THE PAW PRINT
VOL. 8 - Week of October 5, 2020
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.
2020-2021 Backpack Sign Up Form
2020-2021 Inscripción de Programa de Mochila
School Reopening Listen and Learns for CCUSD Families
Elementary For families with students in grades TK-5 Tuesday, October 6, 2020: 5:00 pm Secondary For families with students in grades 6-12 Thursday, October 8, 2020: 5:30 pm
Sign up Below using the PDF form below!
All Sessions are recorded and posted here: https://www.ccusd.org/apps/pages/Fall2020-Updates
Attention CCMS Students taking HS Bio Honors or Geometry!
Spanish Immersion Support Available!
A group of former CCMS Spanish Immersion students who are now at CCHS, would like to support SIP/Spanish students during distance learning. They will be available once a week for free Spanish tutoring via zoom with the supervision of Ms. Hernandez-Avalos and Ms. Madrid. Please come join us for an info-session on Thursday, October 8th at 7pm on Zoom to learn more about the program. See attached flyer for details.
Click here for the Zoom link.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
How can Panthers keep up with their academics during Distance Learning?
Here are some things that Panthers can do to keep up with their academics during Distance Learning.
How can parents check in with their Panthers during Distance Learning?
Here are some conversation points that parents can have with their Panthers.
What is Fun Friday?
Fun Friday is intended to provide students an opportunity to learn a fun craft or skill or just socialize with a teacher and peers that share the same interest or curiosity. It is not intended to be an intense or challenging class though attendance is required and recorded in Aeries. Again, this is a time to foster connectedness and peer socialization during these very trying times.
New Grab-and-Go Weekend Lunches
You can now pick up lunches for the weekend with your Friday lunch! Stop by and pick up for all the students in your family - they do not need to be present to pick up! See the flyer below for more details.
Still Have Questions About the New Attendance Policy?
The Reflections Arts Appreciation Contest Is Underway!
The 2020-2021 Reflections Arts Contest has begun! This year’s theme is "I Matter Because…” We want to hear from artists, dancers, writers, photographers, filmmakers and musicians!
To participate, CCMS students may submit an original piece of their own independent work inspired by the annual theme, in any of the following six areas: Dance, Film, Literature, Photography, Music Composition and Visual Arts. Students are welcome to submit to more than one category if they’d like.
Unlike previous years, all Reflections entries will be submitted digitally. Click on the link for the Student Entry Form to complete and upload all documents. For example, if you’ve painted a picture you will need to take photographs of that picture and upload to the Student Entry Form. For general rules, please read the Student Rules document. For all uploading rules, please read the online Student Entry Form.
Submissions are due October 15th via the online link.
We want to highlight that there is a Special Artists division for Reflections and we encourage all eligible students to submit their art into the Special Artists category. Last year a CCMS Special Artist advanced all the way to State!
Please note, that for the Film category, the students must do all of the actual camera filming themselves. So if they want to be in their own film, they must use a tripod or station the camera in one spot while they are on camera.
See below for the student rules!
Click here for the Student Entry Form: https://forms.gle/uyKRbiggUj5tQi8k7
Please contact Luci Jenkins for questions: Luci.Jenkins@mac.com
Looking for Something to Do? Check out Virtual Game Night!
Culver City Education Foundation
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.
New COVID-19 School Response Dashboard
Content courtesy of qualtrics.com
Brown University Professor Emily Oster and Qualtrics Partner with School Superintendents and Principals Associations to Launch the National COVID-19 School Response Dashboard
On September 23, 2020, a collective of national education organizations, researchers and technology experts are unveiling the National COVID-19 School Response Dashboard, the first nationwide database that systematically maps schools’ responses to the pandemic across the United States. Data will be visualized in a single dashboard that empowers school leaders, policymakers and the general public to examine current conditions in their own communities—as well as compare against other areas—to adapt to changing environments and make data-driven teaching and learning decisions as they continue to navigate the 2020-21 school year.
The intent to create a national dashboard and generate initial interest among school districts was announced one month ago. Since then, hundreds of schools across the nation have joined the effort. The dashboard, created by Qualtrics, currently provides information at the state level such as: school type (public, independent, etc.); average student infection rate (based on a reported two-week period); average staff infection rate (based on a reported two-week period); whether the school is currently in-person, hybrid or fully virtual. The dashboard will be continuously updated as districts join this effort and as existing districts provide new information on details such as case count and learning model.
The broad partnership consists of: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; the National Association of Secondary School Principals; the National Association of Elementary School Principals; Brown University Professor of Economics Emily Oster; and Qualtrics, the experience management company.
****Please note that since the dashboard is in its early stages, data is limited, as not all school districts across the country have submitted data.
NPR Article from 09-23-2020: New Dashboard Tracks Coronavirus Cases in Schools Across 47 States
Link to COVID-19 School Response Dashboard
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS FOR PARENTS
CCMS School Site Council
Culver City Middle School is seeking parent nominees for the 2020-2021 School Site Council (SSC). The Council consists of five parents and five faculty members who meet regularly to update the Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) and to review and monitor curriculum implementation. Here is an opportunity to share your curriculum ideas, to learn, and to work closely with the faculty.
The School Site Council office position is a two-year term (a parent of an eighth
grader is an exception). SSC meetings are scheduled monthly in the early evening.
If you would like to be considered for nomination or would like to nominate another parent, please complete the NOMINATION FORM by October 7.
100 Day Campaign Update!
We are 35 days into the annual giving 100 campaign and we have raised $25,000 with about 10% of families participating! Imagine what we could do if EVERYONE donated whatever they’re able to. The goal is to have 100% of families donate in the first 100 days of school to raise $100k for CCMS. Let’s go Panther Parents - we can do this! Click here to donate now!
We know this pandemic is hitting everyone differently – thank you for stretching to give as you are able. There is so much going on in our world right now that we cannot control – this is a small way to have a big impact on something that hits very close to home – the education of our children.
Donations of $250+ get you a beautiful plush navy blanket embroidered with the #CULVERPRIDE logo. We also accept COMPANY MATCHING donations! Check to see if your company has a matching gift policy by visiting https://www.pantherpartners.com/. Scroll to the bottom left hand corner of the page to find a search engine and a matching gift form that you can download and print.
Thank you to everyone who’s already donated to the 100 Campaign! Your donations are helping to fund vital programs and supplies to support our students and teachers through these challenging times.
Thank you so much for supporting CCMS!
~Your Fellow Panther Parents
CCMS Celebrates Diversity with Theme Months!
Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month is Sep. 15 - Oct. 15!
Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions Americans tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society and culture. The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Just two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a month-long celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
The timing is key. Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
WHY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IS IMPORTANT
Strong impact on America: Hispanic influences are tightly knitted in the fabric of American life. Think music, food, art, cinema, politics, literature, and so much more.
Around one-fifth of the U.S. population is Hispanic: The state with the largest Hispanic and Latino population overall is California with over 14 million.
Our kids benefit: While Hispanic children learn about their roots this month, all kids can benefit from learning about Spanish history and culture.
Check out the two resources below:
- Oprah Mag: On OprahMag.com, we celebrate Latinidad and all identities every day. But for Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 through October 15, we're highlighting stories from Latinx perspectives, which you can read here. Disfruten! (Highly recommend)
- National Park Service: Telling All Americans' Stories, American Latino Heritage
Looking for a way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your kids? Check out these family-friendly resources!
Great Resource for Students and Families!
This English Learner Newsletter is not just for English Learners. If you're looking for ways to learn more about important Latin American authors, artists and musicians, check out the many videos and resources found here!
AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES AND SPORTS INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
An Update on CCMS Fall and Winter Sports
Due to Covid-19 all Fall and Winter sports have been canceled at CCMS.
We are looking into spring sports as a possibility, and we hope we will be able to offer a full sports program for the 2021-2022 school year.
If you have additional questions about particular sports, please contact the AD for the sports under their name.
Athletic Director - Tom Salter tomsalter@ccusd.org 310-842-4200 x6060
Fall - Flag Football , Water Polo , Girls Tennis
Winter - Swim
Spring - Softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys Tennis
Athletic Director - Angelo Sablan angelosablan@ccusd.org
Fall - Girls Volleyball , Cross Country
Winter - Boys and Girls Basketball
Spring - Boys and Girls Soccer, Track, Boys Volleyball
Athletic Assistant - Tonya Mclinn tonyamclinn@ccusd.org
Panther Partners After School Classes - You can STILL Enroll!
Registration is open & Classes have started for the Panther Partners After School Classes! YOU CAN STILL JOIN
Register here: Click here for Panther Partners After School Classes Registration!
Fall 2020.
Classes started September 7, 2020 ( Labor Day week) and run through the week of December 18, 2020.
That’s 14 weeks of classes!
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
CCMS IMPROV After School Program Info
CCMS is the largest and longest-running after school program at CCMS. Started in 2011, 100+ students participate each year.
Improv is a comprehensive study of game-based, short form improvisation directed and taught by award-winning professional improvisers Eric Price, Sarah Parga, and Eddie Quintana.
Students learn, practice, and perform fundamentals of improvisation as well as advanced concepts and skills (scene study, character work, styles, genres, and musical improvisation). Most importantly, students develop essential life skills such as acceptance, commitment, flexibility, courage, collaboration, critical thinking, and kindness. No experience of any kind is necessary; only commitment and positive attitude are required!
Please see our short informational video at ccmsimprov.com, and check out the flyer below for additional information.
Registration begins Aug 18 ~ classes start Sep 14. Register at ccmsimprov.com
Suicide Support & Resources
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 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.
New Information Regarding Grab n Go Meals!
Serving Procedures:
- Grab 'n Go meals will be offered daily at all school sites.
- CCMS will serve at the main entrance from 1:00 PM to 2 PM daily.
- Lunches will include a student’s choice of lunch entrées along with accompanying side dishes.
Sandy Segal Youth Health Center Services
Access the Incredible Resources of CCUSD!
Visit Our CCMS Store Today!
Want to buy some of the cool shirts you saw at registration? Visit our
CCMS Store and place your order today!
Follow us!
On Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @CulverCityMS
Culver City Middle School
