Saline Middle School Hornet Highlights for Sunday, October 18, 2020

  Principal's Message:  

There are many autumn celebrations, including Halloween, that we need to hold differently this year as

a result of COVID-19. In addition to added safety practices, we want to approach Fall celebrations with

a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

First, we recognize that not all people celebrate Halloween and want them to feel affirmed for their belief, tradition, or choice. We also know that many students enjoy dressing in costumes for Halloween. Halloween can provide students an opportunity to have fun, be in character, and show creativity. We know some students may choose to dress in costume for Halloween while at school on October 28th or 29th.

Our standard expectations for student costumes, in alignment with the school dress code, remain:

• Students can only wear a mask that is used for the COVID-19 crisis

• No short skirts/shorts 

• Nothing that could be used as a weapon (chains, handcuffs, metal pointed studs, etc.)

• No tank tops, halter tops, low rise pants, bare midriffs

• No sunglasses

• Nothing that presents as vulgar

• No props for your costume 

For this school year, we also want to educate on how Halloween costumes can promote cultural appropriation (see informational video to learn more). Please also view the My Culture Is NOT A Costume by Teen Vogue to see examples of how Halloween costumes have appropriated Indigenous and marginalized people. 

Wearing a Halloween costume that appropriates a marginalized community causes harm and “others” members of that community, the opposite of creating a safe and inclusive environment.

We want all students to enjoy the experience of dressing in costume for Halloween and we want a school that affirms and honors diverse cultures. If your child chooses to wear a costume, please make sure that costume does not illustrate cultural appropriation. 

In Partnership,

Mrs. Washington and Dr. Schukow

NEW AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION/ELECTIVE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK:

1. Office Loop:  At the end of the day, please pick-up students in the pick-up loop near the auditorium as buses do arrive at Saline Middle School very close to the bell at 2:54 pm.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

2.  Website Warning:  SMS has been informed of a potentially dangerous website/application called Omegle that promotes students meeting strangers online.  Please discuss this application with your student, and the dangers of meeting strangers online, as some students are using the app.

3.  The NWEA window opens for students on October 19th.  Virtual students will be given a link and will be able to take the assessment in their homes.  An email went home to families on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

4.  From Our Saline Middle School PTO:

Dear Middle School Families,

It is that time of year again when schools are kicking off and the PTO would like to support the education efforts for all students.  We host a "Hassle Free" fundraiser every year that we usually send envelopes home with students that parents can donate any amount they are comfortable with.  This year, due to COVID, our fundraiser will be done completely online.   We provide supplemental goods and services to the staff to help with everyday learning.  We provide  books, technology, and project supplies.  We support whole school efforts as well as individual classroom needs.  We would like to continue to do so with your help.  Below, you will find the link to make a donation if you wish.

Our PTO fundraising is "Hassle Free" and 100% stays here at the Middle School! 

Your donation will support and enhance the educational experience for all Saline Middle School students. 

http://mspto.weebly.com/fundraising.html

5. Drama Club:  Is your child interested in Drama Club?  Here is the link:  https://sites.google.com/a/salineschools.org/sms-drama/home/sms-drama-club

6.  Saline Foundation Fundraiser:  This Friday, please join us to raise money for the Saline Foundation!  The fundraiser begins at 7:00 pm

Friday Night Lights - Foundation for SAS
Virtual Fundraiser
2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
Zoom link  passcode: 189344

7. Concessions return to Hornet Stadium:

7. From the SAS Wellness Committee:

Last school year, Saline Area Schools provided a community viewing session and student viewing sessions of Screenagers at Saline Middle School and Saline High School. The Foundation for Saline Area Schools funded a district-level grant to show Screenagers Next Chapter: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience. Given our continued reliance on devices and screen time, especially due to our current learning models, we are providing families a virtual opportunity to view Screenagers Next Chapter. Due to the content of the documentary, it is intended for students and families in grades 6-12. Please visit https://www.screenagersmovie.com/ to watch the movie trailers and view additional resources to support student and adult wellness with screen time.

Given our current safety practices, we are not holding an in-person community viewing of Screenagers Next Chapter. Instead, we are providing students and families the opportunity to view Screenagers Next Chapter in their homes. If you are interested in watching this documentary, please register for the event at https://www.screenagersevent.com/nextchapter-saline-area-schools. After completing registration, you will gain access to watch the documentary on-demand between October 16th - November 1st. The documentary will include a 15 minute pre-recorded Q & A session with filmmaker/physician, Delaney Ruston. Families who choose to watch the documentary can select either English or Spanish subtitles by clicking the CC icon in the bottom of their video player. 

Best Regards,

SAS Wellness Committee

Link to sign up:  https://salineonline.reg.eleyo.com/course/40/fall-2020/hayden-strong-intro-to-water-polo

COVID-19 RELATED ITEMS:

What Happens When Someone Gets Covid

Flowchart for Symptomatic Individuals

If you are coming into Saline Middle School for a meeting, please fill out the Health Screener before your arrival.  Your cooperation with this is appreciated.

Here is the latest version of the SAS Connected Learning Plan. This includes updates to sample schedules and a new flow chart for health scenarios.

RECURRING INFORMATION:

Please remember to always call the office if your student is not going to attend class; either virtually or in-person.  

Did you that there is a website to assist Saline families in need?  Here is the link to Hornets Helping Hornets!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4baaaf2ea7ff2-hornets

Scan your box tops to support SMS!

Need tech help?  The SAS Tech Department is here to help!  Fill this form out with your tech questions and problems.

Attendance:  Please remember that if your child is going to be absent, even remotely, please call the Saline Middle School front office to report attendance at 734-401-4600; press #1 for attendance OR use the Google Form.  

Grades:  Please check Powerschool as many teachers have begun to enter grades.  Please contact the technology department here if you are having difficulty accessing Powerschool.

Breakfast and lunch continue to be free for ALL students as long as Federal funding allows.  

Upcoming Dates:

For information about clubs, athletics and school events, subscribe to the Saline Middle School calendar or go to the Saline MIddle School Website.

Friday, October 30th:  First Early Release Day

November 26th and 27th:  Thanksgiving Break