CMS Parent Newsletter
January 4, 2017
Dear Parents,
Upcoming Seahawk Events
January 4 – 3rd Marking Period Begins. School Resumes
January 5 – Basketball Tryouts Begin
January 5 - Lacrosse Clinic - 3:00p.m. - 4:30p.m. Return the form to Coach Sanders.
January 6 - Spirit Wear $1 - Proceeds Benefit YMCA Priceless Gift
January 7 - SCCPSS Expo at the Savannah Mall
January 10 - CMS Spelling Bee 11:15 a.m.
January 11 - Papa Murphy's Spirit Night
January 13 – Report Cards Issued
January 16 - MLK Holiday
January 19 - Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night
January 20 - Spirit Night - Proceeds split between providing for our school ducks and our school gardens
January 24 - Five Guys Spirit Night to Benefit Drama Club
January 25 - Family Homework Pass Night - Exercise Together
January 26 - First Semester Award Ceremony 8:00 a.m. - 8th Grade, 10:00a.m. 6th Grade, 12:30 p.m. 7th Grade
Heart and Soul Spring Session
Second Semester Connection Classes
Please remember that students may not “choose” or opt-out of connection classes, with the exception of band or chorus. They will take the classes which they are assigned. It is our goal for our students to have a variety of opportunities during their three middle school years. We are not able to honor requests for class changes.
Basketball Tryouts
Basketball tryouts will begin January 5th. Students must have a sports physical on file before tryouts. Contact Coach Sanders for more information or visit our CMS athletics page.
Reading
We hope your child read a lot over the break. Remember - the quickest way to increase test scores in all areas is to read a lot across many genres.
News from Our Student Council
GMAS - Milestones Preparation
It is time to start preparing for the GMAS. Study Guides and Assessment Guides can be found under "Shared Documents" on our school's website and should be used to prepare at home.
Friday Fun
National Lighthouse School
At CMS, we are blessed to be an IB World School, an International Baccalaureate World School, the home of a model PTSA, a Lighthouse School to Watch and most of all, a school where "excellence has no limits." All of these titles and accolades are a result of your dedication and support to us as parents of the most wonderful children on in the universe. They never cease to amaze us in every aspect of what an education entails. Thanks you for entrusting us with your precious gifts. Below are the premises by which we strive to live and teach by every day as we continue to be a beacon tower for other schools to follow around the district, state and the nation.
- “Educators value young adolescents and are prepared to teach them.”
- “Students and teachers are engaged in active, purposeful learning.”
- “Curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and relevant.”
- “Educators use multiple learning and teaching approaches.”
- “Varied and ongoing assessments advance learning as well as measure it.”
- “A shared vision developed by all stakeholders guides every decision.’
- “Leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about this age group, educational research, and best practices.”
- “Leaders demonstrate courage and collaboration.”
- “Ongoing professional development reflects best educational practices.”
- “Organizational structures foster purposeful learning and meaningful relationships.”
- “The school environment is inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive of all.”
- “Every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate.”
- “Comprehensive guidance and support services meet the needs of young adolescents.”
- “Health and wellness are supported in curricula, school-wide programs, and related policies.”
- “The school actively involves families in the education of their children.”
- “The school includes community and business partners.”
Community Opportunities
Girls Roller Derby - It’s Open Enrollment time for the Savannah Jr. Derby Taunts, Savannah’s only all girl roller derby team. Open Enrollment is every Saturday in January, 9-11AM at Starcastle, located at 550 Mall Blvd in Savannah. Open to girls ages 8-17. The only skill necessary to join is the ability to skate on lap without falling down. They’ll train you for the more advanced levels required to compete. It’s free and fun to come try. Skaters must bring their own water bottle and sports mouth guard. Skaters must have medical insurance. Skates, helmets and protective gear will be available for use on a first come first serve basis. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! For more information, email savannahjuniorderby@gmail.com
Fort Pulaski National Monument - Free Entrance Day Monday, January 16, 2017. Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
SEA Program: Coastal Reptiles: Date: January 14,2017. 1 hour program offered 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. & 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. UGA MARINE EDUCATION CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 30 OCEAN SCIENCE CIRCLE, SAVANNAH, GA. Have you ever wondered what loggerhead sea turtles eat? Or why snakes flick their tongues? Do lizards have ears? Learn the answers to these questions and more at our upcoming SEA Program: Coastal Reptiles. Staff will explain why the many species of reptiles inhabiting the diverse habitats of Georgia are important to our coast. Participants may even be able to touch and hold live reptiles! This program is open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by January 6, 2017. Cost: $10. Contact: To register call Kayla Clark at (912) 598-3345 or email kayla270@uga.edu.
Repeats and Reminders
Free Lacrosse Clinic
Lowcountry Lacrosse and the Coastal Empire Youth Lacrosse League for boys and girls in the Savannah area will host a free clinic for students at CMS on January 5th from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30p.m. The clinic will take place on our softball field. Interested students should see Coach Sanders in the gym to pick up a participation and hold harmless form. The clinic’s staff will provide sticks, balls and coaching staff. Students should be picked-up by 4:30 p.m. that afternoon.
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.)
GA Renaissance Festival
Would you and/or your child like to see go to the Georgia Renaissance Festival on April 18th? The cost is $119. Please contact Kelly Tours or Alicia Harvey (Alicia.harvey@sccpss.com) for more information.
SRI and MAP
SRI
6th - 835
7th - 890
8th - 955
MAP
6th - 219
7th - 223
8th - 227
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.