This week starts the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the contributions and importance of Hispanics and Latinos to the United States and those American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This year, the theme is: “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” The theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics have made in the past, and will continue to make in the future. It is also a reminder that we are stronger together.
JOIN THE AWARD-WINNING SMS PTA FOR 2024-2025!
Support the SMS students and teachers by showing that you value your child’s education by joining the PTA. Memberships start at $12 and students are only $6 with a parent membership! As a benefit to members only, you will have access to an online directory as well as PTA member discounts. Student members receive special discounts during our spring and fall socials and have the opportunity to be involved in leadership opportunities. 
Second Chance Spirit Wear tax-free sale ends this Wednesday, September 15th! Don't miss this last chance to pre-order items from our popular 2021-2022 Spirit Wear line!
It's Friday night after a long week and you don't feel like cooking -- go to Panda Express for dinner!
When: Friday, September 17, 2021 | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Panda Express located at:
SPRING CREEK & COIT 5901 Coit Road, Plano TX 75093
(972) 596 - 0107
How to Order: PandaExpress.com or the App. Enter 327497 in the promo code box
Or Bring paper flyer or show it on your smartphone
This week, September 12-18, is National Arts in Education Week!
Beginning September 14, Plano ISD’s Parent Education & Engagement Program (PEEP) will host 30-minute "Lunch and Learn" parent sessions for Plano ISD families on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15-12:45 p.m. on Facebook Live. Log on to join Plano ISD parent educators and other parents to explore evidence-based positive parenting strategies as a community. The first few sessions will focus on Dan Siegel's book "Whole Brain Child".
Thank you to everyone who attended our PTA General Assembly Meeting and Virtual Coffee with the Principal on Thursday morning. Special thank you to our principal, Ms. Kinnard for speaking with us!
- The membership voted to approve our Proposed Budget, Records Retention plan, and second Tax Free day of 2021, and to adopt the Financial Reconciliation Committee report as presented.
- Second Chance Spirit Wear Sale – online sale from Friday, September 3rd through Wednesday, September 15th. Don’t miss this last chance to order items from our 2021-22 Spirit Wear line, tax-free!
- Membership – we currently have 479 members, making us eligible for the Head Start Award. Help us to win the Early Bird Achievement Award and reach 100% of last year’s total membership – 599 members by September 29th! Membership is important to give TX PTA a strong voice!
- Fundraisers – we continue with Amazon Smile, grocery stores, and the World Wear Bin Fundraiser, and are having Restaurant Nights this year. First one is September 17th at Panda Express!
- School & Academic Enhancements – Schimelpfenig has asked PTA to provide Math manipulatives and materials for all grade levels, headphones for Special Ed classes, and a new bench for the front of the school.
- Goals for the year
- Increase membership – 599 members last year, we just need one more to make it 600. Also, have 100% staff members (Golden Apple Award) and 25 student members (Student Membership Award).
- Host at least two Parent programs and two student programs this year.
- Work with Schimelpfenig staff to plan a Diversity Day for students in the spring.
- Highlights from Ms. Kinnard’s talk and question session:
- Philosophies
- People first
- Relationships are the foundation
- Sense of belonging is important
- Address the whole child
- Family and Community – take care of each other
- Little things matter!
- Areas of focus
- Build relationships
- Create opportunities for students to socialize and interact
- Teach students to “do school” again
- Health & Safety – be safe at school, masks with opt-out, no large in-person gatherings for first nine weeks, Covid letters currently going to specific people based on classroom exposure
- Badges required of all middle school students in PISD – must be worn every day and be visible – if lost, stolen, or damaged, cost to replace is $5
- Panther Pride Time – Daily for 30 minutes, extension of 4th period – Advisory time – Activities will include Social Emotional Learning, team-building, life skills, club meetings, academic enrichment targeted to each student's needs.
- She is always available by email or phone. Telephone best!
- Philosophies
Don’t forget to stay connected by continuing to visit our Facebook page and our website at smspta.org. As always, feel free to contact me any time at president@smspta.org with questions, problems, or if you just want to join our wonderful SMS PTA Board!
Thank you!
Michele Rohleder
Show your Schimelpfenig school pride! Order your spirit wear today!
Pre-order your Spirit Wear from Friday, September 3rd through Wednesday, September 15th at 11:59 pm. Sizes Youth Large through Adult XL are available in each style. If you are interested in larger sizes, please contact us at spiritwear@smspta.org to see what we have in stock.
Distribution information will be announced at a later date.
Mark your calendars! Our first PTA General Assembly meeting will take place on Thursday, September 2nd at 9:00 a.m. Grab a cup of coffee and join SMS PTA and our guest speaker, Principal Kristen Kinnard, to vote on our budget and discuss plans for this year! Please sign up HERE.
National PTA Executive Director Nathan R. Monell, CAE will be participating in a virtual town hall with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 5:45 p.m. CST on "Prioritizing Safety For Students and Staff Amid New COVID-19 Surge." Check it out.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will be joining National PTA's Back to Class Virtual Town Hall to bring special greetings to kick off the new school year.
Use #PTABacktoSchool on social media to join the conversation!
Upcoming Events
- Saturday, November 2
- Wednesday, November 6
- Thursday, November 7
- Friday, November 8
- Saturday, November 9
- Wednesday, November 13
- Saturday, November 16
- Tuesday, November 19
The mission of Plano ISD's Family Education and Guidance Services is to strengthen all families in the community by providing education, resources and services which support raising responsible, self-confident, emotionally healthy children in today's complex society. Please visit HERE to gain access to PISD supports that you and your family may wish to utilize throughout the year!
DISCLAIMER: The Schimelpfenig Middle School PTA is a noncommercial, nonsectarian, nonpartisan association that does not endorse any candidate or political party. This PTA does not endorse non-PTA products or services. If you have a concern, please contact a member of the PTA Executive Board.
