Stewart Middle School Newsletter
April 2022
PARA VER ESTE BOLETÍN EN ESPAÑOL
HAPPY SPRING!
Even though we’ve seen some of the coldest temperatures of this season since the official beginning of spring, we're still excited that warmer weather, flowers blooming, and friends and families gathering outside is just around the corner!
There are a few pieces of particularly important information that we want to share with you so that you may plan accordingly. Please take careful note of the amended April calendar and the dates for the upcoming district wide assessments.
If you need any help with your learner and we may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of the Administrative Team.
Wishing you a peaceful and restful spring break!
ADMINISTRATIVE CORNER
REPORT CARD CONFERENCES 4/7 & 4/8
Report card conferences are April 7th & 8th from 12:45 - 3:15, and we invite you to sign up for a meeting with your child's teacher. We look forward to connecting with parents/families both virtually and in-person to discuss your learner’s progress. We want this year's conferences to be an opportunity for you to share your child’s learning experiences with us, to review current standards and skills classes are developing and how your child is acclimating to new learnings.
Please using the link found on the school website and Facebook. Conferences will be held via the Google Meet platform and in person. The sign-up site will be closed on Friday, April 1st, to allow us time to prepare the meeting invites.
To access your child’s report card, please log into the Home Access Center. If you do not have your password, the directions have been posted on the school’s website.
Please reach out to a member of the admin team at any time if you have any questions.
SCHOOL PRIDE T-SHIRTS ON SALE DURING CONFERENCES
$8-Youth, $10 Adult -
Cash Only
VIDEOS FOR HOW TO USE HOME ACCESS
Home Access is the place for you to check your student's final grades at the end of the marking period. Below is a series of videos for both elementary and middle/high school parents to view how to use Home Access.
Elementary:
English Video: https://youtu.be/_yZNeWMISpg
Spanish Video: https://youtu.be/xEXw7U3kvGk
GENERAL INFORMATION CORNER
STATE WIDE TESTING DATES AND RELATED INFORMATION
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires all school districts to administer WIDA Access, Keystone Exams, and the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) for specific grade levels or courses. As a result, the Norristown Area School District will administer these assessments during the state-established testing windows listed below. We will be working on specific dates and times in the coming months. Also, this is the first year ALL PSSA exams will be completed electronically. We have been practicing all year using our CDT exams so our students will be familiar with this process and platform.
If you have any questions or desire to have your student opt out of the assessments, you should contact Dr. Culbreath or Mr. O’Donoghue. Students may only be exempt from taking the exams if, upon inspection of the current assessment, parents/guardians find the test conflicting with their religious beliefs.
As a reminder, beginning with the Class of 2023, proficiency on the Keystone Exams is one of the graduation pathways under Act 158.
For your reference, information about assessments is provided by PDE and found here. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding state assessment administration, please contact Mr. O’Donoghue
Recently, we held a Math and PSSA Nite through zoom. Click HERE to access a PDF of math games you can play with a deck of cards, and click below for helpful test-taking tips.
Below you can also find a link to watch the PSSA Nite Presentation video that is in both English and Spanish!
SMS NEEDS SCHOOL INFLUENCERS
You are your learner's first teacher and know them better than anyone else. Please use your expertise to help shape a new and re-imagined SMS. Consider working in our building to make a difference. Please complete the free clearances so that you may volunteer in SMS or another school within our district. Click on the link below for more information about how you can become a volunteer.
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT CORNER
SUMMER OPPORTUNITY! REGISTER IMMEDIATELY!
NASD's Level Up: Summer Program is an opportunity for learners to build skills and advance their learning.
Registration is on a first come first serve basis, please register immediately if you are interested.
Dates: Tuesday, July 5 - Thursday, July 28, 2022 (Monday - Thursday of each week)
Program Hours:
Grades K-4 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Grades 5-12 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
VIEW THE FLYERS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION & THE REGISTRATION LINK
BINGO MAY 20!
Mark your calendars! More information to come!
Anyone interested in helping to plan this event, please email kaddisonwilliams@nasd.k12.pa.us
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT SMS
STEAM CLUB
The Stewart STEAM Club students are so very humbled by the generous donation from the Norristown Men of Excellence (pictured above and in the google meet on the screen behind the students). The STEAM Club (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) is currently comprised of 55 students and growing. They are working in the areas of graphic design (wearing, in the picture, the sweatshirts they will be making), jewelry making, board games, robotics, wood & metal design, and designing derby cars. Please reach out to Ms. Flood or Dr. Culbreath if you'd like to be involved and help with our STEAM projects. We welcome your support!
RESOURCES CORNER
FREE ONLINE TUTORING
WEBSITE IS LINKED BELOW
KEEP IN TOUCH
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewartnasd/
Email: camilculbreath@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/stewart
Location: 1315 West Marshall Street, Norristown, PA, USA
Phone: 610.275.6870
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stewart-Middle-School-890744050996347/
Twitter: @StewartMiddle