M 'n M
Mustangs in the Middle: Aug. 10, 2018
In This Edition:
- What is M 'n M?
- Contacting SMS Personnel
- Schedule Pickup
- Drop Off Time for Students
- Supply Lists
- Backpack Procedures
- Immunization Records
- Bus Transportation
- Past Due Fees
- First Day of School
- Honors Summer Work
- Back to School Gear
- Athletic Boosters
What is M 'n M?
Important Phone Numbers at SMS
Mr. Steve Deitrick, Principal: 572.7085 sdeitrick@scsmustangs.org
Attendance Line: 572.7090 Option 2
- This number is to be used to report your child's absence.
Mrs. Deb Cook, Attendance Clerk: 572.7075
- This number is to be used to address a concern with attendance or communicate with our office pickup/drop off of your child.
Mrs. Cheryl McCarthy, Secretary: 268.5920
- This number is to be used for assistance with your child's PASS account or questions pertaining to student fees
Mrs. Patti Bendzuck, Guidance Clerk: 572.7088
- This number is to be used for questions pertaining to student transcripts, enrollment/withdraw, IEP & 504 meetings and scheduling
Main Line w/ Options: 572.7090
- General Information (Option '0'), Staff Directory and other options
When attempting to reach your child's guidance counselor and/or grade level principal, email is often times the most efficient/effective way to communicate.
6th Grade Counselor: Elissa Ray eray@scsmustangs.org
7th Grade Counselor: Katie Gastaldo kgastaldo@scsmustangs.org
8th Grade Counselor: Stacy Pietrocini spietrocini@scsmustangs.org
6th & 7th Grade Asst. Principal: Mike Vukovich mvukovich@scsmustangs.org
8th Grade Asst. Principal: Kelli Izzo kizzo@scsmustangs.org
Volleyball Team In Action vs. Royalton
Schedule Pickup
In the afternoon, 7th and 8th graders may come up from 1:00-3:00 to pickup their schedules. However, PASS will be updated by the end of the day, August 16, and students may access their schedule this way.
6th Grade Students Only
In efforts to make the transition smoother and ease potential anxiety, our 6th grade students will be issued their lock and locker on this day. During this time students may bring supplies to place in their locker in efforts to get a jump start on organization.
7th & 8th Grade Football Study the Playbook
First Day of School
We encourage all children to enter the building on their own, as this is a time for students to become more independent. Believe me, as a parent of young children myself, it is difficult at times to let go and allow them to handle challenging experiences on their own.
As always, If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to give me a call at 440.572.7085 or email me at sdeitrick@scsmustangs.org.
I am looking forward to another exciting year at SMS!
Arrival Time for Students
Supply Lists
Cross-Country Running in the Rain!
Backpack Procedures for 2018-19
Effective the 2018-19 school year, backpacks, book bags, etc. should be used to transport books, lunches, and other school related items to and from school. Once at school, all backpacks etc. must remain in the locker. Students may carry a pencil pouch for school supplies (see picture examples below), and a small purse for personal belongings. Students may carry a sling back bag to and from PE classes only.
We realize that this new policy will be an adjustment for all of our students, so in order to allow our students to have as seamless a transition as possible, SMS has provided the following tips to allow your child to be prepared and organized for their school day:
Students should have planned times to go to their lockers: before school, before lunch, after lunch, after school. Students do NOT need to go to their locker after every class!
Students should plan ahead for their day-- what supplies are needed for the next few classes, and how can they be as organized as possible? Some classes do not have textbooks, therefore, the supply load is much lighter. Textbooks should also be arranged in order of use to make it quick and easy when your child goes into their locker.
Encourage your child to use a pencil pouch to hold their pencils, pens, calculators, and other smaller items used daily. Teachers make students aware if supplies like crayons or markers are needed for that day’s class, so there is no need to bring these items on a daily basis.
We are always looking to find ways to keep students as safe as possible in our building. Backpacks provide a greater opportunity for concealing things that pose a potential threat to staff and students (ex. weapons, vapes). Hallway safety has also been a concern as the size (and weight) of backpacks have posed issues with congestion and students losing their balance on stairs, causing injuries.
Although it may seem overwhelming to go through the day without a backpack, please know that your child WILL adjust and thrive! Teachers will reiterate the importance of locker organization and planning, and will be assisting students during the first few weeks of school at all grade levels.
Examples of Acceptable Pencil Pouches (May carry the following items)
Pencils, Pens, Cell Phones, Calculators, Highlighters, Ruler, Jump Drive
Immunization Records
Bus Transportation
To insure consistency and efficiency in our district bus transportation, we have identified "non-busing" neighborhood streets for all schools in our district, as well as Sts. Joseph and John. Any family living on the listed streets will not receive busing to/from school.
Click HERE to see the complete list of specific "non-busing" streets per school building.
Past Due Fees
For families carrying outstanding fee balances from previous years, student(s) will not be able to participate in school and/or athletic field trips; student(s) will not be able to participate in school dances that require a purchased ticket; and student(s) with a previous school and/or athletic fee balance (for any sport) will be removed from the team prior to the first competition and/or will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activity. Students' PASS accounts will be disabled as well until payment is received. Once everything is paid off, you will gain access within one week to all of your child's student account information in Powerschool.
Payment plans are available and may be set up directly with the district's Treasurer's Office (440.572.7021).
Click HERE for the complete details of our district's fee collection procedures.
Honors Summer Work
Back To School Gear
Great back-to-school Mustangs gear is now available! Visit https://strongsville2018.itemorder.com and choose from short and long sleeve t's, hoodies, sweatshirts, golf shirts, 1/4 zip jackets, and baseball caps. Items are available for order through Sunday, August 26. GO MUSTANGS!
Athletic Boosters
This year's membership drive is underway! Show your support of our athletic programs by becoming a booster member. This year we're offering Mustang car magnets, Mustang stadium blankets, Mustang chairs, and Student Shout-outs! Join online: https://strongsvilleboosters.membershiptoolkit.com/Join
Contact Laura Housum, Membership Chair, at lhousum@gmail.com with any questions.
Links
Important Dates
- Aug 16: Schedule Pickup: 6th Grade 9:00-11:00; 7th/8th Grade 1:00-3:00
- Aug 20: First Day of School: 7:55-3:00
- Aug 28: 6th Grade Open House 6:30-8:30
- Aug 29: 7th & 8th Grade Open House 6:30-8:30
Strongsville Middle School
Email: sdeitrick@scsmustangs.org
Website: http://www.strongnet.org/Domain/411
Location: 13200 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: 440.572.7090
Twitter: @smsstangs