Principal's Message
Thank you to our PTA and all the volunteers and participants in this year’s colorful fun run. Judging from the dyed shirts, faces and bodies, it was a smashing good time. I am glad we were able to have such a great community event.
Last week I shared an article about how to raise independent children. One of the suggestions in the article is to let your child struggle through conflicts in his or her life. Research states that teenage drama is actually necessary for brain development. Having said that, sometime adults need to step in to provide guidance and sometimes discipline. We have also learned from research that teenagers need their parents as much or more than they did when they were younger. Teenages crave adult attention and supervision. This is equally true at home as well as at school.
This week I would like to write about some of the measures we have adopted over the past few years to make sure Central remains a safe and supportive place for our students. A large part of our mission at CMS is to build a strong school community that is tolerant and respectful of everybody. Because of this, we plan on sustaining our focus on a Supportive and Inclusive School Community. We are continuing the work we have been doing in implementing a system of Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS), a research-based framework designed to improve school climate, reduce problem behavior, and increase instructional time. We supplement this with Restorative Practices which combine community building, developing empathy for one another, and rebuilding trust when it has been broken.
Because our staff has put forth so much effort into building a positive school culture, there is a tremendous amount of work I would like to share with you. Our PBIS program has four main components. I will be sharing each of these elements within the next few weeks. I will also share some of our data and the results we have seen through the implementation of PBIS. The four elements are:
- Clear, Consistent Behavior Expectations
- A System of Positive Reinforcements
- Correcting Negative Behavior Through Intervention and Support
- Collecting and Analysing Behavior Data to Inform Decision Making
When we started this work a couple of years ago, we worked with staff, PTA, Site Council, and our student leadership groups to establish a vision of what we wanted our school culture to be and developed the following school climate vision statement.
- At CMS we continually strive to create a positive, inclusive learning environment with a community of students, staff, and parents who are RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL, SUPPORTIVE and SAFE.
We have a committee of staff members who meet throughout the year to carry out this vision. We work with our student leadership groups to plan student events such as Ally Week, No Name Calling Week, The Great Kindness Challenge, etc. We also spend time explicitly teaching and reviewing our core values (Responsible, Respectful, Supportive and Safe). We define what these values look like in different locations around the school and stress these core values throughout the year with the goal that every student understands what we stand for.
We also promote these values through a system of positive reinforcement. All staff and parent volunteers on campus distribute “Pride Cards” when we see students exhibiting behaviors in line with our core values. Not only does this encourage good behavior, it also helps us build positive relationships with students through those interactions.
We believe that by simultaneously providing support and clear expectations (and interventions when needed) we can help our students develop productive habits and healthy relationships. When our kids know that we value them personally, they will develop higher levels of self-confidence and they will feel safe enough to take risks with their learning. The CMS staff wants students to feel safe enough to make mistakes and learn from them both in and outside the classroom. I hope that by explaining to our families our disciplinary procedures, you will understand why we dedicate so much of our time and energy to building community. Even when disciplinary action is required, because we have taking the time to build relationships with our students our actions do not come across as overly punitive or unfair.
Another powerful way we build relationships at school is through our Restorative Practices and Community Circles. CMS has invested a great deal of time this year learning how to run Community Circles effectively. We have dedicated several Professional Development days to learning, practicing and honing our skills around Circles. We employ this Restorative Practice when we feel something has happened that requires us to rebuild trust. By conducting a discussion in a safe space where people can be honest and vulnerable, we find that difficult, sometimes uncomfortable situations can be addressed. Circles are explicitly meant to build community, therefore, we work hard to create a caring, trusting environment. If you are interested in learning more about how we carry our a Community Circle take a look at this article from The Center for Restorative Process
As much as we stress positive support, there are times that we need intervention. Watch for more information about that next week.
I really like this article from The Successful Parent - Building a Relationship with Your Teen
It is well worth the few minutes it takes to read it. What I appreciate the most is the concrete examples it gives on what to talk about with your teen.
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Thanks so much to those parents who have volunteered to help supervise during lunch. It's great to have extra adult eyes on campus and we've heard a lot of feedback from them about how much they enjoy seeing what goes on during lunch. If you'd like to volunteer to come in (you're welcome to come just once or as often as you'd like), please sign up. Fall trimester sign-ups can be found here. Winter trimester sign-ups can be found here. We'll send out a new list for spring in 2019.
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Halloween Costume Contest
Students are invited to participate in the annual Halloween Costume Contest at recess this Wednesday. Students can enter one of the following categories: creative, scary, group, and funny. Any students interested in participating can sign up using the Google Form emailed to their school emails.
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8th Grade DC/NYC Trip
There is still time to enroll your child in the 8th grade Washington, DC and NYC trip from June 17, 2019 to June 21, 2019. Learn more about the trip and sign up atwww.efexploreamerica.com/2101599md.
The DC/NY trip is not school sponsored or affiliated with the San Carlos School District, but led by an individual through EF Explore America. If you have any questions about this trip, please contact Jennifer Williams at [email protected].
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I know there is a High School Happening section to this newsletter, however, there are some new procedures for high school enrollment for Sequoia HS District.
The number one thing to remember is to get your paperwork in as early as possible. Address verification is opening on Nov. 1st. All parents of incoming 9th graders going to SUHSD need to complete address verification in person. link to steps here
Hit this link for Important Dates and Reminders
Open enrollment will not be considered without a completed address verification form.
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Tom Domer
Principal
Mustang Roundup
Arroyo CMS PTA
November PTA Meeting:
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next PTA meeting on November 14! Please note due to scheduling conflicts, the time has changed to 8:45am. We apologize for the inconvenience but hope that you can still join us!
Sign-up for Your 2018-2019 PTA Membership
There's still time to sign up for your Central Arroyo PTA membership. Membership is just $20 per family or $10 per individual.
Becoming a member offers the opportunity to contribute to important discussions that impact your children’s experience at school; meet other parents and build community; and partner with the CMS/Arroyo school community to ensure a safe, welcoming, and fun learning environment.
Joining the PTA is an easy way to show your support for the school and does not require a large time commitment – there is no obligation to attend meetings or volunteer for events. If you are interested in becoming more involved, you can always attend the monthly meetings or choose from the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the year.
Sign up for your PTA membership here.
Already signed up? Pick up your 2018-2019 Membership Cards in the office.
PTA Partner Donation Deadline - November 1
November 1 is the deadline to collect PTA donations and we are $8,000 away from our fundraising goal. Thank you to the 200-plus Central and Arroyo families that have joined as Parent Partners so far. Only 40 more family donations will ensure continued support for teacher grants, library, Art-in-Action, garden and other programs and events.
Every contribution helps and we truly appreciate your support! Please consider making your one-time PTA donation today at https://centralarroyopta.myschoolcentral.com/
Stampede and Soar 2018
Thank you so much to all who came out to run the rainbow with us! We raised a lot of money to support our schools and hope you all had fun.
Thank you especially to all of the wonderful volunteers who arrived early to set up, stayed late to clean up, kept us fed and happy with donuts and coffee, took pictures, supervised the registration and first aid tables, and fearlessly served as color sprayers and course marshalls.
Thank you also to the incredible Stampede and Soar team for your time, enthusiasm, generosity, creativity, support and heart: Brian Jett, Becky Mock, Luann Rosmando, Sara Taylor, Joyce Romeo, Mandy Rivas, Shelley Knowlton, Kelin Ingallis, Leslie Ostrander, and Beth Rowell.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Please support our very generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor: County Consumer Plumbing Group.
Gold Sponsors: Chang Orthodontics; Da Vinci Marble; Joyce & Tatum Real Estate Team; MA Private Wealth; San Carlos Orthodontics; Tavarez Orthodontics.
Silver Sponsors: Alana Corso @ Dwell Realtors; Andrews Orthodontics; Brittan Park Valuation; Floorcraft Carpet One Floor & Home; Kirsten Kell, Marriage and Family Therapist; Horticare; Hyland Design Group; Pams Path to Travel, Road Runner Sports.
New Student Registration Parent Information Night for 2019-2020
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 6:30-8:00PM
Central Middle School’s Gym (757 Cedar Street)
Enrollment for kindergarten/transitional kindergarten begins November 1, 2018! The Parent Information Night is designed to provide parents/guardians with information about the San Carlos School District and it’s programs and to address any questions that they might have regarding the registration process. Should you have any questions about this event or the registration process please contact the District Office at 650-593-1452.
ROPES Registration is Open to all 4th, 6th, and 8th Graders
ROPES (Rite Of Passage ExperienceS) registration is now open! Don't forget to register by November 9, 2018. No late registrations will be accepted. For more information on ROPES or to register, visit https://scsdk8.edlioschool.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1121411&type=d&pREC_ID=1394181 For questions, please contact [email protected].
Book Fair a Success!
Just a quick thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped make the Book Fair a success! We couldn't have done it without you. Also, a big thank you to all the parents and students who attended the Book Fair. Money raised at the Book Fair directly funds important library and PTA programs. In case your student has asked - the dragon beat out the unicorn in the All About Books contest.
SCSD Athletics
Please use the DISTRICT LINK https://www.scsdsports.org for information on SCSD Athletics. Call 415-334-3333 or email [email protected] with any questions.
SCEF
8th Annual Halloween Candy Buy Back
Enjoy some of your Halloween treats and then donate the rest! Drop-off your Halloween Candy at your school’s office November 1-7th. Local dentists Drs. Amin, Chang and Kaher will donate $1 per pound of wrapped candy to SCEF, and Operation Gratitude with Estes Express Shipping will ship the candy to our troops overseas.
Support our troops and support your school!
Get Your Faculty and Friends Concert Tickets Now!
Go to: https://www.scefkids.org/events
On November 9 at 7pm, join our SCSD music teachers, local musicians and community members for an evening of live music. This popular event, held at St. Charles Church in San Carlos, is great for the whole family. Refreshments will be available for sale at intermission. Support SCEF, music in our schools and enjoy our local musicians.
SCEF Raffle for a Fantastic Spring Break Vacation, March 30-April 6, 2019
Win a Vacation Rental for Spring Break in Orlando, and make your family’s Florida vacation dream come true!
Win a 6-night stay in a two-bedroom villa at Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas at Lake Buena Vista in Orlando. Sleeps 8.
Drawing on November 30, 2018 at 7pm during Night of Holiday Lights on Laurel Street in San Carlos. Get your tickets by emailing: [email protected]
Ticket prices are: 1 for $25, 3 for $60, 5 for $100
Have a Ton of Fun and Support SCEF
Our heartfelt thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
Alten Construction, Absolute Electrical, Bolar Painting & Drywall, CB Showers, GDA Commercial, IABA, Lyngso Garden Material, PTA, Tavarez Orthodontics
Community Partners
- No updates this week
High School Happenings
Sequoia High School
Shadow Program
A shadow day is an opportunity for eighth grade students to spend the day at Sequoia and experience firsthand what it’s like to be a member of the Sequoia family.
Students have an opportunity to observe Sequoia High School for the day, and there is a Parent Information Session the morning your student shadows.
For more information and to sign up see link below (spaces are filling up quickly)
8th Grade Welcome Night
November 14, 2018 - 6:00 PM Carrington Hall
Visit Classrooms and Meet Department Chairs
Q and A with extracurricular leaders
International Baccalaureate (IB) Informational Meeting
January 15, 2018 - 6:00 PM - Carrington Hall (Spanish Presentation @ College Career Center)
Presentation from IB Program Coordinator about IB: an honors program that challenges students to reach their fullest academic potential, while developing both as students and global citizens
See sample course loads for 9th-12th grades
Campus Tours
November 10, 2018 and January 26, 2019, Front of School
Approximately 30 minute tours led by current Sequoia Leadership students
Tours will depart between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. No advanced sign-ups necessary
Highlights points of interest on campus and provides answers to frequently asked questions
Performing Arts
Fall Musical The Drowsy Chaperone: November 10, 11, 16 and 17 @ Carrington Hall
Spring Play The Children's Hour: March 8, 9, & 10, 2019 @ Carrington Hall
Fall Concert: October 23 @ Carrington Hall (7:00 pm)
Open House
Thursday, March 28, 2019 -7:00-8:30 PM
Open to Current and Prospective Students
Sequoia Day/Sequoia Stampede
Saturday, April 13, 2019 (9:00 AM)
Freshman Welcome Night
Wednesday, April 25 @ MPR 6:30-8:30 PM
Also, for more information about Sequoia and all of our programs, please visit our website at http://www.sequoiahs.org/index.html
Carlmont High School
Attached please find the October Carlmont Corner & a detailed flyer about Shadowing at Carlmont. Shadow registration will be available through our website beginning on October 8th.
http://www.carlmonths.org/Parents/8th-Grade-Transition/index.html
INFORMATION
• Carlmont High School website: http://carlmonths.org/
• Sequoia Union High School District website: http://www.seq.org/
MIDDLE SCHOOL LIAISONS
• Central, Charter, & Tierra Linda: Chris Cook [email protected]
• Nesbit, Ralston & Non-Feeder: Carol Castro [email protected]
• For non-feeder school ONLY: email [email protected] to join mailing list
Summit/Everest High School
For more information go to summitps.org
Design Tech High School