Parent eNews: CMS Weekly
Sunday, Jan. 13, 2018 (Week #21)
Learning Stations in Mrs. Davis' Grade 6 Math Class...
CMS Families:
Screen Time
As a principal, I am always thinking about ways I can help students do better in school, manage their time and learn better study habits. As we all know, students are in school for six hours a day. A typical day can be pretty challenging. As educators, it’s our responsibility to fill the day with learning activities that engage and stimulate the minds of all students. After the bell, however, students go home to do homework. Therefore a typical day for a child can be pretty challenging. Don’t forget to add in sports, music and other after school hobbies and parents work schedules, too. Anyway, the point I am getting to really centers on homework. As educators, we believe homework is essential when it comes to strengthening skills: both reading and problem-solving, such as math. Regardless of the amount of homework a student has, it’s most important to ensure he/she manages their time wisely.
I am finding that students today – not all, but many – spend many hours on “screen time.” In fact, through a recent informal survey, students said they spend up to 3 hours a day (after school of course and maybe some during school) hooked to their screen – gaming, social media and connecting with people. As a school, we will be looking into our homework practices to ensure we aren’t “overloading” students. However, we also need help from families by helping students set up structured times to complete work, and to limit “screen time” to after all essential school work is complete. This “screen time” concept is fascinating. Just think for a moment how much time we all give to our electronic devices – heck, we are getting to a point where we are all becoming reliant upon them. This “screen time” concept gives us all something to think about. As much as we need to embrace technology, we still need to limit it so we can work on the basic essentials, like: informal and formal conversations – the basic interaction between people. Everywhere I go I see people glued to their devices – including adults (I’m just as guilty). Maybe it’s time to focus on what’s truly important? In the very near future, I will be sending home a survey so we can get your opinion on both homework and screen time.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns…
I am looking forward to another great week at CMS!
Dean W. Packard
Principal
508-248-1423 Ext. 1102
Follow us on:
Twitter @cms_grizzlies
YouTube at CharltonMiddle
Weekly Events:
Monday, Jan. 14th
- Intramurals 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- B&G Basketball Games (Away) x Tantasqua (Girls first)
Tuesday, Jan. 15th
- Intramurals 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- B&G Basketball Game (Away) x Whitcomb (Girls first)
- Dudley-Charlton SEPAC Meeting 6:30 p.m. in our Library
Wednesday, Jan. 16th
- LifeTouch Coming To Do Group Photos
- Ski Club (Week #3)
Thursday, Jan. 17th
- B&G Basketball (Home) x Dudley (Girls first) 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 18th
- ½ Day Professional Development Teachers
- Dismissal 11:15 a.m.
Special Happenings
No School Monday, Jan. 21st – Martin Luther King Day
The Learning Academy
The Learning Academy – (New) Starting the Week of Jan. 14th
5th & 6th Grade Mondays & Wednesdays & Start on Wednesday, Jan. 16th
7th & 8th Grade on Tuesdays & Thursdays & Starts on Tuesday, Jan. 15th
Mr. Olson and I are starting a new initiative called The Learning Academy. We will be offering this program for all students who have dropped below a 70 average in any content area. The idea behind this support program is to help catch students who are falling behind and provide them with a platform that will support their overall learning. Teachers will identify these students and we will be developing support plans. As a parent, you will be contacted if your child falls into this category. Both Mr. Olson and I are very excited to assist in their educational journey. Please e-mail me at dpackard@dcrsd.org if you have any questions…
IXL Platform
As a school, we have purchased a skill-based learning program that allows students to hone in on their specific English Language Arts and math skills. This program offers us tremendous benefits as it allows for students to practice skill development at any time. It also allows for students to go well beyond their current learning levels and really extend their overall learning. This tool in no way replaces the day-to-day teaching that goes on in the classroom, but it does give the teachers an additional tool to enhance their overall lessons. We are excited to provide this opportunity for all of our students. Every student has an account. Below is the link to the IXL website:
PTO Events:
Corn Hole Tournament and Trivia Night (Adults Only) at Pine Ridge Country Club on Saturday, January, 26th from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Please see attached document on the bottom of this e-mail. For questions, please e-mail NEnberg@unum.com Forms need to be sent in by January 16th.
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Parent Resource Section
Click below for Information pertaining to our Ski Club:
CMS Winter Athletic Information
School Phone: 508-248-1423
District & School Calendar 2018-2019: Calendar 2018-2019
District Website: District Website
CMS’ Website: CMS' Website
Parent Teacher Organization Website: PTO Website
Music Parents Association Website: Music Parents Association Website
Yearbook Information
Order your Yearbook today:
Ybpay.lifetouch.com
Yearbook ID Code:
4150619
If you have questions, please e-mail Mrs. Kasierski at pkasierski@dcrsd.org