Teachers are Suffering, so We're Putting Our Appreciation into Action.

5/9/2022 6:19 pm

Read this Op Ed by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, sharing how the Department of Education is showing their appreciation by making year-round investments to support and lift up our nation’s teachers:  Teacher appreciation means taking action to solve causes of burnout (usatoday.com)

School Supplies on Sale

5/9/2022 6:17 pm

PTA's annual school supply sale has started!  If your child(ren) will be at Schimelpfenig next year, please consider purchasing school supplies through PTA.  The sales form can be found through your account at HERE.  Deadline is Friday, May 27.

SMS PTA President's Note - 5/2/22

5/2/2022 6:19 pm

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week!  Please join us in celebrating the wonderful teachers and staff at Schimelpfenig Middle School!  #ThankATeacher

Mark you calendars with these important dates at Schimelpfenig in May:

• Tuesday, May 3 -- Algebra EOC Exam
• Thursday, May 5 -- 8th Grade STAAR Science 
• Friday, May 6 -- 8th Grade STAAR Social Studies 
• Thursday, May 12 -- 7th & 8th Grade STAAR Reading 
• Friday, May 13 -- 7th & 8th Grade STAAR Math
• Tuesday, May 17 -- 6th Grade STAAR Reading 
• Wednesday, May 18 -- 6th Grade STAAR Math & 8th Grade Awards Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.(student arrival at 6:00)
• Thursday, May 19 -- SMS PTA General Membership Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 20 -- 8th Grade Lunch & Celebration 
• Friday, May 27 -- Early Release -- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Here are some tips to help make testing days go smoothly:

• Make sure your student(s) starts the day with a good breakfast, whether at home or in school;
• Remind your student(s) to charge their Chromebook overnight and bring the charger to school;
• Send your student with a book to read, a water bottle, and a snack;
• Remind your student(s) to dress appropriately -- some rooms feel chilly after sitting for four hours;
• Tell them:  Relax!  Take your time!  You're going to do great today!

Michele Rohleder

SMS PTA President

May is Mental Health Month

5/2/2022 6:17 pm

Since 1949, mental health organizations across America have observed May is Mental Health month.  This year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is using this month to spread the message "Together for Mental Health" and bring all voices together to advocate for mental health and access to care.  Find more information about NAMI here: Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness and about Mental Health America here: Mental Health Month | Mental Health America (mhanational.org). 

New Notes From the Backpack

5/2/2022 6:16 pm

Episode 57: Fostering Student Motivation. This month, Notes from the Backpack - Podcast For Families | National PTA is premiering a new Teacher Talk Miniseries.  The first episode features Education Week writer and Educator, Larry Ferlazzo.  New episodes will be released May 4, May 11, and May 18 in honor of Teacher Appreciation Month. Teachers will share answers to questions like:  

• What is it like to be a teacher right now?  
• What do you wish families knew about your job? 
• How can families partner with teachers to advocate for change in our schools?