For Challenge Day this week, the kids participated in one of their favorite games, Ants on a Log.

Principal Update

Dear Coal Ridge Families,

As the holiday season approaches, we want to express our gratitude for the incredible support and partnership we have with our families. Your involvement in your students’ lives and education is invaluable, and it’s a privilege to work alongside you to help them succeed.

Thanksgiving Break

Next week, there will be no school as we observe Thanksgiving Break. We hope this time allows your family to rest, recharge, and create wonderful memories together. Whether you’re traveling, hosting loved ones, or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, we encourage you to take time to appreciate the season of gratitude.

When we return, there will be just three weeks left in the second quarter. These final weeks are a critical time for students to focus on their academics and finish the quarter strong. To prepare, we suggest encouraging your students to put their iPads and screens away during the break and engage in other activities—reading, exploring outdoors, or spending quality time with family and friends. Returning to school refreshed and ready to learn will set them up for success as we approach winter break.

Girls Basketball Season is Underway

This week, we kicked off our girls basketball season, and we are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and hard work of our athletes. Games are just around the corner, and we invite families to come out and cheer on our teams. Supporting school athletics is a fantastic way to build school spirit and show our students we’re behind them both in and out of the classroom.

Winter Musical Performances

Our orchestra, band, and choir students have been working diligently to prepare for their winter concerts. These performances are a highlight of the season, showcasing the talent, creativity, and dedication of our students and their teachers. Stay tuned for specific dates and times, and be sure to mark your calendars to come enjoy the music.

Talent Show: A Spotlight for Student Talent

We are thrilled to announce that our school Talent Show is coming soon! Auditions will take place after school on December 3rd, giving our students an opportunity to share their unique abilities with their peers. Whether it’s singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or another special talent, we can’t wait to see the creativity and courage our students bring to the stage. The Talent Show will be held during the school day on December 19th, and it’s always a wonderful way to celebrate the diverse talents within our school community.

Stay Connected

As always, we encourage families to reach out with any questions or concerns. Communication is key, and we deeply value the partnership we share with you. Together, we can support our students in reaching their full potential, both academically and personally.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Coal Ridge Middle School family. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and peaceful Thanksgiving Break. We look forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed and ready for a strong finish to the semester.

Warm regards,

Natalee Swan, Principal

The school will be closed the week of Nov. 22-29. We look forward to seeing our students back with us on Monday, Dec. 2

Parent Corner: Gratitude

Gratitude is a proven tool to enhance a child’s well-being and outlook on life. Teaching your middle school student to appreciate the positive aspects of their lives encourages empathy, strengthens relationships, and fosters resilience. As parents, you play an important role in nurturing gratitude by modeling thankful behavior and creating opportunities for children to express their appreciation.

Here are some actionable ways to teach and reinforce gratitude at home:

• Model Gratitude: Regularly express appreciation for the big and small things in life. Let your child hear you thank others, whether it’s the cashier at the grocery store or a family member for their help.
• Gratitude Journals: Encourage your child to keep a journal where they write down three things they’re grateful for daily. This practice can help them focus on positive aspects of their lives.
• Thank You Notes: Involve your child in writing thank-you notes for gifts or kind gestures. This simple act can help them recognize and articulate their appreciation.
• Gratitude Conversations: Make it a family habit to discuss what each person is grateful for during meals. This can open pathways for meaningful conversations and shared positive experiences.
• Acts of Kindness: Encourage your child to perform small acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor or volunteering. Experiencing the joy of giving can deepen their understanding of gratitude.

Congratulations to Eli Bailey, who performed with the Combined League Honor Jazz Band this week.

Lost & Found

Our lost and found is full. Please encourage your child to check the lost and found for any missing items. We will donate any items left as we go into winter break in December.

Activity Bus

The activity bus is exclusively for students attending after-school clubs. It is not available for those participating in after-school sports or games.

If your child plans to stay after school to watch a game or participate in an intramural sport, please ensure you pick them up promptly when the event ends.

Winter Clothing Drive

Coal Ridge Middle School is collecting warm clothing items to be donated. Students can bring the items into their advisory class.

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.

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!

PLC Late Start 12/4

Musical Information Meeting 12/11

Band Concert 12/12

Choir concert 12/16

Winter Break 12/23-1/3

Weekly Events

November 25-29 Thanksgiving Break

Monday, December 2

GSA Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Homework Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Vex Robotics 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Travel Team Girls Basketball Practice 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Rock Climbing Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

8th Grade CETC Field Trip 9:00am – 2:30pm

Tuesday, December 3

AAA Math Program 3:00pm – 4:15pm

VEX Robotics 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Travel Team Girls Basketball Practice 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Garden Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Wednesday, December 4

PLC Late Start Day – 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

Rock Climbing Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Orchestra Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:00pm

Girls Basketball Games CRMS @ Erie MS 3:30pm & 4:45pm

Thursday, December 5

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

NJHS Meeting 3:00pm

6th Grade Orchestra Concert 6:00pm – 7:00pm

7th/8th Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Friday, December 6

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

Need Support in Spanish

Contact Priscilla Gonzalez by phone, text, or email
gonzalez_priscilla@svvsd.org or 303-775-3596

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