Currently at Caruso
10-07-16
Greetings Caruso Families,
Caruso Middle School traditionally, and presently, performs at the highest of levels on so many different metrics that it becomes difficult to identify significant areas for growth. One critical exception is attendance. During the 2015-16 academic year, 108 Caruso students were absent for 15 or more days. That's almost 20% of our students. Across town, only 35 Shepard Middle School students fit this profile. Our school-wide goal is to reduce the number of students absent for 15 or more days by at least 20%.
Fifteen days absent equates to fifteen hours of instruction lost in mathematics, fifteen hours of instruction lost in language arts, ten hours of instruction lost in Spanish, ten hours of instruction lost in physical education, and ninety hours of total instruction missed. Nothing can replicate the interactions, conversations and experiences that take place in our classrooms.
We ask all parents to take a few steps to help support regular attendance:
Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick.
Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.
Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
We want your child to be successful in school - and being present is the first, easy step in that success. We will continue to emphasize this important area throughout the year. Let’s work together to get our students to school as frequently as possible so that we can collectively engage, inspire, empower, and grow!
Sincerely,
Brian Bullis
1st Posting - Caruso Parent Data Night
1st/FINAL Posting - Guest Author
Forms along with payments are due to the school library by Friday, Oct. 14th.
1st/FINAL Posting - Upcoming PPS Event
Please see the attached flyer for an upcoming Parents and Professionals for Success (PPS) event on October 18!
2nd/Edited Posting - Halloween Dress Reminders
*Note - our student council invites students to participate in an all-school costume theme. The theme is "Movie and Book Characters."
Caruso will encourage students to express their creative sides and dress for Halloween while in school on Monday, October 31st.
Please be mindful of the impact of small group costumes. We want to promote the social-emotional well-being of all students. If your child is participating in a small group costume please remind them to consider others and not intentionally exclude anyone.
The following costume criteria must be followed. If it cannot be followed, parents will be contacted to bring alternate clothing for the student. Parents should have full knowledge of what their child will wear for school on October 31st.
Students can only apply make-up, spray colored hairspray, or put on costumes at home.
Students will not be permitted to wear any type of mask or any other costume that will obstruct the learning environment at school.
School rules for dress will apply. Students should not wear anything that has a sexual connotation or would be considered inappropriate dress, for example.
Students should respect political views and religious beliefs.
Costumes that promote graphic violence are discouraged.
Students should not use costume props of a violent nature, such as toy guns, toy knives, and/or toy swords, to name a few.
2nd/FINAL Posting – Picture Retakes – October 19th
Picture retakes will take place on October 19th. If your child was present but desires a retake be sure to bring the originals back in on this day (originals will be distributed soon). If your child was absent on the original picture day they just need to come with their completed order form. Additional forms can be obtained in the office.
3rd Posting - Student-Led Conference Sign-up
Caruso Middle School will once again be hosting student-led conferences, on November 21st and 22nd this year. You can follow this PTCfast link (not Family Access) to sign-up your child or children. If you encounter problems or have any questions please contact the front office for assistance. Sign-ups will close a week prior to conferences at which time you will need to call the front office if you need to sign-up or adjust a time.
5th/FINAL Posting – 6th Grade Physicals (and Dental Forms)
By state law, 6th grade physicals must be turned in by Thursday, October 15. Failure to do so by that date will result in exclusion from school until the physical is submitted. If you have any questions please email our health assistant, Anna Ghukasyan, at aghukasyan@dps109.org.
Dental forms are not due until May but you are encouraged to turn those in as well to complete your state-required forms for the year. Please see the district website for details about required paperwork and vaccinations, or call Ms. Ghukasyan with any questions or concerns.
7th Posting - Yearbook Ordering Information
This year we are working with Jostens for our school yearbook. The yearbook is a great memory for middle schoolers as a keepsake of what their life was like during their time enjoyed at Caruso.
You can order a yearbook directly at www.jostensyearbooks.com or through our direct link http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01749750 or by phone at 1-877-767-5217.
Ordering MUST be done online- we do not accept cash or checks for the yearbook. The yearbook is $25.00 if you order before September 30th. After that, the price will increase.
Please keep in mind that yearbook is NOT a part of any fees you already paid- it is separate and optional to purchase. Don't let the memories fade away, order your yearbook today!
8th Posting - CMS Spirit Wear!
Archived Communications
About us
Important Caruso/DPS109 Websites & Links
Email: bbullis@dps109.org
Website: http://caruso.dps109.org/
Location: 1801 Montgomery Rd, Deerfield, IL, United States
Phone: 847-945-8430
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarusoMiddleSchool
Twitter: @109Caruso