Good Afternoon Knight Families,

This past Wednesday, our staff was able to spend the afternoon engaging in professional learning around our three of our core school improvement areas for this year: Character, Equity, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.

Over the years, Smith staff has built a strong Character Education program called "Knights+" that we will be continuing to grow and develop this year. Activities will be focused on our Smith Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Compassion.

Our staff is also committed to continuing to deliver an equitable experience for all students at Smith where we ensure that every child gets exactly what is needed to thrive and develop to their academic and social potential. Throughout this year, we will be talking about our instruction and our school’s practices and policies in an effort to best serve all our students and families.

We are also spending time this year continuing to grow our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) program. MTSS is a framework used throughout the Troy School District to provide targeted supports to our students.

Thank you for your support in adjusting your schedules at home so that our staff can engage in these sustained professional learning opportunities together!

On November 8, 2022, voters in the Troy School District will be asked to consider a bond proposal to address infrastructure upgrades district-wide and provide modern learning environments for all students, with the goal of increasing opportunities and enhancing performance. Please take a few minutes to watch video below to hear more on how future-ready learning environments will impact our students and teachers!

Future-Ready Learning Environments

Create innovative and engaging educational spaces that foster collaboration and critical thinking, preparing students for college and careers of the future. These spaces will uphold the tradition of academic excellence and community engagement that drives families to Troy.

Infrastructure & Sustainability

Ensure critical improvements to address aging and outdated schools and facilities, with a focus on increased operational efficiency and healthy, productive environments for students, staff, and community.

Program Enhancement

Develop and upgrade spaces for community and student programming, with an emphasis on STEM-based learning, robotics, athletics, recreation, fine and performing arts. Continue to build on partnerships with business and industry to offer opportunities for career and in-demand skills.

Safety & Technology

Enhance security measures at all levels, including fencing, secure doors, upgraded camera systems and other safety infrastructure. Upgrade network/phone/ technology infrastructure to ensure that students and staff are connected to advanced resources needed for research, innovation and cutting-edge tools that enrich learning and achievement.

Please see the meeting minutes below from the September 12th PTO meeting. We hope you can join us on Monday, October 3 for at 6:00pm for our next meeting.

Attention all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students interested in participating in Cross Country this fall. Our first practice is Thursday, September 8th from 3:05-4:00 pm. Please bring clothes to run it. We will hand out the practice calendar and begin our training for the IM Cross Country meet in October. Forms and important information will be available in room 15 and on the Schoology Group. See the flyers in the hall for more information and the Schoology Group code.

We will practice twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday until 4:00. Please arrange for your ride to pick you up immediately after practice. If you have questions, see Mrs. Lerdahl or Mrs. Glab.

Feel free to follow the great things happening at Smith Middle School on Twitter. We often share pictures from our school day, highlight student work and classroom activities, and celebrations.