Sells eNews

With two weeks remaining I was hoping that we would make it through the year without having to warn you of any TikTok challenges. Unfortunately we didn't quite make it to the end of the year. Please be aware that there are new challenges that our students are seeing on TikTok. These include allowing another student to "choke" them until the point of almost, or in some cases, actually passing out; sticking pencils into the charging port of the Chromebook to try to get it to smoke; sticking things into electrical outlets and causing sparks and smoke (and in some cases getting shocked); making big messes in the restrooms. We could use your help in stressing the importance of not participating in any TikTok challenge, at school or at home. These are becoming increasingly more dangerous, and unfortunately some of our students are not thinking about the outcomes and consequences of these challenges.

Please note that the District will consider any damage done to a student's chromebook due to sticking anything into the charging port to try to get it to smoke intentional. Per the District's existing policy, students responsible for such damage will be charged the full replacement cost of the Chromebook.

Thank you for your help and support with this. The power and influence of social media is strong and unfortunately, many of the posts your children are seeing are pressuring them to make poor decisions here at school.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

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)

On behalf of the teaching staff at Sells MS, I wanted to thank our PTO for their efforts in providing treats and lunch to our teachers during Staff Appreciation Week! We are so fortunate to have a PTO that wants to be involved with the school and supports our teachers! THANK YOU!

On Wednesday, we celebrated our May Students of the Month by inviting families to be with us as we honored this achievement. These students have been nominated for this distinguished achievement through their continued demonstration of Rock Pride. Specifically, how they have demonstrated perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline and empathy in and out of the classroom.

The May Students of the Month:

6th Grade: Erin Harley, Axton Damian, Penny Lopez and Dhevon Manasa

7th Grade: Addison Arway, Tiku Awo, Vershitha Narra and Korbin Williams

8th Grade: Hunter Suter, Sedra Alshammari, Annabelle Coe, Michael Haynes Jr, Sajida Mamond, Kellen Moore and Negina Safi

On Thursday evening, our boy's and girl's track teams competed in the Bellfontaine Invite. BOTH teams took home 1st place in the overall Team competition! We are so proud of their efforts and hard work they have been demonstrating all season! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ATHLETES!

Please join us on Wednesday, May 14 for the spring Art Show and Band Concert! The Art Show will start at 5:00pm followed by the Band Concert at 7:00pm. Our students' talented work will be on display in the "gallery" in the Commons! The Band Concert will be the final one of the school year and will showcase our students' musical talents with full ensemble and solo performances.

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.

A representative from Prodigy Student Travel (PST) will be here to discuss specific details that will be involved with the D.C. trip next school year. This trip will take place in May, 2026. Details that will be discuss include the tentative itinerary, cost of the trip and how to register your child with PST.

If you are unable to attend, all the information will be posted on the school website and will be noted in future Weekly Updates.

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!

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.

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.

Join us Tuesday, May 13th at 7pm for our last Virtual PTO Meeting of the year. Mr. Sachtleben will give an update on things going on around Sells and the PTO will share a recap of this year and updates for next school year including open PTO positions.

meet.google.com/eek-tmim-fpt

We hope you can join us!

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

Share Your Voice and Win a Prize!

The DCS Communications team is conducting a parent survey to collect feedback on the district’s communication efforts. The short survey takes just 3–5 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.

Dodgeball is here!

Check out this message from Dr. Marschhausen about tonight’s Dodgeball tournament. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, it’s not too late! Get them at this link.

Book your Child’s Summer Camps Now!

We just added new opportunities to our Info Hub, including Scioto’s Girls Soccer Camp, Jerome’s Tryout Tune-up Volleyball Camp and info about the upcoming Columbus Children’s Festival. Check out the many DCS Summer Camps offered as well as the opportunities listed on our Info Hub. Whether looking for the sports camps provided by our varsity teams or a STEM camp, you’re sure to find something that your student is interested in!

Free Food Giveaway – May 15 at Linworth United Methodist Church

The Dublin Food Pantry is once again hitting the road to share food with those in need. Please save the date for Thursday, May 15, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., when a pop-up pantry will be held at Linworth United Methodist Church, located at 7070 Bent Tree Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235. No registration is required—just stop by and take home what you need. Please help spread the word to neighbors and friends who might benefit from this opportunity. We’re grateful to be part of a community that cares.

Need a Summer Job?

Dublin businesses are hiring! Dublin Talent Connect event links job seekers with open positions. Get fast-tracked for interviews with top Dublin employers. Review open roles and schedule your May 15 interviews today. Get to work!

Hear the Latest in Dublin

April was all about sustainability, service and safety in Dublin! From celebrating Earth Month and Arbor Day to recognizing volunteers and 911 dispatchers, we saw what makes our community exceptional. Catch all the updates in the April City Manager Report.