SLMS Titan News
Week #2 - August 16, 2021
Greetings SLMS Parents and Guardians,
We welcomed 997 students through our doors on the first day of school, and through the week, we added 54 more students to make a running total of 1,051 students. We expect more to join us in the coming days and weeks. It has been wonderful to see our building come to life again with our Terrific Titans!
Topics that I know are on your mind include student, staff, and visitor health/wellness and transportation. Please check out the detailed items in this edition of Titan News about those two topics. Our first monthly Parent Coffee with the Principal will occur this Friday, August 20, at 10:00 AM, but it will occur virtually through Zoom for this first one (see item below). If you have a child taking 7th grade Science (on-level or AAC), and/or if your child is in beginning band, beginning choir, beginning orchestra, or any level of art, please read the item below about the Standards-Based Grading Parent Session we are hosting on Tuesday, August 24 at 6:30.
We have also included information and reminders regarding applying for or renewing applications for Free or Reduced Meals, football and volleyball (7th and 8th Grade Students Only), Student-Owned Devices and Technology, and our bell schedule for the school year.
Thank you for taking some time to consider the items in our Titan News. Communication and understanding are the two most important pre-requisites from which we may build trust for the best possible school/family relationship.
Sincerely,
Keith Fickel, Principal
#NewBeginnings
#TitansOwnIt
#ReturnOfTheTitans
Week At A Glance
Upcoming Events
- August 20 - Coffee With the Principal, 10:00-10:30 AM (Via Zoom, see article below)
- August 23 through September 10 - REN360 Universal Screener in Math and ELA classes
- August 23 through August 31 - Counselors Visit Students (through Science in grades 7/8, and in Discovery for grade 6)
- August 24 - Standards-Based Grading Parent Information Night (see article below)
- August 26 - Campus Planning and Advisory Committee (CPAC) Meeting
- August 27 - Progress Report 1 (PR1)
- September 2 - Open House, 6:00 PM (Format TBD; more information forthcoming in the next edition of Titan News)
Missed Titan Camp / Orientation? No Problem!
Student, Staff, and Visitor Health & Wellness: Ongoing Protocols
The well-being of anyone who sets foot on the SLMS campus is paramount. Though the district's current guidance is that masks are strongly encouraged, in the first three days of school, most students and staff (well over 90%) are choosing to wear masks. Even though we may only encourage, not force, students and staff to wear masks, we can remind them to wear them properly if they do choose to wear one, which includes covering the nose. Therefore, if as a parent you want your child to wear a mask, please remind them that it is effective only when it is worn properly (i.e. covering the nose) and when it fits properly. Disposable masks should be replaced daily, and washable masks should be washed daily. Consider wearing a disposable mask behind a washable mask, as well. In addition to encouraging students, staff, and visitors to wear masks, we encourage everyone to:
- maintain a minimum 3-foot physical distance wherever possible
- wash their hands often and for at least 20 seconds
- avoid touching their face
- use hand sanitizer when washing hands is not possible; every classroom and office, as well as the cafeteria has hand sanitizer
- wipe down their desk with specialized wipes
- use PPE we provide (paper towels and alcohol spray) to wipe down computers, keyboards, etc.
- never share food or drink at the breakfast/lunch table
- bring a refillable water bottle (with a secure, water-tight cap) and fill it using the three bottle fillers we have across campus, rather than drink straight from the fountain
Our custodial staff works diligently throughout the day to keep high-touch surfaces, such as door knobs, light switches, etc. clean. Because our lunch schedule will afford 15-20 minutes between lunches, the custodians and staff have the opportunity to do a thorough cleaning of the cafeteria (tables, seats) using prescribed methods, materials, and equipment after each lunch period.
Wellness Screener - When Do I Complete It?
Unlike the 2020-21 school year, the wellness screener is NOT designed to be submitted daily. This year, it needs to be completed ONLY when a staff member or student tests positive for COVID-19. It is required of staff and students (or their parents) to complete this wellness screener as soon as possible when they are identified as COVID-19 positive. The location of the wellness screener is on the district and campus websites (see red arrow in the image below). Submission of this screener will trigger a contact tracing process that enables us to identify any individuals who may be deemed as exposures or close contacts, as well as the extent of these potential exposures/close contacts. In addition to identifying these exposures and close contacts, we also are duty-bound to inform parents if their child is identified as an exposure or a close contact, as well as any staff member who is similarly identified. If a student, parent, or staff member cannot successfully complete the wellness screener to report a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, contact the campus at (281) 634-3080, and we will assist you with entering the information so we may begin the contact tracing process at the earliest possible moment.
When an individual reports testing positive for COVID-19, Fort Bend ISD will notify Fort Bend County Health & Human Services at 281-633-7795, as well as the Texas Department of State Health Services, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including confidentiality requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Wellness Screener Location
Additional Wellness Information from FBISD
What You Should Know
What if I...???
Transportation: Arrival/Dismissal for Car Riders and Bus Riders
Safety is our top priority at all times, and it is no less true as students are arriving to school in the morning or when they are leaving campus in the afternoon. The car rider line in the morning is speeding up every morning thus far, which is good news. However, how quickly the car rider line moves depends completely upon the readiness for students to exit their parent's vehicle once it pulls up in the circle drive and upon parents pulling their cars forward completely in the car rider line to maximize the number of cars in each cycle. Even a few seconds extra per student or one extra car length left open in the circle drive has a trickle effect down the line and causes the line to slow down. Please be ready to exit the vehicle when it comes to a stop in the drive. Please follow the expectations in the graphic below. Bike riders and walkers--enter and exit the building in the front entrance.
Monthly Parent Coffee with the Principal - Friday, August 20 at 10:00 AM
Each month, we will have a time for parents and guardians to meet directly with Mr. Fickel, our campus principal. He will share updates of what is happening at school, the direction the school is heading, and give parents opportunities to dialogue with him about matters important to them. This first Coffee with the Principal will occur via Zoom (future ones will be in-person, conditions warranting). So, grab your cup of Joe, and join Mr. Fickel this Friday, August 20, at 10:00 AM using the Zoom link below!
Zoom Meeting Information
Friday, August 20
10:00-10:30 AM
Meeting URL (click to join): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82562520923?pwd=UVE3NTBhVG4yZ3BwbU96RmtsckJwUT09
Meeting ID: 825 6252 0923
Passcode: 128413
Standards-Based Grading Parent Information Night - August 24
Students who are enrolled in the following courses will experience what is called Standards-Based Grading (FBISD refers to it as the "Grading Pilot"). We want to be fully transparent with parents and students about this experience, why we are doing it, and what it will look and feel like during the year. Please join us for our parent information session via Zoom on Tuesday, August 24, at 6:30 PM. Zoom meeting information is below.
- Science 7 (on-level and AAC)
- Beginning Band
- Beginning Orchestra
- Beginning Choir
- All Levels of Art
In subsequent years, our SBG practices will expand to include additional subjects and content areas. For additional information ahead of our parent meeting (or for more information afterward), please visit the FBISD Grading Pilot Home Page for Standards-Based Grading. Review the links on the right side of the page related to philosophy behind SBG, as well as the parent guides, listed by grade level and subject.
Zoom Meeting Information
Tuesday, August 24
6:30-7:30 PM
Meeting URL (click to join): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87276373974?pwd=WlA3Ti9xTW5yQWFmS3l6THc2UEt6QT09
Meeting ID: 872 7637 3974
Passcode: 488963
Technology and Student-Owned Devices
Apply For or Renew your Application for Free or Reduced Meals Today
Complete or renew your application for Free or Reduced Meal Program by visiting the Free and Reduced Meal program web page on the district website. Even though all FBISD students from PK through 12th grade will receive a free breakfast and a free tray lunch, it is imperative that all families whose income levels make them eligible for the Free or Reduced Meal Program sponsored by the USDA complete an application or submit a renewal. This is because Sugar Land MS and FBISD receive federal funding based on the level of participation in this program. Last year, Sugar Land MS was 56% Free and Reduced Lunch.
School Supplies for 2021-22
All of the supplies your child will need are listed in the SLMS school supply list, which was created by the teachers. The only items not included are things like PE uniforms and specialty items needed for certain elective classes. PE uniform sales will begin in late July in a separate process. A list of items needed for specialty electives classes will be shared by your child's teacher once school starts.
PE Uniforms – available for purchase online. Link to PE Uniform Purchase Website
(note: if your child is taking Kickstart instead of PE or athletics, their uniform, called a '"Gi", will be made available to you through the instructor)
Football and Volleyball Information -- 7th and 8th Grade Students Only
All students need a valid and up to date athletic physical on file before they can participate in extracurricular activities. Students can download an athletic physical form off the FBISD athletics page and bring it with them to submit to their coaches on the first day of school (or before school starts, which is better). All students need to visit www.rankonesport.com and fill out all of electronic forms (include leading zero "0" in your child's student ID number when logging into RankOne). All forms need to be submitted electronically, AND the physical form must be turned in before a student athlete is eligible to tryout/participate.
Football
The football equipment pickup schedule will be as follows after school (4:30-6:00 PM):
- Equipment pick up was held Thursday, August 12 for 8th grade, and Friday, August 13 for 7th grade; coaches will work with additional young men throughout the coming week who did not get their equipment picked up
- Equipment pickup will be in the boys’ locker room and will begin immediately after students are called for over the PA. If you do not have a physical please do not come to pick up equipment, as you will not be eligible
- The first day of football practice will be after school Monday, August 16
- Students will only need to purchase football cleats. All other equipment will be provided by FBISD
- If you have questions, please contact Coach Esposito at Pete.Esposito@fortbendisd.com
Volleyball
- Tryouts will occur before school (6:45-8:15 AM) on August 16, 17, and 18. Students must attend ALL tryout dates and times. Doors open at 6:30 AM
- Practices are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 6:45-8:15 AM
- Game days are Thursdays
- Physicals and online electronic forms must be completed and submitted prior to trying out. See information above
- Contact Coach Woods at toni.woods@fortbendisd.com if you have any questions.
PE Uniforms – available for purchase online. Link to PE Uniform Purchase Website
Class Schedule for 2021-22
Our class schedule/bell schedule for the 2021-22 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-minute class periods. except for periods 1 and 7, which are 55 minutes). MWF also has a 10-minute "Titan Time" where we do announcements and other housekeeping business; this is an additional 10-minute period added to the end of period 2, and there is no transition
- Tuesday and Wednesday will have a 7-period day (45 to 50-minute class periods), with an additional Advisory period between period 6 and 7. Advisory will be used as a flexible time to conduct interventions, enrichments, as well as to show our broadcast/announcements, and even an opportunity for clubs and organizational meetings
- 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
Note the change in school start/end times. For 2021-22, the school day will begin at 8:55 (5 minutes later than last year), and the day will end at 4:10 (5 minutes later than last year).
You may download a PDF of the bell schedule by visiting this information page on our campus website. An image of the bell schedule is below.
Important Contact Information
- Associate Principal - Monika Martin (monika.martin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Nafecia Brinson (nafecia.brinson@fortbendisd.com)
- Assistant Principal - Dr. Dawn Rogers (dawn.rogers@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Eleni Smith (eleni.smith@fortbendisd.com)
Eighth Grade
- Assistant Principal - Luster Goodwin (luster.goodwin@fortbendisd.com)
- Counselor - Kim Seright (kimberly.seright@fortbendisd.com)
Counselor Clerk - Carmen Brantley (carmen.brantley@fortbendisd.com)
Assistant Principal Secretaries
- 7th and 8th Grade - Tina Garcia (diamantina.ibarragar@fortbendisd.com)
- 6th Grade - Sherri Woodcock (sherri.woodcock@fortbendisd.com)
Attendance - Mary Beth LaVergne (mary.lavergne@fortbendisd.com)
Registrar - Tandi Phillips (tandi.phillips@fortbendisd.com)
Nurse - Shetal Patel (shetal.patel@fortbendisd.com)
Clinic Aide - TBD
Executive Assistant to Principal Fickel - Mary Connealy (mary.connealy@fortbendisd.com)
Sugar Land Middle School
46 Years
1975-2021
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.
#TitansOwnIt
#NewBeginnings
#Resilience
Office Hours from Monday, July 26 through Tuesday, August 10
8:20-4:20 (closed 12:00-12:45 for Lunch)
Office Hours starting Wednesday, August 11
8:20-4:20 PM
Email: keith.fickel@fortbendisd.com
Website: www.fortbendisd.com/slms
Location: 321 7th Street, Sugar Land, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 634-3080
Twitter: @SLMSTitans