SMS Scoop
February 2, 2018
SMS Gets National Recognition!
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has announced that Scottsburg Middle School is a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). The RAMP designation, awarded for aligning with the criteria in the ASCA National Model, recognizes schools that are committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program in an exemplary educational environment.
Since the program’s inception, more than 800 schools have been designated as
RAMP recipients. This is the middle school's second such national recognition! “This year’s RAMP honorees have shown their commitment to students and the school counseling profession,” said Jill Cook, ASCA assistant director. “SMS used data to drive their program development and implementation so all students can achieve success. RAMP designation distinguishes these schools and encourages school counselors nationwide to strive for excellence.” RAMP applications are reviewed once a year by a panel of school counseling
professionals, who assess the programs in 12 different areas of expertise.
SMS, Mrs. Decker, and Mrs. Naugle will be honored at a recognition ceremony at ASCA’s annual conference in Los Angeles, Calif. on Monday, July 16, 2018! Congratulations to all of the SMS Gold Star Committee staff and student members for helping our school achieve this high honor. Thanks also to our entire staff and community for helping us implement our guidance program.
NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK
This RAMP honor comes at a great time since next week is National School Counseling Week! February 5-12 has been designated as a week to honor the unique contributions of school counselors! Our SMS counseling team provides outstanding leadership and support in counseling, guidance, academic support, and career readiness.
Thank you, Mrs. Decker and Mrs. Naugle.
You are a blessing to our school and our community. Enjoy your week!
The Road to ISTEP+
We officially embark on the ISTEP+ road next week. Teachers will keep you updated along the way, but here is a quick look at the road ahead.
State-wide Readiness Test (SRT)- All Indiana students in grades 3-10 are required to participate in a readiness test at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 7th. This test isn't really a test of us, it is a test of the Pearson company's capacity to handle network traffic of testing students. We will all report to an extra morning homeroom, log on to the system, and answer a few sample questions. This will serve as a refresher for us (how to log in, how to open and close exams) and also give us a chance to make sure all iPads are updated and ready. You do not study for the SRT. There are no scores.
Practice Tests- During the week of February 19-23, SMS Math and ELA teachers will put students into the official ISTEP+ Practice Test during class. The practice test is not scored but it is an opportunity to practice the testing tools. This year all tests will be given online so we need some extra practice on the math, reading, and writing tools.
Operational Tests- The actual, real-deal ISTEP+ test starts the week of February 26th and is taken over two week's time. Our schedule will be shared as soon as it is finalized. This is the test that counts! During the Feb. 26 to March 9 test window, students will take the Part 1 applied skills exams. These are the exams that include essays and multi-step math problem solutions (including showing your work!)
Part 2 of the operational tests will be given during the April 16th to May 4th test window. This schedule will also be shared when it is determined.
If you want to additional test practice, you can log on to the Indiana Department of Education's Experience ISTEP+ site and find practice questions and applied skills test tools. This link can also be found on the top of the Canvas Community page and on our school website. Parents are encouraged to check out this site and see what's on our road ahead!
Candy Grams!
Got a buddy? Got a bestie? Got a boyfriend or girlfriend? Got a favorite staffer?
Want to brighten someone's day?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can share a positive message with someone by purchasing a candy gram next week! The SMS Builders Club and SMS Student Council are going to sell candy grams on February 6th, 7th, and 8th! Visit the candy gram table in the main hall before school. Pay $1 and write a short note on a candy gram card. A sweet treat will be attached and delivered to your friend on Wednesday, February 14th during homeroom. All money raised will support Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Scott County!
Terry Hall Program is MONDAY!
We're excited to welcome Sergeant Terry Hall to SMS on Monday. He'll share his “Body Safety Program” from 1:15-1:45 pm. Terry is a retired veteran of the Indianapolis Police Department and developed this program in the early 1980s when he realized prevention was the key to stopping child abuse. Terry has since spoken across the country to students of all ages about Body Safety. Our local Prevent Child Abuse Council and Department of Family and Children have coordinated this presentation for all of Scott County’s elementary, middle, and high schools. Any parent who does not wish for their child to hear Terry’s presentation must notify Ms. Nass before the presentation.
Parents, guardians, and community members can meet Terry Hall and hear about his presentation on Monday, February 5, at 6:00 pm at the Austin High School auditorium.
CAN We Collect More CANS?
Thanks to those that brought in non-perishable food for the Scott County Clearinghouse. The Builders' Club would like to know if they should extend the drive to collect more food. Please answer this SURVEY QUESTION to let the Builders' know your status! Thanks.
Upcoming Sports Opportunities!
Cheer Clinic- SHS Cheer is hosting a "Love to Cheer" clinic on Saturday, February 10th from 12-3 PM at the Central Office Multipurpose Room. The cost is $30 and participants will receive instruction, a t-shirt, a snack, and admission to the SHS boys basketball game on Tuesday, February 13th. Participants will perform at the game. Call Klarinda Tutterow (812-820-0435) or Tonya Thompson (812-595-1063) for more info. Registration starts February 10th at 11:30 AM.
SMS Warrior Football Camp started last week and runs through March 19th on Mondays. This is free to all middle school students and will be held at Scottsburg High School. Lineman should report from 5-6pm and skill positions camp is held from 6-7. Join in if you are not in a current sport or after you finish your current sport season!
Voluntary baseball workouts also started last week. If you are not in a current sport and want to start training, attend workouts on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 - 5:30 pm at the high school. Buses that go to the high school are V3, V4 and V7.
Winter Coach Appreciation
Basketball/Boys: Jason Clancy, Matt Waskom, Kevin Smith, Ted Richey, Shannon Arthur, and Patrick Wooley
Basketball/Girls: Angela Bray, Ricky Bray, Monte Stutsman, and Scott Pool
Cheer: Melanie Shafer and Allison Hough
Swimming: Brandon Jerrell
Wrestling: Robert Horn and Matt Zehner
Next Week...
Mon. Feb. 5: B day, Archery 3-4:30, Yearbook 3-4, 6 Boys BB v. OLPH, 6 Girls BB v. St. Gabriel
Tue. Feb. 6: A day, Archery 3-4:30, Art Club 3-4, Wrestling @ Jennings County
Wed. Feb. 7: B day, Cross 7:45 AM, Archery 3-4:30, Builders' Club 3-4, 6 Boys BB v. Austin
Thu. Feb 8: A day, Student Council 7:15 AM, Archery State Qualifier 3-5:30, 6 Boys BB v. East Washington, Wrestling @ Corydon, Swimming v. Jennings County
Fri. Feb. 9: B day
Scottsburg Middle School
Email: knass@scsd2.k12.in.us
Website: www.sms.scsd2.k12.in.us
Location: 425 South 3rd Street, Scottsburg, IN, United States
Phone: 812-752-8926
Facebook: facebook.com/ScottsburgMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @ScottsburgMS