Central Middle School

Again, we strongly encourage all families to carefully review the PSSA FAQ and Parent Letter that have been shared at the beginning of April and that are being shared again below. These documents provide important information about what to expect during testing, how the schedule will work, and how you can support your child in being successful. They also outline testing policies and the potential consequences if those policies are not followed, which makes it especially important for both students and families to be informed. Taking a few minutes to read through these materials together can help ensure a smooth, focused, and successful testing experience for everyone.

April is already proving to be an important and exciting month at Central Middle School. As we move deeper into the final stretch of the school year, our focus remains on supporting our students as they continue to grow academically, demonstrate perseverance, and take pride in their progress.

This month brings key milestones, including PSSA testing, continued opportunities for enrichment, and moments for our students to show what they have learned throughout the year. It is a time for focus, determination, and confidence as our Red Knights rise to meet new challenges and celebrate the ones they've mastered!

As always, we are grateful for the continued partnership of our families. Your support at home plays a critical role in helping our students stay motivated, prepared, and ready to succeed. Together, we will ensure that our students finish this school year strong, proud, and ready for what comes next.

To create the best possible testing environment, we will be operating on a modified schedule:

📅 Monday, April 20

• Regular full school day for all students

📅 Tuesday, April 21 | 📅 Wednesday, April 22 | 📅 Thursday, April 23

• Half-day schedules for most students, divided by grade level

Students in low incidence classes and those who ride specialized transportation will be here all day.

ELA - Morning Session (8:25 AM – 11:25 AM) - ELA

• 5th Grade

• 8th Grade

ELA - Afternoon Session (12:30 PM – 3:25 PM) - ELA

• 6th Grade

• 7th Grade

📅 Friday, April 24

• Regular full school day for all students

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📅 Monday, April 27 | 📅 Tuesday, April 28

• Half-day schedules for most students, divided by grade level

Students in low incidence classes and those who ride specialized transportation will be here all day.

ELA - Morning Session (8:25 AM – 11:25 AM) - ELA

• 5th Grade

• 8th Grade

ELA - Afternoon Session (12:30 PM – 3:25 PM) - ELA

• 6th Grade

• 7th Grade

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📅 Wednesday, April 29 | 📅 Thursday, April 30

• All 5th graders, 8th graders, low incidence, and specialized transportation students will have a full day.

Students in Grades 6 and 7 will come to school at 10:25 AM.

PSSAs are just one moment in your journey, but they are an opportunity to show your growth, your effort, and your perseverance. Approach each day with confidence, take your time, and remember that your best effort is what matters most. We encourage all of our families to help students prepare for success by:

• Ensuring they get a good night’s sleep
• Providing a healthy breakfast
• Encouraging a positive mindset
• Reminding them to take their time and do their best

A simple message can go a long way: “Just show what you know. That’s all we ask.”

While we know that it is hot outside, please know that we are experiencing some extreme difficulties with some students who are wearing very inappropriate clothing to school.

Please note that shirts must physically touch bottoms and the wearing of "crop tops" or the tying of shirts to expose the stomach and/or back is prohibited.

Additionally, any shorts, skirts, or dresses must be long enough to be within 3 inches of the knee.

Further, bottoms must be worn at the waist-level regardless of what's worn underneath.

Please know that these rules are in place to ensure that everyone is focused on learning and not looking at each other in any misconstrued or inappropriate manner for the academic setting.

Please take time to have a conversation with your child about this over the weekend, including the fact that many students "take off" their parent-approved longer clothing once they get in the building, so when you see them in the morning fully dressed appropriately, some students reveal the less appropriate attire upon arrival. While we encourage individuality, we do still have certain non-negotiable expectations that must be followed to keep our school safe and focused on learning, so here's the official reminder (again) 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).

🌱 Family Challenge: Spring Scavenger Hunt

Take a walk around your neighborhood or even look from your window. Can your family find:

April is a great time for families to enjoy a little fun, a little laughter, and a lot of learning together. As the weather begins to warm and the days grow longer, here are some simple activities to keep our Red Knight minds sharp while enjoying time as a family.

As our Red Knights enter a season of focus and determination, April calls upon each of us to rise to the challenge like the knights of old—steady in purpose, strong in mind, and united in effort. With important assessments and academic milestones ahead, this month’s quest is centered on focus, resilience, and finishing strong.

We invite all CMS families to take part in the April Family Quest, where small, intentional actions can help our students sharpen their minds and strengthen their confidence. 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 Focus
Create a quiet, distraction-free space at home where your child can read, study, or complete assignments. Even 20 minutes of focused time can make a powerful difference.

📜 The Scholar’s Quest
Have your child “teach” you something they are learning in school. A true scholar grows stronger by sharing knowledge with others.

⚔ The Trial of Perseverance
Work through a challenging problem, puzzle, or assignment together. Encourage your child to stick with it, even when it feels difficult.

🔥 The Forge of Preparation
Help your child prepare for each school day by ensuring they are well-rested, organized, and ready to give their best effort.

🏰 The Banner of Encouragement
Write a short note or send a message of encouragement to your child before or during testing days. A few kind words can strengthen even the bravest knight.

👑 The Crown of Reflection
At the end of the day, ask: “What is one thing you are proud of today?” Reflection builds confidence and self-awareness.

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Each completed quest strengthens not only our students, but our entire Red Knight community. Through focus, effort, and support, our students will rise to meet every challenge before them.

🛡 Stand tall, Red Knights. Your quest continues, and victory is found in your effort. 🛡

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!

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Principal

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.

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

Riddle of the Month: Water

Brain Boosters:

1. A clock
2. Pilgrims 😊
3. 4

Family Puzzle: 17 minutes