Hello Scranton Families,

You'll find many updates for upcoming events, including permission slips, Snapchat secrets, parent information about marijuana, comfort zones, color guard auditions, and the final day of the library book sale!

Enjoy the weekend,

Mr. Borg and Mr. Renner

Scranton Middle School has been nominated and selected to be a Literacy Star Award 2023 winner for our support of literacy for the instruction our students receive in their daily lessons and assignments across the curriculum!

Parents are welcome!

All students who are not attending the Washington DC Trip in May were given information and permission slips for the activities that we have planned for that week. We will have various activities from guest speakers to service projects to trips to The Henry Ford and MJR Brighton. All permission slips and money for field trips is due no later than April 28, 2023, as we need to confirm our numbers with Henry Ford and MJR.

For those choosing not to attend the field trip, those students will remain back at school.

For those not choosing to attend school, it will be indicated as an unexcused absence.

How to check your kids Snapchat "secret" pictures.

• Open the Snapchat app on the phone or device. It's the yellow icon with a ghost.
• You'll see the main page, where it should be ready to take a picture.

• Below the large circle at the bottom of the screen, there is a picture of two playing cards at the bottom. Press the cards button. You will now be in the memories of photos they have taken with the Snapchat app.

• Along the top of the photo, you will see labels including, Snaps, camera roll, memories, and my eyes only.
• If you don't see my eyes only, that means it's not being used.
• If the phone pops up a pin entry keypad, your child has created an account, and you will need the pin.

*Standard answers, "I never set it up, or I don't remember." Remember, the pin entry keypad will not appear if your child didn't create one.

• Once past the secret pin, you will see the hidden photos.

The 7th grade Detroit Princess Riverboat Cruise will be on Tuesday, June 13th. This 7th grade end of year celebration includes a lunch buffet and DJ entertainment. We will be providing transportation from SMS during the day and then returning in time for students to either take the bus home or be picked up by a parent at 2:45 p.m. The cost of the trip is $50 per student, which includes the cruise, lunch and transportation.

You can prepay for this event on Parent Connect. Sign on to your account and select your student. Select “Accounts” on the left side of the screen. This will take you to the section where you can select “Online SBA Payments” on the right side of the screen. From there you can select your student again and the “Item” to pay for. If you have any questions you can call Scranton School Office at 810-299-3700.

The permission forms for this event is linked here: https://forms.gle/YyqfEA4HRY47tEjW6

As a district we are increasing our efforts to support the Mental Health and Wellness of our students, families and the community by focusing on Relationships, Student Wellness, and Increasing a Mindset for Learning and Growth. Each week we will share a Tip/Resource.

Additional resources and information can be found on BAS Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and on our BAS Wellness & Mental Health website.

The county launched a program to offer free parent coaching through the Cook Foundation. As we all navigate the daunting but amazing role of being a parent, this is a resource that we could lean on for support and/or advice. If you are at all interested, this link will remain on the district's main page through the remainder of the school year. Parent Coaching Sign-up Link

Communications

Communication between home and school is critical for student success. Conferences are scheduled two times per year. In addition to conferences, all staff members are available via email and by phone. Each teacher has a Google Classroom page which contains important information regarding your child’s classes. While parents are not permitted to be a member in Google Classrooms due to student privacy concerns, parents are encouraged to sign up for daily updates for teachers who provide them. Staff members are also available to conference in person should the academic, medical, or behavioral need require it.

Please mark your calendars to join us for our Scranton PTO meetings this year. They will be held at Scranton on the following Friday - 9:00 am: (Please note day change for the next meeting Thursday 5/11).

If you cannot attend meetings or would like to find out additional ways to become involved, please email deanneferrell@gmail.com.

President: Deanne Ferrell

Vice President: Lin Miller

Treasurer: Cay Pinchen

Secretary: Bill Rockwell

May

1 - 5 -Teacher Appreciation Week

9-12 - 8th Grade to Washington D.C.