BRAVE Connections

September 23, 2024

Dear Warrior Families,

I am excited to introduce a new series in our weekly newsletter that will explore the vital role literacy plays in every area of your child’s education. Over the next few weeks, we will delve into "Literacy in Core Content Instruction: How Literacy is Everywhere" and highlight how literacy skills are integrated into all subjects, from math to science, and beyond.

Why Focus on Literacy?

Literacy is more than just reading and writing—it’s the foundation for learning in all subjects. Whether it's interpreting a math word problem, understanding scientific terms, analyzing historical events, or discussing aviation in our STEM magnet program, strong literacy skills empower students to comprehend, communicate, and think critically.

Our series will focus on how literacy is embedded into the following areas:

• Week 1: Literacy in Math – Learn how solving word problems, understanding multi-step equations, and explaining math concepts develop literacy.
• Week 2: Literacy in Science – Discover how students use reading and writing skills to understand scientific principles and communicate their findings.
• Week 3: Literacy in Social Studies – Explore the role literacy plays in evaluating historical texts and forming evidence-based conclusions.
• Week 4: Literacy in STEM – Highlight the specific literacy demands in our STEM-focused areas, such as Aviation, Pre-Med, and Pre-Vet.

Our literacy team will begin working with our teachers to integrate instructional strategies that help students decode text, enhance comprehension, and strengthen their ability to apply literacy skills across all content areas. Each week, I will also provide tips on how you can support your child’s literacy development and reinforce these strategies at home. From encouraging discussions about what they’re learning to helping them practice comprehension strategies, together we can build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

When our Warriors can think critically, share their ideas clearly, and communicate with others, they’re ready for whatever the future brings—whether that’s college, a job, or just everyday challenges. Our goal is to ensure that every student at SMS is equipped with the literacy skills necessary for future success, no matter the path they choose.

I look forward to sharing these insights with you, developed by our SMS Literacy Team, and hope you find this series helpful as we work together to ensure your child’s academic success.

Stay tuned for next week’s focus on Literacy in Math!

"We are proud of our Warriors for demonstrating Resilience."

Make it a Great Week!

Dr. Coleman

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, honors the cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the U.S. It begins mid-September to mark the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Throughout the month, we recognize the influence of Hispanic Americans in areas like art, science, politics, and beyond, celebrating their rich cultural legacy and the positive impact they've made on our society.

At SMS, we’re excited to join the celebration with Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week, where students can participate in fun activities, dress-up days, and learn more about Hispanic culture!

IB Learner Profile

This week, we’re emphasizing the IB learner profile attribute of being principled. Students who are principled demonstrate fairness, honesty with themselves and others, and an understanding of the importance of rules. They follow these rules and approach situations with strong moral reasoning.

How can parents help develop principled students at home?

• Involve your child in setting rules for games or activities and ensure they follow through with the agreed-upon rules.
• Encourage team-based games. Talk about what makes a good team player and ask your child what qualities they’d value in a teammate.
• Teach good sportsmanship. When your child wins, remind them to be respectful and gracious by thanking their opponent or shaking hands when appropriate.

By reinforcing these habits at home, we can help develop well-rounded, principled students who practice fairness and respect both in and out of the classroom

Did you know Sanford Middle isn’t just a top-performing STEM school? We also have an amazing band led by our talented director, Ms. Netterville! Last Friday night, our Band 3 students had an incredible opportunity to showcase their talents at Seminole High School’s Middle School Night! They played alongside fellow middle school and high school students, representing Sanford Middle with pride and excellence.

While we’re currently in our candidacy phase of the MYP Program, it’s important to recognize that a well-rounded student excels not just in the field of STEM, but also in the arts. These students are a shining example of that balance, and we’re thrilled to have them perform at events during lunches and throughout the year. We are so proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see them shine in future performances!

Check them out: Video Sep 13 2024, 5 38 30 PM.mp4

This matching game challenged our students to read a text and analyze the rhetorical appeals and devices used to find aligned matches.

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