South Middle School
Est. 1932 The Spartan tradition continues…
AUGUST 2019
Back-to-School Greetings!!
The Spartan Tradition Continues! The start of the 2019-20 school year brings a number of new faces, new opportunities, and new protocols. We’re excited to give a special welcome to our new sixth grade families, to welcome back our seventh and eighth grade students and families, and to welcome all of our new students, families, and staff members to South! We are also excited to welcome our new administrative leaders: Dr. Joel Schleicher, South's new principal, and Mr. Brian Loe, South's new associate principal!
Dr. Schleicher brings a wealth of middle school experience and creative energy to the position. He was a former social studies teacher at Valley Middle School before serving as Valley's associate principal. He then moved to Red River High School as an associate principal. Most recently Dr. Schleicher served as the Director of Technology for the GF Public School District. Mr. Brian Loe has been a Dean of Students in Thief River Falls, as well as a high school coach. They are excited to meet their new South Spartan family, so you're encouraged to stop by and introduce yourself!
After 26 years as South's Principal, Mrs. Nancy Dutot, retired last spring. Mr. Terry West also retired after ten years of serving as the Associate Principal. Both administrators felt extremely honored and fortunate to have worked with such a dedicated staff, talented students, and supportive parents during their years at South Middle School. The long and strong Spartan Tradition of Excellence continues under the leadership of Dr. Schleicher and Mr. Loe. Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan!
Please take the time to read through the information found in this back-to-school newsletter.
We also encourage you to fill out the various forms included in this packet and return them during registration. If you have any questions, please call South at 746-2345.
We look forward to seeing you at the “Back-to-School” registration days in August. The first day of school will be on Monday, August 26, from 8:40 – 3:30 p.m.
SPARTAN TEAMWORK!
Schedule Pick Up Dates
On the schedule pick up days , students may pick up their schedules, return their forms, deposit money into their lunch accounts, buy bus tickets, sign up for the fall extra-curricular activities, pay athletic fees, purchase memory books, move into their lockers, and walk through their class schedules. The day is designed for students to acclimate to the upcoming school year.
Gr. 8: Monday, Aug. 12 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Gr. 7: Tuesday, Aug. 13 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Gr. 6: Wednesday, Aug. 14 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
EL Families: Our EL (English Learner) families for Grades 6, 7, 8 are invited to register on Monday, August 12, from 9:00-3:30 p.m. South’s EL teacher will be available to help with the many registration details on that day.
How do I get started?
Click on the Registration button above and log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
From the Parent Portal:
- Select the student you wish to register along the top
- Select the Registration 2019-2020 icon on the left side for of the screen.
- Authenticate using your child's date of birth.
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- Click Begin Forms
PTO Picnic/Open House
The PTO Back-to School Picnic will be on Thursday, September 5, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the South Cafetorium. The cost of a picnic meal is $2.00 for a slice of pizza, bag of chips, and lemonade.
The South Open House will be from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Parents and students are invited to stop by your child’s Prime Time room first and pick up a parent information packet before walking through your child’s class schedule. The teachers will be located in their rooms during this informal time. Please stop by and introduce yourself!
The Parent Information Night for Block I sports will be held after the Open House from 6:30 -7:00p.m. in the South Cafetorium.
SOUTH CODE of HONOR
The South Spartan Code of Honor is designed to identify, teach, reinforce, and encourage respectful and responsible behavior. Student behavior expectations are also reflected in our South Spartan Behavior Posters and on our South Spartan Behavior Matrix. These school-wide expected behaviors are also explicitly reviewed, encouraged, and reinforced with our students. Guided lessons during Prime Time address respectful and responsible behaviors and provide intentional opportunities for students to discuss and practice them. The South Spartan Behavior Posters and Behavior Matrix are posted in the hallways and in classrooms to remind and encourage students to make respectful choices.
South Code of Honor
- Respect Self
- Respect Others
- Respect School
Spartan Honor Coupons and Spartan Honor Cards are given to students for making respectful choices. At the end of each month, two students from each team are recognized as the “Spartan Honor Students of the Month.” Their pictures are displayed in the case by the main entry. It is extremely important to create a safe and respectful school community and for our South students to demonstrate respectful behavior at all times.
Middle school students run through a gamut of emotions during the day. When students reach one of those low or frustrating points in the day, we encourage them to seek out a counselor, a principal, their Prime Time teacher, or a classroom teacher to help "guide" them through the moment. For example, Keeping your hands and feet to yourself is one of the expected student behaviors. It is also a lifelong practice that respects an individual’s personal space. Responding in an aggressive physical manner such as roughhousing or fighting is never permissible as this action will result in suspension.
Our overall school goal is to help our students make appropriate and respectful choices. By explicitly teaching the appropriate behaviors, providing consistency and clarity in expectations, and providing encouragement and feedback, we hope to create, model, and sustain a learning environment that is safe and respectful for all of our students and staff.
SOUTH ROUTINES:
SCHOOL HOURS: The first day of school will be on Monday, August 26. The school day starts at 8:40 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. During the year, students should arrive between 8:15-8:30 a.m. unless they are involved in an early class like band/orchestra or have an early practice for sports/music.
DOORS OPEN: The main entry door, Door #1, opens at 7:30 a.m. for band, orchestra, or early morning athletic/music practices. Students who arrive earlier than 7:30 a.m. will be expected to wait outside.
MORNING ARRIVAL: Students who arrive before 8:30 a.m. will have the following options:
- CAFETORIUM: The cafetorium opens at 7:30 a.m. Your child may choose to work on homework or eat breakfast in the cafetorium. Breakfast is served in the cafetorium every morning from 7:40-8:30 a.m.
- EARLY MORNING QUIET STUDY: The South Media Center is open every morning from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. for quiet study. Students have the opportunity to work on assignments in a quieter area during this early morning study period. Students are expected to sign in.
- STUDENT ENTRY: Students who are not in the media center or in the cafetorium are required to wait in the student entry area until the 8:30 a.m. bell rings. Supervision in this area starts at 8:00 a.m. No food or drink is allowed in this area.
AFTER SCHOOL: After school, students are expected to leave the building by 3:45 p.m. unless they are meeting with a teacher or are involved in a supervised activity.
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OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are from 7:35 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 7:35 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The office phone number is 746-2345. South’s secretaries are Mrs. Anne Dymowski and Mrs. Linda Olson.
PUSH-To-TALK DEVICE
As part of South’s all-school safety program, the main entry doors or Door #1 are the only doors open between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For the early morning arrivals, the main entry doors open at 7:30 a.m.; the student entry door opens at 8:00 a.m.
From 8:50-3:30 p.m., anyone visiting South will need to be admitted electronically into the building using the “push-to-talk” feature at Door #1. Upon entering the building during the school day, all parents, visitors, and guests will be expected to stop in the office to sign in and receive a name tag.
School Traffic
With over 570 students, it is important that established routines are followed in order to create a safe and orderly environment for all members of our South Spartan community.
A.M. = DROPPING OFF
Between 7:30-8:00 a.m., the north parking lot tends to be very busy with students being dropped off for band, orchestra, etc. It is extremely important for everyone to follow the drop off routines:
- Cars are expected to be in a single line by the curb when dropping off children.
- Pull up to the curb as far north of the crosswalk as possible when dropping off a child. This provides more room for other cars to pull up to the curb and drop off their children.
- Do not stop on the crosswalk when dropping off your child. This makes it more dangerous for others who are trying to use the crosswalk safely. Remember: It is illegal to park ON the crosswalk, regardless if you are doing a quick pick up or drop off.
- Make sure you watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk after dropping off your child. NOTE: We have had some near misses when drivers watched their child enter the school but didn’t notice people in the crosswalk as they pulled forward.
- A barrier is used to remind drivers to use one lane for drop off in the morning. Once you drive north of the crosswalk in the front parking lot, drivers have two options:
> If you have already dropped off your child, then you may pull away from the curb
and out of the single lane.
- Please check the map on the back page for more details.
P.M. = PICKING UP
MAIN ENTRY: The north parking lot by the main entry is extremely busy at 3:30 p.m. To create a more orderly flow, we ask parents who are parking by the main entry to park along the curb as far north as possible.
- Please have no more than two lines of cars: one line of cars parked along the curb and another line of cars moving through the parking lot t ensure a safer crossing for our students. Staff will be present to help traffic flow in a more orderly manner. Please follow the directions of the staff.
- Try establishing a “parking spot” around the school so that your child will be able to go to that “spot” after school.
- Try to time your arrival about 10 minutes after 3:30 p.m. The parking lot tends to be less congested at that time.
- The south parking lot by the student entry is not as crowded. Seventh and eighth graders are encouraged to be picked up in the south parking lot.
The overall goal is to create a safe environment for all students and staff. Following established routines will help our students have a safer passage to and from their cars. We ask everyone to drive slowly and carefully through the parking lot.
BUSING
Students have the option of using Dietrich Busing or the city bus. All students who ride a bus to or from South must read through the "Bus Service Information and Expectations" sheet included in this packet that outlines behavior expectations on the bus. This form must be signed by a parent and be returned to the office at South.
DIETRICH BUSING:
- Any change must be made three (3) business days prior to the change taking effect. Changes can be made by submitting a new Transportation Request Form.
- When you open a map, click on the Magnifying Glass in the upper left-hand corner, enter your home address, and you will see the nearest pick-up/drop-off location.
NOTE: The Dietrich bus routes for 2019-20 are developed based upon this year’s ridership needs. During the first couple of weeks, the Dietrich bus routes, especially the ones after school, will fluctuate in ridership due to different schedules. The early morning routes may be affected by the 7:50 a.m. band/ orchestra schedules. The after school routes may be affected by the fall sports practices. During this adjustment period, we ask for everyone’s cooperation.
CITY BUS: The city route loops from the industrial park, to CANAD Inns, to Altru, to Columbia Mall, to South Middle School, and then to Great Plains Court.
BAND / ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
The band and orchestra programs meet from 7:50 - 8:35 a.m. Students may be dropped off at Door #1, the main entry door. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The Gr. 7-8 Concert Band will be rehearsing together on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. The seventh and eighth grade orchestras will be rehearsing on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Band Classes at 7:50 a.m.
Band 7 & 8: M – W - FBand 6: T - Th
Orchestra Classes at 7:50 a.m.
Orchestra 7 & 8: T - ThOrchestra 6: M – W - F
NOTE: Band and Orchestra will not meet on the first day of school.
2019 Starting Dates: Tues., Aug. 27 = Band 6 & Orchestra 7-8
Wed., Aug. 28 = Band 7-8 & Orchestra 6
*Instruments may be brought to school on the first day of band or orchestra.
BIKES / SKATEBOARDS / ROLLERBLADES
Students riding their bikes/skateboards or walking/rollerblading need to use the crosswalk on 47th Avenue and the designated sidewalks by South. Bikes, skateboards, and rollerblades should be used ONLY as a means of transportation to and from school. Even though it is tempting, students are not permitted to practice tricks on their bikes, skateboards, or roller-blades on school grounds.
Bikes should be parked at the bike racks located on the northwest side of the building by the main entry. Skateboards and rollerblades need to be kept in a student’s locker during the school day.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Caulfield Studios will be taking pictures on Thursday, September 19, and Friday, September 20, through the physical education classes. All students will have their pictures taken for the South memory book. Students wishing to purchase individual packets must bring their money on the day pictures are taken. Information on the picture packets will be sent out in September.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Good attendance is very important to the educational process. The learning that happens in the classroom with other students is difficult to recapture. Students are expected to develop good attendance patterns. Parental support and cooperation with our attendance procedures is much appreciated.
Students are expected to stop in the office any time they arrive after the start of the school day to pick up an admit slip. If they leave before the end of the school day, they need to sign out in the office.
- In the event of an illness, parents should call the attendance secretary at 746-2345 in the morning. If a call has not been made, the student must bring a written note from his/her parent or guardian to the attendance secretary upon returning to school. The student will then receive an admit slip that will be stapled into his/her planner.
- If a student needs to check out during the day, the student should stop in the office and sign out. The parent who is picking up the child will need to speak directly to the office staff via phone or in person.
- A medical excuse may be required for absences lasting more than three days.
- Schoolwork missed by the student during an absence must be made up according to the team’s homework guidelines.
- Students should not miss more than 20 days per school year. At the end of each nine weeks, letters will be sent to parents whose children who have had excessive absences. Students missing more than 20 days will be expected to make up the time after school. Any medically excused absences are exempt from the 20 days. So, it is important to turn in any medical excuses to the office.
- We ask that parents attempt to schedule appointments outside of the school day whenever possible. If a medical appointment is scheduled during the school day, either a phone call or a written note from a parent/guardian is required before the student may leave.
- The student will be given a form from the doctor's office that verifies the length of the appointment. Upon returning to school, the student must take the doctor's form to the office to receive an excused absence slip.
- ADVANCED ABSENCE: If you know in advance that your child will be absent for a special reason such as a funeral or a family trip, please send the office a written note explaining the nature of the absence. A pre-arranged absence form will be given to your child to take around to his/her teachers so that assignments may be obtained prior to the absence, when possible. The student will be responsible for any work missed and may need to make up time before or after school with the teacher(s) to complete notes, make up labs, take quizzes, or make up tests.
ATTENDANCE CONCERNS
According to the student handbook and district policy, there are two types of attendance:
- Excused—An absence is excused in case of student illness, death in the family, or other extenuating circumstances approved by the principal.
- Unexcused—any absence not covered in the above. In the past, we have had a number of requests to be gone from school for shopping trips, babysitting, driver’s education test, hair appointments, etc. We ask that you schedule appointments for after school hours.
As long as there is a slip from the doctor, all medical appointments are excused. If there are extenuating circumstances for other absences, you are encouraged to contact the school in advance. Absences not addressed under the “Excused” category above will result in time being made up by the student for class time missed. We appreciate your cooperation on this important attendance issue.
TARDY PROCEDURES
Students are expected to be on time and be prepared for school. If a student is late for the start of school at 8:40 a.m., then he/she must stop in the office for an admit slip.
A student may receive two unexcused tardies for each quarter. On the third and subsequent tardies, students will be expected to make up a half hour for each tardy received. Please make arrangements for your child to make up the time before or after school.
MESSAGES / PHONE CALLS
How do I contact my child during the day if I have an important message?
If you need to contact your child for any reason during the school day, please call the main office. The office will deliver the message to your child between classes, during the lunch period, or via the 3:27 p.m. announcements.
NOTE: Students are expected to keep their cell phones in their lockers during the school day. Unless it is an emergency, we will not interrupt your child, the class, or the teacher during the middle of a class period.
If you need to contact a teacher during the day, you may call the school office and leave a voice message on the teacher’s extension number. The phone system will notify the teacher about the message via email. It is critical to ensure “time on task” for students and teachers within the classroom learning environment,. Therefore, your cooperation is much appreciated.
CHARACTER EDUCATION
The district’s Six Pillars of Character program is implemented at South Middle School through the Prime Time advisory classes. Each month one of the six pillars is presented to the students through their Prime Time activities. Students are involved in activities that reflect the monthly focus.
In Prime Time, discussion time is provided through “Circle Time” where students can practice the 4C Skills of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking (Problem Solving), and Creativity with their peers and Prime Time teacher. Once a month on Thursdays, Prime Times will use the 45 minute Spartan Time to go more indepth on Second Step lessons dealing with friendships, decision-making, growth mindset, etc.
CHARACTER EDUCATION THEMES
- September: Getting Acquainted
- October: Respect
- November: Citizenship
- December: Caring
- January: Responsibility
- February: Fairness
- March: Trustworthiness
- April: Community Service & Environmental Awareness
- May: Reflection, Transition
SCHOOL AGENDA PLANNERS / ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS
"If you plan to learn, then you need to learn to plan." Learning to be organized is an important skill in life. Each student will receive a "student planner" on the first day of school and a Chromebook.
The middle school student handbook includes both an agenda planner and district handbook. The district middle school handbook may also found on the district and school websites. Throughout the year, we will be modeling the importance of organizing homework and study time with the help of the planner and/or assignment page on their Chromebooks. Assignments will also be posted on the team’s website.
As parents, you are encouraged to go the team website to access the assignment calendar. Sign up for the Remind App to keep up-to-date on team activities. You’re also encouraged to go on PowerSchool to monitor your child’s grades and attendance during the year. We encourage you to check out the South Middle School website throughout the year to learn more about school events and activities.
Note: Your child should bring home the planner during the first week of school for you to sign the parent information page.
SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM Good nutrition makes better students
As we educate our students about making more nutritious food choices, please keep the following district guidelines in mind:
- No pop or coffee drinks are allowed in the cafetorium during the breakfast or lunch period.
- No fast food or food from other restaurants may be eaten in the cafetorium during the breakfast or lunch periods.
- South’s concession stand and vending machines offer snacks and beverages that follow the district’s nutritional guidelines.
Everyone’s cooperation is appreciated as we move toward a more nutritious and healthy approach during the lunch period, as well as throughout the school day.
"My School Bucks" is a great way for parents to track how much money is in your child's account, get low balance alerts or track what they are eating. This is free. If you want to deposit money on line, there is a fee of $2.49 per transaction up to $250. Click on the link below to access My School Bucks.
LUNCH / BREAKFAST
During the school year, students may deposit money into their lunch accounts every morning before 10:00 a.m. in the cafetorium. Parents dropping off lunch money should do so in the main office.
Please check the new lunch meal costs found on the flyer in this packet. A form for free and reduced meals is also included in this registration packet. Please make checks payable to Grand Forks Public Schools.
Various lunch choices are available every day. After all students have been served lunch, they will have the opportunity to purchase items from the a la carte line. Cash or money from their account may be used to make these additional purchases. Students may also choose to bring a sack lunch from home.
The middle schools have a closed lunch period; therefore, all students are expected to be in the cafetorium during their scheduled lunch period. Parents who want to take their child out for lunch on a special occasion must check with the office in advance. Please note: If lunch extends beyond 25 minutes, the student will be expected to make up the missed class time.
LUNCH TIMES:
- Grade 8 11:36 -12:01 p.m.
- Grade 6 12:02 -12:27 p.m.
- Grade 7 12:28 -12:53 p.m.
Thursday’s Spartan Lunch Times:
- Grade 8 11:51 -12:16 p.m.
- Grade 6 12:17 -12:42 p.m.
- Grade 7 12:43 -1:08 p.m.
Breakfast is also available every morning in the cafetorium from 7:40 - 8:30 a.m.
TECHNOLOGY USE: Cell Phones, etc.
In this age of technology, the challenge is to use technology in a responsible way. As indicated by recent research, the incessant use of devices can create a sense of addiction. Therefore, it is important that we help model the effective and appropriate use of technology, both at school and at home, for our young people. Our overall goal is to provide a healthy balance of rich learning experiences using technology with important face-to-face communication that builds empathy and understanding. Our device policies and protocols, therefore, are continuing to change in order to achieve this critical balance.
Our goal is to create a classroom environment that promotes teaching and learning; therefore, we try to minimize the number of interruptions during the class period.All of the classrooms have phones. In case of an emergency, students may contact parents at any time during the day, with teacher permission. Classroom teachers may utilize cell phones for certain lessons. During those occasions, teachers will be responsible for monitoring cell phone use.
CELL PHONES: Students are required to keep their cell phones in their hall lockers during the day. Whereas cell phones foster close contact between students and parents before and after school, cell phones can also have a negative impact on the school day when used inappropriately. There have been occasions when ringing cell phones have disrupted class time, students have texted answers to each other or sent harassing text messages during the class period, inappropriate pictures were shared in class with other students or inappropriate sites were downloaded.
INSTANT MESSAGING: Social networking via instant messaging/texting (ex., Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) continues to create concerns outside of the school day. Developmentally, young adolescents are prone to incidents of impulsivity. In this era of “social networking,” a young person may feel something in the moment, write what he/she is feeling, press the send button, and then become overwhelmed by the aftermath of the incident. When negative things are shared in the moment, people’s feelings are hurt and/or groups of people might retaliate against the sender of the message. Both responses are difficult for the “sender” to manage. Encourage your child to “block” calls/individuals that don’t provide a positive presence in their lives.
Unfortunately, some students choose to gossip, threaten, or harass students via technology in the safety of their homes. These messages are then shared electronically with others. When students come to school, they bring their concerns about the gossip, threats, or harassing statements with them. The school has spent much time addressing threats or trying to repair friendships.
Inappropriate use of social media could involve bullying situations that are against the state anti-bullying law. The school resource officer will be contacted about any inappropriate use of social media that impacts the school environment or the safety/learning of our students.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT: We encourage you, as parents, to keep up-to-date on the changing modes of communication. Technology devices with internet access should be located in areas that are easily monitored by adults. It is strongly recommended that parents in today’s technology age monitor your child’s messages periodically in order to keep them safe. There are programs that can allow parents to turn off the internet on a variety of devices in the home to assure a good night’s sleep for their children. There are also programs that will send all texts to parents to monitor.
While parents want to build trust with their children by not checking the phones and computers on a regular basis, it is more critical to keep our children safe from other students’ impulsive and disrespectful or destructive words or from other dangerous situations that exist on the internet.
So make it a family routine to check your child’s cell phone, instant messaging, and computer history on a regular basis. Have children turn off their cell phones and leave them in a family area before going to bed. A growing number of young people are texting, gaming, etc., on their phones into the early hours and then are too tired to get up the next morning. Together we can help our young people make more responsible choices, as well as keep them safe.
CONSEQUENCES: Students not following the cell phone policy will have their phones confiscated until the end of day the first time; parents will need to pick up the phone on the second infraction; and detention time will be assigned for the third infraction. Everyone’s cooperation and support are appreciated.
ANTI-BULLYING PROGRAM & Circle Time
Since 2012, all school districts in North Dakota were required to have a district “anti-bullying” plan in place. Having a shared definition of bullying for students, staff, and parents is critical in creating a safe learning environment for all.
Three Key Components of Bullying Behavior:
1) Involves mean or hurtful things that are intentionally said or done to another; aggressive behavior
2) Is repetitious; typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time
3) Involves an imbalance of power or strength
Teaching the difference between a “conflict” and a true “bullying” situation, as defined above, is very important in helping our students become better decision makers. Through Prime Time, “Circle Time,” and class meetings, students learn how to work through differences and deal with issues in a positive and respectful manner. The “character education” lessons, as well as the “Circle Time” format, help students deal more productively with these challenging behaviors and situations.
As a result of the “Circle Time” activities in Prime Time and the trusting connection with adults, students have been more comfortable reporting “misunderstandings” or “the beginning stages of a conflict” to a trusted adult in the building. In return, our staff members have been better prepared to help students work through these initial conflicts so that resolution is reached more quickly and efficiently for all. “Learning to do the RIGHT thing at the RIGHT time for the RIGHT reason” is a powerful discussion to have with our young people, both at school and at home.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dressing appropriately for the work place and paying attention to important grooming habits are lifelong skills. The dress code for middle school stresses neatness and appropriateness. Trendy clothing that is appropriate for the hot summer months is not always appropriate for the school setting.
According to the student handbook, “Students are asked to use common sense in their personal appearance and not to wear clothing that can be hazardous in learning situations, such as labs and shops. Students must wear shoes at all times. Hats, caps, hoods, non-religious head scarves/ bandannas, and jackets are not to be worn in school. Clothing that is excessively revealing, or potentially revealing, such as mini-skirts, short-shorts (should be as long as fingertips when arms are down at the side), tank tops (with thin straps), low cut tops, mesh shirts or game jerseys (without shirts underneath), or saggy/baggy pants are also inappropriate.
Students wearing inappropriate attire will be instructed to get it changed, and parent(s)/ guardian(s) will be contacted. Inappropriate attire may include clothing with a derogatory saying or double meaning with sexual, illegal, or derogatory connotations. In addition clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco products, or other substances deemed hazardous to one's health are inappropriate.
With today’s fashion, we have frequently had questions about what is “too short.” Shorts or skirts should not be much shorter than the length of your finger tips. Tops showing underwear or straps are also not considered appropriate for the school day. Appropriate and respectful attire is part of our South Spartan “Code of Honor” which addresses respect for self and school. Everyone's cooperation is needed so that problems may be avoided and a climate of respect may be created school-wide.
TEAMING/TEAM TIMES
One of the key features of the middle school approach is the teaming component. The team's core teachers meet on a daily basis during their team planning time to coordinate assignments or tests and to discuss student concerns. During the year, if you have questions or concerns, you may call the team during the daily planning time and talk to one or all of the teachers.
The core teams will also be communicating regularly with the teachers in the allied arts courses. If you would like to meet with your child's teachers about any specific concerns, especially at the start of the year, you are encouraged to call and schedule a meeting during the following times:
Grade 6
AURORAS = Period 7 2:38 -3:27 pm
COMETS = Period 7 2:38-3:27 pm
ROCKETS =Period 6 1:47-2:36 pm
Grade 7
CHALLENGERS = Per. 5 12:56-1:45 pm
DISCOVERY = Per. 1 9:03-9:52 am
Grade 8
EXPLORER = Per. 2 9:54-10:43 am
VOYAGEUR = Per. 3 10:45-11:34 am
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We encourage all students to become active in extra-curricular activities throughout the school year. Studies indicate that the more students feel “connected” with the school, the more successful their school experience will be.
Seventh and eighth graders will have a number of athletic opportunities throughout the year. The participation fee for activities (athletic, music, and drama) is $45. Sixth graders are also able to be involved in a number of intramural activities throughout the year. Intramurals meet after school from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. The cost for intramurals is $10.
NOTE: Families needing assistance with these fees should talk to Mr. Brian Loe, the associate principal.
NOTE: The physical form for seventh and eighth graders can be accessed by clicking the Athletic Physical button below.
BLOCK I: August - October
- Boys 7-8 Football….. August 21
- Girls 7-8 Softball…… August 19
- Boys 7-8 Soccer……. August 26
- Boys/Girls 7-8 Cross Country see Red River HS athletics for start date, time and location
- Girls Gr. 6 Soccer…… August 27
- Boys Gr. 6 Flag Football..August 27
NOTE:
The Parent Information Night for the Gr. 7-8 Block I sports will be on Thursday, September 5, from 6:30-7:00 p.m. in the South Cafetorium. For more information, please check the South Website under Athletics.
MESSAGE from SOUTH’S PTO
The South PTO is currently using the RemindApp to keep parents informed. If you would like to be included in messages from the PTO, please click on the link below to add your information.
https://www.remind.com/join/spartanpt
We have one major fund raiser each year. The MVP Card fund raiser is held at the beginning of the school year. This fund raiser enables the South PTO to support a variety of activities throughout the year. Your support of this fund raiser is much appreciated. If you prefer to give a monetary donation for the year instead, the South PTO is very appreciative of your support!
We meet the third Monday of every month in the Office Conference Room. Come and join us on Monday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m. for the first meeting and let us know if this is a good time for you!
If you have any questions or would like to serve as an officer or be on any of the committees, please call the South Middle School office at 746-2345.
All are welcome!
MVP Card South’s major PTO fundraiser is coming!
It is time again for South’s PTO-sponsored MVP fund raiser. Earnings from this all-school fund raiser have supported the following South activities: Back-to-School Picnic, furniture for the media center, Discovery Day (all-school activity day), class field trips, team activities, prizes for the grade level activity events, honor roll breakfasts, etc. In addition, sound systems for the classrooms, wireless microphones, interactive smart projectors, and incentives for the reading programs have been purchased with the MVP funds.
During the month of September, South will be selling the MVP Card that provides great discounts and savings at businesses in our area during. Be sure to purchase an MVP card and support South’s PTO!!! Some families have chosen to support the South PTO by making a cash donation for the year instead. Thank you for your support!
Gr. 6 ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
The sixth grade enrichment program, or SWEP (School-wide Enrichment Program) at the middle schoollevel involves “enrichment clusters.” Enrichment clusters will meet once a week for 50 minutes with afocus on reading or STEM, which involves science, technology, engineering, and math. Each activity will incorporate creative problem solving, higher-level thinking, and leadership/ communication skills.
A letter will notify parents at the beginning of the school year if their child will be receiving enrichment services. Enrichment teachers do not determine if a student is gifted, they simple supply academic enrichment services to students who demonstrate an academic need. Students are selected for enrichment based on their demonstrated academic abilities, creativity, and their individual task commitment.
SPARTAN SCHEDULE
On Thursdays, South Middle School follows a different class schedule. A forty-minute “Spartan Time” is added to the daily schedule for the purpose of providing additional time for literacy support, Second Step lessons, Spartan Rallies, catch-up work before the end of the quarter, etc.
During the first quarter, teams also target transitional skills involved with the new grade level. These strategies include organizational skills, study skills, and test-taking skills for all students. Staff may also work with small groups of students to provide specific academic help and support for students. Current research indicates that all students benefit from increased opportunities during the school day to read at their instructional level.
Thursdays
- Prime Time………. 8:40-8:50
- Spartan Time…… 8:52-9:28
- Period 1…………… 9:30-10:15
- Period 2…………… 10:17-11:02
- Period 3…………… 11:04-11:49
- Period 4A/B……. 11:51-12:43
- Period 4B/C……. 12:17-1:09
LUNCH:
Gr. 8 = 11:51-12:16
Gr. 6 = 12:17-12:42
Gr. 7 = 12:43-1:08
- Period 5…………… 1:11-1:56
- Period 6…………… 1:58-2:43
- Period 7…………… 2:45-3:30
SUPPLIES / LOCKERS
It is important for students to leave anything of value at home and to label all their materials used in school. Please remember to label calculators, backpacks, etc. Students are reminded to store their gym clothes in their gym lockers and not leave their clothes lying on the benches during class. The school will supply locks for the hall lockers, the PE lockers, and music lockers. Students are reminded to keep their lockers neat and orderly. Locker checks will be conducted throughout the school year.
NOTE: Due to the difficulty of removing stickers from the lockers at the end of the year, students are asked not to use stickers to decorate their gym or hall lockers.
YEARBOOKS
2019-2020
Special Price!!!
South will be offering an Early Bird Registration Special
in August for $15
All-Color Yearbooks
Purchase a yearbook on line or during the August registration days for $15!
Personalization and Icons are available through ONLINE SALES ONLY at
Personalization & Icons end February 15, 2020.
Later on this fall the cost will be $20.
NOTE: South has a limited number of 2018-19 Yearbooks left. If you are interested in purchasing one of the remaining books, you may do so at registration. The cost is $10.