Smithsburg Middle School
September 2017
Welcome Back Smithsburg Middle Students
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. Our staff here at SMM has been working hard and planning for the 2017-2018 school year. There will be many exciting opportunities this year and we look forward to sharing with you.
We have enclosed some upcoming events and important school information below.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the front office at 301.766.8353.
We look forward to this school year.
Sincerely,
SMS Staff
School Pictures
Thursday, Sept. 21,2017 has been scheduled as school picture day. Order forms will be sent home with students. You can also pay for your order online at mylifetouch.com
*School pictures are a valuable part of the school year. Please remember 25% of the purchase price goes directly to our school. This money is used to benefit students throughout the school year. Thank you for your support.
Box Tops
Please continue to collect your Box Tops. Last year was a success.
Please bundle the box tops in groups of 25, with your name and grade written on the baggie/envelope. The drop box is located in the front lobby.
Concussion Form
My School Bucks
A simple way to pay for student fees, lunch accounts and purchases. Go to www.myschoolbucks.com, create your account and pay.
www.schoollunchapp.com - meal benefits
www.myschoolbucks.com - online payments
Gym Locks
FFA
Mrs. Coleman will begin meeting with any students interested in joining FFA on Monday, September 11,2017. FFA will begin at 7:30 to 8:20. Our focus this month will be grounds work and planting bulbs.
Breakfast will be provided.
Student/Family Planners
Faculty Activity Honors Night
Faculty Honors will be hosting an Activity Night on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Admission is $5.00 and includes drinks/snacks. Any Smithsburg Middle student may attend. Please remember to have your concussion form returned to the school prior to this activity so you may attend the event.
If you are able to help chaperone or donate a snack or baked goods please contact Mrs. Izat at izatlyn@wcps.k12.md.us
Back To School Night
Grade 6 & UA/RA - Tuesday, September 12th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Grades 7th & 8th - Wednesday , September 13th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
PTSA
The PTSA would like to welcome everyone back to school! Here are a couple of announcements as we kick off the new school year.
- Our membership drive starts now ! A table will be set up at back to school night to join for the low cost of $8.00 for the entire year.
- We typically meet the first Monday of the month at 6:00 pm in the SMM library. There are some exceptions due to holidays.
- Sept. 11, 2017, at 6:00pm is our first general meeting.
- A spirit wear order will be coming home with an opportunity to purchase Leopard apparel.
- For PTSA reminders, we use the Remind app. Text @af4b8d to 81010
- Like our page on Facebook "Smithsburg Middle PTSA " and our email is SMPTSA @gmail.com
Student Council Members 2017-2018
Please Congratulate this year's Student Council members!
8th Grade:
President: Camden Barnes
Vice President: Grace Kittel
Secretary: Ellie Jornlin
Treasurer: Stella Martz
Representatives - Mary Begosh, Lexi O'Brien, Brooke Glessner, Dalton Smith
7th Grade:
President: Sam Bono
Vice President: Kylie Snyder
Secretary: Brady Pennington
Treasurer: Josh Hegbe
Representatives- Collin Pennington, John Edward Ashbaugh, Logan Ryan,
Dominic Roncone
6th Grade Officers- TBA
iPad Coverage
WCPS provides an iPad, a protective case, charger, and district support for all students. All students are required to pay an iCoverage fee for the iPads, and have a parent-signed user agreement for the Responsible Use Guidelines.
iCoverage costs $15.00 per student (year long) effective upon receipt for 2017-2018. If there are financial concerns due to hardship in the household, please contact the school counseling office or school administration. On line cash and check payment options will me made available at the start of the school year.
WCPS iCoveage information will be sent home with your child and is also available on the WCPS website. November 11, 2017 is the last day for iCoverage enrollment. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Marching Band News
The 7th & 8th grade Marching Band is ready to start the year on the 'right' foot! Come out and cheer for the band at our parades.
Uniform fittings will be held on 2 days. If your child cannot be at the designated times, please have them see Ms. Benda.
- Saturday, September 9th from 10am-Noon
- Thursday, September 14th from 4pm-7pm
Marching Band Performances
- Steam & Craft Parade - Saturday, September 23rd, 2017
- Middle School Night at SHS Football Game - September 28th, 2017
- Homecoming Parade - Saturday, October 7th, 2017
- Mummer's Parade - Saturday, October 28th, 2017
Attendance
At 8:40 a.m. the homeroom tardy bell will sound and morning announcements will begin. If you are late arriving to school please report directly to the front office.
All absences and dismissals require a parent note. Please report directly to the front office with this information to receive your dismissal or absence slip.
If you need any further information please call the office or refer to your student handbook.
Important Phone Numbers
301.766.8353 Front Office
301.824.5147 Office Fax
301.766.8360 School Nurse (8:20 - 3:50)
301.766.2890 Food & Nutrition Services
301.766.2902 Transportation
Inclement Weather
On inclement weather days, parents are expected to check local radio stations, television broadcasts as well as the WCPS web page for announcements of delayed opening, closing, or early dismissal of schools. Parents are encouraged to sign up for email/text alerts and for calls from the Connect 5 (Alert Now) system. Decisions with the media will begin at
5:30 a.m.
In case of a breakdown in the communication plan due to power outages or other technical difficulties, parents and staff should familiarize themselves with more than one source for this information.
SGA
- Wednesday, September 22nd, 2017 - SMS Meeting
- Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 - Steam & Craft Parade @ 4:15
- Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 - WCASC Meeting @BHS 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Grade 6 Elections