The Mustang Minute
February 16, 2018 - Issue 23
Celebrating Black History Month
While Black History Month is a time to acknowledge those achievements it should not be the only time we recognize the impact that minority cultures have had on our country and our world. Black History Month is a great launching pad to truly embed cultural diversity throughout each day and each part of our learning.
I asked the teachers to share with me some of the ways they celebrate Black History Month in their classrooms and I thought I would share them with you. What made me particularly proud was that several staff members shared how they don't do a "stand alone" activity for Black History Month but work to embed culturally relevant practices and materials throughout the school year. Here are a few examples:
- 7th grade Geography has been studying Nelson Mandela and his work to end apartheid. Using a reading called "Madiba" students are working on discussion questions about the use of non-violence vs. violence and how apartheid has negatively affected South Africa's reputation, economy and people.
- Grade six has been working on the Jackie Robinson Breaking Barriers essay contest.
- Grade 6 Social studies have been connecting the Breaking Barriers essay work and the Civil Rights Movement. They also tie in other barriers in the world (religion, gender, culture). Students then research someone who was influential in breaking down barriers to research.
As we head into February Vacation, I encourage you to ask your children about their learning and to encourage them to continue to explore on their own. Have a happy, safe, and restful break!
School Security
We are lucky to have a Norwood Police officer as our school based SRO who helps us maintain a high level of security at all times. If you have any specific questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call or email the school.
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
February 9, 2018 – NHS counselors visited Coakley Middle School to present on course selection.
February 12 - February 25, 2018
CMS teachers received instructions and were asked to enter course and level recommendations.
February 26–March 16, 2018 – The guidance counselor will meet individually with 8th grade students to schedule classes
Students should come with one elective choice and an alternative elective incase the course is full.
All students will receive a copy of their intended courses, as well as instructions and contact information for overrides.
March 23, 2018 – Parent/Guardian signatures are due (please turn them into your homeroom teacher)
March 29, 2018 – Course requests for all schools (including all special education requests) are due to the high school.
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.
Events:
Parents' Night Out at Norwood Sport Center, Sat, Feb 10, 7-10 p.m. $20 at the door
Bertucci's Fundraisier Sunday, February 25th all day.
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.
Boxtops
Turn in those Boxtops! Submissions Due March 1st!
2017-2018 Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month from 7-8 p.m. in the middle school library.
• March 8
• April 12
• May 10
• June 14
Check out the new Coakley Apparel Store through the link below!
DC Scholarship Fund
If you are a part of any local organizations (Rotary, Lions, etc) that might be willing to sponsor a student on the trip please let me know. I would be happy to present at a meeting.
After School Club Updates
We are in the process of collecting all after school club schedules. Once collected we will create a master calendar for parents to follow.
Bowling Club: Fridays 3:00-4:00pm at the Norwood Sports Center. No transportation provided.
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
February 7: Early Release at 11:00am
6:30-8:30pm Open house for grade 8 at NHS
February 19-23: February vacation
February 25: Bertucci's PTO Fundraiser 11:00am to 10pm