Scott Middle School

We have been quite busy in science class. In 7th grade we have been exploring the dinosaur trail! We have been investigating the geologic history of our planet along with the organisms that once inhabited it. Students have been diving into the past in order to investigate the long and dramatic natural history of our planet. In our investigations we have been looking at the events that took place over long periods of time, like continental drift and fossilization. We have additionally discussed the organisms that lived on these ancient land masses and how studying their lives in the past can help us understand our present.

In 8th grade we spent the majority of quarter 3 investigating a small blue island in a sea of darkness, our planet Earth! We investigated the celestial bodies in our solar system along with the history of meteorites and the ever-present force of gravity. We also took some time to look at some of humanities greatest achievements in space like the Appollo missions to the Moon and how we constructed the International Space Station. In the past week however, we have switched focus and have begun to investigate magnetism! This past Thursday students investigated magnetism by manipulating magnets to make objects like pencils float.

In Mr. Taylor's science class we have started a new unit called "Movie Magic", where students explore the physics of movie special effects. In the picture below, students are building a "hover board" using magnets and popsicle sticks. We were also lucky enough to have Mrs. Lamothe visit my 4th period class, and she even helped the students develop "wonder questions" about movie special effects. Our previous unit was all about space, which is one of my favorite topics to teach, so I probably had more fun than the students did. We are loving our new science curriculum (Twig) because we have a lot of experiments to do.

In Mr. Yourchak's classroom, students have been learning about World War II from the perspective of the Navajo code talkers. Students have been reading Joseph Bruchac's "Code Talker", a historical fiction novel that focuses on the life of a young Navajo boy. Throughout the book, students have been learning about WWII, Navajo culture, and making connections to the main character.

The 2025-26 school year has been a wonderful experience for teaching and learning. The students have started strong, and they are meeting high-level expectations. All students have read 3 classroom novels that focus on identity and the challenges of growing socially as young adults. My students are learning themes of perseverance, self-respect, and adapting to new situations. While covering learning through classroom novels, students are developing writing skills and critical thinking skills daily. Each student is growing their academic vocabulary in the vocabulary workshop. Students are currently working on their African American research-based project. At the conclusion of this project, each student will present the information learned. Academic growth is the engine for learning, but in room 222, I work hard to create a positive classroom environment where students can grow socially as well as academically. Every student can share ideas in a relaxing and safe learning environment. Let’s continue to rise positively.

We have been learning about influential Black leaders during morning announcements. This week students heard about Jesse Owens, Michael Jordan, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali. On Friday, a trivia question was asked and students were able to answer for a chance at a prize. We were very proud of how many students knew that Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, but Eyonna's name was the one called from the pile. Congratulations, Eyonna! The last chance for a prize will be next Friday.

In all of our Social Studies classes, students have been learning about influential Black leaders in the areas of Sports, Music, History/Politics, and Entertainment. Over the past two weeks, teachers introduced eight individuals from each category.

This past Friday, students participated in the first round of voting to answer the question: Who has been the most influential?

Beginning next week, students will continue learning more about the leaders who advanced to the next round.

Please take a moment to review the results. Do you agree with the outcomes? We encourage you to use this as an opportunity for discussion with your student. You might ask:

• Who surprised you by moving on?

• Who do you think deserved more recognition?

• How do you define “influential”?

• Can someone be influential even if they weren’t famous?

Projects like this help students connect history to today’s world and think critically about leadership and impact. My family and I really enjoyed discussing who we believed has been the most influential in each field, and we hope you enjoy the conversation as well.

On Thursday and Friday, February 19th and 20th, Scott Middle School hosted another of our Mental Health Wellness Events. This particular session, sponsored by the Coatesville Community Coalition, focused on social media and self-awareness.

Did you know that 70% of middle schoolers access social media for an average of 4- 5 hours per day? Social media triggers dopamine releases in middle schoolers' developing brains through likes, comments, and endless content, creating a reward cycle similar to addiction. This leads to craving more, reduced pleasure in real-life activities, poor attention, irritability, anxiety, and eventually impacts focus and emotional regulation. This "dopamine loop" hijacks their reward systems, making them seek constant digital stimulation and potentially worsening conditions like ADHD, while diminishing enjoyment from offline interactions. To combat this effect, we practiced self-awareness tools like body scans to be better in touch with our experiences. We also discussed 'screen free' ideas to explore in the coming weeks.

Our facilitators represented community agencies and organizations from across Coatesville. We are very thankful to Coatesville Youth Initiative, the CCIU, our school social worker, Crime Victims Center, Family Services, Chester County Drug and Alcohol services, Betterview counseling, and Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd for taking the time to be with us.

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as Dr. Cynthia Roulhac, your new Assistant Principal. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join the Coatesville community and to serve in partnership with our students, families, educators, and community partners.

I began my career in education in 2004 as a teacher. In 2009, I transitioned into the social service field, where I worked with adjudicated youth reentering the educational system. This experience strengthened my commitment to equity, restorative practices, and ensuring that all students—regardless of circumstance—have access to meaningful educational opportunities and strong support systems.

I hold certifications as a Secondary English Teacher, Reading Specialist, and PK–12 Principal Administrator. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of serving in private, charter, and traditional public-school settings as a: teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, site based teacher leader (SBTL), and MTSS Coordinator. These varied experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of instructional leadership, student engagement, and collaborative school culture across diverse educational roles and environments.

As Assistant Principal, I am committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment where students are empowered to reach their full potential. I look forward to working collaboratively to support our teachers in delivering high-quality instruction, partnering with families to promote student success, and strengthening relationships within the broader Coatesville community so that we may all thrive together.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I value time spent with my family, exploring consignment shops in search of unique treasures, reading for pleasure, and maintaining an active lifestyle through walking.

I am excited to begin this journey with you and look forward to building meaningful partnerships that will positively impact our students, teachers, and community.

Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to build your child’s home library with new books they’ll dive into again and again.

The easiest way to let your child shop the Fair independently is by creating an eWallet. It’s easy to set up and easy for others to add funds.

Create an eWallet, and you’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to Share the Fair - the giving program that supports students at our school who need help buying books. Consider participating so that no child leaves the Fair empty-handed!

Here’s everything else you need to know about the Book Fair:

Dates: Monday, March 16- Wednesday, March 18th

Location: Scott MS Library

For full details, and to create an eWallet, visit our school’s Book Fair homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/scottmiddleschool4

More than ever, we need to get students reading. Studies prove* that children with more books at home have higher-level reading skills, and attain more years of education overall.

Lastly, this is a great opportunity to be a Book Fair volunteer! When you give your time, it helps make our Fair an unforgettable reading experience where every purchase benefits our school directly.

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 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

March 2- 8th Grade students that took Life and Future Readiness 1st Semester going on Junior Achievement Field Trip

March 3- 8th Grade students that are currently taking Life and Future Readiness going on Junior Achievement Field Trip

March 13- Spring Pictures

March 16-18 Book Fair in the Library (Students will be able to visit during the day)

March 17- PTO Meeting at 5:30 in Scott's Library and via Zoom (Link to be sent closer to the date)

March 18- Early Dismissal for Students/ PM Professional Development for Staff

March 25- End of the 3rd Marking Period

March 25- Chic-Fil-A Dine and Donate 5-8 to raise funds for end of the year field trips (See flier above)

March 26- Scott Middle School Musical Performance

March 27- Scott Middle School Musical Performance

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