Principal’s Update #18 – February 5, 2016

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying the unexpected snow day. I have a few items to share, and this month’s House Newsletter links are included.

Please link here to a brief survey on the changes we have made to communication systems this year. CMS teachers and the administrative team are interested in how the newsletters and weekly updates have been helpful, and how we might revise to better serve your needs. Your name/student’s name is optional. Thank you for completing the survey by Friday, February 12th.

UPDATES

CMS Web Site

Please keep an eye out for the launch of the new CMS web site targeted for the end of February. It will follow a similar format to the recently renovated Concord Public Schools and CCHS sites. The middle and elementary school sites are expected to go live at the same time. The new site is intended to complement our efforts to provide regular communication and easily accessible information.

PARCC/MCAS

We are close to finalizing our schedule for annual Massachusetts assessments, PARCC for grades 6-8 in English Language Arts and Math, and MCAS for grade 8 in Science, Technology & Engineering. The testing window runs from late April to early June. March testing that has been in place in past years has been discontinued. We will be administering tests for different grade levels at different times in order to ensure appropriate support. The exact dates will be published after February break.

Acceptable Use Policy and Laptop Expectations Reviews

Our students are quite responsible with their laptops overall. However, occasionally we find that there are aspects of the responsibility that slip their minds. Following February vacation, students will review portions of the CPS Acceptable Use Policy and the CMS Laptop Expectations and Loan Agreement on a weekly basis during homeroom. Reinforcing this information at home, and ensuring that any questions students have are answered will be helpful. Links to each document:

AUP
CMS Laptop Expectations & Loan Agreement

Special Education Parent Coffee

For those of you who may want a refresher about our program and services, we have scheduled this year’s coffee on March 24, 9:30-10:30 am in the Peabody Forum. Originally intended as part of the 5th- 6th transition process, last year we expanded the invitation to any family. Staff will share information about the program and a small panel of 8th grade students will share their experiences.

Lost & Found Items

Please remind your children to check the lost and found bins located in the Peabody & Sanborn cafeterias. We will be donating remaining items without names during February vacation. Please check to be sure your family is not missing items including jackets, gloves, hat, boots, sneakers, just to name a few.

Reminder Regarding Voluntary Vacations

CMS expectation for notification to the principal of a voluntary student absence is 30 days prior to the date(s). We are aware that things come up at the last minute; if you have not already done so, contact the office as soon as possible. Voluntary absences are marked as unexcused, and teachers cannot be expected to provide work in advance or instruction of lessons missed. Students may, of course ask for work they can make up, and schedule assessments they may miss. Please be aware that teachers have ongoing group projects planned and student absences impact the learning experience tremendously, not only for the absent student, but for others in his/her group. By parent request, here is some past absence data that may help to illustrate the impact:

Normal Friday in winter: about 50 students
Day before December break this year (Wednesday): 120 students
2015 Friday before February break: 97 students

Though I am sure it is too late to change plans for the upcoming vacation week, on behalf of CMS staff I ask that you please give consideration as you make future plans. For information on excused absences, please see the CMS Handbook, page 20.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Principal’s Coffee
February 10, 9:30-10:30 in the Peabody Forum

School Advisory Council
February 25, 6:00-7:30 pm in the Sanborn Library

February 26, 6th – 7th Grade Fundraising Dance
Sponsored and coordinated by 7th grade students. Proceeds will go to the Water for South Sudan project, 7:00-9:00 pm at Sanborn

HOUSE NEWSLETTERS

House 1 – Peabody Grade 6                           House 4 – Sanborn Grade 6
House 2 – Peabody Grade 7                           House 5 – Sanborn Grade 7
House 3 – Peabody Grade 8                           House 6 – Sanborn Grade 8

Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Lynne