LAF Update
January 3
Dates to Know
January
16 - E Day - PTO Meeting @ 9:15 a.m.
20 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
24 - D Day - Hickory Tree Pizza Day
February
14 - A Day - Early Dismissal for Students (12:45 p.m.)
17 - No School - Presidents Day
18 - No School - Presidents Day
28 - C Day - Hickory Tree Pizza Day
March
Read A Thon and One Book, One School Begins (Title to Be Announced Soon)
Review of Cell Phone/Smartwatches Policy
Smartwatches and Gizmos are still considered cell phones and must be kept in your child's backpack during the school day. While many students recognize this and keep the watches in their backpacks, many are wearing the devices around the school. This week, we have observed students texting during instructional time and receiving calls during lunchtime. I do understand the need to feel connected to your child, yet this distraction will impact your child's social and academic progress. I have reminded all of the students about the school policy in the handbook and I have included it below for your information.
Electronics (i.e. DS games, iPod, iTouch, cellular phones)
Electronics must be turned off during school hours and remain in backpacks at all times. If a child is observed using any electronics at recess, during morning line up or lunch the item will be taken and returned the next afternoon or it may be picked up by a parent after school. The school is not responsible for lost, broken or stolen items.
Valentine's Day
In the coming weeks, you will most likely be receiving a class list from your child's teacher for Valentine's Day. Please remember that food-related items are not allowed to be a part of Valentine's Day Cards. Although students are not required to send Valentine's Day Cards, please remember that if they do prepare cards they must have one for each classmate.
Getting Ready for Chatham Middle School 2020/2021
Choosing a World Language for CMS
See below for an excerpt from the World Language Letter that was emailed to parents earlier today:
"I am pleased to announce the opening of 6th Grade World Language Selection in the Parent Portal in Genesis: https://parents.chatham-nj.org/. At Chatham Middle School, students have the choice of five world languages: American Sign Language (ASL), Chinese, French, German, and Spanish. This selection in Genesis will be available from January 3 - 31st, and the choice will be electronically date/time stamped.
To access language choices, go to:
Parent Portal → (5th grader’s name) → Forms → 6th Grade Language Selection"
Mrs. Spitzer has visited all fifth grade language classes this week to give a brief overview of the language offerings at Chatham Middle School. Please ask your child about her visit, and discuss this important decision together, as the choice is for a three year sequence at Chatham Middle School. Please contact Mrs. Tamar Spitzer if you have questions at tspitzer@chatham-nj.org.
FROM THE CMS HEALTH OFFICE
All 5th graders entering Chatham Middle School next year as 6th graders need to provide proof of the following vaccines.
- Tdap vaccine(tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Meningitis vaccine (Meningococcal conjugate)
This is a NJ state requirement that must be fulfilled before the first day of school unless your child’s DOB is after the first day. These immunizations are usually administered at the 11yo healthy visit. Please send the documentation your pediatrician will provide as soon as they have completed their appointment. From now - June 12th send them to Sally Kelly RN at Lafayette Health Office. Begining on June 12th send to sbutler@chatham-nj.org (email is best). Please note some physicians offices book out quite a while so plan accordingly.
Your child will not have access to their 6th grade schedule this coming summer till this document is on file in the CMS Health Office.
Thanks!
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE EMAIL sbutler@chatham-nj.org
Susan Butler RN,BSN,CSN