Miner Country News
December 4, 2017
1:1 Technology at Concord Middle
- You should have signed and returned an updated Chromebook user agreement (if you have not seen this, then please download off our webpage and send in with your student)
- Students are responsible for any damages incurred on the chromebook if the student is negligent in the care of the laptop.
- Students need to be reminded of the importance of carrying the laptop in the case at all times; not putting it in the book bag (as this can easily crack screens), and ensuring that the laptop is used for learning purposes while at school.
- Students do return their laptops each day to the 4a teacher; students are NEVER to take them home.
- If you ever have questions or concerns, please simply call the school and ask for the grade level administrator of your child. THANK YOU!
Thank you to our PTSO for the Veterans Day Breakfast!
A few changes...
In the beginning of November, we moved Miner Time to after lunch. We did this so that there was more of a natural progression for the day's learning and schedule so that students have 2 full classes and lunch, then Miner Time, then their final 2 classes. This also helped the lunch schedules. So far, it has gone well! We appreciate our students flexing with this change.
Also, for those of you who were with us last year, you know that at each 9 weeks we did a quarterly awards ceremony for each grade level to be recognized for A honor roll, A/B honor roll, and perfect attendance. Because of our schedule this year where students are not all in electives at the same time as their grade level, this type of ceremony is not possible this year. Therefore, instead of this, we are still rewarding the students for receiving these reconditions with a "cookies and cans" celebration where students get extra social time, cookies, and canned drinks, as well as their certificates. This also minimizes the class time that students miss.
Updates from our IB Coordinator, Ms. Meehan
Community service continues as a strong IB component. In October, our 8th graders conducted a preliminary needs assessment as Irvin Elementary School and are currently planning activities for these students. Our 7th graders learned about the Cabarrus Reading Association and created bookmarks to donate to their events. Next, they will learn about Cabarrus County Meals on Wheels and create placemats or origami art to donate. Likewise, through their social studies classes, students are collecting gently used books for Reading Rooms in Liberia. Our 6th graders have learned how to make sleeping mats out of plastic bags and are still asking for donations of plastic grocery bags to help their efforts. We plan on donating the braided mats to local homeless shelters.
Ask your children what they have learned about IB Learner Profile Traits and how they are applying the traits to their lives: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, Reflective.
What is PBIS at CMS?
What is PBIS?
PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Support. This is a program designed to reward students for positive behavior and improving the school climate. PBIS provides a way for teachers and administrators to teach students school rules and expectations, reward positive behavior, and find ways to positively address negative behavior to improve student achievement. The staff at Concord Middle School are focused on working with students and their families to promote positive behavior in school and in the community. We have three expectations which are reinforced daily. At Concord Middle School we expect our students to be: respectful to themselves; respectful of others; respectful of our school.
Caught Being....
This year, in an effort to improve student achievement and recognize students who displaying good citizenship, we are trying to catch students demonstrating different IB learner profile traits each month. Each month we will randomly select one student who has been recognized each month to receive a $10 gift card!
PBIS Social
Every 3 weeks, students who have not received ISS, OSS, or a Bus Referral for the 3 week time period will be able to attend the PBIS social which takes place during Miner Time. During this time, we simply want to incentivize students who are following the CMS behavioral expectations with some extra social time, tech time, activity time, and the ability to purchase snacks.
What about the parents?
Parents are an important part of PBIS implementation. We encourage parents to use the same expectations and rules that the school teaches. This common language creates consistency and a unified support for expected student behavior. Students thrive when they have consistent, predictable expectations and consequences.
Student Expo!!!! March 1, 2018!
Preparing for the IB visit in April
Concord SCOOP
Important Calendar Items
Dec. 15: Winter Chorus Concert at 7pm in the LGIA
Dec. 19: Winter Band Concert at 7pm in the Gym
Dec. 21 - 29: Winter break
Jan. 2: First day back for the 2018 year!
Jan. 15: MLK Holiday
Jan. 19: Early dismissal for professional development
Jan. 22: Teacher workday
Jan. 26: Talent Show sponsored by the Student Council