South Spartan News

Dear South Middle School Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer filled with opportunities to relax, recharge, and create lasting memories. On behalf of our entire staff, I am excited to welcome both our returning families and those joining South Middle School for the first time. We are looking forward to another outstanding year of learning, growth, and success.

At South Middle School, we believe that every student has the ability to achieve great things when they are challenged, supported, and encouraged. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to providing a safe, engaging, and positive learning environment where students are encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We strive to help every student discover their strengths, develop confidence, and prepare for future success. Our mission is simple: Every Learner, Every Day!

This year, we will continue to focus on high-quality instruction, meaningful relationships, and creating a culture where every student feels welcomed, valued, and connected. Strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success, and we encourage families to stay actively involved by communicating with teachers, attending school events, and supporting their child's learning throughout the year. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Please welcome the following people who are either new or have a different role this year:

Shane Binkley- 7th Grade Geography (Challengers)

Aamna Blumenthal- Classroom Specialist

Deshawn Carter- 8th Grade Special Education Resident Teacher (Explorers)

Kyle Knutson- 6th Grade Social Studies (Rockets)

Judith Owens- 6th Grade Social Studies (Auroras)

Leslye Thiery- 6th Grade Science (Rockets)

Hailey Veitenheimer- 6th Grade Special Education (Rockets)

As we begin the school year, I encourage every student to set goals, embrace new opportunities, and challenge themselves to learn something new each day. Middle school is a time of tremendous growth, and we are excited to partner with you as your child continues that journey.

We believe this year will be one of our best yet. With your partnership and support, we are confident our students will flourish. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s learning journey—we're honored to be part of it. Please stop by the newly renovated office space to see all of the safety and security updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Neil
Principal
South Middle School

*** Team letters were mailed the week of July 20th, in which every parent was sent your child(ren)’s team assignment and supply list. Student class schedules will be available at registration.

2026-2027 Team Assignments: Teams for the 2026-2027 school year have been completed by teachers, specialists, counselors, and administration. I would like to ask that parents please refrain from making any requests to change teams as they often make it very difficult to create well-balanced classrooms. Our staff members know each student well and collectively consider his/her learning style, academic & social skills, and behavior when making a team placement. There is quite a bit of time and effort that goes into forming teams and our students' best interests are always the priority. In general, we will not be making any changes to the teams. Thanks in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Please click HERE for this year's updated bell schedules.

Greetings Parents! As school is gearing up, so is our South PTO. Our goal with PTO is to help support our students and staff as much as we can. We have done this by providing snacks for state testing, purchase GimKit for our students and teachers to use in their classrooms, help support Title I Engagement nights, purchase 6th grade trackmeet shirts to show off our Spartan Pride, provide meals for our teachers when they can't get home on conference nights, and many other things. Information will be sent out through BlackBoard from Jacinda Powers and in newsletters.

If you are interested in being more involved with events or attending meetings, you can fill out this form to always be in the know! We will have “Scoops for Hoops” Brownie Sundaes at the South Open House on August 24th from 4:00-6:00pm. They are free will donations but asking for $2 to help cover the cost of the event. These funds are going towards our South Park Fundraising for the installation of a half court basketball court, 4 square courts, and outdoor seating for our students. Our first official meeting will be in September for all our families. You can always reach out to me via email if you have any questions at tostgarden220@mygfschools.org.

PTO Interest Form Link - If you’re interested in joining our PTO, please fill out this online form or contact the secretaries in the office.

If you are looking for some Spartan Clothing for yourself or student, please use this link: Spartan Clothing Shop

~ Theresa Ostgarden - 8th Grade Parent ~

August 11 - 7th and 8th Grade Registration from 9am - 3pm

August 13 - 6th Grade and ML Registration from 9am - 3pm

August 24 - Open House from 4pm - 6pm

August 24 - First Day of Sports Practices

August 26 - First Day of School

September 1 - PTO Meeting in Media Center 5:15pm - 6:15pm

September 3 - School Picture Day

September 7 - No School - Labor Day

September 11 - Flu Shot Clinic 7:45am - 10am

September 16 - Early Release 1pm

September 30 - Early Release 1pm

Upcoming Dates!

7th/8th Grade- August 11th 9:00 am-3:00 pm

6th Grade/ML- August 13th 9:00 am-3:00 pm

• Pick up class schedule.
• Make sure to go to MySchoolBucks to purchase any Chromebook insurance and activity passes (for High School games). Athletics fees can be paid through MySchoolBucks as well. This should be done prior to showing up at registration.
• Go to the South website and print out the appropriate papers to hand in at the school during registration. Papers would be: concussion, and physical. (7th & 8th Grade ONLY)
• Drop off completed papers in the office.
• Enjoy walking around the school with your child and help them find their classes and locker. We always recommend practicing the locker combination.
• Deposit lunch money into your student's account.
• Gym uniforms - Uniforms will be available for purchase with exact cash or check only.
• The office will not have change available- Please have exact cash or checks made out to GFPS only!

Band and Orchestra Start Dates and Times:

The Band and Orchestra programs at South Middle School are excited to get back to music-making this Fall! Zero period band and orchestra rehearsals take place from 7:50-8:35am (but not on the first day of school). Students may be dropped off at Door #1, the main entry, which opens for students at 7:30am.

Band Classes:

Band 7 & 8: Zero Period 7:50-8:35am - M, W, F

Band 6: Period 1 (Auroras )or 2 (Rockets)

Orchestra Classes:

Orchestra 7 & 8: Zero Period 7:50-8:35am - T, Th

Orchestra 6: Zero Period 7:50-8:35am - M, W, F

Here are the starting dates for zero period Band and Orchestra:

Thursday, Aug. 27 for Orchestra 7-8

Friday, Aug. 28 for Band 7-8 & Orchestra 6

* Instruments are not needed on the first day of school.

All incoming 7th graders are required to have a Tdap and a Meningococcal Vaccination completed by October 1st , 2026 to avoid exclusion from school. This is in accordance with the State of North Dakota Immunization law. If your child is up to date and you have already provided this information to the school please disregard this message.

If you believe your child is up to date please provide this information to South Middle School’s main office. If you are unsure if your child is up to date please contact your healthcare provider to discuss. If you would like to set up an appointment for these vaccinations please call your local healthcare provider, Altru (701-780-5000), Sanford (701-757-8700), Spectra Health (701-757-2100), or Grand Forks Public Health (701-787-8100).

Thank you and have a great rest of your summer!

• Parents/Guardians must complete the Medication Authorization Form for all medication. This form must be signed by the health care provider and the parent/guardian for all prescription medications. In the case of non-prescription medications, a parent/guardian signature will be all that is required.
• Parents/Guardians must bring all medications to the school office for the student. Students CANNOT bring medication to school. Medication can’t be transported on school district buses.
• All medication must be in the original bottle, container, or package. Non-prescription medication (Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, etc.) must be in sealed packaging. NO Ziploc bags will be accepted.
• Directions on the Medication Authorization Form must match the directions on the prescription bottle or container.
• If you also give a medication at home, you need to request a separate bottle from your pharmacy for the medication that will be given at school with the appropriate label for school administration.
• If half doses have been prescribed, the parent/guardian must have the pharmacy break the medication tablets in half before bringing the prescription medication to the school.
• Medication which is to be given three times a dayshould be given at home before school, after school, and at bedtime.
• All non-prescription medication must be labeled by the parent/guardian. The label should include the student’s name and date issued. Over the counter medication must follow the amount and frequency directions on the bottle. The school cannot give medication dosages that exceed the label directions specified on the packaging.

Click here for the Medication Authorization, Seizure Action Plan, and Asthma Emergency Care forms.

Greetings Spartans,

Please read below to learn about WIN (What I Need) Club during our Early Release Wednesdays (ERW).

During every ERW, we have a 1:00 pm dismissal for staff development. If you would like your child to stay at South on our early release days, a supervised area will be available for students to study or read until 3:45 pm quietly. Students will not be allowed to use their cell phones during this time.

This is a great time for students to get help on and complete their homework, since the supervisors are our classroom specialists (in-house substitute teachers) and classroom paras. Also, students can stay to complete any after-school time (detention) they may have.

EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility is determined on a week-by-week basis. If a student has two or more F’s, two (2’s), or a 1 for inappropriate behavior, he/she will be ineligible from Tuesday to Tuesday. Students may attend practice but not play, perform, or travel to games or public contests while ineligible. Extracurricular activities include sports, plays, musicals, speech, and music festivals/ensembles, etc.

No student in grades 6-8 shall participate in any trips, performances, or competitions associated with the co-curricular activities or other school-related events if such student shall at the same time have any unsatisfactory record of scholarship. (Behavior, Academic, Attendance) NOTE: Students who violate this policy will not be suspended from public appearances, such as music concerts, etc. when it is a course requirement or academic credit is given. They will, however, be suspended from participation in interscholastic contests, activities, and events. The administration will review egregious violations that may result in disciplinary action that supersedes this policy.

CITIZENSHIP ELIGIBILITY

If a student has two or more (2’s) or a 1 for inappropriate behavior, the student may not participate in extracurricular activities for one week. This includes any NDHSAA-sponsored events. Behavior grades may be issued by any staff member: teachers, principals, paras, custodians, lunchroom supervisors, or other adults working in the school. In addition, the student is not eligible to travel with the team or group out of town during the time of the suspension. If a student receives a 1 or is suspended, they are ineligible effective immediately. Pending behavior, a student's citizenship grade can go up by 1 one week from the date of the incident. On the first Tuesday following a raise in citizenship grade, the student can become eligible to participate.

Respectful behavior earns students good citizenship grades and the privilege of being involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities and events. Citizenship grades are given weekly by teachers. The following “Behavior Rubric” is used when determining the weekly citizenship grade:

SMS Citizenship Rubric

Note, that a student can receive a 1 or 2 for academic behavior in the classroom (ex. participation, responsibility, being on-task, etc.). Receiving a 1 or two (2’s) would result in the student being ineligible.

The teacher/team or administration will notify parents about the behavior that has earned their child an unacceptable citizenship grade.

Travis Neil

Principal, SMS

Below are the links for the fall sports sign ups! Here is some additional information:

It's time to sign up for the 2026 fall sports season! Please watch your email for practice and game schedules. Information on times of practices will come out later. We don't have all coaches in place yet, but email bloe190@mygfschools with any questions you might have.

Cost is 60$. Here is the link to pay: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/getmain.action

Link for physical and concussion forms: https://south.gfschools.org/athletics/athletics-info-forms

Football Sign Up

Click Here

Boy's Soccer Sign Up

Click Here

Volleyball Sign Up

Click Here

Purchasing Process:

• Create an account to hold your pass on GoFan Activity Passes
• Search Grand Forks Central or Red River
• Click on the option that says Activity Pass
• Purchase your pass
• Students $40
• Adults $80
• Show these passes to the ticket takers and they will check them in for you at the gate

*Screenshots will not be accepted. Transferring of passes will be turned off.

The passes will be set up to use at multiple events in the same day.

These passes will be honored at GFPS home activities.

It is not good for special events or NDHSAA sponsored tournaments.

6th grade intramurals will start after Labor Day, please watch your email for more information.

Sports Physical Events

Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Grand Forks Grand Forks, MN

Every Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM from May 31st - September 1

A sports physical visit ensures your child can safely participate all year long.

This visit includes:

• A physical exam with heart and lung checks
• Review of injury and concussion history
• A check-in about lifestyle and habits
• Certain immunizations as needed (billed through insurance)

Please bring your payment and a signed sports physical form. Cash or card is accepted. Parental permission is required for your child to receive a sports physical and/or immunizations.

Sports Physical Clinic:

Call 701.795.2000 to schedule an appointment.

August 4, 20265 p.m. - 8 p.m.

What to Expect During a Sports Physical

Your provider will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine whether it's safe for you or your child to participate in athletics.

During your appointment, your provider may discuss:

• Personal and family medical history
• Previous injuries, surgeries, or concussions
• Current medications and allergies
• Asthma or other chronic health conditions
• Heart-related symptoms or concerns during exercise

The physical exam may include:

• Height and weight
• Vision screening
• Blood pressure and pulse
• Heart and lung evaluation
• Joint and muscle assessment
• Strength, flexibility, and range of motion

If your provider identifies any concerns, they may recommend additional testing, treatment, or modifications to help ensure safe participation in sports. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about injury prevention, conditioning, hydration, nutrition, and other ways to stay healthy throughout the season.

Don’t drop the ball, get a sports physical at MyAlly Health. Sports physicals are required for participation in North Dakota and Minnesota student athletes. This is also known as a pre-participation exam. A medical provider will examine the student athlete to make sure that they are healthy enough to participate in sports. Sports physicals cost $40.

At a sports physical the provider will:

• Check the patient’s basic health
• Look for cardiovascular and lung conditions
• Answer health care questions
• Evaluate the healing of old injuries

The MySchoolBucks (MSB) Store is open for families to use! Families can pay for athletic fees, add funds to lunch accounts and other items online or via the MySchoolBucks button on the Grand Forks Public Schools' smartphone app.

Picture day will be September 3rd. Picture packets will be handed out to your student or available at the front office closer to picture day.

These procedures can be found by clicking this link:

https://www.gfschools.org/link-2/resources/school-cancellation-and-postponement-procedures

DOORS OPEN: The main entry door, Door #1, opens at 7:30 am for band, orchestra, or early morning athletic/music practices. Students who arrive earlier than 7:30 am will be expected to wait outside.

MORNING ARRIVAL: Students who arrive before 8:30 am will have the following options:

• CAFETORIUM: The cafetorium opens at 7:40 am Your child may choose to work on homework or eat breakfast in the cafetorium. Breakfast is served in the cafetorium every morning from 7:40-8:30 am.

• EARLY MORNING: From 8:10 am - 8:35 am the South Media Center provides another option for students who arrive early. Students can browse and checkout books, request help with Chromebooks and participate in any current library activities such as coloring or building blocks. Additionally students can connect with peers on school work or out-of-school interests.

• 6TH GRADE HALLWAY: 6th graders will have the option to sit in the 6th grade hallway before school starts.

• GYMNASIUM: Students will have the option to go to the gym on assigned days.

AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP: Please pick up your student no later than 3:45 pm.

Students are expected to be on time and be prepared for school. If a student is late for the start of school at 8:40 am, then he/she must stop in the office for a tardy slip.

Updated March 2025

Tardy/Unexcused Absence Policy

This policy will cover, but not be limited to: arriving late to school in the morning, arriving late to a class during the day, and not checking in with teachers before attending meetings, lessons, etc. This policy also includes unexcused absences.

Below we have outlined the policy that will be followed:

• Our goal is to ensure students are getting the most out of all of their classes, starting by being on time and being present. A student is marked tardy for being late to any class during the school day (use professional discretion).

• If a student is gone from class for more than 10 minutes without an excused reason, they are to be marked D for “tardy detention” in PowerSchool. One D is equal to 30 minutes of after-school detention.

• After five tardies, a student will need to make up that time during after-school detention from 3:30-4:00 pm (30 minutes) in room 525. There will be a designated supervisor in the classroom.

• If a student has detentions to serve, they will not be able to attend activities after school such as: sporting events and activity nights until the missed time has been made up OR they have decreased their number of detentions and have a plan to make them all up. Students should still attend and participate in practice. However, if practice is after school, the student will need to serve detention until 4:00 pm and then go to practice after serving the detention. Students are expected to make up their missed time within one week of the notification being sent home.

• The families will be notified by the school once their student has reached the five tardies resulting in a call/email/letter home from our social worker.

• Students can arrange to work with a teacher before or after school in place of a detention with teacher approval.

• Other times can be arranged on an individual basis if the parent/guardian contacts the school to arrange this. Again, a pink slip needs to be turned in.

• When a student completes their time, either with a teacher or from detention, the student must get a detention slip signed by the teacher/adult and then the student will need to place the slip into a return box located in the office. This will be the only way this counts for a detention.

Other:

• Unexcused students (late, no call, etc.) will be marked unexcused in Infinite Campus for each class period missed. Students earn two hours of "after school time" (aka detention) for every day they are unexcused (one day = eight periods). The students will earn one-hour detention for every hour they are truant (skipping an entire class period). Parents/Guardians will receive notification if their child has time owed to the school.

• Students will be required to serve their detentions for unexcused absences at the mid-term and conclusion of each quarter. This allows families to call the office and provide documentation for excused absences if applicable.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us emphasize how important being on time and attendance is for our students to be successful.

Thank you for supporting this policy at South Middle School.

Travis Neil, Principal

In an effort to decrease distraction and increase student learning and personal connectivity, all Grand Forks Public secondary schools will restrict student cell phone use. This includes add-on devices such as ear buds, smartwatches (notifications must be turned off), and other related devices.

Middle School students who choose to bring their cell phones to school will:

• Leave their cell phones with their advisory teacher at the beginning of each school day.

• Advisory teachers will secure student phones in locked storage containers until the end of the school day when students will be dismissed in time to retrieve their devices.

• No cell phones will be allowed in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, or locker rooms.

• Each school office will communicate a procedure for students who leave school early for appointments, competitions, family related events, etc.

Each 6-12 student will be issued a Chromebook which will provide educational access to the district’s online resources deeming cell phone access unnecessary.

Each school’s office staff will happily get a message to your student during the day if necessary. Students will also be allowed to use the office phone to make important calls during the day.

Middle School Consequences

• First Offense: the phone is taken to the office and released to the student at the end of the day; parent / guardian notification. Expectations reinforced with the student.

• Second Offense: the phone is taken to the office; parent / guardian picks it up in the office. Student serves detention.

• Third Offense: the phone is taken to the office, parent/guardian picks it up. Student serves detention and their phone must be turned in to the office daily at the beginning of the day for the remainder of the semester.

Middle and high school students who do not comply or refuse to turn over their phone may be subject to additional consequences which may include but are not limited to detention, in-school suspension, and/or suspension.

-NO outside foods/drinks (Starbucks, pop, breakfast foods from restaurants etc…) will be allowed into the building. A water bottle is fine.

- IF your child comes to school with a beverage, snack or food item they will need to eat it prior to coming inside of the building.

- Breakfast is available in the cafeteria from 7:40 – 8:30 am No food can be taken out of the cafeteria during breakfast.

- If you bring your child back from an appointment and you have purchased lunch for them, they will need to have eaten the food prior to coming back into the building. They can not bring their outside purchased food or drink into the cafeteria to eat lunch. Please plan accordingly so that they have time to eat the food you buy them prior to returning to school.

Spartan Media!

Follow South Middle School on YouTube to see the latest updates from our 8th grade students and their production of Spartan Media!

bit.ly/gfspartanslive