Assemblies

Contact: Mr. Unobskey, 978-2490, x-6110
Description:  The PTG Liaison meets with faculty to develop a year-long calendar of academic enrichment programs related to curriculum units for each grade. Artists, authors, musicians, and performers present programs during grade-level assemblies or in classrooms. Funds are provided by PTG.

Examples of past programs include Art Quest (Spanish/French, 7^th grade), seeing history through art; Myth Masters (7^th grade); math class presentations by a traffic engineer on the use of Math Traffic Planning.

Choral Concerts

Contact: Isaac Brody, 978-341-2490, x-5374
Description:  All students are eligible to participate in the Chorus course. The choral group provides a chance for students without a lot of musical experience to participate in a large group performance. Students are expected to participate for the full year. Dress code for concerts is detailed in a notice that the teacher sends home prior to the concert.

Evaluations and grades are issued for members of all performing groups (band, orchestra, and chorus). Students are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances for the entire year. The social and academic benefits from making music as a team are enormous.

Dances

Description: The school sponsors 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade dances. Dates and details are announced in the Missive. The principal, assistant principal, and grade-level teachers supervise dances. As a courtesy to staff and chaperones, please pick up your child promptly after the dance.

Community organizations outside the control of the Concord Middle School offer additional dance options. Parents are strongly urged to check with the sponsoring organizations prior to sending their students.

Group Music Lessons/Extra Focus Sessions for Grade 6

Contact:  Bob Seely, Music, Sanborn building, 978-341-2490, x-6375
Description:  Music lessons reinforce academic and personal development skills such as self- assessment and self-discipline. Group lessons are a part of the band program and are taught to 6^th graders on one of four days per week. All music students must purchase Essential Elements of Music, Vol. II for use during group instruction. Lessons include the correct techniques, basic instruction, and a review of band music. Mr. Seely offers after-school focus sessions to all students to assist them with band music and audition materials.

Health Assemblies

Contact: Kathy Bowen, Ripley, 978-341-2490, x-8132
Description: There are two major health assemblies. The first one is Doin' The Right Thing, to take place in January for the 6^th graders. Doin' The Right Thing is a performance by three professional actors who share vignettes of typical situations in and out of school related to bullying and harassment. The second assembly takes place in March or April for the 8^th graders and is called The Improbable Players. The Improbable Players is a theatrical performance by four actors who are in recovery from tobacco, alcohol, and other drug dependency. Both of these assemblies support and enrich the health education curriculum.

Instrumental Music School in Concord

Contact: Bob Seely, Music, Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-5375 or IMSC Registrar, Ripley Bldg, 978-318-1500
Description:  The Concord Schools offer students a private music lesson option at reasonable cost for most instruments (except piano) through the Instrumental Music School in Concord (IMSC). A registration form is sent out to previous students in August or may be obtained from their band or orchestra director in September. The IMSC will assign a music teacher who will contact you to set up a mutually convenient time and place for lessons—the earlier you sign up, the more choice you will have. Students sign up for 16 prepaid music lessons at a time and are expected to attend all lessons. Missed lessons will be made up at the discretion of the teacher. If a teacher misses a lesson and it cannot be made up during that semester, a refund or credit will be issued. Group or private lessons are very strongly suggested for 6^th graders to successfully participate in instrumental groups.

Library Activities

Contact: Elizabeth Stockwood, Library Media Specialist, Peabody 978-340-2490, x-5371 or
Sanborn 978-340-2490, x-6371
Description:  Library Orientation is a program for incoming 6^th graders that introduces them to the Peabody and Sanborn libraries. During this week, students come to the library to learn about location and circulation of library materials and to be introduced to the various print and electronic resources they will be using for classroom research projects.

Research projects are assigned to all grades and take place in the library where students integrate and apply what they have learned about research. Major projects include Growth of a New Nation, Ancient Greece, An Issue of Justice (8^th grade social studies and English), and An Animal Kingdom (Science). Many smaller projects take place in the library throughout the year as well.

Outside reading is part of the curriculum in all grade levels and the library participates in this program by providing classes with book talks in both buildings. These range in subject area and include Fiction of the American Revolution, Civil War, Multicultural Narratives, Mystery, Science Fiction, Biography, and many more.

Book circulation for students is two weeks. Students who have overdue books will receive a notice in homeroom a week after the book is overdue. Students may receive overdue notices at home if the book is overdue by more than a month. There are no overdue fines and students will only be asked to provide replacement cost for their books in June if they cannot return them.

The Annual Read-Off is held in April, coinciding with National Library Week. It promotes reading for pleasure. Students are encouraged to read and evaluate books during the 5-week, non-competitive program and receive small prizes for each evaluation they submit.

Library volunteers are welcome. Please call the above telephone numbers if you are interested in finding out more about volunteering in the CMS libraries.

Night of Drama

Contact: Kevin Shancady, 978-341-2490, x-6100

Description:  As the culmination of their work in the Theater Arts one-trimester elective class, students will perform a monologue or short play in the Forum at Peabody.

Orchestra/Band Concerts

Contact:  Anna Anderson, Strings, 978-341-2490, x-6378 or Bob Seely, Band 978-341-2490, x-6375
Description: Students at each building practice separately twice each week during school and come together for two performances, in January and May. It is critical that students attend the performances. The student dress code will be discussed at school and a notice will be sent home prior to the concert.

Peer Mentoring

Contact:  Kate Jesman (Peabody) 978-341-2490, x-5100, Jennifer DeLucia (Sanborn) 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description:  Students receive several hours of training during the summer and during school. They learn conflict management skills and how to assist their younger peers in developing a healthy social network. Students apply to be peer mentors for 7^th and 8^th grade. They are interviewed and approximately twenty students from each building are selected to participate.

Principal's Coffee and PTG Meetings

Contact:  Arthur Unobskey, CMS Principal, Peabody/Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6110, or Kim Kossman and Cynthia Spiers, PTG Co-Presidents

Description: Early in the school year, three Principal's coffees are held that focus on each grade level. Thereafter, all grade levels are combined. PTG forums provide an opportunity to stay aware of current issues facing the schools and families at CMS with open discussion between the administration, parents, and occasionally, teachers. Many PTG meetings include a guest speaker on a topic of interest to parents of middle school children. Some forums are held in conjunction with the Center for Parents and Teachers. Notices are placed in the Thursday Bulletin and Missive as to the time, topic, and location. Additionally, from time to time, PTG grade-level representatives host coffees in their homes. These coffees provide another opportunity for parents to meet with each other. All parents are automatically part of the PTG—all are welcome to attend.

Principal Brown Bag Lunches

Contact:  Arthur Unobskey, CMS Principal, Peabody/Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6110

Description:  On the first Wednesday of each month, the principal meets informally with interested parents to discuss issues—both large and small—at the middle school

(PTG) CMS Parent Teacher Group

Contact: Kim Kossmann and Cynthia Spiers, PTG Co-Presidents
Description:  The CMS PTG includes all middle school parents and teachers. The primary objectives of the PTG are to provide information and support to the middle school community and to raise funds to support student activities in our school. The PTG has only one fundraiser per year. The Arts, Assemblies and Activities Fund fundraiser begins in October. You will receive a letter in the mail requesting your support. The PTG meets monthly in conjunction with the Principal Coffees.

The middle school years are a time of rapid physical and intellectual growth for our students. Communication with the schools and each other can facilitate the process. The PTG furthers such communication, promotes the exchange of ideas, and raises significant funds to improve CMS. In addition to the PTG meetings, the PTG sponsors four publications for parent information that are a major link to life at the middle school:

• The Student Directory and The Student Activity Guide are published as a single book. The Directory lists all phone numbers and the guide describes the co-curricular activities at Concord Middle School. This book can be purchased at Back-to-School Night for $5.00 and is included as part of PTG dues.

• The Missive, a monthly newsletter, is published through the CMS PTG, and is sent electronically to each middle school family. Families who are unable to receive it electronically may pick up a copy outside the office of each building. The Missive carries notices of meetings and activities, and a calendar of school events and programs as well as articles about current school and adolescent topics.

• The Thursday Bulletin is published weekly with updated information and e-mailed to parents. The form for e-mail delivery is included in the First-Day-of-School packet. If you are unable to receive the Bulletin electronically, paper copies are available for pickup every week outside each building's office.

Reporting Student Progress

Contact: Guidance Office – Peabody: 978-341-2490, x-5102 and Sanborn: 978-341-2490, x-6102

Description: Interim reports are mailed home by individual teachers at the middle of each term. The interim report usually is intended to report any extreme changes in student performance in a particular subject. Parents and students should not expect to receive an interim report each mid-term.  However, during the first term, all students receive interim reports in all academic subjects. Teachers use the interim reports to highlight significant progress or to report a decline in performance.

Report cards are mailed home at the end of each trimester.

School Advisory Council (SAC)

Contact:  Arthur Unobskey, Principal, Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6110
Description:  The School Advisory Council is mandated as part of the Education Reform Law of 1993 to advise the Principal. Members include faculty, staff, parents and community representatives. Elections are held at Back-to-School Night. Representatives serve for a two-year term. There are five parent representatives. Information about serving on SAC is part of your child's packet brought home the first week of school. The Council is co-chaired by the Principal and a member of the Committee. The SAC prepares the School Improvement Plan that is presented in May to the School Committee. Issues addressed by the SAC include improving school climate and student achievement.

6^th Grade Merrowvista Parent Night

Contact:  Main Offices: Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6100, or Peabody 978-341-2490, x-5100
Description:  During this evening, the CMS staff details the Merrowvista trip. Merrowvista is a three-day/two night retreat for 6^th graders in New Hampshire during the regular school week. CMS teachers and administrators in conjunction with Merrowvista personnel run the retreat. This evening meeting orients parents to understand the evolution of this program, its philosophy, its integration into the school curriculum, and the logistics. Varied activities allow students a chance to interact with their classmates and the faculty from their building in a relaxed, risk-free environment. Planned activities emphasize inclusion and promote school spirit. A skeleton staff of sixth grade teachers remains at CMS for students who elect not to attend.

7^th Grade Barbecue

Contact: Laura Fadden, Ann Lane, Maryann Street and Sara Pacelle
Description: This traditional event for 7^th grade students and their parents is one of the highlights of the year. Hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers are cooked and served by teachers. Parents provide salads and desserts. Students enjoy a dance with a DJ in the gym following dinner. The barbecue is a great opportunity to socialize with parents, students, and teachers. Please do not bring siblings.

Back-to-School Night

Contact:  Main Offices: Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6100, or Peabody 978-341-2490, x-5100
Description:  The Principal begins Back-to-School Night by presenting an overview of the school's goals for the year. Parents then follow their child's schedules attending his or her classes for about ten minutes each. During this time, the teachers give a brief overview of the subject, goals, course expectations, class organization, and upcoming projects. Back-to-School Night is for parents only. Parents vote for School Advisory Council (SAC) Members during homeroom. This is also an opportunity for parents to pay their PTG dues and receive the CMS phone directory as a contributing member of the PTG.

Math Placement Parent Night

Contact:  Meg McCann, Math Department Chair, 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description:  This evening meeting for parents explains the math placement process for students going into 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grades the next fall. Ms. McCann discusses the yearlong placement process with parents. A letter explaining the placement process is mailed two weeks prior to the meeting. Placement is based on problem solving activities, quiz/test averages, knowledge of basic skills, performance on grade appropriate prognosis tests, demonstrated interest in math, and overall task commitment.

Math is the only subject area at the middle school that is leveled according to student learning style and independence starting at 7^th grade and continuing into high school. The level of math your child is assigned is re-evaluated each year.

Shadow-a-Student Day

Contact:  Main Offices: Peabody 978-341-2490, x-5100, or Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description: Shadow-a-Student Day gives parents a great opportunity to see the exciting dynamics of CMS in process. Parents pick up a schedule in the front lobby and attend their children's classes during the school day. Some parents elect to come for part of the day; others, all day. Parents are asked prior to Shadow-a-Student Day whether they will shadow their own child and whether they will stay for lunch.

Stage Band Auditions

Contact: Bob Seely, 978-341-2490, x-6375
Description:  The Stage Band requires an intense commitment for the full year. Stage Band is comprised mainly of brass instruments, rhythm, and flute/clarinet. The Stage Band plays contemporary music including jazz, rock, Latin, rhythm, and blues, as well as popular music. The band plays at evening music concerts, graduations, elementary performances, and extra events as scheduled by the director or requested by the community. More than 50 percent of these students continue in music at CCHS. Students must be members of the Band or Orchestra unless they play keyboard or guitar.

Students audition each year. Students must prepare a piece for audition. Selection criteria include mastery of the chromatic scale, ability to easily play a suitable range of notes for the instrument and for their age, ability to do some sight reading, and overall enthusiasm for playing and performing. There are a limited number of instruments for each part.

6^th Grade Spaghetti Social

Contact:  Linda Della Volpe, Michelle Forinash, Nancy Messina and Carrie O'Brien
Description:  This is a Friday evening social for parents and their 6^th grade student sponsored by Student Leadership. The cafeteria staff prepares a sit-down dinner, faculty members assist in the kitchen, and 7^th and 8^th grade students volunteer to act as hosts and serve the meal. Everyone is asked to bring a dessert to share. Please drop off desserts at the Sanborn cafeteria at 3:00 pm, Friday afternoon. The evening also includes a dance for students in the gym. Faculty members chaperone the students so that parents can socialize. By this time in the school year, new friendships have formed and this is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with your student's new friends and their parents. Because this evening is exclusively for 6^th graders and their parents, please do not bring siblings.

Junior District Audition/Festival

Contact:  Anna Anderson, Strings teacher, 978-241-2490 x-6378 for String Instruments; Bob Seely 978-341-2490, x-6375, for Band; and Isaac Brody, 978-341-2490, x-5374 for Chorus
Description:  The Massachusetts Northeast Regional District Band, Orchestra, and Chorus include some of the best young musicians in our region. Students audition in mid-January for the opportunity to participate in the Festival Day. In September, a list of music pieces to be performed for each instrument is posted. Students planning to audition should investigate the requirements early. During the competition, students perform the audition piece plus scales for an evaluator and receive a set of ratings. Students are evaluated for tone, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, technique, and scales. Students are not expected to sight-read. (Mastery of scales is critical—any student unable to perform scales well will likely not be accepted.) If accepted, students will be given four or five music selections to learn for performance with other members of their group. The time commitment to participate is considerable. Students must work hard to prepare the advanced level piece and scales for audition. Students who are accepted must attend all rehearsals and performances.

This is a competition among talented youngsters. Students may need encouragement and support as they prepare for the audition. The music department encourages students to participate. The process helps students to grow. Junior District Rules limit the number of spaces available for some musicians. (For example, there are no limits on male voices, but only six female voices can compete.) Even after much hard work, students may not be chosen to participate for that year. They can try again the following year.

Maroon-and-Gold Day

Contact: Arthur Unobskey, 978-341-2490 x-6110
Description:  Sponsored by Student Leadership and occurring on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, all students dress up in maroon and gold. An 8^th eighth grader comes in during homeroom to count individual maroon-and-gold combinations. At the end of the day, all students assemble for the Maroon-and-Gold Bowl (a trivia contest). Students enter their names to be drawn for two three-person teams (consisting of one each 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grader). During the week leading up to Maroon-and-Gold Day any student may place trivia questions in designated boxes in the cafeterias. The boxes are separated by subject. Questions are selected and the teams work together to come up with answers. The winning team receives a small prize. Maroon-and-Gold Day is spirited fun including all students.

National French and Spanish Exam

Contact: Ms. Kate Keating– Peabody/Sanborn 978-341-2490 x-6100
Description: The National French and Spanish exams are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French and the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese.  Preparation for the exams takes place beginning mid-December, one morning per week, from 7:30 until 8:00 a.m.  Students are also asked to complete assignments independently. The exams are given nation-wide in March. Students are awarded certificates and prizes for excellent achievement.

Parent Conference Day

Contact:  Guidance Office: Peabody 978-341-2490, x-5102 or Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6102
Description: A letter is mailed home prior to the conference instructing parents how to sign up. Parents must physically come to the school at a designated time two weeks before to sign up for a time slot to speak with each teacher individually on the Conference Day, December 8. These slots are limited and fill up quickly. Parents have seven minutes with each teacher. A bell will ring to let you know when it is time to move to the next classroom to talk with a teacher. If there is a problem that can't be handled in this format, CMS offers these options: call your child's teacher for subject area concerns, contact the house leader for social issues, or schedule a house meeting where all your child's teachers are present to discuss your concerns.

CMS Musical

Contact:  Kevin Shancady, Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description: This is the annual musical for all students. Auditions and tryouts are required and conclude with multiple evening performances at the Sanborn Auditorium. Fifty to sixty students participate at all grade levels. This event provides ample opportunity for social interaction, team building, and use of many academic skills regardless of the assigned role. Not everyone will be the lead, but all can be a star in the role they have, either as a supporting cast or tech crew. Time commitment varies depending on the role—about five hours per week for six weeks of rehearsals plus Friday and Saturday evening performance as well as a Sunday matinee. Tickets sell out very quickly. They are purchased at lunchtime.

A major contributor to the success of each year's musical is the parent support network. This network will aid in the administrative, prop, and costuming tasks. This frees staff to work on the production of the musical and allows the parent community to bring their considerable talents to bear on important tasks.

MCAS Testing

Contact: Guidance Office: Peabody 978-341-2490, x-5102 or Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6102
Description: The staff requests parents' help in conveying to students the significance of the tests and the need for a sense of purpose in the process of test taking. MCAS testing does not affect high school placement.

Roll on America: Grades 6, 7 & 8

Contact:  Main Offices: Peabody 978-341-2490 x-5100 or Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description: An afternoon of fun for 6^th and 7/8^th grades. Students will be bused from Sanborn to Roll on America.

Ugly Tie Week

Contact: Sharon Moss, Peabody 978-341-2490, x-5258, or Heidi Kaiter, Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6254 Description: Mr. Dan Chamberlain, now retired from the social studies department, started this event. Ms. Kaiter organizes this fun week with the proceeds donated to a charity, chosen by the students after brainstorming for ideas. Students promote the event with posters at the school. Students can rent a tie for $.50 for the day.

After-School Activities Schedule, 07-08 Note: Start dates are subject to change. Please see the weekly bulletin for the most up-to-date scheduling information.
Activity	Meeting days	Start Date	Location
Band Group Lessons	M,W	9/17/07	San music
Chamber Choir	F	10/5/07	San aditorium
Chinese Language Class	W	12/5/07	San rm 104
Dance: Jazz and Hip-Hop	F	10/5/07	San café
Debate Club	W	10/3/07	San, R 103
Dramatic Play	M, W-F	10/1/07	Pea Forum
Environmental Club	W	10/3/07	Pea, Science rm
Future Cities	M, W	10/1/07	Sanb, module 4
Girls' Ice Hockey	tbd	12/3/07	tbd
Homework Club	M,W,Th	10/1/07	Pea, San LC
Math Counts	M	10/1/07	San, Rm. 205
Math Team	Th	10/4/07	San, Rm. 110
Model United Nations	Th	10/4/07	San, Mod 1
Musical	M, W-F	11/5/07	San  Aud.
National Sp/Fr Exam	F	12/7/07	Pea/San
Newspaper	Th	10/4/07	San Comp
Open Studios	F	10/5/07	San Art
Pottery	F	10/5/07	Pea Art
Select Chorus	T	10/1/07	San Aud
Stage Band	T	9/25/07	San Band
Stars	M,Th. F	10/1/07	Pea/San
Student Leaders	M	9/24/07	San/Pea FACS
Television Production	M	10/1/07	San Comp Lab
Yearbook	M,W-F (Winter/spring)	12/3/07	San Mini-Lab
Alternate Plans in Case of Cancellation All students and their families should have an alternate plan in place in case of the cancellation of an activity or a sporting event. When events are cancelled at the end of the school day, students should know where their parents expect them to go. Please talk this over with your child(ren) to prevent confusion and worry in the future. Thank you.

Band Group Lessons (6th grade)

Contact: Bob Seely, 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description: Most students who participate in the school band take a lesson with their instrument group once each week from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Chamber Choir

Contact: Isaac Brody, 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description: Small singing group for enthusiastic members of chorus.

Chinese Language/Culture Club

Contact: Melissa Lang, 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description: Students will learn some basics in conversational and written Mandarin. They will also study various aspects of Chinese culture including its food and its religions. While this course is a requirement for those students participating in the spring exchange to China, all students are welcome.

CMS Newspaper

Contact: Barbara Peskin 978-341-2490, x-6193 and Wendy Pfaffenbach 978-341-2490, x6100
Description: Students will meet after school once each week to create and publish several editions of the school newspaper. All students are welcome to join the staff.

Creative Writing

Contact: Laura Regis, 978-341-2491, x-6100
Description: Students will develop their voices by choosing to write in the genre of their choice.

Dance: Tap

Contact: Ms. Jarvis, 978-341-2491, x-6100
Description: Students will learn the basics of tap-dance and prepare for participation in the dance corps of the musical.

Debate Club

Teacher: Mr. Sykes-McLaughlin,x-6100
Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of argument and logic as well as develop their research skills while debating both historical topics and current events. The club will take a trip to a high school debate tournament in February.

Dramatic Play:

Contact: Mr. Unobskey, 978-341-2490, x-6100
Description: Experienced and inexperienced actors can participate in this one-act show that takes place in the Peabody Forum.

Environmental Club

Contact: Junie Wong, 978-341-2490, x-5100
Description: Students will lead the school' s recycling effort and participate in outings to interesting sites throughout the region.

Future Cities Club

Teacher: Mr. Shattuck
Description: Students will analyze many of the challenges engineers face as they manage the change of a growing city using the SimCity software. Interested members of this club will participate in interscholastic competitions at different times during the year.

Girls' Ice Hockey

Group Leader: Barbara Southcote
Description: Girls of varying abilities will compete against other teams in the area.

Homework Club

Teachers: TBD
Description: In Homework Club, students who are recommended by their teachers and parents complete homework with a tutor.

Math Counts

Teacher: Mr. Cellucci
Description: The members of this team participate in a regional math tournament solving problems as a team and as individuals.

Math Team

Teacher: Meg McCann
Description: The members of this team participate in interscholastic problem-solving contests together throughout the school year.

Model United Nations

Teacher: Mr. Robbins and Ms. Stanley
Description: Model United Nations is a club at the Concord Middle School which is open to students of all academic levels at all three grade levels. The students learn about the United Nations, its purpose and its functions. The students research and debate current world issues and try to use diplomacy and negotiation to resolve these global issues. The club meets after school every two weeks and then attends the Bentley College Model UN conference in March.

Musical (Spring)

Teachers: Mr. Shancady, Director
Description: Students will perform the musical in the spring. The title and the dates of auditions will be announced later in the fall.

National Spanish/French Exams

Teachers: Ms. Welburn, Ms. Sira, and Ms. Rodriguez-Digon
Description: Students in eighth grade volunteer to work from December until March once each week from 7:30-8:00 a.m. preparing for these national exams in March. Teachers expect students to complete work at home as well.

Open Studios

Teacher: Ms. Plante
Description: Students will explore different types of art-making, design their own projects, and learn new techniques that interest them.

Pottery

Teacher: Ms. Anderson
Description: Students will learn a variety of skills and ways to manipulate clay as they develop their own pottery projects.

Select Chorus

Teacher: Mr. Brody
Description: Select Chorus is an advanced singing group for Chorus participants that rehearses once a week after school. Select Chorus sings music of a variety of styles, but often focuses on musical theater, jazz, and classical. Two years ago they received a Silver Medal at the MICCA Solo & Ensemble Festival and last year they received a trophy for an "excellent" performance (1st place, middle-school mixed choir) at the Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags, New England. For more information, please visit http://mail.colonial.net/~ibrody/

Stage Band

Teacher: Mr. Seely
Description: Students will audition for and perform music in school concerts. They will play music in a variety of styles.

STARS

Teacher: Mr. Unobskey
Description: Students will receive intensive remedial instruction in math, reading and writing four days a week (M, W, Th,) from 2:30-3:40 p.m.

Student Leaders

Teachers: Mr. Unobskey
Description: Students serve as school leaders to represent their classmates and make improvements in the school. They can join a Food Committee, a Recreation Committee, and a Special Events Committee.

Television Production

Teacher: Sophie Burke, CCTV staff member
Description: Students learn how to film, edit and produce films.

Yearbook

Teacher: Mr. Stern
Description: Students capture the year's events in a yearbook. They can serve as editors, writers, graphic designers or photographers

Interscholastic Sports

Interscholastic Athletics: Students on interscholastic teams are selected during tryouts that precede the season. Students that make the team practice four times each week and compete against other schools. All students must have a current physical on file in order to participate in interscholastic sports.

Interscholastic Sports: (Cross Country, Boys' Soccer, Girls' Soccer, Football, Girls' Field Hockey, Girls' Basketball, Boys' Basketball, Track, Softball, Baseball)

Fall
Cross Country	M,W-F	10-Sep	San Front
Boys Soccer	M,W-F	10-Sep	San Soc Field
Girls Soccer	M,W-F	10-Sep	San Soc Field
Football	M,W-F	10-Sep	San Soc Field
Girls' Field Hockey	M,W-F	10-Sep	San Lower
Winter
Girls' Basketball	M,W-F	26-Nov	San Gym
Boys' Basketball	M,W-F	26-Nov	San Gym
Spring
Track	M,W-F	3-Apr	San Front
Softball	M,W-F	3-Apr	San S-ball
Baseball	M,W-F	3-Apr	San B-ball

Intramural Sports

Intramural Sports: Students do not need to try out for intramural sports. They compete against their classmates in a less competitive environment than interscholastic sports. Intramural sports take place two times each week.

Intramural Sports: (Volleyball, Soccer, Field Hockey, Boys' Basketball, Girls' Basketball, Indoor Soccer, Softball, Lacrosse, Ultimate)

Fall
Ultimate	Wed., Fri	19-Sep	San, lower
Soccer	Thursday, Fri	20-Sep	Pea Field
Field Hockey	Mon., Fri	17-Sep	Pea field
Winter
Boys' basketball	Wed., Fri	9-Jan	Pea Gym
Girls' Basketball	Wed., Fri.	9-Jan	Pea Gym
Indoor Soccer	Mon., Thur	7-Jan	Pea Gym
Spring
Softball	Mon., Fri	21-Apr	San Field
Lacrosse	Monday, Wed	21-Apr	Pea Field

Eighth grade is a busy and exciting year. The best way to stay informed is to read all of the notices that are sent home via your child or through the mail. These pages were designed as a calendar and are not intended to give a full description of the activities.

8th Grade Parent Night (Human Sexuality Unit)

During this evening, parents can learn more about the Human Sexuality unit that eighth graders study from mid-March through mid-May. The curriculum discusses sensitive topics such as: Understanding Sexuality, Relationships, Gender Roles, Sexual Harassment, Anatomy, Physiology, Human Reproduction, Fetal Development, Abstinence, Teen Pregnancy, STDs (including HIV/AIDS), Birth Control, and Decision-Making. During this evening, parents can learn how this vital and sensitive information is presented to students. Parents can view all curricular material used during this unit by making an appointment with Kathy Bowen, Concord Public Schools K-12 Health Coordinator, at 978-341-2490, x-8132.

8th-to-9th-Grade Scheduling Process

In February, the eighth grade teachers give placement recommendations in Math, English, Science, and Foreign Language. Leveling is determined in these classes based on a combination of test scores and grades. During classes in December, the eighth grade teachers and the counselors carefully outline the standards for placement in honors classes.The school mails these recommendations home in February and requests parent feedback. In early March, counselors work with the students to develop their 9th grade schedules. During small group scheduling sessions, students learn about the elective options, credits and workloads. Once students and their parents are in agreement on course selections, students see their counselor for an official green scheduling sheet. Students copy their final course selections onto this sheet, have their teachers initial their choices for "leveled" classes, and have their parents sign off on the bottom. The completed and signed schedule is submitted to the counseling office, reviewed, and passed on to the high school.

8th Grade Dinner Dance

The dance takes place at CCHS and includes a buffet dinner and music. Parents are invited to work on committees to help with decorations, set-up and cleanup, and provide food trays to supplement dinner (vegetable, fruit, and dessert). 8th-grade parents will receive a mailing that will contain further details.

In keeping with the age of the students, girls should wear outfits appropriate for ballroom dancing class and boys should wear a jacket and tie. Sneakers are not appropriate; neither are gowns, tuxedos, or spike heels. This is a whole-class celebration and everyone is encouraged to attend.

An Evening with the CCHS Principal

The CCHS principal will spend an evening with parents discussing the high school experience and will take time to answer questions.

8th Grade Closing Ceremony

At the conclusion of the school year, the CMS principal and teachers work with the students to create a show that captures the spirit of the eighth grade class.

Canobie Lake Trip

At the end of the school yea,r eighth grade students and CMS staff take a bus to Canobie Lake for a day at the amusement park and return in time to catch their regular bus home. No swimming is allowed. Students will need to bring a bag lunch or extra money to purchase food.

Minuteman Science-Technology Tour

The 8th graders tour Minuteman Science-Technology High School to help them determine if they are interested in applying to the school for ninth grade.

Student Orientation for High School

CCHS counselors meet with 8th graders at CMS to discuss the CCHS program. The CCHS principal, a guidance counselor, and a representative from Minuteman Science-Technology High School meet with 8th grade parents regarding the CCHS and Minuteman curricular programs. In addition, CCHS organizes an open house for parents and students at CCHS to provide information about co-curricular activities and school climate, as well as a tour of the school.

Washington D.C. Trip

Contact: Mitchell Stern, Sanborn 978-341-2490, x-6276

Pre-Meeting: Prior to April vacation, the CMS staff will hold an organizational meeting for eighth grade parents to discuss the Washington trip.

The Trip Itself: 8th grade students go to Washington, D.C. for four days during the school week. Over twenty CMS teachers chaperone the trip. The student tour is organized by WorldStrides of Charlottesville, VA. When they go to Washington, students leave early Tuesday morning the week after April vacation to visit Washington D.C. where students visit memorials, government buildings and parts of the Smithsonian Institution. They return very late Friday evening.

Students are encouraged to be involved with the fundraising activities (specifically, the Entertainment Books and Florida Citrus Sales) to help defray trip costs. There are funds available for scholarships. Students who are involved in fundraising events will get first consideration for scholarships. We will work with the community to ensure that all eighth grade students, regardless of financial wherewithal, can attend the Washington trip.

Release Times for Activities

Tuesday Afternoon Activities (e.g. Stage band and Select chorus) Stage band ends at 2:45 pm and Select chorus ends at 2:30 pm. There are NO late buses on Tuesdays. Students should have a ride waiting at 2:30/2:45 pm

After-School Clubs (e.g., Environmental Club, Student Leadership, Math Team) end at 3:30 pm, unless otherwise notified. Students should take the 3:50 pm late bus home or have a ride waiting at 3:30 pm.

Sports (including Intramural Sports) end at 4:30 pm. Intramural sports are held at the Peabody building and interscholastic sports for 7th and 8th graders are held at Sanborn. Students must have a ride home at 4:30 pm or they will take the 4:40 pm late bus. No student should leave intramurals at Peabody on the late bus and get off at Sanborn, as there will be no supervision provided after sports are over. Students who get on the 4:40 pm late bus at Peabody or Sanborn should take that bus to the high school unless it stops close to home along the way. In short, all students must leave the school at 4:30 pm when sports are over, whether it be with a parent, a car pool, or on a late bus.