1/6/25 Weekly Middle School Updates
Middle School Moments
Monday, January 6, 2025
A MESSAGE FROM CYMS
Happy New Year, CYMS!
We hope everyone had a relaxing break and are excited to kick off 2025 together. As we move into the new year, we look forward to the opportunities ahead and remain committed to maintaining a positive, supportive environment where all students can be successful. Together, we will continue to hold high expectations for academic and personal growth.
There are many exciting events and updates to share this month. Fun Friday and our Dodgeball Tournament are just around the corner on January 31—be sure to read the details below to encourage your student to join in the fun.
On January 17, all YCST candidates will participate in their visit, and Mrs. Rossi has already begun interview practice with students to help them prepare. Please see below for more details.
For those interested in preserving memories, updated yearbook ordering information is included below, with orders due by January 24 and recognition ads or sponsorships due by February 13.
We’ve also added a new section to our newsletter, "Community Opportunities", to help engage CYMS families in events and activities happening locally.
Lastly, a quick reminder that outside food, such as fast food, is not allowed to be dropped off or delivered for students’ lunches. Thank you for your cooperation!
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
With Panther Pride,
Mr. Jerry Eisner
Principal
CALENDAR REMINDERS
1/8 - PTO Meeting, CYMS Library 6:30 PM
1/14 - Band & Orchestra Concert, CYMS Auditorium 7:30 PM
1/14 - 1/15 High School Counselors Visit 8th Grade Classes for Course Scheduling Info
1/17 - York Country School of Technology Trip
1/20 - No School; Martin Luther King Day
1/22 - 8th Grade Course Scheduling Night, CYHS 5:30 PM
1/24 - Yearbook Ordering Deadline (see details below)
1/31 - Fun Friday/Dodgeball Tournament 3:00-5:00 PM
CYMS SPOTLIGHTS
TEAM JAGUAR VISITS KINDERGARTEN
Before the winter break, Team Jaguar students brought their energy and creativity to the CYSD kindergarten classrooms. Our middle schoolers crafted an engaging visual display and designed a hands-on activity to share with the young learners. They introduced captivating topics, including Colonial America, Belgium, Thailand, and the power of imagination, sparking curiosity and excitement among the kindergarteners.
A "CELL-ABRATION" IN MR. SANTORO'S SCIENCE CLASS
Mr. Santoro's science class was buzzing with excitement during a "CELL-abration" as students showcased their understanding of plant and animal cells. Through interactive demonstrations, they highlighted the key differences between the two, bringing science to life in a fun and engaging way.
POETRY SLAM IN MRS. HOWELL'S AND MRS. MCALLISTER'S ELA
In Mrs. Howell's and Mrs. McAllister's ELA classes, students took the stage to perform their original poetry during an inspiring Poetry Slam. Their creativity and courage were on full display as they shared powerful words and heartfelt emotions, leaving the audience in awe.
TEAM CHEETAH'S ALIEN INVASION BOOK INTRO
As an introduction to their reading of The War of the Worlds, Cheetah students brought creativity to life by crafting scenes that showcased their reactions to a potential alien invasion.
SCHOOL NEWS
UPCOMING FUN FRIDAY! JANUARY 31
All students are invited to enjoy our next Fun Friday event on January 31st from 3:00–5:00 PM! This exciting afternoon will feature our annual Dodgeball Tournament alongside other engaging activities for everyone to enjoy.
Important Details:
- Dodgeball Participants: If your student would like to join the tournament, please refer to the detailed information in the section below.
- Non-Participants: Students not playing in the tournament are still welcome to attend Fun Friday. A completed permission slip linked below and $4 admission fee must be returned by January 29th.
Reminder: Students who have served an in-school or out-of-school suspension between December 6th and January 31st are not eligible to attend Fun Friday or participate in the dodgeball tournament.
We look forward to a fun-filled afternoon!
CYMS ANNUAL DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
Get ready for some action-packed fun! The CYMS Dodgeball Tournament will take place on January 31st both during school and during our Fun Friday event. Students can gather a team of 5 CYMS students eligible for Fun Friday activities and join the excitement!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Team Entry Fee: $50 per team ($10 per player)
- Deadline: Submit team fees, team registration form, and Fun Friday permission slips to PE teachers by January 24th
- Registration Forms: Available in the Main Office and linked in this newsletter
- Game Format: Double elimination (guaranteed to play at least two games)
- Time: Will begin right after lunches on 1/31 and continue into the afternoon during the Fun Friday event, concluding at 5:00 PM
With your tournament entry, admission to Fun Friday is included! Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams, so don’t miss out on this chance to support CYMS physical education and student activities while having a blast.
Let the dodgeball battles begin! 🏆🎉
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SCHEDULING: 8TH GRADERS
Attention 8th Grade Students:
There will be a classroom lesson on January 14th or January 15th with the High School Counselors about the 9th Grade Course Selection process. Additionally, a parent night is scheduled for January 22nd at 5:30 p.m. for parents of all 8th-grade students at Central York High School.
Students who have applied to York County School of Technology are still expected to participate in this process.
UPDATE! YCST VISIT: JAN 17
Mrs. Rossi has begun practicing interviewing skills with all YCST candidates. Parents, please ask your students about the slideshow Mrs. Rossi shared and continue practicing with them at home. Also, please read the permission form Mrs. Rossi sent via Google Docs (it does not have to be returned) for our Friday, January 17th Field Trip. Lastly, students are responsible for all missed work and should talk to their teachers before departing on the 17th.
Don't forget, students should DRESS FOR SUCCESS on the 17th and bring a water bottle. Any questions should be directed to Mrs. Rossi (nrossi@cysd.k12.pa.us).
UPDATE! YEARBOOK ORDERING
Order Your Yearbook by January 24
Guarantee a copy of the 2024-25 yearbook by purchasing a copy now. Cost is $30 and can be purchased with a check to CYMS sent to Mrs. Brown or Mrs. Carlisle at the middle school, or books can be ordered online at Jostens.com. Limited quantities are available for purchase at the end of the school year.
Yearbook Recognition Ads and Sponsorships due February 13
Parents and family members can create recognition ads for both 7th and 8th grade students to be included in the yearbook. More information about creating and submitting your tributes can be found here. In addition, businesses who wish to promote their services can also purchase ad space in the yearbook. These sponsorships help provide yearbooks for eligible students at no cost. Learn more details here. The deadline for ads is February 13, 2025.
HOMEWORK CLUB INFORMATION
Homework Club ends at 4:00 PM on Mondays.
Students MUST have a ride home. (NO Activity Bus)
Homework Club ends at 5:00 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Students may be picked up or ride the activity bus home. If you are more than 5 minutes late picking up your child, they will ride the activity bus home.
*See permission slip for activity bus routes and ensure your child knows the correct stop.*
CYSD DEVICE PROTECTION PLAN
Central York School District offers optional protection plans for your child’s district-issued devices.
The protection plan fully covers your child’s device for any accidental damage that occurs. The cost is $25 per year for iPads and $60 per year for Macbooks.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
YCST SUMMER 2025 CAREER CAMP
York County School of Technology is excited to announce the dates for its Summer 2025 Career Camp! This two-day camp provides current seventh-grade students from their 14 sending school districts with the unique opportunity to explore hands-on activities in a variety of technical programs. Designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, the camp introduces students to potential career pathways in a fun and engaging environment. Applications will open on January 2, 2025, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this chance to kick-start your student’s exploration of technical education—mark your calendar and apply early!
CYMS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH 2024-2025
CYMS is proud to congratulate our Students of the Month for exemplifying the district’s core values: Excellence, Accountability, Perseverance, Character, and Community.
SEPTEMBER
Thomas Kennedy & Natalie Raab
OCTOBER
Armando Silimperi & Henry Reilly
NOVEMBER
Lauren Adames & Kostas Chasiakis
ATHLETICS
ATHLETIC EVENTS REMINDERS
All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by and supervised by an adult at all times when attending any CYSD after-school athletic event.
WINTER SPORTS
At Central York Middle School, we offer boys' and girls' basketball and wrestling. For the most current schedules and updates, please visit our Athletics page.
CYMS LATE WORK POLICY
Homework & Small Assignments:
- If turned in late, the maximum possible grade is 65%.
- Work is not accepted after the unit assessment is completed.
Projects & Large Assignments:
- A 10% deduction from the grade for each day the assignment is late.
- No points are awarded if the assignment is more than five days late.
SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Nancy Rossi, Last Names A-GO nrossi@cysd.k12.pa.us
Matt Glusco, Last Names GP-NJ mglusco@cysd.k12.pa.us
Krystal Cornell, Last Names NK-Z kcornell@cysd.k12.pa.us
Check out the School Counseling Schoology Courses entitled, "CYMS School Counseling: 8th grade," and "CYMS School Counseling: 7th grade".
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Need to talk with someone? Concerned about someone's safety?
Suicide/Crisis Lifeline
24/7 Support and Assistance
Safe2Say Hotline
Submit anonymous tips and safety concerns online.
Crisis Text Line
Text "Home" to 741741
SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Central York School District is excited to announce that we have partnered with Linewize by Family Zone, a leading education technology company, to provide District families and students with the highest quality of online safety and digital wellness education.
As members of the Central York Community, you have access to an Online Safety Hub, as well as free parent/guardian access to the Qustodio App, a parental control app that allows families insight and control of their child’s device usage.
Qustodio App
The Qustodio App allows parents access to monitor and supervise their child’s time online. By signing up, parents can monitor their child’s activity on their school-issued device, as well as up to two additional personal devices at no cost.
The app enables parents to:
- Receive reports and alerts on your child’s school-time activity
- Enable and disable internet access
- Receive guidance and tips on digital guides and threats
Access to features on your child’s school-issued device will be effective during non-school hours. Usage on two free personal devices is 24/7. Parents must use the email associated with their Skyward account.
Online Safety Hub
The Online Safety Hub includes helpful parent advice guides, app and game reviews, online safety quizzes, resources, and access to information about the Qustodio App.