Spring Newsletter

Flowers are starting to bloom and the warmth of spring is slowly arriving. Even though it could snow at any minute, I'm happy our students can start to enjoy the warm weather and have an opportunity to get outside and be kids! As the temperatures begin to rise, students are reminded to:

• Bring a fillable water bottle to school daily
• Wear proper footwear and have a little jacket/hoodie available. Ms. Haskell and Mr. Doody plan on being outside as often as possible

As you know, the New York State 3-8 Math Assessment period begins on Tuesday. Please keep in mind the following information:

• A/B students and everyday students with a last name starting with A-L will take their exam on Tuesday morning, May 4th. C/D students and everyday students with a last name starting with M-Z will take their exam on Wednesday, May 5th. Students who are absent on those days will take their exam on May 7th. Additional make-up days may be scheduled the following week

• Students are encouraged to eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam and give their best effort

• All NYS assessments will be delivered through your child's school issued chromebook. Please remind your students to charge their chromebooks the night before the exam

• All students are prohibited from bringing personal electronic devices, other than the device on which they are taking the test, into a classroom or other location where a State test is being administered. Test proctors and school officials shall retain the right to collect and hold any prohibited electronic devices, other than the device on which they are taking the test, prior to the start of the test administration. (NYS CBT Testing Directions, Page 2)

• Students who opt out of the testing are strongly encouraged to bring a book with them to read while the test is occurring. Students will not be able to log into their chromebooks until the testing period is over.

• Students who complete and submit their test early are only allowed to read a book until the testing period is over

As always, if you have a questions regarding the upcoming state assessments, you are encouraged to contact the middle school office at 654-9005, ext 3412.

As we near the end of the school year, I would like to take the opportunity to share with you the schedule for the end of the year. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to students daily. Please review the following schedule:

June 17th

6th Grade ELA Final Exam

7th Grade ELA Final Exam

8th Grade ELA Final Exam

Student Dismissal at 11:15 am

June 21st

6th Grade Social Studies Final Exam

7th Grade Social Studies Final Exam

8th Grade Social Studies Final Exam

Student Dismissal at 11:15 am

June 22nd

6th Grade Science Final Exam

7th Grade Science Final Exam

8th Grade Science Final Exam

Student Dismissal at 11:15 am

June 23rd

6th Grade Math Final Exam

7th Grade Math Final Exam

8th Grade Math Final Exam

Student Dismissal at 11:15 am

June 24th & 25th

No in-person school for students in grades 6-8

Traditionally, middle school students have been asked to take final exams in the four core subjects; ELA, Math, Social Studies and Science. As a middle school, we have encouraged flexibility since the beginning of this crisis to meet the needs of our students. With this in mind, all middle school core classes will be using the following process to calculate final averages:

• Each of the 4 quarter grades will be used equally to determine a student's overall average

• We will replace a student’s lowest quarter grade with their final exam score, if it helps the students overall average

• Final exams will be given to all everyday and hybrid students in school. Virtual learners will have the option to take their final exams in school or at home

Essentially, no students' grades will be negatively affected by their final exam. This will give students the opportunity to show what they have learned this year without the additional pressure usually associated with final exams. If students are able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the material and showcase such on their final exam, their average will be positively impacted.

This grading modification means that up to 50% of a students final average may still be determined based on their performance in the 4th quarter and our final exam. Students should keep up with their work this quarter and study hard for their final exams. This modification represents a great opportunity for all our students to show their understanding of the course material without any negative pressure.

On June 24th and 25th, Corinth Middle School Faculty and Staff will be recognizing our 8th grade students and their accomplishments. Faculty and staff members will be delivering moving up certificates and awards personally, along with some other gifts. Additional information will be sent home to families as we get closer to this special event.

For the safety of all, we request you adhere to the following mandatory guidelines:

• If anyone in your household is currently or has recently been sick, please let us know ahead of time and we will schedule an alternative time to come to you.

• All staff arriving at your home will be wearing masks and practicing social distancing. We request you do the same. Pictures are encouraged as long as they are done from a safe distance.

BIG NEWS!!!!

As many of you know, student attendance is the greatest indicator of student success. Students who have either had outstanding attendance for the entire year or have had amazing attendance and effort during the 4th marking period will be entered to win a BRAND NEW BMX/MOUNTAIN BIKE!!!!

In addition, students have been working hard all month to earn Tommie Tickets for our weekly PBIS Drawings. We’ve had drawings each Friday for Stewart's ice cream certificates and a big drawing at the end of the month for $25 gift certificates to Rocco’s.

Stay positive and be a role model to all!!!

Congratulations to our March Students of the Month! Students are selected by their teachers for displaying our Middle School “Tomahawk Pride” behaviors of being safe, respectful and responsible.

• Grade 6: Blake Cronk, Claire Sitcer

• Grade 7: Michael Petteys, Lila Riihimaki

• Grade 8: Nick Sorbera, Kerrigan Millis

• ART- Sean Rushkoski

• Music: Tristan Lozier (Band), Charlotte Rankin (Chorus)

• PE: Jayce Bentley, Charity Prosser

• Family & Consumer Science: Kyra Santiago

• Computer Lit: Gavin Flack, Brennon Thompson

• PBL: Noah Thompson

Starting in July, Corinth Middle School will be offering a Summer School Program. The goal of summer school is to provide students an opportunity to refine their academic skills while having fun doing it. More information will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Yearbooks are on sale until May 1st! You can order directly online by clicking the link below. For any questions regarding yearbooks, please email westada@corinthcsd.org.

Order your yearbook here: https://www.balfour.com/.

Thank you to Kayla Butler, Erin Lefebre and Kathy Newell for their help and planning for a successful Earth Day. Earth day was celebrated over three days. Day one was a general overview of what Earth Day is and why it's so important. Students participated in a scavenger hunt on day two and on the third day, students and staff were outside planting flowers, raking out garden beds, and doing other fun activities.

The District continues to require masks to be worn at all times. Students will be allowed to remove their mask only when eating or drinking.

Please continue to email us at ccsdcf@corinthcsd.org if you/your student has received positive test results or if you have been ordered to quarantine due to an exposure to a COVID-positive person.

Help us keep everyone safe at CMS by completing the daily health screening before your child leaves for school. Thank you for your assistance!

April’s character trait word is EMPATHY. We’ve been focusing on this word throughout the month. May’s word will be CITIZENSHIP.

• May 4th & 5th: NYS Math Exam

• May 14th: End of Interim

• May 28 & 31: Memorial Day - No School