Calendar of Events
1/02 - Classes Resume
1/14 - Board Of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
1/20 - Martin Luther King JR Day/ No School
1/25 - District Music Concert At CHS
1/25 - K-12 District Art Show 4-9 p.m.
1/27 - Staff Work Day - No School
1/28 - Board Of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m.
1/31 - 20 Week Elementary And Secondary Report Cards
1/31 - Junior High Musical 7:00 p.m.
|
|
Note from the Principal
A few students left for the break saying, “See you next decade!” So I would like to officially welcome everyone back to the new decade! We have already seen a lot of growth in our students during the past few months. I am excited for what the future will bring.
The mission of Randall Middle School is to ensure high levels of learning for all students. This means working hard to ensure student needs are met in relation to both academic and social learning. When communicating with students we have been stressing the importance of staying focused and being a leader. This means advocating for themselves, working hard, and doing whatever it takes to achieve their goals. We have also stressed the importance of conducting themselves in a manner that allows both themselves and others to achieve. These skills are essential for their success.
As we start this new year, encourage your child in their endeavors and remind them that they can achieve their goals. We are here to support, guide, and ensure they achieve.
I believe we can accomplish amazing things for our students and community by working together. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school. Thank you for your support.
|
|
Positivity Project
As we begin the new year we will continue to explore how words and actions may affect others. This includes exploring optimism, prudence and perseverance. Students will also explore the power of “yet” and what it means to believe in personal growth.
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” ~Helen Keller
|
|
Social Media Literacy
“Online digital technology has empowered users in ways that were unimaginable twenty years ago. Social media sites have given us the ability to reach a global audience, and have increased the average user's means to persuade and influence. We are no longer just consumers of media, but content creators and distributors, as well as editors, opinion makers, and journalists.”
How we choose to represent our lives online is something that we all struggle with in one way or another. In the library here at Randall Middle School, students learn how to be more knowledgeable consumers and responsible creators of information.
As cyber citizens, we need to be aware of what we are sharing and viewing. To be a critical consumer at Randall Middle, we practice using a protocol to distinguish between what is real and what is made up on websites and social media. For example, students are encouraged to use multiple sources and examine multiple perspectives. Relying on just one source, your information may be limited or misconstrued. We also discuss our digital footprint and practice responsible cyber ethics by representing ourselves safely online.
Goodman, Stacey. "Social Media Literacy: The 5 Key Concepts." Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 10 June 2014, www.edutopia.org/blog/social-media-five-key-concepts-stacey-goodman. Accessed 16 Dec. 2019.
|
|
Social Learning
From the beginning of the year we have focused on teaching students expectations for appropriate conduct in a school setting. Our ultimate goal is to prepare students to be successful in their future endeavors. We have done this with a focus on four core ideas, be safe, be respectful, be responsible, and be kind. These expectations continue to be taught and reinforced on a daily basis.
We have done this in many different ways including:
- Implementation of the Positivity Project
- Implementation of a counseling curriculum which includes career planning and social and emotional learning
- Explicit teaching of desired behaviors
- Positive reinforcement through Class Dojo and school wide incentives
- Restorative circles
- Counseling services
- Presentations on sexual harassment and reporting from Cortland Preventative Services
- Too Good for Drugs and Too Good for Violence curriculum presented by Cortland Preventative Services
- Student support groups on Changing Families and Friendship (social skills)
- GEMS (Girls: Empowered Motivated, Successful) Mentoring facilitated by the YWCA
- Mediation
- Access to a reflection space
- Individualized behavior plans
We remain dedicated to educating students creating safe and nurturing environments for students while preparing them for the future. If your child feels unsafe, bullied, harassed, or has concerns, please encourage them to talk with a trusted adult. Families are also encouraged to contact the school if they have concerns.
|
|
News From The School Nurse
School Based Dental Program
Dental services will be available to all students at Randall Middle School this coming January and February! The dental staff from the Family Health Network will provide cleanings and sealants to all students that sign up! If you would like consent forms or have any questions please contact the School Nurse @ 758-4174.
|
|
Math News
Students were given fraction bars to solve problems such as, 3/5 equals 6 what? In other words, 3 green pieces are equal to 6 of which other color? (The purples are tenths.) This conceptual approach helps bridge the understanding towards, “The Golden Rule of Fractions”. In other words, “whatever is done to the numerator must also be done to the denominator." Students enjoyed this hands on experience.
|
|
News From The Desk Of Ms. Charles - Library
Prepare for adventure...and it is just outside your door! Come to the library to check-out a Backyard backpack. We have 3 backpacks available and all you need is a note from your parent stating that you will be responsible with this resource and will return it and all of its contents on time. The backpacks have a 2 week loan period. The Backyard Backpack program is designed to promote the use of scientific inquiry and appreciation for the outside world. Parents are encouraged to join in with their children as they use the tools of science to collect data about our part of planet Earth and beyond. Extend your naturalist skills by using the tools provided in this backpack. Your backpack will include the following instruments of science: Binoculars, Weather Meter, Hand Lens, Twelve Field Guides, Compass, Track Identification Sheets.
|
|
Mural Design Winners
Congratulations Ashley, Kaidence, Ryan, Emma, Valerie, Dylan, Bryson, and Alivia! These 5th and 6th graders won our school-wide mural design contest and will be collaborating to paint a hallway mural in the Spring!
|
|
News From The School Counselor
After the December Recess, I will be starting several counseling groups titled “Friendship” with a number of students.
Friendship is a social skills group designed to help students further develop their interpersonal skills, increase positive social behaviors, and learn more about themselves and others. The topics we will address through activities, books, and discussions focus on feelings and communication skills, social skills, the characteristics of healthy relationships, and conflict resolution. The goal of this group is for students to grow personally and socially. A permission slip was sent home with all students in the beginning of the school year to join this group. If you would like your child to join, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Carly Hewitt
School Counselor
607-758-4170 ext. 7108
chewitt@cortlandschools.org
|
|
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found table is overflowing with shirts, great hoodies and warm winter coats! Please check to see if your child is missing their clothing. Also, look at the pictures and see what has been misplaced, or forgotten. Students may reclaim their things themselves. Parents may contact the school and arrange to reclaim their child’s belongings. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
The Public Library has
Many Programs!
|
|
|
|
School Lunch is a Healthy and Delicious Option!
|
|
Follow us on Twitter @CECSD_Randall
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
