SMS E-News

Hello Raider Families,
March is here, and we are in the home stretch toward Spring Break! This month brings many exciting events, academic milestones, and opportunities for our students to shine. As we continue our journey through the second semester, we encourage all students to stay focused, work hard, and finish strong. Thank you for your ongoing support in making SMS a great place to learn and grow!

Important Dates to Remember:

• March 10-14 College & Career Week (dress up days)

• March 11 SMS Track Meet @ Raider Stadium

• March 12 Spinal Screening (7th grade girls & 8th grade boys)

• March 13 Staff vs. Student Basketball

• March 14 Student Holiday

• March 17-21 Spring Break

• March 25 SMS Track Meet @ Wills Point

Academic Updates: This is a friendly reminder that all students must complete their course selection for the upcoming school year by March 9. Please take a moment to review and submit your child’s choices to ensure they get the classes that best fit their interests and academic goals.

Applications for the Career Pathways (summer session), Digital Media, Intro to Sports Medicine, and Principles of Education will be emailed to the students on March 26 and are due on April 6.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Iozzi (Christina.Iozzi@sunnyvaleisd.com) in the front office.

Athletics & Extracurriculars:
Spring sports are in full swing! Our track and field teams are competing. Good luck to all our student-athletes as they represent SMS with Raider pride!

Shout-Outs & Celebrations:

• Congratulations to our UIL participants! Our students performed exceptionally well, bringing home multiple awards and earning the district championship… again! We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!

• A big thank you to our amazing teachers and staff for their continued commitment to student success. Your passion and dedication does not go unnoticed.

Upcoming Important STAAR Testing Dates:

April 14 - 6th Grade Reading / Language Arts

April 15 - 7th & 8th Grade Reading / Language Arts

April 16 - 8th Grade Science

April 17 - 8th Grade Social Studies

April 22 - 6th & 7th Grade Math

April 23 - 7th Grade Honors, 8th Grade Math/Algebra 1

Stay Connected:
For the latest updates, follow us on social media and visit our website regularly. Communication is key, and we appreciate your partnership in supporting our students.

Thank you for your continued support of SMSl! Let’s make March a fantastic month!

Dear Parent/Guardian,

State law requires that schools must screen students for any abnormal spinal curvature in accordance with the following schedule:

• Girls will be screened two times, once at age 10 ( or 5th grade) and again at age 12 (or 7th grade).

• Boys will be screened one time at age 13 or 14 ( or grade 8).

Sunnyvale Middle School will be conducting spinal screenings for all 7th grade GIRLS and 8th grade BOYS on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

The screening aims to detect any abnormal curve of the spine, like scoliosis, at its earliest stages to determine the need for further assessment by a doctor.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can be found in adolescents. It is usually detected in children between 10 and 14 years of age.

Catching a spinal problem early can make the treatment easier. Not treating spinal problems can lead to health problems in the future.

The screening is simple. A trained screener will look at your child's back while they stand and bend forward. Students will be screened individually and one at a time.

This year I am excited to partner with our local Chiropractor, Dr.Alex with enKindle- she will be joining me on screening day!

*** Important recommendations for screening day***

• Girls should wear or bring with them to school that day: a thin fitted t-shirt or sports bra or a two-piece swimsuit top underneath their shirt

• If girls are wearing a sports bra or a two-piece swimsuit top underneath their shirt, it is recommended they remove their shirt for the screening.

• No sweaters, hoodies or bulky tops during the screening

The school will send you a letter if any concerning findings are identified. The letter will tell you how to follow up with your child’s doctor. This screening is NOT a medical exam. Your child still needs to see their doctor for annual check-ups.

A parent may choose for their child to be exempt from this screening but this must be communicated to the school nurse in advance. Types of exemptions include:

• Religious exemption - must sign an affidavit; please contact the school nurse if needed

• Recent physical exam by their primary care health provider including a spinal screening. Please provide a signed copy of the results to the school nurse.

• Currently under the care of a physician for scoliosis; please advise in writing.

Please submit the signed exemption affidavit form or provide the required healthcare provider documentation if your student will be exempt by Monday, March 10th.

Sincerely,

Kaycee Rountree BSN, RN, CPN

Sunnyvale Middle School Clinic / 972-226-2922

kaycee.rountree@sunnyvaleisd.com

6th Grade: Bella Goodson

7th Grade: Joseph Smith

8th Grade: Lila Blackstone

6th Grade: Abdiel Martinez-Jara

7th Grade: Austin Crawford

8th Grade: Manthan Shelke

Destination Imagination classes set up Rube Goldberg chain reaction machines. The goal was to take a simple task, like popping a balloon, and make it overly complicated.

Parents,

Please help us enforce the following with your students by supporting our district and campus policies.

• Dress Code
• NO Food, Gum or Drinks allowed in classrooms!! Students will be asked to leave food and drinks behind before leaving the cafeteria. NO GUM ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING AT SMS! Students are allowed to have a water bottle in the classroom.
• No phones or smart devices/watches allowed for use around SMS.