CMS Family Connection

Each month students, staff, and parents are encouraged to nominate CMS staff for Navigator of the Month. Student council reads all nominations and selects two winners each month. We recognize the winners at our quarterly pep rallies.

Please go to our website to see the staff members we recognized last month.

At the end of each quarter we enjoy coming together to celebrate our successes from the entire quarter. We recognize a student of the quarter from each subject area. We also recognize our athletics and activities from that quarter. We have a little fun as well with some Minute-To-Win-It challenges. We end every pep rally with the school fight song along with a cheer challenge. Parents are always welcome to come and celebrate with us. The schedule is as follows:

8th Grade: 8:00-8:55

7th Grade 9:00-9:55

6th Grade 10:00-10:55

5th Grade 11:00-11:55

The quarter three pep rally will be on March 9 and the quarter four pep rally will be on May 18.

Please visit our website to view pictures from the pep rally.

There are several changes to our 2nd semester conferences that we are excited to inform you about. These changes can be found on the updated calendar announced via text message on December 12, 2022. Click here for the updated District Calendar.

Date Changes:

Monday, February 13, 2023 from 4:00 - 7:30pm

Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 1:00 - 3:30pm and 4-7:30pm

Student-led conferences:

In place of the traditional parent-teacher conferences, we are moving to student-led conferences. Your child will lead this conference to reflect on his or her progress, show you his or her work, and receive feedback. You, your child, your child’s teacher (s), and any other adult your student or the teacher would like to invite, will participate in the conference.

Research conducted by CMS staff finds that student-led conferences will:

• Engage students in understanding their learning

• Engage students in taking ownership of their learning

• Build better communication

• Build stronger relationships

Anyone who feels they need a private meeting with a teacher will be able to schedule this as well. As parents/guardians, you are critical partners in helping support your child’s learning and growth. Our new conference structure will be a very important way to show support. In the coming weeks your child’s teachers will send home more detailed information describing the conferences. Please respond to the request regarding scheduling. We are counting on 100% participation as we launch student-led conferences.

As part of its mission to support children and families, the BIST Team is offering a series of complimentary classes for parents and guardians. BIST is an acronym for Behavior Intervention Support Team. Classes will be presented virtually and facilitated by Marty Huitt and the BIST Team.

Topics and Dates:

· January 17th: Same-Page Parenting

· January 31st: Just an Ounce of Prevention

· February 7th: The Kindness of Accountability

Time:

· 5:45 PM – 6:00 PM Enter Zoom Room

· 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Informational Session

· 6:45 PM – 7:00 PM Questions and Answers

If families wish to participate, they will need to register through the BIST website (that information is in the attached letter). There is no cost for any of these classes and they are an excellent resource.

The CMS Life Skills classes have been busy collecting their favorite recipes for their very own cook book. By purchasing The Classy Cookers of CMS cookbook you are supporting the Columbus Life Skills Program of Columbus Middle School. This cookbook is filled with favorite recipes made by our students and teachers. Inside you will find 50 pages of recipes such as Cheeseburger Soup, Nopales Dorados and Swirly Twirly Gumdrop Punch. All funds raised by the sales of these books will benefit the Columbus Life Skills Program at Columbus Middle School to provide additional experiences for students and families. These may include family activity nights, additional opportunities for more cooking activities, and local field trips to practice life skills.

This would make a great gift!!

Website to order cookbook

Parents and students can access our weekly announcements on our website. CMS Website. You will find this on the main page under the News articles. Please check out what is happening at CMS.

As the weather is getting colder, please encourage your child to dress for the weather. Waiting for a ride for 15-20 minutes can get very cold. Please encourage your middle schooler coats and long pants really are "cool"!