Panther Press

Hello CSMS Families,

The start of a new year marks a time of renewal, growth, and fresh opportunities. It provides us with a chance to set positive intentions and create an environment that fosters the well-being of each member of our school family. This year, let us make a collective commitment to prioritize kindness and lift each other up in our daily interactions.

Kindness is a powerful force that has the ability to transform not only the lives of individuals but also the entire fabric of our community. Small acts of kindness—whether a friendly smile, a helping hand, or a thoughtful word—can have a profound impact on someone's day. By cultivating a culture of kindness, we not only contribute to the positive atmosphere within our school but also inspire others to do the same.

To our students, I urge you to embrace the power of positivity. Each of you possesses unique qualities and strengths that, when combined, make our school community vibrant and rich. Lift each other up by celebrating successes, offering encouragement during challenges, and being a source of support for your fellow classmates. Your actions have the potential to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.

Let us embark on this new year with a collective commitment to kindness, unity, and mutual support. By working together, we can create a school environment that not only nurtures academic growth but also cultivates the qualities of empathy, resilience, and a genuine sense of community.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our school, and I look forward to a year filled with positive connections, shared accomplishments, and the continued growth of our school family.

Wishing you a joyful and successful new year!

Principal Larson

January 2nd: Students return to school

January 2nd: Spelling Bee Sign Ups

January 8th: Math Textbook Committee Meeting, FHASD Support Center, 3:15-4:15PM

January 8th: CSMS PTO Meeting, CSMS Library, 3:30-4:30PM

January 10th: Q2 Report Cards will be sent home

January 10th: FHASD Governing Board Meeting, FHASD Support Center, 4:15PM

January 12th: CSMS Student Jeans Day

January 15th: MLK, Jr. Day, NO SCHOOL

January 18th: 100th Day of School, Dress Like you are 100 Years Old!

January 19th: CSMS Uniform Free Day

January 23rd: CSMS Spelling Bee, 3:15PM

January 26th: Teacher In-Service, NO SCHOOL

January 31st: Q3 Digital Progress Reports

Sports Events

January 2nd & 3rd: Girls Basketball Tryouts, 3-4:30PM

January 16th: Girls Basketball Game @ Coronado School

January 18th: Girls Basketball Game @ CSMS vs. Benson

January 22nd: Girls Basketball Game @ CSMS vs. Willcox

January 24th: Girls Basketball Game @ Naco

Starting in January 2024, CSMS will host jeans days for students on the 2nd Friday of the month! Uniform tops must be worn with your jeans on these days! The last Friday of the month will still be a uniform free day. There is one condition to wearing jeans to school...no rips or holes allowed.

Second Semester Jeans Days

January 12th

February 9th

March 8th

April 12th

May 10th

Please take some time to review our uniform policy. We are seeing many students wearing a t-shirt under their sweaters/sweatshirts instead of the uniform polo shirt. Polo shirts must be worn under sweaters. Students will be sent to the office for a change of clothes or to call home if they are out of compliance.

Our handbook is available on our website at:

School Handbook – Our School – Colonel Smith Middle School (fhasd.org)

• The Remind App will be used by teachers and admin at the school and district office to send information.
• You can download the School News App and select Colonel Smith Middle School to follow the latest website updates. Our website is filled with essential information, calendars and resources.
• Monthly Newsletters will be emailed and sent via the Remind App.
• PowerSchool access is available for parents.
• Information will be attached to the student schedules.
• Call the front office, 520-459-8892, if you need assistance.
• You can set notification alerts for grades and attendance.
• Email and phone calls will also be used to communicate with teachers and parents.

We would like to remind parents to contact the office by 8:00 a.m. if your child will be absent from school. It is important to have an accurate account of all students, even if your child will only miss a few minutes. You may reach the office at (520) 459-8892 ext. 1312 or email celadom@fhasd.org. Please send a note with your student following an absence or email us (required) for documentation purposes. Thank you for your support regarding this important matter.

Please notify the school office at least 3 days in advance if you are moving. All school materials will need to be returned and you will need to sign a withdrawal form on your child's last day. Notify the office by calling (520) 459-8892 or emailing celadom@fhasd.org or littleb@fhasd.org.

Welcome to Panther Athletics! We are excited that you are interested in extracurricular programs offered at Colonel Smith Middle School. As we begin the school year, please review the goals, objectives, and expectations that must be followed to be a member of our athletic teams. We look forward to a competitive and great year! Our expectation for our student-athletes is that they have the dedication, desire, and discipline to commit themselves to the rules, regulations, and training needed to achieve excellence.

Goals of Athletic Programs:

• To gain a working knowledge of the sport
• To improve personal performance
• To compete as a team, and build teamwork
• To always demonstrate good sportsmanship

Objectives of Athletic Programs:

• To demonstrate a positive attitude personally, and in interactions with other players
• To model good sportsmanship on and off the field of play
• To become a well-rounded student
• To maintain and support a healthy and active lifestyle

Dr. Sam Granillo

Athletic Director

granillog@fhasd.org

520-459-8986

All students must have a sports physical and all required forms completed in Final Forms in order to try-out for any sports team. Click the following link to create or update your Final Forms account today. https://forthuachuca-az.finalforms.com/

Girls Basketball

Try-outs January 2nd & 3rd 3-4:30PM

Please keep your student home when they are ill. They must be vomit or fever free for 24 hours, without fever reducing medication, before returning to school.

We have many students who are coming to school having not eaten breakfast. Please check in with your student to make sure that they are still eating before school and students going through growth spurts who are hungrier than normal. If they find it difficult to manage getting ready independently while still managing to have enough time for breakfast, or are not hungry until after arriving to school please consider packing their bag with several grab and go snacks for the week.

Health office wish list:

Girls underwear- all sizes

Snacks, Snacks, Snacks (crackers, granola bars, cheese sticks, peanut butter crackers, etc- any grab and go type snack is appreciated).

Thanks so much!

Terra Whipple BSN, RN

Click the following link to purchase your yearbook today. Yearbooks are $29.

https://yearbookforever.com/schools/colonel_smith_middle_school_buy_yearbook_359286/jl0If0s1N22GGKSX86rZHYj4

• Students will have lunch in the cafeteria and recess outside, weather permitting, as a grade level.
• They can bring packed lunch or get a school lunch.
• If you feel your family would qualify for free or reduced lunch, the instructions to apply are included in the letter from Mrs. Karen Nieto, attached to this message. We would prefer all applications be completed digitally, however; a paper copy is also available in the front office.
• If you have questions regarding the application process or would like a paper copy of the application, please reach out to Mrs. Little or Mrs. Celado in the front office and they will be happy to assist you. Please note, the number of students that qualify for free or reduced lunch is tied to many of our funding sources so we highly encourage all families to apply even if they think they might not qualify.
• Free and Reduced Lunch Parent Letter
• Free and Reduced Lunch Application

• We are grateful to have an amazing PTO! They are always looking for volunteers!
• PTO Facebook
• PTO Spirit Wear