HELP!!!!!!

It's getting warmer and that only means one thing at the Middle School. Dress Code Headaches. I had my 7th and 8th graders all stand up and face me during lunch today (I was called out during 6th grade lunch so they didn't get a chance to do this). While standing up, I asked them all to reach their arms straight down. They were told if they could touch skin, then their shorts/skirts were too short. As soon as we did this a handful of girls started pulling their skirts/shorts down so that they were at finger tip length. I let them sit down then went on to mention the other "biggies", low cut tops, tank tops, open toe sandals (without socks), etc. I then explained to them that I hate being the Dress Code Police. Please, Please, Please help me out. There are many outfits that look great for going out to dinner, to family gatherings and to church but don't fit our school dress code. If in doubt, please don't wear it to school. Mom and Dad....help in this area is greatly appreciated.

Planning for College

KnowHow2GO is hosting a Saving for College Program on May 7, 2013 at the St. Clair County RESA Administration Building at 6:30 p.m.

Current 6th Graders - Half Day on Wednesday May 1st

Because of our 6th Grade Orientation (bringing over all 5th graders to SCDMS), our current 6th graders will be dismissed tomorrow, Wednesday May 1st, at 11:30 am.

Health Department Reminding Residents of Norovirus Precautions

The St. Clair County Health Department is reminding residents that Norovirus, a common and contagious virus, is still common this time of year. This virus is incorrectly known as the “stomach flu”. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year, however over 80% of the outbreaks occur from November to April. Norovirus is NOT related to the flu (influenza) virus, which is a respiratory illness that can be prevented by getting a seasonal flu vaccination. There is no vaccine or specific medication for norovirus prevention. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed causing stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The virus is passed through vomit and stool and contamination can reach as far as 40 feet from the source. The illness usually begins 24-48 hours after exposure, sometimes sooner. People infected are contagious from the moment they start feeling sick, to atleast three days after recovery; sometimes up to 2 weeks later. Anyone can be infected with norovirus and get sick. Children and older adults can be seriously affected. When sick with vomiting and diarrhea, avoid sending your children to daycare and school until illness ends. Persons working in nursing homes, those taking care of patients, or anyone who handle foods should stay out of work atleast 48-72 hours after symptoms end. Prevention is the key. Remember these tips: Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Hand sanitizers do NOT work against norovirus Properly disinfect all contaminated surfaces using chlorine bleach Wash all soiled clothing and linens Avoid food or water from sources that may be contaminated It’s important to stay home when you are sick. Avoid public places, social events and gatherings. This will help stop the spread of further illness. For additional norovirus guidance, precautions and cleaning decontamination visit http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html or call our Environmental Health Division at (810)987-5306.

Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance is a term that is used quite a bit but what does it really mean? Law enforcement agencies, schools, State and Federal Government Officials all use the term “Zero Tolerance” when addressing a poor choice and how it’s going to be handled. SCMS has a Zero Tolerance for any misbehavior. Our definition is that Zero Tolerance means that poor choices have consequences. It does not necessarily mean indefinite suspension or expulsion. The reason I bring this up is because of a conversation I was having with someone whose opinion I value and the term came up. They thought, as I’m betting many community members think, that Zero Tolerance means immediate suspension/expulsion, which is not the case. We’ve been dealt a great hand here at SCMS with our students, but even good kids can and do make poor choices (being a father of three sons, no one knows that better than I). When a student makes a poor choice, there are consequences, there is follow up and then we move forward. It’s all part of the process of maturing. Hope this helps if you’re ever having a conversation and the term Zero Tolerance comes up.

Congrats to Our March No Zero Winners

Through the generosity of our PTO, we are able to give $10 gift certificates to two students chosen at random from each grade that didn't have any homework referrals for the month. March winners are for 6th grade, Alyssa Salagan and Evan Bremerkamp. For 7th grade, Jacob Minano and Makayla Burns. For 8th grade, Mikayla Burke and Gregori Nadtoka. Congrats to the winners and thank you to our PTO.

EXPLORE Test Parent Meeting

The Explore Test is basically a mini-ACT test that we give our 8th graders in the Spring. The EXPLORE Student Score Report gives information about knowledge, skills, interests, and plans. Students and parents can use this information as they plan for high school coursework and begin thinking about college and work. Next Thursday, April 25th, SCMS will be hosting an Explore Test review for parents to help show parents how to use the results. The meeting will be in the Media Center at 7:00 pm. On that Thursday, our US History classes will be going over the results with all of our 8th grade students. Parents are encouraged to bring the results that we will be giving students to the meeting.

Open Invitation to Police to Stop By SCMS

If you’re a regular reader of this Blog than you’ll probably remember a posting a while back that stated I was inviting police officers to stop by SCMS at any time. My thought is that the more the kids see police officers and talk to them the better it is for everyone. This morning I had a conversation with the Sheriff’s Department and was told that they would be regularly stopping by our middle school. Just wanted to keep everyone in the loop in case you drive by and see a police car parked out front of our school.

The Light is Getting Brighter

Our 4th and last Marking Period is now underway. SCMS is no different than any other school in Michigan (and the United States) in that when the days get sunnier and warmer, school work slides down the list of priorities. We need to attack this urge as a team. Any and all help in making this the best Marking Period is greatly appreciated. Please talk to your student on the importance of finishing strong. Not only will this help in the short term, but it's a life lesson that is worth reminding/repeating (over and over).

No Homework Recovery this Wednesday, April 10th

Since Wednesday is the last day of the MP, having Homework Recovery on that day probably wouldn't be a very efficient use of time. Homework Recovery/Tutoring will start back up next Wednesday, April 17th.

Half Day Thursday April 11th

With the end of the 3rd Marking Period this Wednesday, all ECSD Elementary and Middle Schools will have a half day this Thursday, April 11th. SCMS students will be dismissed at 11:48.