SMS Family News
January 2025
Principal's Message
To all SMS Raiders,
Happy New Year! As we enter 2025 filled with new opportunities and possibilities, I want to reflect on our collective achievements and express my heartfelt appreciation for the dedication, resilience, and hard work each of you brings to SMS.
To the SMS staff: thank you for your commitment to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment. Your passion for teaching and your support of our students make all the difference, and I am grateful for each of you.
To the SMS families: we are fortunate to partner with you in your children’s education. Your involvement and encouragement are essential to their success, and together, we will continue to build a strong foundation for the future.
As we embark on 2025, let’s embrace the opportunities ahead, stay focused on our shared goals, and continue to work together to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.
Here’s to 2025, filled with growth, learning, and success for all!
Sincerely,
Dr. McKinnon
December RAIDERs of the Month
Congratulations to the following students who their teachers nominated as a December RAIDER of the Month. In December, teachers focused on the D in RAIDER, which stands for Digital Citizen. The December RAIDERs of the Month are:
- Grade 6 - Jack Coughlin and Robert Chase
- Grade 7 - Landen Banderra and Evan Sandford
- Grade 8 - Brody Sutherland and Lila Arruda
Congratulations, SMS Raiders!
Junior District Music Students
Congratulations to the following SMS students who auditioned for placement in the Junior Southeastern Music Festival and received acceptances:
- Henry Brisson, oboe - SMS
- Emilia Corvo, soprano - SMS
- Caleb Rapoza, bass - SMS
- Brayden Worrell, violin - SMS
Girls Basketball Team Community Service
Coach Andy Laurence and members of the girls basketball team volunteered at the Annelle DeLorme food pantry in December.
The SMS girls basketball team pictured below from left to right are:
Top row: Sadie Tallman, Madison Bednarz, Korrin Cosme, Lauren Carr, Lila Antunes, Adele Mota, Skyla Gonzalez, Aria Gougeon, Coach Andy Laurence, Caroline Coombes
Bottom row: Kayla Cosme, Adelyn Andrade, Skylar Rivera, Eva Laurence
Toy Drive Success
Thank you to all students, staff, and community members who donated to the Somerset Police Department's toy drive. Every student who brought in toys to donate were entered into a raffle to win an Amazon gift card. One student winner was selected per grade level. The grade level winners are shown below with Officer Lewandoski.
- Grade 6 - Aubrey Souza
- Grade 7 - Mia Sears
- Grade 8 - Drew Palmisciano
December Shout Outs
Thank you to the Somerset Middle School PTO for providing a staff holiday breakfast on Monday, December 16th, and hot chocolate and sugar cookies to all students on Friday, December 20th.
Thank you to the SMS student services team for offering elf breaks and gifts throughout the December 16th week to spread holiday cheer throughout the building.
Thank you to the grade 7 advisory teachers for engaging their students in an activity where SMS students wrote friendly letters of hope and well wishes (pictured below). The letters were delivered to the Somerset Council of Aging on Friday, December 20th.
Winter Athletics Game Schedule
HERE is the winter athletics game schedule. Please note this is a live document that is also linked to the SMS website under Families and Athletic Information.
DC Dunk
Blue and White Dance
The SMS Student Council is hosting a winter blue and white dance on Friday, January 17th, from 2:45-4:30. Tickets are $5. Ticket sales will begin during all three lunches on Wednesday, January 8th and end on Wednesday, January 15th.
Quarter 2 Report Cards and Quarter 3 Schedules
- Quarter 2 ends Friday, January 24th. Report cards will be available in the Aspen portal on Monday, January 27th. Any parents in need of parent portal information to access report cards should email Andrea Smith at smitha@sbregional.org.
- Quarter 3 schedules will be distributed during advisory morning check-in on Monday, January 27th. Advisory morning check-in will be extended to ensure each student receives an updated schedule.
The Parent Institute Newsletter
January Dates to Note
Monday, January 6th - First day back after winter break. Students and staff, this is a D day schedule.
Tuesday, January 7th - SPS School Committee meeting, starting at 6:30 PM
Saturday, January 11th - Grade 8 DC Dunk Fundraiser
Monday, January 13th - SEPAC meeting, starting at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 15th - SMS virtual PTO meeting, starting at 6:00 PM
Monday, January 20th - No School
Friday, January 24th - Quarter 2 ends
Monday, January 27th - Quarter 3 begins
Wednesday, January 29th - Early release day for students with 12:00 PM dismissal