Canton Middle School was incorporated by the Canton Board of Education in 2004 to implement the best educational practices for Canton's early adolescents. The school comprises grades 7 and 8 and will serve approximately 275 students in 2011-2012. Canton Middle School was extremely proud to be named the Connecticut Association of Schools Middle School of the Year – 2009-2010.

Students in Canton Middle School are divided into one of three interdisciplinary teams. Each student is part of an advisory group, led by a faculty advisor. All students take a core academic program (English, science, social studies and math) with over 75% electing a world language. There is a broad range of courses in the various arts, including band, chorus, technology education, computer, art, and FACS. A wide ranging co-curricular and athletic program is maintained as an integral part of the school's mission.

Front Page News:

Incoming 7th Grade Orientation
On Monday, February 13, 2012, Canton Middle School will hold an Open House/Orientation for all incoming 7th graders and their parents. The program will offer parents and students as opportunity to tour the Middle School facilities, meet the principal and hear from teachers in each department in the Middle school. Course of Study booklets will be distributed to help parents with the course selection process which is now beginning. Optional informal tours will begin at 6:30 pm and the program will start at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. Additional information has been mailed to all parents of current 6th graders. Should weather cause the Feb. 13 program to be postponed, the make up date is Wednesday, February 22.

Calendar Changes
The school calendar for this year has undergone a few changes due to the weather and power issues from the fall. Tuesday, February 21, 2012, will now be a regular school day. The last scheduled day of school is now Friday, June 15th. Up to three snow days would extend the end of the year to Wednesday, June 20. If there are more than 3 snow days, days would be taken form the April vacation beginning with Monday, April 16.

Peter Pan
Canton Middle School’s production of Peter Pan played to large audiences on Friday and Saturday nights, January 27, 28. A cast and crew of 68 Middle School students were involved. Special thanks to Ms. Chafetz, Mrs. Casorio, Ms. Klusek, Mr. Klusek and Mr. Moran all of whom worked with the students to make the play happen. Thanks to the many parents who supported this endeavor. Click here to view pictures.

After School Supervised Study Opportunity
There is an opportunity for CMS 7th and 8th graders to have a supervised after school study hall in the Middle School Library from 2:30 – 3:30 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. After-School Study Hall - February 2012.   Contact counselor William Donovan (wdonovan@cantonschools.org) with questions or to sign up your child.

Soldiers Respond
Canton Middle School students shipped over 70 care packages to soldiers in Afghanistan this past November. The response from the soldiers through e-mail and letters has been very appreciative. Please click here to view the latest CMS Newsletter which gives details.

Washington, D.C. Trip
The annual 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. is planned for May 8-11, 2012. All 8th grade students are eligible to apply for this trip. Students will visit all of the major monuments in Washington, the Smithsonian Museums and the Capitol. Please click on “Special Announcements” for additional details.

Internet Day Follow-Up
Thanks to the 100+ parents who attended Canton Middle School’s second annual Bring Your Parent to School for Internet Day on September 23. Please consider visiting the website of our speaker – Richard Guerry for additional information and to take the “Risk Assessment.” The web address is www.iroc2.org

Website Concern
We all know the potential for misuse of the internet by adolescents. Social networking sites continue to be a concern and a place where students use poor judgment. Two new sites have come to our attention that parents should be of particular concern. Please click on this attachment called Danger on the Web for additional details.

Dates to Remember
January 27 to February 2	Payment due – 8th grade trip to Washington
February 6	Incoming 9th Grade Orientation
February 7	Second Quarter Report Cards Distributed
February 8	CMS PTO – Middle School Library, 7:00 p.m.
February 13	Incoming 7th Grade Orientation
February 17	Student Council Dance, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
March 2 & 3	Northern Regional Music Festival – HarBur Middle School
March 5	Mid-point of the 3rd Marking Period
March 6	CMT’s Begin – Direct Assessment of Writing
March 6 through March 20	Mastery Testing