SHMS e-News
March 10th, 2023
Dear SHMS Families:
Today, SHMS students participated in WSSD’s SEL Day, which provided an opportunity to collectively spread the word about the importance of social emotional learning. The theme was “Uplifting Hearts, Connecting Minds.” In keeping with the theme, students created “shout outs” in Connections, which are cards that will be used to recognize a friend, peer, or another person that students want to acknowledge.
SHMS will be joining others around the world in celebrating Rock Your Socks World Down Syndrome Day. Every year on March 21st, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21st is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks. SHMS will sell socks for $2 during lunches Monday, March 13th-Thursday, March 16th. We hope that all students can rock their socks by wearing bright or mismatched socks on March 21st.
Tonight, SHMS will host a Jazz Festival from 7-10:30 p.m. The cost of admission is $5 for seniors and students and $10 for adults. Our campus is going to be busy tonight. For those who plan to see Grease at the high school, please park in the Brookhaven Road parking lots.
I sent a communication earlier this week about the District’s next strategic plan meeting. The meeting will be held tomorrow morning in the middle school cafeteria. Childcare will be provided. Please see my message below.
Last night the high school administration hosted the 8th grade parent orientation. Below are links to some helpful documents, as well as last night’s presentation.
How to Submit Course Selection in PowerSchool
As a reminder, students are off from school on Friday, March 17th for a teacher in-service day. Don’t forget to move your clocks forward this weekend.
Dr. Matsanka
Strategic Plan Meeting
This is a reminder that the next Strategic Plan Community Input meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, March 11, from 9 am-11 am in the Strath Haven Middle School; light refreshments will be served.
Additionally, student representatives from our Strath Haven High School Child Development program will be on site to provide child care for children of community members attending the meeting. The students will utilize a variety of activities to engage the children. The child care will be held in the Strath Haven Middle School gymnasium, and will be supervised by an adult.
Please complete the RSVP link if you are planning to attend. Additionally, please share if you will be accessing our child care option on Saturday. March 11th RSVP
As we continue our strategic planning process, our community will continue to play a fundamental role in forging a path that continues to elevate WSSD not only as a destination of choice for our families, but also as a premier K-12 institution in the country. We welcome our community’s input, and invite you to be a part of our efforts.
We hope to see you on Saturday morning, March 11th at 9:00 am in the Strath Haven Middle School cafeteria.
Below: SHMS Student of the Month Winners
Eighth Grade Science Update
The leprechaun’s pot is running low and St. Patrick’s Day is coming! Leprechauns are known for how sneaky they are and will stop at nothing to have a full pot of gold coins. Pictured: 8th-grade science classes help the leprechaun restock his pot!
SHMS Music
NEXT WEEK'S REHEARSALS:
Monday 3/13: Music Day 1 (8th Chorus, 7th Band, 6th Orchestra-connections-3 pm)
Tuesday 3/14: Music Day 2 (7th Chorus, 6th Band, 7th+8th Orchestra)
Wednesday 3/15: Music Day 3 (6th Chorus, 8th Band)
Thursday 3/16: Music Day 1 (8th Chorus, 7th Band)
Friday 3/17: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
PMEA 5/6 STRING FEST:
Congratulations to 6th graders Jane Yau, Ruby Hezlep, Josselyn Dixon for participating in PMEA 5/6 String Fest, held on 3/8 at ET Richardson Middle School!
JAZZ FEST INFO:
Our 10th annual Middle School Jazz Festival is taking place Friday March 10, 2023 at 7 pm in the SHMS Auditorium. 4 visiting local middle school jazz bands will be performing alongside the SHMS Basie and Ellington Jazz bands. Come out and enjoy an evening of jazz! Ticket cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students/seniors and can be purchased at the door via cash, check or card. Concessions will be sold to benefit the SHMS Music Department.
HIGH NOTE TRIP INFO:
Attention families of students in: 8th grade band, 8th grade Chorus/Cantabile, 7th+8th Orchestra and Ellington Jazz Band. We have been accepted to participate in the High Note Music Festival on Friday May 12, 2023. Our ensembles will have the opportunity to perform for a panel of outstanding adjudicators who will provide comments and evaluations. After our morning performance, the above ensembles will enjoy a celebratory trip to Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. Cost for students is $80 and includes festival fees, coach bus transportation, park admission, and a t-shirt.
This year, permission slips and medical forms will be disbursed and collected electronically via google form. All parents and families should have received an email from Sarah Elsheakh with a link to complete your form. The google form will also be posted in your student's google classrooms. If you do not receive a link to the permission form, please reach out directly to Sarah Elsheakh (selsheakh@wssd.org). Form completion and payment are due ASAP
SHMS SPRING CONCERTS: SAVE THE DATES!
The schedule for spring concerts will be a little different this year, as we are performing some combined pieces across grades. This gives students in 7th and 8th grades tthe chance to perform repertoire together, which is an exciting change! Please save concert dates below!
Tuesday May 2 at 7 pm, SHMS Auditorium : 8th Grade Band, 7th Grade Band, 7th+8th Grade Orchestra
Thursday May 4 at 7 pm, SHMS Auditorium: 8th Grade Chorus, 7th Grade Chorus, Cantabile
Tuesday May 9 at 7 pm, SHMS Auditorium: 6th Grade Band, 6th Grade Chorus, 6th Grade Orchestra
QPR Training
Earlier this year all 7th grade parents and guardians received a communication about QPR training. Parents and guardians who have children taking Health/PE during the second semester please read below: