The Mustang Minute
April 6, 2018 - Issue 29
Social Media Pitfalls
Recently we have found out that an increasing number of students are engaging in what we call "sexting", sending pictures of themselves unclothed or partially clothed to each other via text, Snapchat, direct message, etc. While we are seeing this primarily in grade 8, it is something that occurs with young people as early as grade 6. Students may send these pictures for a variety of reasons: they are in a relationship with another person and believe this to be a part of a good relationship, they feel forced by another person to send them because of repeated requests, sometimes they will send one as a joke. What they don't realize is once it is sent, it can never be unsent and they no longer have control over the image or who sees it.
We are asking that parents have a conversation with their students about this practice and to check your student's phone for these types of pictures. Talk to them about what a good relationship looks like, and how no one has the right to ask you do something that makes you uncomfortable. If you have concerns that your student may have something on their phone ask them to show you their photo reel, their moments, their "for my eyes only" account, their "stories". Each app has a different way to save and hide photos - social media companies are not working with us on this issue!
If you have any concerns that you would like help with, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at CMS.
Holocaust Survivor
Janet Applefield
An Amazing Story
March winners of Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School’s Citizen of the Month
Congratulations to the March winners of Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School’s Citizen of the Month. Citizens of the Month exemplify the school’s mission statement and are chosen by teachers and staff. To celebrate their accomplishments, an end of the year breakfast celebration will be held for students and their families.
Grade 8: Timothy DeLaria, Megan Olbrys, Shawn Casavant
Grade 7: Shannon Brady, Eve Andrews, Audrey and Keira Haberlin, Shylah Hansen
Grade 6: Daniel Silva, Miguel DeLao Machado, Thomas Lynch
Growth Mindset
Big Y Education Express
We have four people signed up and close to 1000 points already! Join in and earn points for CMS!
8th Grade Course Selection
April 11, 2018 – Override deadline – All overrides must be submitted by parents/students. The only changes made after this deadline are teacher-driven changes or those involving extenuating circumstances.
PTO Corner
The PTO meets the second Thursday of each month to hear an update from the principal and discuss planning related to enrichment, fundraising, activities and other topics of interest. You can also stay up to date with the CMS PTO by following us on Facebook. You can contact the PTO at coakleypto@gmail.com.
Have some time? Able to help out during CMS MCAS testing? Use the link below to sign up. Thanks in advance!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a48abaf23a20-mcas
Ongoing PTO Activities
The PTO is still selling bulbs, 8th grade 31 bags, and Coakley Gear Store. We are working on an Orange Leaf challenge for end April/May, which we do every year, where each grade goes one night and 20% to PTO.
Amazon Smile
On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, select Coakley PTO as your charitable organization and receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
2017-2018 Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month from 7-8 p.m. in the middle school library.
• April 12
• May 10
• June 14
Check out the new Coakley Apparel Store through the link below!
After School Club Updates
Bowling Club: Fridays 3:00-4:00pm at the Norwood Sports Center. No transportation provided.
Coakley Insider: Tuesdays at 2:10 in the library.
Drama Club: Mondays 2:15-3:00 pm
National History Day: Students choose either Tuesday or Wednesday
Friendship Club: Will meet Tuesdays starting later in October
Cartooning: Will meet Thursdays
SEARCH: Meets on Mondays
Student Council: Will meet on the last Tuesday of the month starting later this month.
Artists Club: meets Wednesdays starting October 18th.
CMS Book Club: This year we are reading “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds. Read the book and join us on October 26th after school in the library. See Mrs. MacTavish or Mrs. Lockwood with questions.
Math Club: Will be meeting on Thursday's
CMS Honor Chorus: Monday and Wednesdays 2:15-3:00 pm
CMS Jazz Band: Wednesday's 5-7:30 pm
CMS Honor Band: Rehearsal Mondays from 4:30-6 pm in the CMS auditorium.
CMS Honor Orchestra: Tuesdays 4:40-6:00 pm
Intramural Sports: please check the website (linked below) for all schedules.
Important Dates
MCAS Dates
ELA
Grade 8: April 25-26
Grade 7: April 30 and May 1
Grade 6: May 2-3
Math
Grade 8: May 7-8
Grade 7: May 9-10
Grade 6: May 14-15
STE
Grade 8: May 16-17
Guys and Dolls Jr.: Friday May 4th & Saturday May 5th @NHS
6th Grade Spring Concert: Thursday, May 31 @CMS
7th Grade Spring Concert: Tuesday, June 5 @CMS
8th Grade Spring Concert: Tuesday, June 12 @CMS
Grade 8 promotion ceremony/dinner/dance: June 21st PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE