Cougar Families,

Last week was one for the books! Our students, and teachers alike, thoroughly enjoyed the Homecoming Week Festivities! From the dress-up days, to the Pep Rally and Dance, I can truly say that the kids were able enjoy themselves. With everything that we do, we push for student excellence in behavior and attitude. With the 2nd 9 weeks, we are pushing to ensure that students will continue to have the opportunity to participate in PBIS activities this 9 weeks. We will continue to push students to continue to put P.R.I.D.E. (Perseverance, Respect, Intelligence, Discipline, and Enthusiasm) at the forefront of everything that they do.

We are marching into the 2nd full week of the 2nd 9 week grading period. With that, we are excited to announce that we have hired a 7th grade Math teacher who will be starting soon! With this, we hope that students will continue to receive top-tier instruction that will continue to push them towards Mastery! We are still currently looking to hire an 8th grade ELA teacher.

We are also quite pleased to announce that 197 students at Southeast Middle School qualified for either A or A/B Honor for the 1st 9 weeks! On Friday, October 25th at 8:00 AM, we will be celebrating those students. We are encouraging family members to participate. Flyers will go home on Monday, October 21.

Parents, we still have a few students who are not following the cell phone policy as it is spelled out by the state, district, and school. I have already met with several parents regarding the phone policy. Students will be dealt with through discipline as deemed necessary due to cellphone infractions.

As the weather turns cooler, I want to remind students and parents of our dress code policy. Students are allowed to wear whatever outer wear deemed necessary while they are at the bus stops. However, once they enter the building, only Southeast Middle outer wear is acceptable per the dress code policy. Not only this, but blankets are not allowed on the bus or in the classrooms. So, please ensure that your student leaves his/her blanket at home.

Our Student Government Association has been collecting canned goods to assist the victims of Hurricane Helene. If you are able to help, please send canned goods to the school for donation.

Also, this is a gentle reminder that carpool riders should be picked up no later that 2:45 PM. It becomes a safety and security risk when students remain past time and they are not a part of an athletic club or Magnet tutoring. We want to make sure that all students are pick up in a timely fashion to ensure that faculty and staff do not have to stay later than their contracted hours.

Lastly, please note that students are considered tardy after 7:10 AM. If students are on a late bus, it will be documented in JCAMPUS by the front office. After 7:30 AM, students being dropped off by a parent MUST BE SIGNED IN BY AN ADULT! If the adult does not come in and sign the student in, the student will be placed in TOR until a parent/guardian can do so. This is for the safety and security of not just your child, but for the school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please make sure reach out during our normal business hours that are M-F, 6:45 AM- 3:00 PM (unless closed for state or local holidays).

Sincerely,

Regina M. Bennett, Esq

Principal, Southeast Middle School