The Mustang Minute
April 1, 2022 - Issue 29
MCAS is Here!
MCAS for English Language Arts is coming this Tuesday, April 5th and Wednesday, April 6th. We try to take a balanced approach to MCAS preparation. We recognize that in high school students will need to pass this test and it can produce data that is useful to us - on the other hand, our students are much more than a test score and we don't want them to stress out over these few days each year.
A few items that are helpful for MCAS testing:
- Getting a good night's sleep
- Eating a healthy breakfast
- Charging your Chromebook
- Making sure you have headphones
- Arriving to school on time
Outside of that, we want them to relax and do their best! You may send in a snack for your student to have after they finish testing.
Shine Bright for Testing Relief
This week we also had Norwood's Shine Bright program join us in grade six to learn some strategies to help us remain calm and relaxed in a stressful situation. We had a grade 6 assembly on Monday afternoon and then Shine Bright did workshops in each homeroom with a few more to go on Monday! Ask your child to show you some calm, breathing techniques!
Ramadan Mubarak!
Saturday is the beginning of Ramadan for our students that celebrate. We recognize that fasting during school can be a challenge and our students that fast may go to the library during lunch instead of the cafeteria. We encourage our families and our students to reach out to any staff member during this period for any necessary flexibility.
Norwood Cultural Council Grant Awarded
April 4th is Election Day!
Cyber Series
Need some help managing your child's gaming?
The PTO Updates!
Questions about the PTO or upcoming events? Email coakleynorwoodPTO@gmail.com
We will be looking for new board members for the 2022-2023 School Year. Come to the next meeting and find out more!!
PTO Meeting Dates (4th Tuesday of the month)
April 26nd
May 24th
June - TBD
Positions Needed for 2022-2023:
Secretary
Treasurer
2 board positions
Please email cokaleynorwoodpto@gmail.com if you are interested. We would like to replace the positions this year for an easy transition - don't worry the real work won't come until next year!
Amazon Smiles for the PTO
Earn money for the school when you shop on Amazon
Go to https://smile.amazon.com/
Select Coakley Middle School.
When you make a purchase, Amazon will make a donation to the school.
Clubs and Teams at CMS
This week, I have a list of clubs that will be starting soon. Next week, we will have start dates and meeting times listed as well.
Friendship Club - Monthly - Sign up in room 100
Student Council - First Meeting Thursday, October 14
Artist Circle - Wednesday 2:10-3:00pm
Yearbook Club - Grade 8 Only: every other Wednesday
Bowling Club - Friday's in January and February
Intramural Sports - Start Early October
Homework Club - Starting September 27th at 2:10 pm in the Library
Drama Club - 1st and 3rd Mondays starting October 4th in room 101
Rocket Club - Spring 2022
Cartooning Club - Meets Mondays, Starting October 25th
Math Team - First meeting Thursday, September 28th
More to come!
Absence, Tardy, Dismissal Process
Absence Process
As we head into the winter season, I wanted to clarify how to call your child in for an Absence, tardy, or for dismissal. I will also leave this info at the bottom of all future newsletters for easy referral.
If you need to call your child in absent or tardy, please call the student absent line: 781-762-7880 and press #1. Please state your child's first and last name, the date, and the reason for the absence/tardy (sick, appointment, etc)
If your child needs to be dismissed, have your child bring a note from you to school, come to the main office in the morning and fill out a dismissal slip.
Dr. Margo Fraczek
Email: mfraczek@norwood.k12.ma.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/norwood.k12.ma.us/cms-principal/home
Phone: 781-762-7880
Facebook: facebook.com/CoakleyMIddleSchoolPTO
Twitter: @mfraczek