Happy October! As we move towards the end of marking period 1, I have been given several opportunities to recognize great things amongst our students. Be on the lookout for continued student recognition through Proud Paw and Students of the Month. We will share these on Facebook!

During marking period 2 will also begin to implement Cougar Club to reward students who are doing the right things at SpMS. The point system is outlined below. We hope Cougar Club encourages students to constantly grow and improve.

We need your help to share our message of "hands to yourself" at all times. This includes holding hands, walking with arms around each other, hugging, grabbing items that belong to others (hats, especially), and behaviors that students consider horseplay. All of these actions disrupt the flow of movement in our hallways and sometimes lead to negative physical interactions.

As a reminder, questions or concerns about student progress in a particular class should be directed to the classroom teacher. If you would like to schedule a conference with all of your student's teachers, please contact the grade level counselor.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Sincerely,

Lindsey Avara, Principal

We have already seen a great improvement in this year's attendance! Thank you for making daily attendance a priority in your home.

A few reminders:

• If your student is absent, please send a note to school on the day they return.
• If a student becomes ill at school, they need to report to the nurse. The nurse will assess the student and contact a guardian if an early dismissal is needed. Students should not contact parents for early pick up outside of the Health Office---these early dismissals will not be excused.

Please review the updated WCPS dress code with your students.

Refer to page 13 of the WCPS Student Handbook

https://wcpsmd.com/documents/wcps-student-handbook

It is important to note that torsos must be covered, as this is the most common violation.

Springfield Middle School will offer after school tutoring beginning Wednesday, October 19th. Tutoring will be held every Wednesday after school, 2:25-3:25pm. Parents must provide transportation and students must be picked up promptly at 3:25pm. To have your child begin tutoring on Wednesday, October 19th forms must be turned into the front office no later than Monday, October 17th. You may print the permission form from the link below or you may pick up a paper copy from the front office. Spaces are limited!

English Form -

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JEG0HS1Qq-JuGP0vDTZBCICtuwEnxxeo9jMYv32cY00/edit?usp=sharing

Spanish Form - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qhGjZ_rTchiZmWZvpxD0pI4RsTwuQ_2nA_kTmXN8jaU/edit?usp=sharing

Click on the links below to see these fantastic students!

6th Grade - https://watch.screencastify.com/v/b1n1NsFI9nhkVaspIgGH

7th Grade - https://watch.screencastify.com/v/ipePx9jRXuplOczYx5rt

8th Grade - https://watch.screencastify.com/v/SwdH4StU6LkitP3Fdejt

UARA - https://watch.screencastify.com/v/Hlj4tuqCHUL04q7AxxSd