Cougar Connect

We are now fully back to CMS and I hope our students are enjoying their first days of the school year! I always enjoy the first few weeks of school because our students come in with positive energy and enthusiasm after being out all summer. We had a great first week and were visited by our new Superintendent Dr. Heiser along with BCPS upper leadership, Board members, and several local leaders on the first day! A great compliment to all the great things our amazing staff has been doing at CMS the past several years.

I know our new schedule is a bit more complex than our old schedule, but thus far our students and staff appear to be adapting well and starting to get the new routine down. This has been an invaluable way to protect instructional time across all our contents with some of the new requirements from MSDE for Blueprint. We will continue to monitor the schedule and how our students and staff adjust throughout the year. We thank you all for your patience as we all settle into the new routine.

A few quick reminders for our families - more information is in our Parents Guide if you want further details:

• Thank you for not dropping off or picking up in the bus loop.
• Students should remember their bus NUMBER, not a name or stop. It also may have changed from a previous year. We have a large board outside in the afternoon with all of the buses and their locations. Students should look at this board on their way out or if they have questions about their bus. Students are not allowed to ride buses that are not theirs.
• We are not allowing stuffed animals or blankets this year. Our teachers felt they were a significant distraction to the school environment. While the building can be cold, that is why it is important for all of our students to dress appropriately and in layers.
• We realize there are a lot of "squishies" and other types of fidgets that are currently popular. Some are large and can potentially be noisy and a distraction to others. As I have said repeatedly, we are about protecting the instructional environment for all students here at CMS as much as we can. Larger and noisy fidgets are a distraction. Please make sure if your child needs/wants a fidget to support their learning throughout the day that it is around the size of their hand and is not a distraction to themself or others.
• There is no food delivery service that should be sent to CMS - no Uber Eats, no Door Dash, etc. Please do not allow your child or order food for your child. This is a safety and security issue as we have no way of checking or clearing delivery drivers for security purposes and it causes a significant disruption to our Main Office and overburdens our staff.
• On our Live Calendar we have posted all of our emergency drills for your convenience. This includes any lockdown drill, fire drill, sever weather drill, or other drills we have to run as a school. This will help if you see a large group of students outside and wonder what is going on at school.

All students watched their BCPS Student Handbook videos and signed off that they had viewed the presentation. In addition, we had a separate school-wide expectations talk with all of our students. There should be no confusion about our school rules or BCPS policies at this time - or the consequences that come with not following them. We will be reviewing these with your child each quarter to reinforce how we protect the academic environment for all students by doing what we need to do each day - coming prepared to learn.

We have our Fall rec and BCPS sports beginning shortly. BCPS sports begin on the 14th and some of our rec sports such as girls soccer have already had sign ups and tryouts will be posted soon. This is a reminder that the only sports this fall that are run via Cockeysville Middle are Allied Soccer coached by Ms. Cicchino, Badminton coached by Mrs. Lynch, and Cross Country coached by Ms. Flemmens and Mr. Webster. All other sports are run through rec and flyers will be posted as well as slides on the announcements, at lunch, and on the TVs throughout the school for interested students.

Let's have a great year!

Mr. Carney

• CALENDAR ADJUSTMENTS IN SEPTEMBER:
• Monday, Sept 7th: LABOR DAY - Schools & Offices Closed
• Monday, September 21st: No School for Students - Systemwide PD Day (Yom Kippur)
• SUPPLIES: Please make sure your child has all of his or her school supplies EVERY DAY. Prepared for School Violations will begin the second week of school and we will be contacting parents to let you know your child is not coming ready to learn each day.
• STAR TESTING: This month students will engage in STAR Reading & Math testing for their baseline scores for the year. We will conduct two more STAR tests in each area to measure student growth throughout the year. STAR testing will occur on September 16th, 17th, 29th, and 30th for both Math and ELA.
• 8TH GRADE CANOE TRIPS: 8th Grade Science classes will be going on our annual canoe trip! Unfortunately space is limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis. Please reach out to your child’s science teacher for further information. We will be trying for more trips in the spring for those who do not get a spot this Fall. Canoe trips will be the week of the 22nd-25th.
• HEARING & VISION SCREENING: Hearing & Vision screening will take place at CMS the week of September 14th.
• IMMUNIZATION CLINIC: We are hosting an immunization clinic on Tuesday, September 8th at 4:00 PM.
• FOOD PANTRY: Food Pantry distribution will be on Thursday, Sept 17th from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
• WALKERS: If your child walks, please be aware that some of our walkers like to try to linger around campus longer. This is not ok as they should be exiting the building and going immediately home. We will be escorting our walkers off campus who continue to loiter. We also ask you to remember that if your child walks home through the neighborhood they should be respectful of our neighbors and their property. They should not be walking through people's lawns and otherwise loitering on other people's property. They represent all of us at CMS as well as you - their parents - and we want to make sure they are representing us all well.

Here is our Cell Phone and Lateness violation protocol. You will receive a message via Talking Points each time your child has a violation this year. A resource for setting "Downtime" on your child's iPhone where they can only access certain apps in school, as well as making it so only certain people can message them, are included below. Please help us by restricting your child's phone settings if they have trouble with managing their distractions themselves.

Thank you in advance for having your child prepared to comply with our expectations concerning being on time to class and keeping cell phones off and away.

• 1st Violation: You will receive a text from Talking Points telling you your child has received a violation.
• 2nd Violation: You will receive a text from Talking Points telling you your child has received a second violation and the next violation will result in a lunch detention.
• 3rd Violation: Grade level Team Leader will assign your child a lunch detention.
• 4th Violation: Team Leader will call you to discuss your child's phone usage/lateness and your child will receive a second lunch detention.
• 5th Violation: An Assistant Principal will call you. Your child will need to turn their phone in at the beginning of the school day and may pick it up at dismissal. They are no longer allowed to have their phone in school.
• 6th Violation: Assigned seat at lunch, loss of outside time.
• 7th Violation: Social Suspension - your child may not participate in clubs, teams, or activities at CMS for the remainder of the quarter.
• 8th Violation: Assigned ALC. Further consequences will be applied for insubordination and failure to follow school rules as outlined in the Student Behavior Handbook.

Being prepared for school is vital for your child's success. Students who do not come prepared for school are demonstrating a disinterest in their education for the day and are not prepared to learn. Please ensure your child has all required supplies and come prepared each day with their CMS Binder, pens/pencils/highlighters, paper, and their Agenda book.

Thank you in advance for having your child prepared to comply with our expectations concerning being prepared for school.

• 1st Violation: You will receive a text from Talking Points telling you your child was unprepared for school.
• 2nd Violation: You will receive a text from Talking Poitns telling you your child was unprepared for school.
• 3rd Violation: Child will receive a lunch detention with a reflection form to be filled out.
• 4th Violation: Grade Level Counselor will call you to talk to family about supplies and support. Student will receive a second lunch detention.
• 5th Violation: An Assistant Principal will call home to discuss the importance of coming to school prepared.
• 6th Violation: Assigned seat at lunch, loss of outside time.
• 7th Violation: Social Suspension - your child may not participate in clubs, teams, or activities at CMS for the remainder of the quarter.
• 8th Violation: Assigned ALC. Required parent conference with an administrator. Further violations will result in further consequences aligned with the BCPS Student Handbook.

We have created a live year-long calendar that families can view to see all things at CMS. We will continue to update as the year goes on. Some dates near the end of the year are tentative, but we will move them around as needed depending on how the school calendar evolves with weather days.

You can click "Live Family Calendar" above to go there or click here.

Principal: Mr. Carney

Assistant Principal: Mr. Dungey (Grade 8, Grade 7 A-L)

Assistant Principal: Mr. Martin (Grade 6, Grade 7 M-Z)

Dear 6 th Grade Families,

We are so excited to work with your children as they begin the journey of middle school. While it is year of transition to a new school, new teachers, and new friends, we are confident that it will also be a year of personal and educational growth. Please encourage your child to get involved. From Chess Club to Badminton to Basketball to SADD Club, there are numerous opportunities to make the most out of their first year of middle school. A list of clubs can be found at the link below. There’s something for everyone!

https://cockeysvillems.bcps.org/students/clubs_and_activities

Please know that parents are a key component of our success. We welcome you to call, email, or visit whenever you have concerns. Even more so, keep lines of communication open on a regular basis just to check in. Our conference nights and other evening events are a great time to catch up on academic success. With the BCPS Schoology System, you have unlimited access to your child ’s grades. Please remember that teachers are expected to enter their grades every two weeks. Therefore, grades are not always up to the minute; but it is still a great tool for home-school communication. As we progress through the year, we will keep you up to date about major assessments, school-related events, and opportunities for parent involvement.

If you have any questions, Please feel free to email teachers directly.

Welcome back to CMS 7th-grade families! We are looking forward to a great year with your student. Please help your student be prepared and ready to learn every day. Be sure they have their required materials, such as a pencil and binder, with them each morning. Please ensure your student comes to school on time, well-rested, and that their phone remains away during the school day. As a reminder, Bluetooth headphones are not allowed in school at all. If you have any concerns regarding your 7th grader, please reach out via email or TalkingPoints so I can help: aprudente@bcps.org. Let's have a great year!

What a wonderful start to the school year! Thank you for helping your child begin the year prepared and ready to learn. We appreciate all the families who took the time to purchase school supplies and make sure our students have what they need to be successful.

Most importantly, thank you for trusting us with your children. We know what an important job it is to teach, support, challenge, and care for your child each day, and we do not take that responsibility lightly. Our 8th-grade team is excited for the year ahead and committed to helping every student grow academically and socially.

Here’s to a fantastic 8th-grade year filled with learning, growth, and plenty of memories. We are so happy to have your children with us!

Mrs. Blackert, School Social Worker

Email: sblackert@bcps.org

Phone: (443) 809-5003

Welcome back to school! It's wonderful to see so many familiar faces and if you are new to CMS, we have so many great things to offer. If your child receives social work services, then I will be working with them directly. Also, if your family needs support resources at home or school, we have partnerships with the Maryland Food Bank and Student Support Network here as well as a very active PTA. The food pantry will be open in the school on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 1-2pm. Our first pantry will be on September 17th. We welcome you to come shop for what you need or to help volunteer at the pantry. We will also have a flu clinic at the school that is open to the whole community. CMS families can also pick up some food, clothes, school supplies, and other resources while they are here. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional support. I'm looking forward to a great school year!

Mrs. Schlenoff, 6th Grade School Counselor, Counseling Dept. Chair

Email: nthompson2@bcps.org

Phone: (443) 809-4997

Welcome to Middle School! I will be your child’s School Counselor during the next 3 school years. I am here to support your child's social, emotional, and academic development. During the month of September, I will be visiting classrooms to share with 6th graders my role as a Middle School Counselor and discuss strategies for academic success. They will also complete a Needs Assessment that will help me identify student needs and develop a program plan. I’m also here to support parents and guardians! Please reach out to me with your concerns, questions, and celebrations!

Mrs. Evert-Brown, 7th Grade School Counselor

Email: jevertbrown@bcps.org

Phone: (443) 809-4996

Welcome back! I am excited to continue working with your children. We had a fantastic 6th grade school year together. I do hope everyone had a wonderful summer and that you are ready for an exciting 7th grade year. In middle school, children are faced with lots of new opportunities and challenges. Middle school students find that they are expected to be more independent, more focused, and more responsible. It is important to keep the lines of communication open while your children continue to transition. Please feel free to contact me via email at jevertbrown@bcps.org or by phone at 443.809.4996.

Mrs. Sueta,8th Grade School Counselor

Email: nsueta@bcps.org

Phone: (443) 809-4998

Welcome back! It is so amazing to see how much our 8th graders have grown both physically (so tall now!) and emotionally over the past 2 years. This year I am going to focus my classroom lessons on Magnet Program information and deadlines, transition to high school, and we will be using Xello to explore careers. I look forward to continuing to work with your children to help them become their best selves! If you have any questions or concerns, I am just a call or email away to help.

BCPS High School Magnet Programs

On September 9th and 10th, I will be going into the Language Arts classes to talk about BCPS HS Magnet Programs. Students will learn about programs offered at Towson HS, Carver Center for Arts and Technology, and many of the other schools. Students will also learn about the application and assessment process. Last year, many students expressed interest in applying and now is the time. Please take a moment to chat with your student about this amazing, free High School opportunity by visiting the BCPS Magnet website.

Magnet EXPO! Mark your calendars! Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at CCBC Essex Wellness & Athletic Center. Students interested in applying for magnet programs for next year are invited to attend this event. Twenty-four BCPS schools with magnet programs will be present to talk about their programs with you and your family. The CTE office will also have representatives there with demonstrations from their programs. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the different magnet programs available to you. Another important date to remember is October 20, 2026. All magnet applications must be completed and submitted to BCPS Magnet Programs by October 20, 2026, for your application to be considered. Information about magnet applications is available ONLINE at BCPS Magnet Programs’ Web site. Applications MUST be submitted by 1 p.m. on October 20, 2026; late applications will not be accepted.

Private School Application Process

Please provide the following to Mrs. Watson, Counseling and Records Secretary, who will process the application(s) and email the documents directly to the school.

· Signed Transcript Release Form (usually found on the school’s website)

· If requesting teacher recommendations, please email a copy of the form to Mrs. Watson at lwatson2@bcps.org, along with the names of the teachers selected to complete them. ***Please do not give recommendation forms, etc., directly to the teachers.***

• If applying to more than one school, please follow the directions above FOR EACH SCHOOL.
• Many private schools use something called the COMMON REFERRAL FORM, which can be used to apply to multiple private schools.
• Private schools require you to take the same admissions test, like the ISEE – results can be used to apply to multiple private schools.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Watson in the Counseling Office at 443-809-7630.

English Language Arts 6:

Unit 1 is entitled Growing Up. In this unit, students will investigate some of the challenges and triumphs of growing up, considering the possibilities that lie ahead of them. Through Whole-Class and Peer-Group learning, they will read and analyze selections about growing up and the sometimes-difficult process of becoming an adult. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on personal narrative writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

English Language Arts 7:

Unit 1 is entitled Crossing Generations. In this unit, students will investigate what one generation can learn from another, considering how knowledge passes between age groups. Through Whole-Class and Peer-Group Learning, they will read and analyze selections that convey how different generations learn from and interact with one another. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on personal narrative writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

English Language Arts 8:

Unit 1 is entitled Rites of Passage. In this unit, students will investigate milestones on the path to growing up, considering how singular experiences can change a life. Through Whole-Class and Peer-Group learning, they will read and analyze selections about the obstacles and triumphs that lie between childhood and adulthood. Students will complete an array of performance tasks, with a focus on personal narrative writing, as they work through the unit, building confidence in their ability to share insights through individual and collaborative tasks.

Reading:

This week we spent time discussing our "WHY" and our "HOW". We investigated and discussed the reasons why we need to improve our reading ability, set goals for our future, and connected those goals to being proficient readers. We also learned about the reading brain, the processes involved in reading, and how we will build the necessary pathways required for proficient reading.

You can support your Reader at home by helping set up a reading routine:

• Find a quiet place for them to read free of distractions
• Start small
• Set a designated time to read each day

English Language Development:

Students in ELD are beginning to work on Unit 1 of the VHL Curriculum. Through conversation, texts, grammar practice and language activities, students will focus on the 4 WIDA domains of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking to improve their English Proficiency.

In ELD 2, We are exploring our identities and learning that we are all unique. We will do this through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Our grammar focus will be learning the difference between the present, past, and future tenses.

In ELD 3, we are "Discovering Our Roots" and learning about our identities and from our family histories. We will read, write, listen, and speak. The grammar focus is on regular and irregular verbs.

ELD 4- Students will be utilizing the four skill areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing as we navigate Unit 1: Exploring Identity. Students will read a sample of several texts and end the unit with a writing sample.

In our math classes, our teachers and students have been working hard! We have been learning how to solve problems, work in teams, communicate ideas, use creativity, and manage tasks – as well as build self-confidence and take responsibility.

“Problem solving is not the precise application of a known procedure. It is not the implementation of a taught algorithm. And it is not the smooth execution of a formula. Problem solving is a messy, non-linear, and idiosyncratic process. Students will get stuck. They will think. And they will get unstuck. And when they do, they will learn – they will learn about mathematics, they will learn about themselves, and they will learn how to think”

You will find your child’s course with Illustrative Mathematics at https://accessim.org/

We highly encourage families to visit the site. In each course and each unit are family resources to help you build background on what is happening in our classrooms daily. These resources are also linked in your student’s schoology math course.

Students in science class have spent the week establishing routines and expectations. Students have also reviewed the student science safety contract in class. All students MUST have a parent/guardian signature on their safety contract and return it to their science teacher to participate in lab. All students will be making their first interactive notebook for their first unit this week. 6th graders will start with Matter and Its Interactions, 7th graders S’more Energy, and 8th graders will begin the year with Climate Detectives. If your child hasn’t brought in their 2-pocket folders and loose leaf it is not too late! Please ask your child to share what they have learned each week by showing you their interactive notebooks and explaining their work.

Welcome Back to Social Studies at CMS! This week all of our students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade reviewed important skills that we use during history class, such as identifying locations on a map and analyzing primary sources. Please check your student's binder; many of our social studies teachers have sent home a course syllabus, while others posted their syllabus on Schoology.

In sixth grade, during Unit 1, our students will be learning about geography and the earliest human societies.

In seventh grade, during Unit 1, our students will be learning about religious and trade empires.

In eighth grade during Unit 1 our students will be learning about the American Revolution. We are so excited to dive into history with your student.

To start the new year, each PE teacher will be teaching in different areas with their classes. Ms. Green will be teaching Badminton in the gym with her classes. Mr. Salansky's classes will be outside learning sportsmanship and respect while playing Kickball. Mr. Riccuci's classes will also be learning sportsmanship while participating in Ultimate Ball. Students are reminded to wear sneakers on their PE days and bring a bottle of water.

Students in all Health classes have started Unit 1 and are learning about the dimensions of wellness and mental/emotional health. Students will learn about mental health concerns, and healthy coping strategies to deal with big emotions and feelings.

The CMS Music team is excited to get to work with our ensembles and can't wait to show you their growth at the winter concerts in December! The winter concert dates are:

• Advanced concert - 12/2
• Intermediate concert - 12/9
• Beginner concert - 12/16

Students should bring home a polo order form this first week. If you do not have one, please fill out the form and return it to your music teacher. If you already have a polo and would like to exchange the size you have, we have a limited stock to sift through on a first come, first serve basis.

It's going to be a very exciting year for CMS Music, and we are eager to get started!

Students in Art classes have started pre-instructional drawings. The focus in the first few weeks will be observational drawing and teaching students to think as artists. The term "Seeing vs Knowing" is an important part of learning how to draw.

8th grade students who are interested in Carver for Visual Arts should talk to Mr. Georgieff as we begin building portfolios next week for auditions. Applications for Magnet Programs are due October 20th and portfolios are due a few months after.

AVID

• General school information: Call 443-809-7626 and someone can answer your question or find someone who can - you can also email me at acarney@bcps.org any time.
  
• Scheduling Questions & Information: Mrs. Kara Williams, Assistant Principal
• Transportation Issues: Any transportation issue should be directed to Assistant Principal Taylor Dungey. If there is an immediate concern - bus missed stop, no crossing guard at Greenspring Ave, or other issue you can contact our Main Office at 443-809-7626. This includes BusWhere Access.
• Grade Level Questions: 6th Grade - Mr. Drought, 7th Grade - Mrs. Prudente, 8th Grade - Mrs. Youngblood
  
• Counseling/504 Plan Questions: Mrs. Nicole Sueta for 6th Grade, Mrs. Nancy Schlenoff for 7th Grade, and Mrs. Jennifer Evert Brown for 8th Grade. Mrs. Kara Williams runs our Student Support Team and you should reach out to her via email with those questions.
  
• IEP Questions or Information: Reach out to Mrs. Cheryl Newberry who is our IEP Facilitator.

• Social Worker: Kelsey Blackert is our School Social Worker and can help with all kinds of concerns and also runs our food pantry.

  Residency Issues/Questions/Concerns: Lesley Smith is our Pupil Personnel Worker who can work through any issues with you.

• Excused Absence Notes: Please have your child bring the note to the Front Office - you can also reach out to Nancy Wortman via email with any absences within a week of your child's absence. Remember - it is the teacher's discretion whether they give make up work for unexcused absences.
• Early Dismissal: Please have your child bring a note to the office. Only someone on a child's FOCUS information will be allowed to sign a child out unless you provide written documentation giving someone else permission to sign your child out. You can also contact Vanessa Batlle or Nancy Wortman directly via email.
• Enrollment or Withdrawl: Contact our Counseling Secretary Lisa Watson via email or at 443-809-7630.
  
• Device or Technology Issues: Contact our Technology Liaisons Mr. Drought or Mrs. Valentine via email.
• FOCUS/Schoology/BCPS Communication Parent Issues: Contact our Main Office at 443-809-7626 or you can also contact Vanessa Batlle or Nancy Wortman directly via email.
• Health Questions/Concerns: Contact our school nurse Mrs. Carrier. You can reach her via email or by phone by calling the Main Office at 443-809-7626.
• School-based Emergency: We will send out a School Messenger and Talking Points message as soon as we are able. Bear in mind that if we have any kind of school emergency, all hands will be on deck assisting with managing and navigating the emergency. We will always send out communication as quickly as possible. It is highly unlikely we will be able to answer the phone in the event of an emergency so please be patient and make sure you check your messages via email, phone, and text for an update. Please do not always believe what your student is telling you via text message as their information is very spotty and likely inaccurate.
• Bullying/Safety Issues: Please contact your child's grade level Administrator - Mr. Taylor Dungey for 6th grade and 7th graders A-L, Mrs. Kara Williams for 8th graders and 7th graders M-Z. You can also fill out a Bullying & Harassment Form in FOCUS if you are concerned with a bullying incident.
• Your Child Forgot Something At School or At Home: Whether it's an instrument, PE uniform, their lunch, a device, a backpack you can always call the Main Office at 443-809-7626 and we can try to figure it out. If no one answers, you can email Mr. Carney directly and he can try to facilitate a pick up. If you need to deliver something, please come to the Main Office and drop it off. We will call them down ASAP to pick it up.
• Financial Assistance with School Items or Other Needs: Please contact your child's School Counselor. Mrs. Nicole Sueta for 6th Grade, Mrs. Nancy Schlenoff for 7th Grade, and Mrs. Jennifer Evert Brown for 8th Grade.
• Student Item Lost or Possibly Stolen At School or On the Bus: Contact our Main Office at 443-809-7626 or you can also contact Vanessa Batlle or Nancy Wortman directly via email.
• Magnet School Application Process: Mrs. Jennifer Evert Brown is our magnet coordinator this year and our 8th grade counselor. She can answer any and all questions concerning this process and deadlines.
• Private School Application Support: Mrs. Jennifer Evert Brown our 8th grade counselor and our Counseling Secretary Lisa Watson can support you with this process. We send many students to all area private schools and can generally walk you through the process if you need support.
• BCPS Online Volunteer Training: Contact our Main Office at 443-809-7626 or you can also contact Vanessa Batlle or Nancy Wortman directly via email.

Email: cockeysvillems@bcps.org
Website: http://cockeysvillems.bcps.org
Location: 10401 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD, USA
Phone: 443-809-7626
Twitter: @CockeysvilleMS