THE PAW PRINT
VOL. 7 - Week of September 28, 2020
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Weekly Schedule for Week of September 28
Below is the weekly schedule for the week of Sep 28. At the secondary level (MS & HS) , it is customary that we adjust our weekly schedule when we have a holiday during the week. Both schools have agreed to continue this practice during distance learning. In this manner, students meet with their teachers twice a week and do not miss out on a day of valuable content.
Monday, September 28 is a holiday and we will be adjusting our bell schedule in the same way that week as well. After that, there are 4 more Monday holidays the rest of this school year.
Here is the CCUSD 20-21 Calendar to help in planning for these weeks. All other weeks will remain as we have communicated.
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, which is observed from sundown Sunday to sundown Monday, is considered the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It’s a high holiday that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. But it’s not exactly a “happy” holiday. So don’t tell someone “Happy Yom Kippur.” “This isn’t a day of raucousness and partying,” says Becky Sobelman-Stern, the chief program officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. “Yom Kippur is not about being happy. It’s about thinking. It’s about self examination.”
Yom Kippur translates from Hebrew to English as Day of Atonement. Traditionally, Jews spend the holiday fasting and reflecting on sins committed over the past year. Even if you’re not Jewish, you can acknowledge the holiday, and it is indeed respectful to share well wishes to your friends and colleagues who do observe.
The traditional Yom Kippur greeting, “G’mar chatima tova” is the customary greeting on Yom Kippur. In English, it means “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.” According to Jewish tradition, one's fate is decided on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur. "Our lives are in the balance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur depending on how we act," says Rabbi Andrea London of Beth Emet synagogue in Evanston, Illinois.
A simple Yom Kippur greeting, "have an easy fast" might sound like an odd thing to say, but it's "very much appreciated," says Sobelman-Stern. You can also wish someone a meaningful fast. Traditionally, people who observe Yom Kippur neither eat nor drink for 25 hours, with the exception of children and those for whom fasting is dangerous. Once the period of fasting ends, it's time to break the fast with breakfast foods such as bagels and eggs dishes.
Yom Kippur greeting that works through October:
“L’shana tova” or “shana tova,” which means “have a good year,” is a proper greeting on the Jewish New Year and also fitting to say on Yom Kippur and through the holiday Sukkot, which goes from Oct. 2 to Oct. 9.
Make sure you message at the right time!
Orthodox Jews and many other observers of Yom Kippur avoid using technology during the holiday. So if you want to share a message or make a phone call that’s answered ahead of the day of fasting, send it before Sunday evening or after sundown Monday, after the fast has been broken.
How can Panthers keep up with their academics during Distance Learning?
How can parents check in with their Panthers during Distance Learning?
What is Fun Friday?
New Grab-and-Go Weekend Lunches
Still Have Questions About the New Attendance Policy?
The Reflections Arts Appreciation Contest Is Underway!
The 2020-2021 Reflections Arts Contest has begun! This year’s theme is "I Matter Because…” We want to hear from artists, dancers, writers, photographers, filmmakers and musicians!
To participate, CCMS students may submit an original piece of their own independent work inspired by the annual theme, in any of the following six areas: Dance, Film, Literature, Photography, Music Composition and Visual Arts. Students are welcome to submit to more than one category if they’d like.
Unlike previous years, all Reflections entries will be submitted digitally. Click on the link for the Student Entry Form to complete and upload all documents. For example, if you’ve painted a picture you will need to take photographs of that picture and upload to the Student Entry Form. For general rules, please read the Student Rules document. For all uploading rules, please read the online Student Entry Form.
Submissions are due October 15th via the online link.
We want to highlight that there is a Special Artists division for Reflections and we encourage all eligible students to submit their art into the Special Artists category. Last year a CCMS Special Artist advanced all the way to State!
Please note, that for the Film category, the students must do all of the actual camera filming themselves. So if they want to be in their own film, they must use a tripod or station the camera in one spot while they are on camera.
See below for the student rules!
Click here for the Student Entry Form: https://forms.gle/uyKRbiggUj5tQi8k7
Please contact Luci Jenkins for questions: Luci.Jenkins@mac.com
Looking for Something to Do? Check out Virtual Game Night!
Culver City Education Foundation
List of Resources from the Los Angeles County of Education for Students and Parents
Education Week: What Ruth Bader Ginsburg Meant to Education
From Education Week, 09-18-2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pioneer in the women's rights movement and the second woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, died Friday, September 18, 2020, at age 87 due to complications of pancreatic cancer. On education issues arising during her 27 years on the court, Ginsburg was a stalwart vote for sex equity in schools, expansive desegregation remedies, strict separation of church and state, and, in a memorable dissent, against broader drug testing of students.
Read the rest of the article here....From Education Week: What Ruth Bader Ginsburg Meant to Education
**Please note, you may be asked to complete a free Education Week account to read the entire article.
September is National Suicide Awareness Month
** For every death by suicide, 200 youth attempt suicide
** 4 out of 5 teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs
** There has been a steady rise in suicide rates for 10-24-year-olds in California since 2007
Suicide is Preventable, What to Do
- Talk to your child directly. Asking “Are you thinking about suicide?” will NOT put the idea into their head, but it WILL let your child know you care, and can handle what they tell you.
- Be calm and non-judgmental. If you need to practice the conversation in advance in order to remain calm, do so. This will send the message that you are strong enough to handle what they have to tell you. If you do not remain non-judgmental, your child may not feel comfortable in telling you very necessary information you may need to save his or her life. If you phrase your question like “You are not thinking of suicide are you?” that sends a message that you are looking for a specific answer, not necessarily the truth.
- It is ok not to know all the answers. Reassure your child that there is help available, and together you will find help. Asking for help will protect your child, and together you can identify caring adults that your child can talk to when he or she needs guidance and support.
- Do not minimize the problem, and listen to them, focusing concern on their well being.
- Provide constant supervision, do not leave them alone
- Get help! Do not keep suicidal thoughts a secret! Either contact your child’s school or mental health resources in the community as soon as possible.
- Remove access to firearms or other lethal means from your home immediately. Even if you think these means are securely stored, your child may know how to access them.
- Foster connectedness with peers and adults. Recent studies show that students who have students who had more connections with peers and close connection to adults had lower rates of suicide.
- Know the signs, and share the knowledge. This information may not just help your child, but your child’s friends. Sharing the information will also protect your child in other settings, such as friend’s homes if your child shows signs of suicide there!
New COVID-19 School Response Dashboard
Content courtesy of qualtrics.com
Brown University Professor Emily Oster and Qualtrics Partner with School Superintendents and Principals Associations to Launch the National COVID-19 School Response Dashboard
On September 23, 2020, a collective of national education organizations, researchers and technology experts are unveiling the National COVID-19 School Response Dashboard, the first nationwide database that systematically maps schools’ responses to the pandemic across the United States. Data will be visualized in a single dashboard that empowers school leaders, policymakers and the general public to examine current conditions in their own communities—as well as compare against other areas—to adapt to changing environments and make data-driven teaching and learning decisions as they continue to navigate the 2020-21 school year.
The intent to create a national dashboard and generate initial interest among school districts was announced one month ago. Since then, hundreds of schools across the nation have joined the effort. The dashboard, created by Qualtrics, currently provides information at the state level such as: school type (public, independent, etc.); average student infection rate (based on a reported two-week period); average staff infection rate (based on a reported two-week period); whether the school is currently in-person, hybrid or fully virtual. The dashboard will be continuously updated as districts join this effort and as existing districts provide new information on details such as case count and learning model.
The broad partnership consists of: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; the National Association of Secondary School Principals; the National Association of Elementary School Principals; Brown University Professor of Economics Emily Oster; and Qualtrics, the experience management company.
****Please note that since the dashboard is in its early stages, data is limited, as not all school districts across the country have submitted data.
NPR Article from 09-23-2020: New Dashboard Tracks Coronavirus Cases in Schools Across 47 States
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS FOR PARENTS
CCMS School Site Council
Culver City Middle School is seeking parent nominees for the 2020-2021 School Site Council (SSC). The Council consists of five parents and five faculty members who meet regularly to update the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) and to review and monitor curriculum implementation. Here is an opportunity to share your curriculum ideas, to learn, and to work closely with the faculty.
The School Site Council office position is a two-year term (a parent of an eighth
grader is an exception). SSC meetings are scheduled monthly in the early evening.
If you would like to be considered for nomination or would like to nominate another parent, please complete the NOMINATION FORM by October 2.
WE ARE 30% THROUGH OUR 100 DAY CAMPAIGN!
It was great to see SO many Panther Parents at Back to School Night! Thank you very much to all of you who’ve already donated to the 100 Campaign to raise vital funds to support our amazing teachers and programs at CCMS. As Ruth Bader Ginsberg said "one lives not just for oneself but for one's community". In these uncertain times supporting causes close to home, like our kids' school, where we can have a big impact on our community, is a great way to live this out.
We are now 30% through the 100 day campaign but are showing ONLY ABOUT 10% PARTICIPATION OUT OF OUR NEARLY 1700 STUDENT POPULATION. So far we have raised $23,339 of the $100,000 goal. We need your help to avoid having to cut vital programs. Click here to donate today: Donate 20-21
We ask everyone to give as they are able, recognizing that this pandemic is affecting people differently. Wondering how much to give? Consider matching what you would have paid for summer camps or sports registrations or music/dance/etc. lessons for your student in the past year, or giving whatever you’re able. Many hands make light work and all gifts of every amount make a difference. Remember the goal is 100% of families giving in the first 100 days to raise $100k for our amazing school. Thank you so much for generously investing in CCMS. And a reminder that all gifts of $250 or more entitle you to a free beautiful plush navy blanket embroidered with the #CULVERPRIDE logo!
With Gratitude,
Your Fellow Panther Parents on the PTSA & Panther Partners Boards
PTSA News and Info!
We had a blast with the new parents at the Virtual Mixer. Thank you to those parents who joined us. We even had fun showing off our pets If you were unable to make it, some great tips were shared on how to survive starting CCMS. Click this link to watch the full recording.
It’s not too late to join the PTSA this year. We have 370 members and counting. We want every family to be represented this year! Please sign up today, and if you are able to, sponsor a teacher for membership too!
Join the PTSA (it’s only $8/year) https://jointotem.com/ca/culver-city/culver-city-middle-school-ptsa
PREVIOUSLY POSTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
CCMS Time Trackers Are Here!
Our CCMS Time Trackers finally arrived last week and we have been handing them out to any student who comes by. We will continue distributing this week, Monday through Friday, from 2-4 pm. After that, you will need to make an appointment with the office.
Library Books and Other Supplies Pick-ups
Elective supplies, Fun Friday kits and ELA packets will still be available for pick up in the main office from 9am-4pm.
Pedometers for Students and the Walk Across America Challenge!
Join us in this fun challenge and pick up your free student pedometer at CCMS this week from 2-4pm!
Help our school cross the United States by walking and biking each day. Use your pedometer (or smart phone app) and Activity Tracker to track how many steps, blocks or miles you walk or bike each day, week and month. Then simply upload the information through the Active4.me Run Club application. That's it! The system tracks your progress and all the other students at your school. Together we will chart a path across the country!
Note: this system is part of the Active4.me scanning/tracking system we have used for 7 years. While the system does ask for a parent’s last name and email, we do not collect any information about the children. Also, it is strictly an opt-in system. If you wish to participate without registering, you can send us a screenshot of the student’s Activity Tracker and the data will be entered for them. This information is not used for any purpose other than our specific encouragement activity.
Here is how it works:
Parents visit their school’s link here www.ccwalkandroll.com/overview and register for the Walk/Bike Challenge.
They enter a unique ScreenName (NOT their child's name), teacher, parent email and parent last name.
Parents will be sent a confirmation email with a link to their own tracking page. (This information is not shared with or accessible to anyone but the parent and myself)
Using their pedometer - or smart phone app - they count their steps (alternatively, they can simply count blocks or miles on their own)
They can also use the Activity Tracker to track their progress.
Once a day or once week they enter their progress online.
That's it! Each week, we will run a report and update the school's progress as they journey across the United States together! I cannot wait to see which school crosses the country first!
Again, pedometers are being distributed this week and the system activates on Monday so get yours soon! The pedometer and Tracker are mostly encouragement tools and are not necessary for participation.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Jim
Walk 'n Rollers
Helping kids start their day in a fun, active way!
(310) 204-4346
Donate today!
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Absences and Student Attendance Update
Para ver esta presentación en español, haga clic aquí
Update on Enriching Students App
Students will be trained this Wednesday, Sep 23 and will be expected to sign up for the Oct 7 PAWs. All self-sign ups for intervention/enrichment will go through Enriching Students beginning on Oct 7.
The website to access the Enriching Students (PAWs) website is: https://app.enrichingstudents.com/
What is PAWs?
PAWs (Panther Achievement Workshops) are sessions that are scheduled every Wednesday after Panther Pods (homeroom). Each subject will have a time slot where teachers will be hosting extra help/intervention/enrichment sessions for students who could benefit from the extra time with their teachers. Students can sign up for 0-7 PAWs sessions every week. Though it is not mandatory to sign up for PAWs, the students are encouraged to utilize this extra help session for the classes that they may need the extra help.
When does PAWs happen?
PAWs sessions happen every Wednesday. There are 30 minute sessions scheduled for every subject area. See bell schedule on the left.
How do students sign up for PAWs?
Starting Wednesday, September 23rd, students can sign up for PAWs by using a sign up site called Enriching Students. Their teachers will be posting their PAWs offering for the week on Monday. The students can sign up themselves or the teacher can sign up the students if they feel they can benefit from attending the live video session. Attendance will be taken by the teacher in the PAWs session.
How will the students know how to sign up for PAWs?
During this Wednesday’s Panther Pod time, the students will be trained on how to sign onto the Enriching Students website, how to search for the teachers’ offerings, and how to schedule for their PAWs sessions. Here is the instruction on how to log in and change your password, viewing your schedule, and scheduling or requesting an appointment. To watch a video tutorial on what the students see on the mobile app, you can watch this video.CCMS Celebrates Diversity with Theme Months!
Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month is Sep. 15 - Oct. 15!
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society and culture. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Just two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a month-long celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
The timing is key. Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
WHY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IS IMPORTANT
Strong impact on America: Hispanic influences are tightly knitted in the fabric of American life. Think music, food, art, cinema, politics, literature, and so much more.
Around one-fifth of the U.S. population is Hispanic: The state with the largest Hispanic and Latino population overall is California with over 14 million.
Our kids benefit: While Hispanic children learn about their roots this month, all kids can benefit from learning about Spanish history and culture.
Check out the two resources below:
- Oprah Mag: On OprahMag.com, we celebrate Latinidad and all identities every day. But for Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 through October 15, we're highlighting stories from Latinx perspectives, which you can read here. Disfruten! (Highly recommend)
- National Park Service: Telling All Americans' Stories, American Latino Heritage
Looking for a way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your kids? Check out these family-friendly resources!
Great Resource for Students and Families!
AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES AND SPORTS INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
An Update on CCMS Fall and Winter Sports
Due to Covid-19 all Fall and Winter sports have been canceled at CCMS.
We are looking into spring sports as a possibility, and we hope we will be able to offer a full sports program for the 2021-2022 school year.
If you have additional questions about particular sports, please contact the AD for the sports under their name.
Athletic Director - Tom Salter tomsalter@ccusd.org 310-842-4200 x6060
Fall - Flag Football , Water Polo , Girls Tennis
Winter - Swim
Spring - Softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys Tennis
Athletic Director - Angelo Sablan angelosablan@ccusd.org
Fall - Girls Volleyball , Cross Country
Winter - Boys and Girls Basketball
Spring - Boys and Girls Soccer, Track, Boys Volleyball
Athletic Assistant - Tonya Mclinn tonyamclinn@ccusd.org
Panther Partners After School Classes - You can STILL Enroll!
Registration is open & Classes have started for the Panther Partners After School Classes! YOU CAN STILL JOIN
Beginning & Continuing French
2 different art classes
Mathcounts & Math Olympiad
Actors’ Workshop
Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (coding)
Photography
Folklorico Dance
Magic: The Gathering
Register here: Click here for Panther Partners After School Classes Registration!
Fall 2020.
Classes started September 7, 2020 ( Labor Day week) and run through the week of December 18, 2020.
That’s 14 weeks of classes!
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
CCMS IMPROV After School Program Info
CCMS is the largest and longest-running after school program at CCMS. Started in 2011, 100+ students participate each year.
Improv is a comprehensive study of game-based, short form improvisation directed and taught by award-winning professional improvisers Eric Price, Sarah Parga, and Eddie Quintana.
Students learn, practice, and perform fundamentals of improvisation as well as advanced concepts and skills (scene study, character work, styles, genres, and musical improvisation). Most importantly, students develop essential life skills such as acceptance, commitment, flexibility, courage, collaboration, critical thinking, and kindness. No experience of any kind is necessary; only commitment and positive attitude are required!
Please see our short informational video at ccmsimprov.com, and check out the flyer below for additional information.
Registration begins Aug 18 ~ classes start Sep 14. Register at ccmsimprov.com
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Suicide Support & Resources
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 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.
New Information Regarding Grab n Go Meals!
Serving Procedures:
- Grab 'n Go meals will be offered daily at all school sites.
- CCMS will serve at the main entrance from 1:00 PM to 2 PM daily.
- Lunches will include a student’s choice of lunch entrées along with accompanying side dishes.
Sandy Segal Youth Health Center Services
Access the Incredible Resources of CCUSD!
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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