BRAVE Connections

September 16, 2024

Dear Warrior Families,

Thank you for attending Open House! It was wonderful to see so many of you at this important event. Your presence and engagement in your child’s education are crucial to their success. Open House provides an invaluable opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, understand their learning environment, and establish that essential school-to-home connection. We hope you found it informative and are excited about the year ahead.

In light of Friday’s incident, it is more important than ever that we continue prioritizing the safety and security of our students. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support in helping us maintain a safe and positive learning environment. One of the best ways you can contribute to this effort is by talking to your student about the importance of speaking up when they see or hear something concerning. Encouraging open communication between you and your child, as well as between them and school staff, is key to creating a community where everyone feels safe.

At Sanford Middle School, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. We believe that a secure and supportive environment is essential for academic success and personal growth. To help ensure this, we encourage students, parents, and community members to actively participate in keeping our school safe through important initiatives like "See Something, Say Something."

"In 2000, the School Board partnered with the SpeakOut Hotline. This program offers 24/7 anonymous reporting services for concerns about drugs, weapons, bullying, harassment, violence, abuse, suicide, or other issues. You can report by calling (800) 423-TIPS (8477), visiting www.speakouthotline.org, or using the P3 Tips app.

Additionally, FortifyFL is a vital tool that allows you to report suspicious activity directly to law enforcement and school officials. Developed after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, this tool ensures real-time communication with authorities to address safety concerns swiftly. For more information, visit FortifyFL." SCPS offers more details on the School Safety & Security Page.

Together, we can make Sanford Middle a safe and secure place for all our students to learn and grow! We look forward to working with you throughout the school year to ensure a positive and productive experience for everyone.

"We are proud of our Warriors for demonstrating the IB learning profile attribute of Caring ."

Make it a Great Week!

Dr. Coleman

Based on feedback from our recent parent poll, we found that 49% of respondents are unsure how to use the FAST Parent Portal to support their child’s education. The FAST Parent Portal (see image below) is a crucial resource designed to give you access to your child's assessment data, including test scores, progress reports, and other academic information. This tool enables you to monitor your child’s performance, track their progress over time, and identify areas where they might need additional support.

Using the FAST Parent portal, you can view detailed reports on your child's strengths and areas for improvement, which can help you engage more effectively in their learning process. It also allows you to stay informed about their academic achievements and any areas where they might be struggling, so you can provide timely support and encouragement.

We also encourage all parents to visit the Students & Families section of the Florida Statewide Assessments Portal. This area provides valuable general information and resources about the statewide assessments. It offers insights into the assessments' purpose, format, and how they can help support your child's academic journey. Exploring this section will give you a better understanding of the assessments and how to use the portal effectively to track and support your child's progress. For further assistance or questions, please feel free to reach out to our school staff.

To help you get the most out of the FAST Portal, we have provided a pictograph below to guide you. Additionally, our school staff is available to assist with any questions or issues you may encounter. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help navigating the portal or if you have any other concerns:

6th Grade Counselor: Ms. O'Donnell

7th Grade Counselor: Ms. Barnes

8th Grade Counselor: Ms. Lucas

Testing Coordinator: Ms. Brennan

We encourage all parents to take full advantage of this valuable tool to support their child's educational journey and ensure they are on the path to success.

IB Learner Profile

This week, we are focusing on the IB learner profile theme of being reflective. Reflective individuals thoughtfully consider the world around them, as well as their own ideas and experiences. They actively work to understand their strengths and weaknesses in order to enhance their learning and personal development. Reflective students know what they excel at and where they need improvement. They give careful thought to these areas and make changes when necessary, approaching their growth with a constructive mindset.

How can parents help develop reflective students at home?

1. Review the report card together
   Take time to go over your child’s report card. This is an opportunity for them to reflect on their performance. Have an open discussion, allowing them to share their thoughts on their strengths and areas where they can improve.
2. Set goals for the next term
   

   Help your child set goals for the upcoming term. Write down not only the goals but also specific actions that can be taken to achieve them. Include steps your child can take independently, as well as ways you, as a parent, can support them. For example, if one goal is to improve writing skills, your child might commit to journaling for 10 minutes each night. As a parent, you could participate by engaging in shared writing activities once a week, working together to create a collection of stories.

3. Discuss the Student Profile Self-Assessment
   

   Review the Student Profile Self-Assessment that comes with the report card. This section is often overlooked but provides insight into how your child views their own growth. Ask them to explain their ratings—why they feel strong in certain areas and how they know this. Can they give an example of a strength? What goals can they set to improve other areas?

Encouraging reflective thinking helps students become more aware of their learning process and take ownership of their development.

This week’s STEM highlight shines a spotlight on our dynamic Video Production program, specifically our BRAVE Club. Modeled after the popular talk show, The View, our students have taken full autonomy of the news, producing content that reflects student life here at Sanford Middle School. Through the BRAVE Club, students have the unique opportunity to create, collaborate, and tell their own stories. Mr. Adrian Sutton, who leads this initiative, has built a student-centered program that not only encourages creativity but also provides real-world experience. Drawing from his extensive background in acting—including appearances in both local and national commercials and TV shows—Mr. Sutton has cultivated an environment where students can learn about the world of video production hands-on.

Late last year, after we wrapped up for the summer, Mr. Sutton was recognized by Spectrum News 13 as an A+ Teacher, a well-deserved accolade for his dedication and contributions to both the classroom and the entertainment industry. You can check out his inspiring story by visiting:

Mr. Sutton's A+ Teacher Feature on Spectrum News 13.

If you haven’t had the chance yet, be sure to explore the work our students have created through the BRAVE Club on YouTube. Their enthusiasm and creativity are truly something to behold. Check out their latest episodes by visiting:

BRAVE Club on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our STEM programs!

SMS PTSA is looking for student representation. The PTSA will be selecting one Student Representative from each grade and a Student Chair to lead this group. The Student Representatives will work alongside our PTSA and provide feedback on the PTSA programs. Additionally, we would like 4 additional members to be part of the committee to assist the four that will lead the group. They will be able to volunteer at PTSA programs/events such as Spirit Nights and help spread the word for the Pop Up School Store, Book Fair and STEM Night. If you are interested please click on the link to fill out the interest form, due by September 25, 2024.

Students click here to apply

Applicants must be PTSA members: Click Here to Join
All applicants must have parent/guardian permission. Those selected will meet once a month before or after school as determined by the student representatives.

Congratulations to Faith, one of our 8th Grade Warriors! Faith participated in “The Week Jr.” magazine’s nature photography contest and has been selected as one of the top 10 finalists! While the winner will be announced in the magazine’s September 20th issue, Faith’s stunning photo has been published. This photo is priceless. We wish Faith the best of luck and are incredibly proud of her achievement!

TopGolf Spirit Night - Oct 27, 4-6 PM
Join us for an afternoon of fun at TopGolf Lake Mary. Tickets are $20/person or $100 for an entire bay (for up to 6 players). Includes 2 hours of play and unlimited soda, lemonade and tea.
Tickets available at: smsptsa.givebacks.com/store
Show your Warrior spirit and wear your SMS spirit gear!

Reflections Art Competition

SMS PTSA invites all our Warrior students to participate in the Reflections Art Competition 2024-25. This year’s theme is Accepting Imperfection. All entries are due by October 1, 2024.

You can find details at - https://sites.google.com/view/smsreflections24-25/home

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

Phill The Box

SMS PTSA is still collecting gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens for recycling and reuse, through September 30th. You can drop off your donations in plastic bags at the Phill the Box bins located in the SMS front parking lot near the dumpsters or with our designated volunteers during AM carline on select mornings. Interested in helping us collect items? We need volunteers for just 40 minutes (8:45-9:25 AM). Sign up here: https://bit.ly/46QHJw0

Thank you for your generosity and support. Let’s make a positive impact together!

Every Child. One Voice

• Students should have ID Badges everyday