M 'n M
Mustangs in the Middle: May 18, 2018
In This Edition:
- Monday 5/21 is a GREEN DAY
- Inclusive Week
- Walk-a-thon
- 8th Graders NOT attending SHS Next School Year
- 13 Reasons Why
- OMEA Recap
- Summer School
- Academic Awards
- Backpack Procedure Change for 2018-19
- Yearbook Distribution
- DARE Dances/Graduation
Holocaust Survivor Stanley Bernath Speaks With 8th Grade Students
Inclusive Week!
On Wednesday, our students had the privilege of listening to two powerful, influential and inspirational speakers who captivated the audience from start to finish. Our students were extremely respectful, engaged and had lots of good questions for our guests.
Stanley Bernath, age 91, is a survivor of the Holocaust and years of suffering in concentration camps. His story fascinated students, as many were in disbelief of his story along with video footage of what life was like during these tragic time. Stanley's was message was to 'never give up, even in your darkest hour'. His message of tolerance was one of faith and he spoke of being non-judgmental and free of hatred.
Dr. Temple Grandin, age 71, is a best-selling author and renowned speaker. She shared with everyone her new book CALLING ALL MINDS and spoke of the challenges she has faced and adversity she has overcome. Nonverbal until the age of three, Temple talked about the problem with labels and the social challenges of autism. She discussed how she (and others with autism) learns and how her brain works differently- often times in pictures or step by step checklists.
What a great experience for all of our students! Let's work to make EVERY WEEK Inclusive Week!!!
Dr. Temple Grandin Checks out Makerspace
Temple Grandin Speaks with our 6th & 7th Graders
Team Spirit Day!
Walk-a-Thon
SMS will be holding it's second annual Walkathon on Friday May 25th! Students still have until Weds. May 23 to turn in their pledge money. All students are encouraged to walk! Just to clarify, any student who brings in at least $1 is eligible to walk. Students that raise at least $15 in pledges will have an additional incentive. Here is the breakdown:
- Each student that brings in a $15 donation (please make checks payable to SMS PTA) will be dismissed from class at 1:00 in the afternoon to walk the track (approx 45 minutes), and then enjoy the rest of the day to relax around the track (or in bleachers) with their electronics, or spend time at Maker Space.
- Students that turn in anywhere between $1-$15 will be dismissed at 2:15 to walk the track.
- Students that do not participate will continue with class 9th period.
You may also go to the link below to make a donation. We encourage all students to walk and with everybody's help this will be fun for the whole school!
We are also looking for volunteers to help make the day runs smoothly! Please go to the sign-up genius link below if you can help out! If you have any questions don't hesitate to email. Thank you for your support!
Nikky Freeman
Renee Lent
https://sms-walkathon.cheddarup.com
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b44a5a82da0f49-smsmustangs
Pep Band Plays for our 5th Graders
5th Graders Visit SMS!
OMEA Recap
8th Grade Band at OMEA Last Weekend!
Rockin at the Rec
Our last dance will be Friday, June 1st! This dance will be held at SMS, NOT the Rec center. Rockin at SMS will be from 6:30-9 for incoming sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The theme for this dance is D.A.R.E. Tickets will be on sale at designated times at all elementary schools (check your principal's email) Wednesday May 30th from 6:00-8:00pm at SMS and during lunch 10:15-12:30 on Thursday May 31st at SMS. We are also looking for chaperones and pop donations. Please go to the link below if you can help. Thank you for your support!
Team Spirit Day
13 Reasons Why
On May 18 Netflix will release the second season of the popular show 13 Reasons Why. This email is not recommending viewing this series; it is intended only to provide you with information we feel is important to the health, wellbeing, and success of our students.
The first season of 13 Reasons Why contained themes such as adolescent bullying, rejection, heartbreak, sexual assault, abuse, revenge, depression, suicide, and desperate but unsuccessful efforts to find help or understanding. A series like this can be very difficult to watch and could easily trigger feelings of distress in viewers and especially in adolescent viewers. We are notifying you of this to enable you to make informed decisions regarding viewing this series. In the event your child chooses to view this series, you may wish to discuss some of the issues raised.
Some viewing suggestions:
1) Ask your child if they plan on watching the show, if they watched the previous season, or if their friends watch the show.
2) Encourage them to watch the show with you (if they must watch at all!), and to only watch one episode at a time to allow time to process the themes that arise. The entire season will be released at once, however, this is not a show that should be "binge-watched"!
3) Ask questions such as "Have you ever felt that way before?" "How would you respond if you knew someone in this situation?" "How would you deal with this if it happened to you?" "Who is someone you can talk to?" Be prepared for a range of answers and be supportive of any sharing, even if you initially feel upset by the response.
4) Name the people who are there for them including school counselors, coaches, teachers, and principals. Let them know you won't be upset if they share with someone they trust, as long as they are seeking help.
5) Asking questions about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide and can prevent it from happening. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions regarding suicidal ideation.
6) If you are concerned about your child seek help from your school counselor or from a community mental health counselor.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic released this video to help families support their children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BByqa7bhto&feature=youtu.be.
8th Grade Parents Not Sending Your Child to SHS
Summer School Opportunities
We will be in contact soon with families of students who we feel would benefit from remedial online courses over the summer.
Sea of Blue From 7th Graders: Autism Awareness
Yearbook Distribution: May 22
If your son or daughter did not purchase a yearbook, and wish to do so, you may do that on Tuesday, May 22. Students can purchase them during their lunch period on a first come, first serve basis. The cost is $18 per yearbook. Payments can only be made by check to SMS PTA.
Academic Awards Night
Revised Procedure For Backpacks for the 2018-19 School Year
The procedure would prohibit the use of any/all types of backpacks and slingbacks. The only container/pouch that would be permitted would be pencil pouches and/or small purses for girls. For students who have a PE class, they will be permitted (and encouraged) to use a slingback to transport their clothes/shoes to and from the gym.
Students are more than welcome to bring backpacks to school, however, they must be stored in their locker throughout the day.
During IE the first week of school, staff will work with students on how to navigate halls, work locks, organize lockers and map out a game plan for their day. Efforts will be made to teach students time management and the appropriate times to go to their locker (Before/after school, before/after lunch).
We are always looking to find ways to keep students as safe as possible in our building. Backpacks provide a greater opportunity for concealing things that pose a potential threat to staff and students (ex. weapons, vapes). Hallway safety has also been a concern as the size (and weight) of backpacks have posed issues with congestion and students losing their balance on stairs, causing injuries.
5th Graders Play Getting to Know You BINGO
DARE Dances and Graduation
Here is the information for the upcoming DARE Dances. The signup genius links for chaperones and decorating can be found on the DARE website:
Dress Requirement: Spring dresses are perfect for the girls. The boys can wear khaki pants, dress shirt or/polo.
http://www.strongsville.org/departments/police/dare
Here are the invites for the upcoming 6th grade DARE Graduations on 5/30 & 5/31:
Vikings
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pRx1n6Qz48Zh1CnyHydKuOSL4qUg0hAWVccvCdn_xPo/edit?usp=sharing
Cruisers
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x3B6_sxmehKx3gk0KJoIJemA_ktyM8qzdEjZoletwp8/edit?usp=sharing
Captains
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g69XviioZM_ePL7r7p7mitidcUOklTqWNG9tBPyXbYs/edit?usp=sharing
Admirals
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BSpGhm5kzRQNExky3kM-KEoZOY_7mtqJGp4LeNksegw/edit?usp=sharing
Links
SMS Website: Click Here
Immunizations: Immunization Requirements
Academic Awards: Q3 Academic Awards
Morning Announcements: WSMS - Morning Announcements
Important Dates
- May 24: 7:00 Orchestra Concert SMS (6th & 7th & Chamber )
- May 30: 3:15 IAAT Testing
- May 30: 12:45 SMS Auditorium- 6th DARE Graduation (Cruisers & Vikings)
- May 30: 6:00 Choir Concert
- May 31: 12:45 SMS Auditorium- 6th DARE Graduation (Admirals & Captains)
- Jun 4: Awards Night 6:00 for 6th Grade; 7:00 for 7th Grade
- Jun 5: 6:00 8th Grade Awards Night
- Jun 6: Last Day of School: Early Dismissal @ 1:20
Strongsville Middle School
Email: sdeitrick@scsmustangs.org
Website: http://www.strongnet.org/Domain/411
Location: 13200 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: 440.572.7090
Twitter: @smsstangs