September 2024
Hello Wolverine Parents and Families,
Dear Chief Families,
At the start of every journey, it is important to chart your course—so you’ll know the direction to which you’re headed and can plan for the joys and obstacles you’ll face along the way. At Chief Middle School, each school year is a new journey of learning for our students and staff. Whether you are a returning family or a new family to our community, below are some important elements to our school year. Having our destination firmly established helps us maintain our vision for high levels of learning for each student during our school year.
Map: Destination/Where we’re headed
At the start of each school year, our teachers/teams review the learning standards that are expected for each student. We assess our students using I-Ready, so we have a strong understanding of their foundational knowledge and skills. This review helps us determine the course of learning for our students, and to set appropriate goals.
Suitcase: Items we’ll need along the way
Because of the rigorous learning expectations established for our students, it is important that students arrive each day prepared to learn. Our State Standards are designed to stretch students; we will continue to encourage our students to persevere as they acquire new skills and solve new problems.
Our teachers and staff work collectively to create an environment that promotes high levels of safety and productivity. During our expectation expo, staff will provide students with an understanding of how to behave in specific areas of our school. Routines, procedures and learning expectations—explicitly taught by staff–all rely on students being able to demonstrate what it means to be a Wolverine: I am Safe; I am Engaged; I am Respectful.
Itinerary: What we’ll be doing on our trip
All students will have the same grade level learning standards as their ending point. They will be actively engaged in lessons and learning experiences designed to develop their understanding of skills/concepts and apply their knowledge to relevant problems.
Some may have additional stops/supports/accommodations to help them reach these targets provided during the “Enhancement” period. Other students may reach their destination more quickly. We encourage and challenge these students with individualized journeys, to allow them to apply their understanding to new situations and in new ways. It is a real privilege to guide this journey of learning for our students each year, and it’s a team effort. I appreciate the intentional work/commitment by our teachers, the active engagement of our students, and the valued partnership of parents.
Please feel free to call or email with any questions or concerns. Let’s make this a great year!
Tamarah Grigg, Principal & Justin Pierce, Assistant Principal.
CMS First Tech Challenge Team
7th and 8th graders only...
Click here to learn more about FTC Robotics
Click here to apply for the team
Application due September 5th
Join the PTO for their first meeting of the year.
Sept 19th, 6:30-7:30 in the Chief Library
Cell Phones & Electronics - OFF & AWAY - ALL DAY
All electronic devices (phones, earbuds, etc.) must be powered off and put in backpacks while students are at school. If you need to reach your student during the day for emergency or transportation reasons, please call the main office. 1st offense is a warning. 2nd offense the phone is turned into the office for the day and the student can pick it up after school (minor referral). 3rd offense the phone is turned into the office and a parent must pick up the phone (major referral).
Hats/Hoods off & Gum free
Students should remove hats and hoods when entering the building. Gum should be thrown in a garbage can before entering the building for the day.
Busing and First Student ParentView app
Bus routes posted and FirstView mobile app
Bus routes are now available online. For questions about school district bus service, call your school or First Student at 360-841-7099, ext. 103 or 104. Please be aware that the first several weeks of school can often see changes to routes as First Student makes adjustments. Any changes impacting riders will be communicated by your child’s school.
Due to road construction in many areas of the district, some buses may need to take a detour and/or may be delayed. For the most up-to-date route information, late alerts, notifications when your student is close to home, etc., we strongly recommend installing the FirstView mobile app, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. PLEASE NOTE: The district code has changed this year. To use the app, enter the four-digit code LMWV. Get instructions for installing the app.
Health and safety resources
See health and safety resources from the Washington state Dept. of Health.
