Carpenter Middle School
Here's What's Happening at the Ranch!
Principal's Pen
Seasons Greetings Carpenter Families,
As we rejoice in the true meaning of the holiday, I would like to stress the importance of loving and giving. We are deeply blessed to have such dedicated families that support us each day and trust us enough to share with us the ones you love…your children. On behalf of your CMS school family, I would like to wish everyone an enjoyable and restful holiday season. May the new year bring you peace and prosperity.
~ Courtney
Announcements
Science Fair Results - Students Advancing to District and Regional Science Fair
Alyssa Franks - Radiation Revealed
Bethany Wang - Commotion in the Ocean
Isaiah St Cyr - Ultra Showerhead
Matthew Kapinsky -The Self Container
Erich Anspach - Wind Power
Ava Savage/Kayla Dang - Meals for Mice
Deborah Dantzler - Deadly Saltwater
Lydia Britten - Flawless Funds
Emma Poulsen - How Fast Is That Wave
Anthony Marino/Colby Pulcher - Catapult vs. Trebuchet
Give to the Christmas COPS - Friday, December 11th is the Last Day to Bring Donations
Carpenter Middle School is helping the Plano Police Association (PPA) Christmas COPS help needy families in our community by donating food and toys to the Plano Police Association (PPA) program. The collection box is located outside the counseling offices by the front entrance. We will be collecting items through Friday, December 11. Your generous gifts will be shared with families in our community who Plano Police officers have come in contact with throughout the year.
Please consider donating non-perishable food, a new coat or a jacket. The wish list for toys is also quite long. You can place unwrapped items in the Christmas COPS drop box. If it is more convenient, you can also make monetary gifts online by going to the Christmas COPS website. All donations must be received by Friday, December 11 for delivery on December 19.
Finals Week : Monday, December 14th -- Friday, December 18th
Winter Break : Monday, December 21st -- Monday, January 4th
Have a happy holiday!!
Around the Ranch
For 8th Graders Only - Mark Your Calendars
12/11- Applications to The IB World School, Health Sciences Academy and Academy High School are DUE
1/8- Notice of placement for The IB World School, Health Sciences Academy and Academy High School
1/13- Meet your Clark Counselor- On campus at CMS during 2nd period for students
1/14- Plano Sr High Clinical Rotations Presentation during PE classes for students
1/14- Calling All Cats at Plano Sr. High (Student and Parent Night) at 6:30-8p
1/15- Commitment of attending The IB World School, Health Sciences Academy and Academy High School DUE
1/28- Cougar Call at Clark HS (Student and Parent Night)- TIME TBA
2/2- 2/25- Four year plan meetings with student/parents and registering for 9th grade- TIME BY INVITATION. THOSE WILL BE SENT IN JANUARY.
Box Tops New Rewards
News From CMS PTA
Calling All Holiday Bakers! Teacher Treats Needed...
Alex Trejo Scholarship Opportunity for Graduating Seniors Who Also Attended Carpenter Middle School
The Alex Trejo Scholarship is a $500 scholarship opportunity available for a 2016 graduating senior that also attended Carpenter Middle School. The scholarship is in memory of Alex Trejo, who performed every task, great or small, with utmost integrity. He served as a positive role model to staff and students at Carpenter for 24 years.
Scholarship Requirements/Application
Marilyn Kusters
Carpenter PTA
KidStuff Coupon Books Fundraiser
Our school is selling valuable, family-friendly KidStuff Coupon Books filled with hundreds of national, regional and local coupons for all ages! The KidStuff Book is conveniently organized, offers incredible savings and is sold exclusively through schools! Our school earns 50% or more profit for every book we sell! Use just a few coupons and easily save more than the $25 cost of the book…Remember to keep KidStuff in your car! Most coupons are long-term and valid for 16 months! You will enjoy fabulous savings.
Check your child's backpack for information!
Sincerely,
Therese Nozykowski
Counselor's Corner
Cowboy Character
Anybody notice how greedy we human beings can be? It's interesting that greed and hunger are synonymous. In other words, they have a similar meaning. So the question is: What are we human beings so hungry for?
Lao-tzu (pronounced la OUT zu), ancient Chinese teacher, said:
There is no greater disaster than greed.
The Japanese say it this way:
He who knows not when he has enough, is poor.
So here are some words of wisdom for those with a dangerous appetite: The fastest way to heal greed is with gratitude. When we count our blessings . . . when we focus on what we have instead of what we don't have . . . gratitude replaces greed.
RODEO Tip of the Week
"The gimmes" are all around us during the holiday season. It can be hard for kids — and parents — to look beyond all of the product-driven hoopla and remember what the holidays are really about.
It's not the gifts but what's behind them that's important — the spirit of giving. Help your kids learn the fun of giving, and how rewarding it can be to look for, make, and wrap something special — or do something special — for people they care about and others who are in need.
Of course, gift giving will always be a large part of the holiday season. And with good reason — it can teach kids to really consider what might make others happy and what's important to people they care about. Watching loved ones' faces as they open presents that your children put a lot of heart and thought into can make the holidays more worthwhile for your kids.
But presents don't always have to be purchased in a store. Teach your kids how to put some real meaning and feelings into their gifts this year and beyond. Making their own presents can help show just how much kids care and can make the experience of giving more rewarding for both kids and their gift recipients. Instead of giving gifts of things, teach kids to consider giving gifts of time. For example, their grandmother may welcome their help in learning how to use a computer. Or their little sister may want to learn how to knit. Have family members create special gift certificates (e.g., "two free car washes," "five free specially prepared meals," "10 free loads of laundry," etc.). These days, when everyone's so stretched, a gift of time can be more meaningful than one that costs big bucks.
Community Connections
Free Sign Language Classes
Our Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf will once again be offering FREE sign language classes this Spring for our Plano ISD teachers, parents, and community. All the details are on the attached flyer, and RSVPs can be sent to Tina.Vaguine@pisd.edu
About Carpenter Middle School
Email: angelia.holland@pisd.edu
Website: http://k12.pisd.edu/carpenter-middle-school
Location: 3905 Rainer Drive, Plano, TX 75023
Phone: (469)752-5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreCarpenter
Twitter: @WeAreCarpenter