Randall Middle School
December 3, 2019
Events
12/13 Half Day, Early Dismissal, 12:30 p.m.
12/16 PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
12/18 Randall's Winter Concert 5th Graders 6:00 p.m., 6th Graders 7:00 p.m.
12/19 Holiday Family Fun Night at CHS, 6:30 p.m.
12/20 Randall's Holiday Party
12/20 Emergency Early Dismissal, 2:55 p.m.
12/23-1/1 December Recess/No School
Note from the Principal
This is always a busy time of year for everyone and this year is no exception. I am pleased to say that in spite of this, our staff and students have remained engaged in learning. It is always a pleasure visiting with classrooms and getting to see the progress that is made. 

We have been working as teams to set goals for student learning based on what is essential for them to know. For example, our 5th grade team set this goal to start the year: 

Currently, 40% of students are proficient when adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths. By the end of Quarter 1, at least 80% of the fifth-grade students will be proficient at adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths as evidenced by Unit 1 - CFA#1 Assessment, which will be given by Friday, November 1st.

In this particular case, 87% of students are now demonstrating proficiency. Each team is working in very targeted ways to ensure student learning. We will be continuing this practice as a way to celebrate success and make sure our students are ready for the next grade.

I am very proud of the work that is being done everyday by our students and the dedicated staff here at Randall.
Positivity Project
In November we started focusing on how our words and actions affect others. To start the holiday season we have been working with students on the importance of expressing gratitude. This important character trait helps us to keep a positive attitude and reminds us to be grateful for what we have. During the month of December we will be working with students on the importance of kindness, humility, and self-control.
News from the School Nurse
Randall Health Office Reporting Notice:
As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed, and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index (BMI). The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. A sample of school districts are selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health. Cortland City School District has been selected to be part of the survey. We will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our 6th grade students’ weight status groups based on data from their 5th grade physical exams. Only summary information is sent. No names and no information about individual students are sent. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.
The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.
If you do not wish to have your child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey this year, please contact the school nurse, Julie Neuman, RN, by December 2nd, 2019.

Dental Program to be offered at Randall Middle School!!

Dental cleanings and sealants will be provided right at the school for all students that sign up! Informational packets will be sent home. Call Nurse Neuman with any questions!
Music News
Winter Concert Season is here!!!!

Our 5th and 6th grade concerts will both be held on Wednesday, December 18th at Randall Middle School.  

The 5th grade concert will start at 6:00 p.m.
The 6th grade concert will start at 7:15 p.m.  

In the future we will hold these concerts at the high school in the renovated auditorium, however for this year we will be at Randall. Please be patient as many people are involved in this holiday music concert. We hope you will come and enjoy the show!
School Emergency Closing Info
The winter season is upon us and it is time to think about possible closures and delays due to weather conditions. Our district’s automated calling system will notify families if school is closed or delayed.  Please be certain that your phone number is current in our data base.

Local news stations will continue to provide weather updates. Stations that carry information about Cortland Schools include: WSYR-9, WTVH-5, WSTM-3, News 10 Now, WBNG, WXHC/101.5, WIII/I-100, AND WNTQ/93Q. We also maintain the latest information on our District web site:  http://www.cortlandschools.org .
In the event of a 2-hour delay, please be advised of the following information:
  • Our school building opens to students at 10:00am. Students should not arrive prior to that time as supervision is not available.
  • Morning bus routes run on a two-hour delay. If the bus typically arrives at your stop at 8:00am, it will arrive at 10:00am.
  • The YWCA Morning Childcare Program also runs on a two-hour delay. Students who regularly participate in this program may be dropped off at 8:45am.
Randall's Food Drive
Physical Education News
It is recommended that sixth grade students take home their P.E. clothes to get washed over break. Please have your son or daughter bring in new P.E. clothes and put them in his or her locker before taking their dirty clothes home for break. This cuts down on the amount of students missing P.E. when they get back from break for being unprepared. Thank you for helping us teach about personal hygiene.
Art News
Students have finished their Keith Haring collages and are now working on oil pastel drawings inspired by the work of Jean Michel-Basquiat. 

Students have all come up with a message or story that is important to them and they are trying to tell by using symbolism through imagery, colors, and scattered words. We are seeing some really cool stuff and are having a lot of in depth conversations on topics important to our students. 
Now Hiring Bus Drivers, Automotive Mechanic Helper, Cleaners, and Secretary
You can work in an exciting and rewarding atmosphere and be part of the #WeAreCortland team! Make sure to check our  website   for up to date information on job postings.
The Public Library has
Many Programs!
School Lunch is a Healthy and Delicious Option!
Follow us on Twitter @CECSD_Randall