Friday, May 25th

Happy Friday, Sharks!

Hard to believe the last full week of school has now come and gone. The next 8 days will be pretty packed with special events, so I will preview the upcoming events for the remainder of the year here in a bit rather than just the week ahead. We have been busy here at school this week as the SOLs finally wind down. Civics and Science SOLs are now complete, and with just a few students still taking make-up tests, we look to be in pretty good shape in terms of those tests. We do still have a few re-tests next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Algebra I, Spanish I, French I and Geometry students have final exams starting next week. Information should have come home regarding the school’s exam exemption policy.

This week also saw the last two performances from our current Band and Chorus students. Wednesday night, all bands put on a show to a packed house featuring former SMS Band students (current AHS students) who took the stage with our 8^th grade band to end the evening. Thursday night, our choral groups were on display for their Spring Concert.

Coming up next week, we have the final drama performances of the year, SCA elections, WWII Tree Dedication, the SMS Film Festival, student computer collection, and Field Day. Looks to be pretty busy, so hopefully the long weekend helps energize everyone for the final push. Here is what is coming up…

Coming up @ SMS:

Monday, May 28^th: No School

Tuesday, May 29^th: Black Day
B Day Spanish I Exam
French I Exam

Wednesday, May 30^th: Teal Day
Civics and Science 8 SOL retakes
Exams: Spanish I (T Day), Geometry (Holmes), Algebra I (7^th and 8^th)
SCA elections during CHOMP
6:30 – 7:30 PM: 6^th Grade Drama performance

Thursday, May 31^st: Black Day
SMS Film Festival – all classes shortened
11:35: WWII/Holocaust remembrance dedication in front of school
6:30 – 7:30 PM: 7^th and 8^th Grade Drama performances

Friday, June 1^st: Teal Day
Field Day (have kids bring sun screen)

Monday, June 4^th: Black Day
Field Day rain date

Tuesday, June 5^th: Teal Day
Briesemeister/Brill class field trip

Wednesday, June 6^th: Black Day
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: 8^th Grade Moving on Ceremony
6^th and 7^th grade pool parties

Thursday, June 7^th: Teal Day
1:00 dismissal for all students

Friday, June 8^th: SUMMER!

News from SMS:

1.      New class for rising 8^th grade students: ​We are offering an additional elective for 8th grade students next year for those who may be interested. The course is Digital Media 8; students will utilize digital tools in the fields of programming and coding, game design, creative design, photography, animation and film, and they will enhance their knowledge of media software and how to manipulate and design digital media. This course will be an extension of the 7th grade curriculum for those who took the course this year.

If interested, please fill out this form so we can see if this new course can be added to your 2018/2019 course requests. You can review your course requests in PowerSchool if you can't remember them. A counselor will be in touch if we need clarification or if you indicate below that you'd like to see someone before making any changes.

2.      The 8^th grade team would like to thank all of our parents for helping students to maintain focus and concentration as we finish out the year with important SOL tests, final exams, and class projects and presentations during the final weeks. Since next Monday is a holiday, and Field Day is on Friday, the week will definitely fly by for our students! Please know that we have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to teach your students during this school year, and wish them the best as they transition to the high school setting, where we know they will shine in a variety of arenas.

Please note: Important details regarding the Moving On practice, and the ceremony itself, were sent thru the SMS Matters Line, and via a link on the website last week. Today, all 8^th grade students were given a hole-punched copy of the information to take home, as well.

Please contact Gayle Rainey at 975-0599, or email: grainey@k12albemarle.org, with any questions related to the ceremony.

3.  SCA wants to sincerely thank all the parents and students who donated to our Police Department Service Project. We were able to deliver 150 treat bags for officers at the police department. They were very appreciative. Thank you for your help. We couldn't have done it without you. 

Friday, May 18th

Happy Friday, Sharks!

A brief message from me today as the school day has escaped me. It was a busy week here at SMS as we continued SOL testing, sharing scores with students, and offering retakes. Our students have done a great job this year and have made a lot of progress on their tests. As the scores continue to roll in, we have found that there are lot of success stories to highlight with your children. Kudos to you and them for all the hard work. As we head into next week, a reminder that 8th grade still has their Science and Civics SOL tests. We still have a few 6th and 7th graders doing remediation and/or make-up tests, but we should be done by Friday. After that, we start looking to 8th grade Exams and some of the fun items, like the band, choir, and drama performances, Field Day, and closing exercises. The next three weeks will be busy ones, but the end is in sight. Have a great weekend, stay dry, and enjoy the time together!

Next Week @ SMS:
Monday, May 21st: Teal Day
Tuesday, May 22nd: Black Day
   Afternoon: 8th grade Civics SOL
Wednesday, May 23rd: Teal Day
   Afternoon: 8th grade Science SOL
   7:00 - 9:00 PM: Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 24th: Black Day
   7:00 - 9:00 PM: Spring Chorus Concert
Friday, May 25th: Teal Day
   SOL Make-us tests
News from SMS:
1. All 8th grade information today...see below:

                          2018  8^th Grade ‘Moving On’ Ceremony Information
Moving On Ceremony Practice: Tuesday, June 5th from 9am until 11am
Please ensure that your student is here on the morning of practice, so that they are prepared for the ceremony on Wednesday.  After the televised morning announcements, we will have the students line up in alphabetical order, and then proceed to the gym and be placed in their anticipated seating arrangement. At that time, we will discuss the planned agenda for the ceremony so that the students have an understanding of the procedure before the event the next day. They will then follow their normal schedule for 3^rd block in their exploratory and PE classes. During 4^th block, the 8^th grade team will be treating the students to a Sundae Party to celebrate their last year of middle school.
Moving On Ceremony: Wednesday, June 6^th at 9am
All 8^th grade students will need to come to school on time and dressed in their planned graduation outfit, rather than changing once they get here. Shortly after the morning announcements, we will begin lining them up for the processional to the gym area for the ceremony. Please review the following guidelines so that this can be a   meaningful occasion for all of our students and their families.

1. A prompt arrival is appreciated as the ceremony is slated to start at 10:00am. Please plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time to find both a parking spot, and a seat for the ceremony. Although teachers park on the blacktop to allow parents all available parking places, the logistics ensure that people be flexible, and understand that it is likely that there will be a number of people who will be walking from a side street.
2. As you know, the ceremony itself is a momentous occasion for our departing students, and many of them have elderly relatives who will be in attendance for this event. Since the ceremony is located in the gym with bleacher seating, we kindly ask you to give these guests, senior citizens, and those in wheelchairs, priority seating on the last several rows of chairs located on center seating area of the gymnasium floor. Thank you in advance for this courtesy.
3. In addition to the ceremony certificate given to each student during the ceremony, we have numerous well-deserving students who will be recognized for a variety of awards. In order to conduct the ceremony in a timely fashion, we kindly ask that you hold your applause until all names have been read aloud during instances where more than one student is receiving an award. We greatly appreciate your cooperation with this request.
4. We will be reading the individual names of students at a moderate pace, and appreciate your respect for each one of them crossing the stage. After the ceremony, we will recess the students first, starting with the back row. Please wait until all the 8^th graders have left the gym before following them. Everyone should plan on meeting his, or her student out on the grassy area in front of the school so that we can avoid bottleneck at the exits from the gym. Thank you for your cooperation with this request.

Friday, May 11th

Happy Friday, Sharks!

One week of SOL testing is now in the rear view. Students in all grades did a terrific job taking the Reading SOL on Tuesday and Wednesday. We had a few make-up tests given today, so teachers will start sharing scores with students on Monday. You should have received an e-mail about this process from your child’s Language Arts teacher. Next week, students will take the math SOLs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Traditionally, these tests have been the longer tests in May, so if you have any need for your child to be picked up early those days, be aware that testing can take a bit. During SOL testing, there generally aren’t a lot of school field trips to brag about as so many classes are focused on the tests, but I will say that the pictures coming in from the Orchestra trip today look like the students are having a blast.

One item to really highlight is a huge thank you to the many students and parents who made our staff feel so loved this teacher appreciation week. The PTO was outstanding in organizing treats and meals every day of the week. Students and their families were great at sending messages of thanks to our staff. It truly does take a village, and we are all lucky to have a community that supports us like you all do. So, from all of us to all of you….thank you!

A few news items below. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you out there this weekend. Enjoy the time together!

Next Week @ SMS:

Monday, May 14^th: Black Day
AHS Football representatives visit 8^th grade lunch
Tuesday, May 15^th: Teal Day
7^th and 8^th grade math SOL
Wednesday, May 16^th: Black Day
6^th grade math SOL test
4:00 – 8:00 PM: 5^th Grade Band instrument try outs
Thursday, May 17^th: Teal Day
Friday, May 18^th: Black Day
Make-up Math SOL tests

News from SMS:

Traffic: As the year winds down, please remember to be mindful of the four crosswalks around the school area. There are 2 in front of the building and two on the road before/after the entrance to Hollymead and Sutherland. We have had several concerns brought to our attention about distracted and/or speeding drivers. We work with our students to make sure they use the crosswalks (a work in progress, to be sure), but want to ensure their safety when they cross. Thank you!

PTO and the Sutherland School Counselors are hosting a “Conversation over Coffee” on May 29 at 8:15 in the SMS Library.  This will be a follow up discussion to Screenagers, which was recently shown at Sutherland.  We will continue to discuss challenges we all face helping our kids in this digital age, teaching them boundaries, and finding support in each other in teaching our kids how to regulate their technology/social media use.  Please feel free to join the conversation even if you weren’t able to attend the screening of the film!

8^th Grade Parents: Paradigm Break, an Albemarle High School FTC Robotics team, will be here at Sutherland on May 22 from 4:10 to 4:40 after school, location TBD.  They are here to recruit new members for next year’s team.  If your child is interested in learning what FTC high school robotics is all about and wants to meet the team, plan to have them attend this meeting.  The high school students will provide an informal demo and talk, as well as answer any questions students may have.  Please contact Mrs. McCullough if you have questions at dmccullough@k12albemarle.org.

​Come to BINGO and TRIVIA night in the SUTHERLAND CAFETERIA on Friday May 18th from 6:30-8pm! All proceeds go to the Destination Imagination Team going to globals in Tennessee! $3.00 for cards and there will be prizes for each round of bingo from local businesses. Snacks will be for sale! Bring your whole family for a fun filled family night out!​

Several of our 7th grade classes will hold a tree dedication ceremony on May 31st at 11:00 AM as part of their unit on WWII and the Holocaust. Parents are welcome to attend. 

The SMS PE team needs volunteers to help with Field Day! Field day will be all day on June 1, 2018. We are in need of parents to help at the different stations. Thank you so much for helping us make Field Day a huge success. Please use the sign-up genius link to sign up for a spot. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d4bafab2fa2f85-smsfield1 ***RAIN DATE IS JUNE 4th. Please let us know in the comments if you are available if needed. Thank you.

Friday, May 4th

Happy Friday, Sharks!

It has been a busy week here at SMS as we head into SOLs next week. Lots of great Star Wars shirts here at SMS today due to May the 4^th date. A number of our kids are off to Busch Gardens today for their band trip. Last night, we had both the orchestra concert where a number of our students were able to let their talent shine, and the Parent Council showing of Screenagers here at SMS. Our track team went off to Walton on Wednesday for the track meet. We had the April birthday celebration on Monday. Walking the halls this week, you can tell the end of the year is almost here as the students continue work on their projects, prepare for SOLs, and work on lot of cool items in their classes. 

Coming up, we start the three-week SOL testing window. We test on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the next three weeks – mostly in the mornings after morning announcements. During week three, the 8^th grade Civics and Science SOLs will be in the afternoon. Students will need their computers for the tests, but will leave them at school prior to testing to make sure they are charged and ready to go. This coming week, we have the Reading SOLs. Student should get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before their tests. Cell phones and electronics are not allowed in the testing rooms, so they should bring a book to read if they finish the test before their peers. Good luck on all the tests!

A reminder that we have an ICA schedule today. If your child is leaving early between 3 – 4 PM, please allow for extra time for pick-up. Have a great weekend, folks!  

  

Next Week @ SMS:

Monday, May 7^th: Teal Day

Tuesday, May 8^th: Black Day
7^th and 8^th Grade Reading SOL test

Wednesday, May 9th: Teal Day
6^th Grade Reading SOL test

Thursday, May 10^th: Black Day

Friday, May 11^th: Teal Day
8^th Grade Orchestra trip to Busch Gardens
Make-up SOL tests

Saturday, May 12^th: SUNSET RUN @ 7:00 PM

News from SMS:

1. From the PTO: Come to Bingo/ Trivia Night on Friday, May 18th from 6:30-8pm in the Sutherland Cafeteria! You can win prizes from local businesses! This is a fundraiser for the Sutherland DI team going to globals in Tennessee! 
2. 8^th Grade Team News:

• Celebration/Dance: The 8^th grade team would like to express our sincere appreciation to the PTO for their generous funding of this event, and to the parents who donated their time, talents, and additional resources to create a memorable evening for the students. The students all greatly enjoyed the addition of games and activities, and the ‘Countries Around the World’ dinner theme to the event! 
• Looking ahead: Practice for the Moving On’ Ceremony Practice will take place on the morning before the event: Tuesday, June 5th. We will start right after the morning announcements, so please ensure that your student arrive at school on time. In the afternoon, the 8^th grade team will be treating the students to an ice cream social ‘with all the toppings!’
• Reminder: While we know that our students are happily anticipating starting the next chapter of their school life in the high school setting, please support our efforts to keep them focused on their last few weeks of learning middle school curriculum. They will be participating in numerous final exams and four additional SOL tests prior to the end of the school year. Please ensure their timely arrival to school, and as few early dismissals as possible, to ensure their best performance. We appreciate your support on behalf of your students.

3. UVA Facilities Management hosts third annual Girls Day set for June 14. Registration is open May 1.    UVA Facilities Management will host its third annual Girls Day on Thursday, June 14 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. This year’s event will be open to girls between the ages of 10 and 16 from the Charlottesville area community. Registration opens Tuesday, May 1 on the following website: https://www.fm.virginia.edu/girlsday2018/#register.

The event aims to inspire and excite girls ages 10-16 to consider a career in construction and the building trades by offering behind-the-scenes tours of work sites, including the Main Heat Plant and the Carr’s Hill renovation, as well as hands-on activities with our tradespeople and opportunities to hear from our dynamic FM women and what they love about their careers. This year’s lunch will take place at the recently renovated baseball stadium and feature speaker UVA Director of Athletics Carla Williams.

Questions? Contact the FM Girls Day Committee at fmgirlsday@virginia.edu or visit the Girls Day website at https://www.fm.virginia.edu/girlsday2018.