M 'n M
Mustangs in the Middle: Feb. 16, 2017
In This Edition:
- Scheduling Update
- PTA Update
- Honors Open Enrollment
- Keyboarding Skills
- Stress-Relief Program
- Spring Track Season
- Tuesday is a GREEN Day
Scheduling For 6 & 7 Graders
Current 6th & 7th Graders
In the next couple of weeks, students will begin scheduling their classes for next year. Parents will do so through an online format. It will be extremely user friendly. You will access the Grade Level Course Registration on our SMS website homepage under "shortcuts" (right side). The scheduling window will open up on Monday, February 27.
Coming home with your child, early next week, will be teacher recommendation letters. Please review the recommendations (made by their current teachers) with your child in efforts to make an informed decision as to which level of coursework your child should take. Students who succeed in middle school honors classes have demonstrated superior academic achievement, study habits, and persistence necessary to be successful in a challenging educational environment. We want our students to be challenged, not frustrated. To aid you in your decision of course placement for your child, we ask you to carefully consider the recommendations of your child’s teachers.
Design & Modeling Class
Honors Open Enrollment
There is a distinct difference between Honors and non-Honors work. Please consult the curriculum guide- with more detailed information about Honors coursework and expectations- which will be available on the SMS website some time next week.
Should you choose for your child to enroll in honors classes, it is important that you and your child are prepared for the challenges and commitment required of students in the honors program. The expectation is for students to maintain a C or higher throughout the year in honors courses.
Please by mindful of the following regarding Honors Open Enrollment:
Satisfactory completion of summer work may be expected to enter Honors courses. Additionally, students must earn a 70% or higher (grade of A, B, or C) in their honors course to remain in the class. If a student in an honors course does not have a 70% or higher at the end of the first nine week grading period in that honors course, he/she may be moved into the traditional level course for the remainder of the year. Additionally, any student earning a D or lower in quarters 2, 3 and/or 4 may be placed into the traditional level course the following year and may be subject to removal from the honors course for the remainder of the school year.
PTA Update
the 2017-2018 SMS PTA Board at our March general meeting. If you are
interested in learning more about serving on the board or would like to be
considered for any positions that may be open, please contact a member of
the nominating committee- Lori Silvis loriandjohn@sbcglobal.net, Laurie
Majka lauriemajka@yahoo.com, or Sarah Bass sarah.bass00@gmail.com - by March 10th.
Cellist Visits SMS
Cleveland Orchestra Cellist Paul Kushious Visits SMS Orchestra students!
On Friday, February 10th, Cleveland Orchestra cellist Paul Kushious worked with the SMS Orchestra students. He spoke about being a professional musician, performed for the students, and coached all the 7th grade Orchestra classes. He even worked with a group of 6th grade cellists and bassists and gave a coaching to our Chamber Strings. The students learned so many things from him and greatly appreciated him working with them for the whole day. What an amazing experience!
Keyboard Skills at Home
Calculating Geologic Time
Middle School Teen Stress Relief Program
The Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library is offering a stress relief program for middle school teens called "Treat Yourself, Body and Mind". The event will take place on March 14th from 7:00 - 8:30PM and is geared towards students in grades 5-9. The program will teach teens about stress and different ways to cope. Participants will also make a lavender sugar scrub that is perfect for relaxing in the bath. For more information, please contact the library at 440-238-5530.
Spring Track
Links
SMS Website: Click Here
PTA Form: PTA Membership Form
Important Dates
- Feb 22: 6:00 5th Grade Parent Night @ SMS Auditorium
- Feb 23: 7:00 Pre-Season Track Meeting for Parents
- Mar 2: 7:00 Orchestra Concert & Art Show
- Mar 14: 7:00 Band Concert
- Mar 16: 7:00 Choir Concert
Strongsville Middle School
Email: sdeitrick@scsmustangs.org
Website: http://www.strongnet.org/Domain/411
Location: 13200 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: 440.572.7090
Twitter: @smsstangs