The Mustang Minute
October 1, 2021 - Issue 6
October Already!
I am working to get our intramural sports organized (cross country is already set up but we have others) so look for more information on those activities next week!
Crazy TikTok Challenges
As you may have heard through the news or social media, there seems to be a series of school based TikTok challenges aimed at disrupting schools. September focused on stealing or vandalizing items form schools (called Devious licks) and there are rumors that for October students are to hit a teacher. I am happy to report that we have had only minimal vandalism in our bathrooms - mainly removing soap from the dispensers and throwing them in toilets or trash cans.
The focus of these challenges being on schools is disheartening at best and damaging to schools, teachers and students at worse. I am asking all of our parents to have a conversation with their students about these negative and disruptive behaviors. We have had some at school that outline the following:
- The Tiktoks don't show the multiple cameras that catch a lot of these actions occurring.
- The Tiktoks don't show the suspensions and criminal charges that follow these events.
- The Tiktoks don't show how all students are inconvenienced by bathroom and travel restrictions that some schools have put in place.
- The Tiktoks don't show the loss of freedom and privileges that occur if these antics create an unsafe environment.
- The Tiktoks don't show how students are eliminated from the high school or college of their choice because they now have a school and/or criminal record.
- The Tiktoks don't show how schools have to spend all their money replacing these items and no longer have funds for events, field trips, and other activities.
I feel these conversations have gone well with our students and as a result, we have had very few instances. I would love to get the number of instances down to zero. With parent support and our continued vigilance here at CMS - I believe we can!
Equity Audit of NPS
As you may know, Norwood Public Schools is working with Mass Insight Education & Research to conduct an Equity Audit for the district. This process is part of Norwood’s commitment to provide a high quality, equitable education for all of our students and families. The Equity Audit will give the district a clear understanding of our current strengths and areas for growth regarding equitable opportunities for all students, provide recommendations for improving equitable practices, and lead to the development of a strategic plan that will focus attention and resources on supporting Norwood’s diverse students, staff, families, and community.
We want to include the perspectives of a broad range of students, staff, families, and community members to inform this audit. To that end, be on the lookout for opportunities to share your experiences through surveys, focus groups, and interviews.
we will be looking for student volunteers to participate in several focus groups over the next few weeks. We wills end out emails to the students and ask them to fill out a form if interested. All student that would like to participate will be given a permission slip to return to ensure that our families are aware of their participation.
We are also looking to include voices from the many families in our community. We want to hear as many perspectives as possible, so I’m hoping you’ll do two things:
Sign up for a virtual focus group at this link to share your experiences with a staff member from Mass Insight, and
Complete the online family survey I’ll be sending home soon.
If you would like to learn more about the Norwood Equity Audit, please click the button below which will take you to the website.
School Council
Clubs and Teams at CMS
This week, I have a list of clubs that will be starting soon. Next week, we will have start dates and meeting times listed as well.
Friendship Club - TBD
Student Council - First Meeting Thursday, October 14
Artist Circle - Wednesday 2:10-3:00pm
Yearbook Club - Grade 8 Only Starts October 6th in 201 (every other Wednesday)
Bowling Club - Begins in January 2022
Intramural Sports - Start Early October
Homework Club - Starting September 27th at 2:10 pm in the Library
Drama Club - 1st and 3rd Mondays starting October 4th in room 101
Rocket Club - Spring 2022
Cartooning Club - Meets Thursdays, Starting October 14th
Math Team - First meeting Thursday, September 28th
More to come!
NEW! Aspen Parent/Guardian Emergency Contact Updates and Annual Permissions
Emergency Contact Updates and Annual Permissions are completed online in your Aspen Family Portal Account. One parent/guardian per student should log into Aspen to complete the Online Returning Student Registration.
Click the button below for a video that shows you exactly how to use this new module
This new module works best on a computer or Chromebook. We are working to make this module mobile compatible. If you do not have a computer or a Chromebook, you can log into Aspen on your phone or tablet, click on the Menu to View Full Site, and then zoom in on the screen to Initiate and complete the workflow.
If you don't know your Aspen Family Portal account log in, please email npsaspensupport@norwood.k12.ma.us
The PTO Needs You!
PTO Board Openings
With the new year comes new opportunities to be involved with CMS. We are looking for PTO Board members that collectively make decisions about activities for the school. We are also in need of a PTO treasurer. The treasurer maintains the records and bank account for the PTO. Please email coakleynorwoodPTO@gmail.com or mfraczek@norwood.k12.ma.us if you are interested.
Dr. Margo Fraczek
Email: mfraczek@norwood.k12.ma.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/norwood.k12.ma.us/cms-principal/home
Phone: 781-762-7880
Facebook: facebook.com/CoakleyMIddleSchoolPTO
Twitter: @mfraczek