THE PAW PRINT
VOL. 24 - Week of January 31, 2021
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!
National School Counseling Week- Feb 1-5, 2021!
The History of National School Counseling Week
School Counseling Week got its start in January of 2006 through an act of Congress that established it at its current dates. Throughout this week parents and teachers would work hard to promote the services that School Counselors provide to the student body they serve, and to help kids know that these important guides are there to help show them valuable lessons for life and growing up.
School counselors have existed for a surprisingly long time, first appearing in schools in the 16th century, though there are those that claim that the teachings of Aristotle and Plato count. This just goes to show that there has never been a time in human history when we didn’t need a little help to decide what we would be when we grew up.
The ’20s and ‘30s really saw a steady increase in the presence of school counselors as education in these decades started to become more progressive. Throughout it all the role of a school counselor has remained the same, to aid those they serve in finding their way in life and helping prepare them to walk that path into the future.
How To Celebrate School Counseling Week
As a student, the best way to celebrate School Counseling Week is to schedule an appointment with your counselor both to thank them for all they do, and for getting a little insight into what your future may hold.
As a parent or educator, you can ensure that these noble heroes don’t get forgotten at this time of year by arranging a special celebration for your school’s counselors. You can also hand out pencils, posters, bookmarks, and certificates of appreciation commemorating these holidays, all available at the American School Counselor Association website!
Remember when times get hard, you can always look to your school counselor for assistance, not just during School Counseling Week.
from daysoftheyear.com
After School Program Classes begin THIS week!
Panther Partners is inviting you to sign up for their After School Classes(ASC). All classes are virtual, and first come first serve. Limited classes this Winter/Spring session so check it out. If there is space available we will open up the classes for CCHS students. Classes will run from Feb. 1- June 4. Scholarships are available.
Classes offered:
French for beginners and continuing students
Acting class
Art classes
Coding/JavaScript
Magic The Gathering
CCMS Choir Groups Share Beautiful Message
Every semester, the Singing Panthers (beginning group) and Voicestra (advanced group) put on beautiful concerts to showcase the culmination fo their work. This year, with live performances being unavailable, they have created the following virtual compilations.
Our incredible accompanist, Mr. Hernandez, stitched together all the individual recordings from each student in both choirs to create the final audio that you will hear. Each student also submitted an image that was emblematic of the lyrics or theme of each song, and Mr. Hernandez edited together those images into a slideshow for each song as well. So, on each video you will hear the students' voices singing each of their parts, stitched together "virtually" as one choir, and you will also see images they themselves chose for each song.
Does your student need grief support? Grief Group is currently taking new students
Yearbooks Needs Your Pictures!
Dear Panther Families,
We have some NEW PHOTO REQUESTS for the following pictures: favorite athletic shoes (the shoes themselves or your child IN their faves), students participating in any school events like their new digital clubs, watching the talent show, etc., GIRL GAMERS - we know you're out there and we need your photos, and working on any school work that is physical, like a poster or a science project or even working on math if it's on good old fashioned pencil and paper (remember that?).
Please send any of these photos to yearbookadvisor@ccusd.org.
Sincerely, The Yearbook Staff
The direct link to buy is: https://yearbookforever.com/schools/culver_city_middle_school_buy_yearbook_320597/F2m85cYMDkSymo6EWiqBfF1U
February is Black History Month!
Join Us At Our Upcoming CCMS Parent Engagement Nights!
CCMS PTSA Equity Committee Meeting Announcement
Dear Panther Parents, Caregivers and Families,
Last year, CCUSD adopted a Strategic Equity Action Plan for our district. This document offers a roadmap for achieving equity for all our students, educators and families. As parent leaders at CCMS, our PTSA is excited to participate in this process and to partner with you to make CCMS the most welcoming campus it can be.
This is the first step of that work. We want to reach out to you to share our vision of equity, but more importantly, to hear yours. We are firmly committed to this work: it is a pillar of our district, and we know it is necessary. Therefore, we would like to invite you to attend our first CCMS PTSA Equity Committee meeting on February 18, 7:00pm. Zoom link follows.
Culver City Middle School PTSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: CCMS PTSA Equity Meeting
Time: Feb 18, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86253740505?pwd=V3Y0VkVVU2QvZGRGM3FLM2c1bkxhZz09
Meeting ID: 862 5374 0505
Passcode: 635510
Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents from the CA Department of Education
Recognizing Signs and What to Do. This free webinar will provide information about suicide prevention for parents, including warning signs for suicide, how to have a conversation with their child, actions to take if their child is having a suicidal thoughts, and resources. The webinar is provided in partnership with the California Department of Education, the Directing Change Program, and Teen Line.
CCMS PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2021-22 SLATE ANNOUNCED
At the January 27th Executive Board meeting, the CCMS PTSA Executive Board approved the proposed slate of officers for next year (2021-22 school year). The proposed slate for includes:
President - Lauren Jagnow
1st VP, Programs - Katherine-Marie Sage
2nd VP, Fundraising - Deanna Newell
3rd VP, Student Store/Spiritwear - Stephany Olsen
4th VP, Membership - Mara Bushansky
Recording Secretary - Allison Faris
Treasurer - Victoria Zerpoli
Financial Secretary - Joanne Nazarian
Auditor - Danielle Rose Ash
Parliamentarian - Will Mitchell
Historian - Ellen Davidson
All CCMS PTSA members are welcome and encouraged to attend our March 2nd PTSA Association meeting when official elections will be held. The meeting will be held at 7 pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86755573316?pwd=Qlh3eWlBYmRuc0VjdTNzdVRrTzFKUT09
Meeting ID: 867 5557 3316
Passcode: 308126
Spanish-Language Resources For Parents
PREVIOUSLY POSTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Great Kindness Challenge!
The need for kindness and unity is greater than ever. The Great Kindness Challenge, starting next week, provides a very timely opportunity for all of us to come together in kindness and compassion. We are so grateful to YOU for recognizing the importance of kindness as a unifying force.
The urgency and need for kindness is reflected in the unprecedented number of schools signing up for the GKC we've received, with over 16 million students getting ready to spread an abundance of kindness! We are thrilled to share that The California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, has again officially endorsed The Great Kindness Challenge! We are also proud and excited to announce that The Virginia Department of Education is now officially recognized as the second Kindness Certified State Department of Education joining our kindness movement. For our grassroots program the state-wide support is invaluable. We are truly grateful for these partnerships and we hope other State Superintendents will follow suit.
With the GKC beginning soon, we are delighted to share our 2021 GKC Kickoff Video, helpful tips and additional ideas on how to celebrate and unite in kindness! We hope you find it helpful in finalizing your plans. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything. We are here for you!
Team Kindness
New Counselor Meeting Links!
School Counselor Hang Outs and Groups are BACK!
Parent Night Video Available!
If you missed the presentation or if you would like to re-watch any part of the video it is now available!
2021 Water is Life Student Art Contest - NOW OPEN
Tutoring Opportunity For Students
From Logon2Learn:
Logon2learn is a tutoring service dedicated to helping children learn and excel during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the students in Los Angeles County being forced into remote learning for most of 2020, and the foreseeable future, Logon2Learn was created to ensure children do not fall behind in class. All tutors are current high school students, which we believe makes them adept at peer tutoring other students. We get what you’re going through. And the best part about us- is that we are free! From student to student, Logon2Learn is here for you!
Click here to access their website!
If you have any questions, please contact davidzcohn@gmail.com
Low Cost and No Cost Tutoring Available
Click the link below for flyers in English and Spanish as well as how to sign up!
CC Parks and Rec offers supervision Pod Program for Middle Schoolers
Culver City Rec Extension Program—Now Expanded to Include Students in 1st through 8th Grade and Recently Upgraded Wi-Fi!
Ongoing Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, beginning January 4, 2021 at Veterans Memorial Building and Park.
Facilitated distance learning in a safe, supervised environment for your child as they go through their scheduled school day—as well as plenty of outdoor time during lunch and then again after school for play in the park. Counselors encourage students to stay on task, keep up with assignments, and pay attention to teachers.
Health and safety are the priority; therefore, all students must wear masks at all times. Temperature checks and health screenings for both the parent and student are taken at sign-in. Must be asymptomatic for participation. Cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing and other required protocols are in place for the safety of participants, parents and staff.
- Maximum 10 Students Per Pod
- Provide Your Own Laptop
- Headphones Required
- Bring All Necessary Chargers
- Kids Must Work Independently
- Bring Snacks, Lunch & Water
- Printed School Schedule Required
Limited enrollment space. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Program cost: $140 per week. Online registration begins on December 16that: www.culvercity.org/prcs
For questions and more details please contact the Parks, Recreation & Community Services at (310) 253-6650 or info.recreation@culvercity.org
Talent Nook Writing Contest
There is still plenty of time to participate - submissions are due by 3/31/21.
Scan the QR code or click the link below for more info, including how to enter, prizes and deadlines.
If you enter the contest, share your submissions with us at socialms@ccusd.org, so we can share it in our weekly bulletin!
Hello from Venice Arts!
If you aren’t familiar with us, we are a non-profit organization in Venice/Marina Del Rey that provides media arts classes for youth from ages 10-18. We offer beginning to advanced tracks in Filmmaking, Photography, Animation and Comics that include the access to camera equipment and adobe editing programs at no added cost. For low-income qualifying families, the entire program is completely free.
We enjoy connecting with local schools in order to share this opportunity with even more students. Below I am including our pdf flyer for this 2021 Spring Session that you can feel free to post in your class boards, newsletters and other family accessible platforms as well as sharing it with any interested students or fellow staff/school community members.
Registration will be happening at https://www.venicearts.org/after-school-workshops (spanish links available on this page)
We are running a completely in-person model, based on the successful in-person structure we have done for our last 2 sessions since the pandemic began. If you or any parents are interested in learning more regarding safety, feel totally free to call us at 310-392-0846 or email info@venice-arts.org.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Free Internet Opportunity for Students Enrolled in the School Lunch Program
T-Mobile/Sprint: Free Internet Opportunity for Students in Need
Project 10Million’s Direct to Parent/Guardian program provides internet access to eligible families that have a student enrolled in the National School Lunch program. Approved families receive 100GB of mobile data per year for 5 years and a FREE mobile hotspot, plus the opportunity to purchase devices at a low cost.
New and existing T-Mobile (including Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint) as well as Non-T-Mobile customers are eligible to apply.
Available to residents of the United States and Puerto Rico.
One free T-Mobile hotspot device and 100GB/year data line per household, max one per student.
Data service ends when allotment is reached until the yearly renewal date (Additional data passes are available for purchase).
May purchase up to five select, at-cost Wi-Fi-only tablets and laptops for use with the hotspot device.
Click here for more information and to apply: Free Internet Opportunity for Students in Need
AT&T: ATT&T Low-cost Internet for Eligible Households
Free installation and in-home Wi-Fi®
No annual contract
No deposit
If you qualify via income or participation in the National School Lunch or Head Start programs, you can apply online.
Select SNAP as the qualifying program and provide proof of eligibility for your income or program.
CCMS Tech Help
Name: Josue Sainz
Email: josuesainz@ccusd.org
Office Phone: (310) 842-4200 ext. 5114
Google Cell: (424) 326-3106
New Grab-and-Go Weekend Lunches
Suicide Support & Resources
Our Counselors are always available to provide support, and have offered the following useful resources:
How to Help Someone that May Be Thinking of Suicide: BeThe1To.com
Resources from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Getting Involved to Support Suicide Prevention: NAMI Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
In Case of Emergency:
- If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
- If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Sandy Segal Youth Health Center Services
2020-2021 Backpack Program Sign-Up
Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) believes that no child in our district should go hungry or have food insecurities, especially on weekends when students don’t have access to school-sponsored breakfast and lunch. The Culver City Council PTA, in conjunction with CCUSD, provides students in need with a backpack filled with non-perishable food and snacks each week to ensure that every child can eat on the weekends.
Please click on the link below to sign up for this program.
Access the Incredible Resources of CCUSD!
List of Resources from the Los Angeles County of Education for Students and Parents
Please access the flyer below for mental health, crisis support, physical health, education, and youth resources.
Visit Our CCMS Store Today!
Follow us!
On Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @CulverCityMS
Culver City Middle School
Website: http://ccms.ccusd.org/
Location: 4601 Elenda Street, Culver City, CA, United States
Phone: 310-842-4200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulverCityMS/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
Twitter: @culvercityms