SMS Update!
May 16, 2016
Here's What's Happening...
The SMS Update is created to keep the staff of Strongsville Middle School up to date and in the loop as our school continues to evolve and take shape. It is important that we're all on the same page as we move forward to the 2016-2017 school year.
If you have questions, concerns, suggestions, or are looking for clarification to a rumor you may have heard, please feel free to contact: Steve Deitrick, Kelli Izzo, or Mike Vukovich. If we don't have the answer, we'll find it for you.
Master Schedule
The master schedule is just about finished. Most people know what they will be teaching. If you have specific concerns or questions, please let me know. Once we know that the schedule works, I will send you your assignments. Specific duties/duty periods will not be assigned until later this summer.
Targeted Standards:
Sort of like Support Class, we will be working to streamline IEP services to students and target their needs in Math and ELA and other various areas.
Staffing
Team Leaders for Encore:
While team leaders have, for the most part, been determined for interdisciplinary teams, we are still trying to finalize teaming periods for encore teachers. We are looking at probably, 3 Team Leaders for encore. We will look to interview for those positions the week of May 23.
Classified Staff:
I will be speaking with Mrs. Pelko this week to see where everyone has been assigned for next year. I will have those assignments updated in the SMS Update as soon as I get that information.
Disclaimer: For moving purposes, it is important that we find a home for everyone's supplies. For planning purposes, it is important that people have a direction going into next year. But, please understand, while we have every intention to keep assignments/rooms in place for next year, they may be subject to change pending summer retirements, resignations, etc.
Room Assignments
Disclaimer: Office spaces and perhaps even room numbers are subject to change. My hope is, that does not happen. Your flexibility and patience is greatly appreciated.
Upcoming Trainings
Opening Events @ SMS
If you are interested in volunteering at Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 20, please click the link below to sign up. It would be great if we could get as many staff on-hand as possible to help kick-off the school year for students and parents. It would be best to sign up during a 2-hour session that aligns with your grade level (or for encores teaching multiple grades, pick one). You can use these hours toward your 6-hour option. Help will be needed with:
- Passing out student schedules
- Answering grade-level questions
- Simply being a visible presence as students/parents walk the building
Tentative times are as follows for Orientation:
- 9:00 - 11:00 6th Grade
- 11:00 - 1:00 7th Grade
- 1:00 - 3:00 8th Grade
First Day of School:
I've received some good input from teachers on what the first day of school should look like. We are going to put together a schedule in which students spending the day with their team (and encore classes) simply getting to know one another, doing team-building activities, learning the building, modeling SMS rules, tech expectations, etc.
- The morning will be comprised of Team Activities, grade level meetings in the Auditorium and walk-thrus for lunch procedures.
- The afternoon will be a condensed version of a 9-period day in which students will spend a short period of time in each class. That way, students will learn the ropes of moving from class to class, navigate the halls and get to know various classroom procedures.
This should be a day in which content instruction is not taking place but, rather a 'get your feet wet' experience. Once a schedule is ironed out for this day, it will be shared in the SMS Update.
Curriculum Matters
If you are interested in becoming a member of the BLT for next school year, please email me or give me a call. We have had a few express interest so far but, are looking for more.
Summer PD Sessions
Here is a list of summer PD sessions that will be held in the first few weeks following the start of summer break:
Important Dates
- May 20: Last Day!!!
- May 23: 7-8 ELA PD @ Zellers
- May 23: 6 SS PD @ Zellers
- May 24: 7 SS PD @ Albion
- May 25: 6 Math PD @ Zellers
- May 25: HPE PD @ Albion