The Talon - CMS Newsletter

To CMS Families,

On Friday the CMS Gym was packed full to support the Eagle Volleyball Team on 8th grade night. This was a great atmosphere for students and families. Thank you Coach Samuels and players for building this atmosphere for CMS. Thank you to our Athletic Director, Steve Swanton, for aiding Coach Samuels in his mission to provide his student-athletes with a top notch experience and program.

Please take a moment and check out this week's issue of "The Talon" because it has information about gifted screening for 6th grade, the CMS PTA, and more.

I am honored to serve as your principal for the 2026-2027 school year. Not only do I want all Eagles to be successful in the classroom, but I also want every CMS Eagle to be a prepared high school student, and a life-ready adult. I expect all Eagles to be Committed, Motivated, and Successful. I appreciate your time and do not hesitate to email me at jjust@ccps.us or call me at (804) 633-6561 ext 4013 if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Mr. Joshua Just

Principal

Caroline Middle School

📞 Contact Your CMS School Counselor

Enrich your child’s middle school experience and let them know that school matters by joining the CMS PTA!

• Who: We are a group of parents and staff with diverse backgrounds who care about the students. We want them to have a great middle school experience.
• What: We boost student and staff morale by hosting school wide dances twice a year, providing staff meals during parent teacher conferences, teacher and staff appreciation, Spirit nights, and other fun things. Everything we do is for the betterment of our students.
• How you can help?: We need people to help set up and/or chaperone events, people who are willing to donate a dish or dessert for staff meals, and we donations of prepackaged drinks and snack items at different times throughout the year. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like, there are no requirements! If you don’t have the time, or would like to help in other ways we also accept monetary donations.

• When/Where: We meet the third Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the CMS Library/Google Meet!

Our success depends on the help of parents like you!

• CMS PTA Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16zegiYGbV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• CMS PTA Email: carolinemiddleschoolpta@gmail.com
• CMS PTA Resource Page: https://carolinemiddlepta.givebacks.com/

CMS PTA Third Meeting of 2026-2027

• Monday, October 19 at 5:30pm- CMS Library or GoogleMeet: https://meet.google.com/nvx-qnda-ioc

Students and families please take a moment to review the following essential information for the upcoming school year:

Events & Activities - CMS offers opportunities for all students to engage in learning and various activities. In order for students to participate in pep rallies, field trips, dances, 8th Grade Promotion, and other events sponsored by CMS, each student must :

1. Have a passing grade in all classes (evidence of academic improvement will be used on a case-by-case basis for students who are failing a class) for the current nine weeks

2. Have no more than three unexcused tardies per nine weeks for any class

3. Have no more than four unexcused absences per nine weeks for all classes

4. Have no cell phone/communication device policy violations per nine weeks

5. Remain in good behavioral standing for the current nine weeks

6. 8th Grade Promotion - Students must pass all classes for the year in addition to the nine week expectations stated above to participate in the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony.
   

Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices - At the school board meeting on 7/8/2024, the CCPS school board voted on a new cell phone policy. Students are not allowed to use or have cell phones and other electronic devices out during the entire school day. Please review the CMS Specific Cell expectations Below:

1. CMS Practice and Procedures for Cell Phones & Electronic Communication Devices

1. Students will submit cell phones to their homeroom teachers to start each school day. Teachers will store all cell phones in their classroom lockbox.

1. If a student does not have a cell phone, then they must complete the cell phone disclosure form and return it to the main office for admin review. The cell phone disclosure form may be picked up from Ms. Smith in the main office.

2. Cell phones will be returned to students after the bus changes are announced during the end of the day homeroom period.

2. Student Accountability for Cell Phone Violations

1. If a student does not follow the CCPS/CMS cell phone policy……

1. Admin will confiscate the cell phone and the parent must pick up the phone or device.

2. Students are subject to school discipline if they violate the code of conduct by not adhering to the cell phone policy.

3. Family Emergencies - If parents need to communicate with a student due to an emergency, then families are encouraged to contact the main office.

a. Bicycle/spandex shorts.

b. Exposed male and female undergarments (top and bottom). Pants must be buttoned at the waist so undergarments are not seen.

c. Flip flops, Heelys (shoes with wheels), bedroom slippers, untied shoes, slides, heels above 2 inches. Flip flops may be worn by secondary school students, but appropriate shoes must be worn when required for participation/enrollment in certain classes/physical activity.

d. Halter tops, tube tops, tanks tops, see-through tops, tops with spaghetti straps, altered t-shirts (sleeves removed), and muscle shirts. Tops must not expose cleavage or the midriff. Sleeveless tops must be 3 inches or more across the shoulder.

e. Holes in pants: Pants with holes/openings may be worn, but they cannot be higher than mid-thigh. f. Hoods or other head wear that cover the face and/or eyes and thus prevents the identification of a student. However, acceptable head cover (except for religious/medical purposes) must be removed due to safety concerns in certain classes such as science labs and CTE.

g. Leggings/Jeggings: Must be accompanied by a top that covers the front and backside.

h. Masks: Not permitted unless a student has a doctor’s note saying that it is required for medical reasons.

i. Nonprescription and/or color contact lenses.

j. Pajama pants.

k. Rolling backpacks are not permitted in any of the schools, unless there is a legitimate medical need or another legitimate purpose, with prior approval of the principal

l. Shorts/skirts/dresses/“skorts” must be at least mid-thigh in length.

m. Skirts or dresses with slits must be at least mid-thigh in length.

n. Sunglasses, chokers, or chains worn on clothing.

The school principal or designee may allow for special exemptions on school spirit days or hat days

If you have questions or concerns about sports and clubs at Caroline Middle School then please reach out to our CMS Athletic Direct using the following contact information:

• Coach Swanton
• sswanton@ccps.us
• (804)633-6561

Here are the dates you need to know for the 26-27 SY at CMS:

• The Fall Dance Sponsored by the PTA - November 13th, 2026 - 6 to 8 pm - CMS
• The Winter Dance Sponsored by the PTA - March 12th, 2027 - 6 to 8 pm - CMS
• The NJHS Spring Formal - May 7th, 2027 - 6 to 8 pm - CMS
• 8th Grade Promotion - May 27th, 2026 - 10 am to 11:30 am - CHS Blanton Gym

More Dates will be added soon!!!!

• Caroline County Public Schools Website: http://www.ccps.us/
• CMS Student Dress Code: https://www.ccps.us/dress-code
• Parent Teacher Resource Center: http://prc.blogs.ccps.us/
• PowerSchool Portal: https://caroline.powerschool.com/public/

Email: jjust@ccps.us
Website: https://www.ccps.us/caroline-middle-school
Location: Caroline Middle School, 13325 Devils Three Jump Road, Milford VA 22514
Phone: (804)633-6561
Facebook: Updated Link to be provided soon

This month is a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting kindness, and building safe spaces for our children. As the school year settles into full swing, we are sharing resources to prevent bullying and build a supportive, connected school environment for every student. Understanding how to identify bullying behavior early is key to taking action before it affects your child's well-being.

Parents and guardians are a child’s most important foundation, and you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. Through our partnership with ParentGuidance.org, families can access free, confidential tools to help guide tough conversations at home.

October Newsletter & Resources

October Mental Health Newsletter

The Facts About Bullying

Effective Strategies for Parents to Recognize and Stop Bullying

October Family Resources (PDF Download)