Principal's Message
Jan. 28, 2019
In this week’s edition I would like to highlight some of the outstanding things going on around Central’s campus. Not only are our teachers busy teaching their student their given curriculum in an fun and engaging way, they are also grading papers, making connections, planning ahead and organizing their classrooms. We are also going out into the community, experiencing the world. But our teachers are also doing so much more. Below is an outline of some of the amazing things going on inside and out of the classroom:
CMS 8th Graders Finish 1-2-3 in the San Mateo County Short Story Contest!
Central 8th graders took top honors in the 2019 YANovCon Short Story Contest for students in Grades 6-12, sponsored by the San Mateo County public libraries. The contest prompt asked students to craft an original short story involving a main character who wants to share a secret, problem, or surprise about something in their home.
CMS students earned the top three spots out of more than 100 entries, and all will have the chance to read their stories at the Young Adult Novelist Convention Saturday, January 26th at the Millbrae library.
First Place - Bridget Sennett, 8th, for her story "A Living Ghost." Bridget won a book bundle and a writing journal, plus a one-on-one lunch with a Young Adult author at the Jan 26 Young Author Novelist Convention.
Second Place – Nicholas Kwok, 8th, for his story "Japanese Dexterity." Nicholas received a bundle of books and a writing journal.
Third Place - Cara Griffin, 8th, for her story "Stormy Skies." Cara received a writing journal.
Honorable Mention - Megan Pace, 8th, for her story "The Bottom Drawer."
Also on the English front, our 7th and 8th grade students were treated to a lesson taught by an award winning author (e.E. Charlton-Trujillo - pictured above). - This event was sponsored by the YANovCon event at the SMCL this weekend
e. E. Charlton-Trujillo turned to writing in a time of loss and urged kids to be creative and to turn to positive outlets over negative, self-harming ones.
Our 7th and 8th grade math teachers have implemented our Bridge Program for student who are motivated to take advanced math next year. It is great to see our students eager to push their math abilities to the next level.
The sixth grade class is working on a Project Based Learning (PBL) task: Sparta vs. Athens.
Students from all three social studies classes have been mixed together to form groups of 6.
The groups are then assigned one of the city-states. The groups have multiple topics that they must research about Sparta or Athens. Groups will decide how they will present their findings to
the class. After the presentations, the students will participate in a gallery walk and take notes on the other city-state. We expect all students to understand the government, economy, education, geography, how women and slaves were treated, and who was the god or goddess for each city-state.
Also in 6th grade: Ratios, rates, and percents – that’s what we are up to in 6th grade math classes! Equipped with this knowledge, students will be able to calculate tips, discounts on clothes, and ratios – maybe even give advice on the ponies! Our culminating project will be our simulated shopping trip where they will practice these newly learned skills and BUY, BUY, BUY! We can’t wait – who doesn’t like to shop!
In Innovation classes, students are sharing their Genius Hour projects and videos. We've seen everything from healthy vending machines to mag-lev transportation to inexpensive water filtration systems so far.
In Computers, students are learning the Python programming language and using it to create simple animated scenes.
6th grade Middle School Tech Basics students are working on their typing and presentation skills, with biography presentations happening now.
Art students are working on their Movie Poster Assignment - Students were asked to a design a Movie Poster based on their favorite movie (rated G or PG). The movie posters would be going up in the CMS office or the library where we have younger students on campus and thus the reasoning for the ratings. There maybe a few exceptions with a couple being PG -13 ( Harry Potter, Star Wars., etc.) but still being school appropriate. The students were to design the posters based on scenes or impressions from their favorite movie and not just copy a poster already created. The students completed the assignment in one and a half weeks.
The Counseling Department has been working diligently on the Great Kindness Challenge. This week (Jan. 28-Feb. 1) is The Great Kindness Challenge. We have a few different activities happening throughout the week to help all students focus on kindness. A list of kind acts are posted in all classrooms to help students with ideas of how to be nice to others.
We are also doing the Undercover Agents of Kindness activity. Students were emailed last week about how to sign up to be Undercover Agents of Kindness. Over 20 students signed up to be extra kind to another student secretly all week long. Then on Friday at lunch they will reveal who they are.
Also, we are ‘pushing each other’s buttons’ for kindness. On Wednesday, students will design a kindness button and teachers will be collecting them. On Thursday, student’s will receive a random button in the morning and interact with other students to find their own button. Trading, so that they only have one button at a time, until they are wearing their own.
Morning announcements will also encourage students to be kind to others throughout the week. “When you have a choice to be right or kind, always choose kind.”
Our band program has become a treasure in the San Carlos community. For years, now students have dedicated themselves to achieving musical excellence. This past Saturday the 26th, Central was honored to have our Jazz Band be a part of the Folsom Jazz Festival, the largest scholastic jazz festival in California. Our biggest congratulations to our students on a fantastic performance!"
If you were walking through campus and witnessed things being tossed of the second floor balconies, it was actually supposed to be happening. This week in 8th grade science, students integrated physics, creativity, and engineering in a fun Egg Drop project! We minimized the impact force and velocity to protect eggs from a 2nd story drop onto concrete. They then calculated final velocity, acceleration, momentum, potential energy, and kinetic energy, and compared to theoretical values. Each group took photos and videos to share all the fun!
In PE we are finishing up the dance unit with the primary focus on swing dancing. The goal is to prepare our students for the 13th annual swing dance competition again Tierra Linda of Feb 1st from 6:00-8:00 at Central’s gym. We are proving the the students the opportunity for students to practice their swing dance moves both in PE and at lunch. competing bring the two school communities together to have some a wonderful time with lots of smiles.
These are just a few of the ways in which we are engaging our students while navigating them through rigorous curriculum.
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On behalf of 17th District PTA it's my pleasure to announce that Donna Becht of Healthy Cities Tutoring has been awarded a PTA Honorary Service Award to acknowledge her contribution and service to the children and youth of San Mateo County. Donna founded Healthy Cities Tutoring as a parent of students in San Carlos more than 20 years ago, and as you see in your schools today, Healthy Cities and its volunteer tutors continue to have a positive impact on our students success.
attached a flyer advertising the PTA Founders Day Lunch - Tuesday, February 26, 11.30am - 1.30pm, where the award will be presented.
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Parent Ed: Preventing Drug and Alcohol Use
CONTENT: Join the professionals from Being Adept, along with their teen panelists on March 12 from 6:30-8:30pm at the SCSD District Office to learn the latest research-based practices for preventing drug and alcohol use among teenagers and young adults. There will be an opportunity for Q &A and interactive role play to help the adults understand how best to incorporate fruitful discussion with your family about this important safety topic. This free event is funded by our SCSD PTA Coordinating Council with support from the Sequoia Healthcare District and SCEF. RSVP: http://evite.me/cyW9TzAwyu
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Candy Grams
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, ASB will be selling Candy Grams from February 4th to 8th during lunch in the North Atrium. For $0.25, students and parents can buy one Candy Gram (a card and piece of Dove Chocolate) with a maximum of 8 sold per student each day. A parent table will be available for you to buy your child a Candy Gram in the front office on Wednesday, February 6th from 1:20 - 1:35 and Thursday, February 7th from 3:20 - 3:35. Please encourage students to bring small bills ($1s and $5s). Candy Grams will be distributed throughout the day on Thursday, February 14th.
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DC/NY Trip
There are only a few more weeks to enroll your child in the 8th grade Washington, DC and NYC trip from June 17, 2019 to June 21, 2019. You won't want your student to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Learn more about the trip and sign up at www.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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Parent Support Group
Audience: Parents of school-age students (all welcome on a drop-in or consistent basis)
Facilitators: Teresa Wace and Audrey Fairchild, Marriage & Family Therapy Associates from One Life Counseling
Beginning Thursday, January 10, these weekly meetings will be facilitated to allow parents to build community and resources for tackling parenting challenges.
Location: Heather Elementary School Library
Read more about the group here: https://tinyurl.com/y8lll7e5
RSVP:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-support-group-san-carlos-school-district-tickets-53717537601
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Mustang Roundup
Community Meeting Regarding Budget Stabilization Plan
Superintendent Harmeier will be hosting community meetings for parents, staff and community to attend so you can learn more about our budget and the proposed Budget Stabilization Plan, weigh in, and get answers to your questions. The two community meetings are:
February 11th, 7-8PM at Central Middle School
February 12th, 7-8PM at Heather Elementary School (note location change)
Please plan to attend one of these meetings to find out more information about the Budget for 2019-2020 school year.
Parent Ed Event January 29th
Join us Tuesday, January 29 for a parenting workshop with Dr. Jane Anderson from UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital to learn about building Healthy family Habits: Starting Early to Build Happy Teens.
Click here for more information and to RSVP: http://evite.me/nT5MU7SbuK
Parent Support Group
Audience: Parents of school-age students (all welcome on a drop-in or consistent basis)
Facilitators: Teresa Wace and Audrey Fairchild, Marriage & Family Therapy Associates from One Life Counseling
Beginning Thursday, January 10, these weekly meetings will be facilitated to allow parents to build community and resources for tackling parenting challenges.
Location: Heather Elementary School Library
Read more about the group here: https://tinyurl.com/y8lll7e5
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-support-group-san-carlos-school-district-tickets-53717537601
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
SCEF Starlight Gala
Enjoy an adult night out. Make a plan with a few of your favorite couples and buy a table. Have some fun, make some memories!
Join parents and friends across the district at the annual SCEF Starlight Gala.
It is a fabulous night of dinner & dancing with live and silent auctions.
March 9, 2019 at Sharon Heights Country Club.
Gala ticket are now available at: www.scefkids.org/events. Don’t miss out!
Teacher Auctions Start February 4!
Laser tag, bowling, Principal for the Day, Summer Camps and more…
Get excited to see all the fun and creative ways our teachers have cooked up to support SCEF with your kids!
Teacher Auctions Starting February, 4th at 10am.
Healthy Cities
Is Your Student Struggling With Math?
Is your student struggling with math? Want to learn how to help them with tips and insights from two seasoned San Carlos math teachers? Join Healthy Cities Tutoring for our Math Tips workshop. Want to tutor? Arrive early to hear about volunteer tutoring opportunities.
- 6:15-6:50 pm Orientation "How to become a tutor?"
- 7:00-8:30 pm Workshop "How to Support Your Student in Math"
Arroyo/Central Middle School Library
Presented by Shelia Sevilla, 4th grade teacher & Hillary Wiessinger, middle school math teacher
Open to Healthy Cities Tutors, Parents and Para-Educators
Click here to RSVP ).
Additional workshop on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Visit our website for more information.
Join us for Perfect Pairings 2019!
Join Healthy Cities Tutoring for the 5th annual Perfect Pairings benefit wine pairing dinner on Friday, March 1 from 5:30pm - 9:00pm at Domenico Winery, 1697 Industrial Road in San Carlos.
The Perfect Pairings benefit will be a festive celebration with delicious food and wine pairings, special friends and inspiring stories. Our community of supporters will enjoy passed appetizers and prosecco followed by a delicious 3-course sit-down dinner prepared by Chef Gino Gramegna and perfectly paired wines from Domenico while helping to make a difference in the lives of children.
Please purchase your tickets by Feb. 19 at Perfect Pairings. Contact Cris Adair with questions. Thank you!
High School Happenings
Sequoia High School
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