Springton Lake Middle School
Every Student. Every Day. No Matter What.
Pennsylvania School to Watch
Email: Rbuterbaugh@rtmsd.org
Website: https://www.rtmsd.org
Location: 1900 North Providence Road, Media, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 627-6500
April 24, 2026
Our Spartans demonstrated resilience this week as they successfully completed the first round of PSSA testing despite some technical difficulties. I was impressed by the effort and determination students showed throughout the week.
There is also plenty to look forward to as we head into the weekend and beyond. Some of our Spartans are competing in the Science Olympiad and Penn Relays, and we are excited to host Jazz Fest tonight. We are finalizing preparations for upcoming intramural opportunities and end-of-year events, and look forward to celebrating our 8th grade students as they approach the end of their time at The Lake. We also encourage families to take part in the upcoming community events and fundraisers highlighted in this newsletter.
Today, students enjoyed a pop-up PBIS prize raffle during lunch after a long week of testing, recognizing and reinforcing our core values of being Respectful, Responsible, Ready, and Resilient.
Sincerely,
Ryan Buterbaugh
Congratulations to our Spartans of the Month!
Claire Bowen, Benjamin Dougherty, June Huynh, Lucas Knisely, Aiden Scott, Taira Avery Garner, Vega Villarreal, Leonardo Morjigian, Colin O’Hagan, Olivia Dudley, Madelyn Ngo, Andrew Giles, Lauren Stitely, Joshua Hanson, Colin Gray, Kaia Leslie, Anson Djap, Mia Schneider
Spartan Jazz Fest is Tonight!
We’re excited to host our annual Spartan Jazz Fest on April 24—a fun night of music our students are looking forward to!
Jazz Fest is one of our two major fundraisers, supporting instruments, equipment, and transportation costs. We appreciate your support in the following ways:
- Volunteers Needed for set-up, concessions, admissions, stage crew, and more:
- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084AACAF23AAFC1-63423681-2026
Thank you for supporting our students and the arts—spread the word, and we’ll see you at Spartan Jazz Fest!
PSSA Testing
Our first week of PSSA testing is complete. Students finished the English Language Arts portion this week. Aside from some statewide technology issues on Tuesday, the remainder of the week ran smoothly. We are proud of the resilience and patience students demonstrated during the glitch. I observed students working hard, applying their strategies, and taking the assessment seriously. I appreciate their effort and focus.
After a break on Monday, testing will resume on Tuesday. Next week’s schedule is as follows:
- Mathematics: April 28 and 29
- Science (8th grade only): April 30
Please continue to remind your child to do their best. We also appreciate your support in ensuring students arrive with fully charged devices for testing.
6th Grade Intramural Program – Spring Session Starts Soon!
We’re excited to announce that the 6th Grade Intramural Program will return this spring, beginning the week of May 5, 2026! This is a great opportunity for students to stay active, build teamwork skills, and have fun after school.
This spring, students may choose one of the following intramural activities:
- Games with Goals – Tuesdays (May 5, 12, 26 & June 2)
- Volleyball – Wednesdays (May 6, 13, 20 & 27)
- Wiffle Ball – Thursdays (May 7, 14, 21 & 28)
All sessions will meet once a week for four weeks, from 3:05 PM to 4:00 PM. Students may take the late bus home or arrange for a ride.
Important Notes:
- Students may sign up for only one activity.
- Space is limited for each session; early registration is encouraged.
- Sessions may be canceled due to weather or field availability and will not be rescheduled.
- Registration closes on Monday, April 27, 2026, or earlier if sessions fill.
Program Descriptions:
- Games with Goals: A variety of fun, goal-scoring activities such as basketball, soccer, hockey, handball, tchoukball, speedball, and more.
- Volleyball: Students will build skills and participate in game play.
- Wiffle Ball: Students will play lob-pitch wiffle ball in a fun, relaxed setting.
Register here:
Please contact Mr. Carr with any questions.
Celebrating Our 8th Grade Students
The end of the school year for our 8th grade students is a busy and exciting time. While many are beginning to look ahead to high school, we have several events planned over the final month to celebrate our students and ensure their time at The Lake ends on a positive note.
Please click below to access information about end-of-year activities. A copy will also be emailed to all 8th grade families.
Autism Awareness Day 4/24 and Fundraiser 4/30
PTG
Springton Lake PTG is looking for volunteers for next school year. Please complete the survey if you are interested in joining any of the committees. Any questions? Please reach out to slmsptg02@gmail.com
Link to Survey: PTG Survey (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWhPJaskNPpqk3MlHNU4M5JTOcbAIJ_3rihsiPnKYlQa7C6w/formResponse)
All members of our SLMS community are members of our PTG. Your participation in attending family events, supporting fundraisers, attending meetings, or volunteering is greatly appreciated and supports all of our students. A $10 donation per family is suggested; however, any amount is appreciated.
How can you donate....
1. ONLINE using PAYPAL.
2. By check or cash - please send your donation in a sealed envelope to the school office. Mark your envelope "PTG Donation."
For more information about the PTG, please contact:
President: Carlie Ali-Hassan
Vice President: Staci McArdle
Treasurer: Amber McArdle
Secretary: Emily Catanese
Celebrate your 8th grader with a commemorative yard sign!
The 8th Grade Farewell Dance Committee is offering two yard sign options, each priced at $25. Signs are 18" x 24" single-sided coroplast and include a wire stand for easy display. (Mockups are in the order form.)
Order deadline: Monday, May 4, 2026 (NO Exceptions). Click here to order.
Orders must be submitted and paid in full by this date to be fulfilled.
Planned delivery is the week of May 11th.
PTG Union Soccer Fundraisers
Click on the link to learn more and get your tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/SLMS2026
Update from School Nurse
Allergy season is in full swing. If your student has seasonal allergies and takes allergy medication, please make sure they take the medication before coming to school. The health office does not have allergy medication available. If your student forgets their medication, parents/guardians may bring and administer the medication to their student in the health office.
Just a reminder about our district medication policy. Students are not permitted to have any medication with them at school. Only inhalers and Epipens with self-carry doctor's orders are permitted. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Tums are available at the health office with parent permission. If your student needs any other medication at school, please see the Administrations of Medication policy for instructions.
F.A.R.E. Next Meeting 4/29
Rose Tree Media School District is committed to improving our society today, and for future generations, through outstanding education, awareness, and appreciation of all people. We work to carry out this mission by exhibiting respect for diversity among our student body, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, socioeconomic class, and religion. The mission of F.A.R.E. is to promote and encourage diversity awareness, provide family support, engage in networking, and create deeper unity and understanding within the Rose Tree Media School District and the surrounding community.
Click on the FARE Information document to learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved and meeting information.
Please also refer to the school calendar for meeting dates and any rescheduling.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
To keep classrooms focused and learning uninterrupted, all wireless devices, including cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, and similar devices, must be OFF and AWAY during the school day unless a teacher gives a specific academic reason to use them. Students will be reminded each morning to power down their devices.
Please let your child know that you will not be texting or calling during school hours. If a student needs to reach a parent, a staff member can provide permission. In an emergency, the main office is the best way to get in touch. More details are available in the Springton Lake Student Handbook.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, distraction-free learning environment!
Upcoming Events
To view the full SLMS Calendar of Events, click on the below document.
Spartan Scoop
Monday 4/20 Spartan Scoop Monday
Tuesday 4/21Spartan Scoop Tuesday
Wednesday 4/22 Spartan Scoop Wednesday
Thursday 4/23 Spartan Scoop Thursday
Friday 4/24 Spartan Scoop Friday
Penncrest High School Information
LAXAPALOOZA 2026
LAXAPALOOZA 2026 will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026! We are still looking for some extra help - Laxapalooza 2026 Volunteers. We have a great committee, a few new ideas, and are looking forward to a fun event for all! Unable to attend but still want to show your support? Laxapalooza Donations.
We are also thrilled to announce that this year's schedule will look a little different, as we will start the celebration Friday Night with our Men's Annual Alumni Game on April 24th at 6:30 pm at the Lou Scott Stadium, followed by a reception at the Sterling Pig in Media. Saturday's events will begin with Optimist games starting at 9 am and wrap up with the Penncrest Boys Varsity game at 5:15 pm. Also new this year, we will celebrate Penncrest Lacrosse: past, present and future. We are offering two separate raffles to serve as an Honorary Team Captain during the Boys Varsity game. One Penncrest alum player or coach (men or women) will be selected to represent the PAST as an honorary Captain, as well as one Rose Tree Optimist Lacrosse player (girl or boy) showing the FUTURE. They will be on the sidelines during face-off, alongside the PRESENT, current Penncrest Boys Lacrosse Team. All proceeds benefit the "NK Smiles Scholarship Fund" given to deserving Penncrest seniors. For more information please visit optimistlacrosse.com.
NK SMILES LAXAPALOOZA 2026
Join us for a day of lacrosse games, food raffles...
Saturday April 25, 2026 at Penncrest High School
All proceeds benefit "NK Smiles" Scholarship
Penncrest Sports 2026-2027
If you are interested in playing a sport next year at Penncrest HS, please visit the following web page: https://phs.rtmsd.org/athletics/overview
Family ID Registration for all Penncrest Fall sports will open in late-June and all registrations should be completed 1 week before the 1st practice date in order to start on time.
Winter registration opens in October and Spring in February.
Registrations close on the 1st practice date since rosters are turned in to the PIAA- no exceptions. When in doubt, register in advance.
1st tryout/practice dates for 2026-2027:
8/10/26 Football
8/17/26 All other Fall sports-see list on our webpage
11/20/26 Winter Sports-see list on our webpage
3/8/27 Spring Sports-see list on our webpage
***Most sports practice/compete on Saturdays, Christmas Break and Spring Break (Mon-Thurs). Please keep that in mind before planning vacations.