CMS Engagement in Action!

We are excited to welcome back our amazing students, families, and staff for the start of another exciting school year! The Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Department is committed to building strong partnerships between home, school, and community and we’re looking forward to all the ways we’ll connect and collaborate this year.

As we kick off the 2025–2026 school year, we invite you to join us for several upcoming events designed to bring our community together:

📚 Family Academy Sessions – Our workshops and learning opportunities are designed to empower families with tools and knowledge to support student success. Sessions will be offered both virtually and in person throughout the year.

🌐 Family Portal – Be sure to explore the CMS Family Portal, your one-stop destination for important district updates, academic resources, school calendars, and more. Visit cmsk12.org/familyportal to stay informed and involved.

🏙️ In the Community – Look out for us at local events, neighborhood meetings, and cultural celebrations. We’re committed to being present, engaged, and responsive to the needs of our families across CMS.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. We can’t wait to connect, support, and celebrate with you throughout the year!

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! Click on the link below to find all the information and resources to ensure a strong start to the upcoming school year!

Top 10 Things to Know!

CMS Academic Calendars

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible volunteers, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools departments, and community partners who worked tirelessly to make our Back to School Celebration a resounding success. Your dedication, collaboration, and enthusiasm created a welcoming and joyful experience for our families and students. From setup to smiles, your efforts helped us kick off the school year with energy, unity, and excitement. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for being an essential part of our community!

Thank You Video

🏫 Join us for our Family Open House Series!

Get ready for the 2025–2026 school year with helpful tips, the right questions to ask, and what to expect this year. We're here to support families in building strong school connections from day one!

Link to Join: bit.ly/CMSFamilyAcademy

🎒 Back-to-School Series: Equipping Families for a Strong Start!

We're excited to launch our Back-to-School Series, featuring informative sessions led by various CMS Departments. Whether you're a returning parent or new to CMS, these sessions will provide valuable insights and resources to support a smooth and successful school year.

Link to Join: bit.ly/CMSFamilyAcademy

The CMS Family Portal is your one-stop resource for staying informed and engaged in your child’s education. From academic resources and opportunities to support the whole child—the Family Portal gives you quick access to everything you need for a successful school year.

📲 Explore the portal today at www.cmsk12.org/familyportal and stay connected every step of the way!

Have you activated your Infinite Campus parent account? This essential tool gives you real-time access to your student’s academic progress, attendance, and important documents throughout the school year.

📲 Click here to learn more and get set up for the 2025–2026 school year!

Parent Portal Resources:

Online Registration for 2025-2026 is Now Open!

Access the Registration Portal.

Click on the link to: Join our virtual office hours for Q&A, Transfer, and Address Changes.

For more information: https://www.cmsk12.org/Page/37

Looking for resources in your home language?

Visit: CMS Learning and Language Acquisition Webpage

Help your child launch into their future at Countdown to Kindergarten, a FREE family event dedicated to helping rising Kindergarteners prepare for their first day of school!

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center supports families with navigating the complexities of special education, accessing early intervention services, planning for adulthood, or supporting a child with special health care needs.

To view all the upcoming ECAC events for the months of August and September, click on the link: https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/calendar/

As we gear up for the upcoming school year, below are a few practical strategies to assist children in navigating the transition from summer break back to the school year. Each strategy aims to facilitate a smooth return to routine, paving the way for a positive experience ahead.

1. Adjust Sleep Schedules Gradually

Start 2–3 weeks before school begins.
Move bedtime and wake-up time earlier by 15–30 minutes every few days.
Keep wake-up times consistent, even on weekends.

2. Reinstate Daily Routines

Practice the full morning routine a few times before school starts.
Include time for breakfast, getting dressed, and packing up.
Use visual schedules or checklists for younger kids.

3. Make Preparation Fun

Turn school supply shopping into a special event.
Let kids personalize their study space with decorations or supplies they choose.
Host a “Back to School Weekend” with games, a picnic, or a movie night.

4. Talk Through Worries

Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you most excited or nervous about?”
Teach calming techniques like deep breathing or visualization.
Reassure them that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions.

5. Keep the Vibe Positive

Share your positive school memories.
Highlight fun aspects like seeing friends, new subjects, or extracurriculars.
Celebrate small wins during the first week back.

CMS Family and Community Engagement is excited to support and promote family engagement opportunities within the community. From hosting professional learning sessions, sharing resources, and engaging with your organization, we are here to support you! Please complete the form linked below to engage with our team related to your upcoming event. A member of our team will connect with the point of contact listed in the form.

https://bit.ly/CMSCommunityEngagementEvents