The Spartan Scoop
Sonora Middle School Newsletter (2025-2026)
About Us
Aaron Tinnin, Assistant Principal
Rhett Barrett, Assistant Principal
Email: cjennings@sdale.org
Website: http://sms.sdale.org/
Location: 17051 U.S. 412, Springdale, AR, USA
Phone: (479) 750-8821
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smspartans/
Mark Your Calendars
Monday, September 15th:
- WIN: Intervention & Enrichment (Science Priority)
- SMS Volleyball vs Helen Tyson @ SWJH, 4:30
Tuesday, September 16th:
- Hearing & Vision Screenings (6th graders @ LMC in AM)
- WIN: Intervention & Enrichment (ELA Priority)
- SMS Volleyball vs Grimsley @ Lakeside, 4:30pm
Wednesday, September 17th:
- Early Release Wednesday
Thursday, September 18th:
- WIN: Intervention & Enrichment (Math Priority)
- SMS Football vs. Lingle @ Heritage, 5:30
Friday, September 19th:
- WIN: Clubs!
Saturday, September 20th
- SMS XC Meet @ Berryville, Leave @ 7:00am
Attention 6th Graders
Middle School Parenting Tips
As part of our PBIS system, we celebrate and reinforce positive student behaviors with RISE tickets! Students can earn tickets throughout the week and then “cash them in” at our School Store, raffles, Holiday Shop, quarterly incentive events, or for special privileges.
We encourage parents/guardians to ask their students what they’ve done to earn tickets each week. Some common examples include:
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Reading Logs & Challenges – Students are expected to read 150 minutes per week for homework. Teachers award tickets to students who complete their logs or take part in reading challenges.
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RISE Behaviors – When students demonstrate our core values of Respect, Integrity, Self-Control, and Effort, they may be recognized with a ticket. For example, a student might earn one for showing kindness, helping a classmate, leading in a group activity, or actively contributing to a lesson.
While our ultimate goal is to nurture internal motivation, we know that recognition and encouragement go a long way. Staff love catching students making positive choices, and students enjoy the reward of spending their hard-earned tickets!
RISE Ticket Raffle
Do you love big cats? We have a RISE ticket raffle coming soon for a Turpentine Creek basket valued at almost $200. The basket includes 4 general admission tickets, lion and tiger bags, a stuffie, magazines, and sticker. Start earning those tickets because you can put in as many tickets as you want to increase your chances!
Located in Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest and most respected big cat sanctuaries in the United States. For over 30 years, TCWR has rescued over 500 animals from private owners, roadside zoos, and situations of abuse and neglect. Your tickets include an hour-long riding tour conducted on their open-air tram. It is a fantastic experience where you will learn about the amazing animals that call the Refuge home. You will also have the opportunity to wander around the self-guided Discovery Area when not on the guided tour.
Progress Reports
- 5 Week Progress Reports will be sent home with students this week. You may need to ask your student so it doesn't get lost in their backpack or locker.
- Empower is the grading platform we use. Parents should be receiving an email with login instructions for home access to grades.
- Student grades may start low and improve over time. Student grades can and should go up as long as students are showing growth and proficiency on skills and assessments.
- Parents will be notified on Fridays of any new missing assignments from the week.
- Please email teachers if you have questions about an assignment or grade in a class.