The SMS SCOOP!
Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 1 September/October/November 2017
SMS - from the Principal
Dear SMS Families,
We are off and running into another great year at SMS. As you will be able to see in this newsletter, there are many wonderful things going on here! Many of our clubs have started and as fall sports come to an end, the winter sports season begins soon. Everyone is fantastically busy at SMS as we continue to provide multiple opportunities for student learning, creativity and success.
Thank you to all that were able to attend our Open House. We had a great turnout and parents had the opportunity to meet teachers and get a glimpse at their student's day. Parents were also asked to complete a compass points activity thinking about what they want for their child this year. Thank you to all who participated; it was an exciting evening.
Parent and Teacher Conferences are quickly approaching. Please join us and visit your student’s teacher to check in on his/her learning progress. We have two nights available for your convenience, choose Tuesday, October 10th or Thursday, October12th. Please see information in this newsletter for more details.
As always, we look forward to an amazing year of learning and growth with our students. There are many exciting things happening all around. SMS is a great place to be! Stay updated on all the latest and greatest by following us on Twitter @sms_wolves
Go Wolves!
Sincerely,
Ms. Walker
About us
Email: caselina@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Website: http://sms.clarkston.k12.mi.us/
Location: 5565 Pine Knob Lane, Clarkston, MI 48346
Phone: 248.623.4200
Twitter: @sms_wolves
Also, see the NEW SMS website, calendar and more!
October
10/4 Student Count Day
10/10 Parent/Teacher Conferences 5:00 ~ 8:00 P.M.
10/12 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00 ~ 7:00 P.M.
10/12 Picture Retake Day
10/13 Half Days for Students (Developmental Day)
10/18 - 10/27 Magazine Sale for SMS Leadership
10/27 End of 1st Quarter
November
11/22 No School for Students
11/23-24 Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed
SAVE THE DATE: 12/1 DODGE BALL TOURNAMENT!
DO IT THIS WAY - BEST PRACTICE FOR EVERYONE!
Doctor, Dentist, Orthodontist and Other Early Dismissals:
Please send in a note with your student to deliver to the main 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. No note? Then, you may all call the main office ahead of time and we will get a pass to your student. Thank you for your cooperation!
Students must be signed out in the main office by an authorized person on ParentVue. Students that return to school may walk-in by themselves and check-in at the podium in the main lobby.
ABSENT!!! - Child is missing school due to illness or other reasons:
Please only call the main office if the absence will be 3 days or more. An email to your student's teacher/s is the best way to communicate an absence. All absences are designated as unexcused in our student information system. Please always supply a note to the main office from medical professional/s if your student has seen by one. This will change how the absence is displayed on the system. If your student is marked absent for one or more class periods, you will be receiving an automated phone call. If the absence is in error, please email the teacher/s for correction or explanation.
Extended planned absences for trips, etc. require the use of a Trip Slip. This form may be picked up in the main office to be completed prior to the trip.
Student has forgotten their lunch, homework, instrument, PE clothes, etc.
We ask that any message or forgotten items are related to emergency situations only.
Personal after school activities should not be arranged via the school office during school hours. This said; we do realize special situations will occur and it may become necessary to contact your student during school hours.
Best practice is to have everything ready to go the evening before school.
LOST AND FOUND is located in the back of the 6th Grade and 7th Grade Cafeteria. Cell phones and other valuable misplaced items will be in the main office.
Riding a bus home with a friend
Complete this form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fQDOc2sLRp6bdjrNJQ4vOpIlcwU6B3MiPOEvT9MIlb8/edit Student will bring the completed form to the main office in the morning. An administrator will sign and your child may pick the note up later in the day to present to the bus driver. Alternatively, you may call transportation at 248.623.8040.
ParentVUE/StudentVUE:
Great place to review assignments, grades, attendance, school calendar and to email teacher/s. Teachers and others will share information with you via email, too. First time users and returning users this is the link https://spportal.westmihosting.com/CCS_PXP/Login_Parent_PXP.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True Please contact the SMS main office to assist you with using ParentVue.
Clarkston Community Calendar - E-Blast!!!
This ia another way to receive information from the district and SMS. Please click here http://www.clarkstoncalendar.org/SignUp/index.aspx to add or make sure your email has Clarkston Community Schools checked and SMS (and any other Clarkston School your children attend).
COUNT DAY IS OCTOBER 4, 2017
SMS Super Hero/Animal Day raised nearly $1,000!
Thank-you for your support!
Wolf Time - Plastic cups, string and rubber band!
Mrs. Amy Wade-Tiffner, Counselor
Students engaged in Wolf Time COOPERATION!
Success - the perfect pyramid!
Congratulations Art Students!
The students will display their exhibit, “Fostering Art Evolution,” at Moosejaw Mountaineering during Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize competition from Sept. 16 to Oct. 8.
Clarkston Community Schools Fine Arts Subject Area Coordinator Jessica Hall said, “In this Educational Youth Collaboration piece, a kindergartner’s drawing is interpreted by an upper elementary student, middle school student, junior high student and high school student. The drawings in this exhibit feature the original kindergarten sketch and the interpreted pieces.”
The Clarkston Schools exhibit features 16 pieces created by three kindergarten students from Pine Knob Elementary and North Sashabaw Elementary, three fourth graders from Springfield Plains Elementary, three Sashabaw Middle School students, three Clarkston Junior High School students, three Clarkston High School students and one Renaissance High School student."
7th Graders Chicago Trip - Parent Meeting after conferences, choose one to find out information!
Parent Meeting
Information Regarding the 7th Grade Trip to Chicago... If you have a 7th grade student you will want to attend one of these two up coming meetings:
Meeting Details:
When: Two meetings to choose from right after conferences...
Tuesday, October 10 @ 8:10 PM or
Thursday, October 12 @ 7:10 PM
Where: LGI C - @ Sashabaw Middle School
What will be covered: overview of the trip, itinerary, cost, payment plans, fund raising activity, safety measures, how to register, etc…
Trip Dates: Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20, 2018
If you are considering having your child take advantage of this opportunity, then you will want to attend one of these informational meetings. You may register for the trip at the end of each meeting.
The trip sells out fast- you will want to attend one of these meetings!
Inquiries can be directed to Howard Andress, SMS staff member and trip coordinator, at hjandress@clarkston.k12.mi.us
SMS After School Study Hall!
Study Hall is available after school in Room 402 every full-day of school (not 1/2 days) from 2:30pm until 5:30pm at $4.00/hour.
Sign up at smsstudyhall@clarkston.k12.mi.us with this required information:
- Student's name and grade
- Parent name
- Parent contact number/s
- Parent email
- Days of the week student will be attending Study Hall (payment every other week in cash or check payable to SMS)
- All drop in students must pay on day of service
Room 402 - Room phone number is 248.623.4557. Picking up - enter back of SMS!
Please email if you have any other questions or concerns.
Learning Commons (formerly the Media Center)
Greeting from the SMS Learning Commons (formerly the Media Center)!
By this time, most students have had a chance to come to the Learning Commons to explore and check out books. Some reminders about LC policies and procedures:
Students may have 1 to 4 items checked out at a time.
Items check out for 2 weeks.
Items returned after the due date are charged $0.05/per day that the item is overdue. No single item will accumulate more than $1.00 in fines.
Fines need to be paid as soon as possible. They do not disappear from a student’s record over the summer. They stay with the student (through CJHS, CHS if necessary) until the fine is paid.
Items that are lost or damaged need to be paid for so a replacement can be purchased.
Students will receive an email reminder to their school email address regarding overdue items and fines. Encourage your child(ren) to check their email for this information.
The Learning Commons will host a Scholastic Book Fair the week of October 16-20. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair during their ELA class. This is a good time to get some great books!!
The 4th annual SMS/CIDL (Clarkston Independence District Library) Battle of the Books will take place on Friday, March 2, 2018. Information will be presented to students during school this fall.
If you ever have any Learning Commons related questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Locke at 248.623.4512 or kelocke@clarkston.k12.mi.us.
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
ORDER FORM/REQUIRED INFORMATION:
PURCHASER'S NAME _________________________________________________________
Email address (for picture of completed locker) ______________________________
BIRTHDAY STUDENT'S NAME ___________________________________GRADE ________
CIRCLE/INDICATE: 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.
Cafe' Helpers needed at various locations throughout CCS!
HOURS & RATE:
- Monday – Friday
- 3 - 3.75 Hours per day
- $9.20 Per Hour
Any questions, contact...Sherri L. Summers
Nutrition Department
Clarkston Community Schools
248-623-8001 phone
248-623-8010 fax
The Clarkston Help
Free Tutoring on Sundays at SMS... click here for more info:
PTA - from the President
Hello to both new and returning families here at SMS!
Hopefully, all of you had a great start to the 2017-2018 school year. The journey that we have all embarked on is one that some of you have had experience with while for others it is new territory. No matter, this is a big adjustment for both parents and students.
A big Thank You to everyone that has already joined and donated to the SMS PTA. It’s never to late to join. You can download the form and send in the membership dues or join online. https://sites.google.com/site/sashabawpta/join-and-donate
Please support the “Donation Drive”. We are on our way to funding the budget that was approved at our September meeting. Your PTA donation is used to fund many different items/activities including these and more...
• Grade Level Events and Assemblies
• Reflections
• Career Day
• Back to School and End of the Year Parties
• Mini Grants
• Academic Learning Enhancements
You may write one check (payable to SMS) for your donation and membership:
$10 membership + $40 donation* = $50 per family
(*PTA does not host wrapping paper sale or other sales for fundraising for the year!)
Have you liked us on Facebook? The SMS PTA has a Facebook page for all PTA members, so make sure to join by October 27th. We will be removing all non PTA members at that time, so don't miss out! Join NOW.
The SMS PTA is here to strengthen the partnership between home and school.
I would love to hear your suggestions and ideas for how we can best serve our students, families and staff.
Please join us at our next PTA meeting on October 3rd at 6:15pm.
Sincerely,
Tonya Cunningham, President
40 Developmental Assets!
40 Developmental Assets - PTA President shares...
Many of you have heard about the 40 Developmental Assets (if you haven’t let me know) but studies have shown that the more assets that students have the less likely they are to act in risky behavior. Over the course of the year, I will highlight a few of these assets...
- #37 Personal Power- Your child feels that they have some influence over things that happen in their life. As your SMS student spreads his/her wings of independence, we can lend them love and support.
- #1 Family Support and #6 Parent involvement in schooling - The PTA can provide many ways to connect with administration, staff and other parents through our meetings and school activities.
- #6 Parent Involvement in Schooling - The PTA provides many ways to connect with administration, staff and other parents through our meetings and school activities.
Box Tops for Education
Every Box Tops for Education turned in to school earns SMS 10cents. Last year we collected over $500 in Box Tops. Let's try to double it this year and reach over $1000! Box Tops can be found on products from General Mills, Betty Crocker, Kleenex, Zip Loc, Green Giant, Lysol, Yoplait and many, many more.
Register at boxtops4education.com to learn more about products, clip coupons and enter sweepstakes to win bonus Box Tops for SMS.
The collection bin for clipped Box Tops is in the school office. Send them in with your child or drop the off at open house. Thank you for contributing to SMS!
Kroger Community Rewards
- The Kroger Community Rewards program allows SMS to receive a cash donation based on the percentage of your purchases once you link your Kroger Plus Card to our account: Sashabaw Middle School PTSA
- It's free and easy to set up.
- Enroll today!
Back to School Parties!!! FUN! FUN! FUN!
Student Council
Please contact Mrs. Ludd at meludd@clarkston.k12.mi.us with questions.
"Thank you for your interest in supporting our school and community!"
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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...
Art Club -
Art Club is starting up this year in October and will run through May. It meets about twice a month on select Mondays from 2:30-4:00. During this time, members will experiment with new ideas and utilize a variety of materials to express their artistic self. In addition to the SMS Club Fee there is an additional $5 material fee. There are a finite number of students the club can accommodate, so interested participants must register in October (even if you are unable to attend an October meeting). Registration packets are available from Mrs. Dandurand or online at http://clarkstonartdandurand.weebly.com/art-club.html
Please forward any questions to dmdandurand@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Drama Club
DRAMA CLUB BEGINS MONDAY 9/25/17 in the 7th grade Cafeteria!
We will be meeting on Mondays 2:30-3:50 through December, and Mondays and Wednesdays beginning 1/8/18 until our culminating performance with date TBD in late February/early March.
We will be playing lots of fun games to work on our performance skills! No prior experience necessary. Just come prepared to have fun, laugh, meet new friends, and be willing try some new things! Beginning in January, students wishing to work on a performance must commit to attending regularly at rehearsals.
Staff/Directors: Mrs. Sandy Savoie: slsavoie@clarkston.k12.mi.us, Mr. Howard Andress: hjandress@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Please register online: Drama Club Online Registration
Additional updates will be available on the Drama Club website found on SMS website/Student Life/Clubs: Drama Club Website
Film Club - NEW!!!
The kickoff meeting for Film Club was on Tuesday, September 19th. We will be meeting beginning on October 3rd and then every other Tuesday through the month of May . Each meeting will be in Mrs. Dennis's classroom #409 from 2:40pm until 3:40pm.
Students will be able to create short films and discuss each other's work! This is a space for innovation, creativity, writing, filming, and discussing. All 6th and 7th graders are welcome!
*School club fees apply.
For more information, please contact SMS teacher Allie Dennis: amdennis@clarkston.k12.mi.us
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 Thursdays from 2:45 until 4:00 beginning on October 5th
7th & 8th grade team – will meet on Tuesdays from 2:45 until 4:20 beginning on October17th.
We will be meeting in room 308. Meetings begin in October and continue through May.
Please register online: The online form can be found by following the link on the Club page of the SMS Website.
Registration forms will also be available at our first meeting, or you can email Mr. Andress and he will forward one to you. School club fee applies.
For more information contact SMS staff member and coach Howard Andress hjandress@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Chess Club
For both the beginner and the sophisticated player, the SMS Chess Club welcomes all interested students.
The club will meet on Fridays throughout the school year beginning on Friday, October 20th from 2:40 until 4:00 in LGI-A.
Please register online: The online form can be found by following the link on the Club page of the SMS Website or click here... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13XOoRGivox-qmpB0qvXtqbCbwOXoFTb517y0A8WOHYk/viewform?edit_requested=true
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Future Problem Solvers
Future Problem Solving is a highly rigorous academic competition that involves research, teamwork and writing. In each round of the competition, students research a topic extensively and then, given a futuristic scenario, they work in teams of four applying their creative and critical thinking skills to a 6-step problem solving process in order to complete an 11-page booklet. This year’s practice problems and State Bowl qualifying topics include: Spread of Infectious Disease, Toxic Materials, Disorders, and Cloud Storage.
Does this sound like something your child might excel at and be interested in? Does your child possess the following skills and characteristics?
Maintains good grades in all subjects
Is a strong researcher and fluent writer
Is interested in global issues and the world of the future
Is focused and manages time well
Is a critical and creative thinker
Is a strong team member
Is an active participant in discussions
Is able to make up work missed when FPS meets
If these qualities describe your child and he/she would like to give FPS a try, have your child listen to announcements and pick up an application in the main office at SMS in early October. If your child is selected, Future Problem Solvers will begin meeting two half days during the last two weeks of October . . . also twice in November, January and February (during the school day). You can contact Mrs. Susan Banworth (FPS coach and 7th grade social studies teacher) at slbanworth@clarkston.k12.mi.us for more information.
SMS - Ski and Snowboard Club
Religious Diversity Journeys
Seventh graders at SMS will have the opportunity to apply for the opportunity to be a part of RDJ this year. Applications will be available the last week in September through our World History 7 classrooms. Contact our RDJ Coordinator at SMS, Sue Wilson (sawilson@clarkston.k12.mi.us) if you have any questions.
Jr. Optimist Club
Meeting Schedule: (meetings will be in room 403 from, 2:30-3:30)
October: 19th
November: 2, 16, 30
December: 14
January: 11, 25
February: 8, 22
March: 8, 22
April: 19th last meeting
SMS Girl's Basketball - Underway
SMS Boy's Football - Underway
Community Ed - Cross Country - Underway
SMS Sports & Community Ed
Coming Winter SMS..
BASKETBALL
7th Grade Boys
VOLLEYBALL
7th Grade Girls
WRESTLING
7th Grade Boys (6th Grade Conditioning)
Coming Spring SMS...
TRACK 6th and 7th Grade Boys and Girls
Link to Athletic forms... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vYgw_mDntYsg9RruZEITECFViA9Xg45tIMOt7Xtm7rM/viewform?edit_requested=true
Lunch - Online 1) Money to School 2) Reduced/free lunch and 3) the Menu (click each link below) ...
- Money for your student's account may also be brought to school - cash or check payable to SMS.
- Reduced and/or Free Lunch students may also qualify for Blessings in a Basket. This provides food for 3-meals per day on weekends. Please contact arhoffman@clarkston.k12.mi.us to be included.
YEARBOOK FOR 2017-2018 - Order ASAP for special deal on icons!
Attention SMS Families! Now is the time to order your 2017 - 2018 yearbook! Get 4 FREE ICONS when you personalize your yearbook before September 29!!
On October 1, the price for each icon will be $4.
How do you order? Visit the Josten's Website or click here to order!
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 Amanda Hoffman at arhoffman@clarkston.k12.mi.us or at 248.623.4206.
Administration, Counseling and Board of Education
Administration
Ms. Liz Walker, Principal emwalker@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Mr. John Bennink, Assistant Principal jsbennink@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Ms. Amanda Hoffman, Dean of Students arhoffman@clarkston.k12.mi.us
SMS Counseling
Mrs. Jamie Graves, Counselor for A – G students jjgraves@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Ms. Amy Wade-Tiffner, Counselor for H - M students amwade@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Mr. Damon Rocho, Counselor for N – Z students dlrocho@clarkston.k12.mi.us
Board of Education 2017-2018
Elizabeth Egan, President
Kelli Horst, Vice President
Gregory Need, Treasurer
Stephen J. Hyer, Secretary
Susan Boatman, Trustee
Andrea Catalina, Trustee
Cheryl McGinnis, Trustee
Central Office Administration
Dr. Rod Rock, Superintendent
Mr. Shawn Ryan, Deputy Superintendent
Mr. John Lucido, Director Human Resources
Mrs. Kathy Christopher, Director Special Education
Ms. Mary Beth Rogers, Executive Director Business Services
The Mission of Clarkston Community Schools is to Cultivate Thinkers, Learners, and Positive Contributors to a Global Society.
The Clarkston Community Schools, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, states that it is the policy of the Clarkston Community School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry, age, gender, marital status, disability, height, weight, and/or any other legally protected characteristic, be discriminated against, excluded from participation, in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which the Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
If any person believes that the Clarkston Community School District or any part of the school organization is guilty of discrimination as noted above, he/she may bring forward a complaint which should be referred to as an grievance to the following public officials: Deputy Superintendent (Section 504 Coordinator).
Clarkston Community Schools
6389 Clarkston Road
Clarkston, MI 48346
(All other inquiries related to discrimination)
Mr. John Lucido, Executive Director of Human Resources
Clarkston Community Schools, 6389 Clarkston Road, Clarkston, MI 48346