October 16, 2026 Newsletter

CMS PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Greetings! We had a great first week back from Fall Break! Our CMS Theater Production, “The Enchanted Bookshop” debuts tonight. You don’t want to miss this! Special thanks to Mrs.Gnadinger and Ms.Cymbalist.

Show Schedule:

October 16th at 7pm
October 17th at 2pm & 7pm
(Doors open 30 minutes before show)

Tickets available at the door:

Students: $5.00
Adults: $7.00

Online Tickets available:
https://our.show/cmstheater 

Show Flyer

Online Ticket Sales

Promo Video

Archery practice will also begin on Oct 16th  in the CMS gym. Participants will enter through the gym doors. There will be an information meeting at 6 and practice will begin after the meeting. You only need closed-toed shoes to participate.

  

Monday, October 19th

  • 6th Grade Girls’ Practice in Upstairs Gym @ 3:30-5
  • 7/8 Grade Girls’ Practice @ 3:30-5:30
  • 8th Grade Boys’ Practice @ 6-8

 

Tuesday, October 20th

  • ILEARN Math Checkpoint #1 
  • 6th Grade Girls’ Practice in Upstairs Gym @ 3:30-5
  • 7/8 Grade Girls’ Practice @ 3:30-5:30
  • 8th Grade Boys’ Practice @ 6-8

 

Wednesday, October 21st

  • 7/8 Grade Girls’ Practice @ 3:30-5:30
  • 8th Grade Boys’ Practice @ 6-8

 

Thursday, October 22nd

  • Picture Retake Day (8:30 AM)
  • Choral Festival @ CHS 9 AM- 8 PM
  • 6th Grade Girls’ Practice in Upstairs Gym @ 3:30-5
  • 7/8 Grade Girls’ Practice @ 3:30-5:30
  • 8th Grade Boys’ Practice @ 6-8

 

Friday, October 23rd

  • 7:40 FCA in the library
  • Archery Practice @ 6-8 

 

Red Ribbon Week is the week of October 25th. Student Council has selected the following dress up days:

Monday 10/26 – Pajama Day

Tuesday 10/27 – Favorite Decade

Wednesday 10/28 – Twin Day

Thursday 10/29 – Favorite Team 

Friday 10/30 – Halloween Dress-Up*

*Costume Code: No short skirts/shorts/tutus, no bare midriffs, no bare shoulders. 

 Nothing that promotes the use of illegal substances or activities that are derogatory, disrespectful or depict violence.   

Hats may be worn as part of a costume.   

ALL costume preparations to be completed at home.  (No dressing or applying of make-up or colored hairspray once students arrive at school). 

 No masks, weapons (nunchucks/sickles/swords/knives/guns, etc) or props.

Students or parents who have questions about the acceptability of their costume should check with their team of teachers prior to wearing the costume to school. 

Students wearing inappropriate costumes will need to call home to have a change of clothes brought up to them. 

PARENTS:  Please help support an appropriate, distraction-free learning environment for all students by ensuring that your student adheres to these guidelines.  

 

Looking Ahead: 

October 27 – 6:00-8:00 Choir Spooktacular 

November 3 – Parent Teacher Conferences – No school for students

PRIDE Expectations:

Our Pride team reviewed student expectations this week for the start of Quarter 2. Here are a few highlights:

Arrival -> Breakfast, locker, classroom

  • Throw away any outside food and drinks
  • Away for the day cell phone and headphones/earbuds/airpods as you enter building
  • Hoods and hats off as you enter the building
  • If you are not eating breakfast go to the gym

In the Hallway -> Locker ONLY at assigned times

  • Be where you are supposed to be (not in the office, hallway or another teacher’s classroom when you are to be in class)

**Utilize time wisely

  • You must put your “outside” coat in your locker
  • Backpacks and large bags are not to be worn or carried after 8:25
    • -Place in locker; NOT in any hallway or classroom
    • -Students are NOT allowed to share lockers at any time
  • You must wear shoes to school
    • Slippers are unacceptable and you will be asked to change
    • Midriff should not be seen 
  • Water Bottles
    • Must be transparent 
  • Rewards:
  • ATTENDANCE is important! Any student who achieves 95% attendance for the quarter (3 or less days absent), with zero referrals will participate in Quarter 2 reward.
  • Raffles – End of Semester – Playstations, Mini Fridge, Speakers, Air Pods 
  • Field Trips – Special Events during the school day 
  • Headphones, Air Pods, Cell phones, etc.
    • In locker/Away for the day when you enter the building 8:10-3:10
  • Chromebooks
    • Charged to at least 60% every day

Sports: 

Archery, Basketball, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Swimming

Extracurricular: 

Band, Choir, Drama, Robotics, Art Club, Book Club

October 2, 2026 Newsletter

CMS PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Greetings! We hope you have a nice fall break next week with your family. We will return to school on Monday, October 12th. Please see below for events:

Monday, October 12th

  • Start of Quarter 2 

Tuesday, October 13th

Wednesday, October 14th 

  • 5:00 PTO Meeting

Thursday October 15th

Friday October 16th 

  • Archery practice will begin on Oct 16th  in CMS gym.  There will be an information meeting at 6 and practice will begin after the meeting. You only need closed toed shoes to participate.   

Attention any 6th, 7th, and 8th graders interested in trying out for the Girls’ or Boys’ Basketball team:

  • 6th-grade boys interested in basketball, there will be preseason workouts starting November 1st and will run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. All workouts will take place in the auxiliary gym (upstairs). Make sure you bring your sneakers, a water bottle, and your best effort. See you on the court! From Coach Lockhart
  • 7th grade boys interested in trying out for basketball: There will be tryouts for both the school and travel team on Monday, October 12th from 5:30-7pm at Charlestown ELEMENTARY School. Please arrive no later than 5:20 with proper attire at door 13. From Coach Gilbert 
  • 8th grade boys interested in trying out for basketball: the tryouts will be October 12th & 13th from 6-8 PM in the main gym. Come prepared to work with the proper attire. From Coach Brandenburg 
  • 7th & 8th grade girls: Tryouts for 7th & 8th grade girls’ basketball will be Monday Oct 12th – Thursday Oct 15th from 3:30-5:30. Please wear athletic clothes and athletic shoes and have a bottle of water.  From Coach Shields & Jones
  • Any 6th grade girl wanting to try out for the basketball team will need to bring athletic clothes and athletic shoes and have a bottle of water to tryouts on October 14th & 15th from 3:30-5:00 in the upstairs gym. From Coach York
  • All participants, whether you are a boy or girl, must have Final Forms completed along with a physical to participate.

Looking Ahead: 

October 20 – Math Checkpoint #1 

October 22 – Picture Retake

October 27 – ELA Checkpoint #1 

October 27 – Choir Spooktacular 

November 3 – Parent Teacher Conferences

September 25, 2026 Newsletter

CMS PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Greetings! In honor of Dolly Parton, I wish you all a happy 9-25 day today. Her passion for Literacy and kindness to everyone made the world a better place. One of my favorite quotes from Dolly is a rule to live by – “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours!” 

Events This Week:

Monday September 28th 

  • 7:40 Student Council Meeting
  • Boys Tennis @ Henryville Jr/Sr High School @ 5PM parents transport
  • Cross Country @ NWMS @ 5:30PM 

 

Tuesday September 29th 

  • ILearn Practice Test 
  • Soccer End of Year Celebration 3:30-5:30

 

Wednesday September 30th 

  • Boys Tennis @ Clarksville Middle School @ 5 PM parents transport 

 

Thursday October 1st 

  • 7-8 Football/Cheerleading/Cross Country 8th Grade Night vs Corydon @ CHS 6:00PM kickoff
  •  

Friday October 2nd 

  • End of Quarter 1
  • 7:40 FCA in the library

Looking Ahead:

October 5th-9th Fall Break No School

October 16 & 17 – Performances of “The Enchanted Bookshop”

October 20 – Math Checkpoint #1 

October 22 – Picture Retakel

October 27 – ELA Checkpoint #1 with special testing schedule 

October 27 – Spooktacular 

 

Charlestown Middle School, get ready for takeoff!

Thursday, October 1st at 6 PM on the Charlestown High School football field, we will be celebrating our 8th Grade Pirates with a special TOP GUN-themed football game! We want you to DRESS UP AND REPRESENT THE TOP GUN THEME! Break out your aviators, flight-inspired gear, pilot looks, military-style colors, or anything that makes you look TOP GUN READY! Let’s turn the stands into a TOP GUN TAKEOVER and make sure our 8th graders feel the love as they take the field for their final middle school football season! Bring the energy. Bring the aviators. Bring the TOP GUN spirit. But most importantly, bring the noise! STUDENTS — YOUR MISSION IS TO SEND THEM OUT WITH A BANG! WE FEEL THE NEED… THE NEED FOR SPEED! LET’S FLY, PIRATES!


Have a great weekend!

 

September 18, 2026 Newsletter

CMS PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Next week (Sept. 21-25) is College Go Week. It’s also known as College Application Week for seniors in high school. This means that many Indiana universities and colleges waive their application fee so students can apply to the college of their choice for free. Seniors all around our area will be participating in this exciting week.

At CMS, 7th and 8th grade students begin exploring their future paths. Whether you’re considering college, entering the workforce, pursuing on-the-job training, or joining the military, there are meaningful opportunities ahead. Now is the time to start thinking about your goals and discovering what excites you about your future. 

 

What is College?

There are many options and education pathways for Indiana students after high school such as apprenticeships, associate degrees, trade programs, bachelor’s degrees or an advanced degree. College isn’t just about earning a four-year degree on campus. Indiana’s institutions provide education opportunities that meet the needs of all people at all stages of their lives including short-term, online and part-time options.

Why should you go to college?

There are many reasons why someone may want to go to college. Aside from the valuable life experiences you’ll have living on your own, managing your finances and setting your own schedule, you’ll also be establishing the groundwork for a successful career that pays dividends down the line.

Staff and students are encouraged to participate in College Go Spirit Week starting next Monday.

Events next week:

Monday, September 21st – Your Future Starts Here

  • Boys’ Tennis 8th Grade Night vs Silver Creek @ CHS 5 PM 
  • Boys’ Soccer Clark/Floyd Tourney @ JHS 6 PM 
  • Girls’ Soccer Clark/Floyd Tourney @ Prosser Vocational School 7:30 PM 
  • 6th Grade Volleyball Clark/Floyd Tourney @ Highland Hills 5 PM 

Tuesday, September 22nd – Military Appreciation Day 

  • 7-8 Grade Volleyball Clark/Floyd Tourney @ Parkview 6 PM bus leaves @ 4:45

Wednesday, September 23rd – College Suits Me to a T! 

Thursday, September 24th – Hats Off to Education 

  • Cross Country MSC Champ @ Corydon 5:30 pm bus leaves @ 3:30 PM
  • Boys’ Soccer @ Scottsburg 6PM  bus leaves 5 PM
  • Football @ Scottsburg 6:30 PM bus leaves @ 4:45 PM

Friday, September 25th – Workin’ 9 to 5

  • 7:40 FCA in the library

 

Monday – Your future starts here!! (Wear your Pirate Gear)

Tuesday – Military Appreciation Day (Dress in camouflage or military gear)

Wednesday – College suits me to a T   (Wear you favorite college T shirt)

Thursday – Hats off to higher education  (Hat with your fav college)

Friday – Workin 9 to 5 (Dress like your future career or pay tribute to Dolly)   

September 11, 2026 Newsletter

CMS PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Please see below for events this week:

Monday, September 14th

  • Tennis Boys vs Parkview @ CHS
  • Cross Country Co-ed: @ Salem  5:30 PM
  • Volleyball Grades 6-8 vs Scottsburg 5:00 PM 

 

Tuesday, September 15th

  • Ambassador Field Trip 
  • Girls’ Soccer 6:00 PM vs Hazelwood @ Prosser
  • Boys’ Soccer 7:30 PM VS Hazelwood @ Prosser
  • Volleyball Grades 6-8 @ Parkview bus leaves at 4 PM
  • Tennis Boys: @ Highland Hills parents transport players 

 

Wednesday, September 16th

  • 8th Grade Night & Girls’ Soccer 6:00 PM vs Silver Creek @ Woehrle
  • 8th Grade Night & Boys’ Soccer 7:00 PM VS Silver Creek @ Woehrle

Thursday, September 17th   

  • Football 7-8 @ New Albany bus leaves at 4:45

 

Friday, September 18th

  • 7:40 FCA in the library

Saturday, September 19th

  • Tennis Boys Clark/Floyd Tournament @ Jeffersonville HS 9AM
  • Volleyball grades 6-8 @ Corydon parents will transport

 

 

Looking Ahead: 

September 21-24 Clark-Floyd Tournament for Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer

October 5th-9th Fall Break

October 22 – Picture Retake

October 27 – Spooktacular Concert

 

 

Please help! 

As of September 1st,  only 84 of our 626 Charlestown families have linked their Jay C or Kroger card to CMS. You can help CMS by linking your card to our school to receive Community Rewards! 

To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:

Simply visit http://www.kroger.com

Once logged in to your Kroger account, you can search for Charlestown Middle School either by name or JC992 and then click Enroll.

New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

*Customers must have a registered Kroger rewards card account to link to our school

*If a member does not yet have a Kroger rewards card, please let them know they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger

Participants must swipe their registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

 

Washington DC Meeting Materials:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lFDYxVTAr_bHsFxOW87NZAy-ixkwQ_dFeSWLkIarAjI/edit?usp=sharing

 

 



August 28, 2026 Newsletter

CMS PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

 

Hope you have a great weekend! 

 

Hey CMS students! Want to build leadership skills, participate in community service, and more? Join us for a meeting of the Charlestown Middle School FCCLA after school on Tuesday, September 1st until 4:15 in Mrs. Tolliver’s room (C110). If you have questions, please see Mrs. Tolliver. We hope to see you there!

 

There are still TWO days left to add your name to the CMS Student Council ballot!

First, during lunch, pick up a student council nomination form. Then, DON’T FORGET to submit the online application on Google Classroom.  Make sure to turn the form AND online application in before 3:10 on Monday.  You must have BOTH PARTS completed to be on the ballot.  Voting will take place on Friday, September 4th. 

This is your chance to lead, inspire, serve, and make a difference!

 

This is your chance to lead, inspire, serve, and make a difference!

Attention Readers! Interested in finding new books? Talking about your favorite reads? Join our CMS Book Club starting next Wednesday, September 2nd until 4:00 in the library. Sign up during lunch! 

 

Art Club Begins September 10th 

 

Events This Week:

Monday August 31st

  • Soccer: CMS @ North Harrison. Bus leaves at 5:00 pm. Boys play at 6. Co-ed game at 7:15.

 

Tuesday September 1st – Perfect Attendance Raffle for August at lunch

  • PRIDE drawings during lunch for August Perfect Attendance 
  • Tennis Boys @ Scribner
  • Volleyball @ Southwestern Hanover M/HS
  • 6:00 Football: CMS vs River Valley @ Woerhle Athletic Complex

 

Wednesday September 2nd

  • Cross Country @ Highland Hills 
  • Volleyball vs Clarksville

 

Thursday September 3rd

  • Soccer:  Boys @ Salem at 6:30 Bus leaves at 5:00 pm. 

 

Friday September 4th

  • 7:40 FCA in the library 

 

 

 

Looking Ahead: 

September 8 – Teacher Only Day

September 10 – Art Club begins Tuesdays/Thursdays after school until 4:00

October 22 – Picture Retake

 

August 21, 2026 Newsletter

CMS PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Greetings! It was a great week at CMS! Please see below for next week events:

Monday August 24th

  • 6:00 Soccer vs Highland Hills @ CHS

 

Tuesday August 25th

  • 5:00 Tennis vs New Wash @ CHS
  • 5:30 Football vs Brownstown Central @ Woerhle Athletic Complex

 

Wednesday August 26th

  • CMS Blood Drive 3:00 – 7:00 
  • 6:00 Soccer vs North Harrison @ CHS
    6:00 Volleyball vs North Harrison @ CMS

 

Thursday August 27th 

Friday August 28th 

  • 7:40 FCA in the library 
  • Our beloved day custodian, Mark Grider’s last day 🙁 

Student Council:

Attention CMS students! Want to make a difference at our school and be a voice for your peers? Join the CMS Student Council!

To run, make sure you have passing grades, good attendance, and can meet on Monday mornings. 

First, during lunch, pick up a student council nomination form. Then, return it to Mrs. Bower or Mrs. Riley.  Finally, submit your online application on Google Classroom by Monday, August 31st.  Voting will take place on Friday, September 4th. 

This is your chance to lead, inspire, serve, and make a difference!

August 17, 2026 Newsletter

CES PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Greetings! We had a great week at CMS! Our Volleyball team, boys soccer and football team all were winners this week. Congratulations! 

Next week is a special week in Charlestown commonly known as “Creek Week”. This is a celebration leading up to our high school football game vs. Silver Creek otherwise known as the “Battle of 403”. Our high school Pirates will take on the Dragons in one of our most anticipated rivalry games. In honor of this week and supporting our Pirates, CMS will also participate in the spirit themed days below:

 

Thank you to all who auditioned for the CMS Play THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP. The cast of characters is listed below. The first practice will be after school this coming Monday, with a parent meeting at 5:00.

CAST OF CHARACTERS – The Enchanted Bookshop

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our Pride fundraiser! If you haven’t had the opportunity, please see the link below:

2026 Pride Pledge Drive

2026 Pledge Drive information

Events this week:

Monday August 17th- Quiet on the Creek–Wear PJs

-5:30 Boys Tennis vs Hazelwood @ CHS tennis courts

-6:00 7th and 8th Volleyball vs East Washington @ CMS

Tuesday August 18th- No Construction Zone

 

Wednesday August 19th- Sneak up on the Creek- Camo Day 

 

Thursday August 20th- Flood the Creek- Wear Blue  – Or your favorite shirt for school pics! 

-Picture Day! 6:00 Soccer vs Scribner @ CMS football field

Friday August 21st Black Out 403- Wear Black/403 Shirt

August 7, 2026 Newsletter

CES PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

 

Greetings! Hope you are doing well! Thank you to all of our PTO families who attended our meeting this week. We have the following dates scheduled for this year:

 

PTO Meeting Dates – Time: 5:00 PM  Location: CMS Cafeteria 

 

September 9th

 

October 7th

 

November 11th

 

December 2nd

 

January 6th

 

February 3rd

 

April 7th

 

May 5th

 

We hope you join us! 



Events this week:

 

Monday August 10th

 

Tuesday August 11th

 

3:00 “The Enchanted Bookshop” Auditions

 

6:00 Volleyball (Girls 7 & 8) @ CMS vs New Was

 

Wednesday August 12th

 

Thursday August 13th

 

7:40 All Staff meeting in PD Room 

 

3:00 “The Enchanted Bookshop” Auditions

 

6:00 Football @ CHS vs Salem 

 

Friday August 14th Pirate Pride Day! 

 

3:00 Shipwrecked callbacks



Looking Ahead: 

 

August 17 – First Shipwrecked Rehearsal and Parent Meeting

 

August 18 – First Play Practice and Parent Meeting at 5:00 pm

 

August 20 – School Pictures

 

October 22 – Picture Retake

 

Pirate Pride Fundraiser information…Please feel free to send it to family and friends.

 

2026 Pride Pledge Drive

 

2026 Pledge Drive information

 

 

Boys tennis practice will begin Monday at the CHS courts 5:00-6:15.

 

 

Shout out to the following students for completing the Summer Reading Program at Charlestown Public Library! 

 

Allison  Angstadt

 

Logan  Bayles

 

Jaydon  Bodkin

 

Colton  Anderson

 

Kaylee  Bodkin

 

Jamison Bodkin

 

Jack Bohman

 

Santiago Cerrato

 

Addison Cranmer

 

Saige Godinez

 

Lilly Hardy

 

Levi Howard

 

Raegan Jones

 

Josefina Koressel

 

Madison Leavitt

 

Audrey Merriman

 

Arjen Moreno

 

Bruno Murrieta

 

Colten Ramsey

 

Marlei Schnaus

 

AnnaKate Spencer

 

Reese Stearns

 

Carter Steinbrook

 

Iris Stewart

 

Mark Tsiaousis

 

Grant Willbanks

 

Maverick York

 

Have a great weekend!

July 31, 2026 Newsletter

CES PIRATE POST

Dear Pirate Family, 

Greetings! We had a great first two days of the 2026 school year. I would like to personally thank every single person who works at CMS. Preparing for back to school night, Pirate Preview, and the first day of school takes an enormous amount of time, preparation and energy. Every person at CMS gave 100% of themselves this week and I am so proud of them. 

We will continue reviewing procedures and safety drills with students this week.  We also will have our first PTO meeting of the year on Wednesday, August 5th at 5:00. We hope to see you there! 

 

 If you would like to audition for the CMS play THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP, you may get an audition form from either of the Mrs. Gnadingers, the office, or at lunch. The forms are due by the end of this week. Please give the forms to a Gnadinger, or the office.

Audition Flyer for THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP

Audition Form for THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP
 

Cross Country will be begin Monday, July 29th  right after school.   Meet Coach Traub in the hallway next to the gym.    Make sure you have your physicals on file.    Please have your ride here at 4:45 for pick-up.      Please contact Coach Traub for more information.  

ktraub@gccschools.com

Cross Country Group Me Link:  https://groupme.com/join_group/114741573/9rr1SakM

 

Dear Pirate Family,   

As of March 1st, 78  of our Charlestown families already shop at Jay C or Kroger. You can help CMS by linking your card to our school to receive Community Rewards! 

To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:

Simply visit http://www.kroger.com

Once logged in to your Kroger account, you can search for Charlestown Middle School either by name or JC992 and then click Enroll.

New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.

 

*Customers must have a registered Kroger rewards card account to link to our school

*If a member does not yet have a Kroger rewards card, please let them know they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger

 

Participants must swipe their registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

 

 

 

Looking Ahead:               

August 11 & 13 – CMS Play Auditions “The Enchanted Bookshop”

August 20 – School Pictures

August 26 – Blood Drive at CMS

October 22 – Picture Retake

Have a great weekend! 

Ms. Bach