Dear CMS Families,
As we move through this significant presidential election period, we recognize that emotions are running high and public conversations are often intense. At Cohasset Middle School, our priority is to create a supportive and unified environment for all students. Throughout November, we will focus on themes of unity, appreciation, and inclusivity, ensuring our school remains a safe and welcoming space for every child.
Some of our classes, such as Civics, may explore aspects of the election process, including discussions on the Electoral College and the democratic process. However, our primary focus remains on helping students feel connected, valued, and secure, regardless of what may be unfolding in the news or on social media.
We understand that many students may be impacted by the outcome of the election, as it may be a topic of conversation at home and in the wider world. To that end, our teachers are dedicated to providing the warmth, joy, and engaging activities that define the CMS experience, offering students a sense of stability and predictability.
To help your child process and navigate the coming days or weeks, I’m including a few resources that may be helpful:
1. "Talking to Children and Teens About Elections" (Psychology Today) - This article offers practical advice for discussing current events calmly and openly with children.
2. Child Mind Institute's "Guidance for Speaking to Kids About the Election" - A guide that focuses on how to address your child's feelings and stress that may come from heightened public discourse.
Please reach out if you have questions or would like more specific support for your child. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Cohasset Middle School a safe and inspiring place for everyone.
Warm regards,
Principal Mills
This past week, all of our Spanish students across grades 6-8 delved into the vibrant Mexican tradition of DĂa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This cultural celebration, observed each year from October 31 to November 2, honors the memory of loved ones who have passed, celebrating life, family, and the importance of remembrance. DĂa de los Muertos offers a unique and joyful perspective on life and death, and students enjoyed learning how this tradition connects to Mexican heritage and identity as they learn Spanish.
Below, you’ll find photos of our Spanish 7 students who crafted "sugar skulls" (calaveras de azĂşcar), a popular symbol associated with DĂa de los Muertos, embodying the lively spirit and colorful artistry that makes this holiday so special. Additionally, further down, there is a video slideshow showcasing the creative mini altars (ofrendas) designed by our Spanish 8 students, each one carefully constructed to represent the role played in Mexican culture.
On Thursday, CMS students also watched "Coco", a Disney film that captures the essence of DĂa de los Muertos and its central themes of family and memory. The movie enriched their understanding of this holiday’s role in Mexican culture and its importance as a celebration of life and remembrance. Our StuCo provided intermission snacks as a thank you to our student body's support of StuCo Hurricane Relief fundraising. It was a fun, whole-school activity that brought all students together.
At Cohasset Middle School, we believe that learning about the cultures of the world is an essential component of language study and integral to our core values. By understanding diverse traditions and perspectives, our students broaden their worldview, gaining respect and empathy for others—a value that we aim to foster in all aspects of our school community.
School Immunizations
Dear CMS Community Member,
School immunization requirements exist to protect students and members of their community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring high vaccination rates. Massachusetts students must provide documentation of immunization or show a medical or religious exemption.
Prior to the start of seventh grade, students are required to provide documentation that they have had the following vaccines: 1 dose of Tdap, 4 doses of Polio, 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 2 doses of MMR, 2 doses of Varicella (laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable), 1 dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY) and are up to date with all other immunizations.
Information about school immunization requirements and data are available at mass.gov.
Please contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
Nurse Erin
Erin Kalberer, APRN
Cohasset Middle School Nurse
143 Pond St, Cohasset, MA 02025
Phone: (781) 236-1070
Fax: (781) 236-1040
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76 requires that each school notify parents and guardians if their student has five (5) or more unexcused school absences. Parents and guardians will receive a letter when their child has 5, 10, and/or 15+ days of unexcused absences. The letter will also include the number of unexcused tardies and unexcused early dismissals.
Absences will be excused under the following circumstances:
After a medical appointment documented with a note from the medical office
Illness or quarantine with a note from the appropriate medical office
Observance of a religious holiday
Bereavement or serious illness in family
Court appearance
A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee in accordance with the school committee policy and the regulations set in Chapter 76
Daily attendance is essential to a student's success. Missing a significant number of days of school has a detrimental effect on academic and social development. Therefore, each school will work with individual families to support student attendance.
We call it the CMS Tide because just as the tide brings to us treasures from the deep and leaves them on the beach for us to discover, The CMS Tide brings to our community the news, images, and stories about life at CMS each week,
We hope you enjoy each issue this year!
Cohasset Middle School
Website: https://www.cohassetk12.org/Domain/9
Location: 143 Pond Street, Cohasset, MA, USA
Phone: 781.383.6100
Twitter: @comsprincipal