The Spartan
Schmucker Middle School PTO Newsletter - Nov '15
Letter From the PTO President
Dear SMS Families,
As always, I could say “can you believe it’s already November?” It feels like time just keeps going faster and faster. Yes, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Here at the PTO, we are very grateful for so many things, most of all your willingness to support our school and it’s amazing staff.
Many PTO volunteers helped to make the SMS cookie dough fundraiser a success. We worked side by side with NJHS and Student council to get the cookie dough unloaded, sorted and ready for parent pick-up. Thank you to all who gave of their time to make this go so smoothly.
Student-led conferences were an all around success. The kids shared their academic progress while showing off how “tech-savvy” they have become with their new Chromebooks. The PTO provided dinner for the teachers on the first night of conferences. A big thank you to Julie Massey, Meg McQueen and the many families that contributed to that meal. The teachers were incredibly appreciative. The staff lounge was filled with pizza, salad and dessert! This does not happen without all of you. We have over 90 people who have offered to help with events like this. If the slots were full before you could sign up, take heart as there are events for the staff each month. On November 20 we will be providing a “Soups, Stews and Chili Luncheon” for out staff and in December we will be gifting the staff with “Holiday Treats”.
Look around the school and you may see some new bulletin boards. Thanks to Erin Murphy for her work on these projects. Right outside the cafeteria you will find the board she put together reminding our kids to “THINK” before they post anything online. She and Nicole McCullough also worked their magic on the walls of the Seminar Room for the Veteran’s Day Program on November 11.
I have to thank Amy Tiebout, and her team, for countless hours of work getting our SMS directory put together. This is a huge task that requires patience and great attention to detail. The directory would not be possible without all of you who have paid your PTO dues and so to you we say thank you as well.
There are always opportunities to get involved with PTO and get a closer look at what goes on at SMS. If you are interested in serving or if you simply have questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email me.
Serving together to make a difference,
Cleary Jankowsk
Edutopia article featuring Walt Disney Elementary, written by Clare Roach
SMS Angels
Greetings from the SMS Angels!
For those who haven’t yet heard of us, we are a small group of anonymous parents who assist SMS students who are in need of a hand-up due to unfortunate circumstances.
Thanks to a wonderful outpouring of support last fall, the SMS Angels were able to help these students. Some of the items we provided include: zippered binders, shoes, jackets, etc. A new year is upon us and we are again seeking your support so that we may continue to fill requests as needed. Any size financial contribution to our mission is most appreciated. Please make checks payable to “SMS Angels” and submit to the Guidance Office, attention Andrea Hoover.
Thank you for your continued support of this ongoing effort to support the needs of our SMS students.
Scholastic Book Fair: December 7-11
Scholastic Book Fair December 7-11. Students will be visiting the Book Fair during their Social Study classes. Save the date December 10th from 8-9 AM Donuts For Dads! Dads come with your Student to the Book Fair for Donuts and Coffee!
Are you able to volunteer for 2 hours during the Book Fair? If so, click on the link to sign up or contact Nicole: nikkisue22@msn.com.
Super Easy and Fun!
SMS Staff Appreciation
Greetings everyone from your SMS Staff Appreciation Team! Fall is quickly turning into winter and the holiday season is fast approaching.
THANK YOU to everyone for all your contributions of our Staff Appreciation events we have had so far! Everything has been a great success because of your generous contributions.
Friday, November 20th we will be hosting our annual Soups, Stews and Chili lunch for the entire SMS Staff. You all have stepped up and all the slots are filled.
Upcoming Events:
December 15th - Cookies, Cakes and assorted Confections
January - Date TBD - Winter Warm-up - Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Tea Cart.
If you are not currently on our SignUpGenius distribution, please send us your contact information so we can add you. You do not need to contribute or participate every time we host an event. We have 90+ volunteers so just jump in when it works for you and your family.
Many thanks to all for showing our SMS Staff love and appreciation throughout the entire year!
Julie Massey, Meg McQueen, Laura Christensen, Anna Binder, and Cleary Jankowski
Email cjjpmassey@aol.com to be added to the distribution or with general questions.
Company Rebates
Make your money worth more by participating in the various company rebates at SMS! The following are the various programs we take part in to bring extra funds to help out students and school:
Martins: Martin's Supermarkets offer a program where we can earn educational equipment for our school. You may go online to sign up for this valuable program. www.martins-supermarkets.com (click on Advantages for Education)
The SMS ID is: 4765
Box Tops for Education: General Mills' Box Tops For Education is a great way to make your dollar more powerful! Clip the Box Tops from products you buy such as General Mills cereal, Ziploc, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Kleenex and Yoplait --just to name a few. Our school will get $0.10 for each Box Tops tag sent in. They can really add up! We have a collection box in the main office, or they can be given to any teacher. This is valuable money we can spend on things that our school needs.
Target: Shop RED and Target will donate up to 1% of your purchases to SMS. Sign up at Target stores or online at www.target.com
Labels For Education: From soup, cereal and snacks to dairy products, beverages and food storage -- your kitchen's probably full of eligible Labels for Education items. Get clipping and SMS can start earning points! Please drop in the collection box in the main office or give them to a teacher. (Campbells, Pace, V8, Bic, Pepperidge Farm)
Schmucker PTO
Location: 56045 Bittersweet Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545
Facebook: facebook.com/SchmuckerMiddleSchoolPTO