Principal's Corner
Greetings Patrick Henry Families,
Ask your student, “what is the last book you read for fun?” If you can’t remember the last time you saw your middle schooler reading a book that was not required for school, you are not alone. Research shows in recent years, less than 20 percent of U.S. teens report reading a book, magazine, or newspaper daily for pleasure, while more than 80 percent say they use social media every day (according to the American Psychological Association). Research also shows that children who read at least 20 minutes a day are exposed to almost two million words a year, their reading performance in school dramatically increases, students develop a stronger vocabulary, learn different points of view, experience history, and overall improve their academic and achievement levels. In summary, reading matters!
The Sioux Falls School District is excited to partner with Siouxland Libraries again this March for a month-long community-wide reading initiative, “Reach for the Stars.” Throughout the month of March, students, staff, parents, and community members are being encouraged to track how many books they read. The goal is to create a community of readers ages 0 –100! Starting March 13th, you will see the start of a galaxy displayed in the Patrick Henry Library. Throughout the month, the galaxy will grow with stars when a book is read. Once your student(s) completes a book, they will receive a star to add their name and the title of their book to add to our reading galaxy. We are hopeful to have an outer space filled with stars by the end of the month! We will post pictures of our growing galaxy each week on our school Facebook page so that everyone can see how it is progressing!! There will also be prizes for students who read the most throughout the month!
Wondering how you can get involved as a parent? Encourage your student to read at home! As mentioned, this is a community-wide reading initiative. Anytime YOU finish a book throughout the month of March, we would encourage you to stop by your local library to decorate your own star and place it on the community galaxies.
Thank you for your support and let’s get reading!
Kim Sharping
Principal
Patrick Henry Middle School
(605)367-7639
Panther Party Info
We need your help, parents! The Panther Party is coming up on Friday, March 17th and we need 40 volunteers to help with the activities for the evening. Please click the link below to learn more and sign up. Thank you!
Counselor's Corner
Please click on the "Counseling 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!
Ms. Margi Orris - 6th Grade
Mrs. Hannah Serck - 7th Grade
Mrs. Briana Nelsen - 8th Grade
You can also access the counseling website by clicking the link right next to our counseling phone number!
Counseling Website 605-367-8443
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.