Updates for the week of 08.31.26

Students participated in a Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament in preparation for their first unit in 6th grade English, which focuses on competition.

Here are the updates and information for this week:

1.  Day colors this week - Below is each day's color for this week:

2.  Virtual PTO kick-off meeting - Join the CMS PTO and principal to learn what the PTO has been/will be up to and ways that you can get involved!  School updates will also be provided by me (Dr. Thompson), followed by an open Q&A!  Join us on W 09.09.26 at 7pm via this Zoom link!  (If you can’t make it, never fear, I’ll record the meeting and send it out in the next Sunday family update.)

3.  CMS intramurals - CMS intramurals begin tomorrow (M 08.31.26)!!  Only students who have submitted an online or paper registration will be allowed to stay after school.  All families who registered their student should have received a ParentSquare message from Mrs. O'Connor on F 08.28.26. No additional registrations will be accepted for Soccer or Cycling, as both are completely full.   

4.  Athletics at CMS - We are excited to kick off our volleyball season and would love to see our community come out to pack the stands for our home games this Tuesday and Friday!

Home Game Ticketing Information

• CMS Students: Free admission! Students can pick up a free ticket at lunch on the day of the game.

• Adults (18–64): $4

• Non-CMS Students: $3

• Children 10 & under / Adults 65 & older: Free

All tickets (excluding free CMS student tickets) must be purchased online using GoFan. CMS will not accept any cash for tickets. 

Important Security Policy: CMS enforces a strict Clear Bag Policy for all athletic events. Any non-clear bags will not be permitted inside the gym, and guests will be asked to return them to their vehicles prior to entry.

Games this week:

Basketball Conditioning

• The first basketball conditioning will start on September 29th from 3:30-4:45pm in the gym. Check out this flyer about other upcoming basketball conditionings. Any athlete coming to conditionings must have a completed VHSL physical on file. More announcements about basketball can be seen on our CMS athletic website.  

Student Supervision & Entry Schedule

• Standard Game Days: Doors open 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game start time. Parents/guardians must arrange for off-campus supervision until doors open, as early drop-offs will not be allowed inside the building.

• Friday's Game Special Schedule: Because Friday's game begins shortly after dismissal, students are permitted to remain on campus and wait after school, as the doors will open 15 minutes after the final bell.

Please ensure any necessary pickup or supervision plans are arranged in advance based on these entry times. 

For more information on athletics for the season, check out our CMS Athletic Webpage that is updated weekly with 

upcoming games/tickets/and upcoming sports.

5.  Bike safety - Some of our bikers have been demonstrating unsafe on-the-road behaviors, including weaving in between cars, riding on the wrong side of the road, not wearing helmets, etc.  If your child bikes to/from school, please review safe biking behaviors with them!!

6.  Take a tour of CMS! (repeat) - If you haven’t already, come and see our fully renovated and expanded Charlottesville Middle School! Prospective families and members of the community can now take guided tours of CMS - so tell your friends and neighbors!!

Prospective Family Tours will be led by a school counselor and student ambassadors, 

focusing on curriculum and student experience. Sign up to take a prospective family tour 

here: https://charlottesvillecityschools.jotform.com/261733587886071.

General Public Tours will be led by an architect from VMDO. Sign up to take a general 

public tour here: https://charlottesvillecityschools.jotform.com/262034121268953 

7.  Literacy curriculum review and adoption process (repeat) - CCS is in the process of reviewing literacy curricular materials in advance of adopting a new core curriculum for next year.  We are looking for high-quality reading and writing materials that will inspire our students, and your perspective as parents, caregivers, and partners is a vital part of this decision. Please take a moment to complete this survey to share your thoughts!  These are the programs being recommended for review.

8.  Upcoming MAP assessments (repeat) - Below are our Fall MAP testing dates.

• T 09.01.62 - 6th Grade Math MAP

• W 09.02.26 - 7th Grade Math MAP

• R 09.03.26 - 8th Grade Math MAP

9.  Information from community partners - 

• CAYIP internship program (new)

• Central Little League Baseball and Softball (repeat)

• Cville Bricks LEGO Showcase (repeat)

• City of Charlottesville “Connect” Sites for after school (repeat)

• YMCA after school program for middle schoolers (repeat)

Much love,

Summer Thompson

Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS M 08.31.26 - BLACK Day T 09.01.26 - 6th Grade Math MAP W 09.02.26 - 7th Grade Math MAP R 09.03.26 - 8th Grade Math MAP M 09.07.26 - Labor Day (school division closed) T 09.15.26 - 7th grade hearing screenings