We are pleased to share that we have officially entered a new month and are now in the middle of the third quarter. This is an important time in the school year, as instructional expectations increase and grades earned during this period have a significant impact on final academic outcomes. We strongly encourage you to regularly review your child’s grades and maintain open communication with their teachers. Consistent monitoring and communication allow concerns to be addressed early and ensure students receive the support they need to remain successful.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Senior Bowl players who recently visited Calloway-Smith Middle School. Our students benefited greatly from the opportunity to hear firsthand what it takes to be successful both academically and athletically. The message shared emphasized the importance of discipline, perseverance, and maintaining a strong commitment to education while pursuing athletic goals. We are also grateful to the Fuse Project for making this meaningful experience possible for our students.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to the Calloway-Smith Middle School Boys Basketball Team for winning the Area Championship. This accomplishment reflects their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. A special thank you to Coach Arrington for his leadership, commitment, and continued support of our students both on and off the court.

Please review the following important reminders and upcoming dates:

Homework Support at Home
Homework is more than simply completing an assignment. It is essential that students understand the content and skills being practiced. We encourage you to ask your child questions about their homework and have them explain what they worked on. If a student is unable to discuss the assignment, it may indicate that they do not fully understand the material. In these cases, using resources such as YouTube or Google to reinforce the skill can be very helpful, as these platforms provide additional explanations and examples that support student understanding.

Students can also access Clever at home, which offers a variety of high-quality educational tools to support instruction. Programs such as iXL are especially beneficial, as they provide targeted practice aligned to academic standards and help students strengthen specific skill gaps.

Tutoring
Tutoring is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday for registered students from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. This additional support is designed to help students improve academically and build confidence in their learning.

Afterschool Detention
Beginning Wednesday, we will hold afterschool detention for students who are exhibiting behaviors that interfere with the learning environment or do not meet school expectations. Afterschool detention is mandatory for students who receive a detention slip and will be held from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please ensure arrangements are made for your child to be picked up by 4:00 p.m. if they are assigned afterschool detention.

Important Dates to Remember

Progress Reports go home: Monday, February 9

8th Grade Pictures: February 13 ($25 per student)

ACCESS Testing: February 24–25

ACAP Alternate Testing: March 2–20

ACAP Summative Testing: March 24–April 10

Thank you for all that you do to support our school and your child’s success. Your involvement and encouragement make a meaningful difference, and we truly appreciate your continued partnership.

We hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and joyful Thanksgiving Break. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school tomorrow, December 1. As we return, please keep in mind that we have only 15 school days remaining before the Christmas Break. This period is important for students to stay focused, engage actively in learning, and finish the quarter strong. Your support in ensuring consistent attendance and readiness for learning is greatly appreciated.

Reminders for the Week:

*Students will begin the iReady Middle of Year diagnostic assessment. Please ensure they arrive on time and are prepared.

*We will host Clark-Shaw for a basketball game tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.

*We will travel to Phillips for a basketball game on Thursday, December 4.

*Please take time to check your child’s grades regularly and stay in contact with their teachers. This helps ensure your child is on track academically and allows us to address any concerns quickly.

*Homework Reminder: Homework is not just completing assignments sent home by the teacher; it also includes reviewing material, studying, and using tools to better understand concepts if a student is struggling. Helpful tools include iReady lessons, class notes, online resources, flashcards, or discussing topics with you, the parent. If your child cannot explain what they are learning, this may indicate they do not fully understand the content. To help at home, review materials together, encourage your child to explain concepts in their own words, use practice resources, maintain a structured homework routine, and stay in contact with teachers for additional support.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to ensure a successful end to the 2nd Quarter. Your involvement plays a key role in helping students stay focused, engaged, and confident in their learning. We look forward to a productive and positive start to the week and to celebrating our students’ growth and accomplishments as we finish the semester strong.

Our LOTC students proudly represented Calloway-Smith Middle School in this year’s Veterans’ Day Parade! Their dedication, respect, and enthusiasm honored those who have served our country. A special thank you to SFC Brown for guiding and supporting our students throughout this meaningful experience.👏

#CallowaySmithPride #VeteransDay #StudentLeadership #LOTC