Knights EXCEL

Let's wrap our arms around our drivers who have a very challenging job! We know it takes a village and they are an important piece of our success.

Please consider choosing one of the option below for one or more of the ways to show SGMS loves our drivers! Or if you have an idea of your own to show specific love to your child's driver we would love for you to do so.

1. Drop by the media center on Monday by 2:30 to sign one or more large signs to display on buses for our drivers
2. Drop off a finger food on Wednesday morning by 8:20 to front office that drivers can come in and make a plate of goodies to enjoy at 8:30 or at other times throughout the day before their afternoon run
3. Have your child write cards for the drivers
4. Bring a token of appreciation/small gift for a driver (we have 14 buses total so if at least 14 people do this every driver will have one and if we get more they will get more than one thing)
5. other nice gestures

It’s February and the focus especially this week tends to center around love. In spite of adversity we have a valuable job that does and will make a difference for all SGMS stakeholders. We have things to celebrate and we have things to work on but we must not ever forget how much we appreciate all staff that work to make SGMS EXCEL. As you show love throughout this month and the remainder of our school year consider showing staff your love language.

Here are some ways that you can show how much you appreciate them.

1. Thank You Notes. Writing notes are a small simple way to show them that you care and appreciate them and everything that they do. We get the notes when things go wrong but how about when things are EXCEL-ling.
2. Gift Cards.
3. School Supplies.
4. Snacks.
5. Flowers.
6. Parent Volunteers
7. Other

Staff Appreciation week is in May but any time of year a special love boost is greatly appreciated.

Reminders:

• North Carolina has a compulsory attendance law which means students should be in school each and every day unless they are sick or have an appointment
• We have multiple students that are missing school regularly and it is impacting their education.
• Please have your child at school each day all day--early release and early dismissals should be limited as that means your child is missing a specific class which is a disruption to them and their classmates
• If your child is sick please send a note upon their return

TIME to ACT is NOW!! Please read, review with your child and ensure they understand all guidelines in the Code of Conduct. THESE items below ARE just a snapshot of several areas that are frequently forgotten and they are NON Negotiable. We are creating a culture of EXCEL-lence and have lots to be proud of so please assist us by ensuring your child is a catalyst for great things.

• Students must have an agenda, one card and all items needed for classes each day. We are 1/2 way through the year repeating the same things about what they should have daily. Pencil, paper, and class materials are the basics. If you can send in any items to support the inventory that is depleting we would greatly appreciate it.
• The agenda not only is a hall pass its a great way to organize the assignments that are given and when they are due as well as be prepared for tests.
• Each day should be a new day, ready to make it better than the one before. Goal set with your child and help them reflect on what could be better and how to achieve those goals. Reach out to your childs teachers and let them know what they can do to help.
• Each classroom has a class contract that is should be in place, visible and should be followed. Remind your child to review with their teacher daily and hold themselves accountable for their actions.
• All students should strive to achieve as many DOJO points as possible as staff will be focusing on giving them out multiple times a day to showcase following what is expected and valued per our EXCEL values.
• Follow your childs positive contributions by joining class Dojo-reach out if you need help connecting
• It's not the job of one student or a few to make SGMS great it is an EVERYONE responsibility
• Students may not leave the classroom unless it is a valid reason that can't be handled in class. Bathroom breaks are given as a class around lunch and other needs are fulfilled by a pass in their agenda. Multiple times a day means their is a concern and we will reach out to families if needed. Multiple times out of class is a loss of instruction.
  
• Students may not leave the class for any reason if they do not have an agenda filled out---it's a new quarter so all students should have one. This includes breakfast--all students should pick up a breakfast on the way to class (tardy students are offered breakfast in the office upon sign in). They may not return to the kiosk or office unless there is an extenuating circumstance
• Phones must be in the BOOK BAG or left at HOME!!
  
• Please note if a student has their phone out of the bookbag, this includes on their person it will be confiscated by staff and submitted to the front office. If this is a repetitive problem a parent will be required to pick up the phone.
• Please note videoing or taking photos, texting, posting on social media at any time during the school day is a violation of the code of conduct and could result in suspension based on content and personal violation of others.
• Conflict RESOLUTION is a must for students. As adults we know fighting does not fix a problem but we are encountering multiple students encouraging or actively involving themselves in fighting to handle a problem. Please support our staff in teaching your child how to resolve or handle conflict without promoting or using fighting as a solution.
  
• See something, say something let's work together to eliminate problems that disrupt learning and work together to report things that could lead to further issues.
• Respect for themselves and others is the key to navigating learning--we speak daily about character is how you act even when no one is watching. Ensure what they say and do exemplifies their best representation.
• All students deserve the right to learn and students that are disrupting the learning of others will not be tolerated. Please ensure your child is following the classroom expectations and complying the first time asked.
• Communication is key--reach out to staff at any time if you have questions or concerns as we are in this together.
• Be involved--our students need and deserve role models who want to be vested in their education.
• Show up in person or online--volunteer to make a difference for a child or staff member--lunch buddy, hall greeter, bathroom monitor, event participant (Jamboree, Career day, Multi-cultural day, awards day, chess competition and so much more....)

We are all able to create a culture of EXCEL-lence at SGMS let's work together!!

February 13th: Student Council/Ntl helpers meet to filter, organize and sort candy grams; BBall vs Penn Griffin @ SG--8th grade recognition night

February 14th: **Yes this is VALENTINES DAY--Please use good judgement on what is given or delivered to the school so it does not disrupt the learning environment. Any candy or food item gift may not be eaten in class but can be consumed at lunch. Also, please note balloons are a hazard and distraction in class and on the bus so please limit sending those to the school. Any flower or balloon deliveries made to the school will be shown to the student and remain in the front office until the end of the day. If any items are glass or balloons they will not be allowed on the school bus and will have to be picked up by the parent. If your child is bringing a gift for another student please help us by keeping it to items that are small in size so it does not disrupt the learning environment or become a distraction or problem. Special shout out to Student Council for their inclusive Candy grams that will be given out today. Track conditioning starts 3:45-5:00 pm

February 15th: BBall vs Welborn @ SG; Track conditioning optional

February 16th: Chess club; Track conditioning optional

February 17th: Student council readers for PreK` - 1st grade at Southern Elementary

February 20th: Presidents Day--NO SCHOOL--Choice School Application window closes

February 21st: Track conditioning optional

February 22nd: Student Council/Natural Helpers meet; Track conditioning optional

February 23rd: Spring Pictures; Chess Club; Track conditioning optional

February 24th: Jamboree #2 (we need your help-please call the school to volunteer)

February 27th: Track conditioning optional

February 28th: Interim Reports