Centennial Middle School E-Blast
2205 Norwood Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304
Main Office: 720-561-5441 Fax: 720-561-2090
Attendance Line: 720-561-2019 (Call by 9 so we know they’re fine or
report online).
Centennial Website
January 17, 2017
Principal’s
Information
Volunteer_
Opportunities
Kudos for
Kids
From the
Office
KudoSchool
Accountabilitys
to Kids
Sports and
Activities
Repeat
Information
Library
Community
News
Advanced
Learning
PTO
Centennial
News
Volunteer
We want you here!
Check out the Opportunities under the PTO & Volunteer Opportunities
Information about events is in the body of this PDF.
Important Dates
January 2017
 Jan 19 BVSD Film Series at Boulder High School at 6:00 pm
 Jan 23 6th, 7th, and 8th grades Wrestling practice begins in the gym at 3:45 pm
 Jan 23 Makers Club 3:45 to 5:00 in Library
 Jan 24 6thGrade Semester Awards Breakfasts in the Auditorium 7:45 to 8:30 am- 6th gr Sign-up link
 Jan 26 7th Grade Semester Award Breakfasts in the Auditorium 7:45 to 8:30 am- 7th gr Sign-up link
 Jan 26 PTO Meeting 8:15 to 9:30 am in Library
 Jan 27 8th Grade Semester Award Breakfasts in the Auditorium 7:45 to 8:30 am – 8th gr Sign-up Link
 Jan 30 SAC in Library 3:45 to 5:00 pm.
 Jan 30 Mid-Level Festival Orchestra Rehearsal – Boulder High School 6:00 to 7:00 pm
 Jan 31 7th Grade Band Mid-Level Concert at Boulder High School 6:00 to 7:00 pm
February 2017
 Feb 02 Incoming 6th Gr Transition Presentation in Auditorium 5:30 to 7:00 pm
 Feb 06 Boulder International Film Festival deadline
 Feb 10- No school – Teacher Professional Development Day
 Feb 15 at Boulder High School - 8th Gr Transition Presentation at Boulder High School 6:00 to 8:00 pm
 Feb 15 Last day to order a Centennial Yearbook – click on this Yearbook link to order
 Feb 20 No School – President’s Day
 Feb 21 Parent Teacher Conferences in Cafeteria and Gym 3:45 to 7:45 pm
 Feb 23 Parent Teacher Conferences in Cafeteria and Gym 3:45 to 7:45 pm
Principal’s Information
Dear Families,
Students receiving Semester Awards were given their invitations today during 7th period. The celebrations are next
week in the Auditorium; 6th grade on Tuesday, January 24; 7th grade on Thursday, January 26 and 8th grade on Friday,
January 27. If you are unsure if your student is being recognized, please call the front office.
The Stakeholder Group for LA at Centennial is being formed. We had more applicants to serve on the group than the
ten spaces available. Those selected to serve have been notified as well as those that are in an alternate status as of
now, and those not selected. Thank you to the many parents who were interested in serving on this group!
I have learned much over the past two years and have had many opportunities to reflect and grow in my role as
Principal at Centennial. I have appreciated the support and guidance extended to me by so many of you in our
community. The work at times has been difficult, but I believe our efforts have been of benefit to our students. The
Centennial students are an amazing group of students and I have immensely enjoyed my time with them.
After much reflection, I've decided to retire at the end of this school year. I am looking for opportunities to continue
working within education either in a full-time or part-time nature because I don’t think I am ready to step completely
away. I don’t know exactly where my decision will lead me, but I trust that I will end up where I am meant to be.
I’ve worked the last two years to do the best I could and will continue to work and serve this community through my
last day. Please continue to watch the EBlast for information about the next steps in hiring the next principal at
Centennial. Staff, students and parents will be a part of the hiring process and specific details will be provided at a
later time. I appreciate the support and guidance you have given me. It has been a pleasure working for you, and at
Centennial.
All my best~ Dana Ellis
KUDOS for KIDS
Congratulations to the Centennial Middle School Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band! The students gave an impressive
concert to the Crestview Elementary audience last week. Thank you for your dedication by attending group practice
before school starts. Your music sounded amazing!
Volunteer Opportunities
Semester Award Breakfasts
To celebrate students’ accomplishments, parents put on a social breakfast for students and parents for each grade. If
your child is participating, please donate an item, or offer to help with set up/clean up, for the breakfast so we can
give the kids a great big congratulation for their hard work.
6th Grade Semester Awards Breakfast -Tuesday, January 24th, at 7:45 am in the Auditorium Click Here to sign up for
items: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054ea8aa2da6f58-6thgrade
7th Grade Semester Awards Breakfast Thursday January 26th at 7:45 am in the Auditorium Click Here to sign up for
items: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054ea8aa2da6f58-7thgrade
8th Grade Semester Awards Breakfast Friday January 27th at 7:45 am in the Auditorium Click Here to sign up for
items: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054ea8aa2da6f58-8thgrade
Please contact the Semester Awards Coordinator, Tina Hirshland <[email protected]>.
PTO
Spirit Wear
Please contact [email protected] for orders or questions or go to our website www.centennialmspto.org/spiritwear. To view the Spirit Wear items, please go the display case near the front office.
Do You Shop at Lucky's Market, Lucky's Cafe or Lucky's Bake House?
Use a Lucky's gift card from Centennial and the school will receive 7% of the amount you load onto the card. This is
money used specifically for the students! This generous program costs nothing extra to you. In fact, the card comes
pre-loaded with $5 to get you started. The more we use our cards, the better. If you are interested in receiving a card
for your shopping, please email Sherril Hanson at [email protected]. After contacting Sherril, a card will be left
for you at the front office with further instructions on how to load and use it. Thanks for your support, and happy
shopping!
Sports and Activities
SPORTS:
6th 7th and 8th Grades Wrestling
The Cyclone Wrestling season begins Monday, January. 23. It is open to all students in all of the grades. Please click
on Registration to sign up. A completed athletic registration, current physical, and paid fee are required. Scholarships
are available. If you have any questions please email either Scott Griffith at [email protected] or Matt Adams at
[email protected].
8th Grade Girls Basketball
8th Girls basketball season has been canceled due to lack of participants.
6th, 7th and 8th Grade Alpine Skiing
Registration for 6th, 7th and 8th grades Alpine Skiing started on December 15 and goes through February 20. Please
contact Emerald Murphy, the AP of Nederland, at [email protected] for any questions.
ACTIVITIES:
BVSD Iron Chef Competition
"Interested in entering the BVSD Iron Chef Competition? Open to Middle School students of 2-4 students, the theme
of this year's competition is 'Handheld Foods' These could be wraps, sandwiches, or other creative handheld foods
that will appeal to students. Based on recipe submissions, 6 final teams will advance to the live cooking competition
on March 22nd at Casey Middle School.
Entries must meet the same nutrition and financial parameters as the BVSD Food Services department; apart from
that the sky is the limit! The winning team will receive a monetary prize for their school, and the winning dish will go
on the 2017-2018 school lunch menu. If interested in receiving more details on how to enter, please contact Food
Service District Manager Stephen Menyhart at [email protected] ." View Spanish Translation
Below is a list of the Activities that are available at Centennial:
360 WEB - Ruth Hullinger and Krista St. Charles will contact the members with meeting dates and locations.
Allies in Diversity meets every other Thursday at 7:45 to 8:30 in the French class room # 200. The next meeting will
be October 13. Contact Susie Bosley or Jason Giguere for more information.
Art Club meets on Tuesday in room 231 from 3:30 to 4:45 See Ms. Sheena Matheson if you have questions.
Battle of the Books - Jon Georgitis sponsors this club. Watch for more information in the future Eblasts.
Brain Bowl- Peter Rosato sponsors this club. This academic completion is open to all Colorado Middle School 6th, 7th
and 8th grade students. Students form teams and demonstrate their knowledge of a variety of subjects in a format
modeled after the GE College Bowl television program that ran from 1959 to 1970. This club starts in November. See
Mr. Rosato by November 16 for details.
Bolder Boulder – Susie Bosley and Krista St. Charles will get you ready for the Bolder Boulder race. This club starts
April 1, 2017 and goes till May 20, 2017. Watch for more information next year.
Chess Club is held in the library on Wednesdays during 1st and 2nd Lunch. No advanced sign-up required. Students
can bring their lunch to the library to play. Contact Jon Georgitis if you have any questions.
Computer Club will meet on Wednesdays in the Computer Lab from 3:45 to 5:00. The first meeting is this Wednesday,
September 21 and goes till December 14. Maureen McDaniel is the Computer Club sponsor.
Film Club meets six Tuesday in November. Space is limited. Please contact Mrs. Breed or Mr. Rosato.
Green Team meets the first Thursday of each month in the New Gym at 8:05 to 8:25 am. Ali Figurin is the sponsor.
History Bee - Peter Rosato sponsors this club. Watch for more information in the future Eblasts.
Homework Club meets every morning at 7:45 to 8:30am in the library, except on Wednesdays when the Homework
Club meets in the Cafeteria. This is the time to get your homework done or read a book. If a student needs to see a
teacher, they need to get a pass from that teacher on the prior day to be able to go to that teacher during Homework
Club the following morning.
Iron Chef- Scott Griffith sponsors this club. Watch for more information in future Eblasts.
Makers Club is held in the library. There are Lego Challenges, K'Nex Building, Origami Crafts, Ozo Bots and Little
Bits. No sign-in ahead of time required. Just drop in, sign-in and sign-out and have fun! The club meets every
Monday. Please contact Jon Georgitis with any questions.
Math Lab is available with Mrs. Ruth Hullinger and Mrs. Gail Newbury starting at 8:00 to 8:30 am. Mrs. Hullinger
meets in room #165 on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and first and second Thursdays. Mrs. Newbury meets in room #206
on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and first, third and fourth Thursdays. Please check with the individual teacher before
coming in on Wednesday or Thursdays.
Math Counts meets on Thursdays at 3:45 to 4:45 in room 206 and goes till February 4, 2017, when you will meet for
six hours. Please contact Gail Newbury with any questions.
Science Club- Marco Cornacchione sponsors this club. Watch for more information in the future Eblasts.
Student Council -Ali Figurin sponsors this year long group that meets on Thursdays in the New Gym.
Talent Show – Mary Bateman sponsors this activity. Watch for more information in the future Eblasts.
Green Crew Needs YOU! ALL WELCOME ALL OF THE TIME!
If you want to see what we are already planning this year, the calendar is up and running as well as the sign-up sheet
on our CMS STU CO WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/site/cmsphysicaleducation/home/mrs-figgs-page/stu-cocalendar
Have you taken the Waste Free Friday Pledge?
Library
E-Books and Audio-Books @ Centennial
Centennial is participating in Overdrive this year. This is a collection of almost 300 e-books and audio books that can
be downloaded to devices including kindle readers/tablets and/or smart phones. To access the service you can either
download the app (search "overdrive" on the android or app. store) or log-in through the online portal
(https://bvsd.libraryreserve.com/
Student log-in with their BVSD username and password and can borrow up to two items for two weeks.
The Centennial Library Blog is updated. Check it out at http://cycloneslibrary.blogspot.com/ You can also subscribe
and receive e-mail alerts as the blog is updated.
Centennial News
8th Grade Transition Night
All 8th grade students and parents are invited to Boulder High School for a presentation about high school on February
15 starting at 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Topics covered will include course selection, advanced placement classes, and general
Boulder High School information. Contact Boulder High School counseling with questions at 720-561-2200.
AVID Program at Boulder High School
Boulder High School has started the application process for the AVID program for 9th graders. Eligible 8th grade
students should consider applying and interviewing with Boulder High School in early February.
Here is the type of student the program is looking for:
1. Students who are in the academic “middle”, with a grade point average of B, C, and even D range, who have the
desire to go to college and demonstrate willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing
rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential.
2. Students may (but do not have to be) the first in their families to attend college. AVID students are on a college
track: acceleration instead of remediation. Boulder High has a large group of students who are academically in the
"middle”
The AVID curriculum is based on rigorous standards and was developed by middle and high school teachers in
collaboration with college professors. AVID uses the WICOR method: Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and
Reading. The AVID curriculum is used at Boulder High in both AVID elective classes and in content-area classes. At
Boulder High AVID meets as an elective class four days a week. Students learn organizational and study skills, work on
critical thinking and asking probing questions, get academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in
enrichment and motivational activities that make college seem attainable.
Students can pick up applications in the Centennial Counseling office. If you have any questions, contact Jason
Giguere or Kristin Westman.
Boulder International Film Festival
Calling all Centennial filmmakers! The Boulder International Film Festival is once again sponsoring a contest for teen
filmmakers during their festival this year. This is an amazing opportunity to submit your film to be shown during one of
the top film festivals in the country. All types of film including narrative, documentary, animated, music video, etc. are
welcome. If you would like more information please see Mr. Rosato, Ms. McDaniels, or Ms. Breed. The deadline to
submit your short film is February 6th.
Last call for 2016-17 yearbooks!
February 15th is the deadline to purchase 2016-17 yearbooks. No orders will be taken after that date. Yearbooks can
be purchased online on our website.
From the Office
CMAS Test Results and Honor Roll Certificates
There are many 7th and 8th graders who need to pick up their certificates from CMAS or Honor Roll.
Please stop by the office to pick up your child’s CMAS tests results and/ or Honor Roll certificates.
School Accountability
The next meeting is on January 30 at 3:45 in the Library. Click on SAC meeting to view the minutes of the last
meeting.
Community News
BVSD Innovation in Education Film Series.
As stated in the Vision of The Success Effect, the Boulder Valley School District seeks to provide a "comprehensive and
innovative approach to education and graduate successful, curious, lifelong learners who confidently confront the
great challenges of their time." Our Innovation work in BVSD focuses on innovative learning environments as a part of
our Building for Student Success work (Bond Program), and innovative teaching and learning practices as defined in
our Innovation Guiding Principles. The Boulder Valley School District is not alone in our work to provide both a
comprehensive and innovative approach to learning.
Please join us on Thursday, January 19 at 6:00 p.m. at Boulder High School for the second film in our film series. We
will screen the film Beyond Measure free of cost and will host a discussion following the film. Educators, students,
parents and all interested community members are welcome!
For more information and to reserve seats, visit: https://goo.gl/RqIkJ1.
Film Summary:
In Beyond Measure, we find a revolution brewing in public schools across the country. From rural Kentucky to New
York City, schools that are breaking away from an outmoded, test-driven education are shaping a new vision for our
classrooms. These are schools that see critical thinking, communication, exploration, experimentation, collaboration,
and creativity as the key to good education. And they are dramatically improving outcomes for children of all
backgrounds. They are schools where practically every student graduates and goes on to finish college. Beyond
Measure offers a positive picture of what’s possible in American education when communities decide they are ready
for change. Are you? See more at http://www.beyondmeasurefilm.com/#about-the-film.
Additional Viewing Opportunities
If you are unable to attend this opportunity, BVSD's Lifelong Learning Department is also screening our Innovation in
Education Film Series for a small fee.
BVSD Innovation Lab/Film Series: ($5) - Middle and High school students encouraged to attend!
Program includes:
5:30-6:30 p.m. Student Innovation Lab & Adult Social Hour
6:45 p.m. Film Screening
7:45 p.m. Post-Film Middle and High School Discussion Panel
 Monday, February 6, Most Likely to Succeed; The Dairy Arts Center ($5), 5:30-8:30 p.m. Trailer & Tickets
 Tuesday, March 7, Beyond Measure; Boulder Jewish Community Center ($5) 5:30-8:30 p.m. Trailer & Tickets
English Classes at Casey Middle School
Intercambio will be starting a new set of English classes on January 24. The classes held at Casey Middle School on
Tuesdays and Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Casey Middle School is located at 2410 13th St. Boulder 80304. You need to
registrar by February 2 to attend the classes. Please click on the links to view the class details on School Group Classes
and to view the flyers on Intercambio flyer.
If you have any questions, please contact Gina Garcia, the Longmont Program Coordinator at [email protected]
or call 303-996-0275 x 111. Please view the webpage at http://intercambio.org/ for more information.
Dawson Summer Initiative:
Free summer enrichment program for high-achieving students currently in Grade 6 and Grade 7. Students from over
25 schools in Boulder County and surrounding areas come together for five weeks of intensive collaboration and
hands-on study of a particular theme. This summer's theme is "Fresh Start: Re-Imagining How We Live" and will
examine existing systems---education, technology, government, energy, and food resources--in order to think about
modifying these systems for a new way of living. The program, held at Dawson School in Lafayette from June 7-July 7,
2017, provides opportunities for inquisitive students to meet other students from many different schools and to work
collaboratively to identify real-world solutions. Tuition, transportation (at local stops), and lunch are provided
by Dawson Summer Initiative.
Applications (due by February 7) and more information are available at www.dawsonschool.org/dsi.
BVSD Parent Support Center
BVSD Parent Support Center is offering two opportunities, the viewing of Roadtrip Nation and Common Sense
Parenting classes.
Roadtrip Nation viewing
Eye to Eye and Understood are teaming up to present Being You, a documentary by Roadtrip Nation on February 8
from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the BVSD Education Center in Boulder. There will be a student panel discussion that will
follow the film from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The film is about Nicole, Noah, and Stephanie interviewing successful adults
who also have learning and attention issues and learn about how these adults found their passion and path in life.
Being You shows young people with learning and attention issues the world of possibilities their futures can hold.
Please clink the Eye to Eye link to read more about this opportunity.
Common Sense Parenting (CSP)
Common Sense Parenting® (CSP) is a practical, skill-based parenting program that can be applied to every family. The
program's logical strategies and easy-to-learn techniques address issues of communication, discipline, decision
making, relationships, self-control and school success. Continuing to learn new skills and strategies is a fundamental
part of good parenting. Sign up for one session, which meets 2 hours a week for 6 weeks. Training is free, but there is
a $25 fee for book & materials. Registration is required. To register, please contact Anna Stewart at 720-561-5918 or
email [email protected] . Click on the CSP link for the dates, locations and times of the classes.
BVSD Iron Chef Competition
"Interested in entering the BVSD Iron Chef Competition? Open to Middle School students of 2-4 students, the theme
of this year's competition is 'Handheld Foods' These could be wraps, sandwiches, or other creative handheld foods
that will appeal to students. Based on recipe submissions, 6 final teams will advance to the live cooking competition
on March 22nd at Casey Middle School.
Entries must meet the same nutrition and financial parameters as the BVSD Food Services department; apart from
that the sky is the limit! The winning team will receive a monetary prize for their school, and the winning dish will go
on the 2017-2018 school lunch menus. If interested in receiving more details on how to enter, please contact Food
Service District Manager Stephen Menyhart at [email protected] ."
Advanced Learning Opportunities
District TAG information and Opportunities
found here.
ACTIVITIES are upon us!
There are a multitude of clubs and activities for students to become involved with on campus. Participating in clubs is
a great way for students to have fun, connect with other students, find a new hobby, make a new friend, share their
skills and knowledge, practice leadership, improve upon strong social interactions, apply academic strengths, and take
risks in learning. Please see the Clubs and Activities page at the Centennial website or previous e-blasts, for a list of
opportunities any student can consider.
District Enrichment Events upcoming this school year:
Spelling Bee 2/25/17
Spanish Spelling Bee 4/8/17
Regional Science Fair 3/1/17
Destination Imagination 3/18/17
Boulder Regional History Day 4/8/17
Please access the following Colorado Department of Education link if you’d like much more detailed info on ALP Goals:
https://www.cde.state.co.us/sites/default/files/documents/gt/download/pdf/alp_referenceseries.pdf
Click on this link to access a SMART Goals worksheet available on CDE site: http://www.smart-goalsguide.com/support-files/smart_goals_worksheet_final_4_step_process_pdff..pdf
Becca Leachman
Paraeducator/TAG Educational Advisor
Centennial Middle School
[email protected]
Repeat Information
The 2017-18 Open Enrollment (OE) process for district schools is now closed. The lottery results will be sent out to the
parents on January 25. For more information on the district’s OE regulations, visit our website at
bvsd.org/openenrollment. If you have further questions, please feel free to email the Open Enrollment Office or call
720-561-5900 between 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F. (Spanish OE translation).