APRIL
2024
Southern Middle School
Principal: Melissa Bell, Ed. D. ~ melissa.bell@sycsd.org
Assistant Principal: Ryan Updike ~ ryan.updike@sycsd.org
SMS Main Office ~ (717) 235-4811 x3500 ~ smsattendance@sycsd.org
great job leaving space for students to walk in both directions, they are walking, and demonstrating care toward one another as they move about. For many students, having 500 students
SMS Families:
With school quickly coming to an end for the summer, many young people will find themselves spending more time on social media and online gaming.
According to the 2023 Social Media and Youth Mental Health report published by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, “Up to 95% of youth ages 13–17 report using a social media platform, with more than a third saying they use social media “almost constantly.”
Although social media and online gaming can be positive, research is finding the negative effects on young people to be of increasing concern.
- American teens ages 12-15, those who used social media over three hours each day faced twice the risk of having negative mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety symptoms. (Yale Medicine, 2024)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
- Current research has found “exposure to violent video games is a highly significant risk factor for increased aggressive behavior and for a decrease in empathy and lower levels of prosocial behavior.” (Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 2020)
Para acceder al boletín en un idioma diferente, haga clic en el enlace y copie la URL en Google Translate.
great job leaving space for students to walk in both directions, they are walking, and demonstrating care toward one another as they move about. For many students, having 500 students
- “38% of teens say that what they see on social media makes them feel overwhelmed because of all the drama. Roughly three-in-ten say it makes them feel like their friends are leaving them out of things (31%)
or feel pressure to post content that will get lots of comments or likes (29%). And 23% say that what they see on social media makes them feel worse about their own life.” (Pew Research Center, 2023)
- 41% of parents say their children chat with other known and unknown gamers through live streaming while playing social games. But 64% of parents consider online gaming and networking as the same risks to post something on social media. (Safe Search Kids.com, 2020)
American Psychological Association Tips (2023):
- Recognize developing brains may be especially vulnerable to specific social media features.
- Limit social media use on platforms that include counts of likes or encourage excessive use.
- Use screen time settings available on most devices or on platforms to help teens set limits and learn self-control.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
- Prohibit screen time that interferes with at least 8 hours of sleep a night to ensure healthy brain development among teens.
2. Monitor and discuss your child’s social media use
- Talk to your teen weekly about how social media platforms work so they feel safe telling you about their experiences without judgment.
- Ask them what they saw on social media, how they understand what was posted, and pose hypothetical questions to them to learn how they would respond to various situations they might encounter online.
great job leaving space for students to walk in both directions, they are walking, and demonstrating care toward one another as they move about. For many students, having 500 students
3. Model healthy social media use
- Discuss how and why you use social media with your children.
- Set limits for social media use for yourselves and encourage your children to follow your example.
- Take social media holidays as a family and discuss the challenges and temptations you all experience when away from social media for a long time.
4. Watch for problematic social media use:
- It interferes with their daily routines and commitments, such as school, work, friendships, and extracurricular activities.
- They often choose social media over in-person social interactions.
- It prevents them from getting at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night.
- It prevents them from engaging in regular physical activity.
- They keep using social media even when they express a desire to stop.
- They experience strong cravings to check social media.
- They lie or use deceptive behavior to spend time online.
Melissa S. Bell, Ed. D.
SMS Principal
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
SMS Calendar of Events
April 1: Spring Break/Schools Closed
April 10: PTSO Meeting 6:00 p.m.
April 19: Progress Reports Posted
8th Grade Formal Dinner & Dance 6:30 p.m.
April 22-24: PSSA 7th/8th Grade ELA
April 25: SYCSD Arts and Tech Fair 5 p.m.
April 26: School Closed
April 29-30: PSSA 7th/8th Grade Mathematics
May 1 - May 2: PSSA 8th Grade Science
May 3: 8th Grade Field Trip
May 8: 6th Grade and SMS Spring Orchestra Concert 7 p.m.
May 14-15: Keystone Algebra Exams
May 15: SMS Spring Band Concert 7 p.m.
May 16, 20, 21: 7th Grade Field Trips (Team Based)
May 23: Last Day of School/Half Day
4th Marking Period Ends
May 30th: Report Cards Available
OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOKS
Parents, please remind your students to return their library books when they are due and to make sure to turn in currently overdue books as soon as possible.
8th Grade Field Trip
The 8th Grade Field Trip to Codorus State Park will be held on May 3rd. Students will report to school at normal time and be back in time for afternoon buses. Students will be responsible for their own lunch that day.
Employment at SYCSD
It’s always been challenging for schools to hire enough qualified teachers, substitute teachers, instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and the other staff members who keep a school day humming. But those challenges have never been more daunting.
The district art show will take place Thursday, April 25th from 5-8 p.m. in the high school common area. This event is free and will feature artwork from grades K-12. Please come out to see what amazing art our SMS students have created this year!
Permission slips will be coming out soon.
Project Lead the Way
Students continue to use Project Lead the Way curriculum in multiple courses at SMS. Students use STEM skills in computer, Engineering by Design and Family and Consumer Science.
They also use the hands-on curriculum in a variety of flex and club periods as well. The PLTW materials help students use real world problems to learn cooperative and content skills.
8th Grade Spring Formal
Friday, April 19, 2024
SMS 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15 on sale April 10-17th
Student Council will be hosting the 8th Grade Spring Formal on Friday, April 19. Dinner will be served in the cafeteria at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dance in the gym from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Parents should drop-off students at the main office entrance. Students can be picked up in the SMS gym parking lot at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets will be $15 and can be purchased in the SMS lobby from April 10 -17th. Semi-formal/formal attire requested. Questions may be forwarded to Mr. Plumb and Mr. Nalls.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our March Students of the Month, who have exhibited PRIDE (Prepared—Respect—Integrity—Doing Your Best—Engaged) in their behavior at SMS. Two students are selected from each team.
Please congratulate: Serafina Santoro, Avery Brewer, Paige Wood, Nathan Hobbs, Ally Knauff, Nick Nace, Ella Miliauskas, Matthew Primeaux
On Feb 27th, the MS and HS String Orchestras joined the elementary string orchestras for the annual All District Orchestra Concert. The Middle School orchestra performed extremely well and did a fabulous job. Congratulations to all orchestras involved!
We are looking forward to our Spring Concert on May 8th at Southern Middle School and we hope to see you there.
The PTSO is looking for a volunteer to be the secretary for the 24-25 school year. If you are interested, please contact Jenn Clements at policejenn@gmail.com.
Southern Middle School PTSO
President: Jenn Clements ~Secretary: Tara Welsh Treasurer: Kelley Fisher ~ Hospitality: Lisa Russell, Erin Saenz
The next PTSO meeting is on April 10 at 6 p.m. in the SMS Library.
Warrior Word
Check out our recent issue of the Warrior Word, our student newspaper. Click here to view the newspaper.
7th Grade Field Trip in May
Each 7th grade team will travel to The Oakes Museum. Mr. Oswald will send home details about the trip and a permission slip in March. The trip will include:
- A guided tour of Messiah University's Museum of
Natural History (Oakes Museum)
- A plant hike to learn how to identify native plant species
- A creek study (collect and identify macroinvertebrates)
National Association of Counties “I Love My County Because…”
Art Contest Winner is York County Student Jayden Gross
Please congratulate Jayden Gross (7th Grade) on her visit from two York County commissioners, the Cultural Alliance of York County, and Fox 43 recently!
The National Association of Counties (NACo) chose Jayden’s artwork to be featured in the 2024 “I Love My County Because…” NACo calendar.
Gross was honored with a presentation of a Certificate of Achievement and a print of her winning artwork on March 7, 2024 by York County
President Commissioner Julie Wheeler, York County Vice President Commissioner J. Scott Burford, and Cultural Alliance of York County President Kelley Gibson.
"We are proud of Jayden and the entire art program at SYCSD. Jayden's artwork and her initiative to enter this contest exemplify our students' creativity, engagement, and motivation," said Dr. Robert Bryson, SYCSD Superintendent.
"Our goal at Southern York County Schools is to provide students with the skills, inspiration, and confidence needed to achieve their potential, and it is inspiring to see what students love about our county."
National Geographic Bee Regionals
Congratulations to Mason Keck (7th), Brayden Krebs (8th), and Miles Garrett (8th) who recently competed in the Baltimore Regionals of the National Geography Bee competition!
Mason (pictured) scored well enough to move onto the national competition in Orlando, FL in May. Well done, SMS is proud of you!
The MathCounts team competed in the Regional Competition on Feb 24, 2024 held at Millersville University. A total of 20 teams and 155 individual competitors from Lancaster and York County made up the Lincoln Chapter.
Elizabeth Cowx placed 3rd and Alexander Dougherty placed 15th. Elizabeth Cowx also qualified for the State level competition held in Harrisburg on Mar 22, 2024.
Counseling Department
April Counseling Spotlight Article:
Dear 7th grade Families,
In the month of March, Mrs. Hall visited all Health classes to teach a lesson on Dan Seigel's Window of Tolerance and emotional regulation skills. These are important topics to help our students navigate their emotions and challenges effectively.
Johns Hopkins University refers to the Window of Tolerance as "Emotional Adulting". If you are interested in learning more about the Window of Tolerance please take time to visit the below links:
PCBH School-Based Counseling Program
The SYCSD/PCBH School-Based Counseling Program utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to bridge the gap for young people who need mental health care and young people who receive mental health care.
The PCBH program provides coordinated mental health services at a licensed satellite office of PCBH in the familiar environment of the school setting. Please contact Mrs. Hall or Mr. Katz for more information.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) continues to actively function in the middle school. The SAP team is a group of trained staff members who work to identify, intervene and refer students who are having difficulties due to a variety of possibilities.
The program is available to all students at SMS (except anyone already receiving drug/alcohol or mental health counseling). To make a referral, please contact the guidance office or fill out this form SMS SAP Info Request.
Introducing Check and Connect
Check and Connect is a newly offered data driven program at Southern Middle School developed by the University of Minnesota. For most students, it will not be necessary, but for some it can mean the difference in a successful experience at school.
Check and Connect is a voluntary program that uses attendance, grade, and behavior data to look at a student’s ability to succeed in school. To sum it up, the Check and Connect program is designed to better the student’s success by helping them to improve their routines around the academic setting.
By using weekly check-ins, the Check and Connect Mentor helps the student see their potential success. Often times, the Mentor can act as a secondary counselor, a tutor, and an additional person who holds the student accountable for their actions.
Check and Connect is not just for students. The program mentor works with teachers, administrators, and caregivers to find ways to help the student. It is a team effort to help the student succeed.
If you believe your child is not finding success at school, Check and Connect may be a way of helping them forward. Please contact your child’s counselor or an administrator if you would like to learn more about the program or are interested in signing them up.
Aevidum Newsletter
Club Advisors: Mr. Katz & Mr. Snare
The SMS Aevidum Club is excited for spring. At the beginning of April, the members will be getting trained in a program called Friend to Friend.
Aevidum Friend to Friend is an empirically-supported peer support program schools can adopt to embed helping skills and extend an added layer of connection within their school communities.
The program was developed by a team of students, educators, and mental health professionals. The goal of the program is to provide students with helping skills to make a difference in the life of a friend who is struggling emotionally.
The club is also currently working on a few larger-scale projects. The first is a special 6th to 7th-grade transition project for our incoming middle school students.
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Aevidum Newsletter
Club Advisors: Mr. Katz & Mr. Snare
This will include a Google Slides presentation featuring video clips and tours of the building so that our soon-to-be new students can get a sense of what Southern Middle School is like.
This project should be ready by the end of April just as the excitement of the last month of school and the warmer air arrives.
The club is also working on our next podcast highlighting the tips needed to be successful in the world of middle school. Our 7th graders will share their expertise of having a year of middle school almost behind them.
This will not also benefit the students in our three elementary buildings in the district, but hopefully other current 6th graders nationwide.
Follow the SMS Aevidum Club on Instagram @smsaevidum for club happenings, mental health resources, and a variety of other content. Take a listen to previous SMS Aevidum Podcasts on Spotify here. You may also email the club at smsaevidum@sycsd.org.
York County School of Technology
First-round acceptances for the 2024-2025 school year were recently sent out by York County School of Technology. A new student orientation will occur on May 2, 2024, from 6-8 pm.
Families will receive information regarding the new student orientation closer to that date. York Tech will continue to accept students into programs as openings become available according to their admissions policy.
The acceptance process from the waiting list often extends into the summer months. Please contact Mr. Katz at jason.katz@sycsd.org if you have any questions or concerns.
STAFF RECOGNITION
SMS strives to be student-centered and customer service focused. We would like to know if a staff member, including all support staff, (teacher, custodian, instructional aid, secretary, or bus driver) has gone over and above to assist you and/or child.
To send a shout out, simply complete this Google Form and a shout out will be automatically generated and sent to the staff member at the end of the calendar month. Our goal is to let staff know they had a positive impact and to measure our overall commitment to being student-centered and customer service oriented.
If you have had such an interaction with a staff member, please consider sending that staff member a shout out.
SAFE TO SAY
At SYCSD we are committed to implementing programs that involve and/or educate students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, local law enforcement, mental health and wellness professionals, and elected officials to protect our students, staff, and community.
The Safe2Say Something (S2SS) program is an anonymous reporting system, mandated by PA state law, designed to help students and staff recognize the warning signs and signals (especially on social media) of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others.
S2SS trains students and school staff to treat every warning sign seriously and to act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult and/or by reporting it anonymously via telephone, mobile device, or website to the S2SS Crisis Center.
District staff members have been trained to respond to and manage tips that are submitted in coordination with state and local law enforcement officials. The curriculum is designed to be age-appropriate and research-based.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY?
NJHS is a national organization with local chapters. Students who meet the required national and local chapter standards in five areas of evaluation—citizenship, scholarship, leadership, service, and character—are eligible for membership.
HOW DO I GET INTO NJHS?
NJHS members are selected in the 4th marking period. Eligibility requirements include a 90% average for the first three marking periods, a clean disciplinary record, and evidence of leadership and service to the school and community.
You can begin now to acquire eligibility by doing the following:
- Earn a 90% combined average for marking periods 1-3 in all classes combined.
- Comply with handbook rules, Honor Code, and extracurricular contract rules to avoid disciplinary infractions.
- Participate in at least 2 activities during 7th & 8th grade where you serve/represent the school or community. Only one community activity will count toward your total each year. Activities done for personal reasons do not meet service requirements.
Here are a few examples of activities that meet service requirements:
-School activities such as sports, academic competitions, service clubs, music groups, theater productions, student or class councils
-Community activities such as Scouts, 4-H, church groups, volunteering at the library or fire company
WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY DO?
The NJHS members are role models for citizenship, scholarship, character, leadership, and service to the student body and community.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?
Your membership recognizes your citizenship, scholarship, leadership, service, and character excellence and should give you the personal satisfaction that your accomplishments and contributions to the school and the community are recognized.
For students who qualify, information will soon be coming home!
Smart Snack Price List
Pop Tarts $.85 ~ Fresh Baked Cookies $1.00
Fruit snacks/Fruit roll-ups $.85 ~ Granola Bar $.85
Ice Cream $1.00 ~ Rice Crispy Treat $1.25
Frito Lay Snacks $1.00 ~ Bottled Water $.75
Naked Juice $2.50 ~ Snapple 100% Juice 1.25
Izzi Beverage $1.50
St. Patrick’s Day Winners
1st Place
Carlee Carroll
2nd Place
Jayden Gross
3rd Place
Julie Sipes
