News from Centennial Middle School

Website: www.isd12.org/cms

Location: 399 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN, USA
Phone: 763-792-5400

Monday, November 2nd:

• A Day

• B Day
• Election Day

• A Day
• Fire drill, 2:05 pm

Thursday, November 5th:

• B Day
• Mid-Semester
• Fall Conferences (in-person), 4:00-7:30 pm

• No School for Students
• Staff Grading Day

Don’t forget to bookmark the CMS webpage: https://middleschool.isd12.org/

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Monday, November 9th:

• No School for Students/Staff Development Day

Tuesday, November 10th:

• Fall Conferences (virtual), 4:00-7:30 pm

Wednesday, November 11th:

• Veterans' Day

Friday, November 13th:

• Mid-Semester Report Cards available on Campus Portal

In-person conferences will be held at the Middle School on Thursday, November 5th from 4:00-7:30 pm. Please consider donating so we can host a meal for our teachers after school that day. (Donations can be dropped off in the school office any time between 7:30 am-2 pm on Thursday, November 5th. Non-perishable donations may be brought to the school office beginning on October 28th during office hours, 7:30 am-3 pm.)

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! 😋

Thursday, November 5th:

• Middle School Conferences (in-person), 4:00-7:30 pm

Tuesday, November 10th:

• Middle School Conferences (virtual), 4:00-7:30 pm

NOTE: Conference registration information was sent to families this week from Sara Verke and is linked here. Don't forget to sign up!

• Friday, October 30th, 7 pm
• Saturday, October 31st, 3 pm
• Sunday, November 1st, 1 pm

As we enter cold and flu season, we want to take a moment to remind everyone of our middle school procedures for student illnesses, attendance tracking, and health office procedures. Your partnership is essential in helping us keep our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

If your child contacts you during the school day because they aren’t feeling well and they want to go home, please encourage them to let their teacher know and request to visit the health office. Students should always check in with the health office before arrangements are made for them to go home due to illness. This allows our nursing staff to assess their symptoms, follow appropriate health and safety procedures, and contact families when a student needs to be picked up.

We understand that students may not feel well at different points throughout the school day, and we want to ensure every student receives the care and support they need. Following these procedures helps us respond appropriately to student health concerns, maintain accurate records of illnesses and absences, and ensure consistency in our safety practices.

As we see an increase in seasonal illnesses, we appreciate your help in reinforcing these expectations with your children. Working together, we can protect the health and well-being of our students while supporting a safe and positive learning environment for everyone.

Thank you for your continued partnership, understanding, and support!

Bob Stevens

Student absence requests are submitted through Campus Parent Portal. An “Attendance Request” link is also found on the Parent Hub of the school website for easy access to the Portal and resources to assist.

The direct link can be found here: Campus Attendance Reporting

Helpful links: Parent Portal Login Assistance

Please be sure to always fill out an attendance request for absences, late arrivals, and early releases.

Late Arrival: If an attendance request is submitted for your child's late arrival, parents do not need to come in to school to sign in students. Students can sign themselves in using their school ID at the sign-in kiosk in the main office

Early Release: If an attendance request is submitted for an early release, parents must come in to the school atrium, press the red button on the sign-in kiosk, and give the office secretary the student's name. Students will then sign themselves out using their school ID before leaving. Please plan accordingly and allow for approximately 5-10 minutes for your student to be released from class, pick up materials from their locker, and make their way to the school office.

For attendance reporting questions, please email Sara Verke at sverke@isd12.org.

Centennial Ski/Snowboard Club (gr. 6-12)

Join us for trips to the ski hill with transportation to and from Centennial Middle School beginning December 12 at Wild Mountain.

• Dec. 12 Wild Mountain
• Jan. 16 Trollhaugen
• Jan. 30 Wild Mountain
• Feb 6 Trollhaugen
• Feb 20 Wild Mountain

Are you a beginner? Attend the Glide & Ride Academy: Learn to Ski/Snowboard activity at Wild Mountain and receive an all-inclusive experience to give you confidence to head down the slopes. Glide & Ride Academy is held December 5 at Wild Mountain.

Happening soon:

Nov. 10- Advanced Conquer Ninja Rec Team (ages 6-13)

Nov. 16- Middle School After School Basketball (gr. 6-8)

Cookies and Canvas (gr. 6-8)

Nov. 30- Middle School Cougar Strength (gr. 7-8)

Dec. 1- Middle School DIY Den (gr. 6-8)

Dec. 7- Middle School Speech Team (gr. 6-8)

Cookies and Canvas (gr. 6-8)

Karate (ages 7-12)

Dec. 28- Spark Equestrian Camp (ages 6-12)

Dec. 30- Minecraft Builders: Winter Challenge (gr. 6)(online)

Go online to view all fall activities and to register, community.isd12.org.

Welcome to the Digital Backpack, the district’s central posting place for community flyers. If you have questions regarding these programs, please contact the organizations directly. Click HERE to browse the Digital Backpack.

Open to all 7th and 8th Grade Boys (we have a particular need for boys interested in diving).

Middle School Season: November 30 - February 13th

Practice at Centennial Pool: 3:20-4:50 M – F

Parent Meeting – Thursday November 5th (7:00 PM) - High School West Building Learning Commons

Questions - Contact Head Coach Mr. Crawford (Pcrawford@isd12.org)

Team Website: https://www.teamunify.com/team/recchsb/page/home

Order your CMS 2026-27 Yearbook now for the low price of $44 (with promo code). (Regular price is $47.)

To order, scan the QR code, visit jostens.com/bts/1062852, or call 877-767-5217 and choose from a variety of easy payment options at checkout.

Special Offer! Use Code YBKICONS for $5 off/Icon (up to $20).

We need your photos to make the yearbook extra special! Submit photos for the yearbook using the links below:

Fall Activities Due November 24th

Winter photos link due March 1st

8th grade baby photos due March 1st

Centennial Wear and Halloween costumes Due November 24th

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Centennial voters will decide two separate referendum questions: an operating levy for student learning and daily operations, and a facilities bond for school improvements.

This week’s FAQs explain what would happen if either question does not pass.

Question 1 FAQ: What happens if the operating levy does not pass?

The district would continue making budget reductions and adjustments in future budget cycles. Those decisions would affect the classroom experience, including staffing, curriculum resources and program implementation.

Question 2 FAQ: What happens if the facilities bond does not pass?

The identified facility needs would remain. The district would continue managing them within existing resources. As deferred maintenance and building security systems age, costs covered by the general fund would leave fewer resources available for classroom needs and staffing.

Maintaining Quality Schools: View the video to learn about the operating needs behind Question 1.

Protecting Our Community’s Investment: Learn more about the facilities planning behind Question 2.

Review the full ballot and locate both school district questions. Find early-voting options or confirm your Election Day polling place at isd12.org/centennial-forward.

In ongoing efforts to gather feedback from stakeholders, the School Board is hosting quarterly Listening Sessions for the public. The first Listening Session of the 2026-2027 school year will be held on November 16, 5:30 p.m. The sessions provide the opportunity for community members, staff, parents, and students to meet informally with board representatives and the superintendent to discuss topics in the schools.

Listening Sessions increase communication and engagement work that reflects the district’s commitment to excellence. Additional sessions to seek input/perspective on topics established by the Board would be scheduled as a special or additional Board Listening Session.

Know of a Centennial graduate or member of the community who has made a significant impact on their profession, Centennial Schools and/or the community? Nominees for induction into the Centennial Hall of Fame represent the school district's values of making connections with our communities, providing opportunities for students to achieve, and preparing our students for a successful future. Nomination information is on the Centennial website. Nominations are due January 6, 2027.

The Centennial School District has compiled a wide variety of resources for our students, families, and greater community. These resources include mental health, learning and enrichment, services specific to our aging population, crisis, where to find economic assistance and much, much more. You can find these resources on our district website here.

Show your Cougar pride! Shop for official Centennial fan gear now!