March 10, 2023

Ron Hamilton _letter from the director_.jpg




A MESSAGE FROM


Middle School Division Director


Mr. Ron Hamilton

Greetings, Middle School Kodiaks!


Here are some goings on and happenings in the Middle School world for the rest of March and the beginning of April.


March Reading Madness Standings

Don’t forget to read in March! Lower School students – and their teachers and parents – can record the number of books they’ve read, and Middle School students can record the number of pages they’ve read, via the following March Reading Madness Survey. Here are the current standings to date:

  • Lower School Books Read: 54
  • Middle School Pages Read: 5,004


Remember to record what you've read all the way through spring break. The last day to enter reading data is Friday, March 31.


Peer Tutor Student Volunteers Needed

Since 2021, CSS has trained and supported a cadre of Upper School students serving as peer tutors for the Middle School division. And, in the 2023-2024 school year, we will begin the next phase of peer tutoring!


Do you like to help others and guide them to success? Can you ask good questions and actively listen to other students’ responses? If you answered “yes” to both of these questions and are an 8th, 9th, or 10th grader, then you should consider becoming a peer tutor for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders during the 2023-2024 academic year. Fill out the form here to receive more information on the process for committing to volunteer.


DATES TO REMEMBER

Mar. 13

Seminar II Breakdown

Middle School Seminar II begins on Monday, March 13. Students will participate in the following experiences this year:

  • Fiber Arts
  • The World of Makeup
  • Culture Through Cooking
  • Martial Arts: Wellness and Self-Defense
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Understanding Culture Through Sports
  • Plains, Trails, and Bicycles


If your child is traveling or sleeping overnight on Seminar II, please make sure that all medicines and medical needs are updated with Ms. Hannum before Monday.


Mar. 18–28

Spring Break & Support Services

Wishing everyone an amazing Spring Break with just the right amount of excitement, adventure, and relaxation. While you are away from school, if you have an emergency or a concern that involves students, and you’re unsure how to handle it, use the Safe2Tell system to ask for help or advice. Remember, Safe2Tell is anonymous, and all reports go to your Division Director immediately. Click here to use this valuable service.


Mar. 28

Middle School Athletic Offerings

The spring athletics season is just around the corner, and Coach Vaughan will be sending out sign-up and schedule information for boys’ lacrosse and girls’ soccer in the near future. Visit csskodiaks.com for Kodiak athletic information, updates, and pictures from our games.


Middle School students who are not participating in the spring athletics season, tennis, or another outside sport or activity can share their choices for 4th Quarter activities by filling out the 2023 MS Quarter 4 Activity Survey.


Mar. 31

No School for MS or US: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Third Quarter Parent-teacher Conferences are mandatory for any student receiving a grade below a C. I will be contacting parents next week to schedule mandatory conferences, which will take place on campus on Friday, March 31. These conferences will occur from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Parents who would also like to schedule a 20-minute conference with an individual teacher may make an appointment by clicking on the teacher’s name found here. These parent-requested conferences will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, March 31, and can take place in person or virtually. If you would like an individual teacher conference and cannot meet on March 31, please email me for help with scheduling an appointment during the week of March 27. Mid-term progress reports and Seminar II comments will be available in FACTS on Wednesday, March 29.


Apr. 1

Walkabout Gear List & PAB Gear Swap

The 2023 8th grade Walkabout Gear List is now available here. If looking to save money on gear, or to swap out some that you no longer need, check out the PAB Gear Swap on Saturday, April 1, on the Quad (weather permitting or else in Maytag) from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information on setting up a Gear Swap table at the swap, click here.


Apr. 13

Middle School Spring Service Learning Days

On Thursday, April 13, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will participate in spring Service Learning Days. Each grade level will travel to an off-campus location for the first half of the day to support a local nonprofit organization, with more specifics to be sent later on. Please have students wear clothing and shoes that can get dirty or even ruined without tears. Students will also need sunscreen, a water bottle, hat, and sturdy shoes.


Apr. 21

Final Student Council Social Event of the School Year

The last Middle School Game Night of the year will be hosted by Student Council on Friday, April 21. This will be an evening of active fun on the CSS campus. Stay tuned for more details in my April e-newsletter.

Yours,


Ron Hamilton, M.A.Ed. Leadership

Middle School Division Director



SELFIE STATION

Scholastic Book Fair Closes Today at 3 p.m.

In case you missed it, The Colorado Springs School's Scholastic Book Fair will be open until 3 p.m. today in the Trianon Terrace Room. Feel free to stop by with your Middle School student if you have a chance and shop hundreds of titles and fun accessories in-person. Orders can also be placed online here.

The Colorado Springs School

21 Broadmoor Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Work: (719)434-3537, ext.550

[email protected] | www.css.org