Spartan Scoop~ The Middle Matters!

Week 3

It is hard to believe we are already wrapping up our third week of school! Students are settling into routines, building relationships with teachers and peers, and becoming increasingly comfortable navigating the expectations and opportunities of middle school. As we move beyond the opening weeks, our continued focus is on creating a school where every student feels known, supported, connected, and safe.

An important part of maintaining a safe school community is making sure students and families know how and where to share a concern. We encourage students to speak with a trusted adult at school whenever something does not feel right, whether the concern involves themselves, a friend, or something they have seen or heard. Students may also use Safe2Say to confidentially report concerns related to school safety. We will be reviewing this procedure and app that is on the Chromebook ClassLink homepage on Tuesday with all students.

We also want families to know that communication does not end when the school day does. If an important concern arises after school hours that you believe the administrative team needs to be aware of, please reach out to an administrator. We would always rather know about a concern so we can determine the appropriate next steps and provide support when needed. You can also post in the Safe2Say app as well.

Creating a safe and supportive middle school is a partnership among students, staff, and families. Thank you for encouraging your children to speak up, look out for one another, and seek help when they need it. When we communicate, stay connected, and take care of one another, we make STMS stronger.

Enjoy the long weekend~

With Warm Regards,

Dr. Amy K. Mangano, Principal: amy_mangano@sdst.org

Mrs. Kieran Brady, Assistant Principal: kieran_brady@sdst.org

Mr. Ian Hammond, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: ian_hammond@sdst.org

NeeDoh or other squishy like toys should not be brought to school. We have had several break or burst, and the material inside is extremely difficult to clean from floors, furniture, and clothing. Students also should not be bringing toys to school. If a student needs a fidget to support their learning, they can connect with a staff member to identify a school-appropriate alternative.

• E-bikes and e-scooters are NOT permitted on campus.
• We are currently seeing students riding these vehicles to school at high speeds and not following traffic patterns.
• Bikes must be walked through the tunnel and on sidewalks.
• Please remind students about bike safety. We have observed students riding without helmets and riding through parking lots or streets in an unsafe manner.

We recently hired candidates this week to coach the 7th- and 8th-grade teams. They are in the process of onboarding with our HR department.

• 8th grade boys should meet in the blue light lobby after school Tuesday for a quick information session held by Mr. Hammond to introduce their coach. From there they will walk to the Church Road fields for tryouts until 4:30. There will be parent pick up and late buses available back at the middle school at 4:45.
  
  
• 7th grade boys will meet me in the blue light lobby on Wednesday 9/23 for an information session and introduction that will conclude at 3:45. The start date for 7th grade soccer will be coming soon once the onboarding process is complete.
  
  Your student athlete should have cleats, shin guards, and appropriate athletic wear for tryouts. Game schedules are already available on the district website, and I have included the link here. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we transition into a new coaching staff for this upcoming season. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need further support from the school team. In the meantime, please ensure your student athlete has the PIAA section 6 uploaded in Family ID as well as a complete impact test (link). This is REQUIRED for them to participate in tryouts Tuesday.