SHARK MAIL
Saturday, September 12th 2020
Saturday Message:
Hey Sharks,
We are moving the "Friday" Message to Saturdays so teachers can use Friday's for their communication. As our schedule indicates, Fridays are reserved for asynchronous learning and office hours. Our teachers are working hard each Friday meeting with each other, planning collaboratively, and hosting office hours while your students are working independently on assignments. In our faculty meeting this week, we shared with each other lessons learned from our experiences thus far. I wanted to share with you some of the comments that were made during this time because I think it shows what a wonderful group of teachers and students we have here at Sutherland.
- "Kids are incredibly patient with us when we are taking risks; they just confirm and share while we troubleshoot."
- "The kids are READY to Learn!"
- "Kids are great at helping each other with technical issues."
- "Every class, every day have thanked me and it was super encouraging."
- "Kids have shown impressive self-advocacy skills."
These are just a few of the many positive comments shared in the meeting. We know that many of you did experience some challenges this week. However, everyone's commitment to working together, and patience was incredible. Thank you all so much for the support and work you are doing at home to make this successful for everyone.
As always if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to the school. We want to work with you to support our students so that they have a positive experience.
Take care and have a great weekend!
Ms. Wood
News from SMS:
- Library Checkout: Next week each student will receive a library orientation during English Language Arts (ELA) class. Students will familiarize themselves with the new library website and learn how to place a hold on a book. As books are pulled, your child will be notified via school email that the materials are ready. All materials are bagged and organized in alphabetical order by last name. These items can be picked up from the front foyer Monday through Thursday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. You do not have to enter the front office. Simply grab and go!
When you are finished with these materials, please leave them in the return bin in the front foyer. All books go through a 3-day quarantine process and will not be shelved or checked into our system until that time is complete. Office hours are on Friday from 1-4, and the library Zoom link is available in your child's English Language Schoology course under the class info button. We are excited to get books into student hands! - Back to School Night Presentation: Many of you have been asking for the link to the Back to School Presentation. Click here to access the link.
Cloud Computing Form: In addition to the resources already provided by ACPS, our teachers have selected more tools to further enhance learning throughout the school year. Some of these tools require parent/guardian permission for students to create accounts.
Each of the tools listed below has been thoroughly reviewed by the Department of Technology to ensure student safety, age appropriateness, and data privacy. For a detailed look at the criteria they use to review the technology resources and to learn more about the Children’s Online Protection Act (COPPA), please visit this informational guide bit.ly/ACPStechReview. Click here to complete the form.
Grade Level Newsletters
Sutherland Reminders:
As we begin the new school year, Sutherland and the PTO are happy to announce the Tutor Equity Fund. This fund is designed to provide support to families to cover tutoring costs for students who may benefit from some extra support outside of school, especially during this virtual learning period.
We want to make sure all students have access to the resources they need to be successful. The fund has been seeded with a $1000 contribution from a Sutherland family. If you are willing to make a donation to the fund, please make your donation at the following link: http://paypal.me/sutherlandmiddlepto
There is a space to add a comment - please just type in “tutoring.”
Families who would benefit from tutor support and are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the Sutherland counseling department via this Google form to apply for tutoring support.
If you believe your child qualifies for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program, please see this link: Household Free-Reduced Meal Application.
Family Life Opt-Out: If you would like for your child to opt-out of Family Life during health class, please see these forms. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's PE teacher.
6th Grade Form
7th Grade Form
8th Grade Form- Interested in learning how to debate? If so, join the SMS Debate Club. UVA students from the Charlottesville Debate League will be your mentors teaching you everything you need to know via virtual meetings. You will practice your debate skills and get the opportunity to participate in virtual tournaments throughout the year. Email Mrs. McCullough if you are interested or have questions.
- Attention Sharks! Are you interested in promoting school spirit and doing good things for our school and the local community? Then being a part of the Student Council is for you. Please email Ms. Walkup if you would like to be part of the SCA. We want YOU to help make our school even better!
Social Media
Email: cguy@k12albemarle.org
Website: https://sms.k12albemarle.org/
Location: 2801 Powell Creek Drive, Charlottesville, VA, USA
Phone: (434) 975-0599
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sutherlandpto
Twitter: @SMSSharks