Principal's Message
Hello CMS Families,
During the last few weeks we have had a number of incidents around campus that have required a great deal of adult intervention. While this is not uncommon for middle schools, it did get me thinking about the dichotomy that exists in the development of the middle school mind. On the one hand, our students are growing up and exerting more independence, while on the other hand, they still really need us. The one thing that is a constant in life is change. But why do our children have to change and grow up so fast? And why do they continue to make the same mistakes over and over again?
As adults we know that growing up is both invigorating and difficult. We enjoy the added freedom and choice that comes with getting older but we are not always equipped to deal with the difficult situations life throws at us. This is in part because things are changing so fast. Every development period has its own list of things that must be learned in order to move onto the next developmental stage. There are four major developmental milestones that young teenagers need to reach before they become adults. They are:
- Adolescents slowly begin to move out of the family circle in order to become more independent. This can lead to solitary behavior. It also fuels the need for friendships. Companionship amongst their peers becomes extremely important for adolescents.
- Adolescents begin to look for a place to belong in the world. They look to their friends for protection and a sense of belonging. Developmental psychologists often stress the importance of friendships during adolescence.
- Adolescents begin to form their own identity. They begin to look to their peers to find out what is acceptable or ‘cool’. Music, movies, video games, fashion, popular culture, to name a few, become part of their identity.
- While adolescents are learning about themselves, they also become close studies of the people around them. They begin to develop strong opinions about the people in their lives. In addition, as part of forming an identity, an adolescent starts to form ideas around social organizations, political and economic systems, and of course, popular culture. They become the steward of what is cool and what is not.
While everyone experiences growing up differently, but you may recognize many of the behaviors listed above in your own teenager. In addition to the need to become independent, adolescents also have a strong need to belong. This is the dichotomy I mentioned earlier. As parents and educators, we must give our children the room they need to forge their own identities while at the same time continue to nurture and support them - "There are two lasting things we give our children. One is roots and the other is wings." This can be tricky but it is very important.
Next week I intend to write about the difference between fitting in and belonging.
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Candy Grams
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, ASB will be selling Candy Grams this week 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.
CMS Talent Show
Auditions for the annual CMS Talent Show are almost here. Students can sign up for a time slot in the front office beginning next Monday, February 11th. Auditions for talent and hosting will be held the week of February 25th - March 1st at lunch. The Talent Show will be held March 21st during Second Step.
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Spirit Week Feb. 11- Feb. 15
Monday:
Show your school pride and wear your CMS gear and/or the color Green. We are proud to be Mustangs. We are Safe, Supportive, Respectful and Responsible.
Tuesday:
2/12 is tutu day-wear your favorite tutu (we’ll have some to borrow too) and/or rainbow colors. CMS supports all students exactly as they are.
Wednesday:
Tie Dye Day-wear your favorite tie dye clothing. CMS supports peace, love and kindness for all.
Thursday:
Valentine’s Day-wear red and/or pink. Love wins! Love of friends, love of family, love of animals, love for our planet. Spread love to everyone and everything.
Friday:
National No One Eats Alone Day- wear purple to show your support to end social isolation. The Beyond Differences Club will be sponsoring music and lunch time activities. CMS is inclusive.
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DC/NY Trip
February 27th is the final deadline to enroll your child on 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 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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Tom Domer
Principal
Mustang Roundup
Teacher Appreciation Lunch on February 13
Help us celebrate the year of the pig and show our fabulous central teachers how much we appreciate them. Sign up here: http://signup.com/go/Pbgnwrg
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 to Discuss Sexual Health Curriculum for 7th Grade
Please join us for an interactive Parent Information event with Health Connected to find out more about the sexual health programs taught in school in 7th grade.
- WHEN: February 25
- WHERE: SCSD District Office Board Room, Unit 9B
- RSVP: http://evite.me/FtcKCJstmn
Hiring Crossing Guards
Thanks to funding from the City of San Carlos, SCSD is going to get two new crossing guards at the following locations: San Carlos Ave./Wellington and Club Drive/Exeter. If you know of a neighbor or relative who may want to apply to help out a few hours each school day, please contact All City Management Services at (800) 540-9290 or visit http://acmssafety.com/employment/ .
San Carlos Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan
The City of San Carlos is starting the process of developing a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan and they need our input, especially because our SCSD students will be impacted by this plan. Please check out this website for more information www.cityofsancarlos.org/bikepedmasterplan, and attend the open house on February 21, 2019 from 6-8pm at the San Carlos Library to provide your input. Share this information with neighbors and friends who may also be interested.
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
This is a ROPES Project for Ari Guelman, a 4th Grader
The goal of his project is to help raise awareness about sea turtles and get 500 Likes on his YouTube video.
Please view the 3 minute YouTube video he created to help spread awareness and "Like" his video.
Link: https://youtu.be/Hrp5-P2i_RY
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 Online Teacher Outing and Summer Camp Auction Starts February 4th at 9am!
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.
Register at: www.scefkids.org/teacherauction
Start bidding on February 4th at 9am. Bidding ends February 12th and 10pm.
Bid high and bid often!
Lucky on Live Tickets Are on Sale Now!
This is your chance to win a fabulous live auction item! Purchase a Lucky on Live raffle ticket. The lucky winner will choose from a selection of Starlight Gala live auction items. This year’s offerings include: Your own parking space downtown, Trip to NYC and the Tony Awards, Mexico Vacation, Dinner for 20 in the TOWN boardroom and more. See: http://www.scefkids.org/LOL2019 for the complete list.
Only 275 tickets will be sold. If you would like to purchase raffle tickets send an email to [email protected]. Tickets are $100 each or 6 for $500
SCEF Starlight Gala
Enjoy an adult night out with dinner, dancing, an exciting Live Auction and Silent Auction.
Make a plan with a few of your favorite couples and buy a table. Create some memories and support our schools.
Join parents and friends across the district at the annual SCEF Starlight Gala.
On March 9, 2019 at Sharon Heights Country Club.
Get your tickets before they’re gone at:
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.
- Date: February 12, 2019
- 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
http://www.designtechhighschool.org/