Saber Happenings!

Principal's Message

As the energy of spring returns, we often see our students expressing this with increased enthusiasm. While generally positive, this seasonal shift can sometimes lead to behaviors that create challenges within our school community and impact the experience of others.

At SLMS, our approach to these behavioral challenges is grounded in restorative practices. This represents a significant evolution from past disciplinary methods, and we believe it results in a more supportive and effective learning environment for everyone.

Historically, school discipline often relied heavily on punitive measures like detention or suspension. While these approaches might have offered a temporary response, they frequently fell short of addressing the underlying causes of behavior and, critically, did little to repair the harm done to the school community and those directly affected by a student's actions. Research has increasingly shown the limited long-term effectiveness of purely punitive disciplinary actions, often leading to increased disengagement, higher rates of recidivism, and disproportionate impacts on marginalized student populations .

Our current restorative approach is rooted in the understanding that when harm occurs, it affects individuals and the broader community. Our priority is to address the needs of all involved... those who have caused harm and those who have been harmed and to facilitate a process of repair and learning.

Here's how our approach differs from what you (and I) grew up with and why we believe it is more effective in the long run:

Shifting Focus to Impact and Learning: Unlike past practices that primarily focused on punishment, we now emphasize understanding the impact of a student's behavior on others. We see these incidents as crucial opportunities for students to learn about accountability, empathy, and the interconnectedness of our school community. While consequences are still necessary, they are implemented within a framework that prioritizes reflection and growth, making them more meaningful than simply serving a punishment.
Strengthening Our Community Fabric: Restorative discipline prioritizes building and maintaining positive relationships and a strong sense of community. When a student's behavior negatively impacts others, our goal is to address the harm in a way that fosters understanding and empathy, rather than creating division. This approach aims to cultivate a school culture where students feel responsible for their actions and connected to the well-being of their peers.
Accountability that Leads to Change: While punitive measures might remove a student from the immediate situation, they often don't equip them with the skills or understanding needed to make different choices in the future. Restorative practices, such as facilitated dialogues and community circles, encourage students to take genuine ownership of their actions and actively participate in repairing the harm caused. This deeper level of accountability is far more likely to lead to lasting behavioral change.
Supporting a Safe and Respectful Environment for All: Ultimately, our commitment is to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for every student. When one student's behavior disrupts this, it affects the well-being and learning of others. Restorative discipline allows us to address the root causes of the behavior, support the needs of those impacted, and equip the student who caused harm with the tools to make better choices. We believe this comprehensive approach is far more effective in fostering a positive and equitable environment than simply removing a student through suspension without addressing the underlying issues or the impact on the community.

We recognize that the behaviors of some students can be disruptive and concerning for their peers and families. Our shift towards restorative discipline is driven by the conviction that it offers a more effective and sustainable path to positive behavioral change and a stronger, more supportive school community for everyone. By focusing on understanding, accountability, and repair, we aim to create an environment where all students can thrive, learn, and feel safe.

Thank you for partnering with us in this important work.

-Mark Beddes

SLMS Principal

Surprise Lake Middle School (253)517-1300

Cell phone (253)678-0031
https://twitter.com/MrBeddes
mbeddes@fifeschools.com

"The vision of Surprise Lake Middle School is to collaboratively provide a learning experience where all students grow academically and socially in order to develop students who are prepared for their experiences beyond Surprise Lake Middle School."

School Pictures!

You can order your school pictures here! Code to enter is your student ID

April 25 - SLMS Band performs in the Jr. Daffodil Parade

May 4 - SLMS NERDFEST - 2:50-4:30pm

May 6th - No school (Staff enrichment day)

May 12th - 29th - SBA Schedule

May 21st - Fife SD Art Show! (5-7pm)

May 22nd-25th - No School Memorial Day

May 28th - Fife Night at The Rainiers! See info below!

Jun 1-3 - ELA iReady in ELA classes

June 8th-10th - Math iReady and math classes

June 10th - Begnning Band Concert

June 15th - Field Day!

June 16th - Early Release

June 17th - Early Release - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Event Information

Fife Night at the Rainiers!

Thursday May 28th is FIFE night at the Tacoma Rainiers! Come on out and have some fun with our amazing community and raise a little money for our Fife schools!

The link is below to purchase tickets. Hope to see you all there!

https://www.gofevo.com/event/fifenight

When?

Thursday, May 28, 2026, 07:00 PM

Where?

Cheney Stadium, South Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA, USA

location_on Open maps

Do you have something nice to say about a student or a staff member? Post it here and it will show up all around the screens at our school!

You can check this document for meeting times and advisors!

If you have any questions connect with our Athletic Director Leah Sandlian

Check out the SLMS athletics website and/or add our SLMS Google Calendar to yours!

Event Information

P.I.E. Meeting

Meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:30

When?

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 05:30 PM

Where?

Surprise Lake Middle School, Milton Way, Milton, WA, USA

location_on Open maps

What To Do When Your Child Won't Go To School

This helpful article has suggestions for how to handle it when your child is refusing to go to school.

Daily Bell Schedule Here

Saber Gear!

Are you interested in some SLMS swag?!? We have an apparel store so that you can pick up some great SLMS gear.

Do you want to volunteer?

Go to our volunteer site: https://fifevolunteers.myschooldata.net

If you have questions, contact us at volunteers@fifeschools.com

Core/Focus on Math online textbook

Khan Academy

Bus Route information

Skyward Login

Bell Schedule and Attendance Information

SLMS Student Handbook

District Calendar

Principal's Office Podcast

If you'd like to get to know our SLMS staff a little more, be sure to check out our Principal's Office Podcast! Click here for all of our teachers. Click here to subscribe on iTunes, or click here to subscribe on Spotify.