• Cele Update - March 19, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 3/19/2023 8:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    I trust you had a pleasant wee with your loved ones, and we are looking forward to reuniting with our Colts tomorrow.

    This week we kick off the fourth and final 9-week grading period. We will take time this week to celebrate some of our successes from the previous nine-weeks and set the stage for a strong start. One thing we do is review expectations. Parents, you are invited to view the slideshow we will share with our Colts.

    A reminder that tomorrow will be our first of four Dangers of Fentanyl Lessons that will be delivered through Advisory. More information is available below.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    Chromebook Charger Replacement

    Parents, we have noticed more of our students do not have a Chromebook Charger. They have found ways to make it through the day by borrowing a charger or charging at home; however, this presents potential problems. All students need a functional charger because all students will be using their Chromebooks for extended testing periods. PLEASE NOTE: when students use a different charger than the one assigned to our specific Chromebook model, it can damage the Chromebook, which in turn can be a costly repair for families as well as an inconvenience. If your child needs a Chromebook charger, please use the following link to order one and pay the $10 fee. The charger will be delivered to Cele and we will notify your child when it arrives.

    https://pflugervilleisd.revtrak.net/technology/#/f/pfisd-technology-device-repair-fee

    Dangers of Fentanyl Lesson in March

    Parents, PfISD will be presenting some informational lessons about the realities and dangers of Fentanyl to our secondary students March 20, 24, 27, & 31 through Advisory. If you have been following the news, you know it is a terrifying matter, and we want all of our students empowered with the knowledge needed to make prudent and responsible choices to stay safe. The subject matter and content is rooted in reality, and can be quite disturbing. For this reason, we are providing parents an option to Opt Out of the lesson for their child. Please review the lesson and the accompanying videos within this Google Drive. Even though the folders are labeled “Week 1,” “Week 2,” etc., we will conduct two lessons this week and next week on Mondays and Fridays. If you choose to NOT have your child participate, please complete this Opt Out Form.

    Here are quick links to the videos within the 4 lessons:

    Hendrickson Cheer Tryouts Announced

    • Please email Dana.Haub@pfisd.net for any questions and to join the Band App group.
    • Tryout Paperwork including physical due 3/31/23
    • Tryout Dates:  4/3-4/6 from 4:30pm-6:00pm in the cafeteria

     Longhorn Leaders Day

    LLD is a conference geared towards high school and middle school women all around Texas who are emerging leaders in the community. This conference provides an opportunity for young women to learn more about high school and college life. Attendees will be able to participate in workshops geared towards college preparation i.e. resume building, college applications, and networking. Students may register at this link. For questions, please contact

     8th Grade Dance Preparation

    Our planning team has created an 8th grade dance Amazon Wish list to help with preparations. If you are able to contribute, you can do so at this link. Save the date for Friday, May 19, 2023 from 6:00-9:00 pm.

     Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

     

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - March 5, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 3/5/2023 9:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    We are closing out our 3rd nine-week period and already we have so much to celebrate. Below are our Spirit Week Days leading up to our 7th grade dance this Friday:

    Monday- Disney (dress like your favorite disney character) 

    Tuesday- Tropical (dress like a summer VK)

    Wednesday- Twin day (match with a friend)

    Thursday- Country vs country club (preppy vs cowboy)

    Friday- PJ day

    A reminder to keep a close eye on Skyward and Canvas to help your student finish strong.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    Chromebook Charger Replacement

    Parents, we have noticed more of our students do not have a Chromebook Charger. They have found ways to make it through the day by borrowing a charger or charging at home; however, this presents potential problems. All students need a functional charger because all students will be using their Chromebooks for extended testing periods. PLEASE NOTE: when students use a different charger than the one assigned to our specific Chromebook model, it can damage the Chromebook, which in turn can be a costly repair for families as well as an inconvenience. If your child needs a Chromebook charger, please use the following link to order one and pay the $10 fee. The charger will be delivered to Cele and we will notify your child when it arrives.

    https://pflugervilleisd.revtrak.net/technology/#/f/pfisd-technology-device-repair-fee

    Dangers of Fentanyl Lesson in March

    Parents, PfISD will be presenting some informational lessons about the realities and dangers of Fentanyl to our secondary students later this month through Advisory. If you have been following the news, you know it is a terrifying matter, and we want all of our students empowered with the knowledge needed to make prudent and responsible choices to stay safe. The subject matter and content is rooted in reality, and can be quite disturbing. For this reason, we are providing parents an option to Opt Out of the lesson for their child. Please review the lesson and the accompanying videos within this Google Drive. If you choose to NOT have your child participate, please complete this Opt Out Form.

    Here are quick links to the videos within the 4 lessons:

    PTech Academies Deadline Approaching

    As a reminder, the P-TECH application closes March 15th and it can be found here: P-TECH application

    Student Survey Now Open

    Students, we want to hear your voice! Each student in PfISD has an important role to play in sharing insight regarding their respective school and classes. Please encourage your child to follow the steps below THIS WEEK:

    1. You will use your Student ID *without S” to access surveys at surveys.panoramaed.com/pflugerville 
    2. You will select your preferred language from the drop-down menu
    3. You will click “Start Surveys” to begin
    4. You will complete the same survey three times, for 3 different teachers
    5. You must complete the surveys in a single sitting, as they do not auto-save
    6. At the completion of the surveys, you must hit the button to save and submit your answers

    Once the submit button is clicked, you will see a thank you screen confirming your completion.

    Parent Survey Now Open

    We value your feedback! Please take a brief survey to tell us about your experience with Cele. To ensure we continue to provide high-quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our students and prepare them for college and career, we would love to hear your thoughts.

    The survey will close on March 10th. Click Here to go to the survey.

    7th Grade Dance Planning

    NJHS is sponsoring a 7th grade dance March 10th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm here at Cele.  7th grade parents and any community sponsors are invited to review the following Amazon Wish List for the 7th Grade Dance:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AT41F3TU5IIZ?ref_=wl_share

     Hendrickson Cheer Tryouts Announced

    • Please email Dana.Haub@pfisd.net for any questions and to join the Band App group.
    • Tryout Paperwork including physical due 3/31/23
    • Tryout Dates:  4/3-4/6 from 4:30pm-6:00pm in the cafeteria

     Longhorn Leaders Day

    LLD is a conference geared towards high school and middle school women all around Texas who are emerging leaders in the community. This conference provides an opportunity for young women to learn more about high school and college life. Attendees will be able to participate in workshops geared towards college preparation i.e. resume building, college applications, and networking. Students may register at this link. For questions, please contact

     8th Grade Dance Preparation

    Our planning team has created an 8th grade dance Amazon Wish list to help with preparations. If you are able to contribute, you can do so at this link. Save the date for Friday, May 19, 2023 from 6:00-9:00 pm.

     Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - February 26, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 2/26/2023 10:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    Two weeks remain in the grading period. Our students generally are very responsible and check their Skyward and Canvas accounts regularly to be sure the grades in the grade book represent their level of learning. Parent involvement and engagement with their child is one of the most significant factors to continued success. I encourage you to check in routinely with your Skyward Parent Portal and reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions.

    There are many events happening this week, so please read on for details.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    6th Grade Parent Night Rescheduled for Monday Feb. 27

    Our Parent Night for parents of current 5th grade students who will be at Cele next school year has been rescheduled for Monday, February 27, 2023 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. We will present an overview of what to anticipate as your child transitions to middle school. Teachers and staff will be on-hand to share more about their respective classes and programs following the presentation and a general assembly. We look forward to meeting our new Colts!

    PTO Meeting THIS Wednesday

    Our PTO meeting will be held in the Library this Wednesday, from 6:00-7:00 pm. All parents are welcome to attend, and you may also join by Zoom: https://pfisd-net.zoom.us/j/89339250580 Passcode: CelePTO

    Musical Performance THIS Thursday & Friday

    You are invited to attend our Cele Musical Performance of The Addams Family this Thursday and Friday evenings at 6:30 pm on the Cele Stage. Our students and Directors have been working very hard on the production, and it is sure to be a hit! Tickets can be purchased at the door, and students are reminded to wear their student IDs to the performance.

    Cele Literacy Day

    This Friday, March 3, we will CELEbrate Literacy at Cele. Teachers in all content areas will incorporate literature-centered activities, and students are invited to dress as a character from their favorite piece of literature (school-appropriate, and within dress code expectations, of course). We hope to see our collective love of literature on display throughout the day!

    Chromebook Charger Replacement

    Parents, we have noticed more of our students do not have a Chromebook Charger. They have found ways to make it through the day by borrowing a charger or charging at home; however, this presents potential problems. All students need a functional charger because all students will be using their Chromebooks for extended testing periods. PLEASE NOTE: when students use a different charger than the one assigned to our specific Chromebook model, it can damage the Chromebook, which in turn can be a costly repair for families as well as an inconvenience. If your child needs a Chromebook charger, please use the following link to order one and pay the $10 fee. The charger will be delivered to Cele and we will notify your child when it arrives.

    https://pflugervilleisd.revtrak.net/technology/#/f/pfisd-technology-device-repair-fee

    Interim Assessment Dates

    On Interim Testing Days, February 27 & 28, our students will be taking an important math and reading assessment, respectively. Since we will have an alternate schedule, we ask that parents not deliver lunch to campus for students on these days. We will have options available for purchase in the cafeteria. Here is the alternate bell schedule:

     

    Testing

    8:20-10:56

    4th/A Lunch

    11:00-11:30

    5th/B Lunch

    11:34-12:04

    6th/C Lunch

    12:08-12:38

    1st

    12:42-1:12

    2nd

    1:16-1:46

    3rd

    1:50-2:20

    7th

    2:24-2:54

    8th

    2:58-3:28

     

    PTech Academies Deadline Approaching

    A final parent meeting for both PTech Academies is scheduled Tuesday February 28th at 6:00 pm. Parents of current 8th grade students may attend the Zoom meeting with the log in link here: https://pfisd-net.zoom.us/j/99397269901 As a reminder, the P-TECH application closes March 15th and it can be found here: P-TECH application

    Lunch & Learn March 1

    The PfISD Parent and Family Engagement Team invites you to join us for a virtual session about the health risks of tobacco, nicotine, vaping & fentanyl on March 1, 2023. You will learn:

    • How to discuss the dangers of drugs with children and young adults
    • How to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose
    • Social and legal consequences resulting from obtaining or providing illegal substances
    • Additional resources for students and families 

    Register in advance by visiting Workshop Registration to receive the meeting link.

    Student Survey Now Open

    Students, we want to hear your voice! Each student in PfISD has an important role to play in sharing insight regarding their respective school and classes. Please encourage your child to follow the steps below THIS WEEK:

    1. You will use your Student ID *without S” to access surveys at surveys.panoramaed.com/pflugerville 
    2. You will select your preferred language from the drop-down menu
    3. You will click “Start Surveys” to begin
    4. You will complete the same survey three times, for 3 different teachers
    5. You must complete the surveys in a single sitting, as they do not auto-save
    6. At the completion of the surveys, you must hit the button to save and submit your answers

    Once the submit button is clicked, you will see a thank you screen confirming your completion.

    Parent Survey Now Open

    We value your feedback! Please take a brief survey to tell us about your experience with Cele. To ensure we continue to provide high-quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our students and prepare them for college and career, we would love to hear your thoughts.

    The survey will close on March 10th. Click Here to go to the survey.

    February is Black History Month:

    February marks the celebration of Black History Month. Our team has produced a slideshow presentation that has been playing throughout the day on our main projections screen. In addition, I would like to share some of the many significant events throughout history related to Black History representing each day in February. This list was put together in a CBS article found here: Black History Month: Historical Events Calendar - CBS New York 

    • February 1, 1960 - The Greensboro 4 sit in re-ignited the civil rights movement.
    • February 2, 2009 – Eric Holder was sworn in as the first African American Attorney General.
    • February 3, 1870 – On this day the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified giving African-American men the right to vote.
    • February 4, 1913 - Civil Rights Activist Rosa L. Parks was born.
    • February 5, 1934 – Henry "Hank" Aaron was born in Mobile, AL.
    • February 6, 1993 - Tennis Great Arthur Ashe died.
    • February 7, 1791 - Inventor and Surveyor Benjamin Banneker began to help lay out Washington D.C.
    • February 8, 1944 - Harry S. McAlpin became the first African American journalist to be admitted to a White House press conference.
    • February 9, 1995 - Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. became the first African American Astronaut to walk in space.
    • February 10, 2007 - Pres. Barak Obama formally announced the start of his Presidential campaign in Springfield IL.
    • February 11, 1989 - Reverend Barbara C. Harris was ordained as the first female bishop of the Episcopal Church
    • February 12, 1909 - The NAACP was founded.
    • February 13, 1920 - Andrew Rube Foster organized the National Association of Professional Baseball Club (Negro League).
    • February 14, 1920 – Mammie Smith became the first African American woman to make a record.
    • February 15, 1965 - Singer and Entertainer Nat King Cole died in Santa Monica, CA.
    • February 16, 1970 – Joe Frazier became the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.
    • February 17, 1963 – Basketball great Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. February 18, 1688 – The first formal protest against slavery was passed in Germantown, PA.
    • February 19, 1992 - John Singleton became the first African American Director to receive an Academy Award Nomination for Boz N The Hood.
    • February 20, 1895 - Frederick Augusta Douglass died in Washington D.C.
    • February 21, 1965 - Malcolm X was assassinated.
    • February 22, 1989 - Colonel Fredrick Drew Gregory became the first African American Astronaut to command the Space Shuttle Discovery.
    • February 23, 1868 – William Edward Burghardt DuBois was born in Barrington, Mass.
    • February 24, 1842 - Entrepreneur, Abolitionist and Inventor James Forten, Sr. died in Philadelphia, PA.
    • February 25, 1870 – Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American U.S. Senator.
    • February 26, 1926 - Theodore "Tiger" Flowers became the first African American Middleweight boxing champion.
    • February 27, 1988 – Figures skater Debbie Thomas became the first African American to win a medal at the winter Olympics.
    • February 28, 1977 - Comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson died in Los Angeles, Calif.

    University of Texas - Black Youth Day

    Black Youth Day is a day long event for students in grades 8-11 to learn about engineering through hands-on activities led and taught by students within their own community. Hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers UT Chapter and the Cockrell School of Engineering's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office and held on the UT Austin campus, Black Youth Day aims to promote engineering where it hasn't been promoted before in a way that allows participants to see others with the same identity, hoping to show students that they have a community within a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).

    The event is geared toward high school students in the greater Austin area in grades 8-11 who are interested in the field of engineering. We want students to start thinking about their futures now and show those who come from underrepresented populations have a supportive community within the Cockrell School. Activities include a panel of Black engineers and UT students, geocaching and scavenger hunt, and hands-on experiments and activities.

    • Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
    • Location: Engineering Education and Research Center, 2501 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
    • Drop off: 9:30 - 10 AM
    • Event: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
    • Pick up: 2:30 - 3:00 PM

    The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided.

    For more information please visit this link: Black Youth Day and register in advance.

    7th Grade Dance Planning

    NJHS is sponsoring a 7th grade dance March 10th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm here at Cele.  7th grade parents and any community sponsors are invited to review the following Amazon Wish List for the 7th Grade Dance:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AT41F3TU5IIZ?ref_=wl_share

     Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - February 20, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 2/20/2023 6:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    Thank you to our Cele PTO for treating the Colt staff to breakfast from DonutNV this morning! Our teachers were hard at work preparing for the remainder of the nine-weeks, and the donuts hit the spot. Today we also took time as a faculty to recognize some of our Colts for standing out among this tremendously talented team. Please help me in congratulating the following Cele Colts for their special recognition:

    Chris Gregory – Cele Humanitarian of the Year

    Kaley Kent – Rookie Teacher of the Year

    Brian Silverman – Cele Teacher of the Year

    We are proud and honored to spend each day with these extraordinary teachers. If you would like to send a quick message to one of the above, simply click on their name, which is linked to each of their direct email addresses. Words from parents and students mean so very much to our teachers, and I know they would love to hear from you.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    6th Grade Parent Night Rescheduled for Feb. 27

    Our Parent Night for parents of current 5th grade students who will be at Cele next school year has been rescheduled for Monday, February 27, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. We will present an overview of what to anticipate as your child transitions to middle school. Teachers and staff will be on-hand to share more about their respective classes and programs following the presentation and a general assembly. We look forward to meeting our new Colts!

    Chromebook Charger Replacement

    Parents, we have noticed more of our students do not have a Chromebook Charger. They have found ways to make it through the day by borrowing a charger or charging at home; however, this presents potential problems. Very soon, students will need a charger because all students will be using their Chromebooks for extended testing periods. Also, when students use a different charger than the one assigned to our specific Chromebook model, it can damage the Chromebook, which in turn can be a costly repair for families as well as an inconvenience. If your child needs a Chromebook charger, please use the following link to order one and pay the $10 fee. The charger will be delivered to Cele and we will notify your child when it arrives.

    https://pflugervilleisd.revtrak.net/technology/#/f/pfisd-technology-device-repair-fee

    Interim Assessment Dates

    On Interim Testing Days, February 27 & 28, our students will be taking an important math and reading assessment, respectively. Since we will have an alternate schedule, we ask that parents not deliver lunch to campus for students on these days. We will have options available for purchase in the cafeteria. Here is the alternate bell schedule:

    Testing

    8:20-10:56

    4th/A Lunch

    11:00-11:30

    5th/B Lunch

    11:34-12:04

    6th/C Lunch

    12:08-12:38

    1st

    12:42-1:12

    2nd

    1:16-1:46

    3rd

    1:50-2:20

    7th

    2:24-2:54

    8th

    2:58-3:28

     PTech Academies Deadline Approaching

    A final parent meeting for both PTech Academies is scheduled Tuesday February 28th at 6:00 pm. Parents of current 8th grade students may attend the Zoom meeting with the log in link here: https://pfisd-net.zoom.us/j/99397269901 As a reminder, the P-TECH application closes March 15th and it can be found here: P-TECH application

    Lunch & Learn March 1

    The PfISD Parent and Family Engagement Team invites you to join us for a virtual session about the health risks of tobacco, nicotine, vaping & fentanyl on March 1, 2023. You will learn:

    • How to discuss the dangers of drugs with children and young adults
    • How to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose
    • Social and legal consequences resulting from obtaining or providing illegal substances
    • Additional resources for students and families 

    Register in advance by visiting Workshop Registration to receive the meeting link.

    Read It Forward               

    Every year, the PfISD middle school librarians encourage students and staff to read the same book.  Our Read it Forward program fosters great conversations and helps build a community of readers. Our book this year is Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes, an adventure book about city-raised teens learning to thrive in the wilderness.  But what happens when disaster strikes? Students who read the book and pass an easy quiz in the library by February 24, will be invited to celebrate in March. Please encourage your child to participate!

    Literacy Day at Cele

    Colts love to CELEbrate their love of literature in many ways. On Friday, March 3, 2023, students are invited to dress as their favorite character from literature. Our teachers will be incorporating different activities throughout the day to show the connections reading and literacy have in every endeavor.

    Parent Survey Now Open

    We value your feedback! Please take a brief survey to tell us about your experience with Cele. To ensure we continue to provide high-quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our students and prepare them for college and career, we would love to hear your thoughts.

    The survey will close on March 10th. Click Here to go to the survey.

    February is Black History Month:

    February marks the celebration of Black History Month. Our team has produced a slideshow presentation that has been playing throughout the day on our main projections screen. In addition, I would like to share some of the many significant events throughout history related to Black History representing each day in February. This list was put together in a CBS article found here: Black History Month: Historical Events Calendar - CBS New York 

    • February 1, 1960 - The Greensboro 4 sit in re-ignited the civil rights movement.
    • February 2, 2009 – Eric Holder was sworn in as the first African American Attorney General.
    • February 3, 1870 – On this day the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified giving African-American men the right to vote.
    • February 4, 1913 - Civil Rights Activist Rosa L. Parks was born.
    • February 5, 1934 – Henry "Hank" Aaron was born in Mobile, AL.
    • February 6, 1993 - Tennis Great Arthur Ashe died.
    • February 7, 1791 - Inventor and Surveyor Benjamin Banneker began to help lay out Washington D.C.
    • February 8, 1944 - Harry S. McAlpin became the first African American journalist to be admitted to a White House press conference.
    • February 9, 1995 - Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. became the first African American Astronaut to walk in space.
    • February 10, 2007 - Pres. Barak Obama formally announced the start of his Presidential campaign in Springfield IL.
    • February 11, 1989 - Reverend Barbara C. Harris was ordained as the first female bishop of the Episcopal Church
    • February 12, 1909 - The NAACP was founded.
    • February 13, 1920 - Andrew Rube Foster organized the National Association of Professional Baseball Club (Negro League).
    • February 14, 1920 – Mammie Smith became the first African American woman to make a record.
    • February 15, 1965 - Singer and Entertainer Nat King Cole died in Santa Monica, CA.
    • February 16, 1970 – Joe Frazier became the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.
    • February 17, 1963 – Basketball great Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. February 18, 1688 – The first formal protest against slavery was passed in Germantown, PA.
    • February 19, 1992 - John Singleton became the first African American Director to receive an Academy Award Nomination for Boz N The Hood.
    • February 20, 1895 - Frederick Augusta Douglass died in Washington D.C.
    • February 21, 1965 - Malcolm X was assassinated.
    • February 22, 1989 - Colonel Fredrick Drew Gregory became the first African American Astronaut to command the Space Shuttle Discovery.
    • February 23, 1868 – William Edward Burghardt DuBois was born in Barrington, Mass.
    • February 24, 1842 - Entrepreneur, Abolitionist and Inventor James Forten, Sr. died in Philadelphia, PA.
    • February 25, 1870 – Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American U.S. Senator.
    • February 26, 1926 - Theodore "Tiger" Flowers became the first African American Middleweight boxing champion.
    • February 27, 1988 – Figures skater Debbie Thomas became the first African American to win a medal at the winter Olympics.
    • February 28, 1977 - Comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson died in Los Angeles, Calif.

    University of Texas - Black Youth Day

    Black Youth Day is a day long event for students in grades 8-11 to learn about engineering through hands-on activities led and taught by students within their own community. Hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers UT Chapter and the Cockrell School of Engineering's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office and held on the UT Austin campus, Black Youth Day aims to promote engineering where it hasn't been promoted before in a way that allows participants to see others with the same identity, hoping to show students that they have a community within a Predominantly White Institution (PWI).

    The event is geared toward high school students in the greater Austin area in grades 8-11 who are interested in the field of engineering. We want students to start thinking about their futures now and show those who come from underrepresented populations have a supportive community within the Cockrell School. Activities include a panel of Black engineers and UT students, geocaching and scavenger hunt, and hands-on experiments and activities.

    • Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
    • Location: Engineering Education and Research Center, 2501 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
    • Drop off: 9:30 - 10 AM
    • Event: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
    • Pick up: 2:30 - 3:00 PM

    The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided.

    For more information please visit this link: Black Youth Day and register in advance.

    7th Grade Dance Planning

    NJHS is sponsoring a 7th grade dance March 10th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm here at Cele.  7th grade parents and any community sponsors are invited to review the following Amazon Wish List for the 7th Grade Dance:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AT41F3TU5IIZ?ref_=wl_share

     Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. We will have designated sections for unaccompanied students from both schools, and we will have designated areas in the bleachers for fans of each school. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - February 12, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 2/12/2023 6:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    As Valentine’s Day approaches this week, and I want to remind parents that we cannot accept deliveries for students. We also tell our students not to bring gifts, valentines, or other traditional items to school. While the intentions are positive, as you can imagine, stuffed animals, chocolates, and the like actually has more of a negative impact on the school setting. Thanks in advance for your support and understanding as we keep the focus on learning here at Cele and encourage our students to express their Valentine’s sentiments outside of school.

    Our 8th grade students did seem to have an amazing time at the dance this past Friday! Generally, around this time of year we also take the opportunity to focus our students on what it means to have Healthy Relationships. To that end, your child has been encouraged to take part in a time-honored tradition of creating a healthy relationships poster (details here). Just a reminder that those entries are due this week.

    Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that last week was School Counseling week! We are blessed to work with an outstanding team here at Cele, and you can learn a bit more about the incredible service our Counselors provide to students and families by visiting the Cele Counselor Page. It is impossible to quantify the impact Ms. Howard, Ms. Moore, and Ms. Guerra have had on our school and community. I hope you will consider sending a kind word their way just to let them know how much we appreciate them.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    Book Fair THIS WEEK

    Our Spring Scholastic Book fair is coming up THIS WEEK.  Students can visit the fair in the library from 2/13-2/17 or you can shop online from 2/10-2/23.  Visit bit.ly/coltsbuybooks for more information, to shop, or to set up an eWallet for your student.  On Thursday, Feb 16, the book fair will be open late from 5:30-7:30pm and we will have an Edible Book Contest.  Questions? Contact the Cele Librarian at Margaret.dominguez@pfisd.net.

    Action Item: Attention 6th Grade Parents

    If you have not already responded, please complete this Google Form to indicate your child’s level of participation in our 6th Grade Science Curriculum unit on sexual health. The State of Texas now requires parents to indicate their preferences. We do need to collect a response from parents of every 6th grade student this week. Here is a link to the Information Letter that was shared with parents. The program will be administered at Cele during the 4th Nine Weeks; however, we need to collect responses now in order to prepare.

    Read It Forward               

    Every year, the PfISD middle school librarians encourage students and staff to read the same book.  Our Read it Forward program fosters great conversations and helps build a community of readers. Our book this year is Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes, an adventure book about city-raised teens learning to thrive in the wilderness.  But what happens when disaster strikes? Students who read the book and pass an easy quiz in the library by February 24, will be invited to celebrate in March. Please encourage your child to participate!

    February is Black History Month:

    February marks the celebration of Black History Month. Our team has produced a slideshow presentation that has been playing throughout the day on our main projections screen. In addition, I would like to share some of the many significant events throughout history related to Black History representing each day in February. This list was put together in a CBS article found here: Black History Month: Historical Events Calendar - CBS New York 

    • February 1, 1960 - The Greensboro 4 sit in re-ignited the civil rights movement.
    • February 2, 2009 – Eric Holder was sworn in as the first African American Attorney General.
    • February 3, 1870 – On this day the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified giving African-American men the right to vote.
    •  February 4, 1913 - Civil Rights Activist Rosa L. Parks was born.
    • February 5, 1934 – Henry "Hank" Aaron was born in Mobile, AL.
    • February 6, 1993 - Tennis Great Arthur Ashe died.
    • February 7, 1791 - Inventor and Surveyor Benjamin Banneker began to help lay out Washington D.C.
    • February 8, 1944 - Harry S. McAlpin became the first African American journalist to be admitted to a White House press conference.
    • February 9, 1995 - Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. became the first African American Astronaut to walk in space.
    • February 10, 2007 - Pres. Barak Obama formally announced the start of his Presidential campaign in Springfield IL.
    • February 11, 1989 - Reverend Barbara C. Harris was ordained as the first female bishop of the Episcopal Church
    • February 12, 1909 - The NAACP was founded.
    • February 13, 1920 - Andrew Rube Foster organized the National Association of Professional Baseball Club (Negro League).
    • February 14, 1920 – Mammie Smith became the first African American woman to make a record.
    • February 15, 1965 - Singer and Entertainer Nat King Cole died in Santa Monica, CA.
    • February 16, 1970 – Joe Frazier became the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.
    • February 17, 1963 – Basketball great Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. February 18, 1688 – The first formal protest against slavery was passed in Germantown, PA.
    • February 19, 1992 - John Singleton became the first African American Director to receive an Academy Award Nomination for Boz N The Hood.
    • February 20, 1895 - Frederick Augusta Douglass died in Washington D.C.
    • February 21, 1965 - Malcolm X was assassinated.
    • February 22, 1989 - Colonel Fredrick Drew Gregory became the first African American Astronaut to command the Space Shuttle Discovery.
    • February 23, 1868 – William Edward Burghardt DuBois was born in Barrington, Mass.
    • February 24, 1842 - Entrepreneur, Abolitionist and Inventor James Forten, Sr. died in Philadelphia, PA.
    • February 25, 1870 – Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American U.S. Senator.
    • February 26, 1926 - Theodore "Tiger" Flowers became the first African American Middleweight boxing champion.
    • February 27, 1988 – Figures skater Debbie Thomas became the first African American to win a medal at the winter Olympics.
    • February 28, 1977 - Comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson died in Los Angeles, Calif.

    7th Grade Dance Planning

    NJHS is sponsoring a 7th grade dance March 10th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm here at Cele.  7th grade parents and any community sponsors are invited to review the following Amazon Wish List for the 7th Grade Dance:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AT41F3TU5IIZ?ref_=wl_share

     

    Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. We will have designated sections for unaccompanied students from both schools, and we will have designated areas in the bleachers for fans of each school. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

     

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - February 5, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 2/5/2023 8:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    It was a very rough week for our community, and while I hope by now everyone is safe, warm, and ready to return to a normal schedule, I also know some of us still are recovering. If your family or your child has any needs or challenges that you anticipate may impact them here at school, please feel free to reach out to me directly at Ben.OConnor@pfisd.net, or, you may reach out directly to the grade level principal or counselor for your child:

    6th Grade: Latoiya.Williams@pfisd.net and Monica.Guerra@pfisd.net

    7th Grade: Rose.Marques@pfisd.net and Sara.Moore@pfisd.net

    8th Grade: Brenda.Shortnacy@pfisd.net and Kristina.Howard@pfisd.net

    We will not be rescheduling our PTO Meeting or our athletics games from last week, but we do have quite a few events this week, especially for our 8th grade students. Read on for all the details.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    8th Grade One to One visits with HS Counselors

    This week our 8th grade students will have the opportunity to meet with their high school counselors during the school day. Students will have an opportunity to review their course selections with their future counselors. Additionally, parents and students are encouraged to become familiar with and reference the PfISD Course Guide, which is a comprehensive source of information.

    P-TECH Applications & Meeting THIS Tuesday

    Attention 8th grade parents: Is your student interested in pursuing a career in Computer Programming or Teaching?  

    PfISD is pleased to offer two Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) Academies in the career fields of IT and Education. P-TECH schools are innovative open-enrollment high schools that allow students an opportunity to receive an associate degree and industry-based certificate while in high school. Our Computer and Information Technology Academy (CIT) at Connally High School and the Pfuture Teachers Academy, housed at Weiss High School, are open to any rising 9th grader in the district (transportation is provided). Applications to the P-TECH academies open on January 15th. The deadline to apply is March 15.

    There will be a P-TECH Parent Meeting for any 8th grade parent who is interested in either P-TECH Academy on February 7th for Pfuture Teachers Academy at Weiss High School at 5:30pm and on February 8th for CIT Academy at Connally High School. If parents are unable to make it to those meetings, we will also host a Zoom meeting on February 21st for both.

    Please RSVP for the Parent Meeting below: 

    P-TECH Parent Meeting RSVP Form

    February Lunch and Learn THIS Wednesday

    The PfISD Parent and Family Engagement Team invites you to join us for a virtual session February 8, 2023 from 12-1 pm on developmentally appropriate practices for your child at different ages. You will learn to:

    • Distinguish essential developmental needs and challenges for your child at different ages
    • Implement developmentally appropriate practices to connect with your child, validate their experiences, and improve communication
    • Identify characteristics of when it’s important to seek help from professionals
    • Discuss effective techniques for potty training

    Register in advance by visiting bit.ly/pfeworkshops to receive the meeting link.

    8th Grade Dance THIS Friday

    I am very proud of some of our 8th grade leaders who have proposed and organized a dance for this Friday at Cele. The dance will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Cele Cafeteria. Tickets will be sold Monday-Friday this week before school and during 8th grade lunch for $5. The theme is red, white, black, and pink and pizza will be sold on site. The dance is open to 8th grade Cele students only. Students from other grades or other schools will not be admitted. Thank you to our very own Mr. Ewell for DJing the event!

    Read It Forward               

    Every year, the PfISD middle school librarians encourage students and staff to read the same book.  Our Read it Forward program fosters great conversations and helps build a community of readers. Our book this year is Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes, an adventure book about city-raised teens learning to thrive in the wilderness.  But what happens when disaster strikes? Students who read the book and pass an easy quiz in the library by February 24, will be invited to celebrate in March. Please encourage your child to participate!

    Book Fair  

    Our Spring Scholastic Book fair is coming up next month.  Students can visit the fair in the library from 2/13-2/17 or you can shop online from 2/10-2/23.  Visit bit.ly/coltsbuybooks for more information, to shop, or to set up an eWallet for your student.  On Thursday, Feb 16, the book fair will be open late from 5:30-7:30pm and we will have an Edible Book Contest.  Questions? Contact the Cele Librarian at Margaret.dominguez@pfisd.net.  

    7th Grade Dance Planning

    NJHS is sponsoring a 7th grade dance March 10th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm here at Cele.  7th grade parents and any community sponsors are invited to review the following Amazon Wish List for the 7th Grade Dance:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AT41F3TU5IIZ?ref_=wl_share

    Annual Public Meeting

    Each year campuses are required to hold a public meeting to share information captured in publicly available reports on school performance data. If you are interested in attending the public meeting, it will be conducted via Zoom on February 6, 2023 at 5:30 pm. Linked here is a letter notifying parents of the availability of the School Report Card. Linked here is a letter notifying parents of the availability of the Federal Report Card. Here is the Zoom link to the meeting: https://pfisd-net.zoom.us/j/84462666343  The password is CeleColts

    Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. We will have designated sections for unaccompanied students from both schools, and we will have designated areas in the bleachers for fans of each school. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - January 29, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 1/29/2023 9:30:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    We had great time welcoming our 5th grade students this past Thursday to Cele. If you have a 5th grade student/incoming Cele 6th grade student, I hope you will join us for our 5th grade parent meeting Monday, January 30, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Please help us spread the word in our community. We would love to meet as many incoming parents as possible!

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    Moving Up! Attention 5th Grade Parents

    5th-grade students who are future Colts had a chance to visit Cele this passed Thursday, January 26. Next, 5th grade parents of future Colts are invited to attend a Parent Night here at Cele on Monday, January 30, from 6-8 pm. This will be an opportunity to learn more about middle school and visit with some of our teachers and staff about their respective courses or areas of expertise.

    No Place for Hate

    Cele Middle School is once again participating in the national program, No Place for Hate, along with other Pflugerville ISD schools for the 2022-2023 school year. No Place for Hate, an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League, enables schools, organizations and communities to challenge anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry in all forms. By providing an innovative and powerful model for creating more inclusive environments, No Place for Hate aims to reduce bias and bullying, increase appreciation for diversity, and build communities of respect. Participating No Place for Hate (NPFH) schools engage in schoolwide curriculum and activities throughout the school year in an effort to foster a community of learning and respect.

    Our next NPFH lesson will be on Monday, January 30th during Advisory classes.  Below is a link to the lesson, open for all to view.

    https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sXSpJRJK7cgQaURmtm-yJCV0oYOhmlxCZKidY8Cv0IA/edit?usp=sharing

    Read It Forward               

    Every year, the PfISD middle school librarians encourage students and staff to read the same book.  Our Read it Forward program fosters great conversations and helps build a community of readers. Our book this year is Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes, an adventure book about city-raised teens learning to thrive in the wilderness.  But what happens when disaster strikes? Students who read the book and pass an easy quiz in the library by February 24, will be invited to celebrate in March. Please encourage your child to participate!

    Book Fair  

    Our Spring Scholastic Book fair is coming up next month.  Students can visit the fair in the library from 2/13-2/17 or you can shop online from 2/10-2/23.  Visit bit.ly/coltsbuybooks for more information, to shop, or to set up an eWallet for your student.  On Thursday, Feb 16, the book fair will be open late from 5:30-7:30pm and we will have an Edible Book Contest.  Questions? Contact the Cele Librarian at Margaret.dominguez@pfisd.net.  

    February Lunch and Learn

    The PfISD Parent and Family Engagement Team invites you to join us for a virtual session February 8, 2023 from 12-1 pm on developmentally appropriate practices for your child at different ages. You will learn to:

    • Distinguish essential developmental needs and challenges for your child at different ages
    • Implement developmentally appropriate practices to connect with your child, validate their experiences, and improve communication
    • Identify characteristics of when it’s important to seek help from professionals
    • Discuss effective techniques for potty training

    Register in advance by visiting bit.ly/pfeworkshops to receive the meeting link.

    7th Grade Dance Planning

    NJHS is sponsoring a 7th grade dance March 10th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm here at Cele.  7th grade parents and any community sponsors are invited to review the following Amazon Wish List for the 7th Grade Dance:  https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3AT41F3TU5IIZ?ref_=wl_share

     Annual Public Meeting

    Each year campuses are required to hold a public meeting to share information captured in publicly available reports on school performance data. If you are interested in attending the public meeting, it will be conducted via Zoom on January 31, 2023 at 5:30 pm. Linked here is a letter notifying parents of the availability of the School Report Card. Linked here is a letter notifying parents of the availability of the Federal Report Card. Here is the Zoom link to the meeting: https://pfisd-net.zoom.us/j/84462666343  The password is CeleColts

    Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. We will have designated sections for unaccompanied students from both schools, and we will have designated areas in the bleachers for fans of each school. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - January 22, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 1/22/2023 9:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    Our first progress report of the new semester and grading period will be shared soon, but you do not need to wait in order to see how your student is performing. Log on to Skyward and Canvas through your parent portal, or have your child show you what they have been learning.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

     

    No Place for Hate

    Cele Middle School is once again participating in the national program, No Place for Hate, along with other Pflugerville ISD schools for the 2022-2023 school year. No Place for Hate, an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League, enables schools, organizations and communities to challenge anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry in all forms. By providing an innovative and powerful model for creating more inclusive environments, No Place for Hate aims to reduce bias and bullying, increase appreciation for diversity, and build communities of respect. Participating No Place for Hate (NPFH) schools engage in schoolwide curriculum and activities throughout the school year in an effort to foster a community of learning and respect.

    Our next NPFH lesson will be on Monday, January 30th during Advisory classes.  Below is a link to the lesson, open for all to view.

    https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sXSpJRJK7cgQaURmtm-yJCV0oYOhmlxCZKidY8Cv0IA/edit?usp=sharing

    Moving Up! Attention 5th Grade Parents

    5th-grade students who are future Colts will visit Cele Thursday, January 26. Then, 5th grade parents of future Colts are invited to attend a Parent Night here at Cele on Monday, January 30, from 6-8 pm. We are very excited to engage with all our Cele students, 5th – 8th grade, as they set the course for their future this month.

    School Board Appreciation Month

    Thank you to Cindy Gee for attending our Ring of Honor Induction Ceremony this past Friday. Please help me thank each of our school board members for their time, talent, and attention to the needs of our students and our district. These volunteers choose to represent our community in making some of the toughest decisions out there, with the best interest of kids in mind. Here is a bit more about each board member: PfISD Board of Trustees 

     Annual Public Meeting

    Each year campuses are required to hold a public meeting to share information captured in publicly available reports on school performance data. If you are interested in attending the public meeting, it will be conducted via Zoom on January 31, 2023 at 5:30 pm. Linked here is a letter notifying parents of the availability of the School Report Card. Linked here is a letter notifying parents of the availability of the Federal Report Card. Here is the Zoom link to the meeting: https://pfisd-net.zoom.us/j/84462666343  The password is CeleColts

    Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. We will have designated sections for unaccompanied students from both schools, and we will have designated areas in the bleachers for fans of each school. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - January 16, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 1/16/2023 6:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    I hope you had a wonder MLK Weekend with loved ones. Apropos of Dr. King’s Dream, I am sharing this week an upcoming activity that students will engage in through Advisory as part of our commitment as a No Place for Hate campus. Parents may preview the lesson at the link below.

    Our week ahead is shorter than usual, but packed with activities and events. If you have an 8th grade student at Cele, our visit to the high schools will be this Thursday during the school day. Students will learn more about the opportunities that await them as well as what to consider when completing their course selection this month. More on planning for the coming grade level can be found below as well.

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

     

    No Place for Hate

    Cele Middle School is once again participating in the national program, No Place for Hate, along with other Pflugerville ISD schools for the 2022-2023 school year. No Place for Hate, an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League, enables schools, organizations and communities to challenge anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry in all forms. By providing an innovative and powerful model for creating more inclusive environments, No Place for Hate aims to reduce bias and bullying, increase appreciation for diversity, and build communities of respect. Participating No Place for Hate (NPFH) schools engage in schoolwide curriculum and activities throughout the school year in an effort to foster a community of learning and respect.

    Our next NPFH lesson will be on Monday, January 30th during Advisory classes.  Below is a link to the lesson, open for all to view.

    https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sXSpJRJK7cgQaURmtm-yJCV0oYOhmlxCZKidY8Cv0IA/edit?usp=sharing

    Moving Up!

    Believe it or not, we have some events coming up to prepare our 5th grade students for middle school, and our 8th grade students for high school. Our 8th-grade Colts learned about PTech offerings last week in their social studies classes, and this Monday and Tuesday, our Weiss Counselors will visit with 8th-grade students regarding how to select courses for the coming year. Then, on Thursday, January 19, all 8th-grade students will visit their feeder high school to tour the building and learn more about elective options.

    5th-grade students who are future Colts will visit Cele Thursday, January 26. Then, 5th grade parents of future Colts are invited to attend a Parent Night here at Cele on Monday, January 30, from 6-8 pm. We are very excited to engage with all our Cele students, 5th – 8th grade, as they set the course for their future this month.

    School Board Appreciation Month

    Please help me thank each of our school board members for their time, talent, and attention to the needs of our students and our district. These volunteers choose to represent our community in making some of the toughest decisions out there, with the best interest of kids in mind. Here is a bit more about each board member: PfISD Board of Trustees 

     Annual Pflugerville Pfamily Resource Pfair on January 21st 9-12 in Rock Gym

    All Pflugerville Families are invited to come learn about resources related to insurance, employment, mental and physical health, housing and more!  Several drawings will be held to win exciting prizes including Bicycles, Gift Baskets, Family Packs Bowling passes etc.

    Boundary Realignment Information Meetings

    District staff will hold community meetings on the following dates and campuses at 6:30 p.m. to share information and solicit feedback and ideas from our parents and community regarding drafts of Boundary Realignment proposals:

    • Jan. 17 – Pflugerville Elementary
    • Jan. 17 – Parmer Lane Elementary
    • Jan. 18 – Brookhollow Elementary
    • Jan. 18 – Weiss High School

    *All meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. To view a map of possibilities presented to the Board of Trustees during the Dec. 15 board meeting, please click the attachment.

    Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If students forget or have misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. We will have designated sections for unaccompanied students from both schools, and we will have designated areas in the bleachers for fans of each school. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future events. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

  • Cele Update - January 8, 2023

    Posted by Marisol Avila on 1/8/2023 11:00:00 PM

    Cele Families,

    It was a short week, but we finished by celebrating some of our Cele Super Readers from the first semester. Each Colt is challenged to read 40 Books each school year in our quest to develop a love of literacy and exceptional reading skills. Students who were on track to meet the challenge by having completed 20 Books (or a reasonable page number equivalent) were honored this past Friday thanks to our English Language Arts Department and the Cele Parent Teacher Organization.

    Cele recently purchased books for classroom libraries in all four core content areas with subject matter specific to that discipline. In fact, Cele won a grant to provide math-themed, quality literature for students in each math classroom.

    My challenge for the week: Do you know what your child is reading these days? Each Colt should be able to produce a physical book to show you, or, log in to Sora, our e-book lending library, so show you their current read. We are serious about growing literacy for our students!

    Let’s make it a GREAT week, Colts!

    Ben O’Connor

    Cele Middle School Website

    Cele PTO Website

    Cele PTO FB Page

    #CeleGrit  #CeleCompassion

    Moving Up!

    Believe it or not, we have some events coming up to prepare our 5th grade students for middle school, and our 8th grade students for high school. Our 8th-grade Colts learned about PTech offerings last week in their social studies classes, and this Monday and Tuesday, our Weiss Counselors will visit with 8th-grade students regarding how to select courses for the coming year. Then, on Thursday, January 9, all 8th-grade students will visit their feeder high school to tour the building and learn more about elective options.

    5th-grade students who are future Colts will visit Cele Thursday, January 26. Then, 5th grade parents of future Colts are invited to attend a Parent Night here at Cele on Monday, January 30, from 6-8 pm. We are very excited to engage with all our Cele students, 5th – 8th grade, as they set the course for their future this month.

    School Board Appreciation Month

    Please help me thank each of our school board members for their time, talent, and attention to the needs of our students and our district. These volunteers choose to represent our community in making some of the toughest decisions out there, with the best interest of kids in mind. Here is a bit more about each board member: PfISD Board of Trustees 

    Annual Pflugerville Pfamily Resource Pfair on January 21st 9-12 in Rock Gym

    All Pflugerville Families are invited to come learn about resources related to insurance, employment, mental and physical health, housing and more!  Several drawings will be held to win exciting prizes including Bicycles, Gift Baskets, Family Packs Bowling passes etc.

    Boundary Realignment Information Meetings

    District staff will hold community meetings on the following dates and campuses at 6:30 p.m. to share information and solicit feedback and ideas from our parents and community regarding drafts of Boundary Realignment proposals:

    • Jan. 9 – Dessau Elementary
    • Jan. 9 – Hendrickson High School
    • Jan. 10 – Spring Hill Elementary
    • Jan. 10 – Connally High School
    • Jan. 11 – River Oaks Elementary
    • Jan. 11 – Pflugerville High School
    • Jan. 17 – Pflugerville Elementary
    • Jan. 17 – Parmer Lane Elementary
    • Jan. 18 – Brookhollow Elementary
    • Jan. 18 – Weiss High School

    *All meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. To view map possibilities presented to the Board of Trustees during the Dec. 15 board meeting, please click the attachment.

    Volunteers Needed

    Parent volunteers needed! The Cele PTO is working with the campus to create a Tutoring Lab. While we talk logistics we are looking for parent volunteers to help us out with tutoring 2-3 times a week. If you are interested in any way and can help us out, please fill out the google form provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rvqYMoeJ26zwUZVNTscJa683iQyOcmhBoqT-AtwM-Ckt9A/viewform?usp=sf_link

    Dress Code

    Generally speaking, our Colts do a GREAT job following dress code. When we do need to correct attire, we typically are addressing 1) footwear: slides, sandals, platform shoes, and crocs without the strap are a safety issue for us with the many flights of stairs at Cele. 2) shirts that do not touch the waistline. This is one of the preferred styles, especially with some of our young ladies. We do need midriffs to be covered by clothing. Parents, thank you for helping with this before it becomes an issue at school, and here is a link to our PfISD Dress Code for reference.

    Reminders

    Phones Parents, in order to keep our students focused on learning we do require students to have phones both powered down and put in their backpacks from the moment they are on campus. If ever a student needs to call home, we will be able to do so. If you need to reach your child during the school day for an urgent matter, you may call the front office at 512-594-3000. Please note: parents are required to pay a $15 fee to reclaim a student’s cell phone beginning with the second occurrence.

    Footwear Our school is beautiful, and it comes with many stairs. Therefore, slides, slippers, platform shoes, or any footwear that is deemed unsafe by an administrator will not be allowed at school. It simply becomes a hazard for the child and others. Crocs may be worn if the heal strap is in place, we call this being “in sport mode.”

    Food Delivery As was mentioned in the parent update from the district, we no longer are accepting food delivery for students from outside services. This is to ensure a safer environment for our students, and meal options will be available to any student, every day, through the school cafeteria. Should you need or wish to apply for free or reduced price meals, the link is here.

    Identification Badges This year all secondary campuses will be providing students with Identification Badges to promote a safer environment. Following are our Cele expectations and information related to our IDs:

    • Student IDs must be worn using a lanyard and visible at all times on campus (excluding pre-approved activities such as PE).
    • We are providing the first ID and lanyard at no cost to students and families.
    • If IDs are lost, defaced, or misplaced, a replacement ID and Lanyard must be purchased.
    • Should a student repeatedly fail to meet expectations with student IDs, additional disciplinary consequences are possible.

    Identification Badge Procedures

    On any given day, 97% of our students arrive to campus with their student IDs displayed on a lanyard around their necks. Thank you for your support with making this happen! If your child forgets or has misplaced their ID, their first stop is to the Think Tank so that we can determine a solution, which usually entails one of two options:

    Option 1: Purchase a Replacement

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • The student may purchase the following items (cash only at this time)
      • ID Card Replacement $5.00
      • ID Badge Plastic Holder Replacement $2.00
      • Standard Red or Black Lanyard $2.00
      • Cele Colt Mascot Lanyard $3.00

    Option 2: Borrow a Temporary ID

    • First, your child will be instructed to contact a parent to inform them of the lost/misplaced ID
    • Students will exchange a personal item (typically their cell phone) for a numbered, Temporary ID, Badge Holder, and Lanyard
    • Students will return the Temporary ID at the end of the day and retrieve their personal items
    • If parents are able to bring the ID to school, it will be delivered to the student as soon as practical and exchanged for the temporary ID
    • Students who repeatedly need to borrow a temporary ID may be assigned a consequence by an administrator

    Athletics Competitions

    Parents, we look forward to seeing many of our families at our athletics competitions this year. We will have designated sections for unaccompanied students from both schools, and we will have designated areas in the bleachers for fans of each school. Students wishing to attend games must leave campus and return no earlier than 5:15 pm when supervision is in place. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of the competition ending, or they will be unable to attend future games. These expectations are in place to ensure students are only on campus while supervision is available. We have announced these expectations to our students over the PA most weeks, but please ensure your student is aware before attending. Tickets will only be available online, in advance. Schedules and a link to purchase tickets can be found on this page. Please remember that sportsmanship and respect is paramount at every competition. Thank you in advance for modeling and expecting the same.

     

    Yearbooks Now Available!

    Anyone who had ordered a Yearbook but did not receive one in spring is welcome to come by the Cele front office to claim it. It is time to order yearbooks for this school year. This flyer has information needed to order your yearbook now at the discounted price of $35. The price goes up on April 1, 2023. Order now and save!

     

    Ben O’Connor

    Principal &

    Colt Country Champion

    Cele Middle School

    Colts have Grit!

    Comments (-1)

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