Panther Press
November 2023
Mrs. Sandy Larson
Pepper the Panther
Letter From the Principal
Hello CSMS Families,
As fall begins, I reflect on what I am thankful for. I am pleased to announce that Colonel Smith Middle School received an 'A' grade from the state board of education. Only 34% of schools in Arizona received this distinction. I wish to express my gratitude to all our staff and students for all the hard work they put in to earn this grade.
Expressing gratitude in school is very important, as it can help foster a positive and respectful learning environment. Here are some ways to show thankfulness at Colonel Smith Middle School:
Write thank you notes to teachers, staff or classmates who have helped you or made a positive impact on your education.
Say "thank you" to your teachers, staff and classmates when they assist you or do something kind.
Show your appreciation by actively participating in class and being engaged in the learning process.
Offer to help your classmates or teachers with tasks or assignments when you can.
Get involved in school activities, clubs or events as a way to give back to the CSMS community.
Use polite and respectful language when communicating with teachers and peers.
Sincerely,
Principal Larson
Uniform Reminder
As we head into the colder months, please take some time to review our uniform policy. Students may be sent to the office for a change of clothes or may have to call home if they are out of compliance.
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 or littleb@fhasd.org.
Fall Picture Retake
Only students whose parents have already paid for pictures will be photographed on November 8th. Students may bring a change of clothes for the picture but must change back to their uniform after. If you have any questions please call the office. Thank you!
Need to order Lifetouch Pictures?
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
Try-outs
All students must have a sports physical and all required forms completed in Final Forms in order to try-out for any sports team. Click the following link to create or update your Final Forms account today. https://forthuachuca-az.finalforms.com/
Girls Basketball
Try-outs January 9th & 10th 3-4:30PM
Southern Arizona Honor Band
Congratulations to the following band students who were selected to participate in Southern Arizona Honor Band!
Violet Lister-Percussion
Samantha Fiorello-Trombone Alternate
Nadia Johnson-Trumpet
Eliza Richards-Flute
Talia Schreck-Alto Saxophone
Eli Zachary-Trombone
Madalyn Shellhart-Flute
Devyn Tenhagen-Alto Saxophone
Kennedy Westbrook-Trombone
Caitlyn Brack-Clarinet Alternate
Jacob Granillo-Trumpet
Makayla Jarrow-Flute
Adrienne Volk Felix-Trombone Alternate
Aaron Wesley-Flute
Kiwanis Builders Club
The Kiwanis Club meets on Monday after school from 3:00-3:40 pm. in the counselor's office. Joining this club is a wonderful opportunity for students to work together to provide service to our school and community. If you are interested and/or have questions regarding the club, please speak to Mrs. Camps, the advisor and school counselor. You may also pick up a permission slip from the main office and join a meeting any time throughout the school year.
The Colonel Smith Kiwanis Builders Club is having a food and diaper drive to help needy families on Ft. Huachuca and throughout our surrounding communities. This drive will take place through the month of November. If you have any diapers and/or non-perishable/non-expired items you'd like to donate, it would be greatly appreciated. All goods may be brought to the main office or Mrs. Camps' office. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
The Kiwanis Builders Club voted for officer positions for the school year and the following students were elected. Thanks for being leaders in the building and throughout our community!
Co-Presidents: Parker Lewis & Alexys Hernandez
Vice President: Kylin Kachermeyer
Secretary: Sophie Scheil
Upcoming Events
November 8- Fall Picture Retake Day
November 10- NO SCHOOL Veterans Day
November 13- PTO Meeting @ 3:30PM in CSMS Research Commons
November 17- Uniform Free Day
November 20-24- NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break
Yearbook
Click the following link to purchase your yearbook today. Yearbooks are $24 until December 31st; after then, the price goes up!
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