Cougar Chronicle
January Weekly Update ~ January 16, 2026
A note from Mr. Lee
Carter families,
As we head into the second semester beginning Wednesday, I want to take a moment to remind everyone what an important opportunity this is for our students. A new semester is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reset button. It’s a chance for every student to start fresh, refocus, and finish the year strong.
No matter how the first semester went, Wednesday brings a new beginning. Whether your child is proud of their progress or looking for a better outcome, this is a perfect time to set new goals and create positive habits.
How families can help students start strong
Here are a few simple ways to support your child as the semester begins:
✅ Talk about goals
Ask your child: What do you want to improve this semester? What are you proud of? What can you do differently?
✅ Set routines early
Consistent bedtime, being on time, and being prepared each morning helps students feel confident and ready to learn.
✅ Check grades weekly
A few minutes each week reviewing grades and assignments can prevent missing work from piling up.
✅ Encourage communication
If your child is struggling, remind them to reach out to their teacher early. We are here to support them.
RISE Into Second Semester
At Carter, we will continue focusing on our RISE expectations:
Respectful. Individual Accountability. Safe. Engaged.
Second semester success does not require perfection. It requires effort, consistency, and the willingness to learn from mistakes.
Have a great long weekend.
Special Remarks from Mr. Syswerda
No School
There is no school on Monday, January 19, 2026 due to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. New semester will begin on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 due to the snow day. Students will report to their 1st hour to get their new schedules and then be dismissed to go to their new 1st hour.
Weather-Related Updates
How to find out if we have a weather-related delay/closing:
1. Sign up for text alerts by texting YES to 67587
2. Check our website or facebook
3. Make sure you are registered on our school notification system
Attention 8th Grade Parents
6th Grade
This month 6th graders, along with their Web leaders focused on learning about time management and stress. They learned about different Time Thieves and how to avoid them and made stress balls. We are looking forward to a successful second semester.
RISE Winners of the Week
Respectful
Individual Accountability
Safe
Engaged
2nd Semester
2nd semester begins on Wednesday, January 21st. At that time, students will report to their 1st hour class that they have been going to since August, they will then get their NEW semester schedules and be dismissed to head to their new classes for the second semester. It is very important that all students arrive on time on Wednesday, January 21st. Thank you for your help on this matter.
Quarter 2 Report Cards
Quarter 2 report cards will only be available digitally through PowerSchool. There will be no paper copies sent home. Report cards will be available for viewing for parents in their Parent Portal accounts at the beginning of February.
Vision Screening
Seventh grade students will have their vision screened on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 by the Health Department. Please make sure they have their glasses if they currently wear them.
Lost & Found
Parents, our lost and found is over flowing! Missing books, missing water bottles, jackets, shoes, and clothing. Please encourage your student to look through the lost and found and claim anything that is theirs. All items not claimed by January 14, 2026 will be donated.
SPORTS INFORMATION
Athletic Events
A parent must accompany their student to all athletic events within WCS. This is a district rule and any student that is not accompanied by their parent/guardian will not be allowed into the game.
Students must have their Student ID's in order to enter any game with their parent/guardian.
SPORTS PHYSICALS
The State of Michigan requires students to have a completed sports physical BEFORE tryouts begin for any sport team. Forms are available in the school office and on the MHSAA website:
English: https://www.mhsaa.com/portals/0/Documents/health%20safety/physical2page.pdf
Arabic: https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Administrators/arabic2page.pdf
Spanish: https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Administrators/spanish2page.pdf?time=1754321970200
All physicals must be dated after April 15 of the current year.
IMPORTANT DATES 📆
💡 Reminders
January 16 ~ Half Day
January 16 ~ Records Day
January 19 ~ No School
January 20 ~ Vision Screening
January 20 ~ Booster Club Parent Meeting
January 27 ~ Early Release
February 11 ~ Supplemental Count Day
February 13 ~ Wear Red
February 13 ~ Half Day
February 16 ~ Mid Winter Break - No School
February 17 ~ Mid Winter Break - No School
February 18 ~ Mid Winter Break - No School
February 19 ~ Mid Winter Break - No School
February 20 ~ Mid Winter Break - No School
February 23 ~ School Resumes
March 3 ~ Early Release
March 12 ~ Half Day
March 12 ~ Parent Teacher Conferences
CARTER BOOSTER CLUB INFORMATION
Next Booster Club meeting is Tuesday, January 20th at 3PM in the Media Center.
Thank you for supporting our students—we couldn’t do it without you! 💛
- Taki Tuesday is every week
- Volunteers are needed for Concessions, and Taki Tuesdays.
We NEED volunteers for concessions and Taki Tuesdays:
TT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849A8AE2CA2F9C61-58330768-taki#/
Any questions regarding Booster Club please contact via email. Thank you for your support!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kroger Community Rewards
Have a Kroger rewards card? Select the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updated the Kroger Community Rewards Selection on your digital account. Your organization earns money at no added cost to you! Sign up today to support our Carter Booster Club.
Carter's Counselor Corner
https://cartermscounseling.weebly.com/
Kristin Forsyth - students with last name (A-L)
(586) 698- 4297
Lisa Stabile - student with last name (M-Z)
(586) 698- 4798
TITLE 1 NOTIFICATION
Under Federal law, you as parents may request the following specific information about the professional qualifications of your children's teachers:
- Whether the teacher has met the state qualifications/licensing for their grade level/subjects.
- Whether the teacher is on a temporary permit or waiver.
- The teacher's majors, graduate certificates/degrees, and discipline fields.
- Paraprofessional services and qualifications.
Carter Middle School has been identified as a school-wide Title I, Part A building. This is a federally supplemented program designed to help children reach high academic standards. In receiving funds from this program the district has a requirement to inform you, as a parent of a child attending a Title I school, of information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's class.
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, it is the policy of Warren Consolidated Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes") be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment. Inquiries should be addressed to the Chief Human Resource Officer, 31300 Anita, Warren, Michigan 48093, (586) 825-2400, ext 63110.