BRAVE Connections

November 10, 2024

Dear Warrior Families,

We’re excited to introduce our dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) Team, who play a crucial role in keeping our school safe and welcoming. Our team includes Officer Flanagan, who is well-known to our Warrior community, and Officer Llanos, who has joined us this year and is already making positive connections with students and staff.

Officer Flanagan has been a valued part of our school safety team, forming meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. Known for her approachable, friendly nature, she provides a reassuring presence, making sure students know they can turn to her with questions, concerns, or just a smile.

Officer Llanos, our newest SRO, brings fresh energy and a warm demeanor. She’s quickly established herself as a trusted figure on campus, reaching out to connect with students and fostering a sense of security. She aims to support students both as a protector and a mentor.

Our SROs, alongside our broader school safety team, are fundamental to our commitment to creating a secure environment where students can focus on learning and personal growth. This team works with our administration, teachers, and staff to ensure that all safety procedures are in place and that our school remains a respectful and supportive space for everyone.

Together, Officers Flanagan and Llanos, along with our entire safety team, are helping us create a safe, trusting, and connected school community. Please join us in recognizing and thanking them for their dedication to Sanford Middle School!

"We are proud of our Warriors!

Make it a Great Week!

Dr. Coleman

This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave individuals who have served our nation with courage and commitment. A special recognition goes out to Dr. Diltz, Mr. Griffith, Mr. Nelson, Ms. Heriot, and all our Warrior parents who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. We are deeply thankful for their service, sacrifice, and the values of resilience, discipline, and leadership they bring to our school community.

On this day of remembrance and gratitude, let us also inspire our students to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans. Please join us in celebrating the strength and dedication of these remarkable individuals and families who continue to serve as role models for us all.

Thank you to all our Warrior Veterans — your legacy is cherished and honored here every day. #WeAreWarriors

Warrior Families, we invite you to "Fall Into Literacy" at Sanford Middle School on Thursday, November 14 from 6pm to 8pm. Plan on an evening of fun! Families will participate in literacy activities for all ages. The Sanford Middle PTSA is hosting the bookfair in the Media Center with hundreds of books, posters, and other fun items. Sanford students will receive the opportunity to earn an incentive for attending and participating in the Family Literacy Night! We look forward to seeing all of our Warrior Families Thursday!

The link for preordering pizza for Literacy Night is smsptsa.givebacks.com/store.

As technology increasingly shapes our children’s lives, we have a unique opportunity to work together to guide them toward safe, respectful, and responsible online behavior. Partnering in digital citizenship empowers our students to navigate the digital world in ways that reflect the values we prioritize at school and home. By modeling responsible technology use, openly discussing online activities and challenges, encouraging safe sharing, and reinforcing online etiquette, we create a foundation for positive digital habits. To further support these efforts, SCPS will be offering an upcoming seminar for parents on enhancing digital citizenship skills. This seminar will provide strategies for guiding children in safe, thoughtful digital practices and navigating common challenges they may encounter online. Together, with this added support, we can help our students grow into responsible and respectful digital citizens. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in preparing them to be safe and smart digital leaders. Check out the flyer below.

At Sanford Middle School, we are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded students who excel academically and socially. As we continue our candidacy for the Middle Years Programme (MYP), a key focus is on developing students' Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, with social skills being an essential component.

MYP social skills encompass collaboration, communication, and respect, encouraging students to engage positively with their peers and teachers. Our students learn to work effectively in teams, understanding the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, negotiating solutions, and building strong, empathetic relationships. Through group projects, peer feedback, and classroom discussions, we create an environment that mirrors real-world interactions and prepares students for future success.

We believe that cultivating these social skills early will empower our students to become compassionate, confident, and capable leaders in their communities and beyond. As parents, you can support this learning at home by encouraging open dialogue, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, and modeling respectful communication.

Together, let’s continue to nurture the next generation of thoughtful and socially aware global citizens!

.

Last Thursday, Sanford Middle School hosted our annual Magnet Night to welcome and recruit rising 6th graders for the upcoming school year. The evening was an incredible opportunity for our teachers and students to highlight our robust STEM programs and our ongoing journey as an MYP candidate school. It was inspiring to see our current students enthusiastically share their SMS experiences, engaging with future Warriors and their families.

The night kicked off with an interview panel featuring current students, alumni, and parents who shared heartfelt testimonies about how Sanford Middle has positively impacted their educational journeys. An impactful alumni video followed, showcasing how SMS has been a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Teachers organized interactive activities that brought our STEM and MYP programs to life, with our own Warrior students leading the way. From engineering challenges to science experiments, it was a hands-on experience that truly reflected our motto: “Where Exploration Leads to Innovation.”

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making Magnet Night a success! We can’t wait to see the fresh energy and ideas our new Warriors will bring to SMS next year.

#Connections #WeAreSanford

Join me on my #WarriorWalks! Follow me on Instagram: @drcoleman_stemleader (https://instagram.com/drcoleman_stemleader).

#WarriorWalks

Parents, did you know that your child's Math Nation book is available on Clever? This means students have easy access to all the resources the book offers right at their fingertips. If you ever find yourself thinking, *"I don't know how to help you,"* simply encourage your child to open Math Nation and navigate to the lesson they're struggling with. Each concept is supported by instructional videos featuring multiple teachers, allowing your child to choose the one that resonates best with them. This way, they can reinforce their understanding at their own pace—reducing stress for you and providing effective support for them.

Calling All Parents, Community Members, and Friends of Sanford Middle School!

Get ready to be a part of Teach-In 2024 on Tuesday, November 12th! We’re inviting community leaders like you to join this special event by teaching at least one class. Have you ever wondered what it means to “Teach for a Day”? This is your chance to share your life experiences, career insights, travel stories, or even a favorite hobby with our students.

Why Join Teach-In?

This is a fantastic opportunity for parents, business leaders, and community members to show our students that we care and are invested in their future. Whether you have an hour or a few, your presence can make a lasting impact. And don’t worry—we’ll help you prepare with an informative Teach-In Speaker Guide!

How to Get Involved:

Simply fill out the Speaker Registration Form here: https://forms.gle/z3eJkS6fUhdRm4rW6, or reach out by calling our office at (407) 320-6172 during weekdays (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM), or email us at brennacd@myscps.us.

Join us in building a brighter future together! We can’t wait to welcome you into our classrooms.

Join PTSA

Calling all parents, grandparents, students, and community members! Join SMS PTSA and help fund essential programs, events and resources for students, staff and families. Your membership requires no additional commitment or time but is very important. Support our Warriors and make a difference in our students lives. Membership is just $8. Student members will receive a Fun Pass giving access to skip to the front of the line at the school store, discount to TopGolf Spirit Night and member recognition during the year. Adult members will receive $2 off their spirit wear purchase at Open House. Join at smsptsa.givebacks.com/store

Want to Get Involved?

PTSA has a number of opportunities for families and community members to be involved at SMS. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, want to volunteer on campus, sell concessions at sporting events or help us from home, there is an opportunity for you. For more information on volunteer opportunities or to join a PTSA committee, got to www.linktr.ee/smsptsa

Thank you for your generosity and support. Let’s make a positive impact together!

Every Child. One Voice

Wednesday, November 13 at 4:30 p.m. at Sanford Middle School (SMS)

Did your student miss Picture Day or need a retake? No worries! Picture Retakes will be on November 11th.
Who is eligible for retakes?

• Students who were absent on Picture Day
• Students who received pictures and would like a retake

Important Reminder: If you want a retake, make sure to bring your original pictures with you to give to the photographer.

• Students should have ID Badges everyday