Mustangs in the Middle Newletter

Dear SMS Families,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! We are excited to be back and can’t wait to see all the amazing things our students will accomplish. Starting the year off on the right foot sets the tone for success, and we’re here to support your child every step of the way.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and great memories. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. Let’s make it a great year together!

John Telloni - SMS Principal

• Open House: August 27, 2024, 5pm-7pm (5:30pm & 6:30pm Parent Meeting in the Auditorium)

• School Picture Day: August 29, 2024

• Labor Day: September 2, 2024 - No School

• Community Tailgate: September 6, 2024, 5pm-6:30pm Pat Catan Stadium

• Last Day for 7th Grade Immunizations: September 15, 2024

With the first varsity football game taking place this Friday we’re excited to see our students showing their school spirit and cheering on our teams to a big win! Just a quick reminder:

• Middle school students attending the games should be seated in the designated student section or with their families.
• Please encourage your child to enjoy the game respectfully and represent SMS in a positive way.
• If students go to the SMS student section they are to remain in the section during the game unless they need to use the restroom, purchase concessions, or decide they want to sit with their family.
• Students are not to be loitering around the bleachers or field area, nor are they to be under the bleachers.
• SMS Administrators will be on hand. If students are not following rules and procedures then they may be asked to leave and or receive school consequences.

The Ohio Department of Health requires all students to receive immunizations prior to entering the 7th grade. Please click on the link for more information: Link

ARRIVAL:

See the parking lot diagram below- It is imperative that ALL CAR RIDERS entering the school lot follow this diagram strictly.

* PLEASE DO NOT PARK AND WAIT for entry until 7:40. The loop is meant for movement not standstill. Feel free to drop your student off at an entrance prior to 7:30 if you arrive prior to the doors opening. They will not have entry to the building, but can wait by the doors.

Bus riders ONLY will enter the main entrance.

Car Riders- Enter Door Q and R

DISMISSAL:

Cars need to wrap the building, similar as drop off. You can notify your student where in the loop you are if they have a device to look at when they finish their day. Students will exit the back and side doors to find their cars. Bus riders will exit the front doors.

DO NOT PICK UP your STUDENT IN THE FRONT MAIN LOT- this will block special bussing that loops in the front of the building.

Please do not encourage your student to meet you in other nearby locations to get into your car- this creates a HUGE safety issue as cars are exiting and entering, and affects our Pearl Road traffic. If we efficiently use our system and are patient, we hope to get all out of the lot efficiently and timely. Following these rules models to your student your support to SCHOOL RULES and following them as requested.

All students must have a lock on their locker at all times. If they do not bring back their own lock, they may purchase one from the main office for $6.60. Locks must be school issued, personal locks are not permitted. Students will receive their locker information on the first day of school. Teams will assign lockers to students.

CLICK HERE for directions on how to unlock a combination lock at school.

I’m thrilled to share that our upcoming Community Tailgate will be on September 6, 2024, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM! This is a fantastic opportunity to gather, celebrate, and unite as one to help the Mustangs take on the Berea-Midpark Titans!

Best of all, the tailgate is completely FREE! Enjoy delicious food and snacks provided by around 40 local businesses and our high school athletic programs, all set up at their tables just for you. There will also be fun games for everyone to participate in, making it a lively and engaging atmosphere!

We’re also excited to announce that the student-run Mustang Derby will be there selling Mustangs apparel! This is a great chance to show your team spirit and pick up some awesome gear.

Join us as we cheer on our incredible football team, support our talented cheerleaders, and enjoy the amazing performances by the band on our community's biggest stage. The return of Friday Night Lights is something we all look forward to, and this tailgate is the perfect way to kick off an exciting night!

Bring your friends and family, wear your Mustangs colors, and let’s make this a memorable event for everyone!

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Students who need to be signed out during the school day must be signed out by a parent, guardian, or an individual who has been approved by the parent or guardian. The person signing the student out must present a valid photo ID at the time of pick-up and come into the school to sign the student out. This policy ensures the safety and security of our students by verifying that only authorized individuals are permitted to remove students from school during the day.

To maintain a focused and productive learning environment, we have established the following rules regarding cell phones and ear buds:

Classroom Guidelines:

• No Cell Phones or Ear Buds in the Classroom:

• Cell phones must be placed in the designated holder at the front of the room, or in your locker.

• Earbuds must not be in your ears unless you have explicit permission from the teacher or a documented need (e.g., IEP or 504 plan).

Bathroom and Hallway Guidelines:

• No Cell Phones in the Bathroom or Halls:

• Students cannot leave the classroom without first placing their cell phone in the designated holder.

Permissible Use:

• Academic Labs / Lunch:

• Cell phones and ear buds may be used during study hall and lunch unless otherwise specified by school staff.

Progressive Discipline Plan:

1. 1st Offense:

• The student receives a warning to put the device away in the approved location (e.g., caddy, bookbag, locker).

2. 2nd Offense:

• The device is turned into the office and can be picked up by the student at the end of the day. The teacher will contact the parent to discuss the behavior.

3. 3rd Offense:

• The device is turned into the office. An administrator will contact the parent to discuss pick up and establish a plan of support.

4. 4th Offense:

• The device is turned into the office. The parent will be contacted to discuss pick up. An after-school detention will be issued.

5. 5th Offense:

• The device is turned into the office. The parent will be contacted to discuss pick up. Progressive discipline will be applied.

6. 6th Offense:

• The student will not be permitted to bring a cell phone to school for a determined period of time.

To summarize cell phones and airpods / earbuds are not permitted during any class or in the hallways. During class, cell phones will be stored in the classroom caddy / storage system or kept in a locker. During class changes, cell phones should be in a student’s pocket or purse. SMS students may use their cell phone in an academic lab or at lunch.

Breakfast is offered daily in our cafeteria for $2.25

Lunch is available for all students for $3.95

Payment: Cash or check in person, or you can put money on your student's account to purchase with their student ID at check-out. Your student can also bring money or check into the cafeteria to put money on the account as well.

Building is Open 7:30-3:30 Monday-Friday

School Counselors

• Mrs. Maroszan-6th grade

• Mr. Greer- 7th grade

• Mrs. Pietrocini- 8th Grade

School Information

Main Office: 440-572-7090

Building Secretary: Mrs. Hallie Malloy

6th Grade Principal: Mrs. Tera Thomas

7th Grade Principal: Mr. Chris Howell

8th Grade Principal: Mr. Bryan Szczepanski

Strongsville Middle School Principal: Mr. John Telloni

Parents/students have access to our anonymous reporting system. CLICK HERE to access. The more information shared when reporting, the better chance we have to investigate and support.