Central Middle School

March is shaping up to be an exciting and busy month at Central Middle School. Our students will be participating in the third set of benchmark assessments, exploring learning through field trips, preparing for our school-wide talent shows, and continuing to build the strong community that makes CMS special! Thank you, families, for continuing to support our students as they grow academically and personally each day.

This week our students will be completing benchmark assessments in Math, Science, and English Language Arts. As you already know by now, these assessments help us better understand what our students have learned so far this year and how we can continue supporting their growth.

Families can support students by helping them:

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Eat a healthy breakfast before school
• Remember to take their time and do their best
• See benchmarks as a chance to show what they know while they grow

Here's a helpful family question to ask your child this week:

“What was one question today that made you really think?”

Talking about thinking strategies helps students develop stronger learning habits. Keep them on their toes!

Family Study Tip

A powerful way to help students remember what they learn is called “Teach It Back.” Ask your child to explain something they learned today as if they were the teacher.

Examples:
• Explain a math problem
• Summarize a story from ELA
• Teach a science concept

Just remember: If a student can teach it, they truly understand it.

Throughout March, several grade levels will be participating in field trips across Reading. These opportunities allow our students to learn from museums, organizations, businesses, and community partners who welcome CMS students into their spaces.

Whenever we step outside of our building, we represent Central Middle School and the Red Knight community.

We encourage our students to:

• Show respect to our hosts and community members
• Follow directions from staff and chaperones
• Demonstrate kindness and teamwork with classmates
• Carry themselves with pride as Red Knights

Our community partners make these learning experiences possible, and we want to continually honor the hospitality they show us. When our students represent CMS well, it strengthens the relationships that make these opportunities possible for years to come!

One of the most exciting events of this school year is right around the corner: our CMS Talent Shows at the end of the month!

While tryouts have already taken place, we encourage families to continue celebrating the many talents our students bring to school each day. Students can earn the opportunity to attend by helping their teams earn enough PBIS points through:

• Communicating positively
• Modeling good citizenship
• Striving for success

Families, you can help get the ball rolling by asking your child:

“What talent do you think someone in your grade has that people might not know about?”

Encouraging students to notice the gifts of others helps build a stronger school community. Get on board!

Here are a few fun activities families can try together at home this month. (Answers are at the bottom!)

Riddle of the Month:

I have keys but no locks.

I have space but no room.

You can enter, but you cannot go outside.

What am I?

5-Minute Family Brain Challenge (Try solving these together at the dinner table!):

1. What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

2. If you multiply me by any other number, the answer will always remain the same. What number am I?

3. A teacher writes the numbers 1–100 on the board. How many times does the number 9 appear?

Family Puzzle

Can your family solve this together (Read very carefully!)?

You have three apples and you take two away.

How many apples do you have?

Yes, it's FINALLY getting warmer, but don't go crazy! At CMS, we believe student dress should reflect respect for oneself and our diverse school community. While we encourage individuality, there are certain non-negotiable expectations that must be followed to keep our school safe and focused on learning, so here's a reminder of our expectations:

🚫 Not Permitted:

• Hoodies – hooded sweatshirts or hooded shirts may not be worn in school.

• Torn pants, pajama pants (unless part of a spirit week), sagging pants (pants must be worn at the waist).

• Shorts, skirts, jumpers, or dresses less than 3 inches from the knee (leggings must be worn underneath if shorter).

• Flip flops, slides, shoes with wheels.

• Revealing clothing, including crop tops, low-cut tops, strapless/halter/muscle shirts, or clothing that exposes undergarments, the stomach, or private areas.

• See-through or backless clothing.

• Clothing or accessories with obscene language, sexual content, drugs, alcohol, violence, gangs, or derogatory messages toward any group or individual.

• Head coverings (hoods, bandanas, sheisties, hats, caps) unless required for religious or medical purposes.

• Outerwear (backpacks, jackets, winter coats) inside the school day unless approved by an administrator.

👟 Clothing & shoes must be safe and appropriate for school—items deemed unsafe or disruptive by administrators will not be permitted.

✅ What’s Okay:

• Clothing that fits properly and covers the body appropriately.

• Refillable water bottles (clear/see-through).

• Head coverings for religious or medical reasons (with documentation).

👉 Please help us by checking your child’s attire before school each day. Our goal is to maintain a respectful, safe, and distraction-free learning environment for everyone!

The 3rd Quarter Marking Period ends on March 25, and this is a great time for students to check in on their progress and finish the quarter strong.

We encourage our students to regularly check Home Access Center (HAC) with their families to make sure they have turned in all assignments and addressed any missing work. A quick review can make a big difference as the quarter comes to a close.

Families can support students by asking a few simple questions:

• “Do you have any assignments that still need to be turned in?”

• “Is there a teacher you need to check in with this week?”

• “What class are you most proud of your progress in this quarter?”

Our Red Knights have worked hard this marking period, and these final days are a great opportunity to make sure their effort is fully reflected in their grades.

At Central Middle School, our Red Knights know that communciation, citizenship, and perseverance, are not only important in the classroom, but also at home and in our community. This month, we invite our CMS families to participate in the Red Knight Family Quest for March.

Just as knights of old grew stronger through challenges and service to others, our Red Knights can build their character through small but meaningful actions each day.

Families are encouraged to complete at least three of the following quests together before the end of the month:

🛡 The Quest of Knowledge
Spend 20 minutes learning something together. Read a chapter of a book, explore a science topic online, or have your student teach you something they learned in class.

⚔ The Quest of Perseverance
Work together to solve a puzzle, riddle, or brain teaser. Remember, true knights never give up easily.

🏰 The Quest of Service
Do one kind act for someone else. Help a neighbor, write a thank-you note, or support someone in your household who could use a helping hand.

🔥 The Quest of Courage
Encourage your child to try something new this month. It might be speaking up more in class, helping a classmate, or practicing a new skill.

👑 The Quest of Gratitude
At dinner or before bedtime, have each member of the family share one thing they are grateful for that day. Even the smallest actions can help our Red Knights grow stronger in character and community spirit. When our students bring these values into school each day, they help make Central Middle School a place where everyone can thrive.

May your family’s quest be filled with discovery, laughter, and the proud spirit of the Red Knights!

CMS is a big school, and we’re fortunate to have a big support team for our students. Each grade has its own Assistant Principal, School Counselor, and School Social Worker. We're all here when you need us!

5th Grade

Assistant Principal: Mr. Aron Shutter

School Counselor: Mrs. Celeste Quirindongo

School Social Worker: Mrs. Rebecca DiSarro

6th Grade

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Joy Post

School Counselor: Ms. Carmen Gonzalez

School Social Worker: Mrs. Sciarra Brown

7th Grade

Assistant Principal: Mr. Conrad Folkes

School Counselor: Mrs. Morgan Calvaresi

School Social Worker: Mrs. Julie Weismuller

8th Grade

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Valerie Mauger

School Counselor: Mrs. Erica Rauch-Cox

School Social Worker: Mrs. Nicole Shirey

Restorative Practices Specialist

Mr. Lael Schwartz

Instructional Supervisors

Dr. Brittany Purr

Mr. Seth Fasig

Principal

Dr. Geina Beaver

You can reach Dr. Beaver via Class Dojo or school email. Please remember to schedule an appointment by visiting the main office or by calling (484) 258-7365 so we can give you the time and attention you and your loved ones deserve.

Email: beaverg@readingsd.org
Website: https://www.readingsd.org/o/central
Location: 215 North 12th Street, Reading, PA, USA
Phone: 484-258-7365

Riddle of the Month: A keyboard

Brain Challenge:

1. The letter M

2. Zero

3. 20 times

Family Puzzle: Two (...because you took two of them!)