Parent - Week of 8/25

Lunch Seating Update

You might have heard some concerns about students without a seat during lunch, and we want to reassure families that there is a seat for every student in the cafeteria. To make sure the space runs smoothly, each student selected a lunch table on the very first day of school.

When students move to a different table, it creates a chain reaction where other students lose their assigned spots—sometimes leaving them without a seat, even though enough chairs are available. Our staff is working closely with students to remind them of their original seating assignments so that everyone can enjoy lunch comfortably and with their friends.

We would appreciate your support in reminding your student at home that they need to stay at their assigned table and not move seats during lunch.

Thank you for helping us keep lunch a positive experience for all.

Tera Thomas

6th Grade Principal, SMS

Please make sure we have updated information for your student for the 25-26 school year. Please log in to PowerSchool and confirm enrollment details as soon as possible. Without this update, students may not be able to attend field trips or enjoy quarterly incentives off campus.

How to update information on PowerSchool -- please note, this must be done on a desktop.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Broughton, Technology Coordinator/Data Manager, at cbroughton@scsmustangs.org.

Thank you for your prompt attention!

Please remind your Mustang that taking pictures, videos, or using social media during lunchtime is not permitted. This helps ensure everyone's privacy and keeps the focus on enjoying the break.

Cruisers Lockers!

Captains Lockers!

Admirals Lockers!

Vikings Lockers!

Human Machine Fun on the First Day!

Team Circle-Up!

We know 14 minutes might feel like a lot, but we encourage you to watch this TED Talk with your sixth grader! The video, "Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator," dives into the world of procrastination and introduces the idea of the “Panic Monster.” It's a fun way to start a conversation about time management skills—something so important for our sixth graders as they navigate their busy schedules!

Erin's Law-Opt Out

Dear Parents of SMS Health Students:

State Law requires that middle school students receive developmentally appropriate instruction in dating violence prevention education and sexual violence prevention education in health class. This must include instruction in recognizing dating violence warning signs and characteristics of healthy relationships.

Strongsville Middle School uses Speak Up - Empowered lessons in Health 6 and Health 8 to fulfill the state’s requirements. School personnel selected this curriculum due to its age-appropriate content regarding abuse prevention and healthy relationships, as well as its approval from the Department of Education. Participating in the abuse prevention curriculum may help to create a greater awareness of the warning signs associated with unhealthy relationships and prevent abuse before it occurs. The content includes instruction on the following required components:

Personal safety and assault prevention
Dating violence prevention education
Sexual violence prevention education
Dating violence warning signs
Characteristics of a healthy relationship

There is an opt-out policy whereby the parent/guardian may sign a form to withdraw his/her child from participating in these lessons. If you do not wish your child to participate in this curriculum, please either return this signed form to your child’s health teacher or send an email from your parent account with the necessary information from the opt out form to your child’s health teacher, and your child will receive alternate activities to complete outside of the classroom during the lessons time with no penalty or work to make up. If you do not sign and return this form, your child will remain in the classroom to take part in the lessons.

If you are opting your child out of receiving these lessons in health class, please provide the opt out form or email to the health teacher by September 19, 2025.

If you have any questions about the curriculum or its implementation at Strongsville Middle School, you may contact your child’s health teacher or Mrs. Nicole Hackman, Director of Secondary Education at nhackman@scsmustangs.org.

Link to copy of opt-out form

COMPLETING THIS FORM ONLY IF YOU ARE CHOOSING TO OPT OUT YOUR CHILD

To opt out of this curriculum, please complete this FORM by: September 19, 2025.