Dear Parents,   

    I am excited to begin my third year as the Principal of South Middle School.  I enjoyed meeting many of our families last year and working on several committees with many of you to improve South Middle School for our students. 

We are very excited to welcome our new and returning students. I hope your summer is going well and that you are able to spend some quality time with friends and family. Know that we are excited about this upcoming year. As the year progresses, we will have many opportunities to work together in educating your child.

New and returning students will need to come by and complete registration packets before the 28th of August. Parents may pick up registration packets beginning August 12th. You must fill out and return all paperwork to South Middle School by Friday, August 28th for your student to receive a schedule of classes the first day of school. Please do not delay your student’s entrance to classes that first day by missing the deadline of the 28th.

The first day of school is for 6th grade students only, Tuesday, 9/8/15 and students may pick up their schedules in the large gym starting at 8:15 a.m., if you were not able to attend our New Student BBQ on September 3. (See inside for details).  The first day is for our 6th grade students to get acquainted with their teachers and their new school surroundings. Students going into the 7th and 8th grades will be able to pick up their schedules in the large gym on their first day of school Wednesday, September 9th.  Please remember there is no late start on 9/9 and school begins @ 8:40 on this Wednesday only.

Our school day begins @ 8:40 a.m. and ends daily at 3:15 p.m.  All Wednesday’s are late start and our school begins at 9:40 a.m.  September 9, 2015 is our first day for all students and we will begin at 8:40 a.m.  There is no late start on this date. 

Please join us in welcoming a few new staff members this year.  Joining us in our Math department will be Tanner Marval, our Special Education department welcomes Sharon Vosburg, our new Choir teacher is Carolyn Sutton, and our 6^th grade team welcomes Erica Butler, Hannah Kolni, and Stephanie Thompson. 

All new students and parents are invited to our New Student and Family BBQ on Thursday, 9/3/15 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. 

One of our goals is to see that the parents and or guardians of students feel comfortable at South and are notified of all events and activities. To accomplish this goal Parent Newsletters are available on the webpage throughout the year, providing information about events and activities.

When you fill out your enrollment form required for all students, please write down your current email address.  You will be receiving an invitation to our program called “Remind” which allows us to text you information about everything pertaining to South Middle School.

As you may have heard there is Great news for you and your students!  All enrolled students of GRANTS PASS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 7 are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2015-2016 school year.  No further action is required of you. Please visit our district web site for current information at: www.grantspass.k12.or.us/south

We are glad to have you with us this year, and we want to assure you that we will do our best to help your child experience academic, social, and emotional growth. With your help and cooperation, this should be an excellent school year. May I extend a South welcome to our new families and a welcome back to all of our returning families.

Jeff Weiss

Principal

Who: Students and parents of South
Middle School

What: Participating in the summer garden means helping to maintain the
garden by planting, watering, weeding and harvesting fresh produce throughout
the summer months.

When: Wednesdays in July and August at 10-11:00am

( Are you going to eat lunch
this summer at Allendale?  Stop by the garden before lunch on Wednesdays!)

Where: South School Garden in the parking lot of South Middle School

Dress Code and Student Dress

Dress and appearance must be clean and not cause health or safety problems.  For the health and safety of students, shoes must be worn at all times.  Dress and appearance must be such that it will not disrupt the educational process.  Students participating in extracurricular, special activities and some special classes shall dress and groom themselves as required by the instructor and with the approval of the administration.   (Board policy:  JFCA)

Student dress and hair style are considered to be a personal decision between the students and their parents.  However, they must not be distracting to the educational process.  Students wearing extreme styles, which may be detrimental to the teaching/learning process, will be required to change into appropriate clothing.  Students have a responsibility to accept adult judgment and reasoning when discussing the conditions of cleanliness, modesty, safety and disruptiveness.  Shoes must be worn.  Students need to wear clothing that is conducive to the classroom atmosphere. Failure to comply or repeated problems may result in disciplinary action.   Hats, athletic caps, hoods and other headgear have caused disruptions in classrooms, at bus stops, and in the hallways at South.  Therefore, hats and hoods are not to be worn in the building or during school hours.

Examples of the Dress code policy: This list is not all inclusive and students wearing attire that might be offensive, extreme styles or styles detrimental to the teaching and learning process will be asked to change.  It is the student’s responsibility to accept the adult judgment and reasoning.

• No attire that makes reference to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, gang activity, sexual issues or displays distasteful, suggestive, or obscene language or illustrations.
• Hats, hoods (or any other head covering) will not be worn while the student is on school district property between 8:20am and 3:30 pm.
• No bandanas of any color.
• No clothing that reveals any type or form of male or female under garment and/or is transparent (see through). Attire that is potentially see through or exposes undergarments are not permissible to be worn as pants and should have something over them that meet the requirements of appropriate length (Mid thigh)
• No spaghetti straps, halter tops, tube tops, mesh tops, fishnet, and large arm holes (must not be cut lower than the arm pits).
• An open back shirt is permissible, provided the opening doesn’t fall below the bra strap line.
• No low cut tops (Shirts cannot have necklines that are lower than the straight line from top of underarm across to opposite underarm).
• The shoulder straps of a shirt must be at least 1-inch in width (no bra straps showing).
• Racer backs are permitted provided the bra straps are not showing and they have a 1” strap.
• No clothing that exposes the midriff under normal conditions. 
• No Skirts or shorts that are too short or too revealing (Hemlines should be mid-thigh length).  
• Holes or rips in pants (above fingertip level) must not show any skin or undergarments.
• No Sagging - Wearing pants below hips.
• NO Metal-spiked clothing or accessories. Neck collars, large safety pins, sharp objects, and chains (including wallet chains), or excessively long belts.
• No overcoats and/or trench coats.
• No pajamas/pajama pants 
• No slippers
• Gloves may be worn in the hallways only for the purpose of warmth on days the temperature is near freezing.
• No Sunglasses
• Items such as deodorants, perfumes, breathe sprays, etc. which require PROPELLANTS are not allowed on school property. Only Roll-on and Stick deodorants are allowed.

Students wearing inappropriate clothing or failing to meet the above criteria will be required to change into acceptable clothing, or could be sent home.  We encourage students to write their full names on personal items (clothing, shoes, binder, etc).

The first day of school this year is Tuesday, September 8th and will be  for 6th grade students only. Students may pick up their schedules in the large gym beginning at 8:15am. This day is for the 6th grade students to get acquainted with their teachers and their new school surroundings. 

**Returning students going into the 7^th and 8^th grades will be able to pick up their schedules on their first day of school (Wednesday, September 9th) in the large gym beginning at 8:15am.

Looking forward to a GREAT year South!

Registration packets will be available to pick up in the office at South on Wednesday, August 12^th.  All new and returning students must have a new enrollment packet turned in by Friday, August 28^th, in order for them to have a schedule by the first day of school.   As a reminder, students’ LEGAL name must be provided on all documents. 

**Office hours for registration are 8am-11am and 12pm-2pm**

Please stop by and pick up your packet between these times.  See you then!

Bus Schedules / routes should be listed in the Grants Pass Daily Courier the week before school begins.  If you have any questions, please call the District #7 Transportation Office at 541-474-5785.

Newcomb Photography will be here at South on Thursday, September 10^th for Fall pictures.  Picture packets will be sent home with students.  All students will have their pictures taken for the yearbook and their student ID cards whether or not they purchase a picture package.  Bring you smiles!

P.E. uniforms (shirt/shorts set) can be purchased in the office for a cost of $18.00 ($8.50/shirts & $9.50/shorts).  Lace-up athletic shoes and white socks are needed for class.  It is important that students begin the year with their P.E. clothes.

If you know someone who speaks English as a second language, please contact District 7’s English As A Second Language Department, at 474-5710, ext. 122.  These students may be eligible for ESL services. Thank you!

Si usted conoce a un estudiante que hable ingles como Segundo idioma, favor de llamar al Departamento de Ingles Como Segunda Lengua a 474-5710, ext. 122.  Es possible que el estudiante puede aprovechar el servicio del Departamento de Ingles Como Segunda Lengua.  Gracias.

Summer Lunch starts June 15th and goes thru August 21st. 

Meals are available at no charge for all children 1-18 years. 

**See attached fliers for additional information**

Morrison Centennial Park: 11:00 –11:30

Westholm Park: 11:00 –11:30

Reinhart Volunteer Park: 11:45 –12:15

Redwood Park: 11:45 –12:15

Gilbert Creek Park: 11:00 –11:30

Lawnridge Park: 11:45 –12:15

Allen Dale School 11:00-11:30

Riverside Park: 11:45-12:15

GP Pool: 12:15-12:45
 

Public Law 108-446, also known as the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act”, requires school districts to use an ongoing system to locate, identify and evaluate all children from birth to 21 years, suspected  of being eligible for special education services. Grants Pass School District #7 requests public assistance in identifying any developmentally disabled child who is not enrolled or currently receiving special education  services. If you have any questions, please contact the District Special Education Office at 541-474-5706.

• Sports Physical

A physical examination must be on file for all students involved in middle school athletics.  Athletes must renew their physical every two years.  Physical forms and additional sports physical flyers are available in the front office.

• Emergency/Medical Consent Form

Students must have a Emergency/Medical Consent form completed for each sport they particpate in.  This form must be completed before your student can particpate.

• Insurance

All students participating in sports must have insurance coverage.  Insurance may be purchased through the school, if needed.  Stop by the office for a flyer with more information.

• Eligibility

To be eligible for athletics, students must be in regular attendance and passing all classes. 

• Pay to Participate

There is a $75 fee to particpate in each sport, up to $150 per student.
**Fundraising is available.  Stop by the office for additional information.

On Thursday, September 3rd South Middle School will be hosting their annual New Student Orientation BBQ from 5pm-6pm.  We will be serving hotdogs, chips, fruit, cookies & drinks! This is a time for new students & parents to meet teachers, the office staff, the Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal, get schedules, locker assignments and enjoy a dinner at their new school.

This is free to all of our incoming NEW students to South Middle School.

Don’t miss out, be there!

*Click on flyer attached below for more information*

Daily attendance and punctuality are absolutely necessary for students to gain maximum benefits from their educational experience.  Absences from class are recorded for every period of the school day.  When students have been absent, they need to bring a note from home stating their full name, and the days they were absent.  The note must be signed by a parent, and turned in to the front office.  A phone call from a parent or guardian on the day of an absence is greatly appreciated and eliminates the need for a note when the student returns. Uncleared absences may lead to disciplinary action.

Attendance matters and is critical to student success.  Our District’s Attendance process outlines the steps we take to work with parents to insure that students meet the State’s requirement of “regular attendance” - attending school at least 92% of school days..

Oregon State Law allows excused student absences for the following reasons:

• Student illness
• Illness in the immediate family
• An emergency

Click on the attachment at bottom for a printable 2015-2016 SMS School supply list.

• 2 Boxes of Kleenex
• Scientific Calculator, inexpensive, recommended (TI-30X11S)
• 3 Ring Binder (2”)
• 1 Pkg. College Lined Writing Paper 
• 1 Composition Notebook
• 1 Pencil Pouch
• 24 #2 Pencils
• 1 Pkg. of Colored Pencils (24 minimum for Art class– non erasable)
• 1 Pink Eraser
• 4 Folders (3 ring w/pouches inside)
• 2 Glue Sticks
• 1 Ruler (centimeters and inches)
• 3 Pens – one of each color (blue, black, red)
• 1 Pair of Scissors
• Handheld Pencil Sharpener  (with shaving case, high quality, no batteries)
• Music students– 3 Ring Binder (1”-1.5”)
• Band Students– Sheet Protectors (qty 20)
• Student Timetracker (to be  purchased at South $5.00)
• PE Uniform (to be purchased at South, $18.00 set)

Locker Dimensions
11in x 12in x 3ft
Please keep in mind when purchasing backpack.

Also available in the front office:
Binder Kit- $25

Includes:

• Time Tracker ($5 purchased individually)
• Binder
• Paper
• Pencil Pouch
• Pens (1 each- black, blue & red)
• Pencils (5)
• Glue Stick (2)
• Color Pencils (12 pack)
• Pink Eraser
• Ruler (inches & centimeters)
• Composition Notebook
• Scissors
• 4 Folders (3 ring w/pouches inside)
• Pencil Sharpener

It's time to get prepared for SMS Fall Athletics! 

• GP Middle School Cross Country Running Camp
  • Incoming students 5th-8th grade
  • Aug 24th-Aug 27th
  • 8am-9:30am at South Middle School (parents to provide transportation)
  • Cost: $25
  • Registration deadline: Aug 17th
  • Print attached registration or stop by SMS front office to pick up a copy
• Camp Cavemen Middle School Summer Football Camp
  • Incoming students 7th & 8th grade
  • Aug 17th-Aug 20th
  • 6pm-8pm at GPHS Madrone Street Practice Fields
  • Cost: $40
  • Print attached registration or stop by SMS front office to pick up a copy
• South Middle School Volleyball Camp
  • Incoming 7th & 8th Grade
  • August 19th-August 21st
  • 9am-12pm at South Middle School
  • Cost $20
  • Print attached permission slip or stop by SMS front office to pick up a copy

All particpants will need to have coaches card turned into office and current physical on file before participating in camps.

**Please click on attachments below for additional information as well as registrations**

NURSE’S NOTES NURSE’S NOTES NURSE’S NOTES NURSE’S NOTES

Students with asthma, allergies, heart problems, diabetes, seizures, and other conditions should have a health protocol on file to provide guidelines for their health and safety at school. If your child has one or more of the above conditions, but does not have a protocol, please ask office staff for the appropriate protocol form, complete it and return it to the school.  If your child already has a protocol on file at school and there are no changes, you will just need to complete the “returning student” statement on the Emergency Contact and Health Information form (with your registration papers) to continue use of that protocol. If there are changes in your child’s protocol on file at school, please obtain and complete a new protocol for the school.  Thanks for your help with this, as we attempt to provide for the student’s health and safety at school.

Look for future “NURSE’S NOTES” during the coming school year.

Martha Covrig, RN, BSN, MPH, District Nurse

When your child must take prescription and/or non-prescription medicine at school, please follow these steps:

• The parent/guardian must bring the medicine, in person, to the office.  It may not be sent with the child.
• Additionally, the parent/guardian must pick up the container when the child has completed the course of medication.
• The medicine must be in its original container.
• The parent/guardian must fill out the appropriate form with instructions/permission for the school to administer the medication.
• The parent/guardian must inform the school, in writing, of any changes in medication instructions.

At no time may a student be in possession of either prescription or non-prescription medications while at school.  All medications must be administered through the office, following the procedure explained above.  The only exceptions to this policy are students who must have inhalers, insulin and  epinephrine medications with them because of life-threatening conditions.  The office must be notified if your child is in this category.  The District and State discourage parents from asking the schools to dispense non-prescription medication.

If you have any questions, please contact the office at 541-474-5750.
Thank you!

If you are interested in being a parent volunteer, please contact Mrs. Chamberlain in the Counseling Center. Stop by, call or email. Volunteers are needed throughout the year for many different activities.

Working together, it's what we do!

Mrs. Chamberlain
541-474-5750 ext.108
mchamberlain@grantspass.k12.or.us