THE PAW PRINT
VOL. 2 - Week of August 24, 2020
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!
How to Login to Google Classroom (Student Directions)
Zero Period and Panther Pod Start This Week!
All students will begin Panther Pod on Wednesday, August 26.
Attention 6th Graders!
6th Grade 2020-2021 ASB Application
- Do you enjoy helping others in your school and community?
- Do you like planning school events, like dances, spirit days and digital rallies?
- Do you love having school spirit and helping all panthers feel special?
- Then ASB is for you..
ASB is currently taking 6th grade applications, we are looking for enthusiastic, organized, creative, open minded, and hard working panthers. We are in need of students who love their community and school and want to help others and make sure all panthers feel safe and included.
"To me, ASB means leadership, friendship, and putting others before yourself. It is stepping up to take the lead and doing what is best for your peers, rather than yourself.
ASB represents family—we are each so different. From our cultures to our hobbies, yet we come together as a family and build friendships that will last a lifetime." -Ava Steins, 8th grader at CCMS.
"ASB meant that I was always going to have a responsibility, work to do, but a team of supportive people to help me with all of it. ASB represents a lot of different things, but overall it helps to project the idea that students with nothing in common besides an aptitude for leadership can all work together and form a family, which is what CCMS is as well."-Bianca Egan, Former ASB student
"I gained SO MUCH knowledge from ASB in many different ways. I learned from other ASB members as well as from Mrs. Vielman. I gained knowledge on things I didn't even know existed on our campus, for example, expenditures and everything that goes into planning events. The things that were most knowledgeable to me, were the things I learned from other ASB leaders, whether it be getting to know them or something that I didn't know about ASB that they did." -Gabriella Gilbert, Former ASB member (2019-2020)
Missed the Parent Bootcamp Presentations?
Access the videos or slideshow here:
- Returning Parent Bootcamp Video - Aug 18
- New Parent Bootcamp Video - Aug 19 Access Passcode: UU8Y3+WS
- Parent Bootcamp Slides
Our CCMS Spirit Store is Up!
PTSA SAVE THE DATE!
Calling all CCMS PTSA Association members! Mark your calendars for the first Association meeting on Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00pm via Zoom. Find out what programs and events your donations are funding, vote on Association business items, hear from Administrators, and meet some fellow parents. We hope you can attend!
Culver City Middle School PTSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: CCMS PTSA Association Meeting (September)
Time: Sep 1, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81603369449?pwd=V0lRTHg1eHpWZHJhODQwVlMyYkNxQT09
Meeting ID: 816 0336 9449
Passcode: 232792
The 3 Big Announcements From The CCMS PTSA & Panther Partners
We hope the first week of school has gone smoothly. As our students get settled in to school, it’s time for us to support them and their teachers to thrive this year.
These are the 3 big asks we have for parents:
1) Invest in our students and donate to the CCMS 100 Campaign today!
2) Join the PTSA (it’s only $8/year)
3) Join us 9/3 at 7pm for a new parent mixer for “Desserts & Drinks” (byo dessert and/or drink). Mix and mingle will fellow 6th grade/new parents & returning parent leaders. See full invite above for more info.
This is a unique year and our students, teachers and school need our support more than ever. CCMS PTSA and Panther Partners (booster club) are launching the second annual CCMS 100 CAMPAIGN. The Campaign's goal is to raise $100,000 in 100 days with 100% participation from CCMS families. We need your help! We are asking each CCMS family to make a donation - and help us reach all three goals! We ask each family to give meaningfully - all contributions, of any amount, are great appreciated.
Funds donated will help ensure teachers have the tools to do distance learning effectively and build community remotely along with helping students in need. This year the PTSA will not run any other fundraisers and will rely solely on your contributions to fund our programs. In order to provide quality experiences for our 1,700 students, we must raise $100,000. Please give generously today - donate at: PTSA & Panther Partners Annual Giving Campaign Thank you!
Lastly – families who donate $250 or more will receive a free luxurious plush navy blanket embroidered with the #CULVERPRIDE logo. Perfect for snuggling while learning at a distance! You can donate once or make recurring monthly contributions - click here to donate now Donate 20-21.
Check out our PTSA and Panther Partners Presidents in a video for parents!
Save the Date for "New Parent Desserts & Drinks Mixer” on September 3rd.
The PTSA will be hosting a virtual mixer on Zoom for 6th grade parents and any other new families to CCMS on Thursday, September, 3, 2020 (Zoom link will be sent out in the next Paw Print). Come with your own refreshing cocktail and/or dessert to mix and mingle with other CCMS parents! You will be able to ask questions and to learn more about being a parent at CCMS, the types of events CCMS has and tips on how to navigate middle school.
CCMS Student-Parent Handbook Addendum for Distance Learning 2020-2021
The following expectations have been designed to support the CCMS Distance Learning and/or Blended Model of instruction for students. On behalf of the CCMS school administration, teachers, and support staff, we are requesting students think responsibly and act respectfully while participating with their peers in the virtual classroom. Our schoolwide positive behavior rules remain in effect while at home. Students who fail to follow the rules as outlined below can possibly be removed from the virtual classroom.
Basic Rules:
Identify a suitable workspace to work.
Log or dial in 5 minutes before virtual classroom sessions begins.
Be respectful.
Listen actively.
Actively participate.
Complete and submit assignments.
Turn on video and mute microphone until it is your turn to speak.
Dress appropriately.
Student Responsibilities:
Log in daily or assigned meeting times. Attendance will be taken in all virtual classes, including Panther Pod (on Wednesday mornings) and Fun Friday.
Ask/answer questions.
Take turns participating daily in classroom discussions and activities.
Complete work and turn work in on time.
Work independently or in groups (when assigned).
Be an active member of the virtual community.
Be careful with school materials, such as Chromebooks and textbooks.
Wear a mask at all times when on campus.
Maintain proper social distancing (6 ft.) when on campus (in classrooms, hallways, restrooms, etc,)
Wash hands frequently.
Unacceptable Behavior:
Vulgarity (no cursing, vulgar language, or inappropriate gestures, memes)
Negative feedback on others’ work and/or comments
Posting negativity or bullying others in chat
Sharing negative and offensive comments, posts, messages, photos, and inappropriate material.
Recording virtual classroom without permission (applies to students and parents).
Taking photos in the virtual classroom.
Posting any videos or photos from virtual classrooms on social media without explicit permission.
Touching the mask or protective equipment of classmates and teachers. (Hands should always be kept to yourself, but especially during a pandemic.)
General Reminders:
Minimize background noise by turning off the TV and radio
Stay focused! Avoid multitasking during class.
Mute your microphones until it is your turn to speak.
Assigned Work and Grades During Distance Learning:
Students are expected to plan their time in such a way that they work on classes that are scheduled for the day and that they manage to meet all deadlines.
Students will be required to complete their school assignments uploaded in the virtual classroom by the deadline posted by the teacher. All their work will be monitored and considered equal to their work at regular lessons.
Grades will continue during distance learning as they would in an on-site classroom. Homework will have due dates, and students may incur penalties for late or missing work.
Communicating With Staff:
Please follow the procedures listed below if you have any concerns.
Contact your child’s teacher directly. Visit us at ccms.ccusd.org for a list of teachers and their websites.
If the problem is not resolved please contact your child’s counselor.
A-E: Sarah Slemmons
F-K: Jeanine Lizotte
L-Q: Terence Brown
R-Z: TBA
If the matter remains unresolved please contact your child’s Assistant Principal.
A-K: Julie Markussen
L-Z: Tatiana Takahashi
If you still feel that your matter has not been resolved please address your concerns to Ms. Elsy Villafranca, Principal.
Please allow up to 48 hours for staff members to return phone calls and emails. Your patience is appreciated.
School Counselor Availability:
School counselors are available to address concerns regarding academic placement, course selection, and overall attendance/behavior. Please email the counselors directly.
Virtual appointments can be scheduled with school counselors Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:20 AM--2:20 PM.
You can select a 15, 30, 0r 60 minute appointment option along with the date and time you prefer.
To make an appointment, click on the following links:
Counselor information for R-Z will be updated soon. Until then, feel free to contact any other counselor for assistance.
CCMS Office Hours
School administrators, counselors, and office staff are available via email between the hours of 9:00 AM--2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, during distance learning. During distance learning, they are unavailable at the CCMS campus. Please do not report to the CCMS office during distance learning, as visitors will only be admitted by appointment.
"Zoom Bombing"--What is It and How is CCMS Dealing With It?
At CCMS, we have taken precautions to protect our students from these unwanted interruptions and they have been a rare occurrence, but there is still a chance they could happen--especially if students share their teachers' Zoom session IDs and passcodes. Should an interruption like this occur that a teacher deems as inappropriate, CCMS has a plan in place to further protect our students. Here is what will happen:
1. If a "Zoom Bomber" enters a CCMS Zoom session, the teacher will immediately end that session. This means everyone will be locked out of that session.
2. The teacher will create a new Zoom session and link and post it on the class Google Classroom.
3. Have your child check the teacher's Google Classroom to find the new Zoom link and log into the new session.
4. We also will begin having students log into Zoom through Clever, which will add another layer of protection.
Again, this is not a prevalent issue at CCMS, but we wanted to have a clear plan in place in the event this would happen so we can best protect our teachers and students.
Independent PE Applications Available
According to Culver City Unified School District’s Board Policy, students may participate in Independent Study P.E in certain highly exceptional cases. Students in middle school or high school participating in “demanding, regular, out-of-school elite physical activity” (AR 6158.1) may petition to be excused from the required physical education courses and satisfy his/her physical education requirement through a P.E. Independent Study.
PDFs of the Independent P.E. application and activity log can be found below.
Applications must satisfy the following criteria:
The activity is significantly different or of a level that is not available in the school program.
Student must provide official documentation of ranking at regional, state, national, or international level. (A major factor in determining acceptance or rejection of this request will be the difference between a recreational and a competitive program.)
Student must participate in no fewer than 10 hours of documented instructional time a week, Monday through Friday.
The Independent Study P.E does not conflict with the student’s schedule of school classes and is consistent with the school’s P.E curriculum and the CA State P.E Framework.
If student is in 7th grade, student will participate in the FITNESSGRAM at the school site with their designated P.E teacher.
The Independent P.E program is conducted under the direct supervision of a credentialed or otherwise qualified instructor.
Students granted Independent P.E must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
The completed application is due by 4:00 PM on Friday, September 4, 2020.
Due to distance learning, completed applications should be emailed to Julie Markussen, Assistant Principal, at juliemarkussen@ccusd.org
Questions? email Julie Markussen, Assistant Principal, at juliemarkussen@ccusd.org
Panther Partners After School Classes--REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
Registration is now open for the Panther Partners After School Classes!
Register here: Click here for Panther Partners After School Classes Registration!
Panther Partners After School Classes/ASC program is offering a dynamic selection of virtual learning classes for Fall 2020. Classes will start September 7, 2020 ( Labor Day week) and run through the week of December 11, 2020. That’s 14 weeks of classes!
We recommend EARLY registration to ensure enrollment in the class you choose.
Enrollment is first come, first served and will close once the limit is met.
Please note: Classes that do not meet enrollment minimums will be cancelled.
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE.
PP ASC will be offering:
Fiction Writing
Beginning & Continuing French
Zooga Yoga
Jr. Culinarians
3 different art classes
Mathcounts & Math Olympiad
Actors’ Workshop
Singing
Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs (coding)
Creative Web Design (coding)
Photography
Folklorico Dance
Magic: The Gathering
Stay tuned to the Paw Print and check on out social media and websites below for announcements of open registration. https://www.facebook.com/groups/PantherPartnersofCCMS,
https://www.pantherpartners.com/, & CulverCityMiddleSchool@yahoogroups.com
PREVIOUSLY POSTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
How Do Students Access Their Teachers' Classes?
Join with Email Invite
Accept the invite in your email
- Open the email program you use for Classroom.
- In the email invite, click Join.
- (Optional) If you see Class not found, click the Down arrow and sign in with the account you use for Classroom. Learn more.
- Click Join.
Join with Class Code
2) Students can also retrieve their teachers' Classroom Codes by accessing them in the CCMS Edlio HW Site.
Go to classroom.google.com.
Make sure to sign in with the correct account. If you're already signed in and need to switch accounts, in the top-right corner, click your profile picture, select or add your account.
- At the top, click Join class .
Enter the class code from your teacher and click Join.
Note: Class codes are 6-7 characters, and use letters and numbers. Codes can’t have spaces or special symbols.
CCMS Bell Schedule for Distance Learning
CCMS Office Will be Open By Appointment Only
- Complete Aeries Registration (if unable to do it at home)
- Pick up an item: pre-purchase yearbook from last year, 8th grade certificate or award, etc
In an effort to keep our community safe, we encourage you to call or email all other questions or concerns that do not require an in-person visit.
CCMS Main Line: (310) 842-4200
Office Hours by Appointment: 9AM-2PM
Exciting Theater Opportunities for Students!
Summer Reading
Please review the summer reading assignments to ensure you are prepared for the beginning of the class. Teachers will collect them during the first week of class and may plan other assignments based on the reading. Don't fall behind--finish reading and your assignment before school starts!
Grab n Go Meals for All Students
Payment Information
On site payments will be accepted in the forms of Cash or Check only. Checks will be made out to CCUSD and student name(s) need to be in the Memo section of the check. Payments can be made online at www.culvercafe.org. Parents/guardians will need to create a new account on k12paymentforschools. We are no longer using e-funds. All account balances from last year have been rolled over.
- We will be CASHLESS. If a student pays with cash at the point of sale (POS) in any amount over the cost of their meals, they will not be given change. The money will be applied to their account balance for future use.
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.
Culver City Rental Assistance Program
Non-Affiliated Child Care Resources
We know we have many working parents in our community who are looking for assistance with child care. The following are not affiliated in any way with Culver City but we thought we'd include them if they could help some of our parents.
- Connections for Children: connectionsforchildren.org
- Crystal Stairs: crystalstairs.org
Exciting and New This Year!
All students will have a grade-level Panther Pod with an assigned teacher, and Pods will meet weekly on Wednesdays for 30 minutes. Teachers (along with counselors and administrators) will use this time for school announcements, enrichment opportunities, themed-month activities, social-emotional curriculum, and student-to-student connections.
Look for Panther Pods on your new schedule!
Need a Schedule Change?
- In person during registration
- By completing the Schedule Change Request Form (Easiest and Preferred!)
- By emailing your child's designating counselor and explaining the request
- By booking an appointment time to speak with your child's designated counselor
Sarah Slemmons (Last Names A-E and R)
- Email: sarahslemmons@ccusd.org
- Appointment: https://calendly.com/sarahslemmons
Jeanine Lizotte (Last Names F-K and S)
- Email: jeaninelizotte@ccusd.org
- Appointment: https://calendly.com/jeaninelizotte
Terence Brown (Last Names L-Q and T-Z)
- Email: terencebrown@ccusd.org
- Appointment: https://calendly.com/terencebrown
AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES AND SPORTS INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION
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
Note About Sports
Due to virtual learning and restrictions for on-campus activities, CCMS sports are currently on hold for the Fall semester.
In the event that sports can be offered later in the semester and/or next semester, we still anticipate a significant impact on our middle school sports program, as CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) has combined three seasons of high school sports into two seasons. Since we share coaches and facilities with the high school, the middle school may not be able to offer all sports during the 2020-2021 school year. We will make every effort to do so and are in close contact with CCHS and CIF for guidance on how to keep sports fun and safe at CCMS.
In the meantime, if you would like to take care of your child's sports physical in the event that we will be able to offer sports sometime this year, sports physicals are available at the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center on campus on September 14, 21, and 28 in the mornings. Scheduling is available now. Please call 310-392-8636 and request your child's appointment at the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Access the Incredible Resources of CCUSD!
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