SMS Weekend Update

Upcoming Important Dates:

• Monday, September 7th- Labor Day (No School)
• Friday, September 25th- Picture Retake Day

Legacy: Each year, we talk with our students about the idea of “sweeping the shed.”

In simple terms, this means taking responsibility for the little things that make a big difference. If there’s a wrapper on the ground in the hallway, pick it up and throw it away—even if it isn’t yours. If towels are left on the locker room floor, put them in the dirty clothes bin.

When enough students buy into this mindset, it becomes contagious. Soon, we’ll have everyone pitching in and taking responsibility for our school. Together, we create a cleaner, kinder, and more respectful environment that every Sasquatch can be proud of.

Let’s keep “sweeping the shed” and showing what it means to be part of our Sasquatch community!

Absences: Remember to call (971.200.8004) or email the Assistant Secretary at sleland@scappoose.k12.or.us by 10:00 AM when your student is absent, stating the reason. If we do not receive notification from a parent/guardian, you will receive an auto-call from the school. Absences are excused for the following reasons:

• Personal or family illness

• Doctor or dental appointments

• Pre-arranged absences (notify the school a week or more in advance)

• School-sponsored sports and other activities

Parent Volunteers: Parents, even though your student is in Middle School, there is still ample opportunity to plug into the school and volunteer. From weekly tasks like baking cookies for an hour on Friday, to being a chaperone on a field trip or during a dance...we need you!

Please consider filling out the following Google Form as we try to build a team of volunteers for this school year.

SMS Parent Volunteer Interest Form

All volunteers must be on our approved volunteer list. The SSD volunteer background check can be accessed at Volunteer Background Check.

SMS Handbook: All students will be reviewing the student handbook with their teachers, but please do so at home as well. Our handbook is accessible at 26-27 SMS Handbook

Bus Information: Our bus service will once again be provided by First Student this year.

Dispatch 971-290-4020

ParentVUE/StudentVUE: Scappoose School District uses an online grading system that allows you and your families to stay up to date on academic progress and access to communication between home and school. The link to ParentVue/StudentVue website can be found on the District website, and there is also an app that can be downloaded on a variety of devices. For each class, you will be able to access your student’s overall grade in each class, see assignments marked missing, and scored assignments posted in Synergy.

Canvas: If your student is absent, they will be able to access missing work on their class’ Canvas pages. If you are unable to find assignments for days missed, please reach out directly to their teacher for guidance.

Medications: All medications, including over-the-counter medications, must be kept in the front office per district policy. A permission form must be signed by parents for all medications, including self-carried inhalers. Forms are available in the Main Office (forms also attached below). Please contact the District Nurse or the office if you have any questions.

Electronic Devices: Between 8:25 and 3:20, phones, headphones, and other electronic devices need to be stored in student lockers. If you need to contact your student, please call or email the main office. Students who carry or use their devices in violation of this policy will have their devices sent to the main office. On the first offense, the student may pick it up at the end of the day. If there is a second offense in the same grading period, we will ask their parent/guardian to pick up the device from school.

Study Hall: Study hall is available every day after school in the SMS Library from 3:20-4:00. We have a tutor in the library available to support students on most days

Where in the World are SMS Sasquatches? As you travel the region/world, keep your eyes open for Sasquatch signs, clothing, memorabilia, or actual Sasquatches. If you see anything Sasquatch-related, please take a selfie with it and send it to the school or tag our school on Instagram: @scappoosemidschool.

Athletics:

Middle School Dance Team begins next Tuesday, Sept. 15th 5:30-7:30pm. If you are not yet registered but would like to participate, be sure to sign up through athletics by Friday. You will need to register with the Bound athletic program and upload a current physical. The link is https://www.gobound.com/or/schools/scappoosehighschool. Please create a family account and then add your student. Questions? Email our dean of students and athletic director: Cari Yelvington

SMS Band News:

We will be holding a mandatory band meeting on September 8th at the high school. This is for all parents and/or guardians. Please join us to learn more about this year's events and meet other band families. Find great ways to get involved and help get our program off to an amazing start!

We still have one more car wash, and we could use your help. Sign up today!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48AFA92AA7FCC61-63547406-summer#/

Football season means pep games and cozy blankets! We will be hosting a booth at the four home football games this year to sell our super soft Scappoose blankets. We need some parent volunteers to help sell these amazing blankets for our program. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B48AFA92AA7FCC61-64129173-home#/

Scappoose Bands Spirit Microsite is LIVE for the 2026–27 School Year! Show your band pride and get ready for pep band season! Shop our latest band swag, including T-shirts, hats, long-sleeve shirts, and hoodies.

Online Band Swag Store:
The last day to place an online order is September 9, 2026!
Don’t miss out—gear up and show your Scappoose Bands spirit!
https://bigfrogofportland.chipply.com/scappoosebands/?action=viewall

Upcoming band events

September 8 - Beacock Music Instrument Pick-Up, 5 pm

September 8 - Mandatory Back to School Band Night, 6- 8 pm

September 11 - Football Game Blanket Fundraiser/Pep Band

September 12 - Car Wash Band Fundraiser, 12-4 pm

October 5 - OMEA MS/HS All-State Auditions due

October 9 - WIBC HS Audition & Applications due

October 9 - Football Game Blanket Fundraiser/Pep Band

October 13 - Band Booster Parent Meeting, 7-8 pm

October 16 - Homecoming Parade, Football Game Blanket Fundraiser/Pep Band

October 23 - WIBC HS Registration/Payment due

There are MANY ways you can help support our AMAZING Scappoose Band Program by donating your time and skills in various roles. We NEED parent and community volunteers in several roles.

• Providing food for students during festivals and trips
• Board Member positions (open positions for 2026-27: Social Media
• Please reach out to Mr. LaGrone or the Scappoose Band Booster President, Danielle Smith, at scappooseband@gmail.com
• Band Website/Calendar - https://www.scappooseband.org/
• Parents' & Boosters' meeting minutes: https://www.scappooseband.org/booster-minutes

Helping Every Student Grow in Reading and Mathematics

This school year, K-8 students will take the Star test in fall, winter, and spring. The test helps teachers understand each student's strengths and learning needs so they can provide the right instruction and support throughout the year.

Fall Interim Assessment Window

Kindergarten: 9/21/26-10/2/26

Grades 1-8: 9/8/26-10/2/26

What is Star?

The Star is an online reading and mathematics assessment that adapts to each student.

• When students answer correctly, questions become more challenging.

• When students miss questions, the assessment adjusts to find the level where they are ready to learn next.

Because every student receives different questions, the assessment provides a more accurate picture of what they know and what they are ready to learn.

What does it measure?

Reading

• Fluency

• Phonemic Awareness

• Phonics

• Key Ideas and Details

• Text Complexity

• Vocabulary

• Craft and Structure

• Knowledge and Ideas

Math

How will the results be used?

Teachers use Star results to:

• Plan instruction that meets students' individual needs

• Identify students who may benefit from additional support or enrichment

• Monitor student growth from fall to spring

• Celebrate student progress over time

The assessment is not graded and is not used as a report card grade. It is one of several tools teachers use to understand student learning.

How can you help?

You can help your child by encouraging them to:

• Get a good night's sleep before testing.

• Eat a healthy breakfast.

• Arrive at school on time.

• Take their time and do their best.

• Work independently without help so teachers receive the most accurate information about what they know.

The goal isn't to get every answer correct—it's to understand what your child is ready to learn next.

What you’ll learn

Following each testing window, you'll receive a Star Family Report that explains your child's results in easy-to-understand language. It shows how your child is progressing over time and identifies skills they have mastered and skills they're ready to learn next.

Learn More

Watch this short family video from Renaissance Learning: