Community Howler Hub

Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year is Elevating the Pack: Reaching New Heights! Last year, Cypress Creek Middle School reached an incredible milestone by earning an “A” school grade for the first time in school history. This year, our focus is not simply on maintaining that success, we are committed to building upon it and reaching even greater heights together.

Our mission, vision, core values, instructional priorities, and schoolwide systems are aligned to four School Improvement Goals that will guide our work throughout the 2026–2027 school year:

Goal 1: Academic Achievement

By May 2027, we will increase:

• ELA Achievement from 63% to 68%

• Mathematics Achievement from 72% to 76%

• Civics Achievement from 92% to 93%

• Middle School Acceleration from 83% to 86%

Progress will be measured through FAST PM3, the Civics EOC, Algebra 1 EOC, and Geometry EOC.

Goal 2: Learning Gains

By May 2027, we will increase:

• ELA Learning Gains from 64% to 69%

• ELA Lowest 25% Learning Gains from 64% to 69%

• Mathematics Learning Gains from 65% to 70%

• Mathematics Lowest 25% Learning Gains from 68% to 72%

Progress will be measured through FAST PM3, the Algebra 1 EOC, and Geometry EOC.

Goal 3: Grade 8 Science Achievement

By May 2027, Grade 8 Science Achievement will increase from 45% to 65%, as measured by the Statewide Science Assessment.

Goal 4: Student Success & On-Track Progress

By May 2027, we will:

• Reduce the percentage of students with attendance rates below 90% from 22.0% to 15.0%.

• Reduce the percentage of students with two or more Early Warning System (EWS) indicators from 11.5% to 7.0% or fewer.

• Increase the percentage of students earning On-Track status from the Quarter 1 baseline to at least 80%.

• Ensure students identified as At-Risk or Off-Track demonstrate continued progress, with at least 75% moving toward or achieving On-Track status.

These goals represent our commitment to ensuring every Coyote grows, achieves, and remains on track for success. By working together as students, staff, families, and community partners, we will continue to Elevate the Pack and Reach New Heights!

Cypress Creek Middle School invites its community members to volunteer. In order to support the school, we ask that you first complete the District's Volunteer form here, and then click on the button below to indicate your availability and how you would prefer to spend your time volunteering at Cypress Creek Middle School.

Beginning next week, be sure to check the Community Howler Hub to see if your child has been nominated by a CCMS teacher or staff member as a Student of the Week! Students who are selected will have their names recognized in the newsletter each week.

Students for whom we have Full Permission Granted on their Parent Bill of Rights Photo/Media Consent Form will also be included in a group photo that will appear in the Community Howler Hub.

Please note that students whose parents selected Limited Permission Granted or No Permission (Absolute Opt-Out) will not be included in these photos. Limited Permission Granted only allows the use of a student's image within the school setting, such as the yearbook or displays inside the school. Because the Community Howler Hub is distributed electronically, posted on our website, and shared through social media, it is considered a public-facing publication and requires Full Permission Granted for student photos to be used.

Regardless of photo permissions, all Students of the Week will still be recognized by name, and each student will receive a copy of the nomination form explaining why a CCMS teacher or staff member selected them for this honor.

Parents may update their child's Photo/Media Consent Form at any time by accessing their child's profile in myStudent.

We look forward to celebrating the many outstanding students who make CCMS a great place to learn and grow!

At the very end of the our weekly newsletter is a section titled, Staff Member of the Week. Within that section, you will find a link that takes you to a nomination form. If you would like to recognize a teacher or staff member for something positive, please click on that link.

Those who have nominated will have their names typed here, and will also have their picture taken and posted below their names. Each staff member nominated will be given the nomination form that recognized them.

Monday, August 24th - Algebra 1 Testing (McNaull, Piper, & Walters)

• 2:40 PM to 4:30 PM - Volleyball Practice - Gym
• 2:40 PM to 5:00 PM - Addams Family Auditions - Room 2-105
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field

Tuesday, August 25th - 7th Grade Acc Sci (All Champion & Valentine 1, 3, 4)

• 2:40 PM to 4:30 PM - Volleyball Practice - Gym
• 2:40 PM to 5:00 PM - Addams Family Auditions - Room 2-105
• 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Football at JLMS - Wiregrass Ranch High School Stadium

Wednesday, August 26th - 7th Grade Acc Scie (All Wason & Valentine 5, 6)

• 2:40 PM to 4:30 PM - Volleyball Practice - Gym
• 2:40 PM to 3:40 PM - NJHS Tutoring - Media Center
• 2:40 PM to 5:00 PM - Addams Family Auditions - Room 2-105
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field

Thursday, August 27th - 8th Grade Acc Sci (Cairns & Henningsen)

• 2:40 PM to 4:30 PM - Volleyball Practice - Gym
• 2:40 PM to 4:00 PM - Jr. Thespian Meeting - Room 2-105
• 2:40 PM to 3:40 PM - NJHS Meeting - Media Center
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field

Friday, August 28th - 8th Grade Acc Scie (Simonds including 1st Period & O'Brien)

• 7:20 AM to 8:20 AM - All Pro Dads Meeting
• 2:40 PM to 5:00 PM - Addams Family Call Backs - Room 2-105
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field

Monday, August 31st - Algebra 1 & Science Make-Ups

• 2:40 PM to 4:30 PM - Volleyball Practice - Gym
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field

Tuesday, September 1st - 6th Grade Math PM 1 (Baune & Borboran)

• 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM - SAC - Room 1-127
• 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Football vs. PVMS - Cypress Creek High School Stadium

Wednesday, September 2nd - 6th Grade Math PM 1 (Pickard & Irizzary)

• 2:40 PM to 3:40 PM - Free NJHS Tutoring - Media Center
• 2:40 PM to 4:30 PM - Volleyball Practice - Gym
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Rock Band Rehearsal

Thursday, September 3rd - 7th Grade Math PM 1 (Reyes & Pierre)

• 2:40 PM to 4:30 PM - Volleyball Practice - Gym
• 2:40 PM to 4:00 PM - Jr. Thespian Meeting
• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field

Friday, September 4th - 6th & 7th Grade Math PM 1 Make-Ups

• 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Football Practice - PE Field

Saturday, September 5th

• 10 AM to 1 PM - Addams Family Build Day - Black Box

Like many in our community, we were saddened to learn of the devastating fire that occurred at the Cobalt Apartments on Thursday. While we do not currently believe any CCMS students or staff members were directly affected, the Cobalt Apartments are located within our school community, and many families in the surrounding area have been impacted by this tragedy.

The fire destroyed 83 homes and displaced numerous residents who lost personal belongings, cherished memories, and in some cases, nearly everything they owned. During difficult times, our community has always stepped forward to help those in need, and we are asking our CCMS families to consider doing the same.

The Cobalt Apartments community is currently accepting donations for displaced residents, including:

• Gift Cards
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Pet Supplies
• Blankets
• Food & Water
• Everyday Essentials

Donations may be delivered to:

Cobalt Apartments

4338 Cobalt Brook Blvd.

Lutz, FL 33559

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing information about the donation drive with family, friends, and local businesses. Every contribution, no matter the size, can help a family begin the process of rebuilding after this devastating loss.

Thank you for helping us demonstrate the compassion and generosity that make the Cypress Creek community so special. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our neighbors in need.

As noted on the two calendars above, progress monitoring testing begins this week with NWEA for Algebra 1 and 7th and 8th Grade Accelerated Science.

The week of September 2nd, FAST Progress Monitoring 1 (PM 1) will begin with 6th Grade math students. See the attached calendar below for all testing dates through the end of September through the beginning of October.

If you purchased a locker for your child, we began assigning lockers to our 8th grade students today. Locker assignments for all remaining students will continue on Monday after testing concludes.

To help your child prepare, please use the combination lock practice app linked below. Spending a few minutes practicing at home can help students feel more confident when they receive their locker and reduce delays caused by locks being reported as broken when they are actually functioning properly.

Thank you for your support as we work to ensure a smooth locker distribution process.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation with our afternoon dismissal procedures. Since my recent phone call and email, car line has been running much more smoothly and efficiently. By loading students only along the covered walkway, we have been able to move vehicles in, load students, and exit cars much more quickly.

The biggest factors affecting the efficiency of our dismissal process are students not paying attention for their vehicles and drivers slowly progressing through the loading zone while looking for their child. To keep traffic flowing, all vehicles must enter when directed and immediately pull all the way forward before stopping. I also encourage parents to speak with their children about being alert, watching for their vehicle, and being ready to load as soon as it arrives.

The difference these actions make is significant. On Tuesday, when vehicles pulled forward promptly and students were paying attention, dismissal was completed in just 24 minutes. In contrast, today's dismissal took 42 minutes. That 18-minute difference demonstrates just how much individual actions can impact the efficiency of the entire car line.

To further clarify where students may and may not enter or exit vehicles, beginning Monday, a large painted white line will extend from the back of the covered walkway adjacent to the loading zone to the curb on the opposite side of the zone. This line will clearly indicate where students may and may not enter or exit vehicles. Students may only enter or exit vehicles that have crossed this line. Any vehicle completely behind the line may not load or unload students.

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to ensure a safe and efficient dismissal process for all students.

Starting August 31st, students will be able to visit the media center in the morning, prior to the start of the school, to check out books. Students who would like to visit the media center during their lunch period can see Mr. Bartus, our Resource Management Associate who operates our Media Center, in the morning to receive a special media pass that they can use, after they finish their food, to go to the media center to check out a book.

Want to support our football team and show school spirit?
Purchase a CCMS Football T-Shirt and wear it on Tuesdays for game days!

Purchase through PascoONE on Rycor or bring this flyer with cash to the front office!

Unfortunately, for some reason the database collecting responses for SAC interest from last week's flyer and from the Meet the Teacher Day flyer is missing. My sincere apologies.

Below is an updated flyer for you to fill again or fill out for the first time. The survey will stay open until11:59 PM on Wednesday, August 26th. Once it closes, information will be communicated to any individual who completed the survey. Our first SAC meeting will be September 1, 2026 from 3 PM to 4:30 PM Room 1-127.

Continuing to build on the momentum we created last year with our inaugural All Pro Dads Chapter, we are looking for more families to join! Although "Dads' is in the title, this organization is open to any parent/guardian wanting to join because its about connecting with your child. Please see the attached flyer for more details and the link to join!

See the flyer below to join our PTSA and to discover what you can do to support our school!

See the flyer below to determine how you can assist with our Back-To-School Supply Drive!

Please see the attached map below for our student drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Morning Drop-Off

During the first seven days of school (August 13–21), students will be permitted to enter campus beginning at 7:50 AM. This temporary adjustment is intended to help alleviate traffic congestion and prevent vehicles from backing up onto Old Pasco Road.

Beginning the week of August 24, student drop-off will begin no earlier than 8:00 AM.

Afternoon Pick-Up

For afternoon pick-up, please carefully follow the green traffic pattern shown on the attached map. Vehicles should follow this route through the parking lot and form two lanes of traffic along the designated pattern. Utilizing both lanes is essential to maximizing our available space and preventing traffic from backing up onto Old Pasco Road.

Important Pick-Up Reminder

Drivers may NOT park along the traffic circle or in the stadium parking lot as a way to bypass the afternoon pick-up line.

Vehicles found waiting in these unauthorized areas will be directed to enter the designated pick-up line. Likewise, students will not be permitted to walk to vehicles parked in unauthorized areas and will be redirected to the appropriate student pick-up location.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and commitment to following these procedures. When everyone follows the established traffic pattern, we can move vehicles through campus more safely and efficiently while minimizing the impact on Old Pasco Road.

Click on the picture to view this year's Dress Code Policy.

Click on the picture to view this year's WCD policy.

Click on the picture to view this year's District-Wide Tardy Policy.

Pictured is our Behavior Flowchart. The left side of the flow chart is our Classroom Discipline Plan. Per our discipline plan, teachers are to assign THREE minor infractions prior to writing an office referral (Step 4) for repetitive disruptive behaviors that do not warrant immediate office/administrative support.

For those offenses that warrant immediate office support, the right side of the flow chart outlines the steps administration, or one of the grade level discipline assistants, would follow for such incidents.

Every classroom is required to post CCMS Collective Commitment poster (pictured). For continuity and consistency across each grade level, each grade level team of teachers will determine what the H.O.W.L. commitments look like for that grade level.

Each teacher's Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 will follow the Teacher Managed Behaviors found in the Discipline Plan / Behavior Flow Chart found above.

Click on any of the buttons below to access specific information pertaining to that button.

Is there a staff member who you would like to formally recognize for a job well done or for making an impact? If so, click here and the person you selected will receive the words that you have expressed and will be formally recognized in next week's edition.

Please click here to report a threat towards any Florida school.