August 22, 2022 Issue 3

"If you can't change it, change your attitude"

-- Maya Angelou

Now that we have one full week under out belts and the students are starting to get into the daily routine, I wanted to address some of the questions I have gotten from students. As you can guess, most of these revolve around the "new rules" in place around IDs, cell phones, and dress code.

• IDs are to be visibly worn at all times. If a student forgets their ID it can be dropped off during the day. Any student who does not have an ID is given a temporary ID for the day. Habitual lack of a student ID may evolve into a disciplinary issue. This is a safety and security issue and is standard practice amongst schools across the country. Students may purchase multiple IDs and leave one in their locker for those days when they forget one at home.
• Cell phones are allowed to be carried by the student but they are not allowed to be used during the school day. Students are not allowed to take phone calls, send/receive texts, listen to music or access any social media accounts during the day. In some, rare, instances a teacher may allow the students to utilize their phones for educational purposes but that is at the sole discretion of the teacher and does not constitute permission to use the phone for texting, gaming, social media, etc. This is true of all personal electronic devices.
  
• Dress code is an issue that is ever changing due to the trends in society and with our young people. The biggest concerns we have seen this year are: the wearing of all black hoodies, sweatshirts, etc. Unless the black outerwear is Calallen branded, it is not allowed to be worn in the building. If a student wears it to school they need to remove it as they enter the building and keep it their locker or backpack until the end of the day. Also, students who wear approved outwear, must still wear clothing under the hoodie, sweatshirt, etc. This clothing must be within school dress guidelines as well.
  

If you have any questions about these area or any other aspects of the student code of conduct and/or student handbook, please let us know.

Within the next few weeks, students will be given information on applying for the principal's advisory council. This nine-member committee will represent all grade levels and organizations at CMS. The students will meet monthly with Mr. Graham to discuss school issues and voice their concerns and ideas.

Another idea I have been thinking about is a monthly "coffee with the principal" meeting for parents. This would be an opportunity for parents to ask questions, make comments, and get a feel for what is taking place on the campus. The logistics of these meetings are still being worked on but it would most likely be something done in conjunction with the CMS PTA and take place either in the library or via Zoom. As the details are ironed out, I will most the information here in Cat Tracks.

There is vast amounts of information available through Skyward Family Access. Through Skyward, you can check your students' grades, pending/missing assignments, attendance as well as reach out to their teachers. If you need assistance accessing your Skyward Family Access account, please let us know.

Football

8/30/22 - (8th Grade @ home, 7th Grade @ FB)

9/6/22 - (8th Grade @ Alice, 7th Grade @ Home)

9/20/22 - (8th Grade @ home, 7th Grade @ TM)

9/27/22 - (8th Grade @ GP, 7th Grade @ Home)

Volleyball

8/25/22 - (8th Grade @ GP, 7th Grade @ Home)

9/3/22 - A Team Tourney @ Alice

9/10/22 - B Team Tourney @ FB

9/12/22 - (8th Grade @ Alice, 7th Grade @ Home)

9/19/22 - (8th Grade @ Home, 7th Grade @ TM)

9/24/22 - A Team Tourney @ Home

9/26/22 - (8th Grade @ Home, 7th Grade @ GP)

In an effort to ensure that we are supporting your needs, I am attaching a link to a feedback form. If you have a compliment, critique, or suggestion you can use the form below. The submissions are totally anonymous unless you want us to know who you are. Think of this as a digital suggestion box.

2022-2023 CISD Calendar

2022-2023 CMS Bell Schedule

2022-2023 CMS Student Code of Conduct

Wildcat Spectator Rules

Email: pgraham@calallen.org
Website: https://www.calallen.org/
Location: 4205 Wildcat Drive, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
Phone: 361-242-5672
Twitter: @calallenms