Sandy Hook School Shooting Tragedy

As we became aware of the details of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, it brought about feelings of sadness, fear, disbelief, and questioning to our staff and students.  This morning we observed a moment of silence for the victims and families of Sandy Hook here at SMS.  We are also making print resources available to staff to help answer questions and deal with student concerns.  Please know that at any time Mrs. Kopperud is available and willing to help students deal with this tragedy.  Here is a great resource for parents from the Crisis Management Institute.  Not only are there print resources, but also a few videos from the director, Cheri Lovre, explaining how parents can help their children deal with this situation.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved with and responding to this tragic event. 

Sandy Hook School Shooting Parent Resources

Featured ORAB

Every month, SMS holds a whole school respect assembly to focus on student recognition, activities, Accelerated Reader progress, things to work on, and most importantly...RESPECT!  The last few years we have had themes for the year. 

2009-12  Faces of Respect:  We learned about a famous person each month and how they had used respect in their life.  Examples were Jackie Robinson, Albert Einstein, and Princess Diana.

2010-11  Respect in Action:  Each of the 7th and 8th grade TA groups did some sort of community service project to give students examples of respect put into action.  Examples included park clean up, sending care packages to overseas troops, and a school wide food packing event.

2011-12  Voices of Respect:  Each month a guest speaker came in and shared about how their career was respectful and how they use respect in their daily lives.  Examples include National Guard troops, firefighters, and even the Iowa State Fair Queen. 

2012-13  Featured ORAB:  Each TA group has been able to choose someone that they feel is a true ORAB.  Someone who is Organized, Respectful and Responsible, Active, and the Best!  We have had three amazing assemblies and have honored the following people as featured ORABS:  October--Laurie Pruiksma, a retired math teacher, November--Mr. Koerselman and Mr. Weber, National Guardsmen who are also parents of SMS students, and December--Scott Stallman, Hannah Hickman, Will DeKok, and Tori Meendering, members of the class of 2013.

Student surveys continue to verify that these assemblies are worthwhile for the students and truly teach them about RESPECT!

Giving Back...

Giving to others is what the holiday season is all about.  Here at the Sheldon Middle School we help students learn this lesson by doing the Adopt A Family program through O'Brien County Upper Des Moines.  Last Friday, several members of the 5th-8th grade student council went shopping for the family we had adopted.  They really got into the spirit of giving and made the connection that this was probably a family from right here in Sheldon that might not have a Christmas without the help of this program.  Check out this neat story of a five year old from right here in Siouxland who has also found the spirit of giving this year!

Onawa, Iowa preschooler learns to give back

New Bullying Website For Iowans

Check out this great website for teens, parents, and educators!  A great resource for those being bullied, those who bully, and those who are concerned about bullying. 

Your Life Iowa

So Much To Be Thankful For!

A few weeks ago, the 7th and 8th grade TA groups were given a challenge...collect over 40 different food and personal hygiene items from a list that was provided to SMS by Love, INC.  On Friday, November 16th the TA's brought the food they had collected to the commons and placed them in front of the "Thankful Turkey" that was created by the Builder's Club and SMS students.  Last week, before Thanksgiving, the 7th and 8th grade students and staff delivered over 470 food and personal hygiene items to Love, INC here in Sheldon!  It was amazing and very heartwarming to see nearly every student in the 7th and 8th grades participate in this project to help others!  The students also participated in a poverty simulation that helped them understand that for some people, the cards are stacked against them despite their hard work and best efforts to get out of poverty and that even basic necessities like food are hard to afford.  Hunger and poverty are growing issues right here in Sheldon.  A growing number of our students recieve free or reduced priced lunches.  Please be thankful for what you have!  Check out this website and quiz to see how much you know about hunger and poverty in America:

Hunger In America Quiz

High School Football Players Befriend Bullied Girl

Crossing social boundaries...that is what this story is all about!  We had a very successful Mix It Up At Lunch Day yesterday!  Students enjoyed eating and visiting with new people in their class at lunch time!  Check out how these two high school star football players came to the rescue of a bullied classmate despite their differences in social status! 

Football Players Befriend Bullied Girl VIDEO

Mix It Up At Lunch Day Bulletin Board

Mix It Up At Lunch Day Tuesday, October 30!!!

Tomorrow, the students of SMS, along with thousands of others across the nation, will be participating in Mix It Up At Lunch Day!  In conjunction with October being Bullying Prevention Month, Mix It Up activities encourage students to cross the invisible lines of division that exist between students in our school, especially in the lunch room.  Students will randomly be assigned a seat after going through the lunch line and there will be conversation starters on each table.  In the past we have seated students using colored Life Savers candy, playing cards, and birthday months.  It is fun to see the kids interact with people they might not normally visit with--every year people find they have lots in common with someone they have rarely ever talked to!  The students also created a bulletin board that says "The Scars Of Bullying Never Fade Away".  Each student wrote a time when they were bullied or harassed on a piece of colored paper and then crumpled the paper and "beat it up".  They were then told to apologize to the paper and smooth it out to make it look brand new.  They soon realized it was impossible to get all the wrinkles out and make the paper perfect again...much like we can't take back the hurtful words and actions we often say and do to others.  We encourage you to talk to your student about their experience with Mix It Up At Lunch Day and how this type of activity can help us be more aware of division and bullying in our school!

Pack The Gym For Rachel's Challenge

Sheldon School District is excited to be bringing Rachel's Challenge to the students, parents, and community of Sheldon!  Rachel Scott was the first student killed in the tragic Columbine School shooting in 1999.  Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school.  Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and ally feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion.  We invite all students, parents, and community members to be a part of this community changing event! 

WE WANT TO PACK THE GYM ON NOVEMBER 5TH, TO SHOW THAT THE SHELDON SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY WANT TO TAKE A REAL STAND AGAINST BULLYING!!!!

What:  Rachel's Challenge Community Event Night
When:  Monday, November 5th at 7 PM in the SHS Gymnasium
Who:  Any parent, student, or community member

Here is a look at what Rachel Scott and the Rachel's Challenge Program is all about:
Rachel's Challenge Video and Big Picture

CHECK IT OUT AND SPREAD THE WORD! 

Red Ribbon Week 2012

Next week the students and staff of SMS will be observing Red Ribbon Week 2012.  Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 when Kiki Camarena, a drug enforcement agent, was killed by drug traffickers in Mexico City.  In honor of his memory, people all across the country began wearing red satin ribbons as a visible sign of intolerance to drugs. 

Each student will be receiving a red ribbon next Monday that states, "We rule!  We are a bully and drug free school!"  Each day, the students will also have the opportunity to participate in fun dress up days that accompany the drug free slogan for that day.  Here are the dress up days:

Monday--Team Up Against Drugs:  Wear favorite sports team apparel
Tuesday--Be All You Can Be...Be Drug Free:  Wear camouflage
Wednesday--Orange You Drug Free?:  Wear orange and ORAB gear
Thursday--Peace Out To Drugs:  Wear hippie or tie dye clothing
Friday--NO SCHOOL 

SAY NO TO DRUGS!  STAND UP TO BULLYING!

The Third Party In Bullying

With October being Bullying Prevention Month, we often talk about two groups of students that are impacted by bullying--the victims and the bystanders.  However, this article discusses the third, often less addressed party during bullying prevention month--the bully.  Check out the article to learn more about the personality of the bully, the causes of bullying, and how we can be helping the bully to change! 

Bully Article

A Visual of Bullying

Check out this powerful visual that one teacher used to show her class the lasting effects of bullying...this lesson might show up here at SMS :)

Bullying Visual

Creating An Athlete In Iowa

This is a great story by former Iowa Hawkeye and current NFL player, Nate Kaeding.  Not only does his "cheat sheet for creating an elite athlete in Iowa" apply to athletics, but it also applies to creating elite STUDENTS, LEADERS, and CITIZENS!  We truly are lucky to live in Iowa :)  Check out the article linked below!

Nate Kaeding article

Iowa Youth Survey To Be Administered To 6th and 8th Grade

In the next few weeks, Mrs. Kopperud and Mrs. Barwick will be administering the Iowa Youth Survey to students in grades 6 and 8.  The survey is strictly anonymous and the feedback from the survey is so valuable as we plan how to better meet the needs of our students here at SMS!  Linked below is a copy of the passive parent permission letter.  This was also included in our registration materials.  There is a copy of the actual survey in the SMS office if you would like to take a look.  Please let Mrs. Kopperud and Mrs. Barwick know if you have any questions concerning this valuable tool!

Passive Parent Permission Letter

Teens Against Bullying

Students and parents...check out this website from the National Bullying Prevention Center!  It has great resources and info about bullying geared for middle school students.  You can even take a pledge to help unite against bullying!  October is bullying prevention month, and we will be doing some activities here at SMS, like Mix It Up At Lunch Day, to show our support of bullying prevention!  Stay tuned for more info!

Teens Against Bullying Website

Chariot Races! TA Fun!

This afternoon our TA activity was the Chariot Races!  Teams of students from each TA took turns being the "horses" or the "rider" to pull their TA to a victory!  We didn't quite finish the preliminary heats before the end of the day, so stay tuned for the final results!

 

On your mark...

 

Heading for the finish line!

 

Look at them go!!!!

 

Timers, announcer, clerk of finish

 

Safety first!

 

The horses ready in the starting gate...

 

Cheering their TA on to victory!

 

The rider!

 

Hold on tight!

Freedom Walk Photos

The weather was beautiful for our Freedom Walk last Friday!  We remember and salute all those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and everyone who helped on that day and those that followed.  Here are few pictures of the students as they walked (and ran) into Hills Park!  Enjoy! 

Freedom Walk TODAY!

This afternoon, the Sheldon Middle School students will be walking in memory of all those who lost their lives during the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001.  Students will be bused out to Northwest Iowa Community College and then walk on the trail to end at Hills Park.
We normally do this walk close to the 9/11 date, but due to scheduling conflicts today is the day! 

During ORAB time this morning, students viewed a short YouTube video depicting some of the events from that day and showing how so many people walked home on 9/11 because all forms of transportation came to a stand still.  WE WALK BECAUSE THEY WALKED!  It is hard to believe that some of our students were not even born yet when these events happened, so we feel it is important to help them understand the significance of 9/11 and why we must remember. 

Here is the link to the video that students watched today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHstQv8C2zQ

Common Sense Media

This is a great website for parents of all ages of children.  It gives indepth ratings for media of all types!  It is amazing to realize how much media influences our children--it is all around them all the time!  Make sure that your child is being exposed to age appropriate material by checking out this site.

CommonSenseMedia.org

Parenting Classes Offered By Love, INC.

Erin at Love, INC asked us to share this information with the SMS families.  We have always heard great things about these classes and know they benefit the WHOLE family!  Love, INC will start a Fall Session on Thursday, October 4th. These classes will be 10 weeks long, break for Thanksgiving and end the week before Christmas. Classes are from 6:30-7:30pm, free of charge and with free childcare provided on-site. The classes that they'll offer this fall are Budget Toolkits, Positive Parenting, and a Bible Study.  There are posters in the SMS office that provide more specifics about these classes, so stop and pick one up, or we would be happy to send one home with your student!

PLEASE CONTACT ERIN BROWN AT LOVE, INC FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THESE CLASSES!  324-9707

More Homecoming Dress Up Days Photos

Be A Geek!  It's Homecoming Week!  Nerd Day!

 

 

 

I'm Seeing Double!  Multiplicity Day!

Homecoming 2012 Dress Up Days

It has been a busy couple of weeks at SMS with magazine sales, homecoming festivities, fall sports, and of course lots of learning!  Here are some shots from our dress up days this week!  Enjoy! 


                                        Hawaiian Day!  Aloha!  An ORAB Win Is Paradise!
                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                          

 

 

Red White & Blue Day!  We Will Never Forget!  9/11

 

 

Keeping Your Children Safe

After the recent attempted abductions that have taken place in NW Iowa, we would like to share some information with you on how to keep your children safe before and after school. We shared some of this same information with the SMS students during class meetings today--not to scare or intimidate them, but to help them stay safe and alert. This information was taken from http://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/Page/17838.  Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns! 

"Stranger Danger" Alert and Tips

We have provided safety tips for parents to discuss with their children in an effort to make students aware of these incidents and to also be better prepared in case something like this happens.

 

* Make a plan with your child so they know what you want them to do!  We advise students to check in with a parent when they arrive at home or call a parent if one is not at home.

* Safety is always best in numbers. Advise your child to walk to and from school with a buddy.

* If your child feels that he or she is being followed and they have a cell phone, they should immediately call 9-1-1.

* Never talk to a stranger. Strangers with bad intentions try to trick kids into helping them. Kids should never talk or answer their questions. If they do answer, it should be something along the lines of “go ask an adult” or “I do not know I am only a kid.”

* Teach your child to think on their feet. They need to keep distance from strangers and not let someone get close enough that they could grab or touch them.

* Advise them to run or walk quickly towards an area where they see people (a shopping center, a home with someone outside, a busy roadway, or a park where they see people.) They should never walk into an alley or location that further isolates them.

* Know your child’s walking/riding path to and from school. Determine a path together that is visible, even if it’s a slightly longer route home.

* Go directly to your destination. Pay attention to where you are going. Talking or texting on your cell phone is a good way to pass the time while you're walking, but it can distract you from noticing what's going on around you.

* Be aware of surroundings - who is behind you and in front of you. Are there occupied cars parked along your route?

* If someone approaches you or tries to get your attention, get away immediately. Cross the street or walk the other way.

* Give your child confidence. Let him/her know that they can fight back - kick, bite, struggle and scream and holler.

The Sacred Acre

Yesterday, the students and staff of the Sheldon Middle and High School had the privilege of being spoken to by Aaron Thomas, Athletic Director of Applington Parkersburg High School.  For those of you who might not recognize the name, Aaron Thomas is the son of Ed Thomas, well-respected high school coach and teacher who was murdered by a former student on the school grounds in 2009.  Aaron's inspirational message about character, perseverance, and forgiveness is one that will stick with all those in attendance!  It was an amazing opportunity for our students and Aaron's message made us all PROUD TO BE AN ORAB!

In 2010 the Thomas family was honored with the ESPN Arthur Ashe Courage Award.  This documentary explains a little about this amazing man, his family, and the AP community!

Magazine Sale Update

After our first turn in yesterday, we are at $10,000 collected!  Our goal is $35,000 and the sale runs through next Monday, September 10th!  WE APPRECIATE ALL WHO HAVE BOUGHT MAGAZINES OR MADE DONATIONS!

Friday is our second turn in date!  For every three new orders, students will earn a spot in the "Sticky Hands" tournament for CASH! 

Online ordering is becoming more and more popular...it is safe and FAST!  Your student will even get the credit for any online sale when you enter their name!  Here are the instructions for online ordering:

Go to http://www.gaschoolstore.com/ and click on the supporters tab.  Enter our school code:  2540532 and the name of the student you want to receive credit for your order.  Pay with a credit card--safe and easy! 

HOMECOMING!

Homecoming is right around the corner here at the HOME OF THE ORABS!!!!  Yesterday the SMS Student Council voted on dress up days for homecoming week, as well as signed up to sell buttons.  If your student is new to SMS, they will soon find how popular our homecoming buttons are!  We have four new styles to choose from this year and they are on display on the bulletin board in the SMS commons.  They are $1 each...WHAT A BARGAIN!  Buttons officially go on sale Friday, September 7th and will be available until homecoming on Friday, September 14th! 

CATCH THAT ORAB SPIRIT!!!!!

Dress Up Days Homecoming 2012

Monday:  Hawaiian Day
Tuesday:  Red, White, and Blue Day (September 11th Memorial)
Wednesday:  Nerd Day
Thursday:  Multiplicity Day
Friday:  Orange and Black Day

Readers=Leaders

At Sheldon Middle School we are constantly trying to help our students become better readers!  Programs like Accelerated Reader, Fusion, and AR Partners are just some of our efforts to help improve students fluency and comprehension when reading.  We know that if a student can read, THEY WILL SUCCEED!  This article gives some great examples of how some of the most successful people in the U.S. are avid readers!  Check it out!

Readers=Leaders Linked HERE

Dealing With A Loss--Helping Families Through Grief

This "helping families grieve" conference was just brought to our attention, so we thought we would share this resource with the families in our district.  Over the past few years, we have had several families who have had to deal with the loss of a loved one.  Hopefully this conference can be a source of healing and education.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  The guidance staff is always here to help with loss as well!  Don't be afraid to call and let us know, so we can support your student and family.

 Information:

2nd Annual

Helping Families Grieve
Together
C o n f e r e n c e

Saturday, September 22, 2012

8:30 am - 12:00 pm

First Reformed Church

Sioux Center, Iowa

CALL: (712) 722-8108

Creativity

Check out this video about creativity and tolerance from the students at Linn-Mar High School in Iowa!  So cool!  Very inspiring and helps us to remember that all students have amazing talents to bring to the table!

Create Video

It's That Time of Year...Magazine Sales!

SMS will be kicking off our annual magazine sale fundraiser next Friday, August 31st!  This fundraiser allows us to do so many neat things here at SMS and provide so many opportunities for our students that the general budget would not allow for.  If you would like to get a head start on your shopping, or just want the security of online purchases, please use this link to go to the Great American School Store and support SMS!  You can also pick what individual student you would like to support by entering their name...that way they get the benefits and incentives that go along with the sale :) 

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE GREAT AMERICAN SCHOOL STORE:

GA School Store

HERE IS THE SHELDON MIDDLE SCHOOL CODE TO ENTER SO YOUR PURCHASE SUPPORTS OUR SALE:

2540532

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING 324-4346!

What Is Your Mindset?

We had a great discussion in 8th grade guidance about mindset today.  Do you believe you are born with a set amount of talent?  Or can talent be improved?  One of the 8th grade students even reminded us about a great quote.  "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."  Kevin Durant, an NBA player, recently got this quote back in the spotlight, but it has been around for ages!  What about intellect?  Again, this was up for discussion.  At SMS, we believe that if students put forth a positive effort, we can help them be successful!  If we can help students change their mindset about their intellect and talent, we feel that they can achieve!

What is your mindset?  Check out this quiz from the book "Mindset" by Carol Dweck.  Hopefully each SMS student can develop the "growth" mindset that will help them overcome any obstacle!

Mindset Quiz HERE

We Made It!

What an amazing first day here at SMS!  The morning started with a flag raising ceromony and whole school assembly.  The students were awesome and the day went smoothly!  Here are the class pictures of the 5th graders on their first day of middle school!  It was the end of the day and they were still smiling :) 

                                                                       Mr. Fitz's Class

Miss Pruiksma's Class

Mrs. DeZeeuw's Class

First Day of School!

Tomorrow is the big day!  Here's to hoping that your kids are as excited about the first day as Nemo!  We are looking forward to seeing all our SMS students tomorrow and kicking off another great year!

Don't forget Open House tonight from 5-6:30 P.M. and 7th Grade Transition meeting at 6:30 in the MS gym!  See you there!

Participation Matters!

During our inservice at the start of each school year, we go through the list of students who were not involved in any type of extra curricular activity the previous year.  Our goal is to help each of those students find an activity that they enjoy and can become a part of.  As a staff we feel that having a connection to school and being involved benefits a student in so many ways.  Check out this article that reinforces our philosophy on participation at SMS, as well as these pics of some of our students in action!

Participation Article

                                                                SMS 7/8 Choir 2011-12

SMS 7/8 Boys Track 2011-12

SMS 7 Girls Volleyball 2011-12

2011-12 Winner of SMS Science Fair

Quiz Time!

As we begin the school year, parents often ask how they can help improve their student's study habits.  As we increase our use of technology here at SMS, we would like to offer additional technological resources for parents.  Here are just a couple of handy websites that we have found that our students really enjoy using when studying for tests.  Both Quizlet and Studyblue are free sites where students can browse electronic flash cards or create their own custom electronic flashcards.  What a fun way to study!  It feels more like playing a video game :)  Enjoy! 

Quizlet
Studyblue

We're Here To Help You!

If you watched the coverage of the Olympic balance beam competition last night, you witnessed a true advocate in action!  An advocate is someone who works for the interests of a group or individual.  After it appeared that U.S. Olympic gymnast, Aly Raisman, would have to settle for fourth place in the beam competition, her coach filed to have her score reexamined.  Thanks to his advocacy, Raisman ended up on the medal podium with a medal in hand. 

Likewise, as a staff, we are here to do what is right for your student.  We want to help each child be successful here at SMS.  Let us know when you have questions or concerns...everyone needs a hand once in awhile!

Finding Your Greatness

No matter what you do this school year, or in life for that matter, make sure you are giving it your all!  Check out this clip that has been showing during the Olympics...and go be an ORAB! 

Are Your Kids Ready For School?

We hope that you have had a great summer break! We are looking forward to kicking off the start of a new school year here at SMS and wanted to share some tips to help parents and students be prepared for the start of the year. In this article from WebMD, Nicole Pfleger, the ASCA 2012 School Counselor of the Year shares some ideas to ensure you and your student will have a successful school year.

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/family-health-12/back-to-school-prep?page=1

We also wanted to remind you of the dates of registration...

Sheldon Community School District 2012-13 Registration Information:

Registration Dates for School 2012-13
**Thursday, Aug. 2nd @ Sheldon Community High School - 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
**Monday, Aug. 6th @ Sheldon Community High School - 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
**Tuesday, Aug. 7th @ Ashton State Bank - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
**Wednesday Aug. 8th @ Archer - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Practice Voki

This is a website that we will be using this year for our Mix It Up At Lunch Day activities. We will be creating Vokis that provide our students with anti-bullying messages. Enjoy!

Welcome to the Sheldon Middle School Guidance Class blog site!  Visit often to find out about activities going on in class as well as at Sheldon Middle School!  Go Orabs!