SMS Trojan News
Principal's Corner
February 3rd - February 7th
Great job to everyone for their contributions to the Winter Fundraiser! Students earned almost $6,000 to greatly offset the cost of our end-of-year activities. This will go a long ways to put toward some really fun things that honor the hard work of students at the end of the year.
Heading into our second week of the new semester, schedules are settled and we are wanting to reset expectations for schoolwide behavior. Please see this link here for the lesson that we shared this past week and will be challenging students with. Our new 6-week SMART Goal has a classwide competition where grade levels will challenge each other to see who can be the most respectful during our lunchtimes. Encourage your student to be a part of their grade-level efforts to earn free Shave Ice!
As a parent/guardian, there are a few ways you can get involved with South. We have our Parent Advisory Council that meets once-a-month (and is happening this week - see below), our PTSA that also meets once-a-month with various other activities throughout the month, and also Board meetings. We'll always try to post those dates, times, and locations in the "Important Dates" section below.
Lastly, our wonderful Music Department is hosting our monthly Dance this Friday. Make sure to come on out and have some fun! Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and pick-up is at 6:45 p.m. It's a perfect time for you to drop your kid(s) off and have a quick date night!
Have an awesome week, South!
Grace and Peace,
Mr. Sale
Important Dates
- February 6th - Parent Advisory Council (District Office, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.)
- February 7th - February Dance (SMS, 5:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.)
- February 11th - School Board Meeting (District Office, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
- February 14th - Shave Ice/Hot Cocoa for sale (All lunches)
- February 21st - February PTSA (Mr. Sale's Office, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.)
- February 26th - February Student of the Month Lunch (Mr. Sale's Office (12:30 - 1:00 p.m.)
Nurse's Notes - February
Cold and Flu season is well under way, and it is important that we work together to keep our children healthy. Viruses spread easily among children. You can help prevent the spread of illness and flu or help your child get better if he/she does get sick by following a few simple steps:
- You and your child could benefit from getting a flu shot
- Remind your child to cover his/her nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of the tissue immediately
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
- Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and shared items at least once a day
- Ensure that bathrooms are stocked with soap, hand towels and tissues
- Teach your child not to touch his/her mouth, nose and eyes
- If your child is sick and has a fever, keep him/her at home to prevent the spread of illness to others (including staying home until fever free without the use of medication)
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Common symptoms of flu include: high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, exhaustion, and dry cough. Additionally, children often exhibit other flu symptoms that are rare in adults, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If your child develops symptoms and you are concerned that they might have the flu, call your doctor early, especially if they have a chronic disease (eg.asthma). The physician may prescribe an antiviral medication, which can help lessen the duration of the virus and reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia. To be effective, antiviral medication should be taken within 12-48 hours after flu symptoms begin.
Remember, Immunization Exclusion Day is Wednesday, February 19, 2020
If your child is missing any school required immunizations, or if you have not shared the up-dated record with the school, please do so as soon as possible, so that they won’t miss school.
Martha Covrig, RN BSN, MPH, GP#7 District Nurse (Flu information adapted from
the National Association of School Nurses and Center for Disease Control)
South Middle School
Email: bsale@grantspass.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.grantspass.k12.or.us/Subsite08
Location: South Middle School, West Harbeck Road, Grants Pass, OR, USA
Phone: 541-474-5750
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMSTrojans/