Sumner Middle School Update
5/13/26
In This Update
SMS Focuses on Success: State Testing Schedule
Celebrating 8th Graders - Stay Tuned
Current 6th and 7th Graders Request Encore Classes for Next Year
Pre-Order Your Yearbook for $30
Parent Review Night for HIV/AIDS Prevention, May 14, 4:30-6:00pm
Stay Connected!
SMS Focuses on Success: State Testing Schedule
Our staff is proud of the growth our students have made this year. This week our 8th grade students are taking the science test in their science class. Next week, all students take the state math test in their math classes.
We use state assessment results to help inform decisions about students’ course placements and to identify any additional support students might need.
These assessments also provide valuable practice, as students will be required to pass state assessments in high school in order to graduate.
Testing schedule
8th grade ONLY science assessment in 8th grade science classes: May 12-May 15
Math SBA in math classes: May 19-May 29
Celebrating our 8th Graders- Stay Tuned
We have about five weeks left in the school year, and this is the time when we begin celebrating our incredible 8th graders as they approach the end of their middle school journey. While our staff will truly miss this wonderful Class of 2030, we are equally excited for all they will accomplish in high school and beyond.
Although we do not hold a formal graduation ceremony for our 8th graders, we have several special activities planned to recognize and celebrate them. We will share additional details in the coming weeks—please stay tuned! In the meantime, here’s a preview of what’s ahead:
Free T-Shirt: All 8th graders will receive a high school t-shirt, generously provided by our Booster parents. Students were asked this week to share their t-shirt size with office staff.
June 4: All 8th graders will visit Sumner High School during the school day. More details to come.
June 11: Booster parents will partner with SMS staff to host a special celebration for our 8th graders. Additional information will be shared soon. (Please note: all activities on this day are for students only.)
June 15: All students, including our 8th graders, will participate in our annual field day—also known as Bobcatpalooza.
THANK YOU to our Booster parents who purchased 8th grade gifts for each 8th grader!!! We couldn’t do it without our Boosters!
Congratulations, Class of 2030! We are so proud of you!
Current 6th and 7th Graders Request Encore Classes for Next Year
This week our current 6th and 7th grade students are requesting their encore classes for next year. Parents of 6th and 7th grade students were sent an email by our counselor, Shawna Eklund, with more information about this process. We are encouraging students to talk to their parents/guardians about the classes they are interested in taking and to go over their requests at home. All requests are done online through the students’ Family Access account. The request window will be open through May 22nd. During this time, students can log on and update and/or change their requests.
Please note that this is the request process, and it does not guarantee that your student will be placed in a specific class. Student requests will help us determine interest in classes and what classes will be offered next year. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor.
Pre-Order Your Yearbook for $30
To pre-order a yearbook, students may pay in the main office or parents/guardians can pay by phone by calling our main office at 253-891-5000. Students who purchase a yearbook will receive it the last few days of school. If you are not sure if you have purchased a yearbook, please contact our main office.
If you need financial assistance toward purchasing a yearbook, please contact your child’s counselor.
Parent Review Night for HIV/AIDS Prevention, May 14, 4:30-6:00pm
Washington State law requires that every student receives Comprehensive Sexual Health education, including HIV/AIDs prevention education, in grades 6 through 12. Because this unit covers sensitive topics, Washington State law and SBLSD board policy require that parents are provided the opportunity to preview these lessons and excuse their student from these lessons if they wish.
The district is hosting a Curriculum Review Night to give parents and guardians of students currently enrolled in 6th grade science and 7th/8th grade Skills for Life the opportunity to preview the Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS prevention instructional materials and ask questions about the resources used in the classroom.
Curriculum Preview Night: May 14, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Administration Building, Board Room
The information below outlines how a parent or guardian may review materials and, if they choose, request an excusal for their student in accordance with state law.
Human Growth and Development (Puberty): Taught in the 6th Grade Science & 7th, and 8th Grade Skills for Life
In accordance with RCW 28A.300.475, a parent or guardian may excuse their student from human growth and development instruction upon written request to the building principal and/or classroom teacher. Previewing instructional materials is not required in order to request an excusal.
HIV/AIDS Prevention Education: Taught in the 6th Grade Science & 7th, and 8th Grade Skills for Life
Under RCW 28A.230.070, state law requires that parents or guardians attend one of the district’s information sessions in order to request that their student be excused from AIDS prevention education. Following attendance at the Curriculum Preview Night, you will have the opportunity to excuse your student from these lessons. If you are unable to attend the preview event and you wish to view the resources, please contact Instructional Services at (253) 891-6065 to schedule a viewing appointment.
Stay connected with SMS’s Booster Parent Group!
Connect with SMS Boosters and learn how to support SMS students and staff
Booster Store - purchase SMS gear at the Booster store
Facebook – Sumner Middle School Boosters Club https://www.facebook.com/Sumnermiddleschoolboosterclub/
Instagram @smsbobcatsboosters
Email – smsboosters@gmail.com
Fred Meyer Community Rewards – link your card; search for us by name or by our non-profit #84696. IMPORTANT: You still earn your Reward Points & Rebates!
Stay connected with Sumner Middle School!
Important SMS Information:
Call or visit: Our offices are open Monday - Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm during the school year. Visit us or call 253-891-5000.
Parents/guardians may schedule conferences with teachers/counselors at a mutually agreed upon time.
Email: A majority of our communication to families will be via electronic newsletters/emails. Please check Family Access to make sure we have a valid email address for you.
Follow us on Facebook
As always, please contact us if you have any questions or need support/assistance. Thank you for partnering with us!
ATTENDANCE: sally_villalobos@sumnersd.org
REGISTRAR: cheryl_jessop@sumnersd.org
MAIN OFFICE: sms@sumnersd.org
Jenny Williams, Principal, jenny_williams@sumnersd.org
Dave Johnson, Assistant Principal, dave_johnson@sumnersd.org
Tomas Morales, Dean of Students, tomas_morales@sumnersd.org
Cassie Waddle, Athletic Coordinator, cassandra_waddle@sumnersd.org
Shawna Eklund, Counselor for students with last name A-K, shawna_eklund@sumnersd.org
Donna Knutsen, Counselor for students with last name L-Z, donna_knutsen@sumnersd.org