Cougar Chronicle

As we reach the end of another school year, I find myself reflecting on just how much can happen in 180 days.

When students walked through our doors last August, many were carrying backpacks that seemed too big, schedules they didn't understand, and a little uncertainty about what the year ahead would bring. Today, those same students leave with new knowledge, new friendships, greater confidence, and memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Middle school is a unique time in a child's life. It is a place where students begin to discover who they are and who they want to become. They learn lessons in classrooms, on athletic fields, on stages, in hallways, and sometimes through challenges they never expected to face. Growth at this age isn't always measured by a test score or a report card. Sometimes it is measured by courage, perseverance, kindness, and the ability to keep moving forward when things get difficult.

This year, I watched students take risks in their learning, support one another through difficult moments, celebrate each other's successes, and grow into leaders. I watched teachers pour their hearts into their classrooms and staff members go above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming environment where every student could succeed.

One of my favorite traditions each year is watching our former students return for their senior clap out. As they walk back through the halls of Carter, I am reminded that middle school matters. The lessons learned here, the relationships built here, and the experiences shared here help shape the young men and women they eventually become. It is a powerful reminder that what happens inside these walls has a lasting impact.

To our families, thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. Thank you for your partnership, support, encouragement, and grace. Raising and educating children takes a team, and we are grateful to be part of yours.

To our 8th graders and their families, congratulations. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished. As you move on to high school, know that you will always have a home at Carter. We cannot wait to see all the great things your future holds.

As summer begins, I hope everyone takes time to relax and recharge. Enjoy the sunshine. Make memories with family and friends. Read a good book. Take a trip. Stay up a little later. Sleep in a little longer. Enjoy the simple moments that make summer special.

Before long, August will be here, and the halls of Carter will once again be filled with excitement, energy, and possibility. Until then, I hope you know how proud we are of our students and how thankful we are for the opportunity to serve this community.

Have a safe, healthy, and wonderful summer.

Go Cougars!

"Teaching is a never-ending story. The work is never over; the job is never done." -Andy Hargreaves

While our school year may be coming to an end, we are already planning for next year. Our 8th graders are getting ready to move on to high school and we're preparing to welcome a new group of 6th graders. The staff at Carter remains committed to giving our families a quality educational experience. I hope everyone enjoys the summer months and we look forward to seeing everyone when we return in September.

Our Carter Cougar Days are a time for families to:

• Pick up student schedules
• Receive student IDs
• Open lockers
• Join our Booster Club
• Complete any paperwork not submitted online

Carter Cougar Days for Grades 7 & 8 students will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Carter Cougar Days for Grade 6 students will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Please see the schedule below for additional details. Parents, please continue to watch our website for any additional information and updates.

8th Grade will be August 26, 2026

A - L: 9:00 - 10:00 AM

M - Z: 10:00 - 11:00 AM

7th Grade will be August 26, 2026

A - L: 12:00 - 1:00 PM

M - Z: 1:00 - 2:00 PM

6th Grade will be August 27, 2026

A - L: 8:00 - 9:30 AM

M - Z: 9:30 - 11:00 AM

Make-Ups will be August 27, 2026

Make-Ups: 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Students will not be allowed to bring backpacks or purses to school on the last day of school, Thursday, June 11th. Students will be cleaning out their lockers and will be asked to take everything home on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Once students leave at 10:59AM on June 11th they will not be allowed back into the school building.

We hope you all enjoy your summer break.

The Carter office will remain open until Thursday, June 25, 2026. Please call ahead if you need to stop by to be sure we are not out to lunch or in a classroom. Mrs. Amelia & Mrs. Michelle wish you a wonderful summer and can't wait to see you all in the Fall!

SCHOOL CLOSING Text Messages are sent to the phone numbers listed for your student's first and second emergency contact. If you want the texts to go to another person please change the order the order of the student's emergency contact list with the Carter office staff. Parents must complete the opt-in process to receive these text messages by replying "Yes" to 67587 from your phone.

Please log into your Parent Portal and "opt in" under your profile to receive these special messages from Mr. Lee and Mr. Syswerda when they send out the all calls, don't be left in the dark regarding important communication.

The Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) School Immunization Program has an important message for the parents of future kindergarteners and 7th graders to prepare them for the 2026-2027 academic school year.

Please review the following document and share with parents immediately to provide them with sufficient time to obtain the necessary vaccination requirements prior to the start of the new school year and avoid back-to-school rush.

• School Requirements and Resources for Parents

These documents and more information are available at the: macombgov.org/departments/health-department/disease-control/school-immunization-program.

A parent must accompany their student to all athletic events within WCS. This is a district rule and any student that is not accompanied by their parent/guardian will not be allowed into the game.

Students must have their Student ID's in order to enter any game with their parent/guardian.

The State of Michigan requires students to have a completed sports physical BEFORE tryouts begin for any sport team. Forms are available in the school office and on the MHSAA website:

English: https://www.mhsaa.com/portals/0/Documents/health%20safety/physical2page.pdf

Arabic: https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Administrators/arabic2page.pdf

Spanish: https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/Administrators/spanish2page.pdf?time=1754321970200

All physicals must be dated after April 15 of the current year.

June 11 ~ 8th Grade Clap out

June 11 ~ Half Day & LAST DAY

June 11 ~ Summer Break begins at 10:59AM

June 25 ~ Carter office closes for summer

Thank you for supporting our students—we couldn’t do it without you! 💛

• Taki Tuesday is every week
• Volunteers are needed for Concessions, and Taki Tuesdays.

Any questions regarding Booster Club please contact via email. Thank you for your support!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/

Email: carterboosterpresident@gmail.com

Have a Kroger rewards card? Select the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updated the Kroger Community Rewards Selection on your digital account. Your organization earns money at no added cost to you! Sign up today to support our Carter Booster Club.

https://cartermscounseling.weebly.com/

Kristin Forsyth - students with last name (A-L)

(586) 698- 4297

Lisa Stabile - student with last name (M-Z)

(586) 698- 4798

Under Federal law, you as parents may request the following specific information about the professional qualifications of your children's teachers:

1. Whether the teacher has met the state qualifications/licensing for their grade level/subjects.
2. Whether the teacher is on a temporary permit or waiver.
3. The teacher's majors, graduate certificates/degrees, and discipline fields.
4. Paraprofessional services and qualifications.

Carter Middle School has been identified as a school-wide Title I, Part A building. This is a federally supplemented program designed to help children reach high academic standards. In receiving funds from this program the district has a requirement to inform you, as a parent of a child attending a Title I school, of information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's class.

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, it is the policy of Warren Consolidated Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes") be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or in employment. Inquiries should be addressed to the Chief Human Resource Officer, 31300 Anita, Warren, Michigan 48093, (586) 825-2400, ext 63110.