Back to School Newsletter — August 2020

1 7 2 4 S . M a n h a t t a n A v e . T a m p a , F l . 3 3 6 2 9

( 8 1 3 ) 8 7 2 - 5 3 3 5 — h t t p : / / c o l e m a n . m y s d h c . o r g A Hillsborough County Public School

Coleman Middle School

Coleman Chronicle

Established 1962

Named after Dr. John Coleman,

a well known Tampa physician

and school board member

“A” graded from FLDOE. Out of

45+ middle schools in the Hills-

borough County School District,

CMS is the only one to earn an

“A” 20 consecutive years

Dear Coleman Cobra Families,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! This year we are welcoming back over 1000 students; al-

most 700 on site and 300+ via E-learning. For our returning Cobras, you have been missed since

last walking the halls in March. For our new Cobras, we can’t wait to meet you. All of our students,

both eLearning and Brick and Mortar, are part of TEAM COLEMAN and we can’t wait to see you

again.

Certainly, this school opening is like no other we have ever experienced. Thank you for your patience

as we have worked through the pandemic. It has not been easy on anyone as we have navigated

through the multitude of changes to guidelines for reopening.

As we embark on this school year, we ask for your continued patience as we refine our processes and

procedures to serve both our eLearning and on campus students. While we may face challenges and

continued change throughout the school year, we stand ready to make our students’ school year one

full of learning, growth and success. Our amazing teachers have been working tirelessly to prepare

for both on campus and eLearning instruction, thoughtfully preparing their curriculum and instruc-

tional frameworks, building their Canvas pages, and working as a team to welcome back all of our

learners.

This year more than ever, communication will be key. When you receive your child’s emergency infor-

mation card, please ensure it is updated as needed with the most recent contact information includ-

ing cell phone numbers and email. This will ensure you receive our Parentlink texts and emails with

important updates and information.

As your new Principal, I am excited to meet all of you (both virtually and in person) soon. To our Cole-

man Cobras, believe in yourselves and you can do unbelievable things. YOU GOT THIS. It’s going to

be a great year.

Yours in Education,

Odalys Pritchard, Coleman Middle School Principal

Coleman Middle School

Dr. Odalys Pritchard, Principal

Mrs. Nannette Harvey, Asst. Principal

Ms. Sharnel Carr, Asst. Principal

IMPORTANT!

MS Bell times have changed for 2020-2021

New bell times:

9:35 am-4:30 pm

All Mondays are designated as

Early Release Days

EXCEPT May 10, 17, and 24, 2021

Students are released on

Mondays at 3:30 pm

Coleman Middle

What do I do on August 24, the first day of school and Smart Start Week? eLearning & Canvas

Next week will be eLearning for everyone. This week while all students are eLearning will be called "Smart Start Week.” This will pro-vide a jumpstart for our learners to allow them to build a foundation for success while becoming accustomed to new health and safety procedures. Teachers will also record attendance.

The primary method for delivering instruction will be through the district's new learning management system, Canvas during Smart Start Week and beyond for families that selected eLearning as their choice.

We understand that some families are experiencing issues with Canvas. We know this can be very frustrating and we apologize. Our goal during Smart Start Week is to get all of the “bugs” worked out with our new learning platform, build connections with our stu-dents, orient them to the new school year and show them the resources they will be using. All students should plan to report virtu-ally to their first period class on Monday at 9:35 am and we will follow the early release bell schedule (see bell times in this newsletter). Teachers may still schedule zooms or other activities that are set for a particular time but no student will be penalized if they are unable to attend a particular online event at a specific time. Students may use computers, tablets, or smart phones. For dis-trict techology support, please call 813-744-6673.

We realize that many of our students are anxious to get back to school and learning and we are preparing to provide instruction that is enriching and worthwhile during Smart Start Week. Students will not be academically penalized if they struggle with accessing their schedule or if they have technology challenges during this week. While it is the first week of school, we recognize that many changes have happened and we are working through them together. We encourage students to reach out to their teachers through Can-vas. Together we will get through any obstacles and have a successful school year. GO COBRAS!!

Parents/Guardians:

How to prepare for Smart Start Week

Ensure you have activated your Canvas ac-

count. Canvas uses existing mySPOT accounts

for parent login. If you already have a mySPOT

account for Edsby, then you are all set for Can-

vas and you may log in using the LOG IN TO

CANVAS button via the HCPS webste https://

www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/

If you are new to Canvas, mySPOT and Edsby, you will need the following information to regis-ter an account:

• Valid email address • Student's district student number • Current School • Date of Birth • Last four numbers of the student's Social

Security Number Additional students may be added to your account

through mySPOT.

Students:

How to prepare for Smart Start Week

STEP 1 Launch the Chrome Browser

STEP 2 Go to your portal: https://clever.com/in/

hcps

STEP 3 Log in with your Clever username and

password:

STUDENT

Username: Student/Lunch Number

Password: Windows password

Forgot password?

4th Grade and older: Reset using Student Con-

nection at students.sdhc.k12.fl.us by answering

the “challenge questions”

https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/

• District adopted curriculum with lessons developed and

taught by classroom teachers

• Traditional, in-person, face-to-face for grades PK-12

learning following the regular student schedule and stu-

dent calendar

• Follow and adhere to all 2020-2021 HCPS school build-

ing health and safety protocols and Code of Student

Conduct

• Students and staff are required to wear face coverings

(see https://hillsboroughschools.org/docs/00/00/27/25/

faqs_on_face_coverings.pdf for more information

• Teachers will modify instruction to facilitate social dis-

tancing and shared materials as possible

• Teachers will instruct students on the expectations for

sanitizing student stations, hand washing, and other

safety protocols

• Students will not be utilizing locker rooms, water foun-

tains or lockers

• Lunches will be Grab-and Go boxed meals, to move stu-

dent lines more rapidly and to prevent serving and shar-

ing of food and will not use the keypads for entering stu-

dent numbers

• Students will be social distanced in cafeteria as possible,

and outdoor seating will be provided as available. Stu-

dents will be required to wear masks before and after

eating

• Student procedures (arrival/dismissal, on campus move-

ment, etc) will be adapted to adhere to safety guidelines

• eLearning students will maintain their enrollment status

at their brick and mortar schools

• eLearning students will attend school online during regu-

lar school hours and follow a standard school schedule.

• Students will utilize Edgenuity curriculum delivered

through Canvas with “live” teacher support and interac-

tion (recommended minimum of 100 minutes per week)

with students utilizing web conferencing technology,

Zoom, etc

• eLearning courses will be designed to ensure rigor

matches the traditional classroom setting • Standards

have been prioritized in the scope and sequence of in-

struction to support students as they enter the next

grade, course level

• Wrap-around support services provided for students

(e.g. Counseling Services, Therapies, and Mental

Health) on campus or remotely as appropriate

• Electronic devices will be available for check out at the

school site, if needed

• Students can return to their school campuses second

semester if they so choose

• We encourage eLearners to have a dedicated space for

eLearning (desk, table, etc)

What to expect…

“Brick and Mortar”/Face to Face

What to expect…

eLearning

Visitor Information 2020

At Coleman, we welcome and appreciate parent involvement and support. However, due to

Covid-19 safety procedures, Coleman will be a “closed campus” limiting access to parents

and visitors to drop-off and pick-up of students until further notice. We recognize this is a

major change and truly appreciate your understanding during this time.

Our school office will remain open for parents with whom school personnel have scheduled

conferences and meetings and for emergent issues. We invite parents to reach out via email

or phone with general questions and other routine needs.

Please note HCPS policy for visitors for 2020:

• Visitors must have prior approval from staff member at least 24 hours prior to visitation on campus. Appoint-

ments will be timebound.

• Administration will determine whether meetings can be held virtually instead of in-person.

• School administration will establish a wait line system for offices and visitors; this system should be limited to

2-3 people at a time with socially distancing strictly enforced.

• All visitors must wear face coverings while on campus.

Due to these guidelines, we kindly ask parents to make every effort to ensure their child(ren) are on time

for school daily and work to minimize the need for students to leave campus early (“sign-out”) for non-

urgent situations. This will help reduce the need for parents/visitors on campus and ensure your child

does not miss instructional time. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

On Campus Policies and Procedures

As students will not have lockers, student may use backpacks/bookbags. Teachers are ensuring that required materi-

als do not overload students backpacks.

Due to “Distracted Learning,” students will only be able to access their cell phones on campus before school, during

their assigned lunch, and after school. Students will be expected to follow the guidelines for cell phone use in the

HCPS Student Code of Conduct. For 2020-21, cell phones will not be stored in “cell phone garages” in classrooms.

No outside beverages (Starbucks, Chick Fil A, etc.) are allowed on campus. Students must be consumed items be-

fore entering gates. Similarly, no outside food/lunch items (Chick Fil A, PDQ, etc.) will be accepted by the front office

for delivery to students. In addition, due to Covid-19 Safety protocols, parents/families are not able to join their child

(-ren) for lunch.

• Forgotten items will not be accepted for delivery to students by front office staff. This includes personal items, school

assignments, etc.

• Students may not be signed out after 4:00 p.m. (3:00 on Early Release Mondays).

• All prescription and non-prescription medications will be administered by the school nurse. Students should not have

ANY medication in their possession at school (prescription or non-prescription). Medications must be checked in

with the nurse in the original containers with the doctor’s instructions. For more information, please contact Nurse

Wendy at 872-5335 x 236.

STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

We look forward to seeing our students each and every day! It is important that all students and fami-lies adhere to the following procedures for daily arrival and dismissal.

Student Hours: 9:35-4:30 (3:30 on Early Release Mondays)

Students should arrive on campus no earlier than 9:00 a.m. Students arriving before 9:00 a.m. must be enrolled in the Before/After School Program. Please note this policy will be strictly enforced this school year. Students should not be congregating at the front of the school. The front of the school is reserved for car rider drop off which begins at 9:00.

The Student Code of Conduct details the School Board of Hillsborough

County’s policies and procedures. Parents are asked to read the hand-

book carefully and discuss it with their child(ren).

http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/conduct

CAR RIDERS

Arrival

• Car riders should be dropped off in front

of the school on Manhattan.

• Parents must wait in their cars with stu-

dents until drop off begins at 9:00.

Dismissal:

• Car riders will be dropped off in front of

the school on Manhattan.

WALKERS

Arrival

• Walkers will use the gate in between rooms

92 and 81 for entrance onto school

grounds.

• Students should arrive on campus no earlier

than 9:00 a.m.

Dismissal:

• Walkers will use the gate in between rooms

92 and 81 to exit school grounds.

BUS RIDERS

Arrival:

• Bus riders will enter through both sets of

doors in the Cafeteria from bus ramp

Dismissal:

• Bus riders will convene in the Cafeteria

and will board buses as they arrive

BIKE RIDERS

Arrival:

• Bike riders will use the gate in be-

tween room 85 and the Gym

for entrance onto school grounds.

• Students should arrive on campus no earlier

than 9:00 a.m.

Dismissal:

• Bike riders will use the gate in be-

tween room 85 and the Gym to exit

school grounds.

Front of school bike racks have been relocated to the

grassy area in between

the Gym and the Boy's Locker room

Ensure your 7th grader starts school on time!

Be compliant with his/her vaccinations:

• Tdap (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)

• Polio Vaccine (IPV,OPV)

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Hepatitis B Series and Td (Tetanus Diphtheria)

For our on campus Cobras….What do I bring on

8/31/2020?

Be prepared!

• Face Covering (if choosing to wear a plastic

shield, it must be worn with a mask/face cover-

ing)

• Backpack/Bookbag

• School Supplies (paper, pencils/pens and fold-

ers are the most important for Day 1)

• Water bottle(s); water fountains will be closed

• Your student number

• Enthusiasm!

Important PE Information

This year, students will not be dressing out for PE thus PE uniforms will not be sold. PE will not include any contact sports; however students will be will engaging in movement so students should have a pair of sneakers for PE. Sneakers may be worn all day or stu-dents may carry sneakers in their backpacks until needed. Also, students should bring water to PE.

Students: Remember to memorize your student number as

soon as possible. If you attended a HCPS school 2019-

2020, your number is the same.

If you have forgotten your student number or did not at-

tend a Hillsborough County public school last school

year, your number will appear on the schedule card you

will receive on the first day. Keep your number handy as

you will need it at lunch and for other purposes through-

out the school year.

If you need help with your student number, please call the

office at 813-873-5335.

Before/After School

Enrichment Program

If you are in need of before and/or after

school care for your child, please con-

tact Ms. Kristina Chowning, CMS

teacher, at :

Kristina.chowning@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Bus Transportation Information

Bus transportation will be available via our district

website when available. Please check

https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/list/transportation-services/

about/26-122/ for updates.

Please remember, if you have an ESE child receiving spe-

cialized bus services, your bus driver will be contacting

you with specific bus stop locations, times, and bus num-

bers.

Due to Covid-19 safety protocols, water

fountains are currently not operational.

Students may bring their own water bot-

tles. We will have bottled water for

students who may forget.

Reminder: August 24, the first day of school

(Smart Start Week), is an Early Release Day.

Student hours are 9:35-3:30.

We would like to welcome the following staff members to Coleman Middle School for the 2020-2021 school year:

Ms. Tidwell– ELA and Yearbook

Mr. Verdi-ELA

Ms. B. Watts-Math

Ms. Castellanos, ESE Paraprofessional

Officer Bianci, School Resource Officer (SRO)

Mr. Wilkins- Substitute for Ms. Rutledge, Rdg.

Ms. Jones-Substitute teacher

2019 - 2020 PTSA Board

President: Gwen Gillen

VP of Mini-Grants: Amy Holthaus

VP of Volunteers: Adriana Rojas

VP of Fundraising: Claudia Knowles

Treasurer: Christine Miller

Recording Secretary: May Weber

Corresponding Secretary/Coleman Chronicle: Emily

Hinsdale

Thank you our amazing PTSA board and PTSA

Volunteers. We appreciate all you do for CMS!

Ms. Wicker 6th grade

Guidance Counselor

shell.wicker@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Ms. Tedder 7th grade

Guidance Counselor

audrey.tedder@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Ms. Dobies 8th grade A-L

Guidance Counselor

jen-

nifer.dobies@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Ms. McCarthy 8th grade M-Z

Guidance Counselor

cor-

rie.mccarthy@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Ms. Elaina

Lambrianakos

ESE (Exceptional Stu-dent Education) Spe-cialist:

elaina.lambrianakos@

sdhc.k12.fl.us

Ms. Joyce King School Social Worker

(SSW) joyce.king@sdhc.k12.fl.us

Ms. Wendy

Stookey

School Nurse

“Nurse Wendy”

wen-

dy.stookey@sdhc.k12.fl.us

TBA School Psychologist

Meet you awesome Student

Services Team!

For information on school lunch,

including meal payments, free/

reduced meal application, food

menus, and allergies and spe-

cial needs, please visit Student

Nutrition Services via the HCPS

website at: https://

www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/

departments/53

Due to Covid-19 guidelines, extramural sports,

CMS before/after school clubs, field trips and

group events such as pep rallies are on hold

until further notice. We will keep families

posted on any changes/updates. Thank you for

your patience and understanding.

Dear Coleman Families,

Have you considered becoming a Coleman PTSA Sponsor this year? This year, more than ever, we need your support in what-

ever way you are able. With so much uncertainty ahead, Coleman PTSA would like to be poised to jump in and help with needs

that arise. Typically, Coleman PTSA funds a large spectrum of programs at the school. Some, but not all, of these programs are

listed below:

• Mini-grants – Teacher written grants to support classroom or training needs.

• Student Incentives - Principal’s Honor Roll celebrations, Camo Cobras, Cookouts and more.

• Campus Beautification – pavers in the courtyard, janitorial supplies, flowers etc...

• Water Coolers – the PTSA installed many of these a few years ago and maintains them every year, providing filters and re-

pairs.

• Reading Counts – PTSA has supported this program for years. If you have (or have had) a 6th grader, you know how great

this program is!

• Staff Appreciation – this committee works hard ALL YEAR to provide a Back to School

• Breakfast, Conference Night Dinners, Holiday events and a fantastic Staff Appreciation week

• Copy Center – did you know that the PTSA provides daily volunteers who come in and make copies for teachers? PTSA pro-

vides supplies and volunteers for the Copy Center.

• Media Center – PTSA supports the media center with computers and books every year

• Technology – PTSA provided over $30,000 last year towards the purchase of new laptops and other technology needs for

teacher and student use.

This year we have taken on the challenge of raising $50,000 to fund additional technology resources that will allow our kids and

faculty (brick & mortar and eLearning) to have a better learning and testing environment. These extra funds will be needed for:

• 15 laptops that need to be replaced.

• 30 LCD Projectors.

• 35 Document Cameras (used to scan in exams).

• 26 laptops and 1 laptop cart for student testing and for students taking online courses.

Please help us get to this $50,000 goal! Consider becoming a Coleman Family or Business Sponsor, or just

make a donation. Visit https://colemanptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/ to make your donation. Family dona-

tions can be made through the Membership Form and Business Sponsorships can be made through the

Business Sponsorship form. Or you can reach out to our VP of Fundraising, Claudia Knowles at

cmknowles02@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support,

Odalys Pritchard Gwen Gillen

Principal, Coleman Middle School President, Coleman PTSA

Teacher Name Subject Room

Arnold, Kyle Gaming, Digital Discoveries and Wheel 85

Ball, Julie Media Specialist and Morning Show Media Center

Beebe, Rebecca ELA 73

Bletsch, Oksana ESE Access Points ELA 6

Breit, Roger Civics, Emerging Leaders 72

Cawley, Heather ELA and Reading 42

Chowning, Kristina Avid and Wheel 92

Cohen, Stephen ELA 43

Cook, Teresa ELA 8

DeDon, Jay Band and wheel 31

Dillard, Karen Orchestra and wheel 84

Dupke, Todd Science e-Learning

Fitzgerald, Heather Social Studies 9

Fudella, Simone Avid 5

Galuski, Julie Science 24

Grieco, Judy Science 23

Griffiths, Donna Math floating

Gutierrez, Darren Science 91

Hanks, Sonya Science 21

Harding, Denise Science 53

Hauck, Judith Math 66

Haughey, Robert PE Gym

Hobson, Krystina Math 56

Hoglen, Sue PE Gym

Holtzberg, Luisa Science 51

Jackson, Milton Social Studies 55

Jenkins, Brandi ESE Access Points Social Studies 4

Jonas, Brian Robotics and wheel 83

Kahle, Lesley ELA 64

Krikorian, Louise Social Studies eLearning

Leto-Shepherd, Karla Math and ESE PE 54

McCambridge, Jennifer ESE VE Math 1

McGuire, Debbie ELA (Reading) 41

Miller, Jennifer Math 76

Miller, Jordan ESE VE ELA 1

Miller, Samantha ELA floating

Pechacek, Robert Social Studies 71

Phillips, Morgan ESE Access Points Math 4

Quach, Toan PE Gym

Rash, Aimee Math 74

Restrepo, Jennifer ESE VE ELA 1

Robinson, Terri PE Gym

Rodriguez, Elizabeth Beginning Spanish and wheel 2

Ruchte, Sara Social Studies 63

Rutledge, Arthena ELA (Reading) 52

Satfield, Claudia Spanish 25

Sonenberg, Tobey Art 45

Speight, Belinda Social Studies 10

Tidwell, Rachel ELA and Yearbook 75

Trent, Dawn Math 61

Tyler, Nichole ESE Access Points Science 82

Verdi, Tucker ELA 81

Wachter, Donna Reading 22

Watts, Carrie Math 62

Watts, Kristina ELA 44

Wheeler, Kelsey Math 65

Wilkins, Karen Social Studies 7

2020-2021 Coleman MS Teachers