The CMS Scoop
The Best Middle School in the Universe!
Volume 15, Number 1 - August 31, 2020
Welcome back!
This has been such an interesting summer. The only thing consistent these past few months is change, but such is life right now. I can tell you that our teachers have been getting ready for this year since June. We knew our students would probably be learning virtually so we have been on a journey of learning how to teach virtually. We have all stretched ourselves to become proficient in the use of many different, new tools to enable us to engage with our students, and been knee deep in mastering our new learning management system (LMS) Schoology. We have all worked hard to be as prepared as possible. However, we know implementing our new systems will come with some challenges. We ask for your grace and patience as we begin our new school year as we know there will be some bumps along the way.
Reaching out and touching base with our students is a huge priority for our teachers to start creating those virtual relationships with all kids. We want them to feel connected to CMS even through a camera and we are going to continue to do some of those awesome and amazing things we usually do as a campus. We will still have positive behavior supports to encourage our students to do great things every day. We will still have our Students of the Month and Cougartime. It will just look different.
Our next priority is to make sure our students are getting what they need academically. Our teachers have been working hard to ensure your children are challenged and working to their potential. Our virtual learning will require our students to be a little more independent but that's a good thing. We need our students to learn to work on their own and problem solve, then come ask for help. Our teachers are ready and willing to help provide help, support, extend their learning and make sure every student is excelling in all areas.
Our teachers will continue to email you all at least every two weeks regarding upcoming content and any other important information. Grades will be entered by Monday at midnight weekly so that you may check every Tuesday morning for grade updates. Schoology will be helpful for students as they will see (as will you) all their assignments on a calendar and grades posted. These are such important executive functioning skills our kids need to learn. Our teacher will continue to provide our students with timely feedback so look for student trackers in all core classes. We want our students to take ownership of their grades and set goals for every assessment. It is an important life skill and we expect all our students to make progress every year.
This first week, students will be learning all about Schoology and virtual expectations. Once we get closer to in-person learning, we will roll out new videos and learning about how school will look on campus for those coming. We will also roll those out to you all.
CMS opened in 2006 and this year marks our 15th year. Can you believe it?! It is our #quinceanos and we hope to gather and celebrate in late Spring as we continue to Live the Chapa Legacy. We are proud to work in a school named after such a great man like Armando Chapa! I am super excited about starting this year and I hope you are also despite all the uncertainty. I can assure you we are going to make this our best year ever!
Please let us know how we can help you throughout the year. You are more than welcome to email me directly or call my secretary, Laura Torres, to schedule a meeting with me if you have any concerns or questions. It is my privilege and honor to serve as your child's Principal. Thank you for your support and we look forward to another great year!
Below is information that was sent out Friday morning in case you missed it.
- On Tuesday, September 8th, your child will begin virtual school. There will be a zoom code for every class. We have created a handy dandy document for you to write your child’s zoom code for all their classes. Use the document below to record all zoom information. I’ve also attached the document in a word and pdf version.
- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yuuuM5Q81r3SWMMxXm_tzYcbJ3LRQqrh26sxW7IaE7k/copy
- By the end of the day today, you will receive an email from every teacher with their class zoom code. We hope this will be helpful so that you can prepare for your child’s first day of school and they can stay organized with this information.
Go Cougars!
Welcome New to CMS Faculty/Staff!
We want to welcome the newest members to our CMS Familia! Our process for hiring the best is tough, so we are proud to introduce to you our newest Team Chapa members, all of whom exhibit the traits that we consider important and which exemplify what it takes to be a Chapa Cougar!
- Gloria Zepeta Martinez - 8th ELA
- Philip Shelton - 7th SS and Boy's Coach
- Nathan Santoyo - 6th SS and Girl's/Boy's Coach
- Rey Martinez - 8th SS Teacher
- Francisco Garcia Almenar - Spanish Teacher
- Amanda Daniels - Head Band Director
- Chloe Queen - Dyslexia Teacher
- Jerib Carson - 6th SC Teacher
- Jessica Busceme - 8th SC Teacher
- Emelda Hinojosa - CIS Program Manager
Reynoldo Martinez
Nathan Santoyo
Jessica Busceme
Gloria Zepeta
Amanda Daniels
Philip Shelton
Jerib Carson
Francisco Garcia Almenar
Chloe Queen
Emelda Hinojosa
Tech Support
Students log into their Class Link account (https://launchpad.classlink.com/hayscisd) by going to Chapa Middle School Website/Cougar Zone/Class Link.
If students are on an iPad or tablet, they need to download the app to access Class Link.
Their username is their Student ID #.
- If they are 6th graders, their password is their Student ID #.
- If they are 7th or 8th graders, their password is the one they created last year.
If they forgot their password, you can send students this link to the Technology Help Website for parents and students:
https://sites.google.com/hayscisd.net/helpdesk/parents-and-students
Phone: 512-268-2141 Ext 44357 or 512-268-7676
Email: helpdesk@hayscisd.net
***Why does this matter to you? Because EVERYTHING that students need is on Class Link including SCHOOLOGY!***
Hays CISD Meal Service Info
FAQ for Beginning of School Meals
Online Application for Free/Reduced Meals
School Supplies
CMS PTA Membership Form
How to Check your Grades and Attendance (SSS)
Upcoming September Events
Coffee with the Principals - Monday, September 21, 2020 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity for parents to get in touch with the principal and assistant principals and find out what’s going on at CMS. Mrs. Walls provides an update and discusses important issues that matter most to parents, students, and the community. Enjoy coffee in your own house and a chance to get to know Mrs. Walls, Mr. Vela and Ms. Miranda as well as other CMS parents. Shake off those memories of getting “sent to the Principal’s office” and join her for coffee instead! This is a virtual gathering. A google form will be attached soon.
Coffee with the Counselors - Wednesday, October 2, 2020; 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. – Save the date! This is a great opportunity for parents to get in touch with our counselors and find out what being a middle school child is all about. Mrs. Flores and Mrs. Dinderman will focus on different grade levels at each session. Enjoy coffee in your house and a chance to meet our counselors as well as get connected with other parents. This is a virtual gathering. A google form will be attached soon.
First Mindset - Everything is Possible
Virtual Coffee with the Principals
Monday, Sep 21, 2020, 07:30 AM
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Virtual Coffee with the Counselors
Wednesday, Oct 2, 2019, 07:30 AM
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Chapa Middle School
Email: lisa.walls@hayscisd.net
Website: www.hayscisd.net/
Location: 3311 Dacy Lane, Kyle, TX, United States
Phone: (512) 268-8500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChapaMS/
Twitter: @Chapa_Cougars