BRAVE Connections

December 15, 2024

Happy Holidays, Warrior Families!

As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support, dedication, and partnership of our incredible community. This time of year is perfect for reflecting on all we’ve accomplished together and for looking ahead to the opportunities that await in the new year.

During the holiday season, I encourage you to prioritize what matters most—cherishing time with family and friends, finding moments to relax and recharge, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. If you are traveling, please do so safely, and may your journeys be filled with peace and joy.

The new year brings a chance to reset and refocus. When we return, we’ll be diving into the second semester, already halfway through this amazing school year. Let’s continue working together to ensure every student is supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Our next newsletter will be shared on January 6, and I look forward to reconnecting with you as we kick off 2025 with energy, enthusiasm, and a renewed commitment to success. Until then, I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a bright, prosperous new year.

Important Dates to Remember to finish Semester Strong...

• Benchmark Testing Period: Dec 13th to Dec 19th
• End of Quarter 2: Dec 19th
• Winter Break Begins: Dec 20th (Non Student Attendance Day)
• First Student Attendance Day of Semester 2: Jan 6th (due to Hurricane disruptions)

As always, take a moment to review your student’s Skyward portal to check for any missing assignments. Addressing these now can have a significant impact on their overall success as we approach the end of the quarter. Let’s work together to finish the quarter strong and set our Warriors up for success in the new year. Your involvement makes a tremendous difference, and we’re grateful for your continued partnership!

"One Sanford...We Are Warriors!"

Make it a Great Holiday Season!

Dr. Coleman

As we wrap up the end of the year 2024, this week we want to focus on one of the key Approaches to Learning Skills (ATL): Self-Management Skills. These skills are essential for students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, and they also provide opportunities for families to work together to develop healthy habits and routines at home. Self-management involves setting goals, managing time effectively, staying organized, and maintaining emotional balance. These skills help students navigate challenges and build resilience, both in school and beyond.

Family Activities to Strengthen Self-Management Skills

Here are a few simple but impactful activities your family can do together to reinforce these skills at home:

1. Goal-Setting Family Night

• Sit down as a family and discuss goals for the upcoming month.
• Encourage your student to set both academic and personal goals, such as improving their grades or organizing their study space.
• Write these goals down and revisit them weekly to track progress.

2. Create a Family Schedule

• Use a family calendar to map out school deadlines, extracurricular activities, and family events.
• Teach your child to use a planner or digital calendar to manage their personal schedule.

3. Organization Challenge

• Dedicate time each week to organizing a specific space, like a backpack, desk, or bedroom.
• Celebrate small successes, such as finding a lost item or creating a more productive workspace.

4. Practice Mindfulness Together

• Try a short family meditation or breathing exercise before bed to help everyone wind down.
• Encourage your student to use mindfulness techniques during stressful moments, such as before a big test.

5. Reflect on the Day

• Take five minutes each evening to share successes and challenges from the day.
• Discuss how self-management skills, like time management or staying calm, helped overcome obstacles.

Last week, Sanford Middle School students attended the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida, the world’s largest event for training and simulation technologies. Students explored innovations connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.

During the trip, students engaged with hands-on activities featuring virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Highlights included piloting a virtual jet, exploring a VR surgical suite, and tackling STEM challenges created by industry professionals. These experiences showcased how their classroom knowledge applies to solving real-world problems.

Students also spoke with industry leaders and innovators, gaining insights into STEM career paths and learning how simulation technologies address global challenges like workforce training and disaster response.

Sanford Middle is proud to offer opportunities that inspire future STEM leaders, spark creativity, and foster critical thinking. We can’t wait to see how students use these experiences moving forward!

As Winter Break approaches, we encourage all students to finish the semester strong by making good decisions in these final days. Stay focused by completing assignments and participating in class. Show respect to your teachers, peers, and yourself by maintaining kindness and positivity. Make safe choices both in school and outside of school, and be responsible by arriving on time and prepared for each class.

Parents can play a key role in supporting their students during this time. Encourage conversations about their assignments and goals for the week, and help them stay on track. Reinforce the importance of respect and safe decision-making, and ensure your child is prepared for school with enough rest. Together, we can make these last days before Winter Break a positive experience for everyone. Let’s finish strong and look forward to a joyful and relaxing break!

#Connections #WeAreSanford

Join me on my #WarriorWalks! Follow me on Instagram: @drcoleman_stemleader (https://instagram.com/drcoleman_stemleader).

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#WarriorWalks

As we wrap up the first semester, I am filled with pride for all of the amazing achievements at Sanford Middle. From the incredible performances in Performing Arts to the Ladies of Dynasty Step Team’s impressive routines, our students continue to showcase their talent and dedication. The Robotics Team has demonstrated remarkable teamwork and innovation, while our Math League winners have excelled in academic challenges. Additionally, we celebrate the District Girls Varsity Volleyball Champions for their hard work and determination throughout the season.

This year, I’ve also been inspired by the creativity and leadership of our students who have reached out with ideas to start their own clubs. The Asian Student Association, Student Council, Chess Club, Campus Clean-Up, Garden Club, Coding, Debate, and PSAT Tutorial are just a few of the new initiatives students have taken the lead on—and they keep coming! I will continue to empower and embrace the creativity in our students every time.

As we look ahead to second semester, I can’t wait to witness even more acts of leadership, growth, and excellence from our students. Together, we will continue to make Sanford Middle a place of pride and achievement for all.

#OneSanford

#StudentVoice

Parents, did you know that your child's Math Nation book is available on Clever? This means students have easy access to all the resources the book offers right at their fingertips. If you ever find yourself thinking, *"I don't know how to help you,"* simply encourage your child to open Math Nation and navigate to the lesson they're struggling with. Each concept is supported by instructional videos featuring multiple teachers, allowing your child to choose the one that resonates best with them. This way, they can reinforce their understanding at their own pace—reducing stress for you and providing effective support for them.

Don't forget that Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday are early realease days...

No Sale FUNdraiser!👈👈👈

From November 18th through December 18th, we will be hosting a fundraising event to support our school's programs and activities. Our No-Sale FUNdraiser allows you to support the school without creating email lists, personal webpages, selling products, or making deliveries. All you have to do is donate through our website and you’re done! Whether you can donate $5 or $100, every amount helps! Can you help us raise our first $1500? We know we can do it! If we do, all SMS students will receive a treat to celebrate. Donate here >> https://smsptsa.givebacks.com/store We appreciate your continued support of Sanford Middle School PTSA and our Warriors. Together, we can make a difference!

Teacher/Staff Holiday Treats👈👈👈

Help us show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them. The PTSA is organizing a self-serve treat buffet on Tuesday, December 17. We are asking for your very best baking skills to make two dozen (or more) of your favorite cookies, baked goods or other treats for our teachers/staff to pick and choose from so they can create their own holiday gift box! No baking skills or time to bake? Store bought options are okay too! With over 130 teachers and staff, that's A LOT of treats! Please sign up to donate treats using the link below. https://bit.ly/SMStreats

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

Thank you for your generosity and support. Let’s make a positive impact together!

Every Child. One Voice

SCPS Families - Mark your calendars! Monday, January 6, 2025 will be the required hurricane make-up day for students.

• Students should have ID Badges everyday