The Bird Nest
CMS News & Notes October 2021
CMS Parents & Students
Tutoring options are now available for students that need extra help or just a quiet place to work. Check out the options below and reach out to those teachers as needed. We are also offering Saturday school tomorrow for any students that needs assistance. Click the link below to sign your child up for this opportunity.
Socktober Challenge - Battle of the Buildings!!
Each building section is hosting a competition to see who can collect the most socks. Let's help 6-8 students show how much they care by collecting a ton of socks to help those in need! Please send in new socks in any size to school if you are able to help!
Our goal is to "Beat the Other Buildings"! Also, the 3 homerooms with the most socks will earn ice cream from the principal!
Calling All Book Lovers!
The Christian County Library wants to help open up the world of reading for your child. A library card gives you access to not only books, DVDs, and audiobooks, but to a great deal of online resources as well. With your library card, you can instantly borrow free digital movies, music, eBooks and audiobooks. There are numerous research tools and online courses as well.
Here’s the great news – All of our students can sign up for a library card for free, even if you don’t live in Christian County! Every person in your house is eligible – just fill out an application for each family member. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and their families!
Between now and November 4th, the Christian County Library is holding a card drive. The school with the highest percentage of new library card applications will receive a gift of $200 for their school library. The applications will be processed, the library cards will be delivered to our school, and then I will distribute them.
The link is posted below. Sign up today! (Students under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian's signature on the application.)
Tik Tok 101
Check out this resources from Social Smart Media on the danger of teens using TikTok.
Leader In Me
Do you see the leader in your kid? Come check out our table at the Homecoming game on October 8th to see how your kid (grades 3-8) can become part of our Leader in Me Leadership Team!
Counseling Connection
Explore Class Highlight
Lumen Parent & Student Portal
I am excited about the implementation of our new student management program called “Lumen Touch.” All parents should have received an email from the school with their individual username and password. Logging into this portal will allow parents to view students grades, monitor attendance, and update contact information. If you did not receive an email with this information, please contact the school this week.
Canvas Digital Instruction Platform
Canvas will continue to serve as the main platform for digital instruction. Students will be expected to login and check this on a daily basis. It will also provide a safe platform for students to communicate with their teachers when not in class. Parents may also gain access to Canvas through the “Observer” portal. Click the button below to view directions on getting access.
I ask that you stay involved with your child’s schoolwork. Take time each day to ask them about classes, review graded assignments, and study for upcoming assessments. This is a great way to keep up with what is going on and show your child the importance of education.
CMS Student Handbook Spotlight - PED'S
Personal electronic devices (PEDs) (i.e., cell phones, radios, MP3 players, laptops, portable video games, etc.) should be stored in purses, bags, or pockets, and kept out of sight and be turned off or in silent mode (non- vibrating) during instructional time unless directed by their teacher. Teachers will provide an area in their classroom for proper storage of a PED during instructional times.
Instructional times are defined as the time spent in a classroom during periods 1st thru 8th. This includes the use of restrooms, water breaks, etc. during a class period.
Non-Instructional times are defined as follows:
Any time before 7:55 am and after 3:40 pm
Passing periods between classes
Lunch & Recess
Students may not use their PED at any time during the school day to:
Take Pictures
Record Videos
Record Audio
PED usage is strictly forbidden in the following locations:
Locker Rooms
Restrooms
Consequences for policy violation:
1st offense: PED is confiscated and returned at the end of the hour = verbal warning
2nd offense: PED is confiscated and turned into front office = Parent contact by teacher; student may pick up device at the end of the day
3rd offense: PED is confiscated and turned into front office = Parent contact by Administration; (1) after-school detention
4th offense and subsequent offenses: PED confiscated and turned into front office and (2) after-school detentions; loss of PED privileges occur if behavior is not corrected
Students can pick up PEDs at the front office between 3:40-3:45pm.
Exceptions to the use of PEDs need to be approved by school district administration.
Parents and students are reminded that the school office phones are available for parents and students to contact each other for legitimate reasons (i.e. illness, personal matters).
Don't want to miss anything? Stay Connected!
Part of our mission at CMS is to keep students and parents up to date with important information. Below are the different platforms to help achieve this mission.
Email - It is important that you have an updated email on file with the school. You can update this in the Lumen Parent portal or call the office.
Facebook - Like the Clever Schools 6-8 page
Remind - Join Mr. Sullivan's News & Notes Class @clevms6-8
Remind Teachers - Click here to view the master list of Remind class codes.
Chromebook 101
Full-Time User - Students pay the $45 fee and are able to take the device home each day. This fee is applied to the purchase of the device at the end of the student’s 8th grade school year. This fee is NOT an insurance policy for the device. Damages will be assessed and then billed to the parent/guardian. Students do not get to take a loaner device home during this time.
Daily User - Students check-in and check-out their device on a daily basis. The device is NOT allowed to be taken home. Chromebook storage carts/lockers have been placed in various locations throughout the building.
How do I pay the Chromebook user fee? - Parents may send a check or cash to the 6-8 office. A receipt will be created and returned for payment documentation. At this time, Clever Schools does not take electronic payments.
Chromebook Damage - In the event that a student damages their device, it should be turned into the main office along with a damage report. The technology dept. will assess the damages and provide an invoice for repair costs. A list of most common replacement costs can be found on the Clever Device Policy below.
Chromebook Insurance - An insurance option is now available from the district. Parents can pay $30 each year to cover the cost of most damages. Click here to see the specifics.
Chromebook Protection - Students must store their device in a protective case at any time it is not being used. The Chromebooks are 11.6 inch in size. Here is a link to amazon with multiple case options. The school does have basic cases that can be purchased for $12.
Connect With Us!
Email: sullivanj@cleverbluejays.org
Website: www.cleverbluejays.org
Location: 103 S Public Ave, Clever, MO, USA
Phone: 417-743-4820
Facebook: facebook.com/Clever6-8