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CMS 2nd Quarterly Newsletter

Carson Middle School 300 Hillvue Lane Pittsburgh, PA 15237

January 31, 2019

Dear Parents/Guardians of Carson Middle School,

Winter greetings from Carson Middle School! We hope everyone is staying warm during this chilly week. Even though it is cold outside and snow is on the ground, it is hard to believe the first semester of the school year is completed, and we are already beginning the process to prepare for scheduling students for the next school year! While the time during the second grading quarter went by quickly, the students at Carson were once again engaged with using new technology, various learning activities, clubs, school events, community service projects and athletics.

As we did at the conclusion of the first grading quarter, we will provide families with a quarterly update for the purpose of enhancing the quality of school-home communication. From a broader school perspective, this information helps provide a context for considering your own child’s progress. Please take a few minutes to read this newsletter to learn about the amazing events and activities the students have been involved with during the second grading quarter. You will then know why the CMS students and staff make Carson “Someplace Special!”

CMS is #PittsburghStrong In an effort to promote tolerance and awareness, CMS students and staff members rallied together to make a difference in

our community! To help those impacted by the tragedy this past fall in Pittsburgh, Carson Middle School held a collection to benefit the Tree of Life Synagogue. Throughout the week of November 12th through November 16th, Carson Middle School sold black and gold #PittsburghStrong and Stronger Than Hate bracelets for a donation of $2.00. Through the generosity of our school community, CMS students and staff members were able to raise a total of $500.00! A direct donation was made to the Tree of Life Synagogue from our school. Thank you CMS staff, students, and families for supporting this wonderful cause and our amazing city. We are #PittsburghStrong!

North Allegheny School District

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CMS 6th GRADERS CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AT THE NATIONALITY ROOMS In an effort to continue the NA School District’s initiative of celebrating and promoting diversity, the sixth grade students

of Carson Middle School visited the Nationality Rooms, a collection of unique classrooms in the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, in late November. This was an excellent learning opportunity and experience for the students! Prior to their visit, students engaged in a variety of activities at the school level and within their social studies classes that enabled them to explore their own culture, in addition to learning about the culture and background of their fellow peers. These activities helped prepare students for this exciting experience.

During the visit, students were grouped and assigned a knowledgeable docent that led them through several classrooms, each representing the culture of an ethnic group that settled in Allegheny County. Students were fascinated by the way the rooms had been adapted and decorated to reflect cultural periods prior to 1787. In addition, students were amazed that

students attending the University of Pittsburgh actually had classes within these beautifully ornate rooms. The Early American room, also known as the “Haunted Room,” was an overwhelming favorite for most students. Within the classrooms, students learned about the crafts, traditions, customs, and religions that made each culture unique. Some of the detailed information relayed the meaning of the hand-carved designs of the chairs, the explanation of the joining technique used to connect beams in the Japanese room, and

the story of the cracked pillar in the Greek room and the need for symmetry engaged the students from beginning to end. Groups were eager to ask questions, share their own knowledge, and explore the décor and artifacts presented to them by their docent.

CMS STUDENTS BRINGING ART INTO THE SCHOOL! Happy New Year from Studio 136! Art 8 students in Mr. Medwick’s classes have been busy creating their self-portraits using the reduction printing process. After transferring their image to the surface of a rubber block, students used gouge tools

to cut away different sections of the block according to their design. Students had a choice of multiple colors of printing ink to create the two values for their final prints. Look for these awesome self-portraits in a hallway near you! After studying the history and culture of the Aztec people, students designed and constructed their own ceramic sun stones. Once they brainstormed ideas and created four sketches during the design phase, the students rolled slabs of clay using the slab roller. They then cut out the shapes of their rays and attached them along with a pinch pot or second slab. Facial features and textures were then added to

the sun stone. Once fired, the pieces will be glazed using techniques such as brushing a sponging. Be on the lookout for the finished sun stones at this year’s art display!

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Students in Mrs. Birdsey’s classes, known as Studio 140, have been hard at work creating utilitarian clay vessels. In sixth grade art, students studied the pottery of

Native American artist Maria Martinez. They learned about her pueblo pottery techniques, then created their own clay bowl using the same methods. In eighth grade art, students have been working on a more advanced ceramic technique – the clay coil pot. This project has become a CMS tradition and eighth grade rite of passage. In addition to all of the art classes taking place during the school day in Studio 140, iPad Photo Club and Digital Daze Club have been crafting holiday cards for their family, friends, and even teachers after school in the studio! Cards showcase photographs taken by the club members and, of course…glitter!

STUDENTS EARN FUN REWARD FOR THEIR SUPPORT WITH THE YANKEE CANDLE SALE!

As a reward for selling Yankee Candles and/or collecting donations for CMS, students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade showed off their dancing skills in the CMS Gymnasium on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. They enjoyed dancing, games, Capri Suns and ate some delicious pizza! It was a “spooktacular” event! In total, more than 140 students came to the Halloween Social as a special thank you to them for their efforts with the Carson fundraiser. The funds support the guest speakers, dances, and “Someplace Special” events for all CMS students. It was a fun way to celebrate the success of the CMS students. All students enjoyed their time dancing and socializing with friends. It was a fun-filled afternoon and a great culmination to a well-supported Student Council fundraising sale. Thank you to everyone who purchased a

Yankee Candle product or supported the CMS fundraiser through donations. We greatly appreciate your support of the Carson students and school!

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BRINGING HOLIDAY CHEER TO MIDDLE SCHOOLERS IN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Each year, staff and students at Carson Middle School positively impact the community around them. This year, as part of the school’s Holiday Helper Gift Drive, staff and students donated gifts to middle schoolers in Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh. CMS student Homeroom Representatives led their homerooms in the collection and organization of gifts. It was a HUGE success! Students and staff members contributed over 300 gifts comprised of books, video games, board games, clothing, gift cards, and crafting kits. Children’s Hospital was incredibly appreciative of this donation. Some of our very own CMS students and families helped to deliver the gifts to Children’s Hospital on Saturday, December 15, 2018.

The gifts were sorted by Children’s Hospital and distributed to the children. When CMS comes together as one team and one family, the results are truly remarkable. Thank you to all the families, students, and staff members who contributed in making this year’s Holiday Helper Gift Drive a success!

CMS STUDENTS & A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS FOR NA BUS DRIVERS Eighth grade students in Mrs. Penberthy’s Family and Consumer Sciences classes used their food preparation skills and food

science knowledge to spread some cheer this past holiday season. While working in groups, students baked four different kinds of cookies for CMS bus drivers and custodial staff. The act of kindness towards others also served as the perfect lab activity in seeing how baked goods rise and how leavening agents work in recipes. Students eagerly volunteered to come in early one morning in December in order to greet all the buses as they arrived to CMS to drop off the students. The students were ready to brave the cold and were excited to greet all of the NASD bus drivers at the morning drop off and wish them a happy holiday! The

students made sure that each NASD/CMS bus driver received a delicious, homemade treat as a small token of their thanks and appreciation for what the bus drivers do each day for the students. It was a great way to start the morning! Thank you to the students in Mrs. Penberthy’s class, Mrs. Penberthy, the CMS bus drivers and the CMS custodial team!

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CARSON HONORS VETERANS AT THE CMS VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY On November 8, 2018, Carson students and staff honored Veterans at Carson’s annual “Veterans Day Assembly.” A special thank you to everyone who helped make our Veterans Day Assembly such a moving, respectful and honorable ceremony this year. The assembly continues to be a yearly reminder to the student body that Veterans should be celebrated all year, not just one day, for the sacrifices they make for our country. First, the auditorium rose for the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance led by the Carson Chorale under the direction

of Mrs. Helsel. It was a moving performance for all in attendance. In addition to the educational and informative component of the assembly, we also chose to celebrate our Veterans with music to honor our country and those who serve. The 8th grade band, under the direction of Ms. Geary, performed a stunning rendition of “America the Beautiful.” In addition to that patriotic performance, the 8th grade chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Helsel, sang a beautiful adaptation

of “Let Freedom Ring.” It was an amazing tribute to servicemen and women. Lastly, the 7th grade orchestra performed “America Variations” under the direction of Mrs. Maston. This was a challenging piece, and the 7th graders made it a touching tribute to Veterans. Throughout each musical performance, a sense of pride and patriotism overcame everyone at the assembly. This year the students were afforded an extra special treat from our guest speaker, Eric McElvenney. Eric is a veteran, an amputee, Ironman athlete, and a motivational speaker. Thanks to the support of the CMS Student Council by providing the

funding to bring this dynamic speaker to CMS, the students and staff members were able to hear the heroic story of Eric McElvenney. Mr. McElvenney captured the full attention of every CMS student and staff member during his inspirational speech. His detailed account of his life while serving in the Marines and the day that forever changed his life when he and his fellow Marines were hit by an IED. His story impacted everyone in the audience. Mr. McElvenney is from the Pittsburgh area

and shared his story with everyone how he earned a mechanical engineering degree from the United States Naval Academy while preparing for his service as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer. He was then deployed three times as a Marine. While on his final tour in Afghanistan, he and other Marines were wounded after stepping on an IED. As a result of the explosion, Mr. McElvenney suffered the

amputation of his right leg below the knee. He refers to this as a life-changing opportunity that began his next journey. It was at that moment when Eric made a promise to himself to put others before himself, live life for his family, and not to let this tragedy define or impede him as a person, husband, father or athlete. Therefore, he also decided to challenge himself to complete an Ironman Triathlon as an amputee survivor and not as a victim of circumstance. As Mr. McElvenney continued to share his story with the CMS students and staff, he talked about his journey training for the Ironman. He let everyone know how he realized the challenges and adversity he was up against and that the techniques he would use to reach the finish line could also be used by each of us when faced with challenges we all encounter in daily life. As Mr. McElvenney ended his story and presentation, the CMS students and staff members rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation. Several students stayed after the assembly to shake his hand and thank

him for his service and for speaking at Carson. Mr. McElvenney now lives in the Pittsburgh area with his wife and three children. He tours the country inspiring youth with his story of perseverance. Thank you to everyone involved in making this another fantastic assembly for the CMS students, staff and most importantly – the Veterans. It was an amazing program to show gratitude and appreciation for those have served and who are serving now in the Armed Forces.

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PARENTS/GUARDIANS LEARNING MORE ABOUT CMS! At the end of the second quarter, all Carson parents/guardians were invited to attend the CMS Parent-Coffee on January 17, 2019. While attending this informative meeting,

parents/guardians were able to learn more about the events and activities taking place at CMS. To get the meeting started, everyone was treated to some fresh coffee that was made and delivered by Carson’s own Triple C Coffee Crew! Triple C, short for Carson’s Coffee Cart, is a new business at CMS. Mrs. BethAnn Hefner, a Carson Learning Support teacher, had an idea to start a coffee service for teachers and staff. The main portion of funding for this store came from a grant she wrote to the NA Foundation; the $500 grant was used to purchase the supplies to get the project rolling. Triple C Coffee Crew is run by Mrs. Hefner and students in the Learning Support program. They currently manage, maintain and run the coffee cart. They were excited to greet everyone as they arrived at the CMS Parent-Coffee and provide a fresh cup of coffee!

After enjoying a nice cup of coffee, parents/guardians heard from the CMS Student Council Officers regarding their sponsored activities from the first half of the school year. The five Student Council Officers attended the meeting and presented an informative overview of this year’s events including the sixth grade social, the Yankee Candle sale, Spirit Week, and the Holiday Helpers Gift Collection for Children’s Hospital, just to name a few. They shared pictures from each of the events and explained each of them so as to let the parents/guardians know all of the great things they have sponsored this year at CMS! Another part of the CMS Parent-Coffee included having two CMS reading teachers and some of their students join all of the

parents/guardians in the library to share a teaching and learning strategy that involves writing on a desk. Yes, writing on school desks… without getting into trouble! Using chalk markers, parents/guardians were led through an activity for rewording and revising, which are writing skills students work on while in middle school.

Those in attendance enjoyed being able to hear from the students and actually engage in the activity. It was great to see everyone writing on the tables, being engaged, and rewording sentences using their chalk markers. Thank you to Mrs. Hudec, her students, and Mrs. Oates for their presentation and engaging writing strategy activity! Of course, writing on a desk at school is fun for everyone!

The Parent-Coffee rounded out by having the Carson Technology Integrator, Ms. Stacey Mrazek, provide an overview to the parents/guardians of a newer app (Flipgrid) being used by teachers and students on their iPad devices. Ms. Mrazek had each of the parents using an iPad to engage in a variety of quick and fun learning activities involving them making short videos to respond to missions/tasks and uploading them using the Flipgrid app. Everyone had fun learning how to use this app and also what their children use while at school. This was a great way for those in attendance to see how technology is being used across the various content areas to engage the students, check for their understanding of the material, and provide meaningful feedback from their teachers. A special thank you to Ms. Mrazek for coordinating this informative and fun-filled learning experience for everyone at the Parent-Coffee!

Lastly, parents/guardians were provided an overview of the upcoming scheduling dates that specifically involve middle school students. A detailed list of the dates and events are included in this newsletter for your convenience. Thank you to everyone who attended! It is always great to get parents and guardians into the school to see and learn about the amazing things going on with their children at CMS!

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CONNECTIONS FUN AT CMS! The new North Allegheny Connections program is in full swing this year at CMS. Students in all three grades are getting to know one another better, learning about their classmates, and participating in fun activities to keep them on track! The

monthly theme for November was “Different Voices; Empathy and Diversity”. Students participated in a school-wide diversity project in which they created their silhouette with images that represent each individual to celebrate that we are all different, but also connected. Also in November, students spent time reflecting on the things for which they are grateful. Each Connections group created a “thankful” turkey or wreath displaying each student’s gratitude. In the month of December, the Connections theme was “The Destination”. Activities in December included creating a monthly planning guide for students to learn to prioritize, time manage, and see the “whole picture” of what happens in their lives (activities, birthday parties, tests, family time, etc.) in a month. “The Destination” theme also focused on steps in decision making, signs of stress, listening

activities, and thinking about possible careers. Students also had the opportunity to provide feedback about the Connections program in the month of December. In January, we began the theme “The Journey.” Students continued with the monthly planner and also learned about good stress vs. bad stress and debated about quality business pitches from the show “Shark Tank”. We are looking forward to more awesome discussions, debates, and activities in the Connections groups as we continue through the school year.

THE CMS LIBRARY: WINDOWS | MIRRORS | RABBIT HOLES The CMS Library is the hub of Carson! It is a busy place where students come to do research, learn library science skills, join clubs and of course, read! Check out the amazing things that took place in the library during the second quarter of school:

3,489 books were circulated the second nine weeks of this year! Students are always in the shelves looking for new reads! This quarter, Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick was the most checked out title. Mr. Sonnenblick will be visiting the 7th grade in March to discuss “the students' life dreams and goals, along with a plan for achieving them; the writing process; why students should pay attention in English class (and math!); the stories behind his books; and everything he has learned about how to become a happy grown-up — plus helpful tips on what to do if you are ever attacked by a maniacal toddler swinging a toy Army tank.” Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie has received critical acclaim and chronicles the school year of middle-schooler Steven who has his world rocked when his little brother is diagnosed with leukemia.

171 classes were scheduled in the library and the library received 2,451 visits from individual students. Sixth-grade students learned the benefit of using databases for research and participated in a scavenger hunt to explore the ways in which the library represents diverse peoples, perspectives, and places. Seventh-grade students continue to explore literature through book talks and personal readers’ advisory sessions. Students in eighth-grade social studies dug deeper into the constitution with amendment research, while eighth-grade English classes utilized electronic and print library resources to create a dialogue between famous figures who lived purpose-driven lives.

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Library Activities The second meeting of Popcorn & Paperbacks featured Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom

Riggs. The book itself is full of found photographs, which led to a great discussion about its adaptation to film. This club is open to all interested 7th and 8th grade students, but a parent permission form is required to participate. Look out for the next novel announcement!

Page Turners (the sixth-grade library book club) reads a book each nine weeks and then meets to discuss. So far, the group has read Doll Bones by Holly Black and The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. It’s a fun time for any student who loves to read! Meetings are held in the library during sixth-grade lunch and are open to all who have read the book. The club’s next pick is the graphic novel El Deafo by CeCe Bell.

The Library Aides showed their library love on National Library Shelfie Day! #libraryshelfie trends on the fourth Wednesday in January and features patrons taking selfies in the shelves of the library. Check out some of the photos and follow the library on Instagram and Twitter to see more library happenings! Find us @thecmslibrary

*IMPORTANT CMS SCHEDULING INFORMATION* 6th to 7th 7th to 8th 8th to 9th

During the third nine-weeks at CMS students will be exploring the scheduling process for 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade, and high school. Numerous events will be occurring in the coming weeks for both students and parents/guardians. Please review the dates below:

January 28 Honors/AP and General Scheduling podcasts available on-line

February 1 NASD Program of Studies available on-line for 8th graders

February 4-15 8th grade students will learn course approvals from teachers

February 19 CMS counselors will present a scheduling process overview to 8th graders during Activity Period.

February 19 Parents/Guardians of current 6th and 7th grade students: CMS/IMS/MMS Combined Parent Coffee Meeting at IMS (7:00 p.m.) in the auditorium to discuss 6-7 and 7-8 scheduling.

February 20 Parents/Guardians of current 6th and 7th grade students: CMS/IMS/MMS Combined Parent Coffee Meeting at CMS (9:30 a.m.) in the auditorium to discuss 6-7 and 7-8 scheduling.

February 21 CMS counselors will meet with 8th grade students during social studies class to distribute “Course Approval Sheets” and answer scheduling questions. (Due by 3/5/19, with parent/guardian signature, to their social studies teachers)

February 26 CMS Counselors meet with 6th and 7th grade students during social studies classes to discuss

scheduling and provide students with scheduling forms for World Language and Music. (Due by 3/8/19, with parent/guardian signature, to their homeroom teachers)

February 28 Parents/Guardians of current 8th graders: NAI scheduling and Transition

Session for Parents/Guardians of 8th graders at NAI beginning (9:30 a.m.) - - - - And/Or - - - - -

Parents/Guardians of current 8th grade students AND 8th grade students: NAI Elective Transition Fair for Parents/Guardians and students at NAI (6:00 p.m.)

March 5 *Last day for 8th grade “Course Approval Sheets” to be returned to social studies teachers with

parent signatures and electives identified.

March 8 *Last day for all 6th and 7th grade students to return World Language and Music selection sheets, with parent signature, to their social studies teachers.

March 13 & 14 CMS counselors meet with each individual 8th grader during social studies in the classroom to review their “Course Approval Sheets” and input elective courses into computers.

March 22 *Last day for all waivers to be turned into the Counseling office

(Students who want to waive must get the waiver form from their current teachers in the respective courses)

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March 25 All 8th grade students will receive a “Scheduling Letter” during AM homeroom confirming their courses for next year. Students are to take home for parents/guardians to review and sign.

(Due by 3/28/19, with parent/guardian signature)

March 27 NAI Counselors visit CMS to discuss middle school transition with current 8th graders

March 28 *Last day for 8th grade “Scheduling Letter” confirming all courses to be returned in to homeroom

teachers with parent/guardian signatures.

March 28 *Last day for 6th & 7th grade math waivers to be turned into the Counseling office.

(Students who want to waive must get the waiver form from their current teachers in the respective courses)

TAKING A LOOK CMS 2nd QUARTER DATA

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) It is important to review and understand the students’ achievement and learning through the daily instruction and course-related assessments. Different types of assessments, or multiple indicators, should be used to make judgments about student learning. In determining a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA), each letter grade is assigned a point value. Each “A” equals four points; a “B” equals three points; a “C” equals two points; a “D” equals one point; and an “E” earns zero points. For example, a straight “B” average would equal a 3.0 GPA. In the table below, the figures represent the number of students who performed within each GPA interval during the first nine-weeks grading period.

Second Quarter G.P.A. Data For 2018-2019 (Oct. 30, 2018 – Jan. 18, 2019) Grade Point Average 4.0 – 3.5 3.49 – 3.0 2.99 – 2.5 2.49 – 2.0 1.99-below*

6th Grade 140 67 17 6 3

7th Grade 141 55 19 21 7

8th Grade 131 56 28 18 6

Total 412 178 64 45 16

* A GPA at 1.99 or below represents a student who is averaging below “C” level work.

DISCIPLINE As a component of the NASD Mission Statement, one of our District goals is to help students learn the skills necessary to become responsible citizens. We utilize several different methods to accomplish this task. First, we try to establish a positive learning environment in school to promote responsible decision-making. We communicate our expectations to students and even involve student groups in spreading this message. The historic comparison provides perspective for the positive choices being made each day.

First & Second Quarter Discipline Data For 2018-2019 (Aug. 23, 2018 – Jan. 18, 2019) Discipline

Data* 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11

Total 48 (29) 36 (17) 43 (18) 26 (10) 31 (29) 15 (8) 32 (11) 42 (17) 53 (11)

*Displayed as the Number of Detentions (Number of Suspensions)

ATTENDANCE Attendance is also utilized as an indicator of school success and student attitudes toward school. We believe regular and punctual student attendance is critical to the teaching and learning process. A breakdown of attendance figures by grade level is listed in the next table. We monitor absences and the impact of late arrivals to school and ask your support in continuing to encourage daily attendance and to limit the requests for vacations during the school year. In the event that a vacation or educational leave is required, please abide by the procedures listed in the CMS Student/Parent Handbook, located on the CMS website.

Second Quarter Attendance Data For 2018-2019 (Oct. 30, 2018-Jan. 18, 2019) Attendance Data *Average

Absences Per Day *Average

Tardies Per Day Perfect Attendance

08/23/18 – 01/18/19

6th Grade *8 *3 82 students 7th Grade *9 *4 25 students 8th Grade *9 *4 16 students

Total *26 *11 123 students *Figures rounded to the nearest whole number

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SHOP AND SUPPORT CMS! By shopping at your local stores, friends and families of Carson Middle School students can help CMS to raise funds:

Through the Giant Eagle program, if shoppers designate Carson as their school of choice, every time they use their Giant Eagle Advantage Card, Carson accumulates points. At the end of the year, those points will turn into monetary earnings for CMS! Visit the Giant Eagle website (http://GiantEagle.com/AFTS) to create an account and link your Giant Eagle Advantage Card to CMS under “My School Programs.” Our school code is 155. Already have an account? You can add CMS by logging in and clicking on “My School Programs.”

Another program that provides Carson Middle School with “free” money is Box Tops for Education. By cutting out and sending in the Box Tops for Education emblems, you are helping Carson earn cash rewards! Last year, Carson earned $947.10. This money was used to purchase needed equipment and technology to be utilized in classrooms and in the library. We will hold our final collection on Friday, February 15, 2019. Please send in your Box Tops! The homeroom with the most Box Tops earns a prize!

Mark Your 2018-2019 Calendars with CMS Upcoming Events February 7, 2019 8th Grade NAEP Test in Math classes February 7, 2019 CMS Spelling Bee (Pd. 9, 10 & Activity Pd.) February 14, 2019 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal for Parents at CMS (7:00 p.m.) February 15, 2019 CMS Talent Show for Students & Staff February 15, 2019 3rd 9-Weeks Interim Report Period ends February 18, 2019 In-Service Day-No School February 19, 2019 Parents of 6th and 7th graders: Combined MS Parent Coffee @ IMS (7:00 p.m.) February 20, 2019 Parents of 6th and 7th graders: Combined MS Parent Coffee @ CMS (9:30 a.m.) February 22., 2019 Registration and Physicals due for Spring Sports February 25, 2019 Parent Informational Meeting for IMPACT Program @ NAI Library

(9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.) February 26, 2019 3rd 9-Weeks Interim Report email goes out to parents February 28, 2019 Fall/Winter CMS Sports Assembly during Activity Period February 28, 2019 Parents of 8th graders: Scheduling & Transition Session at NAI (9:30 a.m.) February 28, 2019 8th grade Parents and Students: 8th-9th grade Elective Transition Fair @ NAI

(6:00 p.m.) March 1, 2019 8th Grade Girls G.O.L.D. Event @ NAI (3:00 – 11:00 p.m.) March 1, 2019 2nd 12-Weeks Report Period ends March 11, 2019 8th grade field trip to NASH musical March 15, 2019 SMILE! CMS Spring Picture Day March 26, 2019 ESL Family Night @ McKnight Elementary (7:00 p.m.) March 28, 2019 3rd 9-Weeks Report Period ends April 18-22, 2019 Spring Break April 16, 24, & 26, 2019 PSSA ELA Assessment for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students April 30 & May 1, 2019 PSSA Math Assessment for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students May 2, 2019 PSSA Science Assessment for all 8th grade students

Carson Middle School students have continued to work diligently and get involved in a multitude of events and activities during the second nine-weeks of school. We know the students will continue to work hard and get involved throughout the second semester of the school year. For the parents and guardians, we look forward to seeing many of you at the combined Parent Coffee in February, which offered twice; once at CMS and also at IMS (see dates and times above). Please remember to view the District’s Activities Calendar, the NASD website, the CMS website, and your child’s Blackboard classes for additional information for events taking place during the school year. Thank you for taking the time to read the CMS Quarterly Newsletter! The students, staff members, and parents continue to make CMS “Someplace Special!” Respectfully, Katherine M. Jenkins Erin Crimone, Ed.D. CMS Principal CMS Assistant Principal