SHMS e-News
March 17, 2023
Dear SHMS Families:
This past Wednesday students participated in a training to prepare them for PSSA testing. This year SHMS students will complete PSSA testing through an online portal using their Chromebook. Students will receive another training at the end of March and will practice using the portal before the start of testing. Please see the PSSA testing information below.
I would like to congratulate our Science Olympiad Team for finishing in 4th place at the regional competition last week. Overall, the middle school team earned medals in ten out of the twenty-three events. Good look at states. I also want like to congratulate all students who participated in our Jazz Festival last Friday night. I thought our students and directors did an amazing job!
It is about that time when we begin planning fifth-grade transition activities. We are excited to welcome our incoming sixth-grade class. Please mark your calendars with the following upcoming dates. In May our fifth graders will visit the middle school. Students will be bussed to SHMS at 9:30 a.m. and will return to their elementary school at 11:15 a.m. During their visit, students will have an opportunity to meet some of our sixth-grade teachers, take a tour of the middle school, and get an overview of the middle school programs. The fifth graders will visit SHMS on May 17th (SRS), May 18th (WES), and May 19th (NPE). The middle school will host a parent orientation night on Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. Families will have an opportunity to hear about middle school and tour the building.
Go Panthers!
Dr. Matsanka
State Testing Information for Families
Please see the attached letter regarding PSSA testing across the district. Strath Haven Middle School is transitioning to online testing this year. Linked in the letter are additional FAQs, and PDE's policy regarding cell phones and test security.
SHMS MUSIC
Next Week's Rehearsals:
Monday 3/20: Music Day 2 (7th Chorus, 6th Band, 6th Orch connections-3)
Tuesday 3/21: Music Day 3 (6th Chorus, 8th Band, 7+8th Orchestra)
Wednesday 3/22: Music Day 1: 7th Band ONLY
Thursday 3/23: Music Day 2 (7th Chorus, 6th Band)
Friday 3/24: Music Day 3 (6th Chorus, 8th Band)
HIGH NOTE TRIP INFO:
Attention families of students in: 8th grade band, 8th grade Chorus/Cantabile, 7th+8th Orchestra and Ellington Jazz Band. We have been accepted to participate in the High Note Music Festival on Friday May 12, 2023. Our ensembles will have the opportunity to perform for a panel of outstanding adjudicators who will provide comments and evaluations. After our morning performance, the above ensembles will enjoy a celebratory trip to Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. Cost for students is $80 and includes festival fees, coach bus transportation, park admission, and a t-shirt.
This year, permission slips and medical forms will be disbursed and collected electronically via google form. All parents and families should have received an email from Sarah Elsheakh with a link to complete your form. The google form will also be posted in your student's google classrooms. If you do not receive a link to the permission form, please reach out directly to Sarah Elsheakh (selsheakh@wssd.org). Form completion and payment are due ASAP.