Hello CMS Spartans!

I can't begin to tell you how excited we are to finally have students back in the building!  There are so many things to look forward to this fall!  Opening day of school (September 6th), teaching and learning, fall sports, dances, and the New York Giants kicking off a Superbowl run! There truly is no better time of year!

Below are some important items to note as we get closer to the start of school:

·       The first day of school is Wednesday, September 6. Doors open at 7:45AM. Students will be marked late to school should they arrive after 8:15AM.  Breakfast is served each morning starting at 7:50AM.

·       I've attached two documents to the email this welcome letter came in. The first document is the Summer Flyer which contains classroom supplies and other important information to be aware of. The second document is the Parent/Student User Agreement Form that is due back to school by Thursday, September 7th.  This form needs to be handed in on time so students can receive their Google Chromebooks when they are distributed Friday, September 8th.  If you'd like to email this document back to me or drop this off to the main office before the first day of school, you may do so. We are open Monday-Friday between 8:00 - 2:00PM. Otherwise, please have your child turn this into the main office by the Thursday the 7th.  If you do not have the ability to print this document, please do not worry.  This user agreement form, along with several other permissions, will be sent home in a beginning of year packet that your child will receive on the first day of school.

·       There has been construction taking place all summer here at the Cohen Complex and will continue this entire school year.  With that, please make sure you are driving slow on campus, stopping at all stop signs, and dropping students off in the designated Blue unloading zones.  CMS students can be dropped off in the Blue Zone located after the first stop sign, next to the loading dock on your right-hand side.  I will be out there greeting and assisting students for the arrival process.  It's critical to drive slowly and stop at all stop signs so all children, staff, and guests can maneuver safely outside of our campus.

·       Schedules are available!  You can access your child's schedule by logging into the Parent Portal which is located on our website. Schedules will also be printed and mailed home early next week.  Schedules are finalized and will not be adjusted unless students with IEP's/504's have scheduling needs that are not met.

·       Students will be provided ample time to practice their lockers on the first day of school. No student will be marked tardy for the first few weeks of school as we know there will be difficulties opening lockers and finding classrooms. Our staff is here to support all students as they navigate the start to the school year. Backpacks, jackets, and cellphones are to be stored in lockers each day.

·       August 31st is our 6th grade/new student orientation.  This event will start at 6:00PM and will be held in the Cohen Auditorium, concluding at 7:00PM.

 The first day of school is fast approaching!  Should you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.  I'd be more than happy to assist!

We hope you and yours have a wonderful last two weeks of summer! Brandon Foley

Principal

Cohen Middle School (607) 734-5078

brfoley@gstboces.org