September 9, 2024

Dear Warrior Families,

We want to remind you about our upcoming Open House event on September 12th, at 6:00pm, where you will have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of your child and gain an overview of their courses. We encourage you to attend and take advantage of this chance to engage with your child's educational journey.

Additionally, thank you to everyone who participated in our recent parent poll! Your insights have helped us understand the areas where we can better support you and your children. Notably, 20% of respondents expressed interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the curriculum, while 19% highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being, as well as effective communication with teachers and school staff. In response, we are currently planning a Parent Virtual Town Hall to address these key areas. By hosting the event virtually, we hope to capture as many parents as possible, especially since our students reside throughout the district. Stay tuned for more details!

We are proud of our Warriors for exhibiting our Be BRAVE mindset!

Make it a great week,

Dr. Coleman

“In the heart of a WARRIOR ,VISION fuels the fire of determination and the quest for greatness.”

IB Learner Profile

This week, our school emphasized the IB learner profile attribute of Communication. The goal is to help students express themselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and through various forms of communication. We are encouraging students to collaborate effectively by carefully listening to the perspectives of others, both as individuals and in groups.

What Does It Mean to Be a Communicator? Communicators understand and share ideas confidently and creatively, using multiple languages and modes of expression. They also work willingly and effectively with others to achieve shared goals.

Activities for Parents: How You Can Support

• Encourage global connections: Help your child stay in touch with relatives or friends in other countries by writing letters, making phone calls, or sending emails.
• Math conversations: During math homework, ask your child to explain their answers to you either verbally or by drawing a picture. This strengthens their ability to communicate ideas clearly.
• Develop listening skills: Practice active listening with your child. Being a good listener is a key part of effective communication!

Marine Biology 2 and 3 students are currently learning about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. They are participating in a project with the University of Florida on how to use AI to identify extinct shark species using fossil shark teeth. At the end of the project, they will create their own AI machine that could be used by Marine Biologists to help in research. Students currently are learning about how scientists classify sharks based on teeth and used fossil teeth provided by paleontologists from UF. They classified them based on shape, color and texture. And then sorted them based on how sharks use the teeth. This week, they will begin building an AI machine in Google Teachable Machine to classify the different teeth by extinct species. Mrs. Cazel was one of 30 teachers from around the state who applied and was accepted to participate in this project with UF. She went to a weeklong training at UF to help prepare herself to teach her students about AI and how it can be used in scientific research. She hopes to make this unit a permanent part of her Marine Biology 2 or 3 curriculum in the future.

We want to ensure you're informed and involved in your student's success. Here's a quick update on how to access the FAST Portal, where you can monitor your child's progress and identify areas of support

• Accessing the FAST Portal: See the graphic below
• Areas of Support: The portal allows you to track your child's performance in key areas. Please review their progress and reach out if you notice areas where additional support might be needed.
• Be Involved: Your involvement is crucial! Regularly checking the portal helps you stay informed about your child's academic journey.
• Communicate with Teachers: Discuss your child's needs or any concerns.
• Set Goals with your child and encourage them to actively reflect on performance.
• Data Reflection: Students will review and update their data from Data Chat 1, with ELA and Math teachers.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s education!

Congratulations to the Little League Softball Champions! Featuring two of our Warriors, Brooklyn & Drew. Your hard work, dedication, and amazing teamwork have truly paid off. We're all so proud of each and every one of you. Keep shining, champions! 🌟🥎 #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #Champions #Proud

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