South Spartan News
Est. 1932 The Spartan tradition continues…
SEPTEMBER 2022
Hello Spartan Family,
My name is Brian Loe and I am the Associate Principal/Athletic Director at South Middle School. I am entering my 4th year as such, and consider myself to be very fortunate to be part of such an outstanding school. I am originally from Thief River Falls, MN and came to Grand Forks to attend UND. After graduating with a degree in Secondary Social Studies Education, I went on to teach for 9 years in 2 school districts (AZ and MN), grades 7-12 (all areas of Social Studies). As an educator, I was also a coach. Coaching many different sports, but mainly basketball. After my teaching career, I spent 4 years as the Dean of Students at Challenger Elementary School in Thief River Falls.
I have two children, Parker (13) and Kora (8). I love spending time with them, watching their activities, and doing fun things in the summer like camping. I spend a lot of time outdoors hunting and fishing with my family. I enjoy music, playing guitar, and attempting to eat healthy and stay active!
I am passionate about education. I truly enjoy coming to work everyday and working to help students and staff. I put in a lot of effort in building relationships with students as I firmly believe that it is the foundation to what we do in schools every day.
Please feel free to reach out and call me if you ever have any questions or concerns.
Spartan Salute
Brian Loe
Associate Principal
LOOKING AHEAD
Picture Day
Device Protection Plan Coverage - Deadline to Purchase is October 15, 2022
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences
South Middle School
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
October 13, 2022: 4pm - 7pm
October 14, 2022: 8am - 4pm
October 18, 2022: 4pm - 7pm
Sign up information coming soon.
Please pick up students promptly at 1:00 p.m.
Please pick up students promptly at 1:00 p.m.
Middle School Conferences
Dates to remember:
Sept. 6 - ENCORE starts: 3:30-5:30 (Must be registered)
Sept. 8- Modern Band Club starts
Sept. 12- 6th Grade Choir starts
Sept. 12- 5:30 PM- PTO Meeting in the Library (Always looking for NEW members)
Sept. 15- 5 to 7 PM Taco John's Fundraiser
Sept. 21- 1:30 Early Dismissal
Early release dates for the 2022-2023 school year:
- Teachers will be participating in staff, team, and curriculum professional learning community meetings. Please pick up students promptly at 1:00 p.m. Regular bussing will run at 1:00 p.m.
Here are the early release dates for the 2022-2023 school year:
- September 21
- October 5
- November 2
- November 16
- November 30
- December 14
- January 18
- February 8
- February 22
- March 8
- March 29
- April 12
- April 26
- May 10
School Routines
SCHOOL HOURS: The school day starts at 8:40 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. During the year, students should arrive between 8:15-8:30 a.m. unless they are involved in an early class like band/orchestra or have an early practice for sports/music.
DOORS OPEN: The main entry door, Door #1, opens at 7:30 a.m. for band, orchestra, or early morning athletic/music practices. Students who arrive earlier than 7:30 a.m. will be expected to wait outside.
MORNING ARRIVAL: Students who arrive before 8:30 a.m. will have the following options:
- CAFETORIUM: The cafetorium opens at 7:30 a.m. Your child may choose to work on homework or eat breakfast in the cafetorium. Breakfast is served in the cafetorium every morning from 7:40-8:30 a.m.
- EARLY MORNING QUIET STUDY: The South Media Center is open every morning from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. for quiet study. Students have the opportunity to work on assignments in a quieter area during this early morning study period. Students are expected to sign in.
TARDY PROCEDURES:
Students are expected to be on time and be prepared for school. If a student is late for the start of school at 8:40 a.m., then he/she must stop in the office for an admit slip.
A student may receive two unexcused tardies for each quarter. On the third and subsequent tardies, students will be expected to make up a half hour for each tardy received. Please make arrangements for your child to make up the time before or after school.
AFTER SCHOOL: After school, students are expected to leave the building by 3:45 p.m. unless they are meeting with a teacher or are involved in a supervised activity.
OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are from 7:35 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The office phone number is 701-746-2345. South’s secretaries are Mrs. Cathleen Norton and Mrs. Lindsey Trompeter.
DAY 1/DAY 2 Schedule
6th Grade Choir
All sixth grade students are invited to join the 6th grade choir! Practices will be on Monday's after school from 3:40-4:20 in Mrs. Mercer's Music Room 604. Our first rehearsal will be September 12th. I hope to see you there!
Modern Band Club
Musicians needed! If you are in 7th or 8th grade and would like to participate in a rock band-style music ensemble, please consider joining the South Middle School Modern Band Club. We need student singers and students who play or want to learn how to play guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, piano, sing, or another creative musical instrument! All are welcome! Modern band musicians get to select the music and instruments they play, and rehearsals are largely student-led. Music choices could range from Alternative and Rock to Pop and Americana! It is a super awesome way to meet new friends and experience music in an exciting way!
The Modern Band Club will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 with our first rehearsal being on Thursday, September 8. Attendance for the group is flexible, as I understand students have sports practices and other obligations. Please just let me know when students will be absent from rehearsal, and we will work together to get caught up. If you're interested, please fill out this google form https://forms.gle/XUpTehuS3YRLRw978 or email me, Ms. Svendson, at ksvendson280@mygfschools.org.
2022-2023 TITLE I INFORMATION
ANNUAL FERPA & PPRA NOTICE:
PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW CLAUSE
Talk!
Talking openly and honestly with your kids is one of the most effective ways to support their behavioral health. Whether it’s everyday topics like friends and school, or more serious topics like substance use, anxiety, or depression, it’s never too early to start the conversation. As your kids grow, your conversations may change, but they will always be centered on keeping them happy, healthy, and safe. Keep your conversations relaxed, friendly, non-judgmental, and genuine. And most importantly, be a good listener.
Source: www.parentslead.org
MySchoolBucks Store
BIRTHDAY SNACKS:
Spartan Media!
Yearbook Orders
2022-2023
Special Price!!!
South will be offering an Early Bird Registration Special
through Sept. 15 for $18
Sept. 16 - Dec. 31 cost will be $21 and
after January 1, 2023 the cost will be $25
All-Color Yearbooks
Personalization and Icons are available through ONLINE SALES ONLY at
- Personalization & Icons end February 15, 2023.
NOTE: South has a limited number of 2021-22 Yearbooks left. If you are interested in purchasing one of the remaining books, you may do so at registration. The cost is $10.