CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

February / March / April 2014 CREATIVE MINDS SUCCEED

New in this issue:

Pg 3-Upcoming events

Pg 5– New Clerk

Pg 6 & 7—SIP Minutes for January

Pg 8 – PTO Minutes for December

Pg 9—Geography Bee / Spelling Bee

Mongo Fever!

Guest Grillers, aka CMS Teachers, grill

up delicious dishes for a lively CMS

fundraiser at Mongolian BBQ!

2

List of Staff 2013-2014

Brian Toth, Principal Kelly Gallagher, Assistant Principal SECRETARIES

Kellie Angelosanto 6th grade office

Cindy Dobrovic, 7th/8

th grade office

Nancy Horvat, Data processor CLERK Dawn Hesterman COUNSELORS

Jason Gilders Lisa Judd

6th GRADE TEACHERS Tamara Besco Math Maureen Cauchi Language Arts Shelly Demoss Science Marcy Gallagher Math Andrew Kaschalk Language Arts Leann Lambert Math Brenton Montie Social Studies Jaclyn Payne Language Arts Bonnie Sevakis Science Tracy Steffes Social Studies

7TH GRADE TEACHERS Tamara Besco Algebra Justin Chamberlin Social Studies Jesse Christner Social Studies Holly Hare Algebra Stephanie Jordet Social Studies Darcy Lab Language Arts Brooke Ortwine Social Studies Derrek Ross Science Michelle Sanderson Science Kimberly Staley Social Studies Heather Thomas Language Arts Lisa Welch Math

8th GRADE TEACHERS Jennifer Barshaw Social Studies Tamara Besco Algebra Justin Chamberlin Social Studies Stephanie Ferguson Language Arts Carol Hildebrandt Science Stephanie Jordet English Rachelle Kalbfleisch Algebra Andrew Kaschalk English Erin Lowery English Brooke Ortwine Algebra Kimberly Staley Social Studies Brian Wilson Science

LEARNING RESOURCE TEACHERS Megan George T.M.I. Lucy Gilders Heidi Host Math Liz Rhoad Stephanie Rohrbach Math/LA Paula Sullins T.M.I.

ELECTIVE TEACHERS Anthony Arbini Art 7 Tamara Besco Math Lab 6

Jon Cadwallader Spanish 8 Kevin Cort Band Paul Eibler Performing Arts 7 Bill Fransee Technology 6,8/ Keyboard 6/ Journalism 6 Carol Hildebrandt Performing Arts 8 Stephanie Jordet Keyboard , Journalism 6 Writing Lab 7 Andrew Kaschalk Performing Arts 8,Writing Lab 6 Jill Lemerand Health 6, 7 Erin Lowery Writing Lab 8 Jenna Mate Spanish 8 Brian Pearson Woodwinds 6 James Reddy Health 6 Melinda Towns Choir Lidong Yuan Chinese

PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS Misty Bratcher 6,7,8 Keith Niedbala 6 & 7 Kari Smith 6

TEACHER CONSULTANT Heidi Host Debbie Ross

MEDIA CENTER Laurie Ketron

PARAEDUCATORS Patricia Barlow Linda Browne Lori Gasparotto Cynthia McPhail Anne Marie Noyes

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES Monica Mapley

BUILDING ENGINEER Jim Shekell CUSTODIANS Bridget Koslowski Kathy Nichols Kathy Vines KITCHEN Rebecca Hull Manager Jennifer Miller Helper Jeanne Morris Helper HALL MONITOR Julie Miller LUNCH AIDES Laura Elwood Robbie Levett Devona Narita Sharon Vinson MISCELLANEOUS Stacey Bean Social Worker Amy Dietz Speech Pathologist Kristina Hughes Social Worker Jennifer Kluesner Career Devel

3

REQUESTS FOR HOMEWORK

If a student is absent three or more days, a parent may call the office

to arrange for work to be collected. We request that you not contact

individual teachers directly as it is much more efficient and less dis-

ruptive for arrangements to be handled by the office staff. Please

note that teachers require 24 hour notice to prepare homework. Work

can then be picked up in the office at the end of the next school day. Additionally, if

a student will be gone for a pre-arranged absence (such as a vacation), there is a form

which must be completed in advance. When work is requested for a long period of

time (such as an extended vacation), teachers will do their best to anticipate what

will be covered based on their lesson plans; however, at times, these plans may be

altered while the student is gone. Therefore, it is always important for the student to

speak with the teacher when turning in assignments upon return to school.

Vacations will be considered as unexcused absences.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CMS

March 17– Third rotation classes start

March 28—Career Lunch and Learn

MEDICATIONS

Over the counter or prescription medications can only be given in school

with authorized school forms filled out and signed by a physician detailing

dosage and time intervals with the name of the medication. Parent’s portion

must also be filled out and signed. Forms must be renewed annually.

Medications need to be in their original container with student’s name on

them and need to be brought to and picked up from school only by a parent.

No medication will be kept for more than one school year.

4

Student Drop Off

Student drop off will continue to be the same with parents dropping off/picking up in the front loop. The south-east doors off 9 Mile will remain locked. The south-west doors off 9 Mile and bus loop doors will be open.

Students are not permitted in the building until 7:20 am at which time supervision will take place. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please call the main office.

CELLULAR PHONE USE POLICY

Please be advised that if your child brings a cell phone to school it must not be heard, seen or used. Cell phones at the middle school level are not allowed

during the instructional day and should be kept in their lockers. If a student is caught with a phone that is not off and out of sight it will be confiscated and they can pick it up at the end of the day in the office. Parents, we ask that if

you need to speak with your child during the course of the day, please call the office and we will call them down to speak with you.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Class Time Schedule

Hours/Bells Regular Schedule

Warning Bells 7:20, 7:30 a.m.

1st Hour 7:35 a.m.—8:36 a.m.

2nd Hour 8:41 a.m.—9:40 a.m.

3rd Hour 9:45 a.m.—10:44 a.m.

4th Hour (includes lunch)

“A” Lunch—6th “B” Lunch—8th “C” Lunch—7th

10:49 a.m. to 12:18 pm.

10:44-11:14 a.m. 11:16-11:46 p.m. 11:48-12:18 p.m.

5th Hour 12:23 p.m.—1:22 p.m.

6th Hour 1:27 p.m.—2:28 p.m.

Dismissal 2:28 p.m.

5

BREAKFAST PROGRAM UPDATE We are pleased that a large number of students take advantage of the Breakfast Program in the

CMS cafeteria. However, if students do not carefully manage their time, it will result in an unex-cused tardy to first hour. The serving line will open at 7:20 am and will close promptly at 7:30 am to prevent students from coming to the cafeteria at the last minute. If students would like

to buy breakfast, they should go to the cafeteria as soon as they arrive in the building; they can socialize after eating. Students will be expected to eat, go to their lockers, and arrive on time to their first hour classes. We do not expect issues with late busses, so students should have ample time to accomplish these tasks. Passes will not be issued from the cafeteria. If there are extenu-ating circumstances, students should see an administrator. If a student is not able to manage

his/her time, then perhaps purchasing breakfast at school is not a viable option for that student.

ENERGY DRINK ADVISORY

Parents, please do not send students to school with ultra high-energy drinks. Not only do your sons and daughters have enough adolescent energy already, but many of the products currently on the market have warning labels that indicate use by children is not recommended. Previous-

ly, we had a student experience a negative reaction after drinking several of these.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS - HOTLINE

For up to date school closings and transportation information, including cancellations and double

Bus runs, please call - 248-573-8251

Please join us in welcoming our

new staff member Dawn

Hesterman. Dawn will be

working in both the 6th and 7/8

offices as a clerk during the

middle of the day.

We are looking forward to

having her on our team!

6

Centennial Middle School

January 15, 2014

SIP Meeting Minutes

Present

Parents: Denise Allan, Deb Healy, Michael Keller

Staff Members: Bill Fransee, Nancy Horvat, Rachelle Kalbfleisch, Brenton

Montie, Michelle Sanderson, Brian Toth

Minutes: Brian Toth

Absent: Maria Latham

The meeting began at 1:00 p.m.

General Announcements

Thank you PTO and CHEERS for breakfast treats

Congratulations to Macbeth cast, band, and choir students for their performances

Great job to Student Council for donations to Active Faith

Thanks to NJHS for Candy Gram sales

Yesterday’s Geography Bee-Congratulations to all classroom winners

Welcome to Dawn Hesterman-New CMS clerk

Upcoming Events

Tonight-Mongolian Barbecue

Band Showcase Event-January 16 7:00-8:30

Spelling Bee-January 17

MLK Jr. Day-January 20

Semester Exams, Half Days for Students – January 21, 22, 23

Records Day, No School for Students – January 24

Career Lunch and Learn-January 29

Empty Bowls-February 6

Diversity Day-February 14

February Break-No school for students-February 17-21

5th Grade Orientation-February 26

NJHS Blood Drive-March 10

7

School Improvement/NCA

The staff is continuing work with Cultures of Thinking.

Budget Update

Mr. Toth reviewed recent transactions with the SIP team.

Code of Conduct

CMS and MMS administrators discussed the Code of Conduct and are proposing a few

language changes to the Board of Education.

Review of Crisis Plans

Teachers will review/inform students in their new first hour classes (semester change) of

evacuation rallying points.

Old Business

The Anthony Iaani Relentless Tour assembly is scheduled for March 10th at 9:00 AM.

As discussed in the Fall, the end of the year award ceremonies for 6th and 7th grade will

be after school. Sixth grade will be June 4th at 4:00 PM and seventh grade will be June

4th at 5:30 PM. Both ceremonies will be in the gym. This change will eliminate the loss

of instructional time and provide more families the opportunity to share in the

celebration.

New Business

Mr. Montie addressed the process for adding parents to SIP. It was decided to continue

the practicing of asking for volunteers. A questionnaire will be used for volunteers to

complete that will help the SIP team make their decision.

Mr. Montie asked for insight from SIP parents regarding 5th grade orientation. A

discussion was held regarding possible ways to improve the program. Suggestions

included updating the student supply list, having parent break-out sessions, and including

a student panel. There was also a suggestion to have the evening for parents only and

give students an opportunity for orientation at a date closer to the beginning of their sixth

grade year. Mr. Toth stated he would explore options and share information at the

February SIP meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 1:42 p.m. Our next meeting is February 12, 2014.

8

PTO Meeting - January 10th, 2014 Meeting was called to order at 9:02. In attendance was Brian Toth, principal, Laura

Steffes, Debbie Olekszyk, Cheri Sexton, and Dan Pardy,

Secretary Report - The board approved the Dec. minutes electronically. Motion to approve the minutes at the

meeting was done, and then approved. Brian will send Skylert to let everyone know the Sec-

retary position is open.

Cheers – Kim Clary No report. Kim was not at meeting. The Staff Holiday Appreciation treats were well re-

ceived.

Fundraising – Debbie Olekszyk

BD Fundraiser (Wednesday, January 15th) – Laura and Debbie are selling tickets at lunch on

Wednesday in both cafeterias. Tickets can be purchased at BD on Wednesday evening as

well.

SkyZone – This fundraiser is set for January 23rd from 3:00 to 8:00. They will come in and

talk to the students sometime before this date.

We talked about an assembly with the Harlem Wizards who would come and play against our

teachers. They said we can raise $3,000 to $5,000 dollars. Dan will look into this. We may

not have enough time to plan for this year.

Treasurer – Cheri Sexton We received $220.33 for Oct. and Nov. fundraiser at DQ. We have raised $7491.00 so far

this year and have spent $6370.99. Our balance right now is $11,538.56.

Principal/Sip Report Mr. Toth talked to a variety of 8th grade students about having a different “end of year cel-

ebration” and the consensus was to keep the dance. Dan is going to ask parents to make

sure we have someone who will be in charge of this dance. Anthony Iaani Assembly (former

MSU basketball player) is scheduled sometime in March. We have received positive feed-

back on the blue slips that are being given out to students.

Old Business

We need to recruit PTO board members for next year (President and Secretary) Brian

suggested a good time would be 5th grade orientation.

Adjourned at 9:45 – NEXT MEETING FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2014

9

Jake Snider, a 7th grade student, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on January 14. He competed against other class winners by answering oral questions about geography. Chloe McCarthy won 2nd place and Nick Richman took home 3rd. The school winners from around the state, including Jake, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers on that test in each state will then be eligible to compete at their state Bee April 4, 2014.

Congratulations to the winners of the 6th Annual Centennial Spelling Bee! There were a

total of 18 students that participated in January 17th’s competition. It was wonderful to see all

of the students compete with such composure and great sportsmanship. The top three spellers

are: 3rd Place – 8th Grader, Bailey Palmer, 2nd Place – 8th Grader, Nicholas White, and the 1st

Place Champion Speller is 6th Grader, Marina McMahon. Marina will go on to represent

Centennial Middle School in the Regional Oakland Press’ Spelling Bee on February 9, 2014.

The winner of the Regional competition will

have an opportunity to go to the National

Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Good luck Marina!

10

***Important Safety Notice***

Attention Parents We continue to ask your assistance in not parking by the “drop off” loop prior to school. The loop was

designed to standing for parents to drop students off at the right curb and then continue to the exit. The

concern has been that parents park and wait for the bell before releasing their student thus creating back-

ups and safety concerns. Please adhere to the following:

Please proceed to the furthest point available in the loop to drop off your student. Stopping on the

curve will only create problems. Do not park or remain in the line of the traffic pattern.

Please keep right. Drop off on the left side requires students to cross traffic.

The loop is not designed to hold cars for long periods of time. If you would like to wait with your

student until school is open, please move to the parking areas behind CMS: there is enough space.

Do not use the parking lot area or the sidewalk by the cafeteria as a “drop off” loop. This also has

created safety issues as staff is entering the building.

In the interest of student safety, your cooperation is appreciated

E-MAIL INFORMATION

If you would like to e-mail Mr. Derrek Ross, please be sure to add the #2

after his name, rossd2@slcs.us

With well balanced meals being prepared by our kitchen staff we ask that outside food not

be brought in for groups of students. If you would like to bring in food for your child only it may be brought to the office and will be taken to the

cafeteria.

Thank you for your support.

11

Please remember to send a note with your child to the office before school if he/she will be picked up early. Students will then receive a pass with the appropriate time they need to leave to show to their teacher. This will keep class-room interruptions to a minimum. Upon return, please bring doctor/dentist slip for attendance.

SOUTH LYON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 2013-2014 CALENDAR

February 17-21.......................................................................................... Mid-Winter Break March 12 .............................................All Teacher Curriculum Day....no school for students April 7-11.............................................................................................................Spring Break April 18…..……….............................................…..Good Friday(1 more off due to Good Friday) April 21 ................................Elementary Records Day ....No School for Elementary Students May 26 ............................................................................................................. Memorial Day June 10-12.................................Middle and High School Students.....½ Day for Assessments June 11.................................................. Elementary Assessments .....½ Day for Assessments June 12 ........................................Last Day of School; Students A.M. Only ...Teachers All Day June 13 ................................................................................Records Day; Teachers A.M. Only

12

CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

62500 NINE MILE ROAD

SOUTH LYON, MI 48178 Return Service Requested

Mission Statement The Centennial Middle School partnership of staff, parents, and community will provide its

students with an opportunity to achieve their individual potential through diverse and challenging educational experiences in a safe, cooperative environment that respects individual differences and fosters productive, independent and responsible citizens.

CMS PHONE NUMBERS

Please feel free to make copies for your home and car.

7TH/8TH GRADE OFFICE - 248-573-8600 6TH GRADE OFFICE - 248-573-8590 7TH/8TH GRADE FAX - 248-486-4302 6TH GRADE FAX - 248-486-4303

ATTENDANCE - 248-573-8610

Section 504 Notice of Nondiscrimination Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of appli-cants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the South Lyon Community School District are hereby notified that this District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Any person having inquires concerning the South Lyon Community School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 is directed to contact Melissa Baker, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, 345 South Warren, South Lyon, Michigan 48178, 248-573-8130, who has been designated by the South Lyon Community School District to coordinate the District’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, the ADA, and Section 504.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 2

SOUTH LYON, MI