SMS E-News
August 28, 2026
Capti Testing
Additional Reading Screening Next Week
Next week, select students will complete the Capti ReadBasix assessment based on their recent FastBridge reading scores. ReadBasix is a brief screening tool, designed specifically for secondary students, that looks more closely at foundational reading skills, including decoding, word recognition, and reading fluency. This additional screening helps us better understand each student’s strengths and identify areas where additional instruction or support may be helpful. It is a screening tool and does not diagnose a learning disability or dyslexia.
Families of participating students will receive their child’s results, along with information about recommended next steps and available support opportunities
Pony Carnival
Mark your calendar for this FREE, family-friendly event on Friday, Sept. 25 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Stillwater Area High School. All ages are invited to join us for traditional carnival games and activities, prizes, inflatables, and food trucks just before the football game. Volunteers are needed to help out with games. Sign up online.
Required Forms
Annual Sign Off- Parent/Guardian Must Do!
Each year, families are asked to review and acknowledge important district forms in PowerSchool, our parent portal for reporting absences, viewing student information and more.
Please take a few minutes to log in and complete the following forms:
District Handbook Review Form
Field Trip Form
When you log in, select the Forms button and complete each form.
Need help logging in? Learn more about how to access PowerSchool.
Need additional assistance? Our Family Help Desk is available to help with technology-related questions. familyhelp@stillwaterschools.org or 651-351-8404.
Immunizations
Immunization Reminder for Middle School Families
Parents of middle school students only need to submit updated immunization records when their child receives the required Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines. Minnesota law requires students to receive these vaccines before the start of 7th grade, or have a completed exemption form on file. Please submit updated vaccination records or exemption documentation to the school health office.
Cheer on the Ponies!
Support our student athletes and performers all year long!
Buy & store tickets for sporting events (Download the free app)
Watch select games live
Follow your favorite teams & players
Buy a 2026-27 pass and save! Just $50 for students and $75 for adults. Valid for all home regular season contests, except hockey.
Buy and store tickets for choir, band, orchestra and theatre
Tickets go live one month prior to each performance.
Plan ahead and check out our Fine Arts Calendar
Lifetouch
If your student took a photo this past Wednesday, August 26th, orders must be placed online on mylifetouch.com using code:EVTM4QJQM
For those who need to re-take their picture Re-Takes will take place October 7th.
Yearbooks
Order your Yearbook NOW!!
Yearbooks are ON SALE NOW! Order today to get yours before prices increase in late fall/winter.
Cost is currently $50. Order a yearbook HERE
If you have any questions please reach out to our yearbook advisor Sam Boyd at boyds@stillwaterschools.org or 651-351-8956
Fall Sports
There's Still Time!
There is still time to sign up for sports this fall! Space is limited so make sure you have your physicals turned in so you can get signed up!
Season Dates: August 24 – October 12-14
- Boys Soccer (Grades 6–8)
- Girls Soccer (Grades 6–8) FULL
- Cross Country – Boys & Girls (Grades 6–8)
- Girls Volleyball (Grades 7–8) FULL
- Girls Tennis (Grades 6–8) FULL
- Girls Swim & Dive (Grades 6–8) – OMS Pool
What You Need to Know
Registration Fees:
You may have noticed that the participation fee has increased to $199 per season. While we understand this is an increase from previous years, we believe it continues to provide tremendous value. Student-athletes receive a 7-week season, practices four days per week, transportation, quality coaching, and a full schedule of games and competitions.
Transportation:
There are no major changes to transportation. We will continue to provide bussing for all sports. There may be a few minor adjustments, such as shuttle buses or sharing buses with other teams, but families should expect transportation to operate much as it has in previous years.
Competition & Schedules:
There are no changes to our competition schedule. We will continue to compete in the Metro/Suburban East Middle School Conference while also seeking additional quality competition that provides meaningful opportunities for athletes of all ability levels.
Back to School Bash Recap
Wow! You guys showed up this past Saturday! What a fun afternoon we had at the Back to School Bash! Thank you to all of our vendors & volunteers for their time and effort in support of our PTA. We loved seeing so many families and students enjoying this beautiful day.
Congratulations to our raffle winner: Dawn Heagren
Huge thank you to Heritage Embroidery for their generous gift basket donation!
SMS Pop Up Sale!!
Get your SMS gear today! Shop SMS exclusive items from Heritage Embroidery. 10% of sales goes back to the SMS PTA. Make sure to order by 11pm September 3. All orders will be ready in time for Homecoming Week!
https://design.hedusa.com/stillwaterms/shop/home
Dine Out with Culvers
Our first dine out night is with Culver's on September 1 from 5-7pm. We hope to see you there!
PTA Meeting | September 21 at 6pm
Save the date for our first PTA Meeting to be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 6pm in the media center. All are welcome- even if you aren't a member yet. The more people who get involved, the stronger our school will be.
Join our PTA!
Support your student and Stillwater Middle School by joining our PTA!
We'd welcome your support and engagement this year. There are many ways to get involved! One of the best ways to support our work is to purchase a yearly membership. Membership is $15 each for families and $7.50 for staff. We'd also encourage you to sign up for the PTA newsletter that is sent by our volunteers.
Officer McBroom Updates
E-Bikes and Scooters
We have noticed an increase in e-bikes and scooters in the last year. Please review the following state statues regarding them. These statues are in place to keep everyone safe. Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions!
E-BIKES (Electric assisted bicycles equipped with operable pedals)
MN State Statute 169.222:
- Riders must be 15 years old or older to operate
- Riders under 18 years old are required to wear a helmet
- Power output is no more than 750 watts
- Bike cannot exceed 28 MPH
E-SCOOTER (Motorized foot scooters)
MN State Statute 169.222:
- Riders must be at least 12 years old or older to operate
- Riders under 18 years old are required to wear a helmet
E-MOTO (Electric motorized vehicles that are not pedal assisted bicycles)
MN State Statute 169.222:
- It is ILLEGAL to operate an E-Moto on a public roadway UNLESS it has the following:
o The vehicle is properly licensed and insured
o The driver has a valid license
UPDATE:
Students who are walking home past the hospital. They have asked us to let families know students should not be cutting through the parking ramp. This is a significant safety concern, particularly with vehicle traffic in the ramp, and their priority is to keep our students safe. If students could avoid walking through the parking ramp and use designated sidewalks and walking routes instead. Thank you!
Laura McBroom
School Resource Officer
Stillwater Police Department
651-351-6909
Chemical Health Specialist Updates
Hello! I’m the Chemical Health Specialist, where I help students build the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about substance use. I earned my B.A. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Minnesota and have experience working with youth in educational, clinical, and recreational settings. I enjoy creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, building confidence, and making positive choices.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me powerlifting, crocheting, or spending time outdoors. I believe maintaining balance in my own life helps me show up as my best self for the students and families I work with.
Mental health concerns can be linked to drug and alcohol abuse. If you are concerned for your student, reach out for support.
Gwen Yang
Phone Number: (612) 314 6746
Upcoming Events
September 4: No School
September 7: Labor Day - No School
September 11: 6th grade Carnival
September 28: No School
Connect with us
Email: comments@stillwaterschools.org
Website: sms.stillwaterschools.org
Location: 523 Marsh St W, Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: 651-351-6905
Facebook: facebook.com/Stillwater834
Instagram: instagram.com/stillwater834