09-15-20 Update

Hello, Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal.  Per the attached notification from the Department of Health-Pinellas, we have had a positive COVID-19 case for a student reported at our school.  All students who have been deemed a “close contact” received a separate correspondence.  This does not impact your student. Your student can continue to attend school as normal, IF THEY ARE NOT ALREADY QUARANTINED.

We have implemented Pinellas County Schools safety protocols in partnership with the Department of Health-Pinellas. All affected areas will be deep-cleaned and disinfected.

We continue to encourage all parents to monitor students closely for any sign of potential illness. Students should remain at home if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, new or persistent cough, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, fatigue and/or stomach issues (diarrhea). We appreciate your continued support. As always, please feel free to contact me during regular business hours at 727-724-1442 with questions. 

Thank you and take care.

Carwise Parent Letter 09142020.pdf 

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Weekend Update 09/13/20

Hello, Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope everyone is having a nice weekend and staying dry.  Also, thank you all for your continued support as we navigate our way through this very different school year.

Parents, please know that as we learn of any new COVID cases at Carwise Middle, we are taking direction from the Department of Health-Pinellas and notifying families as directed.  Due to confidentiality reasons, specific information cannot be released.  Together, we will get through this.  Thank you for your support.

This week we will begin to balance class sizes as our 10-day count has been completed and no-show students have been removed from our class rosters.  Balancing of class sizes ensures that we don’t have some large classes and others that are much smaller.  We will also use this time to work toward reducing the number of simultaneous classes, when possible.  Also, we will use this time to ensure that our ESE students are appropriately placed in classes that have additional supports, as required by their IEP.  So, if your child gets a schedule change this week, these will be the reasons why.  If you have questions regarding a change, please reach out to your grade level office.

Attention MyPCS families, I have attached more specific step-by-step instructions for how students need to login to Canvas in order to attend live class meetings.  If these steps are not followed, students’ names will be listed as a “guest.”  If their name indicates “guest” they will not be admitted to their live meetings.  Again, please review and follow the attached login instructions.  Also, please be sure that your child is following the school bell schedule and logging in on time.  If students are late for class, teachers will not continue to check the waiting room/lobby to admit students once the class starts.  Thank you! 

For those families that are wanting to change their learning option (ex- move from MyPCS to Traditional or vice versa), please remember that when learning options were selected, this was done for the first 9-weeks.  However, if you wish to submit a request, we have started a waiting list, and will work to place students in order of the request and if/when seats are available.  If you are interested in switching, please use the following link (https://www.pcsb.org/Page/34055).  If you have already been in contact with Carwise Middle regarding a change of placement and your name was added to the waitlist, you do not need to use this link.  Thank you!

Last, I want to remind everyone to please support our amazing PTSA.  Our PTSA helps support our staff and student needs here at Carwise.  If you haven’t joined yet, please do so on the PTSA website (https://carwisemiddleptsa.com/).  Also, don’t forget our September School Spirit Nights each Thursday night at Chick-Fil-A in Oldsmar from 6 to 8PM.  Mention Carwise Middle as you go through the drive-thru and 20% of sales will go towards the Carwise PTSA.  Check out the attached flyer for more information.  Last, we will be having our first PTSA meeting via Zoom on Thursday, September 24^th.  I will send out the meeting link next week for those who are interested.  Please join us to support Carwise Middle!

Thank you again parents, students, and staff for all of your flexibility and hard work this school year.  Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.  Go Bucs!

STUDENTS - Getting Into Teams Meeting With Correct Login.pdf 

Chick fil A Flyer September 2020.jpg 

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Evening Update 09-11-20

Hello, Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal.  er the attached notification from the Department of Health-Pinellas, we have had a positive COVID-19 case for an employee reported at our school.  All students who have been deemed a “close contact” received a separate correspondence.  This does not impact your student. Your student can continue to attend school as normal. 

We have implemented Pinellas County Schools safety protocols in partnership with the Department of Health-Pinellas. All affected areas will be deep-cleaned and disinfected.

We continue to encourage all parents to monitor students closely for any sign of potential illness. Students should remain at home if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, new or persistent cough, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, fatigue and/or stomach issues (diarrhea). We appreciate your continued support. As always, please fe.l free to contact me during regular business hours at 727-724-1442 with questions

Thank you and take care.

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Weekend Update 09/06/20

Hello, Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope that everyone is having a restful, relaxing, and safe Labor Day Weekend.  Please remember that there is no school tomorrow.

This coming week students will continue to take diagnostic assessments in order to determine proficiency and/or areas of needed additional instruction. This will help our teachers focus on areas of need.  This week we will have Language Arts and 8^th grade Science assessments.  Please make sure you child has earbuds or headphones for testing.  Thank you!

This Tuesday, we will be having our annual vision and hearing screening for our 6^th grade students.  Per state requirements, every 6^th grade student will have these screenings.  Please be advised if you want your child to be excluded from any of these screenings, we must receive a written request from the parent/guardian.  Please address your request to the Attention of the School Nurse and have your child bring this in on Tuesday.  Thank you!

This Thursday, Sept. 10^th is World Suicide Prevention Day.  World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 as an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and endorsed by the World Health Organization as a method to bring awareness to the crisis of suicide and to establish the common goal of preventing a death by suicide.   Please join the Carwise Middle School staff by wearing GREEN on Thursday to show your support of World Suicide Prevention Day.  Our hope is to continue to shed light on this this issue as well as to provide support to our students, staff, and community.  We must work together for those in need.  We are here to support you!

For MyPCS families, if you have not done so, please log in to the Student Reservation System (https://reservation.pcsb.org/) and fill out our beginning of the year documents.  You will need your parent username and password to log in to access these forms.  Once there, please fill out the following forms:

• Media Release Form
• Network/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement
• Directory Information Opt-Out Letter (only if you want to opt-out)
• Parent and Student Acknowledgement of Student Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct attached)
• Clinic Card
• COVID-19 Parent Acknowledgement

The Student Reservation System will then upload these forms to your student’s Focus account for staff use.  Thank you!!

Also, for MyPCS families, if you are interested in receiving breakfast and lunch from Carwise Middle, we will be doing meal distributions on Fridays.  Each Friday we will distribute five days of breakfast and five days of lunch.  If you are eligible for free lunch, there will be no charge.  If you do not receive free lunch, the cost will be $2.75 per day for a total of $13.75.  If you are interested in the school lunch program, please email our cafeteria manager, Mrs. Eastling at eastlingf@pcsb.org.  Be sure to include your child’s name and student ID number.  Thank you!

Parents, please remember that if you child needs to miss school for a doctor appointment, dentist appointment, etc. please be sure to call or email the grade level clerk so we can accurately document the absence.  This goes for our Traditional and MyPCS students.  Thank you!

Also, parents please help us reinforce the student dress code.  The first two weeks we have been focusing on COVID protocols.  However, we will be following up with the PCS dress code starting this week.  Please remember that students’ shorts and skirts must be at least mid-thigh in length or longer.  Also, all pants must be worn at the waist.  Shirts must have sleeves and must cover the back and stomach.  Thank you, parents for your help!

Parents, please remember that our student drop-off and pick-up is in the car circle behind the school.  Please know that the front of the school is not for student drop off.  The front of the school is for visitor parking and school busses.  I appreciate your help following our procedures and keeping our students safe!

 Last, I need help from all of our MyPCS parents.  Please speak to your child about appropriate online classroom behavior.  Due to some recent issues, students must login to their live Canvas lessons in the following method, or they will not be admitted in from the waiting room.

• Log into Clever
• Log into Teams
• In a new tab, log into Clever, Canvas, and then click on the Teams meeting link

If an online student is displaying inappropriate behavior, they will face school consequences.  Additionally, at a minimum, students will be restricted from online live lessons.  Parents please know that all online activity is tracked and will be handled accordingly.  Please help us ensure that all students are doing their part to be responsible students.  Thank you!

Thanks again Carwise families for your continued support.  I appreciate all you do to make Carwise Middle such an amazing place.  Take care and have a great Labor Day.

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PTSA Spirit Night - Thursday Nights in September

Hello Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out.  Our awesome PTSA is having a School Spirit Night every Thursday night in September from 6 to 8PM at the Oldsmar Chick-fil-A (see the attached flyer).  Please come out and support our school.  Mention Carwise Middle as you visit the drive-through and 20% of all sales will be donated to the Carwise PTSA.  Thank you for your continued support of Carwise Middle and our PTSA.  Take care!

Chick fil A Flyer September 2020.jpg 

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Weekend Update 08-30-20

Hello, Carwise Middle School families!  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates. 

First, I would like to thank the staff, students, and parents for their patience as we navigate our way though our new normal.  I know that lots of things are different, however, I really want everyone to know that I appreciate their support and teamwork. 

We are still working out some online technical issues.  If you are having issues, please notify and work with your teachers first.  If the teacher cannot resolve the issue, the teacher will direct you to our Media Specialist.  If the problem still persists, we will submit a tech ticket to the Help Desk.  We are working on these issues as quickly as possible.

Parents, please reinforce the fact that masks are required while students are on campus.  Students must have their mouth and nose covered by their mask when on campus.  Additionally, masks with exhaust vents are NOT permitted.  While the vents may make it easier to breathe, they defeat the purpose of filtering the air that we breathe out.  We do have plenty of brand-new cloth masks if students need more.  Also, please remember that if your child is not feeling well, it is imperative that you keep them home from school.

Parents for our MyPCS students, we need your help reinforcing acceptable online behavior.  Our teachers have already discussed that all online activity should be academically focused.  Please help us drive home this information.  We still have students that are using the Teams chat box for non-educational purposes.  Also, please help by monitoring your child’s Teams icon.  These must be school appropriate.  Additionally, MyPCS students need to follow the normal bell schedule.  This means that they start class on time and remain online until the teacher dismisses them. 

This week, we begin our first set of diagnostic testing for students.  Our tests this week will be for math, language arts, and iReady reading students (this includes Traditional and MyPCS students).  These tests will help us assess where our students are academically.  This way, we know how to best support their learning.  These diagnostic tests will continue next week as well.  Please be sure that your child has earbuds or headphones for school-based testing starting tomorrow.  Thank you!

Also, we had some requests for students to move from MyPCS to Traditional and vice versa.  Please remember that when learning options were made, these choices were for 9-week time periods.  Also, please know that we are in the process of doing student head counts to determine how many students are present this school year.  Once this process is complete and we are given the green light from Pinellas County Schools, we will begin to determine if these moves are possible.  These changes do present a challenge as we have strict class sizes this school year.  Please know that we are doing all we can to accommodate your requests.

Last, parents please ensure that you are seeking information regarding COVID-19 cases from the school or a responsible source.  Using social media as a way to gather news and potentially perpetuating wrong information is unfortunate.  I would be happy to answer questions from any parent, should you want to discuss something.  Thank you!

Thanks again Carwise Middle families for your continued support!  I hope everyone had a great weekend and is staying dry this evening.  We look forward to week two!  Take care!

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Carwise Middle Evening Update 08-25-20

Hello, Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal.  After my message this morning explaining a staff member, who had no contact with students, tested positive for COVID-19, I was notified about a separate COVID-19 case.  A student has tested positive for COVID-19 at our school.  All students who have been deemed a “close contact” received a separate correspondence. This does not impact your student.  Your student can continue to attend school as normal (please read the attached letter)

We have implemented Pinellas County Schools safety protocols in partnership with the Department of Health-Pinellas.  Affected students will be able to learn from home using the Canvas Learning Management System during their self-quarantine.  All affected areas will be deep-cleaned and disinfected.

We continue to encourage all parents to monitor students closely for any sign of potential illness. Students should remain at home if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, new or persistent cough, headache, loss of taste or smell, fatigue and/or stomach issues (diarrhea). We appreciate your continued support.  As always, please feel free to contact me at 727-724-1442 with questions.

Thank you,

Principal Chad Eiben

08252020 Carwise Parent Letter.pdf 

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Morning Update 08-25-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal.  Prior to students returning to school for our new school year, we had a staff member show signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  Correct procedures were followed and the staff member self-isolated.  Students were never in contact as self-isolation started prior to the first day of school.  During self-isolation a positive COVID-19 test result was confirmed.  Per the Department of Health’s investigation, no quarantine measures are necessary, and all students and staff can return to school.  In an abundance of caution all affected areas have been deep-cleaned and disinfected. 

We continue to encourage all parents to monitor students closely for any sign of potential illness and to keep your child home if they are not feeling well.  Students must remain at home if they are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, new or persistent cough, headache, loss of taste or smell, fatigue and/or stomach issues (diarrhea).  We appreciate your continued support.  As always, please feel free to contact me at 727-724-1442 with questions.

Thank you and take care.

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End of the First Day

Hello, Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some first day updates.  I want to thank all of you for your patience as we worked through our first day with so many new process and procedures.  The students at school did a great job with moving from class to class and adjusting to the new cafeteria changes.  Our teachers also did a wonderful job supporting our students.

Parents, please be patient in the car circle as we attempt to move the cars through as quickly and safely as possible.  For our bus riders, please make sure you remember your bus route number so you can make it to your bus on time. 

For our MyPCS families, thank you as well for your patience as we begin this new adventure.  Canvas did encounter some issues today with all of the new users logging in.  However, as the day went on, things seemed to clear up.  I want to remind students about appropriate online behavior and etiquette.  Additionally, I want to ask parents to email teachers directly if you have questions or contact the school.  Class time is not a good time for parent questions, just like in the Traditional setting.

Thank you again parents, teachers, and students for a great first day.  I know there were a few bumps in the road.  However, each day we will take small steps and get more comfortable with our new normal and our online content.  I hope everyone has a great evening.  Take care.

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Weekend Update 08-23-20

Hello, Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal reaching out with some weekend updates.  Tomorrow is the big day!  Our first day back to school for the 2020-2021 school year.  We are excited to be starting back up after a really long Spring Break.

I want to first start by recognizing the hard work that the assistant principals and school counselors have put in over the past two weeks with our master schedule.  They have worked non-stop on student and teacher schedules.  This included the changing of almost 1,300 student schedules.  So, thank for very much for your hard work!

With that being said, some schedules were worked on this weekend.  Our first priority is to ensure that all students have a full and correct schedule.  We will not be able to accept schedule change requests for teacher preference or elective choices.  Again, we want to be sure each student has a compete schedule.  Unfortunatley, scheduling was more challenging with the short time frame and the incorporation of MyPCS, so not all electives and classes will be able to be offered.

Also, regarding scheduling, please know that if your child has a two-period block math class, this was done in order to provide additional math support to ensure they are successful, and due to their prior FSA math score.  Also, please know that Language Arts and Science courses are all listed as Advanced.  Please know this was done to help to ease scheduling issues.  However, students who need the additional supports of a co-teacher, scaffolding, and differentiation will still be receiving this service.  Last for scheduling, 8^th graders who are scheduled for Pre-AP World History, this is a new course for this year and is the next class after Civics, which was taken the previous year.

As stated earlier, we have continued to work on schedules this weekend to ensure schedules are ready.  Please be sure to log in to Focus today to view your schedule.  For traditional students, it is recommended that you print your schedule today, so that you know where to report for 1^st period tomorrow.  If this is not possible, do not worry.  We will have signs and staff members helping students locate their 1^st period class tomorrow.  Also, log in to Canvas to see your teachers’ Open House information!

Parents, please know that all drinking fountains have been shut off at school.  We do have one water bottle filling station in the front office.  If you wish, you child can carry a water bottle with them during the school day.  We are currently waiting on additional water bottle filling stations.

Parents please be sure that your child comes to school with a face mask/covering.  Once students are on campus, masks must be worn.  All traditional students will be receiving five masks and a neck lanyard from PCS.  If students arrive with no mask on, they will be given a mask as they enter campus.  Also, we ask that you please discuss with your child the importance of wearing their mask and the importance of social distancing.  It is imperative that we follow these guidelines.

Parents, it is also extremely important that you keep your child home if they are not feeling well.  I have attached the Student and Parent Wellness Responsibilities.  Please review this form.  This form will be sent home with students on the first day.  Again, this outlines that you need to keep your child home if they are not feeling well. 

Last, I have attached information outlining how you can determine which lunch your child will eat.  If you are a traditional student, this will be explained in detail by your teachers.  However, if you are a MyPCS student, please review the attached Student Lunch Schedule document.  This way you will know when to take your lunch break each day.  Please note that we have four lunch periods.  "A" lunch will occur after 2^nd period, "B" lunch will occur after 3^rd period, and so forth.  So, for example in the first column, if you have Mrs. Archer 3^rd period, you will each "A" lunch.  In the second column, if you have Mr. Hedrick 3^rd period, you will have "B" lunch, and so forth.  It can be a little confusing and sometimes students will go to the wrong lunch the first or second day.  Not to worry, we will get everything straightened out. 

Finally, I have attached additional documents that I sent previously to help with school processes.  We look forward to a fun school year.  We hope things will eventually return to normal, but for the time being, we ask for patience, compassion, flexibility, and a sense of humor.  Thank you, parents, for always supporting Carwise Middle, where students are Learning Today, and Leading Tomorrow.

Take care!

Student and Parent Wellness Responsibilities and Expectations 2020-21_E-Sig.pdf 

Student Lunch Schedules.Pdf 

Bell Schedule 2020-2021.docx 

Car Circle Map 2020-2021.docx 

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Carwise Middle update 08-19-20

Hello Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some more updates.  It is hard to believe but our first day of school is just around the corner.

For those students that are MyPCS students, we have your computers in and will be distributing them this week.  You will receive a separate call/email with the specific date/time and process for pick-up.  As for everyone else, we are waiting on our shipment of new Dell computers.  We are hopeful that they will arrive by mid to late September.  At that point, all middle school students will have a computer of their own!  If students have their own personal laptop, they can use those as well.  Parents will just need to fill out the Bring Your Own Device Agreement.  This form has been attached to an accompanying email.

I have also attached our new bell schedule.  We had to create a new one in order to accommodate the adding of an additional lunch period.  Please know that this bell schedule will need to be followed by Traditional students and MyPCS students as well.  MyPCS students are to be present and ready to work at the start of each class.

Our counselors and assistant principals are still working on student schedules.  So, changes are still taking place in order to balance class sizes and create MyPCS classes for students.  Schedules should be finished by the end of the day on Thursday.  That means that students can log in to Focus on Friday and see their schedule for this school year.  We recommend that all Traditional students print their schedule over the weekend, so they are ready to head straight to class on Monday.  For those that can't print their schedule, we will have signs posted and adults helping so students know where to report for 1^st period.  I have also attached a school map for your use in mapping out where classrooms are located.  This will be a two tabbed excel document.  The tabs at the bottom indicate which floor.   Also, once schedules are complete, we will inform students which lunch period they will eat according to teachers they have before/after lunch.  This will be a little trickier this year with four lunches, but I promise that everyone will get time to eat lunch!

Also, on Friday, teachers will have their Virtual Open House videos loaded to their Homepage in Canvas.  This means that you will be able to meet and learn about each of your teachers and classes before school starts.  So, take your time and check-out what our teaches have prepared on Canvas over the weekend.

What is Canvas do you say?  Canvas will be our new online platform for teachers to post lessons and conduct class meetings.  Canvas will be accessed through Clever (https://clever.com/).  All students and parents should become familiar with Canvas as this will be your one-stop-shop for classroom content, this includes Traditional students and MyPCS students.  Please use this link (https://www.pcsb.org/Page/33797) to access a parent/family Canvas training.

Additionally, for MyPCS families, please check out this link (https://www.pcsb.org/Page/33748) to access MyPCS resources as well as to take of tour of MyPCS online.

Attention all car riders, I have attached a traffic flow map to an accompanying email.  Please be very cautious and patient in the car line.  The car line is a No Cell Phone Zone.  We want to ensure that parents eyes are on the road and watching out for our students.  Please take direction from our staff so you know where our loading and unloading zones are.  Please know that the front of the school is our visitor parking lot and bus circle.  This area is not for student drop off.  Please do not drive through the bus circle.  Also, do not drop your child off in the visitor parking lot.  This causes a very unsafe situation for our students.

Parents if you need to drop off medication for you child for this school year, please call ahead to schedule an appointment with Nurse Kevin.  Or you can email him at coddingtonk@pcsb.org.  Thank you for helping us keep our office free of long lines and waiting parents.  Speaking of the nurse and the clinic, please be sure that you will have multiple adults listed as emergency pick-ups in the event your child becomes sick at school.  We need to ensure that your child can go home as quickly as possible if they are not feeling well.  Thank you!

School lunch will be $2.75 this year.  Cash or check can be brought to school and deposited on student lunch accounts.  Or parents can log on to www.myschoolbucks.com to access their child’s lunch account.  If you receive free/reduced lunch, please be sure to re-apply this school year at www.myschoolapps.com.  Attached you will find more information regarding free/reduced lunch applications.

Last, parents, please join our PTSA.  This awesome support group helps our students and staff throughout the school year.  Our PTSA has a bunch of amazing virtual events planned for this year.  Also, spirit wear and PTSA memberships are available on their website.  Please check them out at https://carwisemiddleptsa.com/.   

Thank you Carwise families.  Take care!

Bring Your Own Device Agreement 2-3199.pdf 

Bell Schedule 2020-2021.docx 

2020-2021 Carwise School Map.xlsx 

Car Circle Map 2020-2021.docx 

School Lunch Information 2020-2021.doc 

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Update 08-13-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some updates.  I hope this message finds everyone healthy, happy, and enjoying the last few days of your summer break. 

School is set to begin on Monday, August 24^th for both virtual and traditional students.  Student schedules are currently being modified in order to adjust schedules for MyPCS online students.  We hope to have student schedules completed by the end of next week.  This way, parents and students can log in to Focus in order to see their schedule (both MyPCS and Traditional).  Additionally, by the end of next week we will have our Virtual Open House videos recorded and uploaded to our teachers’ Canvas class pages.  Thus, our Open House will be virtual and available for families on their own time prior to school opening.  This virtual Open House will be for all three grade levels.  Next week, I will send specific instructions on how to find your schedule, print it, as well as access the virtual Open House videos.

Our virtual school tour is now up and available on our website (https://www.pcsb.org/carwise-ms)!  If you are new to Carwise Middle, please be sure to check it out so that you know the lay of the land.  Also, on our website, you can find all of my prior message that have gone home.  So, if you ever miss a call or an email from me, just check our website for the information. 

Parents of 7^th graders, please remember that we need your child’s updated shot records.  Seventh grade students are required to have their Tdap vaccine prior to the start of school or a valid documented exemption.  Otherwise, students will be excluded form classes as per Florida Statute.  This includes ALL Pinellas County Schools students, regardless of the learning option (MyPCS or Traditional).  If you have not done so, please drop off your shot records to the front office.

For those students that are returning in-person to Carwise Middle, we will have lots of new safety processes in place to ensure student and staff safety.  First and foremost, masks must be worn by students and staff.  Examples of acceptable face coverings include medical masks, paper or disposable face masks, cloth face masks, neck gaiters/buffs or other cloth apparel completely covering the mouth and nose.  Examples of unacceptable face coverings include lace, mesh, crocheted or other face coverings that are not solid material, as well as those that have exhalation valves or vents.

Additionally, we will be having one-way halls in areas where possible.  When this is not possible, we will have directional arrows to ensure traffic stays to the right.  Also, stairwells will be one-way.  Our main stairwell will be for traffic going up ONLY.  All other small stairwells will be for down traffic ONLY.  Signs will be posted to remind students of the traffic flow patterns. 

Also, students will need to socially distance when entering school prior to first period, starting, and during class changes.  Lockers will not be utilized, which will help with social distancing.  We have also added an additional lunch period in order to decrease the numbers of student in the cafeteria.  Teachers will escort their classes to the cafeteria and students will be seated at assigned lunch tables.  Tables will be limited to 4 or 6 students total.  Also, lunch tables will have plexiglass to separate students that are seated across from each other.

We have also limited the amount of furniture in our classrooms in order to maximize student social distancing.  Teachers will have a designated teaching area at the front of the classroom.  Our goal is to keep the number of students in each class as low as possible. 

At the end of the day, we will have a staggered dismissal of students.  Bus riders will be dismissed first.  After that, students will be dismissed by building at different intervals in order to allow for distancing of students. 

Parents, please help us by ensuring that students are not dropped off any earlier than 9:10AM.  The Code of Student Conduct states that students should not be on campus any earlier than 30 minutes before the start of school and 30 minutes after school ends.  If you are looking for before/after care, we are partners with the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA on 16^th Street in Palm Harbor.  The YMCA provides bussing from the Y in the morning and to the Y in the afternoon.  A flyer is attached to an accompanying email for those interested.

For those students that will be starting MyPCS online, we hope to have student computers in next week for those families that replied to our survey and expressed a need for a laptop.  Stay tuned for more details and a specific email to those families.  Additionally, our online students and families will receive information on how to turn in our beginning of the year forms electronically (ex- media release, internet agreement, code of conduct, etc.). 

I want to thank all of our families for their continued support.  If you have questions, please be sure to reach out.  We look forward to seeing our students either in person or online.  We take pride at Carwise knowing that our students are Learning Today and Leading Tomorrow!  Take care and have a great evening!

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CMS Update 07-23-2020

Hello again Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal.  I forgot to mention in yesterday's message that this coming year students will not be using lockers at Pinellas County Schools in order to enhance social distancing.  With that being said, students will be allowed to carry backpacks to all classes in order to help with carrying their materials.  Thus, I have updated our student supply list.  Thank you to the awesome parent who reached out to me with this question!

Also, I am excited to announce that Pinellas County Schools is starting a program called PCS connects.  This program will allocate a laptop computer to all PCS students in grades 4 through 9.  We are hopeful that the new computers will arrive in mid to late September.  At that time we will begin checking the computers out to our students.  

I thank all of our families for your support.  Please keep the questions coming and don't for get to make your learning option choice by Monday, July 27th at 5PM.  Thank you and take care!

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Pre-school updates 07-22-2020

Hello Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal.  I hope this message finds everyone healthy, happy, and enjoying your summer.  I am reaching out with multiple updates for the upcoming school year.

First, Dr. Grego, our Superintendent, has released information regarding the re-opening of Pinellas County Schools for this coming school year.  Please visit www.pcsb.org/reopening to review the re-opening plan and procedures (I have also attached a copy of the plan at the end of the accompanying email).  Additionally, Dr. Grego has recommended that the start date for school be pushed back to Monday, August 24^th.  We are waiting on the school board to approve this recommendation.  If approved, this would push the end date for school to Wednesday, June 9, 2021. 

Also, for this coming school year, there will be three learning options:  Traditional, MyPCS Online, and Pinellas Virtual School.  Please visit www.pcsb.org/domain/11691 to read more about each learning option.  At the bottom of that webpage is a button to click in order to make your learning option choice.  This will lead you to the Student Reservation System (SRS).  The direct link to SRS is reservation.pcsb.org/Login.aspx.  To utilize the SRS you will need a PCS Parent Username and Password.  If you do not already have a Parent Username and Password, please contact Carwise Middle and speak to our Data Management Technician at 727-724-1442 ext. 2105 or email at giacconed@pcsb.org .

The selection period ends on Monday, July 27^th at 5PM.  If you have questions about what learning option would be best for your child, please give us a call so we can help answer your questions.  Please be sure to make your selection ASAP.  Thank you!

Attention parents of students starting 7^th grade, please be sure that we have their updated shot records.  Seventh grade students are required to have their Tdap vaccine prior to the start of school or valid documented exemption.  Otherwise, they will be excluded from classes as per Florida Statue.  This includes ALL Pinellas County Schools students, regardless of the learning option that you choose.  Please drop off your shot record to the front office Monday through Thursday.  Thank you!

For our incoming 6^th graders, unfortunately we will not be able to offer Shark Camp this summer.  However, we are working on plans for setting up a virtual school tour that will be uploaded to our website.  Additionally, we are working on plans for 6^th grade small group tours prior to the start of school.  Lastly, we are working on having a 6^th grade Virtual Open House “Shark Night” through Microsoft Teams.  More information will be sent as we get the details finalized.  Stay tuned!

To help prepare your student for the school year, I have attached a supply list link to the end of the accompanying email.  Please know that this is just a general supply list.  Teachers may require additional items.  However, this should get you started and on the right path.  Please reach out to me if you need help with school supplies.

To close, I hope each of you have had an enjoyable summer while spending time with your family.  If you have any questions regarding the school re-opening plan or learning options, please do not hesitate to email or call the school.  We are here to help.  Thank you so much and take care.

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8th grade drive-through parade 5-29-20

Hello 8th grade parents.  This is just a reminder that we will be hosting an 8th grade drive-through parade on Monday, June 1st from 5PM to 6PM at Carwise Middle School.  Please read the attached flyer (link below) with all of the important instructions.  We hope to see you there!!

Thank you and take care!!!

8th Grade Drive-Through Parade.docx 

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8th grade announcements - 5-27-20

Hello 8^th grade Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some exciting information. 

First, this Friday teachers will post a link to our 8^th grade end of the year celebration and awards presentation.  This video is a fantastic celebration and an amazing production.  I know it is not our typical end to the school year; however, I hope everyone enjoys this very nice video.  Also, I want to thank all of our 8^th graders for finishing strong this school year.  It has been very nice seeing so many of you during item pick-up at school this week.

Second, we will be hosting a drive-through 8^th grade parade to celebrate our awesome 8^th graders as they “swim off” to high school.  This fun event will occur on Monday, June 1^st from 5 to 6PM at Carwise Middle.  Come on out and drive through so teachers and staff can cheer you on as you roll though the car loop.  Check-out the attached parade flyer using the link in the accompanying email.

Thanks again awesome 8^th grade families.  I hope to see everyone Monday evening.  Take care!

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Weekend Update 05-24-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope everyone is healthy, happy, and enjoying their Memorial Day Weekend. 

This coming week is the last week of the school year!  This week will be used for enrichment activities as well as a time for students to make-up missing assignments.  Please take this time to submit all work to get your grades up before the marking period ends.  As we near the end of the year, don’t forget to register for Summer Bridge (see the attached flyer on the accompanying email).  Summer Bridge is a great enrichment opportunity to help prevent the “summer slide.”

Also, this coming week we will have our student locker content pick-up process.  This process will occur Tuesday through Friday.  Our amazing plant operations team has already cleared out all lockers and bagged/tagged all items.  Please print and read the attached Pick-Up & Drop-Off Procedures carefully.  This process will allow for drop off of school items and pick-up of student items, including yearbooks that were purchased.  If you borrowed a school computer, please keep them for now, unless you are moving out of the area.  Also, attached is the Vehicle Name Sign document.  Please print this sign and place in your car during the drop-off/pick-up process.  We kindly ask that you follow the scheduled times on the attached procedures.  This will help us avoid super long lines.  Thank you!

Overdue library book notices are being emailed to student school email accounts.  Please have your student check their email in Office 365 to see what library books are currently checked out that are due. The directions for how to check your school email are attached to the accompanying email.  If you have library materials at home, please drop them off at school during your assigned pick-up/drop-off time.  If the books belong to another school, you can still drop them off at Carwise and we will get them back to their home school.  Any library books or textbooks that were left in lockers have been collected and will be checked in during the first week of June.  You can continue to check your account through Destiny as things are returned and checked in.  The directions for accessing your Destiny account are also attached to this message. 

This Friday, May 29^th we will be sending out a link to our 8^th graders to access the 8^th Grade End of the Year Celebration and Awards Presentation.  The staff has been working hard to record special presentations for their students.  Please tune in and check out this great event!  Also, we are planning a special 8^th grade drive through parade at Carwise Middle to celebrate our awesome 8^th grade students as we send them off to high school.  More information will be sent out soon to our 8^th grade families!

Thank you Carwise Middle families for all of your support and patience this school year.  Have a great weekend and take care.

Carwise Middle Pick-Up & Drop-Off Procedures.docx 

Vehicle Name Sign.docx 

CheckingEmailandDestiny.docx 

Summer Bridge Flyer MS 5.5.2020.pdf 

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Weekend Update 05-17-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope this message this message finds everyone healthy and happy.  Only two more weeks left in the school year!  Also, the final week of school will be utilized for time to make-up missing assignments as well as enrichment activities.  No new assignments will be given during the final week. 

Summer Bridge will be virtual this summer.  Attached is information regarding the summer program.  This is a great way for students to stay educationally active and avoid the summer slide.  If you would like to register your child for Summer Bridge please click on the following link (https://reservation.pcsb.org/).  You will need your parent username and password.  Please contact the school if you need assistance.

Next week we will begin to sell the final 50 additional yearbooks for those who did not pre-order theirs.  This will occur online and will begin with 8^th graders on Tuesday, 7^th graders on Wednesday, and 6^th graders on Thursday.  All sales will be on a first come, first served basis.  I will send a grade level specific call/email on each day with specific instructions for those interested.  The cost will be $35 plus a $3.62 online service charge for a total of $38.62.  All sales will be credit card ONLY. 

We are finally ready for end of the year locker clean-outs.  We were notified that students will not be able to be on campus to gather locker contents.  Thus, all locker contents will be distributed to parents/students through the car circle.  This past week our plant operations crew work diligently to clear out student hallway and PE lockers.  All contents were bagged and tagged.  Unfortunately, many students did not utilize their assigned locker which has complicated the process.  Also, our office staff has work extremely hard to tag, alphabetize, and organize all items for pick-up.  We are currently waiting on our yearbooks to arrive at school so that we can begin this one-time pick-up process.  Once we receive the yearbooks, I will alert everyone as to the pick-up days and times.  This will most likely be the four days following Memorial Day Weekend.  We will have alphabetical time slots on each day.  Specific instructions will be sent with forms to utilize as well as a map.  We ask that you begin to gather any library books, textbooks (not consumable workbooks), teacher classroom books, uniforms, and instruments that need to be returned to school.  This will occur at the same time as item pickup.  Computers will not be returned, unless you are withdrawing from Pinellas County Schools.  Again, once we have our yearbooks on hand, we will finalize dates, and send out specific instructions on this process.

Last, we are currently working on student schedules for next school year.  Please remember that the middle school PE waiver form is only good for one school year and must be re-submitted each year.  So, if you want to opt-out of PE next school year to take a year-long elective like Band, Chorus, Orchestra, AVID, Computers, Spanish, Family and Consumer Science, and Art, please make sure that you have completed the online waiver.  The waiver can accessed at the following website ( https://asd.pcsb.org/SchoolWiresForms/PE_Waiver/ ).  Parents will need their parent username and password for Focus to complete this form.

Thank you parents, students, and teachers for all of your hard work this school year, especially during our distance learning endeavor.  I hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday.  Take care!

Summer Bridge Flyer MS 5.5.2020.pdf 

Summer Bridge Flyer MS Spanish.pdf 

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Weekend Update 05-10-20

Hello Carwise Middle School families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  It is hard to believe, but there are only three weeks left for the school year.  Also, I want to thank all those who recognized our awesome staff last week during Teacher Appreciation Week.  Thank you!

Our PTSA will be having their last General Meeting on May 15^th at 5PM.  Please join us for this virtual meeting (check out the attached flyer).  Also, if you are interested in any PTSA board position for next year, please email the PTSA president, Lathea Bowen at ericandlathea@yahoo.com.  Also, 8^th grade parents, I will be sending a brief PTSA survey to gauge interest in an 8^th grade dance over the summer, if CDC and PCS restrictions allow.

Parents, we are currently working on student schedules for next school year.  Please remember that the middle school PE waiver form is only good for one school year and must be re-submitted each year.  So, if you want to opt-out of PE next school year to take a year-long elective like Band, Chorus, Orchestra, AVID, Computers, Family and Consumer Science, and Art, please make sure that you have completed the online waiver.  The waiver can accessed at the following website ( https://asd.pcsb.org/SchoolWiresForms/PE_Waiver/ ).  Parents will need their parent username and password for Focus to complete this form.

Parents, if your child is interested in taking part in a Future City Competition Team next school year, please email Mrs. Rossie (ROSSIEB@pcsb.org).  Future City is a project-based learning program where middle school students imagine, design, and build cities of the future!  We hope to form a team for next year!

Families, if you are in need of food, PCS has 11 food distribution sights open on Wednesday’s from 10:30AM to 12:30PM.  These free meals are for any PCS students ages 18 and younger.  Breakfast and lunch meals are provided for six days.  Click on the link for more information and distribution sites (https://www.pcsb.org/Page/32853).

Summer Bridge will be virtual this summer.  Summer Bridge is a great way to continue educational enrichment over the summer.  Please check out the attached flyer to register or for additional information.

I hope everyone is healthy, happy, and enjoying a nice Mother’s Day.

Take care!

PTSA General Meeting 5 2020.jpg 

PTSA Board Postion Descriptions 2020.pdf 

Summer Bridge.pdf 

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Weekend Update 05-03-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope this message finds everyone healthy, happy, and enjoying this beautiful weekend. 

I want to thank parents, students, and staff for their continued hard work during this time of distance learning.  If you are having any online issues or questions, please reach out to the school staff for support.  We are here to help, and problem solve.  I am always just an email away.

We are still awaiting guidelines as to how we will conduct end of the year process such as locker clean-outs, yearbook distribution, textbook returns, and instrument returns.  Once we receive these guidelines, I will pass them along to everyone.  We do have plans for some end of the year celebrations such as the 8^th grade awards.  More details will follow.

If any families are in need of food during these trying times, the FEAST Food Pantry in Palm Harbor is willing and able to help out.  I have attached a flyer to the accompanying email with information regarding this amazing resource.

The Carwise PTSA is looking for people interested in Board positions for next year.  If you are interested in joining this amazing team, please review the attached PTSA document.  This outlines the positions available, descriptions of the positions, as well as who to contact if you are interested. 

I also want to thank our awesome PTSA as they are supporting our Staff Appreciation Week!  Thank you PTSA!  The week of May 4^th through May 8^th is National Staff Appreciation Week!  Please take this week to acknowledge our world class staff at Carwise Middle.  Thank you teachers and staff for all you do!

Once again, I hope everyone is doing well.  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at any time.  Take care and have a nice Sunday.

Feast COVID Flyer.jpg 

Carwise Middle PTSA Board Postion Descriptions 2020.pdf

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Weekend Message 04-19-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I want to first start with thanking parents, students, and teachers for all of their hard work, patience, and persistence during our transition to online learning.  I know that at times it has been a challenge.  However, the teamwork and determination by all involved has been truly amazing.  Thank you so much.

As I am sure all of you are aware, the governor has extended school closures through the end of this school year.  With that being said, we are currently working on putting in place end of the year procedures such as locker clean-outs, yearbook distribution, and instrument returns.  Once we have these plans finalized and approved, I will relay these to everyone as soon as possible.

Since we now know that we will continue with online learning for the remainder of this school year, please continue to ensure that you child logs on daily and checks-in with their teachers on Microsoft Teams.  If your child is having technology issues, please alert their teachers so that we can provide support.  Please contact teachers immediately through Teams or email when issues arise.  Or, you can always email me, and I can assist.  We want to ensure that students are able to stay engaged and finish the school year strong.

As I stated last weekend, it is hard to believe but we are already working on student schedules for next school year.  Please remember that the PE waiver form is only good for one school year and must be re-submitted each year.  So, if you want to opt-out of PE next school year, please make sure you have completed the online waiver.  The waiver can accessed online at the following website ( https://asd.pcsb.org/SchoolWiresForms/PE_Waiver/ ).  Parents will need their parent username and password for Focus to complete this form.

As more updates and information comes out on how we will wrap up the end of the school year, I will reach out with that information.  Again, thank you all for your patience and teamwork through these unprecedented times.  I hope everyone is healthy and happy.  Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.  Take care.

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Weekend Update 04-11-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope this message finds everyone happy and healthy.

I wanted to let everyone know that we have adjusted our live lesson schedule so that students will have only one live chat per week with each teacher.  This will reduce the number of live chats per day.  I have attached the updated schedule to this email.  Hopefully this will help alleviate some stress and your workload as we all adjust to our new online format.  Parents please reach out to our staff if you have any questions or concerns with lessons or technology.  We are here to help.  Also, we will be extremely flexible with submitting assignments as we know the adjustment to online learning will take some time. 

I am sad to report that Universal Studios has extended their park closures through May 31^st.  This means that our 8^th grade Gradventure trip will be cancelled.  I will be working with our school bookkeeper to begin cutting refund checks to those who signed up for the trip.  If you were signed up, please verify that your address is correct in Focus, as we will be mailing refund checks home. 

It is hard to believe but we are already working on student schedules for next school year.  Please remember that the PE waiver form is only good for one school year and must be re-submitted each year.  So, if you want to opt-out of PE next school year, please make sure you have completed the online waiver.  The waiver can accessed online at the following website ( https://asd.pcsb.org/SchoolWiresForms/PE_Waiver/ ).  Parents will need their parent username and password for Focus to complete this form.

I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend.  Take care.

6th Grade Carwise Online Live Schedule.xlsx 

7th Grade Carwise Online Live Schedule.xlsx 

8th Grade Carwise Online Live Schedule.xlsx 

MMI Carwise Online Learning Schedule.xlsx

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Weekend Update 04-05-20

Hello Carwise families.  This is your principal, Mr. Eiben, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope everyone is healthy and doing well.  I also hope that the transition to online learning has been getting easier as we all learn this new way of work.

As you all know schools will remain closed until at least May 1^st.  Carwise Middle has been deep cleaned by our plant operations staff and is now totally closed down.  The school will not be reopened until we receive word from the Florida Department of Education.  With that being said, all contents in student lockers will remain there until schools reopen.  Please have your child write down their locker number and combination so they will have it when we do return.

This week, PCS is opening additional locations for students to receive free breakfast and lunch.  I have attached updated information regarding pick-up times and locations. 

This Monday report cards will be sent out.  Please be sure to check your email for 3^rd quarter report cards.  Also, this Friday there is no school.  This was a scheduled day off for students and teachers prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Students can use this day as a day to catch up or work on enrichment activities.

Please remember that online classes and coursework will occur through Microsoft Teams.  Students will need to check-in daily with their teachers.  This way teachers can take attendance and log absences into Focus.  Students will not have daily assignments from all of their teachers every day as we want to start with small steps before we jump all the way in. 

Starting this week, we will utilize structured times for teachers to conduct live chats, Q & A sessions, and eventually live and/or recorded lessons.  Currently these blocks of time are set for 1-hour per content area.  However, live sessions will not last that long.  Teachers will use this 1-hour block to teach different groups of students or different content.  Your teacher will let you know the specific time your class will “meet.”  Also, teachers may schedule additional live chats on an as needed basis to help support students.  I have attached our four schedules for our live chats.  These are a 6^th grade schedule, a 7^th grade schedule, an 8^th grade schedule, and an MMI/ESE schedule. 

I have also attached a letter for all parents who have students who receive Exceptional Student Education services.  This letter is from Lynne Mowatt, Executive Director of ESE services.

Last, if students are having technology issues or trouble logging in, parents should contact the PCSB Tech Help Desk at 727-588-6060. 

Thank you again parents and teachers as we continue to acclimate ourselves to online learning.  I want to acknowledge all of the hard work that students, parents, and staff members have put in.  Also, a special shout out to our tech savvy students who have helped our teachers learn some new technology tricks.  Together we will make this work.  Keep calm and Clever on.

Take care and have a nice Sunday.

Expansion of Meal Distribution Sites.pdf 

6th Grade Carwise Online Live Schedule.xlsx 

7th Grade Carwise Online Live Schedule.xlsx 

8th Grade Carwise Online Live Schedule.xlsx 

MMI Carwise Online Learning Schedule.xlsx 

Exceptional Studnet Education - COVID Letter to Families.pdf 

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Update 03-31-20

Hello Carwise families.  This is your principal, Mr. Eiben, reaching out with a few updates.  I am sure everyone heard that school closures have been extended through MAY 1^st.  With that being said, we are working hard to get all students online and learning.  However, Microsoft is currently having a worldwide issue due to all of the new users on Teams.  Please know that Microsoft is working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.  We are aware that there will be bumps in the road.  If students are running into issues trying to submit assignments, that is ok.  We will be flexible knowing that there are online issues.  We are asking that students check-in with each teacher daily.  This should be done through Microsoft Teams; however, if Teams is acting up, an email or message through Focus will work too.  We also ask that students be active and work on assignments daily.  When uploading completed work, if Teams will not allow you to upload you work, students can still submit assignments through Focus.  Again, I want to stress the fact that we don’t want you to get stressed out.  We will work through the kinks and get through this together.  If you have questions, please email me.  Thank you and take care.

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Weekend Update 03-29-20

Hello Carwise families.  This is your principal, Mr. Eiben, reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope everyone is healthy and doing well.  I also hope the first week of online work was productive.  Hopefully no students were sent to the office or received a detention during their first week of homeschool. 

Parents, please know that all of my phone and email messages that go out are also located on the Carwise Middle website.  So, if you miss a message or can’t find an email, you can always access my updates on the “Principal Eiben’s Announcements” tab on the Carwise Middle webpage.

The last day to order a yearbook online is this Tuesday, March 31^st.  You can access the online link through the Carwise website home page, scroll down to Spotlight on the left side, and click on the link.  Yearbooks are $35.00.

Just a reminder that this past week was just an enrichment week.  Lessons and daily check-ins will start tomorrow (Monday, March 30^th).  Please remember that online classes and coursework will occur through Microsoft Teams.  Students will need to check-in daily with their teachers.  Students will not have daily assignments from all of their teachers every day as we want to start with small steps before we just all the way in.  Also, this week will be less structured and a “work-at-your-own-pace” style.  The following week will we transition to a structured schedule when teachers will conduct live lessons or chats at specific times.  We will post this schedule for students/parents next weekend.

Attached to the accompanying email is a reference guide on how to access and use Microsoft Teams.  Please know that Teams can be located in Clever.  Also, when logging into Teams student usernames will be their R2.D2@pcsb.org and then their normal password.  If students are having trouble logging in, parents should contact the PCSB Tech Help Desk at 727-588-6060.  I have also attached a technology FAQ sheet to help.

Parents, I truly need your help with reinforcing appropriate online student behavior.  Please join with me in communicating to your student appropriate online behavior.  Teams is not snap chat, twitter or other means of social media.  It is school.  Please reinforce the below with your students:

• Be a good person. 
• Be polite and use kind language.  Please be mindful of issues like using all caps (yelling). This applies to messages geared towards the teacher and your classmates.         
• You will be held accountable for everything you post. Inappropriate posts will be screenshot and emailed to both the AP and the students’ families.  Students do not have the ability to edit or delete chats.
• Be mindful of the avatar your student is using.  Is it appropriate?    
• Please do not spam the chat. Students will be muted and lose privileges in the online class and an email will be sent both home and to administration.     
• The teacher, AP or Principal will call home if these expectations are not met. 

Appropriate conduct is expected, and Teams is to be treated as if you were in the classroom. 

Thank you again parents and teachers as we navigate new waters.  Together we will make this work.  Keep calm and Clever on.

Take care and have a nice Sunday. 

Teams Student Instructions.pdf 

PCS-Digital-Device-FAQS.pdf

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Thursday, 03-26-20

Hello Carwise families.  This is Mr. Eiben, your principal, reaching out with a few updates.  I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their online homeschool experience.  Stay strong, we will get through this together (but apart).

Parents, please have your child log in to Microsoft Teams to check-in with their teachers by noon today.

This link is a good reference for how to access and utilize Microsoft Teams: (https://www.pcsb.org/cms/lib/FL01903687/Centricity/Domain/159/Teams%20Student%20Instructions.pdf )

I have also attached this reference guide to my email.

Starting next week, teachers will start posting lesson on Microsoft Teams.  Eventually we plan to teach “live” or recorded lessons for students.  It is imperative for students to check-in each day with their teachers on Teams and complete assignments.

I know that this is new for all of us, so our plan is to take baby steps and move slowly until we all get the hang of things.

If you are having technology issues, I have attached an FAQ form to help you through these issues.

Thank you again for your patience during this challenging time.  Take care and study on!

Teams Student Instructions.pdf 

PCS-Digital-Device-FAQS.pdf 

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Monday Update 03-23-20

Hello Carwise Middle School families.  This is your principal Mr. Eiben.  I know this is a time of uncertainty for many of us as we continue to support our families and one another.  As we make the transition to digital learning, I want each of you to know that the safety and learning of your child is of the utmost importance.  While our school building may be closed, learning will continue.  Over the next week I encourage you to engage in the academic enrichment activities available through our school website (Spring Break Challenge) as well as other resources on Clever.  Class specific lessons from teachers will begin on March 30th.  I also want to make sure you know that our school will be distributing digital devices for students and families that do not have access to a computer, iPad, tablet or smartphone.  Any existing device that can access Clever and the Internet will work.  For any family that needs a digital device, we will be distributing devices for at home learning on Tuesday, March 24 in the bus circle of the school.  Both the students and a parent or guardian must be present to check out the device.  I encourage you to come at your assigned time to ensure we do not have a large crowd.  If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or are not feeling well, please send someone else on your behalf.  We will be following all CDC protocols, including social distancing.  We ask that you do the same.  

The assigned pick-up times for Tuesday, March 24^th are: 

              Grade 8 – 9:30AM to 11:00AM

              Grade 7 – 11:30AM to 1:00PM

              Grade 6 – 1:30PM to 3:00PM

To help us prepare an adequate number of computers, please click on the link below and complete the quick survey.  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BZM8c9c5GkaGb_3ye_PH_-6KZVlsRGlAmrtACWx_yI5UMVdOQThZRTc4VFpJOFEwWkpDTVVRNFBPMy4u    Thank you!

Once families have online access, please click on the link (https://www.pcsb.org/Page/32734) to access directions to content including Microsoft Teams which will be used for online instruction next week.  Also, attached is a FAQ sheet to help with any online issues.

PCS-Digital-Device-FAQS.pdf 

If you have any concerns or special needs, please email me.  We want to ensure all families have the necessary technology and Internet access to engage in online learning while school is closed.  Again, see our website and the PCS website for more information or email me with questions. I will continue to keep our families updated.  Thank you for your patience and flexibility.  We a strong community and I know we will continue to support each other as we move forward.

Take care,

Chad Eiben

Principal

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Weekend Update - 03-08-20

Hello Carwise Middle families.  This is Mr. Eiben reaching out with some weekend updates.  I hope everyone has had a relaxing weekend.  One more week to go until Spring Break!

This week we will continue our second week of Cycle 3 Assessments for Algebra, Geometry, Science, and Civics. 

This Monday, we will have our STEM Tech Girls Event at Clearwater Technical College.  Good luck ladies!  Also, we will be offering ELP/tutoring after school from 4:20 to 5:20PM. 

Tuesday, we will be offering ELP/tutoring after school from 4:20 to 5:20PM.  Also, after school we will have our SAC meeting at 5:30PM in the media center.

Wednesday, we will have before school ELP/tutoring from 8:20 to 9:20AM.   

Thursday, we will again have before school ELP/tutoring from 8:20 to 9:20AM.  Also, on Thursday, we will have our monthly fire drill.  Please speak to your child about the importance of taking all drills seriously.

Friday ends the third quarter.  Please ensure that your child complete all make-up work and gets it turned in ASAP.  Also, on Friday, our 7^th graders will be taking part in a Start With Hello assembly sponsored by the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation.  The Start With Hello program teaches students to recognize social isolation in schoolmates and the greater school community; and, reach out and help by Start(ing) With Hello. The presentation engages students in icebreakers they can use to help create a welcoming and inclusionary school culture and encourages them to sustain the Start With Hello message by participating in the school’s SAVE Promise Club.

Attention 8th grade parents…high school evening registration dates begin this Monday, March 9^th!

• PHUHS-Monday March 9^th 4:30-7:00 pm. Traditional & Medical
• PHUHS-Tuesday March 10^th 5:30 pm IB
• TSHS-Tuesday March 10^th 6:00-8:00 pm
• Countryside HS-Wednesday, March 11^th 6:00-7:30 pm (curriculum fair)
• ELHS course selection was completed on March 5^th.  An (optional) evening session will be held at ELHS on Monday, March 9th 6:00 p.m

The Carwise PTSA thanks all of our parents, students, and staff that made our Smart Talk Tik Tok Family Workshop and our Dodgeball Tournament a huge success!  PTSA has a few more events coming up that we are excited about, such as our Staff Appreciation Week and our 8th Grade Dance coming up in May.   PTSA will be handing out permission slips at the first of April for the dance.  Payments and donations can be made by check or cash.  We cannot use memberhub for tickets for this event as the school needs to ensure tickets are only available for students who meet the behavior criteria and have all textbook, library book, and cafeteria fees paid.  Thank you for your understanding and we can't wait for the dance on May 15th.  

PTSA is also excited to announce that we have all PTSA board positions available for the upcoming year.   Please reach out to the front office if you are interested in putting your name on the ballot for consideration.   We have had an amazing year, and PTSA looks forward to some fresh new ideas and programs!  PTSA will have our last general meeting of the year on April 15, and this meeting will also serve to announce the new board members for the 2020-2021 school year - Go Sharks!!

Parents, if you have a child who receives Exception Student Education services, the FLDOE and PCS are asking that you please fill out a survey.  This survey can be accessed with this link www.esesurvey.com.

If you have an 8^th grader and are interested in the Gradventure trip and have not yet signed up, we are currently filling a waiting list to see if we can fill up another bus.  Please stop by the 8^th grade office to put your name on the list.

Also, we do have a lot of student cafeteria accounts that are in the negative balance area.  Please contact the cafeteria to check your child’s purchasing activity.  Also, you can set up an account to deposit money and monitor purchasing activity at www.myschoolbucks.com  If you qualify and have not applied for free/reduced, please do so at www.myschoolapps.com   Thank you from our Cafeteria Manager!

Parents please remember that the front of the school is not for drop-off and pick-up.  We have way too many students being dropped off in this area.  This location is to be utilized for those parents/visitors that need to park and enter the school.  Additionally, this creates a safety issue for our students.  Please use the car circle behind the school for student drop-off and pick-up.  Thank you for helping model appropriate behavior to our students.

Thank you Carwise families.  I hope everyone has a nice evening.