Caruso Connect - November 4
Caruso Middle School is an inclusive and vibrant community where Blue Jays take ownership of their social-emotional and academic growth by supporting, challenging, and celebrating self and others.
Good Evening Blue Jay Families:
In this week's Caruso Connect you will find information that we have sent home as stand alone emails this week. Our hope is that you receive the information multiple times. Please be sure to sign up for conferences prior to the deadline.
Please note the following Caruso Middle School protocols:
* If you need to drop off something for your student during school hours, please ring the doorbell to be let into the front lobby area. Please use a Post-It note (provided) to indicate student's name and grade level. We will collect the items throughout the day and put on the grade level appropriate cart inside the office for your student to pick up. We cannot contact the student to let them know.
* If you are picking up your student for an appointment or early dismissal, please ring the doorbell to let us know. We will call student down to sign out and send them out to you. You do not need to come inside the building.
* If you are dropping your student off at anytime during the day, you do not need to come into the office. Ring the doorbell, we will let your student into the office to sign in and get a pass to go to their current class.
* Regarding lunches: DoorDash, UberEats etc. may only be ordered by a parent, not a student. You may only order for your own student. When ordering outside food, please put your student's name on the order, not yours!
* If your student is absent and you want to pick up their Marla's Lunch, please let us know as early as possible, so that we can set it aside. Ring the doorbell and we will bring it out to you.
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe!
Tim, Jim, Caitlin & The Caruso Staff
Tim Brodeur - Principal - tbrodeur@dps109.org
Jim Monaco - Associate Principal - jmonaco@dps109.org
Caitlin Lucci - Coordinator of Student Support - clucci@dps109.org
Upcoming Events
Nov 7th - PTO Meeting
November 8th - No School
November 21st - Conferences - PM
November 22nd - Conferences
November 22nd-25th - No School
Friday Spirit Days
Blue Jays of the Week
*If you would like to nominate a staff member for this you may do so HERE!
Caruso News
Calendar Alert Next Week!
Please note that there is NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, November 8th due to Election Day (a State of Illinois holiday for schools) and there IS SCHOOL next Friday, November 11th. This is a change from previous years where we may have had Veterans Day off, because the state had not mandated that Election Day was a non-attendance day.
Sign up for the CMS Student-Led Conferences!
(Communicated on 11/3/22 via e-mail)
Sign up for the CMS Student-Led Conferences!
Our annual Student-Led Conferences are coming up on November 21st and 22nd. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your student's CORE teachers and ENCORE teachers, but most importantly, it’s an opportunity to dialogue with your student about their progress and goals for the year. We see this as an opportunity to have a collaborative relationship betweenyou and your student. We ask that your student attend with you.
CMS Grade Level CORE Teachers:
6th Grade White: Stocco, Bohm, Hoglund, Clendenning, Lewandowski, Friedman
6th Grade Blue: Jensen, McCandless, Lombardi, Budrow, Pire
7th Grade White: Tomer, Moss, Berris, Swanson, Matan, Latourette
7th Grade Blue: Gold, Reisman, Kubiszewski, Stempien, Rich
8th Grade White: Sanders, Cooper, Philip, Revelins, Carpenter, Boruszak
8th Grade Blue: Demos, Riddle, Tandle, Richardson, Markin, Boruszak
CMS ENCORE Teachers and Staff:
Practical Arts: Anselmo, Chalfin, Max, Mormolstein, Vombrack, Witczak, Zmuda
Student Support: Cohen, D’Ambrosio, Dowell, Levine, Murphy, Remeniuk, Schneider, Schwerr, Wynn
World Language & PE: Fejer, Feldberg, Fowler, Hoy, Klee, Lee, Signa, Spies, Zamir
How do I sign-up?
For CORE teachers, when selecting a time slot, you are choosing a 30-minute session that will afford you time with your student and their CORE classroom teachers. Please click the CORE link in this text to go directly to the sign up.
For ENCORE teachers and staff, when selecting a time slot, you are choosing a 30-minute session that will afford you time with your student and their ENCORE teachers and staff. Please click the ENCORE link in this text to go directly to the sign up. All ENCORE teachers and staff are available in the LC at the time you select.
Sign-up deadline: Monday, November 14th at 3:00 pm
If you would like to schedule a zoom appointment, please email the team leader for your student’s team by Monday, November 14th at 3:00 pm. They are in BOLD above. Team leaders will then communicate directly with you.
Once you have completed the sign-up process, any necessary changes to your conference times should be communicated to your child's team of teachers (CORE) or with the individual staff member (ENCORE and Staff).
Caruso Staff Holiday Gift Fund
(Communicated on 11/2/22 via e-mail)
Looking for great Teachers’ gifts for the holidays? The PTO has the perfect answer! Contribute to the Caruso Staff Holiday Gift Fund.
All you need to do is visit our website at https://carusomspto.membershiptoolkit.com or open your Membership Toolkit app and tap Home. All teachers/staff members will receive a portion of the Caruso Staff Holiday Gift Fund with a thoughtful card naming each family who contributed.
The deadline to contribute is Friday, December 9 so don’t procrastinate! Contact Erica Lindon with any questions at ericalindon@yahoo.com
Signs of Suicide (SOS) program
(Communicated on 11/2/22 via e-mail)
Dear Parent or Guardian:
The adolescent years are marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions – difficult for students, their parents and educators. It is easy to misinterpret depression as “normal” adolescent moodiness; however, depression (among the most common of mental illnesses) appears to be occurring at a much earlier age. Depression – which is treatable – is a leading risk factor for suicide. In addition, self-injury has become a growing problem among youth.
To proactively address these issues, Caruso Middle School is offering depression awareness and suicide prevention training as part of the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program. The program aims to increase help-seeking behaviors among students concerned about themselves or a friend. Listed on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the SOS program showed a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40-64% in randomized control studies (Aseltine et al., 2007 & Schilling et al., 2016).
Our goals in participating in this program are straightforward:
To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness
To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression
To provide students with the training on how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in themselves or a friend
To impress upon youth that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns
To help students know whom in the school they can turn to for help, if they need it
This program will be presented to our 6th to 8th graders during the week of November 14th. The SOS program is brought to us by Elyssa’s Mission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention. Elyssa’s Mission is the only organization in the state of Illinois to fund, distribute and implement SOS. To get more information on suicide prevention, visit their website at www.elyssasmission.org. Make sure to view their online Parent Presentation at https://elyssasmission.org/for-parents/ for specific information on warning signs and how to keep your child safe. We also encourage you to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.
As part of the program, facilitators, which includes our social workers, counselors, psychologists and P.E. Teachers, will show SOS video clips and lead students in discussion. Students will then complete a brief depression screener, as well as fill out a Response Card indicating whether or not they would like to speak to an adult about themselves or a friend. The depression screening tool addresses thoughts and feelings which a parent may be unaware their child is having. This tool does not provide a diagnosis of depression, and rather alerts school staff to those students requiring further investigation. School mental health staff or a qualified community mental health partner will be available to meet with designated students; school staff will subsequently notify parents/guardians regarding any needed next steps.
If you have any questions and/or do NOT want your child to participate in the SOS program, please contact your student's grade level counselor (6th: Ms. Murphy jmurphy@dps109.org, 7th: Mr. Remeniuk aremeniuk@dps109.org, or 8th Ms. Wynn jwynn@dps109.org) prior to the program date. If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in this program.
Sincerely,
Tim Brodeur
109 Gives Back Food Drive Starts Soon!
(Communicated on 10/28/22)
Mark your calendars and check your cupboards and pantries! Our 3rd annual Food & Supply Drive benefiting the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry is right around the corner. Collections will be taken at all six schools the week of November 7-11. Look for more details next week.
DHS School Chest
(Communicated on 10/28/22)
Hello Deerfield Families,
November 1st marks the first official day of School Chest 2022! School Chest is Deerfield High School’s annual three week long charity fundraiser where the community unites to raise money for a worthy beneficiary.
This year's non-profit beneficiary is Dragonfly Foundation. Dragonfly Foundation works to relieve the physical and mental challenges of Pediatric Cancer while also building a community to make people realize that they are not alone. They work to provide understanding, support, resources, opportunities, unforgettable memories, and strive to complete and fulfill lives during and after treatment. Though treatment may end and an illness may be cured or managed, long term effects may always be present. Dragonfly aids with the victims of Pediatric Cancer through the thicks and thins.
During School Chest there are many ways to get involved. This includes going to events, eating at local restaurants, or donating money. Here is a CALENDAR for the three weeks of School Chest. No matter how big or small, all of these make a meaningful impact. As School Chest is arriving very soon, here are some things to look out for.
Sign up for RUN FOR CHANGE, our incredible 5K color run on Saturday, November 5th, at 9:00am rain or shine! Buy tickets now at schoolchest.org with your friends and family, to walk or run at DHS. You won’t want to miss it.
Come eat and shop at our Portion nights where various local restaurants and businesses give a percentage of the bill to be donated towards School Chest! For all of the fliers and a full calendar, see schoolchest.org.
Starting with Jimmy Thai Portion Night NOVEMBER 2ND 20% of the funds will go towards School Chest. Make sure to stop by.
Noodles and Company Portion Night will also be happening NOVEMBER 2ND. 25% will be given back to School Chest. Two awesome portion nights November 2nd to support School Chest.
Chipotle Portion night happening NOVEMBER 8TH. 33% of the proceeds will go towards School Chest.
California Pizza Kitchen Portion Night NOVEMBER 10TH from 2pm until closing! Come support Dragonfly
Lolo's Bowls Portion day NOVEMBER 12TH from open to close. 15% will go back to School Chest.
MOD Pizza Portion night NOVEMBER 14TH. 20% of the Proceeds will be given to School Chest
Panera Portion night from 4-8 PM NOVEMBER 17TH come support School Chest at Panera. 20% of the proceeds will go back to School Chest.
Shop Apricot Lane The Glen NOVEMBER 17TH from 5-8. 15% of the proceeds will go back to School Chest.
Shop Bolt Addiction NOVEMBER 18TH all day. Make sure to use code “School Chest” in order to donate 25% of your order back to Dragonfly Foundation.
Shop STYLE SHACK all day Saturday NOVEMBER 19TH. 15% will go back to School Chest
SHOP Lisa's Boutique NOVEMBER 19TH all day. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to School Chest
Come to FASHION FOR COMPASSION On Monday November 7th. Fashion for Compassion is a craft fair and bazaar designed to fundraise and give our community a place to shop for the fall, holidays and beyond. It will be held in our school and each vendor will receive one or two tables to sell their items. We would love to see you all there!
Sign up for DRIVE IN MOVIE on Saturday November 19th in the back parking lot of DHS! Arrive at 4:15 pm to see the family movie, Minions: Rise of Gru starting at 4:45pm and the student movie, Mamma Mia, at 7pm. Come with friends and family, bring blankets, and enjoy treats like Shookies Cookies! Admission is $20 per car, and $30 for the double feature. Purchase tickets on schoolchest.org now! Hope to see you there!!
Lastly, if you would like to make a donation, here is where you can do it!! For more information on how to become involved in this year's School Chest, please visit our website schoolchest.org, our app called School Chest, or email us at Schoolchest@gmail.com. We hope to see DPS 109 families at these events!
Thank you for your support,
Lindsay Katai ’24 and Samara Braunstein ’24
2022 School Chest Co-Chairs
Junior High Mathematics Competition
(Communicated on 10/28/22)
Our Annual Junior High Mathematics Competition!
Register Here
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Check-in 8 AM to 8:30 AM
Pick-up between 10:45 AM and 11 AM
Solve challenging math problems!
Work with your peers!
Meet students from other schools!
Ways to Give
(Communicated on10/21/22)
Our Philanthropy Club has organized two different opportunities for Caruso to give!
The first organization that Caruso has teamed up with is CHANCE THE RAPPER’s nonprofit organization, Social Works! Items are given to Chicago families in need. There will be a large box in the front lobby of the school for people to bring in new/lightly used toys, coats, scarfs, new hygiene items, coats, gloves, blankets, and socks! Donations will run through December 4th. Please help fill the box.
DHS Online Enrollment for Class of 2027
(Communicated via e-mail on 10/20/22)
Dear Class of 2027 Families,
On behalf of Deerfield High School, I would like to welcome you to the enrollment process. As our first step, we must collect the demographic and contact information through our online form. Collecting demographic data should take no longer than 15-20 minutes to complete.
Please complete this by Friday, November 18, 2022. Upon collecting your contact information, we will then email you directly with further information about the upcoming course placement process, High School Preview Night, registration for courses and other pertinent information.
Please click the link below to begin. All of the necessary information can be found on this District 113 Online Enrollment Registration page link, including the link to begin the enrollment:
ENROLLMENT AND ONLINE REGISTRATION PAGE
Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming the Class of 2027 Warriors!
Best,
Dr. Brandt
Weekly Activity Calendar
(Communicated 9/23/22)
JOIN INTRAMURALS
(Communicated 9/9/22)
JOIN INTRAMURALS
The purpose of this program is to keep kids moving and develop minds, bodies, and relationships through a variety of sport and fitness activities. Each and every sport and fitness activity listed below is available to all Caruso students 6-8th grade.
Available dates and activities:
Wednesday, October 12 Basketball
Friday, October 14 Flag Football
Monday, October 17 Softball
Wednesday, October 19 Gaga
Friday, October 21 Flag Football
Monday, October 24 Soccer
Wednesday, October 26 Basketball
Friday, October 28 Flag Football
During the 1st quarter, our intramural program will be offered every Monday and Friday after school 3:00-4:00pm (late bus is available) and Wednesday (mornings) 7:00-7:55am. Please understand that these activities can and will change depending on weather, available space, and the number of participants present each day. If you have questions please feel free to contact Mr. Hoy. at thoy@dps109.org or call (847)945-8430 ext. 6150.
Order Your Yearbook Today!
(Communicated 9/2/22)
Gear Up and Homework Club
Caruso Bell Schedules
Coffee w/ Caruso
On October 20th the Coffee with Caruso will be held with architects working for the school district the conversation will be focused on improving our building to better support your students. Please join us and RSVP by calling the main office.
Who to Contact?
Mrs. Lucci, District Coordinator of Student Support
Mr. Brodeur, Principal
Mr. Monaco, Associate Principal
Caruso Middle School
Email: cmsoffice@dps109.org
Website: https://www.dps109.org/Page/9
Location: 1801 Montgomery Road, Deerfield, IL, USA
Twitter: @109Caruso