The Paw Print
Vol 9. Week of October 11, 2021
New COVID Testing Provider Starts Tuesday
We are ready to go with the new COVID testing provider - Living Fit Nation (LFN). Testing will begin next week for all staff and students, with the first week (similar to the last rollout) acting as our pilot to make sure everything runs smoothly. We will monitor the registration status to ensure everyone is registering and contacting those who do not.
Registration for this system is similar to the last one with several improvements:
- One parent email is able to register multiple students
- Once registered, you are set - no need to “order tests”
- Assistance is available directly from LFN
- Step by step instructions are attached here to assist you
You will have to provide insurance information if available, as billing is done the same way. LFN will bill insurance if available and if not will bill the Federal grant program, which is why they need further information if you select “no insurance”. You will never be charged anything for these tests.
With this new provider, we will be able to do all the testing in one day. The schedule for now will be Tuesdays:
- All elementary schools and OCD first thing in the morning until 10:00am
- MS will be approximately 10:15am to 11:20am
- HS will be approximately 12:00n to 1:00pm
- Other locations (District Office, MOT, Adult School) will use self tests that get dropped in a pickup bin at the sites.
Students will be taken out of their class during the testing window but it will be for a very short time, as LFN is able to test much quicker and with more locations on each site.
The first option for the actual test will be a self-administered saliva tube; if someone is unable to do that, a mouth swab will be taken.
These test results will integrate directly with the separate Qualtrics system so you will no longer have to do that weekly manual upload of results.
October is Disability Awareness Month and Positive Attitude Month!
‘Nothing About Us Without Us’: 16 Moments in the Fight For Disability Rights
As with every other civil rights movement, the fight for disability rights is one that challenges negative attitudes and pushes back against oppression. But it is also more complex.
Often the movement has diverged into a constellation of single-issue groups that raise awareness of specific disabilities. It has also converged into cross-disability coalitions that increasingly include intersections of race, gender and sexual orientation.
Regardless, the prevailing demands of the movement are the same: justice, equal opportunities and reasonable accommodations. Though it is difficult to distill modern disability history in one thread, here are a handful of moments that have stood out in the collective memories of disability advocates.
1940-70: A GROWING SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE
The earliest disability law in the United States dates from pensions guaranteed for men wounded in the Revolutionary War.
“You tend to have a grateful nation that wants to figure out how to help them reincorporate themselves to society,” said Heather Ansley, the associate executive director of government relations for Paralyzed Veterans of America.
By the 1940s, rubella and polio were on the rise, further raising awareness of disabilities.
Summer camps and rehabilitation centers were established to provide nurturing environments. In the 1960s and ’70s, friendships were cultivated among a generation of people who would go on to become some of the foremost activists of the modern civil rights movement.
Ed Roberts was among those top activists. He was the first student who used a wheelchair to attend the University of California, Berkeley. Because there were no accessible dormitories, he lived in Cowell, the campus hospital. He inspired the blueprint for the first Center for Independent Living. There are now 403 C.I.L.s that are run by and for people with disabilities who live independently of nursing homes and other institutions.
Disabilities Awareness Month PAWs session on Thursday, October 14th
ASB October 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 costume and participate in contest during lunch
Panther Pressroom (10/4)
Come Learn about CCMS Science Enrichment Field Trips
- 6th grade: PALI Camp
- 7th grade: Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI)
- 8th grade: AstroCamp
When: Thursday, October 28
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: CCMS Back Gym
All attendees must present their vaccination card or a negative COVID test within the last 48-72 hours prior to the meeting. No exceptions!
*Application packets will be distributed at the meeting for attendees and will be made available for all other students in Room 324 starting Friday, 10/29.
You can contact Ms. Wilke erinwilke@ccusd.org or Mr. Castillo michaelcastillo@ccusd.org with any questions.
Hope to see you then!
Ms. Wilke and Mr. Castillo
Physical Education Clothes
PTSA and Panther Partners Staff Halloween Breakfast
Please help Panther Partners and PTSA throw a spooky Halloween breakfast for all teachers and staff on Friday, 10/29. We need help spoiling our favorite crew especially with warm breakfast casseroles!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BAAAC2BABFC1-halloween
Great Shakeout Drill - October 21st
The safety and welfare of our students and staff are our highest priority. To provide schools an opportunity to practice emergency response procedures, our district will participate in the Great California Shake-out in a District-wide on October 21, 2021. Please be advised that students will be dismissed at the regular time on this day.
The goals of the training drill are to improve our ability to protect students, save lives, and reduce injuries. They allow us to evaluate our emergency operations plan and improve our response skills. As part of the drill, the students and staff will participate in the activation of our school’s Safe School Plan.
In order to protect students, in case of an actual emergency students will only be released to the parents and/or other adults listed on the student’s Emergency Card. Please ensure that this card has updated and accurate information. It is a good idea to have several trusted adults listed on the card, including one or two who live within walking distance of school. You should assume that in an actual emergency, telephone communication may not be possible; therefore please discuss your family meeting place and reunification plans in advance with anyone listed on the student’s Emergency card.
In the event of an actual emergency any approved emergency contact person should do their best to bring identification and arrive at the Request Gate. While the student is located, the adult will be directed to the Reunion Gate to meet their child and sign them out. This procedure is designed for your child’s protection and for your peace of mind.
Prior to the drill, please discuss your family’s home preparedness plan with your student(s). The American Red Cross has materials in English or in Spanish from their website: http://www.redcross.org.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to call our school office.
Nominate an Amazing CCMS Staff Member!
Reminder to Keep Students Home When Feeling Ill
Free Flu Shot Clinic Coming to CCUSD
See a UCLA Game With Your Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
Annual Giving Campaign Update
We are more than halfway through our campaign and we are nearly halfway to our goal! We have raised $46,337 and 11% of families have donated. 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 – Donations help fund WEB and Camp Panther!
“At CCMS we are beyond fortunate to have our two amazing parent groups, PTSA and Panther Partners! As WEB president, I have been able to run large events for free for our 6th graders to participate in because of the support the WEB program receives from our parent groups and community. WEB has made a huge impact on our school community over the last 7 years and we would not be able to do most of our social events, 6th grade dance or WEB leader celebrations if we didn't have the generous contributions for our program. As one of the school counselors at CCMS, a few years ago I had an idea to host a 7th grade retreat. When I went to PTSA and Panther Partners to pitch the idea and seek not only the financial support but the parent volunteer support, it was an overwhelming YES and immediate, 'how can we help?" I love that our parent community sees our vision and are true partners in making the middle school experience PAWsitive for our Panthers! Thank you PTSA and Panther Partners!” – Sarah Slemmons, CCMS Guidance Counselor
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. You still have time to reserve your Panther Drinkware Set! Donate $250 or more by 11/11!
P.P.S. For those that had already donated, the drinkware sets were sent home this week. If you didn’t receive yours yet, we will do a second distribution again in November after the campaign ends.
News from CCUSD Sustainability Committee - Green Tip of the Week!
Sadly, the Drought Continues in our Region... California is currently in Extreme to Exceptional Drought. According to California Department of Water Resources, Water Year 2021 (October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021) was an extreme year in terms of temperature and lack of precipitation. Water Year 2020 was California’s fifth driest year based on statewide runoff; Water Year 2021 has ended up as second driest. We need to CONSERVE, all the time and at every level!
Here are a few tips from the California Green Business Network that can help conserve water and your $:
+ Be Leak-Free: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a leaky faucet dripping at a drip per second wastes 3,000+ gallons per year!
+ Switch to Low Flow: Reduce the gallons used by installing high efficiency toilets (e.g., those flushing at 1.0 gallons per flush or dual flush), showerheads flowing at 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or less, and low-flow faucet aerators (.5 GPM for handwashing and 1.5 GPM for kitchens).
+ Drought Tolerant: Incorporate drought-resilient landscaping and native plants. Don’t over water.
+ Water Savings: By reducing water use, you can reduce water bills. Also contact Golden State, West Basin and Metropolitan Water for available rebates, both for commercial and residential properties.
Join our next CCUSD Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on Thurs. Oct. 21st, 2021 from 5-6.30pm. Contact: sustainability@ccusd.org for details. Everyone is welcome!
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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
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!
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
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
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 .
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.
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