What's New at CMS West

8th Grade Parents: If you haven’t already done so, please contact one of the two parents listed below to volunteer your time or make a donations. June 1 will be here before we know it!

Attention 8th Grade Parents! The end of the year 8th grade luncheon is Friday, June 1. The luncheon will take place from 10:50 to 11:50 am followed by the Student Recognition Program from 12 noon to 1:45 pm.

We need volunteers! 8th Grade parents can help in three ways:

1. Volunteer for the event. Contact Donna McQuain for job opportunities and times for one of the three committees:

• Decorations committee
• Set up committee

2. Donate financially. If you are unable to volunteer, we need funds to cover the estimated cost of $2,500 to feed our 330 students and their teachers. Please send your donations to the office marked 8th grade luncheon. Checks should be made out to CMSW PTO. All donation amounts are welcome.

3. Donate bottled water and desserts. We need water and desserts for the event. These items may be delivered to school on Friday morning, June 1. Please contact Pam Lopez to sign-up for water or desserts.

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents and the PTO Board members for their commitment and dedication to our students and our school.

2011-2012 was a highly successful year for our PTO filled with many accomplishments.

Together, through our Write a Check Campaign, sales of School Supplies, Spirit Wear, Student Store and Projects, we raised funds totaling more than $30,000 that were directly re-invested back into our school to benefit our children.

• The annual PTO dance coordinated by our Student Activities Committee provided a fun time for the students; as well as additional funds.

• Early in the year, after a successful membership drive by our Membership/ Directory Committee, we were able to deliver a stellar directory for use by parents, staff and students.

• Your generous financial support of the PTO brought several Programs to West including Aim for Success, Kids Prov, Winners Inc., Science in the Movies, and Critterman. These educational programs are funded exclusively by the PTO.

• Our Health and Welfare team provided snacks and water for all the students as they took their state assessment tests. In addition, our talented Hospitality Committee provided an assortment of wonderful dishes every month for the teachers and staff luncheon.

Many of our PTO Board positions are behind the scenes: Vice President, Parliamentarian, Treasurer, Asst. Treasurer, Secretary, Webmaster, Library Coordinator; and the Communications/Publicity role brings you the weekly updates on PTOConnect. Their expertise and organization allow us to run our PTO efficiently and effectively.

Please join me in recognizing the 2011-2012 West PTO Board for their support of our teachers, school and parents throughout the year. This is an amazing group of individuals that I have had the privilege to work with this past year. Each day they gave of their time and energy to make a difference for our children.

Pam Lopez, Vice President
Glenn Bishop, Parliamentarian
Jessica Truax, Secretary
Trey Douglas, Treasurer
Kara Dunn, Asst. Treasurer
Midge Parish, Communications-PTOConnect
Kim Smith, Communications
Noel Cloutier, Health and Welfare Co-Chair
Julie Bartolacci, Health and Welfare Co-Chair
Lorraine Carroll, Hospitality Co-Chair
Susan Ziperman, Hospitality Co-Chair
Barbara Gaither, Hospitality
Rhonda Griggs, Hospitality
Sharla Struffolino, Hospitality
Laurie Wilson, Hospitality
Norma Campbell, Library Coordinator
Kathy MacDonald, Membership/Directory
Karla Grissom, Membership/Directory
Tammy Hollingsworth, Programs
Lupita Garcia de Garza, Publicity
Lisa Woody, School Supplies Chair
Kimberly Smith, School Supplies
Deb Greaves, Spirit Wear Co-Chair
Linda Medina, Spirit Wear Co-Chair
May Olson, Student Activities Chair
Cindy Everson, Student Activities
Kris Smith, Student Activities
Stephanie Smith, Student Activities
Lorrie Penton, Student Store/Volunteer Database
Pushpa Kumar, Webmaster
Becky Wall, Write-a-Check Chair
Susan Coleman, Write-a-Check
Traci Hall, Write-a-Check
Cassandra Johnson, Write-a-Check
Deb Krenek, Write-a-Check

We look forward to your continued support in the 2012-2013 school year.
Have a relaxing and safe summer.

Best regards,
Donna McQuain
PTO President, Coppell Middle School West

Extra! Extra! The 2011-2012 Yearbooks are here!

Students who pre-ordered a Coppell West Yearbook will receive their year book on Tuesday (May 22) and Wednesday (May 24).

There will be a limited supply of extra yearbooks for sale beginning on Thursday (May 31) and Friday (June 1) for $45.00. If you have not pre-ordered a yearbook, and your student wishes to purchase a copy, please have your student bring a check made out to CMS West OR cash,on one of these two mornings before school begins (7:00 – 7:40 a.m.) at the yearbook table outside the Counseling Center.

If you need additional information, please contact Yearbook Sponsor Monica Champagne

Please mark your calendar for the following grade level awards programs for student achievement:

• 7th Grade program: Thursday, May 24, 7:55 to approximately 9:15 am
• 6th Grade program: Thursday, May 31, 7:55 am to approximately 9:15 am
• 8th Grade program: Friday, June 1, 11:55 am to approximately 1:45 pm

Sixth and 7th grade students will participate in Student Council Officer elections on Wednesday, May 23 during our annual elections at the end of the day. The officer candidates have prepared themselves for this election and had a great time making posters and planning their video taped speeches.

7th and 8th graders will take their Semester Tests during the week of Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, June 1. 6th grade students will be involved in normal learning activities and smaller assessments during this last week of school.

It is important for 7th and 8th grade students to prepare for these assessments with their teachers during the next several weeks. This year, 7th and 8th grade students will take exams during specific class periods. Whatever class meets during a specific class period, students will have their exam for that specific class.

Please use the schedule below as your guide as to when your 7th OR 8th grade student will be testing:

Please note: Students in the Coppell ISD will not attend school on Monday, May 28th as we recognize the Memorial Day Holiday. School will resume on Tuesday, May 29th.

The CHS Football Booster Club invites you to join them on Thursday, May 24 at the Coppell High School Football Stadium for the 2012 Spring Football Games and Community Dinner. This annual event has become a wonderful way to bring the community together for an evening of food, football and fun!

The evening starts with the JV playing at 4:30 pm and the Varsity playing around 7:00 pm. This year we are excited to have Coppell Middle School 7-on-7 teams playing between the JV and Varsity games. The combination of catering by Dickey’s Barbeque, football games, cheerleaders, and other high school groups will make for a great evening! Come join us and bring family and/or friends. View the event flyer for all the details.

Earlier this school year, 8th graders participated in an assessment known as the EXPLORE Assessment. This assessment is a college readiness assessment to give information to students, parents and teachers as to, is a student on track to be ready for college or work by the time they graduate from high school.

Todd Kettler, CISD Director of Advanced Academics, will be hosting an information meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the West Library to orient 8th grade parents as to how to interpret their child’s EXPLORE scores. Our West Counselors will be visiting with 8th graders and distributing assessment results to 8th graders on Monday, May 21st in their language arts classes. Students will be bringing these results home to their parents on Monday afternoon.

More than ever before, it is important that all students have the skills needed to be successful in college and the workplace. Becoming college-ready does not happen overnight; students develop these skills by taking rigorous courses in high school. EXPLORE helps 8th and 9th graders build high school course plans that will prepare them for college and work and introduces them to career options that are relevant to them. It shows your son or daughter: areas needing extra help or additional courses, suggestions for improving skills; and careers that match the student’s interests. EXPLORE scores provide early indicators of whether students are on track for college. With plenty of time before students graduate, teachers can use this information to focus on areas of need. Students who take EXPLORE are more likely to be ready for college. Learn more about other ACT resources for students at www.actstudent.org.

The National Junior Honor Society will host its annual Induction Ceremony this Tuesday, May 22, in the West Auditorium beginning at 7:00 pm.

Congratulations to 7th grade students who will be inducted.

Attention parents with students participating in 7th and 8th grade athletics next year! Now is the time to order uniforms for next year. Please note: Athletic uniforms are different from the 6th grade PE uniforms.

On line ordering is available April 29 through May 25. The site will close at midnight on May 25th. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Athletic students are required to have athletic clothing to wear during class time. They will wear these uniforms daily, so you may want to order more than one each of the shirts and shorts so you don’t have to do laundry every day. Sweat shirts and sweatpants are optional but are recommended for cool fall and winter days.

To place your order follow these steps:

• Visit order website at: www.barefootathletics.com/cof

• ENTER CODE: COF12673

• Select sizes and quantities for each item, enter the student’s full name, and then click “Add to Cart”.

• Check your selections and make any necessary corrections.

• Check the box that you agree with the “terms and conditions”, and then click “Continue”.

• Enter payment information and click “Pay for Order”. You will receive a confirmation email.

NOTE: Your order will be delivered to Coppell Middle School West and distributed to your student during schedule pick up in August if you place your order now! Student will need the clothing for the 1st day of school.

It is important to place your order now. PTO cannot make any guarantees on availability of products in the fall.

School supplies and pe uniforms for the coming school year are now available for purchase on-line. You may order by clicking supplies.

Don’t delay, the deadline for online orders is June 24.

Order now to avoid back-to-school shopping headaches!

School Supplies will be distributed during schedule pick up in August.

The Science Club went to Alamogordo and Carlsbad, New Mexico for their Spring trip.

While in Alamogordo, the students visited and explored White Sands National Monument. They learned how the dunes were formed and had a great time “sledding” down the sand hills.

They then traveled to Carlsbad and visited the the Living Desert Zoo and learned about the flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert. They also learned how the Mescalero Apache tribe makes agave from the Mescal or Century Plant. They also visited Carlsbad Caverns and descended 755 feet below the Earth’s surface to take a guided tour of “The Kings Palace” as well as “The Big Room”. While at Carlsbad, the students observed stalactites and stalagmites as well as columns, draperies, cave popcorn and cave spaghetti.

The students had a wonderful experience. Thank you to science teachers Cathy Douglas and Michelle Lansford for organizing this trip and to the wonderful parents who attended and help to chaperone.

Box Tops=Money for CMSW

Please take this last opportunity to turn in your Box Tops. We will be collecting Box Tops the last day of school.

A reminder that we expect all of our students to abide by the dress code expectations and guidelines as listed in the CMS West Student Handbook, pages 7 and 8. Earlier this week, we spoke with the students during lunch times reminding them of these dress code expectations.

Most of our students comply with the dress code expectations when coming to school each day. However, with the warm spring weather upon us, some of our young ladies wear shorts and/or skirts that are not extended finger-tip length.

Please note that students with dress code violations will be asked to contact their parent from the office to bring up to school, clothing which fits the appropriate length for shorts or skirts.

As a parent, you can help us best, by working with your child each morning before students leave for school. Your efforts are appreciated as we work together to ensure your child meets the Coppell ISD dress code guidelines each day when attending school. Thanks for your help.

Our NJHS students will host their annual “dog wash” fundraiser this Saturday at Cottonwood Creek Elementary School from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Bring your dog(s) for a great wash and dry.

Donations are welcome and will be given to the Coppell Animal Shelter to assist with their weekly needs.

For more information contact sponsors Missy Schliep OR Carson Thompson.

We hope you will attend the Coppell ISD Night at Rangers Stadium next Monday night, May 14, in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers will be playing the Kansas City Royals with Coppell ISD pre-game activities beginning down on the field at 6:30 pm. The baseball game will begin at 7:05 pm.

The CMS-West Bands will perform their Spring Band Concert next Tuesday, May 15th in the West Auditorium beginning at 6:30 pm.

We would like to invite you to come and join us for a great performance of each of our bands. For additional information please contact band directors David Cote OR Joe Mehling.

Students will participate in Career Day activities on Wednesday, May 16 beginning at 1:30 pm. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about three different types of professions. Ask your student more about this exciting opportunity.

For additional information contact Counselor Stacey Helmbrecht.

We will operate on an A/B Block schedule on Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday May 17. Please refer to the schedule for class periods and times.

Students, parents and staff members are invited to attend the Choir’s Spring POP Concert next Thursday, May 17 beginning at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.

Congratulations to our Choir Program for their extraordinary performances at the San Antonio,Texas Choral Contests this past weekend. Our choir students received the 1st place choir trophy!

Congratulations also goes out to our 6th grade and boys choirs for their outstanding efforts at this past Wednesday’s Cadet Band – Sandy Lake Competition.

Special thanks to Director Allison Hartzell for her hard work and leadership efforts.

Does your student need help finding a good book to read? In addition to asking your own school librarian, the Coppell Public Library has some online services that are available 24 hours a day.

NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus are two great services that allow you to search for titles of series, favorite authors and books in a specific Lexile range.

Just go to www.coppelltx.gov, click on library, click on catalog and click on the NovelList Plus or NoveList K-8 Plus link. You will need a library card number to log in to the database. If you need assistance, please call the Coppell Public Library at 972.304.3658.

Medications If you checked medications for your student into the clinic this year, please be aware that all medication must be picked up by the last day of school. Any remaining medications after school is out will be discarded. Daily student reminders will be made each day during the last two weeks of school.

Attention 6th Grade Parents: IMMUNIZATIONS are DUE for 7th grade
Most of next year’s 7th graders will need new immunizations before school starts in the fall. Required immunizations include a tetanus booster (Tdap), a varicella (chickenpox) booster, and a meningococcal vaccine.

If your student has already received these vaccines, please send a copy to our school so records may be updated. If your student does not show these vaccines have been administered per our records, you will soon receive a note indicating these must be received before your child can start 7th grade.

If you have questions regarding immunizations, please contact Joyce Alcorn, RN, BSN at the school clinic or call the Immunization Hotline in Austin at 1-800-252-9152.

Click on Community Resources for additional health resources available to you.

You built it, you love it, and now . . . it’s time for Kid Country 2012!

Thousands of families have played, laughed, and grown at Kid Country, and all the years of fun have taken a toll. Now our community has an opportunity to update and upgrade this iconic playground. The success of this exciting project depends on community involvement at all stages — from design, to fundraising, to the rebuild itself. Construction is scheduled for the first week of October, 2012. We need your help!

Here’s how you and your family can get involved: Rebuilding Kid Country

Biggby Coffee will contribute $1 to the West PTO with every full-priced beverage or bag of retail coffee. To qualify, simply present a Biggby Coffee Coupon when making your purchase. Offer is valid through May 31, 2012. Print extra copies to share with your friends!

In addition to coffee, Biggby’s menu also features a great selection for kids: MAGIC MILK in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, juice, hot chocolate, and drinks for mom or dad, too! Biggby’s also offers delicious meals and light snacks.

Biggby’s is located at 230 N. Denton Tap Road, Suite 104, next to 7 Salsas Restaurant.

Grow It Land Designs will contribute 10 percent of your net sales to West PTO. Here is how the program works:

• Parents, family and friends shop at Grow It Land Designs Garden Center at 794 S. Denton Tap, Coppell, for all of your plant material, hardscape, chemicals, and yard decorations.
• When paying for items, inform the cashier you are part of the “CMS_West Community Partner” program.
• The cashier will stamp the cash register receipt identifying the program.
• Send the receipt to school in an envelope marked “PTO – Grow It Receipt”.
• At the end of the month, the West PTO will turn in submitted receipts and receive a check for 10% of the net amount of sales.

Thank you to Grow It Land Design owners, David and Sandy Flesher, for supporting our school and students through this great fundraising opportunity!

Attention sixth grade parents! This year’s end-of-year GAMES DAY is tomorrow, Friday, May 4.

Be sure to send your student to school with sunscreen!

Do you have a student who will be participating in the Coppell West Athletic Program next Year as a 7th or 8th grader? If your son/daughter is planning on participating in Athletics next year, their “participation forms” and physical examination will need to be completed and returned to the Coppell Office by Friday, May 25th.

Participation forms
The required forms are available by click on forms.

Physical Examinations
Students will need to have their athletic physical exam before Thursday, May 31. For your convenience, the Coppell ISD Athletic Department will provide an opportunity for athletes to obtain physicals on Saturday, April 21 or Saturday, May 5 from 8:30 am to 12 Noon with Dr. Swaldi at Old Town Family Practice, 413 Bethel Road, Suite 300 for only $20.

To schedule an appointment, click Appointments or visit www.coppellisd.com/sportsmedicine to sign up!

Please bring your physical form with you to the exam.

If you prefer, you can certainly use your primary doctor to complete this physical examination. It will be important to have your child’s physical form signed by a physician.

Emergency Contact Forms
The Emergency Contact Form must be notarized before you turn in all the paper work on or before May 25th. Mrs. Cheri Johnson in the West Office is a notary and can sign your paper work during school hours.

Deadline
All paperwork must be completed and turned in to Coach Chad Cox in an envelope at the front office. Please put child’s name, gender and grade for next school year on the front of the envelope.

Questions?
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Coppell West Athletic Coordinator Chad Cox at ccox@coppellisd.com

Students will receive their report cards for this past six weeks on Friday, April 27 during 6th period. Students will need to take these report cards home for parent review and then return these with parent signature to their 2nd period teachers by Thursday, May 3.