Sells eNews

This is the last week of school! Please be sure to help keep your student focused on what needs to get done this week. We will celebrate a great school year and we will celebrate our 8th graders moving on.

This will by my LAST Weekly Update for Sells MS. It has been a privilege for me to lead this building for 10 years. It’s a bittersweet moment for me. I feel a deep sense of pride, but also a sense of unfinished business — because the truth is, no principal ever really feels done. There’s always one more student to encourage, one more idea to try, one more story to hear. But if there’s anything I hope I’ve left behind, it’s a belief that this school is more than just a building. It’s a community that stands for something — for values, for belonging, for growth. I firmly believe we are The Sells Family!

Thank you for your support and I wish everyone well! Have a great summer!

Principal: Matt Sachtleben (sachtleben_matt@dublinschools.net)

Assistant Principal: Katy O'Neal (oneal_katy@dublinschools.net)

Here are the assignments for our school counselors this school year.

Last names A-F: Mrs. Erin Bissell (bissell_erin@dublinschools.net)

Last names G-M: Mrs. Jessica Lanka (lanka_jessica@dublinschools.net)

Last names N-Z: Mrs. Dawn Wolf (wolf_dawn@dublinschools.net)

Please click on the button below and use the Sells school code: #91446

The link will be open until JUNE 6th.

8th Grade Chromebook Collection

Starting on May 20, 2025 all eighth-grade students will turn in their Chromebooks and chargers. They will receive a new Chromebook during 9th Grade Orientation in the fall. By doing this, we can ensure that the students are equipped with their Chromebooks on the first day of the 2025-26 school year.

Location: 1919 Auditorium

What to bring: Eighth graders are required to bring their Chromebook with all personal stickers removed and a charger. (The only stickers remaining on the Chromebooks should be the DCS barcode/serial number and the nametag). If the student’s Chromebook is in repair, the student should bring the loaner that was issued to them. Both charger and Chromebook need to be returned to the school on this date. Please note students who do not return a charger with their Chromebook will be subject to a $20 recovery fee.

If you need a charger, please replace it before the week of May 20 with a USB type C charger that is either 45 or 65 Watts. The button below is linked where you can purchase a new one if needed.

If you have any questions, please come to the library or contact Danna Armstrong.

We cordially invite the parents and extended family to the 8th Grade Awards Assembly on the last day of school. We will formally recognize our students as they finish their middle school career. During the ceremony, we will recognize the class accomplishments as well as recognize individual students and our Legacy Awards.

The doors will open at 9:30am that morning. After the conclusion of the assembly, the students will be dismissed from school and can go home with their parent(s). We look forward to welcoming everyone to the building as we celebrate our students!

Please be adivsed there is SOME parking available on school property, but not enough for every 8th grade parent. If you can't find parking on property please utilize the parking garage next to Dublin Library or any public parking off of Bridge Street.

Please DO NOT park in the RED circled area shown below on the map. It is a private business and you WILL BE TOWED.

SEE MAP BELOW FOR SUGGESTED PARKING LOTS

The last day students will travel to Coffman or Scioto High Schools for their World Language class will be May 20. The following days, students can ride their middle school bus to school and will have a study center until their first class starts (2nd period). Or, students can arrive late to school without penalty prior to the start of their 2nd period (except the last day of school). This would require them having a ride from a parent.

Dublin City Schools Philosophy on Summer Reading: Literacy involves reading, writing, speaking, listening, thinking, and interacting. When considering reading, research shows that choice and volume of reading are essential to reading development. Reading over the summer is a critical way to maintain and build upon the reading habits developed throughout the school year. Dublin City Schools values students’ reading lives. Therefore, there will be year-round opportunities for students to engage in experiences that allow growth in literacy.

This week, students have received materials from their ELA classes about summer reading. Summer reading is not required, but is HIGHLY encouraged.

RISING 7th and 8th Graders: Each student is encouraged to read during the summer by working on completing as many BINGO squares as possible. Students will return a parent signed BINGO board in the fall to receive a special SEAL and potential additional prize.

7th Grade Summer Reading (Current 6th Graders)

8th Grade Summer Reading (Current 7th Graders)

RISING 9th Graders: Each student is encouraged to read over the summer. Students wishing to ‘opt-in’ to Dublin City Schools’ summer reading program will do so by filling out a form in which they will select from the four reading tasks.

9th Grade Summer Reading Opt-in Form

9th Grade Summer Reading (Current 8th Graders)

Summer Reading Meet-ups and Schoology Course- Students are encouraged to join the Summer Reading Schoology course, which will connect them with resources and teachers who host the informal summer meet-ups. To join the course, use the access code below.

Access Code: VT5R-GJHP-8Q8B2

If your child will be absent from school, please email our attendance line at sms_attendance@dublinschools.net

Or leave a voicemail at 614.718.8572

Please do not call the main line for attendance before 9:00am.

Please utilize the attendance EMAIL or attendance VOICEMAIL.

• Students MUST be in Rock period by 8:28am - Anytime after 8:28am is considered LATE and MUST sign in at the Main Office.
• LEAVING EARLY - A note from the parent/guardian should be given to Mrs. Stevenson (Attendance Secretary) first thing in the morning. She will give them a pass to leave class at the given time and your student will meet you in the Main Office at that time. You as the Parent/Guardian will need to come in to the office to sign them out.
• ARRIVING LATE - If your student is arriving late to school due to an appointment, they will need to sign in at the Main Office with Mrs. Stevenson. Medical appointments will be excused with a note from the medical provider.

The complete attendance policy is located in the Middle School Student Handbook on

pages 11-13.

We are planning for the 2025-2026 school year and have a few committee chair openings. Please send an email to sellsmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com if you are interested or would like to know more about the Sells PTO.

All School Tailgate Chair, Spirit Wear Chair, Beautification Chair, Staff Appreciation Co-Chair, Restaurant Nights/Hockey Fundraisers Chair, Parents and Educators Raising our Community (PERC) Representative

Thank you for your consideration and support! The Sells PTO can't provide fun events for the students and teachers without parent volunteers!

The Sells PTO 8th Grade Event Committee has planned a "Beach Bash" farewell for the 8th Graders on Thursday, May 22. Students will be having an outdoor party with lunch, a DJ, Kona Ice, games and prizes. Students are encouraged to wear or bring a white t-shirt for their friends to sign at the signature station. Tropical attire, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended for this outdoor celebration!

Volunteers needed!!!

Please review the sign up genius and click on the button below to sign up.

If your 8th Grader has special dietary needs/restrictions, please complete the Google form below ASAP!

Thank you for your support!!

You can donate to the Sells PTO all year and it is easy to do! Donations support several

fun, FREE things planned for the students and teachers and they wouldn't be possible

without your support!

Just click link below or your child can drop off a check in the office in an envelope

marked PTO Donation.

https://john-sells-middle-school-pto.square.site/

Don’t forget to join the Sells Middle School PTO Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1741183269442405

End of School Year Dates

Wednesday, May 21 - Last day for Seniors

Thursday, May 22 - Last day for Kindergarten

Friday, May 23 - Last day for students in Grades 1-11; AM only

Sunday, May 25 - Graduation

Last Day of School Dismissal Times

As we near the end of the 2024-25 school year, we wanted to remind you of some dates and times. Please note the early dismissal times for the last day of school on Friday, May 23. Also, don't forget that lunch will be a bag lunch on the last day. Students may grab and go as needed.

• High Schools - 7:55 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

• Middle Schools - 8:28 a.m. - 11:48 a.m.

• Elementary Schools - 9:10 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.

• Elementary buses will be at the schools at 12:25 p.m.

Summer Activities for Students

Check out the Summer Camps that are offered by our ASA Partners and DCS coaches as well as the Info Hub page that provides families with information about activities offered from area organizations. Keep your student busy all summer long with the many different types of activities.

Share Your Voice to Win a $125 Gift Card or a DCS Yeti!

The DCS Communications team is conducting a parent survey to collect feedback on the district’s communication efforts. The short survey takes just 3 minutes to complete, and your input helps us better serve our students, families, and community. Respond by May 18 to be entered to win one of three great prizes: a $125 Scene75 gift card, a DCS Yeti, or a cozy DCS blanket! Take the survey here.

Experience Public Works Day and Bike Road-eo

Experience Public Works Day and Bike Road-eo are Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Dublin Service Center! Drive or bike in to celebrate National Public Works Week with us and enjoy big trucks, bikes and more! Find all the details you need to plan your trip.

Look Inside Your Government with Citizen U Jumpstart!

Join our award-winning staff members and your peers to see the ins and outs of local government, gain experience from mock interviews, and learn about all of the work that goes into keeping Dublin running. Learn more and apply now!

K.I.D.S. Service Project

Calling all of Dublin's littlest volunteers! All young volunteers (K-5th graders) are invited to create thank-you cards, placemats, and centerpieces after the Experience Public Works Day/Bike Road-eo! See the details for Saturday, May 17.

Register Your Bike for Safe Keeping

May is Bike Month, and it’s a great time to protect your ride by registering your bike with Dublin Police. Register online and choose to pick up your free registration tag at the Dublin Justice Center or have it mailed to you. Sign up for this free service.

Help Extend the Life of the Bridge Street Bridge

ODOT is seeking feedback on a project that will extend the service life of the bridge. Take the short survey to share how the bridge is part of your life. Plus, join the City and ODOT for a public input meeting 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the DCRC Talla 2. Take the survey.

Street and Sidewalk Maintenance Begins Soon

Crews are expected to start road and sidewalk work as early as May 19, weather permitting. Use the interactive maps to see which neighborhoods are part of the 2025 improvement schedule. Find street maintenance and sidewalk maintenance info.

Feminine Hygiene Drive

Support our community this month with a donation to the One Dublin and Dublin Food Pantry Feminine Hygiene Drive. These organizations provide important health products to those who need them. Find out how to donate.

Stay in the Know This Summer

School’s almost out — but City updates are always in! Sign up for GoDublin TXT, the City’s new texting service for alerts and updates. Just text HELLO to 888-50-GODUB (888-504-6382) to get started. Then click the link, verify your number, and select the topics that matter most to your family. Sign up before the bell rings.