SMS Weekly Update
3.22.24
Message from the Principal
We had a great week with our students and truly hope each of you have the best Spring Break together with loved ones. We look forward to seeing our students back on Monday, April 1st. Take care!
Important Upcoming Dates
March 25th-29th, Spring Break, no school for students
April 1st, students return to school from break
April 3rd, Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
April 5th, last day of 3rd quarter, half day of school for students (dismissal at 11am)
April 8th, first day of 4th quarter
April 9th, PSAT for 8th graders only, virtual learning day for 6th and 7th graders (more info to come)
April 11th, MSTEP Testing begins for all grades
April 12th, 8th grade Stevenson Legacy applications due to Counseling Office
April 15th, quarter 3 reports cards available to view on Parent Connect
April 16th, MSTEP Testing continues for all grades
PERFECT ATTENDANCE FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH
Stevenson Legacy Application
Any 8th grade students who are interested in applying for the Stevenson Legacy Award must pick up their application in the counseling office. All applications must be turned in to the counseling office by 4/12/24 to be considered.
Family Night was a Great Success!
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Family Night at Stevenson in support of March being National Reading Month! We had a lot of great times reading together, shopping at the book fair, and hearing from our Westland Library representative. Stay tuned for our next family event that will be scheduled closer to the end of the school year. We look forward to see you all there!
NJHS Induction Ceremony
This week we were able to welcome our newest members into the National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations to all of our students. We are so proud of you!
Spring Sports are Starting Soon!
All interested students must have a physical on file before the first day of practice/tryouts (whichever is first).
Girls' Soccer Google Classroom
If you are interested in joining the Girls' Soccer team, please join this Google Classroom: eb66i6u
Girls Track Informational meeting in media center 3:00-3:30 on 4/4/24.
RAPS Weekly Focus for April
Pizza With the Principal
Second Step Update - 3/22
This week during our Second Step time, we did the sixth and final lesson in our Thoughts, Feelings & Emotions Unit.
6th Grade - Raising Awareness about Managing Emotions
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child applied what they've learned to promote the benefits of using emotion-management strategies.
Question: Ask your child how they might promote emotion-management strategies and which strategies they'd choose.
7th Grade - Making Better Decisions
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child shared strategies for how to interrupt unhelpful thoughts and modeled strategies for managing strong emotions.
Question: Ask your child about which strategies they will use to interrupt unhelpful thoughts.
8th Grade - My Stress-Management Plan
Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child completed their own stress-management plan. It will include their own signs of stress, the situations that contribute to their stress, strategies they can use to relieve stress, and people they can reach out to for help or support.
Question: Ask your child about their stress-management plan. Talk about the strategies they’ve identified and offer your support if you see them displaying any signs of stress.
Inside the Classroom
Discover Your Path- 8th Grade Field Trip
Our 8th graders went on a field trip this week to the Hype Recreation Center and had a great experience!
World Studies Classes
7th grade World Studies students mapped cities along the Great Wall using Ozobots. They used coding to show the location of the wall as well as areas where invaders may have attacked.
STEM Class
Ms. Morgan's Science and Engineering elective class made catapults in a March Madness Challenge. The goal was to make as many baskets as they could with their catapult.
6th Grade Science
Mrs. Montagano’s class had fun learning about waves while using slinkies.
6th Grade Mount Everest Presentations
Students from Mrs. Brown’s class were working in groups on their Mt. Everest presentations they are sharing with their peers.
Future Educators
The Future Educators worked with Ms. Amanda to create A Social Emotional Periodic Table for our school.
Choir
Our amazing choir group received a division II rating this week at their competition, They were only 6 points away from a division I! The students had a really great experience. Congratulations!
Chess Club
Check out pictures from our Chess Club that runs every Thursday after school.
8th Grade Dance Information and Agreement Form
Please view the attached pdf to read the expectations and agreement that needs to be signed for your child to attend the 8th grade dance in May. Thank you!
5th Grade Transition Night
Do you know any families with a 5th grade student? Feel free to share this information so they don't miss the events at each middle school to welcome the incoming families!
March Events
National Women’s History Month, March
Women's History Month is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It is celebrated each March and is a time to reflect on the significant roles women have played in shaping society, culture, politics and various fields of work. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, including the United States, the UK, Australia and Canada. In the United States, Women's History Month was first officially recognized in 1987, following a petition by the National Women's History Project. During Women's History Month, various events and activities are organized to honor the achievements and struggles of women. These can include lectures, exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions and performances that highlight women's contributions in various domains. Additionally, it is a time to raise awareness about contemporary women's issues and advocate for gender equality.
https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month
https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/womens-history-month/
Ramadan, March 10-April 9, 2024
Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holiday in which Muslims around the world engage in fasting and spiritual reflection. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and its exact start date varies year-to-year as it is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. Those who are physically and mentally able to do so, fast from dawn until sunset each day during Ramadan, refraining from food, drinks, smoking, and intimacy during daylight hours. The fast is broken each night with a meal called ifṭār, which is often shared with friends and family. In addition to the physical act of fasting, Ramadan is also a time for increased spiritual reflection, prayer and charitable acts. Ramadan is celebrated by engaging in various spiritual practices, such as reading the Qurʾān, performing additional prayers (called tawarīḥ) and giving to charity. The celebration of Ramadan culminates in a holiday called Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast. On this day, celebrants gather in large groups to perform special Eid prayers and celebrate with food, gifts and new clothes.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ramadan
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2024
St. Patrick's Day is an annual cultural and religious holiday that celebrates the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. It is observed on March 17, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick. Originally a religious feast day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and heritage. It is widely celebrated by people of Irish descent and those who simply enjoy joining in the festivities. The holiday is marked with various customs and traditions including parades, traditional Irish music and dance, consumption of Irish food and drink, social gatherings where people wear green attire, and decorating with shamrocks. While St. Patrick's Day is a festive occasion, it is important to remember the cultural and historical significance of the holiday, as well as show respect for Irish traditions and customs. It is a time to honor Irish heritage and the contributions of Irish immigrants to various countries around the globe.
https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day
Purim, March 23-March 24, 2024
Purim is a festive Jewish holiday celebrated annually in late February or early March. It commemorates the events recorded in the biblical Book of Esther. This holiday is celebrated by Jews around the world, especially those of Persian descent. It is celebrated by reading the Book of Esther, dressing up in costumes, participating in parades or carnivals, feating, and exchanging food and gifts. Special pastries called "hamantaschen," are typically filled with fruit or poppy seeds, and are eaten during the holiday.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purim
https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/645309/jewish/What-Is-Purim.htm
Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. It falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday and is celebrated by Christians around the world. The name "Palm Sunday" comes from the practice of people waving and laying palm branches on the ground to welcome Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. This act symbolizes Jesus' humble entry and the crowd's recognition of him as the Messiah. The celebration typically begins with a special church service where palm branches are distributed to the congregation. Processions may also take place, with participants carrying palm branches and singing hymns. The priest or minister usually reads Bible passages recounting Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Palm-Sunday
Holi, March 25, 2024
Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated on the full moon day of Phalguna, usually falling in February or March. It is also known as the "Festival of Colors" or the "Festival of Love" emphasizing joy, love and the victory of good over evil. Holi is celebrated by Hindus around the world, as well as by communities of Indian origin in other countries. The festival is characterized by vibrant colors, music, dance and joyous celebrations. People gather in public spaces and throw colored powders and water at each other, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the blossoming of love and happiness. In addition to the playful color-throwing, Holi also involves feasting, singing traditional songs, and enjoying sweets and other festive foods.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Holi
https://www.britannica.com/story/holi-festival-of-colors
Good Friday, March 29, 2024
Good Friday is a Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many churches hold special services, often in the afternoon or evening, where the Passion of Christ is read or enacted. Sermons and hymns focusing on Jesus' crucifixion are also prominent. It is a time for believers to remember the immense love and forgiveness shown by Jesus by his willing sacrifice. For some, the observance of Good Friday may also include acts of fasting or abstinence from certain activities or luxuries as a sign of mourning and remembrance. It is considered a day of somber reflection, humility, and gratitude for Christians as they remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus, anticipating his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Friday
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Good-Friday
Easter, March 31, 2024
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of new beginnings that it represents. It is one of the most important events in the Christian faith and is observed by Christians worldwide. The celebration of Easter typically involves attending church services, where the resurrection story is told, hymns are sung and prayers are offered. Beyond the religious aspect, Easter has been embraced as a cultural holiday by people from diverse backgrounds. The Holiday is often associated with various traditions and customs such as Easter egg hunts, where children search for chocolate or colored eggs hidden in outdoor or indoor settings. Decorating eggs, exchanging Easter baskets and gathering for family meals are also common practices. Special dishes, such as roast lamb or ham and hot cross buns are also commonly enjoyed.
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter
Early College
Wayne-Westland Early College provides students an opportunity to simultaneously complete the high school diploma and an associate degree at no cost to families. To learn more, visit www.wwcsd.net/earlycollege
Stevenson Staff GEM Award
Do you know of a staff member at Stevenson Middle School that is consistently Going the Extra Mile (GEM) for your child? Please take a moment to nominate them for our Stevenson GEM award. They will be put into a monthly drawing for a prize for their hard work to make Stevenson such a great place for our students.
Order Your Yearbook Today!
IRS Update
The Internal Revenue Service wants to share the following information with families.
Child Tax Credit (CTC): The CTC is a credit that may reduce your tax by as much as $2,000 for each child who qualifies you for the credit. To qualify, the child must be a U.S. citizen under age 17, have a Social Security number, be claimed as a dependent on the taxpayer's tax return, and more. Use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to determine eligibility: Does My Child/Dependent Qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents? For more information, please see: Child Tax Credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
Other Dependent Credit (ODC): The ODC is a credit that may reduce your tax by as much as $500 for each eligible dependent. The person is claimed as a dependent on your return; the person can’t be used by you to claim the CTC or Additional CTC; the person was a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien. Again, use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to determine eligibility: Does My Child/Dependent Qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents?
Note: The credit amount for family’s CTC or ODC may be reduced if their modified adjusted gross income (AGI) is more than $400,000 for married filing jointly filing status or $200,000 for all other filing statuses.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): One refundable tax credit for moderate- and low-income families is the Earned Income Tax Credit. The IRS estimates there are millions of workers who qualify but don't claim the EITC - missing out on thousands of dollars every year. The EITC is as much as $3,995 when claiming one child, $6,604 when claiming two children, and $7,430 when claiming three or more children. Use the EITC Assistant to learn if you're eligible for the tax credit. For more detailed information, see Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.
Note: Adjusted gross income limits are used to qualify families for EITC.
Child and Dependent Care Credit: Taxpayers who paid someone to care for their child, spouse, or dependent so they can work, be a full-time student, or look for work may be able to reduce their tax by claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit. The total expenses that you may use to calculate the credit may not be more than $3,000 (for one qualifying individual) or $6,000 (for two or more qualifying individuals). Use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool: Am I Eligible to Claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit? For more information, please see: Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses or Topic no. 602, Child and dependent care credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).
Attendance Update
Regular attendance is crucial for your child's academic success. Please make every effort to ensure your child attends school on time every day and stays throughout the whole day. Consistent attendance throughout the school day allows your child to engage in learning and maximize their educational opportunities fully.
Illness: If your child is not feeling well and cannot attend school, please notify us immediately. Students who are ill should not attend school to prevent the spread of illness to others.
Excused Absences: We understand that there may be instances when your child needs to be absent due to illness, medical appointments, family emergencies, or other legitimate reasons. Please notify the school in advance whenever possible to classify the absence as excused.
Unexcused Absences: Unexcused absences negatively impact your child's education. Absences without valid reasons will be considered unexcused, and appropriate actions may be taken per district policy.
Timely reporting of absences helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensures that your child's absence is properly documented. Absences must be reported within 24 hours.
There are two convenient methods for reporting your child's absence to facilitate efficient communication and accurate attendance records.
You can notify your child's school through the dedicated attendance line. Please leave a detailed message stating your child's name, grade, and reason for absence.
You can report absences directly through MiStar, our secure online portal for student information. MiStar provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to submit absences.
Thank you for your ongoing support in creating a positive and productive learning environment for all our students.
Family Resource Center Information
Mental Health Support
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If you ever have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of us directly at domank@wwcsd.net (Student Last Names: Br-Me) or phillipsae@wwcsd.net (Student Last Names: A-Bo & Mi-Z).
Sincerely,
Mrs. Doman and Ms. Phillips
Last Names A-Bo & Mi-Z- Ms. Reinink, reininkk@wwcsd.net
Last Names Br-Me- Mrs. Shecter, shecterc@wwcsd.net