Central Middle School

Good Evening, CMS Families,

Punxsutawney Phil has spoken—and it looks like we’re in for six more weeks of winter! As we bundle up and move through February, Central Middle School continues to stay busy with meaningful learning experiences, celebrations, and important reminders.

With colder weather sticking around, please make sure students are dressed appropriately for winter conditions. Safety and comfort matter as students arrive to and depart from CMS each day.

Thank you to the many families who have already returned student Chromebooks and chargers following last week’s asynchronous school days.

We are still missing a number of devices and chargers. If your child has not yet returned their Chromebook and/or charger, please send it back to school with them as soon as possible. These devices are important and expensive instructional tools, and we appreciate your support in helping us account for all equipment.

We are now well into the 3rd Marking Period, which runs from January 21 through March 25. This is an important stretch of the school year where students build momentum and continue to grow academically. We encourage families to check in regularly with students about assignments, grades, and goal-setting as we approach the home stretch (Marking Period 4 and PSSAs).

Parent-teacher conferences will be held on:

• Thursday, February 12: 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Friday, February 13: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Families are encouraged to reach out directly to their child’s teachers if they would like to schedule a conference or discuss any academic, behavioral, or social concerns. Also, keep an eye out for teacher team conference request letters for you to come in and speak with us about your child's progress this year. These letters aren't sent to every family, but if there is a concern, families may receive one. Please take the opportunity to join us in making sure your child is successful here at Central Middle School.

Join us for the Reading School District's Black History Month Showcase, an evening celebrating history, culture, creativity, and community!

Enjoy student performances, art displays, music, food, and powerful expressions of Black history and excellence from across our district.

📍 Reading High School | Geigle Complex
📅 Thursday, February 5, 2026
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM

This is a celebration you won’t want to miss. Come out, show your Red Knight pride, and support our students as we honor Black history together. We hope to see many of our CMS families there! You will absolutely love seeing your students' BHM booklets on display at the CMS table!

On Wednesday, February 11, CMS will celebrate our annual “Share the Love” Day. During the school day, teachers will deliver academic lessons connected to something they personally love—whether it’s a hobby, passion, or interest.

This day is always a favorite for students and staff alike, as it helps build stronger relationships and allows students and their teachers to connect in a more personal way. Fun is truly had by all!

Beginning in the last week of February, students will start attending scheduled field trips. Destinations include:

• Reading Public Museum

• Reading Planetarium

• The State Museum

• CTC (Career and Technology Center)

The deadline for permission slips was January 23, and we appreciate everyone who submitted them on time. Please remind your child to be aware of their specific trip date and expectations.

Students do not have school on the following dates:

• Thursday, February 12 – Act 80 Day / Winter Conferences

• Friday, February 13 – Act 80 Day / Winter Conferences

At CMS, we believe student dress should reflect respect for oneself and our diverse school community. While we encourage individuality, there are certain non-negotiable expectations that must be followed to keep our school safe and focused on learning:

🚫 Not Permitted:

• Hoodies – hooded sweatshirts or hooded shirts may not be worn in school.

• Torn pants, pajama pants (unless part of a spirit week), sagging pants (pants must be worn at the waist).

• Shorts, skirts, jumpers, or dresses less than 3 inches from the knee (leggings must be worn underneath if shorter).

• Flip flops, slides, shoes with wheels.

• Revealing clothing, including crop tops, low-cut tops, strapless/halter/muscle shirts, or clothing that exposes undergarments, the stomach, or private areas.

• See-through or backless clothing.

• Clothing or accessories with obscene language, sexual content, drugs, alcohol, violence, gangs, or derogatory messages toward any group or individual.

• Head coverings (hoods, bandanas, sheisties, hats, caps) unless required for religious or medical purposes.

• Outerwear (backpacks, jackets, winter coats) inside the school day unless approved by an administrator.

👟 Clothing & shoes must be safe and appropriate for school—items deemed unsafe or disruptive by administrators will not be permitted.

✅ What’s Okay:

• Clothing that fits properly and covers the body appropriately.

• Refillable water bottles (clear/see-through).

• Head coverings for religious or medical reasons (with documentation).

👉 Please help us by checking your child’s attire before school each day. Our goal is to maintain a respectful, safe, and distraction-free learning environment for everyone!

CMS is a big school, and we’re fortunate to have a big support team for our students. Each grade has its own Assistant Principal, School Counselor, and School Social Worker. Please save these contacts for the 2025–26 school year:

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

Principal

You can reach Dr. Beaver via Class Dojo or school email. Please remember to schedule an appointment through the main office or by calling (484) 258-7365 so we can give you the time and attention you and your loved ones deserve.

Email: beaverg@readingsd.org
Website: https://www.readingsd.org/o/central
Location: 215 North 12th Street, Reading, PA, USA
Phone: 484-258-7365