The SMS Press
March 7 2024
Message from Principal Lieberz
Wisconsin students in grades 3-8, and 10, will be participating in the Forward Exam during the March 18 – April 26, testing window. State assessments, including the Forward Exam, are required by both State (Wis. Stat. § 118.30) and Federal ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Laws.
At Superior Middle School all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will be taking the English/Language Arts and Math tests. Additionally, 8th grade students will be taking the Science and Social Studies tests. Testing begins April 3rd, 2024. Please make sure your child gets a good night of sleep and comes to school prepared with their computer, charger, and earbuds. We can provide earbuds if your child does not have them.
The Forward Exam tests students in the areas of English language arts (ELA), mathematics in grades 3-8, science in grades 4 and 8, and social studies in grades 4, 8, and 10. One or more subtests may be administered daily during our selected time frame. Students not in school on testing days will be scheduled for a make-up test prior to the close of the testing window.
Click Here for the Forward Exam Information for Families brochure that gives more information about the assessment. The Forward Exam measures the knowledge and skills students should have for their grade-level. Their performance on the assessment will not affect their grades. Please encourage students to take the test seriously and do the best they can. The results of these tests will be used to help school staff make determinations regarding curriculum, placement, and services to best support students.
Students will have opportunities to become familiar with the testing platform, called DRC Insight, during school, however you are also encouraged to log in at home.
Click HERE to see the Practice Test items and Online Tutorials for the Wisconsin Forward Exam.
If you have any questions, please contact me via email at aaron.lieberz@superior.k12.wi.us or via phone at 715-394-8740.
The Power of Words
Have you ever thought about the impact of your words and the effect they have on those around you? King Solomon, who was known for his wisdom, once said the tongue has the power of life and death. We have all said things we wish we could take back or change. We can all remember the harsh words spoken over us, even if they happened many years ago. Those words still bring pain and destruction to our lives. On the other hand, a compliment or a word of encouragement brightens our day and breathes life into us. March 1st was World Compliment Day. People around the globe recognized the power of their words and chose to use that power to bring life to others. What would it look like to incorporate this into our daily lives?
Think of the members of your family. How often do you speak words of encouragement? If your words lean toward criticism, challenge yourself to call out the positive things you see. Does the positive outweigh the negative?
Think of the activities you participate in. How are you using words to encourage those around you? Coaches use words to motivate athletes toward success by building upon the strengths of the individual or team to motivate them to thrive. Even if they have to point out areas for improvement, positive words are the catalyst for change. Spectators at events use cheers to call out the best qualities in the participants to help them stay the course. How can you use your words to motivate positive change?
Think of the people you rub shoulders with. How can you encourage a coworker who is frustrated with a project that is not going as expected? How can your words help a neighbor going through a difficult time? A little sticky note with a positive message left on a computer screen or door can lift someone’s spirit. What can you do to brighten someone’s day?
People need to know they are valued. In fact, this knowledge helps one overcome life’s difficulties with greater resiliency than one who does not know they have value. Parents and caregivers, challenge yourself to pour out words of life into your children. As they grow and face one challenge after another, let your voice rise higher than the uncertainty that comes with change. Let your words bring life, encouragement, and stability to your child. Your unwavering love and support will help them successfully navigate the world and the road ahead. Your life-giving words may be the avenue to help them thrive.
Attendance Matters!
Class starts each day with students in classrooms by 7:55am. The warning bell rings at 7:50am. To see if your child has been tardy to any of their classes, check PowerSchool to view your child’s attendance. If you see any errors, please contact Ms. Charity.
Charity Gurovitsch
SMS Attendance Secretary
charity.gurovitsch@superior.k12.wi.us
(715) 394-8740, ext. 31113
Get your Yearbook ASAP!
Order your 2023/24 Superior Middle School Yearbook before April 12th.
- Visit ybpay.com
- Enter Yearbook Code 11398724
Orders will arrive and be distributed to students during the last week of school. A limited amount of extra copies will be available for purchase, so order now to guarantee your student gets a copy.
PTSA School Board Candidate Forum
Superior Middle & High School PTSA invites you to their 3rd annual Superior School Board Candidates Forum!
Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Location: SMS Cafetorium
Format: Q & A - In Person + iFan Live stream
Questions: Submitted via Google Form HERE - No Live Questions From The Audience
Makers Night
Our PTSA annual Makers Night returns on Thursday, March 21! You will work with a team to create a mini golf putting hole made of cardboard and recycled materials. Dinner is also included!
This event is FREE, but we ask you REGISTER VIA THIS LINK so we can prepare for supplies and dinner.
Special thanks to the SHS golf teams and SMS STEM class for partnering with us on this fun family event!
Skating Success at UWS
PTSA hosted their skating event on February 25th and had a great turn out. Thank you for join us for some indoor skating fun! We hope to do it again next school year!
Library Update
Our Superior Middle School Battle of the Books team placed THIRD of 166 teams in Wisconsin! We are bursting with Spartan pride for our super readers! All of the students did an amazing job and supported each other. Shout out to the main team Boomi W., Lydia S., Kenley P., Hazel K., and alternate Thora P-S. Also a big thanks to our librarian, Mrs. Moreau, and Mr. Witikko for your leadership in making this experience happen for our students.
Save the Date!
We have a HUGE community event happening at SMS on April 10th! If you're interested in hosting an exhibit for this evening to showcase your family's culture, travels, or hobbies, please fill out this form for details and to sign up for a space.
Spartan Showcase
Congratulations to our SMS teacher and students who were selected to be recipients of the School District March Spartan Showcase awards. We are so proud of you!
Food Service
Breakfast and dinner at SMS continue to be free for all students, but lunch is paid. We encourage all families to apply for free and reduced lunch. Even if you are not eligible, your application helps our school. You can apply multiple times throughout the school year, especially if your home situation changes. You can easily add funds into your student's lunch account through My School Bucks.
Intramurals
We have some programs that are currently running, but still have openings for students. Click below for more information and to register. There will be more programs coming next month!
Contact Mrs. Bender, our intramural coordinator, with any questions.
Clay Target League
High School 2024 Spring Clay Target League Registration includes 6-8th Grade students. If you are interested in joining the Spring Clay target league please contact Mr. Aulie via e-mail justin.aulie@superior.k12.wi.us for registration instruction. The deadline to register is March 25th and the season will run from April 1st through May 27th shooting on Monday evenings, with the exception of Easter Monday. The cost of registration is $40 and must be paid Online when you register. Shells and clay will need to be paid for prior to the first day of practice, we have not finalized our cost on them yet but they have been ordered for us.
Justin Aulie and Bill Reynolds
Clay Target team coaches
Spartan Ticket Store
All staff hand out Spartan Tickets to students who are showing Work, Respect, Belong at SMS. They have the opportunity to "spend" their Spartan Tickets at a store that is now open. If you would like to help promote positive behavior at SMS, we have created an Amazon Wish List here. Any donations are appreciated.
Save the dates for our spectacular concerts!
8th Grade ORCHESTRA - October 23rd WATCH HERE
7th & 8th Grade CHOIR - October 26th WATCH HERE
7th & 8th Grade BAND - November 30th WATCH HERE
6th Grade CHOIR - December 12th WATCH HERE
6th Grade BAND - January 11th WATCH HERE
7th and 8th Grade CHOIR - January 18th WATCH HERE
6-8th Grade ORCHESTRA - January 25th WATCH HERE
Find our full concert schedule here.