February 10, 2025

Dear Warrior Families,

Welcome to BRAVE Connections, our weekly newsletter! I'm excited to introduce a new, streamlined format designed with you in mind—saving you time with quick, easy access to key updates. Each edition will focus on our STEM magnet program, highlight student and staff achievements, and showcase what’s happening in our classrooms. Each week, I’ll be sharing a focus word and action with our staff to guide and inspire our students. I’ll also share these with you, so we can strengthen our partnership at home.

This week’s focus word is Intentionality. As Jonathan Estrin reminds us, “The way we spend our time defines who we are.” With that in mind, I encourage you to set aside 10 intentional minutes each day this week to connect with your child.Ask about their day, their goals, or something they’re excited to learn. These small, focused moments can make a big impact, strengthening the bond between home and school while supporting your child’s growth and success. Together, we will make great things happen at SMS!

One Sanford...We Are Warriors,

Dr. Coleman

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

SMS Civics Team Planning Day with Ms. Montalvo and Ms. Lyons:

Data-Driven Action Planning to Differentiate Learning for ALL Students. #Assessment&Accountability

Ms. Bhakta and Ms. Brennan led a data-driven discussion with the ELA team, reviewing PM2 and Qtr Benchmark data and exploring resources to support teachers within the instructional framework. #TeachingandLearning

Unpacking the Approaches to Leaarning and MYP Unit Planning

with Ms. Kelsey, Ms, Schwartz and Ms. Coursin! Creating digestible chunks for our teachers.

#MYPUnitPlanning

At Sanford Middle School, we take pride in being a STEM magnet school, where students have the opportunity to explore, innovate, and create using real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One of the key MYP Global Contexts, Scientific and Technical Innovation, challenges students to think critically about how humans use their knowledge to understand the world, solve problems, and create new technologies.

Through our Pre-Veterinary Science, Engineering, Gaming, and Robotics programs, students engage in hands-on learning that connects STEM concepts to real-world challenges. Whether they are designing robotics solutions, studying animal health, conducting environmental research, or coding new programs, students at Sanford Middle are developing the skills needed to thrive in a world shaped by technology and innovation. By participating in STEM competitions, field studies, and collaborations with industry experts, our students are preparing for careers that will drive the future of scientific and technological advancement.

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Our Pre-Med students recently took a creative, hands-on approach to learning about the digestive system by going old school with magazines and glue! After conducting research, students crafted vibrant collages that mapped out the digestive tract, showcasing key organs and functions in a visually engaging way. This activity reinforced their understanding of how the body processes food while allowing them to think critically and creatively.

Sanford Middle’s Pre-Med program continues to inspire future medical professionals by blending science with interactive learning experiences. We love seeing our students immerse themselves in the subject and bring their research to life in new and exciting ways!

At Sanford Middle School, consistent attendance is key to academic success, engagement, and personal growth. In partnership with the NW Cluster—including elementary, middle, and high schools—we aim to address chronic absenteeism, which leads to learning gaps, lower performance, and a higher risk of falling behind. Together, we’re tackling challenges like transportation issues, family instability, health concerns, and socio-economic barriers to ensure all students have the support they need to thrive.#Connections #WeAreSanford

Join PTSA- It's not too late!

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

It is important for students to bring their badge each day, as it grants them access to buildings and classes. Students were provided with an initial badge and one free replacement at no cost.

Effective January 7, 2025, students who have already used their one-time replacement will need to pay for any additional badge replacements. The cost for secondary schools is $2.00.

This week, the team will work to ensure all students have a working badge or are added to the replacement list. The following payment methods will be accepted:

• Cash/Check: Payments can be made directly to the individual issuing new badges.
• MySchoolBucks (MSB): Parents may also pay online through MySchoolBucks.

If payment cannot be made at the time of badge printing, notification letters will be sent to parents.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring all students are equipped with working badges!