The Mustang Minute
January 27, 2020 - Issue 20
What Happens when Bullying is Reported?
An incident of bullying can be reported in several ways - anonymously online, to a staff member by a student, or reported by a parent. Regardless of how it is reported, the staff at CMS start an investigation. Before we start asking questions we work with the victim to create a plan. Is the student comfortable with us speaking directly to the other student or students? Where and when do the events occur? When did it start? How often does it happen? The more information we have the better plan we can create. Often we come up with several varieties from which the student can choose. For example, if a student does not want us to speak directly to the other student, we may share the concern with teachers and monitor particular places/times for the negative behaviors. After creating and implementing the plan, we continue to check in with the student to see if the plan has been effective in eliminating the negative behaviors
At times, what is reported to us is so egregious that we are required to launch a full bullying investigation. This may include evidence of online bullying (texts, posts, etc), a report of violence, or other negative behaviors that we cannot eliminate through less direct means. When this happens, it typically involves our School Resource Officer and results in disciplinary consequences for the aggressor and a more formal monitoring process moving forward.
In all cases of potential bullying, we treat it not only as a disciplinary event, but as a reason to provide additional education and care to all parties. In most cases, a student does not set out to bully someone. It may start as "fooling around", teasing, and sometimes it can be a friendship that has gone very wrong. We work with students that engage in bullying behaviors to help them see how this path started, it's effect on others, and how to make better decisions moving forward. Some students understand this after one incident, other struggle to resist the power of negative behaviors. As with all things at the middle school level, it is a work in progress.
If you have concerns about your child being bullied or having other types of peer issues please do not hesitate to reach out to us at CMS. Our guidance counselors are listed below.
Meghan Mba - Grade 7 - mmba@norwood.k12.ma.us
Allyson King - Grade 8 - acking@norwood.k12.ma.us
The anonymous form for reporting bullying is linked here: https://www.norwood.k12.ma.us/about/bullying-information#Reporting%20an%20Incident
Are there other topics you would like to know more about? Please feel free to email me suggestions for the Mustang Minute!
Congratulations!
Great Job Abby!
Join the CMS Heart and Sole team!
Coakley Middle School has been approved to start a Heart & Sole Team! Part of the Girls on the Run nonprofit organization, Heart & Sole is an afterschool program for young girls grades 6-8. The program considers the whole girl - body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection - in a positive, structured space where girls can learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy and strengthen connections. Running is incorporated into each lesson to encourage physical wellness and teach life skills such as team building, creating a support system, standing up for themselves and others and decision making. The girls prepare for a celebratory Girls on the Run 5K event at the end of the program. This non-competitive event fosters goal setting and a sense of confidence through accomplishment to last a lifetime.
This is a 10-week program that will empower students to tap into their strengths and learn new skills. Starting March 23, we will meet every Monday and Thursday from 2:15 PM - 3:30 PM at Coakley Middle School. If you would like to join Heart and Sole, register today at girlsontherunboston.org
Registration is based on a LOTTERY system as opposed to a first come, first served registration. We do this so every girl has an equitable opportunity to participate. The Lottery will remain open until Wednesday, February 12th at 9am. After February 12th, we will continue to take first come, first served registrations until the season begins or until our team is at capacity. Once the season begins, girls can register or withdraw for the first two weeks.
For additional questions, please contact Head Coach Anna Swanson (aswanson@norwood.k12.ma.us) or Site Liaison/Assistant Coach Stephanie Kindya (skindya@norwood.k12.ma.us)
School Committee Survey
Paint night at NHS!
On January 31th, Friends of Visual Arts, Norwood and the NHS' Art Honor Society will host a Middle School Paint Night in the NHS Cafeteria from 6-8pm. NHS Art Student Katie McLeish will lead the participants through creating their own Van Gogh Inspired Painting. In addition to the painting fun, there will be pizza and dessert. The cost is $25 per student. To sign up, please go to fovanorwood.org and to the events page and fill out the Google form. If you have any questions or problems signing up, please email fovaart4u@gmail.com
Space is limited and you must sign up before the event! Last day to sign up is Thursday, January 30th! So if your child is interested, please sign up!
DC Scholarship Fund
This year we will need approximately $5000 to cover all scholarships awarded - any donation is welcome and appreciated!
PTO Corner
The PTO typically meets the third Wednesday of each month (at times our day varies due to conflicts) 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.
Meeting Dates (all meetings start at 6:00 pm)
December 11th - location TBD
February 12
March 18
April 15
May 13
June 17
After School Activities
After School Activities
Honor Chorus: Thursdays 3:15-4:45 in the chorus roomYearbook club: Every other Wednesday.
Bowling Club starts January 10th and goes from 3:30-4:30 on Fridays
Student Council: meets monthly on Wednesday or Thursday (dates announced)
Rocket Club - Starts in mid April to the first week in June. Dates TBD
Indoor Soccer: on Mondays and Wednesdays
Basketball: on Tuesdays and Thursdays
LEGO Club meets one Tuesday a month.
HW Club: Monday - Thursday
The Comics and Cartooning Club will start end of October and run on Thursdays.
Artist Circle is meeting on Wednesdays after school starting October 23rd
Drama Club: First Monday of the month
Math Club: Every Thursday 2:15 - 3:00pm
Friendship Club: Dates: 2/10, 3/10, 4/8, 5/12, 6/9
Important Dates
January 23: Orchestra night at NHS at 7:00pm
Dr. Margo Fraczek
Email: mfraczek@norwood.k12.ma.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/norwood.k12.ma.us/cms-principal/home
Phone: 781-762-7880
Twitter: @mfraczek