News from Centennial Middle School

Website: www.isd12.org/cms

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

Tuesday, August 11th--Thursday, August 27th:

• Summer office hours: 8:00 am-3:00 pm

• Back-to-School Materials Drop-Off & Picture Day, 3-6 pm

Tuesday, August 25th:

• Back-to-School Materials Drop-Off & Picture Day, 3-6 pm
• Open House w/ Teachers 4-6 pm

Friday, August 28th:

• Office Closed

• First day of school for 6th grade only

• First day of school for 7th and 8th grades

Friday, September 4th:

• No school

Monday, September 7th:

• No School (Labor Day)

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

Student schedules are located under "documents." Locker assignments, team assignments, and Food Service bar codes are all available in Campus. Questions about schedules should be directed to the counseling office. Email Sara Verke at sverke@isd12.org or call 763-792-5413.

Annual Data Review

All families need to review and update annual data for students such as annual notifications, agreements, emergency contact information and preferences. This process opens in August and closes later in September each year.

Below are some links to help get started:

• Link to Parent Portal
• How do I log into Parent Portal?
• How do I start the annual data review in Parent Portal?

As we shared in the spring, we are excited about this new initiative called Cougar Connect & Flex whish is designed to support all students at Centennial Middle School. Over the past year, our staff has spent significant time reflecting on an important question: How do we create a middle school experience where every student feels connected, supported, challenged, and known?

As part of that work, we are excited to launch Cougar Connection and FLEX as part of the daily schedule this school year. This daily block, scheduled between first and second period, is designed to create additional opportunities for students to:

• Build stronger relationships with peers and trusted adults
• Receive academic support and enrichment
• Explore interests and passions
• Participate in collaborative and engaging activities
• Access intervention or extension opportunities when needed
• Experience the sense of belonging and connection that is essential during the middle school years

The Cougar Connection and FLEX video was created to give additional insight into the vision and process behind Cougar Connection and FLEX, as well as the Course Guides for each grade level.

Tonight is our first Materials Drop Off/Picture Day event! Tuesday, August 25th is the final CMS Materials Drop Off & Picture Day.

Come to Centennial Middle School any time between 3-6 pm on either day. (Enter through the cafeteria entrance.) Students will be able to put their school supplies in their lockers, have their pictures taken for student ID’s, and walk around the school. Make sure to print or take a screenshot of your student schedule from Campus Portal and bring it with you to Materials Drop Off if you want to walk around the school to find student lockers and classrooms. Returning 7th and 8th grade students should bring their locks if they are planning on dropping off school supplies in their lockers. 6th grade students will pick up their new school-issued lock at the Materials Drop Off events in the cafeteria.

Note: Teachers will only be in their classrooms for an Open House during the Materials Drop Off day on August 25th from 4-6 pm.

IMPORTANT: If students are unable to attend one of the Materials Drop Off events, they will be able to just bring their materials on the first day of school. Time has been set aside on the first day to provide students with opportunities to tour the school and put their school supplies in their lockers. There will also be another chance to have their school picture taken during school on September 9th, the Picture Make-Up Day.

School Supplies/EduKits –If you ordered a school supply EduKit prior to the deadline, it will be available at the back-to-school Materials Drop Off Days or on the first day of school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the EduKit you ordered, please visit customer service on the EduKit website: www.edukitinc.com If you still need to purchase your child's grade-level school supplies, click here to view the supply lists.

School Pictures -- Student pictures will be taken during the Materials Drop Off days. There will also be a picture make-up day during school on September 9th for students who didn't get their pictures taken at one of the Materials Drop Off days. Photos are used for school IDs; and it is required that all students have photos taken. To order pictures through Lifetouch visit mylifetouch.com using the Picture Day ID: EVTCK77NV. You can also complete a Lifetouch flyer when the pictures are taken and include cash or check. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only.

Locks/Lockers -- 6th grade students may pick up their new school-issued locks at the Materials Drop Off days. Returning 7th and 8th grade students should bring their locks with them to a Materials Drop Off day if they are putting school supplies in lockers, or on the first day of school. Used locks will be available to pick up at the Materials Drop Off days or on the first day of school if they were lost over the summer.

Centennial Middle School families may need student care before and/or after the school day. A supervision option is offered for before and after school if needed. This is a safe place for students to be supervised by staff members in the school cafeteria. Students can catch up on schoolwork, interact with other students, or just relax. Families are responsible for their own transportation. Students must be registered each quarter to participate.

General Information:

• Before and After-School Supervision runs concurrently with the ISD12 School Calendar. In the event of early school closing, we ask you to pick up your student as soon as possible. In the event of a school cancellation or an E-Learning day, supervision is not provided.

• Before and After-School Supervision is not governed by the same rules and regulations as childcare institutions and, as such, does not provide tax statements.

To Register:

• Students must register each quarter in order to participate. Registration will open two weeks prior to the start of each quarter.

• Log in to your Campus Parent Portal account and go to "fees." There is an "optional fee" located there for quarterly supervision (AM Supervision, PM Supervision and AM/PM Supervision). Select the option you will need. Once you have paid the fee, your student is registered.

Costs:

• Before-School Supervision: $235 per quarter (Daily cost $5.22)

• After-School Supervision: $265 per quarter (Daily cost $5.88)

• Before & After-School Supervision: $445 per quarter (Daily cost $9.88)

As you are doing your last-minute school supply shopping we wanted to remind you of a small change at CMS this year that we believe will save families time, money, and potentially some frustration.

Students should leave toys, squishy items, fidgets, hacky sacks, and other novelty items at home unless they are specifically part of a documented support plan. This decision comes from a significant increase in the number of toys and novelty items being brought to school. While many of these items are fun and appropriate outside of school, they have increasingly become distractions in the learning environment. We've seen them lost, taken by other students, broken, thrown, and become the source of disagreements that simply don't need to happen during the school day.

In addition, some homemade items have broken open and created messes that require significant cleanup. Other items have been thrown and have caused discomfort or safety concerns for students and staff. Hacky sacks, for example, can be a great activity after school, at home, or at the park, but they are not a good fit for hallways filled with 1,600 students moving between classes.

The reality is that many of these items are valuable to students and families, yet they are not necessary for school. Rather than having students worry about losing them, having them taken, or having them break, we would simply encourage families to keep them at home where they can be enjoyed.

We recognize that a small number of students may use specific sensory tools or fidgets as part of a documented 504 Plan, IEP, or other support plan. Those situations will continue to be supported through our student services team. Our goal is not to take something away from students. Rather, it is to create a learning environment that is focused, safe, and free from unnecessary distractions while helping families avoid spending money replacing items that never needed to come to school in the first place.

Thank you for your partnership and support. We appreciate all that you do to help students make good decisions and arrive at school ready to learn each day.

• School Supplies -- Grade-level school supply lists are posted on the Middle School webpage at https://middleschool.isd12.org/student-life/school-supplies
• Chromebooks – All students should bring their fully-charged school-issued Chromebook to school each day, beginning on the first day of school. There are a very limited supply of loaner Chromebooks for students. More information about the student devices, as well as the Chromebook Protection Plan can be found here.

• Bus Information - Watch for a postcard in the mail just prior to the start of school from the District’s Transportation Department. The postcard will list all the bus information your child will need. We will have activity buses available after school for those who are signed up for a club or activity. If you have transportation questions, please email transportation@isd12.org.
• CMS School Hours and Class Schedule – School hours are from 8:05 am-2:55 pm. The cafeteria doors will open for entry at 7:40 am each day. The Middle School office will be open from 7:30 am-3:15 pm each day once school begins.
• Cell Phones -- Please feel under no obligation to purchase a cell phone for your child. If you choose to send your student to school with a cell phone, please be aware that it will need to stay in their locker throughout the academic day. Students are not allowed to bring cell phones into classrooms, the cafeteria, or to any other locations in the building during the academic day. They may check their phones in their lockers during passing periods or after school. We are dedicated to ensuring these devices do not interrupt the instructional time. All students will have a school-issued Chromebook and will not need to use a cell phone in the classroom.

• Water Bottles/Beverages -- Students may bring water bottles to school but they will need to stay in their lockers. Reusable water bottles should be labeled. We are confident that students can stay well hydrated during the course of the day by drinking water from the drinking fountains or from their water bottles during the passing periods.

Exemptions: We would make exemptions to the cell phone and/or water bottle procedural expectations if a family has a note from their doctor. An example would be if a student uses their cell phone to monitor their glucose levels due to diabetes, or some students may require additional water related to medical issues. We would make an exception to our policies if there was a doctor's note for medical reasons such as these.

Fall Offerings for middle schoolers through Community Education. For further class information and registration, https://isd12.arux.app/ or call our main line, 763-792-6100.

After School Classes at CMS:

Students attending a class after school at Centennial Middle School can either be picked up or ride an activity bus home at 4:40 pm. There is no busing on Fridays.

Register soon--some activities begin September 1!

After School at CMS:

• Middle School Cross Country
• Middle School Fall Dance Clinic
• Middle School Improv
• Middle School Cougar Strength
• Middle School Chess Club
• First LEGO League Robotics
• Cookies & Canvas
• Girls Who Code
• Middle School DIY Den
• Middle School Wrestling
• Middle School Anime & Manga
• Middle School Debate Team
• Middle School After School Basketball
• Middle School Speech Team

• CMS Theater Fall Play Registration Deadline September 14, 2 pm

Be sure to watch the CMS newsletter for more middle school offerings to come!

Find out more about Community Education by visiting us online, communityed.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.

If you want to participate in Centennial Middle School’s Fall Play -- “As The Phantom Turns - A Soap Opera” -- you must attend the following informational meetings! Students should attend with a parent. If you cannot attend the meeting, please email Mrs. Tangren or Mr. Webster and they will get you the information in an alternative way.

Ltangren@isd12.org

Ewebster@isd12.org

Everything you need to know about the protocols, procedures, and expectations, how auditions work, the schedule, how being on a crew works, etc. will be covered at the meeting!

MS FALL PLAY INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR ACTORS

*Centennial Middle School Auditorium

*Sep 2, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

MS FALL PLAY INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR CREW - (Booth/Set/Costume crews)

*Centennial Middle School Auditorium

*Sep 11, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

ALSO - Registration is now open for Middle School Improv Team and the Middle School Speech Team! Visit Centennialtheatre.org -- links for Improv and speech registration are on the front page.

Centennialtheatre.org is where you go for all information about everything theater!

Beginning this school year, the Food Service vending machines located in the school cafeteria will be cashless.

For your convenience, the machines will accept:

• Credit and debit cards
• Apple Pay

Please plan accordingly when sending students to school with money for vending machine purchases. Thank you for helping us make this transition smooth and convenient for everyone!

Registration for fall High School athletics opened on Monday, July 6th in Campus Parent Portal.

• MUST have a valid physical on file to register.
• Visit the CHS webpage for instructions for registration and how to view your student’s physical date.

Contact the Athletics and Activities office with any questions. TBrownlee@isd12.org

Centennial High School is going cashless in the Centennial Sports Arena, Cougar Stadium, and Centennial West Gym Concessions. Cash payments will not be accepted at any of these concessions during home high school events. Accepted payment methods include major debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

**Middle School Cougar Den will still accept cash at home football games only.

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!