May 2024 Newsletter
Bronc and Filly Flyer
The Principal's Message
Dear Cody Middle School Families,
As we approach the conclusion of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments and the vibrant spirit of our school community. It has been a year of exceptional growth and significant achievements, thanks to the dedication and resilience of our students, staff, and you, our supportive families.
First, I want to express my immense pride in our students' participation in the Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WYTOPP) over the past couple weeks. Their hard work and determination in mastering new skills and concepts are truly commendable. It is through their daily efforts and your encouragement at home that they continue to excel and develop into lifelong learners. Thank you for fostering an environment that values education and supports our students in their academic journeys.
This year was also significant as Cody Middle School, in conjunction with Park County School District 6, was chosen as a pilot district for Governor Gordon and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder's RIDE Initiative. This initiative has brought new resources and opportunities to our school, enhancing our educational programs and allowing us to focus even more on individual student growth and success. Our staff and students have embraced these changes with enthusiasm, demonstrating innovation and excellence in their daily activities and projects.
As we move towards the close of the school year, I want to acknowledge and thank each of you for the support and collaboration you have provided. Whether by volunteering, attending school events, or simply engaging with your child about their school day, your involvement is invaluable to our community. Your partnership helps us create a nurturing and effective learning environment where all students can grow.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this momentum into the next academic year, building on the solid foundation we have established. We are committed to not only maintaining but also enhancing the quality of our educational offerings and ensuring that every student at Cody Middle School reaches their full potential.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and trust in us. Enjoy the upcoming summer months, and we look forward to welcoming our students back in the fall, ready for another year of learning and growth.
Sincerely,
Jacob R. Gogan
Principal
Cody Middle School
At-A-Glance Important Upcoming Dates
Thursday, May 2 - 8:15 - 10:32 am | WYTOPP Science Spring Summative (8th Grade Only)
Friday, May 3 - All Day | 5th Grade Student Visit to CMS & Student Council Elections
Monday, May 6 - All Day | No School (Snow Day Makeup)
Tuesday, May 7 - All Day | WYTOPP Makeup Days
Wednesday, May 8 - All Day | WYTOPP Makeup Days
Thursday, May 9 - All Day | WYTOPP Makeup Days
Friday, May 10 - 2:30 - 3:30 pm | Kids First (CMS Parent Group) Meeting @ CMS
Friday, May 10 - 5:00 pm | CAN Outdoor Event
Tuesday, May 14 - 5:30 pm | End of Year Choir Concert @ Wynona Auditorium
Monday, May 20 - 5:30 pm | CHS/CMS Band Concert
Tuesday, May 21 - 6:00 pm | PCSD6 School Board Meeting
Monday, May 27 - All Day | No School (Memorial Day)
Thursday, May 30 - All Day | End of Year Grade Level Field Trips
Friday, May 31 - 8:15 - 9:15 am | 8th Grade Breakfast Sendoff
Friday, May 31 - All Day | Last Day of School
Attendance Matters!
Attendance is more than just a number; it's a vital part of our students' education and their future. Here’s why it matters:
1. Boosts Academic Success: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to catch up with classroom lessons, assignments, and maintain a continuous learning experience. Each day a student misses is an opportunity lost to learn something new, which can add up to a significant educational gap over time.
2. Builds Foundation Skills: Regular attendance helps students develop strong work habits, discipline, and time management skills—qualities that are essential not only in school but throughout life. It also encourages students to be accountable for their actions and to take responsibility for their learning.
3. Enhances Social Interactions: School is a primary place for developing social skills. It is here that students learn to navigate friendships, resolve conflicts, and work collaboratively in teams. Regular attendance helps students build and maintain friendships and become integral members of the community.
4. Facilitates Early Intervention: When students regularly attend school, teachers and staff can better observe their progress and quickly identify any challenges—academic or otherwise—that they may face. This early detection allows for timely intervention services, whether it's tutoring, counseling, or additional support to help students succeed.
5. Maximizes School Resources: Every resource that our school has developed—from our dedicated teaching staff to our comprehensive programs—is designed to support your child's learning journey. Regular attendance ensures that your child fully benefits from these valuable resources and investments in their future.
6. Supports School Funding: Many people may not be aware that public school funding can often be linked to attendance rates. Higher attendance not only reflects positively on our school's reputation but also directly influences the funding we receive, which supports educational programs and improvements.
7. Prepares for Future Employment: By attending school regularly, students learn to value punctuality and reliability—traits that are highly regarded in the workplace. Building these habits early can set the foundation for future career success.ELA Spring Summative WYTOPP
Math Spring Summative WYTOPP
Science Spring Summative WYTOPP
Upcoming Wyoming Test of Proficiency and Progress (WY-TOPP)! Cody Middle School students are expected to perform well!
Cody Middle School students will finish their Spring Summative WYTOPP Assessments this month!
Thursday, April 25 - 8:15 - 10:30 | English Language Arts (ELA)
Tuesday, April 30 - 8:15 - 10:30 | Math
Thursday, May 2 - 8:15 - 10:30 | Science (8th grade only)
WYTOPP Makeup Days
Tuesday, May 7 - All Day | WYTOPP Makeup Days
Wednesday, May 8 - All Day | WYTOPP Makeup Days
Thursday, May 9 - All Day | WYTOPP Makeup Days
All students enrolled in a Wyoming Public School must participate in the WYTOPP.
Cody Middle School and PCSD6 are Hiring!
Cody Middle School and Park County School District 6 are hiring! Please visit www.park6.org for more information about potential employment opportunities. We would love for you to join our team!
Bronc and Filly of the Month Winners
This monthly award is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on students who consistently exemplify our school's mission and values. These students demonstrate exceptional character, and represent Cody Middle School well. Each of these award winners are nominated by a Cody Middle School staff member and voted on by the Cody Middle School staff.
We are proud of these Broncs and Fillies, and we think you should be too!
Luke Ryzewicz
Ella Cole
Kaleb Hill
Amethyst Hartley
Diego Morales
Madalyn Rindahl
Canvas and PowerSchool
Canvas houses the assignments. PowerSchool houses the attendance and grades.
Canvas Online Learning Portal
Canvas is the course management system / online learning platform of Park County School District 6. Canvas is used throughout PCSD6 Schools to enhance the traditional classroom education that students receive. Canvas allows for staff and students to utilize a hybrid or blended model of learning. It allows teachers to post assessments, assignments, information, and grades online. Canvas offers discussion boards for asynchronous discussions, chat rooms for live discussions, and it provides students with a password-protected online classroom in which they can submit work and communicate with their teacher and classmates. Cody Middle School encourages students and parents/guardians to become familiar with the Canvas environment and its tools in order to succeed in their coursework. Students should check Canvas daily.
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is a tool provided by the district to improve communication related to student attendance, academic progress, and grades. Parents and students each receive a username and password to access the PowerSchool Portal. If you need access, please contact the CMS Student Services Office for support. Teachers are required to update grades weekly. Attendance and grades can be checked at any time through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. It is highly encouraged for all parents/guardians to utilize this tool in order to monitor their student’s attendance, grades, and work completion.
Standards-Based Education Information
Cody Middle School's curriculum is based on the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) Content and Performance Standards. As such, the terms standard-based and standards-referenced are commonly used to describe our approach to assessing and reporting student learning and performance. If these terms are unfamiliar to you, here are brief definitions for both.
Standard-Based Grades
Standard-based grading is an assessment system that focuses on students' proficiency and mastery of specific academic standards. Cody Middle School utilizes traditional letter grades and students are evaluated based on their understanding and proficiency in key concepts outlined in WDE' Content and Performance Standards.
Standards-Referenced Grades
Standards-referenced grading is a method of assessment that links students' learning and performance directly to standards. Students are evaluated based on their achievement of these standards, and grades reflect the extent to which they have met the established criteria. This approach emphasizes a clear connection between what students are expected to learn and how their learning is assessed, providing transparency and alignment with educational objectives.