The Principal's Message
Crossroads South Middle School
October 29th, 2017
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...
I hope this message finds you warm and dry on this rainy day! This past week, Crossroads South held our FIRST Family Friday. In mixed grade-level groupings, students got to know other students in our school. The family leaders shared the importance of having a school family and how we must continue our conversations about respect. I was able to peak in every single family, either by saying hello or by waving in the window. One 8th grade student shared with his group, "I want to be a good role model for the 6th graders." Another student said, "You're part of my crew now." This program will continue to meet on Fridays as our schedule allows. We are excited for the possibilities.
Thank you!
Ms. Capes
SCHOOL NOTES
- HALLOWEEN: On Tuesday, we will have a "Community Day" schedule to allow for some fun time in the afternoon. Students are allowed to wear costumes to school, however NO MASKS or WEAPONS are permitted. Any such items will be confiscated. In addition, if students are not comfortable with the Halloween celebrations, they should speak to their 9th period teacher regarding an alternative.
- CONFERENCES: This year, we will continue to use the online system for scheduling our parent/teacher conferences, Pick-a-Time. Information about how to schedule a conference will be sent home next week and the online portal will open by November 1st. Please note that you DO NOT need to schedule a time with every teacher. Using the information in Genesis is a great way to determine the teachers who are most critical for you to speak with.
ONGOING REMINDERS
- GRADING & GENESIS: We are approaching the middle of the marking period and many parents have not logged into Genesis to review your child's progress. Please take a moment to check the parent portal. Should you have any questions regarding assignments or grading, please contact your child's teacher(s) directly.
- ATTENDANCE REMINDERS: 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
OCTOBER
- 10/31 - HALLOWEEN (Community Day)
NOVEMBER
- 11/1 - Picture Day Make-ups
- 11/2 - 8th Grade Vo-Tech Trip
- 11/6 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 11/7 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 11/8 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 11/9 - NO SCHOOL - NJEA
- 11/10 - NO SCHOOL - NJEA
- 11/13 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 11/15 - PTO Meeting @ South 7pm
- 11/16 - "NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS" - Football Game 6pm
- 11/20 - BOE Meeting 7pm
- 11/22 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - Thanksgiving Weekend
- 11/23 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
- 11/24 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
SCHOOL GOALS
- ACADEMIC GROWTH: We will always focus on our curriculum and instruction for the purpose of moving students forward. Staff will engage in professional learning to improve learning for all students.
- CULTURE/CLIMATE: The place and space in which we work is critical to success. Our goal is to create schools where students are excited to come to everyday! 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. Our over-arching focus has been and will continue to be...RESPECT - Respect Yourself, Respect Each Other, and Respect our Environment. In addition, we will focus on the importance of attendance. Every day counts!!
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.