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.