CMS Engagement In Action!

In this final edition of the newsletter, you’ll find valuable resources and strategies to support summer learning and help families prepare for a smooth transition into the new school year. This issue is packed with tools, tips, and updates on upcoming events—all designed to keep you informed, engaged, and empowered in supporting your child’s educational journey and overall well-being.

Congratulations to Ms. Morgan, parent of a student at Sharon Elementary School, who is our lucky winner of the $100 gift card for May!

Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback after each Family Academy session this year. Your input is incredibly valuable and we appreciate your ongoing support. Tune back in to see what's new in the 2025-2026 school year!

As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the amazing families who participated in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' Family Academy. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

As summer begins, we encourage you to:

☀️ Take time to relax and recharge—you’ve earned it!
📚 Keep learning light and fun—read together, explore local museums, try new recipes, or enjoy community events.
🪢 Stay connected—follow CMS on social media to learn about upcoming opportunities.

We’re looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year with exciting new ways to engage, connect, and grow together.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and refreshing summer! 🌻💫

Looking for an easier way to support your child’s learning at home and over Summer? Visit the Family Portal for a one-stop shopping experience! Access district instructional resources, learning tools, curriculum guides, and more—all in one convenient location. Whether you're helping with homework or planning ahead, everything you need is just a click away.

👉 CMS Family Portal

As students prepare to take the next step in their educational journey—whether advancing to a new grade, starting at a new school, or reaching an academic milestone—this time of transition can bring both excitement and uncertainty.

To support families during this important period, we invite you to view a recorded session available in both English and Spanish. Each session provides practical tips and valuable insights to help guide your child with confidence through these changes.

Watch the sessions here:

• English Session

• Spanish Session

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to plan for a season filled with fun, safety, and meaningful moments. Here are some helpful tips to keep your family safe, structured, and thriving all summer long:

🔒 Safety First

• Sun Safety: Apply sunscreen regularly, and encourage hats, sunglasses, and hydration.

• Water Safety: Always supervise children near water and ensure pools are properly secured.

• Home Security: Consider smart locks, doorbell cameras, and security systems—especially if kids will be home alone.

• Emergency Prep: Keep emergency contact numbers visible and a well-stocked first-aid kit accessible.

🗓️ Planning and Structure

• Establish Routines: Keeping a simple routine helps children feel secure and prevents behavioral challenges.

• Plan Activities: Look into summer camps, local day trips, or creative at-home projects to keep kids engaged.

• Limit Screen Time: Encourage outdoor fun and physical activity to balance tech time.

• Make Time for Family: Enjoy shared experiences like game nights, cooking together, or exploring new places.

💚 Well-being & Self-Care

• Prioritize Your Own Wellness: Parents need time to recharge too—don’t forget your self-care.

• Encourage New Interests: Summer is a great time for kids to explore hobbies or start passion projects.

• Healthy Living: Help children make nutritious choices and try new foods.

• Emotional Check-Ins: Talk with your children regularly and be mindful of any shifts in mood or behavior.

Check out Teen Health Connection’s Parent Education Calendar for a variety of informative workshops and sessions designed to support and empower caregivers:

👉 Teen Health Connection Parent Education Calendar

Teen Health Connection also offers one-on-one Parent Coaching to support caregivers in navigating parenting challenges and strengthening their connection with their children. Through this service, parents collaborate with a parenting coach to set personal goals, explore effective strategies, and develop a plan to promote healthy communication and confidence at home.

To learn more or to get started, contact:

Kris Hawkins, Parent Education Coordinator
📞 (704) 381-8333
📧 kris.hawkins@teenhealthconnection.org

Join the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) and the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) for this Zoom webinar to learn more about supporting your student in planning for life after high school. It is important to think about working, learning, and living in our communities. These topics all play a part in the various paths a person may choose to take in pursuing their independent living goals. This training will provide basic information related to independent living and the services that are available.

Click here to register for the webinar on June 3 at 6 pm.

Looking for fun and engaging ways to keep your child learning over the summer? Check out our Summer Learning Calendars—available for elementary, middle, and high school students! Each calendar is packed with daily activities, tips, and ideas to keep brains active and ready for back-to-school success.

📅 Explore here: https://bit.ly/summer25calendar

Get your child ready for the next school year with our 20-day Elementary Summer Packets, filled with fun and easy-to-follow activities in reading, math, science, and social studies! Each packet is designed to help students review and build skills for the grade ahead—so for example, rising first graders will practice activities based on first-grade learning. Available in English and Spanish!

👉Click here to access the Elementary School Summer Packets

Keep your middle schooler engaged this summer with our Middle School Summer Resources. These academic resources are designed to support continued learning and exploration! From reading lists and math games to hands-on science activities for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, there’s something for every learner.

👉Click here to access the Middle School Summer Resources

👉Click here to access 6 Grade Science Summer Resources

👉Click here to access 7 Grade Science Summer Resources

👉Click here to access 8 Grade Science Summer Resources

Help your teen stay sharp and get ahead this summer with our High School Summer Resources! This easy-to-navigate guide includes a variety of learning tools, enrichment activities, and support resources designed to keep students engaged and prepared for the upcoming school year.

👉 Click here to access the High School Summer Resources

The Learning AT Home resources page provides families with an opportunity to access resources that can support them in understanding various aspects of school assessments that make up CMS’s Benchmark Assessment System.

It is important to know and understand how these assessments play a significant role in helping teachers support your child's academic progress throughout the school year.

Feedback surveys will be added shortly for parents to share their insight on what else is needed for support. Access here.

Looking for resources in your home language?

Visit: CMS Learning and Language Acquisition Webpage

Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity this summer?

Visit KidsBowlFree.com and sign up for 2 free games of bowling every day—all summer long!

• Free Daily Fun – Kids can enjoy 2 free games of bowling each day.

• Family Time – A great way to make lasting memories together while staying active.

• Easy to Join – Just register online and start enjoying the fun!

The Fun 4 Charlotte Kids Calendar is the most comprehensive online family calendar in the Charlotte area with family events, kids' activities, and parenting resources. Scroll to the monthly calendar to learn more about FREE opportunities in your area!

Start exploring here: Charlotte Family Events Calendar

The City of Charlotte provides a variety of engaging programs for youth and young adults to volunteer, lead, and make a positive impact in their communities. These opportunities help build valuable skills while encouraging active participation in the growth and well-being of Charlotte neighborhoods.

🔹 Volunteer & Leadership Programs
🔹 Community Service Opportunities
🔹 Youth Engagement Initiatives

Learn more and explore ways to get involved: Community Services for Youth

Check out this powerful video highlighting the important work of The Relatives, a local organization providing safety, stability, and support to youth and young adults in crisis. Learn how they’re making a difference in the lives of families in our community.

The Relatives Safe Place Video

CMS Family and Community Engagement

Email: familyengagement@cms.k12.nc.us

Website: CMS Family and Community Engagement

Facebook: facebook.com/CMScpfe