SPARTAN SCOOP

February 18, 2024

From Mrs. Smith......

Good evening!

That was a really quick week, so the newsletter is a little thin this week. Here are some points of interest.

Science Academic Super Bowl will meet Mondays after school from 4-5pm. This started February 22 and will run through April 22.
Penn Football Cheerleading Tryouts:
Any 8th grader who is interested in trying out for Penn Football Cheer.
Football Cheerleading Tryouts March 25, 26 and 27 at Penn High School. If interested please email Coach Szweda for more information at rszweda@phm.k12.in.us
Any 7th or 8th grader interested in competing on the Schmucker track team MUST sign up below. Follow this link... Schmucker Track Sign Up 2024 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetJ9F_a0ktma5PMArB0HWpKsbLaK8wYxwddUpGc--5AxB6iQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

I hope you have a great week and thank you for helping Schmucker students make an IMPACT.

SPARTY UP!

#PHMExcellence

#PHMExcellence

Penn High School's beloved and hard working Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Cates was recently named 2024 National Coach of the Year by the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA). This is just the latest in a string of honors. In 2022, Penn's program led by Coach Cates was awarded with a NHSSCA Program of Excellence School designation! Coach Cates is a mentor, motivator, and great role model for students; he's one of Penn students' most beloved adults! Click here to learn more about Coach Cates.

Grissom Middle School started a new tradition this week to honor students. The "Fourteen under 14." The initiative seeks to highlight students who excel academically and make a difference in their community. Students had to apply and get teacher recommendations. The inaugural program had more than 60 applicants! On Friday, Feb. 23, Grissom Principal Jen Sinclair and Superintendent Dr. Thacker, along with other special guests, recognized the first "Fourteen under 14" class and their families at a breakfast before school. Click to read more.

FIRST-IN District Robotics Competition, March 2 & 3

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The 2024 FIN Mishawaka FRC District Event will once again be held at Penn High School. If you've never been a spectator at a Robotics Competition, you don't know what you're missing! So come out and cheer on Penn's Teams 135 and 328 as they take on other Indiana high schools. The two-day event is Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 in Penn’s Main Arena. No tickets needed, the event is FREE! Click here for more details.

The Music Man, March 1st - 3rd

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You can spend the entire weekend at Penn if you want, after the Robotics tournament, you can take in a musical too! Visit bit.ly/PennMusic Man to purchase tickets for Penn's annual student musical (scroll to the bottom of the page).

ILEARN Dates To Remember

ILEARN practice test will be April 9, 2024. Please take note that students must take the Practice Test in order to log in to the ILEARN testing platform.
ILEARN will start on Tuesday April 16, 2024 at Schmucker. We are scheduled to start that morning at 9:05.

8th Grade Explorations Week

8th grade students who will NOT be attending the Washington DC trip were given a permission slip for our Explorations Week, May 20-24. The cost of the week is $30. Slips and money are due March 28th, but I would recommend getting it in sooner rather than later so it is not forgotten. Our amazing Assistant Principals and Dean have planned a great week.

February Clubs

February Clubs/Intramurals

Must have REGISTERED MY ATHLETE Filled out!!

Link: https://www.registermyathlete.com/login/

Walking Club

Monday

When: 4:00 to 5:00 PM

Where: Mrs. Grover’s room (room 318)

Teacher: Melissa Grover

ART -CLOSED to Those already Signed up

WEDNESDAYS:

When: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Where: Art room (room 244)

Teacher: Samantha Hammel

Robotics Club

WEDNESDAYS

When: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Where: Art room (room 247)

Teacher: Matthew Reininga

Chess

Thursday

When: 4:00 to 5:00 PM

Where: Mrs. Grover’s room (room 318)

Teacher: Melissa Grover

Novel

Fridays

When: 8:00 AM to 8:50 AM

Where: Room 208 (Will pick you up at the main office at 8:00 AM)

Teacher: Colleen Gish

Open Gym

Fridays

When: 7:30 AM to 8:50 AM

Where: Gym (Come in Door L by gym at 7:30 AM)

Teacher: Karl Black

THE MORE YOU KNOW!

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Give Back with Amazon Smile

Please look for Schmucker Middle School in Amazon Smile. With all of our online shopping, it's an effective way to easily give back to our SMS PTO.

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Box Tops for SMS

Box Tops are going digital! Simply download the Box Tops app from the Apple app store or Google Play. Create an account for yourself & associate it with Schmucker Middle School!

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Approved PE Shirts

Please remember that shirts from last year and this year are acceptable for PE! You can buy a shirt at the Back to School Walk Around for $10 cash.

Commonly Used Links and Information

Continued Focus on the Indiana Academic Standards

Knowing there is dialog around the state about the Indiana Academic Standards, we continue to follow the direction of the Indiana Department of Education and Dr. Jenner as provided in this letter. If you have any concerns about your child's education, please work with your child's teacher for clarification or reach out to me at anytime!

Questions? Please see the assigned staff at each site to help answer your questions.

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Safety Update: How Can Parents Monitor On-Line Activity

Parents,

Families have the option of receiving weekly emails outlining your students online activity while using Chromebooks. This online service is free and it gives parents an opportunity to maintain a safe learning environment at school and at home. Please click on the attached links to learn more about how Securly can help you.

Click to read and download a copy of the parent letter that provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up your Securly Parent Portal.

SAFE SCHOOL HELPLINE

If you see something, hear something, say something! The Safe School Helpline is a convenient, confidential way for anyone to report information about situations that might affect safety at any P-H-M school or building. You can call the number any time of the day or night to report concerns about unsafe or potentially disruptive activities or situations including drug or alcohol abuse, weapons, harassment, bullying or threats. All calls are completely confidential.