CMS Introduces Block Scheduling for the 2015-16 School Year

After many months of research, scheduling, and meetings Chadron Middle School is proud to announce the new block schedule that will go into effect at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year. The schedule features four (4) 84-minute blocks, a 5-minute advisory time during 1st block, a 40-minute lunch, 40-minute music classes, and extended passing times between blocks.  Students will have an 8-minute break in between 1st and 2nd block, during which a grab and go breakfast will be available that they can take to class. On 1:30 dismissal days, blocks will be 55-minutes long with a 40-minute lunch and 40-minute music classes.  Below are the regular and 1:30 dismissal schedules.

The middle school will utilize rotating block or A/B block schedule to meet the needs of our students. In this type of schedule, students rotate certain classes on alternating days throughout the school year. The new schedule will ensure that every student gets 84-minutes of math and reading daily, which nearly doubles the amount of instruction time in these classes.  In addition, every student, without exception, will get 40-minutes of music instruction daily and have an opportunity to take Art, Physical Education/Health (PEH), Family and Consumer Science/Health (FCS), and Computers. Art/Computers and FCSH/PEH will split an 84-minute block and will meet on alternating days for an entire semester. Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies will also meet every other day on the rotating block for the entire school year.  Below are examples of what a student's schedule might look like.

The middle school would like to thank all of the parents, staff, and stakeholders that provided feedback during the creation of the block schedule.  Continued feedback from all of our stakeholders is encouraged, especially as we implement the schedule next year and continue to find ways to meet the needs for all of the students Chadron Middle School. 

3rd Quarter 6th Grade All A's Field Trip

Right to left: HannaM., Kennady S., Maddie P., Paige D., Emma C.,
Kaelee L., Kennedy T., Cobie B., Zach W., Britton H., Jamison M.,
Kayley G., Morgan R., Dallas K., Ella O.

Not Pictured: Sawyer H., Samantha J., Hannah W., Allie W.

On March 20th, 6th grade students that earned all A's on their 3rd quarter report card were treated to a V.I.P tour of the new athletic facilities at Chadron State College.  The Athletic Director, Joel Smith, led students on a behind the scenes tour of the new Chicoine Events Center that included tours of the weight room, locker rooms, gym, video production room, and athletic training facilities.  As students toured the maze of hallways, Mr. Smith talked about the thought that went into building the facility, how the building is currently used, how it could be used in the future, as well as future plans to expand the facility. The tour concluded with a hike to the new Agricultural building.  The students were able to see some of the livestock that is housed there and Mr. Smith talked about plans to expand the facility so that rodeos could be held there.

Congratulations to these hard working students and thank you to Mr. Smith for taking time out of his busy schedule to take our 6th graders on the tour.

What's Happening at CMS (March 23rd-April 3rd)

Below is a list of upcoming activities and events at CMS for the weeks of March 23rd-April 3rd

March 23rd - Middle School Track Practice Begins
March 24th - Follow up Block Scheduling Meeting - 5:30 PM @ CMS Library
March 24th - 6th-12th grade band concert - 7:00 PM @ CHS Auditorium
March 25th - NeSA Testing Begins
March 26th - 7th/8th Grade 3rd Quarter Great Effort Games @ 2:45PM
March 27th - 5th/6th Grade 3rd Quarter Great Effort Games @ 1:00 PM
March 27th - 1:30 Dismissal
April 3rd - NO SCHOOL - Easter Break
April 6th - NO SCHOOL - Easter Break


CMS Testing Schedule
Above is a link to the CMS testing schedule.  Testing will begin on March 25th and end on May 1st.  It is very important that students are in school on the days that they are scheduled to test.  Make up testing for absent students will occur in between regular testing days.  If there are questions about the schedule, please call Mr. Dressel at 432-0708 or email him at nichlas.dressel@chadronschools.net.