The Panther
Patrick Henry Middle School
Semester Tests- January 10th and 11th
No School- January 12th and 15th
End of 2nd Qtr- January 11th
PTO Mtg- 12:00 pm on Wednesday January 17th
Pops Concert - 7:00pm on Thursday, January 18th in the PH Gym (PHMS Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Strings Attached will perform)
City Lights Parent Preview- January 23rd (More info in Chorus News)
Principal's Corner
It was great to see students back in our halls and classrooms this week, as there is still a lot of work ahead of us in the new year! Although a short break to spend time with friends and family over the holidays is always welcomed, there is a sense of comfort that comes with the normal routines of the school day. A new year is a time to reflect on the previous year and an opportunity to keep moving towards our goals, or create new ones. Setting, monitoring, and evaluating our school-wide goals is an on-going process at Patrick Henry. This year, we have two overarching goals that are the focus of everything we do on a daily basis:
· Increase the number of students who demonstrate proficiency in math and reading as identified on the State Assessment and MAP (Measures of Academic Progress).
· Implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) to increase student attendance through a sense of belonging and foster a positive school culture.
We continue to value the partnership between home and school as we work together to help our students grow and succeed. We know one of the most powerful ways we can prepare students for a lifetime of success is simply by just showing up. We appreciate the on-going encouragement and commitment each family makes to making school attendance a priority. When students are in the classroom, they can actively engage in the learning process and share meaningful experiences together that cannot be replicated individually. Students who attend school regularly achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. Below is an outline of the attendance protocols for the SFSD:
· 5 Days of Absences - When a student misses 5 days of school for any reason - except for school sponsored activities - SFSD gives parents/guardians a heads-up with an email or letter. This is an FYI to help families plan for the remainder of the year. SFSD will provide your child with one of the most valued commodities that can be offered, an education.
· 8 Days of Absences - The same email or letter arrives when 8 days of school are missed. This is a gentle reminder that your child has missed valuable instruction time and achievement could be impacted.
· 10 Days of Absences - Students who miss 10 days of school each year are dangerously close to missing a whole year’s worth of instruction by the time they are seniors. Ten missed days are considered excessive. All absences beyond 10 days need medical documentation.
· 17 Days of Absences - Missing just 1 day every 2 weeks quickly adds up to 17 days in a year. When this happens, parents/guardians are notified that they and/or their child are being referred to the State’s Attorney for truancy or failure to send charges.
· 25 Days of Absences - Students who miss 25 days of school are missing 5 weeks! Academic progress is less likely. Parents/Guardians are again notified that they and/or their child are being referred to the State’s Attorney for truancy or failure to send charges.
One of the most important things students can do to achieve success is also one of the most basic: attend school every day and on time! Thank you for helping your student reach their academic goals this year by just being present!
We are looking forward to a successful 2024!
Thank you,
Mrs. Sharping
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
If your child is going to be absent, please call the school (367-7639) prior to 8:40am. An absence must be reported either by note or phone in the day of the absence, or before if you know ahead of time. Absences can also be reported via voice mail outside of regular office hours. Students leaving during the day need to pick up a pass in the office by 9:00am and also check out with a parent/guardian at the office when leaving. If they come back during the school day, a pass from the front office needs to be issued in order for them to get back into the classroom. Student safety is the main concern and this procedure provides another check on a student’s absence.
Counselors Corner
We have three fantastic school counselors at Patrick Henry! Please click on the "Counselor Corner" button below to view the counselor's newsletter for this month that houses many helpful resources, social, emotional learning information and much more. This information is provided to help both students and parents navigate the middle school years!
Mrs. Briana Nelsen - 6th Grade
Mrs. Chelsea Timm - 7th Grade
Ms. Hannah Serck - 8th Grade
You can also access the counseling website by clicking the link right next to our counseling phone number!
Website: https://sites.google.com/k12.sd.us/phms-counseling/home
Phone: (605) 367-8443
Student Attendance
If your child is going to be absent, please call the school (367-7639) prior to 8:40am. An absence must be reported either by note or phone in the day of the absence, or before if you know ahead of time. Absences can also be reported via voicemail outside of regular office hours. Students leaving during the day need to pick up a pass in the office by 9:00am and also check out with a parent/guardian at the office when leaving. If they come back during the school day, a pass from the front office needs to be issued in order for them to get back into the classroom.
After attendance is taken each morning, an automated call will go out to any family who has not notified the school regarding a student’s absence. Student safety is the main concern and this procedure provides another check on a student’s absence.
Chorus News
Band News
Orchestra News
Contact us
Website: http://www.sf.k12.sd.us/patrick-henry/students-parents
Location: 2200 South 5th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-367-7639
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanthersSF
Twitter: @PanthersSF
