Principal Message
HELLO, MY NAME IS MEDARD THOMAS, AND I AM THE PROUD PRINCIPAL OF CONCORD MAGNET SCHOOL K-8!
Welcome to CMS K-8, the district’s original magnet school. Additionally, we are the district’s only K-8 school. We are an arts integrated, HOT School focusing on the development of the whole child. At Concord Magnet K-8, we have created a strong community among children, teachers, parents and our neighborhood. We believe in a hands-on approach to learning. Our students are fearless, inquisitive, creative and kind.
At Concord Magnet School, we are committed to provide every student opportunities to expand their creative performance and understanding through celebrating individual and collaborative expression in the areas of music, visual art, movement and drama.
Whenever we hear the words, All School Meeting, student excitement is dialed up to a 10+. ASM is the place and time we develop community and provide the forum to showcase student learning. Students gain confidence by informing, performing and presenting in front of an audience.
When you enter the halls of Concord Magnet K-8, you will see, hear and feel love and joy among our precious students. Our children come from all parts of Norwalk, but we are one community.
The Concord Magnet K-8 Mission is to develop passionate, lifelong learners who strive for academic excellence by cultivating their creativity and imagination through hands-on, interdisciplinary social studies-based units and vibrant arts infusion. We foster the academic, social and emotional development of each child while building a caring and ethical community that celebrates diversity and encourages strength of character.
For our middle school, we maintain a smaller roster of students. We prefer a small class because research shows smaller numbers encourage more opportunities to establish deeper connections with teachers. Our students delve deeper into topics as they work collaboratively with one another. Social partnerships are strengthened, and our children are seen as school leaders. It is not uncommon to see our middle school students working alongside their younger peers.
The Concord Magnet Upper School division is rooted in democratic practice. The children are expected to weigh in on topics and speak up for themselves, for one another, and for the world we inhabit. Our approach is not intended to be conventional or traditional. There is less emphasis on memorizing and repeating facts; rather, we focus on researching and making sense of what we study. Our projects are hands-on. We encourage the children to express themselves creatively. Field trips have always been intentional. They vary from team building exercises to meaningful excursions reinforcing what they have learned in class.
Technology plays an integral role on how information is shared. Children are responsible digital citizens and work on a variety of technology applications.
Although we look very different from the other middle schools, we fulfill all the necessary requirements to prepare them for entry from 8th grade into the two high schools, as well as the specialized High Schools, The Center for Global Studies and P-Tech.
Concord Magnet K-8 is committed to increasing parental involvement, honoring the diversity of our community, and implementing policies and practices in alignment with the district's vision, mission, and philosophy, under which all members of our community feel welcome, included, and safe. Our school will embrace, serve, and celebrate our students, families, staff, and community members and their unique cultural histories while ensuring that each student achieves personal and academic success.
ON BEHALF OF OUR CONCORD MAGNET K-8 FAMILY,
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW US.