Sunday, November 11, 2012

Spartan Blog, Week of November 12-16, 2012

Spartan PRIDE
Supporting our school community core values.


SMS Ideal Community:  It is important to look for and identify evidence that supports our “Ideal Community.”  Ideal community represents the vision for our school.  The faculty developed a description of "Ideal Community" during workshop week in August.
All of the descriptive words used to describe what we desire in a school community were put together in a "Wordle."  Words included in the SMS Wordle are community, excellence, collaboration, student-centered and so on. 
It was quite obvious this past Friday at the Veterans’ Day Program we were seeing our "Ideal Community" in action.  Much of what we desire for behaviors from adults and students were on display.  A true partnership with the community existed.  The generation gap closed for a few moments on Friday.  Young people were put in a position to honor and thank the generations before them for their service to our country.  I believe young people understand the value and sacrifice of others for their freedom.  However, without leaders who are willing to empower young people to voice their beliefs, the strong voice of our youth goes unheard.  Thank you Paula Farley, Kathy Wolff, Marilee Woodard and Abi Feekes for your leadership; it matters!


National Bullying Awareness Week, theme of "Stand Up" (to bullying), November 12-17
This week we will work create additional awareness around the importance of developing and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive environment.  I plan to read a brief announcement each day of the week.  I have included a link to resources/videos that may be of interest to you.  Our teachers will take a few moments this week to lead a discussion with students about the importance playing an active role in preventing bullying by living our the core value in Spartan PRIDE and being a positive peer.
Link to resources:  http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/#/home.  I encourage parents to take time to visit with your child as well about the importance of respect and tolerance.  Tolerance has many interpretations.  The goal is to respect and appreciate all people.  Even those who have different interests, beliefs and backgrounds. 

End of Trimester Approaching
November 21st marks the end of the trimester.  Be sure to engage your students in discussion about the importance of finishing strong.  The trimester grade is a strong indicator of success for the first 1/3 of the school year.  It represents a check point for students.  If grades don't reflect our best effort, it will be important to develop a plan for improvement.  Conversely, if the your child's grades are excellent, what might be the plan to see it through.  

Coming Events: 




Upcoming Activities:
Nov. 20                       Tentative Date for Food Drive Assembly (pie throwing)
Nov. 21                       End of First Trimester
Nov. 21                       Early Release, 1 p.m. for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 26                       Trimester Grades Due (End of the day)
Nov. 21                       12:50 pm – EARLY Dismissal for vacation
Nov. 22-23                  Thanksgiving Vacation                                                                                                
Nov. 28                        Building Leadership Team Meeting, Wed., Nov. 28th, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
Nov. 29                        Team Leader Meeting, 7:30-8:00 a.m. in Conference Rm.
Dec. 3                          Parents and Partners Mtg. 6-7 p.m., SMS Library
Dec. 3                          7th & 8th Gr. Choir Concert, SHS Auditorium, 7-9 p.m.
Dec. 5                          Early Release for PD, 2 p.m.
Dec. 6                          Staffing Meeting, 7:30 a.m. in SMS Library
Dec. 10                       7th and 8th gr. Band Concert, 7:30-9:30 p.m. in SHS Auditorium
Dec. 11                       District Technology Mtg., 3:45 p.m.in HS DDN rm.
Dec. 12                       Building Leadership Team
Dec. 14                       7th Grade Dance, SMS Commons, 4-6 p.m.
Dec. 20                       Team Leader Meeting, 7:30 a.m. in conf. rm.
Dec. 21                       1 p.m. Early Release, Christmas/Holiday Break
Dec. 24-Jan. 1            Christmas/Holiday Break
Jan. 2                           School resumes







It’s the greatest compliment to be humble.  You want to be the best you can be, but not compare yourself with others.  I’d just like to be seen as someone maximizing my own talents.
                                                                                                                            -Hakeem Olajuwon








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