SHMS e-News
Friday, June 10, 2022
Dear SHMS Families:
Yesterday we held the first senior clap out at SHMS. It was great seeing the seniors back in our building. There was a lot of cheering and tears from our teachers, staff, and students. We are so proud of the class of 2022!
We have a great end of the school year planned for next week. We will have the opportunity to celebrate our 8th graders as they cross the bridge to high school. In addition, we are bringing back the all-school 5K. On Wednesday, all students will have the opportunity to run or walk in a 5K that will take place on our school property. This event is for students and staff only. Your child should have brought home a flyer this past Wednesday (see attached flyer). All donations will go towards the Robb Elementary School Memorial Fund, which benefits the victims and families of the tragedy that took place in the Uvalde School District. Donations are voluntary. The SHMS Home & School is supplying water and snacks for after the 5K. Unfortunately, we were not able to plan for a rain date this year, so we are hoping for good weather.
Below are the dates for our events next week:
6/13 8th Grade Dance
6/14 6th Grade Arrowhead Trip; 8th Grade Hershey Trip
6/15 All School 5K (1:30 p.m.)
6/17 8th Grade Bridge Crossing/Last Student Day-11:05 a.m. dismissal
Dr. Chris Matsanka
Congratulations to the Green Roof Solar Panel Power Team!
The team won the Solar Lightening Pitch Video promoting Sustainable Civic Life with Solar Power competition hosted by the Photovoltaic Conference in Philadelphia. The conference features solar power innovations from around the world. The boys won a competition which featured international competitors.
The team demonstrated resourcefulness and creativity by designing and building a mobile charging station for laptops, using everyday, common items.
Team members above:
8th graders: Casper Stockman, Sam McDonough, Andre Fan, Logan Downie, Yuhang Li, and Ricky He
7th graders: Niko Christodouleas and Carter Grunseich
SHMS Music Department
Eblast; Week of June 13
As we enter the last week of school, congratulations to all of our SHMS student musicians and parents for a very memorable and rewarding year. It has been remarkable to see and hear how our student musicians improved and performed throughout the year.
Best of Wishes To Our Graduating 8th Grade Musicians
To our 8th Grade Musicians, we wish you all the very best and look forward to all of your musical endeavors at Strath Haven High School. We know that you will find those experiences very rewarding!
Hidden Hollow – A Huge Success!
The SHMS Musicians enjoyed a day of fun, swimming, and relaxation this past Monday, June 6. It was a wonderful way to say thank you for a year of dedicated music-making in the SHMS music ensembles. Thank you to all of our parent chaperones.
All band and orchestra school instruments, equipment and music need to be returned this week for inventory. If your child would like to sign out an instrument for the summer, please let Mr. Pearlberg know.
Not “Quite Final” Farewell
Finally, this will be the last SHMS Music Department eblast, that I will be authoring. Although I will be here through the end of the 2022 WSSD Summer Music Program, I want to say thank you to all of the WSSD, especially the SHMS music families for all of your support of the music program. We truly have something very special in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District when it comes to music and the arts. I have no doubt that it will continue to thrive for years to come. On a more personal note, this journey over the past 39 years in WSSD has been a honor and a privilege and I will miss all of the current and former students as well as family and community members, and faculty, staff, and administration who have come into my life.
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Music Department
2022 Summer Music Program: June 21th - July 14th, 2022
Come join us for the 2022 WSSD Summer Music Program. The program will be held on the campus of Strath Haven Middle School. The Program is for WSSD students and community members who are interested in making music together!
- Students of WSSD who are in the 3rd through 12th Grade and includes instruction and ensemble experiences for instruments in the band and orchestra, which include: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, Horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, and string bass
- Students in grades 4th through 6th who are interested in singing in choir
- Students who wish to begin to learn a band or orchestra instrument
- Students who wish to continue playing and improving on their instruments through the summer
- High school and adult members of our WSSD Community who are interested in playing in a concert band
Experience Music This Summer
- Small group lessons, ensemble experiences scheduled twice each week for 90 - 120 minute sessions including short breaks. Example: Mondays/Wednesdays and Tuesdays/Thursdays
- Jazz Band includes all wind instruments as well as guitar, bass, drum set, and keyboards.
- A variety of music experiences that will also include for all participants - instrument and vocal instruction and ensembles as well as enriching - bucket drumming, ukulele, and steel pan
- Culminating concert on Thursday, July 14 @ 6:30 p.m.
- New This Summer! Extended Day Option:
- The WSSD Summer Music Program will be adhering to all approved safety protocols which will include: social distancing, approved singing and instrumental PPE, length of each session, etc..
Information, brochure, and registration on the WSSD homepage - wssd.org
or contact
Mr. Henry Pearlberg - hpearlberg@wssd.org
Congratulations to our GEO Bee Winners!
1st: Jack Davies
2nd: Clark Kerkstra
3rd: Jerry Otieno
Important 8th grade Information
8th Grade Dance
- Arrival- Copples Lane Entrance
- Dismissal- Providence Entrance
- Dance Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- No parents are allowed into the dance that evening
- Students must have bought ticket to attend dance
Q: Do students need to be present at school on the day of the dance?
A: Yes.
Q: If you leave the dance early, are you allowed back in?
A: No. Students need to leave with an adult.
Hershey Park Trip
Q: Where do we report the morning of Hershey?
A: All 8th graders will need to report to the gym.
Q: Are backpacks allowed?
A: Yes, backpacks are allowed but be considerate of the size bag you bring. They will be checked before you enter the park
Q: Is outside food allowed?
A: Yes, students are allowed to bring outside food due to allergy or ingredient restrictions. Food needs to be in a lunchbox sized container.
Q: Can students bring cash?
A: Yes students can bring cash, however Hershey Park is all cashless. Cash will need to be converted to a gift card before purchasing anything in the park.
Q: Can students switch buses?
No. Bus lists are finalized. Teachers will have a list of each student who should be on each bus.
Q: Will students have to stay with a teacher while at the park?
A: No, students are not required to stay with a teacher once you enter the park. However, students will be responsible to follow the park's rules and regulations. School rules will be overridden once on park grounds.
Q: Are students allowed to use the water park?
A: Yes. If students choose to use the water park, they should have a change of clothes, towel, and keep track of their belongings. Again students are not supervised by teachers when in the park.
Q: What time do students leave Hershey Park?
A: Students must report back to the buses by 4:00 p.m. to leave at 4:30 p.m. sharp!
Q: When will students get back to SHMS?
A: Depending on traffic, students should hope to return to the school no later than 6:30 p.m.
FAQs For SHMS 8th Grade Bridge Crossing & Awards Ceremony
JUNE 17, 2022
Q:What time does Bridge Crossing Start?
A: 9:00am
Q: Where is the assembly held?
A: High School auditorium
Q:Where can parents park?
A: Lower Parking lot- Copples Lane
Q: What time should parents arrive?
A:8:30am
Q: Are all parents welcome to join the ceremony in the HS auditorium?
A: Seating is limited for our students and staff. Only, parents and close family members of award winners will be allowed to attend the ceremony at the high school auditorium.
Q: Where do parents line up for Bridge Crossing?
A: High school side of the bridge
Q: What happens in the event of rain?
A: Bridge Crossing will take place rain or shine
Q: How long does the ceremony last?
A: Ceremony ends at approximately 10:45 a.m.
Q: Are students allowed to leave after the assembly?
A: Yes, students are allowed to leave after the assembly. However, parents need to sign out their child at the middle school office. Otherwise, students are dismissed at 11:05am.
Q: How do I know if my child is receiving an award?
A: A team leader or school counselor will directly notify parents via phone or email.
Q: What is the dress code for students?
A: Students should wear their Panther Pride (black shirt) t-shirt.