Spartan Herald
April 2015
From the Desk of the Principal (Mr. Galiher)
Dear SMS Families,
Some may know that I am an avid baseball fan. I grew up playing this sport and experienced many wonderful lessons about life, learning and pursuing a dream. I am reminded of this passion as I draft this letter. Spring is here and opening day for baseball is right around the corner. Little league baseball and softball seasons are about to commence and I can feel the excitement. Babe Ruth once stated, "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game". I share this quote because it is can serve as a powerful reminder for us and our students. Teachers discussed this quote, among others, with students as they reflected on their own approach and attitude towards learning earlier this year. At SMS, we continue to strive for academic excellence and motivate students to be life long learners. A growth mindset approach to learning will help us all achieve this goal.
I also want to take a moment and recognize our PTO for the many activities they plan that support our school throughout the school year. I am thankful for all of the parents that give back in support of students and teachers. If you would have an interest in finding out how you could be a part of the PTO, please contact me.
Have a safe spring break and Go Spartans!
ISTEP: IMPORTANT
We recommend that students not bring their cell phone to school on testing days. It is also important that all students are in attendance when these tests are scheduled.
Parent Letter: http://schmucker.phmschools.org/istep-parent-letter-april-2015
ISTEP Schedule: http://schmucker.phmschools.org/istep-testing-schedule-april-may-2015
Cell Phone Policy: http://schmucker.phmschools.org/istep-2015-policy-electronic-devices
Language Arts Classes: What students are doing and learning.
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
One Book, One School
Schmucker Middle School is currently reading Maze Runner by James Dashner as part of One Book/One School. Students and adults alike are having a common reading experience. We had our first trivia question, and this picture is of the winning class. Students will also be able to sign up as teams to take part in a Battle of the Book – Maze Runner that will take place on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Students may have up to 6 people on their team, and we are taking the first 24 teams to sign up. It will be an exciting time. So, encourage your students to keep reading, so they can enjoy all the activities.
Glenda's Message to Parents
Important Dates
04/02 7th Grade Field Trip to Medieval Times
04/03 NO SCHOOL - Good Friday
04/06 - 04/09 NO SCHOOL - Spring Recess
04/16 7/8th Boys Track & Field Meet @ NorthWood (4:45 pm)
04/16 7/8th Girls Track & Field Meet - Home (4:45 pm)
04/20 NJHS Executive Committee Meeting (8:00 - 8:50 am)
04/21 7/8th Boys Track & Field Meet - Home (4:45 pm)
04/21 7/8th Girls Track & Field Meet @ Goshen (4:45 pm)
04/23 NJHS Meeting (8:00 - 8:50 am)
04/23 7/8th Boys Track & Field Meet @ John Young (4:45 pm)
04/23 7/8th Girls Track & Field Meet - Home (4:45 pm)
04/24 6th Grade Field Trip to Chicago Museum of Science & Industry
04/24 PHS Freshmen Mentors visit our 8th Graders (11:15 - 11:45 am)
04/27 ISTEP Testing
04/28 ISTEP Testing
04/28 7/8th Boys Track & Field Meet - Home (4:45 pm)
04/28 7/8th Girls Track & Field Meet @ Discovery (4:45 pm)
04/29 ISTEP Testing
04/30 ISTEP Testing
04/30 NJHS Meeting (8:00 - 8:50 am)
04/30 PTO Meeting (1:00 - 2:00 pm)
7th Gd Girls Basketball Conference & Big 11 Tournament Champions!
National Junior Honor Society
Schmucker's NJHS ran a very successful Penny Pincher fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Michiana. On March 12 they were able to make a $1,150 donation to Becky Summers, the President and CEO. Ms. Summers was very excited about our donation. As of this year, SMS has raised over $20,000 for our local Ronald McDonald House. Way to go Spartans!
Band and Orchestra celebrate another successful year at ISSMA Contest!!
Congratulations to all of the Band and Orchestra students for their OUTSTANDING performances at Penn on March 20th and 21st at ISSMA contest. Here are the results:
6th Grade Orchestra – Gold “With Distinction”
7th and 8th Grade Orchestra – Gold (missed “With Distinction” by ½ a point)
6th Grade Band - Gold (missed “With Distinction” by ½ a point)
7th Grade Band - Gold “With Distinction”
8th Grade Band - Gold “With Distinction” This is the first band class to receive Gold “With Distinction” as 6th graders, 7th graders and 8th graders.
Thank you to all of the parent volunteers for your help on Friday. Thank you to all parents for helping your child turn in the goal sheets. Consistent practice habits makes a huge difference in your child's musical growth. Your support is greatly apprecited!
We are looking forward to our end of the year Pops concert in the SMS cafeteria:
Band – Wednesday, May 20
Orchestra – Thursday, May 21
Dress Code
This is a reminder about our dress code. Thank you for your cooperation.
Students are to wear clothing that covers all parts of the body from the neck to above the knee. All shirts, blouses, dresses, and other top clothing must have sleeves. All pants, slacks, jeans, skirts, and shorts shall remain at the top of the waist. Tights, nylons, and spandex pants must be covered to mid thigh. At no time should any undergarments be visible. Student dress should reflect respect and pride in each individual student and the school community.
Mid thigh is defined as halfway between the hip (belt line) and the knee. Part of reflecting respect is understanding that each student's main purpose for being at school is learning. Keeping this in mind, a student should dress comfortably and not to draw attention to oneself.
From your Guidance Counselors
Looking for summer plans? Consider enrolling your student in a summer residential camp hosted by the Gifted Education Resource Institute (GERI) at Purdue University. GERI has been serving gifted, creative, and talented students since 1974. Every summer, students from around the world come to Purdue and experience programs designed to stimulate their imaginations and expand their abilities. Students also enjoy a variety of recreational activities and a chance to get a taste of college life while living on campus in Purdue’s residence halls. Sessions are in July and run one week for those who have completed 5th or 6th grade and two weeks for those who have completed grades 7-12. Scholarships are available on a limited basis, so please act quickly to apply. For more information, please review the GERI 2015 Summer Residental Camp Application or visitgeri.education.purdue.edu/youth_programs/SRES. Further questions can be directed to Elizabeth Yoder at eyoder@phm.k12.in.us.
7th Grade Students
The 7th grade class field trip to Medieval Times in Schaumburg, Illinois, will be here soon!!! Approximately 300 students, 10 teachers, and 55 parent chaperones will embark on this wonderful journey on Thursday, April 2, 2015. Students will need to have a ride to and from school that day; our chartered buses will leave the Schmucker parking lot at approximately 8:15 AM and will return at approximately 4:45 PM.
8th Graders – Washington, D.C. Trip
Final Payment for the Washington, D.C. trip is due March 27, 2015 and should be sent directly to Hemisphere Educational Travel. Hopefully, Schmucker will have a large number of travelers in late May. Remember that we will have fund raising opportunities throughout the year to help with the cost of this trip.
8th Gd Year End Backyard Carnival Celebration
Click here:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0D49ABAC2FA7FD0-sms8th/12620865
2015-2016 Freshman Sports Physical - Penn
Penn will host the annual Sport's Physicals with the doctors from St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. This event will take place on Tuesday, May 19th in the Aux gym at Penn from 3:15 pm - 5:00 pm (approx) and is only for high school students and incoming freshmen. This physical will cover them to participate in athletics for the 2015-16 school year. The cost is $25 (checks made payable to: Penn High School) Please spread the word and encourage your athletes to participate in this wonderful opportunity. Saves us from the hassle of waiting on physicals!
The physical must be completed on this IHSAA Physical Form, or the Penn Athletics website. Athletes and/or parents must complete the form, including all parent/student signatures, prior to attending. The doctor will fill out their portion (page 2) during the physical.
IT'S THANK-A-TEACHER TIME AGAIN!
SILVER MILE RUN FOR EDUCATION AND HEALTH AND FITNESS FAIR
21st Century Scholars
We want to remind the 21st Century Scholars or their parents to contact the North Central Regional Support Program Office if there has been a change of address or phone number. This is necessary to help ensure that Scholars and parents do not miss opportunities such as: college campus visits, workshops, informational sessions or activities for parents. Most importantly, it will help ensure that Scholars do not miss their scholarship opportunity. A roster of the 21st Century Scholars will be forwarded to Schmucker’s Guidance Office. The 21st Century Scholars phone number is 574-239-2380.
Study Club and Rose-Hulman’s Homework Hotline
Students, if you are looking for extra help with your schoolwork, please feel free to attend Study Club on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings from 8-8:50am in the IMC. This is a great opportunity to be proactive with your schoolwork and ask questions if needed. Also the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers a free Homework Hotline for help with math and science. Call 1-877-ASK-ROSE or visit www.AskRose.org. Pamphlets regarding this hotline are available on the counter in the main office.
From the Library
World Book online is now available at school AND at home. You can access this site by typing in the following URL: http://www.worldbookonline.com/?subacct=C8833. The log-in is schmucker, and the password is spartans. This link is also available on the Library home page within the Schmucker website home page. Enjoy!
Important links and resources
PHM Parent Tips
http://www.phmschools.org/p-h-m-parent-tips-how-does-your-family-deal-test-stress
Lunch Menu
http://www.phmschools.org/middle-lunch-menu
PHM Foundation
Immunization Requirements
http://www.phmschools.org/immunization-requirements-2015-2016-school-year
Homework Requests
When a student is absent, we urge the student or parent to check the Home Access Center https://hac.phmschools.org/HomeAccess/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2fhomeaccess for information or call and listen to teachers’ voice mails, which often give the homework information for each day. If a student has been absent three days, and you still feel the need for a formal homework request, you may call the office to do so and then pick up the work at the end of the next school day. Please refer to p. 19 in the Student Handbook found in the front of the Student Planner for further information.
Transportation Policy
If your child is planning on going home on another bus with a friend, it is important to remember that the bus driver needs permission from the school office. The office will grant permission if we have a note from both parents (sending and receiving) and if the bus is not full as determined by the Transportation Center. We cannot, however, permit boys and girls to go home together even if they have parental permission. Parents would need to make these arrangements on their own after school hours.
Social Media
Please "like" or "follow" one of these social media sites for SMS.