SLMS Titan News
Week #3 - August 23, 2021
Greetings SLMS Parents and Guardians,
We completed our first full week, and I am pleased to say that our students handled it well. Some of the highlights of the week include our Grade Level Assemblies where each grade heard from their assistant principal about a variety of topics. A PDF file of the slide deck used in the presentation is in this newsletter and on our campus website. Another highlight is that our car rider line has improved significantly at arrival and at dismissal in terms of students and parents being ready to exit/enter vehicles and following expectations. Thank you very much for this. We are almost to the point in the mornings where every car is through the car rider line before the 8:55 start of the day. If everyone continues to be ready and follow expectations (outlined in an article further down in this newsletter), then I am confident we will be able to have everyone in the building in plenty of time to not be tardy to first period. Our bus experience is improving, as well, though it is still impacted by the significant staffing shortage in the district's transportation department. If you have interest in driving a bus, the district is hiring! See the infographic further down in this newsletter.
Thank you to the many parents who attended the first of our monthly Coffee with the Principal this past Friday. We hope those who attended found it to be enlightening, and perhaps a little entertaining, as well. The next Principal Coffee will be September 17 at 10:00 AM, and it will be virtual (via Zoom).
This Friday, August 27, is Progress Report 1 (PR1), where you will see your first indication of academic and social/emotional progress your child is making this year. PR1 will be posted to your child's portfolio in Skyward Family Access by mid-afternoon on Tuesday, August 31. However, remember that you can look at your child's grades and attendance any time in Skyward Family Access. Please note that Progress Report 2 (PR2) is September 17; students who are involved in extracurricular activities such as athletics and fine arts must be passing ALL of their classes at that time (Sept. 17) in order to be eligible to compete/perform. This is known in Texas as the six-week grade check, and it is required by law.
Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 2. Late this past Thursday evening, campus principals were notified that open houses will be virtual events rather than in-person. We will have a Virtual Open House plan to share with you by the middle of this week. There are some other updates to share with you, as well. Please check out the Important Miscellaneous Updates article below to find out more.
Arrival to class on time has been an expectation, but now our grace period for arriving late to class has ended. Starting this week, tardies will begin counting for students. Please see the article below titled, Tardies Begin Counting This Week. Please note that we will not hold students responsible for being late due to bus transportation issues in the morning, but students will be counted tardy for first period if they are late from the car rider line. This is incentive for everyone to be ready to get out of the car and follow expectations on the car rider line, as shared in the article further down in this newsletter.
Please review the updated Student and Staff Health and Wellness article below, as it contains some important information for you to be aware of that is being discussed at the FBISD Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, August 23. If you missed my email earlier this past week regarding the kinds of communication you might expect to receive from SLMS related to positive cases of COVID-19, we have posted that message on our campus website for you to read.
The Gifted and Talented (GT) Referral Window is now open for parents and teachers to refer students for GT testing. The window is open through September 30. Please see the article below about GT Referrals.
If your 7th or 8th grade Titan enjoys running, then they should consider joining the SLMS Cross Country (XC) Team! We are excited to announce that Mr. Eckhardt, one of our 7th grade ELA teachers, will be coaching this sport. More details will be sent separately early this week about Cross Country, but read the article below related to XC!
Please consider joining and donating to our SLMS PTO this year to support the students, the school, and the teachers. There is a flyer for the PTO in this newsletter. Thank you to our terrific parent volunteers who work hard to keep SLMS moving forward. If you have any questions about PTO membership, please contact Lisa Vogel at vogelville2@yahoo.com.
We will begin morning and afternoon tutorials soon; please stay tuned for developments and an announcement about that by August 30.
Thank you for taking some time to consider the items in our Titan News. Communication and understanding are the two most important pre-requisites from which we may build trust for the best possible school/family relationship.
Sincerely,
Keith Fickel, Principal
#NewBeginnings
#TitansOwnIt
#ReturnOfTheTitans
August 23 thru 27: The Week At A Glance
Upcoming Events
- August 23 through August 31 - Counselors Visit Students (through Science in grades 7/8, and in Discovery for grade 6)
- September 2 - Open House, 6:00 PM (Virtual Open House; schedule and details to be shared by Wednesday, August 25)
- Fall Portrait Day - Friday, September 17
- Campus Planning and Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting POSTPONED until September 29
Open House - Thursday, September 2 @ 6:00PM
REN360 Screener for Math and Reading - August 24-27
During the week of August 23, all SLMS students will participate in the REN (Renaissance) Screening assessment during Math and ELA classes. REN360 is a vital tool for your child because the results of these two assessments will assist SLMS teachers to identify areas of both academic strength and areas of opportunity in math and reading. This screener will help us to know what to focus on but also what NOT to focus on for our students so that we maximize instructional time by tailoring instruction to individual students' needs. Therefore, it is important that all students take the screener seriously and take their time to complete the screener to the best of their ability. Please encourage your child to do their best. Thank you for partnering with SLMS!
Tardies Begin Counting This Week
Students have all had plenty of time now to navigate the halls and find their way to their classes. Therefore, tardies will begin counting this week, as our grace period has come to an end. Please see the graphic below for details regarding tardies, including the phase-in by grade level for how they start counting, as well as the consequences for them. Parents, please monitor your children's' attendance in Skyward Family Access. Please note that we will not hold students responsible for being late due to bus transportation issues in the morning, but students will be counted tardy for first period if they are late from the car rider line. This is incentive for everyone to be ready to get out of the car and follow expectations on the car rider line.
Gifted and Talented (GT) Referral Window Open Until September 30
The 2021-22 Gifted and Talented (GT) referral process is open for parents and teachers to submit names of students who you believe may need Gifted and Talented services in Fort Bend ISD. Please visit https://gt.fortbendisd.com/ if you believe your child may be gifted and a candidate for services. The window closes on September 30. Note that students are tested during the 2021-22 school year, and if they are identified as gifted in either/both of Math/Science or Reading/Social Studies, their services would not begin until the 2022-23 school year. Please reach out to our GT campus coordinator, Mrs. Kimberly Seright, at (281) 634-3085 or via email at kimberly.seright@fortbendisd.com with questions.
Cross Country (XC) is Starting Soon!
If your 7th or 8th grade Titan enjoys running, then they should consider joining the SLMS Cross Country (XC) Team! We are excited to announce that Mr. Eckhardt, one of our 7th grade ELA teachers, will be coaching this sport. More details will be sent separately early this week about Cross Country, as practices will begin as soon as August 30th, and the first meet is September 15. Cross Country course length is 2 miles exactly. The season is fairly short; there will be four weekly meets, and the season will be complete by early October. Be sure your child has a current physical on file (download form here). All students need to visit www.rankonesport.com and fill out all of electronic forms (include leading zero "0" in your student ID number when logging into RankOne). All forms need to be submitted electronically, and the physical form must be turned in before a student athlete is eligible to participate. Girls turn in their physical form to Coach Toni Woods, and boys turn their physical form to Coach Pete Esposito.
Please complete this short survey if you are interested in participating in Cross Country (XC) - 7th and 8th graders only https://forms.office.com/r/a8u0LdVRTE
If you have questions, email them to Coach Eckhardt at aaron.eckhardt@fortbendisd.com
Important Miscellaneous Updates (Late-Breaking News)
Please see these late-breaking news items from the district.
- Visitors – Until further notice, visitors will not be permitted on campuses, including guest speakers. Virtual guest speakers, cleared in advance, are still okay
- Parent/Teacher Conferences – these may occur in-person (exception to the visitor rule above)
- Volunteers – established volunteers (i.e. PTO) are allowed on campus
- Assemblies, performances, and sporting events WILL be permitted to continue (SLMS is waiting on additional details and guidance regarding audiences and spectators)
- Student travel and field trips are currently under review by the district; more information to come (UIL fine arts and athletic activities are still green-lighted)
FBISD is Hiring and Training Bus Drivers!
If you are interested in serving FBISD as a bus driver, please see the flyer below, and visit the job posting and application on the FBISD Careers Website! The district is experiencing a shortage of drivers, and you could help stand in the gap!
Student and Staff Health & Wellness: Ongoing Protocols UPDATED 8.21.2021
The well-being of anyone who sets foot on the SLMS campus is paramount. Though the district's current guidance is that masks are strongly encouraged, the district is considering a proposal at its August 23 Board of Trustees Meeting to mandate mask-wearing. You may read about that proposal by visiting the FBISD Board of Trustees August 23 Meeting Agenda. At this point even though we may only encourage, not require, students and staff to wear masks, we can remind them to wear them properly if they do choose to wear one, which includes covering the nose. Therefore, if as a parent you want your child to wear a mask, please remind them that it is effective only when it is worn properly (i.e. covering the nose) and when it fits properly. Disposable masks should be replaced daily, and washable masks should be washed daily. Consider wearing a disposable mask behind a washable mask, as well. In addition to encouraging students, staff, and visitors to wear masks, we encourage everyone to:
- maintain a minimum 3-foot physical distance wherever possible
- wash their hands often and for at least 20 seconds
- avoid touching their face
- use hand sanitizer when washing hands is not possible; every classroom and office, as well as the cafeteria has hand sanitizer
- wipe down their desk with specialized wipes
- use PPE we provide (paper towels and alcohol spray) to wipe down computers, keyboards, etc.
- never share food or drink at the breakfast/lunch table
- bring a refillable water bottle (with a secure, water-tight cap) and fill it using the three bottle fillers we have across campus, rather than drink straight from the fountain
Our custodial staff works diligently throughout the day to keep high-touch surfaces, such as door knobs, light switches, etc. clean. Because our lunch schedule will afford 15-20 minutes between lunches, the custodians and staff have the opportunity to do a thorough cleaning of the cafeteria (tables, seats) using prescribed methods, materials, and equipment after each lunch period.
Wellness Screener - When Do I Complete It?
Unlike the 2020-21 school year, the wellness screener is NOT designed to be submitted daily. This year, it needs to be completed ONLY when a staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19. It is required of staff and students (or their parents) to complete this wellness screener as soon as possible when they are identified as COVID-19 positive. The location of the wellness screener is on the district and campus websites (see red arrow in the image below). Submission of this screener will trigger a contact tracing process that enables us to identify any individuals who may be deemed as exposures or close contacts, as well as the extent of these potential exposures/close contacts. In addition to identifying these exposures and close contacts, we also are duty-bound to inform parents if their child is identified as an exposure or a close contact, as well as any staff member who is similarly identified. If a student, parent, or staff member cannot successfully complete the wellness screener to report a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, contact the campus at (281) 634-3080, and we will assist you with entering the information so we may begin the contact tracing process at the earliest possible moment.
When an individual reports testing positive for COVID-19, Fort Bend ISD will notify Fort Bend County Health & Human Services at 281-633-7795, as well as the Texas Department of State Health Services, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including confidentiality requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Wellness Screener Location
Transportation: Arrival/Dismissal for Car Riders and Bus Riders
Standards-Based Grading Parent Information Night - August 24
Students who are enrolled in the following courses will experience what is called Standards-Based Grading (FBISD refers to it as the "Grading Pilot"). We want to be fully transparent with parents and students about this experience, why we are doing it, and what it will look and feel like during the year. Please join us for our parent information session via Zoom on Tuesday, August 24, at 6:30 PM. Zoom meeting information is below.
- Science 7 (on-level and AAC)
- Beginning Band
- Beginning Orchestra
- Beginning Choir
- All Levels of Art
In subsequent years, our SBG practices will expand to include additional subjects and content areas. For additional information ahead of our parent meeting (or for more information afterward), please visit the FBISD Grading Pilot Home Page for Standards-Based Grading. Review the links on the right side of the page related to philosophy behind SBG, as well as the parent guides, listed by grade level and subject.
Zoom Meeting Information
Tuesday, August 24
6:30-7:30 PM
Meeting URL (click to join): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87276373974?pwd=WlA3Ti9xTW5yQWFmS3l6THc2UEt6QT09
Meeting ID: 872 7637 3974
Passcode: 488963
Technology and Student-Owned Devices
Apply For or Renew your Application for Free or Reduced Meals Today
Complete or renew your application for Free or Reduced Meal Program by visiting the Free and Reduced Meal program web page on the district website. Even though all FBISD students from PK through 12th grade will receive a free breakfast and a free tray lunch, it is imperative that all families whose income levels make them eligible for the Free or Reduced Meal Program sponsored by the USDA complete an application or submit a renewal. This is because Sugar Land MS and FBISD receive federal funding based on the level of participation in this program. Last year, Sugar Land MS was 56% Free and Reduced Lunch.
School Supplies for 2021-22
All of the supplies your child will need are listed in the SLMS school supply list, which was created by the teachers. The only items not included are things like PE uniforms and specialty items needed for certain elective classes. PE uniform sales will begin in late July in a separate process. A list of items needed for specialty electives classes will be shared by your child's teacher once school starts.
PE Uniforms – available for purchase online. Link to PE Uniform Purchase Website
(note: if your child is taking Kickstart instead of PE or athletics, their uniform, called a '"Gi", will be made available to you through the instructor)
Class Schedule for 2021-22
Our class schedule/bell schedule for the 2021-22 school year is below
You may download a PDF of the bell schedule by visiting this information page on our campus website. An image of the bell schedule is below.
Important Contact Information
- Associate Principal - Monika Martin (monika.martin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Nafecia Brinson (nafecia.brinson@fortbendisd.com)
- Assistant Principal - Dr. Dawn Rogers (dawn.rogers@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Eleni Smith (eleni.smith@fortbendisd.com)
Eighth Grade
- Assistant Principal - Luster Goodwin (luster.goodwin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Kim Seright (kimberly.seright@fortbendisd.com)
Counselor Clerk - Carmen Brantley (carmen.brantley@fortbendisd.com)
Assistant Principal Secretaries
- 7th and 8th Grade - Tina Garcia (diamantina.ibarragar@fortbendisd.com)
- 6th Grade - Sherri Woodcock (sherri.woodcock@fortbendisd.com)
Attendance - Mary Beth LaVergne (mary.lavergne@fortbendisd.com)
Registrar - Tandi Phillips (tandi.phillips@fortbendisd.com)
Nurse - Shetal Patel (shetal.patel@fortbendisd.com)
Clinic Aide - TBD
Executive Assistant to Principal Fickel - Mary Connealy (mary.connealy@fortbendisd.com)
Sugar Land Middle School
46 Years
1975-2021
Inspiring and equipping the young men and women of our community for futures beyond what they can imagine since 1975.
SLMS Campus Mission Statement
Working collaboratively, the Sugar Land Middle School Professional Learning Community will commit to creating a safe environment with high expectations leading to physical, social, emotional, and academic success for all Titans.
#TitansOwnIt
#NewBeginnings
#Resilience
Office Hours
8:20-4:20 PM
Email: keith.fickel@fortbendisd.com
Website: www.fortbendisd.com/slms
Location: 321 7th Street, Sugar Land, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 634-3080
Twitter: @SLMSTitans