Husky Happenings

Hello Husky Families,

It’s hard to believe that the first nine weeks have already come to an end. Time flies! Our teachers have been working diligently to finalize grades, and progress reports will be available in Infinite Campus on Friday, October 16.

To view your child’s progress report, log in to the Parent Portal and select Documents from the menu. As always, if you have questions about your child’s grades or academic progress, please reach out directly to the teacher.

While progress reports provide an important snapshot of student performance, our emphasis is always on learning, not simply grades. Middle school is the perfect time for students to learn that understanding content, applying their knowledge, and growing through challenges are more important than any single letter grade or percentage. When students learn to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, they are better prepared to tackle future academic challenges with confidence and resilience.

As you discuss your child’s progress report, we encourage you to focus on their work habits, study skills, and willingness to advocate for themselves when they need help. Questions such as, "What are you learning?", "How are you preparing for assessments?", and "What can you do differently when something is challenging?" often lead to more meaningful conversations than focusing solely on a grade. When we look beyond the numbers, we gain a fuller picture of our child’s growth as a learner.

We are proud of the progress our students have shown this quarter and grateful for your partnership as we help them become reflective, goal-oriented learners who take an active role in their own success.

Interested in learning more about how to encourage a growth mindset at home? We encourage families to explore resources on praising effort, embracing mistakes, and fostering resilience in children. One helpful resource is the Growth Mindset for Parents course from Mindset Kit: https://www.mindsetkit.org/growth-mindset-parents

I’m also going to purchase and read “Never Enough” by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. Linked here is an interview with the author talking about how achievement pressure is crushing our kids.

If you are interested in reading this with me and getting together to talk about it, send me an email. I would love to collaborate on how we can make things better for our kids.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Haga

Click here to view the Full School Calendar

October 15: Chorus Concert at RHS 6pm

October 16: Walk and Roll to School Day

October 19:CMS AWAY Volleyball Game 5:30pm (at Sandy Springs)

October 19, 20, 21: 7th Grade Junior Achievement Field Trips

October 21: 7th/8th Orchestra Concert at CMS 6pm

October 23: School Picture Day

October 26: CMS Volleyball Game 5:30 PM (vs. Autrey Mill)

October 28: CMS Volleyball Game 5:30 PM (vs. Haynes Bridge)

October 29: Band Concert 6pm

On November 3, 2026, Fulton citizens will vote on whether or not to continue ESPLOST as the funding source for the projects in Capital Plan 2032. Fulton County Schools has created a special webpage about Capital Plan 2032 and ESPLOST at www.fultonschools.org/ESPLOST. We encourage you to visit that page to view information about our school’s specific projects as well as general information about districtwide improvements

We Want Your Feedback! Please submit by 10/23/2026.
Fulton County Schools and Crabapple Middle School is reviewing our attendance expectations, and we value your input. Please take a moment to complete our brief family survey to help us better support student success.

🔗 Attendance Feedback Survey: Attendance Survey: Parent/ Guardian – Fill out form

Resources:

• CRABAPPLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
• CMS Attendance Expectations
• FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
• Attendance Matters - Fulton County School System
• FCS Policy JBD Absences and Excuses
• FCS Policy JB Attendance
• Operating Guidelines JB Attendance

Thank you for partnering with us to promote strong attendance and student achievement!

We are excited to partner with the Roswell Police Department for International Walk & Roll to School Day this Friday, October 16! See the flyer below for event details. Parents, this is a great opportunity to get a little exercise and commute with your child. Before this event I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of safety.

The Sandy Springs PD put out a great video outlining the rules around "micromobility devices" and what people need to know to stay safe. This video along with other information put together by our School Police officer, Officer Winburn will be shared with students this week. I encourage families to review these concepts at home as well. Whether students walk, ride a bike, use a scooter, or travel in a group with friends, they need to understand the role they play in keeping themselves safe.

Sandy Springs PD Video

Across the country, too many young people are injured in traffic-related accidents. We never want one of our students to experience such a tragedy. Taking a few minutes to review these safety expectations can make a significant difference.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure all students arrive at school safely.

To help our morning carpool run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, please pull as far down the plaza as you can before letting your child exit the vehicle. When cars stop early, it encourages others to do the same, which slows the entire line. By pulling all the way forward, we can unload more students at one time, keep traffic moving, and help everyone get through carpool more quickly. Thank you for your partnership in making arrival safe and efficient for all students!

In honor of Dolly Parton's lifelong commitment to promoting literacy and a love of reading, Interact Club is collecting new and gently used books to donate to the Roswell Library.

Please consider donating children's books, chapter books, young adult novels, or other gently used books in good condition. Thank you for helping us share the joy of reading and make a difference in our community. We appreciate your support!

CONGRATULATIONS to our 8th Grade Husky Chorus on an absolutely FABULOUS performance at the American Choral Directors Association Conference this past weekend!

They earned a standing ovation that was so well deserved! We could not be more proud of the hard work, dedication, and passion they brought to the stage. They represented CMS beautifully and reminded us all just how special the Husky Chorus is! Way to make us proud, Huskies!

As you continue to navigate the digital world with your children, Fulton County Schools offers access to Qustodio, a helpful online safety and digital wellbeing resource for parents and caregivers. Qustodio provides families with tools and resources to better understand and support their children's digital lives.

FCS Online Safety Hub: Visit the Fulton County Schools Online Safety Hub

Huskies Helping Huskies (HHH) is a parent-led nonprofit helping CMS students and families in urgent need with school supplies, snacks, toiletries, and other essentials.

HHH Fundraiser: Shop for a Cause (In Person or Online)

Join HHH at our exclusive shopping event at Kendra Scott East Cobb on Sunday, October 25th, from 1-3 p.m., where a portion of sales during the event will directly support HHH! Can't make it in person? Shop online all weekend and use the code GIVEBACK-MTKFM

Thanksgiving Week Assistance

We need your help to make the Thanksgiving distribution a success! Please donate through the Amazon or Walmart wish lists, or make a donation via Venmo.

Shop With a Hero Save the Date

Our most beloved event, Shop With a Hero, will be on December 13th. This event gives HHH students the chance to do some holiday shopping for themselves and their families with local heroes. There will be multiple ways to support this special day; more details coming soon!

Visit the website and follow us on Facebook to learn more about HHH.

As you know, on July 1, 2026, the district started using SchoolCash Online for all student fees. We appreciate your patience as we’ve worked through acclimating to the new system. We will continue using the new system; however, we wanted to notify you that the system will be down for maintenance beginning at 3:00 pm Friday, September 18th through Thursday, September 24th.

Once functionality returns, the system will operate as it has been and the process will be the same.

A couple of refresher points:

• School fees are assigned to individual students.
• To pay a fee online, you must register an account. Refer to the attached document for instructions of how to register.
• A student can be linked to multiple registered accounts (i.e.: dad registers an account and so does mom). The system will only allow the fee to be paid one time by one account.
• Select yes to receive email notifications when you register and the system will send you emails once a fee has been added for your child.
• Refer to the second page of the attached document for instructions of how to pay fees.
• Donation fees are not assigned to students. You can find our donation fees by searching Crabapple Middle School on the Fulton County Schools tab (see the bottom of page 2 of the attached).

Got ideas for how CMS can better partner with our families and community? Click the button below to submit feedback/ideas to for our School Governance Council. All non-anonymous feedback will be shared at our monthly meetings.

Dear Families,

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Our school will focus on kindness, inclusion, safe upstander choices, and help-seeking. Families can reinforce the campaign by asking: Who helps you feel included? What could you do if someone is left out? Which trusted adults can help at school? Please remind your student to report bullying concerns to a trusted adult. School support information is included on FCS posters and websites. Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and welcoming school community.

Did you know free & reduced-price meal applications benefit your family and your school? Families may qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfast & lunch. A NEW application must be completed for the 2026-2027 school year.

If you have not completed a Free and Reduced application for SY26-27, had a change in income or had an increase in household size, please take this opportunity to complete an application. Free & Reduced Meal Applications are available online at www.myschoolapps.com. Families may obtain a paper application from any school cafeteria. If able, families are encouraged to complete an online application to help expedite the application approval process.

Looking for a way to get involved at Crabapple? The PBIS Store is one of our biggest and most rewarding volunteer opportunities! Parents help students celebrate their positive behavior, assist with purchases, and experience the excitement of seeing our school culture in action. With store days offered multiple times each week, volunteers can choose dates that fit their schedules throughout the semester. We'd love to have you join us! Volunteer shifts run from 8:15-9:15 am. While we understand if you need to leave by 9:00 a.m., volunteers who can stay until 9:15 a.m. to help with cleanup are greatly appreciated!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C44A8AA2BAAF94-65513429-crabapple

Facebook - Get up to date information regarding school events and activities by joining the “Crabapple Middle School” Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/261011121066744/members/

Crabapple Middle website - The CMS website has a monthly calendar on the bottom right corner of the front page. Also find teacher contact information, forms, past “Husky Happenings” newsletters, and other important news here: http://crabapple.fultonschools.org

PTA Website - Check out the CMS-PTA website for additional information regarding the PTA at CMS. Find information regarding volunteering at the school, special programs and upcoming events here www.cms-pta.org

Twitter - Follow Crabapple Middle or many of our staff members on Twitter for postings of events and things happening around our school.

Applications are now open for rising 9th grade students interested in attending Innovation Academy as their high school choice option. Families can apply here: https://form.jotform.com/262665539349168

Innovation Academy offers students a unique high school experience centered around real-world learning, industry partnerships, career pathways, and project-based learning opportunities.

Check out their video: FCS Innovation Academy

Oct 15 - Interact Club Book Drive, Attendance Parent Survey, Innovation Academy Applications, Qustodio Account Info, Chorus Celebration, Downtown Pooch Giveaway, SchoolCash Refresher, HHH Holiday Fundraisers

Oct 1 - Bullying Prevention Month, Veteran's Day Interest Survey, Rebels Rugby Open House

Sept 17 - Attendance Matters, Free Math Tutoring at Milton Library, FCS All Access Expo

Sept 3 - SOS Opt Out Letter, FERPA/Student Photo Information, Interact Club Laundry Drive, NeeDoh Reminder, PTA Business Partner Info

August 27-Code of Conduct Sign off, CMS Rules and Procedures, Clubs and Athletics

August 20 - Free/Reduced Lunch App, iReady Inform, Book Fair, Absences Info

August 14 - Gifted Screening Info, Digital Citizenship, Canvas Parent Portal Access

August 7 - Canvas Parent Sessions, GMAS Results, Food Related FYIs

July 31 - Carpool Info, Back to School Info

July 28 - Sneak Peak Info, Schedules, Attendance, PTA Info

July 31 2026-Getting ready for school Info, device deployment acknowledgement form, ABCs of CMS, Carpool Directions, Bell Schedule, Student Success Skills info.

August 10- How the newsletter is organized, Grade Level Assessment Calendars, iReady diagnostic testing, GMAS Update, Reminders about food in the hallways,