Smithsburg Middle School
November 2017
From the Principal's Desk
Fall is upon us and so is the end of the first marking period, which is November 9th, 2017. Report cards will be available on ParentVue beginning November 17th, 2017. If you have difficulty accessing ParentVue, please contact the front office for assistance. This is a great tool to keep up with your child's progress in each of their classes. Please check it regularly and contact the teacher with any questions.
Our Staff is working diligently, preparing and engaging students with curriculum through hands-on learning, integration of technology, focusing on literacy and rigorous lessons. On Nov. 10th, & 22nd, 2017, SMS staff will be involved in a variety of professional Development activities, (there is no school for students).
We have several events happening in November; our first STAR ceremony, The Turkey Bowl, NJHS Paint Night, and the All-County Chorus concert. These come after a busy and successful October which included; the SGA canned food drive, 2 activity nights, Red Ribbon Week, Pink Out day and our very own SMS band marching in the Mummer's parade.
I enjoy working with you and your children. It is an honor to serve the Smithsburg Middle School community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Matt Hoiffman
Principal
Congratulations to October's Super Digital Citizens!
7th Grade Team Winner: Adriana Miller
8th Grade Team Winner: Leah Owens
UARA Team Winner: Samantha Lomeli
These students were nominated by their teachers as October's Super Digital Citizens. These students demonstrated responsible use of technology, creativity, helping others and have went above and beyond expectations. All winners receive a $15 dollar gift card and will be recognized at our STAR ceremony on November 13th, 2017 at 2:30 PM in the SMS cafeteria.
FFA News
Our next Movie ticket sale date is December 4th -thru December 8th, 2017
FFA Upcoming Meeting dates:
November 6th, 2017
November 13th, 2017
November 20th, 2017
**No Meeting on November 27th, 2017**
Everyone is welcome!
Music Notes
The SMS Music Department invites you to the upcoming winter concerts.
The chorus winter concerts will be on December 7th, 2017, in the SMS cafeteria. 6th grade at 6:00 pm. 7th grade at 7:00 PM. 8th grade at 8:00 PM.
The band winter concerts will be on December 12th, 2017, in the SMS cafeteria. 6th grade at 6:00 PM. 7th grade at 7:00 PM. 8th grade at 8:00 PM.
The orchestra winter concert will be on December 18th, 2017, at 7:00 PM at Smithsburg High School.
Congratulations to the SMS Marching Band for your outstanding performances during the fall parades. You represented our community with great pride and dedication. Way to go BAND!
Also, a HUGE thank you to all the parent volunteers who chaperoned or transported instruments for the SMS Marching Band during the fall parade season. The band could not have done it without your support and efforts. Thank you for a job well done!
Counselor's Corner
November 2nd, 2017 - 9:00 AM Barbara Ingram School for the Arts came to speak to our SMS 8th grade students.
November 9th, 2017 - 6:30 PM Washington County Technical High School is having an open house for those students interested in attending for their 11th and 12th grade years.
November 15th, 2017 - 7:00 PM Barbara Ingram Visual Arts program information night at the Maryland Theater
November 18th, 19th, 2017 - Kris Kringle Holiday Craft & Gift Show at the HCC ARCC building - **Pre-approved student service learning hours**. If interested in volunteering for the event speak to Brian Pitsnogle at 240-500-7656 or email him at Brianpitsnogle@gmail.com
December 8th, 2017 - The application of interest for Barbara Ingram School for the Arts is due. Pick-up an application from Ms. Holsinger, Mrs. Doak, or Mrs. Myers in the counseling center. Have applications in by December 1st to allow time for delivery.
PTSA
Thanks to everyone who came out to Misty Meadows to support one of our local businesses and our school! Our next "Dine to Donate" night is at the Dixie Diner on November 15th, 2017 – all day!
The PTSA would like to remind you to consider joining! Our membership drive is in full swing. A membership form was sent home with students and is available in the front office. Thank you for the overwhelming interest in Pride Wear! We are currently processing the orders to be delivered later in November.
We welcome everyone to our next meetings on November 6th and December 4th, 2017 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center.
Mark your calendars for the PTSA sponsored Activity Night on Friday, December 8th, 2017 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. If you’re interested in helping chaperone or can donate snacks, please let us know.
Please keep clipping those Box Tops! This is an easy way to raise funds for the school.
Remember to like us on Facebook, Smithsburg Middle PTSA and for text updates, text @af4b8d to 81010
STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
Advisor for this year’s Student Council: Mrs. Lisa Waters WaterLis@wcps.k12.md.us
Friday’s are SMS Pride Days; the 3rd Friday is a College Pride Day!
Important Dates
· November 1st, 2017- November 30th, 2017 - Homeless Shelter Toiletry/Sock Drive
SMS is collecting various items for the Hagerstown Homeless Shelter. The following items can be placed in the bright pink box in the front lobby. Thank you for your support! Items listed below:
Hairbrushes, toothpaste, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, deodorant, body wash, washcloths, lotion, hand sanitizer, tissues, chap stick, lip gloss, hair ties, and small toys that will fit in a stocking.
· Tuesday, November 7th, 2017 - SGA Meeting @ SMS
There will be a meeting after school in Mrs. Water’s classroom from 3:30-4:30. All members need to attend! December and January events will be discussed!
· Thursday, November 9th,2017 - Holiday Cards/Veteran’s Day
Students will be writing positive comments in Holiday Cards for our current Military members this holiday season during Homeroom. Positive messages of well wishes and support should be included in the card. They will be mailed in time for the Holidays. Thank you for supporting our Military!
FYI: Kids Helping Kids Food Drive- Student Council would like to Thank You for your donations! We collected a total of 903 items (852 lbs.)! 7th Grade is the winning Grade Level collecting 618 items! They will receive Extra Rec time. The winning Homeroom is Mr. Babylon’s Homeroom; they collected 274 items! They will receive a SMS cinch sack and a Gift Card! Again, thanks for supporting our community!
Newly Elected 6th Grade Student Council Members
Max Bono - President
Camryn Eichelberger - Vice President
Zachary Von Garrel - Secretary
Faith Palmer - Treasurer
Representatives: Garrett Mazenko, Ella Fulk, Blake Kaplan, Juliana Wood
Activity Night February 23rd, 2017 - 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Student council is sponsoring an Activity Night from 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, February 23rd, 2017. The admission is $5.00 and includes a snack and drink. We will be featuring a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. Interested students should report to the gym to sign up as soon as you arrive! Registration will end at 7:00 pm. Gift cards will be awarded to the winning teams! Rec games and a movie will also be provided. Students or Parents are encouraged to bring desserts; cookies, brownies, etc… Ten or more volunteers are absolutely necessary in order to make this night a success! For questions or to volunteer, please contact Mrs. Lisa Waters, Student Council sponsor, at WaterLis@wcps.k12.md.us or at 301-766-8353 or at 903-277-8982.
Thank you for your continued support!
School Closing Dates
November 10th, 2017
November 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 2017