Principal's Message Although it has been a week of challenges, I hope 2021 is off to a promising start for you and your student! I think we all hold a common wish for a great year for the planet and for Central Middle School.
As many of you know, elementary students in WPS will begin to phase back into their classrooms later this month. At CMS, we are continuing to make Semester 2 preparations for both Distance Choice and Hybrid students. As a district we are reviewing COVID-19 numbers and aligning that data with the recommendations and requirements from MDH and MDE. I expect our Hybrid students to return to the classroom at some point after January 29. Stay tuned to all WPS and CMS communications for updates.
No matter the learning model, teachers will do all they can to provide a positive learning experience for your student. Semester 2 will begin on February 1. Report cards for the first semester will be posted to Skyward on February 5. To make sure your student doesn't miss any deadlines, please help your student be aware of teacher communications (often sent directly to your student's inbox) leading up to the end of the semester.
Later in this newsletter you'll note a section related to Skyward and Canvas support for families. You'll find a Skyward FAQ and a "how to" Canvas video in those resources. Please note that Skyward is our official gradebook while Canvas provides useful unofficial scores and feedback. You may find this helpful in tracking your student's progress at school.
Thank you.
Clark Doten
Did You Know? January 22 Clarification Wednesday, January 22 is a regular school day with synchronous Zoom check-ins..
Student Services Message Welcome back from winter break. We hope everyone enjoyed a much needed break from screens and enjoyed the extra time to relax. We wanted to remind families of a few things regarding minimizing distraction during distance learning as we re-engage in school. As we have said before, making sure your student has a dedicated work space is helpful during this time. In addition to having a dedicated workspace, it is also important to make sure outside distractions are minimized. For instance, taking care to remind students to refrain from using other electronic devices (TVs, video games, cell phones) during scheduled Zoom class time. Also, being mindful to avoid having household members walk behind students during Zoom calls helps minimize distraction for the entire class as well as your student. Additionally, allowing your student to work on becoming independent, attending classes on his or her own. Lastly, if you wish to speak to your child's teacher, feel free to send an email to set up a meeting outside of class time. Thank you for working with us to create an optimal learning environment for your student during these challenging times!
Erin Gates, School Counselor
Skyward Family Access and Canvas Support for Families In Skyward Family Access, parents/guardians can view grades, assignments, test scores, discipline, report cards, health records, message center, emergency contacts, attendance, and bus schedules. Skyward is the official gradebook for students in Wayzata Public Schools. Learn more about Skyward Family Access.
In Canvas, parents/guardians have an observer role. Observers can view course data but cannot participate in all Canvas areas. Parents are listed as observers in Canvas so they can be linked to a student or multiple students. Observers cannot submit work on behalf of the students they observe, but they can see student grades, assignments and events, and course interactions. (If the instructor has made those things available in their course.) Learn more about the Canvas Observer App.
Reminders Setting-up Screen Time Controls on Student iPads The Screen Time feature available on all student iPads lets you know how much time your student spends on apps, websites, and more. Using this tool, you can make informed decisions about how they use their devices and set limits.
Virtual Intramural Activities Intramural activities are being offered virtually. To register, print a registration form from the activities website, complete and return in a sealed envelope with an annual payment of $25.00. Checks and cash accepted. Please use a separate form for each activity. There is a drop box in the main entrance for contactless delivery, or you may mail to CMS Intramurals, 305 Vicksburg Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55447. Once the registrations are all in, the instructors will send the students a link to participate. Math Masters is a 6th Grade Math Competition and is open to all students that want to commit to practicing and competing in a virtual competition. Math work includes fact drills, individual problem solving, and team problem solving. Practices will take place on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:15 p.m. January 13 - March 3. The competition will take place virtually on Saturday, March 6 from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Bullet Journal Club is a fun way to get organized, and be creative as students construct their own bullet journal. We will meet on Mondays beginning January 4.
Attendance Process for Second Quarter Monday - Thursday: All Core and Encore teachers will take attendance each Zoom class period. Core teachers will no longer take attendance using the Advisory attendance question on their Canvas page. Automated attendance calls go out at 3:30 p.m. each day if a student was marked absent from a Zoom class.
Friday: Depending on the Core team, teachers will either use the attendance question on their Canvas page to mark attendance or teachers will mark attendance at the team's Friday Zoom meeting. Check in with your student's Advisory teacher if you are unsure about which method the team is using.
If your student will be missing class, please use the standard reporting methods to notify the attendance office either in Skyward Family Access or by calling the attendance line at 763-745-6055.
Outdoor Library You are invited to come browse and check out books at the CMS parking lot on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All attendees are expected to wear masks and socially distance at all times (Keep your friends safe!)
As always, please ask if you have any questions. we'll do whatever we can to keep you reading! Just email Carla.Dogan@wayzataschools.org.
PTA News The next PTA meeting will be held on January 12 at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Although this has been an unusual year, we are looking for new people to step up and take on leadership roles on the PTA Board next year. Multiple people will be leaving CMS. Please consider getting involved. If you have any questions or want more information, please reach out to Christina Bulisco at christinabulisco@gmail.com. Elections will occur in the spring.
PTA Membership Please consider joining and contributing to the PTA. This is a great way to be updated on what is happening at CMS. Membership does not commit you to volunteering but we are always in need of help!
Amazon Smile Support CMS by using Amazon Smile! Support CMS PTA by using Amazon Smile when you order from Amazon! Search smile.amazon.com for "Wayzata Central Middle School PTA".
Volunteer Needs
Around the District Culinary Transition to Titan Meal Payment System Learn More! Login to Titan School Solutions
Community Ed Parent Tool Kit: Friendships, Relationships, and Social Distancing
Financial assistance is available or call 763-745-5200 for more information.
Calendar School Events District Events Friday, January 15, 2021 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Tuesday, January 19, 2021 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM School Board Meetings |