7th grade band students are working hard to prepare for their winter concert on December 12.

Principal Update

Happy First Day of November, Coal Ridge Families!

I hope this message finds you well. As we head into the new month, a quick reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday—don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour!

This week was filled with memorable moments. Our 8th-grade choir delivered an outstanding performance at the Frederick Feeder Combined Choir Concert, singing to a standing-room-only crowd at Frederick High School. The audience’s energy and pride were palpable—what a fantastic showcase of our students’ talent!

Thursday’s Halloween festivities were a hit, with both students and staff getting into the spirit in creative and fun costumes. Despite the fun, engaging instruction continued. I observed students writing imaginative endings to short stories, designing and testing paper airplanes to study the effect of various designs on flight distance, and wrapping up research projects in social studies.

As we move further into the school year, please encourage students to stay focused in class, keep up with assignments, and remember to charge their iPads every night. And, of course, let’s all keep kindness a top priority—small acts of respect and support make a big difference.

Tomorrow, we’re excited to host our first-ever VEX robotics tournament, welcoming students and families from across the community into our school for an inspiring day of STEM exploration and friendly competition.

Thank you for sharing your amazing students with us. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend ahead!

Warm regards,

Natalee Swan, Principal

Parent Corner: Positive Attitude

This year, we’ve consistently emphasized the importance of Coal Ridge Middle School’s SPARK behavior with our students. The “P” in SPARK stands for “positive attitude.” The attitude we bring into the day ultimately impacts our entire day and ability to be successful.

The attitude we adopt each day significantly influences our ability to persevere through challenges, handle difficult situations, and find solutions when problems arise. We often emphasize to our students the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and a growth mindset when facing both academic and social challenges.

A growth mindset is a concept developed by Carol Dweck, who discovered that individuals who approach challenges with the belief that they can develop the skills necessary for success tend to be more successful than those with a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset is characterized by the belief that one cannot learn the skills needed or accomplish the tasks required for success. Adopting a growth mindset can be taught through conversations and modeling behaviors with our children.

Take a look at the phrases below to support your child in developing a growth mindset for challenging tasks.

Drop Off & Pick Up

When dropping off or picking up your child, please make sure that you pull all the way forward in the pick-up lane so that we can fit as many cars as possible. This will help to get everyone in and out efficiently.

Gift Ideas?

Looking for a holiday gift idea this season? Consider getting your child a Logitech Crayon. These are not required for school but many students find them helpful when working with the iPads. The newer versions charge with the same charger as the iPad.

8th Grade Class Picture

Attention 8th Grade Students!

We had the 8th-grade panoramic class pictures taken last week and they turned out great!

Please use this link to order your panoramic class pictures: http://bit.ly/BestClassPicture.

Remember when ordering….

ALL laminated photos come with a 5-year money-back guarantee!
Order the BOTH package with the formal and funny photos laminated and automatically SAVE 20%! (No Promo Code Necessary)

The order deadline to get the best price is FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25TH. After OCTOBER 25TH, there will be a $10 late order fee. All orders will be online through the website. Pictures will be mailed to the address specified in the order form in about 4 weeks.

Please email the photographer, [email protected], if you have any questions. Thank you for your support.”

8th Grade Baby Ads in the Yearbook

Attention 8th-grade parents! If you’re searching for a creative way to express your love and pride for your students as they near the end of their middle school years, consider placing a “Recognition Ad” in the yearbook. Yearbook ads provide a wonderful opportunity to give your students the special attention they deserve, showcased in YOUR school’s 2025 yearbook for all to see. Placing your ad is simple and quick!

2024-2025 Yearbooks Available for Purchase!

Students are back at school making new memories with their friends! Be sure to order the one book that captures the activities, spirit, and unique qualities of your child’s school. Visit www.jostensyearbooks.com to order the 2025 Yearbook by November 1st for the BEST PRICE!

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!

PTO/SAC Meeting – Nov. 14

Combined Orchestra Concert @ FHS – Nov. 21

Thanksgiving Break – Nov. 25-29

Weekly Events

Monday, November 4

GSA Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Homework Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Vex Robotics 3:00pm – 4:15pm

8th Grade Boys Basketball Game CRMS @ Altona MS 3:30pm & 4:45pm

Tuesday, November 5
AAA Math Program 3:00pm – 4:15pm

VEX Robotics 3:00pm – 4:15pm

6th/7th Boys Basketball Practice 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Wednesday, November 6

PLC Late Start – School Starts at 10:15am Buses run 2.5 hours later

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

Dance Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Thursday, November 7

6th & 7th Grade Boys Basketball Intramural Games 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Friday, November 8
8th Grade Boys Basketball Practice 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Need Support in Spanish

Contact Priscilla Gonzalez by phone, text, or email
[email protected] or 303-775-3596

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