Columbus Middle School

This week, 7th graders took part in a Feudal System Simulation in Social Studies. By the end, the king had most of the food, while the serfs were left with very little—even though they did all the work! Students had a great discussion about whether the system was fair and why the serfs put up with it.

🎉 Final Chance to Save on Your 2024-2025 Yearbook! 🎉 📚 Get your yearbook for just $26 if you order by January 31st! ⏳ After January 31st, the price will increase to $28. Don't miss this opportunity to capture the memories of an incredible year at a discounted price! 📖 Order now at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1058958/Columbus-Middle-School/ 🙏 A huge thank you to Ms. Alswager's 8th Grade Digital Media class for their amazing advertisements promoting the yearbook! Your creativity and hard work have made a big difference. 🎥✨

🚀 Starting the new semester off strong! Silver 5 science kicked off their next unit on matter with an exciting hands-on activity. Students explored unknown substances and observed the fascinating reactions when they were mixed. Learning through discovery is the best way to dive into science! 🧪

Good morning CMS families, CMS will administer NSCAS MAP growth tests for reading on Thursday and Friday. Please encourage your child to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast. Thank you for your support.

Reminder that NSCAS testing for Language Arts will by Thursday and Friday this week. Charge your computers, sleep well, and eat a good breakfast!

Free Girls Wrestling clinic for girls 5th-8th grade Columbus Middle School - Wrestling room Monday, January 6th 3:30-5:30pm

✨Staff Spotlight✨ The staff member for today is Mr. Dostal! He is the 5th-grade assistant principal. He is new to our school and has worked here for about one quarter. Before working at CMS, he was a high school math teacher. He says his favorite thing about being an assistant principal is working with the kids outside of the classroom. Finally, his favorite thing to do outside of school is golf. Thanks for making Columbus Middle School great!

🛠️🎨 7th-grade drafting students have been putting their SolidWorks skills to the test! Using what they've learned about CAD software, they’ve designed small square mazes for a ball to roll through. The designs are then brought to life with our 3D printer. Great work combining creativity and engineering! 👏

🎉 Congratulations to the 2nd Quarter Students of the Quarter! 🎉 Your hard work, kindness, and determination have not gone unnoticed. We are so proud of you! Keep shining and inspiring those around you! 🌟👏

🎉 Congratulations to our December 16-20 Students of the Week! 🎉 7th Grade ⭐️The 7 Silver Student of the Week of Layni. Layni is always a positive presence in our classrooms. Layni is a good role model in the classroom and is always willing to work with any partner to succeed. She is safe, respectful, responsible, and most of all KIND. Keep shining bright, Layni! ⭐️This week's 7th Grade Maroon Student of the Week truly exemplifies excellence. She consistently submits her work on time and remains focused and diligent in all tasks. Her commitment to achieving her best is evident in everything she does. Beyond her academic dedication, she is a kind, pleasant, and helpful presence in the classroom. Her positive attitude and contributions enhance every class she’s a part of. Congratulations Grayson.

🎉 Congratulations to our December 16-20 Students of the Week! 🎉 5th Grade ⭐️This week’s Silver Student of the Week is Mila! Mila is a wonderful example of kindness and dedication. Her sweet and helpful attitude, paired with her consistent hard work, makes her such a joy to have in class. Great job, Mila—keep it up! ⭐️Our Maroon 5 Student of the quarter is Jaslynn. Jas exemplifies reliability, hard work, and kindness. She approaches every task with quiet confidence, making her a total joy to have in the classroom. Congratulations Jas on being an outstanding role model and this week's student of the week!

🎉 Congratulations to our December 16-20 Students of the Week! 🎉 6th Grade ⭐️Reid is a quiet student who always comes to class prepared and ready to focus. He’s always on task and gives his best effort in everything he does. Reid’s dedication to his work and his willingness to participate more make him stand out. Keep up the good work Reid! ⭐️Our 6 Maroon Student of the Week is Kendall. Kendall has always shown all the qualities of a true Discoverer. She is very kind, respectful and responsible. Kendall has shown she can work well with others, has done an excellent job of contributing to class, and is always prepared! We see you Kendallnand thank you for continuing to do the right thing- even when no one is watching! We are proud of you!

🎉 Congratulations to our December 16-20 Students of the Week! 🎉 8th Grade ⭐️This student is truly one who every teacher will love to have him around. He is such a talented person who plays any band instruments. His natural talent is immense but he chooses to stay grounded, humble and down-to-earth. He is not just a lad who possesses a lot of talents but definitely he is born with intelligence and remarkable personality and commendable behaviors. You are doing an excellent job, Rylan! ⭐️(Not Pictured) This week, we are thrilled to honor Brinlee as our Student of the Week! She exemplifies what it means to be a model student through hard work, kindness, and an unwavering positive attitude. Whether it's staying focused on tasks or lending a helping hand to a classmate, Brinlee is always doing the right thing at the right time. Her dedication and cheerful spirit make our classroom a better place for everyone. Congratulations, Brinlee, and thank you for being such an outstanding role model!

🎹 The 5th-grade students in Mrs. Bourek-Hoyt's music class have been focused on learning to play the piano. It’s great to see their progress and dedication to building their musical skills! 🎶

Important reminders for students and parents: 12/19/24 - No Preschool, 12:00 pm (noon dismissal) K-12. 12/20/24- Holiday break begins. No school for preK-12. 1/7/25- First day of 3rd quarter or 2nd semester.

🏗 5th Grade Drafting Class - Straw Tower Challenge 🏗 Our 5th-grade engineers recently tackled an exciting challenge! Each group had to design and build a straw tower that met these tough requirements: ✅ At least 12 inches tall ✅ No more than 8 inches wide ✅ Strong enough to support a textbook ✅ All while staying within a strict budget! Out of 13 groups, 4 teams rose to the occasion and met ALL the requirements. 👏 🎉 Congratulations to our successful "companies": Bob the Builder Construction Straws Every Day Construction Kitty Kat Factory Discoverers Construction

✨Staff Spotlight✨ Mrs. Schapmann is a 5th grade science teacher and has been working for 9 years. Question 1: What college did you go to? She said she went to the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. Question 2: What made her become a 5th grade teacher? She said, "I think this age of kids is fun to teach and they have a good sense of humor. Question 3: Is what sport did she play in high school? She said basketball, softball, and cross country.

🎉 Congratulations to our December 9-12 Students of the Week! 🎉 8th Grade ⭐️This young lass is indeed a leader who passionately loves to take the lead. She knows how to lead her flock and is a good role model to her fellow students. Teachers and students alike really love to have her around beause she brings so much positive energy and vibe. Inside and outside of the classroom, she never misses to say her sweet hello's and hi's to her peers with a beautiful smile on her face. She truly is a perfect example of what it takes to be a Discoverer who always aims for excellence in all she does. Make way for this car-racing enthusiast who is always on-the-go, 8- Silver Student of the Week, Guadalupe! ⭐️This student consistently works hard and pursues his goals. Outside of class, he is a golf and cross country enthusiast. In class, he is efficient and always meets deadlines. He asks thoughtful questions and always participates in class discussions. This week we want to recognize Cooper Braun. You are appreciated!

🎉 Congratulations to our December 9-12 Students of the Week! 🎉 7th Grade ⭐️The 7 Silver Student of the Week is Sofia. Sofia is a super hard worker. She is always kind to everyone around her. Sofia always strives to make herself a better student. She is trustworthy. She is willing to try something new, and she always asks clarifying questions if she doesn't understand something. Keep shining for the 7 Silver Team, Sofia! ⭐️This 7th-grade Maroon student is a consistent academic who always puts in the effort to complete his work. He is also a pleasure to have in class, with a positive personality that is appreciated by both his classmates and teachers. Congratulations, Bryan!

🎉 Congratulations to our December 9-12 Students of the Week! 🎉 6th Grade ⭐️Natalie is a quiet student who always works hard and gives her best effort. She is super kind to others and always ready to help her friends and classmates when they need it. With her positive attitude and strong work ethic, Natalie is an awesome student to have around. ⭐️Our. 6 Maroon Student of the week is a hard-working quiet leader who is always doing her best. Even though she is very quiet, she is always smiliing and brining positivity to those around her. She is willing to help others and will ask and accept help. She is kind and helpful to all those around her. Congrats to Asher! We are proud of you!