SHARK MAIL
Friday, September 4th 2020
Almost There!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. We have several important informational items in this week's Shark Mail. Please make sure to read this communication in its entirety. Your teachers have been working extremely hard these past three weeks to prepare for the school year. As always, I am impressed with their dedication and commitment to providing high-quality learning experiences for all of our students.
First Day Logistics: Homeroom teachers will be emailing students directly with important information on how to access their first zoom session of the day. Please have students check their email on Monday night in order to make sure that they have the necessary information to login. Please also ask your child to charge their computer prior to Tuesday morning.
Steps to check your student email:
- Go to SMS Homepage
- Hover your mouse over "STUDENTS"
- Click "STUDENT GOOGLE DASHBOARD"
- Log in using your normal ACPS username and password (try leaving off "@k12albemarle.org" from your username).
- Once logged in, you will see your Google Dashboard.
- Click in "GMAIL" to see your county e-mail.
- Look for an email from your CHOMP/Homeroom teacher.
- If you have any difficulty logging in, please call us at 434-975-0599.
I apologize for the length but wanted to make sure that you all have all the information that you need to make our first week a success. As you know, this is new for everyone. We appreciate your continued patience as we begin this process.
Sincerely,
Megan Wood, Principal
Things to Know:
Bell Schedule: Please click here to access our Bell Schedule for the first nine weeks. We will not be making any modifications to the time periods listed on the schedule. We ask that you remind your student to begin logging onto Zoom at 9:25 AM.
Computer Maintenance: In addition to making sure that students can log into their device, you should make sure all updates have been run on the machine. Please do this prior to September 8 -
Directions to Update Windows:
- Shut down the computer completely and then restart it. It should automatically update.
OR
- In the search feature of the machine, type windows updates. Select Check updates, and wait for it to process. Agree to any allowed updates. Then restart.
Directions to Update Web Browser:
1. Firefox:
- Click the menu button in the top right corner.
- Click the Help button.
- Select About Firefox.
- Click Check for updates.
- Click Update.
- Click Restart Firefox to Update.
2. Google Chrome:
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click "More".
- Click Update Google Chrome. Important: If you can't find this button, you're on the latest version.
- Click Relaunch.
Cloud Computing Form: In addition to the resources already provided by ACPS, our teachers have selected more tools to further enhance learning throughout the school year. Some of these tools require parent/guardian permission for students to create accounts.
Each of the tools listed below has been thoroughly reviewed by the Department of Technology to ensure student safety, age appropriateness, and data privacy. For a detailed look at the criteria they use to review the technology resources and to learn more about the Children’s Online Protection Act (COPPA), please visit this informational guide bit.ly/ACPStechReview. Click here to complete the form.
Computer Troubleshooting Guide: The Department of Technology sent out an at-home troubleshooting guide earlier this week. Click here to access it. We will also post it on our website under the “Online Learning Tab”.
News from SMS:
NEW - Schoology Update: Students should now be able to log into Schoology! In an effort to prepare for Tuesday, we recommend your child log in to Schoology sometime over the weekend to become familiar with the program. At the very least, they need to know where their Homeroom/Chomp class can be accessed as we will begin with that class on Tuesday.
Masks: The School Board has approved the following Mask Policy.
As we begin the new school year, Sutherland and the PTO are happy to announce the Tutor Equity Fund. This fund is designed to provide support to families to cover tutoring costs for students who may benefit from some extra support outside of school, especially during this virtual learning period.
We want to make sure all students have access to the resources they need to be successful. The fund has been seeded with a $1000 contribution from a Sutherland family. If you are willing to make a donation to the fund, please make your donation at the following link: http://paypal.me/sutherlandmiddlepto
There is a space to add a comment - please just type in “tutoring.”
Families who would benefit from tutor support and are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the Sutherland counseling department via this Google form to apply for tutoring support.
Sutherland Reminders:
If you believe your child qualifies for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program, please see this link: Household Free-Reduced Meal Application.
Family Life Opt-Out: If you would like for your child to opt-out of Family Life during health class, please see these forms. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's PE teacher.
6th Grade Form
7th Grade Form
8th Grade Form- Interested in learning how to debate? If so, join the SMS Debate Club. UVA students from the Charlottesville Debate League will be your mentors teaching you everything you need to know via virtual meetings. You will practice your debate skills and get the opportunity to participate in virtual tournaments throughout the year. Email Mrs. McCullough if you are interested or have questions.
- Attention Sharks! Are you interested in promoting school spirit and doing good things for our school and the local community? Then being a part of the Student Council is for you. Please email Ms. Walkup if you would like to be part of the SCA. We want YOU to help make our school even better!
Social Media
Email: cguy@k12albemarle.org
Website: https://sms.k12albemarle.org/
Location: 2801 Powell Creek Drive, Charlottesville, VA, USA
Phone: (434) 975-0599
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sutherlandpto
Twitter: @SMSSharks