Stingray Scoop
Storm Grove Middle School
September 2020
Welcome back, Stingrays!
We are ecstatic to finally see our students every day again, whether on campus, virtually, or transitionally.
Storm Grove is now a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) school. We are thriving to lead the district to provide our students with real-world, project-based activities in all of our subject areas.
Mr. Harris’ drama class started us off on the right foot by challenging his students to build a pyramid with only a rubber band and string. The students had to problem solve the forces that stand in their way, such as tension and friction. See the pictures below!
When students are in the classroom, hallways, and courtyard, they must wear a mask. This includes going to lunch. Stairwells and hallways are now one-way to avoid congestion. Please encourage your students to follow the arrows in the hallways.
Students who participated in the summer reading challenge must turn in their Bingo cards to their language Arts teacher or Mrs. Sessoms in the library by September 30.
We are pleased to announce that Storm Grove earned a first-place finish among all middle schools in the STATE in the Florida Department of Education’s “BOOK Your Trip! Adventure Awaits” contest! Schools were encouraged to spread the love of reading and the importance of literacy. We are so proud of our Stingrays!
Sincerely,
Ms. Bieber
Principal
Anne Bieber
Email: Anne.Bieber@indianriverschools.org
Phone: 772-564-6325
Twitter: @StingrayFever
SGMS is a STEAM School
Full STEAM Ahead!
SGMS Stingrays are known for being leaders in our District, and the 2020-2021 year is no exception. We are striving towards official designation as a STEAM school! Our students will be challenged in the real world, so we will prepare them with learning using project-based activities to make real-world connections in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. A real world, hands-on approach fosters student creativity and enhances critical thinking. Our teachers and students are collaborating to create new learning opportunities that promote skills that will help our Stingrays in high school and beyond. Students will engage in creating small projects as well as work on larger pieces such as science and engineering fair projects. Our STEAM Fair in December and Stingray STEAMCase in April will present opportunities for students to showcase their work with the school and community.
We are also developing partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to support our students in the classroom and after school. If your business or organization would like to get involved with our STEAM program, please reach out to our facilitators, Mrs. Duchemin, Ms. Petrosky, or Mrs. Martinelli.
Follow Us on Social Media!
Twitter: @StormGroveFever
Facebook: @StormGroveMiddleSchool
Car Loop
As a reminder, when dropping off or picking up students in the car loop, please pull all way the forward to allow more cars behind you. Also, please watch for students crossing the crosswalk.
Guidance Cove
Welcome to the 2020/2021 School Year! We are excited to kick off this new school year with some important information.
Guidance has moved! We are now located across from Building 5. If you would like to speak with your counselor, please let your teacher know. Due to social distancing, we have asked teachers to call Ms. Patti before sending you to Guidance to ensure we are below capacity.
We want to encourage you to find a system that works for you to stay organized! It’s a new school year; a fresh start! Some suggestions for staying organized are:
1. Buy a planner – keep track of daily homework and activities!
2. You can color code your folders! It’s ok if you have already bought folders or notebooks for your classes. Just get a marker and put a green or blue dot at the top to help you remember what notebook you need on what day.
3. Set a schedule for homework time at home. Set a timer and commit to working during the same time daily. The good news is, since we are on the block schedule, you have two nights instead of one to complete homework! Stay on top of your work. Now is the best time to develop healthy school habits!
Most importantly, you matter! Regardless of your learning option, you are a stingray and we care about you. We are here for you and want you to reach out. If you are on campus, we can meet with you in person. For those completing one of our virtual options, we are available by phone, email, and video conferencing. We will also send out information through our monthly newsletter, Canvas course, and Remind app. We are here to help!
Emergency Drills
To keep our students and staff safe, Strom Grove Middle School will participate in all required drills throughout the school year. The goal is to ensure that students understand all process and procedures in the event of an emergency.
If you have any questions, call Chris Taylor at 564-6385.
New Teachers and Staff
Storm Grove is excited to welcome our new Stingray teachers and staff!
Jessica Cathcart
Kelley Dembski
Jennifer Freeland
Hillary Lange
Ciara Mills
Ellen Nevins
Jeanmarie O’Shea
Lindsey Sclafani
Glenda Scott
Chris Taylor
School Day Supervision
Parents, school supervision begins at 7:30 and ends at 3:15. Please ensure that your children are not dropped off before 7:30 and are picked up no later than 3:15.
New Block Bell Schedule
For the 2020-21 school year, Storm Grove will be on a block schedule. Students should be in class no later than 7:55. Every other day, students will rotate their classes. The rotation days are listed on the SGMS website under calendar.
Code of Conduct
We are asking all parents to review the 2020-21 Student Code of Conduct with their student. New this year, families can electronically sign the form in the FOCUS Portal by clicking the link below, signing into FOCUS and going to the FORMS Tab:
https://sdirc.focusschoolsoftware.com/focus
Please visit the link below to access the Code of Conduct and the overview:
https://www.indianriverschools.org/students_families/code_of_conduct
Athletic Press Box
We are excited to announce that soccer and volleyball tryouts are scheduled for September 29th. Please return your EL2 and EL3 to Coach Coppola.
Coach John Coppola
Athletic Director
772-564-6341
Parent Teacher Student Association
Did you know that the PTA/PTSA is the largest non-profit volunteer child advocacy organization in the country? At SGMS the PTSA works with our parents, students, teachers and staff on various programs and activities throughout the school year. Last year we provided ornaments for PBS at the holidays, hosted Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, had our first Skate Party, and provided volunteers for activities and events. Over the summer, the PTSA purchased the newly installed water bottle filling station in the cafeteria.
We hope that you will consider joining and supporting the PTSA this school year. For your convenience we have provided you the attached membership form. Simply print out and follow the included directions. If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact us at stormgroveptsa@gmail.com.
Your SGMS PTSA Executive Board
Club Rush
Storm Grove will have our Club Rush the week of September 29 in the Cafeteria during lunches.
Come find out about the many clubs, sports, and group activities to get involved with on campus! Tables will be set up in the cafeteria with information, flyers, and sign-up sheets.
“Stop waiting for things to happen. Go out and MAKE them happen!”
Upcoming Dates
September 28 – No School
September 29 – October 2 – Soccer and Volleyball tryouts
September 29 - October 2 - Club Rush
October 15 - School Advisory Council Meeting
October 30 – No School