Spartan Blog, Week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2, 2012

Spartan PRIDE

Supporting our school community core values.

Please remember to take the AdvancED Parent Survey on or before November 9, 2012  
(Go to the district homepage and click on the link titled:  
"AdvancED Parent Survey")
 

We are planning to issue student ID cards with lunch bar codes to each student.   The new lunch procedure, we are putting in place at Spearfish Middle School, will expedite students through the lunch line.  It will allow students to simply swipe their card next to the scanner when paying for lunch.  The Student ID and Lunch Card will require a level of responsibility from each student.  It will be important for each student to establish a plan to have their ID/lunch card every day at school.

We plan to issue the ID cards on Wednesday, October 31^st.  Students will receive a Spartan PRIDE lanyard and the ID card from his/her homeroom teacher.  Students will be responsible to bring the ID/lunch card each day to lunch.  If your child loses the ID card, there will be a $5.00 replacement cost.   Students will need to see Ms. Gill or Ms. Rogers, Office Secretaries, for replacement IDs.  The other option for students, who lose their ID, will be to simply use the key pad to punch in his/her lunch code and not replace the ID.

In cooperation with Lunchtime Solutions, we are also exploring options to decrease wait time for students in the lunch line by modifying the serving line set up.  My goal is to have students sitting down and eating their lunch as quickly as possible.  

 National Bullying Awareness Week's (November 12-17) theme of "Stand Up" (to bullying), serves as a powerful  message to our school communities. We have created significant focus on school community and the importance of a safe and respectful environment for learning.  The Spartan PRIDE Pledge is centered on the core values we expect all students, staff and parents to practice everyday.  We are continuously seeking best practice strategies to address the disrespectful bullying behavior.  As a new principal to SMS, it was important to communicate my expectations for our school community.  The message was conveyed by going to classrooms and meeting with students.  Every student participated in a classroom conversation with administration and guidance counselors about rights and responsibilities.  We introduced the Spartan PRIDE core values as a vehicle to guide our day to day decisions.  We will work with our faculty and students to bring awareness to the issue of bullying, but more importantly, we will continue to develop strategies for effectively preventing and responding to such behavior.  We need you in this effort.  Join us for the next Parent Advisory meeting held in early November.  Together, we can create a positive experience for ALL students.  See the Spartan PRIDE Pledge below:

 

Preparedness	-Ready for learning, having what you need to accomplish your goals.
Respect	-Embracing of our differences, treating others as we wish to be treated.
Integrity	-Doing the right thing at all times with honesty and authenticity
Determination	-A firmness of purpose in everything you do, a willingness to overcome an obstacle.
Excellence	-High expectations for all and in all we do and the courage to challenge for it.

community core values: •I will bring a positive attitude and materials everywhere I go. •I will be considerate of others, their property, and myself. •I will do the right thing when no one is looking. •I will never give up. •I will challenge myself to do my best. Upcoming Activities: Nov. 5 or 12                (Depending on HS Football playoffs)  Parent Advisory Meeting, from 6-7 p.m in the SMS library Nov. 7                         2 pm – EARLY RELEASE Nov. 9                         Veteran’s Day Presentation, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Nov. 12-17                  National Bullying Awareness Week, theme of "Stand Up" (to bullying), Nov. 12                       NO SCHOOL Veterans Day Nov. 21                       End of First Trimester Nov. 21                       12:50 pm – EARLY RELEASE Nov. 22-23                  Thanksgiving Vacation It’s not who we are that holds us back, it’s who we think we’re not.                                                                                 -Micheal Nolan