8th grade science students figure out how sound waves work.

Principal Update

Hello Coal Ridge Families,

Our first big snowfall has arrived, covering the school with a beautiful wintery scene! We’re as thrilled as the students to see the season take hold. Since we go outside for recess whenever possible—even in chilly weather—please make sure your child is dressed warmly with long sleeves, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, and mittens. If it’s extra cold in the mornings, we open the building early, but we make the call on this day-by-day. Thank you for helping students stay prepared for Colorado’s winter weather!

Here are some important dates and updates:

• High School Open Houses for 8th Graders: It’s hard to believe we’re already planning for our 8th graders to move on! This group of leaders will be missed, but we’re excited to see what the future holds for each of them. Please see below for information about the upcoming Open Houses at both Frederick High School and Mead High School. This is a great chance for students and families to explore their options and start thinking about next steps.
• Winter i-Ready Testing: Both math and reading i-Ready assessments will be on December 6th. Please make every effort to have students here on time that day to ensure smooth testing.
• Talent Show: We’re thrilled to announce a Talent Show on December 19th during the school day! If your student is interested in participating, please see below for more details and sign-up information.  Tryouts will be held after school on Tuesday, December 3rd.

In classrooms, teachers continue to engage students with meaningful, rigorous learning. It’s rewarding to watch students make connections and bring new concepts to life as we move through the second quarter.

Thank you, as always, for your support and partnership. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Wishing you a safe, warm, and wonderful weekend!

Warm regards,

Natalee Swan, Principal

Parent Corner: Responsibility for Self and Actions

This year, we’ve consistently emphasized the importance of Coal Ridge Middle School’s SPARK behavior with our students. The “R” in SPARK stands for “responsibility for self and actions.” Teaching our kids to take responsibility for their actions is one of the most important life skills we can instill in them.

Responsibility helps children build confidence, develop critical thinking, and prepares them for the challenges of adulthood. When children understand that their choices have consequences, they learn to make thoughtful decisions and take ownership of their mistakes. This not creates accountability but also helps our kids become more resilient when faced with setback. Teaching responsibility is about setting clear expectations, encouraging independence, and modeling responsible behavior in everyday situations.

There are several practical ways parents can teach responsibility. 

• Start by giving children age-appropriate chores, which instill a sense of contribution and routine.
• Encourage decision-making by allowing them to choose between options and discussing the potential outcomes of their choices. 
• When mistakes happen, use them as learning opportunities, guiding your child to take responsibility for their mistake, reflect and take steps to correct the issue. 
• Lastly, be a role model—children often mimic adult behavior, so by owning up to your own mistakes and handling your responsibilities thoughtfully, you set an example for them to follow. 

Through these actions, parents can help their children develop a strong foundation of responsibility that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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.

Canned Food and Winter Clothing Drive

From Nov. 11-Nov. 21

Coal Ridge Middle School is collecting non-perishable canned food items and warm clothing items to be donated. Students can bring the items into their advisory class.

Girls Basketball Sign-Up

Girls basketball season begins next week with their first practice on Monday, November 18 from 3:00-4:30 pm. For questions, please reach out to the coach, Mrs. Dufour ([email protected])

CRMS Talent Show

Thursday, December 19

The student talent show will be on Thursday, December 19th and we will be having auditions for the talent show after Thanksgiving Break on Tuesday, December 3 after school.

There will be a mandatory dress rehearsal will be on Wednesday, December 18th from 3:00-4:15 pm.

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 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!

High School Open House

Frederick High School’s Open House will be on November 13 at 6:00 pm

Mead High School’s Open House will be on November 21 at 6:00 pm

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!

Combined Orchestra Concert @ FHS – Nov. 21

Thanksgiving Break – Nov. 25-29

Weekly Events

Monday, November 11

GSA Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Homework Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Vex Robotics 3:00pm – 4:15pm

8th Grade Boys Basketball Game Lyons @ CRMS 3:30pm & 4:30pm

Musical Auditions 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Tuesday, November 12
AAA Math Program 3:00pm – 4:15pm

VEX Robotics 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Musical Auditions 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Wednesday, November 13

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

Musical Auditions 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Thursday, November 14

No after school activities

PTO/SAC Meeting 5:15pm- 6:15pm

Friday, November 15
No after school activities

Need Support in Spanish

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

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