Middle School Principal’s Letter
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s version of the News and Views. We had another fun week of exploring and learning.
We had our drop-in parent-teacher conference on Monday and a full-day parent-teacher conference on Tuesday; and it was great to see so many parents in attendance. We hope that having the opportunity to meet with teachers and hear about your child’s academic goals for the year, will lead to a productive conversation at home. We required students to be at the conference because it is imperative for students to hear what their teachers have to say about them as learners.
When students transition from elementary to middle school, many of them are undergoing physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and moral changes (Cauley & Jovanovich, 2006; Eccles & Wigfield, 1997; Jackson & Davis, 2000; Schexnaildre, 2012; U.S. Department of Education, 2008). Some students mature faster than others. Those who are developmentally behind, typically experience more stress than their counterparts (Cauley & Jovanovich, 2006; Eccles & Wigfield, 1997; U.S. Department of Education, 2008). Consequently, they may earn lower grades and display decreased academic motivation. With this research in mind, I would like to appeal to your patience to support and understand your child as a learner.
In our division, we pride ourselves on building a sense of community for the newcomer middle schoolers and parents, which will ultimately help them feel more comfortable with the transition process. It is our hope that after the conference, all new families as well as six grade parents are feeling more connected to your new school environment. Please make your best effort to our coffee morning to stay informed about what is needed during this developmental stage in your child’s life.
Thanks to Ms. Petrovna, Ms. Ennis, and Ms. Hassuna for the organization of the biggest splash. This is a house event that our students look and faculty look forward to each year. It gives everyone an opportunity to truly express themselves.
Thanks to all the parents who were in attendance at the Center for Talented Youth presentation. The John Hopkins program gives our students the opportunity to extend themselves as learners outside our school. I am sure Dr. Gallagher, Ms. Spencer, and Ms. St.-Amand explained the rationale as to why our students should take advantage of this opportunity.
We will end this week with the Halloween Social tonight. Students are encouraged to dress up for the occasion. The Halloween Social will begin at 5:00 pm and end at 7:00 pm. Please be on time to collect your child.
Thank you for your continuous support of the middle school.
In Partnership,
Courtney Bailey
Middle School Principal
Announcements
Note from the Motor Pool Office
As per our new busing policy, Please be informed that starting this school year we have a new rule in our buses. “No friends and no switching buses are allowed anymore”.
CAC PTO’s Halloween Celebration
Visit by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth – 29th & 30th October
On 29th and 30th October, CAC will be visited by Mr Luke Kasim, the Director of Recruitment for Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY). CTY is a leading U.S. center for academically talented students and offers a range of summer and online courses and opportunities for highly able students from grades 2 to 12. On 29th October at 6:30pm Mr Kasim will deliver a presentation in the CAC Theater to all interested parents. This presentation is open to anyone, but those from outside the CAC community will need to register at the link. CAC parents can just come along. For more information, see the event flyer.
On 30th October, Mr Kasim will be based in the MS Conference Room and will be available for individual meetings with parents where he can answer questions or discuss options for individual students. To book a time with Mr Kasim, please use this form. If you are unable to make an individual appointment, or if you just have a general question, there will be two open drop-in times during the day:
11:00 – 12:00pm
3:00 – 4:00pm
If you have any questions about the CTY visit, please email Selena Gallagher: sgallagher@cacegypt.org
From the MS/HS Library
Online access to the NY Times for CAC
CAC community members now have online access to the New York Times. You will need to first sign up while on campus AND using the school wifi on your device. Once you have done that, you’ll be able to access from any device and anywhere. Here are instructions.
Some patrons have reported problems getting to the sign up page. Please stop by the MHS library to let us know if you are having that problem.
Battle of the Books Practice Round – November 6
The BOB practice round will now be on November 6, during lunch time.
Students have plenty of time to continue reading the books. We have multiple print copies of all the titles, and also ebook and digital audiobooks on the Sora app. Download the app to your mobile device or access it from your computer from the link above.
Biblionasium has a BOB challenge for MS students. Read all six books and receive a Biblionasium badge. The challenge is available to all MS students who are enrolled in Biblionasium.
Author visit
UK author, Stephen Davies, will be visiting CAC in November. Mr. Davies has written books for young adults, middle schoolers and elementary school children. A selection of his books will be on sale during his visit. See here for the list. We are not taking pre-orders for the books. This is for information only.
Three Cheers
Three Cheers to Ms. Spencer, Dr. Gallagher, Ms. St.-Amand for the presentation of the CTY program to parents and students.
Three Cheers to Ms. Petrovna, Ms. Hassuna, and Ms. Ennis for the organization of the biggest splash house event.
Three Cheers to Ms. Ennis, Mr. Coles, Ms. Parnell, Mr. Storey, Ms. Urbiztondo, and Ms. Spencer for chaperoning the Halloween Social.
Three Cheers to all parents who made it out to Parents Teacher Conferences.
Three Cheers to the parents who attended the CTY presentation.