Dear Colonel Richardson Middle School Families,

As we approach the joyous holiday season, I want to extend warm wishes to each and every one of you. May this festive time be filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments with family and friends.

As we prepare for winter break, let's ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Embrace the spirit of the season by enjoying quality time with loved ones, whether it's through cozy movie nights, crafting together, or sharing a delicious meal.

While celebrating, let's also prioritize safety. I'm sure some of you are hoping for snow so there's a possibility of doing some fun outdoor activities like sledding or building snowmen to make the most of the winter wonderland. But if not, there are still plenty of activities that can keep us amused and amazed like visiting all the different light displays around our area and region. Please continue to follow public health guidelines to keep everyone healthy and happy--Flu A, Flu B, RSV, and COVID are all prevalent right now!

Colonel Richardson Middle School wishes you a holiday season filled with joy and a New Year filled with promise. Thank you for being an integral part of our school community.

We will see you in the year 2024!

Warm regards,

Dr. Yolanda Holloway, Principal

The CRMS National Junior Honor Society will be collecting non-perishable food items for the community. Please send in donations through December 20th.

December 17th--Preston Holiday Parade @5pm

December 20th--Colonel Richardson Middle School Music Department Concert @CRHS 7pm

December 22nd--Half Day of School (PBIS Incentive School Store)

December 23rd-January 1st--Winter Break!

January 2nd--Return to School

Parents, there is a superhero in all of us, sometimes we just need help to find a little courage. Let us help you find your courage and be a protector of your children. Parent Coaching is a free resource that connects you with a parenting coach and content created by therapists.Click here to register for support from a coach: https://cookcenter.info/coaching

CRMS will continue with our messaging about the impact of our middle schoolers having cell phones and social media. We understand that students need phones to communicate their whereabouts to their caregivers; however, the apps on the phone and the behaviors that students are engaging in have been severe. We continue to say, PLEASE CHECK YOUR STUDENT'S PHONES! Messages in the form of words AND pictures and videos are constantly flowing between students in all messaging apps: SnapChat, TikTok, iMessage, Instagram...all of them!! As the owners of the phones, you as the adult hold the responsibility for any activity that takes place on the phone.

Again, especially with middle schoolers, who are still learning how to advocate for themselves, who often want to fit in until they find comfort in their own skin, who can easily be influenced by peers...Please keep a close eye on their phones.

Good attendance for your student begins on the first day of the school year. Consider the following facts:

• Chronic absenteeism may prevent children from reaching early milestones.

• Chronically absent students have difficulty keeping up with the pace at which they are expected to learn and grow.

• Students who are absent even a day or two every few weeks fall behind their peers.

• Irregular attendance can be a better predictor of whether students will drop out before graduation than test scores.

• Consistent, on-time attendance is a habit that lasts into adulthood.

If your child is sick please keep them home. Should they need to be seen by Wellness, you can call for a walk-in appointment or as a curbside visit. They are at CRMS Monday and Weds 8am-3:30pm 410-754-9580. They can also be seen at CRHS on Tuesday and Thursday from 8am-3:30pm 410-754-0750. Please do your part in limiting germs spreading through our school.

Six grade students will need TDAP and Meningitis vaccines before they can start 7th grade. As your child is seen at the Doctor this year, make sure they are getting their shots so you are not scrambling at the last minute. Please provide a copy to the school nurse once completed.

Healthy vision and hearing is important for your child’s success in school. State law requires school systems to have students’ hearing and vision screened when they enter the school system for the first time and in the 8th grade. Hearing and vision screenings are scheduled to begin on 12/11/23.

Students who should not be included in the screenings include:

• Those whose parents/guardians object in writing to the screenings on the grounds that it conflicts with the tenets and practice of a recognized church or religious denomination of which they are a member;

• Those with known hearing loss, including but not limited to, students with cochlear implants or hearing aids; and

• Those who present evidence of testing within the last year.

If your child falls into any of these categories or if you have any questions, please reach out to the school nurse directly at 410-479-2333 or via email at barringer.lynn@ccpsstaff.org

Colonel Richardson High School SBHC Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm 410- 754-0750

Colonel Richardson Middle School SBHC Monday & Wednesday 7:30am – 5:30pm 410- 754 -9580

Dr. Yolanda Holloway, Principal holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org

Mr. Neil Lambert, Assistant Principal lambert.eric@ccpsstaff.org

Mrs. Heidi Plutschak, Administrative Secretary plutschak.heidi@ccpsstaff.org

Email: holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Website: https://www.colonelrichardsonms.org/
Phone: 410-479-1462