Principal's Newsletter
October 24, 2026
Dear SMS families,
We’re excited to share two opportunities with our families! Take Stock in Children scholarship applications are now open. Students typically apply around eighth grade and must meet income eligibility requirements, maintain satisfactory grades and behavior, and commit to mentoring and college readiness activities. Learn more here. We will host an interest meeting for students on Monday, November 9th during 8th grade lunches. Students will bring home applications for interested families.
Help us celebrate an outstanding teacher! Freeman Orthodontics will recognize four local teachers with a $250 Amazon gift card each. Students, parents, and colleagues are encouraged to nominate a teacher who has made a positive difference. Nominate a teacher here or see the flyer below.
Thank you so much for reading my newsletter each week.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nzeza
Stay Cozy Show your Spirit
Please encourage your child to participate in our October Spirit Day on October 30th. Students can wear their pajamas to school. Of course these must adhere to the school dress code guidelines otherwise. We look forward to a comfy cozy day of learning!
Cardboard, Creativity & Energy Transformations!
What can you build with a cardboard box and a little imagination? Mrs. Simonson’s eighth-grade Physical Science Honors students are finding out!
Students are designing and building their own cardboard arcade games and simple toys, with each creation required to demonstrate at least three energy transformations.
Through designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting, these young engineers are putting physical science into action! They’re exploring energy transformations while strengthening their creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and engineering design skills.
Who knew cardboard could provide so many opportunities for hands-on science learning? We love seeing our students turn everyday materials into innovative creations!
Calling all Veterans
Shark Tank Camp: Calling All Young Entrepreneurs!
Riverview High School DECA is hosting Shark Tank Camp, a six-week after-school program where 4th–6th graders create their own business from scratch! With help from a DECA mentor, campers will design a logo, build a product, plan a store and budget, and practice their pitch. It all ends with a Shark Tank–style show where every camper pitches their business to our "sharks" in front of family and friends.
When: Tuesdays, Nov 3 – Dec 15, 5:00–6:30 PM (no camp Nov 24)
Where: Riverview High School, Room 5-132
Cost: $300 per camper
Spots: Limited to 20 campers, first come, first served
Sign up: Shark Tank Camp Registration – Fill out form
Questions? Email kylastidd@yahoo.com or domicanmorgan@gmail.com.
Choice Window Opens
Brush Buddies Donation Drive Ends Soon
Sarasota Middle School is partnering with Riverview High School senior, Gianna Demino, who founded Brush Buddies as her IB Career Path project. She has distributed more than 7,100 Smile Starter Kits throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Each kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash, providing children with the essential supplies they need to maintain good oral hygiene and develop healthy habits.
The last day for contributing to our drive is October 30th! You can drop off donations in the front office. Please consider helping children and families in Sarasota by contributing to the Brush Buddies initiative. You can learn more at www.brushbuddies.org.