Principal P's Friday Message

CMS Mission

Camillus Middle School staff consistently builds strong, supportive relationships with students and families to foster a respectful and inclusive learning environment in order for all students to achieve their highest academic and social-emotional potential

CMS Vision

“Camillus Middle School continues to focus on improving the educational opportunities, academic performance, and social-emotional well-being of every student.”

Dear CMS Families,

We are excited to share that students will be wrapping up their reading of Ghost in ELA classes next week! To celebrate the conclusion of our community read, students have the opportunity to participate in several fun activities:

• Trivia in the Library: Students can sign up to play Ghost-themed trivia during WIN time next week.
• Ghost Poster Contest: Encourage your child to get creative! By entering the poster contest, they’ll have a chance to win Scholastic Dollars, which can be used at our upcoming Book Fair (October 28-30).

In addition, we have Student Council Spirit Week coming up, also happening the week of October 28. Students are invited to show their school spirit and participate in the Halloween costume contest. Keep an eye out for reminders and updates through ParentSquare.

We look forward to an exciting end to October filled with learning, creativity, and school spirit!

Better Together,

Ms. P

Phone: 315-672-3159

Email: jprzybylski@westgenesee.org

Instagram @Camillus_Middle

Evacuation Drills

Next week, we will be completing our required evacuation drills. Please remind your child of the importance of practicing safety during these drills by:

• Keeping their hands to themselves
• Exiting the building quietly
• Listening carefully to their teachers’ directions

Varsity Football Games

This is a reminder that WGIS and CMS students must be accompanied by an adult at all times while attending varsity football games. We appreciate your cooperation and support in ensuring this requirement is followed.

October is Anti-Bullying Month

October is National Bullying Awareness Month, and this is an opportunity to encourage our schools and community members to take action at the local level to create safe and supportive organizations. Bullying is unacceptable and comments or conduct that disparages or demonstrates hostility or aversion should not be tolerated. By being accepting, kind and inclusive, you can help make the world a better place. Together we can create a world without bullying!

Mental Health America suggests the following steps to help stop bullying:

• Start early. Parent/child talks are essential. Teach kids to respect others before they start school and continue to talk about this topic on an ongoing basis.
• Teach your children how to be assertive. Encourage your children to express their feelings clearly, say no when they feel uncomfortable or pressured, stand up for themselves without fighting and walk away in dangerous situations.
  
• Recognize the signs of depression. Youth who experience persistent bullying can develop signs of depression like sadness, isolation, poor concentration and sleeping problems. These symptoms can affect their relationships and school performance. Many children do not recognize or speak up about their emotional needs. Make sure to reach out and get them help when you see these signs.

Bullying vs. Non-Bullying

It is important to distinguish bullying from other unkind, mean and harmful behavior. Calling someone a name or pushing someone once, being rude or having an argument with someone is not bullying. Of course, these behaviors should be addressed but may have different consequences and interventions, which is why the distinction is critical. To be defined as bullying, all three components must be present: (1) repeated actions or threats, (2) a power imbalance and (3) intention to cause harm.

CMS Yearbooks

Order your CMS yearbook before Jan 31 for only $25. Retakes for pictures are November 6.

htts://www.balfour.com/new-york/camillus/camillus-middle-school

Join the Camillus Middle School PTO

The CMS PTO continues to support our students, staff and our community. Events we have sponsored and are planning include:

• Back to School Picnic 8/27/24

• Student Dances

• Thanksgiving meals for CMS families

• 3v3 Basketball Tournament

• Scholarships for WGHS students

• Book Fair

• Scholarships to the Seabreeze Field Trip

• Staff Appreciation

• End of Year Celebration

100% of your membership goes back to the PTO to support these projects and more. We cannot fund these activities without your membership and support.

Please join online at https://camillus-middle-pto.cheddarup.com

Membership is only 10$. Anyone in the family and CMS staff can join.

Additional donations to support our students are always welcomed and greatly appreciated via Cheddar Up.

Follow us on Facebook: Camillus Middle School PTO

Contact us with questions: wgcmspto@westgenesee.org

October 28-30

Scholastic Book Fair

Students will visit during ELA classes and can ask to go during WIN and lunch.

• Be Safe:

• Walk in the hallways and when entering and exiting the building

• Practice safe use of technology

• Maintain personal space and boundaries

• Make sure adults know where you are

• Be Responsible:

• Take ownership and pride in your work.

• Be on time, prepared, organized, and productive.

• Attend school regularly

• Seek help if you need support.

• Be Respectful:

• Respect others’ belongings

• Follow school and classroom expectations

• Speak appropriately to peers and staff

• Be open-minded to individual differences

• Follow directions

• Take care of school property.

• Be Kind:

• Include everyone - no one gets left out

• Encourage and help others

• Treat others the way they want to be treated.

• Do a good deed

Each month students who are caught in the act of being safe, respectful, responsible and kind will receive a "Better Together Ticket". Students who turn their ticket into the main office will receive a pass to attend a monthly celebration during WIN time. Be the reason we are Better Together at CMS! Keep spreading positivity and leading by example! This month over 100 students were recognized and celebrated!

Clubs will meet after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 2:15 and 2:45. Late buses are available after September 30. If you have questions about a specific club, please contact the club advisors. Contact information is provided here. I have attached a PDF below as well.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

October 22

🎮ESports (Room 8)

🏳️‍🌈SAGA/ Pride (Room 122)

October 24

🎮ESports (Room 8)

🎲Board Game Club (Room 221)

🔬Science Club (Room 210)

🎻Chamber Strings(Room 124)

October 25

🛠️Tech (Room 6)

✨Makerspace (Room 8)

October 29

🎮ESports (Room 8)

🏳️‍🌈SAGA/ Pride (Room 122)

October 31

🎮ESports (Room 8)

The West Genesee School District has a Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association (SEPTSA), designed to help parents advocate for special needs students and offers a forum for parents, teachers, and students to exchange information on many pressing issues in special education. Membership is open to any interested parent, teacher, or student. We offer regular meetings with speakers, workshops, and events. More information is available at https://www.westgenesee.org/district-services/parent-resources/septsa

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and we’re excited to take this opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

At CMS, we value creating an environment where all students feel seen, respected, and supported.

We encourage families to talk with their children about Down syndrome and the power of inclusion, reinforcing the message that every person, no matter their differences, contributes to the richness of our community. You can learn more on the Special Olympics website.

Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us foster a welcoming and inclusive school culture!