The CMS Tide Weekly Newsletter

On Friday, November 15, 2024, our Grade 8 students embarked on a memorable civics field trip to Cohasset’s historic town center. The experience brought history to life, immersing students in the challenges and decisions faced by Cohasset residents during the turbulent years leading up to the American Revolution. The trip planned in collaboration with Cohasset's Historical Society, the Boston Tea Party Museum, and Central Cemetery Association enhanced students' study of the American Revolution in Mrs. Hannon's Grade 8 Civics course.

The day trip included a walking tour of Central Cemetery, guided by Rick Towle (Central Cemetery Assoc.) and re-enactors from the Boston Tea Party Museum. Students explored the resting places of Cohasset residents who played pivotal roles in the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Stories of bravery and community spirit highlighted the local contributions to the revolutionary cause.

Students also stepped back in time at the First Parish Meeting House, where they participated in a town meeting reenactment. Each student assumed the role of a real Cohasset resident from the 1770s, engaging in debates and casting votes on historical issues. The reenactment, set in the very location of 18th-century town meetings, gave students a deeper appreciation for the democratic traditions that shaped our nation.

This hands-on exploration of history was an enriching experience, connecting students to the lives and decisions of the people who helped define Cohasset's role in the American Revolution.

On behalf of students and faculty who participated, we are grateful for the efforts and commitment of the Cohasset Historical Society, Boston Tea Party Museum, and the Central Cemetery Association.

While many were enjoying a long weekend, our CMS Singers and their amazing teacher performed at the Cohasset Veteran's Day ceremony in town.

Their time, talents and dedication are certainly something to celebrate.

I would also like to recognize the tireless efforts of Laura Ramos. She has created a space for these students to find their voice, create community, and share music in the most authentic way.

Click here to see pictures and videos!

The 8th grade robotics team presented to 6th graders this week about ocean pollution and the Cohasset Coastal Student Center for Research (CCSCR). The team is researching problems that ocean researchers are facing while researching climate issues. One challenge is the continued supply of dedicated researchers. The team thought as CCSCR prepares kids to research ocean related problems it would be an ideal topic. Their hope was that they would get 6th graders excited to volunteer at CCSCR. They did an amazing job enlightening and inspiring the younger students!

Ms. Collins's students solve math problems together and vertically. This allows the teacher to see everyone's work clearly and bring everyone's attention to exemplary work so they can learn from each other. Students love being physically active and out of their seats.

Dear CMS Community Member,

School immunization requirements exist to protect students and members of their community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring high vaccination rates. Massachusetts students must provide documentation of immunization or show a medical or religious exemption.

Prior to the start of seventh grade, students are required to provide documentation that they have had the following vaccines: 1 dose of Tdap, 4 doses of Polio, 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 2 doses of MMR, 2 doses of Varicella (laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable), 1 dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY) and are up to date with all other immunizations.

Information about school immunization requirements and data are available at mass.gov.

Please contact me with any questions.

Thank you,

Nurse Erin

Erin Kalberer, APRN

Cohasset Middle School Nurse

143 Pond St, Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: (781) 236-1070

Fax: (781) 236-1040

Ekalberer@cohassetk12.org

Every fall we receive a variety of requests from students and their parents to complete applications and write recommendations for private schools. If you are considering applying to a private school, please follow the guidelines set out below.

1. Please complete a signed consent for us to release information to the schools.

• Your child can pick up a copy of the release form in the School Counselor’s office room 231, or the Main Office.
• Please be sure to include on the release the names of the schools for which your child is applying.
• You can either have your child drop the signed form to Ms. Pearce’s office or email it to her directly at Apearce@cohassetk12.org

2. Please have your child pick up a Middle School Brag Sheet in Ms. Pearce’s classroom to complete and return.

Electronic forms for Ravenna, Gateway to Prep, and SSAT

• If you are choosing to use the electronic forms for schools, please send all Transcript Request Forms and Student Conduct Forms to our School Counselor, Allison Pearce. Apearce@cohassetk12.org

• Please send all Counselor/Principal Recommendation Forms to either our School Counselor, Allison Pearce or our Principal, John Mills. Apearce@cohassetk12.org, JMills@cohassetk12.org
• Please send all Teacher Recommendation Forms to your child’s teacher. Please encourage your child to personally ask the teacher to write a recommendation letter before sending the recommendation form.
• Teachers do their best to write specific thoughtfully written recommendations for students but need ample time to do this. Please adhere to the following deadlines for transcript and recommendation requests.

November 15th for all December 1st deadlines

December 15th for all January 1st deadlines

December 22nd for all January 15th deadlines

January 15th for all February and March deadlines

As always, feel free to contact Ms. Pearce at Apearce@cohassetk12.org with any questions regarding this process.

Just a friendly reminder that there are many students and faculty pedestrians on school campus at morning drop-off and dismissal. Please drive slowly and be aware that a walker or bike-rider might be just around the corner.

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76 requires that each school notify parents and guardians if their student has five (5) or more unexcused school absences. Parents and guardians will receive a letter when their child has 5, 10, and/or 15+ days of unexcused absences. The letter will also include the number of unexcused tardies and unexcused early dismissals.

Absences will be excused under the following circumstances:

• After a medical appointment documented with a note from the medical office

• Illness or quarantine with a note from the appropriate medical office

• Observance of a religious holiday

• Bereavement or serious illness in family

• Court appearance

• A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee in accordance with the school committee policy and the regulations set in Chapter 76

Daily attendance is essential to a student's success. Missing a significant number of days of school has a detrimental effect on academic and social development. Therefore, each school will work with individual families to support student attendance.

Since July 2014, Safe Harbor Cohasset has been working to promote awareness and implement resources to help make an impact on the substance use in the community. The group has members from across the spectrum in the community, including, but not limited to, Paul Pratt Memorial Library, Cohasset Recreation Department, Cohasset Police Department, Cohasset Public Schools, Second Congregational Church, town leaders, health professionals, parents, youth, fire personnel, and concerned citizens. In September 2017, Safe Harbor was awarded a federal Drug- Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grant, which focuses on preventing substance use among youth ages 12-17.

Since then, the group has worked to foster a strong and inclusive community that allows youth to strive and encourages healthy, educated and responsible choices about drug and alcohol use. The mission is supported by evidenced based, prevention focused, sustainable policies and youth- focused programs, such as Ground Level Café and the Safe Harbor Youth Ambassador Program. To learn more, and to find resources for both parents and teens, visit the Safe Harbor website at safeharborcohasset.org. Keep up to date on the latest news and trends by following Safe Harbor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeharborcohasset, on Twitter @cohsafeharbor, and on Instagram @safeharborcohasset.

Oftentimes when dealing with personal or family issues, we feel overwhelmed because we lack experience and expertise with handling these issues. We want to be sure our families know that they are not alone--there are many resources on the South Shore that can help.

Community Resources

Wellspring Multi Service

Website: wellspringmultiservice.org

Address: 814 Nantasket Ave Hull, MA 02045

Phone: 781-925-3211

Contact: Jenny Gerbis, Community Outreach, ext. 127, jenny@wellspringmultiservice.org

Baystate Community Services

Website: baystatecs.org

Address: 1120 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169

Phone: 617-471-8400

Email: info@baystatecs.org

Cohasset Food Pantry

Address: 129 So. Main Street, Cohasset, MA 02025

Phone: 781-383-0219 ext. 25

Cohasset Rotary Club

Website: cohassetrotary.org

Email: cohassetrotaryclub@gmail.com or pwmcohassetrotary@gmail.com

Interfaith Social Services

Website: interfaithsocialservices.org

Address: 105 Adams Street, Quincy MA 02169

Phone: 617-773-6203

Email: info@interfaithsocialservices.org

Safe Harbor Coalition Cohasset

Website: safeharborcohasset.org

Address: 35 Ripley Road, Cohasset, MA 02025

Phone: 781-783-5293

Contact: Nicole Balaschi, Program Director,

Email: safeharborcohasset@gmail.com

Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu observed "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."

These are certainly difficult times and many parents and families are experiencing great stress. Our ability to cope is regularly challenged and, understandably, there may be times when individuals can no longer manage their emotions. It is important to know where to turn when we reach that point.

To help our families, we share this contact list of support providers--Mental Health and Crisis Contacts These support providers offer great opportunities to help receive help when those we love are struggling to manage.

The CMS administration and faculty communicate with our families using many digital and traditional means. Our weekly newsletter, the CMS Tide, is emailed to families and students every week. It is also posted on our school website .

We call it the CMS Tide because just as the tide brings to us treasures from the deep and leaves them on the beach for us to discover, The CMS Tide brings to our community the news, images, and stories about life at CMS each week,

We hope you enjoy each issue this year!

The Cohasset Middle School is a grade 6-8 school dedicated to the development of the whole child. We are an inclusive, supportive, and safe learning environment committed to excellence and growth. Our community values experiential, collaborative, active learning that is rigorous and relevant, and fosters creative, responsible contributors to a global society.

Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/Domain/9
Location: 143 Pond Street, Cohasset, MA, USA
Phone: 781.383.6100
Twitter: @comsprincipal