In The Middle
A newsletter to and for the parents of CLMS - 4/12/19
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Busy, busy, busy this time of year. Thanks for the continued support. This is the part of the year where our kids might start looking a wee bit far down the path. Every day counts, everything matters. Help your kiddos stay focused and on task.
Dress code matter at this time of the year. Please reinforce the good choices the kids have been making.
MCA Item - I had one parent contact me about their child being gone during testing. That is so helpful - Because now I can make a plan that will work for them ahead of time.
April is National Poetry Month - My poem suggestion is from one of my favorite Poets - Robert Frost -
Click the link to read "The Road Less Taken" https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken
We are all in this together.
Ralph Fairchild
CLMS Principal
651-213-2401
Perfect Attendance for Term 3
Two important steps to be successful.
1-Show up
2-Keep showing up
It is no accident that these kids are here everyday. It takes grit. Good job!
Honor Roll - Grade 6 - Term 3
Honor Roll - Grade 7 - Term 3
Honor Roll - Grade 8 - Term 3
MCA and MAP TESTING
It is GO TIME
MCA and MAP Test. By the time your child gets to CLMS you are well aware of what
these tests are. We use the data as part of the decision making process for placement in
advanced classes and in supportive classes. It matters. Please do your best to make sure
your kiddos are rested, ready, and fed. The biggest key to success is knowing the material. We have been working on that for the entire year. Your child is more than a number, but this
number belongs to your child, and it matters.
MCA Test Schedule
● Reading - the week of April 15th
● Math - the week of April 22nd
● Science - the week of April 29th. (Grade 8 Only)
MAP Test Schedule
● Reading - the week of May 8th
● Math - the week of May 15th
The test will be given in the rooms with the teachers who have them for those subjects, for the most part. There are exceptions based on the needs of the kids and the fact that the upstairs can be a bit loud. The idea is to make it as stress free as we can while we still get a good measure of the kids and our school. If they are sick, don’t worry, we
will make it up with them. If you can avoid the discretionary absences that would be great.
MCA insight for parents
As you have heard me say before, the number one way to do well on the MCA test is to know the material. I will stand by that 100%.
It is also important to understand how the questions will be asked and how they kids will be asked to manipulate what is on the screen to answer the questions. They are "old pros" at this but I thought you might like to play around a bit on these pages. So enjoy.
Navigational Tutor - Provides a look at how to get around in side of the MCA tests
https://mn.testnav.com/client/index.html#loginusername=LGN576836412&password=B4J52CRUTools Tutorial - Lets you see the tools that are there for the kids during testing
https://mn.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN213773761&password=CY84AL5B
Item Types Tutorial - Gives you a look at the types of questions your kiddo will be seeing
https://mn.testnav.com/client/index.html#login?username=LGN780828113&password=W7GXKCM4
The results are in - Wonder Was the Winner of the Final Four in the Media Center
PE outside.... and then back inside.
First Technology Challenge http://www.firstinspires.org/
Dear Parent/Guardian:
It’s time to be thinking about fall First Robotics. We will be having a parent informational meeting on May 6th at 6:30 pm in room 14. If your student has expressed an interest in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) please join us. FIRST Tech Challenge is for students in grades 7-9 who attend Chisago Lakes School Middle School and Chisago Lakes High School. FTC is a robust robotics program that provides students with opportunities in design, programming, and marketing. Students will design and build an 18” X 18” robot to participate in a game challenge in February. At the challenge/competition, teams form an alliance with another robot and compete against other alliances. Alliance partners change with each round of competition so your partner in one round may be your opponent in the next round. FTC builds spirited competition and fosters a level of cooperation unlike any other activity.
FTC teams must be formed and ready by early September. The CLSD team will consist of 8-10 students and will be under the umbrella of Student Activities at (CLSD) for a fee of $100. Robot building activities will be held two days a week from 6:00-8:00 PM and will be supervised by volunteer program mentors.
If you are interested in your child participating in FTC, we invite you to attend the parent meeting on May 6th, 6:30 pm in room 14 at Chisago Lakes Middle School.
Timeline of Events:
May 6: FTC Parent Information Meeting in room 14 at CLMS 6:30pm-7:30pm
May 29: Due Student Application
May-June: Distribute program information to students in grades 7-9
July: Register and order equipment
August: Finalize team members and volunteer program mentors
September: Season begins (first Saturday after Labor Day)
December: Competition
Thank you for considering your student’s participation in this program. The time invested in the First Technology Challenge will provide a quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experience for students in our community.
Scott Frischmon, Robotics Mentor
651-213-2455
Fundraiser For Junior Achievement
Fundraiser For Junior Achievement
Fogo-de-Chao is opening its doors, in support of Junior Achievement (JA), for an evening of camaraderie and dinning. So, grab your friends, family, and co-workers and enjoy an evening out at Fogo-de-Chao. Please pass this invite on to anyone you feel would enjoy an evening at Fogo-de-Chao.
- Wednesday, May 1, 2019
- Reservations 5:00 – 9:30
- Fogo de Chao
- 645 Hennepin Ave.
- Minneapolis MN 55403
- Cost: $60 per meal (valued at $80)
- $25 of each dinner going directly to JAUM.
- Payment will be due at dinner on May 1.
Diners enjoy one Full Churrasco Experience, one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, and dessert (per person) with $25 of each dinner going directly to JAUM to support our student programs.
We ask you make reservations through JA to ensure special pricing and for funds to benefit our local JA. You may register athttps://www.jaum.org/events/fogo/ or contact Tara Broker Lashley at tara@jaum.org or 651.255.0069. Limited space is available, register early.
We hope to see you and your friends, family, and co-workers at this great evening out.
WILDCAT PRIDE!
The following kids have earned and turned in five or more Wildcat Wows. This means they were recognized for demonstrating one of CLMS High Five - Respect, Responsibility, Compassion Commitment and Integrity.
April is National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month. The Media Center is sponsoring the following fun activities to promote poetry, creativity, and collaboration.
- Concrete Poetry - Create a poem in the Makerspace that is also a work of art! Concrete poems use words to create pictures. Stop by the Media Center to see examples and make your own.
- Pavement Poems - During the last week of April, use sidewalk chalk to write a poem in our Outdoor Classroom.
Community Education Offerings
Here is this week’s newsletter. Thanks!
Summer (May-August) 2019 Catalog – Published March 22! Register today!
Starts Monday, April 15th after school at the High School
Grades 6-10. Get together with friends and put on a show! Learn acting skills, choreography, create props and more.
Starts after school on Monday, April 15th in the gymnastics room
Improve your skills and prepare for High School competition, no experience necessary.
Check out our Middle School flyer, specifically for grades 6-8! Something for everyone!
Register online (www.isd2144.org/communityed) for these classes or call 651-213-2600!