M 'n M
Mustangs in the Middle : Week of January 25, 2021
From the desk of Mrs. Boytim, Principal of SMS
Hello SMS Families!
We are looking forward to having all students in our building 5 days a week next week! This past week we met with all students to discuss student expectations and safety procedures. Our staff has prepared classrooms to be appropriately distanced and sanitized, signs have been re-printed and placed for student reminders and safety, teachers are preparing their plans and classrooms to accommodate and challenge all students, in person and SCS Connects, safety procedures have been re-communicated in all areas of the building-- we are ready to re-enter and transition.
We also communicated the acronym RAWR with students as well: RESPOND- ADVANCE-WORK WITH OTHERS- REFLECT. It is our goal at SMS to continue to build student and staff resiliency and grow all students to where they need to be. We challenged our students and staff to develop their RAWR and finds ways to thrive in these times, utilizing and developing this mentality for all situations.
Please be sure to follow all Covid safety guidelines and keep your student home if they are symptomatic. Please continue to communicate with the school as soon as possible if you have a positive case or if you are experiencing symptoms. We are here to support you and your student the best we can. Lets work together to minimize risk, remain safe and maintain a consistent learning platform.
Enjoy your weekend, stay warm and we look forward to seeing everyone on Monday!
Take Care,
Mrs. Boytim
Advanced Math Testing (6th and 7th Graders)
If your student is not currently in an honors 6th or 7th grade math class and you wish for your student to be considered for an accelerated math course, please fill out THIS FORM. Students who are entered into this form will be given the opportunity to test to see if they are able to be considered for this path. The test will be administered during 3/4th period on February 2 (6th grade) or February 3 for (7th grade)- the test is 70 minutes.
Alternating Green and White Days
Monday, January 25, students will no longer attend on Green and White Days, rather they will attend school in the building every day, 5 days a week. (Unless a SOLO or SCS Connects student).
However, we will start the ALL IN, Green and White Schedule (for those students that it applies- mostly 6th grade students) where on alternating days, students will go to music class and others may go to Academic Lab. Please review your schedule to see when and if this applies. If you have questions, please reach out to your teachers or counselors.
Monday is a GREEN day for these students.
SMS Athletic Updates
Girls Basketball
Boys Basketball
Chik-Fil-A Student of the Month Luncheon!
Student Shoutouts of the Week
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Announcements & Reminders
College Credit Plus
Ohio’s College Credit Plus program allows qualified students in grades 7-12 to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities for free. College admission requirements apply to all students participating in the CCP program (based on college readiness in one or more subject areas).
There will be a College Credit Plus (CCP) google meeting on February 11th at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in learning more about the College Credit Plus (CCP) program for the 2021/2022 school year, it is HIGHLY recommended that both students and parents attend the CCP meeting. Students interested in participating in the CCP program next year must have their letter of intent form turned in to their school counselor by May 1, 2021.
Attention 8th Grade Families:
IMPORTANT - 9th Grade Course Selection Information for Current 8th Graders
8th Grade students were given the opportunity to learn about the high school requirements and course selection in their Career Connections courses both this semester and last semester. HERE is a link to the video created by the high school counselors that students watched in their classes. The video gives a detailed explanation of the high school requirements for graduation as well as specific information pertaining to 9th graders. (The video may be very helpful and a great reference for you and your child when deciding on what classes he/she is going to take in 9th grade.)
Additionally, please take a few moments to read the Class of 2025 Parent Letter (linked below) from the high school counselors that outlines important dates and information for 8th grade parents about scheduling.
As outlined in the letter, there will be a question and answer google session for eighth graders and their parents on February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. to go over scheduling information.
The High School scheduling window will be open from February 8th through February 19th. Students should log into their PASS accounts to register for courses. Families may access the SHS Program of Studies 2021/2022 on the High School Website (once it becomes available), as there is not a printed booklet. 8th grade students will have the opportunity to schedule at SMS during the scheduling window.
Elissa Ray, the 8th grade school counselor, will be available during the scheduling process to answer any questions students may have. All course request selections must be completed by February 19, 2021. If you have any questions regarding high school scheduling, please contact Elissa Ray at 440-268-5292 or eray@scsmustangs.org.
Picture Re-Take Day-Update and Change of Date
Federal Meal Program:
TEAM WEEKLY PREVIEWS
Teams complete this every week to help parents and students receive a forecast of assignments to help organize their week. GOOGLE CLASSROOM is still the MAIN location for all resources. This is a great tool to help check in with students
WEEKLY ANNOUCEMENTS
These are also linked to our Team Preview templates and located on our school website.
Updates to Quarantine Rules and Other COVID-19 District Protocols
CLICK HERE for a complete explanation of our new quarantine guidelines, testing suggestions, reminders of current protocols, and communication procedures. Please contact Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Jennifer Pelko, with any questions or concerns.
Follow Mrs. Boytim and School News @MrsBoytim and @TheSMSMustangs on Twitter!
Strongsville Middle School
Mrs. Boytim: jboytim@scsmustangs.org
Mrs. Peters: jpeters@scsmustangs.org
Mrs. Bailey: jbailey@scsmustangs.org
Counselors:
Mrs. Gerber (6): kgerber@scsmustangs.org
Mrs. Pietrocini (7): spietrocini@scsmustangs.org
Mrs. Ray (8): eray@scsmustangs.org
Website: https://www.strongnet.org/Domain/411
Location: 13200 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH, USA
Phone: 440-572-7090
Twitter: @mrsboytim