Mustangs in the Middle Newletter

• 6th Grade Camp Meeting: Tuesday August 26, 5-7pm Auditorium

• School Picture Day: Thursday August 28, 2025

• Community Tailgate: Friday August 29, 5-6:30pm Outside Pat Catan Stadium

• NO SCHOOL: Monday September 1 - Labor Day

• 7th Grade MCV4 Exclusion Date: Wednesday September 10

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

The Ohio Department of Health requires all students to receive the following immunizations prior

to entering 7th grade:

● One (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine

(A second dose of meningococcal vaccine will be required prior to entry into the 12th grade)

● One (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine

Your 7th grade student will need to show proof of having received the Meningococcal

[MCV4] vaccine and the Tdap booster before they can return to school for the 2025-2026

school year. Section 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised Code states that students who do not

provide documentation of these immunizations will be excluded from school on the 15th

day after school entrance, until proof is provided.

(Exemptions are provided for under law. Call if you would like more information)

Please contact your health care provider or the County Board of Health at 216-201-2041 to

schedule an appointment if your student has not yet received these immunizations.

Please click on the link below to access the letter from our District School Nurse Kristy Dubsky.

This week, Tuesday and Wednesday, our students will be taking the STAR assessments in both English Language Arts and Math. These short, adaptive tests give us valuable information about each child’s current strengths and areas for growth. The results help teachers tailor instruction to meet individual student needs and allow us to monitor progress throughout the year. STAR testing is an important tool to ensure we are providing the right support so every student can continue to grow and succeed.

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 click on the title above for more information concerning this State Law.

1. ARRIVAL:

See the parking lot diagram below- It is imperative that ALL CAR RIDERS entering the school lot follow this diagram strictly.

*Door R will be open at 7:25AM for car rider student to come into the building. If your student arrives between the times of 7:25AM-7:40AM, they will report to the cafeteria to sit and wait until 7:40AM when they can then either get breakfast or head on to their locker and first period.

*Bus riders and walkers ONLY will enter the main entrance.

*Car Riders- Enter Door R

*Parents please DO NOT park in the staff parking lot. This lot is reserved exclusively for our staff, ensuring they have space to park and get into the building on time to prepare for your children’s day. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping this area available for our team. There are visitor spaces available but please only utilize them if you have to come into the building for a meeting or some other official school business.

2. DISMISSAL:

Cars need to wrap the building, similar as drop off. You can notify your student where in the loop you are if they have a device to look at when they finish their day. Students will exit the back and side doors to find their cars. Those are Doors R and Q. Bus riders will exit the front doors.

DO NOT PICK UP your STUDENT IN THE FRONT MAIN LOT- this will block special bussing that loops in the front of the building.

Please do not encourage your student to meet you in other nearby locations to get into your car- this creates a HUGE safety issue as cars are exiting and entering, and affects our Pearl Road traffic. If we efficiently use our system and are patient, we hope to get all out of the lot efficiently and timely. Following these rules models to your student your support to SCHOOL RULES and following them as requested.

***PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW OF PROPER DROP OFF PROCEDURE***

All students must have a lock on their locker at all times. If they do not bring back their own lock, they may purchase one from the main office for $6.60. Locks must be school issued, personal locks are not permitted. Students will receive their locker information either on the first day of school or during Open House if you attend that. Lockers will be assigned by your student's team. If you attend Open House, simply locate your team (listed on your schedule), and they will assist you with your locker assignment.

CLICK HERE for directions on how to unlock a combination lock at school.

Students who need to be signed out during the school day must be signed out by a parent, guardian, or an individual who has been approved by the parent or guardian. The person signing the student out must present a valid photo ID at the time of pick-up and come into the school to sign the student out. This policy ensures the safety and security of our students by verifying that only authorized individuals are permitted to remove students from school during the day.

To maintain a focused and productive learning environment, we have established the following rules regarding cell phones and ear buds:

Classroom Guidelines:

• No Cell Phones or Ear Buds in the Classroom:

• Cell phones must be placed in the designated holder at the front of the room, or in your locker.

• Earbuds must not be in your ears unless you have explicit permission from the teacher or a documented need (e.g., IEP or 504 plan).

Bathroom and Hallway Guidelines:

• No Cell Phones in the Bathroom or Halls:

• Students cannot leave the classroom without first placing their cell phone in the designated holder.

Permissible Use:

• Academic Labs / Lunch:

• Cell phones and ear buds may be used during study hall and lunch unless otherwise specified by school staff.

To summarize cell phones and airpods / earbuds are not permitted during any class or in the hallways. During class, cell phones will be stored in the classroom caddy / storage system or kept in a locker. During class changes on the way to and from lunch, cell phones should be in a student’s pocket or purse. Remember SMS students may use their cell phone in an academic lab or at lunch. If students do not follow these rules, school discipline and confiscation of device may take place.

On September 14, 2025, The Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF) - Cleveland Chapter will host its first annual FUN Run at Bonnie Park in Strongsville Metroparks. The event, a 5k run/walk, will take participants through a scenic route in the Metroparks and aims to raise money for the chapter's local programming, which provides "FUN" experiences and trips for families living with cancer.

The FUN Run is open to all ages and fitness levels. The 5k course will take participants through the picturesque trails of the Cleveland Metroparks surrounding Bonnie Park. Participants will receive a finisher medal and a t-shirt. The event will also feature music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities at Bonnie Park.

Proceeds from the FUN Run will go directly to KWF Cleveland's mission of giving FUN to families living with cancer. These funds will provide much-needed vacations, getaways, spa days and other enjoyable experiences for individuals and their loved ones in the Cleveland area.

About The Karen Wellington Foundation:

The Karen Wellington Foundation is a Cincinnati-based non-profit dedicated to putting FUN on the calendars of families LIVING with cancer. By providing vacations, spa days, concert tickets, and other memorable experiences, the foundation helps families create lasting memories and find moments of joy during a difficult time. For more information, visit www.karenwellingtonfoundation.org.

Couple of pictures from our 7th Grade Pioneers who are focusing on our STRONG PBIS initiative, great job everyone!!

Building is Open 7:30-3:30 Monday-Friday when school is in session.

School Counselors

• Mrs. Pietrocini -6th grade

• Mrs. Marozsan - 7th grade

• Mr. Greer - 8th Grade

School Information

Main Office: 440-572-7090

Building Secretary: Mrs. Hallie Malloy

School Attendance: 440-572-7090 Option 2

Attendance Clerk: Mrs. Lynn Haddad

Administration

SMS Principal: Mr. John Telloni

6th Grade Principal: Mrs. Tera Thomas

7th Grade Principal: Mr. Chris Howell

8th Grade Principal: Mr. Bryan Szczepanski

Parents/students have access to our anonymous reporting system. CLICK HERE to access. The more information shared when reporting, the better chance we have to investigate and support.