Email Updates

Recognition Information - Sent May 27, 2025

Hello,

All 8th-grade students and parents are cordially invited to the 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, May 28 at 9:30 a.m.  During the ceremony on Wednesday morning, all 8th-grade students will be recognized as they make the transition from Middle School to High School. Please consider joining us for this special morning of celebrating the class of 2029. 

Students will report to school as usual. Parents and families can begin to arrive at 9:00 a.m.  The event will start at 9:30 a.m. Parents can proceed directly to the auditorium through door 49 (side auditorium door) to the auditorium for seating. Students can bring guests and family members who have supported them on their middle school journey!    

We are excited to celebrate the entire class of 2029!

Am I permitted to take my student home after the event? 

After the 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony, students are welcome to leave with their families to continue celebrating this special milestone. To ensure a smooth and orderly process, we kindly ask that all families follow our normal early dismissal procedures, or you may sign out your student in the auditorium hallway near door 49.  There will be adults sitting at tables ready to assist for sign-out procedures. Parents or guardians should sign out their student at the designated area before leaving the school premises. This helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensures the safety of all students. 

What should students wear for 8th Grade Recognition?

For the 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony, we encourage students to dress in attire to reflect the significance of this special occasion.  All students will be walking across the stage (including going up and down the stairs) during the ceremony.  Please keep that in mind when selecting footwear! 

What door will be used to access the High School Auditorium?

All visitors will enter using door 49 which is directly across from door 1 of the Middle School. 

Will there be assigned seating for guests?

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there will be reserved seating for students and faculty.

Remote Learning Information - Sent April 30, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

Dr. Castagna announced that the middle school will have remote learning tomorrow, May 1. 

We understand that many families are dealing with electricity and internet outages. Because it is a remote learning day, the expectation is that assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Each class will have different expectations, so please check Google Classroom for each class. Students will be permitted additional time to complete any assignments as needed.

Please remember that students will need to log in to Infinite Campus to mark their attendance for the day.

Additionally, reservations for the Dinner Dance can be turned in when school resumes in-person. 

We hope you are all safe and well during this time. 

2025 Spring Dance 

Dance Procedures and Expectations 

The 2025 Spring Fling sponsored by the CVMS PTSG will be held on Friday, March 28th, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Chartiers Valley Middle School. Only students in grades 6-8 who attend Chartiers Valley Middle School are permitted to attend. 

Arrival 

● Doors will open at 6:15 pm and all students will enter the building using Door 8 at the rear of the building. All students should be dropped off at the lower lot. Doors 1 and 3 in the front of the building will be locked and will not be used for entry. All students must be in the building by 6:45 pm. 

Departure 

● All parents should park in the lower lot. Please do not arrange to pick up your child off campus. Please plan to arrive by 8:30 pm to start departure. 

Expectations 

● Students must adhere to the district’s dress code. 

● Students are to remain in the commons area during the dance. 

● Bathrooms are to be used for their intended purposes. No loitering in groups. 

● Students are to treat all teachers, parents, and chaperones courteously and follow the instructions they are given. 

● Students are not permitted to leave the building and re-enter. 

● Students are not to crowd together. When standing or dancing as a group, students must leave enough space in between them to allow for a person to walk through easily. 

● Students are to dance face-to-face or side-to-side. No break dancing on the floor. Students' feet must be on the floor at all times. 

Students who do not comply with school rules and dance expectations may be asked to sit briefly, call a parent/guardian to pick them up or be told they are not allowed to attend the next dance. Inappropriate behaviors may result in a referral to the administration and the CVMS Code of Conduct. 

Chartiers Valley Middle School – 50 Thoms Run Road – Bridgeville, PA 15017 – 412.429.2220

If you have any questions please contact Assistant Principal, Dr. Kim, at 412-429-2222 or via email at rkim@cvsd.net. 

Save The Date - Send 3/13/25

Hello, Parents/Guardians.

Save the date for some very exciting 8th grade events! 

There will be an Open Mic Night at Bridgeville Public Library on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The 8th Grade Recognition is on Wednesday, May 28 at 9:30am in the MS/HS Auditorium. 

The 8th Grade Dinner Dance is on Saturday, May 17 from 6:30-9:00pm in the MS Commons. 

More information will be coming soon.

Have a wonderful day!

D.C. Trip Permission Form - Sent 2/21/25

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Today, students received final contracts for the 2025 Washington, D.C. field trip.  The trip will be Friday, May 23, 2025.  All contracts are addressed to the individual student. The total cost of the entire trip is $150.00.  Students already paid a $20.00 deposit in November, so most balances are $130.00.  Cookie profits were then factored in, so student-specific balances are listed on each personalized permission slip.  We are asking students to return the permission slip along with payments for the trip (made payable to CVMS Activity Fund) by Friday, March 14, 2025.  Please provide checks or money orders.  Write your child’s name on the memo line.  No cash please!

As a reminder, students must be academically eligible to attend the trip.  This means that they cannot be failing a core class for the year as of the end of the third nine weeks.  Students must have a 60% or higher average for the first three quarters.  Students must also continue to display appropriate school behavior.   As per our building administration, students who are a chronic discipline problem may not be allowed to attend the trip. 

The cost of the trip should not be a factor in excluding any child.  If your family is in need of our scholarship fund, please email Cindy Holleran (Teal Team - cholleran@cvsd.net) or Niki Ciaramella (Gold Team - nciaramella@cvsd.net).  All inquiries will be handled with the strictest of confidence.

We have attached an additional permission slip to this email.

If you have any questions, please let us know.  

D.C. Fundraiser - Sent 1/22/25

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to offer an optional fundraiser to reduce the cost of the Washington, D.C. field trip. In March, we will be collecting the $130 balance for the D.C. trip. However, if you would like to reduce the cost, we are offering the participation in a Mrs. Fields frozen cookie dough fundraiser.

• The fundraiser will take place from January 23 - February 7, 2025.  

• The fundraiser will take place completely online. You will set up an account, share a link, and customers will pay with a credit card and have the cookie dough shipped directly to them. (No exchange of money or delivery needed.)

• You will be selling a box of 24 frozen, preformed “hockey-puck” cookies. They are available in 6 flavors. Each box will sell for $25. Each student will earn 50% profit, which is $12.50 off their trip, for each box of cookies sold. (11 boxes sold will equal a free trip. If more than 11 boxes are sold, then the additional profit will go toward students needing scholarships to attend.)

Again, this fundraiser is completely voluntary. If you think this is something you are interested in participating in, then complete the following steps to join the fundraiser!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Register at Our Group’s Mrs. Fields SHIP TO THE HOME Cookie Fundraiser Website from your computer or laptop:

https://onlineorders.mrsfieldsfundraising.com/chartiersvalleymiddleschool/shiphomes25?a=17&at=1736968921912&as=k

Sale Ends: February 7th

Step 1: Follow the web link above to your website.

Step 2: Click on REGISTER at the top of the page.

Step 3: Fill out the 3 questions ignoring CLASS and then continue to add your Contacts. (Be sure to use your personal email and your child’s “cvsd” email address.)

The site will prompt you to set up a home page.   You can change the text on the page to accurately describe our fundraiser.   A sample is below.

This spring, our 8th-grade class has the chance to take a field trip to Washington, D.C. It’s an opportunity for our students to connect what they’ve been learning in the classroom with real-world history, from visiting the monuments and memorials to exploring museums and government buildings.

In order to raise money for this trip, we are selling frozen cookie dough. The proceeds from your purchase will be added to my personal account and will directly benefit my trip.  

Ways that you can help:

• Make a purchase: The amount will go directly to covering the costs of my trip.

• Spread the word: Share this fundraiser with others who might be interested in supporting our class.

Step 4: Enter friends & family email and cell numbers – the platform sends them the link and reminders to purchase from you.

Step 5: Share online!  From your computer, share the sale from your dashboard publicly using the provided social media buttons or the text/message features from your phone.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, if you are not interested in setting up a seller’s account, but would like to buy some cookies to be shipped directly to you, you can order using the link below.  All profits from our general link will benefit our scholarship program for the D.C. trip.    The sale will go live on January 23, 2025!

Mrs. Fields CVMS 8th Grade Sale

Please reach out if you have any questions.  Thank you for your support!

8 Gold Email Blast 1-17-2025

Hello, 

The 8th Grade Gold Team wanted to touch base as we reach the midpoint of the year. Please see below for some important reminders:

• Information for the Washington, D.C Fundraiser will be distributed soon. We will be selling Mrs. Field’s Cookie Dough.  

• There will be a field trip to the Fort Pitt Museum on Friday, February 14th. There is no cost to attend this trip, as it is part of our History curriculum. Students will need to bring a packed lunch on the day of the trip. More details will follow next month from Mr. Browne.

• Students who are interested in visiting Parkway West Career and Vocational Center should return their permission slips ASAP.

• Save the Date - the 8th Grade Dinner Dance will be on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

• Supplies - Thank you to those who have brought in tissues, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes at the beginning of the year. With cold & flu season upon us many classrooms are running out of these valuable resources.   If your family is able, we are specifically in need of more tissues.  

• In the case of inclement weather, if Chartiers Valley moves to a Flexible Instruction Day (FID,) students must mark their attendance on Infinite Campus.  They must also complete work for each of their classes.  Work will be posted on Google Classroom.  Teachers will be available to answer questions during the normal school hours.   Students are encouraged to email or use the comment feature in Google Classroom. 

  • For instructions on marking attendance in Infinite Campus, please click here.

8 Gold Email Blast - 12-13-24

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Here are some updates about events occurring at the middle school for 8th graders:

Parkway Presentation

• Students attended a presentation about Parkway West Career & Technology Center on Wednesday, December 11. Students can choose to attend Parkway in high school. There will be a field trip in January for students to tour Parkway and get a closer look at two programs of their choosing. In order to go on the field trip, students must fill out the Google form in their email. Parent permission forms will be sent home to only the students who complete the form.

High School Scheduling

• Students’ semester grades in 8th grade impact the courses that students will be able to take in high school. The semester ends on January 16. Please encourage students to complete work on time and take advantage of opportunities to increase their learning and their grades.

NJHS Food Drive - until December 17

• Donate canned goods and non-perishable items to help feed families in need!

• Items to Donate: 

  • Side Dishes (canned fruits and veggies, applesauce, soup, mac & cheese, ramen, pasta, boxed potatoes, rice)

  • Pantry Staples (condiments, oil, peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauce, tuna) 

  • Breakfast & Baked Items (cereal bars, brownie mix, cake mix, crackers, boxed desserts, frosting)

• No glass please!

• The team that brings in the most items wins a Philly Pretzel party!

CV Holiday Spirit Week - December 16-20

• Monday, December 16 - Dress Your Culture Day (wear something that represents who you are and your culture)

• Tuesday, December 17 - Candy Cane Day (wear red, white, and green)

• Wednesday, December 18 - Cozy Day (wear fleece and flannel)

• Thursday, December 19 - Grinch Day (wear green)

• Friday, December 20 - Ugly Sweater Day (wear a holiday sweater)

School Policy Reminders

• Students must adhere to the CVMS Dress Code. 

• Students must keep cell phones put away in their lockers.

• Students must arrive on time for class.

 DC Trip - 11-08-2024

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

This is a reminder that the Washington, D.C. signed contracts and checks/money orders are due by Wednesday, November 13, 2024 to reserve the seat on the bus.  We are attaching a copy of the contracts to this email. Your child's seat is not reserved until we receive both the signed contract and the check/money order.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

DC Trip - Date Change - 10-31-24

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

The date of the Washington, D.C. trip has been changed to Friday, May 23, 2025 (pending Board Approval on November 26).  If you turned in your forms already, we have the contracts and checks, and there is no need to sign a new form.  If for any reason this new date does not work for you and you need your check back, please let us know, and we will return it to you.  

We will be attaching the new permission slip with the correct date to this email to keep for your records.  The signed contracts and checks are due by November 13, 2024 to reserve the seat on the bus.

Thanks again for your understanding. We are looking forward to this wonderful field trip!

DC Trip - 10-23-24

Dear 8th Grade Parents/Guardians,

Today, students received their permission slips for the 2025 Washington, D.C. field trip, which is scheduled on Friday, May 30, 2025.  They have reviewed the Washington, D.C. eligibility requirements. Students must adhere to academic and behavioral guidelines in order to be eligible for the trip.  A $20.00 nonrefundable deposit will be due by Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in order to hold a seat on the bus.  The approximate total cost of the trip will be $150.00, which will be collected in March.  We will be offering an optional fundraiser selling Pittsburgh Popcorn in January to help offset the cost of the trip.  More information will be sent home at that time.  This is an exciting trip that the 8th graders do not want to miss.

Please send a $20.00 non-refundable check or money order, payable to “CVMS ACTIVITY FUND”, with your child’s name on the memo line by November 13 (no cash please).  We are also attaching an additional permission slip to this email.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

8 Gold Updates - 09-06-2024

Hello!

We were so glad to have had the opportunity to meet some of you at CVMS Open House yesterday. If you were unable to attend, we have shared our Google Slideshow. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are looking forward to a great year!

Reminders:

• School Pictures - School pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Orders can be completed online at mylifetouch.com with code EVT7XFK8T.

• Book Fair - The Book Fair will be in the CVMS Library from September 5-12. The fair was open during MS Open House and the Literature Classes attended as a group on Friday, September 6.  See this link to set up a digital wallet for your child to use. 

• PTSG - The PTSG is looking for new members! The PTSG is always very supportive of students and teachers in our building, so please consider supporting them in whatever way that you can. Use this link to sign up. 

• Yearbook - Order your yearbook now for $41, which is the best price of the year! The price will increase throughout the year. (October $43, November $46, January $48, May $50)

  • Link to order: CVMS Yearbook

  • Submit photos of your child throughout the year (sports, clubs, special dress days, or any days) with this link!

  • CVMS students will have the option to sign up to be a part of the yearbook staff later in September. Students can watch their school emails for information. Please contact cvmsyearbook@cvsd.net with any questions, or direct questions to lmclean@cvsd.net for Leanne McLean, CVMS Yearbook Sponsor.

• Calculator Sale - The National Junior Honor Society is selling calculators as a fundraiser this year.  If you couldn't purchase one at Open House this year, there is one more chance.  Please click THIS LINK to fill out an order form, and then you will need to send $20 CASH in an envelope marked Mrs. Roberts/NJHS.  Please be sure to also include your child's name on the envelope.  All money/orders need to be received by September 30.  Orders should be delivered to the student's homeroom by the end of October.

8 Gold Updates - 09-03-2024

Hello,

We hope you are enjoying getting into the swing of the school year!   We are enjoying getting to know the students and are looking forward to the rest of the year.  We have a few announcements and upcoming opportunities:

• Open House - You are invited to CVMS Open House on Thursday, September 5 from 6:00 - 7:45 p.m.  You are welcome to tour the school and our house.   There will be no formal presentations, so feel free to attend at any time during these hours.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

• Book Fair - The Book Fair will be in the CVMS Library from September 5-12. The fair will be open during MS Open House and the Literature Classes will attend as a group on Friday, September 6.  See this link to set up a digital wallet for your child to use. 

• PTSG - The PTSG is looking for new members!   The PTSG is always very supportive of students and teachers in our building, so please consider supporting them in whatever way that you can.  Use this link to sign up. 

• Supplies - Thank you to those who have brought in tissues, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes.   If your family is able, we are still in need of more tissues.  Also, students should have gathered all of the supplies they need for class.  If you need assistance with the necessary supplies, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

• Yearbook - Order your yearbook now for $41, which is the best price of the year! The price will increase throughout the year.  (October $43, November $46, January $48, May $50)

  • Link to order: CVMS Yearbook

  • Submit photos of your child throughout the year (sports, clubs, special dress days, or any days) with this link!

  • CVMS students will have the option to sign up to be a part of the yearbook staff later in September. Students can watch their school emails for information. Please contact cvmsyearbook@cvsd.net with any questions, or direct questions to lmclean@cvsd.net for Leanne McLean, CVMS Yearbook Sponsor.

• Please be sure that you have completed our back-to-school expectations form.   It can be found here.  

8 Gold Updates - 08-29-2024

Welcome to the 8 Gold House!

We hope that everyone is settling into the routines of 8th Grade!  Please see below for some important information:

• Click here for an email newsletter with beginning-of-the-year announcements.

• If you would like an additional email address to receive our communication, respond to this email!  

• Please be sure that you have completed our back-to-school expectations form.   It can be found here.  

Historical Society Speaker 08-26-2024

Dear Parents/Guardians of 8th Grade Students,

The Early American History 8 classes have the amazing opportunity to connect with Mr. James Watson from the Bridgeville Area Historical Society to view photo archives and learn about how to document history through photos. The class visit will occur in history classes on Tuesday, August 27 (tomorrow). This experience will kick off the Images of Chartiers Valley project where students will take pictures representative of the community, write descriptions, and then organize them into a book. The book will be available digitally and on display at Chartiers Valley Middle School and the Bridgeville Area Historical Society.

In the Images of Chartiers Valley book, students will have their first name and last initial published. If you would like your child’s entry to be anonymous or listed as only initials, please respond to this email by Tuesday, September 3 to let us know. Students will also have the option to elect to be listed as anonymous or only with initials.

Students will be bringing home a brainstorming paper on Tuesday evening. Please brainstorm with your child about some important buildings, businesses, geographical features, historical sites, and more in our community!

We are excited about this educational opportunity for the students and look forward to sharing more information with you as students complete the project.

8 Gold Expectations - 08-26-2024

Dear 8th Grade Gold Team Families,

Welcome to an exciting new school year at CVMS! We are thrilled to have the opportunity to embark on this educational journey with your children and guide them through a year of growth, discovery, and development.

We are looking forward to a great year!  We are excited to have your student on the Gold Team this year.  Our email list was created using the Infinite Campus directory.   If you have an additional email address that you would like to have added, please respond to this email! 

As we step into the 8th grade, we want to express our genuine enthusiasm for the learning adventures that lie ahead. This year marks a significant milestone in your child's education, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our dedicated team of teachers is passionate about fostering a love for learning and nurturing each student's unique talents and interests. With engaging lessons, interactive activities, and thought-provoking discussions, we are excited to challenge their critical thinking skills and ignite their curiosity about the world around them.

Beyond academics, we believe in the power of a positive classroom community. Our goal is to create an inclusive and respectful environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered. We are here to encourage them to take risks, explore new ideas, and embrace the challenges that come their way.

We understand that this year may bring a mix of emotions and uncertainties, but rest assured that we are here to guide and champion your child every step of the way. Regular communication, open dialogue, and collaboration between teachers, students, and families are at the heart of our approach.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your children. We are truly excited about the potential for growth and development that this year holds. Together, as a united Chartiers Valley community, we look forward to making this an unforgettable and enriching year for our 8th graders.

Please be sure to read the attached document of the Gold House Behavior and Academic Policies. After reading, please complete the Google Form indicating that you have read and understand the policies and the core class syllabi.