SLMS Titan News
Week #7 - September 20, 2021
Greetings SLMS Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,
Ordinarily, I like to start the weekly Titan News off on a lighter note than I am starting with in this edition. I want to make you aware of a global social media challenge which, unfortunately, is now impacting the SLMS community. In a viral video (not filmed at SLMS or involving an SLMS student) shared September 6th, a student unzips their backpack, and pulls out a stolen hand sanitizer dispenser with a title, "Only a month into school and got this absolute devious lick." These "Devious Lick" challenges have received tens of millions of views on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and many other social media platforms. These videos encourage students to vandalize campuses by stealing/destroying soap dispensers, signage, technology, and taking items from teachers and staff. In the last few weeks at SLMS, we have had soap dispensers ripped from the wall and thrown in the trash, soap dispenser refills taken from inside the soap dispensers, trashcans overturned in the restrooms, stolen restroom passes, and fake blood in restroom stalls and stairwells. Most disappointingly, even after we addressed these issues with our students through our morning announcements, some students still found it necessary to engage in this outrageous behavior. Fortunately, we have had a considerable number of students who exemplified what it means to be a Compassionate Citizen, which is one of the seven attributes of the FBISD Profile of a Graduate. These students immediately stepped forward to offer information to help us address these incidents.
We ask for your support in reminding your children how blessed we are to have a campus like Sugar Land MS. Yes, it is one of the older campuses in the district and in many ways it is showing its age, but we have seen multiple millions of dollars-worth of improvements and upgrades over the last two years, with more on the way in the next few years. We also want to honor our custodial staff who work long into the evening preparing our school for the next day. Please talk with your child about the importance of abstaining from this type of behavior. These are considered acts of vandalism which come with serious school consequences, and in some cases could be considered criminal acts, where charges could be filed. Most importantly, if your child has any information to report, please have them email or talk with their grade level administrator. When all students begin to exemplify the attributes of the Profile of a Graduate, such as being a Compassionate Citizen, we may prevent further acts of vandalism to our beautiful campus and focus on the the reason why our school exists in the first place - to inspire and equip students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine.
Progress Report 2 (PR2) was Friday, September 17. It should be viewable in Skyward Family Access by the afternoon of Tuesday, September 21. Term 1 ends October 6.
Students will have a holiday for the Fort Bend County Fair this Friday, September 24; it will be a teacher professional development day for staff. School will resume on Monday, September 27.
This week's news contains information about:
- Upcoming Events
- Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 thru October 15
- Fall Portrait Day - October 18
- Student ID Badges Distributed Monday, September 20
- Environmental Sensitivities and Respiratory Conditions: Cologne, Perfume, Body Sprays
- Sugar Land Exchange Club 8th Grade Young Citizen Award Winner!
- Lending Library Devices and Technology
- Toiletries Drive through Advisory Classes for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Fort Bend Education Foundation News
- Virtual Mid-Day Break with the Counselors - September 29
- SLMS Trunk or Treat Family Event - Thursday, October 21
- Birthday Messages on the SLMS Electronic Marquee
- Remote Conferencing
- GT Referral Window Open thru September 30
- FBISD is Hiring and Training Bus Drivers
- Important Contact Information
Please take some time to consider the items in our Titan News. Communication and understanding are the two most important pre-requisites from which we may build trust for the best possible school/family relationship.
We hope you have a great week.
Sincerely,
Keith Fickel, Principal
#NewBeginnings
#TitansOwnIt
#ReturnOfTheTitans
September 20 - 24: The Week At A Glance
Upcoming Events
- Virtual Mid-Day Break with the Counselors - September 29 (See article below)
- Campus Planning and Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting - September 29
- Fall Portrait Day - Monday, October 18 thru PE, Health, and Kickstart classes
- Trunk or Treat (Campus-wide event) - October 21 (5:30-6:30)
Hispanic Heritage Month - Sept. 15 thru Oct. 15
Did you know that 36% of the students at SLMS identify as Hispanic? That is slightly more than one in every three students, and this demographic makes up the largest segment of our student population.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
Student ID Badges Distributed in Period 1 Classes Monday, September 20
On Monday, September 20, we will distribute color-coded lanyards and student ID badges to students through their first period classes. Students will be required to wear them on the outside of their outermost layer of clothing so they are visible at all times. Upon arrival to school, students will "badge in" at the kiosks located at the entrances (front entrance and the bus ramp). Students will use their badge at the registers in the lunch room for a touchless transaction, helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Students will wear their ID badges throughout the day (except during physical activity in PE, athletics, or Kickstart), as well as when they attend any school-related events, such as attendance at athletic events. They will also visibly wear them when they are riding district transportation, such as school buses. Thank you in advance for your support of our student ID badge expectations.
Cologne, Perfume, Sprays, Aerosols, and Fragrance Products: Environmental Sensitivities and Respiratory Conditions
We have determined that we have a number of students and staff with environmental sensitivities and respiratory conditions such as asthma that make being around aerosols, perfumes, colognes, and other fragrance products a serious threat to their health and well being. Therefore, starting immediately, students may not bring any fragrance products, body sprays, pumps, aerosols, perfumes, or colognes to school. When it comes to deodorants for PE/athletics, sprays are not permitted; students must use a "stick" or "roll on" style of deodorant/antiperspirant.
As an alternative, we suggest bringing wipes (non-scented baby wipes or similar) to freshen up after PE or vigorous physical activity.
This decision was not made lightly, as we fully understand the need to attend to hygiene after vigorous exercise. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation for the respiratory safety and well being of all of our Titans.
Sugar Land Exchange Club 8th Grade Young Citizen Award
The purpose of the Young Citizen Award is to find and reward 8th students who work hard at being good citizens at home, at school, and in the community. They do not shrink back when there is a job to be done. They cooperate with their teachers and their families. They may be a great student, strong athlete, or talented musically or artistically. More important, they are students engaged in their community. These students are recognized at the Exchange Club's monthly meeting.
Lending Library Devices and Technology
To provide technology for students that are quarantined and need to attend classes online, families can check out laptops from the SLMS library for a 2-week period. Currently we do not have hotspots available. This is an optional service for those who need it. Parents must first complete a form in Skyward called, Lending Library Agreement: 2021-22. It is a good idea for all students to have this form on file in case they suddenly need a device in the middle of the year. To request a device, contact Mr. Sinclair at david.sinclair@fortbendisd.com. Checkout is handled via no-contact curbside pickup. Parents may arrange a pickup time with Mr. Sinclair outside of normal arrival and dismissal hours in the front circle drive.
Toiletries Drive through Advisory Classes - thru September 29
The SLMS PALs are sponsoring a toiletries collection drive for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Collections will be made through students' advisory classes. See the informational flyer/graphic below for more details.
American Furniture Warehouse Rally September 10 – September 26
You can purchase anytime of the year at American Furniture Warehouse to support our schools… BUT, you are invited to shop at their store rally Fri., Sept. 10 – Sun., Sept. 26 for our community. Shop this rally to help us maximize our annual donation we receive soon after. Anyone who purchases during the Store Rally will earn a chance to win a $500 Gift Card.
Sugar Land Skeeters - FBISD Staff and Family Night - October 1, 2021
Join us for FBISD Staff and Family Night as the Sugar Land Skeeters take on the Round Rock Express. Stay for the Fireworks after the game.
Purchase discounted tickets today and use coupon code FBEF!
Adopt-A-Student
There are many Fort Bend ISD students who cannot access the internet from home. For some, it's a lack of coverage. For others, it's a lack of affordability. Even if connected, they do not have access to devices required to even access homework assignments.
Donate today and your donation will help equip economically disadvantaged FBISD students with Wi-Fi, hotspots and hardware needed to excel this school year.
Virtual Mid-Day Break with the SLMS Counselors - September 29
Please join our grade level counselors on Wednesday, September 29, for their quarterly Mid-Day Break with the Counselors. It will be from 12:00-1:00 PM, and it will occur virtually. Please use the link below to join the meeting using Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams Meeting Link - Click here to join the meeting
Wednesday, September 29
12:00 - 1:00 PM
SLMS "Trunk or Treat" Family Event - Thursday, October 21
The SLMS Counseling Office is hosting TRUNK or TREAT on OCTOBER 21! The Event will be outside on the bus ramp side of the school from 5:30-6:30 PM. All students and families welcome to dress up and come walk the path of trunks to collect treats and say “Hi” to all of our neighboring schools and student organizations. It should be a fun family night! If you would like to donate candy to be passed out during this event, please drop it by the front office.
Birthday Messages on SLMS Marquee
Does your SLMS child have an upcoming birthday? Would you like to wish them a happy birthday on our new digital campus marquee? The PTO is coordinating birthday messages to go on our marquee as a means of raising funds to help meet needs of students and teachers. Publicizing your child's birthday is only $15.00. Please follow these simple steps to get your child's birthday announced on the marquee:
- Visit https://my.cheddarup.com/c/slmspto
- Scroll down to the "Happy Birthday Marquee" item
- Click "Add to Cart"; you are redirected to another screen where you will
- Enter information about your child and select the style of announcement you wish to see on the marquee
- Click "Add to Cart ($15.00)"
- Review your order
- Click "Continue to Forms"
- Enter your child's name and grade level
- Click "Continue to Payment" and finish your purchase
Note that submissions must be received at least two weeks ahead of the desired date to be posted on our campus marquee. Please contact Heather Martin of the SLMS PTO at heathermartincpa@gmail.com with questions. And feel free to order SLMS swag like hoodies, t-shirts, and more while you are ordering your child's birthday message!
Remote Conferencing
Please take a moment to visit a brand new FBISD website that explains a new procedure called Remote Conferencing. This TEA (Texas Education Agency) defined measure is used to ensure students who are quarantined due to testing positive for COVID-19 or who are identified as "close contacts" (individuals within 3 feet of a confirmed COVID-positive individual for 15 minutes or more during a 24 hour period) will receive to receive synchronous, live instruction during their stay-at-home period. It also outlines who is eligible for this opportunity, how remote conferencing works, and also the limitations associated with remote conferencing.
FBISD Remote Conferencing information website: https://www.fortbendisd.com/remoteconferencing
Gifted and Talented (GT) Referral Window Open Until September 30
The 2021-22 Gifted and Talented (GT) referral process is open for parents and teachers to submit names of students who you believe may need Gifted and Talented services in Fort Bend ISD. Please visit https://gt.fortbendisd.com/ if you believe your child may be gifted and a candidate for services. The window closes on September 30. Note that students are tested during the 2021-22 school year, and if they are identified as gifted in either/both of Math/Science or Reading/Social Studies, their services would not begin until the 2022-23 school year. Please reach out to our GT campus coordinator, Mrs. Kimberly Seright, at (281) 634-3085 or via email at kimberly.seright@fortbendisd.com with questions.
FBISD is Hiring and Training Bus Drivers!
If you are interested in serving FBISD as a bus driver, please see the flyer below, and visit the job posting and application on the FBISD Careers Website! The district is experiencing a shortage of drivers, and you could help stand in the gap!
Important Contact Information
- Associate Principal - Monika Martin (monika.martin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Nafecia Brinson (nafecia.brinson@fortbendisd.com)
- Assistant Principal - Dr. Dawn Rogers (dawn.rogers@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Eleni Smith (eleni.smith@fortbendisd.com)
Eighth Grade
- Assistant Principal - Luster Goodwin (luster.goodwin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Kim Seright (kimberly.seright@fortbendisd.com)
Counselor Clerk - Carmen Brantley (carmen.brantley@fortbendisd.com)
Assistant Principal Secretaries
- 7th and 8th Grade - Tina Garcia (diamantina.ibarragar@fortbendisd.com)
- 6th Grade - Sherri Woodcock (sherri.woodcock@fortbendisd.com)
Attendance - Mary Beth LaVergne (mary.lavergne@fortbendisd.com)
Registrar - Tandi Phillips (tandi.phillips@fortbendisd.com)
Nurse - Shetal Patel (shetal.patel@fortbendisd.com)
Clinic Aide - Cassandra Rodarte (cassandra.rodarte@fortbendisd.com)
Executive Assistant to Principal Fickel - Mary Connealy (mary.connealy@fortbendisd.com)
Sugar Land Middle School
46 Years
1975-2021
Inspiring and equipping the young men and women of our community for futures beyond what they can imagine since 1975.
SLMS Campus Mission Statement
Working collaboratively, the Sugar Land Middle School Professional Learning Community will commit to creating a safe environment with high expectations leading to physical, social, emotional, and academic success for all Titans.
#TitansOwnIt
#NewBeginnings
#Resilience
Office Hours
8:20-4:20 PM
Email: keith.fickel@fortbendisd.com
Website: www.fortbendisd.com/slms
Location: 321 7th Street, Sugar Land, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 634-3080
Twitter: @SLMSTitans