From the Principals’ Desk

We’ve had a wonderful few weeks getting back into the swing of things, and our staff sure are excited for another year filled with learning opportunities, engaging activities, and memorable experiences for our kids!

Communication & Cancellations

To keep families informed, we will continue using our digital calling/texting program along with our school website for cancellations and limited event updates. If school is cancelled or delayed, messages will be sent at approximately 6:00am.

Student Involvement

We strongly encourage students to take part in activities as it’s a great way to build connections and school spirit! A full list of activities and additional details can be found under the menu bar on our school website: at Simmons Middle School Website.

Daily Student Announcements

Our Simmons Middle School daily announcements for students are also posted on the website under the menu bar. Be sure to check them regularly for updates!

Annual Student Registration – REQUIRED

A reminder to all families: Annual Student Registration must be completed in Parent Portal. This is essential to ensure we have updated contact information and all required permissions. Students will not be able to participate in field trips without it. Please contact our office if you need assistance completing the registration process.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!

Dr. Colleen Murley

Principal

Mrs. Kelsey Scarborough

Assistant Principal

Upcoming Dates

Monday, September 1st
- No School (Labor Day)
Monday, September 8th @ 6:30pm
- PTA Meeting (SMS Library)
Tuesday, September 16th
- 1st Quarter Midterm
Wednesday, September 17th
- Picture Day (all students)
Monday, September 22nd - Friday, September 26th
- Homecoming Week (vs. Sturgis Brown Scoopers)
Friday, September 26th @ 8:30am
- Homecoming Parade (3rd street S)

Youth Power

Youth Power is a student club that connects Simmons Middle School students with each other and our community. Members pledge to stay drug, alcohol, and vape free while committing to being kind, respectful, and making positive choices every day.

It’s a fun way to socialize, build friendships, and make a difference in our school and community through activities like games, movie nights, and volunteering. Students can easily join by signing a PLEDGE and returning it to Mrs. Lepkowski or Ms. Leitheiser.

👉 Click here to view the monthly Youth Power calendar on our school website.

Homework Academy

At Simmons Middle School, we are committed to supporting every student’s success. Sometimes students need a little extra time or guidance to complete their assignments, and that’s where Homework Academy comes in.

Homework Academy provides a structured environment where students can focus on finishing missing work, receiving extra help, and building important skills such as independence and responsibility. Students may be assigned to attend if work is not completed in a timely manner, or parents may request participation if they feel it would benefit their child.

Homework Academy Times

Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 3:15pm – 4:00pm
Every Morning Before School: 7:30am – 8:00am

Teachers will contact parents on Mondays if their child is expected to stay for Homework Academy that week. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns.

Don't Forget To Join Our PTA today!

We do not ask much of parents. Our PTA caters a dinner for our teachers on both conference nights, collects Ken’s and Kessler’s receipts, sells concessions at our middle school social, along with shows our teachers appreciation through out the school year.

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.

First Meeting

Monday, September 8th @6:30pm in SMS Library

ASD Online Registration

All parents are required to complete the ASD Online Registration through Parent Portal. This process ensures that all required forms are signed (such as permission for your child to attend field trips) and that your contact information is accurate and up to date. If you need help completing the registration, step-by-step instructions can be found here: https://5il.co/3ocqj

Need More Help?

For more information regarding Parent Portal and its features like depositing lunch money, activity registration, or submitting an absence request, click here. For help resetting your password or getting logged back in please call the school at 605-725-7900.

Picture Day! September 17th

All students will be photographed for the yearbook, and no purchase is required for this photo. Parents who wish to purchase picture packets may do so. A form from School Time Photos, the company taking our pictures, will be sent home with your child before picture day. If you choose to order this way, please return the completed form along with payment on the morning of picture day. Families also have the option to pre order photos directly online. See below for details!

How To Order Picture Day Photos Online

Go to www.schooltimephotos.com
Click on “Order Here.”
Enter “ABSA” for the event name and click search.
Click on your school district.
Select your student’s school.
Enter your email address and click login. (All orders are tracked with the email you enter.)
Choose from any of the photo packages and/or order à la carte items.
Once finished, click on the shopping cart icon. You’ll be prompted for your student’s and your information — and that’s it!

For more information, check out their website here.

Parent Portal

If you do not yet have access to Parent Portal, please contact the school office for assistance in setting up your account. Parent Portal is essential for signing required documents, viewing your child’s assignments, attendance, and grades, and completing all forms online. You can also use it to register your child for athletic and fine arts activities, submit absences, deposit lunch money, and view or pay any technology fees or fines—all in one convenient place!

Google Play Store

Click here to download the app

Campus Parent

Click here to access the website

Apple App Store

Click here to download the app

The Golden Apple Award

Do you know someone who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference in the Aberdeen School District?

👉 Nominate them for a Golden Apple Award!

The nominee may be a patron and/or current employee of the Aberdeen School District that stands out above the rest for their outstanding contribution to the Aberdeen School District and their dedication to excellence in education. Nominees may include volunteers, administrative assistants, food service workers, custodians, aides, nurses, counselors, coaches, administrators, and teachers.

Up to 3 recipients will be chosen for Golden Apple Awards, and they will each receive $500 and a Golden Apple!

Important Reminder About Food Allergies

Several students at Simmons Middle School have significant food allergies across all grade levels. Creating a safe school environment for these students requires careful planning, as most allergic reactions are caused by “hidden” ingredients in foods that appear safe.

Peanuts are one of the leading causes of food-induced allergic reactions, and many children with peanut allergies are also allergic to other nuts.

If you plan to send treats to school, please do not send items containing peanuts, peanut oil, or other nuts. Also avoid products manufactured on equipment used to process peanuts or other nuts.

Thank you for helping us keep SMS a safe place for all our children!