Inside the Ridge #9
October 2, 2026
Cato Ridge families, we need your help! We are currently at $20,600 and only 25% of our school has donated.
https://www.catoridgepto.org/donate
Why does reaching $30,000 matter? We use Invest in the Pack dollars to support our entire school community. Without these funds, we will face severe budget cuts across the board. This includes:
❌ Special Events such as Spirit Week, Field Day, and 8th Grade Celebration!
❌ Supplies for classrooms including class sets of books, printing, technology updates, and more!
❌ Our Athletics teams rely on us to help fund team purchases, athletic trainers, concessions, end of season banquets, and our portable restrooms!
❌ The PTO provides funding to our Fine Arts including band, orchestra, visual arts, dance, and drama! We help cover costs of licenses, music, materials, and more!
❌ Staff appreciation and student recognition! We want to reward our Cato Ridge teachers and students and need the funding to do so!
Please donate today and help us hit our goal of $30,000!
CATO RIDGE SPIRIT WEEK · OCTOBER 5-9!!!
Next week will be our first ever SPIRIT WEEK!! Students are invited to participate in daily themes to show off their Cato Ridge pride each day. Participation will be tracked throughout the week and the grade level with the most participation per student at the end of the week will win the first ever Spirit Stick award!!!
Spirit Week October 5-9
• Monday, October 5: Pajama Day- Wear your school appropriate PJs! Doesn't have to be Cato Ridge!
• Tuesday, October 6: Sports Team Day- Rock your favorite team!
• Wednesday, October 7: PINK OUT!!!- Wear all pink and join us for our football game at 5:00.
• Thursday, October 8: Class Color Day (6th graders wear red, 7th graders wear navy blue, 8th graders wear Carolina blue)
• Friday, October 9: Camo Day! Wear your camouflage!
Students will celebrate with a Pink Out pep rally on Wednesday complete with games and prizes.
The PTO will host a Spirit Week Pop Up shop with candy and other items for sale in the concession stand from 8:45am-9:15am daily (this will be cash only & all items will be $1-3 each).
So come dressed, get involved, and help your grade level bring the SPIRIT! Let’s make our first Spirit Week one to remember!!
The winter sports season is approaching fast - now is a great time to make sure you are registered and ready to go for tryouts!
Please fill out this form if your child is interested in trying out for the Cato Ridge basketball teams this season. CRMS athletics are for 7th and 8th graders only. Information regarding registration and try-outs will be sent out to all those interested.
https://forms.gle/S2oqHvPo3mdKRb4c7
Winter Sports Tryouts for Boys and Girls Basketball will be held Wednesday 11/12 & Thursday 11/13. All students trying out for a winter sport will meet in the Cato Ridge gym immediately after school on Wednesday, 11/12.
Students must be registered and 100% complete on DragonFly in order to participate - anyone who is not 100% on DragonFly will not be allowed to try out. Only 7th and 8th grade students are permitted to participate in CMS middle school sports.
Requirements:
• Submit a Current Sports Physical: A current North Carolina Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) is required in DragonFly before any student may participate. Physicals must remain current throughout the athletic season.
2026-2027_PPE-Physical Form.pdf
• Complete DragonFly Registration: All student-athletes must complete online registration through DragonFly before participating in tryouts or practices.
Register Here: https://www.dragonflymax.com
Questions? Contact Athletic Director Greg Jachym - greg.jachym@cms.k12.nc.us
The Fine Arts Department at Cato Ridge have a fundraising opportunity happening that we would like to share with you. Students are selling GoPlaySave coupons books for $30. In this book, you will find a wide range of deals, savings, and more for a variety of restaurants and attractions in the Greater Charlotte area. If you used every single coupon in this book, you could save up to $9,000!
This fundraiser is important as these funds could help us fund a wide range of opportunities for students in and outside of the fine arts department. If you would like to purchase a book, you are welcome to reach out to a Fine Arts teacher who will be able to assist you with your purchase. Thank you for your support of not just Cato Ridge but the fine arts at Cato Ridge.
PTO's mission: The purpose of our PTO is to support the students, staff, and families of Cato Ridge Middle School by fostering positive relationships, encouraging family engagement, promoting school spirit, and providing resources that enhance the educational experience.
Check out our website at catoridgepto.org! You'll find helpful information about volunteering, upcoming events, and more. And stay tuned for information coming soon about our annual capital campaign!
All families will need to visit our online store to pay the required student fees: catoridgepto.org/shop
1. PTO Membership: Join the Cato Ridge Middle School PTO for the 2026–2027 Academic Year! 100% of your membership fees directly support school resources for students & staff, as well as vital organizational needs. Plus, your membership gives you a voice and a vote on key decisions, including our budget and how we can best support Cato Ridge Middle School.
2. Student Fees: Each student at Cato Ridge is required to pay an annual student fee. Student fees help cover the cost of student agendas, SmartPass system, resources to enhance daily instruction, campus improvement, school-wide special events, and more.
3. PE Uniforms: All students are required to wear Cato Ridge PE uniforms (shirt and shorts) during in-person PE and Athletic classes. Orders will be delivered to your student during the 1st week of their PE class. If you have PE 2nd semester, your child will receive their uniform in January.
4. Spirit Wear: Show your Cato Ridge pride with our spirit wear! Every purchase helps the PTO fund classroom supplies, technology upgrades, and fun school events that bring families, teachers, and students together.