The Weekly Buzz
A Weekly Newsletter from Corner Middle School
Volume 2, Number 27: January 2, 2021
Thoughts from the Principal . . .
During the 2019-2020 school year, we spent time focusing on our "why" and developing a growth mindset. COVID-19 threw many of us for a loop, but as we enter this new year, let's look for the positives in each of our experiences, be thankful for the blessings we have even in this pandemic, and value and celebrate the opportunity to learn.
My blessings . . .
- Your student's teachers have been ROCK STARS through the first several months of school as they've worked to teach both online and in person (and at the same time)! They've assigned work that often is never completed or submitted only to work with your student to make it up and grade even into a later quarter. They have worked with individuals, small groups, whole groups, and even families to navigate the technology (and its occasional crashes).
- Our school staff has been just as amazing! CNP staff preparing meals for students at school and at home. Bus drivers assisting in preparation and the delivery of the same meals. Drivers working together with doubled up routes due to the lack of substitute drivers. Our paraprofessionals working one-on-one with students to assure they catch up and not get behind. Our office staff managing technology help lines, monitor attendance, line up substitute teachers, and serve our teachers and families. The custodians working double duty to maintain a healthy and safe school environment. Our nurse, who is managing our on-site health issues and the COVID-related issues, too. Our SRO, who works daily to assure our safety and provides wise counsel and guidance to our students and staff. And . . . not to go unmentioned . . . our regular substitute teachers and drivers. Thank you for your commitment to our students and our school!
- Mrs. McAlister. We are truly blessed to have you back at CMS! I envy your energy. I can't thank you enough (because words are not adequate) for all that you do for the teachers, staff, students, and families of CMS!
- Our students! In spite of the changes to learning, the vast majority of the students are working to persevere through challenges brought on by the pandemic. Schedule changes, mask wearing, quarantines, change in routines, event and activity cancellations have yet to quash their spirit. They are why we do what we do. And while they can be a bit goofy, make poor choices, or not take advantage of opportunities, WE LOVE YOUR KIDS! We want them to succeed as badly as you do -- and in some cases, even more.
- Our students' families! I cannot thank you enough for your patience and support of your students in the face of regular (and sometimes last minute) change. I believe I can speak on behalf of our entire staff and say this has been the most challenging year of our educational careers. So many of you have provided words of encouragement, understanding, and assistance as we work together to make this a manageable situation for your students.
- My family! My family puts up with a lot (I can be challenging to live with. I know . . . it's shocking, isn't it?) Thank you for your patience, kindness, and love as you have to deal with me and school life!
I enter 2021 fully understanding how blessed I truly am!
Now, as we return to school, I ask that you please help us get your students back into a learning and safety routine. Whether we are in a remote or traditional learning setting, encourage your student to be prepared for class, have their materials (including that Chromebook and mask), and work as diligently as they possibly can. Please check the school's social media accounts, listen to Blackboard Communicate calls, read Communicate texts, and review The Weekly Buzz for updated school information.
Let's not let the specter of 2020 damper our hopes for our students or ourselves for 2021!
Jefcoed School to Start 2021 in Remote Learning Setting
CMS families, our goal is not to make this harder that it has to be. First, look at the schedule below. (NOTE: There is a PDF copy of the schedule below the picture that you can print if needed.)
On Tuesday, students will attend WebEx sessions for their ODD PERIODS ONLY. Students should complete assignments in Schoology for periods 2, 4, and 6 as assigned by the teachers.
On Wednesday, students will attend WebEx sessions for their EVEN PERIODS ONLY. Students should complete assignments in Schoology for periods 1, 3, 5, and 7 as assigned by the teachers.
On Thursday, students will attend WebEx sessions for their ODD PERIODS ONLY. Students should complete assignments in Schoology for periods 2, 4, and 6 as assigned by the teachers.
On Friday, students will attend WebEx sessions for their EVEN PERIODS ONLY. Students should complete assignments in Schoology for periods 1, 3, 5, and 7 as assigned by the teachers.
Students, teachers, and staff will take a lunch break beginning at 11:00 each day during this remote learning week.
As we receive updates from the district, we will share that information with you. It is our plan (and hope) that we will be back in class on Monday, January 11, 2021!
So What If My Student Had a Remote Schedule Prior to Christmas Holidays?
1. Students whose families had classified them as Remote Learners for the quarter.
2. Students who were on quarantine or who were isolated as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
If your student falls into Category 1, he or she should continue to follow the daily class schedule they received as a REMOTE LEARNER.
If your student falls into Category 2, he or she is still classified as a TRADITIONAL LEARNER and should have planned to return to campus after the holidays. All quarantines and isolations of which the school nurse has been made aware expire prior to or on January 4. Those students should follow their regular schedule . . . not the temporary remote schedule they were give prior to going home.
CMS Families, if your student has been exposed to a positive COVID-19 case or has tested positive himself or herself, please notify the school on Monday for further information. Thank you for your assistance!
Child Nutrition Plans for the Week of January 5 - January 8
- The old BP Station at Partridge Crossroads at 10:30
- The lot next to Corner Kwik Stop across from the school at 11:20
- In front of the office at CMS from 10:30 to 12:00
- At Corner High School at 11:00 while they last
Please contact us in the school office if you have any questions.
Calendar for the Week of January 4, 2021 - January 9, 2021
- Professional Learning Day for Teachers
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
- All Students Return in Remote Learning Setting
- ODD Classes WebEx Only
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
- EVEN Classes WebEx Only
Thursday, January 7, 2021
- ODD Classes WebEx Only
Friday, January 8, 2021
- EVEN Classes WebEx Only
Saturday, January 9, 2021
- School Resource Officer (SRO) Day
Looking Ahead at the Calendar for January 2021
- Monday, January 11, 2021 - Current Traditional Students Return to School
- Wednesday, January 13, 2021 - District e-Learning Day
- Wednesday, January 15, 2021 - Deadline to Change Instructional Setting for the 3rd Nine Weeks (Look for information coming via Blackboard Communicate text on Wednesday, January 6th)
- Monday, January 18, 2021 - MLK Day (No School)
- Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - End of the Second Nine Weeks / First Semester
- Thursday, January 21, 2021 - First Day of the Third Nine Weeks
- Monday, January 25, 2021 - ACCESS for ELLs Training (Grades 6-12)
- Tuesday, January 26, 2021- Report Cards Go Home
- Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - District e-Learning Day
We hope this assists you in your planning!
Corner Middle School
The mission of Corner Middle School is to serve our community of learners by:
· Utilizing highly-effective instruction and a challenging curriculum.
· Meeting the needs of diverse learners in order to prepare them for college and entry into the work force.
· Partnering with the community.
· Cultivating student leaders.
· Integrating technology into all areas of learning.
Email: mmanning@jefcoed.com
Website: https://cornerms.jefcoed.com
Location: 10005 Corner School Road Warrior, Alabama 35180
Phone: (205) 379-3230
Facebook: facebook.com/CornerMS
Twitter: @CornerMiddle