January 12, 2025

Dear Warrior Families,

Welcome to this week’s newsletter! As we begin FAST Progress Monitoring (PM2) testing, it is a critical time for both our students and staff. These assessments provide valuable data to help us gauge your student’s growth and support their learning more effectively. We encourage you to review the testing schedule to ensure your student is prepared and able to perform their best during each session.

We have also been analyzing the Quarter 2 Benchmark Exam data to identify areas where students may need additional support. This data-driven approach helps us pinpoint strengths, trends, and areas for improvement. To support our students, we continue offering tutoring sessions and in-house strategic instructional programs. These programs are tailored to address the needs identified through benchmarking data and provide targeted academic support. By comparing the Quarter 2 benchmarks with the upcoming PM2 data, we aim to refine our academic pathways and create opportunities for continued growth.

This newsletter also includes key upcoming events and important information to keep you informed and engaged in your student’s academic journey. We greatly appreciate the ongoing partnership between families and the school, which is essential to our students’ success. Let’s continue working together to make this a productive and successful week for all.

"One Sanford...We Are Warriors!"

2025 Ready,

Dr. Coleman

Please review the adjusted bell schedule below for testing days.

This week starts our first deep dive into the MYP Global Contexts! Over the next few weeks, each newsletter will focus on one global context at a time, giving you:

• A closer look at how your child is exploring that context in class.
• Tips and resources for supporting this learning at home.
• Ideas for family activities that connect with the featured context.

What Are Identities and Relationships?

In the IB MYP, “Identities and Relationships” examines how we define ourselves and interact with others. Through this context, students explore topics such as:

• Self-awareness and personal identity: understanding personal values, beliefs, and experiences.
• Relationships with friends, family, and the community: developing empathy, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Cultural and social norms: recognizing how culture and society influence who we are and how we relate to each other.

How Is My Child Exploring This Context in Class?

• Class Discussions & Reflection: Students may share personal viewpoints and consider different perspectives in group conversations.
• Collaborative Projects: Through group work, students learn to negotiate roles, responsibilities, and how to respect diverse perspectives.
• Literature & Media Analysis: In language arts or social studies, students might analyze characters’ backgrounds and relationships to gain insight into how identity shapes behavior.

Family Activity Ideas

• Family “Identity Collage”: Gather magazines, photos, or printouts that represent each family member’s interests, values, or cultural background. Create a collective collage that shows your shared identity.
• Cultural Traditions Night: Pick one night a week to cook a meal or practice a tradition that highlights a part of your family’s heritage. Discuss its significance and any memories attached to it.
• Community Connection: Volunteer together at a local organization or event. As you help out, talk about how working alongside others fosters understanding and strengthens relationships.

We hope these ideas spark meaningful conversations at home about who we are and how we relate to others. Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we’ll explore another MYP Global Context and continue making real-world connections in your child’s learning!

Sanford has a proud history of excellence, with our students' earning accolades over the past decade in sports, science fairs, National History Day, Mu Alpha Theta, Math Counts, and Robotics. This year, we’re thrilled to add another exciting competitive arena to our lineup—eSports. We are pleased to introduce our very first competitive Roblox team and look forward to the opportunities this program will create for our students. Stay tuned for more updates as we forge ahead in this new and innovative chapter!

Last week, our focus has been on resetting the BE BRAVE Mindset to set the tone for success. This mindset encourages students to believe in their potential, respect their school and community, always do what’s right, visualize their success, and excel and engage in learning. By embracing these principles, students are empowered to take ownership of their actions, set meaningful goals, and strive for excellence in all they do. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child in developing the confidence and skills to BE BRAVE every day!

#Connections #WeAreSanford

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

We are thrilled to announce that 7 of our incredible students who earned two or more perfect scores on the Spring 2024 FAST, BEST, or FAA statewide assessments were honored at the School Board Meeting on December 17th.

These exceptional students received certificates of achievement from both the Superintendent and Board Members as well as from Florida’s Commissioner of Education—a testament to their hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.

We couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments and the example they set for our school community. Congratulations to these shining stars! Keep striving for excellence and inspiring others.

Way to go, Yagn P., Saharsh A., Manasvi E., Gavin P., and Emerson W. !!!

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.

👏

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!

Please take a moment to review the new lunchroom procedures and the importance of safety with your child.

Quarter 2 report card grades should now be available in the family portal. Please ensure you have access to the portal to review your student’s grades.