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Calavera Hills Middle

Home of the Coyotes

CHMS Newsletter Sept 27, 2026

Posted Date: 09/27/26 (09:00 AM)


Coyote Howl

Weekly Update

September 27, 2026
Calavera wide Logo
 

Quote of the week

"Fall is proof that change can be beautiful."
 — Unknown
The shift from Summer to Fall reminds us that change is a natural part of life. At school, change can look like learning a new skill, making a new friend, taking on a challenge, or improving through practice. While change isn't always easy, it often helps us grow into stronger, more confident versions of ourselves. This week, embrace opportunities to learn, grow, and discover the possibilities that come with change. 🍂🍁

Attention 6th Grade Families!

Reminder: Sixth grade Camp will be 
September 28- October 2.  
Any sixth grade students who are not attending camp will have a special schedule for the week, including great activities and lessons right here at school! If your student is NOT attending camp, but will be absent during that week, please follow regular attendance reporting protocol. 
More information regarding camp can be found here. Any questions regarding camp can be emailed to:-
Marissa Rall, Assistant Principal at marissa.rall@carlsbadusd.net

Parking on 9/28/26

Parking will be at a premium  at AM drop off on Monday, Sept 28 due to 6th grade camp send off.  Please pack your patience and be careful as those crying (or celebrating) parents cross the parking lot. 

CHMS Surf Club Season Starts Soon! Registration & Assessment Info

Missed our kickoff meeting? It’s not too late to join the CHMS Surf Club! We are looking for 25 motivated middle school surfers to ride with us weekly through the winter.
Club Details:
  • Who: CHMS 6th–8th graders with some prior surfing experience (this is not a learn-to-surf program). Surfers must maintain a 2.0 GPA and good citizenship.
  • Requirements: Surfers must provide their own equipment and transportation.
  • When & Where: Weekly practices are Thursdays from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, primarily at Oceanside Harbor, but varies depending on conditions.
  • Skills Assessment & Water Safety Test: Thursday, October 8th @ 3:30 PM at Oceanside Harbor Tower 14.
📋 Steps to Join:
  1. Review the Info: Read through the Orientation Slide Deck Linked Here.
  2. Register: Create an account and link your surfer to CHMS on the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS) Website no later than midnight on Wednesday, 10/7.
  3. Show Up Ready: Bring your gear and a printed copy of your SSS registration confirmation to the beach on 10/8.
Roster spots (max 25) will be finalized after the skills assessment, with priority given to returning members and 7th/8th graders & results of skills assessment.
Questions? Reach out to your campus teacher-coach volunteers:
  • Mr. Aaron Sottile (asottile@carlsbadusd.net)
  • Señor Barrett Dunn (barrett.dunn@carlsbadusd.net)
  • Mr. Gray Hatter (gray.hatter@carlsbadusd.net)
  • Ms. Katie Hartlin (katie.hartlin@carlsbadusd.net)

7th Grade Assembly - Evolution & Harm of Hate Speech

Please note we will have an assembly Schedule on Tuesday.  On September 29th, Mr. Dumas will skillfully take students on a moving journey through the historical experience of African Americans. He will cover the historical conceptions of the n-word and how it has changed over time, yet still negatively affects African American and other students. The presentation will close by discussing the importance of unity and empowerment in making our campuses a place where everyone thrives.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher/Student conference week is 10/19-10/23 . We will be on an early release schedule all week. Grade level teams will reach out to families that may benefit from meeting with teachers. Look for an email soon. If you would like to meet with teachers during this time, we will have a drop in time on Wednesday October 21 in the CHE Cavern from 1:45-2:45 pm.  

**Please note Learning Lab will not be available after school during conference week**

Learning Lab is back!!!!

Need a little help with schoolwork? Stop by Learning Lab before or after school! Get homework help, ask questions, catch up on assignments, study for a test, or just get a head start. Our friendly staff are here to help you feel confident, stay on track, and tackle schoolwork without the stress. Come in, get it done, and start your day—or end it—on a great note!  Make it a great year Coyotes.

Facilities Master Plan

Our district is working on a Facilities Master Plan, and our families are invited to be part of the conversation.

📅 Wednesday, October 14
📍 Sage Creek High Cafeteria
⏰ 5:00-8:00 PM

Representatives from the CUSD Construction and Facilities Departments will be joining us to share information about future construction, modernization, and facility improvement projects that may affect our school and our campus.
Most importantly, this meeting is an opportunity for our community to ask questions, share ideas, and provide input about what our school may need in the future.
Whether you have a big idea, a small suggestion, or simply want to learn more about what’s being considered, we’d love to have you there!

💬 Come be part of the conversation and help us plan for the future of our Coyote community! 🐾
We hope to see you there!

Save the Date!!

September 24 - Coyote Community
September 25 - FUNDRAISER - Raisen Canes 2:00pm - 8:00pm
September 28 - School Site Council Meeting 3:00 pm
September 28 - October 2- 6th Grade camp
September 29 - Assembly schedule
October 5 - Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
October 9 - LANCER DAY, Early Release 1: 36 pm
October 19 - 23 Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences early release 1:36 pm

PUBLIC SAFETY ~ Open House

Enjoy free fun for all ages at the 
City of Carlsbad’s Public Safety Open House on 
Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This beloved annual community event promotes awareness of important issues like creating a safer, more engaged community. Interactive displays and activities offer kids and adults a chance to learn from Carlsbad city staff, including first responders. The event is timed with the last day of Fire Prevention Week and National Crime Prevention Month.

Science Olympiad Season is Here!!!!!


Science Olympiad Season is Here!  

Do you  science & engineering and want to learn more about it?

 Do you like to compete and test your knowledge and skills against other middle schoolers across the nation?

Science Olympiad may be for you! 
Open to students of all grades in Middle School (and beyond!), Science Olympiad is a regional and national science & engineering competition. 

First interest meeting Wed 9/30 during 7/8 Lunch in Rm 203.  6th graders come get a pass in Rm 203 to spend Advisory at the meeting.

Introducing our SRO

Did you know that CHMS has a Carlsbad Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) with an office right here on campus?
Officer Cromwell Dangca is on our campus several days each week, partnering with our school to help support student safety and build positive relationships with students and staff. This week, he provided safety presentations for staff and spoke with students about California Penal Code 422 and e-bike safety in Carlsbad.
Students enjoy seeing Officer Dangca around campus during brunch and lunch, where he takes time to answer questions, connect with students, and hand out stickers.
Parents are invited to meet Officer Dangca as well! Join us on Tuesday, October 7, from 7:30–8:15 a.m. at the Tribe Coffee Jeep in the CHMS parking lot. Stop by to say hello, learn more about his role at our school, and enjoy a cup of coffee.

CHS Football Games

If your child plans on attending the football games at CHS this season, they must be accompanied by an adult.  If middle school students are disruptive or demonstrating poor behavior choices, they will be escorted out of the game. Parking will be limited, please remember to be respectful community members and park in designated areas not blocking neighbors driveways and access to their homes.
Home games are on the following dates:
10/9 (Lancer Day)
10/16
10/30

We hope everyone enjoys the festivities and prioritize the safety of yourself and others.
Go Lancers!

LANCER DAY - Friday 9th October, 2026

The first Lancer Day was in 1958 with Queen Judy Collins and her princesses Natalie Vermilyea, Betty Bowman and Jeanette Gastelum. 

CHMS will have an early release day in honor of Lancer Day on Friday, Oct. 9th. Students will be released at 1:36 pm. Lancer Day Parade will begin at 2:00 pm in the Village of Carlsbad. Parade Route.  Hope to see you there! 
As a reminder, if your student plans to attend the homecoming football game at Carlsbad High School, they must remain with an adult at all times. Students who demonstrate poor behavior will be escorted out of the game.

Get Your CHMS Spiritwear!

Get excited for new spirit wear for fall! Your purchase supports PTSA programs like school celebrations and teacher appreciation. 

Visit the website to purchase: https://chmsspirit.dzynit.com/

You can pick up your order locally in Carlsbad, or have it shipped to your residence. 

FALL IS AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!
Get ready for fall with school spirit wear! From sweatpants to sweatshirts, CHMS PTSA has you covered! Buy now.

CUSD Revised Volunteer Requirements

We are grateful for the many volunteers who generously give their time and talents to support the students and schools of Carlsbad Unified School District. Volunteer involvement is an important part of our school communities, and we deeply appreciate our volunteers’ commitment to supporting our students and staff.
Please review the updated volunteer requirements for Carlsbad Unified School District, which have been revised to align with current laws and Board policies. Requirements are based on the level of supervision provided while working with students.
These updated requirements are designed to help ensure a safe, supportive environment for all students while providing expectations and guidance for those who volunteer in our schools. 
Please note, we are looking for parent volunteers for our ROCKIN COYOTES CELEBRATIONS.  Our hope is to offer students a variety of activities to participate in during this reward time.  If you have some flexibility in your day and are interested in coming on campus to work with our students, please fill out this form.  If you are unavailable during the school day to come to campus, but still want to support students, we are also in need of donations/prizes for students.    This will be a level 1 volunteer requirement. 
Suicide

Back to School Mental Health Essentials

Transitioning back to school can be stressful.  Fill your backpack with stress management tools, 
such as deep breathing, that work for you!  And if you need more support, you can always call or 
text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. You can start conversations with loved ones, review the warning signs, share resources, and get involved in activities and events that uplift your 
community.
Learn more about Suicide Prevention resources and activities at https://youthcreatingchange.org/awareness-education/

Building a Community of Respect and Belonging

CHMS will follow an assembly schedule on September 29. During this time, our seventh-grade students will attend a meaningful assembly focused on the impact of hate speech. Our eighth-grade students will participate in a No Place for Hate activity with their teachers.
In October, following sixth-grade camp, our sixth-grade students and all CHMS staff will participate in training provided by the National Conflict Resolution Center focused on interrupting bias and hate.
Through these learning opportunities, we are continuing our commitment to creating a school community where every student feels safe, respected, valued, and welcome. Together, we can make CHMS a place where everyone belongs.

Bike / e-Bike Reminders

With the start of school comes increased car traffic, bike riders, and pedestrians in the community. In partnership with the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Police Department, we ask that you review these important reminders about bike/ e-Bike requirements and general traffic safety information to support a safe year for our community.

Bike and e-Bike Reminders: 
Students must follow these rules to ride a bike or e-Bike to any CUSD campus:
  • Be at least 12 years of age for e-Bikes.
  • Obtain a CUSD Bike Permit by completing this application and an e-Bike Safety Course as listed on our CUSD website for e-Bikes. 
  • Affix the CUSD Bike Permit to a visible spot on the e-Bike.
  • Ride bikes and e-Bikes in accordance with California Bicycle laws, City of Carlsbad Municipal Code, and District expectations. Please review these Carlsbad-specific rules.
  • Wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet while operating a bike or e-Bike. This video shows you how to make sure a helmet fits properly

Please note that students may not charge e-Bikes on any District property.

Traffic Safety Information:
  • Traffic lights, signs and signals apply to everyone, including people riding bikes and e-Bikes.
  • Bikes and e-Bikes should ride to the right side of the road or in a bike lane if one is available. You can leave the bike lane or right side of the road to turn left, pass someone, avoid something in the road or go around a car turning right.
  • Consider taking a “test ride” with your student from home to school to help them get familiar with the route.
  • As you drive around town the next few weeks, you’ll notice increased traffic in the morning and afternoons as kids travel to and from school. Remember to:
  • Eliminate distractions and put your phone away.
  • Slow down and look out for people walking or biking, especially near schools.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go.

PARKING at CHMS

Parking at Calavera is always a challenge. This year is even a little more challenging as CHE adds additional T-K classes and our school continues to grow. Please be courteous to our staff and drop off on the outside loop only to allow staff to park on the inside part of the parking lot. As always, please do not block the accessible parking spaces when dropping off your students. Please see 
Drop Off/Pick Up Protocol for more information. 

ROCKIN Rules Assemblies

This week, all CHMS students participated in lessons focused on our ROCKIN Coyote schoolwide expectations. These expectations help create a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Please click here to access a copy of the ROCKIN Rules slides that Ms. Stapleton and Mrs. Rall shared with their presentations.
By consistently teaching and reinforcing these expectations, we help ensure that CHMS remains a place where all students feel connected, supported, and ready to learn. 

Boys and Girls Club Athletics at CHMS

Monday 9/28
  • Cross Country Practice 2:36pm - 4:15pm
  • Girls VB Varsity 2:45pm - 3:45pm
  • Flag Football 2:45pm - 4:00pm
  • Girls VB JV 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Tuesday 9/29
  • Cross Country Practice 2:36pm - 4:15pm
  • Girls VB 6th Grade 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Wednesday 9/30 
  • Girls VB Varsity 2:45pm - 3:45pm
  • Girls VB JV 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Thursday 10/1 
  • Cross Country Practice 1:36pm - 3:15pm
  • Flag Football GAMES - 5:00pm

Practices / Games listed are only ones played here at CHMS.

To stay updated please make sure you check TeamSnap.
CHMS PTSA
This Week's Bell Schedule