Spartan Herald October 2016
Building Community Empowering Learners Inspiring Creativity
The start of this school year has been filled with many positive learning experiences for our students. Students have adjusted very well and are showing excitement for their learning. Our fall athletic teams have competed with passion and represented our school with pride. At this moment, we have three undefeated teams getting ready for tournament play! What a great accomplishment for these players and coaches. I think these players and coaches Set the Bar High.....do you?
Please visit our website regularly for important information and follow our social media outlets to stay informed. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and temperatures fall brings. This is my favorite time of the year. I look forward to seeing every parent at conferences later this month.
https://schmucker.phmschools.org/
Go Spartans! We are INSPIRED!
Sean Galiher
Principal
Important Dates
Oct 3 - Student Textbook Fees are due
Oct 10 - Picture Re-Take day
Oct 13 - First DC Payment due
Oct 24 - Student-Led Conferences (5:00-8:15)
Oct 26 - Student-Led Conferences (5:00-8:15)
Oct 28 - Fall Recess Day
Oct 31 - Fall Recess Day
Check out all events on our Website calendar: SMS Calendar
Parent To Do List
2. Read the weekly emails you get from your child's Advisory teacher.
3. Attend student-led conferences on 10/24 or 10/26
4. Ask your child if they view themselves as a leader and why?
5. Monitor your child's learning online via Canvas or the Canvas app. (Did you know there is an app for your android or apple phone?)
Student-Led Conferences
This Conference Letter was mailed home to all parents regarding student-led conferences. Please check it out if you need additional information.
PTO newsletter (Click below)
Advisory Class: Habits of Learning
September's focus was on leadership. We hope your child shared with you their learning on this topic. In October, students will be creating an ePortfolio and will organize and present their learning during student-led conferences. This is an essential 21st century tool for students to begin mastering.
Monthly Themes
Community (All Year), Leadership (September), Communication (October), Empathy (November), Gratitude (December), Innovation (Jan/Feb), Perseverance (TBD)
Flexibility of Mind (TBD)
Building Community: Pep Rally
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 on your phone or tablet for Android and Apple devices.
School Messenger Information
Please visit the link below to create an account and set up your alert notification preferences.
Community Events/Activities
Check out the P-H-M website for an online listing of non-school events & activities agencies have asked us to share with P-H-M families:
21st century scholars
An information and registration session will be held both nights of student-led conferences at 6:00 and 7:00. Refreshments will be served.
Families Can Get help with Lunch & Textbook Fees
Textbook Fees
Homework Requests
Chromebook internet filtering
Securly is a web filter designed to meet the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) standards at school and at home. It filters the web on student's Chromebooks no matter where they are logged in.
Securly filters websites that feature things like pornography, hate speech, gambling and drugs while they are at home. Those types of sites are always filtered while at school. Websites that are largely non-educational or non-school related, like games or social media, may also be filtered at school.
- Safe search and restricted Youtube are on at all times.
Athletics
Intramurals
Schmucker will be offering fun activities to enjoy through our intramural program throughout the year. The intramural coordinator, Mr. Sears has set up "Frisbee Fling, Volleyball & Open Gym". Check out dates and time on our SMS Calendar. Come and join in the fun!
8th Grade - Washington, D.C. Trip
P-H-M Education Foundation
Come to learn more about P-H-M schools and the P-H-M Education Foundation at the 2016 Superintendent’s Luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held at Noon onTuesday, October 18 at Windsor Park Conference Center, 4020 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka.
We are excited to have Mike Sanford, Offensive Coordinator for the Fighting Irish, join us as our featured speaker. Mr. Sanford has been called a rising star in the coaching business and is solidifying his impact with the Fighting Irish. The former Penn High School student will share what football means to him.Other highlights include P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker’s State of the Corporation address, reflecting on the past academic year and sharing his goals for the future. Also, 2015-16 PHMEF grant recipients will be recognized along with honoring the 2016 P-H-M Teacher of the Year, John Gensic.
The Superintendent’s Luncheon is a fundraiser for the Foundation, supporting innovative grants.For more information about the luncheon or to purchase tickets or a table, go to phmef.org. All are invited but advanced reservations are required.