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