Dear
Families,
As
the month of May begins, I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on life
here at CMS. The NYS Common Core testing concluded today. By the end of next
week we will have given make-ups, collated booklets for scoring and boxed up
remaining materials. Despite the controversy of this year’s testing cycle, I
think it is important to take a moment to recognize the characteristics of a learner that were quite visible in your
children. I saw our students persevere and persist, go
into the testing with a positive attitude and bring a high level of engagement
to the task. We have two more NYS assessments to give; the Common Core Algebra
Regents on June 3rd and the NYS 8th grade Science
Assessment on May 28th and 29th (lab) and the written on
June 2nd.
This
morning I stopped in on the review session for our algebra students. While our
math department chairperson, Mrs. Heil, assisted one group I noticed hands go
up at another table. I approached the group with some trepidation...my high
school algebra course happened a LONG time ago. After nailing the question
about tangents, the wind was quickly taken out of my sail. I was unable to
think through the next step even after looking at some of the good attempts the
students had made in the review book. I was starting to think, “If only I could
look this up on YOUTUBE.” Within less than two minutes the girls and I had
watched the video on my phone which culminated in a collective “aha moment” and
the completion of question #30 in short order. I don’t think it will be too
long before we change our perspective of smart devices in schools. We are
obligated to put all tools at our students’ disposal and allow them to solve
their problems in the most efficient way possible. We need to set the
expectation that they will use these devices appropriately while they are
engaged in meaningful learning.
Our
annual school budget vote will take place on May 20th at West
Genesee High School. The polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please take
the opportunity to vote! You can learn about the 2014-15 school budget by
looking at the Fact Sheet or
attending the Budget Public Hearing on May 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the
High School Library. You can also attend the presentation just after our May 5th
PTO meeting (6:30 p.m.) at 7:00 p.m. in the LGIR at the High School. Speaking
of our (fabulous) PTO, we have several open positions for next year. We will be
voting at our May 5th meeting. If you would like to discuss any of
these positions please call me or email our president, Mrs. Barbara Soper, at bsoper@twcny.rr.com. You
can learn a little about these open positions by reading the descriptions
below.
Co-President - This position has a 2 year term. This position will
work directly with the PTO President. One year as Co-President and one year as
President.
Treasurer - The position has a 2 year term. This position is
responsible for compiling monthly treasurer reports and presenting them at the
PTO meetings. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, writing all checks,
paying all bills, preparing tax paperwork, maintaining proper records
to ensure records of all monies spent is accountable for.
Corresponding Secretary - The position has a 2 year term.
This position includes going to CMS a monthly basis to check for any
correspondence. This correspondence may include thank you notes, requests, etc.
Responsible for attending all PTO meetings to present correspondence.
I look forward to seeing you on our athletic fields (if the rain
EVER stops), concerts and other events in the coming weeks. Don’t forget, we
have a 10:10 a.m. dismissal for students on May 16th for our Teacher
Workshop Day.
In the meantime take good care~
Beth
We Celebrate Learning!
