SMS Weekly Newsletter

Week of January 27th

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed on January 27, 2025, and this week marks Holocaust Education Week in Arkansas public schools. This year, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, honoring the memory of the millions of lives lost and recognizing the courage of those who stood against injustice. Join us in reflecting on this history and its enduring lessons.

REMINDERS

Badge Policy

All students are required to wear their badges front and center at all times. If you do not have your badge upon arrival at school you will be asked to 1. call a parent to bring your badge from home, 2. purchase a new badge, or 3. receive consequences including d-hall. If a student chooses to remove their badge throughout the day they are subject to the same consequences as above.

Dress Code

While we encourage you to be comfortable, please remember that wearing pajamas, house shoes, and headwear is not permitted under our dress code. Be mindful of your attire choices to avoid any dress code violations.

Cell Phone

All electronic devices including cell phones and earbuds must be powered down and put in backpacks away from your person upon arrival at SMS. These devices must stay put away for the duration of the school day.

Student Handbook

GIRLS OF PROMISE INFORMATION

This opportunity is open to any 8th grade girl interested in science, technology, engineering, arts and math in Arkansas. Students will explore various STEAM careers through hands-on activities, learning new skills, and meet women mentors excelling in their fields.

If you are interested, see Mrs. Melton or Mrs. Dunn. The application deadline is February 14th.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Every school day counts! Regular attendance helps students stay on track academically, build important habits for the future, and feel connected to their school community. Missing just a few days can lead to learning gaps and make it harder to catch up. Together, let’s ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed—let’s make every day count!

FUN IN THE LIBRARY

During December and January, students have been participating in several activities from the SMS Library. In December, students engaged in an Off the Shelf Challenge where they read and reviewed or gave book talks for books that they have read so far this year. Each book talk and review submitted gave students an opportunity to win some free goodies.

In January, students tested their book and dragon knowledge by participating in a few fun activities on Appreciate a Dragon Day (January 16th). Congratulations to these winners!

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Click on the link below to fill out a Google Form about a staff member at SMS that you want to give a shout out to.

Employee Recognition Form

PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK NOW

Link to online yearbook purchasing

SURVEY OF MILITARY FAMILIES

The Arkansas Council for Military Children surveys military families in Arkansas annually to assess areas of need and to determine the general level of awareness of resources available to military families. The survey is completely anonymous; no personally identifiable information will be collected. The survey will be open to receive responses through February 14, 2025.

Arkansas Military Survey 2025

CKH WORD OF THE MONTH ~ RESPECT

What is Respect?

Respect is the willingness and ability to act professionally and thoughtfully with ourselves and others. Leaders can deal respectfully with opposition and provide space for both dignity and differences to coexist.

Our CKH Reception for Responsibility was postponed last week due to the weather and will now be held Friday, January 31st. Nominated students and their parents will be notified soon.