CHMS Weekly Update

Our Winter Benchmark Testing continues this week with all students taking the Reading NWEA on Tuesday, December 9th and the Math NWEA on Thursday, December 11th.

Remember, at three points throughout the school year, all students take the NWEA for math and reading and the Acadience Reading test for a more diagnostic look into student reading abilities. Our 5th and 6th graders also take the Acadience Math test. Yes, this is a lot of testing, but it ensures that students receive the appropriate interventions and supports throughout the year.

We want all of our students to do their best on all assessments they take. In order to incentivize them to do their best on the Reading and Math NWEA tests, we have set a goal for 90% of our students to either show growth from their fall score to their winter score or meet the grade level RIT score for the winter. If we accomplish this goal for one of the tests (reading or math), students will earn a Holiday Movie Afternoon the week before break. If we accomplish this goal on both tests, students will also earn a treat to enjoy during the movie time!

Remember, all you have to do is try your best and use the knowledge you have gained since we took these tests in the fall. You got this, Warriors!

Our annual Hoops for Hunger field trip to a CMU women's basketball game is coming up on January 7th, 2026. Permission slips will be sent home next week.

Every Wednesday in December will be Hats for Hoops day! Students can bring a dollar and wear a hat each Wednesday. All money raised will go toward the Soup Kitchen to feed local families. Let's go, Warriors!

It is very important that students demonstrate their ability to follow expectations while at school so that we can trust that they will follow the expectations at events outside of school. With that being said, students will not be premitted to attend this event if they have three or more behavior referrals from December 1st, 2025, through January 6th, 2026. It is up to our students to make sure they are following all school expectations from now until the event on January 7th. I believe that all of our students have the ability to do this!

It's time to recognize our December Students of the Month! These students are recognized for consistently demonstrating our WARRIOR expectations, performing well in their classes, and behaving appropriately in all areas of the school. Please see our November Students of the Month below with a little blurb from their teachers!

5th Grade - Hayden Todd - Hayden is incredibly kind and thoughtful, always completing his work on time, and going above and beyond what’s expected. He volunteers to help others without hesitation and consistently participates in class. On top of that, he takes initiative—putting away Chromebooks, cleaning up the floor, and taking care of materials without even being asked. Thank you for being such a standout student, Hayden!

6th Grade - Alena Stadtfeld - Alena always has a smile on her face. She is a great student, kind and helpful to students and staff. She makes good choices and doesn't worry about following the crowd. Stay true to yourself, Alena!

7th Grade - Amelia Morris - We are proud to recognize Amelia Morris as our Student of the Month. She approaches every challenge with determination and curiosity, and she brightens our classroom with her kindness and respect for others. Her commitment to learning inspires everyone around her. She excels academically, participates thoughtfully in class discussions, and always gives her best effort. Her organization, focus, and love of learning truly set her apart.

8th Grade - Liliana Darnell - Lily is a conscientious studdent. She is friendly with everyone and is always helpful in the classroom. Great work, Lily!

Our next Activity Afternoon is this Friday for 5th and 6th graders!

Remember, an Activity Afternoon is an after-school event, from 3:15 - 5:00, where students will be able to dance in the cafeteria, play in the gym, buy concessions, and more! We split these events into 5th/6th graders together and 7th/8th graders together, and the cost is $5 to get in the door. Money raised at these events goes back to the students to pay for things like field trips, concession items, behavior rewards, etc. If your child stays for an Activity Afternoon, please make sure they have transportation planned to pick them up at 5:00 PM.

**Special note! Pizza will be available for $2 per slice. Everything else (pop, candy, gaterade, chips) will be $1.

Schedule for the remainder of the year:

1/30/26 - 7th & 8th Graders

3/20/26 - 5th & 6th Graders

Parent Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer to help supervise an Activity Afternoon, please send an email to Principal Muscott at smuscott@chsd.us and fill out the attached volunteer form and turn it back into the office. Forms can also be picked up from the Middle School office.

Check out some info from our CHMS Parent Club!

Have any formal wear that you don't need anymore? We are starting a Formal Dress Closet for our middle school students!

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at the CHHS Band Boosters Craft Show! Join us on Saturday, December 13 from 10 AM – 3 PM at Chippewa Hills High School.

Explore over 80 booths from local vendors filled with wood crafts, sweet treats, glass décor, candles, soaps, jewelry, and so much more!

Support our CHHS Band Boosters while finding unique gifts for everyone on your list. Don’t miss out – mark your calendar and bring the whole family!

Check out the Thanksgiving edition of the Warrior Watch!

The holiday season brings with it a special kind of magic, and our Band and Orchestra programs capture it beautifully. We invite you to join us and celebrate the sounds of the season at our upcoming Holiday Concert series.

Middle School Band Concert

Thursday, December 11| 7 PM

Middle School Gym

High School Band Concert

Sunday, December 14 | 2 PM

Middle School Gym

Orchestra Concert

Tuesday, December 16 | 7 PM

High School Auditorium

We hope you’ll join us for these special holiday performances from our student musicians!

The Chippewa Hills High School National Honor Society is proud to sponsor a community blood drive on Tuesday, December 9, from 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM in the high school gym.

Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for patients in need this holiday season. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling an appointment helps reduce wait times.

Schedule your appointment here.

Let’s share a little hope and warmth this season — give the gift of life!

We are excited to welcome you to our first-ever Warrior Wonderland Lighted Tree Walk—a new community tradition we hope will bring warmth and joy to your holiday season.

Stroll the illuminated trails of Warrior Woods and enjoy sparkling trees decorated by our students and school groups. Bring the family, bundle up, and soak in the holiday glow. We’ll also have a warm community bonfire and plenty of holiday cheer!

Event Dates:

Saturday, December 13

Sunday, December 14

Saturday, December 20

Sunday, December 21

Time: 6-8 PM | Free for all ages.

Located at Warrior Woods, the home of the Chippewa Hills Cross Country Course, located at the corner of M-66 and Arthur Road.

Please note: The Lighted Tree Walk is a walking trail event only. If you or a family member need accommodations to access the trail, please reach out—we’re happy to help ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.

We look forward to celebrating the magic of the season with you!

No lesson this week due to testing.

7th/8th Grade Boys Basketball - Home games will be in the High School Gym!

Monday, December 8th - Home vs Kent City - 4:00 PM Start Time

Wednesday, December 10th - Away at Big Rapids - 4:00 PM Start Time - Bus Departs at 2:15 PM

MS Cheer

Wednesday, December 10th - Away at Marion - 6:00 PM Start Time - Bus Departs at 4:30 PM

5th grade team shout-out!

"Mrs. Purdy (ELA) is very dynamic and impactful with her approach. Mrs. Spencer (Science) brightly pulls students in with fun lessons. Mrs. Ruthruff (Reading) is persistent with positivity, rigor and high expectations. Mrs. Homant (Social Studies) is very engaging and makes History fun and interesting. Mrs. Simon (Math) truly unlocks potential and offers a careful guidance. Would really like to commend the entire 5th-grade team. This team is well-balanced, alert and aware, and a model for how teams should work throughout the district. As parents, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our child, this year, and we are confident it is a result of the team’s effort to consciously remain positive, engaging, demanding, and connected with both students and parents. All-Star Team! Thank you!"

Note: Milk without a meal, a la carte items, and second meals will still need to be purchased.

The December breakfast and lunch calendars are attached below.

December is a beautiful time of year, but it can also bring extra stress. If you or someone you know could use a little support, our district keeps a list of local resources for food, clothing, housing, and mental health.

These organizations serve families year-round and their support can make an even bigger difference during the holidays.

Visit our Community Resources page here.

Saturday, December 13th - Band Boosters Craft Show - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday, December 16th - Orchestra Holiday Concert - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, January 7th - Hoops for Hunger event at CMU

Monday, January 19th - Early Release Day for Students, Afternoon PD for Staff