Cedar Crest Middle School
February 2024 Newsletter
Message from the Principal
Hello CCMS Falcon Families,
We are happy to report how well things are going at school! It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through the school year. It seems to be going so fast. Students and teachers have been working hard on increasing skills and meeting goals, and great progress is being made. I ask that you spend some time this week reflecting on the achievements of your child/ren, and what we can do together to support and encourage them for the remainder of the school year. Please check in with your children and their teachers if you have any questions or concerns. We are committed to working as a team for our students success!
Parents of Cornwall-Lebanon School District are invited to nominate a teacher for the 2023-2024 Lebanon Federal Credit Union Teacher of the Year Award. Please thoughtfully nominate a teacher, who has contributed to your students’ learning experiences by going above and beyond and has served as a model of excellence for a fantastic year of hard work and dedication. Please click on the button below to access the information about this nomination. It is a very simple process and is done online. The submission deadline is Friday, February 16, 2024.
Thank you for reading our monthly online newsletter. You can bookmark this link for easy access; however, the link will change with each monthly newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact the main office at 717-272-2032. The CCMS secretaries will direct your questions or inquiry to the appropriate staff member to best serve you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Joseph Burton
Principal
Cedar Crest Middle School
Cornwall-Lebanon School District Mission
“Empowering our students to reach their individual potential.”
ELECTRONIC VISITOR SIGN-IN
The safety of our students is always a top priority for the Cornwall-Lebanon School District (CLSD). As part of our district safety initiative, we are pleased to announce that we have upgraded to a new visitor check-in system in our building to enhance school safety for both students and staff.
How Does It Work?
When entering the middle school building, visitors are required to present identification (such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport), which will be scanned into the Identi-Kid Visitor Managment System. The system checks the visitor's name and date of birth against a national database of registered sex offenders. No other information is collected, recorded, or shared externally. Upon approval, the front desk secretary will release the front door and present you with a sticker with the visitor's information and purpose. Check-in is still required during each visit unless an item or correspondence is being dropped off with the secretary.
The system is only be used during school hours, not for after-school activities.
Do you need translation? ¿Necesitas traducción?
If you need a translation, please open the online version of your newsletter by clicking the "View it in your browser" link provided at the top of the email: Once you have accessed the online newsletter, you can look at the top right side of the newsletter to find the "Accessibility" bar and the "Translate Newsletter" option.
Si necesitas traducción, por favor abra la versión en línea del boletín escogiendo “View it in your browser” del enlace proveído en la parte superior del corre electrónico: cuando hayas acezado el boletín en línea, puedes mirar a la parte superior derecha del boletín donde va a encontrar la barra de accesibilidad y busque la opción “Translate Newsletter”.
Important Dates
February 2 – Dress Down & Hat Day Fundraiser (Students $1.00) to benefit CCMS Band & Orchestra & Groundhog Day
February 4 - CCMS P-SP Family Bingo Fundraiser
February 15 - CCMS P-SP Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
February 19 - President's Day - NO SCHOOL
SNOW MAKEUP DAYS: March 8 and 28
WINTER WONDERLAND SPIRIT WEEK
- Monday, February 12 - "Baby, it's cold outside!" - Students may wear scarves, mittens, hats just like you're in the North Pole.
- Tuesday, February 13 - "Winter Olympics" - Students may wear their favorite sports teams' clothes or uniform.
- Wednesday, February 14 - "Wacky Wednesday" - Students may wear mismatched clothes and socks.
- Thursday, February 15 - "Festive Twin Day" - Students may "twin" with their friends...remember no pajama pants are permitted!
- Friday, February 16 - "Falcon Friday Color Games" - 6th Grade students wear LIGHT BLUE; 7th Grade students wear ROYAL BLUE; and 8th Grade students wear NAVY BLUE.
CCMS Student of the Year Announced
Cedar Crest Middle School is pleased to announce the recipient of the Student of the Year Award for 2023-2024 is Claire Fugate.
She was counted among 12 fellow 8th grade students in this year’s class of outstanding Student of the Year finalists. On Monday, January 22, 2024, the administration hosted the finalists at a reception to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies to celebrate their achievement.
For this recognition, an 8th grade student is selected for his/her contributions in making CCMS a great school through his/her student involvement in school and community activities, and for demonstrating the Core Values of Falcon Pride: Positive Attitude, Word Hard, Do What is Right, Share Your Talents.
We would like to extend congratulations to Claire as she is very excited and proud to be recognized with this honor. She will serve as a wonderful representative of the 8th grade students and fellow nominees. Each student should be proud of their accomplishments, and how they represent themselves and our school every day. These young people have worked hard and put in the sacrifices necessary to achieve at the highest levels.
A warm thank you goes out to all of Claire’s former teachers and staff that have so positively influenced her through her years at CCMS. Claire will be recognized at the February 12th CLSD Board Meeting.
Team Blast (6-1)-Amelia Luzon
Team Blue Aggies (6-2)-Fernando Bayron Echevarria
Team Ironmasters (6-3)-Angel Vargas Maldonado
Team Titans (7-1)-Solum Akubeze
Team Gryphons (7-2)-Alex Jones
Team Knights (7-3)- Brooke Fogelsanger
Team Academy (7-4)- Ava Showers
Team Mariners (8-1)- Samuel Gamble
Team Enterprise (8-2)- Yarelis Morales
Team Endeavor (8-3)- Eden Houser
February Dates:
- ** NEW ** SPIN (Grades 6-8) with Ms. Benson, 3:15-4:00 pm, Cafetorium (Jan. 30, 2/13, 2/27) This is an opportunity to students to explore the sport of color guard by learning the basics of dance and equipment skills.
- ** NEW ** Chess Club, Grades 6-8 with Mr. Fogelsanger, B-14 (February 12, 20, 26)
- Beginner Yoga (6th GRADE) with Mrs. Zellers, 3:10-4:10 pm, A-9 - (February 6, 13, 27)
- Puzzles & Games with Mrs. Becker, 3:10-4:10 pm, Room A-11 (February 6, 13, 20, 20)
- Mini-THON Planning with Mrs. Rodkey, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 12, 26)
- Beef Stick Fundraiser- 2/13-2/16 - Student Council will be selling Country Meat Beef Sticks for $2 during NEST. Please do not send in large bills.
- GAGA & 4-Square with Mrs. Patterson, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 6)
- Running Club 6-7-8 with Mr. MacNeill & Mr. Cruise, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 1, 5, 8, 12, 15)
- Sketch with Mrs. Ryland and Mrs. Bott, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 5, 12, 26)
- Looking for a Fun Free Friday Event? The annual Lebanon City's First Friday Art Show featuring the Cornwall-Lebanon School District will be held on March 1, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Art will be on display the entire month of March until March 22 at the Lebanon Council on the Arts building located at 770 Cumberland Street. This is a free event, and all are welcome to view the artwork that is selected from each building within our district (elementary, middle and high school).
- JUMPSTART After-school tutoring, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 6, 13, 20, 27)
- Quiz Bowl with Mr. MacNeil and Mrs. Raytick, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 6, 13, 20, 27)
- Pokemon Club with Mrs. Nolan, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 7)
- Making Strides Walking Club with Mrs. Rode, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 7, 14, 28)
- Grade 6 Card Playing Club with Mr. Gardner, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 1, 8)
- Gaming Club with Mr. Wojdyla, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 1)
- Envirothon with Mrs. Daugherty & Mrs. Nolan, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 1, 15)
- Youth Action Club (YAC) w/ Mrs. Raytick & Mr. Muritz, 3:10-4:10 pm (February 5, 6, 13, 28, 29)
- The Youth Action Club is working on multiple projects for February and March. We will be baking for the Humane Society and [possibly] snacks for the residents at the Ronald McDonald House. The February baking sessions will be from 3:10 to 5:00 on February 2, 5, 6, 13, 28, and 29. In addition to baking, we will be planning our pull tab collection event. This year the collection will be held in March. The Youth Action Club is open to students in grades 6 – 8. Students are not required to attend all meetings/events but may participate in the service projects they wish. Also scheduled for March is helping with the noon meal at Lebanon County Christian Ministries and working in the Food Bank. Looking ahead to April the group will select a project for United Way Day of Caring. For more information about the club, email Mrs. Raytick or Mr. Muritz.
CCMS Student Council will host a 7th grade dance on February 22 from 3-5 in the café. It will cost $3 per student. Students will pay as they enter the café. Snacks, photos, and drinks will be on sale. Please send in small bills. Students should wear school-appropriate clothes.
Mini-THON
Students need to have their registration and $40 donation turned in by February 15. We are also looking for food donations; Below is a link if you are willing/able to donate food items to help keep our expenditures to a minimum and fully support the Four Diamonds. If you have any questions or concerns, please email brodkey@clsd.k12.pa.us.
WINGS OF PRAISE
Wings of Praise Winners for January
Week 16 (12/18/23-12/21/23)
#1 Michael Nieves
#2 Haven Cruz
#3 Jamiel Muniz-Fuentes
#4 Abigail Foltz
#5 Jaiden Taylor
Week 17 (1/1/24-1/7/24)
#1 Paityn Magyar
#2 Sophia Carr
#3 Xander Tatro
#4 Ben Rackley
#5 Noah Kleinfelter
Week 18 (1/8/24-1/14/24)
#1 Jaxon Bucher
#2 Jackson Bender
#3 Ryan DiScuillo
#4 Xavier Roman
#5 Sebastian Fairfield
Week 19 (1/15/24-1/21/24)
#1 Amber Jo Carpenter
#2 Caleb Krall
#3 Camila Soler
#4 Nathan Moyer
#5 Jacob Dundore 8th
Week 20 (1/22/24-1/28/24)
#1 Irelyn Haggerty
#2 Lillian Moncartz
#3 Deven Khuttan
#4 Emma Hinkle
#5 Maddie Mckenna 8th
News from the Counseling Office
Attention Parents of 8th Grade Students
- February 2 - Final deadline for completion of high school course registration (Window for registration from homes closes Feb. 2.)
PSSA Dates
Mon.-Wed., April 22-23-24 - ELA
Mon.-Tues., April 29-30 - Math
Mon.-Tues., May 6-7 - Science (8th gr. only)Cedar Crest Performing Arts
Be careful what you wish for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.
The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.
Join us and see how hard the Cast and Crew of Into the Woods Jr. have been working! Tickets on sale 2/9 by visiting https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79517.
We will have Coach’s Grill Food Truck before each show, raffles, snack bar and more!
Any questions, please email Director Kristi Glassford kglassford@clsd.k12.pa.us.
MS Jump Start - After School Tutoring Opportunity
Jump START is an after-school tutoring program that allows students to complete homework and work on school projects. Jump Start is open to all students in grades six through eight and will be held in the Learning Center Classroom from 3:10 to 4:10 PM every Tuesday of the month.
Yearbook News!
Yearbooks are now regularly priced at $28.00.
Orders can be placed online at https://yearbookforever.com/ or returned to Ms. Oblinsky in Room A-19.
SPRING SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The fair will be here on March 5-7, 2024. Proceeds from our fair will continue to provide classroom support.
- March 5 and 7 Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- March 6 Hours 9:00 am – 7:30 pm
SNACK SHACK
The CCMS staff are so appreciative of your kind generosity in providing delicious treats in the Snack Shack. There are over 120 staff at CCMS, so, you can imagine the treats go quickly. We updated our Amazon Wish List with what went fast and seemed to be favorites. If you could so kindly, check out the wish list again and purchase something, whether it be on Amazon where it will be shipped directly to school, or when you are out and about and can add something extra to your order. We want the Snack Shack to be a treat for them when they need a pick-me -up all year round, so we need help keeping it stocked. Your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed, and we truly appreciate the support of our CCMS Staff!
Amazon Shopping List for Snack Shack: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13ENFKGC31IEM/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2
Next PSP Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 15 at 7:00 pm in the Learning Center.
We, as the PSP thank you so much for supporting our students at CCMS!
Message from the Nurse
Please remember to keep your emergency contact information updated in Skyward. Now is a great time to review and update any information which may have changed!
Parents/Guardians of 7th graders: School dental exams are scheduled for Friday, February 2, 2024, for those with appointments and a signed permission slip. Pennsylvania’s School Health Program requires each child in seventh grade to have a dental examination. Private dental forms can still be turned in to the nurse, or faxed to (717) 389-1858
Parents/Guardians of 6th graders: The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires every student entering 7th grade to have the MCV and Tdap vaccines PRIOR to the first day of 7th grade. Documentation of vaccine administration must be received in the nurse’s office prior to the first day of 7th grade to avoid exclusion from school and school related activities in the 2024-2025 school year.
School physical exams are scheduled for February 21 and March 1, 2024. Permission slips were sent home with 6th grade students who have not yet turned in a private physical exam form. If you would like your child to have a physical exam completed by the school practitioner, please sign the permission slip, complete page 1 of the physical form, and return the packet to the nurse’s office, as soon as possible. The school physical does not include administration of required 7th grade immunizations. Private physical forms can still be turned in to the nurse or faxed to (717) 389-1858.
The Nurse’s Office and Middle School Care Closet are in need of elastic-waisted pants and shorts. If you have new or gently used pants and/or shorts, in sizes Medium, Large or Extra Large, with elastic waistbands that you would like to donate, please send them to the middle school nurse’s office. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse, Nicole North, with any questions at (717) 389-1845 or nnorth@clsd.k12.pa.us.
Inclement Weather
The decision to close school for inclement weather, or to open two hours late, will be sent prior to 7 AM via Skylert phone and email message. Be sure to update your weather emergency contact information under the Skylert tab on the parent portal in order to receive calls and emails. Any emergency messages are sent via text messages; be sure to list a cellular phone number in the SMS section if you wish to receive these calls.
It also will be reported on local radio and TV stations, and posted to the CLSD district website, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, pages. Parents should have a plan devised for their children if early dismissals occur and no one is home. Parents should discuss arrangements with their children prior to the day of dismissal; school telephones are busy and are needed for emergencies during situations of this type. Snow make-up days, in priority order are: 3/8/2024; 3/28/2024; 4/2/2024; 6/10/2024; 6/11/2024.
News from the District Office ...
From the District Office:
Did you know?
· CLSD and CCHS Key Club students and advisors host an annual Spring Dinner & Dance for senior citizen residents of the District. This reserved seating event is free to all CLSD residents age 65 and above. The event is Friday, March 22, 2024. This year’s theme is “Cloud 9.″ Deadline for reservations is March 8, 2024. Check the CLSD website for details. Reservation forms also are available in all building offices and the District office.
· Information about any School Closings or Delays will be posted to the District Home page: www.clsd.k12.pa.us and also to the Cornwall-Lebanon School District Facebook page and Twitter (@CLSD_Schools). Be sure to update your weather emergency contact information under the Skylert tab on the parent portal and be sure your device permits calls from these phone numbers: (717) 272-2031 and (717) 272-2036.
· Have you visited the online CLSD Community Bulletin Board recently? Items are constantly being added or updated. Click under the COMMUNITY tab on the CLSD website for info about opportunities to participate in athletics, family activities, community offerings, events and more: https://www.clsd.k12.pa.us/cornwall-lebanon-school-district/community/community-bulletin-board/
Upcoming Calendar Items:
· Feb. 1: Kindergarten Orientation for parents/guardians of incoming kindergarten students. Parents/guardians residing in CLSD with a child who will be five years of age before September 1, 2024, are asked to click on the photo link on the CLSD website to begin the Kindergarten enrollment process. After this information is received, a letter will be mailed with more information about registering a kindergarten age child for the 2024-25 school year.
· Feb. 5: School Board Public Work Session, CCHS LGI, 5:30 p.m.; Check website for info and a link to view the Livestream meeting or to register to attend in person.
- Feb. 5-9: National School Counseling Week
- Feb. 7: Spring Title I Parent & Family Engagement Mtg
- Feb. 12: School Board Regular Meeting, CCHS LGI, 5:30 p.m.; Check website for info and a link to view the Livestream meeting or to register to attend in person.
- Feb. 19: Presidents’ Day - No School
- CCHS Spring Musical, “Newsies”: Order reserved seat tickets online after January 28 via this link: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/80314; or purchase tickets at the door. Ticket window opens in CCHS auditorium lobby one hour prior to each performance.
- Feb. 29: Free Dress Rehearsal for CLSD Gold Card holders, 6 PM - No reservations needed; must present CLSD Gold Card for admission. (Do not use the online ticketing site for this event as no tickets are needed.) Senior citizen residents of the District may sign up for a CLSD Gold Card in the District office or in the CCHS auditorium lobby prior to the dress rehearsal.
- March 1 & March 2: Performances at 7 PM each evening.
- March 3: Matinee performance, Sunday, 2:30 PM.
Online Community Bulletin Board
Volunteers and Chaperones
Cornwall-Lebanon School District greatly appreciates the volunteers and chaperones who provide assistance to students and teachers, as well as special events and activities. Volunteers are essential to the success of students. Look under the “Community” tab on the District Home page for details: www.clsd.k12.pa.us. Anyone who will be serving as a long-term or short-term volunteer for the District must complete the Volunteer Information packet, located on the website, prior to serving as a volunteer.
Skyward Notification System
The Skylert Notification System is only as accurate as the information you have provided to the District. Be sure your phone/email settings allow (do not block) these three numbers: (717) 272-2031; (717) 389-1810; (717) 272-2036 and emails from @clsd.k12.pa.us addresses. Please review your information and make any updates in Skylert:
1. Login to your Skyward account.
2. Click the word “Skylert” in the left menu.
3. Fill-in and check or uncheck your desired settings. Be sure to select at least one email or phone number in each category.
4. Click “SAVE” in the upper right side of the page when you are done and BEFORE you click on Exit.
CCMS is a great place to work...Click below for job opportunties!
Life Insurance
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for employee
Receive credit towards Field Placement.
Option to move into a Prospective Substitute Teacher Position after completion of 60 college credits.
Links To Important Parent/Guardian Help Information
Principal Contact Information
Mr. Joseph Burton
Principal
Cedar Crest Middle School
Website: www.clsd.k12.pa.us
Location: 101 East Evergreen Road, Lebanon, PA, USA
Phone: (717) 272-2032
Assistant Principal Contact Information
Assistant Principal
Cedar Crest Middle School
Website: www.clsd.k12.pa.us
Location: 101 East Evergreen Road, Lebanon, PA, USA
Phone: (717) 272-2032
Assistant Principal Contact Information
Assistant Principal
Cedar Crest Middle School
Website: www.clsd.k12.pa.us
Location: 101 East Evergreen Road, Lebanon, PA, USA
Phone: (717)272-2032