Scarborough Middle School
Family Newsletter for 4-29-2022
Hello Scarborough Middle School Families,
MEA testing at the middle school begins on May 4th.
SMS MEA Testing Dates:
May 4: 8th Grade Science
May 11: Mathematics
May 12: Reading
May 13: Language Use
It is anticipated that the testing each morning will take place from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. If you need to have your child dismissed for any reason, please send in a note with your child to inform the office. Also, it would be very much appreciated if any dismissals are scheduled for after testing periods. Make-ups will be scheduled for students who are absent during testing.
What students should do prior to each test day:
Get a good night’s sleep.
Eat a good breakfast.
Make sure laptops are fully charged.
Come to school on time as testng will begin at 8:00 am.
Relax and try their best.
Please see the information below for the details for this year’s state assessment.
Respectfully,
Kathy Tirrell, Principal
David Currier, Assistant Principal
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
May 4
- 8th Grade Science MEA
May 11-13
- NWEA Testing
May 13 - Friday in SMS Cafeteria
May 18 - Early Release Day
- Dismissal Starts at 12:55
June 8 - Early Release Day
- Dismissal Starts at 12:55
And.... SAVE THE DATE!
Friday, June 10- 8th Grade CELEBRATION and DANCE!!
Our SMS Daily rotation of A, B, C, D days can be found on our webpage: SMS Monthly Calendar. The District Monthly Calendar has additional information on upcoming events district-wide along with the District School Year Calendar for 2021-22 (PDF) and the Approved 2022-23 School Calendar.
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE STUDENT SURVEY
Dear Scarborough Families,
As you may already be aware, we are preparing for the Community Dialogue on May 11 and have invited you to submit your thoughts via a survey (sent April 15th). Here is a link to the survey in case you have not had a chance to take it.: Scarborough Middle School Family Survey W2022.
We will be giving your child the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences within school via a short online survey which they will be completing on Monday, May 2nd. Their responses will provide invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve and adapt our school to their needs. The survey shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to complete and is optional. Students are not rostered so their responses to these surveys will be completely confidential.
The survey content will ask students to self-reflect on their perceptions of their school as well as what they believe we are doing well and in what areas we should improve. We are partnering with our third-party vendor to customize the surveys for our purposes. To learn more go to Panorama Education.
We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to set a shared direction for Scarborough Public Schools.
CURRENT SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT DRESSCODE
Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress that are compatible with a safe and respectful school learning environment. Board of Education policy has established the following specific restrictions and requirements for student dress.
- Caps, hats, hoods, or bandanas are not to be worn inside school buildings, unless they serve a specific medical or religious purpose.
- Clothing shall be neat and clean, and appropriate for an educational setting. Revealing apparel (including but not limited to basketball jerseys, tank tops, gym shorts, halter tops, tube tops, tops with spaghetti straps, and very short skirts and shorts) are not allowed. Baggy clothing that could present a safety risk to the student or could be used to conceal weapons or other contraband is not allowed.
- No references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexual activity, or illegal acts are allowed.
- No jewelry or accessories that could pose a safety risk to the student or others will be allowed.
- Footwear must be worn at all times in school and should be appropriate for an educational setting.
Students who come to school dressed inappropriately will be referred to the office, asked to change, or call home for alternate clothing. (Adopted by the Scarborough Board of Education – Policy JICA)
8th Grade Celebration Dance
The 8th Grade Dance Fundraising Committee is looking for monetary donations to help fund the photo booth rental, dance decorations, non-donated food items, and non-donated raffle items for the 8th Grade Celebration dance which is scheduled for June 10th at Scarborough High School.
A Giving Fuel page has been created for families to make monetary donations online at https://scarboroughredstorm.givingfuel.com/8th-grade-celebration-donations, or cash/check donations can be dropped off in the SMS main office to the attention of Rebecca Wandell. (The QR Code also links to the Giving Fuel page.)
The committee will also be looking for raffle items to be donated. Raffle items could include, but are not limited to:
- gift cards
- tickets to events/parks
- Scarborough swag
- themed gift baskets
- games or toys middle school level appropriate
Parents/Guardians who are interested in volunteering can reach out to Rebecca Wandell at rwandell@scarboroughschools.org for more information.
SMS STAFF APPRECIATION
It's that time of year again . . . Time to thank SMS teachers and staff for all of their dedication and hard work in providing comprehensive and safe educations for our students.
Like last year, there will be daily mailbox goodies, food and raffles, but it can't be done without your help! The generosity SMS families showed last year was incredible, so let's do it again! Here is the Sign Up Genius.
We are also looking for monetary donations to help fund the event. Donations can be dropped off at the middle school front office to the attention of Rebecca Wandell. For questions please email Kim at kfrench@scarboroughschools.org.
Thank you!
Kim French, Parent Chair of the SMS Staff Appreciation Event
COMMON SENSE MEDIA
On Friday, May 20 at 9am Common Sense Media will hold a live session for caregivers, parents and families. Scarborough Middle School is a Common Sense Media Certified school and we think this would be an informative and important live event if you can attend virtually.
Social media isn't simply a way of life for kids -- it's life itself. To help them keep their online interactions safe, productive, and positive, Common Sense Media offers the most up-to-date research and guidance on social media basics. Join us to learn about the latest apps and websites, and get tips on talking to your kids about sharing, posting, and avoiding digital drama.
BUDGET OUTREACH
The budget development process for FY23 (the 2022-23 school year) is moving forward quickly, with a number of public events scheduled over the next few weeks:
School Board meeting & public hearing - Thursday, April 28, 7:00 pm
Town Council Finance Committee budget review: School Dept. - Tuesday, May 3, 5:30 pm
Town Council public hearing - Wednesday, May 4, 6:00 pm
School Board second reading & budget vote - Thursday, May 5, 7:00 pm
Town Council second reading & budget vote - Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 pm
SCHOOL BUDGET REFERENDUM - Tuesday, June 14, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Budget messages are included in the weekly district-wide newsletter, and information about the FY23 school budget is posted on our website page at www.scarboroughschools.org/board/budget. We encourage our school families to learn about the budget proposal and lend us your support. We understand that there are many competing activities at this time of year, but your voice is important as we advocate for resources for the coming year.
**STUDENT ABSENCE REPORTING**
Families should report their middle school student's absence from school by calling the SMS main office at 207-730-4800 or by email at msoffice@scarboroughschools.org. A reason for the absence must be stated, otherwise SMS office staff will reach out to determine the reason for the absence.
Excusable reasons for an absence:
- illness
- appointment
- religious holiday
- family emergency
- planned absence
For Planned Absences (a day out of school which is not illness or medical appointment related), families should fill out the Scarborough Middle School Planned Absence form, which is found here.
For questions about attendance, please contact the Scarborough Middle School main office at 207-730-4800 or email us at msoffice@scarboroughschools.org