SMS E-News

After just 14 days of school, our carpool line is already clearing by approximately 3:28 p.m.—only 13 minutes after dismissal begins! That is some impressive carpool teamwork.

Let’s keep the line safe, speedy, and as stress-free as a middle school carpool line can possibly be:

• Pull forward as far as possible before stopping.
• Follow staff directions—we promise we aren’t just waving our arms for the exercise.
• Have students enter and exit from the passenger side whenever possible.
• Remain in your vehicle and avoid stopping in traffic lanes.
• Keep cell phones put away while moving through the line.

Please remember that our parking lot is reserved for staff and visitors. We share this space with ECFC, where staff, families, and young children are moving through the lot. Families also arrive throughout the day for meetings and need access to visitor parking. Please plan ahead so the temptation to create your own “express lane” doesn’t lead to an unsafe situation.

Follow Stillwater Middle School on Facebook or Instagram or watch our carpool video for a quick, catchy video. You just may find yourself singing all the way through the line. Thank you for helping everyone arrive and leave safely, quickly, and with their sanity intact!

Mark your calendar for this FREE, family-friendly event on Friday, Sept. 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Stillwater Area High School. All ages are invited to join us for traditional carnival games and activities, prizes, inflatables, and food trucks just before the football game. Volunteers are needed to help out with games. Sign up online.

Beginning September 9, American Indian Education Coordinator Tara Voss will be starting a student group for American Indian students at SMS Middle School.

The group will meet regularly throughout the school year and provide a welcoming space for students to connect with one another, explore culture and identity, receive academic support, and have a voice in shaping American Indian Education opportunities at SMS.

Meetings will include a mix of cultural and academic enrichment, activities, conversation, and opportunities to build relationships with other American Indian students across grade levels. As the year gets underway, students will also help guide the group by sharing their interests and ideas for activities, topics, and experiences they would like to see offered.

Questions?

Contact Tara Voss, American Indian Education Coordinator, at vosst@stillwaterschools.org or visit the website at www.stillwaterschools.org/learning/american-indian-education

Parents of middle school students only need to submit updated immunization records when their child receives the required Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. Minnesota law requires students to receive these vaccines before the start of 7th grade, or have a completed exemption form on file. Please submit updated vaccination records or exemption documentation to the school health office.

Sports Tickets on Hudl

• Buy & store tickets for sporting events (Download the free app)

• Watch select games live

• Follow your favorite teams & players

Buy a 2026-27 pass and save! Just $50 for students and $75 for adults. Valid for all home regular season contests, except hockey.

Fine Arts Tickets on Cur8

• Buy and store tickets for choir, band, orchestra and theatre

• Tickets go live one month prior to each performance.

• Plan ahead and check out our Fine Arts Calendar

If your student took a photo Wednesday, August 26th, orders must be placed online on mylifetouch.com using code:EVTM4QJQM

For those who need to re-take their picture Re-Takes will take place October 7th.

Yearbooks are ON SALE NOW! Order today to get yours before prices increase in late fall/winter.

Cost is currently $50. Order a yearbook HERE

If you have any questions please reach out to our yearbook advisor Sam Boyd at boyds@stillwaterschools.org or 651-351-8956

Shop SMS exclusive items from Heritage Embroidery. 10% of sales goes back to the SMS PTA. Make sure to order by 11pm tonight! All orders will be ready in time for Homecoming Week!

Shop Now

Save the date for our first PTA meeting to be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6pm in the media center. All are welcome- even if you aren't a member yet. Attending meetings is a great way to learn about the school and how the PTA is supporting the SMS students and staff. The more people who get involved, the stronger our school will be. We hope to see you there!

Support your student and Stillwater Middle School by joining our PTA!

We'd welcome your support and engagement this year. There are many ways to get involved! One of the best ways to support our work is to purchase a yearly membership. Membership is $15 each for families and $7.50 for staff. We'd also encourage you to sign up for the PTA newsletter that is sent by our volunteers.

Stillwater Middle School PTA Website

Follow us on Facebook

We have noticed an increase in e-bikes and scooters in the last year. Please review the following state statues regarding them. These statues are in place to keep everyone safe. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions!

E-BIKES (Electric assisted bicycles equipped with operable pedals)

MN State Statute 169.222:

- Riders must be 15 years old or older to operate

- Riders under 18 years old are required to wear a helmet

- Power output is no more than 750 watts

- Bike cannot exceed 28 MPH

E-SCOOTER (Motorized foot scooters)

MN State Statute 169.222:

- Riders must be at least 12 years old or older to operate

- Riders under 18 years old are required to wear a helmet

E-MOTO (Electric motorized vehicles that are not pedal assisted bicycles)

MN State Statute 169.222:

- It is ILLEGAL to operate an E-Moto on a public roadway UNLESS it has the following:

o The vehicle is properly licensed and insured

o The driver has a valid license

UPDATE:

Students who are walking home past the hospital. They have asked us to let families know students should not be cutting through the parking ramp. This is a significant safety concern, particularly with vehicle traffic in the ramp, and their priority is to keep our students safe. If students could avoid walking through the parking ramp and use designated sidewalks and walking routes instead. Thank you!

Laura McBroom

School Resource Officer

Stillwater Police Department

651-351-6909

https://www.instagram.com/sms_sro

mcbrooml@stillwaterschools.org

Hello! I’m the Chemical Health Specialist, where I help students build the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about substance use. I earned my B.A. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Minnesota and have experience working with youth in educational, clinical, and recreational settings. I enjoy creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, building confidence, and making positive choices.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me powerlifting, crocheting, or spending time outdoors. I believe maintaining balance in my own life helps me show up as my best self for the students and families I work with.

Mental health concerns can be linked to drug and alcohol abuse. If you are concerned for your student, reach out for support.

Gwen Yang

Gwen.yang@ysb.net

Phone Number: (612) 314 6746

September 4: No School

September 7: Labor Day - No School

September 11: 6th grade Carnival

September 28: No School

Email: comments@stillwaterschools.org
Website: sms.stillwaterschools.org
Location: 523 Marsh St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: 651-351-6905
Facebook: facebook.com/Stillwater834

Instagram: instagram.com/stillwater834