Cedar Crest Middle School

Hello CCMS Falcon Families,

December is such a great time of the year! It is exciting to see the joy in the faces of our middle school students during the holiday season. Due to the busy nature of the season, sometimes schedules and added responsibilities can cause stress. Our upcoming band and choir concerts offer the opportunity to slow down and enjoy a little holiday cheer.

• The 6th Grade Band & Choir Holiday Concert will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th.
• Our 7th and 8th Grade Choirs and Falcon Fusion will be presenting their annual holiday concert at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17th.

Both concerts will be held in the CCMS Cafetorium. Students and staff have been working really hard to showcase these special talents. Please come to support our kids; everyone is welcome!

During this season of the year, we would like to say thanks to:

• All the volunteers who give countless hours to make CCMS a better place for students and staff.
• P-SP parents who organize fund raisers, bring food for special occasions and provide refreshments in our faculty snack shack.
• All the people in our district who are committed to giving their best to your children every day. We couldn't do what we do without our custodians, food service staff, technology staff, bus drivers, messengers, school nurses, student aides, secretaries, teachers, and members of the school board.
• All of you who are doing your very best to send your child ready to learn every day.

We always welcome and appreciate your support in all the endeavors we take on throughout the year. On behalf of the staff and have a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Mr. Joseph Burton

Principal

Cedar Crest Middle School

Cornwall-Lebanon School District Mission

“Empowering our students to reach their individual potential.”

Thank an Educator This Holiday Season!: Recognize your student’s special teachers, staff members, or coaches with a Certificate of Appreciation by donating to the Falcon Foundation through the “Thank an Educator” program. Make a donation in any amount of your choosing by Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, for certificate delivery the week of December 16.

If you need a translation, please open the online version of your newsletter by clicking the "View it in your browser" link provided at the top of the email: Once you have accessed the online newsletter, you can look at the top right side of the newsletter to find the "Accessibility" bar and the "Translate Newsletter" option.

Si necesitas traducción, por favor abra la versión en línea del boletín escogiendo “View it in your browser” del enlace proveído en la parte superior del corre electrónico: cuando hayas acezado el boletín en línea, puedes mirar a la parte superior derecha del boletín donde va a encontrar la barra de accesibilidad y busque la opción “Translate Newsletter”.

• December 5: 6th Grade Choir & Band Holiday Concert, 7 pm
• December 6: 80's Style Dress Down & Hat Day benefits Tracey's Paws Animal Rescue
• December 9: Orders due by 1pm for Moe's Pop-Up Fundraiser to benefit Music Dept. on 12/10
• December 10: Pick up Moe's Food Orders at 5:30 p.m. at main entrance at the front of the school
• December 12: Jump Start Homework Help, 3:10-4:10 pm
• December 13: Dress Down Hat Day to benefit the CCMS Music Department
• December 13 - Toys for Tots Drive ends. Please be generous!
• December 17: Jump Start Homework Help, 3:10-4:10 pm
• December 17: 7th/8th Grade Choruses & Falcon Fusion Holiday Concert, 7 pm
• December 20: Dress Down & Santa Hat Day to benefit Student Council
• December 20: NO ACTIVITY BUS
• December 23-January 1: Winter Vacation
• January 2: School is back in session.

Thank you so much for your enthusiastic participation in our Penny Wars fundraiser! Together, we raised an incredible $697.73—a huge accomplishment that showcases the generosity and teamwork of our CCMS community.

Congratulations to our winning team, Blue Aggies, who earned an amazing 10,519 points! As a reward, they’ll enjoy a special treat and a free period outside. Well done, Aggies!

All funds raised will go toward our BINGO fundraiser, supporting essential programs for our students.

• Creative Studio with Mrs. Weitzel, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 9)
• E-Sports with Mr. Reid, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 5, 10, 12, 17, 19)
• Cooking Club with Mrs. Lechleitner, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 17, 18)
• Girls Who Code with Mrs. Oblinsky, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 9)
• Mini-THON Planning with Mrs. Rodkey, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 9, 16)

• GAGA & 4-Square with Mrs. Patterson, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 16)

• Running Club 6-7-8 with Mr. MacNeill & Mr. Cruise, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 5, 9, 12,16, 19)

• Sketch with Mrs. Ryland and Mrs. Bott, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 16)
• JUMPSTART After-school tutoring, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 12, 17)
• Quiz Bowl with Mr. MacNeil, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 10, 17)
  
• Puzzles & Games with Mrs. Becker, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 3, 10)
• Pokemon Club with Mrs. Nolan, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 10)
• Envirothon with Mrs. Daugherty & Mrs. Nolan, 3:10-4:10 pm (December 5, 19)

December 20-January 1 - No School Holiday Break

Thank you Falcon community for supporting the school book fair last month during the Parent-Teacher Conferences. The proceeds will be used to purchase books for the school library and classroom libraries.

Jump Start is an after-school tutoring program that allows students to complete homework and work on school projects. Jump Start is open to all students in grades six through eight and will be held in the Learning Center Classroom from 3:10 to 4:10 PM on the following December dates: Thursday, 12/12 and Tuesday, 12/17.

Join us to celebrate the sounds of the season with the 7th & 8th Grade Choruses and Falcon Fusion when they present their concert on Tuesday, December 17th at 7 pm in the CCMS Cafetorium. Hope to see you there!

Twas the week before Christmas break, the teachers were trying to remain sane.

The students, however, tried to run their patience down the drain.

No Bah Humbug was heard as their Christmas spirit started to sneak in.

So, the teachers set forth to proclaim that holiday dress up days begin!

Monday, December 16 – COLOR DAY! (8TH = GREEN; 7TH = WHITE; 6TH = RED)

Tuesday, December 17 – UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER DAY! (School Appropriate)

Wednesday, December 18- COMFY COZY CLOTHES DAY! (School Appropriate)

Thursday, December 19 – SNOWY HAY DAY! DON YOUR BEST FESTIVE HATS & HEADBANDS

Friday, December 20 - FALCON FRIDAY & CHRISTMAS TREE HUNT (Teacher Dress Down $5)

Descendants Audition Details

• Audition packets and Tech Crew packets are now available in the Counseling Office.
• Completed forms are due to Mrs. Glassford by Monday, December 16th.

Audition Dates:

• December 17th or 18th from 3-5 pm (Choose one day to audition)

• December 19th: 3-5 pm Dance auditions and callbacks for everyone.

Cast list will be emailed by Saturday, December 23rd, and responses confirming your role are due by Wednesday, December 27th at 9 PM.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Mrs. Glassford kglassford@clsd.k12.pa.us or stop by the Counseling Office.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR OUR 3RD ANNUAL PSP BINGO EVENT: Invite friends, family, neighbors and/or co-workers for a fun afternoon on playing 20+ games of BINGO. We will have raffles, 50/50, good food and ALL proceeds will go to CCMS PSP, which in turn supports ALL students at CCMS. Kids and adults are all welcome to attend! Sunday, February 2nd at 1:30pm in the CCMS Cafeteria! This event has sold out the past two years so don’t wait to secure your tickets.

Reserve your tickets here:

The snack shack is greatly appreciated by the teachers and staff at Cedar Crest Middle School and as a result, it always in need. Would you be able to help stock it by picking up a treat or two and sending it in (just mark it snack shack and bring it to the office) or buying something right from the Amazon Wish List and it will be delivered right to school?

The Amazon Wishlist is updated, and the link is below. Please feel free to expand the variety by getting something else.

Biggest needs:

• Sodas (mini or regular)

• Seltzers/flavored drinks (iced teas, Body Amour, seltzers, Izze)

• Candy (they love M&Ms, full size candy bars, Swedish fish, dove chocolate, any variety pack that you can get at Sam’s or Costco)

• Snacks: Popcorners, Smart Pop, Pretzels, Nuts, Fig Bars, Pretzels (they like the Snyders of Hanover assorted flavors)

• Mixed nuts/trail mix

• Coffee K cups: Dunkin Donuts assorted flavors (French vanilla/hazelnut), Pike Place (Starbucks) and any other you think they would like.

• Cups: Disposable coffee cups (12-16oz) with lids for hot beverages.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!! WE COULDN'T SUPPORT OUR STAFF WITHOUT YOU!

https://7c53.edulnk.com/e/xd27aq/1pULX4?__$u__

2024-2025 P-SP Meeting Dates

Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Learning Center. All are welcome and we look forward to having you join us.

• NO DECEMBER MEETING
• Thursday, January 16th
• Thursday, February 20th
• Wednesday, Mach 19th (adjusted due to the CCMS Musical performance)
• Wednesday, April 16th (adjusted due to spring vacation)
• Thursday, May 15th

Please feel free to contact P-SP President, Beth Kline with any questions:

(edip319@hotmail.com) and follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ccmspsp/).

Team Blast (6-1)

• September: Everleigh Zimmerman
• October: Jayden Fermin

Team Blue Aggies (6-2)

• September: Yasmine Elfatihi
• October: Milo Hollinger
• November: Francis Long

Team Ironmasters (6-3)

• September: Esther Vazquez
• October: Noah Biever
• November: Genesis Gonzalez

Team Titans (7-1)

• September: Mark Murray
• October: Lilian Moncarz

Team Gryphons (7-2)

• September: Jody Abd Elwahed
• October: Ethan Yiengst
• November: Lilyana Medvidik

Team Knights (7-3)

• September: Maggie Nolen
• October: Jack Ressler
• November: Natalie Tran

Team Mariner (8-1)

• September: Hannah Kline
• October Michael Kuntz
• November Emma Kinkle

Team Enterprise (8-2)

• September: Biphasha Thapa
• October: Avery Stokes
• November: Isabella Suarez

Team Endeavor (8-3)

• September: Sawyer Jackson
• October Lucian Hoffman
• November: Francis Long

Team Voyage (8-4)

• September: Solum Akubeze
• October: Sophia Carr
• November: Addie Kline

Falcons for Families is a resource closet for families with children enrolled in Cornwall-Lebanon School District. For an appointment to shop for FREE clothing, school supplies, and toiletries in the Falcons for Families closet, send an email to falcons4families@clsd.k12.pa.us. Please include your name, preferred day and time, phone number, and your child’s name and school. The closet is located at Cedar Crest High School, and appointments are only available during school hours.

If you would like to support students and families with meeting their personal care and basic needs, please click here or scan the QR code below for a list of needed items.

To request social work services please contact:

Erin Callihan, LSW, CSSW

CLSD Secondary Social Worker

(717) 389-1871

ecallihan@clsd.k12.pa.us

The course selection process starts early this year. All 8th grade students will be taking tours of 4-5 academic departments at Cedar Crest High School on Monday, December 16 and Tuesday, December 17 during their physical education classes.

CCMS will be collecting toys/monetary donations for the Marines Toys for Tots Organization thru December 15. Collection boxes are located in the Commons Area. Please consider contributing a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots. Some ideas are crayons and coloring books for the little folks as well as curling irons, makeup, or sporting equipment for the older kids!

With the holidays approaching, it is the perfect time to pre-order your child’s yearbook. Yearbooks can be ordered at school or online at https://yearbookforever.com/. Order your copy early to get the best pricing! The discount price is $25.00. Regular pricing begins on January 5, 2025. If you have any questions regarding yearbook, please contact Ms. Tracey Oblinsky at toblinsky@clsd.k12.pa.us.

NEWS FROM THE NURSE

Parents of 6th Grade Students: The state of Pennsylvania mandates that every 6th grade student has a physical exam. If you have not already done so, please submit completed 6th grade physical forms to the nurse as soon as possible. Permission slips for a school physical will be sent home with students who have not yet submitted a completed physical form.

Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Health mandates that all students show proof of having the Tdap and MCV vaccinations prior to the first day of their 7th grade year. Please send your child’s updated immunization record to the school nurse or have the doctor’s office fax a copy to (717) 389-1858. Vaccination records may be viewed in Skyward.

Parents of 7th Grade Students: The state of Pennsylvania mandates that every 7th grade student has a dental exam. If you have not already done so, please submit completed 7th grade dental forms to the nurse as soon as possible. School dental exams are scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025. Permission slips have been sent home with students who have not already submitted a private dental form. If you would like your 7th grade child to have a school dental exam, please contact the nurse’s office for a permission slip as soon as possible. Please note, the school dental exam is a visual screening only and does not include cleanings, preventative treatments, dental repairs, or x-rays.

Forms may be found on the CLSD website, under Services-Health Services. Completed forms and updated immunization records can be faxed to (717) 389-1858.

Please call the nurse’s office with any questions or concerns at 717-389-1845.

From the District Office …

1. Thank an Educator This Holiday Season!: Recognize your student’s special teachers, staff members, or coaches with a Certificate of Appreciation by donating to the Falcon Foundation through the “Thank an Educator” program. Make a donation in any amount of your choosing by Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, for certificate delivery the week of December 16. Visit https://shorturl.at/pRoWR; or visit the CLSD Home page, under Latest News.

2. CCHS Holiday Concert: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, 2 PM, Cedar Crest High School Auditorium. The concert features the CCHS Orchestra and Chorus. Tickets ($2 for general seating) can be purchased in advance at the CCHS main entrance Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Friday Dec. 13, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets also will be sold the day of the concert at the door. Present your CLSD Gold Card for free admission for card holder.

3. Holiday Breakfast Concert for District Residents age 65+: Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, 8:45 AM, Cedar Crest Middle School cafetorium. Doors to the CCMS cafetorium at the rear of the building will open at 8:15 AM. Tickets are required. Stop by the District office, 105 E. Evergreen Rd., (717) 272-2031 before Dec. 11 to pick up free tickets, first come, first served.

4. CCHS Seeks Preschool Children for Little People’s Palace program: A preschool laboratory that provides an enrichment experience to students enrolled in our preschool program, Little People’s Palace classes will run most Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cedar Crest High School from Jan. 28, 2025, until preschool graduation on May 8, 2025. We are seeking 12-15 children, ages three to five, for enrollment in the approx. 90-min. classes. To attend our preschool, children must be potty trained. If you would like more information or have additional questions, please contact Mr. Caleb Leal at cleal@clsd.k12.pa.us.

5. Please visit and bookmark the District’s online Community Bulletin Board for information and opportunities for students and families: www.clsd.k12.pa.us. Click on the Community tab at the top of the page. This website is provided as a community service and items appearing there in no way constitute an endorsement by Cornwall-Lebanon School District. All questions should be directed to the contacts listed. To have information considered for inclusion here, please submit the Community Announcement submission form located under the drop-down menu under the COMMUNITY tab. Items submitted will be reviewed for approval according to CLSD policies and procedures.

6. The next meeting of the CLSD Board of School Directors is Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the large group instruction room (LGI) at the high school. This is the annual reorganization meeting of the Board. There is no work session scheduled in December. Please register to attend under the School Board tab on the District website.

7. Cornwall-Lebanon School District will be closed for Winter Break: Monday, Dec. 23 through and including Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. School will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2024.

Mr. Joseph Burton

Principal

Mrs. Nicole McCracken

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Marjorie Miller

Assistant Principal