South Middle School Newsletter

The first full week of October was a busy one at South Middle School. We had several guests from other schools in the building this week observing the quality instructional practices that our staff engages in daily. We closed out the week with our Title 1 Family Event. This event was spearheaded by Ms. Dell, out Title 1 Reading Interventionist. A big thank you to Ms. Dell for her work and for all those who came together to support the event. We also had the cross-country championship where our girls team finished first overall. This championship race is now referred to as the Chris Burg Invitational. Mr. Burg was our first cross country coach at South and taught Math at the school for many years. Sadly, Mr. Burg passed away this August, leaving a void on our staff. We felt the naming of the cross-country championship for him was a most appropriate way to honor his legacy at South Middle.

Monday, October 14 marks a professional development day for teachers and a day off for students. Tuesday will be a two-hour delay for students. One trend that I encourage parents to spend some time with is being prepared for the day. Too many students are coming in with an iPad that is not charged. This is resulting in consequences that could easily be avoided if a simple routine is established to be sure we are coming to school fully prepared for the day. I hope everyone has a great weekend. We will see students back here on Tuesday, October 15!

October 14: No School for Students

October 15: 2 Hour Delay- Faculty Senate

October 17: End 1st Nine Weeks

October 17: Basketball Interest Meeting

October 20: Tree Drive

October 21-28: Book Fair

October 23: 2 Hour Delay - Teacher Prep (Spotlight Assemblies)

October 23: Parent Teacher Conferences (5-7)

October 24: Report Cards

October 25: A Day Cash In

October 28: WV Storyteller (8th grade)

October 30: A Day Reward trip

October 31: A Day Afternoon Activities

Each week teachers spotlight students who are doing amazing things at South Middle School. These students will all be recognized at the end of the nine weeks at our Spotlight Assembly. Check out the Spotlight recipients for this week.

Dacarri Foster

Jade McConnell

David Espinoza

Abigail Washington

Lucas Smith

Emma Camarillo

Owen McClain

Nahla Olson

Robert Winner

Aerionna Hyman

Pro tips for charging iPad at home:

1) Sign out of apps, close all tabs.

2) Dim the screen.

3) Disconnect from Wi-Fi.

4) Check to make sure your cable is secure to the adapter and be sure you see the charge symbol on the battery icon. A good practice is to charge iPads and cell phones next to each other so you don't forget.

5) Report any issues with your iPad/charger as soon as you can.

We're experiencing way too many lunch detentions for not keeping in the habit of charging/bringing iPads to school.

Our girls and boys cross country teams competed in the the all-county Chris Burg Invitational on Thursday, October 10th at Poor House Farm Park. The girls team was able to secure the first place trophy, and several students secured top placements! We are so proud of all their hard work this season. Thank you Coach Griffin and Coach Campbell for all you've done for the cross country team this year.

The book fair is coming! The book fair will run October 21st - October 28th. Students will visit the book fair during their reading classes. Cash, cards, and e-wallets will be accepted. See the information below on how to set up an e-wallet. The book fair will also be open for shopping during Parent Teacher Conferences on October 23rd.

Students and parents can set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the Fair without cash. Then share your eWallet link so friends and family can add funds. Any student who creates an e-wallet for the book fair will be entered in a raffle for a prize!

Are you available to volunteer your time at the book fair? Please sign up below!

South Spirit is sponsoring a Halloween Dance on Saturday, October 26, 6-8pm. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale October 21-25 during all lunch shifts. Wear your best costumes (school-appropriate) and be ready to have a great time! Concessions will be available!

Have you heard about A Day? This is a special event that happens at the end of every nine weeks. Students have the opportunity to "cash in" their A's for prizes. Check out the raffles, events, and items to "buy" for this nine weeks.

Berkeley County Schools is excited to partner with the Cook Center for Human Connection and their Mental Health and Wellness Resource Center: ParentGuidance.org. This FREE resource offers over 50 courses in English and Spanish created and given by licensed clinicians addressing topics like: Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm, Bullying, Social Media, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss etc.

https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/page/cook-center-for-human-connection

Please continue to send in any plastic bags you wish to recycle. See the infographic below for all the items we can recycle.

150 Bulldog Blvd

Martinsburg, WV 25401

(304) 267-3545

Principal: Mark Barney mbarney@k12.wv.us

Assistant Principal: Leah Hite lrhite@k12.wv.us

Assistant Principal: Cassie Dumire cdumire@k12.wv.us