Buffalo Bellows Weekly Family News
February 21st, 2021

A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK... MRS. LEE
Dear Buffaloes,
As if the pandemic wasn’t enough to throw our lives into an uproar, along comes a once-in-a-lifetime winter storm. One thing is for certain, it is during times like these that our Smith community displays true Buffalo Strength and PLA core values. It’s humbling to see the amount of generosity that neighbors have given neighbors. As I have said before, I am proud to work for you at Smith and this is the very best team!. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding and all you are willing to give each other and our community.
Last week’s news about the school going virtual, hopefully, is a bit of relief. Our staff and community need to get their lives back on track, procure basic necessities and clean up after the storms have passed.
Again, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through another historical challenge. Please stay safe and please know we are here to support you and your family.
Remember it is the mission of Smith to educate and improve the lives of Smith scholars and all contributing stakeholders by providing a safe place to learn and grow, making data-driven decisions, and utilizing research-based instructional strategies.
As always be safe, #BuffaloStrong, and #PLASmithProud
A. Renee Lee
Principal
Smith Middle School
THE COUNSELOR CORNER...
February SEL CHARACTER EDUCATION: Kindness
What is Kindness?:
The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Learn more about kindness here.

Dear Buffalo Family,
It has truly been some stressful times and we want you to know we are here for you. SEL is not just for students. It is for adults, too! Everyone needs to feel supported, valued, and understood in order to grow and EMPOWER each other through social-emotional learning.
Most importantly, you must implement self-care. What does self-care look like? It is a way to unplug from work and do something you enjoy, helps you relax, and allows you to care for yourself. If you need any support, click the link to find local resources to support your needs.
Click the link: https://www.bmtisd.com/cms/lib/TX01817643/Centricity/Domain/3260/BISD Resource Guide - MHA.pdf
Love, The Counselors
HYBRID BUILDING INFORMATION
Every day all scholars will follow the new Maroon Day and Gray Day schedule.
Join us daily in the morning announcements to learn about AA contributions to USA.

Information for our scholars

Map Testing will begin when we come back F2F!

NWEA MAP: What It Is and Why It Matters
NWEA is a research-based, not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators worldwide by creating assessment solutions that precisely measure growth and proficiency—and provide insights to help tailor instruction. Many students have been negatively impacted by school closures, and we’re here to help educators, parents, and students as they navigate on-site or remote learning. (www.NWEA.org)
Here's your Teacher Toolkit for success: https://nwea.force.com/nweaconnection/s/teacher-toolkit?language=en_US
Build your virtual teaching toolkit with free professional learning during COVID-19 school closuresSign up for free webinars to increase scholar performance! | 10 do’s and don'ts of student test preparation | Engaging students in goal setting and monitoring progress |
Build your virtual teaching toolkit with free professional learning during COVID-19 school closures
Sign up for free webinars to increase scholar performance!
10 do’s and don'ts of student test preparation
Engaging students in goal setting and monitoring progress

Due By March 11th, 202. The scholars will be assisted during elective classes to help progress through the program. 70% grades recaptured is our goal.
Texas Rent Relief Program
COVID-19 has affected Texans across the state. The Texas Rent Relief Program has emergency funds available to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities). For more information, visit https://texasrentrelief.com/
Both landlords and tenants can use this website to create an account and submit their applications. If you need assistance completing an application, our customer service staff can complete the application with you by phone by calling 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368).
The online and phone system opens for applications from landlords and tenants on February 15, 2021, at 8 a.m. Central Time.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is also holding two workshops this on Friday to provide more information. People have to pre-register. Register at the following link to join the 12:00 PM CST webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5202218733421377293 Register at the following link to join the 3:00 PM CST webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4817535898746438413
Buffaloes LOOKING AHEAD


2020-21 PLA @ Smith Calendar Updates
February
- 22-26 Virtual Learning
- 24- PLC Meeting @ 4:45 pm
- 26-Half Day Dismissal at 1:40 pm
- 25- Black History Program
March
- NWEA Map Testing
- 1- Tennis Match @ Port Arthur 4:30 pm
- 2/4 Academic District UIL
- 3- PAISD Track Meet @ 4pm
- 5 - Half Day Dismissal at 1:40 pm
- TELPAS Writing in classes TBD
- 11- Westbrook Track Meet @ 4pm
- 11- Family Reading Night
- 12- Half Day Dismissal at 1:40 pm
- 15-19 Spring Break
- 25- ELAR Reading Night
- 25- PNG Track Meet 4 pm
- 26-Half Day Dismissal at 1:40 pm
- 30- April 1 - Nederland/ PAISD track meet 4pm
April
- 2- No School
- 7th /8th-grade STAAR Testing Window Opens
- 23-Half Day Dismissal at 1:40 pm
- 30-Half-Day Dismissal at 1:40 pm
May
- Algebra 1 EOC TBD
- 6th/ 7th /8th STAAR Testing Window Opens
- 31- No School
- Technology drop off TBD
- 11 -Last Day of School
- SUMMER ADVANTAGE TBD
