Dear CRMS Families,

As we step into the second semester, it's the perfect time to refocus and recommit to our students' success. At CRMS, we remain dedicated to ensuring every student reaches their full potential. This semester, we’ll continue analyzing student data to identify areas where more support is needed, implementing additional Tier 2 interventions, and, we hope, offering tutoring opportunities to provide targeted assistance.

We know that transitioning from the first semester to the second can feel like a fresh start, but it also comes with challenges. Here are a few easy ways to help your middle schooler make the most of this opportunity:

1. Set New Goals Together: Talk with your student about what they’d like to achieve this semester, whether it’s improving grades, getting more organized, or joining a new activity.

2. Review and Reset Routines: A consistent homework schedule that consists of reading or reviewing classwork and notes can work wonders. Check that their routines are still effective and make adjustments if needed.

3. Stay Informed: Review the Powerschool Parent Portal regularly to monitor grades and assignments. Reach out to teachers if you have any questions or concerns.

4. Encourage Positive Habits: From getting enough sleep to practicing self-advocacy by asking for help when needed, small habits can make a big difference in a student's confidence and progress.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make this second semester one to celebrate!

Take Care. Be Well.

Dr. Yolanda Holloway

#BeAPowerPlayer

January 27th--No School for Students/Professional Development Day

January 28th--Beginning of 3rd Quarter (2nd Semester Begins)

January 31st-- Report Cards Issued (Check Powerschool)

February 7th--CRMS AttenDance! 6th grade 5:30pm-7pm; 7th/8th grade 7:30pm-9pm

February 14th--Half Day for Students/ Professional Development Day

February 17th--President's Day (Schools Closed)

Friendly Reminder: For all inclement weather notifications, phone numbers and emails are taken directly from information provided by the family PowerSchool, and staff in the Employee Access Center.

School delays and closings are shared via:

• a phone call, text, and email through our notification system

• a message on the CCPS Mobile App and the district website (carolineschools.org)

• social media: Facebook (Caroline County Public Schools and all school pages), and Instagram (carolineschoolsmd)

• some local news and radio stations

The process for making weather-related decisions is outlined on carolineschools.org.

Nominations for this year’s Teacher and Support Staff

Caroline County Public Schools is happy to announce that nominations for both the 2025-2026 Teacher of Year and the Support Employee of the Year are now open. All staff, students, student families and community members are invited to submit nominations. (Submissions may not be made by a relative of a nominee.)

Program website page

Nominations for both awards must be submitted no later than January 31, 2025.

• Teacher of the Year Nomination Form

• Support Employee of the Year Nomination Form

For additional information, please email Communications Officer Sandi Barry, barry.sandra@ccpsstaff.org or Supervisor of Human Resources Rob Willoughby, willoughby.robert@ccpsstaff.org.

For students, parents, teachers, and staff of South Asian ancestry,

The Maryland Governor's Commission on South Asian American Affairs is committed to supporting the educational success and growth of our community. We would love to hear about your experiences and perspectives on education. Your valuable input will help us develop initiatives and strategies to better support students, families, and educators in the South Asian American community across Maryland and ensure that no one is left behind. After inputting your responses, please remember to click "Submit" to have your responses submitted anonymously.

Please click here to complete the survey.

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/vCLGkeweWM

Click here for more information on the Commission.

What to discuss with your child's school counselor:

• Academic performance: Concerns about grades, study habits, or learning difficulties.

• Social behavior: Issues with peers, bullying, or social isolation.

• Emotional well-being: Anxiety, depression, stress, or mood swings.

• Family situations: Significant life changes that might impact your child's school performance.

• College and career planning: Guidance on course selection, applications, and future career paths.

How to approach the conversation:

• Schedule a meeting: Contact the counselor to set up a convenient time to meet in person or over the phone.

• Introduce yourself: Briefly state who you are and why you're reaching out.

• Express your concerns: Clearly explain what you've observed and why you're seeking support.

• Listen actively: Pay attention to the counselor's feedback and ask questions to clarify any points.

Starting November 1, 2024, CCPS will begin to obligate students for damaged and missing technology equipment. The CCPS Student Technology Obligation Program is designed to promote students' responsible use of technology and reduce damage costs through a tier-based pricing system. This program aligns with the Technology Obligation Regulation (Reference: III.31.71R) and the CCPS Terms of Use Agreement governing the use of technology by students.

Need to provide or update your student's information? Parent/Guardians should use the Year Round Form, also in the parent portal in PowerSchool.

Visit carolinecps.powerschool.com and log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal. (You must log in via a browser, not the app.)

From the Parent Portal:

1. Select the student you wish to update along the top.

2. Select the Student Information Update form icon on the left side for the applicable school year.

3. Verify the student's date of birth.

4. Select ‘Begin Form’.

If you are unable to access either form, please contact the school to update your child's information. This information is also available on the district website.

CCPS is committed to providing a safe, respectful, nurturing educational environment where the worth and dignity of individuals are valued and their safety and rights are protected. Behaviors that compromise this environment, interfere with school operations or are otherwise contrary to the basic mission of our public schools will not be tolerated. Bullying, hazing, harassment or other discrimination affecting a student or a staff member should be reported by a victim, parent/guardian, witness, staff member or other person having knowledge.

Staff members with knowledge of such conduct are required to promptly report it to the building principal.

Mr. Eric (Neil) Lambert, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Tricia Bolduc, School Counselor 8th grade and 7th grade Last Names A-L

Mr. Michael Tyndall, School Counselor 6th grade and 7th grade Last Names M-Z

Mrs. Jane Towers, Enrollment & Attendance Secretary

Ms. Kiesha Hynson, Administrative Secretary

Email: holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Website: https://www.colonelrichardsonms.org/
Phone: 410-479-1462
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Colonel-Richardson-Middle-School-329879580517088