Eagle's Eye News

Challenger Middle School Families,

A big thank you to the parents who volunteered at our PBIS Celebration and Homecoming Dance. We could not have done it without you and greatly appreciate your support.

We've had some issues with students not having their computers charged and playing games on their computers during class time. It is expected for students to come to school every morning with a fully charged computer and to use it appropriately at school. Like we do with tardies to class, we have started giving students lunch detention if their computers are not charged or if they are not using it appropriately.

Please remember the HCS dress code.

• Shorts/Skirts
• Mid-Thigh/Finger-tip length ​
• Head coverings​
• No more than 4 inches wide; must be able to see their hair​
• No bandanas of any color​
• NO Pajama Pants, no house slippers ​(shoes with fur on the outside and slippers with a soft bottom are considered house slippers)
• No hoods​ will be worn in the building
• Jeans​
• No holes above mid-thigh/finger-tip length
• Halter and spaghetti straps are not permitted unless covered
• All undergarments must be completely covered

This Newsletter has lots of vital information, so please read through everything. We want to make sure you are all well-informed of the happenings at CMS.

I hope you all have a great week!

#WingsUp

#EagleUp

Sincerely,

Bo Coln

Principal

Challenger Middle School

james.coln@hsv-k12.org

Huntsville City Schools is asking eligible families to complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey Form electronically starting October 17, 2024, through October 31, 2024. Spanish Versions of the form are available at each school. Impact Aid provides school districts with additional federal dollars to help support resources in classrooms.

Who is Eligible to Complete the Impact Aid Form?

Parents/Guardians who work/live on Redstone Arsenal or other federal properties.

Parents/Guardians on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Parents/Guardians who live in federal/public housing communities.

How to Complete Impact Aid Form Electronically?

Login to the Parent Portal in the PowerSchool app or through the PowerSchool website (https://huntsvillecs.powerschool.com/public/).

Click on Forms, then click on Huntsville City Impact Aid.

A form should be completed for each student attending Huntsville City Schools.

Spanish version of the form is available at each school.

How to set up an Account in PowerSchool?

Parent/Guardian can create an account by following these steps:

Go to https://huntsvillecs.powerschool.com/public/ to get to the "Student and Parent Sign In" page:

1. Click the Create Account Tab.

2. Click Create Account.

3. Enter your first name, last name, and email address.

4. Enter the student's name, access ID, and access password, and the parent’s relationship to the student (access ID and access password is provided by the school).

5. Click Enter.

6. Once the account is created, follow the above directions on how to complete Impact Aid Form electronically.

Need to Request a Spanish Version of the Impact Aid Form?

If a parent/guardian needs a Spanish version, copies are available at each school.

Deadline to Complete Impact Aid Form?

Impact Aid Forms are due by Thursday, October 31, 2024

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Student Welfare and Social Services at 256-963-9806.

October

14 - Football Game at 6:30 @ Milton Frank

14-18 - CMS Book Fair (see information below)

Oct 28-Nov 1 - Red Ribbon Week

28 - Make-up and club/team pictures

Teachers select each grade level’s student of the week. Students earn student of the week by making it to class on time, being prepared, completing all assignments, being respectful to their peers and adults, having at least a C average, and being kind and helpful to everyone. Our students of the week exhibit SOAR behavior – Show Respect, Own Your Actions, Arrive Ready, and Reach Higher.

This year's Red Ribbon Week theme is: My Life as a Movie featuring The American Dream! We will focus on several drug and alcohol prevention topics and will end the month with an American movie themed spirit week. Our students will learn current facts and refusal skills regarding unsafe substances and their broad impact on overall well-being. We encourage you to discuss the dangers and consequences of substance use with your child, as parents are the primary influence in reducing at-risk behavior among youth. While teens may seek advice from peers on topics like fashion or music, they often rely on trusted adults for moral guidance. Engage in positive conversations with your child, stay informed about their friends, collaborate with other parents, and monitor their technology use.

We’ve included facts and resources to assist you on this parenting journey, as new trends, dangerous substances, and creative delivery methods, such as using social media to promote substance exchange, continue to emerge. We are committed to partnering with you in this endeavor. We believe that prevention education and open communication will significantly benefit the physical and emotional health of our children. We are always here for your children and are available to support you if you have any questions or concerns.

Did You Know?

• The human brain doesn’t fully develop until the mid-to-late 20s. (NIH, 2023)

• Early use of alcohol is associated with other forms of substance use and abuse.

• More than 70% of people who tried an illegal drug before the age of 13 have an addiction to alcohol or drugs. (Addiction Center, 2024)

• As of February 2020, the CDC confirmed 2,807 lung injury cases or deaths associated with using e-cigarette or vaping products. (CDC, 2021)

• Prescription drug abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem and has been classified as an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (DOJ, 2023)

• Alcohol is the most commonly used drug involving sexual assaults. (DEA, 2017)

• 1 in 6 people who use marijuana before the age of 18 can become addicted. (SAMHSA, 2024)

"My Life As a Movie" Spirit Week: October 28 - November 1

Monday: Roll out the Red Carpet

Dress in you best dressy outfit or wear red

Tuesday: Shine Like a Star

Wear neon colors and sunglasses

Wednesday: Proud to be a Drug-Free American

Wear red, white, and blue patriotic attire

Thursday: We Will Fight the War on Drugs

Dress as your favorite hero

Friday: Lights, Camera, Action

Wear CMS spirit wear

Thank you,

Mrs. Moak, School Counselor

megan.moak@hsv-k12.org

The Challenger Care Closet offers clothing, toiletries, and other basic necessities to our elementary and middle school students and their families; making sure our students know they are cared for and can go to school with confidence. If you need to access our care closet, use the links below or reach out to the guidance counselors.

• Donate and drop off hygiene items (deodorant, brushes, soap, shampoo, new kids/adult socks, new kids/adult underwear)
• Donate gently used kid/adult shoes and clothes
• Donate money to the Challenger Care Closet by a check made out to "CMS PTSA" or "CES PTA" or donate online
• https://challenger.givebacks.com/store/items/1059153

Students can enter the building starting at 7:30am. School starts at 8:00am.

Bus Riders - exit the bus, enter the cafeteria, and remain in the cafeteria until released to homeroom.

Walkers/Car Riders - enter through the main lobby doors and go to your right toward the gym hallway or the cafeteria

Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 7:30-8:00. Students that choose to eat school breakfast will remain in the cafeteria until dismissed to homeroom. Walkers/Car Riders that do not wish to eat school breakfast will report to the gym hallway or 6th grade hallway. Students that report to the hallways will remain in the hallways until released to homeroom.

Students are not allowed to enter the building with outside food. Any outside food needs to be thrown away before entering the building. Example - Students will not be allowed to bring in Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A food and drink.

For the first week of school the homeroom classes with teacher names and room numbers will be posted in the hallways and cafeteria. We will have many teachers available to help students find their homeroom.

All students are dismissed at 3:00.

• Bus riders will report to the cafeteria.
• Walkers will exit out the band/choir doors (South exit)
• Car Riders will exit through the main lobby doors.

Unless students are involved in a school sponsored after school event, all students need to leave campus at 3:00.

• We will use the first several days to educate students on best practices, school/classroom procedures, and expectations.
• Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school. Only water is allowed in the water bottles.
• Restrooms usage will be limited during transition times. Students will use the E-Hall Pass when leaving class and/or visiting the restroom during class time.
• Transitions time for students is 3 minutes between class periods. Students can visit their locker between classes. We expect all students to get to class on time.
• Student lockers are available for $10. Students can purchase a locker during homeroom starting Thursday, August 1. We will take cash or check. Checks should be made out to Challenger Middle School. Lockers will be assigned when students pay their homeroom teacher for their locker.
• Parents cannot bring in outside food for an entire class unless organized and initiated by the teacher.
• Students are not allowed to order food to be delivered to the school.
• Parents/Guardians must check out their child to eat any restaurant food brought into the school.
• Enjoying school or homemade lunch in the cafeteria with your child is welcomed!
• Outside drinks (Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, Sonic, etc.) should be thrown away before entering the building. This applies when school doors open at 7:30am.

Once you are in MySchoolFees follow these steps:

1) Sign-In as guest

2) Select Challenger Middle School from the dropdown menu

3) Select the item you wish to purchase from the dropdown menu

• Yearbooks
• T-Shirts
• P.E. Uniforms

Please review the dress code with your student(s). We have been out of school for a bit and our students will need a refresher on acceptable school attire. Ex: length of shorts and shirts, holes in pants, leggings, and appropriate tops, no caps, etc.

Shorts

• Mid-Thigh/Finger-tip length ​

Head coverings​

• No more than 4 inches wide; must be able to see their hair​
• No bandanas of any color​

NO Pajama Pants, no house slippers ​
No hoods​ will be worn in the building
Jeans​

• No holes above mid-thigh/finger-tip length

Halter and spaghetti straps are not permitted unless covered

All undergarments must be completely covered

CMS students will not use cell phones during the school day. Please ask your child to turn off their phone and put it in their locker or backpack. In the event your child has their phone out during the school day, our teachers will follow our cell phone policy.

Nurse Poe will continue to operate out of the clinic near the front office. If you have questions regarding medication, please call 256-428-7620, select Ms. Poe (Nurse), or email, Julie.Poe@hsv-k12.org . We ask that you monitor your student at home for illness. Students who are not feeling well should stay home and seek medical care as you see fit. Students with a fever or who have been throwing up may not return to the building until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.

Welcome to Challenger Middle School Athletics! We are so excited that you decided to jump on board and allow your son/daughter to participate in our sports teams here at Challenger. Below is some information and forms you will need in order for your child to participate.

First, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) allows for any student to participate in recognized school athletics beginning in 7th grade. Our district and school has the following recognized school sports for middle schools:

Fall Sports

• Football
• Volleyball
• Cheer

Winter Sports

• Boys Basketball
• Girls Basketball
• Cheer
• Boys Soccer
• Girls Soccer

Spring Sports

• Boys Track
• Girls Track

Additional sports not listed above are available at the high school level. Students in middle school are allowed to participate in those sports at their feeder high school (Grissom High School for us). If interested in this option, please reach out to the Athletic Director for Challenger, Coach Neeley via email at william.neeley@hsv-k12.org , for more information.

Next, the AHSAA requires ALL student-athletes to have certain paperwork completed by either a doctor/physician or a parent, depending on the form. As a way of keeping up with these forms, the AHSAA has partnered with DragonFly, a web-based company that allows for the upload or completion and storage of the required paperwork. Attached is a flyer on how to create an account for your child and yourself. Below is a list of required paperwork/documents needed in order to participate on a school team sport.

- Up to Date Physical Form (Back side must be completed and signed by a Doctor/Physician. IT CANNOT BE COMPLETED BY A NURSE PRACTITIONER!)

- Parent Release Form

- Concussion Form

- Copy of Birth Certificate

- Sportsmanship Course Certificate (Course completed through nfhslearn.com)

Finally, below is a list of our Athletic Coaching Staff and their email addresses so that you can contact them with questions you may have relating to their sports. Please keep in mind that these coaches are teachers in addition to their coaching duties, so they can be very busy. They will make every effort to respond in a timely manner, but sometimes it may be a little longer, especially during their given season.

- Athletic Director- William Neeley (william.neeley@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Football Coach- Curtis Graves (curtis.graves@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Volleyball Coach- Amelia Daniels (amelia.daniels@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Cheer Coach- Makenzie Hill (makenzie.hill@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Boys Basketball Coach- Lorenzo Jones (breds2004@yahoo.com)

- Head Girls Basketball Coach- Rich Goodson richard.goodson@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Boys Track Coach- David Rosenberger (david.rosenberger@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Girls Track Coach- Ryan Hagen (ryan.hagen@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Boys Soccer Coach- Patrick Greene (Patrick.Greene@hsv-k12.org)

- Head Girls Soccer Coach- TBD (For Inquiries about Girls Soccer, reach out to Coach Greene)

Thank you, National Defense Industrial Association, Tennessee Valley Chapter (NDIA-TVC) and Space and Missile Defense Working Group (SMDWG) for your $10,000 contribution to Challenger Middle School (CMS). With this generous donation, we will have a Math Interventionist for the 1st semester of the school year. Ms. Regina Carter, retired CMS math teacher, is joining our team. She will provide intensive math support to a select group of CMS students. We are excited about this partnership and expect to see great math growth from our students.

HOME OF THE EAGLES

Location: 13555 Chaney Thompson Road

Huntsville, AL 35803
Phone: 256-428-7620