Dear SMS Parents/Guardians:

On behalf of the entire SMS staff, we are looking forward to working with you and your child(ren) this year.
    
The first day of school for all students is Tuesday, September 2.  The warning bell rings at 7:35 a.m. with school starting at 7:40 a.m. If you drop off your student at school, please note that the front of the building is for bus drop off only. 

If you plan to add money to the lunch account, please make sure you send a check payable to SMS.  A separate check is needed if you are buying an ASB card and/or annual--lunch money cannot be included with these purchases. 

Each student will receive a school planner the first week of school.  It contains a comprehensive parent handbook and the discipline frameworks. All students are tested on the discipline information so they know the expectations at SMS. 

Here is to a great 2008-09 school year!

Barbara Marsh, Principal

The staff at SMS continues to work on our school improvement goals of raising student achievement in math and reading.  Our work is focused on particular weaknesses students have shown in both areas.  Professional Development Wednesdays (late start for students) provides time for staff collaboration to align curriculum and determine useful strategies to use with students.  Our progress will be assessed at the end of the school year.

The end of first semester is February 1.  Now is an excellent time to check with your student to make sure all homework assignments and major projects are completed and turned in.  If you have not yet pursued your password for Family Access, I invite you to contact the office.  This is an easy way to view all your child's classes and see if anything is missing.  Please keep in mind, however, I have asked staff to update Family Access once a week.  I did not specify the day.  

Mark your calendar to make sure you don't miss any of our upcoming events.
January 23 - Spelling Bee, 1 p.m., cafeteria
January 29 - Choir Concert, 7 p.m., SHS PAC
January 31  - Band Concert, 7 p.m., gym
February 7 -  Dance, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., gym
February 18 & 19 - Midwinter Break
February 29 - Dads Breakfast, 6 a.m., gym


If you are a parent of an 8th grade student, registration for high school is not that far off.  Watch for information that will be coming your way.  

Barbara Marsh, Principal

It has been a great start to the 2007-08 school year.  Students were excited and ready to go.  We have just completed our PTO/ASB magazine fundraiser and with your support will reach our goal.  Sports and extracurricular activities are in full swing with lots of student participation.  Progress reports have been issued and the first quarter will end November 6.

Classes of 2012, 2013, and 2014 are attending class meetings once a month this year.  The purpose is to talk with students about building activities, sports, and to recognize students as Student of the Month, RAD, and activities they might be involved with outside of school which deserve notoriety. 

On Friday, October 12, staff members worked diligently on analyzing student achievement scores and updating school improvement goals.  This is an ongoing process to make sure students are receiving quality instruction in all content areas, in order to meet state standards.

On Friday, October 26, Stanwood Middle will be having our annual Grandparents Luncheon.  It will be held from 12 - 2 p.m. in the cafeteria.  If you did not receive a flyer and are interested in attending, contact the office at (360) 629-1350.   This has always been a great event for everyone involved.

Thank you for all your support with the various activities at Stanwood Middle.   We couldn’t do it without you!


Barbara Marsh
Principal

On behalf of the entire SMS staff, welcome to the 2007-2008 school year!  It is that special time of year when parents look forward to students returning to school.  The students, on the other hand, look forward to seeing their friends but not the routine of getting up early and doing homework!

Sixth grade students and parents will have an opportunity for a sneak peak on Thursday, August 30, at 6:00 p.m.  This is an official welcome and time to tour the building.  This will provide an easier transition for students (and parents) and help eliminate some of the nervousness.  New students in grades 7 and 8 are encouraged to attend this evening also.