Family Weekly Update

I want to express my sincere gratitude for a fantastic week at CMS! I truly appreciate the dedication and focus of our entire school community in fostering student ownership, especially through increased academic discourse.

I hope everyone has the opportunity to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day and reflect on his powerful message of inclusivity and justice. Let us all strive to build a more compassionate and equitable community where we have the courage to stand up against all forms of discrimination.

Gavin Softic (he, him)
Principal
Collins Middle School

Progress reports will be published to the ASPEN Parent Portal by 5PM.

If you need assistance with the ASPEN Parent Portal please contact our family engagement facilitator, Malcolm Pimentel. mpimentel@salemk12.org

Technology Family Resources

Drivers who attempt to quickly get around the bus can and have caused serious bodily injury, and even death. Young children between the ages of 4 and 7 are at the greatest risk, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services.

While you may not be able to see a child running across the street, the stopped bus with flashing lights is an indicator that children are present and have not safely made it on or off of the vehicle. Bus drivers will turn off the lights when they see that the children have reached safety, and that’s why it is critical that drivers on the road follow these cues. Drivers who fail to do so are breaking the law.

Do your part to keep Massachusetts school children safe by obeying the school bus zone law.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Starting January 21st our school’s health staff will begin a health screening called SBIRT. SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. SBIRT is used to screen for alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, and other drug use. This health screening is required by Massachusetts law.

Students in grade 7 will take part in this screening which takes about 5-10 minutes. School health staff will have one-on-one conversations with students. They will ask students about alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, or other drug use over the past year. Staff will then talk with each student about how to support their overall health, safety, and success in school. If the student needs more assessment or support, health staff may work with the student and/or their parent/guardian.

The questions asked during this screening are listed in the attached CRAFFT screening tool. Please read this tool, which has been approved by the Department of Public Health.

Please note:

• Screening results are recorded. No information that could identify a student is kept (for example, name or date of birth).

• Screening results will not go into the student’s school record.

• Screening results will not be shared without the permission of the student or their parent/guardian. However, results may be shared in the case of immediate medical emergency, or when required by state law.

As with any school health screening, you can opt your child out of this process. Students themselves may also choose not to take part. If you do not want your child to participate in this screening or you have questions, contact the Collins Middle School Nurses by Friday January 17th:

Nurse McKenzie - MShultz@salemk12.org
Nurse Drea- AHoman@salemk12.org
Nurses phone number: 978-740-1194

Parents and guardians can help their children make healthy choices. One important way to prevent alcohol and drug use is to talk with them about your thoughts and expectations. Some resources that can help these discussions include:

• https://drugfree.org/

• https://helplinema.org/for-parents/

• https://handholdma.org/

Together, schools and parents/guardians CAN make a difference for the youth of Salem.

Thank you,

The 2024-2025 Wellness Team

Ms Tep's Site

Art Website: Please check out student work captured on the website set up by Ms. Tep below featuring student work! CMS Student Work Art Website

Monday

• 1/20 - No School Martin Luther King Jr.

Tuesday

• 1/21 - Girls Practice - 3:25-4:30

Wednesday

• 1/22 - Boys Game - Home - Pickering - 3:45
• 1/22 - Girls Game - Home - Pickering - 4:45
• 1/22 - Cheerleading -Home -Pickering - 3:25-6:00

Thursday

• 1/23 - Boys Practice - 3:25-4:30

Friday

• 1/24 - Intramural Practice - 3:25-4:30

Saturday

• 1/25 - Intramural Basketball Games

If you are looking for after-school programming for your student, please let us know. There are several clubs, activities, and programs available for middle school-aged students.

We’re happy to help you find the right fit!

jhrodriguez@salemk12.or csakelakis@salemk12.org

Come and Support CMS!

Meetings:

• Jan 21st 630pm (Virtual) - https://meet.google.com/ixq-qqtg-gqg?hs=122&authuser=0
• Feb 25th 630pm
• March 18th 630pm
• April 15th 630pm
• May 20th 630pm
• June 17th 630pm

We are reaching out to remind you that our multilingual (ML) students will begin their ACCESS testing on Wednesday, January 8th. This important assessment, similar in significance to the MCAS, evaluates students in four key domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

This is a challenging process for our students, and we are committed to ensuring they have the respect and encouragement needed to showcase their abilities and growth. We kindly ask for your support in helping us create an environment that honors their hard work. Here are a few ways you can assist:

1. Encourage your student to show respect for ML students' testing environment by lowering voices during school transitions, especially near the library and annex spaces.
2. Motivate your child to share kind words and support their peers who are participating in this rigorous assessment.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our ML students feel respected, motivated, and celebrated. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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The goal of this document is to support families, staff, and students in outlining clear and consistent expectations for the Collins Middle School.

We recognize that clarity is necessary in setting a strong foundation for the positive school culture and climate at Collins Middle School. Collins Middle School is committed to providing an equitable environment for all students, and to ensuring that all students are able to access their right to a free appropriate public education. For this reason, it is vital that students and families understand the rights and responsibilities of a student of Collins Middle School. For a full overview of the areas addressed below, please refer to the Collins Middle School Handbook, which is in adherence to the Salem Public Schools Code of Conduct.

This document provides an overview of our expectations and provides details on our response to infractions in the event that situations arise over the course of the school year.

CMS School-Based Rules and Agreements

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557372650897

• Salem Park, Recreation and Community Services Newsletter: Please find and distribute January newsletter- English/Spanish

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollinsMiddleSchoolSalemMA/

Instagram: Cmshappenings

Website: spscollins.salemk12.org