The Principal's Message
Crossroads South Middle School
October 2016
CROSSROADS SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sondra Hinson & Mark Kmiec, Assistant Principals
Website: www.sbschools.org
Location: 195 Major Road, NJ, United States
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBSDXRDS/timeline
Twitter: @SBSDXRDS
FROM THE PRINCIPAL...
Happy October Crossroads South! We have had a wonderful start to our school year which has been filled with great success from our student athletes and tremendous work in the classroom. This will serve as a regular home/school connection to keep you informed of important information related to Crossroads South Middle School. As to be expected, we have several important reminders coming up regarding our calendar so please read this newsletter carefully.
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend! :)
Bonnie Capes
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- FALL CONFERENCES: This year our Fall Conferences will be held on 11/7, 11/8, 11/9, and 11/14. Each of these days is an Early Release day. PLEASE NOTE: The LATE NIGHT for Crossroads South has been moved to MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14th. This is different from our District Calendar. Detailed information regarding our on-line conference scheduling (PICK-a-TIME) will be sent home next week.
- HALLOWEEN: Our school will recognize Halloween on Monday, October 31st. We will still hold a full schedule of classes, with a shortened day to allow for Unit time in the afternoon. Please remember that there are no masks or weapons allowed in school. In addition, do not forget to read Dr. McCartney's letter that was attached to my original email.
- RACE TO NOWHERE - PART II: Please join the South Brunswick Parent Academy on 10/27 at SBHS (7pm) for Part II of a shared viewing of the popular documentary, Race to Nowhere. If you missed Part I, please do not worry! You will still benefit from this engaging conversation on the pressure and stress our students face. I will be there and I look forward to talking about the implications for Crossroads South.
REMINDERS
- CHANGE IN DISMISSAL: If you are planning to pick your child up early, please send in a note alerting the school using our CHANGE OF DISMISSAL FORM.
- ATTENDANCE: Daily attendance in school is a critical factor in the success of your child. Please do your best to minimize the number of days your child is absent from school or is taken out early for appointments. Should your child exceed the number of acceptable days absent as determined by NJ State Law, you will receive a letter from the school.
- BUS REMINDERS: Please note: Students are NOT allowed to ride any other busses, even if a parent gives permission. The transportation department does not allow this practice, as they cannot plan for additional students riding our already full busses.
UPCOMING DATES
- 10/24 - BOE Meeting @ North - 7pm
- 10/27 - Picture Retakes (Information on Friday Folder)
- 10/27 - Race to Nowhere Part II - Parent Academy @ SBHS 7pm
- 10/28 - 6th Grade Social (3:30pm-5:30pm)
- 10/29 - PTO Clothing Drive 9am - 12pm
NOVEMBER
- 11/1 - 11/14 - Thanksgiving SB Food Pantry DRIVE
- 11/7 - EARLY RELEASE - Conferences & Book Fair
- 11/8 - EARLY RELEASE - Conferences & Book Fair
- 11/9 - EARLY RELEASE - Conferences & Book Fair
- 11/10 - NO SCHOOL - NJEA
- 11/11 - NO SCHOOL - NJEA (Veteran's Day!)
- 11/14 - EARLY RELEASE - Conferences (LATE NIGHT)
- 11/15 - 12/14 - Holiday Food Drive SB Food Pantry
- 11/16 - PTO Meeting 7pm @ South
- 11/29 - Hugs for Brady Fundraiser (Light Show)
SCHOOL GOALS
- SELF REGULATION PART II: Self - regulation is the ability to monitor and control our behavior and emotions. It also allows us to adapt our behavior and emotions according to the situation at hand. In essence, self -regulation is the ability to practice self-control, inhibition and persist through a task despite its difficulty and lack of enjoyment. Self-regulated learning strategies help to prepare learners for lifelong learning and the important capacity to transfer skills, knowledge, and abilities from one setting to another. Further reading: http://nurtureandthriveblog.com/the-most-important-skill-to-teach-children/
WELLNESS PART II & CULTURE/CLIMATE: The district has taken on the challenge to promote wellness and healthy living throughout our professional and personal work. Many teachers have infused "wellness" strategies into his/her classrooms and will continue to do so. In addition, as part of the social/emotional wellness of our students, our school has engaged in the critical work of assessing our school culture and climate in terms of positive behavioral supports and anti-bullying. As we seek to include more student voice in the government of our school, we want to continually work to provide a safe and caring environment for all.
VERTICAL ARTICULATION: Being in the middle is never easy. We can often feel squeezed from both sides. The goal of Vertical Articulation is to ensure the safe and methodical passage of our students throughout the three distinct levels in the district; elementary, middle, and high. Our teachers have already begun the work of aligning practice, curriculum, and expectations for this very purpose and we will continue to study the ways we can create even more smooth transitions.
FROM THE COUNSELORS...
Welcome to a wonderful school year! We have had a great FALL and we are eager to support your children in any way possible. Please feel free to reach out with any concerns.
Barbara McCarthy
Ext. 3937
Aurora - 6th
Phoenix-6th
Gamma-7th
Alpha 8th
Allison Young
Ext. 3943
Apollo- 6th
Delta -7th
Omega-8th
Beta- 8th
MEMBERSHIP
UPCOMING EVENTS
- The Fall Book Fair will be held during the week of conferences. The PTO is looking for volunteers...please see the Friday Folder link for information.
CLOTHING DRIVE
- Sat. 10/29 from 9am - 12pm, the PTO will be collecting bags of clothes in the back parking lot. We will receive money for every pound of clothing donated. Last year, we raised $600!!
HUGS FOR BRADY LIGHT SHOW
- The Hugs for Brady's Holiday Light Show will be donating 10% of Crossroads Middle School back to the school for anyone who attends on November 29th, 2016. Please see the Friday Folder flyer for more information!