Carpinteria Middle School

A Partnership in Striving for Excellence and Modeling Respect

November 2009 Parent Newsletter

 

Dear Parents,

We are getting near the holiday season which can be a busy time for families. Help your child stay on track by providing a time and place for them to do their homework. While they are moving towards independence, they have not earned it yet (although they may think they have). Continue to check their agenda for homework and check over their assignmants to ensure completion and understanding. Ask your child questions about their work. Stay actively involved in their education and don’t hesitate to contact teachers with questions.

 

Character Counts. At the first six week’s Awards Assembly we honored 35 students who have demonstrated caring. Another 15 students participated in the money jump after earning “excellence points” from teachers. At the next Awards Assembly, we will be honoring students who have demonstrated respect. We expect to have hundreds of candidates to choose from!

 

In three weeks you will be receiving another progress report for your child. Pay attention to their citizenship grades. You should expect to see an “O” for outstanding or an “S” for satisfactory from each class. Any other mark indicates that their behavior needs improvement or is unsatisfactory. Talk to your child about this so they understand your expectations. Also, eighth graders will need to be passing all of their classes by the semester in order to participate in the fun end of year promotion activities.

 

Our new field has been wonderful. A few weeks ago, each grade level fielded a soccer team for lunch time competitions. The 6^th grade team defeated the 7^th and 8^th graders in a manner that would make the LA Galaxy team proud! Sadly, their dominance came to an end against the teachers who had a notable size advantage.

 

Teleparent – You should have received an automated phone call informing you about this newsletter coming home with your child. If you move or change phone numbers, please contact the school with your new information so we are able to contact you in the event of an emergency.

 

Picture Re-Takes. Unfortunately, our school photographers were unable to process the photos for the students who ordered pictures. Therefore, all students who ordered additional pictures will have to re-take their photos on Tuesday, November 17^th.

Thanks for your support,

 

John Merritt

 

November Calendar dates:

Veteran’s Day: No School Wednesday, Nov. 11

12 week grading period ends: Fri., Nov 13^th  

Picture Re-Takes: Tuesday, November 17^th

Minimum Day: out at 12:45 Wed., Nov. 18

Parent Support Group Mtg.: Wed., Nov. 18, 5:30pm

Mesopotamia Night: Thursday, Nov. 19

Thanksgiving Holiday: No School Wed.- Fri., Nov. 25-27

 

Parent Support Group News

 

The 6^th grade swim program has been hugely successful in teaching students to swim and to improve their skills. However, the Parent Support Group still needs your financial support to continue the program. If you have not mailed in your check or wish to support the swim program further, please do so now. Your help is needed.

 

CMS Swim hoodie sweatshirts are still available from Mrs. Swarm – only $30! These high- quality sweatshirts are great for cold mornings and help to support our swim program. Make your checks payable to CMSPSG.

 

Cartridge Recycle Program - Thanks to those of you that have turned in ink cartridges and cell phones for recycling and those of you who have volunteered to collect around town. PSG plans to expand the scope of this program over the next couple of months. We believe that this program can be a significant and steady source of  funds for our childrens' programs at CMS. You may send your child to school with a ziplock filled with your monthly used ink cartridges and used cell phones. The teachers will collect and pass on to us for recycling.

 

Recycle Quiz Question#1 - Why do the African lowland gorillas hate cell phones?

Answer #1 - Cell phones contain a rare ore called Coltan used as a semiconductor in cell phones. Coltan is found primarily in Central Africa alongside the gorillas (and elephants). The high demand for the ore has brought more than 10,000 miners to the Congo who force the gorillas from their habitat and kill the gorillas and elephants for food while mining in the Congo. 

 

Recycle Quiz Question #2 - What can you do to help the African lowland gorillas?

Answer #2 - Recycle your old cell phones. It is estimated that over 150 million cell phones are sitting around in peoples homes, toy chests, cars, garbage, etc. Recycling the used cell phones reduces our dependence on Coltan from the Congo and reduces the number of cell phones in our landfills (which take thousands of years to break down).  If fewer new phones need to be produced, there will be less impact on the gorilla's habitat. With 3 billion cell phones produced world wide, less than 1% are getting recycled. Protect the environment, help the gorillas and make money for CMS. A Win-Win-Win!

 

Thanks!

CMS-PSG

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    .            

 

 

 

 

Carpinteria Middle School

Una Asociación Esforzándose por la Excelencia y Moldeando el Respeto

Noviembre de 2009  Boletín Informativo para Padres

Estimados Padres de Familia,

Nos estamos acercando a la época de los Días Festivos, la cual puede ser un tiempo muy ocupado para las familias. Ayuden a su estudiante a mantenerse en camino dándoles un tiempo y lugar para hacer sus tareas. Mientras que ellos se están moviendo hacia la independencia, ésta no la han ganado aún (aunque ellos piensen que ya lo han hecho). Continúen revisando su agenda para tareas y revisen sus asignaciones para asegurarse que la completen y la entiendan.  Hagan preguntas a su estudiante acerca de su trabajo. Manténganse activamente involucrados en su educación y no duden en ponerse en contacto con sus maestros para preguntas.

El Carácter Cuenta. En la primera Asamblea de Premios de seis semanas, honoramos a 35 estudiantes que han demostrado cuidado e importancia. Otros 15 estudiantes participaron en el juego “Brinca por Dinero” después de haber ganado “puntos de excelencia” de parte de sus maestros. En la próxima Asamblea de Premios, estaremos honorando a estudiantes que han demostrado respeto. Esperamos tener cientos de candidatos para escoger!

En tres semanas ustedes estarán recibiendo otro reporte de progreso de su estudiante. Pongan atención a sus calificaciones de ciudadano “citizenship”. Deben esperar ver una “O” por sobresaliente “Outstanding” o una “S” por Satisfactorio en cada clase. Cualquier otra marca indica que su comportamiento necesita mejorar o no es satisfactorio. Platiquen con su estudiante acerca de esto, para que ellos puedan entender sus expectativas. También, los alumnos de octavo grado necesitan pasar todas sus clases del semestre de manera que puedan participar en la diversión y en las actividades de promoción.

Nuestro nuevo campo es maravilloso. Hace unas pocas semanas, cada grado sorteó un equipo de fútbol para competencias durante la hora de la comida. Los alumnos de 6to. Grado derrotaron a los de 7mo. y 8vo. Grado de una manera que hubiera hecho sentir orgullosos al equipo LA Galaxy! Tristemente, su dominio llego a su final contra los maestros quienes tuvieron una gran ventaja.

Teleparent – Ustedes deben haber recibido una llamada automática informándoles acerca del envío de este boletín a su casa con sus hijos. Si se han mudado de domicilio o cambiado de número de teléfono, por favor pónganse en contacto con la escuela para dar su nueva información y así poder ponernos en contacto con ustedes en caso de alguna emergencia.

Re-Toma de Fotografías – Desafortunadamente, a nuestros fotógrafos que vinieron a la escuela, no les fue posible procesar las fotografías para los estudiantes que ordenaron paquete fotográfico.  Por lo tanto, todos los estudiantes que ordenaron fotografías adicionales tendrán que tomarse las fotos de nueva cuenta el día Martes 17 de Noviembre.

 

Muchas Gracias por su apoyo,

John Merritt

 

Fechas del Calendario de Noviembre

Miércoles 11 de Noviembre: Día de los Veteranos.  No hay escuela,

Viernes 13 de Noviembre: Fin del Período de Calificaciones de 12 Semanas

Martes 17 de Noviembre: Re-toma de fotografías.

Miércoles 18 de Noviembre: Día Mínimo. Salida de la escuela a las 12:45 PM.

Miércoles 18 de Noviembre: Junta del Grupo de Apoyo para Padres a las 5:30 PM

Jueves 19 de Noviembre: Noche Mesopotámica.

Miércoles 25 Nov. Al Viernes 27 Nov.: Vacaciones por el día de Acción de Gracias. No hay  

                                                                  escuela.

Carpinteria Middle School

A Partnership in Striving for Excellence and Modeling Respect

October 2009 Parent Newsletter

 

Dear Parents,

Thank you to a wonderful start to the year. At this point in time, you should be able to check your child’s agenda to see what they ought to be doing each night as homework. Homework gives students a chance to practice skills developed in class or to extend their thinking beyond what can be done in the 50 minute class period. If your child has a history of not keeping up with their homework, they need your supervision and support to ensure they do not get left behind.

 

Academic Performance Index results are in: The API is a single number, ranging from a low of 200 to a high of 1000, that reflects a school’s performance level, based on the results of statewide testing (STAR). Its purpose is to measure the academic performance and growth of schools. Our API has improved each year since 2005 and we continue to improve. We scored a 768 this year exceeding the state average of 754 and last year’s score of 759. We are continuously monitoring and improving our programs so that all groups of students enjoy gains.

 

Our first grading period ended today on October 2nd.  We will try to mail report cards on Friday, October 9^th.  Look for it in the mail.  If you don’t receive it by Friday, October 16^th, call us or come in to pick up another copy.  Any student who receives a D or F in math or language arts will be added to a support class either 0 or 7^th period. Some teachers are beginning to have online grades which will give you a more detailed (and timely) look at your child’s progress.   

 

Each grade level will have a “6 week awards assembly” to celebrate acts of Caring, Excellence Points winners and other greats thus far.  Parents are welcome to attend.  6^th grade: Weds., Oct. 7^th; 7^th grade: Thurs., Oct. 8^th; 8^th grade: Fri., Oct. 9^th.  All assemblies will be in the MPR at 12:55 to 1:16.     

 

On October 16^th, Leadership students will host a Red and Gold card only dance as a reward for great citizenship and grades.  It will be held during and briefly after lunch during SSR time. 

 

CMS Website: check it out: calendar of events, contacts, lots of information including the handbook: at www.cusd.net/ and then under schools click on CMS.   On that site, if you click on “Links” and go to “Report a Bully” you can let us know of any bullying going on at CMS. 

 

6^th Grade Swim Program: The program is in full swing. The instruction is terrific and the kids love it. If you haven’t finished paying for your child’s swim suit and lessons, please do so as soon as possible so the money can be used for other student programs.

 

Fundraisers: Thank you for all of your efforts to help the science department raise the funds to make an outstanding science program for your children. 

 

eSCRIP Recycling: The Parent Support Group is starting a cell phone, laser/toner cartridge, ink jet cartridge, iPod and laptop recycling program. This program is free and convenient for our school and will generate CASH to be spent on items that are needed by CMS. We have a collection bin in the workroom across from the office and another in the main hallway. Also, on the last Friday of the month, we will move the collection bin to the pick up area by the pool where one of the parents will collect donated cartridges, etc. Additionally, we will place collection bins at City Hall, Starbucks, and  the Chamber of Commerce to increase our collection potential. Help us raise money for the school by bringing us these unwanted items.

 

Fridays: After school, the Parent Support Group will be selling 100% fruit juice frozen treats by the pool gate. Students with red and gold cards will receive a discount. All proceeds benefit CMS.

 

Lunch: We had free lunch for all students in September as we processed Free and Reduced Lunch paperwork. At this time, your child will be expected to pay (or not pay) the appropriate rate. If you didn’t fill out the paperwork this year, you should do so now. Forms are available at the office.

 

Thank you for using the Palm Avenue/pool parking lot for dropping off and picking up your students.  If you need to come into the school, or drop your child off at non regular before/after school times you may use the staff lot if there is space.  Thank you so much for your help.

 

Halloween Costumes:  must conform to dress code.  Students may not wear a mask nor a hood at school.  They may wear the mask or hood at the contest at lunch only.  Please help your child choose something that is not offensive to any group of people.  Get creative and have fun! 

 

October Calendar dates:

End of 6 week grading period: Friday, October 2

Secondary GATE parent mtg.: Wed. Oct. 7, Canalino School room 17 6:30-7:30pm

6^th grade Flintstone Family Feast: McCulley &Castagna: Tues, Oct. 6^th, 5:30-6:30 pm

                                                            Foster & Taylor: Wed., Oct. 7^th, 5:30-6:30pm

          Sabraw and O’Hara: Thurs., Oct 8^th, 5:30-6:30pm           

Report Cards Mailed home: Fri., Oct. 9^th

Fall Student Picture Retakes: in PE class: Mon, Oct. 12^th

Red and Gold Card Only Dance at SSR (after lunch) Fri., Oct. 16th

Minimum Day for students: Wed., Oct. 21^st  out at 12:45pm

Hearing Screening: Oct. 27

Halloween Costume Contest: Lunch on Fri., Oct. 30

 

 

                                                                                    .