News from Centennial Middle School

Website: www.isd12.org/cms

Location: 399 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN, USA
Phone: 763-792-5400

Friday, August 28th:

• Office Closed

• First day of school for 6th grade only

• First day of school for 7th and 8th grades

Friday, September 4th: B Day

• No school

Monday, September 7th:

• No School (Labor Day)

• Picture Make-Ups

Don’t forget to bookmark the CMS webpage: https://middleschool.isd12.org/

We are excited to begin the 2026-27 school year! Here are a few important reminders to help make the start of the year as smooth as possible!

Student Schedules

Student schedules with team assignments, locker assignments, lock combinations, and Food Service bar codes are all available on Campus Portal. For a smooth start to the first days of school, students should come to school with printed copies or screenshots of their schedule. If that's not possible, make sure they at least know their first period teacher and classroom number, as well as their locker number and lock combination. Note: 1st period teachers will have printed copies of student schedules, if needed. Locker numbers are located at the very bottom of the student schedule. CMS Building Maps with teacher names and room numbers are attached below.

Locks

7th and 8th grade students who cannot find their locks from last school year will be able to receive a used lock from the school office. 6th grade students who didn't pick up their new school-issued lock at the back-to-school open houses will be able to pick up their lock from their 1st period teacher.

School Supplies/EduKits

If you ordered a school supply EduKit and were unable to pick it up at the Materials Drop Off Days it will be ready on the first day of school in the students' 1st period classroom. If you still need to buy the school supplies, click here to view the grade-level supply lists.

All students should bring their fully-charged school-issued Chromebook to school each day. (New to the district CMS students will be issued a Chromebook on the first day of school.) There are a very limited supply of loaner Chromebooks for students. More information about the student devices, as well as the Chromebook Protection Plan can be found here.

Student ID's

All students need to have their school ID's with them each day. ID's are used for identification purposes. They are also used for barcode scanning in the lunchroom, media center, and school office. The 2025-26 student ID's will be used until the new 2026-27 ID's are issued. If your student doesn't have their ID from last school year they can pick up a copy in the school office.

Watch for a postcard in the mail just prior to the start of school from the District’s Transportation Department. The postcard will list all the bus information your child will need. We will have activity buses available after school for those who are signed up for a club or activity. If you have transportation questions, please email transportation@isd12.org.

Student schedules with team assignments and locker assignments are available on Campus Portal.

Annual Data Review

All families need to review and update annual data for students such as annual notifications, agreements, emergency contact information and preferences. This process opens in August and closes later in September each year.

Below are some links to help get started:

• Link to Parent Portal
• How do I log into Parent Portal?
• How do I start the annual data review in Parent Portal?

As we shared in the spring, we are excited about this new initiative called Cougar Connect & Flex which is designed to support all students at Centennial Middle School. Over the past year, our staff has spent significant time reflecting on an important question: How do we create a middle school experience where every student feels connected, supported, challenged, and known?

As part of that work, we are excited to launch Cougar Connection and FLEX as part of the daily schedule this school year. This daily block, scheduled between first and second period, is designed to create additional opportunities for students to:

• Build stronger relationships with peers and trusted adults
• Receive academic support and enrichment
• Explore interests and passions
• Participate in collaborative and engaging activities
• Access intervention or extension opportunities when needed
• Experience the sense of belonging and connection that is essential during the middle school years

The Cougar Connection and FLEX video was created to give additional insight into the vision and process behind Cougar Connection and FLEX, as well as the Course Guides for each grade level.

If you will be driving your child to or from school instead of using district transportation, please take a moment to review the parking lot map below before arrival or dismissal.

During these busy times, please plan for an additional 10–15 minutes to navigate the Middle School parking lot. Allowing extra time will help reduce congestion and ensure a smoother, safer experience for all families.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation, patience, and attention to the arrival and dismissal procedures. We appreciate your partnership in helping keep our students and families safe.

Student absence requests are submitted through Campus Parent Portal. An “Attendance Request” link is also found on the Parent Hub of the school website for easy access to the Portal and resources to assist.

The direct link can be found here: Campus Attendance Reporting

Helpful links: Parent Portal Login Assistance

Please be sure to always fill out an attendance request for absences, late arrivals, and early releases.

Late Arrival: If an attendance request is submitted for your child's late arrival, parents do not need to come in to school to sign in students. Students can sign themselves in using their school ID at the sign-in kiosk in the main office

Early Release: If an attendance request is submitted for an early release, parents must come in to the school atrium, press the red button on the sign-in kiosk, and give the office secretary the student's name. Students will then sign themselves out using their school ID before leaving. Please plan accordingly and allow for approximately 5-10 minutes for your student to be released from class, pick up materials from their locker, and make their way to the school office.

For attendance reporting questions, please email Sara Verke at sverke@isd12.org.

• Cell Phones -- Please feel under no obligation to purchase a cell phone for your child. If you choose to send your student to school with a cell phone, please be aware that it will need to stay in their locker throughout the academic day. Students are not allowed to bring cell phones into classrooms, the cafeteria, or to any other locations in the building during the academic day. They may check their phones in their lockers during passing periods or after school. We are dedicated to ensuring these devices do not interrupt the instructional time. All students will have a school-issued Chromebook and will not need to use a cell phone in the classroom.

• Water Bottles/Beverages -- Students may bring water bottles to school but they will need to stay in their lockers. Reusable water bottles should be labeled. We are confident that students can stay well hydrated during the course of the day by drinking water from the drinking fountains or from their water bottles during the passing periods.

• Toys/Fidgets: Students should leave toys, squishy items, fidgets, hacky sacks, and other novelty items at home unless they are specifically part of a documented support plan.

  This decision comes in response to a significant increase in the number of toys and novelty items being brought to school. While many of these items are fun and appropriate outside of school, they have increasingly become distractions in the learning environment. These items are also frequently lost, taken by other students, broken, thrown, or become the source of disagreements. Keeping these items at home helps us maintain a focused learning environment and avoid unnecessary problems during the school day.

Exemptions: We would make exemptions to the cell phone and/or water bottle procedural expectations if a family has a note from their doctor. An example would be if a student uses their cell phone to monitor their glucose levels due to diabetes, or some students may require additional water related to medical issues. We would make an exception to our policies if there was a doctor's note for medical reasons such as these.

Centennial Middle School families may need student care before and/or after the school day. A supervision option is offered for before and after school if needed. This is a safe place for students to be supervised by staff members in the school cafeteria. Students can catch up on schoolwork, interact with other students, or just relax. Families are responsible for their own transportation. Students must be registered each quarter to participate.

General Information:

• Before and After-School Supervision runs concurrently with the ISD12 School Calendar. In the event of early school closing, we ask you to pick up your student as soon as possible. In the event of a school cancellation or an E-Learning day, supervision is not provided.

• Before and After-School Supervision is not governed by the same rules and regulations as childcare institutions and, as such, does not provide tax statements.

To Register:

• Students must register each quarter in order to participate. Registration will open two weeks prior to the start of each quarter.

• Log in to your Campus Parent Portal account and go to "fees." There is an "optional fee" located there for quarterly supervision (AM Supervision, PM Supervision and AM/PM Supervision). Select the option you will need. Once you have paid the fee, your student is registered.

Costs:

• Before-School Supervision: $235 per quarter (Daily cost $5.22)

• After-School Supervision: $265 per quarter (Daily cost $5.88)

• Before & After-School Supervision: $445 per quarter (Daily cost $9.88)

For further class information and registration, visit isd12.arux.app or call our main line, 763-792-6100.

After School Classes at CMS:

Students attending a class after school at Centennial Middle School can either be picked up or ride an activity bus home at 4:40 pm. There is no busing on Fridays.

Register now--many activities begin soon!

After School at CMS this fall:

• Middle School Cross Country

• Middle School Fall Dance Clinic
• CMS Theater Fall Play-mandatory meeting Sept. 2, 6-7 pm, CMS
• Middle School Improv
• Middle School Cougar Strength
• Middle School Chess Club
• First LEGO League Robotics
• Cookies & Canvas
• Girls Who Code
• Middle School DIY Den
• Middle School Wrestling
• Middle School Anime & Manga
• Middle School Debate Team
• Middle School After School Basketball
• Middle School Speech Team

Find out more about Community Education by visiting us online, communityed.isd12.org.

Welcome to the Digital Backpack, the district’s central posting place for community flyers. If you have questions regarding these programs, please contact the organizations directly. Click HERE to browse the Digital Backpack.

The Middle School Cougar Den provides our middle school students with a safe and fun place to spend time with friends and cheer on the team from one of the end zones.

Home Varsity Games:

• Thursday, September 3rd
• Friday, September 18th
• Friday, October 2nd (homecoming)
• Wednesday, October 14th

As we grow this experience together, we want to share a few reminders. Students are expected to follow the same behavioral expectations as during the school day (see below).

For families, we recommend arriving at the Cougar Den gate a few minutes before the end of the game if you’d like to avoid the congestion of the main stands. Students will be released from the Den at that time to ensure a safe and smooth pick-up.

We appreciate your support in helping make the Cougar Den a positive and safe space for all middle school students!

Mr. Stevens

Cougar Den Information

We want to make sure everyone understands that our hope is that Middle School students will attend the CHS varsity home football games with their families and will enjoy the time together. However, we do have another option. It's called the "Cougar Den."

For those of you who are new to Centennial Middle School and for those returning, we will have the CMS Cougar Den open for each CHS varsity home football game again this fall. This area is designated for CMS students only and includes supervision, concessions, restrooms, and bleacher seating. The Cougar Den will open at 6:30 pm at every home varsity football game. Students should wait in the grass area outside the Cougar Den entrance until it opens at 6:30 pm. Parents will need to purchase tickets online and either wait at the entrance with their child or transfer tickets to their student's phone. The Cougar Den is located behind the west end zone of Cougar Stadium. This is an area where middle school students can come together to socialize, enjoy treats, and watch the football game. There is a separate entrance to the Cougar Den on the west end of the field.

Students can always sit with their families if they choose to in the main seating area, but the Cougar Den is exclusively for CMS students. No guests are permitted. Please check your child in with the adults at the Cougar Den entrance. At the end of the game students will be released from the Cougar Den. It is the family's responsibility to know where to meet your child. The following information will help your child successfully attend the CHS home football games:

How do we purchase tickets?

Click here for ticketing information from Centennial High School.

What are the parent/guardian responsibilities?

Parents/guardians and students need to decide on a plan together. The middle school staff are only responsible for your child when they enter the Cougar Den. If they choose to leave the Cougar Den, they are your responsibility. We will not be signing students in or out. Students who leave the Cougar Den cannot come back into the Cougar Den. There is no re-entry. Also, students are not able to leave the Cougar Den to enter the stadium seating without their parent with them.

What are the behavioral expectations?

Behavioral expectations for middle school students are identical to the expectations outlined in the student handbook for the student day and the Minnesota State High School League rules. The MSHL Behavioral Expectations can be found here.

Prohibited Items

• Backpacks
• Outside food and beverages
• Footballs or sports equipment of any kind
• Skateboards/Roller (Inline) skates

If you want to participate in Centennial Middle School’s Fall Play -- “As The Phantom Turns - A Soap Opera” -- you must attend the following informational meetings! Students should attend with a parent. If you cannot attend the meeting, please email Mrs. Tangren or Mr. Webster and they will get you the information in an alternative way.

Ltangren@isd12.org

Ewebster@isd12.org

Everything you need to know about the protocols, procedures, and expectations, how auditions work, the schedule, how being on a crew works, etc. will be covered at the meeting!

MS FALL PLAY INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR ACTORS

*Centennial Middle School Auditorium

*Sep 2, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

MS FALL PLAY INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR CREW - (Booth/Set/Costume crews)

*Centennial Middle School Auditorium

*Sep 11, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

ALSO - Registration is now open for Middle School Improv Team and the Middle School Speech Team! Visit Centennialtheatre.org -- links for Improv and speech registration are on the front page.

Centennialtheatre.org is where you go for all information about everything theater!

Registration for fall High School athletics opened on Monday, July 6th in Campus Parent Portal.

• MUST have a valid physical on file to register.
• Visit the CHS webpage for instructions for registration and how to view your student’s physical date.

Contact the Athletics and Activities office with any questions. TBrownlee@isd12.org

Order your CMS 2026-27 Yearbook today for the lowest price available! Pay just $39 if you order by 9/11/2026. Scan the QR code, visit jostens.com/bts/1062852, or call 877-767-5217 and choosee from a variety of easy payment options at checkout.

Make your yearbook one of a kind by personalizing the cover with your name and icons that represent your unique interested. Save up to $20 when you add four icons by using code: YBKICONS

The Centennial School District has compiled a wide variety of resources for our students, families, and greater community. These resources include mental health, learning and enrichment, services specific to our aging population, crisis, where to find economic assistance and much, much more. You can find these resources on our district website here.

Show your Cougar pride! Shop for official Centennial fan gear now!