CTMS Prowler
Special Spring Break Edition - with a lot of good info
Important Information Regarding Spring Break - March 29 to April 6
CTMS Community:
As we approach the upcoming Spring Break, I wanted to take a moment to touch base with you and provide some important updates and reminders to ensure a safe and enjoyable break for everyone.
1. Taking Time to Unplug and Relax:
- Encourage your children to take this opportunity to unplug from their devices and take a break from the stresses of school life. Encourage them to engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, whether it's spending time outdoors, reading a book, or pursuing a hobby.
- As a family, consider setting aside designated times to disconnect from technology and enjoy quality time together. Use this break as an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories.
2. Responsible Behavior:
- Remind your children of the importance of making safe and responsible choices during the break. Encourage open communication and set clear expectations regarding behavior and boundaries.
3. Mental Health Support:
- Spring Break can be an exciting but also a potentially stressful time for students. Encourage your children to talk with you if they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
4. Teacher Availability:
- Please note that Spring Break is also a break for our teachers, many of whom will be "off the grid" during the week. While they may not be available for regular school-related communications, they will be happy to hear of all of the excitement your student had during spring break when we return to school.
We appreciate your partnership in ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students. We look forward to welcoming students back on April 8, which coincides with the day of the Solar Eclipse. It's an exciting opportunity for students to witness a rare astronomical event! It seems that the optimal viewing time for the ecplise will be just after we dismiss shortly after 3:00 PM.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Wishing you and your family a wonderful and rejuvenating Spring Break!
Warm regards,
Nicole V. Reed
Principal
✨Special Staff Shout Out✨
We would like to give a special shout out and thank you to our School Nurse Mariah Dent and Bus Driver John Mills for not only their dedication to Jefferson County Schools, but also as paramedics. Combined, Nurse Dent and Mr. Mills have collected a combined 60 years of service in the medical field. Both Mr. Mills and Nurse Dent call on their emergency medical background when working with our students. We are very lucky to have access to both of these individuals for our staff and students at CTMS.
Thank you Mr. Mills and Nurse Dent for all that you do!
Kona Ice
Kona Ice will be visiting Charles Town Middle School on Friday, March 22! Send your student with $5.00 if they plan to purchase Kona Ice after lunch.
Ever Dream of Going to Italy?
Dear families,
We’re going to Italy in Summer 2025, and you’re invited!
We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity: https://bit.ly/49Sbkpc
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
In this info session, we’ll talk about:
- How this opportunity will benefit your student
- What we’ll see and do on our trip
- Everything that’s included in this experience
- How your child can earn academic credit
- How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
- How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period
There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Thanks,
Randy Stiers
Please note this is a non-school sponsored trip.
Upcoming Safety Drills
Today, Wednesday, March 20, CTMS participated in the State-wide Tornado Drill by practicing our Weather Drill procedures. We wanted to let you know of another upcoming drill that typically makes some students and adults feel uneasy. Prior to spring break, we will be conducting a lockdown drill to practice our safety procedures.
The safety and security of our students and staff are our utmost priority, and conducting regular safety drills is an essential part of our preparedness efforts. The lockdown drill will allow us to practice our response in the unlikely event of an emergency situation that requires securing the building and ensuring the safety of everyone inside.
During the drill, students will be instructed to follow specific procedures to ensure their safety. We want to assure you that this drill will be conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the age and developmental stage of our students, with the primary goal of familiarizing them with the procedures in a calm and reassuring environment.
We kindly ask for your support in discussing the importance of the drill with your child and reinforcing the importance of following instructions from school staff during such exercises. It's crucial that they understand the seriousness of these drills while also feeling safe and supported.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming lockdown drill, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your partnership in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment is greatly appreciated.
8th Grade- Get A Life Program
The 8th Graders will be participating in the "Get A Life" program, brought to CTMS by the WV State Treasurer's Office and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
The “Get a Life” program was developed for the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office by Fairmont State University to teach students statewide about managing personal finances through a fairly fun budget simulation. Students are first given a red card with a job title, family size, and monthly income. The red cards only have jobs available in West Virginia without any post-secondary education (like college or a trade school).
After the students buy a car, house, insurance, groceries, furniture, and gas, they trade in their red card for a green one, but not before the Green Reaper stops by. The Green Reaper hands out “accident” cards. Sometimes a student will get a puppy, other times they get a flat tire, but either way they spend money.
By now, the students are usually in debt, prompting the trade to a green card. The green cards give the students a better job, one only acquired through post-secondary education. When they finish with their green card, they usually have money left over. By demonstrating money management by allowing the students to see how easy it is to fall into debt without personal finance skills, they are better able to comprehend the importance of post-secondary education.
Upcoming Five Guys Spirit Nights!
Join the 6th grade team and the rest of us on March 27 and April 10 at Five Guys for a spirit night from 4:00-8:00. Money raised during these events will help to off-set the cost of the 6th grade field trip. Come out and show your support for CTMS no matter what your student's grade may be.
End of the Year Field Trips
Your student will be brining information for their end of the year field trips home in the coming days. Please look for those permission slip forms as it is imperative they are returned in a timely manner.
This year, all 3 grade levels will be taking a field trip. Trips were organized and picked out by the grade level team of teachers.
- 8th Grade: Washington DC - Museums and National Mall - May 15
- 7th Grade: Alamo Lunch and a Movie - May 16
- 6th Grade: Antietam Recreation - May 20
Please know that student discipline from the time the permission slips go home up to the field trip, will impact the student's ability to go on the trip.
Additionally, WE MUST HAVE CHAPERONE VOLUNTEERS TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THESE FIELD TRIPS HAPPEN! Please reach out the grade level representative to let them know if you would be interested in chaperoning.
- 8th Grade: Mrs. Triggs kristin.triggs@k12.wv.us
- 7th Grade: Mr. Stiers randy.stiers@k12.wv.us
- 6th Grade: Mrs. Agunsday deborah.agunsday@k12.wv.us
Changes to Car Rider Pick Up Procedures
Beginning 03/25/24 - any car rider student who has not been picked up by 3:00 pm will be waiting for their ride in the front lobby. If you are arriving after 3:00 pm, please park in the front of the school (near the pillars) and come into the lobby to pick up your student.
It is not too late to sign up for bus transportation! If picking your student up in the afternoon by 3:00pm creates a hardship for you. Please contact Ms. Mills at 304-725-3155 to arrange bus transportation.
WVSLES Parent Survey Information
The online parent survey will be available from February 26 through April 12, 2024.
Your feedback is important to us as we work to ensure a positive and supportive learning experience for our students. Please complete the West Virginia School Learning Environment Survey to share your thoughts about Charles Town Middle School.
Parent participation in the survey is voluntary, yet very important. Your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to participate; not to answer any questions you do not want to answer; and you may stop participating at any time during the survey without penalty. Your responses will be anonymous and confidential.
Parents can access the survey at: https://forms.office.com/r/UAgRBeNBde
📆Mark your Calendars 📆
March 22: Kona Ice
March 25: Get A Life Program (8th Grade)
March 25: EF Tours Informational Night - Trip to Italy - 6:00
March 27: Golden Horseshoe Test (8th Grade)
March 27: Spirit Night Five Guys 4:00-8:00
March 29: No School (OS Day)
April 1-5: Spring Break
April 6: 2024-2025 Scheudling for CTMS Begins! 😀
April 10: Spirit Night Five Guys 4:00-8:00
April 12: 2-Hour Early Release for Students (Faculty Senate)
April 18: CTMS Jazz Band Concert 7:00 @ WDIS
May 2: Spring Chorus Concert 6:30 @ WDIS
May 7, 8, 9: WV GSA Testing - All Grades Testing Math & Reading, Science (8th Grade Only)
May 8: Spring Band Concert 7:00 @ WHS
May 13: Chromebook Collection Begins
May 14: No School - Election Day
May 15: 8th Grade Field Trip (more information to follow)
May 16: 7th Grade Field Trip
May 16: Kiwanis Top 8th Grade Recognition 6:00 @ Shepherdstown Middle (Invitation Only)
May 20: 6th Grade Field Trip
May 24: (Tentative) Last Day for Students (2 Hour Early Release)
Grade level awards ceremonies are being planned at this time. The date for each ceremony will be announced prior to spring break. They will however occur the week of May 20-24.