The Spartan Periodical
October 2024
Sun Valley Middle School
Office Hours: 8:20am - 4:30pm
Website: https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/Domain/47
Location: 1409 Wesley Chapel Rd., Indian Trail, NC 28079
Phone Number: 704-296-3009
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunValleyMSNC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SunValleyMSNC
X/Twitter: @SunValleyMSNC
Mr. Kyree Bethel - PE Teacher
Kyree Bethel is our new PE teacher here at SVMS. He hails from Goldsboro, North Carolina. After a fulfilling journey in professional basketball, his lifelong aspiration has always been to inspire and uplift the youth. He discovered his true passion in teaching, where he emphasizes that one can excel both academically and athletically. Now in his seventh year of teaching, he feels immensely grateful for the opportunity to empower students and serve as a positive role model in their lives. Through his experiences, he strives to show them that hard work and determination can lead to success in all aspects of life.
Mrs. Heather Payne - Resource
Mrs. Heather Payne is re-joining the SVMS family in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA! She taught here previously from 2019-2022 and is so excited to be back in the Valley! This is her 16th year teaching, all in North Carolina. She has taught every grade level K-12 during that time. Mrs. Payne is married to her husband, Jon. They live with their dog, Gravy, and their cat, Layla, in Monroe. In her spare time she enjoys reading and watching true crime documentaries.
Dr. Steven Booth - Chorus Teacher
Dr. Steven Booth is the chorus teacher at SVMS and is thrilled about the opportunity. A self-proclaimed movie buff and lover of all kinds of music, he takes pride in his extensive vinyl collection and his impressive knowledge of movie trivia. Beaches are his sanctuary, and he dreams of one day calling them home.
In addition to teaching music, Dr. Booth performs with his band and teaches theater at Lanti Performing Arts Studio in Indian Trail. Above all his roles, he considers being a dad his greatest calling and what he does best.
Our basketball teams, basketball cheer squad, and wrestling team are in full swing this winter season! Each sport has already had several games and matches, but there’s still plenty of excitement ahead. Both basketball teams have played a couple of games and have more home games lined up for our Sun Valley families and students to enjoy.
Our basketball coaches this year are Coach Simcox and Coach Shannon, both of whom are on staff here at Sun Valley Middle. The remaining home games are listed below. Tickets are $5 for students and parents. The first game starts at 5:00 PM, and the second game starts at 6:00 PM and concludes around 7:00 PM.
The basketball cheer squad is coached by Coach Beddingfield, who is on staff here at Sun Valley Middle School as well. Cheerleaders energize the crowd with spirited cheers and dances. Be sure to support our cheer squad by coming out to the basketball games and cheering along with them!
Our wrestling team, led by Coach Patterson, works closely with our high school coach to develop our athletes. The remaining matches are listed below and begin at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $5.
Come out and support our Spartans! Tickets for all events can be purchased through the HomeTown Fan app.
6th Grade
In 6th grade, students rotate through three Career Exploration classes, where they complete self-assessments and explore careers aligned with their interests. Each class introduces students to different career clusters through hands-on activities, highlighting pathways available during and after high school.
Focus areas include Business, Marketing, Information Technology, Education, Finance, Government, Hospitality, Health Science, Manufacturing, Transportation, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
7th Grade
Computer Science Discoveries I, taught by Ms. Grise-Haney to 7th graders, introduces students to web design through an online platform. Throughout the semester, students explore digital citizenship, the Internet, data, and web design. Using HTML and CSS, they create and style websites and project portfolios.
In Mr. Shannon’s 7th-grade Leadership and Business Procedures class, students use an interactive online curriculum to develop business and leadership skills, including soft skills and internet safety. They explore topics like digital footprints, cyberbullying, and job searching based on criteria such as location, pay, remote options, and benefits. Students also learn to write cover letters and resumes and gain insight into the interview process from both interviewer and interviewee perspectives.
Mrs. Frye teaches Automation and Robotics to 7th-grade students using a project-based online curriculum. Students explore technology, engineering, and the use of robots. They study mechanical systems, gears, and their applications in machines, then program mechanisms using C++ to complete tasks. Students apply their knowledge to design prototypes incorporating sensors, programming, and mechanical systems, focusing on projects that benefit their community. The course culminates with students building robots capable of completing specific tasks.
8th Grade
In Ms. Grise-Haney’s Computer Science Discoveries II course, 8th-grade students explore computer science fundamentals, video game history, and digital citizenship. Using a project-based online platform, students design, build, customize, and publish their own video games through a visual programming interface.
In Mr. Shannon’s 8th-grade Financial Literacy class, students use an online platform to learn about accounting, budgeting, credit, and financial decision-making. Interactive activities include budgeting challenges, a Cost of College analysis, retirement savings planning, and a Consumer Smarts unit, where students compare product costs to make informed purchases. Additionally, students learn to interpret and analyze credit reports.
In Mrs. Frye’s 8th-grade Flight and Space class, students explore the science of flight and the role of engineers in aviation and space travel. Using an online platform, they learn aerodynamic concepts, investigate airfoil effects, and study navigation and crew scheduling. Students apply this knowledge to design and build aircraft prototypes and create flight plans that address real-world scenarios. The course also covers space exploration, including launch, orbit, landing, astronaut health, and living conditions in space. Using the engineering design process, students design and test prototypes for a Mars mission, collaborating on tasks such as crew planning, rocket specifications, daily schedules, landing sites, and vehicles.
Update on Counseling Lessons
All grade levels are receiving in person classroom lessons this year. We completed our first lesson in September/October. This second lesson will be taking place in December/January. Contact your grade level counselor if you have any questions about the lessons.
Holiday Support
Through Spartan Tree we were able to support 26 students with Holiday assistance. Thank you to Rack Room and SP Ortho for also providing these students with shoes and hygienic items. We would like to thank all the families that are helping to support our SVMS families this season. Reminder that presents are due back labeled by Monday, December 2nd. We appreciate all of your help! Contact Mrs. Mosley, the 7th grade counselor if you have questions about the Spartan Tree.
8th grade Information
As we move through the year, several activities will be planned to inform both students and parents about high school programming to ensure a positive transition. Students will work through an interactive presentation about various program and course options throughout the county.
On December 4, the Middle School Roadshow will bring representatives from each of the Special Program Schools to visit, providing the students an opportunity to ask questions and prepare to choose a high school path.
High School Bridge Parent Night will be December 10 at 6 pm at SVMS.
Coming Soon:
Students will receive high school registration information and materials during a grade level broadcast during Homeroom on January 14th. Dr. Harvey and the SVHS Counseling Department will offer a Rising 9th grade Parent Night on January 16th at 6pm in the SVHS Auditorium to go over high school graduation requirements and introduce the registration process to parents. Following this presentation, counselors will be available to answer registration questions.
For parent reference, helpful resources and copies of all presentation materials can also be found on the SVHS Registration Website.
Requested courses must be entered into PowerSchool between January 14th and January 31st. High school counselors will meet with all 8th grade students individually to review course selections during the week of February 3rd. Course selections should be entered in PowerSchool by JANUARY 31st and PRIOR to this meeting.
Counselors are here to help
If you have concerns about a student, counselors may be contacted by email or by calling the school. If you prefer to submit a tip anonymously, please use the See Something Say Something Link or UCPS Tip Line.
6th Grade Counselor: Shemika McManus shemika.mcmanus@ucps.k12.nc.us
7th Grade Counselor: Karianna Mosley karianna.mosley@ucps.k12.nc.us
8th Grade Counselor: Julie Hatfield julie.hatfield@ucps.k12.nc.us
School Social Worker: Quincy Ridley quincy.ridley@ucps.k12.nc.us
Do you know a #UCPS employee who goes above and beyond and inspires others? Nominate them to be a #UCPSInfluencer: https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/influencers