Scarborough Middle School
Family Newsletter for 5-13-2022
Hello Scarborough Middle School Families,
Unfortunately, the 6th grade field trips to GMRI next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have been canceled due to staffing issues at GMRI. Doubly unfortunately, there is no rescheduling option, so we will not be going to GMRI this year. As such, 6th graders will be attending all of their classes as scheduled next week.
The pooled testing program that has been underwritten by the Maine Department of Education is coming to a close this week. Knowing that there continues to be a prevalence of COVID in our communities, the state has made a box of 5 at home tests available for each student and staff member in our district. We are distributing those tests in student backpacks today. There is an informational sheet attached.
Respectfully,
Kathy Tirrell, Principal
David Currier, Assistant Principal
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
May 13 - Friday in SMS Cafeteria
May 18 - Early Release Day
- Dismissal Starts at 12:55
- Wednesday, May 25
- 6pm in SHS Auditorium
June 8 - Early Release Day
- Dismissal Starts at 12:55
And.... SAVE THE DATE!
Friday, June 10- 8th Grade CELEBRATION and DANCE!!
Our SMS Daily rotation of A, B, C, D days can be found on our webpage: SMS Monthly Calendar. The District Monthly Calendar has additional information on upcoming events district-wide along with the District School Year Calendar for 2021-22 (PDF) and the Approved 2022-23 School Calendar.
iGun Pro App
It has come to our attention that there are students in our school who have used their phones to download and have used an app called, iGun Pro, that simulates the sound of gunfire. We have worked to address the cases that have been referred to the office. The meetings have involved an educational discussion and parent contact.
In order to provide a safe learning environment for all members of our school community, we ask that you help by reinforcing our message of the importance of school safety and that these apps are not appropriate for use on the school campus or on our district transportation.
If we can be of further assistance to you or to your child, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Detective Royle Parent Presentation 2022
Det. Royle from the Maine State Police Special Investigations and Computer Crimes Unit will discuss current issues affecting children today regarding Smartphones, Cyberbullying, Sexting and Sextortion, Gaming, Online Enticement, Live Streaming, Peer-to-Peer and Social Media.
The current trends these issues present to children, how parents can identify them, some handy tips 'n' tricks and how parents can approach these issues with their children to protect them online.
Join us for Detective Royle presentation of What's Going ON-line? on Wednesday, May 25 at 6pm in the SHS Auditorium.
CURRENT SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION STUDENT DRESSCODE
Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress that are compatible with a safe and respectful school learning environment. Board of Education policy has established the following specific restrictions and requirements for student dress.
- Caps, hats, hoods, or bandanas are not to be worn inside school buildings, unless they serve a specific medical or religious purpose.
- Clothing shall be neat and clean, and appropriate for an educational setting. Revealing apparel (including but not limited to basketball jerseys, tank tops, gym shorts, halter tops, tube tops, tops with spaghetti straps, and very short skirts and shorts) are not allowed. Baggy clothing that could present a safety risk to the student or could be used to conceal weapons or other contraband is not allowed.
- No references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexual activity, or illegal acts are allowed.
- No jewelry or accessories that could pose a safety risk to the student or others will be allowed.
- Footwear must be worn at all times in school and should be appropriate for an educational setting.
Students who come to school dressed inappropriately will be referred to the office, asked to change, or call home for alternate clothing. (Adopted by the Scarborough Board of Education – Policy JICA)
8th Grade Celebration Dance
The 8th Grade Dance Fundraising Committee is looking for monetary donations to help fund the photo booth rental, dance decorations, non-donated food items, and non-donated raffle items for the 8th Grade Celebration dance which is scheduled for June 10th at Scarborough High School.
A Giving Fuel page has been created for families to make monetary donations online at https://scarboroughredstorm.givingfuel.com/8th-grade-celebration-donations, or cash/check donations can be dropped off in the SMS main office to the attention of Rebecca Wandell. (The QR Code also links to the Giving Fuel page.)
The committee will also be looking for raffle items to be donated. Raffle items could include, but are not limited to:
- gift cards
- tickets to events/parks
- Scarborough swag
- themed gift baskets
- games or toys middle school level appropriate
Parents/Guardians who are interested in volunteering can reach out to Rebecca Wandell at rwandell@scarboroughschools.org for more information.
COMMON SENSE MEDIA
On Friday, May 20 at 9am Common Sense Media will hold a live session for caregivers, parents and families. Scarborough Middle School is a Common Sense Media Certified school and we think this would be an informative and important live event if you can attend virtually.
Social media isn't simply a way of life for kids -- it's life itself. To help them keep their online interactions safe, productive, and positive, Common Sense Media offers the most up-to-date research and guidance on social media basics. Join us to learn about the latest apps and websites, and get tips on talking to your kids about sharing, posting, and avoiding digital drama.
BUDGET OUTREACH
The budget development process for FY23 (the 2022-23 school year) is moving forward quickly, with a number of public events scheduled over the next few weeks:
Town Council second reading & budget vote - Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 pm
SCHOOL BUDGET REFERENDUM - Tuesday, June 14, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Budget messages are included in the weekly district-wide newsletter, and information about the FY23 school budget is posted on our website page at www.scarboroughschools.org/board/budget. We encourage our school families to learn about the budget proposal and lend us your support. We understand that there are many competing activities at this time of year, but your voice is important as we advocate for resources for the coming year.
**STUDENT ABSENCE REPORTING**
Families should report their middle school student's absence from school by calling the SMS main office at 207-730-4800 or by email at msoffice@scarboroughschools.org. A reason for the absence must be stated, otherwise SMS office staff will reach out to determine the reason for the absence.
Excusable reasons for an absence:
- illness
- appointment
- religious holiday
- family emergency
- planned absence
For Planned Absences (a day out of school which is not illness or medical appointment related), families should fill out the Scarborough Middle School Planned Absence form, which is found here.
For questions about attendance, please contact the Scarborough Middle School main office at 207-730-4800 or email us at msoffice@scarboroughschools.org