SMS Newsletter

The Sacajawea community is committed to

ensure high levels of learning for all students.

We are a compassionate community that honors grit

and celebrates growth in order to face the future

with a level head and a critical eye.

** In this Title I school, parents have the right to request certain information on the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers and paraprofessionals providing services.

I hope this newsletter finds you well in the new year. I hope you were able to enjoy your time away and spend time with family and friends.

As we quickly approach the end of Semester 1, we are looking forward to sharing your child’s report card with you. We know that report cards are a small piece of our students' educational story; however, it is important that you take a moment and check your Parent Portal (PowerSchool) prior to the release of semester grades. This includes current grades already entered along with any missing assignments that can be submitted prior to the end of the semester. If your child has missing assignments or needs to check in with teachers, students will need to do so before the semester ends on January 19th.

Parent Update - Middle School Grading & Reporting

Parent Portal Link

Important Dates

End of Semester 1: Friday, Jan. 19th

Report cards sent to families: Friday, Jan. 26th

Thank you for taking a moment to check in on your child’s progress as we approach the halfway point of our 2023-2024 school year. I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your child and discuss challenges and how to overcome them.

We appreciate your continued partnership. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Ashley Henigman

SMS Principal

We urge you to have a conversation with your child about the significance of using respectful language and fostering positive interactions with their peers. Lately, we've noticed an increase in the use of profanity and derogatory language among some students - behaviors that do not align with the values of SMS.

We firmly disapprove of such conduct and encourage you to discuss with your child the importance of respect. This matter is significant enough that we will soon be sharing a letter that outlines specific details and our next steps at SMS.

Your partnership is crucial in reinforcing the values of kindness

and empathy within our school community.

January

• 3rd: Back to school
  
• 3rd:7th/8th Grade Boys' Basketball begins
• 11th: 6th/7th Orchestra Concert, BHS 7:00 pm
• 15th: PIR Day, NO SCHOOL
• 19th: End of Quarter 2
• 23rd: Orchestra Concert, BHS 4:30 - 8:00 pm
• 26th: Team Topaz to Bridger Bowl
• 26th: SMS Winter Fest 5:00 - 7:00 pm
• 26th: Semester 1 Report Cards available in PowerSchool
• 31st: SMS 8th Grade Choir
  

February

• 6th: Spelling Bee (tentative)
• 19th: President's Day, NO SCHOOL
  
• 21st: Team Garnet to Bridger Bowl
• 22nd: 5th Grade Parent Night
• 23rd: Team Sapphire to Bridger Bowl
• 27th: 6th/7th Grade Choir Concert
• 29th: Team Lava to Bridger Bowl

January 26th 5 - 7pm

There will be no admission cost to attend.

Tickets to play games will be sold for $0.50 each at

Winter Fest and during lunches on January 26th.

We hope to see you there!

As we enter year two of our ice rink, we would like to begin integrating this resource into our health education classes. Due to donations from the Sac PTO and Play It Again Sports, we will have a stockpile of brand new skates for getting our students out on the rink. However, students must wear helmets while on the rink, so we are asking for any used biking, skiing, or riding helmets we could add to our collection to outfit students that may not have their own. Please have your students bring in any old and unused helmets to Mr. Drake or Ms Peterson.

Also, thanks to all community members who have assisted in maintaining the ice (shoveling it off is a daily chore) over the break, as it was well used over the past couple of weeks. And thanks to all the families who have donated to the project, as it has been accomplished solely with funds generated from the community. If you’d like to learn about ways to help with our rink please contact Mr. Drake at tad.drake@bsd7.org.

Geology Rocks, but Geography is where it's at!

Are you interested in Geography?

Join Mrs. Spyke in room F16 after school on Tuesdays in January and February for GeoBee preparation or to simply practice your geography skills!

*Come with a good attitude and be ready to investigate more about World Geography! Students are welcome to participate in the Geography practice sessions, even if they're not planning on taking the Online Qualifying exam.

Dates:

Geography Bee Prep Sessions (Tuesdays 3:30-4:15)

• 1/23
• 1/30
• 2/6
• 2/13

Online Qualifying exams are slated for Tuesday, February 13th @ 3:30 pm in Mrs. Spyke’s Room (F16). Upon qualification, students are able to sign up for the Regional Competition that will take place on Saturday, March 2nd, in Missoula.

• 2/20 (Continued practice opportunities after school)
• 2/27

Every parent will receive information about the screening through mail and through email. Parents can request screening via a Google Form for one of two nights. The Google Form will also be asking whether students will need accommodations for testing (such as 504, IEP, etc.)

There will be a screening that takes place at BHS from 4:15 - 5:15 pm in the South Cafeteria and one that takes place at GHS from 4:15 - 5:15 pm in the Auditorium (if a student has a conflict with the screening at their designated high school, they may attend the screening at the other high school).

Requests for screening are due by Friday, January 26, 2024.

Tuesday, January 30, 4:15 PM - BHS screening date (South Cafeteria)

Thursday, February 1, 4:15 PM - GHS screening date (Auditorium)

Monday, Feb. 5, 4:15 PM - makeup screening date for both schools @ BHS, South Cafeteria.

*** Please know that this opportunity does NOT identify students as gifted, rather it identifies students who may be able to take the course if space is available.

Surprise! It's winter in Montana! Please remember to send your kids to school with winter gear every day: layers, coats, hats, gloves, boots, etc.

Although the temperatures are dropping, our policies are not.

Unless temperatures fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, students are to remain outside of the building until 8:10 am. This includes students having school breakfast.

Students are also going outside before and after lunch, as long as temperatures are above zero, and should be reminded to bring their winter gear with them to lunch, as they are discouraged from returning to lockers outside of passing periods.

THANK YOU, and stay toasty!

We have a variety of formats that students can use to access literature and information.

Destiny Discover (the district library program) has an app accessible FREE through your App Store - look for this icon. Students can access or print e-books and audio books. They can login using their ClassLink.

The SMS Library is looking for PUZZLES - we would like puzzles that are 750 pieces or smaller. If you have puzzles that you would like to donate and that are in good shape, please drop them off at the main office during school hours. The kids will THANK YOU!

🕢 Library Hours 🕓

Early Birds - 7:30 - 8:00

After School - 3:30

Winter is a great time to pursue hobbies and activities...

... and to curl up with a good book.

Overdue/fine notices are going to your students through their school emails and the emails that you have provided. Please be aware that fines will be posted in PowerSchool and will follow students through high school.

Upcoming Events:

Poetry Slam - April

Used Book Sale - May

Thank you to everyone who is scanning their receipts and contributing to the

SMS Library through BOXTOPS!!

Can you believe we're just $3010 shy of reaching our fundraising goal of $20,000 by January 31? Thanks to all your amazing generosity, we've already reached $16,990 – that's incredible!

Thanks to those who have contributed (seriously, you rock!), but if you haven't had a chance yet, it's not too late to donate online! Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to making 2024 absolutely awesome for our SMS families.

With your help, 2024 will bring playground upgrades, classroom aids, and showering our teachers with love during April's Teacher Appreciation Week! Remember, SMS wouldn't be the fantastic place it is without your incredible support.

P.S. Got school spirit? Show it off with an SMS t-shirt! We'll be selling them for kiddos ($15) and adults ($20) at lunch during the week of January 22nd - 26th.

As always, a giant THANK YOU!

Krista Drake & Randi Lanning (sacptopresident@gmail.com)

Is your teen struggling with anxiety? Are you tired of walking the tightrope between empathizing while also building resilience?

Join Betsy Pufahl and Ashley Mares Jones, Thrive BSD7 Middle School Parent Liaisons, for an insightful discussion on this challenging topic. Joined by renowned local therapist, Jess Pierzina, you will leave with a better understanding of anxiety, how and why it manifests in daily life, and how to best support/empower your teen. Better yet, you'll leave with cutting-edge tips for building resilience in your child!

Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 6-8pm, FREE. Workshop held at the new Thrive building (next to the Ridge). Free childcare will be provided for up to 15 kids. Registration is limited!

Questions or can't make it?

Reach out directly to your Thrive SMS Parent Liaison

Ashley Mares Jones, SMS Thrive Parent Liaison

ashley.maresjones@bsd7.org | (406) 922-4230.

Sacajawea is pleased to provide a number of activities in which students can be involved outside of the classroom. Please have your student inquire with the appropriate teacher and fill out the permission slip below, prior to attending any clubs or activities.

MONDAY:

Outdoor club: Mr. Ottey 3:30 - 4:30 pm (starts after Thanksgiving)

TUESDAY:

Jazz Band: Mr. Wilcox 7:30 am, Band room

Art Club: Mr. Rooney 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Room C5

Computer/Tech Club: Mr. Chamberlain 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Room C8

Knitting Club: Mr. Scott 6th grade lunch, Room F14

7th Grade STUCO: Ms. Belote 7th grade lunch

WEDNESDAY:

Rubix Cube Club: Mrs. Ulrich 6th grade lunch (Every other Wed.)

Speech & Debate Club: Ms. Schumann 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Room C7

6th Grade STUCO: Mrs. Ulrich 6th grade lunch (Every other Wed.)

THURSDAY:

Select Choir: Colliver 7:20 - 8:10 am, Choir room

Robotics Club: Mr. Chamberlain 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Room C8

Birding Club: Ms. Lorenz 3:30 - 5:00 pm, Room F21 (last Thurs. of the month)

Knitting Club: Mr. Scott 6th grade lunch, Room F14

Yearbook Club: Mrs. Cambianica 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Room F15

Speech & Debate Club: Ms. Schumann 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Room C7

8th Grade STUCO: Mrs. Guttormson 8th grade lunch

FRIDAY:

Jazz Band: Mr. Wilcox 7:30 am

The bell rings at 8:10 each morning after which students may enter the building. Class starts at 8:20am. Students should not enter the building before 8:10am unless they are

attending Early Birds in the library.

Early Birds is available each morning at 7:30am in the library. Students may

quietly work on homework or read a book during that time.

To report an absence for your student, the most efficient method is to log in to your

PowerSchool Parent Portal. On the left-hand menu, click on "Attendance Monitor,"

then "Report New Attendance."

If you need to reach the office, please call 406-522-6400.

Lisa Tesseneer and Cindy Smith work in the office.

If your student will be arriving to school late, please let the office know

and we can get them a pass to class.

There is a Lost and Found in the cafe. Please encourage your student to

check there frequently for notebooks, Chromebooks, water bottles, clothing, etc.

BREAKFAST: Breakfast is available starting at 8:10 in the cafe where students can take a few minutes to eat. Breakfast items can only be eaten in the cafeteria. We ask that students clean up after themselves and to make sure they don’t leave anything behind.

CELLPHONES: Cell phones are expected to be in student lockers/backpacks promptly at 8:18. Students may then retrieve and use cell phones at 3:25 when the bell rings. Cell phones are not to be carried during the day (unless there is a medical or language specific need that is pre-approved). ABSOLUTELY NO cellphones are allowed in locker rooms. We truly appreciate your support in regards to student cell phone use.

BACKPACKS: Backpacks need to fit inside a school locker. Students cannot carry their backpacks with them from class to class as we don’t have storage for them and it becomes a fire hazard to have them on the floors. Please encourage your child to pack lightly and use their locker to stay organized.

HATS: Hats may be worn outside only. When students enter the building the expectation is to take your hat off and keep it off while inside. We want to see everyone’s smiling faces! There may be some special days for hats, such as Fridays, so stay tuned for that information.

GYM CLOTHES: If you missed the previous order deadline, you can order again by following the link here, but your shirts won’t arrive for about a month. Your child’s HE teacher will communicate about dressing out expectations.

AFTER SCHOOL PLANS: Please make sure your child knows their after school plans in advance. Understandably, changes are sometimes made; however, we want to respect our office staff who field all of these phone calls. If you do have an emergent change in plans please feel free to call the front office in a timely manner (before 3:00) so we can get your child a message.

BUS/CAR/RIDE/WALK: SAFETY is a priority at SMS. The parking lots are a busy place upon arrival and pick up. If you are dropping off or picking up please be patient and aware of students who are walking/biking.

You may drop off and pick up in two locations: Front oval (off of South 3rd), and the North lot (off of Cambridge). Please do not park in the South lot or use that area as this is designated for our buses. Walkers and riders of all things with wheels… PLEASE use crosswalks and sidewalks. Stay safe out there Falcons!

SCHOOL NURSE: If you have a student with a medical condition or general medical needs please contact our school nurse, Jeana, at (406)-522-6412 or jeana.gaskill@bsd7.org.

If you know your student will need to be picked up early during the school day, it would be incredibly helpful if you could call the attendance office before 10:00 am to let us know. We can then write a blue pass to give to your student so they can meet you at the office at the designated time. This will eliminate the disruption and disturbance of us having to call into the classroom to have them sent to the office.

Thank you so much!

Front office staff

One of the most important aspects of your child's success is their attendance at school. We are here to support you and your child as we navigate their time at Sacajawea Middle School. We have a variety of resources to share with families, including strategies to support attendance and engagement along with personnel to work with you in support of your child’s education.

Our staff would be pleased to assist you to ensure your student has the greatest opportunity at Sacajawea Middle School. If you have concerns or questions regarding attendance please contact:

Julia Anderson (406) 522-6470 Executive Secretary

Ashley Mares-Jones (406) 922-4230 Thrive Parent Liaison

Attendance Facts

• Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful, and on track to graduation.
• Absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, or dealing with social conflict, along with other potentially serious difficulties.
• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
• By 9th grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
• Missing 10 percent, or about 18 days, of the school year can drastically affect a student’s academic success.
• Students can be chronically absent even if they only miss a day or two every few weeks.
• Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child graduate from college and keep a job.

Attendance Tips

• Make school attendance a priority.
• Talk about the importance of attending school everyday and have that be the expectation.
• Maintain routines, such as finishing homework, being organized for the next day, and getting a good night’s sleep.
• Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless truly sick. Complaints of headaches or stomach aches may be signs of anxiety. Please communicate with the school if this becomes a pattern.
• Have an awareness of your child's use of technology (gaming and cell phones) that could be impacting sleep, social connections, and other healthy habits.

Please communicate with the Sacajawea Middle School front office in regards to your child's absences. If your child will not be present at school, please call our attendance hotline at 522-6410 to excuse your child.

(The following information is subject to updates.)

How do you know when to keep your child home from school? Below is a list of guidelines to help you decide. Keep in mind that sending an ill child to school limits their ability to learn and also puts other students at risk.

Please do NOT send your child to school with the following symptoms:

• Fever of more than 100 degrees within the last 24 hours (Please do not give your feverish child fever reducing medication and send them to school)
• Vomiting within the last 24 hours
• Diarrhea within the last 24 hours
• Cough that he/she cannot control
• Body aches, headaches, ear aches, severe sore throat
• Generalized rashes (over multiple parts of the body) until they have been seen and diagnosed by their health care provider as non-infectious.
• Chickenpox, until all blisters have dried up and crusted over, typically 5-7days after the first blister appears.
• Very tired or sudden lack of appetite

Please remember to help your children practice these positive health habits:

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water is the BEST way to prevent the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer is a good option as well, when used correctly.
• Get plenty of rest -- 9-12 hours of sleep each night is recommended.
• Drink a lot of healthy fluids -- water is the best! (soda doesn’t count!)
• Eat a healthy diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables.
• Do not share cups or utensils with others.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow.

**If your child is placed on antibiotics by your healthcare provider, please do not have them return to school until they have been treated for at least 24 hours, or follow your health care provider’s recommendations.

Please keep in mind that the school can NOT give your child medication without a written order from a health care provider and your signature. You can get these forms from the SMS office.

Based on Parent's comfort level with their student, Middle Schoolers are allowed to keep in their backpack: 1 dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen in its original container (the travel size works well) for minor issues like headaches, cramping, or muscle soreness.

Please call the office: 522-6400 or the school nurse: 522-6412 with questions.

Who are our school counselors?

Leah Kreitinger - Assigned teams: All 8th-grade teams, share all 6th-grade teams

Meghan Powell - Assigned teams: All 7th-grade teams, share all 6th-grade teams

Brad Stein - SAFE-TI Program counselor

School Counselors at Sacajawea help all students:

• Apply academic achievement strategies

• Manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills

• Develop awareness of postsecondary options (higher education, work force, etc.)

We do this by providing:

• Classroom-based lessons

• Small group interventions to support student needs

• Short-term individual counseling with students

• Collaboration with families/teachers/administrators/community for student success

• Advocacy for students at student-focused meetings (IEPs, 504s, or family/team meetings)

• Data analysis to identify student issues, needs, and challenges

• Acting as a systems change agent to improve access, achievement, and opportunities for all students

Fly Falcons, Fly!

What is Healthy KidsPack?

A partnership between your school and the HRDC that provides free,

nutritious bags of snacks and simple meals to students to take home for the weekends.

Bags contain healthy, kid-friendly items that are easy to prepare. Items cycle each

week and include many local products.

How does the program work and why should I sign up?

Every Friday afternoon, your child will receive a KidsPack bag from

school in their backpack or locker. Participation is discreet and

confidential. With Healthy KidsPack, you can stretch

your family’s budget and save time and energy on meal prep!

Who can sign up?

Healthy KidsPack is for everyone!

Any family with children in grades K-12 can sign up.

Signing up is easy! Click on the corresponding button below to print out a sign-up form.

Fill out the bottom portion and return to the SMS front office.

You can unenroll at any time.

Did you know Sacajawea Middle School is part of the Box Tops for Education program?

It has changed to a mostly digital program. Traditional clip out Box Tops are being phased out but you can still send them to school (make sure it doesn’t say scan) to be turned in to the library.

The new process is so much easier!

1. Get the free, new and improved Box Tops mobile app on your phone.

2. Buy your groceries and ask for the receipt.

3. Take pictures of your receipt with the app within 14 days of purchase.

4. It will find any qualifying products and give 10 cents for each one to the school!

The money adds up and is used to enhance the book selection at our library.

It’s costs you nothing but 30 seconds of your time and you can help ALL the students at your child’s school. Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same.

On the Box Tops for Education website, you can find coupons and special deals.

Thank you so much for giving back to others!

Your PAC Team & SMS Library

Email: kayla.fortier@bsd7.org
Website: sms.bsd7.org
Location: 3525 South 3rd Avenue, Bozeman, MT, USA
Phone: (406) 522-6400