Sashabaw Middle School
Newsletter Volume 6 Issue 2 November/December 2014
SMS - from the Principal
Dear SMS Families,
Hard to believe that we are into November and just a few weeks away from the end of the first Trimester. The first Trimester officially ends on Tuesday, November 25th and there is no school for students on Wednesday, November 26th as it is a Records Day for teachers. The new Trimester will begin after Thanksgiving break on December 1st.
Our new Student Information System, Synergy, is up and running and teachers, secretaries, administration and support staff continue to be trained on all of it’s capabilities. In collaboration with the PTA, we are also planning an informational session about the ParentVue component. This session will be facilitated by CCS Technology Coordinator, Curt Barnum, at the November 12th PTA meeting at 9:30am. All are welcome to join to gather more information on how ParentVue can work for you.
As you will be able to see in this newsletter, there are many things going on at SMS. 6th Grade camp was very successful, and planning for the 7th grade Chicago trip is in full swing--(a fourth bus was recently added and a growing wait list could potentially add a 5th bus!). Many of our clubs have started and as fall sports come to an end the winter sports season begins soon. Students also have an opportunity to get involved in the PTA Reflections projects and submit entries to the office by December 5th. Look in this packed newsletter for information on everything from the Dodgeball Tournament, to yearbooks, school lunch, ASL recycling, Leadership Magazine Fundraiser, Birthday Locker Art and on and on. Things are fantastically busy at SMS as we continue to provide multiple opportunities for student learning, creativity and success.
Sincerely,
Liz Walker
Principal
Contact information:
Administration
Mrs. Liz Walker, Principal emwalker@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, Assistant Principal jejohnson@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Behavior Interventionist
Mr. James Tedder Behavior Interventionist jmtedder@clarkston.k12.mi.us
SMS Counseling
Mrs. Jamie Graves, Counselor for A – K students jjgraves@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Mr. Damon Rocho, Counselor for L – Z students dlrocho@clarkston.k12.mi.usAbout us
Email: caselina@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Website: www.clarkston.k12.mi.us/sms
Location: 5565 Pine Knob Road, Clarkston, MI 48346
Phone: 248.623.4200
Twitter: @sms_wolves
Calendar of Events
11/12 Delayed Start Day ~ 8:30
11/12 PTA Meeting 9:30 A.M.
11/21 6th Grade Activity 2:45 - 4:00
11/26 No School for Students (Records Day)
11/27~28 Thanksgiving Recess ~ School Closed
12/1 Trimester 2 Begins
12/10 Delayed Start Day ~ 8:30
12/22~1/2/15 Winter Break ~ School Closed
1/5/15 School Resumes
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Keeping Your Child Safe Online:
Are your children safe while online? Michigan families, especially minors, are becoming inundated with advertisements from alcohol, tobacco, pornography and gambling marketers through different internet and cell phone in boxes. Texting their advertisements is the newest marketing effort that many of these companies are using. Thankfully, the State of Michigan offers a free program to stop adult advertisements from reaching e-mails, mobile phones (text messaging ads) and instant messenger IDs.
The Michigan Child Protection Registry, like the federal Do Not Call List, is a free do-not-contact service for Michigan’s families and schools and can be located at www.ProtectMIChild.com.
Clarkston Community Schools is a strong supporter of this registry and encourages you to sign your entire family up for the registry and inform your friends and colleagues about how they can protect children and families from unwanted adult advertising. To sign up only takes seconds. Just go to www.ProtectMIChild.com and keep your family safe.
ParentVUE/StudentVUE:
A letter was sent to your home explaining our new student information system. These websites include assignments, grades, attendance, school calendar and teacher contact details. First time users and returning users this is the link https://spportal.westmihosting.com/CCS_PXP/. Please contact the Technology Help Desk at 248.623.5406 if you have problems accessing the system or creating an account. The SMS main office may assist you with your activation key or assist you with your User ID.
Early Dismissal:
Please send in a note for your student to deliver to the front office in the morning before classes begin when early dismissal is required for your student. The note should specify the requested release time and reason. Your student will be issued a pass to present to their teacher so that they can be excused from class at the appropriate time. This policy cuts down on disruptions to valuable classroom instruction and student learning. Thank you for your cooperation!
Attendance Procedure Update:
It is no longer required to call SMS to report your student being absent. Students are allotted a maximum of 6 absences per trimester before receiving a letter from the school indicating a concern. All absences are designated as unexcused in our student information system. In order to excuse your child's absence for illness, please supply a doctor's note. While this will not change how the absence is displayed, we are able to note in the system that a doctor's note has been provided. If you have question on this procedure, please call the main office at 248-623-4200. Soon, you will receive an automated call to your main number in the evening stating if your child has missed one or more hours that day. Thanks!
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Great BIG....................
THANK-YOU
to our 6th Grade Camp chaperones!
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Jewelry found at conferences - Please call 248.623.4203 with the description to claim it!
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6th Grade Activity - November 21, 2014 from 2:45pm - 4:00pm
This 6th Grade Activity Afternoon planned for November 21 after school is to benefit the SMS Courtyard. Click here to read about the origin of the courtyard... http://www.clarkstonnews.com/Articles-i-2003-05-21-39572.111215_Sashabaw_MS_breaks_ground.html
Students will be able to purchase tickets the week of November 21st. The cost is $5.00.
Each student should bring a few extra dollars for pizza, pop and/or popcorn ($1.00 each) if they plan to eat/drink. Additional information will be posted on the walls and announced in the lunchroom the closer we get to November 21st.
Thank you,
Julie Renaker
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PTA - from the President
Have you started using ParentVUE? It’s the district’s new student information and communication system. If you haven’t yet updated your emergency contact information in ParentVUE or become familiar with how to use it, our next membership meeting is the time and place! We’ve invited a member of the district’s IT department to give us a tutorial and assist parents with logging in and updating their information. It’s our last meeting of 2014, so please join us Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m. in LGI-A.
Part of adopting this new student information system means we are rethinking how we produce our student directory this year and in the future. Because so many families have yet to log on and update their contact information, we are concerned a significant amount of data in the directory will be incorrect or outdated. Every parent organization in Clarkston is struggling with this question this year – produce a directory now with a disclaimer that information may not be correct, or wait until January when the data is more reliable? A student directory is a key benefit of a PTA membership, so I’d like your opinion. Please email me at kellihorst@hotmail.com with your thoughts on student directories:
· Is the student directory the primary reason you join the PTA? Would not receiving a directory influence your decision to join PTA in future years?
· Would you prefer a student directory sooner rather than later, even if the information is not current?
· Are printed directories still useful? Why or why not?
Thank you, Melanie Wilson, for organizing meals for our teachers during parent-teacher conferences. Our teachers have told me how much they appreciate the feast our parents provide on these long nights.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions for how the PTA can better serve our families and staff. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.
Kelli Horst, President
PTA Reflections
It's time for PTA Reflections! Encourage your child to unleash their inner artist. This year's theme is "The World Would Be a Better Place If . . . "
Entries are due to the SMS office by Friday, December 5. Applications are available with all LA teachers and in the office. Categories are: Dance, Photography, Film Production, Visual Arts, Music and Literature!
Questions? Contact PTA Reflections Chair: Suzanne Upton at 248.224.6244
7th Grade Career Day: Presenters and Volunteers Needed
8,000 and counting...Thanks!
Campbell's - Clip this from the label
Fresh and Frozen Foods
Box Tops for Education
Thank You SMS Students, Parents and Staff. The Fall Box Tops Halloween Contest was a huge success with over 8,000 Box Tops turned in as of October 30th.
The winners of the Box Tops Halloween Contest are:
First Place: Jason Loucks – 603 Box Tops
Second Place: Patrick Desantis & Kyle Spengler – 300 Box Tops
Third Place: Kevin Hardtke – 209 Box Tops
Honorable Mention to: Olivia Kozlowicz – 200 Box Tops
Please continue to turn in your Box Tops as the Spring deadline is just around the corner!
Collection sheets and the Box Tops Bin are located at the school office.
Together we can reach our goal and help our school.
Campbell’s Soup Labels - include with the Box Tops for Education
The SMS PTA is collecting Campbell’s Soup Labels this year. The points from the labels add up quickly and qualify SMS for a large selection of items to enhance our classrooms. Please clip those labels from participating products and send them to school. They can be added to the Box Top’s box in the front office and we will sort them out. To see a complete list of participating products, go to LabelsForEducation.com. Questions? Contact Kim Hardtke at Hardtke@comcast.net.
Market Day
Orders for Market Day are due by November 13 with pick-up on Wednesday, November 19 4:30 to 5:30 in the 7th grade gym. Next order is due by December 11 with pick-up on Wednesday, December 17 4:30 to 5:30 in the 7th grade gym.
Order online www.marketday.com for the best deals. SMS PTA receives 10% of all orders. Questions or concerns contact Pam Aughe at ps.aughe@gmail.com or 248-245-1033.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you haven’t had a chance to submit your Volunteer Opportunities form, it’s never too late! Extra forms are available in the front office if you need one. Additionally, please make sure you are signed up for SMS E-blasts...click here: http://www.clarkstoncalendar.org/SignUp/index.aspx and be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities.
Please contact Kim Hardtke at Hardtke@comcast.net if you have any questions.
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WINTER 2014/2015 SPORTS
Winter 14/15 sports at Clarkston Schools. Contact the Varsity Coach (e-mail addresses located at www.clarkston.k12.mi.us/athletics ) for further information. ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE A SPORTS PHYSICAL DATED ON OR AFTER 4/15/14 ON FILE AT THE ATHLETIC OFFICE BEFORE THEY CAN TRY-OUT OR PRACTICE. CLARKSTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS REQUIRES ALL ATHLETES TO HAVE INSURANCE. (SMS athletes who participated on the 7th grade Blue or Gold Football team and 7th grade Blue or Gold Girls Basketball teams have the required paperwork on file and do not need to provide additional copies. Coaches will contact the office to get a list of these athletes.)
BASKETBALL
7th Grade Boys – Open Gyms November 6th & 7th SMS Gym 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
7th Grade Boys – Tryouts November 10th & 11th SMS Gym 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
7th Grade Girls Tryouts January 29, 30, (2/2) SMS Gym 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WRESTLING
7th Grade Boys Conditioning TBD SMS Gym TBD
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SMS Club Corner - Your Place for Updates on Clubs at SMS...
SMS Club fee is $50 per year which entitles the student to participate in as many of the SMS Clubs listed below that they would like to be a part of...
SMS MathCounts – Math Team
Sashabaw Middle School will once again have a math team this year. This is an opportunity for all interested students to improve their problem solving skills. We will explore topics that will both compliment and go beyond the regular curriculum.
The team will be split in two groups:
- 6th grade team – will meet on Tuesdays from 2:45 until 4:00 beginning on October 21st.
- 7th & 8th grade team – will meet on Thursdays from 2:45 until 4:00 beginning on October 23rd.
We will be meeting in room 308. Meetings continue through May.
Please email Mr. Andress for the registration form and he will forward one to you. School club fee applies. For more information contact SMS staff member and coach Howard Andress at hjandress@clarkston.k12.mi.us
SMS Chess Club –
For both the beginner and the sophisticated player, the SMS Chess Club welcomes all interested students. The club meets on Fridays after school throughout the school year in LGI-A.
Please email Mr. Andress for the registration form and he will forward one to you. School club fee applies. For more information contact SMS staff member and coach Howard Andress at hjandress@clarkston.k12.mi.us
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Student Leadership Magazine Sale Fundraiser
Our Student Leadership funds activities and programs that benefit our students and staff. We need your help to fund these special programs! Please ask your family, friends, and business associates that we would greatly appreciate it if they ordered selections from our school.
Renew, create and share to benefit our School.
Share this message with your network to make this our best fundraiser ever! Prefer to order online? Simply Click on this link:
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Birthday Locker Art!!!
SMS Birthday Locker Art
Looking to do something special for your student on their birthday, but don't have the time? Let Student leadership help you out. We will decorate their locker for you to celebrate their special day. Fill out the form and return it with cash or check made out to SMS. Then leave the worrying to us. When the locker is decorated you will receive an email with a picture of your student’s locker.
$10.00 LOCKER INCLUDES WRAPPING PAPER
BACKGROUND, STREAMERS, BOW, A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE SIGN AND A BORDER
Contact Mr. McCall in room 219 for more information, phone 248-623-4227
ORDER FORM/REQUIRED INFORMATION:
PURCHASER'S NAME _________________________________________________________
Email address(for picture of completed locker) ______________________________
BIRTHDAY STUDENT'S NAME ___________________________________GRADE ________
CIRCLE: MALE OR FEMALE
DATE TO DECORATE LOCKER _________________________________
LOCKER NUMBER(if known) __________________________________
TOTAL $ ___________________
PLEASE PRINT & COMPLETE THIS FORM or GIVE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO THE MAIN OFFICE no later than FOUR DAYS BEFORE DECORATING.
All Locker Art is payable by Cash or a Check to SMS only.
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Green School - SMS needs these items to recycle for points!
Hello families!
We are recycling in ASL. We could use all of your help and support! We are recycling for points which can then be used to continue to reach our Green School designation! We can sponsor shelters, children or families in need with these points.
SMS is asking for families to help donate: Go Go Squeez, chip bags, Elmer’s glue sticks/bottles, and Capri Sun juice pouches. Just find one of our decorated recycling boxes for each one of these items located throughout the school. Help the Green Team MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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Ski Club
Sashabaw Middle School Ski Club is for all levels of skiers and snowboarders from beginners to advanced. If you don't know how to ski this is an excellent opportunity to learn!
As soon as Pine Knob is open, we will meet for ski club. Our club night is Thursday and you can buy tickets from Mr. McCall and Mrs. Gualtieri from 3pm - 6pm in the Pinery Cafe'. Packets can be picked up in the main office, or from Mr. McCall or Mrs. Gualtieri. Packets can also be printed from the Ski Club web page. You can sign up for ski club anytime this winter. As we always say in ski club, We will SKI you there!
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Dodgeball Tournament - Friday, December 5 at 7:00pm!
SMS is hosting the 3rd annual Dodgeball Tournament Friday, December 5 at 7:00pm. So get your team of 8 (4 boys 4 girls) together and come up with a creative costume. Sign up sheets will be available starting Monday, November 17 from any of the PE teachers, the main office or cafeteria. The cost per team is $40.00. Prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place as well as best costumes. All proceeds go to support the Physical Education Department, Blessings in a Backpack and the Giving Tree. This is a very popular event and only 24 teams will be accepted. We expect the tournament to be filled within the first 2 or 3 days so start getting organized now.
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SMS After-School Study Hall
Where: Room 401
Cost: $4.00 per hour (pay every Monday when you pick up your child)
Required Information needed for registration: Parent's name, contact phone numbers, child's name, grade, regular scheduled days and/or drop-in days.
Sign-up at: cgboskee@clarkston.k12.mi.us
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Cold and Flu and What to Do?
With the onset of cold and flu season, among other reasons, students may necessarily be absent from school. Whenever possible, please submit a doctor’s note to the main office when your student has one or more medically related absences. These notes will be kept on record and are referenced against a student’s attendance record as needed. Compulsory Michigan attendance law requires that SMS maintains accurate attendance records and those excessive absences are properly reviewed. Appropriate medical documentation helps to support a student’s cause when evaluating a potential truancy concern.
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SMS 2015 Yearbook - There is still time to order!
Yearbook: To order online: http://jostensyearbook.com
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Jellies, Dolphin Show & Wild Reef
Music, Technology & Comedy
Museum of Science and Industry
7th Grade Trip to Chicago May 15-17, 2015
Sold Out! Our 7th Grade Chicago Trip has sold out. However, there is room on the wait list!
Due to the high level of interest we have added a fourth bus for our 7th grade Chicago Trip. If the wait list continues to grow we may be able to add a 5th bus.
The trip sold out in record time this year. The wait list grew large enough to add a 4th bus. We have now started a second wait list. Once that wait list grows to a sufficient number we can add the 5th luxury coach bus. However, that won’t happen until students and parents register for the wait list.
So, students and parents can still register for the trip!
If interested contact Howard Andress for instructions on how to get on the wait list: hjandress@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Last year everyone on the wait list was able to go on the trip.
Trip related student meetings:
- Thursday, 12/18 @ 7:20 a.m.: This meeting will take place in LGI C. This meeting is before school and will not last very long. Please try to arrive as close to 7:20 as possible. Students will be a few minutes late to first hour, but will be excused.
- Thursday, 2/12 @ 7:20 a.m. As above: in LGI C – try to arrive as close to 7:20 as possible.
- April: Date and time to be announced later.
- Friday, May 8, 2015 – one week prior to departure. This is an after-school event that will last from 2:40 until 4:55.
All students attending the Chicago Trip will need to attend each of the above meetings.
Inquiries can be directed to Howard Andress, SMS staff member and trip coordinator, at hjandress@clarkston.k12.mi.us
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Parent Mentoring Program
Wanted: Caring adults looking to inspire and motivate students!
Sashabaw Middle School is seeking volunteers to support the continuation of its’ Parent Mentor Program. This highly successful program seeks adults who are willing to:
- spend one hour per week helping a student with organization and/or completion of assignments.
- be listeners and motivators.
- inspire and engage students to exceed their own expectations.
If you are available and interested in making a difference in the life of a student, please contact Jim Tedder at jmtedder@clarkston.k12.mi.us or at (248) 623-4206.
Interested candidates need to complete an Applicant Authorization for Background Check form; these forms are available in the SMS office or via e-mail upon request. A mentor will be matched up with a student upon completion of the background check.