11.29.24 Middle Level Newsletter

IXL provides thousands of skills aligned with classroom learning and offers personalized guidance to help students grow. Your student may access IXL through their Clever app after logging in to Gmail.

Features of IXL:

• Unlimited practice with over 17,000 skills.

• Personalized skill recommendations tailored to your child’s needs.

• Progress-tracking reports for parents and students.

• Certificates and awards to celebrate achievements.

Top Tips for Using IXL at Home:

1. Explore Recommendations: Encourage your child to check their Recommendations wall for skills tailored for review or new challenges.

2. Stay Connected: Sign in to your child’s account to view progress under the Analytics section.

3. Celebrate Success: Receive certificates by adding your email under “Profile & Settings” on your child’s account.

Understanding SmartScore:
IXL’s SmartScore measures skill mastery by factoring in question difficulty, accuracy, and consistency. Aim for scores of 80 or 90 to show strong understanding or push for mastery with a perfect 100. Progress is automatically saved, and taking breaks is encouraged!

Let’s work together to help your child excel!

This holiday season, Cedar Springs Public Schools warmly invites you to be part of our beloved tradition: Winter Wishes for Red Hawks. Since 1995, this program has brought joy and comfort to students in our district, honoring the legacy of Sandy Samsel, who dedicated herself to making the holidays brighter for our Red Hawks.

How You Can Help:
Your generous donations ensure every Red Hawk receives a special gift this holiday season. There are several ways you can support this program:

• Select an item from our wish list – find specific items that students need and will enjoy!

• Make a donation – even a few dollars can make a big impact.

• Choose from our giving tree – pick a tag and fulfill a student’s holiday wish.

• Sponsor a student or family – provide direct support to make the holidays magical for our Cedar Springs families.

Every Gift Counts!
Whether big or small, every contribution helps us bring smiles to students’ faces and fill their hearts with warmth.

Monday, Dec 2

• 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs. Kenowa Hills (Home)
• 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs Kenowa Hills (Away)
• A teams play at 4 p.m./B teams play at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec 3

• Competitive Cheer at Sparta

Wednesday, Dec 4

• 7th Grade Boys Basketball vs. Lowell (Home)
• 8th Grade Boys Basketball vs Lowell (Away)
• A teams play at 5 p.m./B teams play at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec 7

• Competitive Cheer at Forest Hills Eastern Mash Up

Girls Basketball (7th & 8th Grade):
Sign-ups are now open! Students should sign up in the office and complete the process on FinalForms. Practices will begin after school in January when we return from break, with games scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Girls Basketball (6th Grade):
An interest sign-up sheet is available in the middle school office. Additional details will be shared soon. This program is part of a 5th/6th grade travel league with games on Saturdays through the youth program. The approximate cost is $75 per player.

Co-Ed Wrestling (6th, 7th & 8th Grade):
Sign-ups are open! Students should sign up in the office and complete the process on FinalForms. Practices will begin after school in January when we return from break. More details will be shared soon.

Middle School Athletic Director, Shelly Alvarez, 616-696-9100 ext 6901

Middle School Secretary, Jodie Amell, 616-696-9100 ext 6909

Join the Grinch for a festive Christmas Pajama Party and experience the magic of the season on the big screen! We invite you to support Cedar Springs Public Schools’ Winter Wishes for Red Hawks program by donating a blanket, pillow, pajamas, or any comfort item—any size and color are welcome and appreciated!

Showtimes:

• Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.

Let’s spread warmth and joy this holiday season for our Red Hawks!