CMS Parent Newsletter
March 13, 2017
Dear Parents,
We are down to nine school days until our students get to prove they are the smartest in the state when they take the GMAS (Milestones) assessment. Please work through the problems from the study guides which are posted on our homepage. A sample math problem for each grade level is pictured in the newsletter. Please have students continue working on both Moby Max and Read Theory over the break. We hope your family has a great and safe spring break.
Upcoming Seahawk Events
March 14 - Papa John's Spirit Night
March 14 - 8th Grade HS Registration Night - 5:30 - Mandatory
March 16 - Report Cards Issued
March 17 - Spring Break Begins
March 27 - Return to School
March 29 - Family Homework Pass - Do a good deed as a family
March 31 - Spring Fling for 7th and 8th grade students
April 3 - GMAS ELA part 1
April 4 - GMAS ELA part 2
April 5 - GMAS Math part 1
April 6 - GMAS Math part 2
April 7 - GMAS Science for 8th grade
April 10 - GMAS SS for 8th grade
We will see all 8th Grade Parents Tuesday at 5:30 at CMS.
8th Grade High School Transition Night
Our 8th Grade High School Transition Night is scheduled for
Tuesday, March 14th. All 8th grade parents and students need to attend from 5:30 - 7:00.
Order Papa John's Pizza as you leave for a quick dinner and to support our school
State Reflections Winner
Congratulations to Alex Woods! The video he produced and entered in the PTA Reflections Competition won at the state level.
Snacks for GMAS
GMAS testing is right around the corner, and PTSA is preparing to collect snacks for the classrooms. Please visit our SignUp Genius page by clicking the link below. All of your donations are appreciated!!!
Farewell to Mr. Cabahug
GMAS Practice
Is your student practicing for the GA Milestones Assessment. Study Guides are posted on our website. A few sample math problems found in the study guide are below. The first is a 6th grade example. The 2nd is a 7th grade example. The 3rd is an 8th grade example. Multiple practice problems are available for every subject at each grade level.
Seahawk Study Tips
Please continue to encourage your student to try at least one of these tips as he or she prepares for homework, tests and the GMAS.
-Review notes and important class materials.
-Use notecards to focus on key facts.
Try mnemonic (pronounced: nee-MAH-nick) devices: If you needed to remember the names of the Great Lakes, for example, you can use the word "HOMES," to stand for "Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior." Be creative and make up a song or rhyme! Have fun!
Keeping our Teens Safe
Truth or Myth – Should you give your Seahawk opportunities for independence and less supervision? We think this is a horrible and dangerous myth! Children this age need more supervision, not less. If your child is not with you, he or she needs to be under the nose of a responsible and caring adult. Dropping your child off at soccer practice knowing a coach is going to watch her every move is safe. Dropping her off at a fast-food restaurant to meet up with a bunch of friends is not safe and often disastrous unless there is one adult in charge who you trust to watch every move and monitor every conversation. Children this age should not be left to roam or wander. They do not handle unstructured opportunities well. Dropping them off at the library, mall, high school ballgame etc., unless there is an adult there who loves them and will keep eyes and ears on them, is a recipe for disaster. Keep your child safe from the pressures of this culture by ensuring an adult you trust is constantly watching and listening.
IB Insights: Approaches to Learning
The ability to get along and collaborate with others is a skill that is integral both at school, and in life. The second category of IB Approaches to Learning Skills, Social, helps students develop the ability to work effectively with others. This includes appropriate use of social media, taking responsibility for one’s actions and choices, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Community Opportunities
Parenting Group
Are you a parent who are having difficulty with your child and need an intervention and/or support system? Do you want to regain your parent power? Then Common Sense Parenting is the group for you! We cover the basic skills needed to become an
effective parent and provide support through other parents in the group.
Topics include, but not limited to:
· Parent Power
· Communication
· Quality Time
· Family Meetings
After the completion of 2 sessions, there will be a certificate of completion given out that is recognized in court and Department of Family and Children Services. Every Wednesday 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm. Group Facilitator: Francis Wilson, MSW, fran41238s@yahoo.com
Park Place Outreach, 514 East Henry St. Savannah, GA 31401 Parkplaceyes.org, 912-234-4048
Operation Artwork
In celebration of Law Day, the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts, Georgia Council of Court Administrators, and the Georgia Department of Education are pleased to announce our inaugural coloring/poster contest. The contest is open to all private, public, and homeschool students in Georgia. Submissions will be judged based on the category in which they participate (Coloring for Pre-K-2nd Grade, 3rd-5th Grade; Original poster: Middle School and High School). The top three entrants in each category will receive medals and be recognized by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia at a Judicial Council meeting in Atlanta. First place winners will receive a $10 gift card. A panel of judges and lawyers will determine semi-finalists. The final decision will be determined on April 28 at the Judicial Council meeting in Savannah, GA. Finalists from each group will be invited to attend the August 9 Judicial Council meeting in Atlanta, GA.
How to Enter
1. Download the Coloring Sheet for Elementary School based on grade-level or see instructions for Middle and High School students.
2. Review the guidelines including due date and types of materials that are acceptable.
3. All submissions must be accompanied by a Student Entry Form which can be downloaded here.
4. Mail in your entry/entries (if sending entries from an entire class).
If you have questions regarding the Law Day Coloring Contest, please email information@georgiacourts.gov. More information is available here.
2017 Sea Turtle Tee-Shirt Design Contest
The Tybee Island Marine Science Center is holding a design contest for the 13th annual Tybee Turtle Trot tee-shirt. Scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2017, this event is a celebration to kick off the sea turtle nesting season on Tybee Island.
The winning design will be featured on the race t-shirt that all race participants will receive. All entries must be submitted by March 31, 2017. It is our goal that this contest will provide a fun outlet to learn more about sea turtle conservation. For more information, please contact Tammy Smith at (912) 484-3416 or through email at turtletammy@bellsouth.net.
T-shirt Contest Awards: The winner will receive a free tee-shirt featuring his or her design, a Sea Turtle Family Membership to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, and recognition at the event!
Please follow these guidelines to enter this contest:
* This contest is open to all students in grades K through 8th.
* Each entry must be submitted on one side of an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of white paper.
* All artwork content must be original in its entirety. Only original, hand drawn or computer generated art will be accepted.
* The back of all entries must include student’s name, parent’s name, address, phone number, and age of student, name of school & grade level.
* Entries must be submitted no later than Friday, March 31, 2017. Entries may be hand-delivered or sent by mail to the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.
The science center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or entries can be mailed to:
Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Attn: Sea Turtle Tee-Shirt Contest
PO Box 1879
Tybee Island, GA 31328
All entries become the property of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and may be used in future
FREE Kids’ Events @ Skidaway Island State Park
*Turtle Hurdles
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Learn about sea turtles of the Georgia coast, what turtles you find here, what obstacles they face, how the Department of Natural Resources protects them, and what you can do to help. Prepare for an activity and fun information about turtles. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*Water Quality
Thursday, March 23, 2017 10 AM to 11 AM
The earth is 71% water, but what water are you drinking? Join us at the Interpretive Center to learn about water quality, water pollution, and test the waters of Skidaway Island. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*History Hike
Thursday, March 23, 2017 1 PM to 3 PM
Join us on a 3-mile hike to see the historic Civil War earthworks and Native American shell mounds. Meet at the Interpretive Center, bring water, and wear sturdy walking shoes. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*Ancient Art
Thursday, March 23, 2017 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
In prehistoric times, Skidaway Island was home to the Yamasee and Guale peoples. We see them today in their shell middens and pottery. Learn about the materials they used to create the art that archaeologist find today, by doing it yourself! Expect an activity with ochre based paint and crafting with clay. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*Stars of Skidaway Island
Thursday, March 23, 2017 7:45 PM to 8:45 PM
We will have star charts, red-lensed flashlights and moon binoculars ready for viewing and learning about the major visible constellations. Meet at the Interpretive Center and we will walk you to the ‘gazing location. Bring flashlights with a red lens, wear warm clothes and closed toed shoes. Families welcome, no pets please. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*Get Lost and Start a Campfire
Friday, March 24, 2017 1 PM to 2 PM
Bring your family to this program for tips on how NOT to get lost in the woods, and what to do if it happens anyway. We will talk about important tools you can use to keep yourself safe, what to do in a best and worst case scenario, then spark a fire of our own. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*Turtle Hurdles
Friday, March 24, 2017 3 PM to 4 PM
Learn all about the sea turtles of the Georgia coast; what turtles you find here, what obstacles they face, how the Department of Natural Resources protects them, and what you can do to help. Prepare for an activity and fun information about turtles. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*Dusk Hike, Sounds, Sights, and Smells of the Night
Friday, March 24, 2017 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM
Join us at the Interpretive Center parking lot for a short hike to explore the darkness. We will be using black-light flashlights to explore the trail for glowing bugs and plants, and using our senses to explore what our eyes might miss. Wear closed toed shoes, no pets, and bring flashlights with a red lens if possible. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
*Pollination 101 and Visit the Bees
Saturday, March 25, 2017 10 AM to 11 AM
What do bees, butterflies, and bats all have in common? All of them are essential parts of the pollination cycle for almost all plants and crops. Bring the family to the Interpretive Center where you will learn the basics of how pollination works and why it is so important, then we will trek to the hive to see the process for ourselves. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Repeats and Reminders
Spring Fling
The Spring Fling Dance for Coastal’s 7th and 8th grade students will be on Friday, March 31st from 7PM to 9PM. Tickets will be sold for $10.00 each and will include admission to the DJ’d event and a Chick-fil-A sandwich and soda. A photographer will be available for $2.00 per photo, and additional treats will be sold for $1.00 per item. Suggested attire for the dance is dressy casual to "Sunday best". Permission slips will go home the week of March 13th and collection will take place after spring break. No tickets will be sold at the event.
Yearbook
Order Online at website www.yearbookordercenter.com and use Order # 20020. Or, order in the front office on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday before homeroom. Order forms are available on line. ($35 CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY if ordered in the school's office.)
SRI and MAP
The target scores below represent that while a child is not proficient with reading or mathematics, he or she possesses the necessary skills to be successful, with extra support, at the subsequent grade level. The scores needed to be considered proficient are actually much higher. SRI and MAP scores are one of many factors which are considered when deciding if a child is ready to be promoted to the next higher grade.
SRI
6th - 835
7th - 890
8th - 955
MAP
6th - 219
7th - 223
8th - 227
8th Grade State Promotion Requirement
Please remember that in addition to demonstrating proficiency in reading and math, as well as passing all classes, students in Georgia should also pass the GMAS assessment. Pull the study guides off our website and start working. This assessment serves as one of many factors that are examined when considering if promotion is appropriate.
Late Work
All work should be submitted on the date it is due. Teachers will accept no more than 2 late assignments, with parent signature, within 3 days of the date the assignment is posted, for no more than 70% credit.
Free Digital Resources
Please be aware that you and your child can access free, interactive digital textbooks through the Georgia Department of Education's website. The textbooks can be accessed by visiting www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources. Texts are currently available for middle and high school courses.