The Principal's Message
Crossroads South Middle School
September 17th, 2018
CROSSROADS SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sondra Hinson & Mark Kmiec, Assistant Principals
Website: www.sbschools.org
Location: 195 Major Road, NJ, United States
Phone: 732-329-4633
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SBSDXRDS/timeline
Twitter: @SBSDXRDS
FROM THE PRINCIPAL...
Welcome Back to School! We are thrilled to start another wonderful year here at Crossroads South Middle School. Our first two weeks (although short) have been great. The administration met with all of our grade levels to set the tone for a great year. We are so proud of our 8th grade students, as they rise to be our leaders. We were equally impressed with our 7th graders who grew so much over the summer and started the year with a different confidence than last year. Then, we welcomed our newest members to our team, our 6th graders. They were absolutely lovely and have been highly respectful and eager to learn the ways of Middle School. Not having to walk in a line still remains the current favorite part of Middle School for a 6th-grade student. This new found freedom is so neat to see, as they step out and become more independent. We also hope you enjoyed the video that was sent showing you how our staff is dedicated to welcoming and supporting your children.
Sincerely,
Ms. Capes
SCHOOL NOTES
- NO SCHOOL - Wednesday 9/19 - Yom Kippur
- BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS: This year, we will host TWO Back to School Nights. This is being done to help cut down on the amount of traffic and congestion that is cause having all grade levels at one time. We want this night to be meaningful for all in attendance. The first night is on 9/25 for 6th grade families only. The second is on 9/27 for 7th & 8th grade families only. Both events start at 6:30pm. A specific schedule for each night will be sent home via separate email. Please look for that later this week.
- SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK: This past week was Suicide Prevention Week. At this level, we are careful to use developmentally appropriate language, while still sharing the importance of a very serious topic. Our Student Assistance Coordinator, along with our School Counselors, provided an age-appropriate activity to let kids know that there is always support. During lunch on Friday, they had a table inviting kids to think about "Who Would Rescue You?" So many shared family, friends, and teachers. Please keep reminding our children that there are always people to help. In addition, please see the note below from SPS regarding resources for parents.
- GENESIS: Please make sure all of your forms have been updated and signed via Genesis. Our gradebooks are currently not visible by parents because there are very little (if any) grades to report. The portal will be open to parents in just a few weeks when grades are posted.
- ESSA NOTICE: Attached to my original email is a letter from the district sharing an updated regarding our school. Please read this so you are aware of this mandatory notification.
ONGOING REMINDERS
- IMPORTANT BUS NOTE: Please remember that students are only permitted to ride his/her regular bus home. You cannot go home on another bus. Our busses are full and any additional students have left others without a seat and in a potentially dangerous situation. If your child wishes to go home with another student, you must coordinate either a parent pickup at the school or a parent pickup at your house. Thank you for your understanding.
From STUDENT SERVICES...
Counseling Support Services
The National Alliance of Mental Health Illness (NAMI) recognizes the month of September
as Suicide Awareness month. The purpose is to bring attention to mental illness and
suicide. The most important message we can give to our children is that there is always
help available.
Our counseling staff offers many services to our students and families. We provide age
appropriate support for our children in order to develop independence, positive peer
relationships, and work habits that promote students to be academically successful.
Youngsters face many physical, emotional, and social changes along with activities,
social media and the normal stress of school.
It is not unusual for children to be moody or struggle with independence. However, as
parents, you know your child best. When moodiness seems to go on longer than you
feel it should, it may be a concern. For instance, changes in sleep patterns, eating
habits, isolation from peers, lack of interest in activities that they usually enjoy, may be a
sign of depression. Children and adults who begin to talk about ending things, giving
away possessions, and using a substance, need to reach out for counseling support.
As a parent or guardian, if you feel that you need support for your child or they may be
at risk, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor. Should you need
support after school hours, please see the Resource list below.
Mental Health Resources:
2nd Floor-Free Youth Helpline with Staff available 24/7:
1-888-222-2228
UMDNJ-Piscataway-Counselors available 24/7:
732-235-5700
Perform Care- Spanish speaking counselors are available-24/7:
1-877-652-7624
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
UPCOMING DATES
SEPTEMBER
- 9/17 - BOE Meeting @ 7:30pm
- 9/19 - NO SCHOOL - Yom Kippur
- 9/25 - 6th GRADE - Back to School Night - 6:30pm
- 9/27 - 7th & 8th GRADE - Back to School Night - 6:30pm
- 9/28 - Spirit Assembly & Summer Reading Celebration
OCTOBER
- 10/1 - NJ WEEK OF RESPECT
- 10/1 - Picture Day
- 10/7 - BRINGING SOUTH HOME Tour
- 10/8 - BOE Meeting @ 7:30pm
- 10/9 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - School Planning
- 10/10 - PTO MEETING @ Xroads South
- 10/15 - NJ Violence & Vandalism Awareness Week
- 10/22 - BOE Meeting @ 7:30pm
- 10/29 - Picture Day Make-ups
- 10/31 - Halloween
NOVEMBER
- 11/5 - NO SCHOOL - CONFERENCES
- 11/6 - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development
- 11/7 - NO SCHOOL - Professional Development
- 11/8 - NO SCHOOL - NJEA Convention
- 11/9 - NO SCHOOL - NJEA Convention
- 11/15 - "Night Under the Lights" Football Game @ North Brunswick
- 11/19 - BOE Meeting @ 7:30pm
- 11/21 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - Thanksgiving
- 11/22 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
- 11/23 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
DECEMBER
- 12/3 - BOE Meeting @ 7:30pm
- 12/5 - EARLY RELEASE DAY - School Planning
- 12/6 - WINTER CONCERT SERIES (Band) @ SBHS 7:00pm
- 12/6 - Trimester 1 ENDS
- 12/7 - Trimester 2 BEGINS
- 12/7 - PATTERNS Assembly
- 12/13 - WINTER CONCERT SERIES (Strings) @ SOUTH 7:00pm
- 12/17 - BOE Meeting @ 7:30pm
- 12/20 - WINTER CONCERT SERIES (Chorus) @ SBHS 7:00pm
- 12/21 - EARLY RELEASE - Winter Break