter, prizes and deadlines.
If you enter the contest, share your submissions with us at socialms@ccusd.org, so we can share it in our weekly bulletin!
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Free Internet Opportunity for Students Enrolled in the School Lunch Program
T-Mobile/Sprint: Free Internet Opportunity for Students in Need
Project 10Million’s Direct to Parent/Guardian program provides internet access to eligible families that have a student enrolled in the National School Lunch program. Approved families receive 100GB of mobile data per year for 5 years and a FREE mobile hotspot, plus the opportunity to purchase devices at a low cost.
New and existing T-Mobile (including Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint) as well as Non-T-Mobile customers are eligible to apply.
Available to residents of the United States and Puerto Rico.
One free T-Mobile hotspot device and 100GB/year data line per household, max one per student.
Data service ends when allotment is reached until the yearly renewal date (Additional data passes are available for purchase).
May purchase up to five select, at-cost Wi-Fi-only tablets and laptops for use with the hotspot device.
Click here for more information and to apply: Free Internet Opportunity for Students in Need
AT&T: ATT&T Low-cost Internet for Eligible Households
Free installation and in-home Wi-Fi®
No annual contract
No deposit
If you qualify via income or participation in the National School Lunch or Head Start programs, you can apply online.
Select SNAP as the qualifying program and provide proof of eligibility for your income or program.
CCMS Tech Help
Name: Josue Sainz
Email: josuesainz@ccusd.org
Office Phone: (310) 842-4200 ext. 5114
Google Cell: (424) 326-3106
New Grab-and-Go Weekend Lunches
Suicide Support & Resources
Our Counselors are always available to provide support, and have offered the following useful resources:
How to Help Someone that May Be Thinking of Suicide: BeThe1To.com
Resources from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Getting Involved to Support Suicide Prevention: NAMI Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
In Case of Emergency:
- If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
- If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents from the CA Department of Education
Recognizing Signs and What to Do. This free webinar will provide information about suicide prevention for parents, including warning signs for suicide, how to have a conversation with their child, actions to take if their child is having a suicidal thoughts, and resources. The webinar is provided in partnership with the California Department of Education, the Directing Change Program, and Teen Line.
Sandy Segal Youth Health Center Services
2020-2021 Backpack Program Sign-Up
Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) believes that no child in our district should go hungry or have food insecurities, especially on weekends when students don’t have access to school-sponsored breakfast and lunch. The Culver City Council PTA, in conjunction with CCUSD, provides students in need with a backpack filled with non-perishable food and snacks each week to ensure that every child can eat on the weekends.
Please click on the link below to sign up for this program.
Access the Incredible Resources of CCUSD!
List of Resources from the Los Angeles County of Education for Students and Parents
Please access the flyer below for mental health, crisis support, physical health, education, and youth resources.
Visit Our CCMS Store Today!
Follow us!
On Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @CulverCityMS
Culver City Middle School
Website: http://ccms.ccusd.org/
Location: 4601 Elenda Street, Culver City, CA, United States
Phone: 310-842-4200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulverCityMS/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
Twitter: @culvercityms