SMS Raider News
Newsletter for the staff and families of Sunnyvale MS
What an awesome start to 2017-2018!
5th graders meeting an ELU named Sue Ellen
Collaboration is fun!
Raiders have Integrity!
Upcoming Events
MAP Assessments
Our students will take the first round of MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments over the next two weeks. Reminder that all students will take three rounds of MAP assessments throughout the year (Fall, Winter, Spring). We use these assessments in a lot of different ways. The main focus of MAP is to help our teachers know where your individual student is within the subjects of Reading, Math and Science. This allows teachers to see where an individual student may struggle or have strengths, thus enabling the teacher to teach according to the student's individual needs. It is highly important that students do their best on these days so that we can obtain accurate data on their skills in the three content areas.
Here is a parent guide for MAP:
http://www.sunnyvaleisd.com/cms/lib3/TX01001155/Centricity/Domain/35/Parent-Guide.pdf
Students will test over two days within that content and during that class period.
For example: Mr. Tunnell has 3rd period Reading. He will take MAP Reading during 3rd period on both MAP Reading days.
Subject/Dates:
Reading: Sept. 5th and 6th
Math: Sept. 7th and 8th
Science: Sept. 12th and 13th
Make ups: Sept. 14th and 15th
Spirit Days for the Fall Season
We want SMS to show their school spirit! We encourage everyone to dress up for the specific Spirit Days! All students and staff will earn House points if they participate in the Spirit Days.
Please remember that the costumes/outfits still must be school appropriate. If costumes/outfits are not, the student will be required to change. A student's face cannot be covered (meaning no masks that cover the entire face while in the building).
Hope to see everyone having fun on the following dates!
Friday, Sept. 1: Super Hero
Friday, Sept. 8: 50's/Grease
Friday, Sept. 15: Red, White & Blue
Homecoming Week Spirit Days:
Monday, Sept. 18: Tie Dye
Tuesday, Sept. 19: Texas Shirts
Wednesday, Sept. 20: Team Jersey
Thursday, Sept. 21: Twin Day
Friday, Sept. 22: Blue & Gold
Friday, Sept. 29: 80's or 90"s
Friday, Oct. 6: Preppy
Friday, Oct. 13: Wear PINK
Friday, Oct. 20: Disney
Red Ribbon Week:
Tuesday, Oct. 24: Hats (Put a cap on drugs)
Wednesday, Oct. 25: College Shirt (Too smart to start drugs)
Thursday, Oct. 26: Western/Boots (Give drugs the boot)
Friday, Oct. 27: White Out! (Wake up and be Drug Free)
Friday, Nov. 3: Rock 'n Roll
Friday, Nov. 10: PJ pants
Houses
FAQ
Houses are created to promote school spirit, unity and engagement. It is also a way to celebrate ones academic growth and success. In addition, Houses give all students the feeling of being part of something special at SMS.
Who is in a House?
Houses are divided up at random. This year they are based on student's 2nd period classes. So a student's 2nd period class is part of their House, along with their 2nd period teacher. Each House has 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders in them. The average House is approximately 145 students and we have a 4 Houses in the school.
What happens within a House?
All members of each House can earn points for their House. Points are awarded for many things but here are a few examples: academic growth, A/B honor roll, perfect attendance, participating in Spirit Days, class (pep rally) competitions, going above and beyond, showing school pride, etc. These points cumulate over the year. At the end of each quarter, the winning House receives a reward. Some possible rewards are: popcorn, Steel City Pops, getting to attend a fun assembly, etc. Then at the end of the year the House with the most points throughout the year gets a big reward (possibly rewards: Rangers ball game, field trip, inflatable field day event, etc.). It is a positive reward based system that incorporates healthy, fun competition. Our students are amazing and Houses allows us to let students receive recognition for the great things they do here at SMS (through earning House points).
How can parents help their students get House points?
By encouraging your student and supporting them with whatever they may need to be successful in and out of the classroom. Parents can also help students earn points! Some examples are: if you join the PTA then your student gets House points, if you donate school supplies for students in need then your student gets House points, etc.
I'm a parent and I want to support the Houses at SMS. How can I do that?
We are in need of sponsors. We have 4 Houses and we are looking for sponsors to help fund our rewards each quarter and the end of the year reward. In addition, our desire is to provide every student with a House t-shirt. If you are interested in partnering with us or want to sponsor a House please fill out this form https://goo.gl/forms/ySBrQ3wFRwAnAJrh2
Cafeteria News
From the Cafeteria...a reminder about food pricing
Create Station Meal / 2mato Station Meal $ 2.50:
1 entrée (Entrée only $1.50- $2.00)
2 veggies (Extra side .50)
1 fruit (Extra side .50)
1 milk (Extra milk .50)
On The Go Station Meals $2.50:
Specialty Chef Salad Meal (includes salad, bread item, fruit, & milk)
Parfait Meal (includes parfait, veggie or fruit, and milk)
Fun Lunch Meal (packaged meal, fruit, and milk)
Deli Sub or Deli Wrap Meal (includes 2 veggie, fruit, and milk) Entrée only $1.50
Bun Item Meal (includes entrée, 2 veggie, fruit, and milk) Entrée only $1.50
Smart Snack items:
Baked chips & packaged snacks .50
Rice Krispy Treat .75
Nutri Grain Bars .75
Bottle water & Fruit Drinks $1.00
***Students are not required to take ALL items to make a meal
***Students MUST have a fruit or veggie to make a meal
SMS Connection
*Twitter: @smslearns
*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smslearns/
*Remind: https://www.remind.com/join/smsinfo17 or text 81010 and enter @smsinfo17