CMS Parent Newsletter
December 5, 2016
Dear Parents,
We can't stop ourselves from bragging on our student body this year. They are the kindest, most courteous young people. Thank you for sharing them with us. It is a blessing and joy to watch them mature into such amazing young people.
Upcoming Seahawk Events
December 5 – Volleyball Playoffs
December 6 – Volleyball Playoffs
December 7 – Volleyball Playoffs
December 7 – Championship Swim Meet
December 13 – Five Guys Spirit Night
December 13 – Band Concert
December 13 – Class Picture Day
December 16 – Spirit Wear – Band
December 19 – School is in Session
December 20 – School is in Session
December 20 – Last Day of the 2nd Marking Period
December 21 – Winter Break Begins
January 4 – 3rd Marking Period Begins. School Resumes
January 13 – Report Cards Issued
Seahawk Silent Six
The biggest, wackiest, most exciting event of the whole year.
December 15th
5:30 - 6:45
Bring your entire family. Admission is free. Concessions will be sold.
Crazy costumes and holiday attire are encouraged.
Newsletter
Coastal Rings the Bell
Volleyball Playoffs
Reading
World Class Teaching
Congratulations to our foreign exchange teacher from Egypt Mr. Hassan Elghobaisy. Teaching Arabic to our students at both Coastal Middle School and Islands High School, his lessons were selected as the exemplar last month by the American Consulate. Each month, the visiting teachers are required to immerse themselves into the community and develop lessons, including pictures and videos, which will engage the students and enhance their understanding of the language and culture as its relates to our own traditions and practices. As an International Baccalaureate World School and a Lighthouse School to Watch, we are blessed to have Mr. Hassan as part of the Coastal family and are proud of the work that he is doing with our students to further their knowledge of places around the world.
PTSA Meeting
The PTSA General Meeting and 3 on 3 basketball tournament was a huge success! Thank you to our awesome PTSA board for hosting such a spectacular event.
PTSA Candy Cane Sales
The PTSA is sponsoring a Candy Canes Sale next week (Dec. 12 - 15) each morning before homeroom. Candy Canes will be delivered next Friday. Students may order a Candy Cane for themselves or have them delivered to a friend – such fun! If you can help, please click on the link. Candy Cane Sales
PTSA Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Hard Work...Pays Off! Homework included.
We would do our children a horrible disservice if we did not instill in them a great work ethic. There are many ways to do so. One includes having them get serious about study and homework. No matter what your teenager tells you, he or she DOES have homework every night. And, our students always have something to study or read. Teaching students to read material before it is taught in class is an extremely powerful study skill. Please polish up your family's routine for homework. Dedicate a time and space. If your child tells you there was no homework, check the website and then make your child spend that time studying.
Attendance Counts
Every day counts. If your child cannot attend all day, he or she needs to attend at least 4 classes to be considered present. While it varies a little bit for each grade level, students who are in school until 11:30 a.m. are counted present. Students who arrive late must be signed in by 11:30 a.m. to be considered present.
Intruder Drill
We often have practice drills to prepare for fire and severe weather events. Soon we will have a drill to prepare for an intruder or active shooter. Students will have two responsibilities – be silent and do exactly what their teacher tells them to do.
Food Donation
IB Profiles
Risk-Takers At Coastal Middle School, our students are given many opportunities to explore new roles, ideas, and strategies. While some new experiences may seem daunting at first, the aim of the IB program is to help students gain confidence in themselves as learners and realize the benefits that can only come when they step “out of the box.” By challenging our students to take healthy risks in and out of school, we can ensure personal growth now and in the future.
Balanced Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” At Coastal Middle School we provide opportunities for students to participate in a wide variety of learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. We strive to promote the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of each student and to model the importance of balance in one’s life. Reflective Middle school is a time when students become more self aware and learn more about what makes them unique. One of the best ways to help them learn is to give opportunities to reflect. Reflection happens when students consider their mistakes, their triumphs, their strengths, and their weaknesses. They are encouraged to ask themselves questions such as, “What went well?” and “What can I do better?” A key component of the IB program is our belief in the idea that the greatest growth does not come from experiences alone, but from reflecting on those experiences.
Parent Testimonial
This year has been great for my daughter. The principal and staff have made a huge difference in Coastal Middle School. They have created a very positive and supportive learning environment and work hard to recognize students for all of their accomplishments. Although academics are the number 1 priority at Coastal, the teachers work hard to make learning fun and allow the students time to socialize and make friends. My daughter is happy when she goes to school every morning, and that makes me a happy parent!
Community Opportunities
Floating Christmas Parade: Dec. 11 2016, 5:30 PM 40 Estill Hammock Road, Tybee Island During high tide, boats will be festively floating: Start time: 5:30pm. Cost: Free to participants with a donation for Second Harvest Food Bank; $5 for spectators with a donation for Second Harvest Food Bank. Awards will be presented afterwards. Call 912-786-9857 for more information
Luminary Fun Night with Mrs. Claus on Sat. Dec 10, 2016 6-8PM @ Skidaway Island State Park.
Bring your children and pets and join Mrs. Claus for a very special Luminary Night.
Enjoy a walk along the enchanted luminary trail and take a hayride around the park. Sip on hot chocolate while decorating cookies and making holiday crafts. Cookies, cookies and more cookies will be served. All activities $2 per person. $5 parking.
Skidaway Island State Park, 912-598-2300, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411
Savannah Santa Train 2016 - December 10, 2016 8:00am-5:00pm at the Georgia State Railroad Museum
All aboard! Santa is coming to visit for one day only at Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum! Take a short ride on a steam locomotive, create holiday themed crafts. For more information, please contact Sara Boon, Coastal Heritage Society Special Events Coordinator, at sboon@chsgeorgia.org or (912) 651-6840 ext. 302. Eighteen of our 8th grade students will be volunteering at this event.
Repeats and Reminders
Yearbook
Order your Yearbook by December 31st and the cost is $25.00. The will be $35.00 beginning January 1st.
1 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. Oder forms are available on line. (CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY)
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.