Panther Press
February 2024
Mrs. Sandy Larson
Pepper Panther
Letter From the Principal
Hello CSMS Families,
We've officially crossed the halfway point of the school year, and the third quarter is upon us! This time of year can feel like a whirlwind, with important assessments and the excitement of spring break just around the corner. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial to remember the foundation of our academic journey: responsibility. Taking responsibility for our learning means different things for each of us.
The path to responsibility demands juggling several key elements. Prioritizing schoolwork requires clear organization, time management, and the ability to identify important tasks. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed – seeking guidance from teachers, peers, or tutors demonstrates proactive initiative. Managing distractions is crucial, whether it's social media, video games, or simply wandering thoughts. Develop strategies to stay focused and minimize interruptions. Finally, effective communication with parents, teachers, and peers lays the foundation for a supportive network that can help navigate challenges and celebrate successes.
As we gear up for the upcoming assessments, remember that these tests are not simply about grades or numbers. They are opportunities to showcase your hard work, demonstrate your understanding, and gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.
Remember, both students and parents play a crucial role in creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. By embracing responsibility, working together, and maintaining open communication, we can navigate the third quarter with confidence and success.
Sincerely,
Principal Larson
Upcoming Events
February 1st-13th - Valentine Candy Gram Sales $1, $3 & $5
February 6th - Site Council Meeting @ CSMS 3:15PM
February 7th - Spring Picture Day
February 8th & 9th - Parent/Teacher Conferences Early Release LUNCH SERVED
February 9th - Student Jeans Day (Must wear uniform top)
February 12th - Girls Basketball Pictures
February 12th - Knowledge Bowl @ HOME 2:30PM
February 12th - PTO Meeting in Library @ 3:30PM
February 15th - School Dance time 4PM-6PM CSMS Students Only
February 16th - President's Day NO SCHOOL
February 19th - President's Day NO SCHOOL
Sport Events:
February 6th - Girls Basketball @ HOME vs HCS
February 7th - Girls Basketball AWAY @ Lowell
February 14th - Girls Basketball AWAY @ St. David
February 20th - Girls Basketball @ HOME vs Palominas
February 22nd - Girls Basketball Playoffs TBD
February 23rd - Girls Basketball Playoffs TBD
Valentine Grams
Valentine Dance
Kiwanis Builders Club
Congratulations to Jynna Riley for receiving the San Pedro Kiwanis Award. Jynna has done well academically by working independently and maintaining above-average grades in addition to displaying outstanding character. Jynna prides herself in being a great student and is well respected by her teachers and peers. We are proud of you, Jynna!
Science Department
The science department would like to congratulate all the Science and Engineering Fair Winners. First through third place will move on to the county Youth Engineering Fair and first through honorable mention will move on to our reginal fair Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (S.A.R.S.E.F.). We would like to thank all of our honors students for their hard work on these projects as well as our parents for their support.
6th Grade
1st place- Hands Free by Max Underwood
2nd Place- What are we really Eating and Drinking? by Logan Merino
3rd Place- Structural Integrity vs Earthquakes by Luke and Logan Brown
G-egg-raphy by Sofia Randazzo- Honorable Mention
Micro Plastics be Gone by Eli Zachary- Honorable Mention
7th grade
Michelle Haugh- You Won’t Like Me Green-1st Place
Athena Peck-Bad Bat Habitat-2nd Place
Jameson Faust-To Infinity and Beyond- 3nd Place
Emma Kopas- Buckle Up Your Pup-Honorable Mention
Juliet Arbro-Where is the Water?- Honorable Mention
Emmelyn Sanger and Anissa Abeyta-Eco My Lego- Honorable Mention
8th Grade
Sonia Patrick-Take a Chill Pill-1st Place
Addalisa Sides-Fish are Friends-2nd Place
Cody Blankenship and Sam Collins-The Paraffin Plight--3rd Place
Ryann Millias-Aquaponics-Honorable Mention
Spring Picture Day
Spring pictures will be happening on February 7, 2024 during school hours. Your student was sent home with a LifeTouch order form last week. Please call the front office with any questions or concerns at 520-459-8892.
Jeans Days
Starting in January 2024, CSMS will host jeans days for students on the 2nd Friday of the month! Uniform tops must be worn with your jeans on these days! The last Friday of the month will still be a uniform free day. There is one condition to wearing jeans to school...no rips or holes allowed.
Second Semester Jeans Days
February 9th
March 8th
April 12th
May 10th
Uniform Reminder
Please take some time to review our uniform policy. We are seeing many students wearing a t-shirt under their sweaters/sweatshirts instead of the uniform polo shirt. Polo shirts must be worn under sweaters. Students will be sent to the office for a change of clothes or to call home if they are out of compliance.
Student Handbook
Our handbook is available on our website at:
School Handbook – Our School – Colonel Smith Middle School (fhasd.org)
Communication
- The Remind App will be used by teachers and admin at the school and district office to send information.
- You can download the School News App and select Colonel Smith Middle School to follow the latest website updates. Our website is filled with essential information, calendars and resources.
- Monthly Newsletters will be emailed and sent via the Remind App.
- PowerSchool access is available for parents.
- Information will be attached to the student schedules.
- Call the front office, 520-459-8892, if you need assistance.
- You can set notification alerts for grades and attendance.
- Email and phone calls will also be used to communicate with teachers and parents.
Attendance
We would like to remind parents to contact the office by 8:00 a.m. if your child will be absent from school. It is important to have an accurate account of all students, even if your child will only miss a few minutes. You may reach the office at (520) 459-8892 ext. 1312 or email celadom@fhasd.org. Please send a note with your student following an absence or email us (required) for documentation purposes. Thank you for your support regarding this important matter.
Moving?
Please notify the school office at least 3 days in advance if you are moving. All school materials will need to be returned and you will need to sign a withdrawal form on your child's last day. Notify the office by calling (520) 459-8892 or emailing celadom@fhasd.org.
Athletics
Welcome to Panther Athletics! We are excited that you are interested in extracurricular programs offered at Colonel Smith Middle School. As we begin the school year, please review the goals, objectives, and expectations that must be followed to be a member of our athletic teams. We look forward to a competitive and great year! Our expectation for our student-athletes is that they have the dedication, desire, and discipline to commit themselves to the rules, regulations, and training needed to achieve excellence.
Goals of Athletic Programs:
- To gain a working knowledge of the sport
- To improve personal performance
- To compete as a team, and build teamwork
- To always demonstrate good sportsmanship
Objectives of Athletic Programs:
- To demonstrate a positive attitude personally, and in interactions with other players
- To model good sportsmanship on and off the field of play
- To become a well-rounded student
- To maintain and support a healthy and active lifestyle
Dr. Sam Granillo
Athletic Director
520-459-8986
Nurse Update
Please keep your student home when they are ill. They must be vomit or fever free for 24 hours, without fever reducing medication, before returning to school.
We have many students who are coming to school having not eaten breakfast. Please check in with your student to make sure that they are still eating before school and students going through growth spurts who are hungrier than normal. If they find it difficult to manage getting ready independently while still managing to have enough time for breakfast, or are not hungry until after arriving to school please consider packing their bag with several grab and go snacks for the week.
Health office wish list:
Girls underwear- all sizes
Snacks, Snacks, Snacks (crackers, granola bars, cheese sticks, peanut butter crackers, etc- any grab and go type snack is appreciated).
Thanks so much!
Terra Whipple BSN, RN
Yearbook
Click the following link to purchase your yearbook today. Yearbooks are $29.
Lunch
- Students will have lunch in the cafeteria and recess outside, weather permitting, as a grade level.
- They can bring packed lunch or get a school lunch.
- If you feel your family would qualify for free or reduced lunch, the instructions to apply are included in the letter from Mrs. Karen Nieto, attached to this message. We would prefer all applications be completed digitally, however; a paper copy is also available in the front office.
- If you have questions regarding the application process or would like a paper copy of the application, please reach out to Mrs. Little or Mrs. Celado in the front office and they will be happy to assist you. Please note, the number of students that qualify for free or reduced lunch is tied to many of our funding sources so we highly encourage all families to apply even if they think they might not qualify.
- Free and Reduced Lunch Parent Letter
- Free and Reduced Lunch Application
PTO
- We are grateful to have an amazing PTO! They are always looking for volunteers!
- PTO Facebook
- PTO Spirit Wear