South Middle School
Est. 1932...The Spartan tradition continues
May 2021
South Middle School Families,
Looking back to the August 2020 South Newsletter, the following were focus areas:
A commitment to doing our very best and looking forward to having most of our students back at school
Establishing and maintaining strong and meaningful relationships as the foundation of teaching and learning
Doing everything within our control to keep our students, staff, and families safe and healthy
In spite of the numerous challenges this school year, I believe we remained focused on those areas, thus making it a successful school year. Compared to other parts of the country with schools holding distance learning for most of the school year, we were able to have in-person learning for almost the entire school year and held most activities.
I said it last year, but it is appropriate once again…”It’s the conclusion of another school year, but one like no other.” But unlike last year, we will have the opportunity to hold most of our end-of-the-year activities and events. Through our challenges, I know we will be better moving forward.
As we close out the 2020-2021 school year, I am optimistic and hoping it is ‘business as usual’ when we come back to school in August. Realistically, there are still many variables to monitor over the summer. Nonetheless, we are planning and looking forward to the start of another school year at South Middle School on August 25th. Until then, stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joel Schleicher, Principal
South Yearbooks
Yearbooks that were pre-ordered will be distributed on Tuesday, May 25, in the PM Prime Time. Students who would like to purchase a yearbook may still do so. If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook, please stop by the South office. The cost will be $20.
Middle School Summer School Information
Summer Reading Opportunities
While some look forward to summer activities such as visiting the lake and barbecues, as a vegetarian who quickly burns in the sun, I, instead, look forward to reading way past my bedtime and tackling a few of my TBR (to be read) piles. No matter where you or your child/children fall on this summer activity spectrum, it is important to integrate some reading into summer. Some studies indicate that reading as few as four to six books over the summer can prevent the dreaded “summer slide” or the summer decline in reading achievement scores.
Summer reading opportunities abound; I have included a few suggestions/opportunities below and more can be found on the webpage of South’s Library Media Center.
South’s rising seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to check out South Library books for summer reading. To be eligible to check out books for summer use, students need to be in good standing with the library, including no missing books or unpaid fees, and must sign, along with parents/guardians, and the summer book checkout contract, which accepts responsibility for all books checked out for summer reading. The summer book checkout contract can be found below.
The Little Red Reading Bus is another great way to obtain summer reading materials. The Little Red Reading Bus makes regular weekly stops at local parks throughout the summer, including some evening stops. The schedule and other information can be found at the above link.
Finally, the newly renovated Grand Forks Public Library offers a plethora of reading materials and fun summer activities. Tails and Tales is the theme of this summer’s reading program. Participants of any age (hint, hint parents/guardians) can earn prizes just for keeping track of their summer reading. Registration opens on June 1st, please visit the website of the Grand Forks Public Library for further information.
Additional summer reading opportunities/suggestions can be found on South’s Library Media Center webpage. Resources and opportunities will continue to be added throughout the summer.
Please email me Aimee Rogers, South Library Media Specialist, at arogers300@mygfschools.org if I can assist you or your child/children with book or reading needs in the summer, fall, winter or spring!
Registration for 2021-2022
How do I get started?
If you have not already done so, you will need to create a PowerSchool Single Sign-On Account that links all your school-age children to the same account. If you need the information to set up your account, please contact the school office.
Visit https://grand-forks.ps.state.nd.us/public/ and log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal. From the Parent Portal:
Select the student you wish to register along the top
Select the Enrollment/Registration 21-22 Icon on the left side of the screen.
Agree to the terms and conditions
Click Begin Forms
Busing for 2021-2022 School Year
Busing Sign Up In PowerSchool.
For schools that have bus routes, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be able to sign up for regular route busing for the 2021-2022 school year while completing registration on PowerSchool. There is an August 11, 5 p.m. deadline for registration for transportation. Dietrich Bus Service will contact those who sign up in mid-August with specific information. Those who miss the deadline will not be guaranteed immediate ridership. If you complete the signup and require a change to your information at a later date, please contact your respective schools’ administration staff to update any information.
Individuals requesting transportation beyond August 11 will be required to utilize the signup on Grand Forks Public Schools website, which will be active on August 12. Registration using that process will not guarantee immediate ridership.
School Supply Lists
Grand Forks Public Schools will once again use TeacherLists to share 2021-2022 school supply lists information with our families! This free tool allows families to find and shop their student's supply list easily with the convenience of one-click shopping or in-store pickup from several national retailers, including Target and Walmart. If you'd rather complete your shopping in-person, just visit the TeacherLists website to view/print your student's supply list.
Here's a short video on TeacherLists, for those who have questions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVbCZLn4O4U
STUDENTS OF HONOR
Each month, teams select a boy and girl who exemplify the Spartan Code of Honor: Respect Self, Respect Others, Respect School and are positive role models.
Congratulations to the following students for being chosen as our Students of Honor for the months of April and May!
- Auroras 6: Ryne Richau and Sasha Poltavski
- Comets 6: Ryan Schoenberg and Kaylee O'Connor
- Rockets 6: Jeffrey Lang-Fish and Harper Swangstue
- Challenger 7: Chase Bimler and Elina Paneru
- Discovery 7: Tyler Lind and Abbigail Olson
- Explorer 8: William Krump and Berenice Gonzalez Perez
- Voyageur 8: Ryder Burris and Taylor Kilgore
Code of Honor Students – May
- Auroras 6: Kane Widstrup and Kyla Aird
- Comets 6: Cody Wigestrand and Anneliese Duong
- Rockets 6: Josh Kindelspire and Clarissa Sturlaugson
- Challenger 7: Edward Rogers and Cadence Rogers
- Discovery 7: Sajan Gurung and McKenna Gothberg
- Explorer 8: Derek Ulven and Katherine Evans
- Voyageur 8: Hassan Salad and Rylee Nelson
Remote Learners:
6th grade Jasmine Hardersen
7th grade Ahva Gamliel
April Students of Honor
May Students of Honor
South PTO – Thank You’s
Thank you to all of our South parents for your much appreciated help and support throughout the school year.
A very Special Thank You to our South PTO Officers/Committee Members who have consistently provided support and leadership during the 2020-21 school year: Kelly McLeod, Nichole Massey, and Misti Kauffman. Their amazing support, creative energy, and outstanding dedication are all very much appreciated!