Family Weekly Update

We had a wonderful week. Hope to see everyone this week at conferences!

Gavin Softic (he, him)
Principal
Collins Middle School

The show dates/times are:

Thursday, March 20th- 7:00pm

Friday, March 21st- 7:00pm

Saturday, March 22nd- 2:00pm

Salem Public Schools is committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, and administrators.

Doing this effectively requires a proactive approach with programs that equip students, parents, caregivers teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our schools.

Our students are aware of the problems and struggles that their peers are facing each day. We must empower them to know the signs of potential danger and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to look out for one another in text, video, and photos and act quickly to help a fellow student.

Today, I am happy to announce the launch of the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System at Collins Middle School beginning on Monday, March 19, 2025 for students in grades 4-12. Students in these grades will be trained by school based staff between March 10-April 4.

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System trains youth and adults how to recognize warning signs -- especially within social media -- of individuals who may be in crisis, and to tell a trusted adult directly or via the anonymous reporting system.

Specifically, the Say Something program educates participants to:

• Recognize the warning signs of someone who may be at-risk of harming themselves or others
• Take every warning sign and threat seriously; act immediately to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR reporting it through the telephone hotline, mobile app, or website that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities, call-to-action weeks, and on-going trainings

Please view the full brochure that provides more details about the program:

• Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ENG)
• Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (ESP)

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System program is provided at no cost by Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national nonprofit organization. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise and has urged school districts to utilize their support to help prevent violence and suicide in schools. More than 21 million people have participated in their research-based programs that include Say Something. They have a proven track record of working effectively with students, families, and educators to improve school safety and strengthen an inclusive school culture. The program is age-appropriate and evidence-informed. We strongly believe that this program will be an asset to our schools.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the SPS Safety Liaison, Lisa Golden, at egolden@salemk12.org or contact the administration at your child’s school.

Saturday

• 3/15 - Intramural Basketball Games

• 3rd place versus 4th place 11:00am -11:55am

• Championship Game 1st place versus 2nd place 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Monday

• 3/17 - Unified Sports Basketball Practice 3:25 -4:25

Tuesday

• 3/18 - Intramural Volleyball Practice 7TH and 8TH GRADERS ONLY 3:25 - 4:25

Wednesday

• 3/19 - No Sports Programs (Parent Teachers Conferences)

Thursday

• 3/20 - Unified Basketball Home Game
• Versus Lafayette School Everett 3:30

Friday

• 3/21 - Intramural Volleyball Practice 6TH GRADERS ONLY 3:25 - 4:25

It is that time of year again! The Spring Athletic programs at SHS and CMS begin their season Monday March 17th. As a community we need to respect the time at Bertram Field. The field is now reserved for athletic team practices, games and events ONLY. If you are not participating in a spring sport you should not be at Bertram Field after school is dismissed. This means students should not be on the field, in the stands or hanging out in the parking lot or near the locker rooms. The student athletes who are on the field need the time to practice with their coaches and teammates. We really need everyone's cooperation!

On Sunday, March 16th, four teams from Collins Middle School will be competing in Destination Imagination’s regional competition at Beverly Middle School. Destination Imagination is a global competition where small teams try to solve a specific challenge in the areas of science, engineering, technical methods, fine arts, improvisational, or service learning. We have 26 students participating in this year’s challenges. The tournament runs all day, but our teams have public performances at the following times:

Scientific team - 9:20

Service learning #1 - 10:50

Service learning #2 - 11:10

Science team - 1:40

Teams also participate in an instant challenge, but that is not open for the public. There will be an awards presentation later in the day (after 5pm). Please come out to Beverly Middle School and support our teams. The competition is free and open to the public.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Workman at jworkman@salemk12.org.

Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on March 19th from 12:30-3:20pm and 5:30-7:30pm.

• Inclusion and Equality:

  The core principle of Unified Sports is to create a fully inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their intellectual abilities, can participate in sports and experience the benefits of teamwork and competition.

• Shared Experiences:

  Athletes with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together on the same teams, fostering friendships and understanding.

• Benefits for Participants:

  Unified Sports offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved social skills and social competence.

  • Increased self-esteem and confidence.

  • Opportunities to make friends and build relationships.

  • Enhanced physical fitness and sports skills.

  • A sense of belonging and acceptance.

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• March 17th: Aspen student portal window open for students and parents to review recommendations, and select electives.

• April 11th: Deadline for parents to submit the course selection worksheet to their counselor or to complete the Selection Google Form . Elective choices for students can be found in the course catalog or in the course selection electives document .

• April 11th: Deadline for parents to contact SHS College & Career Director, Meghan Grosskopf Sousa, regarding placement (mesousa@salemk12.org)

Shadow Days:

Shadow Days will be held during the school day. Students will be paired with a student in 9th grade and follow their schedule with them. We look forward to welcoming your student into the Salem High School community. Please complete the Shadow Day Request form and you will be contacted within 48 hours to schedule your student’s shadow day.

2025-2026 Course Catalog

Last call! Students interested in the Student Leadership Council should complete this form. This is an opportunity for 6th-7th grade. We will meet with all interested candidates to discuss expectations and interest prior to creating the council.

March is bursting with vital information and community events in our latest Nursing News monthly newsletter! From crucial health reminders about sick day policies and screening referrals to insightful tips on brain-boosting nutrition and delicious healthy recipes, we've got you covered. Plus, discover fun local activities like St. Patrick's Day adventures and volunteer opportunities. Don't miss out on staying informed and healthy – dive into the full newsletter today - March Issue.

ELA:

• 6th Grade - April 2nd and 3rd
• 7th Grade - April 8th and 9th
• 8th Grade - April 10th and 11th

Science:

• 8th Grade - May 6th and 7th

Math:

• 6th Grade - May 8th and 9th
• 7th Grade - May 12th and 13th
• 8th Grade - May 15th and 16th

Civics

• 8th Grade - May 27th and 28th - Performance Task
• 8th Grade - June 3rd - End of Unit Assessment

We will be hosting the moving on Ceremony for 8th graders at SHS on June 16th at 6pm.

With cold and flu season in full swing we have had an increase in nursing visits. We are also seeing an increase in students being sent to school and told to see the nurse if they don't feel well when they get to school. We are asking families to please keep students home if they don't feel well. We are working hard to minimize the exposure to communicable illnesses. We also would like families to know students are not able to walk home if they are sick from our office. An adult must dismiss them in person.

Please review our sick day guidelines

Students should not attend school if:

• Temperature of 100 F or higher: may return after having a normal temperature for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication.
• Vomiting; may return 12 hours after symptoms resolve & can tolerate a new diet. During this uptick in illnesses we do suggest 24 hours.
• Diarrhea; may return 12 hours after symptoms resolve & can tolerate a new diet. During this uptick in illnesses we do suggest 24 hours.
• Any undiagnosed rashes
• If antibiotics are prescribed; may return after taking antibiotics for minimum of 24 hrs (unless it is for ear infections as these are not transmissible)

If you have to keep your child home or want advice on whether you can send your child to school please call us directly 978-740-1194. We will adjust the student's attendance as needed.

Nurse McKenzie & Nurse Drea

Drivers who attempt to quickly get around the bus can and have caused serious bodily injury, and even death. Young children between the ages of 4 and 7 are at the greatest risk, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services.

While you may not be able to see a child running across the street, the stopped bus with flashing lights is an indicator that children are present and have not safely made it on or off of the vehicle. Bus drivers will turn off the lights when they see that the children have reached safety, and that’s why it is critical that drivers on the road follow these cues. Drivers who fail to do so are breaking the law.

Do your part to keep Massachusetts school children safe by obeying the school bus zone law.

Ms Tep's Site

Art Website: Please check out student work captured on the website set up by Ms. Tep below featuring student work! CMS Student Work Art Website

Monday

• 3/10 - Unified Sports Basketball Practice 3:25 -4:30

Tuesday

• 3/11 - Intramural Volleyball Practice 7TH and 8TH GRADERS ONLY 3:25 - 4:30

Wednesday

• 3/12 - Collins Winter Team Sports Photo
• Unified Basketball 3:00
• Girls Basketball 3:15
• Boys Basketball 3:30

Thursday

• 3/13 - Intramural Volleyball Practice 6th GRADERS ONLY 3:25 - 4:30

Friday

• 3/14 - Intramural Basketball Practice - 3:25-4:30

Saturday

• 3/15 - Intramural Basketball Games

• 3rd place versus 4th place 11:00am -11:55am

• Championship Game 1st place versus 2nd place 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Come and Support CMS!

Meetings:

• April 15th 630pm
• May 20th 630pm
• June 17th 630pm

The goal of this document is to support families, staff, and students in outlining clear and consistent expectations for the Collins Middle School.

We recognize that clarity is necessary in setting a strong foundation for the positive school culture and climate at Collins Middle School. Collins Middle School is committed to providing an equitable environment for all students, and to ensuring that all students are able to access their right to a free appropriate public education. For this reason, it is vital that students and families understand the rights and responsibilities of a student of Collins Middle School. For a full overview of the areas addressed below, please refer to the Collins Middle School Handbook, which is in adherence to the Salem Public Schools Code of Conduct.

This document provides an overview of our expectations and provides details on our response to infractions in the event that situations arise over the course of the school year.

CMS School-Based Rules and Agreements

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557372650897

• Salem Park, Recreation and Community Services Newsletter: Please find and distribute January newsletter- English/Spanish

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollinsMiddleSchoolSalemMA/

Instagram: Cmshappenings

Website: spscollins.salemk12.org