Chalk Talk
Following a hectic "Back to School September," October in Newport-Mesa focuses on academics as teachers dive into coursework and students acclimate to their new grade level. Additionally, the District and sites launch safety campaigns highlighting safe routes to school, and e-bike safety and awareness.
All the sites in the CDM zone underwent major maintenance and facilities improvements and upgrades resulting in the enhancement of our students' learning environment. Andersen elementary experienced the largest upgrade. Its 1970's original "open design" was reimagined and developed into self-contained classrooms with locking doors. Other modernization projects included new playgrounds with large shade structures, enhanced sound systems and lighting in all of our multipurpose rooms (MPR's), and new gym bleachers at CDM.
Our fall sports are in full swing. Those include girls' tennis, volleyball, flag football and golf and boys’ water polo and football. A CdM football parent group has launched a “parent spirit squad.”
"The parent-driven Spirit Squad is a small but mighty group of football moms who came together with one intention — to up-level the fan experience and, through that, elevate the player experience," explains CDM parent Jessica Susolik. The community is invited to attend the games, especially the iconic Battle of the Bay versus Newport Harbor on Saturday, October 11th at Orange Coast College at 7 p.m.
Middle school and high school parents, save the date for NMUSD's College and Career Fair on October 22nd at the OC Fairgrounds from 6 - 8 p.m. College representatives from all over the nation, including the UCs and Ivy League, will be participating. Additionally, career and vocational institutes will be on hand highlighting their certification programs.
In closing, student engagement is high in Newport-Mesa. We offer a plethora of pathways and opportunities for our students to succeed and flourish. We encourage you to witness our programs firsthand. Follow Newport-Mesa on social media by scanning these QR codes. If you are interested in following specific schools, search Instagram for their public accounts. Each school has multiple accounts, some operated by the local parent groups or specific teams. You can also check school websites for shows, games and concerts which are open to the community. An engaged community is key to our overall success.
Brigid Cianfrani and Carol Crane are longtime volunteers in the Newport Mesa Unified School District, former PTA presidents at the elementary and high school levels and former Zone Pack chairs. Carol Crane currently serves as a member on the Newport Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) board, Trustee Area 3: Brigid Cianfrani works as a substitute teacher in the district and is the current chair of the CdM Zone Pack Committee.
For more info: NMUSD.us | IG @ newportmesausd
Email: Carol Crane: ccrane@nmusd.us | Brigid Cianfrani: brigidcianfrani@gmail.com
