Students at Coal Ridge Middle School are having fun participating in March Mammal Madness! They researched animal characteristics to determine which animal would win in a head-to-head challenge.

Principal Update

Welcome to the Final Quarter!

Dear Coal Ridge Community,

We are thrilled to announce that we have officially started the final quarter of the school year! The excitement is building as we head into this busy and vibrant time of year.

Track and Field Season

Our Track and Field season is off to an incredible start with over 100 of our students participating. We’re proud of our athletes and look forward to cheering them on at upcoming meets. Go Team Coal Ridge!

School Musical: Shrek, Jr.

Mark your calendars! Our school’s musical, Shrek, Jr., is almost here. We invite you to join us for two spectacular performances next week:

• Thursday, April 3
• Friday, April 4

Both performances will begin at 7:00 PM. Come support our talented students and enjoy an evening of entertainment!

Upcoming Events for 8th Grade Students

8th Grade Dance

• Date: Friday, May 2nd
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Let’s celebrate our 8th graders with a memorable dance night!

8th Grade Continuation Ceremony

• Date: May 21st
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

We look forward to honoring the legacy our 8th graders have created and are excited to send them off to high school with pride.

Vote for Our New Mascot!

We are in the final stages of selecting a new mascot, and we need your input. If you haven’t already, please cast your vote. The voting process will close on March 31st. Your voice matters!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Together, let’s make this final quarter unforgettable! Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Natalee Swan, Principal

Parent Corner: Teen Technology Use

In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in the lives of teenagers, but it also poses certain challenges, especially concerning cell phone use and social media. Many middle school students are attracted to the instant gratification that these platforms provide, which can lead to addictive behaviors. Research indicates that the dopamine release triggered by receiving likes or messages can create a dependency similar to other forms of addiction. This dependency can result in excessive screen time, adversely affecting sleep, academic performance, and real-world social interactions. It’s essential for parents to understand these tendencies if they want to guide their children toward healthy technology habits.

To support your teen, consider implementing a balanced approach to technology use. Start by establishing clear boundaries around screen time, encouraging regular breaks, promoting offline activities, and insisting that adults always have access to the teens’ social media accounts. Have open conversations about the effects of social media and the importance of maintaining a healthy digital balance. Creating tech-free zones or times, such as during meals or before bedtime, can encourage face-to-face communication and enhance sleep quality. Encourage your child to explore hobbies that do not involve screens, such as sports or the arts. Finally, model healthy technology habits yourself, as adolescents are more likely to adopt behaviors they observe at home. By taking these steps, you can help your teen develop a more mindful relationship with technology.

Help Select Coal Ridge’s New Mascot!

Over the past several months, we have engaged in a thoughtful process to explore the future of our mascot. Through focus groups with students, staff, teachers, and parents, our school community expressed a desire to replace the Dynamite mascot and shared ideas for a new one.

Based on this feedback, district leadership gathered suggestions and narrowed them down to a final set of options. All students, staff, teachers, and parents are invited to vote, and we ask that each person vote only once. Please take a moment to complete the survey below and select your favorite mascot. We will announce our new mascot in April.

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.

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!

April 8-18 CMAS Testing

May 1 Band Concert

May 5 Orchestra Concert

May 15 Choir Concert

Weekly Events

Monday, March 31

GSA Club – 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Homework Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Musical Rehearsal (Tech) 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Track Meet @ Twin Peas Charter Academy 3:30pm

Tuesday, April 1

Musical Rehearsal (Tech) 3:00pm – 4:15pm

AAA Math Program 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Track Practice 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Wednesday, April 2

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

Musical Field Trip – TBD

Card & Game Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Homework Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Art Club 3:00pm – 4:15pm

AAA Math Program 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Track Practice 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Thursday, April 3

Track Practice 3:00pm – 4:15pm

NJHS Meeting 3:00pm

Shrek Musical 7:00pm

Friday, April 4

Shrek Musical 7:00pm

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