Spartan Herald October 2018
Building Community Empowering Learners Inspiring Creativity
Curious Learners Sharing Their Accomplishments
Dear Schmucker Students and Families,
Curiosity - a strong desire to know or learn something. This school year we have talked about embracing curiosity to inspire learning. Now it is time to share with families what our students have learned!
We are happy to invite you to this year's student-led conferences on Monday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 24 from 5:00 pm until 8:15 pm. Students are building Google Slides using their Chromebooks to share their progress this year. They will have practiced the skills necessary so they can lead their own conference to celebrate their accomplishments and set goals for the future.
In addition to students sharing their hard work with you, we will also be hosting other events during conferences. The NJHS will be holding a bake sale and pumpkin sale in the cafeteria as a fundraiser to support their organization’s charities, and the PTO will be hosting a book fair in the Seminar Room. The PHM Young Adult Program will have its store open. There you can find many items created by students in the program. Parents, guardians, and students who need help with HAC or Canvas can go to the LGI for assistance. Mrs. Hoover and Mrs. Walton will also be available in the IMC to share information about the 21st Century Scholars program.
You will be receiving more detailed information about conferences in the mail along with an attendance confirmation sheet. Please be sure your child returns the form to his/her Advisory teacher, or you can email your child's Advisory teacher by October 12, 2018 to confirm your attendance for one of the evenings. Our goal is to have 100% participation. We look forward to seeing you at conferences!
With your child in mind,
Lavon Dean-Null
Principal
Internet Safety/Anti-Bullying
Parents,
During the last few weeks, your children have been learning about internet safety precautions through their Advisory classes. These lessons are designed to educate students on the potential hazards of social media and overall internet usage. P-H-M's Chromebook Guidelines and the Acceptable Use Policy includes great tips for both students and parents. You can find that information here.
At the same time, students have also participated in anti-bullying lessons with the goal of bringing awareness about what bullying is and the lasting impact it can have on both the bully and bullied. If you are made aware of any instance that might involve bullying, it can be reported on the corporation's webpage here, or by contacting Schmucker administrators. P-H-M is committed to making school a bully-free zone!
It would be appreciated if you would continue these conversations at home, and reinforce the ideas they are learning at school about these two very important topics.
Important Reminders
What a great start to the year! Our students are doing incredible things every single day in their classrooms and we could not be more proud of our Spartans! A couple of friendly reminders:
- Cell phones are NOT to be out during the school day. The first offense is confiscation for the day. The second offense is confiscation until a parent picks the phone up at school.
- Now that we are well into the swing of things and students know their schedule and routine, it's important to remind students to be on time to class. After both a verbal warning and a contact home, students will have consequences which could include after school detention. Please remind your students about the importance of being on time and ready to learn.
- This year a no gaming policy has been put in place so that students have fewer distractions. Please encourage students that their Chromebook is to be used only for academic purposes during the school day
- Thank you to all parents who drop off and pick up their students in the car rider line. We are moving much faster and still keeping kids safe. Just a reminder to please pull forward when directed so that we can get as many cars as we can along the south side sidewalk.
- "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
Important Dates
Oct 2 - Five Star Kick-Off
Oct 17 - Picture Re-Take
Oct 22 - Student Led Conference
Oct 22-25 - Book Fair
Oct 24 - Student Led Conference
Oct 24 - End of 1st Grading Period
Oct 25 - Sparty Party!
Oct 26 - Fall Recess
Oct 29 - Fall Recess
Nov 2 - 6th Grade Dance, 4pm.
Check out all events on our Website calendar: SMS Calendar
Please read our October PTO newsletter by clicking the link below
Preparing for ILEARN - Practice Tests Available
5 Points for Understanding ILEARN!
Advisory Schedule
We are excited to unveil our plan for Advisory Period. For years, Advisory Period served as an ideal opportunity for our students to reflect on their academic progress and set goals. During this time, teachers and students focus on building relationships that offer social/emotional support. Students will continue to start each day with Advisory Period. Listed below are the themes for each day. We look forward to all that students will accomplish during this important time of our day!
Monday: Ever Spartan Reads
During this period, the whole school reads!
Tuesday: Every Spartan Lives a 5 Star Life
Students will discuss ideas related to 5 Star themes like how students set the bar for respecting their peers.
Wednesday & Thursday: Every Spartan Works, Learns, and Succeeds Together
During these two days, students will participate in school wide lessons or activities. During the first quarter students will learn about anti-bullying strategies and internet safety.
Friday: Every Spartan Sets Goals
Students will participate in academic reflection and goal setting.
NJHS
Pop-Art
IMC Shared Space
A message from our Gold Star Counselors
Mrs. Hoover and Mrs. Walton (sub for Mrs. Eck) are available to parents through voicemail and email.
Students can make an appointment to see their school counselors by using the online google form.
- Go to Schmucker’s website and select “Guidance” and “Counselor Appointment Form”
- Complete the “School Counselor Appointment Form”
- Be sure to CHECK YOUR EMAIL. Your counselor will email you with an appointment date and time.
Five Star Life Volunteers
Second Coat Ministries at River Valley Church
Saturday October 7, 9am-12pm
Second Coat Ministries wants to make sure you are warm this winter! If your family needs a little help providing outerwear this year, please come and shop with us. Each person present may select one free coat, scarf, winter hat, and a pair of gloves, pending availability. They are prepared to fit all sizes, both adult and child, from 6 months through 3XL!
*Guests are served on a first-come basis and inventory is limited. Adult clients are responsible for the supervision of any minors in their care. Limited to one coat, scarf, hat and pair of gloves per person and you must be present to receive.*
Calling all 6th Graders!
PICTURE RE-TAKE DAY!
Canvas
Canvas is a LMS (Learning Management System) that is used in PHM. Teachers can put content online for students, make announcements and provide assignments. All parents are enrolled in the Canvas course of their students as observers. As observers, you can see the content, but are not able to interact with it. Please access the links below to learn more.
To keep you organized, you can also download the Canvas app for your phone or tablet.
WSMS
WSMS is recorded to Youtube ALMOST every day. (Technology!) If you would like to watch our daily announcements, check it out!
Here is the link to the channel if you want to publish it to parents.
A Special Message from PHM Technology
If you missed the deadline to enroll in the school Chromebook repair plan, there is still a chance to participate. After further review, the PHM Technology department has decided to offer insurance throughout the school year. To participate you will need to bring in the filled out repair plan form, payment, and your student's Chromebook for review. The Chromebook must be damage free and in working order to participate in the repair plan.
Chromebooks
Every student should now have their Chromebook. I would encourage all parents to review our expectations for using technology with your child.
SMS Technology Expectations
I will use technology to achieve my learning goals.
I will be responsible with my use of technology and will remember that this is an online public representation of me and our school.
I will report to a teacher any inappropriate posts, comments or use.
I will use school-associated social media appropriately during the school day.
I will use appropriate grammar instead of texting language when communicating.
I will not reveal any personal information such as: telephone numbers, names, addresses, email addresses etc.
I will not post photos or video showing myself or classmates unless authorized by a teacher.
I will bring my Chromebook to school everyday fully charged.
- All school rules and consequences apply.
transportation policy
Consent To Publish student work and photographs
PHM requires schools to receive permission from parents to publish student photos and work. If you have not returned this document, please access the link below, print the document and return signed to school. We must receive this document from every student.
21st century scholars
8TH GRADE - WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP
Save the date! Attention 7th Grade!!
On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, the seventh grade will take a class trip to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.
Estimated student cost will be approximately $40 to $50. We will also need about 35 parent chaperones. Look for a letter with more details coming soon.
Homework Requests
Families Can Get help with Lunch & Textbook Fees
School Messenger
Protected by Raptor
Wellness Information
Shorts: athletic style, any color, five inch inseam or longer (no cut offs)
T-shirt: yellow or gold - short sleeves
Shoes: tennis shoes with ties for securing to the feet - no vans, mules, canvas ballet flats
Socks
All clothing should be labeled with student's first initial and last name (no nicknames). Please visit our Schmucker website for further instructions, guidelines and policies for our wellness classes: https://schmucker.phmschools.org/pe-and-wellness-clothing-info
Student/Family Opportunities
Boys Basketball
Intramurals
Medication
Also now for middle school students - pain relievers, Tums and cough drops will be supplied and provided by the school's Health Office if proper documentation is on file. This form can be obtained by clicking: NON-Prescription Medication Form This option is only available to students 12 years of age and older who follow the package instructions for people 12 years of age and older. If you or your doctor request a dosage other than the recommended dosage on the bottles/packages of our stock over-the-counter medications, documentation would be required the same as if it were a prescription medication.
Student Hours
9:00am - First Bell
9:05am - Classes Begin
4:00pm - Dismissal
4:10pm - Bus Departure
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