Principal Update: 22-23 School Information
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Welcome from Principal Thames |
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Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
I hope this letter finds you rejuvenated and ready to begin what will be a great year for your child at Central Middle School. After serving in Eden Prairie Schools for the last 17 years as a teacher, Dean of Students, Associate Principal and Principal, it is truly an honor to give back to this amazing school community in a new capacity. As the new principal, I look forward to building strong relationships and partnerships with students and families. We know the middle school years are a pivotal time in a child’s life. Together, I believe we will create the conditions that will positively impact our students and allow them to flourish during these transformative years.
With a strong, dedicated and innovative teaching staff, we are committed to ensuring the personal, academic, social and emotional growth of each child that enters our doors. We will continue to create a welcoming environment where each child knows they are valued, supported and has something to contribute to making our school and world a better place.
I am excited to introduce new members of our Administrative Team. This year we welcome two new Associate Principals to Central Middle School, Shannon Kubicek and Cedric Fuller. Shannon comes to CMS with experience as a middle school English teacher, and most recently served as an Associate Principal at Champlin Park High School. She has worked closely with students and families for over 16 years and is already bringing her gifts and talents to CMS. Cedric Fuller has served in education for over 13 years. For the last several years he has worked closely with middle school students at Maple Grove Middle School. He has a passion for helping our youth grow and succeed. Mia Rhodes is the new 6th grade Dean of Students and will begin her 24th year in Eden Prairie Schools. She has served as a classroom teacher, Social Emotional Coach, Q-Comp Coordinator and Instructional Coach. Mia is excited to build relationships with students and help them navigate the middle school setting in a positive manner. With varied work experiences in the field of education, Shannon, Cedric and Mia will truly be an asset to Central Middle School families, students and staff.
Each year I enjoy creating a school-wide theme that I encourage our staff, students and families to embody. This year our theme will be "Soaring to New Heights." That is, challenging ourselves to do more than we thought we could and being intentional about the steps we take to make improvements in our daily lives. During open house we would like to invite each Central Middle School family to join in on our theme and participate in our Central Middle School challenge. At the end of the Open House experience, we ask that each student share what they will do to SOAR both socially and academically during the 2022-2023 school year.
I look forward to partnering with your family in the coming weeks.
Warmest regards,
Felicia Thames Ed.S, CMS Principal
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6th Grade Open House: Thursday, September 1st from 4:00-8:00 pm
7th Grade Open House: Tuesday, August 30 from 4:00-8:00 pm
8th Grade Open House: Thursday, August 25 from 4:00-8:00 pm
At Open House students will have the opportunity to:
- Meet our administrative staff
- Walk their schedule to find their classes
- Explore CMS
- Place supplies in their locker
- Have their picture taken (for ID and Yearbook)
- Learn about student activities
- Review handbook changes
- Order a school supply package
*New students also will receive their school-issued iPad at Open House.
*Please note, if you are unable to attend your grade level Open House you may attend an alternate Open House event.
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Student Schedules and Color Teams |
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The school day will start at 9:25 and end at 4:07. Please use the Daily Schedule link to view the bell schedule for 22-23.
Student schedules will be available on the Campus portal starting August 24th. You may print a copy and bring it with you to Open House. Please note that our master schedule is put together deliberately to meet the needs of each CMS student. Due to the complexity of CMS course registration, we are limited on the changes that can be made to student schedules. Schedule change requests for social reasons are not able to be honored. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
Color team assignments will be emailed out to families by Wednesday, August 17th.
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CMS Mornings is our before school program offered Monday-Friday from 7:00-9:15 am. To register or learn more about this program please visit our website or contact Denise Weber at 952-975-6953 or at denise_weber@edenpr.org
*Please note that students will not be allowed to enter the building prior to 9:15 am, unless they have a signed pass from a teacher or activity coach indicating permission to enter the building early. If a student needs to be at school prior to 9:15 am they must be enrolled in CMS Mornings.
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School Supplies and School Store |
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CMS is offering 22-23 school supply packages as an easy and cost effective way of purchasing school supplies. The following packages are available for purchase through the MyPaymentsPlus website.
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Package 1* ($36): School Supply Package (for all grades)
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Package 2 ($15): Scientific Calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView)
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Package 3 ($20): Staedtler Comfort Compass (required for 8th grade Geometry)
- Package 4 ($5): Planner (included in package 1)
Packages can be purchased through MyPaymentsPlus starting July 8 until August 18. Supply packages will be available for pick up during Open House events or on the first day of school during Advisor. Families are strongly encouraged to pre-order supplies through MyPaymentsPlus. There will be a limited amount of supply packages available for purchase during Open Houses. Only cash or check will be accepted at the event.
Supply assistance is available for purchase of school supply packages. If you need supply assistance please stop by the School Store during Open House or contact Linda Yelland at 952-975-7321.
Monetary donations for the supply assistance program are also accepted on the My Payments Plus platform.
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Health Services staff are available during the school day to meet the health needs of each student. When a student becomes ill or is injured during the school day, first aid and illness management will be provided. 911 will be called if a student is significantly ill or injured.
Medication at School:
Medication is dispensed in school only as necessary for the well-being of the student and under a doctor’s supervision. All medication must be kept in the school health room unless special arrangements are made with the Licensed School Nurse. Students receiving medication during the school day must have the written permission of a parent/guardian and a written order from their physician. All medication must be in the original bottle.
Health and Emergency Forms:
Health and Emergency Forms can be found online at our Health Services Site. It is important that the names and phone numbers listed for emergency contacts are current and accurate.
Immunizations:
Minnesota law requires all incoming 7th grade students show proof of the following
immunization:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) booster
- Meningococcal (MCV4): 1st dose
Children may be exempt from immunization for various reasons, including certain
medical conditions or religious/personal beliefs. If your child has a medical
condition and is unable to receive certain vaccines, or if your religious/personal
beliefs contradict vaccines, please complete the back of the immunization form
(section 1, A and/or B).
To obtain the immunization form please visit:
All students are expected to be in compliance with the state immunization
laws on the first day of the 2022-2023 school year.
Please provide verification of immunization by mail or fax to:
Central Middle School
ATTN: Immunizations/Health Office
8025 School Road, Eden Prairie 55344
Fax: 952-975-7320
To obtain information on low cost or no cost clinics providing vaccines please visit:
If you have already submitted your child’s vaccine information, please
disregard this notice.
Thank you,
Jennifer Plapinger, MSN, RN, LSN, PHN, CPN
Licensed School Nurse, Central Middle School
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Jostens will be taking student pictures during Open Houses. All students must have their pictures taken to receive their school ID badge. Parents have the option to purchase pictures of their student. Jostens will send an email with a link to all CMS families. If you do not receive an email from Jostens please visit their website to order photos.
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Central Middle School will be utilizing volunteers to provide school store support during the 22-23 school year and at our Open House events. Sign up for volunteer opportunities using this form. All volunteers must complete the following steps, prior to volunteering with Eden Prairie Schools.
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Complete a Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Application. Upon completion, Olivia Antilla, Outreach and Engagement Supervisor will contact you directly through email.
- Complete a background check through Community Education HR. A link from Trusted Employees will be sent to your email, within 24-72 hours. If you cannot afford the background check, select the “I need assistance with the cost” on your volunteer application. Olivia will then contact you in regards to the financial help.
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Watch this orientation video, complete the quiz
A volunteer schedule will be made using the results from this form. Volunteers will receive communication regarding their role by August 30th.
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The Child Nutrition program serves CMS students breakfast and lunch. The daily rate for breakfast is $2.05 and lunch is $3.35.
Families who may qualify for free/reduced-price meal benefits can access the online application in their Campus Parent Portal. Click on “More” then “Meal Benefits.” Families can also download an application from the Child Nutrition page and return it to any school or the Welcome Center or mail it to the address on the form. Paper applications will be mailed to all households in early August; a return envelope will be included.
To view menus and see more information on Child Nutrition please visit their webpage.
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Bus Schedules:
We encourage all families to have their child ride the school bus. In the event you are unable to do this please follow our before and after school carpool guidelines. Bus schedules will be sent to you in a separate mailing directly from the transportation director's office. Bus drop off and pick up will be at the east side of the school. If you have any questions, please visit the transportation webpage.
Activity Bus:
The activity bus is provided for students who participate in after-school activities. The activity bus leaves CMS at 5:40 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
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Parent Carpool Expectations |
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We are committed to providing a safe and secure learning experience at CMS. To ensure that our students enter the building efficiently and ready to learn, we are asking families to follow the Before and After School Expectations. Please view our carpool video.
- Before School drop off expectations:
- Drop off at 9:15
- Students stay in vehicle until 9:15 and will enter the building through doors 1 & 58 only
- Drop off lane along the curb (Map B) and a passing lane along the parking lot
- Pull all the way forward to the stop sign (Map D), please do not leave gaps in between vehicles.
- Please park in the lot (Map C) if you need to leave your vehicle. This will help keep the flow of traffic moving for all of our carpool families.
- Exit parking lot immediately after your child exits your vehicle. Right turn only off of School Rd (Map A)
- Exit past track/tennis courts (Map F)
Please note: If you need to drop off your child prior to 9:15, please sign your child up for CMS Mornings.
- After School pick up expectations:
- Pick up by 4:17pm, students will exit CMS through the bus doors and walk along the sidewalk to you
- When you arrive, please pull all the way forward to the track/tennis courts (Map E)
- Students will exit the bus doors and walk along the sidewalk to their vehicle (Map E)
- Pick up lane along the curb (Map B & E)
- Passing lane along the parking lot
- Please do not swerve around other vehicles to pick up your child or stop in the passing lane. This causes dangerous conditions for our students.
- Please park in the lot if you need to leave your vehicle (Map C)
- Exit parking lot
- Right turn only off of School Rd (Map A)
- Exit past track/tennis courts (Map F) - there will be a staff member assisting with exiting vehicles and busses
Thank you for your continued support in making Central Middle School a safe place for students and families.
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There are numerous activities available to students. Please view our Activities page on the Central Middle School website for more information.
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The Parent/Student Handbook can be found here.
Please take a moment to review the CMS Handbook (click the link above). The handbook outlines policies and guidelines for student life at CMS. We would welcome any questions you may have concerning the handbook. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and support of our policies.
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Attendance and Arriving Late/Leaving Early |
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Attendance:
The school district implements attendance guidelines to encourage good attendance habits for all students. For an absence to be considered excused the school attendance line (952-975-7301) needs to be called. Please provide the reason for the absence and the student's name and grade.
Arriving Late/Leaving Early:
Please call the attendance line (952-975-7301) if your student will be leaving early or arriving late. If the attendance line is called:
- Students arriving late will receive a pass allowing them to travel to their classroom and the tardy will be excused.
- Students leaving early will be issued a pass allowing them to leave their classroom, at the specified time, and exit the main front entrance.
Please note, calling the attendance line in the event of a student early release is critical to ensure the student is able to leave in a timely fashion. Showing up at the building or calling right before the requested release greatly increases wait time.
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- First Day of School
- September 6, 2022
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Curriculum Night: Parents are invited to Curriculum Night which is arranged according to grades. At Curriculum Night you will be able to meet your student’s teachers, learn about their courses of study, and socialize. More information will be emailed in the future, and please watch our website for additional information. Curriculum night is for parents and guardians only.
- 6th grade: September 13, 2022
- 7th grade: September 15, 2022
- 8th grade: September 20, 2022
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PTO Volunteer Needs:
Join the PTO in supporting our students and staff! We are looking for volunteers for the following roles:
- President— oversee PTO activities, liaison with school, organize meetings for members and board
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Fall Fundraiser Chair—oversee fundraiser, work with 3rd party fundraising partner, coordinate volunteers
- Dine Out Fundraiser Chair—coordinate with local restaurants to schedule dine out dates, publicize events
PTO Meeting- Save the Date:
Please join us for the first PTO Meeting of the year on Thursday, September 29 from 6pm to 7pm in the PAC Community Room. Learn more about the PTO, vote on new PTO board members, hear from the Principal, and meet other families.
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Central Middle School
8025 School Rd
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-975-7300
School hours: 9:25-4:07
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