SMS Press

As we kicked off the new school year, our shared leadership team met in August to set our goals for the year ahead. This team is made up of teachers and administrators. We started by reviewing last year's data, including Forward Exam scores, behavior records, and feedback from our parents, students, and teachers.

After looking at all of this information, we have decided to focus on improving our students' performance in both math and literacy. Our goal is to ensure all students are successful in these critical areas. To achieve this, we have already started implementing interventions where certified teachers are working with small groups of students to provide targeted support in math and reading.

Our official Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) goal for the 2025-2026 school year is:

• By the end of the school year, Superior Middle School will increase the percentage of students scoring proficient or higher on the Forward Exam in literacy and math by 10 percentage points and close achievement gaps for all student subgroups.

We are excited about this focus and look forward to partnering with you to help all our students achieve their full potential.

Aaron Lieberz

Principal

At Superior Middle School, the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We believe that a safe learning environment is essential for every student's success.

Last week, we held important discussions with our students about our emergency procedures, including lockdowns and our ALICE protocol for dangerous intruders. This week, we practiced our fire safety procedures with a successful fire drill. These drills and discussions are crucial to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Next week, during our Spartan Start classes, students will learn more about the ways they can personally contribute to keeping our school safe. This is a team effort, and we all play a role.

We encourage everyone to remember the "If you see something, say something" message. We want our students to feel empowered to speak up. They can talk to a teacher, a counselor, or any trusted adult. Students can also make an anonymous report through the SUSO (See Us, Speak Out) app or website.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping Superior Middle School a safe and welcoming place for all.

SMS Cross Country Intramural hosted its 3rd Annual Banana Relay at practice on Monday! Bunches competed against each other in a relay format, while using a banana instead of batons.

With back to school in full swing, the health office notices trends rather quickly of students frequenting the health office. Questions we typically ask with every office encounter: “What did you eat this morning? What time did you go to bed? What time does your alarm go off to wake up for school? What time do you turn off your screen devices at home? Etc.” Studies have proven that regular daily routines help school-aged students that tend to be stuck in a funk of poor sleep habits, feeling stressed or anxious, fatigue, lack of exercise, and a poor diet. We encourage students AND parents to have discussions at home about developing a healthy routine that works for your home life in order to ensure students are off to a great start to the beginning of each week and each morning! This includes a consistent bedtime, wake up time, hygiene routine, daily activity, and healthy food choices. A healthy routine starts on Sunday nights :)

Dear Middle School Families,

Welcome! We are excited to partner with you to support your student's journey through middle school.

Middle school is a time of big changes, and we believe that a strong partnership between home and school is key to your child's success. We are the creators of the social and emotional learning portion of your child's Spartan Start class, and in each newsletter, we will share the topics students are learning about or helpful tips for you to navigate these important years together.

We look forward to working with you and getting to know your student(s).

Warmly,

The Middle School Counseling Team

Becky Nickila; Grade 6 Counselor rebecca.nickila@superior.k12.wi.us

Arianna Jago; Grade 7 Counselor arianna.jago@superior.k12.wi.us

Lily Schubitzke; Grade 8 Counselor lily.schubitzke@superior.k12.wi.us

SMS Students in grades 6-8 participated in their first BARR I-Time lesson of the new school year. Students collaboratively worked together in their ELA classes to create a set of "House Rules". These "House Rules" are the classroom expectations created by the students to ensure everyone is able to learn, be successful, and feel valued. The House Rules are displayed in all core classrooms.

8th graders participated in their second BARR I-Time lesson. Students and staff discussed the various ways they can support all students and adults at SMS and in our community by being a Rainbow in the Clouds.

Attention Parents/Guardians of current 7th graders! There will be an informational meeting for the 2027 trip on October 2, 2025 at 6pm in the SMS cafeteria. This meeting will share information about our travel locations, what the trip includes, prices and payment plans. This meeting is only for current 7th graders and their families. Please RSVP using this link. If you are unable to attend, please contact michael.hoerich@superior.k12.wi.us for more information. This trip is over Spring Break 2027 and is only available to students currently in 7th grade. Hope to see you there!

Check out the opportunities to support SMS students and classrooms below! Donations can be dropped off in the main office. Thanks in advance for your support!

Please review the fan expectations below!

Class starts each day with students in classrooms by 7:53am. 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 the main office.

**Our school day ends at 3:10 pm. Unless your student is registered for an after school activity, they must leave the building by 3:30pm.**