Scott Middle School

Over the last 2 weeks students have been checking in with teachers and completing mid-year benchmarks. All students have gone into our IXL program and completed the midyear diagnostic in both ELA and Math.

This week students will complete the Firefly online benchmark assessment. The Firefly is a fully online, computer-adaptive assessment designed to be administered as single-session tests on the same DRC INSIGHT platform as Pennsylvania’s PSSA, and Keystone Exam assessments. Because Firefly uses the same test administration systems already in place for the other assessments, moving from interim/benchmark testing to the summative test is seamless.

Math will be this Tuesday first thing in the morning. ELA will be this Wednesday first thing in the morning. Our eighth graders will complete Science during third period on Thursday.

The tests are online only. Please make sure your students have their chromebooks charged and ready!

We use these benchmark tests to measure academic growth for the 1st half of the year. Teachers use the information to make targeted groups for instruction (support and enrichment). I use the information to update our school plan for the year. Please have a conversation with your student(s) and encourage them to do their best. We are excited to see the growth our students have made and celebrate it!

Please consider supporting the Scott PTO with our fundraiser with Rosie's Popcorn. It will be just in time for Valentine's Day to share with someone you love. Please see the attached form and descriptions for the 4 flavors we are selling. There will be hard copies available in students' Advisory classes as well as the main office if needed. Rosie's popcorn has been very popular and tastes great!

You can pay via cash, check made to Scott PTO or Venmo - @Scott-PTO. Please make sure when you pay via Venmo you name your child and the total number of bags you purchased for your entire order. Please collect from anyone you know and send ONE Venmo to the PTO. Please also make sure you send your order form into school for the office to tally sales.

All forms and payments are due in to the main office by Thursday, January 29th.

Thank you in advance for helping our PTO with these sales. ❣️

Order Form

Valentines Fundraiser Flavor Brochure

We have noticed an uptick in vapes at Scott. Please speak with your students about the dangers of vaping. Not only is vaping a violation of our district code of conduct, it is very dangerous for students. Please speak to your students about the dangers of vaping.

Vaping poses serious health risks for middle school students, whose brains and bodies are still developing. Most vaping products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can interfere with brain development, affecting memory, attention, learning, and emotional control. Young people can become addicted quickly, even with occasional use.

Vaping can also harm mental health. Studies link nicotine use to increased anxiety, mood swings, and symptoms of depression in adolescents. In addition, vape aerosol is not harmless—it can contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and flavoring agents that irritate and damage the lungs. Some teens have experienced severe lung injuries linked to vaping.

Another concern is that students who vape are more likely to try traditional cigarettes later, increasing their risk of long-term health problems. Beyond health risks, vaping at school can lead to disciplinary consequences and negatively affect academic performance and extracurricular activities.

The bottom line: Vaping is not safe for children or teens, and early use can lead to lasting health and behavioral consequences.

Staying in class during instructional time is essential for student safety, learning, and school success. When students remain in their classrooms, they do not miss important instruction, and teachers can maintain a focused learning environment. Even brief, unapproved trips into the hallway can result in lost learning time and unnecessary disruptions.

To support students who need to be in the hallway, our school has systems in place. Teachers use an online Smart Pass system to approve and track students who have permission to leave class. Our hall monitors regularly check passes to ensure students are where they are supposed to be and to help keep everyone safe.

Moving forward, students who leave class without permission or without an approved pass will receive consequences similar to those given during hallway sweeps for tardiness. These expectations help us maintain safety, accountability, and respect for instructional time.

Please support this effort by discussing the importance of remaining in class unless permission has been given. By working together and following established procedures, we can ensure a safe, organized, and productive school environment for all students.

Donated gently used or new clothes would be greatly appreciated by the nurse.

Additional Reminders:

1. All 6th grade students required a Physical exam by their own health care provider by Winter Break

2. All 7th grade students will required a Dental exam by their own dental care provider by Winter Break.

3. If your student needs medication in school, please have their doctor complete the medication form and have an adult bring the medication to the school nurse.

If you have any questions, please email: ritterc@casdschools.org

January 28- 8th Grade Scheduling Night at CAIHS at 6:00 in CAIHS Auditorium (Please note postponed date)

January 29- PTO Fundraiser (Rosie's Popcorn) forms and payment due

February 13- Early Dismissal for Students/ PM Professional Development for Staff

February 16- No School for Students and Staff/ President's Day

February 17- Scott PTO Meeting at 5:30 in the Library and via Zoom (Link to be sent earlier to the date)

Website: https://www.casdschools.org/scott
Location: 800 Olive Street, Coatesville, PA, USA
Phone: 610 383 6946

Mrs. Kathryn Lamothe- Principal lamothek@casdschools.org

Mr. Peter Altland- Assistant Principal altlandp@casdschools.org

Mrs. Devyn Hamilton- Guidance Counselor (8th grade and 7th Grade Last Names (M to Z) hamiltond@casdschools.org

Mrs. Janelle Diehl- Guidance Counselor (6th grade and 7th Grade Last Names A to L) diehlj@casdschools.org

Ms. Ashley Russum- Principal's Secretary russuma@casdschools.org

Mrs. Sue Shumate- Assistant Principal's Secretary shumates@casdschools.org

Attendance email- scattendance@casdschools.org