The Panther

Newsletter Date:

December 1, 2023

Want to stay informed with what is happening at Patrick Henry all year? The PHMS PTO is selling wall calendars for the 2023-2024 school year! The goal of the calendar is to help inform families of all the amazing opportunities happening throughout the year. Each calendar is only $5. The proceeds will be used to support the students and staff at Patrick Henry. PTO funds support the Panther Caring Closet, Panther Party, Staff Appreciation Week, Student Recognition, 8th Grade Party, dinner for the staff during conferences. Calendars are available for sale in the PHMS Office.

Please email patrickhenrypantherspto@gmail.com with any questions.

A special thank you to our calendar Sponsors: Baker Audiology, Brady Martz, Britza Performing Arts Studio, Central Bank, North Central Heart, Valvoline Instant Oil Change

As the potential for inclement weather approaches in the coming winter months, the need to close school becomes a real possibility. As you may already know, the Sioux Falls School District will be moving to “Remote Learning” days in the event of an emergency or weather-related closure. When the weather forecast predicts incoming weather that could impact school the next day, students will be reminded to bring their chromebooks home with them that evening.

Remote Learning on days for Emergency/Weather Closure aims to continue student learning and growth while students are away from school. This will also allow us to keep the current school calendar without adding additional days to the end of the year to make up.

Families can expect the following:

· SFSD will notify families as early as possible, either the night before or the morning of the school closure, and the intended use of Remote Learning

Support for Students and Families:

· Teachers will post learning activities, resources and materials needed in Canvas by 9:00 a.m. All students need to log into their 1st period class to be accounted for attendance. Students will need to follow the “student checklist” that has been provided to all students and follow the instructions for each class that is on their schedule.

· Teachers will be available through email or Canvas messaging between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Devices:

· Students will bring their devices home before Remote Learning Day and return them to school on the next in-person school day.

· Access to the Canvas site is available through the student-issued device, home computer, or phone.

Attendance:

· Student attendance will be documented by one of the following:

o Engagement with the online platform

o Interactions with teachers

o Completion of assignments

For any student that does not have access to the internet from home, please contact our school counseling office to learn about alternative options. You can reach the counseling office by calling 605-367-7639.

Over the last month our staff have practiced “remote learning” days with our students so that they will be prepared and ready in the event of a school closure. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions regarding school closures and the expectations for learning.

Thank you,

Mrs. Sharping

If your child is going to be absent, please call the school (367-7639) prior to 8:40am. An absence must be reported either by note or phone in the day of the absence, or before if you know ahead of time. Absences can also be reported via voice mail outside of regular office hours. Students leaving during the day need to pick up a pass in the office by 9:00am and also check out with a parent/guardian at the office when leaving. If they come back during the school day, a pass from the front office needs to be issued in order for them to get back into the classroom. Student safety is the main concern and this procedure provides another check on a student’s absence.

The Panther Caring Closet helps to bridge the gap that can exist between the physical needs and the personal resources available for the PHMS student body. Common items provided by the Panther Caring Closet include binders, water bottles, clothing, toiletries, and snacks. Please consider donating financially this holiday season to set our kids up for a successful 2024.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XH2VNKBSH9CC8

Each student selected was invited to celebrate in the library during their pro time on November 15th.

PBL Academy Open Houses at JHS for any 8th grade family! For more information you can also check here https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/jhs/page/project-based-learning

We have three fantastic school counselors at Patrick Henry! Please click on the "Counselor Corner" button below to view the counselor's newsletter for this month that houses many helpful resources, social, emotional learning information and much more. This information is provided to help both students and parents navigate the middle school years!

Mrs. Briana Nelsen - 6th Grade

Mrs. Chelsea Timm - 7th Grade

Ms. Hannah Serck - 8th Grade

You can also access the counseling website by clicking the link right next to our counseling phone number!

Website: https://sites.google.com/k12.sd.us/phms-counseling/home
Phone: (605) 367-8443

Lunch and breakfast are available each day at school. If you believe your family may qualify for free or reduced lunch/breakfast, please click on the link below or scan the QR code to fill out the application. https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

If your child is going to be absent, please call the school (367-7639) prior to 8:40am. An absence must be reported either by note or phone in the day of the absence, or before if you know ahead of time. Absences can also be reported via voicemail outside of regular office hours. Students leaving during the day need to pick up a pass in the office by 9:00am and also check out with a parent/guardian at the office when leaving. If they come back during the school day, a pass from the front office needs to be issued in order for them to get back into the classroom.

After attendance is taken each morning, an automated call will go out to any family who has not notified the school regarding a student’s absence. Student safety is the main concern and this procedure provides another check on a student’s absence.

Each year a committee of librarians across the state of South Dakota release a list of books for students to read and vote upon. I have book talked these books and showed students how to vote. We know not every book is going to appeal to every reader, but hopefully there are at least a few that pique their interest. The promotion is called the South Dakota Teen Choice and the list and voting link can be found here.

If you are looking for some December activities for teens/tweens, please consider these events:
December 2nd at Caille, there’s a gaming event happening; registration required.
December 27th is a Frozen interactive movie event at Ronning.
Siouxland also has their winter BINGO cards ready to go. Here’s a copy of the teen version.

Over the winter break, your child might want to use SORA, our ebook/audiobook platform. If they haven’t installed the app on their personal device, search for “SORA.” Here’s a slideshow I use in class to help students log in on their chromebooks, but the same directions apply for any device.

Happy reading!!
Mrs. Nelson ~ Librarian

Hope for the Future

By Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent

In a world marred by the stark realities of war, unrest, and relentless exposure to mean-spirited interactions, the need to safeguard and nurture the innocence of our children becomes an urgent call to action.

The words of the late actor Angela Lansbury, spoken just after 9/11, echo the collective responsibility we all share in creating a haven for the youngest members of our society. "All of us, grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles, we all have to try to do everything that we possibly can to show them that they are safe and loved and that good will triumph over evil and right will prevail."

As we witness the disheartening events unfolding around the globe in real-time, it becomes increasingly clear that the impact on our children is profound. Their tender minds absorb the images and narratives of conflict, shaping their perceptions of the world and influencing their understanding of right and wrong.

In this tumultuous landscape, it is crucial for each one of us to actively engage in the emotional and psychological well-being of our children. We are all custodians of their future, charged with the responsibility of instilling hope, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity.

By fostering a sense of safety, we enable them to navigate the challenges that arise in their lives with greater confidence and emotional stability. Engage in open conversations, actively listen to their concerns, and reassure them that, no matter the circumstances, they are loved.

In a world where hatred can permeate even the most sacred spaces, we must teach children about empathy and the value of differences. Help them understand that, despite the darkness, there is always the potential for goodness to prevail.

Empower children by modeling the transformative power of kindness. Encourage them to engage in acts of compassion, no matter how small. Whether it's helping a friend in need, participating in community service, or simply spreading joy through kind words, these actions contribute to building a better world.

In a world where darkness tries to overshadow the light, let us unite in our commitment to nurture a generation that believes in the triumph of good over evil. May the joys of the holiday season strengthen our resolve to protect childhood innocence and sow seeds of hope for their bright futures.

Website: http://www.sf.k12.sd.us/patrick-henry/students-parents
Location: 2200 South 5th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Phone: 605-367-7639
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanthersSF
Twitter: @PanthersSF