SMS Weekly Update
September 6, 2024
From the Principal
Dear SMS Family,
We had another great week at the middle school and opened up our new activity time game room on Tuesday. To add a few exciting options for the lunch window, we acquired and set up foosball tables, basketball pop-a-shot, and an air hockey table for student use. It was pretty fun watching the kids get so excited at lunch. We have attached a few pictures in this weekly update to highlight these items.
We also have our Back to School night event on Wednesday, September 11th. We will begin with a short presentation at 5:45 PM in the main gym and should wrap up our welcome session just after 6:00PM so parents can head out to meet teachers. The format is “open house” so you can drop in and connect with staff until 7:30 PM. Our leadership students will be in attendance to help you navigate the building, and if you know how to use ParentVUE, you will be able to find classroom numbers and locations. We will also print student schedules for parents in case you cannot access ParentVUE on your phones.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday and to another great week!
In partnership,
Andy
Important Dates
Sept 9
- PSO meeting -- 2:00pm-3:00pm
Sept 11
- Early Release -- dismissal 2:26pm
- Back to School Night -- 5:45pm-7:30
Sept 16
- Board Meeting -- 6:00pm
Sept 18
- Early Release -- dismissal 2:26pm
Sept 25
- Early Release -- dismissal 2:26pm
Additional events may be viewed on the SMS Calendar and the District Calendar.
School Hours
Front Office 7:45 am - 3:45 pm
Student Hours 8:45 am - 3:26 pm (M/T/Th/F)
Student Hours 8:45 am - 2:26 pm (W-Early Release)
Doors Open to Students 8:30 am
SMS Flex Time
Hello SMS families! As we begin another school year, we are excited for the return of Flex time at Sherwood Middle School. Flex is a block of time in our schedule on Wednesdays dedicated for our students and staff to meet for:
* Academic support from teachers
* Enrichment opportunities (guitar, chess, sports, etc.)
* Homework help or test prep
* Support and planning with counselors
* Making up missing work, labs, and tests from absences
* Club meetings
* Extra practice for programs (band, choir, dance, etc.)
* Guest speakers and career exploration
When Does Flex Time Begin?
Flex begins on September 18th. Students will go to Flex once a week, on Wednesdays, right after their Flight Time. Flex will show up as Period 8 on their schedule. Attendance is required and will be taken.
How Do Students Sign Up?
Students will sign up in StudentVUE every Monday morning for Wednesday’s Flex session. Students can choose different Flex offerings each week. The window for signing up closes on Tuesday at 4pm. All unscheduled students will be placed into a Flex section.
How Can Students Make the Most of Flex Time?
Encourage your child to take an active role in their education by choosing sessions that align with their needs and interests. Discuss with your child how they can utilize these opportunities for academic growth and enrichment.
We believe that Flex Time serves as a valuable resource for our students, promoting not only academic success but also fostering a sense of responsibility and independence in their learning journey. We’re looking forward to another great year of Flex time at SMS.
Traffic Flow Reminders
As we continue to refine our drop off and pick ups for students, we would ask that you follow these helpful hints to keep traffic moving:
Pull all the way forward when dropping students off
Only drop off or pick up students at the yellow curbs (see attached map). Students should never exit or enter vehicles from the second lane.
Have your student prepared to exit the vehicle quickly; Backpack in hand and any other materials ready to exit the vehicle
Thank you for your continued help in making our traffic flow smoothly and safely.
The video provided by our PSO is below and is very helpful to watch!
Demographic Updates
If you need to update your phone number or email address, you can do that through ParentVUE. Any other updates (address, emergency contacts, etc.) you will need to call the office to get specific directions on how to update.
Schedule Changes
At this point we will not be making any more schedule changes without good cause. If a student would like to explore a schedule change they will need to visit the counseling department to pick up a Schedule Change Request Form from Mrs. Gilmer. This form must be completed, returned, and signed by a parent before it is given to Administration for consideration of a schedule change.
Schedule change requests will be handled on a case by case basis and are not guaranteed.
Student Deliveries
If you have an item that you would like delivered to your student, please bring it into the office. We will be delivering school related items that impact a student's education or lunch, but we will not be able to deliver items that are not directly needed for class (e.g. coffee, flowers, gifts). We are unable to accept deliveries from any food delivery services such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, etc.
SPORTS AT SHERWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
As our fall sports season begins, we would like to remind our spectators of some important information:
Admission to Sporting Events:
All spectators (except senior citizens and high school students with ASB) will be charged an admission fee for varsity football and all levels of volleyball. Ticket gates for varsity football will open at 5:30 p.m. and will open at 5:45 p.m. for volleyball.
No re-entry for K-12 students. If students decide to leave prior to the completion of the games, no re-entry will be allowed.
Backpacks and outside drinks will not be allowed for students; entrance gates will be monitored.
The cost for sporting events this year is $8 for adults and $5 for students.
Tickets can be purchased online through the High School website (card processing fee will be charged) at: https://shs.sherwood.k12.or.us/athletics-activities/ticket-sales/
Cash will also be accepted.
All fall sports will charge for playoff games, including senior citizens and HS students with ASB. Playoff game prices are determined by the OSAA and change depending on the level of playoff.
Spectators:
We are committed to a welcoming environment that promotes fair play and respect for all and expect the same from our spectators. We request your cooperation in supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner.
Bowmen Gear:
Bowmen Booster Club apparel will be available to purchase from their trailer at the home games near the concession stand. If you are looking for Bowmen gear, please stop by and support our Booster Club!
GO BOWMEN!
Nutrition Service Information
SSD Nutrition Services Partners with Odd Moe's Pizza
We are excited to announce our new partnership with Odd Moe's Pizza, a beloved Oregon-based company that has been serving up delicious slices for over 25 years! Our students will enjoy freshly baked pizza complete with a homemade whole grain crust, topped with low-fat cheese. We are excited to continue our tradition of partnering with local businesses like Odd Moe's Pizza to bring the best to our students.
Please visit the Nutrition Services Webpage for nutrition information, menus and pricing.
For those families who may qualify for free or reduced lunch benefits, it is important that you complete the Free and Reduced Meals Application online or pick up hard copies from the office. In order to be eligible for additional benefits (such as reduced fees) you MUST complete and submit the Permission to Share Form which can be found on the last page of the application. Click here for forms.
NOTE: If you completed the Free and Reduced Meals Application online, the Permission to Share Information Form still needs to be completed and returned to your student's school or mailed to: 21920 SW Sherwood Blvd, Sherwood OR 97140. Attn: Gia Saporito.
If you would like to add funds to your students lunch account online, please click the button below for instructions.
Attendance Procedures
How to Excuse Your Child
To report an absence for your student, please email SherwoodMiddle_Notification@sherwood.k12.or.us preferably in the morning. Absences must be excused within 48 hours. You may also call the attendance line at 503-825-5510 or send a signed note with your student upon return, or through your ParentVUE account.
Please include the following information in your email, voicemail, or note:
1. Name of student
2. Parent/Guardian Name
3. Date of absence
4. Reason for absence
5. Phone number where Parent/Guardian can be reached
Picking up Students During School
If you need to pick up your student during school hours, the office will need to know in advance. You can email, call, or send your student to school with a signed note. Please share this required information:
1. Name of student
2. Parent/Guardian Name
3. Date and time of absence
4. Reason for absence
5. Phone number where Parent/Guardian can be reached
Important! : We realize that unforeseen circumstances may arise and you may need your student right away. We will do our best to accommodate this, however, it may or may not be done in a timely manner.
48 Hour Policy
All absences must be excused within 48 hours. The 48 hour window begins at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the student’s absence and ends at 8:00 a.m. 48 hours later. Any absence not excused within that 48 hour window will be considered unexcused. No exceptions.
SMS 24-25 Yearbook
Order your yearbook now.
Yearbooks are 10% off through October so purchase NOW and customize anytime throughout the year. Must be purchased by May 1st to get your book in time for the end of year signing events.
*ALL STUDENTS MUST SELECT YOUR 24-25 FLIGHT TIME TEACHER FROM THE DROP DOWN BOX WHEN ORDERING. This can be found in Student/Parent Vue.
Incoming SMS new students: Your school code is 101612219220699 which is different from your elementary school treering code. You can still login under the same treering account but will add your SMS code to purchase and customize your 2 FREE pages in your book. This code is also shown on the flyer. On Facebook: "Sherwood Middle School PSO" shares Yearbook info throughout the year as well as the SMS Newsletter.
Share Center Information
“SHARE is a place for families to seek information, resources, and support services. The SHARE Center’s purpose is to strengthen community partnerships and decrease barriers related to student success, thereby improving the ability of all children and families to engage fully in a positive school experience”. - SHARE Center, Sherwood School District (please visit this page for more information)
If you need support obtaining school supplies, please reach out to the Share Center.
Please click the button below to find out more information on the optional device protection plan.