Columbia Middle School Newsletter
March 24th
From the Desk of Mr. Kobliska
- 3/28 - Spanish Class Field Trip
- 3/31 - End of the 3rd Marking Period
- April 3rd - 7th - Spring Break
- 4/10 - Snow Give Back Day - No School
- 4/11 - Return to School & National Spanish Exam
- 4/13 - 8th Graders Visit CMS
- 5/26 - Snow Give Back Day - No School
- 5/29 - Snow Give Back Day - No School
- 6/5 - Snow Give Back Day - GL is in for a single session day
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March 24th - Highlander Pride Day
Today was a great day! Staff and students dressed in Red, White, and Blue. There is much pride at CMS and in BHPS. Go Highlanders!
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Dress Code Policy
At our Monday grade-level student meetings, we reviewed school expectations, we discussed a number of expectations including the Dress Code. You can find the District's Policy and Dress Code information in our Student Handbook.
Students not adhering to the dress code will need to call home for clothes or wear a CMS t-shirt/sweatshirt.
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CMS Artists
Congratulations to the 35 CMS Students whose artwork was selected and will be showcased at this weekend's Berkeley Heights Arts Showcase at GL. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. We are proud of you.
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Mr. K Update
We are moving and grooving at CMS. A lot is happening and a lot more is to come. This week our 6th Graders participated in the Chariots of Fire presentation on Tuesday, on Wednesday our 6th & 7th graders attended the Sam Anthony Speaks Assembly, the 6th graders continued on Thursday with their Literary Lunch, and Friday was Highlander Day!
The end of the marking period is next Friday, March 31st, and then we have Spring Break.
Upon our to school from Spring Break, on Tuesday, April 11th, students will be sitting for the National Spanish Exam, on Thursday, April 13th, the 8th graders visit GLHS, and on Friday we have a school-wide assembly: A Chorus Line.
Unfortunately, we are canceling Enrichment Day this year. We will revisit this initiative next year and brainstorm creative ways to recruit more community/parent volunteers for this endeavor.
Make it a great weekend!
Mr. K
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Choir Highlight
Congratulations on singing beautifully and representing CMS with pride!
CMS French Spotlight
Looking Ahead:
Next week, the French Club will start collecting donations to support Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter's "Smitten with Kittens" event. Click here and here to see the wishlists provided by the shelter. Donations will be collected through April 14th and can be brought to room C-17.
Congratulations to Serena!
CMS Jazz Ensemble
Student Group Opportunities
To further promote social/emotional learning for all middle school students, our school psychologists are offering additional student support opportunities. They are running four-week groups. These activities are optional, and would occur during EP for four weeks. The group topics are listed below:
Group 1 – Stress Management
Group 2 – Self-Esteem and Self-Advocacy
Group 3 – Executive Functioning and Organization
If you would like for your child to participate in one of these support opportunities, please complete this google form to request participation for your child. There are a limited number of spots available for each group opportunity, which will be filled on a first come / first serve basis. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Megan Gallagan or Dr. Peter Sempepos.
Keep Up with the Counselors
6th Grade: Ms. Gina DeLauro
7th Grade: Mrs. Ashley Morris
8th Grade: Ms. Heather Goldstein
Student Assistance Counselor: Ms. Madison Rowohlt
Advisory Update
Bring the Conversation Home:
- Talk about times that you had to show perseverance sometime in your life.
- Come up with your own "gritty" family mantra or positive message!
- Brainstorm book/tv/movie characters that displayed mental toughness.
March Precept
Technology Links
From the Health Office
School Nurse: Susan Prendeville, RN, CSN, MSN
From the Health Office
School Nurse: Susan Prendeville, RN, CSN, MSN
Spring is here and we can finally enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Unfortunately, it is not enjoyable for all. For those with seasonal allergies, spring is marked by itchy eyes and noses, sneezes and sniffles, as allergy season is in full swing.
Respiratory allergies are triggered when the inner lining of the nose and airway overreacts to an allergen such as pollen or dust. Common symptoms include itchy nose, clear, runny nasal discharge, and teary eyes. When pollen is the problem, the reaction usually starts in summer. Allergies will continue until pollen levels decrease in the fall. Other common allergens include mold, dander, and feathers.
Here are some tips to keep kids with seasonal allergies more comfortable during those pesky pollen-heavy months:
Keep your child indoors on days that are both dry and windy.
Remove and wash clothing that your child has worn outside.
Have your child shower or bathe when coming in from outside.
Keep doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high.
Combat dust mites by vacuuming your home often.
See your pediatrician if your child’s allergies get worse or do not improve, to be properly diagnosed and discuss allergic triggers.
Spring Sports - Baseball and Softball
All instructions and forms are found on the FormReLeaf registration website.
Physicals must be approved by the district doctor before the athlete is eligible to participate.
I’m happy to help with registration and clearance. sprendeville@bhpsnj.org
BASEBALL - Coach: RJ Devish rdevish@bhpsnj.org -
Start Date: Monday, April 10 - Forms due March 31
SOFTBALL - Coach: Rick Ortega rortega@bhpsnj.org -
Start Date: Monday, April 10 - Forms due March 31
Any parent of a student with a 504 Accommodation Plan is welcome to join us.
PTO Updates
Save the Date:
- 3/24 - Nomination forms for 2023/2024 due
- 4/19 - Lunchtime Pretzel Sales
- 4/24-4/28 - Teacher Appreciation Week
8th Grade Celebration Dance - 8th grade parents - Please fill out the 8th grade Celebration Dance Permission form. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 12th at 7-11 pm.
Any questions contact us at columbiapto@gmail.com.
Columbia Middle School
Website: https://www.bhpsnj.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=11
Location: 345 Plainfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-464-1600