Cedar Drive Middle School

It is hard to believe that November is already on the horizon and that our first marking period is drawing to a close. We hope you and your families have been enjoying the crisp autumn air and the beautiful colors of the fall season.

From the Week of Respect to the adventures at Stokes, fall intramurals to Parent-Teacher Conferences, Student Council elections to the buzz of the CDMS School store, hands-on explorations and discovery-based learning to engaging classroom instruction, and so much more…October has been a month full of energy and connection at Cedar Drive.

Please take a moment to review some of the highlights, upcoming events, and special moments from Cedar Drive!

From October 15th–17th, our 7th grade students and staff had an unforgettable adventure at Stokes! From hiking scenic trails and team-building activities to learning about nature and enjoying campfire fun, students made memories that will last a lifetime. The trip was filled with laughter, learning, and lots of school spirit. A big thank you to our CDMS staff chaperones and parent volunteers for helping make this experience such a success!

Stokes 2025

Team Cedar

The Power of Yet!

The “Power of Yet” is a concept in the growth mindset philosophy that encourages children and adults to add the word “yet” to things they believe they cannot achieve. Dr. Carol Dweck, the psychologist who popularized growth mindset and the “Power of Yet,” when kids simply believe they can, their chances of succeeding increase.

We have been discussing the “Power of Yet” with our 6th grade students since the beginning of the school year. By adding the word “yet,” kids can transform limitations into opportunities. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” one might say, “I can’t do this yet.”

A growth mindset can increase motivation, build confidence and resiliency, reduce stress, and make us more adaptable, which can help lead us towards greater success in and out of school.

Practice saying it at home together if you haven’t…YET!

Fall Athletics Season Comes to a Close

As the fall season comes to a close, we want to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and teamwork shown by all of our student-athletes and coaches. Our fall sports seasons will officially conclude during the first week of November, marking the end of another exciting chapter in CDMS athletics. From the first practice to the final game, our teams demonstrated great spirit and sportsmanship. Congratulations on a fantastic season, we’re proud of all you’ve accomplished!

Winter sports are upon us, please make sure all Winter Sports paperwork is handed in to Nurse Heyer, no later then October 31.

For more information on future games and competitions that will be held during the Fall season, please click HERE for the CDMS sports calendar.

As we head into the final few weeks of marking period 1, we wanted to share a brief reminder about the importance of arriving at school on time. When students start their morning calmly and on schedule, they are better prepared to engage, focus, and participate fully in classroom activities. Consistent punctuality helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety that can arise from rushing or entering class after lessons have begun. It also builds responsibility, confidence, and a sense of routine. These skills will benefit students both inside and outside of the classroom.

We understand that mornings can be busy, and occasional delays happen. However, establishing consistent routines and allowing a few extra minutes can make a significant difference in helping your child begin the day feeling settled and ready to learn. Together, we can ensure that every student starts each day with a positive mindset and the best opportunity for success. A reminder that homeroom begins at 7:50 a.m. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to an exciting and meaningful finish to the first marking period.

The CDMS Student Council will host the Batty Bingo Bake Sale after school on Wednesday, October 29. Bingo is free, but students are encouraged to bring small bills to purchase baked goods.

The CDMS Student Council will sponsor a "Pink-Out" Spirit Day on Wednesday, October 29. All students are encouraged to pile on the pink in an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer. Students who are "pinked-out" will receive a raffle ticket at lunch. There will be a winner in each grade.

The CDMS Student Council will host a Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, October 31. All students are encouraged to dress in school appropriate costumes. Judging will take place during lunch periods. The categories are: best duo/group, best DIY, best fictional character.

The CDMS Student Council will sponsor a food drive November 3-24 to benefit Fulfill NJ. All students are encouraged to bring in nonperishable food items (no glass please). This will be a grade level competition for Battle of the Class points. Additionally, the homeroom with the most items in each grade level will win a breakfast treat.

Pink Out

CDMS Costume Contest

Batty Bingo

Balancing the increased workload of middle school can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming for some students. Spending an hour after school to review material, reinforce difficult concepts, or prepare for future assessments can help students build self-confidence and further promote academic success.

We are excited to offer the students of Cedar Drive two opportunities to receive additional support with their studies through the After the Bell and Peer Tutoring Programs. These programs are designed to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for students to complete work, collaborate with peers, and prepare for upcoming assessments.

Peer Tutoring meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. and After the Bell meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Please discuss these opportunities with your child and encourage them to take advantage of these worthwhile programs. If you have any questions or if you are interested in your child participating in either Peer Tutoring or After the Bell, please do not hesitate to reach out via email or phone (rigby@coltsneckschools.org; mercer@coltsneckschools.org; 732 - 946 - 0055, ext. 4500)

CDMS Language Arts Classroom Library Update

Please click above to view the CDMS Language Arts letter for information about classroom libraries and access to Booksource.

Dates to Remember

October 28: 8th Grade trip to Sandy Hook
October 29-30: NJSLA Pilot Testing
November 6-7: NJEA Convention - School Closed
November 18: Turkey Color Run
November 26: Short Session Day
November 27: Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed
December 11: Winter Band and Chorus Concert
December 11: CNTEA Blood Drive @ Cedar Drive

Up-to-Date Information Regarding All After-School Activities

Click HERE to view the after school activities taking place at Cedar Drive.

Don't forget to tune in daily for our schools most up-to-date schedule regarding after school activities, clubs and sports information.

Fall Intramural Offerings and Sign Up

Click HERE to review the Fall Intramural offerings at Cedar Drive and sign up via the Google Form.

The Colts Neck PTO is a valuable partner to the Colts Neck School District. We appreciate their ongoing support of our students, staff, and programs. Please consider joining the PTO in support of our school community.