Principal's Message
May 18, 2020
The end of the year is fast approaching. Central staff members are getting ready for ways in which we are going to tie up the year. There are many things that we need to consider in how to end the school year while still in Shelter in Place.
One thing we are discussing is when the last day of instruction will be. We would like to provide students time to make up missing assignments and to be able to have time with their teachers where needed. Teachers have expressed the need to take some time to connect with their students and reflect on the year.
Teachers may also take some time to administer end of the year assessments. Typically this time of year would be dedicated to State Wide Testing (SBAC) and Summative Assessments. Because of this, new instruction slows down. We would like to use this time to schedule some creative ways to assess student learning.
We also have a number of housekeeping items to take care of. Organizing materials for pick-up and delivery is top of mind. Teachers have portfolios and projects they would like to return to students and we need to collect our textbooks and other school materials. We are working on a way to do this that follows the guidelines provided to us by the San Mateo Health Department. We need to avoid mass gatherings and maintain physical distancing.
For our 8th graders, we are working on providing the best Promotion Ceremony we can while at the same time honoring the health code restrictions. I will continue to reach out to 8th Grade families on our plans.
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From Your Teachers
Our teachers have been impressed with how many students are asking about their well being. It is very touching when a student inquires about a faculty member and shows concern for their health and safety. Students are demonstrating how much they care for their teachers and are empathizing with them. It has been wonderful for us to see such heartfelt concern from the Central community.
Reminder to students:
If your teacher emails you, please acknowledge that you have read the email. It does not need to be much, just a simple reply stating that you have seen the email.
In Zoom Meetings make sure to show your face. It is difficult for teachers running zoom meetings when they are looking at a bunch of black squares with names on them. In addition, you must use your real name. Teachers will not admit you to a zoom meeting if you have a made-up name because they do not know who you are. Remember, you are more productive in meetings when you are as present as possible, so please show your face and use your actual name - we want to see the real you.
Given the fact that teachers are not seeing students in person, it is even more important for students to try to be self-advocates. It is difficult for teachers to know when a student might need some assistance or have a question. Please reach out to your teachers.
Tom Domer
Principal
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Yearbook Sales Deadline *Updated*
If you have not bought a yearbook, buy one now before it's too late! Due to the delay in printing/shipping, we were able to extend the sales deadline. Once the online sales close on May 31st, we will NOT be selling yearbooks for cash or check as we have in previous years. If you are unsure whether you have bought a yearbook or not, email yearbook advisor Nick Lamb - [email protected]. If you are in need of financial assistance for a free or reduced price book, contact Principal Tom Domer - [email protected].
To buy a yearbook, go to www.cmsyearbook.com and you will be redirected to the secure Herff-Jones sales website.
PTA News
Photos for 8th Grade Slide Show - by May 22nd
8th grade parents - your help is needed! Traditionally, at the end-of-the-year graduation breakfast, a slideshow is shown highlighting this year's graduates and their time at CMS over the last 3 years. This year, we are working on a slideshow that will be distributed to the students instead. Please pick your favorite 'school related' photos that can be shared with the entire 8th grade class and their families. Place the photos in this folder link by Friday May 22.
Include pertinent information about the photo in the filename, especially when and where it was taken. Some ideas are photos from field trips, science fairs, band/orchestra competitions, Halloween, after-school sports, Stampede & Soar, and other outside of school activities. All photos are needed from their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. Please contact Amy Kodl or Mr. Lamb, if you have any questions.
PTA Zoom Meeting - May 27th at 3pm
In order to best respond to a quickly changing landscape and incorporate as much as possible when planning our budget and activities for the coming year, our final Central/Arroyo PTA Zoom Meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday 5/27 at 3pm. Please join us to connect with each other, hear from our principals, and participate in other important PTA business:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81852997474?pwd=NWFZV2NYS1lYbjZDaVB4V0ZLdkRsUT09
Meeting ID: 818 5299 7474
Password: 912967
We are also excited to announce our NEW Central/Arroyo PTA Executive Board for the 2021-22 school year:
- David Pollack (PTA President)
- Kirsten Kell (Exec VP)
- Paulo Dutra (Treasurer)
- April Lasky (Secretary)
- Megan Miller (Parliamentarian)
- Debbie Blucher, Amy Ihde, Trinity Murphy (Chair of SCEF Relations)
- Andrea Mardesich (Communications Director)
- Jessica Eva (VP Advocacy)
Thank you to our new slate of directors! We are grateful for all our volunteers and our amazing school community. Hope to see you on the 27th!
District News
Board Study Session - Budget Discussion May 21, 7pm via Zoom
The COVID-19 crisis is negatively impacting the SCSD budget, requiring reductions in staffing and programming next year. You are invited to attend the next school board meeting on Thursday, May 21, 7:00 pm to learn more about the Governor’s May Budget, hear about possible reductions in SCSD, and provide input to the school board.
SCEF
California public school funding is taking a hit as a result of COVID-19. Please read about the most recent budget update here - http://www.scefkids.org/news/. These cuts make SCEF’s role imperative to maintain the well-rounded, whole child education we expect in San Carlos. If you have the capacity to donate now, we ask for your help to raise the final $350,000 needed to fulfill our grant to the District and help fund educator positions and programs for next school year.
PLEASE go online NOW to make a donation - https://www.scefkids.org/donate/.
Thank you for your support.
Community Partners
San Carlos Youth Center Zoom Tuesdays
Looking for a way to connect your child with their friends? Come join the San Carlos Youth Center staff for some after school fun during our drop-in program via Zoom on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 pm - 4:10 pm. Much like drop-in, the Youth Center staff will be running various games and activities all designated to connect your child with their peers! Zoom login information has been sent to all 2019-2020 Youth Center members' parents via email.
If you have any questions or activity suggestions, please contact Caitlyn Matoso at [email protected].
Parent Education Series - Virtual Parent Education Events
The Parent Education Series is a leading provider of high-quality education for parents, students, educators, and community members. The organization has reached over 70,000 attendees on critical issues-mental health, substance use, social media, and more-that impact the health, safety, and well-being of children and teens.
Check out the Parent Education Series video library of parent education workshops and presentations - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt-IoSXVF_U2_R0zDaefG3Q
Learn more - https://www.seq.org/STUDENTS--PARENTS/Parent-Resources/Parent-Education-Series/index.html
Census 2020
Completing the 2020 Census has never been easier! If you misplaced your 12-digit Census ID or don’t know how to start the process, you still have time.
Visit the County of San Mateo - Government's Census page for more information - https://cmo.smcgov.org/census-2020-san-mateo-county