The Bird Nest
CMS News & Notes April 2023
Message from the Principal - Mr. Sullivan
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we head into the final stretch of the school year. As we move into the month of April, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the progress and achievements of our students and faculty.
Our middle school students have shown incredible resilience and perseverance throughout the challenges of the past year, and I am constantly impressed by their dedication to their education and their growth as individuals. Our faculty has also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing the best possible learning experience for our students.
As we look ahead, we have exciting events and activities planned for the remainder of the school year, including end-of-year celebrations and opportunities for students to showcase their talents and accomplishments. We also encourage parents to stay involved and engaged with our school community, whether through volunteering or attending school events.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to ensure the success and well-being of our students.
8th Grade Transition Night
Parents and their students are encouraged to attend an informational meeting to learn about the transition to the high school. You will have the opportunity to learn about your student’s progress throughout 8th grade, their career exploration, selection of their Individual Career and Academic Plan, and upcoming transition to the high school. Students will also have the opportunity to complete A+ enrollment paperwork and begin scheduling for their freshman classes.
8th Grade Promotion Night
We are excited to announce that our 8th-grade promotion night has been set. This is an important milestone for our students as they prepare to move on to high school, and we want to make this a memorable experience for everyone involved. The promotion ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 18th in the Clever High School Gym.
We are planning a special evening that will include speeches, awards, and recognition of our students' achievements. Please note that students are required to dress appropriately for the occasion. More details will be provided in the parent letter that will come out next week. We hope to see all of our 8th-grade students and their families at this important event.
FBLA State Honors
Congratulations to the ML FBLA members for their top performances at the state level.
1st Place Braeden Casey Career Exploration
1st Place Braeden Casey & Brecken Vestal Marketing Mix
2nd Place Hayden Cobb, Ashlynn Street, & Taylor Thompson Exploring Business Issues
4th Place Owen Lawler Exploring Computer Science
5th Place Ella Hirsch Multimedia Development
5th Place Emily Guist Business Etiquette
5th Place Wynn Freeland Career Exploration
5th Place Hadley Dillard Digital Citizenship
Students that placed in 1st or 2nd place will have the opportunity to represent the school in Atlanta, GA at the National Competition.
Clever Choir Rocks Strafford Competition!
Congratulations to Mrs. Nelson and her 8th grade choir students who earned a "1" rating at their most recent competition!
Archery Is On Target!
On March 18th, the High School and Middle School Archery Teams competed at the State Archery Tournament in Branson. Both teams qualified for Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky on the 11-13 of May. The team score consists of the top 12 scores, all out of 300 points (potential of a 3,600).The High School team had to score at least a 3,099 to qualify, and they scored a 3,175. The Middle School team had to score at least a 2,999 to qualify, and they scored a 3,220. They ranked 11th out of 49 MS teams.
A Night of Drama Club Success
Last month's performance by Mrs. Green and her Drama Club students was exceptional. After months of diligent practice, their hard work culminated in a highly successful performance weekend. We extend our gratitude to all the members for their unwavering dedication and effort.
Updated Spring Tutoring Schedule
Spring MAP Testing April 27 - May 10
The Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Grade-Level Assessments evaluate students’ progress toward the Missouri Learning Standards.
The Missouri Learning Standards define the knowledge and skills students need in each grade level and course for success in college, other post-secondary training and careers. These expectations are aligned to the Show-Me Standards, which define what all Missouri high school graduates should know and be able to do. Find more information about the standards at https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/curriculum/mls-for-parents.
A policy statement, adopted by the Missouri State Board of Education, designated the purposes of the Missouri Assessment Program as:
- Improving students’ acquisition of important knowledge, skills and competencies;
- Monitoring the performance of Missouri’s education system;
- Empowering students and their families to improve their educational prospects; and
- Supporting the teaching and learning process.
Grade-Level Assessments provide important information that contributes to decisions concerning individual students, groups of students, and educational programs.
Students in grades three through eight are administered assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Those in grades five and eight also take Science assessments.
The effectiveness of an assessment program depends on the wise choice of assessment methods, appropriate administration procedures and accurate interpretation of results.
Grade-Level Assessments include multiple types of questions or items:
- Selected Response (also known as multiple choice) items are composed of a question followed by a series of possible responses. Students must select the correct response or responses.
- Constructed Response or Short Text items require students to supply an appropriate response rather than making a selection from a list of choices.
- Performance Tasks/Events allow students to work through more complicated items using real world scenarios.
- Writing Task items require students to write either narrative, information/explanatory or opinion/argumentative essay.
Each test produces an Individual Student Report (ISR) that includes an Achievement Level, which will describe the student performance as Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, or Advanced. The report also includes a short description of the knowledge and skills that are typically demonstrated by students in each Achievement Level.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publishes a Guide to Interpreting Results (GIR) that provides additional details about the content of the Individual Student Reports. The GIR is available on the DESE website at: http://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/assessment/grade-level.
Counselor Corner - Mrs. Casey
We know that mental health and suicide can be difficult topics for anyone to discuss. One way to begin the conversation is by asking about protective factors, the aspects of life that can help reduce the risk of suicide. This works with children of all ages and even into adulthood. We have found that time in the car can provide a great opportunity for these conversations. "I know that you have been talking about personal safety and suicide at school this year. Who have you identified as your trusted adults if you are concerned about a friend's safety?"
Elemiddle Campus Beautification Day!
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023 @ 11:00am-2:00pm
Where: Meet at the PreK-2 Entrance
Goals: pulling weeds, cleaning up the playground & painting outside
Join us for a campus beautification day! Bring your brooms, gardening gloves, rakes, extra paint brushes, shovels, and a sack lunch. Our goal is to make the Clever Elemiddle School a clean, safe, and enjoyable area for our students.
Please fill out the sign up genius with your area of interest and a time you’d like to help out.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45AEA72EA2F4C61-campus
Here are some ideas of what we are wanting to paint outside on the sidewalks.
We’d love to see you there!
Yearbook Orders Online
21-22 Yearbook Still Available
Student Technology/Chromebook Reminders
Students bring a charged chromebook with them daily. Chargers may be brought to school in the event that the device charge won’t last all day.
The school does not have chargers to loan students. However, replacement chargers may be purchased in the middle school office. The cost of replacement is $25. Replacement chargers can also be purchases online. 7th Grade C-Type Click Here 8th Grade Round Type Click Here
Headphones are required for students to be able to listen to the recorded videos lessons without disrupting others. Earbuds are not allowed to be used during class or passing times.
Damage to a student device should be reported IMMEDIATELY! The damage will be assessed by the technology department and invoice will be generated for any repairs needed. The school does NOT cover the cost of any damaged device unless it is within factory warranty.
Insurance coverage is available. Please click here to see the options.
Chromebooks should be stored in a protective case when they are not being used. The dimensions of student devices are 11.6 inch for those looking to buy one online or a local retail store.
Other District Events
Washington D.C. & NYC Trip Opportunity
Ever wanted to visit Washington D.C. and/or New York City but never have the time or chance? If this is you, the time has come to clear your calendar! Join EF Tours and Ms. Kuhl in May of 2024 to see the sights of D.C. and NYC. Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP for an informational meeting held on Monday, April 24th.
Canvas Access From Home
Having trouble logging into Canvas from a home device? Here is a quick how-to video to assist with the process. Students will need to use their @cleverbluejays.org login and Google password. This is the same credentials they use everyday when logging into their chromebook at school. If you are having trouble, please reach out to the middle school office.
Stay Connected!!
Part of our mission at CMS is to keep students and parents up to date with important information. This year we will be using various platforms to help achieve this mission.
Email - It is important that you have an updated email on file with the school office. Most often communication will be done using email.
Facebook - Like the Clever Schools 6-8 page
Remind - Join Mr. Sullivan's News & Notes Class @clevms6-8 - Each teacher will create class codes that parents can join as well.
Canvas - Students will use Canvas on a daily basis for completing assignments; parents have the opportunity to create an observer account that is linked to their child's account.
Lumen Touch Parent Portal - We encourage you to create an account to access and view student information at any time.
Upcoming Dates
April 15 - Campus Beautification Day
April 24 - 7th Grade Field Trip
April 27 - MAP Testing Begins
April 28 - Spring Dance
May 5 - NJHS Induction Ceremony
May 18 - 8th Grade Promotion Night
Connect With Us!
Website: www.cleverbluejays.org
Location: 103 S Public Ave, Clever, MO, USA
Phone: 417-743-4820
Facebook: facebook.com/Clever6-8