Timberwolf Times

Timberwolf Families,

Welcome to September, Timberwolves families! We are excited to kick off a fantastic month of learning, growth, and community here at Shirley Heim Middle School. As our students settle into their routines, our dedicated staff is focused on keeping them engaged, supported, and challenged every day. Please take a moment to review this month's updates, upcoming events, and key dates below so we can work together to make September a success for your middle schooler. Go Timberwolves!

Sincerely,

SHMS Admin Team

Fri. & Mon., Sept. 4th & 7th: No school ~ Labor Day Break

Thur., Sept. 10: AM Bus evacuation drill

Fri., Sept. 11: 5:00 pm Home Field Hockey & Volleyball games

Mon., Sept. 14: 5:00 Away Field Hockey & Volleyball games at HH Poole MS

Wed., Sept. 16: 5:00 pm Football away game at Drew MS & 6:00 pm PTO meeting

Thurs., Sept. 17: 7th grade hearing and vision screening during the school day & 4-8 pm Sweet Frog PTO Fundraiser

Fri., Sept. 18: Away Field Hockey & Volleyball games at AG Wright MS

Mon., Sept. 21: No school

Tues., Sept. 22: 5:00 pm Home football game vs. Stafford MS

Wed., Sept. 23: 5:00 pm Home Field Hockey & Volleyball games vs. Gayle MS

You can subscribe to the SHMS Community Calendar: SHMS Community Calendar.

Stafford County Public Schools has partnered with Lightspeed Systems to give parents visibility and control over their child's internet usage on school-issued devices outside of school hours.

By opting in, parents receive a Weekly Student Online Activity Report via email every Sunday, which summarizes web browsing activity, top visited websites, and daily page counts. Parents can also create a full Lightspeed Parent Portal account to view complete browsing history in real time and manage access, such as pausing internet browsing on the device.

How to Opt-In:

• Log into ParentVUE at psp.staffordschools.net.

• Go to Student Info, click Edit Information, and set Lightspeed Parent Portal to YES.

• Save your changes. Weekly summary emails will begin within 14 days, containing a link to set up your full Parent Portal account.

The full guide is attached below.

Stafford Schools' "Off and Away" personal device policy (which applies to items such as cell phones, iPads, ear pods, and smart watches) aims to minimize distractions and enhance the educational environment for students in all grade levels. Understanding and cooperation from both students and parents are crucial for successful implementation. While there are specific, limited exceptions to the policy, consequences for non-compliance will be enforced. Silencing and stowing cell phones has been a practice in middle and elementary schools, and the updated policy now applies this practice to students in all grade levels. We appreciate your support in creating a focused and productive learning atmosphere for our students. Frequently asked questions and a video on the updated Personal Device Policy are available on the division website.

This school year, Shirley C. Heim Middle School will use the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) to support your child's social-emotional growth and lifelong success.

What is the DESSA? The DESSA is a 100% strength-based tool that helps us identify the life skills your child has already mastered and areas where they can continue to grow. Students will complete a brief self-assessment during Advisory on Wednesday, September 16th.

Data Privacy & Parent Resources Published by Aperture Education, the DESSA strictly protects student privacy and will never share your child's data with third parties. Aperture also provides a Parent Portal featuring tips, resources, and question previews to help you support your child's development at home.

Opt-Out Information If you would like to opt your child out of this screener, please contact Jamie Stafford at staffordjl@staffordschools.net by Tuesday, September 15th.

Thank you for your partnership in your student's success!

Practices after school till 6 pm. Please be on time to pick up your child.

First game is Sept. 16 at Drew Middle School.

Games start at 5:00 pm.

Practices after school till 6 pm. Please be on time to pick up your child.

First game is Friday, September 11th home versus Drew Middle School.

Games start at 5:00 pm.

Want to help capture this school year’s unforgettable moments? The yearbook staff is now accepting applications!

Key Details:

• Pick Up: Grab an application in Room 134.

• Deadline: Return your completed form with a parent signature to Room 134 by the end of the month.

Don't miss out on making your mark on this year's book!

It takes a Pack to make SHMS extraordinary! Join the Timberwolves Volunteer Team today!!

The school year is upon us and we have some openings within the PTO. Come join our amazing group of volunteers to make the 2026-2027 the best it can be!