Cedar Crest Middle School Falcons
October 2023 Newsletter
Mr. Burton's Message
Hello CCMS Falcon Families,
What a remarkable month September has been! As the days get cooler and the leaves begin to change, our students are doing a great job of getting settled into their routines. Soon the busyness of the holidays will be upon us, so it's important that your child stays focused on their studies in the months ahead.
Join me in giving a huge shout out to teachers; they have been outstanding this first month of school and have been working relentlessly to ensure your student has the best possible experience for this school year.
Please read this online newsletter so that you have up to date information pertaining to Cedar Crest Middle School. You can bookmark this link for easy access; however, the link will change with each monthly newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact the main office at 717-272-2032.
We are pleased to welcome our new team of secretaries in the main office: Mrs. Alana Clements, Front Desk Secretary, Mrs. Lindsay Gristick, Secretary to the Assistant Principals, and Mrs. Lori Kostow, Secretary to the Principal. The CCMS secretaries will direct your questions or inquiry to the appropriate staff member to best serve you.
Please be sure to scroll to the end of the newsletter for important information from the District Office.
Our students are our number one priority. The Cedar Crest Middle School administration, faculty, and staff are a TEAM working together to teach and support our students to reach their individual potential. We can't achieve this goal without the support and cooperation from our students' parents, guardians and caretakers. Good communication between families and the school help to provide supports and build a relationship of understanding and cooperation.
Thank you for taking the time to view the October newsletter so that you know all the important information for your student(s) to have a great school year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Joseph Burton
Principal
Cedar Crest Middle School
Cornwall-Lebanon School District Mission
“Empowering students to reach their individual potential.”
Highlights
- Important Dates
- Information from the CCMS Office
- Parent/Guardian Help
- Wings of Praise
- Parent-School Partners (PS-P)
- Upcoming Events
- Information from the District Office - Skylert for Inclement Weather
- Contact Information for Administration and School Counselors
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Important Dates
- October 2-6 - Student Council FOOD DRIVE (more information below)
- October 4 - Field Trip for 7th Grade and Team Endeavor to Renaissance Faire
- October 9 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- October 19 - P-SP Meeting at 7:00 p.m. - Learning Center
- October 23-27 - Spirit Week
- October 31 - Fall Picture Retake Day
AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB LIST COMING SOON!
- Clubs meet from 3:15 to 4:05 PM.
- Students can be picked up or take the activity bus.
- If a student is not picked up by 4:15 they will be required to take the activity bus.
October Spirit Week
Monday, October 23 - RED RIBBON DAY
Tuesday, October 24 - COLLEGE DAY
Thursday, October 26 - PINK OUT
Friday, October 27 - FALCON SCARE DAY
Important Information From CCMS Offices
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES (Save The Date)
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES will be held November 20 and 21. Appointments will be scheduled ONLINE starting in October. Watch for emails that will give you more details.
Attention first time 6th grade parents:
Middle School conferences are slightly different from elementary schools in that your child now has five main subject teachers. You will not automatically meet with the homeroom teacher but will need to make a choice of only TWO teachers that you would like to have a conference with. Pay attention to where your child may be struggling or which courses you may want to ask about.
Conference scheduling priority may be given to students that are failing classes so that an improvement plan can be developed.
Parents that need an interpreter for their conferences should call ahead to pre-schedule their times in order to coordinate with the translator. Please give the name of your child to the Counseling Office, 717-389-1840, and you will be contacted for more information.
Los padres que necesitan un intérprete para sus conferencias deben llamar con anticipación para programar previamente sus horarios con el fin de coordinar con el traductor. Por favor dé el nombre de su hijo a la Oficina de Consejería, 717-389-1840, y usted será contactado para más información.
Counseling Department Announces Changes to Staff
Mrs. Brittany Moyer
Mr. Blair Fisher
Mr. Don Swartz
Mrs. Mary Brandt
CCMS School Counseling Team
Mrs. Kristi Glassford
CCMS Attendance Procedures and Contact Information
Please Note: an "Excusal from Attendance" form must be filled out for all family trips and vacations of any length, prior to the absence. Family vacations do count towards a student's ten allowable parent notes for the school year.
CCMS Attendance Secretary
Important Health Reminders
- Cold and allergy season is upon us. Please ensure your student has a reusable water bottle to use at school throughout the day. Per our school policy, medication consent forms must have a doctor’s signature in order for the nurse to give any medications to students at school (even if it is over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums, etc.). Cough drops are permitted to be carried by students without a doctor’s note.
- If your child has tested positive for COVID, please inform your child’s healthcare provider and follow their guidance regarding a return-to-school date. A note from the healthcare provider should be submitted to the school office upon your child’s return to school. In the event the provider’s note does not indicate a return date, the school nurse will work with parents/guardians to determine a return date, based on CDC guidelines. Parents/guardians who do not have a healthcare provider’s note are advised to write a parent ill note that will count toward the 10 days of allowable absences per school year.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires all students in 7th grade to have hearing screenings. These screenings are scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
- Please return 6th grade private physical examinations and 7th grade private dental examination reports as soon as possible. Forms can be found on the CLSD web page under the Health Services tab.
Please contact Mrs. North, school nurse, at 717-389-1845 if you have any questions or concerns.
Links To Important Parent/Guardian Help Information
Skyward Notification System
The Skylert Notification System is only as accurate as the information you have provided to the District. Be sure your phone/email settings allow (do not block) these three numbers: (717) 272-2031; (717) 389-1810; (717) 272-2036 and emails from @clsd.k12.pa.us addresses. Please review your information and make any updates in Skylert:
1. Login to your Skyward account.
2. Click the word “Skylert” in the left menu.
3. Fill-in and check or uncheck your desired settings. Be sure to select at least one email or phone number in each category.
4. Click “SAVE” in the upper right side of the page when you are done and BEFORE you click on Exit.
Tech Office Direct Line: (717) 389-1900
Other Important CCMS Information
FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT LEBANON RESCUE MISSION
Grade-level teams will be competing to see who can collect the most donations.
PLEASE NO GLASS. All donations will be given to the Lebanon Rescue Mission.
Suggested items:
- Powdered Coffee Creamer/Non-refrigerated Creamers
- Pasta/Rice/Beans
- Canned Soup and Tomato Sauce
- Boxes of Stuffing
- Canned Vegetables/Meats/Fruit Cocktail
- Peanut butter
- Condiments & Salad Dressing
- Coffee/Tea/Hot Cocoa
- Sugar/Flour/Baking Mixes
- Cereal/Instant Oatmeal
ELECTION DAY SUB FUNDRAISER
School. Stomach. Country.
Wings of Praise R&K Sub Fundraiser
Consider supporting our Wings of Praise Program by purchasing subs through our R&K Sub fundraiser and save yourself a night of cooking on Election Day!
Just like your vote, every sub counts!
Proceeds from this fundraiser will help to purchase items to be used as rewards for Wings of Praise recipients. These rewards are very much deserved by the students that receive them, as these individuals have been shown to embody 4 core values: doing what is best, being positive, sharing your talent and working hard!
When: 10/9/23-10/27/23-order forms/money due ON 10/27.
Delivery date: 11/7/23, pick up-3:15pm-5:15pm in Middle School Cafeteria
Wings of Praise is off to great start!
This marking period we are diving deeper into the first of our four core values – Doing What is Right. There have been over 1800 submissions so far, and it is only September 18th! When students earn a Wings of Praise, they are entered to win weekly prizes and our big monthly rewards. Thanks to our partners Oola Bowls, Sheetz, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Members First! With these special partnerships, we are able to give away amazing prizes each week to the students that are displaying our four core values – Doing What is Right, Working Hard, Staying Positive, and Sharing Their Talents.
Wings of Praise Winners
Week 1 - Brycen Miller, Claira McCracken, Cooper Yocum, Jorge Ortiz-Rodriguez, and Jaden Truss
Week 2 – Declan Beach, Azree Perea-Martinez, Megan Wolfe, Kaiden Zimmerman, Tystan O’Hara
Week 3 – Diwayne Matos Abraham, Anna Burton, Makayla Daub, Kiersney Koons, Avery Hoffert
Week 4 – Axel Roman, Damien Kiem, Chance Endy, Samantha Delong, Caleb Thrapp
Week 5 – Emma Biado, Jariyah Hostetter, Damien Keim, Karter Lopes, Carson Brossman
Our big monthly reward for September is coming up soon. Students will be playing Falcon Football! 40 students from each grade level are randomly chosen for these big rewards. The more Wings of Praise nominations they get, the better chance they have to participate.
OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Team 6-1 (Blast) - Fopefoluwa Fayeshile
Team 6-2 (Blue Aggies) - Jack Ressler
Team 6-3 (Ironmasters) - Benjamin Conville
Team 7-1 (Titans) - Addie Kline
Team 7-2 (Gryphons) - Michael Marrero Rodriguez
Team 7-3 (Knights) - Clara Tawadrous
Team 7-4 (Academy)- Bailey Snyder
Team 8-1 (Mariners) - Kelvin Vega-Gonzalez
Team 8-2 (Enterprise) - Aubrey Mase
Team 8-3 (Endeavor) - Lilliana Bohn
Yearbook News!
Yearbook order forms were sent home last week. Yearbooks can be ordered at school or online at https://yearbookforever.com/. Order your copy early to get the best pricing! The discount price is $25.00.
If you are interested in submitting school related photos visit https://yearbookforever.com/ , Click on Yearbook Snap and use the code ccms23.
If you have any questions regarding yearbook, please contact Ms. Tracey Oblinsky at toblinsky@clsd.k12.pa.us
Falcon Friday's are Back!
Every Friday at CCMS is Falcon Friday! On Falcon Friday, all students and staff should wear our school colors—blue and gray—or their favorite Falcon Spirit or Cedar Crest gear to promote our CCMS Falcon Pride!
This year, we are planning contests and special photo opportunities on Falcon Fridays! Look for Falcon Friday Features on our social media networks!
CCMS SCHOOL STORE
Student Council Reminders for Students
- Mini-THON Planning Meetings - Join us on the following Monday's from 3:10 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. in A-13 to plan this year's Mini-THON. Dates are as follows: October 2, 16, 23 and 30.
- Student Council Member Packets will be available in A-13 for 6th grade students who wish to run for CCMS student council.
Blue Aggies & Friends Craft Time
Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023, 03:00 PM
Room A-11
6th Grade Fall Fun Night
Monday, Oct 30, 2023, 05:30 PM
Risser-Marvel Farm Market, Horseshoe Pike, Annville, PA, USA
CCMSPA is hard work on our November production of Elf Jr.
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Tickets can be purchased beginning October 8th by visiting https://www.showtix4u.com/event/75250
Any questions can be directed to Director Kristi Glassford at kglassford@clsd.k12.pa.us
Important Information From the District Office
District Calendar Download
Information for All Visitors to CLSD Buildings
Dr. Dean Bozman
Director of Operations and Personnel K-12
Cornwall-Lebanon School District
District Reminders
Student Breakfast/Lunch Reminders: Looking for the menu for your child’s school …? Want to check or add money to your child’s food service account in Skyward …? Need to refile an application for free and reduced school meals …? Click on the “Lunch Menu” quick link icon on all CLSD websites (www.clsd.k12.pa.us) to find information and helpful links.
Important Note: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, is the deadline for the carry-over Free & Reduced-Price Meal applications. All previous years’ applications for free or reduced meals expire after October 10, 2023. If the CLSD Food Service Department has not received a new application for your student by Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, your student’s account will revert to paying status and their account will be charged for each meal they receive. Parents/guardians are responsible for all charges to their student’s school meal account as outlined in Board Policy 808.1 (Food Service School Meal Account Charges).
Falcon Foundation applications are due October 15: The Falcon Foundation, educational foundation for the Cornwall-Lebanon School District, is pleased to announce that grants and awards will again be offered this fall to district students, employees and community members: Student Educational Opportunity Awards, Employee Educational Opportunity Awards, and Project Grants. Descriptions and applications for these grants and awards are posted online. Visit any CLSD school or the district website (www.clsd.k12.pa.us) and click on the “Falcon Foundation” Quick Link for more details. Deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023.
Special Invitation for CLSD Veterans & our Military families: A complimentary breakfast is planned for Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, to honor veterans who reside within the Cornwall-Lebanon School District. Each veteran may bring one guest. District veterans are asked to call (717) 389-1810, to register and receive details prior to October 27. We also extend this invitation to those within our district family (employees, parents/guardians of district students) who are currently serving in any branch of the United States military or National Guard. Families of CLSD students are asked to complete the Military Families Survey that will be sent via Skyward Message in early October. You will be able to make reservations on the survey to attend the breakfast. Reservations are required by October 27 due to space and menu preparation needs.
Online Community Bulletin Board: Check the online Community Bulletin Board regularly for information about upcoming events, activities and fundraisers throughout the CLSD community (Click on the “COMMUNITY” tab on the district website: www.clsd.k12.pa.us, or Look under the “COMMUNITY” tab on any CLSD school page.) Currently, you can find out about sports activities for the participant and spectator … Scouting opportunities … Student club and parent group Fundraisers ... community events & activities ... and many more items of possible interest! Submit an item to be considered for posting on the Community Bulletin Board by completing the “Community Announcement Form,” located under the same tab.
Inclement Weather Procedures & Skylert Notification System: The decision to close school or open two hours later will be announced before 7:00 AM on the CLSD Home page, (www.clsd.k12.pa.us), as well as on the Cornwall-Lebanon School District Facebook and X/Twitter (@CLSD_Schools) pages, and on local radio and TV stations.
The Skylert automated notification system also will be used to contact parents/guardians during the school day in the event of a building power failure, hazardous situation, or an early dismissal. Please review the important information that is printed inside the front cover of the CLSD 2023-24 Calendar of Events. The district website is the first place important information is posted. Please, do not contact school or District offices in the case of these events as it is important for our phone lines to be available for emergency communications.
Remember, the Skylert notification system is only as accurate as the information you have provided to the district. Be sure your phone and email settings allow (do not Block) these numbers: (717) 272-2031; (717) 272-2036 and (717) 389-1810, and emails from @clsd.k12.pa.us addresses.
Please review your information and make any updates in Skylert (for general information sharing, including school closings):
1. Login to your Skyward account.
2. Click the word “Skylert” in the left menu.
3. Fill-in and check or uncheck your desired settings.
4. Click “SAVE” in the upper right side of the page when you are done.
Note: If you need to change any “Emergency Contact” information, please contact your student’s school office.
Volunteers and Chaperones: Cornwall-Lebanon School District greatly appreciates the volunteers and chaperones who provide assistance to students and teachers through their participation in classroom support, as well as special events and activities. Volunteers are essential to the success of students. Look under the “Community” tab on the District Home page for details: www.clsd.k12.pa.us. Anyone who will be serving as a long-term or short-term volunteer for the District must complete the Volunteer Information packet, located on the website, prior to serving as a volunteer.
October Calendar Items:
Oct. 7: Falcon Foundation Golf Tournament at Pine Meadows Golf Course, 8 AM start.
For details and to register, click here!
· Oct. 9: No School for Students. This is a Professional Learning Day for staff members.
· Oct. 9: School Board Public Work Session, 5:30 PM, CCHS LGI
· Oct. 15: Application Deadline for Falcon Foundation Grants & Awards
· Oct. 16: School Board Meeting, 5:30 PM, CCHS LGI
· Oct. 19: School Transportation Drivers Recognition Day
· Week of October 23-27: Red Ribbon Week
· Oct. 27: Deadline to register for the Nov. 9 Breakfast Program for Veterans & Students of Military Families – See info above.
Information about District Safety Drills
Act 44 passed by the Pennsylvania State Legislator in June of 2018 relates to school safety. This act now requires mandatory security drills be conducted during the school year. Further, the Act requires both school staff and students be instructed, prior to the drill, on the methods they may use to respond to the incident.
During the first few weeks of school, the staff will be discussing with each student how to best respond to an emergency situation. Be assured that this training will not present graphic images, language or otherwise disturbing materials. The subsequent drill(s) are intended to be age appropriate and cause staff and students to deliberately consider how they may respond to a threat such as severe weather, active shooter, hostage scenario or other life-threatening event. The drills are intended to be a slow-speed drill with a focus on affirming student’s choices and creating a positive and reinforcing atmosphere throughout the drill.
Together we work toward creating both a positive and safe school environment. We are committed to doing whatever we can to help your child learn valuable life-saving skills that not only work while in school but would apply to almost any circumstance they may encounter in life.
If you have any questions, please call me at 717-272-2031 or email me at dbozman@clsd.k12.pa.us. You could also contact our School Safety and Security Director, Dr. John Shaffer at 717-272-2031 or email him at jshaffer@clsd.k12.pa.us.
Sincerely,
Dean W. Bozman, Ed.D.
Director of Operations & Personnel K-12
Cornwall-Lebanon School District