Simis Scoop
March 7, 2025
A Note from Mrs. Murray
Hi Simis Families,
The 3rd quarter of the year ended today. Grades will be finalized tomorrow and either communicated by the teacher upon return from spring break (grade K) or found in PowerSchool after tomorrow.
Students loved seeing the International Mindedness Day displays and learning about cultures from around the world. Thank you to all of our volunteers who took time to share about each country represented.
Countries Represented:
- Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, Cyprus, El Salvador, England, Finland, France, Ghana, Greece, Haiti, Iran, Ireland, Lebanon, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Thailand
Field Day was so much fun! Bringing back this Simis tradition was special for both the students and our community. We appreciated Life Managed for sponsoring this Dad's Club/PATS event, and for sharing information at the kick-off on how Tax Credits can benefit both schools and families. If you have questions about tax credit donations, please read more below or reach out directly to Mrs. Murray.
In the last quarter of the year our 3rd and 4th graders participate in state testing. This year's AASA assessments will be administered the week of April 7th. Volunteers and visitors will not be allowed on campus past the front office during this testing week.
As an update for next year, we are implementing some changes to address our diverse population regarding class placement and gifted services. The district is providing Madison Simis with a gifted education specialist to provide gifted content-replacement instruction in pull out groups. As such, we will move to creating heterogeneous classrooms in all grade-levels where students can work with peers of all ability levels. All teachers have received professional development this year, and will continue to receive additional learning opportunities to support high achieving and gifted learners as we move towards embracing a Schoolwide Enrichment Model. This shift has been discussed at our Site Council meetings where I have received guidance from our community on moving forward with these shifts. I understand change can be difficult, and we would not make this shift if it was not in the nest interest of all Madison Simis students. Please take time to explore these two documents to learn more about our gifted program and our plan to challenge all learners throughout the day at Madison Simis.
Gifted Program Family Information
If after reading this information you have questions, please submit them here for me to address at our virtual Family Information Night regarding these shifts on March 20th, 5-6pm.
Wishing you a safe and relaxing spring break with your families,
Principal Murray
Gaining Competence in Sentence Building
In elementary school, gaining competence in building sentences is taught through a combination of direct instruction, guided practice, and interactive activities. Teachers introduce students to sentence structure by focusing on key elements such as subjects, verbs, and proper punctuation. Young learners engage in hands-on exercises like sentence-building games, fill-in-the-blank activities, and rearranging words to form complete thoughts. They also practice expanding simple sentences by adding descriptive words and conjunctions. Families can support this literacy concept at home by encouraging daily writing activities, such as keeping a journal, composing short stories, or writing letters. Reading together and discussing sentence structure in books can also reinforce these skills. Additionally, playing word games and providing sentence starters can help children gain confidence in constructing their own sentences.
Providing High Quality Feedback to Deepen Understanding
In elementary school math classes, providing high-quality feedback to peers is an important skill that helps students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Teachers include this practice by modeling constructive feedback, using sentence stems, and facilitating peer discussions where students explain their reasoning. They explicitly teach academic vocabulary—such as "sum," "difference," "equation," and "strategy"—to help students articulate their thinking clearly. Through structured activities like math talks and partner problem-solving, students learn to give specific, respectful, and helpful feedback. Families can reinforce this at home by encouraging children to explain their math work aloud and ask guiding questions like, “How did you solve that?” or “Can you show another way?” Practicing clear explanations and using math vocabulary at home strengthens students’ ability to communicate mathematically in class.
Supporting Student Anxiety for High Stakes Assessments
Elementary school students may experience test anxiety during high-stakes assessments due to pressure to perform well, fear of failure, or uncertainty about the test format. At school, teachers help reduce anxiety by familiarizing students with the test structure, practicing mindfulness techniques, and encouraging a growth mindset by emphasizing effort over perfection. Strategies such as deep breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and low-pressure practice tests help build confidence. Families can support their children at home by maintaining a consistent daily routine, ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, and providing a healthy breakfast to support focus and energy. Additionally, keeping conversations about the test positive and avoiding excessive emphasis on scores can help children approach the assessment with a calm and confident mindset.
4th Grade Exhibition Kick-Off
Exhibition is underway! Exhibition is something the final grade at a PYP school gets to experience. Simis fourth-grade students are exploring issues or opportunities they will want to act on. They will make a plan for how they will learn and find out more about their topic. Students will work with mentors and the community to learn more. Students will grow in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes about learning during this process. In May, they will share what they have learned and how they have taken action with everyone!
The exhibition is a special time for students here at Madison Simis!
Simis fourth-grade students participated in a kick-off for Exhibition by going through team-building stations outside. There were activities like a trust walk, problem-solving & teamwork games, and a giant parachute challenge!
It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn how to work together and to trust each other to get a task done. They will reflect on how these skills will help them in their Exhibition journey.
Notes from Nurse Megan
A few reminders:
Students should stay home from school for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, painful throat with redness/swelling/signs of infection, persistent cough (non-stop coughing for 20+ minutes), or redness/swelling of the eye(s) with drainage. When in doubt, please call the health office or your student’s pediatrician.
Students must stay home for a full 24 hours after fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
Please DO NOT send medication to school in your student’s backpack. If your student needs medication during the school day, please contact the health office.
Information & Updates!!
New Library Information!
Please help your students return their library books so they are able to check out new books each week! If books are lost or damaged beyond repair, please:
1) Provide the library with a replacement copy of the same book. Books can be used and in good condition but must be a like-for-like replacement (i.e., hardcover for hardcover).
2) You may now pay the replacement cost of the book through PowerSchool, a check made out to 'Madison Simis,' or cash (exact amount, please).
We want to thank all the awesome library volunteers who keep our library books circulating and Simis students reading! Your time and help is so appreciated.
Looking for a specific book or want to browse and see what’s available in our library? You can search the Destiny Discover website to see all the selections!
If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your involvement and support!
Thank you,
Mrs. Sarmiento & Mrs. Brandstatter
What is Site Council:
Site Council reviews school data, discusses school procedures and practices, makes decisions about tax credit allocation, and helps inform the principal in decision making.
Recent Highlights:Gifted and High Achieving Class Structures Family Communication Input
Discussed: Gifted and High achieving students part 2 (providing feedback on the plan to help inform families)
Next meeting: School handbook updates 25-26 school year, summer 25-26 communication plans
Did you know?
Each year there is an activity fee of $50 for each student. Our Simis Site Based Management Council determines how all Tax Credit resources will be used at Madison Simis. This year we will use these funds to pay for our grade-level field trips, assemblies, and character education.
Process
Parent/Guardian:
https://az-madison.intouchreceipting.com/
The online portal page instructs guardians to login to POWERSCHOOL.
Guests can create an account and login directly through the online portal page.
Once logged in, parents can PAY Fines/Fees that are posted on their student's account or self select Items at Schools. For example, Activity Fees have already been posted on student's accounts and can be paid through Pay Fines/Fees. Please email receipts to simisoffice@madisoned.org.
Native American students may have their activity fees paid by grant funds if they have proof of Tribal membership. Please have interested families contact Martha Sullivan for information.
Families can contact simisoffice@madisoned.org for a scholarship form.
After School Vendors
If you are looking for a fun activity to engage your student after school dismisses, don't forget to look at our vendor offerings at Madison Simis!
THRIVE Parent Information Series
Madison School District has modules available to families in the THRIVE section of the Madison website. These short and informative videos with experts in the field provide families with resources to approach and support their child in ways that align with the students of the Alpha and iGeneration.
Volunteering at Simis
Click here to register as a school volunteer! All adults must be approved volunteers through the District to volunteer at Simis. Please remember when you volunteer that you are approved for a specific area of school during your visit. To avoid distractions in the learning environment, we ask that volunteers come to school to volunteer and then exit the school following their volunteering, not going into other classrooms to visit with students.
School Lunch Visitor Registration Form
Sign up for a lunch visit here! Please read the details on the sign up form for more information.
As a reminder, we ask that all parents sit with their child at the visitor's table in the cafeteria and say goodbye as students head out to recess. Siblings cannot attend with parents/visitors. Friends do not join the lunch visit.
