SLMS Titan News
Week of February 5, 2024
Principal Update
SLMS Parents and Guardians,
We are making a few changes/adjustments on campus.
- Bell Schedule - Our one way hallways have been a success this year. We are adjusting our bell schedule to eliminate the staggered hall change after 5th and 6th periods. We will have one hall change after each period. The update bell schedule is below.
- Tardy Procedures - We are changing our tardy procedure and process in order to assist with more accurate tardy tracking and a streamlined system. Tardies will be monitored based on increments of 4 (ex. 4, 8, 12, 16, etc.). Tardies will be cumulative so all tardies for any class period will count in the tardy total (currently the tardies are counted by class period). We will use progressive discipline for our tardy consequences which start with detentions and can result in in school suspension for extreme excessive tardies. Please help us by speaking with students and encouraging them to get to class on time.
STAAR Interim Assessments begin next week! We need all students to take this assessment seriously. We will be able to use the results of the STAAR Interim to make better instructional decisions for our Titans. Please encourage your Titan to focus and take this assessment with fidelity.
Enjoy the weekend!
New Items this Week:
- February Calendar
- Updated Bell Schedule
- Titan Idol Auditions
- International Festival
Sincerely,
Dr. Latoya Garrett
Principal
#weareTITANS
At SLMS WE model the TITAN WAY
Monthly Calendar
iFest - Spring Open House Event
Fentanyl Information
Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,
There is a growing threat to the health and safety of our youth that we want to bring to your attention. Fentanyl is a man-made, Schedule II narcotic that has reached a growing number of communities of all sizes across Texas and has impacted so many lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), within the last two years, teen overdose deaths related to Fentanyl have tripled. Over half of all overdose deaths are related to Fentanyl use. Death from Fentanyl overdose happens when the respiratory system slows, or not enough oxygen gets to the brain.
Fentanyl is a manufactured opiate drug that is generally used in the medical field to treat severe pain. It is often used in emergency situations and given by paramedics and in emergency rooms. Sadly, an underground market has developed for this drug, and it is often marketed to youth. Fentanyl can come in many forms and even the smallest amount can be lethal. It is often mixed with other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Prescription medications can also be laced with it. There have been some cases where the Fentanyl pills were made to look like candy. Oftentimes, the teen has no idea that what they are taking has Fentanyl in it.
The State of Texas (HB3908) requires school districts to annually provide to students in grades 6–12 research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness. In February during science our students will participate in a Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness lesson. The required instruction in fentanyl prevention and drug poisoning awareness must include the following:
Suicide prevention
Prevention of the abuse of and addiction to fentanyl
Awareness of local school and community resources and any processes involved in accessing those resources
Health education that includes information about substance use and abuse, including youth substance use and abuse
What can you do as a parent to prevent your teen from falling prey to this deadly trend?
Talk to your teen. Talk about the dangers that they may face at parties and social events. Let them know that they can talk to you about things that are concerning them.
Monitor their social media and app usage. This is a common way that teens get access to this drug.
Encourage your teen to get involved with extra-curricular activities, church, service projects, community, and school organizations. Keeping your teen involved can help battle loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness.
Know how to access the district’s anonymous reporting tool. It can be found on the district’s website. Report any suspicion that Fentanyl use may be occurring in the schools or that someone may be abusing it. Encourage your child to do the same. You could save a life.
Monitor your child’s behavior. Has their behavior changed lately? Do they have a new set of “friends”? Are they keeping to themselves more often than usual?
Seek help if your child is facing a mental health challenge or if you suspect they are using any substance.
FBISD Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Webpage
CDC Protect Yourself From the Dangers of Fentanyl Video;
Together, we can help our youth make better choices to avoid this dangerous drug and to keep it out of our schools and communities.
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
The Black History Month 2024 theme, "African Americans and the Arts", explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."
7th and 8th Grade Course Selection and Verification for the 24-25 school year!
Verification window: March 3-8
During Verification, you can view your child’s requests in Skyward, but changes have to be made by either printing your course requests, writing changes in and signing, or by emailing your grade level counselor.
Video: How to Input Course Requests and Alternates into Skyward Family Access https://www.wevideo.com/view/2581019780
Link to FBISD course guides: https://www.fortbendisd.com/courseselection
PALS application Link: PALS online application
Here is an AVID video, if you are interested in AVID for your incoming 7th or 8th grade child.
https://www.wevideo.com/view/3313689807
AVID Application: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QWJ9SRo5d0KRrL3SqZ9wVDMvcqdQmIBInk80grpz0VRUNlZEVjhGTDdZUlFLNTJYTkszMTkxMDEzSiQlQCNjPTEu
February 10 Career Networking Event
Fort Bend ISD’s Talent Acquisition team will hold a February 10 networking event for candidates interested in positions in nursing, library services, and library services. During the event, department representatives will share information about the various positions available, as well as the application, selection and hiring process. Candidates will also have the opportunity to network with hiring managers.
Learn more and register to attend at www.fortbendisd.com/careers
DreamBox Math
All students are able to improve their math skills based on their individual needs by logging into Dreambox Math. This supplemental curriculum is adaptive to ensure students, at every level, stay motivated and receive the right instruction at the right time. Please see directions for students below.
8th Grade Announcements
Support SLMS PTO through Kroger Community Rewards
The Kroger Family of Companies is committed to community engagement, positive social impact and charitable giving at the national and local levels. Every community is unique, but our common goal is to partner with the neighborhoods we serve and help the people there live healthier lives.
One of the ways in which we do this is through our Kroger Community Rewards program. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card.
Here’s how it works:
- Go to www.kroger.com and create an account or sign in to your account.
- Go to “My Account” at the top right corner.
- Go to “Community Rewards” on the left-side menu.
- Search for “SLMS PTO” or “CN110” under “Find an Organization”.
- Click “Enroll” and confirm that you are enrolled in Community Rewards with SLMS PTO
Monthly Donations to PTO
Support our students and staff by setting up a monthly donation to PTO. You can set this automatic donation starting at a few dollars. Remember that every dollar helps our PTO do AMAZING things for our community.
Order online at https://web.treering.com/1016905758343838 (account creating required)
Pre-order to ensure your student receives their copy on distribution day in May!
Upcoming Events
- Feb. 13th Tennis @SLMS
- Feb. 14th Track and Field @AHS
- Feb. 16th No School for Students
- Feb.19th No School/ Holiday
- Feb. 20th Tennis @FSMS
- Feb. 24th Track and Field @Hall Stadium
Counselor Corner
SLMS Counselors
Left to Right
Nafecia Brinson-8th Grade Counselor
Eleni Smith-6th Grade Counselor
Kimberly Seright-7th Grade Counselor
PTO Updates
A Message from the SLMS PTO
Greetings Titan Families!
It’s never too late to get involved with PTO! Whether you want to be in the know on school happenings, lend a hand at the school or simply donate to an event - we accept membership involvement of all shapes and sizes. We’ve provided all the LINKS below to get you going! The PTO Newsletter has begun so please make sure to check your spam/promotions folder! As a reminder, our goals this year are to bridge the gap in funding, increase parent involvement (#1 ask of educators) and continue our campus beautification efforts (SLMS turns 50 in 2025). We couldn’t make it all possible without the support of our membership!
How can you help?
- Become a PTO Member - membership is free and includes access to our monthly newsletter
- Become an approved Volunteer - all volunteers must complete an annual district background check
- Make a one time donation via Cheddar Up or a recurring donation via PayPal.
- Purchase Spirit Items through our Cheddar Up Store
- Purchase a Happy Birthday Marquee Greeting through our Cheddar Up Store
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and bookmark our website: www.slmspto.weebly.com
- Upcoming Spirit Nights - NEW!
- Feb: Cabo Bob’s Burritos 2/19 from 7AM-9PM - click here to download flyer
- March: Date TBD - Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
- Apr: Willie’s Grill and Ice House 4/16 11AM-10PM - click here to download flyer
- May: Date TBD - Dairy Ashford Roller Rink
- Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities - click the link to sign-up
- NEW - Chaperone for the Valentine’s Dance on 2/9: View the Sign-Up
- NEW - Donate to February Re-stock the Lounge: View the Sign-Up
- Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities:
- Mentor a student at SLMS - complete form and return to kimberly.seright@fortbendisd.com
- Help in the library - contact Ms. Isbell at jessica.isbell@fortbendisd.com
Questions? Contact us at slmsmembership@gmail.com. Volunteer questions? Contact us at slmstitansvips@gmail.com
Together we are TITANS!
SLMS PTO
Campus Information
Absence Notes
Absence notes are required for all absences within five days of the absence. Please send all absence notes to:
FBISD Health and Safety Protocols & How to Report Testing Positive for COVID-19
The health & safety of students, teachers, and staff is the District’s foremost priority. Students and staff should stay home when sick and if they do test positive for COVID-19 self-report using the FBISD Wellness Screener. Individuals can return to school/work once they meet the following requirements: five days have passed since the start of symptoms (if no symptoms, five days after testing positive), improvement of symptoms, and the individual has been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Links: FBISD Health & Safety Protocols Webpage; FBISD Wellness Screener
Club Shirt Monday
College Shirt Wednesdays
Titan Spirit Day on Fridays
Student Dress Code
All students must adhere to the student dress code. Highlights include:
- Clothes may not show the midriff, undergarments, chest, or posterior
- Unsafe footwear is not permitted (house shoes, slippers)
- No depiction of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, and more
Please see the attached information regarding dress code.
Cell Phones Policy
Students may bring a cell phone for communication before/after school. During the school day, cell phone access is restricted and cell phones must be off and placed in backpacks. Cell phones not adhering to the school policy will be confiscated and students can pick them up at the end of the school day (for the first and second confiscation).
On the third confiscation, a parent will be required to pick up the cell phone and pay a $15 fee to SLMS. The district cell phone policy can be found in The Student Code of Conduct. Click here to access the FBISD Student Code of Conduct
If a student needs to make a phone call, we have office phones that can be accessed with permission.
Lunch Deliveries and Parent Visits During Lunch
Make sure you communicate to your student if you are going to deliver a sack style lunch.
Parents are welcome to come and eat lunch with their student. We have seperate seating available. Parents will need to check in at the front office and only bring lunch for their child.
Class Schedule
Our class schedule/bell schedule for the school year features the following:
- 7 class periods daily, with an additional Advisory period on Tuesday and Wednesday
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday will have a 7-period day (50-55 minute class periods)
- Tuesday and Wednesday will have a 7-period day (45 to 50-minute class periods) with an Advisory period between period 2 and 3. Advisory will be used as a flexible time to conduct interventions, enrichments, and campus focused lessons.
- Students will have every class every day
- Students will have the same lunch period every day
- Transitions between class periods will be 5 minutes in length which is enough time as the majority of student do not use a locker
Important Contact Information
- Assistant Principal - Dawn Rogers (dawn.rogers@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Eleni Smith (eleni.smith@fortbendisd.com)
Seventh Grade
- Assistant Principal - Luster Goodwin (luster.goodwin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Kim Seright (kimberly.seright@fortbendisd.com)
Eighth Grade
- Associate Principal - Monika Martin (monika.martin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Nafecia Brinson (nafecia.brinson@fortbendisd.com)
Counselor Clerk - Carmen Brantley (carmen.brantley@fortbendisd.com)
Assistant Principal Secretaries
- 6th and 7th Grade - Tina Garcia (diamantina.ibarragar@fortbendisd.com)
- 8th Grade - Mayra Morales (mayra.morales@fortbendisd.com)
Attendance - Mary Beth LaVergne (mary.lavergne@fortbendisd.com)
Registrar - Tandi Phillips (tandi.phillips@fortbendisd.com)
Nurse - Gwendolyn Davis (gwendolyn.davis@fortbendisd.com)
Clinic Aide - Cathy Tekrouri (cathy.tekrouri@fortbendisd.com)
Executive Assistant to Principal - Mary Connealy (mary.connealy@fortbendisd.com)
Principal - Dr. Latoya Garrett (latoya.garrett@fortbendisd.com)
Sugar Land Middle School
48 Years
1975-2023
Inspiring and equipping the young men and women of our community for futures beyond what they can imagine since 1975.
SLMS Campus Mission Statement
Working collaboratively, the Sugar Land Middle School Professional Learning Community will commit to creating a safe environment with high expectations leading to physical, social, emotional, and academic success for all Titans.
#weareTITANS
Office Hours
8:20-4:20
Email: latoya.garrett@fortbendisd.com
Website: www.fortbendisd.com/slms
Location: 321 7th Street, Sugar Land, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 634-3080
Twitter: @SLMSTitans
Principal of Sugar Land Middle School in Sugar Land, TX. Home of the Titans!