CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER November

CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
November / December / January 2013-2014
CREATIVE MINDS SUCCEED
“Junk” Art sculptors
from Mr. Arbini’s
art class.
New in this issue:
Pg 3-Upcoming events
Pg 5– New Student Luncheon
Pg 6 & 7—Millage information
Pg 8 & 9—PTO minutes for October
List of Staff 2013-2014
Brian Toth, Principal
Kelly Gallagher, Assistant Principal
SECRETARIES
Kellie Angelosanto 6th grade office
Cindy Dobrovic, 7th/8th grade office
Nancy Horvat, Data processor
COUNSELORS
Jason Gilders
Lisa Judd
th
6 GRADE TEACHERS
Tamara Besco
Maureen Cauchi
Shelly Demoss
Marcy Gallagher
Andrew Kaschalk
Leann Lambert
Brenton Montie
Jaclyn Payne
Bonnie Sevakis
Tracy Steffes
Math
Language Arts
Science
Math
Language Arts
Math
Social Studies
Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
7TH GRADE TEACHERS
Tamara Besco
Justin Chamberlin
Jesse Christner
Holly Hare
Stephanie Jordet
Darcy Lab
Brooke Ortwine
Derrek Ross
Michelle Sanderson
Kimberly Staley
Heather Thomas
Lisa Welch
Algebra
Social Studies
Social Studies
Algebra
Social Studies
Language Arts
Social Studies
Science
Science
Social Studies
Language Arts
Math
8th GRADE TEACHERS
Jennifer Barshaw
Tamara Besco
Justin Chamberlin
Stephanie Ferguson
Carol Hildebrandt
Stephanie Jordet
Rachelle Kalbfleisch
Andrew Kaschalk
Erin Lowery
Brooke Ortwine
Kimberly Staley
Brian Wilson
Social Studies
Algebra
Social Studies
Language Arts
Science
English
Algebra
English
English
Algebra
Social Studies
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
Tamara Besco
Art 7
Math Lab 6
Jon Cadwallader
Kevin Cort
Paul Eibler
Bill Fransee
Carol Hildebrandt
Stephanie Jordet
Andrew Kaschalk
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Jill Lemerand
Erin Lowery
Jenna Mate
Brian Pearson
James Reddy
Melinda Towns
Lidong Yuan
Spanish 8
Band
Performing Arts 7
Technology 6,8/ Keyboard 6/
Journalism 6
Performing Arts 8
Keyboard , Journalism 6
Writing Lab 7
Performing Arts 8,Writing Lab
Health 6, 7
Writing Lab 8
Spanish 8
Woodwinds 6
Health 6
Choir
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
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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 disruptive 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
December 4 - Winter Band Concert @ SLHS
December 12- Winter Choir Concert, 6:00 PM-6th Gr.
7:15 PM-7/8 Gr.
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.
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Class Time Schedule
Student Drop Off
Hours/Bells
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.
Warning Bells
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.
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
The south-west doors off 9 Mile and
bus loop doors will be open.
Regular Schedule
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
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.
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2:28 p.m.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS - HOTLINE
For up to date school closings and transportation
information, including cancellations and double
Bus runs, please call - 248-573-8251
NEW STUDENT LUNCHEON
New students to seventh and eighth grade were
invited to a “New Student Luncheon” where they
met administrators and counselors along with
restorative personnel Mrs. Mapley. PTO provided
pizza and refreshments. Students were given time
to mingle and get to know each other as well as
staff. The luncheon was a wonderful success
enjoyed by all!
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 unexcused 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 extenuating 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. Previously, we had a student experience a negative reaction after drinking several of these.
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South Lyon Community Schools
Election Information
November 5, 2013
On November, 5, 2013, South Lyon Community Schools will have a question on the ballot
regarding Non-Homestead Millage. Below are the answers to frequently asked questions.
I’m a homeowner, does this millage impact me?
No. This is not a tax that is paid by homeowners.
Who pays this millage?
This millage is paid by non-homestead property owners. Non-homesteads include industrial,
commercial and some agricultural property and “second homes.” It does not include a family’s
primary residence.
What is this millage for?
This millage is part of the Proposal A funding for schools. The State of Michigan requires
districts to levy this millage in order to receive the full funding per student. .
Is this a new tax?
No. This is a renewal of an existing tax.
Why a 10 year millage?
The Non-Homestead millage approved by voters in 1995 and 2004 were each for a ten year
period. We would like to follow the same pattern and avoid additional elections and their
related costs.
I have a business in the community, how will this impact me?
The 18 mills which will be levied are the same as for your current taxes. The only increase in
taxes in the future would be related to taxable value increases, which are limited under
Proposal A.
I thought schools no longer received funding through property taxes, so why
are you talking about a millage election?
Funding for school districts changed significantly in 1994 when Proposal A was passed by the
Michigan voters. Under Proposal A, the state pays the majority of the cost, but to receive full
funding, the State requires that schools must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property in their
district.
Why ask for 19.972 mills when you can only levy 18 mills?
Originally, voters approved a total of 20 mills in 2004 for Non-Homestead taxes. This amount
has been reduced to 19.972 mills due to Headlee Rollbacks. By asking for 19.972 total mills
(which is the current allowable mills), it allows the district to use some of the 1.972 extra mills
to offset future Headlee Rollbacks. If the voters only approved 18 mills, then any Headlee
Rollbacks would result in the district dropping below 18 mills and losing the associated
funding, which the state will not make up.
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Will you ever levy more than the 18 mills?
No. We cannot by law levy more than 18 mills.
Has the District always levied 18 mills?
Yes, we have levied 18 mills each year since 1995.
Why are we voting this November, if the millage doesn’t need to be renewed
until June of 2015?
Two reasons. First, by having the election in November, we are saving taxpayer dollars since
there is already a scheduled municipal election. Second, due to election law, this millage must
be approved by the voters prior to June of 2014 in order to call this millage a renewal. In other
words, if we had to place this on an election after June of 2014, it would be categorized as a
millage increase, even though the millage amount would not have changed. This is because the
previous millage would have technically expired with the summer 2014 tax bill.
What if the millage is voted down?
The revenue generated from the 18 mills totals over $7.5 million annually, greater than 11% of
the school district’s budget. If this millage does not pass, the State WILL NOT replace the
funding.
By law, to obtain the Total Foundation Allowance, South Lyon Community Schools must
collect a local “non-homestead” millage for this portion of its budget. The State reduces
its obligation to districts by this amount and only pays the balance.
The Election for the non-homestead property tax is:
November 5, 2013.
QUESTIONS?? Please contact us!
James Graham, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance
South Lyon Community Schools
248.573.8125
[email protected]
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Minutes from the CMS October PTO Meeting – Friday, Oct. 11th, 2013
Meeting was called to order at 9:05. In attendance was Brian Toth, principal, Laura
Steffes, Debbie Olekszyk, Cheri Sexton, Dan Pardy, Deb Healy, Kim Clary, and Mr. Kaschalk.
Secretary Report The board approved the Sept. minutes electronically. Motion to approve the minutes at the
meeting was done, and then approved. Brian will send Skylert to let everyone know the
Secretary position is open.
Cheers – Kim Clary
Kim has lots of new ideas for the next Activity night which is scheduled for November 14th
and will support the Choir groups again. They may purchase pizza from a different place and
plan for this activity much earlier.
Conference night dinner (Oct. 24th) for the teachers was purchased from Alekos the past
few years. Kim suggestion is to change it to Mexican theme. She will be looking at Lyon
Cantina and another restaurant for quotes. Kim will need donations from parents for
desserts and drinks. Brian suggested using something like sign-up genius for volunteers.
Treasurer – Cheri Sexton
We will have about $11,000 after we pay for the requests from the teachers. We received
$206.00 from DQ. We brought in $4000.00 from parent donations for the PTO. Dan would
still like to purchase a plaque for DQ to thank them for supporting us.
Fundraising – Debbie Olekszyk
We have a big fundraiser with 5 Below in Brighton on Black Friday (Nov. 29th) and every
weekend in December. A percentage of their profits that day will be donated to our PTO if
customers present a coupon/invitation that will be available on Skylert. This coupon can be
handed out to friends and relatives.
We have another fundraiser with Pinz Bowling on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (Nov.
27th). We don’t have school this day. More details to follow.
We are checking into having Hillers as another grocery store we can use as a fundraiser.
(Similar to Target and Kroger’s). Laura suggested having Candy-grams around Christmas
time for students to give to each other. These would be delivered the last day before Winter Break during 6th hour. We may look into other holidays to do something similar. Debbie
is going to look into Red Wing tickets as a fundraiser.
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Brian suggested an outdoor activity night with bounce houses and dunk tank with
teachers in the spring.
Principal
Brian thanked the board for the recent purchase of scanners . MEAP testing is
currently going on. Brian is looking into an event about social networking/drug
abuse. A liaison officer at the Farmington High School gave Brian the name of
someone in our community to do some kind of event like this.
School Pictures - Brian checked into possibly switching our vendor for school
pictures because they are more expensive. We currently have a 2 year contract
with Lifetouch, so we can’t change anything till the 2015-2016 school year.
We will soon be receiving information on skylert and/or phone call about signing up
for conferences this year online.
SIP report
The district is looking into allowing E-readers or anything similar (except a phone)
to be brought into school for pleasure reading. Cell Phone use in school is an ongoing discussion. Video announcements may happen soon. They discussed different ideas for the 8th graders at the end of the year. (Having lunch instead of the
breakfast celebration)
Old Business
Dan will get a quote for a plaque for DQ. Cheri did look into procedures for bank
deposits and check requests. Two people must sign paperwork before deposits can
be made.
New Business
Dan talked to Ms. Barshaw about 8th graders going on a field trip this year. They
are looking at the Henry Ford Museum or the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. It is
$8.00 per student but PTO would have to cover the transportation cost. (Buses)
We are not sure what this amount is, so Ms. Barshaw will look more into the details
of this trip. Maybe students can also cover the cost of transportation ($1.00 to
2.00) It is critical that the field trip aligns with the 8th grade curriculum. We
also need 1 chaperone per 10 students.
Meeting adjourned at 10:34
Next PTO Meeting – NOVEMBER 8th at 9:00 a.m.
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***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 backups 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, [email protected]
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.
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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 classroom interruptions to
a minimum. Upon
return, please bring
doctor/dentist slip
for attendance.
SOUTH LYON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 2013-2014 CALENDAR
November 5 ......................................................................... All Teacher Curriculum Day /No students
November 7 ..........................................................................High School Parent Teacher Conferences
November 12 & 14 ................ Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences / Elementary Students ½ Day
November 27 ....................................................................................... Compensatory Day; No School
November 28-29 ...................................................................................................Thanksgiving Recess
December 23– January 3 ..................................................................................................Winter Break
January 21-23..........................................................Middle School Students.....½ day for Assessments
January 21-23.......................................................... .High School Students ......½ Day for Assessments
January 24 ............................................Records Day - Teachers A.M. Only.......No School for Students
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
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CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
62500 NINE MILE ROAD
SOUTH LYON, MI 48178
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 2
SOUTH LYON, MI
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 - 248-486-4302
6TH GRADE OFFICE - 248-573-8590
7TH/8TH GRADE FAX - 248-486-4303
6TH GRADE FAX - 248-573-8612
ATTENDANCE - 248-573-8610
Section 504 Notice of Nondiscrimination
Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants 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.
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