Smith's Knightly News
Smith Middle School
Mission: The purpose of Smith Middle School is to ensure learning for all members of our school community.
Website: https://smith.troy.k12.mi.us/
Location: 5835 Donaldson Drive, Troy, MI 48085
Phone: (248) 823- 4700
NOVEMBER 18, 2023
Dear Smith Community,
The Thanksgiving season provides us all with an opportunity to reflect on the blessings and moments of gratitude that enrich our lives daily. I want to express my deepest appreciation to every member of our Smith community. The start of this school year has been full of energy, activity, celebration, and learning. I feel blessed to spend my days surrounded by such a passionate and joyful group of students and a committed and caring staff. Thank you families for your continued support and partnership. I hope that you have relaxing and rejuvenating holiday with family and friends.
- Ryan
MONDAY - NOV 20
- 7:15am - IM Boys Basketball
- 3:10pm - 7th & 8th Boys Basketball Practice
- 3:10pm - International Club (Rm 35)
- 4:15pm - Competitive Cheer
TUESDAY - NOV 21
- 3:05pm - History Club (Room 21)
- 3:10pm - 7th & 8th Boys Basketball Practice
- 3:10pm - Homework Help (Room 28)
WEDNESDAY - NOV 22
NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
THURSDAY - NOV 23
NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
FRIDAY - NOV 24
NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
Nov 27-30: Scholastic Book Fair
Dec 5: Pep Assembly - 7 Period Day
Dec 6: Student Early Release Day (8:19am – 1:33pm) / Teacher PD
Dec 6: Smith Orchestra Winter Concert (7:00pm)
Dec 11: PTO Meeting (6:00-7:00pm)
Dec 13: Smith Bands Holiday Concert (7:00pm)
Dec 15: 6th Grade Field Trip to Henry Ford Museum
Dec 15 - 20: 7th Gr Vision Testing
Dec 20: Knights+ 7 Period Day
Dec 22 – Jan 7: No School, Winter Break
CONGRATULATIONS SMITH!
Based on student MStep and PSAT performance, teacher quality, student diversity, high school outcomes, school district performance, and several other factors - Niche.com has ranked Smith Middle School as the #2 Public Middle School in Michigan!
QUARTER 1 GRADES AVAILABLE ON POWERSCHOOL
You can now access your student's Quarter 1 grades on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Grades start fresh for Quarter 2, which runs from November 6 - January 18. Please reach out to your student's teacher if you have any specific questions about final grades.
Link to PowerSchool: https://ps.troy.k12.mi.us/public/
SMITH PTO HOLIDAY DONATIONS
THE SMITH PTO IS COLLECTING DONATIONS TO PURCHASE EACH SMITH STAFF MEMBER A GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
DONATE AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS YOU'D LIKE. DETAILS BELOW.
SNACK CART
SMITH BOOK FAIR!
Dear Smith families,
We are gearing up for our Scholastic Book Fair to be held in the media center on November 27-December 1! Please see the attached Parent Letter from Mrs. Chatel that will tell you all about our fall fair.
Would you like to volunteer to help at the cash register during the Book Fair? Volunteers receive a 20% discount off of their fair purchase. If you already have your volunteer background check form on file for this year or are willing to turn one in to the office by November 13, please use the sign up link below.
Want to donate to a Smith teacher’s eWallet so that they can purchase books for their classroom libraries? Check below for the link to see if your child’s teacher has set up an eWallet.
Visit our Book Fair Homepage to set up an eWallet, and from November 21-December 4, you can shop the fair through this link and order online.
Any questions, please contact Mrs. Chatel at cchatel@troy.k12.mi.us.
Happy reading,
Mrs. Chatel
Media Specialist
BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEER SIGN UP
CLASSROOM WISH LISTS
SPORTS PICTURE DAY
7TH & 8TH BASKETBALL & COMPETITIVE CHEER
Details below.
SMITH CARING CREW SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
The Smith Caring Crew is participating in the Troy People Concerned (TPC) End-of-Season Leaf Raking Program for Troy low-income seniors and disabled residents.
This program matches qualified Troy seniors/disabled residents who are no longer able to complete their own yard work and do not have family/friends available to assist them, nor the financial means to hire someone.
The Smith Caring Crew has been assigned 2 homes. (Note: Students have a half day of school)
Date/ Time: November 8th from 12:00- 4:30pm
TSD INCLUSIVE
The Troy School District has launched a new monthly newsletter, "TSD Inclusive", that features a range of articles and information celebrating the diversity of our schools and opportunities to build a more inclusive community. Here is the link to the November edition: https://www.smore.com/2fctm
SMITH NATIONAL FLAG DISPLAY
Started last year by one of our students as a Knights+ Compassion Project, we are raising money to buy national flags to display in our cafeteria. These flags help to recognize the diverse cultural heritage of our Smith community. A $20 donation is suggested and the donation form can be picked up in our main office. If you interested in sponsoring a specific national flag for our growing collection, please consider donating!
Thank you to the families that recently sponsored flags from Greece, Croatia, China, Poland, and Egypt!
SMITH VIP LUNCH
Thank you to everyone that came out for first VIP lunch of the year!
Save the Date - Our second VIP lunch will be Thursday, February 8.
WEB LEADER MOVIE NIGHT!
SMITH'S 1ST WEB MOVIE NIGHT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
Between WEB Leaders and 6th graders, we had close to 100 students attend to watch Home Alone!
Fall Choir Concert
Congratulations to Ms. Jain and all our choir students on a great fall performance!
Veterans Day at Smith
The Smith Knights in Mrs. Casko’s and Mrs. Sebastian's classrooms honored veterans from our local VFW on Monday, November 13th.
- To prepare for our guests we lined the sidewalk with 100 flags and decorated the halls to welcome our guests.
- Ms. Reems' classes helped by decorating stars with special messages for our veterans.
- We had the honor of having the Smith 8th grade choir come and sing the National Anthem during 3rd hour.
- Students were presented with a list of questions to ask our guests and lead the conversations in class. We had 5 guest speakers sharing about their experiences from the Army, Navy and the Marines. Many shared their experiences while serving in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and in Kosovo. We were even able to see a Purple Heart that was awarded to one of our guests.
- At the end of the hour, students were able to take a toy soldier home to place it where they would be reminded of those who have served in the United States military.
- As stated in an earlier Knightly News, we were able to also donate $375 as proceeds from our Color Run in October. They plan to use the money for the VFW relief fund which will help local veterans in need.
We were proud to be able to bring history to life with real-life stories and to honor members of our community.
Thank you, veterans, for your service! We appreciate you!
METEOROLOGIST VISIT
Mrs. Cline and Mrs. Khoury hosted Alexis Masse, a storm warning meteorologist based in Kansas, for a virtual conversation on weather and climate. It was a great learning opportunity for our students!
FIRST HISTORY CLUB MEETING
SMITH ROBOTICS UPDATE
TEAM MAGMATRONS ADVANCED TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
AND....TEAM DIGITAL OWLS WERE THE RUNNERS UP!
CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH TEAMS!
MATH CLUB IS BACK!
4H OPPORTUNITY
The 4H program year is just getting started and Paint Creek Valley 4H is a local organization open to Smith students. Paint Creek Valley 4H is a horse project club. Students involved participate in a monthly meeting, 4 local horse shows, and compete at the Oakland County Fair. Paint Creek Valley is Michigan's oldest equestrian 4H club (63yrs old). Our members range from 8yrs - 19yrs old. MSU Extension is the sponsoring agent for all of the 4H clubs in Michigan and provides phenomenal support.
While 4H is an agriculturally based program we provide much much more such as a fantastic local rocket club that is actively looking for new members, a brand-new archery club that is about to start, sewing clubs that put on fashion shows, and many others. STEM programs are highlighted and offered often as well. Best of all, 4H clubs no matter how many you join, are FREE!
If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Melissa Zaluski at MelissaZaluski@hotmail.com
STAND CLUB
SMITH HOMEWORK HELP CLUB
All 6th - 8th grade students are welcome to attend Homework Help Club, meeting most Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Mrs. Bell supervises the sessions and high school students from Troy High and IA East will be available to provide tutoring and homework support.
HISTORY CLUB
INTERNATIONAL CLUB
MODEL U.N.
SMITH CHESS CLUB
We have a great online spirit wear store with a number of new modern styles and items for purchase. You can either pick them up or utilize the option of having your orders delivered directly to your home for a small fee.
Click on the link below to check out the wide variety of styles and prints.
https://smithknights.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Below is a sample of the logo choices for most items...