Carver Middle School Newsletter

February 14, 2021

Principal's Message

Happy Valentine's Day Carver Cougars!


As a reminder we will not have school tomorrow, 2/15/2021 in recognition of President's Day. We have a very busy week ahead of us and this newsletter is packed with key updates. First, the scheduling window opens for the 2021-2022 school year tomorrow. Please see the scheduling website below for key information and for directions on registering your student for classes on Studentvue beginning tomorrow 2/15/2021.


You received information last week regarding our ongoing fundraiser. Your support in our fundraising efforts are appreciated. Proceeds will benefit our continued literacy efforts.


Please join us during our PTA zoom meeting Tuesday at 6:30. Please use the link in the invitation below.


Thanks and have a fantastic week.


Anthony J. McLaurin, Sr., Ed.D.

Principal

G.W. Carver Middle School

Carver Course Scheduling!

The course request window opens Monday, 2/15/2021! Counselors will conduct a how-to lesson on Tuesday and all students are encouraged to record the courses they want to take next year via StudentVue.


Check out our Carver MS School Counseling Website for directions, course offerings, course descriptions and other important updates.

Carver MS Fundraiser

Thank you for the support of our school. I hope that everyone can participate in this online fundraiser. This fundraiser will end on February 25th. Proceeds will benefit our literacy efforts at G.W. Carver MS!


Here are easy steps to follow:

1. Go to www.gofundraisenow.com and click on Register.

2. Enter the 6 digit Group ID # for our

school: 210159.

3. Send emails and texts to at least 10 family & friends with the unique link so that you receive proper credit that will count towards our incentive program.

4. You, family and friends shop online, pay with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. The items will ship directly to the buyers’ homes.

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Zoom PTA Meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 16th, 6:30pm

This is an online event.

Anthony McLaurin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Carver MS PTA Zoom Meeting

Time: Feb 16, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96588928792?pwd=MG90S25sVGlreGFIQ1h0SGNnZ1lnUT09

Meeting ID: 965 8892 8792

Passcode: RF1tYr


RSVPs are enabled for this event.

Return to Learning Updates

Earlier this week, our School Board made the recommendation for our secondary students to return to in-person instruction on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. This gives us approximately three weeks to prepare for the return of our students. Please complete the survey below by Wednesday, 2/17/2021 to inform the school of your return to learning plans.


Return to School Survey Link.


Monday March 8, 2021 will serve as an asynchronous learning day. Students will work independently while teachers prepare their classrooms for in-person learning.

Black Lives Matter At School

This week we will discuss and have activities focused on the Black Lives Matter movement as a Black History Month Activity during flex block. In acknowledgement of Black History Month and to school school spirit, we ask that all of our students change their profile pictures to a picture of George Washington Carver.


We will have four key activities to include:


1.) A review of the origin & history of the Black Lives Matter Movement

2.) A comparison of the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Lives Matter Movement

3.) Participation in a BLM Mural contest

4.) Participation in a BLM Video contest


If you do not want your student to participate in the Black History Month activity please contact Dr. McLaurin and an alternative activity will be conducted during flex block for your student.

Middle School Sports Update

As middle schools prepare for our students to return to in-person learning on March 9, the Middle School Athletic Council has begun preparations for some athletics and extracurricular activities. In order to be eligible for an athletic activity, students must have a valid VHSL physical, dated after May 1, 2020, and a signed concussion awareness sheet. Students enrolled in any of the learning options, in-person, virtual, or CCPSOnline, will be eligible to participate. Students must be currently enrolled in at least 5 courses and must have passed at least 5 courses from the first semester to be eligible. More information will be provided closer to when our students return to in-person instruction.


CCPS Online


CCPS Online will be opening registration for the 2021-22 school year on February 1 and will take registrations until July 9, 2021. Additional information and the link to register can be found on the CCPS Online website. Students may register for a full course load if they would like to remain virtual for the 2021-22 school year or they may take supplemental classes while taking a full course load at their home school (fees are required for this option).


CCPS Online also has courses available for the summer of 2021 and all of these courses require a fee. Registration for summer courses begins on March 1. Registration for summer Health/PE 9 will close on May 19. Registration for all other classes this summer will close on June 23. EDMS counselors are happy to answer all questions related to CCPS Online options.

Flex Block Update

Flex Block Clarification- Monday-Thursday- Teachers will notify your student(s) if they are meeting every day or meeting on specific day(s). This allows staff members to differentiate according and provide students/classes with the appropriate level of support needed.


Fridays (Office Hours)- Teacher will communicate with students to set up meets for assignments, check-ins, re-teaching and/or make up work. If your student does not have meetings scheduled, they may utilize this time to work on assignments independently.

Carver MS- Picture Day 2/24/2021

CMS 2020-2021 Yearbook Flyer

Yearbook Updates from Mrs. Boyd!

Follow us on our New Official Pages for upcoming news and highlights!

IG - @gwcarver.middle

Twitter - @gwcarvermiddle


Carver Kindness!


This year has been exceptionally different for each and every one of us. Let’s end this year strong and make an extra effort to build our community and promote KINDNESS! Please take photos or send a written blurb to Michelle Boyd of our Carver students showing KINDNESS for an opportunity to be featured in our 20/21 Cougar Yearbook. Please be sure to include your student’s name and grade!

If you are posting on your own social media please tags us and use the following hashtags:


IG - @gwcarver.middle

Twitter - @gwcarvermiddle

#cougarpride

#cougarkindness

#carverkindness

#gwcmsyearbook2021

Matoaca High School Scheduling Site

Future Matoaca Warrior, please see the Matoaca High School Scheduling Site to begin the scheduling process for your rising 9th grader.

Hidden Figures! Carver MS School-Wide Read!

The library is going to be hosting the schoolwide reading of Margot Lee Shetterly's book Hidden Figures, starting the week of February 22.* (This is a change) While some students may have seen the movie version of this story, many of us know that Hollywood does take liberties with literature. We will be reading the book as a school, lessons and activities will be completed in all core subjects to enhance student learning. ALL STUDENTS WILL BE PROVIDED A FREE COPY OF THE EBOOK TO BE READ ONLINE! If you wish for your child to have a printed copy of the book, copies are available at the local library or for purchase at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. The school will spend approximately six weeks on this reading unit, so it is encouraged that you ask your student about the reading and share any knowledge and/or share any memories you or other family members may have of the event.


We appreciate your support in literacy-based learning, and thank you for your time!

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Key Dates

  • Feb. 15- No School-Student & Staff Holiday
  • Feb. 15- Scheduling for the 2021-2022 school year begins on Studentvue
  • Feb. 16- PTA Meeting

  • Feb.17- Return to Learning Survey Due

  • March 8- Asynchronous Learning Day

  • March 9- Cohort Four Students return to in-person instruction

Dr. Jones' Scheduling Updates for Future TDHS Knights


Course Offerings & Selections...


This is the time of year when students and their families, along with their teachers and counselors, begin making decisions about their courses for next year. On January 19, StudentVue will open and students will be allowed to make their selections regarding their classes for next school year.


Prior to selecting their courses, we want our students and families well-informed. For your reference, here is the timeline:


  • Registration Knight (12/9)
  • Information Sessions with Students regarding course selections (January or February)
  • High School counselors will conduct virtual scheduling meetings with the middle schools and students will select their courses for the 2021-2022 school year...
  • Carver Middle School...February 12th


I am extremely excited to release our Course Offering Sheet for 2021-2022!!! You will notice 5 tabs at the top. One for each grade level and a Career Cluster and Pathways tab. Please dig in and explore what we offer and align your child's future to their present!

CODE RVA!

The application window has opened for rising 9th grade students to apply to CODE RVA! CODE RVA is a Regional High School which prepares students for careers in coding and computer science.


Students may apply at: https://coderva.org/

See the Carver Clinic Newsletter for updates from Nurse Geisz

Curbside Library Pickup

Please see the video below for information on our curbside library pick up! Both digital and paper copies of titles are available. Remember to encourage your Cougar to read and read frequently in 2021!


https://www.powtoon.com/s/dfUP3CIcLfe/1/m

Pledge of Allegiance Google Meet Link!

Please be sure to share the new Google Meet link below with your Cougar to join us for the Pledge of Allegiance live link daily at 7:35 am!


meet.google.com/jhg-nieh-jjo

Second Semester Schedule

Beginning February 1, 2021





Monday-Thursday Schedule



Period Start Time Period End Time



Flex Block 7:35 a.m. -8:10 a.m.


Period 1 8:14 a.m.- 9:31 a.m.


Period 2 9:35 a.m.- 10:52 a.m.


Lunch 10:56 a.m.- 11:26 a.m.


Period 3 10:56 a.m.- 12:43 p.m.


Period 4 12:47 p.m. -2:05 p.m.



FRIDAY Schedule


PERIOD START TIME END TIME


Office Hours (Students Report to FLEX Block) 7:35 a.m.-8:35 a.m.


1 8:39 a.m.-9:49 a.m.


2 9:53 a.m.-11:03 a.m.


Lunch 11:07 a.m.-11:37 a.m.


3 11:07 a.m.-12:47 p.m.


4 12:51 p.m.- 2:05 p.m.

Community Resources

Join the Carver MS Anime Club!

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Share the Love with the Carver Staff!

Please see the flyer below to share videos and show appreciation for your favorite teacher and the Carver MS staff!

Carver Attendance Line

If you are aware that your student will be absent from class please call our attendance line directly at: (804) 524-3627.

Carver MS School Counseling Assignments 2020-2021

Welcome to Mrs. Cathy Whitaker our new School Counseling Coordinator! Please see below for your Counselor's contact information. Sixth grade students are assigned counselors based on last name. Please complete the Carver Schedule Request Form if your child's schedule needs to be adjusted and the appropriate counselor will contact you ASAP.


Thank you!


Grade 6

Mrs. Redding A-M-anna_redding@ccpsnet.net

Mrs. Whitaker N- Z-cathy_whitaker@ccpsnet.net


Grade 7

Mr. Cunningham- kevin_cunningham@ccpsnet.net


Grade 8

Mrs. Lynch-balsorah_lynch@ccpsnet.net

Canvas Support Videos

Thanks to Mrs. Smith for hosting Canvas Support Sessions last week! Please see the videos below if you could not make it to the session.


Carver Canvas Support-Video 1


Carver Canvas Support-Video 2


Carver Canvas Support-Video 3


Support and Self- Care During COVID-19

COVID-19 Support from the Viriginia Department of health: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chesterfield/.


Please take a look at the COVID-19 Resources link. As we are all dealing with difficult times children and adults both may benefit from ideas and resources to help us to cope positively with our present reality.

Message from our School Nurse Mrs. Geisz

Carver MS School Nurse Video


Here are a few reminders from the school clinic, even though we are starting school virtual all of the following are still required for this school year:

1. Proof of immunization: For a complete list of all required immunizations please see the Virginia Department of health link https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/ There are 2 Middle School specific requirements. Note :Effective July 1, 2019, a booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade. Also note: Effective October 1, 2008, a complete series of 3 doses of HPV vaccine is required. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 6th grade, however with HPV, after reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent’s or guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

2. Immunization records can be faxed to 804.520.0189 to the School Nurse.

3. Update Individual Health service plan: If your child lives with any of the following:

    1. Asthma
    2. Life-threatening allergies
    3. Diabetes
    4. Seizures
    5. Or any other health concern that requires medication or specific health related procedures while in school please make sure that we have an updated health service plan and/or medication administrations forms. Required forms can be found here https://mychesterfieldschools.com/family-and-community-engagement/preparing-for-school/student-health-and-safety/

4. Please keep in mind due to COVID 19 the use of nebulizers will not be allowed this school year, so please make sure to discuss plans for treatment with your physician if your child has asthma.

I am looking forward to supporting your child to be safe, healthy and ready to learn at Carver Middle School! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me at lisa_geisz@ccpsnet.net or call me at 804.524.3620 ext.143.

Carver PTA!

The Carver PTA needs you!


Use the PTA website at: https://carverpta.ptboard.com/ to sign up.


1. Log in or create an account.

2. On the "Join School" pop up screen enter code: 9XKCHR.

3. Sign up to assist with events, purchase spirit wear, raise funds and assist the PTA in supporting our students!