Our orchestra students had a wonderful concert this week, showcasing their hard work and dedication.

Principal Update

Dear Coal Ridge Families,

I hope this message finds you well as we wrap up another eventful week here at Coal Ridge Middle School. I’m excited to share some highlights and upcoming events with you.

This week, our school’s orchestra delivered a spectacular concert, showcasing the talent and hard work of our students. We look forward to our choir and band students taking the stage in the weeks to come. Additionally, our wrestling team showed great sportsmanship and skill as they competed at Soaring Heights. Congratulations to all our athletes!

Looking ahead to next week, we have an important focus during our Advisory period. Each day, we will engage students in lessons centered around character and integrity. These discussions will include key vocabulary such as character, integrity, discrimination, dehumanization, and derogatory language. We will also examine the school board’s Nondiscrimination Policy, ensuring that our school remains a safe and inclusive environment for all students. These lessons align with our Coal Ridge Big 3 values:

1. Every Class, Every Day, On Time.
2. Turn in Every Assignment.
3. Be Kind, Even When It’s Hard.

We believe these principles help foster a positive and productive school culture so that we can achieve high academic rigor.

In addition, our Parent Involvement Committee will host an informal event on Thursday, February 27th, at Bella Rosa from 5:15-6:15 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to connect, and we warmly welcome everyone to attend.

Finally, with warmer weather on the horizon, we anticipate that our students will enjoy more outdoor time during recess next week. It’s always a pleasure to see them having fun and staying active.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Your partnership is vital to the success of our students.

Warm regards,

Natalee Swan, Principal

Parent Corner: Age Appropriate Behaviors and How to Respond

Middle schoolers go through physical and emotional developmental changes, which can lead to behaviors that may seem difficult but are normal for their age. Here are some challenging yet age-appropriate behaviors in middle school students:

Mood Swings & Emotional Outbursts

• Why it happens: Hormonal changes, brain development, and increased stress (social and academic pressures).
• What’s normal: One moment they’re happy, the next they’re frustrated or withdrawn. They may react strongly to things that seem minor.
• How to respond: Teach emotional regulation skills and provide a safe space for them to express themselves.

Pushing Boundaries & Testing Rules

• Why it happens: They’re developing independence and a sense of identity.
• What’s normal: Talking back, questioning rules, or pushing limits with teachers and parents.
• How to respond: Set clear but fair boundaries, and explain why rules exist instead of just enforcing them. Maintain consistency with consequences when the child crosses the clear boundary.

Peer Pressure & Desire to Fit In

• Why it happens: They seek social belonging and validation from peers.
• What’s normal: Changing their behavior, interests, or clothing to match their friends. They may also experiment with risky behaviors like lying or breaking small rules to gain approval.
• How to respond: Encourage healthy friendships and critical thinking about peer influence. Help them build self-confidence to stand up for themselves.

Project Launch Middle School

Coal Ridge Middle School will host Project Launch Middle School from June 2 to June 26, from 7:45 pm. to 1:45 PM. This free program is designed to support students who need additional help in reading, writing, and math.

EPIC At Home Reading Challenge

We are starting our EPIC At-Home Reading Challenge. Students are encouraged to read at home for at least 20 minutes, five days a week, totaling 100 minutes, to participate in a weekly book drawing. To enter, students must complete their reading log and have a parent sign it. On Fridays, students will exchange their logs with their advisory teacher. Each completed log is entered into a raffle, with one winner per grade announced on Monday. Winners can then choose a free book as their prize.

Free and Reduced Fees

Families needing financial help reducing or eliminating class fees are encouraged to complete the Free & Reduced Fees Application. This benefits your family and supports our school in terms of funding, staffing, and reduced fees for activities. Remember to renew this application annually for access to various benefits.

Apply for free & reduced fees today to take advantage of these opportunities!

Lunch Menu

The monthly Lunch Menu is available at LINQCONNECT. This online system allows you to filter for allergens and view the Breakfast Menu. In the upper left-hand corner, you can change between breakfast and lunch.

Save the Date!

March 5 – PLC Late Start

March 6- 6th/7th/8th Grade Choir Concert

March 11 – 6th/7th/8th Grade Band Concert

March 17-21 Spring Break

Weekly Events

Monday, February 24

GSA Club – 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Homework Club 3:0pm – 4:15pm

Musical Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Wrestling Meet CRMS @ Erie MS 3:30pm

Tuesday, February 25

AAA Math Program 3:00pm – 4:15pm

VEX Robotics 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Wrestling Practice 3:00pm 4:30pm

Musical Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Wednesday, February 26

AAA Math Program 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Card & Game Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Homework Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Art Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Wrestling Practice 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Musical Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Thursday, February 27

Wrestling Practice 3:00pm – 4:30p

Musical Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Garden Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

PTO/SAC Meeting 5:15pm

Friday, February 28

Wrestling Practice 3:00pm – 4:30pm

7th Grade Dance 3:00pm – 4:00pm

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