Dear SHMS Families:

All I can say is “WOW.” Today our students participated in our annual SHMS Day of Service. Just like in past years, our students, teachers, and staff stepped up to serve others. All grades attended a performance led by Key Arts Productions. Using a blend of live commentary, integrated video projection, and a rousing musical performance, Key Arts Productions put on a memorable presentation guided by our theme, “Together We Can Dream.” Our students were a wonderful audience for all three performances. Students then participated in community service activities throughout the rest of their day. Many of our 8th grade students left SHMS to participate in service-related activities in local communities. I had the privilege of traveling to Cradles to Crayons with 8th grade students and staff. Cradles to Crayons engages local communities through grassroots community drives and corporate donations to address childhood poverty. Our students worked to sort books and process shoes for children in need. Our students truly impacted others today. I hope the SHMS Day of Service had a positive impact on all our students in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. I would like to thank all of our Cultural Proficiency and Equity Teacher Leaders for helping to plan today’s activities. As a reminder, all community members are invited to our WSSD Day of Service on Monday, January 16th at the middle school. Please see the flyer below.

Attention 7th grade parents, last year we implemented Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training for All 7th grade students. Students currently enrolled in 7th grade health will take part in the training on January 20th. Please see my letter below, which contains more information.

Please remember that students are off from school next Monday, January 16th and Tuesday, January 17th. Also, the second marking period ends on January 27th.

Dr. Chris Matsanka

Please use the link HERE to review information about QPR training occurring in 7th grade health classes.

SHMS 6th graders participated in our annual Day of Service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students worked collaboratively to create murals and poetry that highlighted Dr. King's legacy, and wrote encouraging letters to Veterans, Cancer Patients, and Cancer Survivors. The 6th graders also engaged in two hands-on service projects. In one project, they assembled school supply kits for Teachers' Teammates, which is a local organization that provides under-resourced schools in Delaware County the opportunity to receive free supplies to use in their classrooms. 6th graders also made "Valentine Spoonful of Kisses" for seniors at Fair Acres Senior Center. At the conclusion of the day, the 6th graders presented former WSSD Superintendent, Mrs. Sharon Parker, on behalf of Teachers Teammates, a check for $1,000! The 6th grade teachers would like to thank the Strath Haven school community for participating in the pretzel sales and the Pajama Day fundraisers which helped to support these worthwhile causes!

Support the 8th Grade Service Project organization Kisses for Kyle by buying some Phillies tickets. For each purchased ticket the Phillies will donate $4 to Kisses for Kyle. Click on the link to get your tickets.

On January 20, PeachJar, our community digital flyer system, will be launched! This new platform will enable us to send important community flyers to families digitally.

Each week, school-approved digital flyers will be shared to your email inbox, where you can easily click to sign up for programs and events. You will be able to access the PeachJar community flyer board right from the homepage of your child’s school. You will also be able to change your email subscription options, if you choose to do so.

If you have a community organization to be considered for approval to the PeachJar distribution list, please fill out this form.