Snow leads to an extra long break!
Each January seams to bring crazy weather for the Kansas City region and this year was no exception. The winter break was extended by a full week due to a record breaking snow storm and some very low air temperatures.
Central Middle School students were asked to reflex on the unexpected extra week of break. Most students thought sleeping in was the best part of the break with spending time with family coming in as a runner up followed closely by watching TV.
After getting more than 10 inches of snow on January 5th, many students, over 70%, took advantage of having school off by playing in the snow. Thankfully most students, 60% said that they (or their parents) prepared for the storm ahead of time by going to the store and stocking up on groceries and other necessities. 19% said they didn't know if their families were prepared for the storm or not, so hopefully those students start paying more attention.
Even with all this winter fun, only 30% of students said they preferred the winter. Most students, 54%, said summer is better and the rest of the students said they don't prefer winter or summer.
After having 4 snow days called in a row, the fear begins that if the district has to call more snow/cold days, there is always the possibility we will be faced with having to extend the school year into the summer. While all students can agree snow days are great, 59% agreed they would not want more snow days if it meant having to go longer for the school year. only 23% said they wouldn't mind having to extend the school year if it meant getting more days off now.
Spelling Bee Wasn't 'Bittersweet'
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| Third place: Cici Antillon (6th grade), First place: Alex Cornelio Torres (8th grade), Mr Francis, Second place: Angel Ceron (6th grade) |
The annual Spelling Bee is a chance for Central Middle School students to show off their skills. The Bee is open to all three grade levels and students can prepare by staying after school to practice spelling, learn how the bee works, and other helpful tips and tricks with Mr. Francis.
The Central Bee was held on Friday, January 17. Five students participated this year and it took seven rounds before they were down to just two. Angel Ceron, a sixth grader, went head to head with Alex Cornelio Torres, an eighth grader.
After Angel miss spelling 'gerbils', it left the door open to Alex to win with the word 'Bittersweet." Surprisingly, this was Angel's first year participating in the Spelling Bee.
"I was informed by Ms. Kuch (school librarian) that I should join the spelling bee, which I did. I was hoping to get in the top three, but I managed to win my first ever spelling bee!" said Alex.
Alex will now go on to represent Central at the County Spelling Bee that will be held this coming Saturday, Feb 1st, at Piper High School at 8:30 am.
"I will be prepared for the County Bee and ready for whatever challenges come." said Alex, "I hope for everyone who participate a good match."
Good luck Alex, the Bear cubs are rooting for you!
Gear Up for Painting with Parents
The University of Kansas' Gear Up program will be operating at Central Middle School this year. It is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. They will be hosting a number of activities for CMS students, including a trip to Chicago over the summer for students that qualify.
Their first event will be held this week at Central Middle School on Thursday, January 30 from 5:30-8. Students can come with their parents to paint together. This is open for seventh and sixth grade students.
Information about their other events throughout the year will also be included in the night's activities. Families that want more information in the mean time can reach out to Brian Alvarez (b.alvarez@ku.edu) or Semaj Jones (semaj.jones@ku.edu).
Looking Ahead
