March 6, 2022
Dear CMS Community,
As we begin the first full week of March at Chenery Middle School, we will likely see a change in masking policy. After meetings with the Belmont Board of Health and BPS School Committee, this could happen as soon as Tuesday, March 8. It has been a long, hard road navigating the pandemic, especially with differing opinions around many aspects of it. Since students and staff will soon have a choice around if and when they wish to wear a mask, it is very important that we all respect that choice. I will be reviewing our expectations in a mask optional and mask friendly environment with our CMS community during morning announcements tomorrow. Please click HERE if you would like to review those slides in advance. I encourage conversation around this new phase of the pandemic with your children.
In addition, this past week, administration met with all students at grade level community meetings. Our goal was to remind students about school expectations for behaviors and routines, continue our dialogue around connection, equity and inclusion, as well as offer students the opportunity to offer ideas and ask questions. Students were surveyed in advance and their ideas and concerns were reflected in our slides and discussion. Please see HERE for the Lower School presentation and HERE for the Upper School presentation.
Thank you for your continued partnership in promoting a school environment in which our students feel supported, accountable for their choices, and have access to engaging and student centered learning. We cannot do it alone and your support is meaningful and welcomed.
Respectfully,
Karla B. Koza, Principal
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
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March 7-8
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5th Grade World Language Presentations in SDR & LCR
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March 9
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Upper School MCAS Infrastructure Test
CMS Community Day
Anti-Bullying – Orange Shirt Day - Upload a Photo HERE
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March 11
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Chenery/Boston/Belmont Spirit Day
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March 13
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Q3 Progress Reports Released
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March 14
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School Council - LCR at 3:30PM
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March 15
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Annual Latin Examination (8th grade during A block)
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March 16
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CMS Learns Awareness Series During Homeroom
Lower School MCAS Infrastructure Test
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March 18
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Supporting our Students Through Stress: Part 2 Webinar Series from McLean at 8:00am (This will be recorded.) Zoom link: https://partners.zoom.us/j/81074758918
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March 23
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CMS Community Day
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March 30
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CMS Learns Awareness Series During Homeroom
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March 28-29
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MCAS ELA Session 1 & 2: Upper School
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March 31-April1
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MCAS ELA Session 1 & 2: Lower School
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April 5
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CMS Paint Night - Students, Families & Staff Register HERE
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April 6-13
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Pedometer Challenge Sponsored by Student Council
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April 8
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End of Quarter 3
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April 11
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School Council - LCR at 3:30PM
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April 13
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CMS Learns Awareness Series During Homeroom
Anti-Bullying – Orange Shirt Day - Upload a Photo HERE
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April 18-22
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April Break
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April 25
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US Enrichment Assembly Sponsored by the PTO
Grade 7:
Blocks A (7-1), C, (7-3) D (7-2)
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April 27
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CMS Community Day
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April 28
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Family Trivia Night - Virtual 6:30-7:30 Sponsored by Student Council
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April 29 - May 13
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Creative Expressions Competition Sponsored by Student Council
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May 2
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Q3 Grades Released
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May 4
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CMS Learns Awareness Series During Homeroom
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May Dates
(5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1)
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Discovery Museum for 5th Grade
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May 5-6
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MCAS Math: Lower School
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May 9-10
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MCAS Math: Upper School
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May 12
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MCAS STE: 5th 7 8th Grade
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May 18
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CMS Learns Awareness Series During Homeroom
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May 25
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District Wide Professional Development
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MUSIC SELECTION
Thank you to everyone who filled out the music course selection form for the 2022-2023 school year before the February break. Any families who did not fill out the form for this school year, it will be assumed that your child plans to continue with their current music selection for next year. If this is not the case and you hope to make a change, please reach out to Mr. Holland at rholland@belmontschools.net.
WORLD LANGUAGE SELECTION - GRADE 5
As you may be aware, fifth graders will soon be choosing a world language which they will start studying in sixth grade. Last Wednesday, students viewed a Screencastify video that described Belmont's World Language program. Next Monday, March 7 and Tuesday, March 8, students will participate in a lesson for each of the four languages that are offered. Then you and your child can have a more informed discussion about which language to choose. That Screencastify video is made available to you HERE. After students attend the presentations next week, a google form will be sent to parents through which you may make your child's world language selection. More information to come! Please reach out to Mr. Holland at rholland@belmontschools.net if you have any questions.
BELMONT WELLNESS COALITION SURVEY
The Belmont Wellness Coalition created a survey in order to better understand the needs of parents concerning issues related to youth mental health and substance misuse. This data will assist the BWC in planning future programming. Your participation is completely anonymous and greatly appreciated. Please click HERE to take the survey. Thank you for your important participation.
CMS STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
Click here for CMS Student Council Calendar of Events 21-22
CMS Paint Night - Students, Families & Staff Register HERE
CMS YEARBOOK
Just a final reminder regarding any photos you would like to share for the 21-22 CMS Yearbook. The deadline has been extended until Monday, March 7th. Click the yearbook homepage link below to upload any photos (groups of students, hanging out outside of school, during any of your years at Chenery, trips, sports, beach, concerts, clubs, spirit days, theme park visits, travel, around town, teams, etc.).
Don’t forget to order your yearbook (especially grade 8 students). The deadline to order a 21-22 CMS Yearbook is March 31, 2022.>> 2021-2022 CMS Yearbook Homepage Link Use this link for uploading photos and ordering a yearbook
SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH STRESS: Part 2 Webinar Series from McLean on March 18
We are excited to offer Part 2 of the well attended series from Dr. Brittany Jordan-Arthur in which she will continue to help adults by providing excellent context and practical strategies for supporting our children as they navigate the many stressors facing teenagers today. You may join this webinar on March 18 at 8:00am. To join this valuable webinar, click on this link: https://partners.zoom.us/j/81074758918. It will be recorded. For Part 1 of this series, you may view this recorded webinar by clicking HERE.
BELMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL TOPPING OFF CEREMONY
This past Friday, Principal Koza took a group of 5th and 6th graders to this important event and the construction site of the new Belmont Middle School. This event is one that recognizes the work of all the stakeholders involved with the building of our new school opening in the Fall of 2023. The raising of the last beam is a customary celebration for the ironworkers of a building. The last beam was signed by many individuals, including our students. To see more, CLICK HERE for the Wicked Local coverage of the event.
REOCCURING NEWS & RESOURCES
CHENERY COOKS! - A MULTICULTURAL COLLECTION OF RECIPES FROM THE CHENERY COMMUNITY
We invite all students and their families to join us as we celebrate diversity and culture in the new digital version of a cookbook started years ago at CMS. In the first edition, thirty-six countries were represented, and each recipe was submitted by a Chenery family or staff member and was representative of their cultural heritage. We will be replicating this approach in the second edition. Please click HERE for more information and directions on how to share YOUR loved recipes as we celebrate the many cultures represented at our school. Please direct all questions to chenerycooks@belmontschools.net managed by our wonderful librarian, Karen Duff.
BELMONT SUMMER ENRICHMENT
Are you looking for fun, educational opportunities for your children this summer? If so, Belmont Summer Enrichment is a great choice for you! BSE offers a variety of different classes for incoming Pre-K through incoming grade 7.
Some of our courses include Engineering, Coding, Collaborative Sports, Improv, Graphic Design, and Growing Gardeners, which will be taking place in the Chenery Courtyard. Many classes are taught by our own BPS teachers. This is a great way to keep curious minds thinking over the summer and maintaining good learning habits so your child will be ready and excited to learn in the fall.
See a full list of courses and registration details on our BPS Website:
http://www.belmont.k12.ma.us/bps/Home/Partners/Summer-Programs And, you can like us on Facebook or Instagram!
This year’s dates are:
Session 1
Tuesday-Friday: July 5 - 8
Monday-Thursday: July 11-14
Session 2
Monday-Thursday: July 18-21
Monday-Thursday: July 25-28
BALANCING TECH IN SCHOOL AND AT HOME
While we continue to grow our capacity on purposeful and meaningful use of technology at school, some parents wonder how to better curb non-essential tech use at home. Here are a few resources that may help as you work with your child.
What's the right age to get my kid a phone?
Parents' Ultimate Guide to Discord
Click here to learn about the dangers of Discord.
Click here for an article on understanding TikTok.
Learn more about how to protect children with settings on Netflix HERE.
How to manage your child’s device remotely, CLICK HERE.
How to manage your child’s YouTube account, CLICK HERE.
Cheetah Spot
Does your child ride a school bus or can’t make it to the store when it is open? If so, they can pick up a green order form outside of the school store and follow the directions on the form. Students can use the order form to place and receive an order so they don’t miss the bus.
How to Sign Up For CMS Email
To receive the communications sent out on the Chenery Middle School listserv, click HERE.
Helpful District and School Documents
HOW TO CONTACT CMS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
PRINCIPAL KARLA B. KOZA
@KarlaBKoza
Please contact me in any of the ways below.
Chenery Middle School
95 Washington Street
Belmont, MA 02748
Lower School (5 & 6) Assistant Principal Nicolette Foundas email: nfoundas@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5820
Upper School (7 & 8) Assistant Principal Mark DiStefano email: mdistefano@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5831
ENCORE & Student Programming Assistant Principal Ryan Holland email: rholland@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5801
Lisa Hurtubise, ELA Reading Director email: lhurtubise@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617 993-5945
Elizabeth Baker, Director of Science email: ebaker@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5970
Jonathan Golden, Director of Mathematics email: jgolden@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5805
Deborah McDevitt, Director of Social Studies email: DMcDevitt@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5980
Vicky D'Annunzio, Interim Director of World Language email: vdunnuzio@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5950
Arto Asadoorian, Director of Fine and Performing Arts email: aasadoorian@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-5990
Lindsey Rinder, Director of English Language Education email: lrinder@belmont.k12.ma.us and voice mail: 617-993-1044
Jonathan Libby, Assistant Director of Student Services email: jlibby@belmont.k12.ma.us
Rosa Inniss, METCO Director email: rinniss@belmont.k12.ma.us