We can't believe that December is already here! As we look ahead to the holiday season, we’re filled with gratitude for the first half of the school year and all the incredible moments we’ve shared so far. We hope you all had a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving break, and that it brought time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy what matters most.

Even though November ended with an unexpected early Thanksgiving blizzard, we still managed to go out with a bang; or should we say, a splat! As part of our monthly attendance challenge, our top three homerooms earned the chance to pie staff members in the face for having the highest attendance rates. Huge thanks to Mrs. Leitheiser, Ms. Thompson, and SRO Olson for being such great sports and taking “one for the team!”

Throughout November, our school was filled with the spirit of kindness and gratitude. Homerooms went above and beyond with projects like Thankful Trees, gratitude paper chains, door decorations, handwritten cards, and even thankful turkeys. Our office staff joined the fun too, hosting a cozy pie-stravaganza to show gratitude for our amazing teachers and staff.

Another highlight? Celebrating the 67th Day of School! We surprised students with trivia throughout the day, rewarded caller 6 or 7's homerooms with treats, handed out Perfect Attendance certificates, and had an absolute blast spreading positivity and school spirit.

As we head into December, we’re excited to continue building on our school-wide commitment to student success through the Power of ICU. Our focus is simple but powerful: ensuring all students learn the standards and complete their assignments. With ICU, we’re working together (students, staff, and families) to provide the time, support, and accountability our learners need to be successful. 

 The holiday season is a time to pause and soak in the joy around us and that’s exactly what we hope our staff, students, and families can do. As we approach winter break, we encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the little moments with loved ones. We are so thankful for each and every one of you; for the students who inspire us daily, the families who support us, and the staff who pour their heart into Simmons Middle. 

Dr. Colleen Murley

Principal

Mrs. Kelsey Scarborough

Assistant Principal

The monthly calendar for all Youth Power events can be viewed by clicking here!

Throughout the school year, help your student collect Ken’s and Kessler’s grocery receipts and have them turn them in to the office. At the end of the year, our amazing PTA submits all the receipts and earns money back from the stores, which goes right back into supporting our students and staff.

So next time you shop, don’t toss those receipts! Send them to school with your student and help us turn grocery trips into great opportunities for us.

If you would like to take a more active role and get involved, please attend one of our monthly meetings, which take place on the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:30pm in our library.

If you are unable to take an active role, please still consider becoming a member for $10. Your membership alone helps support the PTA, and you’re welcome to simply donate without any additional time commitments.

You can click here or scan the QR code below to register online.

Monday, January 12th

6:30pm in SMS Library

The Exchange Club’s Young Citizenship Award recognizes middle school students who consistently model outstanding citizenship at both school and home. Honorees are selected for demonstrating strong character through a positive attitude, service to others, leadership, and sportsmanship.

Congratulations to this month’s Exchange Club Young Citizenship Award winners, Wyatt Nicolai and Stella Drangstveit!

We believe every student can be successful and that no child should fall through the cracks. This year, we are strengthening our support for students by implementing ICU, a school-wide system designed to help students complete missing assignments, stay on track academically, and develop strong learning habits.

In the medical world, ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit, a place where patients receive extra attention, support, and care until they’re back on their feet. We are using that same idea for schoolwork. When a student has missing or incomplete work, it’s like that assignment is “sick.” It needs extra time, attention, and support to get “healthy” again; meaning completed and demonstrating the student’s learning. Instead of letting students slip behind, ICU ensures they get the help they need to finish their assignments successfully.

If a student does not turn in an assignment when it is due, it will first be marked incomplete in the gradebook. Teachers will work with the student for up to one week to help them finish it during class, homeroom, or work time;  before the assignment is considered “missing.” If the assignment is still not done after this one-week window, it will be marked missing, and the student will be placed on the ICU list. Once a student is on the ICU list, they will receive extra support. This may include working with their teacher or other staff members during specific times until the assignment is completed at a level that demonstrates learning.

Students are not penalized or shamed for appearing on the ICU list. Instead our staff will provide: consistent reminders, guided planning, check-ins about missing work, time to work during school, communication support, and encouragement. 

Our message to students is simple: “We care too much to let you fail.” Rather than giving a zero and moving on, we make sure every student completes every assignment so we know what they’ve learned.

If your student has missing work, they may be assigned one or more of the following until the work is complete:

During ICU times, students may work with teachers other than the one who assigned the work, but the focus will always be on completing quality assignments that demonstrate learning. The supports listed above aren’t meant to be punitive. They provide structured time and consistent supervision so students can get caught up and return to their regular routine.

Because learning matters. Every assignment is a chance for your child to practice, grow, and show what they understand. We want students to feel proud of their progress and confident in their abilities, and they can’t do that when they’re buried under missing work.

ICU helps us reduce student stress, increase completion of assignments, improve learning and grades, build responsibility through support, not punishment and ensure no student “sits out and gives up”.

Just like a hospital ICU team doesn’t give up on patients, we will not give up on our students or their learning.

We are excited for the positive impact this will have on student success, confidence, and classroom culture. If you have any questions about ICU or how it supports your child, please reach out to us anytime.

Please remember that students are not allowed to enter the building before 7:30am, when our doors officially open. For safety and supervision reasons, we ask that students do not arrive much earlier than that.

At the end of the day, our school dismisses at 3:10pm, and all students should be off school grounds by 3:20pm, as staff supervision is not available beyond that time. 

Additionally, please remind your child to use the designated crosswalk when crossing 5th Street before and after school. Drivers are aware of the crosswalk, but they aren’t always alert to students crossing in other areas.

We are excited to invite you to our annual Holiday Concert, which highlights the hard work, talent, and festive spirit of our Simmons Middle School music students!

All 6th–8th grade music classes will be performing as part of their class curriculum. Student participation, preparation, and performance etiquette will be an important part of their quarter grade.

Students in the following 6th grade music classes will perform at 2:15pm in the gym:
🎄6th Grade General Music
🎄6th Grade Band
🎄6th Grade Orchestra
Doors will open to the public at 1:45pm.

Students in the following 7th & 8th grade music classes will perform at 7:00pm:
🎄7th & 8th Grade Vocal
🎄7th & 8th Grade Band
🎄7th & 8th Grade Orchestra
Students in the evening performance should arrive no later than 6:45pm. The front doors will open to the public at 6:30pm.

To help our students look and feel their best on stage:

⭐All students should dress nicely—please avoid worn blue jeans, sweatpants, casual t-shirts, or bulky hooded sweatshirts.

⭐All orchestra students (6th–8th) are expected to wear all black.

If this creates a hardship, please contact Mr. Panerio, Mrs. Hansen, or Ms. Stubbe ahead of time and they will work with you.

The SMS Student Senate is excited to kick off one of our favorite traditions - the Sabotage Challenge! This fun and spirited competition helps us give back during the holiday season and adds a little friendly chaos along the way.

The Mission:
Raise money to purchase holiday gifts for local children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Every coin dropped is a chance to make the holidays brighter for kids right here in Aberdeen!

How It Works:
Each homeroom will have its own Sabotage jar:

Incentives:

Let’s come together to give generously, sabotage strategically, and have a blast while making the holidays a little brighter for others. Good luck to all homerooms, let the sabotage begin! 

Transitions to Middle School

Let’s roll into winter break with some fun on wheels!

Our 6th graders have worked hard during their first semester of middle school, and it’s time to celebrate! We’re heading out for a special field trip to SkateAway for an afternoon of skating, music, and good times with classmates.

Field Trip Details

Extras & What to Bring:

Important Reminders:

Want to help another student?  If you’re able, we’d be grateful for any donations to help cover costs for students in need.

Thank you for your continued support, we can’t wait to celebrate our fantastic 6th graders with this fun afternoon of skating and smiles!

Auditions for the Simmons Middle School play "Tongue Tied" will be held Tuesday December 9th and Wednesday December 10th afterschool in the cafeteria.  Auditions are open to all students grades 6-8.  All students who wish to audition OR be a part of the stage crew should plan to attend one session. 

Questions?  Please talk to Ms. Leitheiser!

Get ready for a cozy, magical evening filled with holiday cheer as we gather to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol!

Hot cocoa will be provided, and families are welcome to bring their own peanut-free snacks.
Students can earn a Youth Power point just for attending!
Feel free to bring a blanket or chair, or enjoy seating in the bleachers.
Students must be accompanied by an adult or a high school sibling to attend.

Doors open at 6:15pm
Movie starts promptly at 6:30pm

Families will be notified of any late starts or school cancellations due to inclement weather through an automated phone call, typically sent out around 6:30am. Please be sure your contact information is up to date with the office so you receive timely notifications when weather impacts the school schedule.

As a reminder, there will be NO SCHOOL for Winter Break from Wednesday, December 24th through Friday, January 2nd. School will resume on Monday, January 5th.

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