March 24, 2018

Dear CFMS Families,

Welcome to spring break! We ended our week at CFMS with a situation that tested the character, preparedness and community within our building. I witnessed first hand as our teachers, support staff and students worked together to support one another and secure our building. There was never a moment when I didn't feel that our students weren't fully protected. A special thanks to the staff and teachers of CFMS as well as the Chagrin Falls Police Department for going above and beyond during this situation just as they so often do!

As you know the third quarter is behind us. Report card grades are now posted on Infinite Campus. Please log on if you'd like to print a copy of your child's third quarter grades. If you have questions about grades concerning a subject area, please feel free to contact that specific teacher.

Finally, please take the next week (if possible) to unwind, rejuvenate and connect with your child. We live in an amazing community and are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with your children each day. A very large part of what makes our job as educators amazing is you as parents. Thank you.

As always, if you need anything, just let me know!

Proud to be a Tiger!

Curtis Howell

Interim Principal, Chagrin Falls Middle School

342 E. Washington Street

Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

(440) 893-7695 x 4301

Curtis.Howell@chagrinschools.org

@Howell_CFMS

INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

Safer Ohio Tip Line

The single greatest deterrent of an act of violence is identification and intervention with at risk students. All students, parents and staff must feel comfortable expressing concern and alerting the appropriate individual(s) when concerns arise. The state of Ohio has an anonymous tip line that can be reached via text or call with any issue of concern, 1-844-SaferOH  (844-723-3764 ). This line is monitored by analysts at the Ohio Homeland Security Threat Assessment and Prevention Unity at all times.    

Summer Camp Opportunities

Summer Camp and Workshop Opportunities which may be of interest to our families.  CLICK HERE for details.

Cheerleading Tryout Information

Does your child have school spirit? Is your child interested in becoming a cheerleader? If so then tell them to come to tryouts! Tryouts for MS squads are open to current 6th and 7th graders and HS squads are open to current 8th thru 11th graders. Check the website and flyer central for teaching clinic details.

Destination Imagination

Malley's Sweets Sale Online orders continue through March 26th. Check Flyer Central for details.

Tiger Prep and CF PTO Presentation April 10

An evening to provide parents of children with anxiety with strategies to help their children build resiliency, and collaborate with the school.

SAY Spring Forum April 25

SAY- Social Advocates for Youth invites you to attend an engaging interactive program for parents, students, school staff and other professionals who work with youth. Check Flyer Central for details.

Art Show Volunteers Needed-One Day Only!

Volunteers are needed to help hang artwork for the Chagrin Falls Schools Spring Art Show, Grades 7-12. Set-up: Tuesday, April 17th 8:30-12:00 (lunch provided). Take-down: Monday, April 23rd 8:30 - 12:00 (bagels provided)

Please sign up using the link- Volunteer Sign-up Form.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2018 STATE TESTING DATES

The middle school and high school will be conducting the same state testing schedule for the dates of April 23-27 and April 30-May 1 . We both will be running a 2 hour delayed start schedule in order to test 7:40-9:40 and still attend our normal courses 9:40-2:50.

Specifically for the middle school:

Monday, April 23 - ELA 1

Tuesday, April 24 - ELA 2

Wednesday, April 25 - Math 1 (all levels)

Thursday, April 26 - Math 2 (all levels)

Monday, April 30 - Science 1 (8th Grade only)

Tuesday, May 1 - Science 2 (8th Grade only)

A Message from School Counselor, Mr. Patterson:

 Are you seeing excessive signs of stress/anxiety in your child? These may include excessive worrying, loss of sleep, change in eating habits, or change in behavior. If so, please know you are not alone. Stress is one of the most highly reported problems our middle school students face. Encouraging positive ways to cope along with healthy discussions about their stress can be a helpful way for them to put things in perspective and help to manage the stress. 

Be sure to help your child carve out time to do things just for themselves that helps them de-escalate after a long day at school. Be open to talking to your child about how they are managing their stress as well. Even if they do not wish to share, follow up and remind them that you are available to talk if they ever need anything. Encourage times when those discussions could happen, such as eating dinner together or being near them as they work on homework. While they might not always be open, those opportunities lend themselves to your child opening up when they might really need to. As always, please reach out to me or encourage your child to come see me if I can be of any help as well. Talking to someone is key.