Saline Middle School Hornet Highlights for Sunday, February 21, 2021

 Principal's Message:  

Thank you to our families for filling out the trimester three learning preference surveys.  We understand that there were some technical glitches with the survey.  If you did not receive it, or were not able to answer it, please call the Saline Middle School office at 734-401-4600 or email at washingl@salineschools.org with your preference to return to school or stay virtual for the last trimester.  If you have already answered it or spoke to someone from our office on Friday, please disregard this message.  Thank you again for your cooperation with this.

Black History Month Resources:

African-American History Month through Literature Calendar

Celebrating Authors of Color and Their Works of Literature

Virtual Science Fair at SMS!

We are so fortunate that students who are passionate about Science have an outlet to demonstrate new learning!  While an in-person Science Fair was not possible this year, through innovative and out-of-the-box thinking, Mr. Fanning and Mr. Foster, were able to develop a virtual option!  Congratulations to our Science Fair participants! Click here to see all of the fantastic projects!  We are so proud of our students!  Congratulations again! 


Schedule for the Week of February 22-26, 2021

General Hybrid Schedule
Click here for the daily hybrid schedule.


Elective Day


Monday

A


Tuesday

A


Wednesday

B


Thursday

B



Asynchronous Friday:

Both A and B Electives




Blue (A-K)

In-Person

Remote

In-Person

Remote

Remote

Gold (L-Z)

Remote

In-Person

Remote

In-Person

Remote


New and Important Information for the Week:


NEW:  SMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts:  MS girls basketball tryouts will take place March 1st -
3rd at the MS gym from 3 - 5 pm.  Contact Marty Walsh if you have any questions at walshm@salineschools.org

NEW:  For 8th Grade Families:

The February PTO meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb 23 at 7pm via Webinar - Click here for the link (also pasted below).  This is in addition to Saline High School Transition Night on Wednesday, February 24th.

In addition to our regular agenda items, we are pleased to host SHS Counselors SHS Counselors Bryan Bruckman and Kathy Mussio, as well as Athletic Director Andrew Parrish and Dean of Students Patti Fosdick, who will be on hand to answer any of your questions in addition to our regular agenda items.  We hope you can join us!  

What: Feb PTO Meeting featuring SHS School Counselors, Athletic Director and Dean of Students
When: Feb 23, 7pm

We hope to see you at a meeting soon! 

Sincerely,

Your SHS PTO,

Sarah Caruana, President

Darcy Berwick, Vice President

Michelle Doran, Treasurer

Joyce Mueller, Co-Secretary

Jeff Roth, Co-Secretary


NEW  Do you know any fifth graders?  5th to 6th Grade Transition Night will be on Monday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm.  Click this link for more information.

University of Michigan F.E.M.M.E.S.

 

On behalf of F.E.M.M.E.S. at the University of Michigan, we would like to invite your students to our Winter Explore Capstone events! 


The F.E.M.M.E.S. Explore Capstone events this year will be a set of hour-long virtual sessions held from 11 AM - 12 PM every Saturday from March 20th to April 17th for 4th to 6th graders. These events will expose students to various interactive STEM activities, allow them to gain hands-on experience in performing some experiments and projects, and give them an opportunity to interact with women pursuing college degrees and careers in STEM. The final session on April 17th will feature Dr. Meghan Duffy, Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at University of Michigan, as our keynote speaker! All of the events are specifically designed to support girls+ in developing confidence and interest in STEM fields, but like all F.E.M.M.E.S activities, is open to students of all genders.

 

We are hoping that you will help us spread the word to your students! To this email, I have attached a flyer with the information about the event registration. They can register for our event via this online link: https://umich.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ta4qEQTvxW1ybs. The registration deadline is Friday, 26th February 2021.


We will provide our participants with all of the materials required to perform these activities from the comfort of their homes while they attend our event. This materials packet will also contain an instruction manual for students who would like to attend the events but are unable to do so virtually. Participants can indicate their preferences during registration and we will provide them with the materials packets accordingly. 


We’d also like to share with you a downloadable computer game created by one of our F.E.M.M.E.S. team members! Game players arrive on another planet and are asked to help out with the aliens’ research efforts: framing hypotheses, collecting data, test materials, etc. The game was made specifically with 4th-6th graders in mind, and, on the game website, you’ll find a list of discussion questions that act as a great teaching tool post-game. We would be thrilled if you’re interested in sharing this creative resource with your students. You can check it out at the game link here: https://sydneee.itch.io/unearth-sciences-last-hope.


Please reach out to me with any questions. You can also read more about F.E.M.M.E.S. on our website: http://femmes.studentorgs.umich.edu.

 

We hope your students can join our virtual Winter Capstone events!

 

Sincerely,

Colleen Riordan

F.E.M.M.E.S. Outreach Coordinator



WIN 4 AUTISM:


Girls Solve IT – Powered by Ford, is a virtual state-wide robotics competition for girls in grades 4-8 where teams of 2-4 girls complete engaging technology quests to qualify for the final round.  There is a nominal fee for entry.  Due to COVID-19 uncertainties, we will introduce a new technology, Evo by Ozobot.  Each team member will receive her own competition kit (robot, map, accessories) and the team can either use a collaboration site (such as Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet) or meet in person, to work together on the programming requirements to solve each Quest.  Monetary prizes are awarded to those teams finishing in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place positions.  Registration is currently open and will remain open until February 21st.  Register teams at https://mcwt.org/



This is an opportunity for 6th grade families to hear more about how life in 7th grade will

be different within Saline Middle School. Come join us virtually!



You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Feb 25, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: SMS 6th to 7th grade transition (Class of 2027)

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://salineschools-org.zoom.us/j/92770724913?pwd=RXZRNWQ5UWZ5c2lVTE5NMXZYL1MyQT09
Passcode: 980664
Or iPhone one-tap :
    US: +13017158592,,92770724913#,,,,*980664#  or +13126266799,,92770724913#,,,,*980664#
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128
Webinar ID: 927 7072 4913
Passcode: 980664
    International numbers available: https://salineschools-org.zoom.us/u/aeeXbK4Ce7


EMUiNVENT: Young Inventors' Competition. Is your student interested in inventing

and creating? Eastern Michigan University is offering your student an opportunity to create.


Society of Women Engineers: All girls in the 7th through 10th grade are invited to virtually spend a day with us and explore the world of technology and engineering. Throughout the day, there will be various engineering related activities for students, as well as an admissions presentation for students and parents. Parents are also invited to join us for the day to participate in activities and hear more about how to support and encourage the next generation of female engineers. More information on how to sign up for this event can be found on our website here.



Saline Middle School is proud of our collaboration with Saline Community Education.

Here are just some of the offerings that are upcoming for this Spring:


Girls Lacrosse - http://bit.ly/3pgTiGn
Boys Lacrosse - http://bit.ly/2NDqCtn
Co-Ed MS Tennis - http://bit.ly/3oinBLk
MS Softball - http://bit.ly/3qOfjMV

For the complete guide go to: https://salineonline.reg.eleyo.com/


The Heart & Sole program meets the specific needs to our middle-school girls. It inspires girls to embrace what makes them unique and provides opportunities to practice skills that foster healthy relationships. Creatively using physical activity, girls learn valuable life skills they can use at schools, with friends, and at home.  Whether girls meet safely in-person or connect virtually this session, Heart & Sole will inspire and empower the next generation of women.  Registration for Heart and Sole will be coming soon.


Covid-19 Related Items:

Covid-related absences:
  • If your student is currently in quarantine for testing positive or having symptoms within the past 10 days or are awaiting test results
  • If your student has been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive within the past 10-14 days   
  • If you have traveled outside of the United States in the last fourteen days

The attendance line can be reached at:  734-401-4600; press #1 for attendance OR use the Google Form.  

Updated COVID-19 information from the Washtenaw County Health Department:  If You Test Positive, If You Test Positive (en español), Quarantine/Isolation FAQ, Saliva Testing Site

What Happens When Someone Gets Covid

Flowchart for Symptomatic Individuals

New Saliva test released













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.

 NEW:  Transition Information:

Greetings SHS Families!
The February PTO meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb 23 at 7pm via Webinar - Click here for the link (also pasted below).  
In addition to our regular agenda items, we are pleased to host SHS Counselors SHS Counselors Bryan Bruckman and Kathy Mussio, as well as Athletic Director Andrew Parrish and Dean of Students Patti Fosdick, who will be on hand to answer any of your questions in addition to our regular agenda items.  We hope you can join us!  

What: Feb PTO Meeting featuring SHS School Counselors, Athletic Director and Dean of Students
When: Feb 23, 7pm

We hope to see you at a meeting soon! 

Sincerely,

Your SHS PTO,

Sarah Caruana, President

Darcy Berwick, Vice President

Michelle Doran, Treasurer

Joyce Mueller, Co-Secretary

Jeff Roth, Co-Secretary

8th to 9th Grade Grade Transition Information:  Click this link for the most up-to-date information.  English Placement Information was sent to families by your student's English teacher as well as in a specific 8th grade email.

6th to 7th Grade Transition Information:  Here is the link for information for families entering 7th grade in the 2021-22 school year.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Feb 25, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: SMS 6th to 7th grade transition (Class of 2027)

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://salineschools-org.zoom.us/j/92770724913?pwd=RXZRNWQ5UWZ5c2lVTE5NMXZYL1MyQT09
Passcode: 980664
Or iPhone one-tap :
    US: +13017158592,,92770724913#,,,,*980664#  or +13126266799,,92770724913#,,,,*980664#
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128
Webinar ID: 927 7072 4913
Passcode: 980664
    International numbers available: https://salineschools-org.zoom.us/u/aeeXbK4Ce7

NEW:  5th to 6th Grade Transition:  Do you know any fifth graders?  5th to 6th Grade Transition Night will be on Monday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm.  Click this link for more information.

From the SMS PTO:

PTO No Hassle Fundraiser.  Please donate at this link:  http://mspto.weebly.com/fundraising.html

Box Tops:  Happy Holidays Saline Middle School Families! Have you downloaded the Box Top$ for Education app yet? Please keep box tops In mind while you are grocery shopping this holiday season. It is now easier than ever to submit box tops via the box tops for education app. Just scan your receipt within 14 days of purchases and the app will check for eligible items in order to give our school credit. If you’re shopping online for groceries or get emailed receipts, you can still earn Box Tops for our school. Download the app and start earning today.

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.

Monday, February 22nd:  5th to 6th Grade Transition Presentation 7:00 pm (Zoom)

NEW:  Tuesday, February 23rd:  Saline High School PTO meeting inviting our 8th Grade Families!  (Zoom)

NEW:  Wednesday, February 24th:  8th to 9th Grade Transition Presentation at 6:30 pm (Zoom)

Thursday, February 25th:  6th to 7th Grade Transition Presentation. 7:00 pm (Zoom)

Thursday, March 11th:  1/2 Day for SMS Students

Friday, March 12th:  Asynchronous 1/2 day for SMS Students

Monday, March 15th:  Start of Trimester 3

Monday, March 29th to April 2nd:  Spring Break

Repeating Messages:

Attendance Reminder:  We are finding that students are electing to learn virtually on a given day for a variety of reasons unrelated to a COVID-19 situation and this is becoming very difficult to track for classroom attendance, particularly in 7th and 8th grade.  

If your student is currently attending in-person for hybrid instruction, please send them to school on a consistent basis UNLESS they are showing the symptoms in the COVID-19 health screener graph below.  If your child is showing symptoms of COVID-19, then we would ask that they either get tested for COVID-19 or see their pediatrician.

If your student prefers to remain virtual for the remainder of the trimester, please email Laura Washington at washingl@salineschools.org


Item Drop Off and Pick-Up Times:  The Saline Middle School vestibule doors will be open from 7:00 am-4:00 pm Monday-Friday this week for drop off and pick-up of items.   


Report Cards:  Report cards are now available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.  If you are having difficulty accessing the Powerschool Parent Portal, please email  powerschool@salineschools.org.  Thank you for your patience as we have had difficulty sending report cards electronically this trimester.


NWEA Scores are now available in Powerschool!  Here are the directions to access them.


Food Pantry Locations: If you or someone you know are in need of food and food items during this difficult time, here is a list of food pantries in the area.

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 or Summit Platform 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.  

A new Covid-19 saliva test has now been released!  Here is the press release from the Washtenaw County Health Department.


Here is the At-Home Learning Toolkit released by the SAS Elementary buildings.  There is a lot of useful information that may also help our secondary students.


Flag Football:
























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