Maneuvering the Middle
Weekly Updates from SMS- September 16
Next Week Fun
Hello Scranton Families,
We had another successful week. Next week is sure to be fun as we wrap up the week with our first Scranton Dance. Be sure to see the information below for all of the details.
Work Hard and Be Kind,
Mr. Renner and Mr. Borg
🎀 PINK WEEK DANCE 🎀
🎀 DANCE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! 🎀
🌼 SMS PTO FUNDRAISER 🌼
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What time is the drop-off?
Supervision will begin at 7:30. Your student should walk to the back of the building to the football field each morning.
What time is breakfast served?
The doors open for breakfast at 7:30. Your student can enter through the rear cafeteria doors.
What are the prices for lunch and breakfast?
See the detailed information below for prices and how to apply for free or reduced options.
Is Scranton receiving new lockers?
Yes, new lockers have been ordered, and due to unfortunate delays, they will arrive in the fall. We'll share the timing and logistics as soon as we have a firm install date.
When will the construction of the new Scranton STEAM Center be done?
We are hopeful that the work in the Scranton STEAM Center will be completed in mid-October. At that time, the current STEAM classes will shift to the new area.
How much time will my student have to pass in between classes?
Your student will have 4 minutes for passing time. We've added a new series of bells that include a one-minute warning bell to assist with time management.
What if my student has a scheduling question?
If you requested a schedule change and haven't heard back, please follow your student's current schedule until your request has been addressed.
Please get in touch with your grade level counselor:
Mrs. Robertson, eighth grade - RobertS@brightonk12.com
Mrs. White, seventh grade - whitek@brightonk12.com
What If your student is absent all day?
Please call the attendance line (810) 299-3700, press option #1, and leave the student's name, the spelling of the name, the grade, and the reason for the absence.
What if your student is late?
If your student is going to be late, please call (810) 299-3700, Press Option #1, leave the student's name, the spelling of the name, and grade. Your student needs to stop in the main office to check-in. If this was a medical appointment, please have them bring a doctor's note for their attendance file. All medically excused absences do not go against your allotted number of absences.
What if your student needs to leave early?
If your student needs to leave early, please call (810) 299-3700 and press option #2. You MUST call before your child needs to leave or send a note with your student. We will NOT call students down or deliver passes to classrooms. Students MUST pick up their early dismissal pass or bring their note to the main office before school or in between classes. Students MUST sign out of the office and have a pass in hand when leaving the building. Failure to do so could result in an unexcused absence or discipline.
What if your student forgets something?
If your student forgets something, our suggestion is not to enable your student. Let your student feel that "oh no" feeling. Rest assured, everything will be fine. By doing this, you are sending a clear message that life will continue and that uneasy feeling will help your student remember their items in the future. You are helping your student develop independence and help manage their responsibilities.
If you feel the need to save the day, please leave your student's item on the cart right inside the main entrance doors. Students can come in between classes, during lunch, or after school to retrieve items. We will not call students down during class to pick up forgotten items.
What if my student is not feeling well?
Students are to tell the teacher they need to come to the nurse's station. Students may also come to the nurse's station in between classes if they are not feeling well.
When can my student use their cell phone?
Your student can use their cell phone in between classes and lunch. Please see the graphic below for more details.
What's the tardy policy?
Don't be late.
If your student is late to school or class, 1-2 times =warning. 3rd time = referral and 30-minute detention. 4th time = referral, 1-hour detention, and development of improvement plan.
How long will my student have to eat lunch?
Lunch is 30 minutes. We also will go outside for some fresh air for a short time when finished. (weather and temperature dependent)
What is Advisory?
Our daily Advisory time is a fifteen-minute touchpoint scheduled after the second hour. The SMS staff will provide activities for our students that focus on fostering connections, student wellness, and growing our positive building and district culture.
Advisory is set in advance on a month-to-month basis with the activities sent out by Mr. Renner and Mr. Borg. In addition, Advisory is where we will do our daily announcements and building/district-wide community service projects (Kindness Week, Pink Week, Homecoming, etc.), as well as structured activities such as grade checks and goal setting.
Advisory Schedule for September 19 - 23
Monday: Getting to know more about you!
Tuesday: Meet the media center staff.
Wednesday: Sticky note compliments
Thursday: How to Check Your Grades?
Friday: Pink Week Dance Expectations.
Scranton's P.T.O.
Please mark your calendars to join us for our Scranton PTO meetings this year. They will be held at Scranton on the following Fridays - 9:00 am: 10/14, 11/11, 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/14, 5/12. If you cannot attend meetings or would like to find out additional ways to become involved, please email deanneferrell@gmail.com.
President: Deanne Ferrell
Vice President: Lin Miller
Treasurer: Cay Pinchen
Secretary: Bill Rockwell
NEW Attendance Policy - Please Read!
Student Lunch Program at SMS
School Supply Assistance
Any families that need financial assistance with school supplies please contact your counselor. They can assist you to make sure all students have what they need to learn. 8th Grade Ms. Robertson: roberts@brightonk12.com 7th Grade Ms. White whitek@brightonk12.com.
SMS Science Olympiad
Do you love science and learning new things? If so, you should join Scranton’s Science Olympiad team! We compete in 23 different STEM events, so there is something for everyone. There are study, laboratory, and building events. We will be having one more informational meetings, I hope you can come.
Wednesday, September 21, 7:00pm, Brighton High School Room B3 (near the main entrance)
Email sms-scienceolympiad@brightonk12.com to learn more.
Other Helpful Information for You!
Practice SAT Information
The New 2022-2023 BAS Calendar is Available!
SMS Sporting Events Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for events will be:
$1 students
$3 for adults
Passes will be sold at registration as always.
All student athletes must register in FinalForms and upload a completed physical and consent form from your mobile device or computer. The uploaded physical and consent form must be signed and dated by the examining physician on or after 4/15/22. The physical will show as "expired" until it is approved by the BAS Athletic Department. Physicals uploaded at the last minute may not be reviewed in time for tryouts. Please review your student's profile in FinalForms to ensure all documents are signed by the parent/guardian and the student and that the physical has been approved prior to attending tryouts.
The McKinney Vento Act
The Brighton Area Schools is part of a consortium to serve students in temporary living situations that provides financial support for educational needs, referral for housing, clothing, and other needs, general support, and technical assistance. To ensure compliance with federal law, all school staff must help identify students living in the following situations: emergency shelters/transitional housing, motels/hotels, car, parks or public spaces, shared housing due to a loss of housing or economic hardship or living temporarily with non-parent or guardian. The district’s homeless liaison