BRAVE Connections

February 4, 2025

Dear Warrior Families,

February is a time to focus on wellness, kindness, and mental health, all of which are essential to our BRAVEmindset. As we celebrate National School Counseling Week (Feb. 3-7), we want to highlight the many resources available to support our students’ emotional well-being. This month, we encourage students to take care of themselves, uplift others, and seek help when needed.

At SMS, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to the support they need. Our School Certified Counselors are always available to provide academic, social, and emotional guidance. In addition, our School Social Worker connects families with community resources and helps students navigate challenges outside of the classroom. Our Behavior Interventionist works closely with students to develop positive coping strategies, and our District Mental Health Counselor provides extra support for those facing emotional difficulties. We also have Calm Corners in classrooms, where students can take a moment to reset, as well as mindfulness activities that promote self-care. Parents, if you have concerns about your child’s well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Check out our support team below.

This month, we are also launching a Kindness Challenge to encourage students to spread positivity. Simple acts of kindness—like giving a compliment, including someone new at lunch, or writing a thank-you note—can make a big difference in our school community. Students who go above and beyond in showing kindness may receive Positive Behavior Referrals.

During National School Counseling Week, we will take time to recognize the hard work of our school counselors, social worker, behavior interventionist, and mental health team. These dedicated professionals provide essential support to our students every day. We encourage students to express their gratitude by writing a note, saying thank you, or giving a Warrior shout-out to a staff member who has made a positive impact.

As we move through February, let’s continue to prioritize kindness, mental wellness, and a strong sense of community. We appreciate your support in fostering a caring, inclusive, and supportive environment for all SMS students. Thank you for being part of our Warrior family!

Be BRAVE, Be Kind, Be Well!

One Sanford...We Are Warriors,

Dr. Coleman

We understand that lost notes and busy schedules can make reporting absences challenging. To make it easier for you, we’ve created this simple online form to submit absence excuses and upload medical notes. This ensures quick, secure communication with our attendance office. Paper copies are still gladly accepted if you prefer to send a note with your child. If you have questions, reach out to Ms. Simpson, Front Desk receptionist to assist you 407-320-6150 or email simpsojm@scps.k12.fl.us

Thank you for helping us keep accurate attendance records!

As we begin planning for our Incoming Sixth Grader Curriculum Night for the 2025-2026 school year, we’d love your input. Think back to when you were first transitioning to middle school with your student—what do you wish you had known that night but didn’t think to ask?

We also encourage you to ask your child what questions they had or what they think incoming students would want to know. Their perspective can help us make the event even more meaningful.

Our goal is to create an engaging and informative experience that helps parents and students feel prepared, confident, and excited for this next chapter. Your feedback will ensure we cover the topics that matter most. Simply complete the short form below.

Thank you for helping us make this event the best it can be!

#YourVoiceMatters

This week we are highlighting the MYP global context Personal and Cultural Expression, exploring how creativity, traditions, and beliefs shape our world and drive positive change. Each newsletter in this series focuses on one global context, offering:

Positive Global Impact Through Personal and Cultural Expression

When students delve into this global context, they examine how artistic works, cultural practices, and personal beliefs can influence societies and promote understanding. Through music, art, literature, and performance, they see how creative expression can address social issues, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change. By studying diverse cultural traditions and creating their own projects, students learn how their unique voices contribute to a larger global dialogue.

Supporting Learning at Home

• Celebrate Creativity: Encourage your child to explore a creative outlet they’re passionate about—drawing, writing, performing, or crafting—and share their work with family members.
• Discuss Global Traditions: Explore cultural celebrations or art from around the world together. Discuss the significance of these practices and how they contribute to global understanding.
• Encourage Storytelling: Have your child interview a family member about a meaningful tradition or personal experience. This helps connect personal expression with cultural heritage.

Family Activity Ideas

• Art and Reflection Night: Choose a cultural art form—like making paper lanterns, weaving, or painting in a specific style—and work on a project together. Discuss what the art form represents and how it connects to personal or cultural stories.
• Cultural Recipe Exchange: Try cooking a dish from a different culture, learning about its ingredients, history, and significance.
• Family Talent Show: Host a low-key family performance evening where everyone shares a skill or creative talent. Reflect on how individual expression can bring people together.

By exploring Personal and Cultural Expression, students gain a greater appreciation for diverse perspectives and the power of creativity to drive positive change globally. We look forward to sharing more about how these global contexts inspire meaningful learning. Stay tuned for next week’s focus!

.

The Sanford Middle School PTSA is thrilled to announce our upcoming STEM Night and Silent Auction on March 25, 2025! This event aims to spark curiosity and creativity while celebrating all things STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math. Together, we’ll create an evening filled with hands-on fun and community connections.

We’re reaching out to our amazing families to save the date, and to help make this night a memorable success. Here are three ways you can contribute:

1. Host a Hands-on Activity or Demonstration: Share your expertise by leading a hands-on STEM activity or demonstration during the event.
2. Donate a Silent Auction Item: Support our auction by providing gift cards, baskets, unique products, services, or experiences.
3. Become an Event Sponsor: Help cover event costs and materials by becoming a sponsor at various contribution levels.

Your generous contributions not only make events like this possible, but also directly benefit our school’s students, classrooms, and enrichment programs. Additionally, all donations are tax-deductible, and sponsors will be recognized on social media, in the silent auction area, and, for donations over $100, on our Sponsor Wall at the event.

How to Get Involved
Complete the online donor/sponsor form at bit.ly/smsstemnight, or email your completed form to sanfordmiddle.ptsa@gmail.com. For any questions or to discuss your donation, please contact us at sanfordmiddle.ptsa@gmail.com or call 407-325-4991.

Thank you for helping us inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders. Your support makes a real difference!

Regular attendance and daily preparedness are key to your child's success. Each school day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. When students attend consistently and come prepared, they build strong habits, achieve more academically, and develop critical skills.

Please help us support your child by prioritizing attendance and ensuring they are ready to learn each day. Together, we can create a strong foundation for their educational journey.

Thank you for your partnership in your child's education.

#Connections #WeAreSanford

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

Our incredible SMS Instructional Coaches—Ms. Schwartz, Ms. Campbell, Ms. Kelsey, Ms. Crumpton, and Ms. James—led our faculty through the First Annual Teacher "Dating" Extravaganza in "the Teacher Café". This fun, speed-dating format allowed us to get to know each other better through laughter, connections, and engaging conversations. The activity not only built camaraderie among the staff but also demonstrated how this fun and effective approach could be used in classrooms to enhance student engagement and group dynamics. A great time was had by all!

• To support your child’s success in any subject, make time each day to ask about what they learned and encourage them to explain key ideas in their own words. This approach not only solidifies their understanding but also boosts confidence. When reviewing notes or homework together, have your child underline or highlight important information and focus on new or challenging vocabulary, discussing what these terms mean and how to use them correctly. If your child is stuck on a concept, watch short online videos or tutorials together, pausing to talk through the examples and clear up any confusion. Establish a consistent study routine by setting aside a quiet space each evening for reviewing notes, practicing problems, or working on projects—even a few minutes can make a big difference. Finally, celebrate every step forward, no matter how small, to keep your child motivated and excited about learning. Together we can achieve!

• 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.

Did you know that Math Nation (Accelerate Learning) offers a dedicated section for families, designed to help support math learning at home?

Families can use the Family Area in Math Nation to support their students by accessing helpful resources such as Family Support Videos. These videos provide an overview of what students are learning and how it connects to past math concepts. These videos help parents understand the material and offer guidance on how to assist their children at home. The Family Letter available in the Family Area, gives a detailed overview of the curriculum and what resources are included to support students at home. It also provides helpful tips for parents on how to encourage their student’s math development. The Family Area also offers tools like Stepping Stones or Check Your Understanding to reinforce learning, ensuring families can stay actively involved in their student's math progress. By utilizing these resources, families can play a key role in supporting their student's success in math.

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.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are pleased to introduce our updated Parent-Teacher Conference process, designed to address concerns promptly and efficiently. Below is an overview of how to proceed if you wish to meet with your child’s teacher(s):

Concern with a Single Teacher

• Step 1: Direct Contact
  If you have a concern related to one teacher, please contact that teacher directly (via email or phone) to arrange a meeting.
• Step 2: Administrative Involvement

If an issue remains unresolved after meeting with the teacher, you may request additional support from administration.

Concern with Multiple Teachers

• Step 1: Contact Your Grade-Level Counselor
  If you have concerns involving multiple teachers, please reach out to your child’s grade-level counselor.
• Step 2: Meeting & Follow-Up
• The counselor will schedule a group meeting that includes all relevant teachers and will also attend to help facilitate communication.
• Emergency Cancellations
• If an emergency prevents a teacher from attending at the last minute, the teacher who cannot attend will work with you directly to find a new time.

We appreciate your cooperation as we implement these updates, and we remain committed to partnering with you for your child’s success. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to your teacher, counselor, or our administrative office.

Sincerely,
The Leadership Team