WELCOME BACK, CMS TIGERS!
FIRST DAY FOR STUDENTS—TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026
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Dear Carson Middle School Families,
I hope you and your family have had a wonderful summer. I hope you've had time to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories. As we prepare to begin another exciting school year, I wanted to share a few important updates and officially welcome you back to Carson Middle School.
As you may know, Dr. Caitlin Ewing will be on sabbatical during the 2026-2027 school year. I am honored to continue serving as Interim Principal. It has been a privilege to lead Carson, and I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead. Carson is a special place because of the people who make up our community. Our dedicated staff, supportive families, and outstanding students work together each day to create a school culture built on respect, excellence, and belonging. I look forward to building on that foundation and celebrating another successful year together.
I am also eager to introduce Mrs. Samantha Schoenfeld, who joins Carson as our Lead Teacher. Mrs. Schoenfeld comes to us from North Allegheny Intermediate High School. She brings a wealth of instructional experience, strong leadership, and a genuine passion for supporting both students and staff. Her collaborative approach and commitment to excellence make her a wonderful addition to our leadership team. We are excited to welcome her to the Carson family!
This year's theme is Tiger Strong. Hive Minded.
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The tiger represents the pride we have in being part of Carson. The hive reminds us that great schools are built by people who work together with purpose. Every member has a role. Every contribution matters.
Throughout the year, we will encourage our students to demonstrate teamwork, accountability, and ownership in everything they do. We want our students to understand that leadership is defined from within. It is demonstrated through daily choices, personal responsibility, and the way we support one another. When each member of Carson contributes, the entire CMS community becomes stronger. The hive thrives!
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Our commitment to students remains unchanged. We will continue to provide a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment where every child is challenged to reach their full potential while feeling known, valued, and supported. We are excited to partner with you throughout the school year as we celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and create meaningful experiences for every student.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Your support is one of Carson's greatest strengths, and together we will make this another exceptional year for our students.
Enjoy the remainder of your summer. We look forward to welcoming our Tigers back soon. Here's to a fantastic 2026-2027 school year! Tiger Strong. Hive Minded.
Warm regards,
Janel Biagiarelli
Interim Principal
Carson Middle School
| | CARSON MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBOOK | | |
The Middle School Handbook is designed to provide you with the information you need about our school’s procedures, programs, and activities. Please use this handbook for guidance and reference throughout the academic year. Once you read through the information, please contact the school’s office if you have any specific questions.
A handbook and code of conduct sign-off form will be available the week of August 3 in PowerSchool. Please sign off that you have reviewed and understand the handbook and NASD Code of Conduct. Completing this PowerSchool form will ensure that you have access to PowerSchool to view schedules on the release date.
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CARSON REMINDERS
As we begin the new school year, we want to remind families of our expectations that help maintain a kind, respectful, and responsible learning environment:
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The use or display of cellular phones during instructional hours in classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, restrooms, auditoriums, the halls, the cafeteria, or anywhere else in the building or on school property is prohibited unless prior approval or authorization is granted by a classroom teacher or building administrator.
APPROPRIATE DRESS GUIDELINES
Clothing should fully cover the back, chest, midriff, buttocks, and undergarments. Students wearing shirts that do not cover the stomach will be asked to put on an additional layer.
Heads should remain uncovered while in the building, unless for religious purposes, which are fully permitted. This means students are encouraged to keep their hoods down during the school day.
BEVERAGES
Students are permitted to carry a personal water bottle throughout their day at CMS. Outside drinks that do not have a sealed cover (such as open coffee cups, energy drinks, or any beverage brought in from home or stores) are not permitted in the building. Drinks sold in the cafeteria are allowed during breakfast and lunch but not permitted outside the cafeteria.
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We are so excited to meet the new members of our Tiger family! Students who are new to the district should have received a personal email with information about the orientation.
During this new student/new family orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Student Council and tour the building. Parents will meet with the administrators from Carson, view a presentation providing an overview of middle school, and discuss their specific questions with administrators. The new students will take a tour of the building to familiarize themselves with the school and get to meet their school counselors.
If you are a new student to the district and have not received information, please be sure to contact the CMS main office.
| | CARSON MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE | |
Thursday, September 17, 2026
6:00-8:00 PM
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Our school’s open house is an excellent opportunity to gain further insight into the entire curriculum for your student’s grade level, along with classroom routines and procedures.
The purpose of this evening is for you to learn more about our middle school and to experience a typical day in the life of your child.
More detailed information, including your child’s schedule and a time frame for the evening, will be conveyed to you through the school newsletter and your child. Stay tuned!!
| | STUDENT HOMEROOMS & SCHEDULES | |
Tuesday August 11, 2026
4:30-6:30 PM
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We can’t wait to welcome our Tigers back for Walk Your Schedule! As you find your classrooms and get ready for an amazing year, stop by the PTSO table for some extra fun.
Sweet treat alert! Cool off with a refreshing cup of Italian ice, served with a smile by our PTSO volunteers.
Come explore the halls, meet some friendly faces, and start the year with a little extra Carson cheer!
All CMS students are encouraged to visit the building to "Walk their Schedule" on Tuesday, August 11, from 4:30-6:30. There will be no formal program; however, students are welcome to walk the halls to locate their assigned classrooms and get familiar with new routes they’ll take each day. As always, the first day of school will be filled with orientation opportunities for all students to become acquainted with their school day.
| | CLASSROOM & SCHOOL SUPPLIES | | |
Although our District supplies many of the items that your student needs, there may be some additional items your student’s teacher requests that they bring to school.
You can review the Carson Middle School Grade-Level Supply Lists on our website. If you have any questions regarding supplies, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher or the specific course teacher.
| | ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL AT CMS | |
CMS Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
With the safety of our students as a top priority, it is important that we reiterate our AM drop-off and PM pick-up procedures. AM Drop-Off and Pick-Up procedures remain the same as last year, but to ensure that our process is both efficient and safe for all, please review the following reminders:
AM Drop-Off: Student drop-off begins at 7:45 a.m. Students can be dropped off at the front of the school. Doors will lock at 8:05 a.m., and any student arriving after that time must enter through the main entrance and check in with the office before reporting to homeroom. Students need to report to their homeroom by 8:08. Students will be marked tardy if not in the homeroom by 8:08 am.
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Buses - drop off on the right side of the building and students enter through the auditorium doors.
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Parents/Guardians - drop off students along the sidewalk in front of the building. Students will enter the building using the counseling doors. When dropping off your student in the morning, please do not pull out of the lane to go around another car, as it will interfere with staff members arriving. Please wait your turn to pull forward and exit around the loop.
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6th graders report to the main office lobby.
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7th/8th graders report to the auditorium lobby until 8:00, when released to lockers and homerooms. Students are expected to be in their homerooms by 8:08.
PM Dismissal: 2:58 PM
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- Students are dismissed from their last class at 2:58 PM and are expected to visit lockers and pack up their belongings before heading to the appropriate exit:
- Bus Riders exit through the main and auditorium doors. Students are expected to watch for their bus # to arrive. Staff will be present each day to assist, and announcements are made outside when a bus arrives to get students’ attention.
- Car Riders exit through gym doors.
If your student has an early dismissal, please note the following: Students leaving before 2:30 pm will require a note for an early dismissal. These notes can be sent in with your student. To keep dismissal running efficiently, we cannot accept any early dismissals after 2:30 PM.
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Our Transportation Department looks forward to seeing your students return for the 2026-27 school year!
BUS ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN PowerSchool
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Student bus assignments will be available in PowerSchool on August 6, 2026, by approximately 6:00 PM.
- To locate your student’s bus assignment, log into PowerSchool, locate the navigation menu, and select the Transportation Info button (which features a yellow school bus icon). From there, you’ll be presented with your student’s transportation information, including times and address intersections.
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- Drivers are testing routes at the end of July/early August, which may result in a change to your student's bus assignment.
- If your student's transportation is provided by a non-NASD transportation company, you will be contacted separately with the bus assignment.
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You can submit a ticket to:
- Report on-time bus issues
- Request changes to your student's bus stop
- Report lost items left on the bus
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Access Application for Alternate Bus Stop; Bus Stop Change Request Form; Shared Custody Form
If you have questions about bus assignments, visit the NA Transportation Department website, and be sure to review the School Bus Safety Tips with your student.
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Any documentation for the required 6th-grade physical or 7th-grade dental exams can be sent directly to our School Nurse, Leslie Vrotney, at lvrotney@northallegheny.org.
If you have an incoming 7th grader, documentation of the receipt of the TDaP and MCV (meningococcal vaccine), or a signed exemption form must be on file BEFORE the first day of school. This documentation can also be sent directly to Leslie Vrotney at lvrotney@northallegheny.org.
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Student Health Screenings – August 27 & 28
Health screenings for all students will take place during Physical Education classes in late August.
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6th & 7th Grade: Height, weight, vision, and scoliosis screening
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8th Grade: Height, weight, and vision screening
6th- and 7th-grade scoliosis screening will take place during Physical Education classes in early September.
If you prefer that your child not participate in the health screenings, please contact our school nurse, Ms. Leslie Vrotney, at lvrotney@northallegheny.org.
Medication Drop-off
Medication drop-off for the upcoming school year will be at Carson Middle School on Tuesday, August 11, from 8:00-11:00. Please make sure to bring the required forms along with your medication. You can review the district's medication policy and access required health documents on the NASD Health Services Webpage.
| | CMS PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATIONS | | |
At Carson Middle School, we believe strong communication helps every Tiger thrive. Throughout the year, parents and guardians will receive important updates, event reminders, and school news directly to the email address we have on file.
These email addresses will also be shared with our PTSO, ensuring you stay informed about family engagement opportunities, volunteer needs, and ways to support our school community.
Ways to Stay Involved:
We encourage you to stay connected, get involved, and help make this year unforgettable—because we are Tiger Strong. Hive Minded.
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Stay connected with NA on social media!
#NASDlearns
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