The Paw Print
Vol 8. Week of October 4, 2021
October is Disability Awareness Month and Positive Attitude Month!
This Is How To Talk About Disability, According To Disabled People
The basic argument is between person-first language, which is a somewhat older mode of talking about disability, and identity-first language, which is newer. The difference is: should someone with a disability be called "a disabled person", or "a person with a disability?" You may think this is just semantic quibbling, but it's got big implications and can spark vigorous debate and divisions. Words, as any person who's ever been harassed, bullied, or stuck with a hurtful label can attest, have power, not only personally but politically. And understanding the debate and the people on either side can give a lot of insight into what it means to be disabled — a point of view that, in today's America, needs to be given more visibility.
Whole Body Listening Updated
The Problem(s) with "Listening" Larry
In too many special education classrooms across the U.S., you’re likely to find a poster titled “Whole Body Listening!” that features a cartoon child named Larry pointing to illustrations of different parts of the body and explaining how he wants you to use them to listen. He wants you to look at the person talking to you with your eyes, use both of your ears to hear, keep your mouth quiet (no talking, humming, or other sounds), keep your hands quiet in your lap or by your side, make sure your feet are quiet on the floor, and turn your body so you’re facing the speaker. Lastly, Larry wants your brain to be thinking about what’s being said and your heart to care about what the other person is saying.
ASB October Events
📋 October 8, 2:30 PM - ASB Council Sign-ups (Room 210)
- Any student can join to help out at ASB events
📽️ October 15, 6:30-8:30 PM - Vivo Movie Night
- Click here for the sign-up form AND permission slip. Both are required.
🎃 October 21 & 22, 5-7 PM - Spooky Treat Event
- ASB students will be hosting a spooky tour and dance
👻 October 29, Lunch - Costume Parade & Contest
- Students can wear constume and participate in constest during lunch
Nominate an Amazing CCMS Staff Member!
Get more out of your PTSA Membership with PTSA Perks!
And don't forget, students, additional family members, and friends can join, too! Questions? Email Mara Bushansky at beingreen@earthlink.net
Back to School Night Recording and Slides
Update on Heavy Backpacks
Message from Yearbook!
Yearbooks are available online for the sale price of $32.99 for one more month only! The Walsworth Yearbook website has been having some issues as they have recently updated their website, but you can purchase the yearbook at yearbookforever.com Type in "Culver City Middle School" under the School Name section. The price of the yearbook goes up to $35 on November 1st.
Also, we are now asking 8th graders to send in their baby photos (preferably birth - 4 years old). Please send those into yearbookadvisor@ccusd.org
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
The Yearbook Staff
PTSA Reflections Art Contest
Calling all Creative Panthers! PTSA is excited to announce the kickoff of this year’s Reflections Art Contest. Deadline is Oct. 15, and we are accepting submissions in visual art, dance/choreography, film production, literature, music composition and photography. This year’s theme is “I Will Change the World By…” Please contact melissaerekson@gmail.com for a entry form and details. Good luck, Panthers!
Care Solace - Mental Health Resource
As part of CCUSD’s ongoing commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, parents and staff, the district has partnered with Care Solace to add another layer of support in addition to our amazing school counselors and school-based mental health counselors.
Care Solace is an online resource with a live 24/7 concierge meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health related programs and counseling services. Care Solace's web-based system works in conjunction with our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) as a tool for school staff and families to connect with community-based mental healthcare resources and providers. Their proprietary care navigation system taps into a vast database of mental healthcare resources to find carefully vetted local therapists and programs in minutes.
CCUSD families and staff may access Care Solace services in two ways:
- Call (888) 515-0595 to speak with someone from the Concierge team Representatives are standing by to take your call or email 24/7
- Visit our custom district link: https://caresolace.com/site/ccusd/. The link can also be found on the front page of the district website - Community Resources: Mental Health, Food and Other Supports and on our school website. Answer ten easy questions to receive an extensive list of referrals to applicable care providers. Care Solace takes into account all types of insurance including Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare, private insurance and those that have no insurance. The platform also filters by age, gender, zip code and special request.
Care Solace is now available for use by district families and staff at no cost. Care Solace does not require a name, address, phone number, or date of birth and all information entered on the Care Solace tool is completely confidential and securely stored. Please note, this service is an optional resource available by choice and is not mandatory in any way.
Care Solace is not an emergency response service or mental health services provider. In the event of a life threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-2738255.
Parents Beware: Latest Tik Tok Challenge
This month, the challenge is to "slap a teacher" or "smack a staff member." Students are being encouraged to walk up to their teachers and slap them before running away while getting everything on camera.
CCMS staff has been made aware and we are urging parents/guardians to speak to their children about these challenges. We will respond swiftly and appropriately to any incident that violates school rules, policies, behavior expections and/or causes any disruption to the learning enviroment.
We are sharing this with you to make you aware and communicate proactively with your child. We DO NOT want to have any incidents and are, thus, asking you to have these important conversation with your child now. Please see the complete list of challenges below.
- September: Vandalize school bathrooms
- October: Smack a staff member
- November: Kiss your friend’s girlfriend at school
- December: Deck the halls and show your balls
- January: Jab a breast
- February: Mess up school signs
- March: Make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria
- April: “Grab some eggz” (another stealing challenge)
- May: Ditch day
- June: Flip off in the front office
- July: Spray a neighbor’s fence
News from CCUSD Sustainability Committee - Green Tip of the Week!
Student Teams: Register here for Grades of Green Projects For This School Year!
The ESC is partnering again with Grades of Green to offer environmental education and coaching for CCUSD Students. There are two types of (FREE) programs available, one with shorter projects, and one school year long program, what will you choose? Parents helping student teams receive a stipend!
International Walk to School day is October 6!
CC Backpack Program Hosting a Costume Drive!
Continuing Education Available to ALL PTSA Members
Did you know that California State PTA offers several continuing education scholarships for members, as well as program grants for PTAs?
The deadline to apply for either is October 15, 2021 so get ahead of the curve and start now!
Continuing Education Scholarships
To help school professionals and volunteers continue to learn and improve their skills, California State PTA is proud to offer two categories of scholarships: a $500 award for credentialed teachers, counselors, and school nurses, and a $500 award for PTA volunteers.
All scholarship applications require two references and an application form that can be completed online. Applicants must be a current member of California State PTA in good standing. So if you aren't already a member, join today!
Learn more and apply at https://capta.org/programs-events/scholarships/continuing-education/.
Program Grants
Available to unit, council and district PTAs in good standing, these unique annual grants are geared toward four areas of major interest to our children, schools and members:
- Parent education
- Cultural arts
- Outreach translation
- Healthy lifestyles
Learn more and apply at https://capta.org/pta-leaders/programs/grants-awards/.
All applications for continuing education scholarships and program grants are due by October 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets to CCEF's SIP event are on sale now!
Tickets are on sale now for SIP for our Schools, Culver City Education Foundation's virtual fundraising event on October 16, 2021. Pick up a specially-curated whiskey tasting package in person at the beautiful courtyard of Culver City's Wende Museum, and meet us online that evening for a live streamed event. In addition to the blind whiskey tasting led by Bourbon & Banter, SIP for our Schools features video highlights from programs benefitting all CCUSD students, visits from special celebrity guests, a silent auction, and much more! Guests can also tune in to watch local mixologists demonstrate exciting cocktail recipes to enhance your whiskey tasting experience.
This event helps CCEF raise critical funds to sustain the vital arts and STEM education programs benefiting every student at every CCUSD school. We can't wait to SIP with you!
Purchase tickets today on our website: www.ccef4schools.org/attend-an-event
Annual Giving Campaign Update
So far, we have raised nearly $32,000! If you haven’t donated yet, here’s another reason why YOU should donate right now…
Why You Should Donate To The CCMS 100 Campaign –
Over the next few weeks, we will focus on where your donated money is used. First – Special Programs, Committees and Parent Education
“Panther Partners and PTSA are so proud to work hand-in-hand with CCMS to provide great experience for all our students both inside the classroom and beyond. This year, PTSA we continue to support all Panthers through programs such as WEB leaders, AVID, music and eight grade commencement celebrations. Furthermore, we’re excited for our Diversity and Equity and Special Needs Committees to present parent education and appreciation events throughout the school year. We are so grateful for our awesome community of caregivers and parents. Your support makes everything we do for our students possible. Please help us by contributing any amount you can to our 100 Campaign.
Thank you!!” - Lauren Jagnow, PTSA President
Make a difference in your family’s experience at CCMS by clicking here (Donate 21-22) to donate today to help us get to 100%. You can give once or spread out your donation over the year by giving on a recurring, monthly basis. A public education is free but a great one takes all of our support. All contributions, of any amount, are greatly appreciated and tax deductible! Don’t forget to see if your employer matches your donation as well!
P.S. Don’t forget that if you donate by 11/11, you reserve your very own Panther Drinkware Set!
P.P.S. For those that have already donated, the drinkware sets are in and will be sent home with your student in the next few weeks. Keep an eye out on your email for when to look for it! If you haven’t donated yet, you still have time to make a donation and reserve your set!
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RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Atheltic Clearance Information
- Students must have a physical before they can participate in any school sports including practices and games. No student will be able to participate without the approval of a physician. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are unable to obtain a physical from your physician call the Health Center to schedule an appointment at (310) 392-8636.
- Obtain written permission from a parent/guardian to compete.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA (cannot have 2 or more N's and no more than 1U) or you will be ineligible to participate in the program.
- A student may be declared ineligible for disciplinary reasons by administrative action.
- All Students must complete an Athletic Clearance Packet before trying out or competing for any sport.
For more information regarding the Athletic Clearing process, please visit this link:
Athletic Clearance Information
Here are more options for obtaining a physical exam:
Health Center on Campus
Hours: Mon & Wed from 8:00 - Noon
(310) 392-8636
Cost: $25
Must have a signed parental consent form at time of appointment from the health center.
Must schedule appointment in advance.
Wellness Mart
12200 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 820-2150
Email: wla@wellnessmart.com
$40 walk-in welcome
Minute Clinic @ CVS Drug Store
Hours: M-F: 10a-6:30p / Sat & Sun: 9a-5:30p
Closed for lunch M-F: 2p-3p; Sat & Sun: 1p-2p
Address: 13171 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 821-8908
Last appointment: 15 minutes before closing
Cost: $49
COST OF CCMS SPORTS
This past year has been full of difficulties, inlcuding challenges to our CCMS sports program. Due to not be able to offer sports last year, we are severly lacking in enough funds to grow our programs. Now, more than ever, it's important that we collect as many donations as we can to keep our program afloat (especially to offer "no cut" teams).
We request a $100 donation per athlete per sport so that we may provide quality coaches, uniforms,equipment, league fees, certificates to each player at the end of the season, and so that we can continue to offer a wide and deep athletic program. If you are unable to contribute the full amount please donate an amount that is affordable. You may also choose not to donate by clicking on the appropriate button on the registration website (lnk below).
All clearances and donations for CCMS sports programs are to be entered here: Athletichttps://www.pantherpartners.com/athletics.html .
Culver City Backpacks Program
Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) believes that no child in our community should go hungry or have food insecurities, especially on weekends when students don’t have access to school-sponsored breakfast and lunch. The Culver City Council PTA, in conjunction with CCUSD, provides students in need with a backpack filled with non-perishable food and snacks each week to ensure that every child can eat on the weekends.
There is no cost to participate and enrollment is 100% confidential. Each week, filled backpacks will be available in the school’s main office. You or your child, simply pick up the backpack and take it home. Backpacks will not be returned each week; your student will receive a new backpack each week. Enrollment is ongoing so any child in need can sign up for the program at any time throughout the school year.
If you would like your student to receive a weekly backpack, sign up here: https://forms.gle/Afdf5QqgppsuYGQf7 or complete a form in your school office.
Follow us!
On Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @CulverCityMS
Culver City Middle School
Website: http://ccms.ccusd.org/
Location: 4601 Elenda Street, Culver City, CA, United States
Phone: 310-842-4200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulverCityMS/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
Twitter: @culvercityms