BRAVE Connections

December 8, 2024

Dear Warrior Families,

We hope you found last week's message helpful as we work together to support our students in finishing Quarter 2 on a strong note. With just 9 days left before winter break, we’re committed to ensuring every student is equipped to succeed. During this time, it’s crucial to stay engaged and prepared. Encourage your student to establish a daily routine for completing homework, reviewing materials, and studying. Discuss their short-term goals, such as improving a grade or mastering a specific concept, to keep them motivated. Remember to celebrate their efforts and progress, no matter how small, as this builds their confidence for the challenges ahead.

We want to highlight some opportunities to support your child’s success. After-school tutoring programs are available to provide extra help in specific subjects. Encourage your student to connect with their teachers for details on available sessions. Additional tutoring times and resources are also linked below for your convenience.

As we move forward, please mark your calendars for important dates, including the Benchmark Testing period, the end of Quarter 2, and the start of winter break. These milestones are crucial in tracking progress and ensuring readiness for the new year.

Important Dates to Remember

• Benchmark Testing Period: Dec 13th to Dec 19th
• End of Quarter 2: Dec 19th
• Winter Break Begins: Dec 20th (Non Student Attendance Day)

Take a moment to review your student’s Skyward portal to check for any missing assignments. Addressing these now can have a significant impact on their overall success as we approach the end of the quarter. Let’s work together to finish the quarter strong and set our Warriors up for success in the new year. Your involvement makes a tremendous difference, and we’re grateful for your continued partnership!

"We are UNITED in supporting our Warriors!"

Make it a Great Week!

Dr. Coleman

At Sanford Middle School, fostering strong communication skills is an integral part of student success. These skills enable students to express themselves clearly, actively listen, and engage effectively in discussions, both in and outside the classroom. Communication is not just about speaking or writing; it’s about how students interpret and convey meaning in all aspects of their learning.

How Students Practice Communication at School:

• Collaborative Discussions: Students work together in groups, sharing ideas and listening to diverse perspectives.
• Presentations and Debates: Opportunities like class presentations and projects help students articulate their ideas confidently.
• Digital Communication: Using technology responsibly to research, create, and share information.
• Reflective Writing: Students reflect on their learning experiences to clarify their understanding and share their growth.

How You Can Support Communication Skills at Home:

• Encourage Conversations: Spend time discussing their day, current events, or their interests. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “How did you solve a problem in class?”
• Read Together: Whether it’s a book, article, or online resource, discuss what you’ve read and share your thoughts.
• Promote Active Listening: Practice listening without interruptions and model this behavior during family discussions.
• Celebrate Sharing Ideas: Praise your child when they confidently express themselves, whether it’s sharing an idea at dinner or presenting a school project.
• Explore Creative Outlets: Encourage journaling, blogging, or even creating videos at home as a fun way to practice communication skills.

By working together, we can empower students to become effective communicators, an essential skill for their academic and personal growth. Let’s help them find their voice!

Sanford Middle School is thrilled to highlight an incredible opportunity for our students, made possible by a partnership with the Marine Discovery Center! Through this collaboration, students have participated in the Indian River Lagoon Experience, a hands-on learning adventure that blends exploration and conservation to deepen their understanding of one of Florida’s most diverse ecosystems.

This program perfectly aligns with our magnet focus, enhancing students' learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through real-world, inquiry-based experiences. By venturing into the Indian River Lagoon by land and sea, students not only explore marine biodiversity but also engage in critical thinking and environmental stewardship, skills at the core of Sanford Middle’s magnet mission.

During the 1-3 hour program, students embark on a boat tour with island exploration, where they may encounter dolphins, manatees, birds, and other marine life. Guided by expert naturalists, they learn about the lagoon’s ecosystems and its inhabitants. Additionally, students participate in engaging land and water-based activities, allowing them to apply classroom concepts in a hands-on environment.

This unique experience has been unforgettable for our Marine Biology students, giving them a rare opportunity to connect their learning to real-world conservation efforts and inspiring them to become problem-solvers and environmental advocates.

A special thank you to Ms. Cazel, whose passion and dedication brought this incredible opportunity to life. Her commitment to providing innovative, real-world learning experiences is a shining example of how our educators bring our magnet focus to new heights.

As deans, we value the vital role you play in your child’s success. Together, we can create a partnership that ensures your student not only meets expectations but excels far beyond them. Strong communication between parents and deans is key to achieving this shared goal.

When challenges arise, it’s important that we approach each situation collaboratively, listening to the full story and respecting one another’s perspectives. By focusing on the facts and working with purpose, we can create solutions that support your student’s growth, both academically and personally.

At the heart of our efforts is the same desire we know you have: to see your child thrive, reach higher, and achieve their full potential. Let’s continue to build this partnership with mutual respect, trust, and open communication. Together, we can empower your student to rise above any obstacles and embrace success.

Thank you for your continued support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out whenever needed.

#Connections #WeAreSanford

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

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#WarriorWalks

📣 Parents: Preparing for the Upcoming National Spelling Bee 📣

As we prepare for the National Spelling Bee, we want to ensure your child has all the resources they need to succeed. Regular practice is key, so encourage your child to dedicate time each day to study. Focusing on word origins and patterns will help them better understand spelling rules. Additionally, establishing a consistent study routine will reinforce what they learn. We’ve provided helpful resources, including spelling bee word lists, interactive practice websites, and sample spelling tests to guide their preparation. Remember, the Spelling Bee is not only about competition but also about growth and building confidence. Let’s support our spellers by offering encouragement and ensuring they feel ready and confident for the big day. If you have any questions or need additional materials, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re excited to see all of our students shine! 🌟

A HUGE Student Shout-Out to Saharsh Agarwal!

We want to give a huge shout-out to Saharsh Agarwal for taking the initiative and starting our very own Student Council Chapter here at Sanford Middle School! 🎉 Your leadership, vision, and dedication to creating a positive change in our school community are truly inspiring.

A special thank you to Ms. Currie for agreeing to sponsor this incredible group of future leaders. Your guidance will help shape the next generation of changemakers. 🌟 Elections and next steps will be shared soon, so stay tuned for more details. Let’s continue to support Saharsh and all of our student leaders as they work to make a lasting impact at Sanford Middle!

" If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do

more and become more, you are a leader."

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.

#SMSPTSA

#HolidayPopUp

Ms. Friedman's hosting a Pet Supply Drive to support animals in need at our local shelter. Donations of pet food, toys, blankets, and cleaning supplies are greatly appreciated. Every item helps provide comfort and care to these furry friends!

📅 Dates: December 2nd to December 15th
📍 Drop-Off Location: Ms. Friedman's room 2-217 or Guidance Ofc to Ms. Black

Let’s make a difference together—thank you for your generosity! ❤️ 🐾

No Sale FUNdraiser!👈👈👈

From November 18th through December 18th, we will be hosting a fundraising event to support our school's programs and activities. Our No-Sale FUNdraiser allows you to support the school without creating email lists, personal webpages, selling products, or making deliveries. All you have to do is donate through our website and you’re done! Whether you can donate $5 or $100, every amount helps! Can you help us raise our first $1500? We know we can do it! If we do, all SMS students will receive a treat to celebrate. Donate here >> https://smsptsa.givebacks.com/store We appreciate your continued support of Sanford Middle School PTSA and our Warriors. Together, we can make a difference!

Teacher/Staff Holiday Treats👈👈👈

Help us show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them. The PTSA is organizing a self-serve treat buffet on Tuesday, December 17. We are asking for your very best baking skills to make two dozen (or more) of your favorite cookies, baked goods or other treats for our teachers/staff to pick and choose from so they can create their own holiday gift box! No baking skills or time to bake? Store bought options are okay too! With over 130 teachers and staff, that's A LOT of treats! Please sign up to donate treats using the link below. https://bit.ly/SMStreats

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

More Info coming soon...

SCPS Families - Mark your calendars! Monday, January 6, 2025 will be the required hurricane make-up day for students.

• Students should have ID Badges everyday