BRAVE Connections

December 1, 2024

We hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving break with your loved ones. As we return, our focus is on reviewing and preparing for Quarter 2 benchmarks. These assessments are an essential part of tracking our students’ growth and identifying areas for continued improvement.

With just three weeks remaining before winter break, we’re encouraging all students to stay focused and finish strong. This is the perfect time to review concepts, complete assignments, and set goals for success. We need your help to make that happen!

Here are a few ways you can support your student:

• Check Skyward: Review your child’s grades and look for any missing assignments. Staying on top of these can make a big difference in their success. Check out the button below if you need a refresher with how to check your students grades, assignments, attendance, etc.

• Reach Out to Teachers: If you have questions or concerns, sending an email is the fastest way to get in touch with your child’s teachers. They are here to help!

• Schedule a Parent-Teacher Conference: If you’d like to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss progress or address concerns, now is a great time to set up a meeting. Contact Ms. Simpson at 407-320-6147 for assistance.

• Need Help with Skyward?: If you’re unsure how to check grades or assignments in Skyward, please reach out to Ms. Simpson, who is happy to assist you.

Together, we can help every student finish Quarter 2 strong and enter the new year with confidence. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ success!

"We are Working Together to support our Warriors!

Make it a Great Week!

Dr. Coleman

At Sanford Middle School, one of the core skills we emphasize through our Approaches to Learning (ATL) is Thinking Skills. These skills are essential for students to develop as independent learners and critical thinkers, preparing them to analyze, evaluate, and creatively solve problems across all areas of study.

Thinking skills involve:

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing information, forming reasoned arguments, and evaluating evidence.
• Creative Thinking: Generating new ideas, finding unique solutions, and applying knowledge in innovative ways.
• Transfer Skills: Applying learning from one context to another, making connections between ideas, and using prior knowledge in new situations.

As parents, you play a vital role in nurturing these skills at home! Here are a few ways you can support your child's thinking development:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of yes/no questions, ask questions like, "What do you think about...?" or "How would you approach this problem?" This encourages deeper thinking and reflection.
2. Encourage Curiosity: Foster a sense of wonder by exploring your child’s interests. Help them find books, documentaries, or activities related to their passions.
3. Promote Problem-Solving: Give your child opportunities to solve real-life problems, like planning a meal, organizing a family outing, or budgeting their allowance.
4. Engage in Discussions: Talk about current events, historical events, or even favorite books and movies. Challenge them to explain their perspective or debate an alternative viewpoint.
5. Model Thinking Skills: Share your thought process out loud when solving a problem, making a decision, or planning something. This helps your child see how to approach challenges step-by-step.

By encouraging these habits at home, you reinforce the skills we are building in the classroom, empowering your child to become a confident and capable thinker. Together, we can help our students thrive both academically and personally!

Last Thursday and Friday, our students had an unforgettable experience as classes led by Ms. Friedman, Mr. Broadway, Ms. Atkinson, Ms. Akins, Ms. Campbell, and Ms. Mordecai welcomed Barn Hill Preserve to our campus! This interactive presentation brought STEM to life, giving students the chance to connect with nature and exotic animals while learning about wildlife conservation and science.

Barn Hill Preserve, based in Louisiana, is renowned for its educational animal encounters, offering unique, hands-on experiences with exotic wildlife. Their mission includes:

• Providing Superior Animal Care: Ensuring animals are treated with the utmost respect and care.
• Creating Personal Connections: Helping people form meaningful bonds with animals and nature.
• Exceptional Outreach Programs: Traveling to schools and communities to educate the public on wildlife conservation.

The Barn Hill Preserve team travels across the country to ignite a passion for wildlife in young minds. Their engaging presentations gave our students a deeper understanding of conservation and the critical role animals play in our ecosystems. Students were thrilled to see exotic animals up close, and the program's interactive format kept them captivated from start to finish.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see STEM concepts in action and deepen their appreciation for wildlife and conservation. We are so grateful to Barn Hill Preserve for bringing their mission to Sanford Middle School and inspiring the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and animal lovers.

At Sanford Middle School, we strive to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students. Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in play fighting among students. While it may seem harmless, play fighting can quickly escalate into real conflicts, leading to misunderstandings or even injuries. We ask for your support in discussing with your child the importance of avoiding such behaviors and understanding the potential consequences. Together, we can help ensure that all students feel secure and focused on their learning. Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home and partnering with us to keep our school a safe place for everyone.

#Connections #WeAreSanford

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

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#WarriorWalks

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.

Ms. Friedman's hosting a Pet Supply Drive to support animals in need at our local shelter. Donations of pet food, toys, blankets, and cleaning supplies are greatly appreciated. Every item helps provide comfort and care to these furry friends!

📅 Dates: December 2nd to December 15th
📍 Drop-Off Location: Ms. Friedman's room 2-217 or Guidance Ofc to Ms. Black

Let’s make a difference together—thank you for your generosity! ❤️ 🐾

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

SAVE THE DATE! DECEMBER 7, 2024

MS Cross Country District Meet, 8am @ Lake Mary High School

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