Friday, September 28, 2012

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! 


Friday, September 21, 2012

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:


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

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

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

Friday, September 14, 2012

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

 


 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

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.

Friday, September 7, 2012

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!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

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!