Attendance

In the November 10th issue, the Des Moines Register wrote several articles on school attendance.  The articles hi-lighted several schools who have turned around their student attendance problems, and they also shared students' stories who are now making attendance to school a priority.  I am sharing several pieces of information/research from the articles, and also including CMS's attendance data from the 1st semester.

Hi-lights from the article:
1.  Absenteeism appears most prevalent in high poverty Iowa schools;
2.  The Des Moines Register found 1 in 5 Des Moines high school students were chronically absent, missing 10% or more of the 2012-13 school year;
3.  According to the Des Moines Register, in the Waterloo School District, 17% of all students missed 10% or more days of school;
4.  Research shows that students who miss more than 10% days of school are more likely to struggle academically and have more potential to drop out;
5.  Other research shows students who miss more than 10% of their kindergarten year are not likely to be proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade;
6.  Poor attendance is a community matter because students who drop out of school can impact the amount of taxes the taxpayer pays.

CMS's 1st semester attendance data (Note:  Students with 10 absences or fewer meet our attendance criteria):

1.  25% of our students had perfect attendance (93 students);
2.  97% of our students met our attendance policy of missing 10 days or fewer;
3.  Class attendance percentages:
              6th grade:  97.16% attendance rate;
              7th grade:  97.21% attendance rate;
              8th grade:  96.75% attendance rate.

As you can see from our attendance data, we are fortunate that our students and families make attending school a priority.  We encourage you to continue making your child's attendance to school a priority as it is an important life-skill that will pay dividends not only for your child's education, but also beyond school.

Source:  November 10, 2013, Des Moines Register.

Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship:  The norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.

As we look toward the second semester, we recognize that our CMS students need more teaching and a better understanding of responsible behavior when using their Chromebooks.  Digital Citizenship, which encompasses many topics such as Digital Etiquette, Digital Communication, Digital Law, Digital Security, is an avenue to assist with this concept.

Because of the wide use of technology and the variety of communication options available today, there is an importance in educating our students in Digital Citizenship.  Students need to know how to become more responsible digital citizens in this digital era.  Students need educating on why it is important to make appropriate decisions when choosing and using all communication devices.

Starting second semester, we will integrate a Digital Citizenship curriculum on a weekly basis during STAR from our Technology Integrationist, Mrs. Schulz, along with follow-up discussions from our teachers.  We are committed to teach our students what Digital Citizenship is, so that they gain a better understanding of its importance and the real-life implications of exhibiting Digital Citizenship.

We live in such a digitized era and society that students need more educating on Digital Citizenship, so that they understand the importance in using technology appropriately and responsibly.

Source:  Heartland Area Education Agency's Digital Citizenship Website

Student Council Community Service Project

The CMS Student Council will participate in a community service project---check out the link.

http://www.movenote.com/v/DFVLEcP6848yT

PB & J Food Drive

Please click the link to learn more about an upcoming food drive at CMS.

http://www.movenote.com/v/WW62EnBRJorby

Red Ribbon Week

CMS is celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 28-November 1.  This week-long initiative is an opportunity to show our commitment to drug prevention and education.  We ask each student to make a personal commitment to live drug-free lives.

Students will receive a red bracelet with the message, "One School, One Goal:  Bully and Drug Free" today.  We ask each student to wear it this week and throughout the year to show his/her commitment against the use of drugs and bullying.

I have attached a link that may be useful to use with your child at home: http://redribbon.org/activities/Parents/index.html.

We encourage you to visit with your child about the use of drugs and the importance of drug prevention.  We appreciate your support.

Parent-Teacher Conference Turnout

Parent/Guardian(s):

CMS had a 94% turnout for parent-teacher conferences during the week of October 7th.  Thank you for your continued support and participation in your child's learning.

Mix It Up Day

On Thursday, October 17th, students will participate in Mix It Up Day during their lunch periods.

Mix It Up Day is part of the Bullying Prevention Awareness initiative for October.  The purpose of this activity is for students to get to know somebody else within their grade level and to not necessarily sit by the same classmates that they normally sit by.  This activity will allow students to interact with others that they may not visit with on an every-day-basis.