Spartan Herald May 2020
Show Respect - Make a Difference - Set the Bar High
Greetings Schmucker Families!
Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine!
With your child in mind,
Lavon Dean-Null
Reaching Families
Spartan Parents,
I hope that this message finds each of you well. Over these last few weeks, our leadership team along with our SMS teachers have been reaching out to families daily. These conversations have consisted of topics related to academics, mental health needs, and a variety of other supports that would normally be offered within our regular school day. While providing these supports virtually is not the norm, we are so proud of the quality of conversations and the positive interactions we have had with so many of our students and their families. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will continue to keep families updated on the progress of students and showcasing the wonderful things our SMS community is producing. Again, thank you for your engagement and support during these truly unique times. You are a valued member of the SMS Family!
Be Well,
Mr. Fry
Talking with your students
Hello, Everyone!
I hope you are all doing well as we welcome the month of May!
As we continue to work/learn from and stay at home it has become increasingly important to be intentional about self-care and mental health. Last week we explored self-care with our teachers emphasizing physical, social and mental self-care.
The CDC has offered some great resources and ideas for families and I wanted to share a few tips they recommend for parents to support their children:
- Talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
- Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
- Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
- Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
- Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
If you would like other tips or information about warning signs of anxiety or how to cope with stress, feel free to explore the CDC website.
Thank you for your continued support and flexibility throughout this period of time!
-Mrs. Martin
Important Dates
PLEASE READ OUR PTO NEWSLETTER BELOW:
Food Service Professionals Day
8th Grade Parents
Note from the Counselors!
Naviance College and Career Day!
P-H-M Thank A Teacher
5-Star Update
To those who are working tirelessly in the hospitals, nursing homes and health care facilities – both the seen (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, aids, medics, etc.) and the unseen (those who work in security, administration, janitorial, food service, labs, etc.) THANK YOU for all you have done, and continue to do to care for our community!
To the first responders such as police officers, firefighters, EMS, etc., THANK YOU for serving and protecting our community, especially during this time.
To the essential workers that keep us going by working in transportation, grocery stores, food banks, homeless shelters, sanitation, etc., we couldn't do this without you, THANK YOU!
Once this has lifted, we would like to serve your kids, the silent heroes, at Summit! Send your kids, grades K-12, to Summit for a Leadership Day at NO COST TO YOU! Experiences may include, but not limited to, High Ropes Course, Archery, Hatchet throwing, Rock Wall, Boating, Fishing, Nature Exploration, Arts and Crafts, Equine, Team Building AND MORE! These are opportunities for your kids to get out of the house and engage with Five Star Life’s experiential learning!
If you are a Frontline Hero, claim your voucher today!
21st Century Scholars
Free $$ for college!
The 21st Century Scholars program is need-based assistance which will help students have the ability to go to college who otherwise may not be able to afford it. The program can save you and your family thousands of dollars on higher education past high school, as well as connect you and your student to other great resources.
The deadline for this opportunity to enroll is JUNE 30 of a student's 8th grade year. Once this date has passed, students cannot enroll while at the high school. Please take the time to visit http://scholars.in.gov/parents/enroll/ to learn more about the program and enroll your student right away before this opportunity is no longer available. Email or call your child's school counselor if you have further questions.
Field Trip Updates
Submitting Assignments through Canvas
ELearning Accolades
Where in the world is Mrs. Dean-Null?
Lavon Dean-Null
Email: ldean-null@phm.k12.in.us
Website: http://schmucker.phmschools.org/
Location: Schmucker Middle School, Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, IN, United States
Phone: 574-259-5661
Twitter: @SMSSpartanPride