Cherokee Family,
Friday's school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has been on all of our minds since the news first broke. Our hearts and prayers are with the families, school staff, and community as they begin the healing process over the weeks, months, and years to come.
I want to let everyone know we at Cherokee are always putting our students, your children's, safety first. Throughout the year we have several safety drills. In fact we have 10 fire, 4 storm, 4 intruder, and 2 earthquake drills spread out during the school year. We set the schedule during the summer and it just happens we have an intruder drill scheduled for Monday, Dec. 17.
With Friday's events being so soon to our drill our staff will be talking with students to let them know in advance and remind them why we practice such procedures.
However, we will NOT be discussing what occurred in Newtown. It is our goal to have as normal a day as possible. Details of what students are aware of are solely at the discretion of each individual family.
If your child has any questions or concerns about the events of Friday's shooting our counselors, Mr. Petree and Mrs. Roffers, and Mr. Groves and I will be available to speak with them. If we speak to your child we will personally contact you via telephone in the best interest of working together.
As you all send your children back to school I want to reassure you we will continue to do everything we can to keep everyone safe and will begin by continuing with our drills throughout the year and by doing a comprehensive review of all of our safety procedures and practices.
Finally, if you ever have any questions or concerns about anything here at Cherokee Middle School please contact me at any time. I am here to answer any questions and am more than happy to visit face-to-face, via telephone, Twitter, or email to discuss your questions/concerns. We must work together in the best interest of our children and our future.
Thank you, have a great holiday season, and Go Indians!
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
523-7210
wtpowers@spsmail.org
@MrPowersCMS
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Happy Holidays
Dear Cherokee Families,
As we wrap up the first semester of the 2012 - 2013 school year please remember to take time to keep family first.
Often times we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget those most important to us. Also take time to give back - whether it is financially or with your time and energy.
We are very fortunate here at Cherokee. However, many of our neighbors are less so. We adults are the role models for our children and our future. Let's model by doing.
As these final 9 school days go by I look forward to a few days away from "work" and time with my family and friends. I hope you do the same.
Thank you all so much for such a great first half of the year and I look forward to working together with you for not only this year, but years to come.
Go Indians and Happy Holidays!
Bill Powers
wtpowers@spsmail.org
@MrPowersCMS
523-7210
As we wrap up the first semester of the 2012 - 2013 school year please remember to take time to keep family first.
Often times we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget those most important to us. Also take time to give back - whether it is financially or with your time and energy.
We are very fortunate here at Cherokee. However, many of our neighbors are less so. We adults are the role models for our children and our future. Let's model by doing.
As these final 9 school days go by I look forward to a few days away from "work" and time with my family and friends. I hope you do the same.
Thank you all so much for such a great first half of the year and I look forward to working together with you for not only this year, but years to come.
Go Indians and Happy Holidays!
Bill Powers
wtpowers@spsmail.org
@MrPowersCMS
523-7210
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
I'm Thankful!
I am thankful for:
A supportive family - especially my beautiful wife Dana and son Seely.
A forgiving God.
Excellent health.
A supportive school community.
Amazing students who come to us ready and prepared to learn.
Super dedicated teachers and staff!
A beautiful school.
A supportive school district - Springfield Public Schools (Springfield, MO).
Having everything I could ever need in my life and needing for nothing.
The desire to be a life-long learner.
And last, but not least - the desire and drive to be a better man, husband, and father each and every day of my life.
Thank you to all my family and friends near and far, my PLN near and far, and my peers and colleagues at Cherokee and with Springfield Public Schools.
I'm thankful for you ALL!
Bill
A supportive family - especially my beautiful wife Dana and son Seely.
A forgiving God.
Excellent health.
A supportive school community.
Amazing students who come to us ready and prepared to learn.
Super dedicated teachers and staff!
A beautiful school.
A supportive school district - Springfield Public Schools (Springfield, MO).
Having everything I could ever need in my life and needing for nothing.
The desire to be a life-long learner.
And last, but not least - the desire and drive to be a better man, husband, and father each and every day of my life.
Thank you to all my family and friends near and far, my PLN near and far, and my peers and colleagues at Cherokee and with Springfield Public Schools.
I'm thankful for you ALL!
Bill
Friday, November 2, 2012
6th grade transfers for 2013 - 2014
Cherokee Families and Friends,
We are open to 6th grade transfers for the 2013 - 2014 school year. If you, or families you know, currently have 5th grade students and do NOT live in the Cherokee attendance area and are interested in transferring to Cherokee for the 2013 - 2014 school year the window to apply for a transfer is from now until Friday, Dec. 7th.
If you are interested or have questions please contact Mr. Powers at wtpowers@spsmail.org or 523-7210.
Thank you,
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
We are open to 6th grade transfers for the 2013 - 2014 school year. If you, or families you know, currently have 5th grade students and do NOT live in the Cherokee attendance area and are interested in transferring to Cherokee for the 2013 - 2014 school year the window to apply for a transfer is from now until Friday, Dec. 7th.
If you are interested or have questions please contact Mr. Powers at wtpowers@spsmail.org or 523-7210.
Thank you,
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Time Flies
Cherokee Families,
Boy is time flying or what?
We are already a week into the second quarter of the school year and we are off to an amazing start.
I am so blessed to be a part of such a great community! We have 800+ of the best students in the state here at Cherokee.
Athletically we have completed the girls basketball season with an 8th grade championship and a 7th grade runner-up city finish. Both 7th and 8th grade football had successful seasons as well this year (both finishing 2nd in City).
Academically our staff is doing their best to prepare our students for their future - whether it be college or career ready. Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking are three vital pieces to the puzzle and I see this in action each and every day I am visiting classrooms.
Please know we are here to help in any way we can and please do not hesitate to contact me via email at wtpowers@spsmail.org, Twitter @MrPowersCMS, or phone 523-7210.
Thank you all very much and as always GO INDIANS!!
Bill
Boy is time flying or what?
We are already a week into the second quarter of the school year and we are off to an amazing start.
I am so blessed to be a part of such a great community! We have 800+ of the best students in the state here at Cherokee.
Athletically we have completed the girls basketball season with an 8th grade championship and a 7th grade runner-up city finish. Both 7th and 8th grade football had successful seasons as well this year (both finishing 2nd in City).
Academically our staff is doing their best to prepare our students for their future - whether it be college or career ready. Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking are three vital pieces to the puzzle and I see this in action each and every day I am visiting classrooms.
Please know we are here to help in any way we can and please do not hesitate to contact me via email at wtpowers@spsmail.org, Twitter @MrPowersCMS, or phone 523-7210.
Thank you all very much and as always GO INDIANS!!
Bill
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Open House and Book Fair
Cherokee Families,
We are off to an incredible start and I want to personally thank each of you for your part.
We at Cherokee know our students come to us well prepared to learn and grow as young people. It makes our job as educators so much easier. Not that it is ever easy to work with 25 - 30 pre-teens and teenagers :-).
This week we look forward to visiting with you and sharing what is happening here at Cherokee.
Our Open House is scheduled for Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We do expect parking to be at a premium so we are providing a FREE SHUTTLE service from the Community Blood Center to Cherokee. The shuttle will run every 15 to 20 minutes beginning at 5:45 and ending at 8:15. Please use this service.
Also, our annual Book Fair is this week. All proceeds go toward replenishing and adding to our library collections. The hours are 7:30 to 3:15 each day and until 8 p.m. on Thursday night during Open House. You can also make purchases online via the link on our website or Buy Books here.
As always please contact me if you have any questions or concerns in the following ways:
Phone - 523-7210
Twitter - @MrPowersCMS
Email - wtpowers@spsmail.org
Working together to educate our future,
Bill Powers
Cherokee Middle School
Principal
We are off to an incredible start and I want to personally thank each of you for your part.
We at Cherokee know our students come to us well prepared to learn and grow as young people. It makes our job as educators so much easier. Not that it is ever easy to work with 25 - 30 pre-teens and teenagers :-).
This week we look forward to visiting with you and sharing what is happening here at Cherokee.
Our Open House is scheduled for Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We do expect parking to be at a premium so we are providing a FREE SHUTTLE service from the Community Blood Center to Cherokee. The shuttle will run every 15 to 20 minutes beginning at 5:45 and ending at 8:15. Please use this service.
Also, our annual Book Fair is this week. All proceeds go toward replenishing and adding to our library collections. The hours are 7:30 to 3:15 each day and until 8 p.m. on Thursday night during Open House. You can also make purchases online via the link on our website or Buy Books here.
As always please contact me if you have any questions or concerns in the following ways:
Phone - 523-7210
Twitter - @MrPowersCMS
Email - wtpowers@spsmail.org
Working together to educate our future,
Bill Powers
Cherokee Middle School
Principal
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Welcome Back Indians!
Cherokee families and students,
Welcome back to school!! The 2012 - 2013 school year has arrived and we (staff) are very excited about the next 170 days working with your children.
It was great seeing and meeting you all last week at orientation. For those of you new to Cherokee and Springfield - thank you for choosing us. We are very happy to have you as a part of our community. For those of you returning - great to see you all again.
I will update this blog and use it as one communication tool between school and home. You can also follow me on Twitter @MrPowersCMS or email me at wtpowers@spsmail.org
Please let me know at any time if you have any questions or concerns.
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
Welcome back to school!! The 2012 - 2013 school year has arrived and we (staff) are very excited about the next 170 days working with your children.
It was great seeing and meeting you all last week at orientation. For those of you new to Cherokee and Springfield - thank you for choosing us. We are very happy to have you as a part of our community. For those of you returning - great to see you all again.
I will update this blog and use it as one communication tool between school and home. You can also follow me on Twitter @MrPowersCMS or email me at wtpowers@spsmail.org
Please let me know at any time if you have any questions or concerns.
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Honor Assemblies
Dear Cherokee Parents and Families,
As we approach the end of another great school year we will be taking time to honor several students for their academic accomplishments.
On Tuesday, May 22 at 8 a.m. our 7th grade Honors Assembly will take place in the gymnasium.
On Tuesday, May 22 at 10 a.m. our 6th grade Honors Assembly will take place in the gymnasium.
On Wednesday, May 23 at 9 a.m. our 8th grade Honors Assembly will take place in the gymnasium.
Teachers should be contacting families of students receiving an honor. If you have questions about whether your child is receiving an honor please contact your child's teachers.
It has been an honor and privilege to work with each of you and your children this year. I am very proud to call Cherokee Middle School and this community my home.
Have a safe summer and we will see you all in August!
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
As we approach the end of another great school year we will be taking time to honor several students for their academic accomplishments.
On Tuesday, May 22 at 8 a.m. our 7th grade Honors Assembly will take place in the gymnasium.
On Tuesday, May 22 at 10 a.m. our 6th grade Honors Assembly will take place in the gymnasium.
On Wednesday, May 23 at 9 a.m. our 8th grade Honors Assembly will take place in the gymnasium.
Teachers should be contacting families of students receiving an honor. If you have questions about whether your child is receiving an honor please contact your child's teachers.
It has been an honor and privilege to work with each of you and your children this year. I am very proud to call Cherokee Middle School and this community my home.
Have a safe summer and we will see you all in August!
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
Saturday, March 31, 2012
It's That Time Again
Cherokee Parents,
It is that time of the year again - MAP testing time.
This Tuesday and Wednesday our 6th, 7th and 8th graders will be testing in Reading and Math. Our 8th graders will continue with testing on Thursday with Science.
Testing will last until approximately 10:30 each day. So, please make sure your student is getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and getting to school on time. Also, please reschedule any appointments that may interfere with these testing times.
We already know what a great school and community this is, but this is our only opportunity to let the state of Missouri know how great we really are.
Go Indians!
Have a great week CMS families.
Bill
It is that time of the year again - MAP testing time.
This Tuesday and Wednesday our 6th, 7th and 8th graders will be testing in Reading and Math. Our 8th graders will continue with testing on Thursday with Science.
Testing will last until approximately 10:30 each day. So, please make sure your student is getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and getting to school on time. Also, please reschedule any appointments that may interfere with these testing times.
We already know what a great school and community this is, but this is our only opportunity to let the state of Missouri know how great we really are.
Go Indians!
Have a great week CMS families.
Bill
Thursday, February 9, 2012
3rd Quarter Slump
Cherokee Families,
We are officially in the 3rd Quarter Slump. As most of you know Progress reports went home on Friday. What is this "slump" I speak of? Traditionally this time of the year is difficult for students for various reasons and this in turn shows up on progress reports and grade cards. What can we all do to help?
I encourage you to contact your child's teachers to set up conferences, call or email teachers with questions, make sure you are checking your students grades online via e-School Home Access, checking the teachers websites/blogs, and also talking with your students each night about what they are learning and checking their planners to make sure they are writing down what assignments, projects, and tests they have coming up and finally making sure they are doing these in advance and not waiting until the last minute.
Together we can all work to help our students overcome this "slump" and through to the Spring.
As always please feel free to contact me via email or phone at any time.
Thanks and have a great day!
Bill
We are officially in the 3rd Quarter Slump. As most of you know Progress reports went home on Friday. What is this "slump" I speak of? Traditionally this time of the year is difficult for students for various reasons and this in turn shows up on progress reports and grade cards. What can we all do to help?
I encourage you to contact your child's teachers to set up conferences, call or email teachers with questions, make sure you are checking your students grades online via e-School Home Access, checking the teachers websites/blogs, and also talking with your students each night about what they are learning and checking their planners to make sure they are writing down what assignments, projects, and tests they have coming up and finally making sure they are doing these in advance and not waiting until the last minute.
Together we can all work to help our students overcome this "slump" and through to the Spring.
As always please feel free to contact me via email or phone at any time.
Thanks and have a great day!
Bill
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Give Blood, Save Lives!
Cherokee Families,
It is time for our 3rd Annual Blood Drive here at Cherokee. On Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in our cafeteria you have the opportunity to help save lives. Three years ago this coming Feb. 14th my son was born. There were complications. However, a blood transfusion was a vital part of the reason he is with us today!
Recently one of our staff members children needed a blood transfusion during an organ transplant.
If you have never donated before it is quite simple. The initial stages (paperwork, signing in, etc.) takes the longest, but the donation itself only takes about 15 minutes. Your 15 minutes in the chair could make a difference for years to come.
Please donate!
If you have questions I would be more than happy to help. 417-523-7210 or email me at wtpowers@spsmail.org
Give Blood, Save Lives!
Thank you,
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
It is time for our 3rd Annual Blood Drive here at Cherokee. On Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in our cafeteria you have the opportunity to help save lives. Three years ago this coming Feb. 14th my son was born. There were complications. However, a blood transfusion was a vital part of the reason he is with us today!
Recently one of our staff members children needed a blood transfusion during an organ transplant.
If you have never donated before it is quite simple. The initial stages (paperwork, signing in, etc.) takes the longest, but the donation itself only takes about 15 minutes. Your 15 minutes in the chair could make a difference for years to come.
Please donate!
If you have questions I would be more than happy to help. 417-523-7210 or email me at wtpowers@spsmail.org
Give Blood, Save Lives!
Thank you,
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year friends, family, alum, staff, students, parents, and all others reading.
The New Year brings with it rejuvenation, new beginnings, fresh starts, and a new semester for our students.
We are just four days away from wrapping up the 1st semester and will begin our 2nd semester next Tuesday. A great time for new beginnings.
I will do a better job of keeping you all updated on the goings on here at Cherokee via this blog post and my Twitter feed. You can sign up for both by following the link on our home page http://sps.k12.mo.us/chms/ or by emailing me at wtpowers@spsmail.org
We are also wrapping up the boy's basketball season. So far both the 7th and 8th grade teams have gone undefeated. A phenomenal feat thus far. Good luck to the boys as they wrap up the regular season this week and begin tournament play the following week.
Happy New Year to you all and may 2012 be the best to you all!
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
The New Year brings with it rejuvenation, new beginnings, fresh starts, and a new semester for our students.
We are just four days away from wrapping up the 1st semester and will begin our 2nd semester next Tuesday. A great time for new beginnings.
I will do a better job of keeping you all updated on the goings on here at Cherokee via this blog post and my Twitter feed. You can sign up for both by following the link on our home page http://sps.k12.mo.us/chms/ or by emailing me at wtpowers@spsmail.org
We are also wrapping up the boy's basketball season. So far both the 7th and 8th grade teams have gone undefeated. A phenomenal feat thus far. Good luck to the boys as they wrap up the regular season this week and begin tournament play the following week.
Happy New Year to you all and may 2012 be the best to you all!
Bill Powers
Principal
Cherokee Middle School
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