Sells eNews

January has finally come to an end! This month of school has been inconsistent as our weather has caused us to be closed on several occasions. I know the children do not mind this, but it can be challenging to keeping them in their school routines and structure. I do have to say I am so proud of our students and teaching staff for maintaining our routines during this month! Everyone involved has worked hard to meet the positive culture and climate we promote here in the building.

Hopefully on Sunday the groundhog will NOT see his shadow and that an early spring and warmer weather will arrive! Let's go Punxsutawney Phil! There is no need to see your shadow!

Have a great weekend and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Happy weekend!

Matt

Principal: Matt Sachtleben (sachtleben_matt@dublinschools.net)

Assistant Principal: Katy O'Neal (oneal_katy@dublinschools.net)

Here are the assignments for our school counselors this school year.

Last names A-F: Mrs. Erin Bissell (bissell_erin@dublinschools.net)

Last names G-M: Mrs. Jessica Lanka (lanka_jessica@dublinschools.net)

Last names N-Z: Mrs. Dawn Wolf (wolf_dawn@dublinschools.net)

As we progress through the second semester, I am asking for parents to have conversations with their student about the expectation around their cell phone during school hours and the appropriate way to use school email.

• Students are expected to meet our Common Commitment of keeping their phones in their lockers during the school day. Many of the students believe that they can carry it on them and that this is okay as it is "out of sight." However, the temptation to use the phone can overwhelm students and this leads to the phone being used during class. Along with this, airpods need to be stored away as well.
• School email - When students access their email, it is intended to formally communicate with their classmates or their teachers. We have seen many examples of how the students are using email as their messenger/texting service. This is not the intent of giving them this access. We have had examples of harassment, name calling and making threats all through school email among the students.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with your child regarding these main ideas. Again, at any time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at school if you have questions or concerns.

We are scheduling courses for next year!

Current 6th & 7th grade students received their scheduling sheets during ROCK period on Thursday January 30th. There is information on their team's Schoology page. Please work with your student to select classes for next year.

6th grade scheduling sheets are due to their science teacher on Tuesday February 4th.

7th grade scheduling sheets are due to their science teacher on Monday February 3rd.

Please refer to the button below as it provides for details as to what is expected of each grade level with scheduling classes for 2025-26.

Both Coffman and Scioto HS held their parent meetings which welcomed incoming 9th grade students and information was shared regarding high school scheduling and academic planning. Each HS shared their slide deck with us and those can be accessed below for your reference.

Check a back-to-school box off your list by going ahead and filling out the Free and Reduced Meal Application for your students. Apply online through PaySchools Central or use one of our printable forms (translated in multiple languages) to submit your information.

If your child will be absent from school, please email our attendance line at sms_attendance@dublinschools.net

Or leave a voicemail at 614.718.8572

Please do not call the main line for attendance before 9:00am.

Please utilize the attendance EMAIL or attendance VOICEMAIL.

• Students MUST be in Rock period by 8:28am - Anytime after 8:28am is considered LATE and MUST sign in at the Main Office.
• LEAVING EARLY - A note from the parent/guardian should be given to Mrs. Stevenson (Attendance Secretary) first thing in the morning. She will give them a pass to leave class at the given time and your student will meet you in the Main Office at that time. You as the Parent/Guardian will need to come in to the office to sign them out.
• ARRIVING LATE - If your student is arriving late to school due to an appointment, they will need to sign in at the Main Office with Mrs. Stevenson. Medical appointments will be excused with a note from the medical provider.

The complete attendance policy is located in the Middle School Student Handbook on

pages 11-13.

CandyGrams ONLINE sale is now OPEN! Starting today, Friday January 24th thru Friday February 7th is your chance to purchase a CandyGram for your loved one.

Submit the following Google form along with payment and we’ll take care of the rest.

CandyGram Online Order

Students will have the chance to purchase (cash only!)during their lunch period on Tuesday 2/4, Wednesday 2/5, Thursday 2/6.

The CandyGrams fundraiser is an annual Sells tradition allowing ALL students and

parents to purchase candy and have it delivered to their recipient's classroom on

2/13. The proceeds fund the 8th Grade Celebration at the end of the school year.

Donations and volunteers are still needed to make this a success. Please sign up

below!

Thank you for your support! Contact Abby Derryberry, CandyGrams chair, with any

questions at abbyderryberry@yahoo.com or 614-638-8599.

• Online sale: 1/24-2/7

• Student lunch period sales: 2/4-2/6

• CandyGrams delivery on 2/13!

Date: February 7th

Time: 7:00pm - 8:45pm

Theme: Red Carpet Movie Night

Cost: FREE - Students will need their student ID or a ticket from Mrs. Stevenson in the Main Office. Tickets will be available Monday, February 3rd - Friday, February 7th. Each student is allowed one ticket.

Calling all 6th Graders! Don’t miss this year’s Dance Club- Sign up now!

Sign-ups are open for Dublin’s 6th Grade Dance Club starting in February. DJ Matt Ryan will be returning this year to teach dances, hand out prizes and lead more fun activities. The program will still include some light dance instruction—no skills required—and will also include a focus on modern social skills vs. traditional etiquette lessons.

Practices are 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 and 3/10 from 7-8:30PM, and the final dance party will be Sunday, 3/16 in the afternoon. Don’t miss this district-wide event just for 6th graders!

The cost to participate is $40. Sign your student up here by February, 19th.

NOTE: Scholarships are available for any student that wishes to participate. Please reach out to your school principal for more information.

You can donate to the Sells PTO all year and it is easy to do! Donations support several

fun, FREE things planned for the students and teachers and they wouldn't be possible

without your support!

Just click link below or your child can drop off a check in the office in an envelope

marked PTO Donation.

https://john-sells-middle-school-pto.square.site/

Don’t forget to join the Sells Middle School PTO Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1741183269442405

Maintaining a Focused and Supportive Learning Environment

We recognize that recent national conversations about policy changes have prompted discussions in our community. As always, Dublin City Schools remains committed to providing clarity and support for our students, families, and staff. To read our district statement on how we continue to prioritize the well-being and success of every child, click here.

Father-Daughter Dances and More

The Info Hub is your resource for a variety of unique events and activities for students of all ages such as Scioto’s Ties and Tiaras Father-Daughter dance on March 1 and an Arts & Sciences summer camp at Ohio State for middle school and high school students. We have started sharing information about summer camps as well. Be sure to check it out!

Happy Year of the Snake!

The City is proud to showcase Dubliners’ cultural heritage with the “My Dublin” video series. In the latest installment, Kay Zhang explains how she celebrates and gives us a behind-the-scenes performance from the Sen Gao Martial Arts Academy here in Dublin.

Continue MLK’s Legacy with ‘Project Read’

Lend a hand for the upcoming MLK Civic Service Series event, "Project Read: Sharing Stories for Good." Volunteers of all ages can donate their time Sunday, Feb. 9, to sort and wrap books to distribute throughout Dublin to senior centers, daycares and other locations. Sign up.

Great Weather for Running?!

The Warm Up Columbus Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Dash will take place in Metro Center on Saturday, Feb. 2. Metro Place North and South will have partial lane closures from 6:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find more race information.