SJMS Tiger Tales
March 2017
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Help our students and school by
purchasing your coffee from SJMS.
  It is great quality coffee and all of the business training, branding, and
marketing has been done by our students!  They are amazing.  
Coming soon - Green and Black Tea K-Cups.  Order here: 
If you have any questions please email  tigerclawfee@gmail.com 
or myself at mcurry@mckinneyisd.net 

Click here for the 16/17 SJMS Event Calendar.

Please mark your calendar for our SJMS Cub Camp.
Friday - June 2, 2017.
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Parent Coffee
@ 10:00 AM
Parents - please plan on picking your student up at 12:00 PM if you're not joining us for lunch.
 
This is a great time for incoming 6th grade students to earn their Tiger Stripes and become a successful Tiger student!



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McKinney ISD- Department of Instructional Technology
A monthly newsletter for parents, grandparents, families and the community dedicated to updates and information on how McKinney ISD uses technology in the classroom.


Attendance
 
We are all interested in the very best education possible for our students; therefore it is imperative that each student attends school every day unless they are sick.  Per McKinney ISD parent/doctor notes must be turned in within three (3) school days of the student's return to school, a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence must be turned in to the attendance clerk for attendance documentation.
 
Please email attendance notes to Mrs. Hennessy shennessy@mckinneyisd.net
or fax them to 469-302-4901.
 
For truancy questions, please contact your student's 
AP Secretary.
 
Ms. Sierra Diaz
(A-K)
469-302-5010
 
(L-Z)
469-302-5030

If you have any questions about middle school courses, please contact your child's counselor .
  
Did you know that the SJMS PTO is a great place for parents to meet other parents as well as keeping your fingers on the pulse of what's going on in your Middle Schooler's life.
  
The SJMS PTO needs YOUR membership!  Your membership dues help the PTO purchase snacks for the school concession stores, provide teachers with small treats throughout the school year, and help fund other school activities! 

Please contact Mrs. Van Dyke for more information.
SJMS PTO  Spirit Cart
 
Friday,  April  7
Friday,  May 12
 
 

  The McKinney ISD crisis response plan prohibits parent access to school buildings during a school lock-down, during lock-down drills, and when the district has placed campuses in tornado safe mode. Once the District has placed campuses in a lock-down or tornado safe mode, staff and students will be in protected areas of the building, and not near exterior doors or windows. 
  
Parents and other visitors will not be granted access to the campus for the duration of the lock-down or tornado safe mode. 
  
 Thank you for your cooperation.

If you would like to volunteer at SJMS, please go online and fill out the Volunteer Background form.
 Click here to fill out the application
You must complete a new form each year.  Please note that if you do not complete the proper paperwork, you can not help chaperon field trips or help with the school in any way.  We need and want your help, so please fill out the form as soon as possible.
Lost & Found - Library
     
The Lost and Found is located in the Library. Please remind students to look for any lost items, like jackets and bags. Any items labeled with your child's name will be returned. Any items found of value (cell phone, iPad, electronic device, jewelry, etc) will be kept locked in the Front Office
Let's wish the following staff a Happy Birthday!

MS. WALTERS 3/12
MS. DRANE 3/16
MS. VALDEZ 3/17
MS. MONAGHAN 3/22

 
 
Dear Tiger Parents,

Yesterday we had an exciting AVID Leadership Summit headed up by our very own Mr. Vitale and Mrs. Johnson.  I am so proud of the staff for giving our kids this opportunity to stretch their level of leadership.  The students were amazing. I can't wait to see the impact it is going to have on our students and the campus.

STAAR Testing

I want to remind you that we will be STAAR testing soon.
March 28th: 7th Grade Writing and 8th Grade Math
March 29th: 8th Grade Reading
  • Please make sure your child is on time to school so they can start the test with other students. 
  • If students are too late, they will take the test on a make-up day. I encourage students to bring a healthy snack that is not messy. No Cheetos on the answer documents please. :) 
  • We take up cell phones, apple watches, and any smart device that allows access to the internet. Items are returned to students when testing is completed on campus. 
  • Remind students to bring a light jacket and be comfy. We try to make this day as comfortable for them as possible, but they will be sitting a while. 
  • Remind them to bring a good book to read in case they finish early. 
  • Lots of positive reinforcement and plenty of rest the night before is all they need right now. 
They are ready to be successful! 

Tiger Safety Survey

Did You Know...
  • All outside doors of SJMS are locked at all times and visitors are only permitted to enter through the front doors.
  • The counselors come to each classroom two times a year to review the bullying procedures and expectations with every student.
  • The PTO has a committee called "Programs" and they are instrumental in helping the administration design programs that enhance the safety of our campus.  They are always looking for parents who would like to volunteer to help.
  • SJMS and Evans MS are partnering in a bullying awareness assembly for the 2017-18 school year.
  • The door entry where visitors enter at the front of the building has a camera, so that staff can verify who is entering the building before they are allowed to enter.
  • We have a safe entry foyer.  The district install safety doors in the front foyer so that visitors must enter through the main office and do not have access to the building without permission.
  • We have a School Resource Officer, who is a McKinney Police Officer (Cprl. John Walls) assigned to our school
  • Teachers stand at their doors during passing period to greet and monitor students
  • Teachers have duty stations before school, during lunches, and after school to help students.
  • Visitors to our building have to show a state form of ID to be in areas with students and there is a safety check that is completed each time your ID is scanned at the front desk.
  • SJMS administrators and teachers are in front of the building helping students being dropped off or picked up every day.
  • SJMS administrators and teachers are at the back of the building to help our students who ride the busses and dismiss the busses.
  • Students are allowed in the hall during instructional time only with a Hall Pass (with Planner).
Again this semester, I will be sending out parent/community surveys.  I will keep them short and sweet, but I really would appreciate your feedback.  This is a team effort!  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by September 23rd.   Click here to access the  Safety Survey for March 2017  .


Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  
 
Dr. Mitch Curry
Principal, SJMS

Check out our  Facebook Page and our  Twitter Page
Click  here  to visit our school website.

Click this link for the 16/17 SJMS Calendar of Events 
http://www.sjmstigers.com/calendar.html                         
MM/DD/YY
Upcoming Events!!
SJMS Raising Cane's Spirit Night
 
Visit McKinney Raising Cane's ALL day on March 23, 2017,
notify the cashier that you are participating in Scott Johnson Middle School Spirit Night and 15% will go to SJMS.  THANK YOU for supporting SJMS PTO & our students.

STAAR Testing Dates  
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
STAAR 7 Writing
STAAR 8 Math
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
STAAR 8 Reading



 
Ms. Hjartberg & Mr.Gaffney wanted to give parents tips on how to handle the upcoming STAAR Test with your Tiger. Since standardized tests can be stressful on students, parents can really assist at home to make taking these tests a little easier. 
 
 
  • Make sure your child does all their homework and reading assignments. This will help make sure your child is prepared for the test.
  • Encourage your child to space out their studying and homework assignments so they will not be forced to cram on the night before the test.
  • If you are anxious about your child's test, it's ok.  Try to remain calm around your child.  You do not want them to get anxious about their tests too.
  • Encourage your child to do well but don't pressure him/her. You may stress him/her out. It is important for your child to stay relaxed for the test.
  • Keep a positive attitude about tests.
  • Provide a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help your child study efficiently.
  • Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
  • Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before the test.
  • Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foods that may make him/her groggy.  Avoid high sugar foods that may make him/her hyper.
  • Make sure your child gets up early enough so that he/she will be on time to school.
  • Let your child relax for a few hours before bedtime, it can be stressful for a child to study all night.
  • Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking.
  • If your child is struggling on their tests, talk to them about it.  Meet with their teacher to find out the best way to help your child.
  • Praise/reward your child when they do well on a test or for their hard work preparing for a test.
  • Encourage them to do better if they don't do well.
Source: http://www.testtakingtips.com/parents/index.htm

CELL PHONE POLICY FOR STAAR TESTING:
Parents are strongly encouraged to have students keep their cell phones at home on
STAAR Testing Days. If students must bring their phones, then they must keep their phones locked in their lockers.
No cell phones are allowed in the testing area. If students are caught with a cell phone or using a cell phone during testing, then it will be given to an Administrator. The cell phone policy is strictly enforced during testing.
**Please do not schedule doctor or dental appointments on these days.  Your child will not be allowed to come back and finish the test.
 

 The school talent show is around the corner!  Students will be able to show off their special talent- dancing, singing, acting, band, instrument, comedy...you name it. 

 

 SJMS Talent Show
Thursday, March 31, 2017
7:00 PM - Cafeteria

McKinney ISD - 12th Annual Special Olympics Track and Field Meet 
 Ron Poe Stadium 
We have over 750 athletes competing on Friday, March 31. Come show your support!

17-18 Cheer Team
All current 6th and 7th graders interested in being a member of the 2017-2018 SJMS Cheer Team need to complete the online application by March 31st.
 
Cheer Payment will not be due until the fitting tentatively scheduled for April 18th.
 
Physical and other forms must be picked up on March 31st in room E202.
 
  Physicals must be dated April 1st - April 7th.

 
The purpose of this application is to create a database to send out additional information regarding the upcoming cheer evaluations.
 
Thank you,  
 
Tina Balgemann
Geometry/8th Math
Cheer Coach
 

SJMS Athletics
tennis-items.jpg
                                    
17-18 Registration Information
          
Parents of 5th, 6th, and 7th graders
  If you were unable to attend the parent meetings regarding registration for next school year 17/18, please take a look at the following PowerPoint presentation.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our counselors.

                               
Texas Student Success Initiative (SSI)
      
SJMS Parents:
The grade advancement requirements of the Texas Student Success Initiative (SSI), requires that grade 5 and grade 8 students meet the passing standards on STAAR tests in mathematics and reading before they can be promoted to the next grade.  The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that every student makes the academic progress necessary to show a sufficient understanding of the knowledge and skills taught and tested at each grade level. 
Each student is given three opportunities to pass the state assessment, with the first assessment date being Tuesday, March 28, 2017 for mathematics and Wednesday, March 29, 2017 for reading.  Your child's teacher depend upon and look forward to working with you to help your child succeed.  If you have any questions about your child's progress, please feel free to contact your child's teacher.
 
Padres de Familia:
Los requisitos de la ley estatal La Iniciativa para el Éxito Estudiantil (SSI, por sus siglas en inglés) requiere que los estudiantes de 5 y 8 grado pasen las pruebas de STAAR de lectura y matemáticas antes de pasar a al siguiente grado. El propósito de esta iniciativa es asegurar que cada estudiante ha hecho el progreso académico necesario para mostrar una comprensión suficiente de los conocimientos y destrezas enseñados y evaluado en cada nivel de grado.
Cada estudiante tiene tres oportunidades para pasar la prueba estatal, con la primera fecha de evaluación siendo el martes, 28 de marzo de 2017 para matemáticas y para lectura el miércoles, 29 de marzo de 2017.  El maestro de su hijo depende, y espera trabajar junto con usted para ayudar a su hijo a tener éxito.   Si usted tiene alguna pregunta acerca del progreso de su hijo, no dude en ponerse en contacto con el maestro de su hijo.
  
  
SJMS PTO
                             8th grade parents:
 
We are beginning to plan our 8th Grade Celebration to honor our students as they leave middle school and prepare to go on to high school! If you would like to participate in planning or assisting with the celebration, please email
Sara Brice at sarabbrice@gmail.com.
 
PTO NEEDS YOUR HELP! 
We also need volunteers to help fundraise for this event. Our fundraising efforts will include working concessions at McKinney North Soccer and baseball games. You can get more information and sign up now by going to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4fadaf2ca2ff2-sjms
 
This is how we help with the 8th grade celebration and campus projects!
 
McKinney Police Teen Academy
MISD Police Teen Academy

The School Resource Officers of McKinney Police Department will once again be conducting a Teen Police Academy this summer.  Students will spend a week of receiving firsthand experience in Police procedures and tactics.
 Those interested will need to see SRO Walls to complete an application. 
 

 
If you have any questions feel free to contact
SRO Walls or any of the MISD School Resource Officers.


+ Message from Nurse Kerr +
 
Attention 6th Grade Parents:

Your student will need proof of the following immunizations before going into the 7th grade
 
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/pertussis-containing vaccine (unless a booster dose was received within the past five years),
  • Meningococcal vaccine (one dose after age 11 and every 5 years after last dose)
  • Varicella vaccine (two doses received on or after 1st birthday)
  • Hepatitis A vaccines (2 doses)
  •  MMR vaccine (two doses received on or after 1st birthday)  
  
The vaccines listed above are required in addition to those required by earlier laws. A signed statement of varicella disease will count towards the varicella requirement.
  
It is necessary for your child to be in compliance before the start of school 2017/2018.
Collin County Health Care Clinic offers low-cost or free immunizations for Medicaid, CHIPs, American Indian or Alaskan native, uninsured or underinsured (no vaccine, capped coverage or select vaccine insurance coverage).

                           Collin County Health Care
                           825 North McDonald Street
                           Monday- Friday
                           7:30am-11:00am and 1:00 pm-4:00pm
  
Passport Health will be available to vaccinate children ages 6 months to 18 years with Cigna, AETNA, BCBS or United Healthcare insurances and The Care Van will offer FREE IMMUNIZATIONS for Medicaid, uninsured or no vaccine insurance coverage. INFANTS TO 18 YEARS OF AGE at these times and locations:
                                
Upcoming Immunization clinics at:
Lawson Early Childhood Center
500 Dowell St.
    
Thursday May 18, 2017
5:00PM-7:00PM

 

6th Grade Immunization Letter 

 

 

 


Medication No Tolerance Policy
McKinney ISD has a NO tolerance policy for students in possession of medication of any kind, including herbal supplements, vitamins, and all over the counter medications including cough drops/lozenges.

All medication should be checked in to the campus Nurse, and proper documentation will need to be completed ahead of time.  For more information, please contact Nurse Kerr.
   

    
 
Sherri Kerr RN MBA/HCM
Professional School Nurse
Scott Johnson Middle School
469-302-4914
fax 469-302-4901
email:  skerr@mckinneyisd.net             
        
 
Be in the know... MISD News!
During bad weather, we make every attempt to assess the road conditions and notify staff and students as early as possible. Every effort is made to assess the road conditions and make a final decision by 5:30 a.m. Although, there have been cases where the weather worsened during the morning hours and a decision was made slightly later than the 5:30 goal.

The district will use several communication avenues to notify parents, students, and staff. The ParentLink automated phone calling system will be utilized in the event of a delay or school closure. If you recently changed phone numbers and have not notified the district, please make certain your information is accurate by contacting the registrar at your child's campus.

 

 

"Love and Logic"
There are only two more sessions of the "Love and Logic" Parenting classes being offered free of charge this year by McKinney ISD. The March dates are March 2,16,23,and 30.  Each session is from 6-8pm and are located at the McKinney ISD Administrative building at 1 Duvall St.
 
"Love and Logic" Parenting classes are for parents wanting have loving relationships with their children by setting limits, avoiding power struggles and guiding their children to become problem solvers. The curriculum is from babies through teens.
  • Contact Paula Isaacks at 972-529-2818 to register for the class.

Thank you for the privilege of teaching your children. Our doors are always open.
  
Sincerely,  

Mitchell Curry,
Principal SJMS