The eScoop
February 16, 2018
The eScoop is a weekly publication of the Shaker Heights Middle School PTO.  
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SMS Weekly Calendar
Visit the  Online Calendar  and filter by Shaker Heights Middle School for more upcoming events.
From Mr. Glasner
Hello Shaker families!

Last Friday, the Middle School was excited to host a program for our 8th grade students called Court in the Classroom. Sponsored by the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, the program ran a real courtroom in our school auditorium. Students had the opportunity to see different parts of trials, including plea and sentencing agreements. At the conclusion of the trials, our students asked great questions to the judge, defendants, lawyers, and other court staff.  

Our 8th grade students are in the midst of learning about the US Constitution and the different branches of government and this program gave them the opportunity to see our judicial branch in action. A special thank you to Shaker community member, Judge Hollie Gallagher, for bringing her courtroom to our school and to the 8th grade Individuals & Societies department for coordinating this extraordinary experience!

I’d also like to give a special shout out to our 7th and 8th grade orchestras for a wonderful chamber music concert this past week. Thank you to Ms. Clouser for all of your work!
I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

From Your PTO Co-Presidents
Calling all fathers and sons to attend the SMS Father/Son Shindig taking place on Sunday, February 25 from 2:00-4:00!  This is an event you won’t want to miss—have fun with the OMG Video Game Truck, a father/son basketball tournament, corn hole, and various table games. We will also have food, drinks, and we promise lots of fun! We are still looking for volunteers for this event (we are happy to have moms and daughters as volunteers too!). If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Keely O’Bryan.

Enjoy a relaxing holiday weekend everyone!

SMS News & Events
What really happened on December 1, 1955 or The Day Rosa Parks refused to Give Up Her Seat?*

Much has been written about that fateful day that changed the course of history in the United States. However, as with most legends it has evolved and its retelling contains some errors. Though, the essence of the story remains the same. However, there are some interesting facts that you might find of interest. So follow this link to learn more.

*SMS Librarian Ms. Q had the honor of meeting Rosa Parks in August 1988, during a National Urban League Conference in Detroit, Michigan. She was the featured guest of Coleman A. Young, that city’s first African American mayor! She continued her support of Civil Rights organizations long after major battles had been won.

What’s the story behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream Speech”?

Sometimes it’s hard to get excited about a speech we’ve heard over and over again. Think of the stories you heard about how much harder life was when your parents were young.
Well, sometimes the background story can pique your interest. Take a listen and hear for yourself.

Note: They both have a Detroit, Michigan connection. Enjoy!
The SMS St. Baldrick's team is up to six members and has raised over $2000. Join us in shaving our heads (or cutting 8" off for wigs) to raise money for childhood cancer research! 

St. Baldrick's (the 2nd highest donor to children's cancer after the government) is having an event March 25 in Cleveland Heights specifically for kids. Team Shaker Middle School is looking for students to become shavees (or get their hair cut) and others to support them in this endeavor. This is a really fun event that does something wonderful for children in need. Shaker elementary schools have formed teams along with many Cleveland Heights schools, with a friendly competition as to who can raise the most money. 

Please join us for this fun and worthwhile event. For more information, to join, or to donate, go to our Team Page or contact Elizabeth Roeder .
College Credit Plus (CCP) offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in High School. This is called "dual credit," since a student earns both high school and college credit for the same course.
 
Did you know...

Students must complete a Letter of Intent to Participate in College Credit Plus by April 1, 2018, to participate in the 2018/19 school year. The Letter of Intent must be submitted to the College Credit Plus Coordinator at Shaker Heights High School. Students must complete a new Letter of Intent each year they participate. The Letter of Intent indicates interest, but does not lock a student into participating in CCP. The 18/19 letter will be available at the January 10 meeting (see below).

Information about the program is available on the High School/School Counseling page and on the Ohio Department of Education website . 
 
Contact Gabrielle Perrin, College Credit Plus Coordinator, with questions or for more information at [email protected] or 216-295-4220.
8th Grade Parents/Guardians: Interested in HS PTO Next Year? Please Get Involved!

We want your participation in the HS PTO (High School Parent Teacher Organization). Our mission is "facilitating the active and informed involvement of ALL parents and families to achieve the educational success and well-being of ALL children."

Never been part of PTO leadership before? It's never too late to get involved. PTO is a great way to meet other parents and share your ideas. The nominating committee is meeting soon to put together a slate of officers and chairpeople for next school year.

Email co-Chair Maria Hunter to let us know you're interested in getting involved, or feel free to contact any of the nominating committee members listed below. Thank you!

Annette Himes co-Chair
Support our Student Athletes

Wondering where your (or another family's) student athlete is making their mark on the world of sports any given afternoon? Check out the SMS Sports Master Schedule for all the information!
Box Tops

It’s time to clean out your drawer and send in your Box Tops. The deadline to turn them in is coming up. We receive 10 cents for every Box Top turned in. Such an easy way to earn money for our school! Thank you! 
Heinen's Teaming Up for Education

Don't forget: when you use your Tasteful Rewards Card throughout the school year, Heinen's will donate 1% to Shaker Middle School. Be sure to select SMS as your preferred school this year, either online at Heinens.com/schools or in-store at the Customer Service Desk.
Helpful Links
The Shaker Heights Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is dedicated to facilitating the active and informed involvement of all parents and families to achieving the educational success and well being of children. You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Shaker Heights Schools PTO. Add  [email protected]  to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! 
 
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