Friday, November 10th

Happy Friday, Sharks!

It was a short week here at SMS, but the students dug deep and got a whole lot accomplished. The time change tried to throw us off with its shenanigans, but clocks were changed and folks complained as darkness sets in early. Most (but somehow not all) of the Halloween candy seems to have been eaten as the week ends. We had our Honors Band trip this week that took a number of our students out to Western Albemarle High School. 1st quarter grades should be posted in Parent Portal by the end of the school day today. We have our Veteran’s Day Dinner tonight from 5:30 – 8:00 PM. We talked about this on WSMS this morning, but knowing that we have a number of military families here at Sutherland, we here would like to thank all of those who serve or have served (as well as their families) for all that you do. We look forward to spending this evening with many of you.

Looking ahead, we have a full week next week as Thanksgiving Break looms in the distance. Next week is Spirit Week with a pep rally on Friday (as well as a dance). Each day has a specific theme, so see below for more details. We have also started our Mustache Madness fundraiser here at Sutherland to help raise money for cancer research. More details below on what this looks like. Lots of items coming next week, so we wish you all a wonderful weekend. On with the news…

Next Week @ SMS: Spirit Week!

Monday, November 13th: Teal Day
Spirit Week theme: Pajama Day

Tuesday, November 14th: Black Day
Spirit Week theme: Circle of Life Day (dress like a stage of one’s life…toddler – elderly. Or, if you are like me, get The Lion King’s song stuck in your head all day)
McCullough field trip to VMI
6:30 – 7:30 PM: Band Boosters Meeting

Wednesday, November 15th: Teal Day
Spirit Week theme: Team Jersey Day
School pictures retakes

Thursday, November 16th: Black Day
Spirit Week theme: Disney Day

Friday, November 17th: Teal Day
Spirit Week theme: Wacky Tacky Tie Day (Nice…I am ready!)
ICA schedule – 3:00 PM Pep Rally
4:00 – 6:00 PM: Dance!

News from SMS:

1. No-Shave November has started here at SMS! Folks new to the building may notice that the teachers have started looking a bit scruffy as the cold weather sets in. This is all for a good cause! Each year, we host a fundraiser that culminates with a corn hole tournament where parents and students can sign up to try and claim the golden belt. This year’s tournament will take place after school on Friday, December 1st. All proceeds from this tournament go straight to the HEADstrong Foundation to help support cancer research. For every milestone we hit with donations, one of our SMS Staff members must either shave something ridiculous into their beards, or dye their hair. This is a great event here at SMS, so we hope many of you can attend on December 1st.

2. Sutherland Library 2nd notices were emailed to students (with prices as necessary) on Thursday, Nov. 9. Please check with your student and help him/her return, replace, or pay for what's in their k12albemarle.org Gmail overdue/LOST/damaged book notice as soon as possible. Thank you!

3. We are in search of a few brave parents and guardians who love all the sights and smells when chaperoning a middle school dance! Next Friday, the 6th grade team will host their dance from 4 – 6 PM and need a few extra pair of adult eyes. Any and all interested parties can go to this sign-up to help out that evening. Thanks! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d4bafab2fa2f85-nov17th

4. Thank you to all who made the yard sale a success! We earned $1200 for the PTO to use for our teachers!! Thank you to all those who donated items, donated their time to work the sale, and donated their baked goods and drinks to make this a great event! We appreciate all of you!!