Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all the California family. I hope you have a safe holiday and enjoy family and friends.

Cell Phones Use

Please be advised that cell phone use is not permitted during school hours.

Incorrect Grades on PowerSchool

Please be advised that current grades on PowerSchool are not correct. The district is experiencing technical difficulties with combined grades from the first and second nine weeks. We expect a remedy to the problem very soon. Thank you for your patience.

Boys Basketball Defeats Washington

The middle school boys basketball team defeated Washington Middle School 56-36 in exhibition play on Wednesday. Brian Fisher and Tanner Huffman led the Trojans with 24 and 22 points respectively. The team returns to action on December 2nd when they host Carmichaels at 4:00.

Dance Dates From Other Schools

Students who are bringing a date from another middle school are required to notify administration. Visiting students are required to have a form signed by their principal indicating good behavior at school. The forms will be issued the week of December 8-12 and must be returned before December 17, 2008.

8th Grade Receives Motivational Speech

8th grade students listened to a lecture today about transitioning to the high school and college. Students were advised about becoming more organized and improve study skills that are needed for succes in secondary education as well as post-secondary education. With rising costs of post-secondary education, students were encouraged to participate in the University in the High School program at our high school to earn credits that may decrease a students time spent in college.

Middle School Boys Basketball

The middle school boys basketball team travels to Washington today to play an exhibition games. Tipoff is schedule for 3:30 p.m. The game is scheduled to be played at the WEEP complex near Washington Park.

Early Dismissal Wednesday

The California School District will operate on a two-hour early dismissal on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The middle school will dismiss at 12:39 p.m.

Midnight Madness

Tonight is the annual "Midnight Madness" at the high school. The event includes three-on-three basketball games in two divisions including elementary and middle school. In addition, students may play "Knockout" and compete in foul shooting contests. Finally, food and refreshments are available. Proceeds benefit the California Basketball Boosters.

Knockout Next Wednesday

Middle school students may participate in "Knockout basketball" next Wednesday, November 26, in the gymnasium from 11:45 to 12:30. There will also be a half-court shot contest. The cost to participate in each event is $1.00 and students may re-enter for an additional dollar. All proceeds go towards student activities.

4Sight Tests Completed

The 4Sight tests have been completed in middle school and most students worked very hard at demonstrating improvement on the assessment. Great job students!

Middle School Boys Basketball Open With Win

The middle school boys basketball team opened the season with a convincing 60-21 win over Charleroi in exhibition basketball on Wednesday. Tanner Huffman and Brian Fisher led the Trojans in scoring with 20 and 16 points respectively. Jon Granato chipped in with 8 points. The Trojans return to action next Tuesday with an exhibition game at Washington.

Middle School Dance Information

Information and the attached middle school Christmas dance information is available on the district homepage. Click on the "Middle School Dance Information" button on the left side of the page and the document will be available for review or printing.

Midnight Madness

The California Boys Basketball Boys Booster Club will hold the annual Midnight Madness tournament on Friday, November 21, 2008. The cost for each team entry is $10.00 and the cutoff date is Thursday, November 20, 2008. Middle school students should see Mr. Huffman at lunch to sign up for the event.

6th Grade Boys Basketball

Mr. Altman has volunteered to coach a 6th grade boys basketball team that will play on Saturdays in the Uniontown YMCA elementary basketball league. He will announce tryout dates soon. Boys were permitted to sign up last week. If you have an interest in your son playing for the team, please have him stop in the office ASAP.

4 Sights Tomorrow

The middle school will begin 4-Sight testing on Tuesday.

Middle School Christmas Dance

The middle school Christmas dance is Friday, December, 19, 2008 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. A buffet provided by Lagerhead's Restaurant will be available for purchase. Buffet tickets must be purchased by December 16, 2008. The cost of the buffet is $7.00 per student and the cost of admission is $5.00 for a total of $12.00. Students' may attend the dance only for $5.00 and the cost of admission includes one free drink. Tickets will go on sale December 8, 2008 at school. Pictures will be taken at the dance for a minimal fee yet to be determined. More information on pictures will be made available by Thanksgiving.

Hunting On School Property

Please be advised that hunting is not permitted on school property. State code prohibits firearms on school property. If you know someone who is violating this code, please contact the schools at 724-785-5800.

MacKenzie Granato Speaks With School Board

California Middle School 8th grade student MacKenzie Granato spoke with the California School Board of Directors on Monday, November 10, 2008. She described her experiences in the lessons taught last month by Mrs. Fabbri, Mrs. Winfield, Mrs. Hrivnak and Mr. Feick. The lessons including writing, computer technology, and science standards incorprated into an individual, hands-on approach to instruction. Thanks MacKenzie!

Report Cards Were Issued Today

Report cards were issued to middle school students today. We apologize for the untimely technical problems that led to the delay.

Report Cards Delayed

Report cards will not be sent home today due to technical difficulties with the district student management system. Please accept our sincere apology while we attempt to rectify the problem.

Report Cards Will Be Distibuted Monday

Report cards will be distributed on Monday, November 10, 2008. As always, you can check your child's academic progress on PowerSchool. Access is available on the district website.

Dance Tonight

The California Middle School dance is tonight from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Thanks California Focus!

The California Middle School administration, staff, and students would like to say thank you to the California Focus staff and special thanks to the Sealys for the ongoing support of our school. The November issue is available at various locations including the school. Thanks again to the California Focus! The California Focus can also be viewed on-line at http://www.libertyroseincorporated.com/calfocus/index.html.

Benchmarks Scheduled

The California Middle School will give 4-Sight tests from November 18 to 20, 2008. The test results serve as benchmarks to predict how students will achieve in math and reading on the PSSA tests. The tests also provide valuable information to teachers for planning instruction to assist students with improving achievement on the high stakes tests.

7th Grade Boys Metro Basketball Tryouts

The 7th grade boys Metro basketball tryouts will begin on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the middle school gymnasium.

October Students of the Month

The California Middle School Student of the Month is Eilish Miller and the Great Strides Student of the Month is Taylor Venetian. Congratulations girls!

Obama Wins Mock Election

Barack Obama won the middle school mock presential election in a landslide vote. Obama secured over 62 % of the popular vote compared to 37 % for John McCain.

Middle School Mock Election

The California Middle School will hold a mock presidential election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. All students are encouraged to vote during homeroom. The voting polls will be located in the cafeteria.

Shashura Finishes 4th in the State

Sarah Shashura won her first two matches at the PIAA Singles Championship to advanced to the semifinals on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. However, she dropped her next two matches to finish fourth in the state as a freshman. We are very proud of her accomplishments in tennis this year!

9th Grade PSSA Breakfast

The 8th grade teachers will honor the 9th grade students at a breakfast on November 19,2008 at 7:45 a.m. The Class of 2012 scored above the goal of 80/80/80 on the PSSA in math, reading, and writing. We are proud of the great accomplishment!

Change in Dance Schedule

The Fall Festival dance has been rescheduled for November 7, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:30. The dance was moved due to the high school playoff football game.