The Panther

Newsletter Date:

August 1, 2026

As we open our doors for another school year, I find myself reflecting on what has helped to make Patrick Henry Middle School such a great place to grow.

The answer isn't found in our bell schedule or textbooks, it’s in the culture we build together every single day.

At Patrick Henry, our anchor is simple: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. You’ll hear these three values everywhere, from the hallways and cafeteria to the gym and classrooms. But to us, these aren't just words on a fancy poster; they are the habits that help Panthers discover who they are and what they want to be.

• Respect means making sure every student feels like they belong here.

• Responsibility means taking ownership of our choices and learning from our missteps when things don't go perfectly on the first try.

• Safety means creating a supportive space physically, socially, and emotionally where kids feel confident enough to raise their hands, try new things, and ask for help.

Middle school is a time of incredible transformation. Kids grow, test boundaries, discover new passions, and yes, occasionally forget their locker combinations or leave their homework on the kitchen table. That’s all part of the process!

That’s also where our partnership comes in.

We know that raising a middle schooler takes a village, and we view our PHMS families as our most vital partners. When home and school work as one team, communicating openly, celebrating the wins, and working through the hiccups together, our students thrive. We aren't just teaching subjects; together, we are raising respectful, responsible, and safe young people who are resilient in the face of challenge.

Thank you for trusting us with your students. We are so excited for the laughter, learning, and growth ahead this year!

Jeffrey Noll

Principal, Patrick Henry Middle School

We are looking forward to seeing all students and families at our annual Panther Preview Day!

Mark your calendars: Monday, August 24th, Patrick Henry Middle School invites all students and families to join us for our annual Panther Preview Event. This is an open house for students to pick up their new schedule, take their school picture, meet their teachers, find their new classes, practice their locker, get bus information, put money in their lunch accounts, and more! All families are invited to attend this back to school event. In order to allow for parking, and to spread out the traffic throughout the school, it is recommended that families attend open house during the suggested times below:

Student Last Names: A - G: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Student Last Names: H - N: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Student Last Names: O - Z: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Any family who is unable to attend at their designated time is invited to come: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Also, all 7th and 8th grade students who are NEW to Patrick Henry, are invited to come from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. There will be students/staff available for tours at that time.

We look forward to seeing you on August 24th!

Below is the link for ordering pictures:

http://scherling.preorderphotos.com/?AccessCode=X37WF9

• 🌮 La Sabrosita (12:00 – 4:00 PM): Serving up tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and more!

• 🐑The Flock and Fry (3:00 – 8:00 PM): Grab chislic, burgers, fries, cheese curds, walking tacos, hot dogs, chicken strips, and more!

• 🍖 Backyard BBQ (4:00 – 8:00 PM): Featuring pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked chicken sandwiches, plus sides like baked beans, cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad, and mac n' cheese!

WEB 6th Grade Orientation Day is coming on Thursday, August 13th from 8:30 - 12:00 p.m!

WEB Orientation is an optional, but highly recommended experience for ALL 6th grade students. WEB is only for students. Parents will have an opportunity to get acquainted with Patrick Henry during our Panther Preview Day on August 24th (see additional details about this event included in this newsletter).

Parents/guardians should have their students at the front doors (closest to the flag pole) at 8:25 a.m. on Thursday, August 13th. The 8th grade WEB Leaders will open the front doors to usher students in as they arrive and escort them to their assigned areas. Students will have the opportunity to meet other incoming 6th graders and become more familiar with the building. The orientation will be finished at 12:00 p.m.

Parents/guardians should pick their student up out front of the building at that time. There will be over 300 students exiting the building at that time so it may be best to arrange a meeting spot ahead of time.

WEB Orientation will be a welcoming, safe, and exciting start for our new 6th graders! We look forward to seeing our newest Panther students at that time!

*Students needing special accommodations while attending WEB should contact the school office no later than Monday, August 10th at 367-7639.

8th Grade WEB Leaders

All 8th graders serving as WEB Leaders for the 26-27 school year, please note you will be helping with 6th grade orientation on August 13th! You will also have training on the dates/time below:

Tuesday, August 11: WEB leader training 7:30 am-12:30 pm in the main gym

Wednesday, August 12: WEB leader training 7:30 am-12:30 pm in the main gym

Thursday, August 13: WEB Day - WEB leaders report to the main gym 7:30 am -1:00 pm

Parents/Guardians of students currently enrolled in the Sioux Falls School District should complete the Annual Information Update (Online Registration) for each one of their students through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/siouxfalls.jsp

After logging into the Parent Portal, a link for Annual Information Update can be found under the left menu. If you have forgotten your password, please call your school or Central Services at 367-8432 to reset your password.

If you have changed addresses over the summer, proof of residency must be supplied. Documents that are acceptable for proof of residency are: lease agreement, mortgage documents, utility bill, property tax payment/receipt, homeowners insurance policy, or state/government agency mail.

The updates must be done through parent/guardian accounts only. Household information for ALL students must be updated prior to the start of the school year.

Parents who are new to the SFSD can access the Online Registration through the SFSD website. (www.sf.k12.sd.us) - Select the icon “New Family Information” from the left side of the page - Under School Registration and Enrollment, select the red Online Registration System link - Enter the requested information, select the Registration Year as 26-27, and enter the letters and/or numbers seen in the captcha box. - Select “Begin Registration”. - It is always helpful to write the application number down.

If you do not have access to a computer, one is currently available at IPC, 201 E. 38th Street, or at middle and high school offices.

Please review the suggested supplies list for your middle schooler(s). Please note, backpacks will need to be stored in lockers and not brought to class. Students should carry a three-ring binder (preferably with a zipper) to carry their materials throughout the day.

Join Patrick Henry's new after-school CLC this year! Click for more info and enrollment link.

The Boys & Girls Club will run the program, offering new and fun activities until 6pm every single school day!

Anyone enrolled in CLC can attend ALL of the after-school activities with no extra charge. Choose a new interest or practice your favorite skills with groups like: Girls Flag Football, Drone Soccer, Art classes, Groove Drumming, Spotlight Theater workshops, Hunt Safe certification, STEM groups, and GreatLife sports. Plus, Patrick Henry teachers will lead their own special interest activities!

Teachers will also run a Homework Help room, where students can get caught up on assignments, get help with questions, or troubleshoot a tech issue. CLC and non-CLC kids are welcome at Homework Help; because everyone needs a little help from time to time!

Full enrollment, including all activities, snack and daily care, costs $30/week. This fee is waived for families who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch. Students who want to participate in just one group (ex. Flag Football is only in Sept), can enroll with a 'preview pass' that lets them join one activity without paying for the whole CLC program.

We're open until 6:00pm, but students can be picked up at whatever time works for their family. Parents can text CLC leaders from the car to say they've arrived, and they'll send your student out. Quick and easy pickup!

Activity Registration Update for 2026–2027

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, please note an important update to the activities registration process:

Activity Registration is now separate from Online Registration (OLR).

• Families will no longer register for activities through OLR

• Activity Registration must be completed through the parent or guardian Infinite Campus portal

• A current physical must also be uploaded in Infinite Campus for participation clearance

📢 Activities Registration is Now Open

All registrations will be completed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Once the Activity Registration is completed in the Parent/Guardian Portal, either the parent/guardian or the student can upload the preparticipation physical evaluation and sign up for their sport(s) of choice.

Please note: We will no longer be using Bound for activity registration.

• Infinite Campus Parent Portal – CLICK HERE
• Step-by-Step Activity Registration Instructions – CLICK HERE
• Video Instructions for PC – CLICK HERE
• Video Instructions for Phone - CLICK HERE

📋 What You Need to Get Started

Please review the following important resources which include information regarding Preparticipation Athletic Physicals:

• ✅ Participation Forms Needed for Participation in High School Athletics

• ✅ Participation Forms Needed for Participation in Middle School Athletics

👥 Who Should Register?

All current 6th through 11th grade students planning to participate in activities during the 2026–2027 school year.

📞 Questions? We’re Here to Help

For questions or support, please contact:

Mr. Clarke
Jameson Clarke
Jameson.Clarke@k12.sd.us

Additional Information:

More details can be found in the Activity Registration document or on our website:

www.sfsdathletics.com

Welcome to all students, staff and parents. My name is Liza Schnabel and I am your PTO president for this school year. I am excited for my second year as a Panther parent and that both of my daughters will be attending Patrick Henry this year.

No matter how flexible your schedule is, the PTO has an opportunity you can assist with. Jump in, try it out and show how important your child’s education is to you by becoming involved. This is the perfect chance to meet other parents and find out more about Patrick Henry. Your student’s middle school journey is a short one so don’t wait, join us today!

Your 2026-27 PHMS PTO leadership team has a few open positions. If you are interested in learning more or able to assist, please contact the PTO at patrickhenrypantherspto@gmail.com.

President: Liza Schnabel
Vice President: OPEN
Recording Secretary: Amy Dietrich Mark
Treasurer: Danny Andrews
Fundraising: OPEN
Restaurant Fundraisers: Liza Schnabel
Panther Party: Lucy Henglefelt
Student Recognition: OPEN

Panther Caring Closet: Katie Zeeb
Spirit Wear: Jennifer Stensaas
Staff Appreciation/ Conference Meals: Lucy Henglefelt, Lori Blom
8th Grade Party: Lori Blom, Katie Sumey, Amber Edelen

Stop by the PTO table at the Panther Preview and say hello on Monday, August 24th. Also the fall Panther Pride Spirit Wear store will be open for purchases then. Stock up on items for the new school year for the whole family.

Check out our first PTO meeting for the school year on Wednesday, August 19th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm in the office conference room.

Save the date for future meetings held at noon monthly.

September 16

October 21

November 18

January 20

February 17

March 17

April 21

May 12 (date subject to change)

Liza Schnabel

Check out this helpful safety chart comparing different personal electric vehicles. It covers essential regulations—including speed limits, helmet rules, licensing, and where students are legally allowed to ride on sidewalks, bike paths, and roads—to help keep our students safe on their way to and from school.

Click here to order your yearbook today and lock in the discounted pre-sale price before it increases! 📚

https://yearbookforever.com/

We have three professional school counselors at Patrick Henry who are all here to help guide your student through middle school! 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. Jenna Bunker - 7th Grade

Mrs. Hannah Serck - 8th Grade

*Click on your counselor's name and you'll be directed to their email address.*

Phone: (605) 367-8443

Help us keep our school safe and healthy this year:

• 6th Graders & New Students: Must complete state-required immunizations before school starts.

• Medication Forms: Any medication (prescription, OTC, EpiPens, or inhalers)—whether kept in the health office or self-carried—requires an official form on file. Doctor signatures are needed for all prescriptions, EpiPens/inhalers, and health-office OTCs.

• Safety First: Sharing or misusing medication is strictly prohibited and will result in confiscation and disciplinary action.

• Special Diets: Require a doctor-signed form (existing diets automatically roll over).

Find forms on the SFSD Health Services web page or contact the nurse at 605-367-7693.

See the document below for greater detail.

Routine health screenings are completed in certain grade levels according to time available and demonstrated need. Screenings may include areas such as vision, hearing, height, weight, and dental. If further evaluation is needed, parents are notified and assistance is offered to match student need with community resources. If you do not wish for your child to participate in a screening, please contact the school office.

Lunch and breakfast are available each day at school. If you believe your family may qualify for free or reduced lunch/breakfast, please click on the above picture or scan the QR code to fill out the application.

All PHMS Students will receive a device and a charger that will be transported to and from school each day. We strongly recommend families take advantage of the SFSD's Chromebook Insurance plan to cover the costs of potential damages and repairs. Click on the link below for more information and to access the insurance form.

https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/page/student-technology-initiative

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.

District PHMS Website: https://www.phms.sf.k12.sd.us/o/phms

Location: 2200 South 5th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-367-7639

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanthersSF
Twitter: @PanthersSF