SFMS Messenger – March 22, 2023
March 22nd, 2023

March 22nd, 2023

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A Message from the Principals

Although it doesn’t feel like it, Spring is here!  With the change of the season, it is the time of year for state testing.  Students and staff are gearing up for the upcoming assessments and are excited to show off the learning that has taken place so far this school year!  Please look for upcoming messages regarding testing dates, which will start after Spring Break.  Feel free to talk to your child about the upcoming assessments and reiterate the importance of giving their best effort. 

From all of the staff at the Middle School we wish you a safe, healthy, and relaxing spring break! 

Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal

Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal

Mark Your Calendars!

Friday, March 24th: End of 3rd Quarter

Monday, March 27th – Friday, March 31st: Spring Break

Monday, April 3rd: Start of 4th Quarter

Friday, April 7th: No School for Students and Staff

Monday, April 10th: No School for Students

Safety Update

Staff and students completed another ALICE drill this month.  The students went through a slide show that re-taught expectations from earlier in the school year.  After the reteaching there was a scenario presented with students and staff responding appropriately.  The drill lasted approximately 20 total minutes. 

MS Life Lately …

7th Grade students created electronic, origami, or accordion booklets to illustrate why people move to or leave an area.

Some of our Solo & Ensemble vocalists performed for 3rd Graders for performance practice.

With extra time we were able to play a parachute game!

The 5th Graders got an opportunity to use the VR goggles as a part of their reading class this week. They are exploring the essential question, “How does experiencing nature change the way you think about it?” The students were able to virtually visit lions in the Savanna, manta rays in the ocean, mountains in Switzerland, and much more to see how their experience changes the way they think about nature.

6th Grade reading students are immersed in Ramayana: The Divine Loophole by author and Pixar artist, Sanjay Patel.  This myth is accompanied by vivid imagery similar to some of their favorite films. 

At last month’s MS celebration we enjoyed Minute to Win-It games created by the staff!  The celebration ended with water balloons tossed towards Mrs. Schreurs and Mr. Zak for completing I-ready lessons!

PATH Newsletter

Click HERE to access the Spring PATH newsletter where you will find helpful information, tips, and resources as provided by PATH (Providing Access to Healing) School-Based Mental Health Community Impact Initiative.

A Message from the Nurses

5th Grade Vision Screening ~ Vision screening was conducted for all 5th grade students this month. If the results indicated that your child needs to be referred for further testing by a physician you will receive a letter in the mail. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Nurse Deanna Timler

920-467-7880 Ext. 4232

District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.

HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
Visit our website
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram
SFMS Messenger – February 22, 2023
February 22nd, 2023

 

February 22nd, 2023

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A Message from the Principals

The second semester is in full swing, and we are actually already at the halfway mark of the third quarter.  Just because parent teacher conferences are next month (March 9th) it doesn’t mean you have to wait to reach out to the teachers of your student(s) until then.  Please know you can reach out to teachers at any time. If you would like to sign-up for conferences, there will be an Infinite Campus (IC) message emailed in the near future.

Students and staff started the new year with a focus on social emotional skills including managing emotions, mindfulness, and relaxation skills.  Students were able to learn, communicate, and reflect on implementing possible strategies for future reference.  

Students and staff are taking part in a school-wide celebration this month.  The theme will be “Minute to Win It.” Staff and students will be able to enjoy different games and activities.  The message will reiterate the 1st day of school celebration, respecting one another by treating others how you want to be treated and continually improving every day in all of the different facets of learning.  

As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal

Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal

Mark Your Calendars!

Saturday, February 25th: Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival @ Kiel HS

Monday, March 6th – Friday, March 10th: PTA Spring Book Fair

Thursday, March 9th: Parent / Teacher Conferences (More Info Coming Soon)

Thursday, March 16th – Saturday, March 18th: Disney Beauty and the Beast Jr. Performances (Thursday @ 7:00 pm, Friday @ 7:00 pm, Saturday @ 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm)

Monday, March 27th – Friday, March 31st: Spring Break

Safety Update

Students and staff recently practiced a “medical hold” where staff responded to a specific scenario.  Teaching and learning continued while staff went through the appropriate measures and communication regarding the medical drill.  Students and staff also took advantage of “warm” weather by practicing a fire drill during one of the mild February days. 

MS Life Lately …

7th and 8th Graders finished the semester of General Music with Bucket Drumming.

8th Grade Band and Choir students had the opportunity to perform at the Oshkosh Herd basketball game. The basketball team also snuck in a quick scrimmage. Our musicians are awesome!

Students in 6th Grade Social Studies focused on South Asian geography, coloring and labeling a map of Ancient India.

The 7th Graders had an amazing visit from Liza Wiemer, the author of The Assignment. They had the opportunity to participate in her interactive presentation about her novel and the importance of being an upstander!

6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students partnered with Nourish for weekly visits to learn about food prep, kitchen safety, and, of course, to snack on delicious, local food.

6th Grade Spanish Students ended their rotation with some acting in Spanish!

What’s better than reading on a Friday? Coffee shop vibes while reading! 8th Grade ELA Students enjoyed hot chocolate and reading time for their novel studies. Special thanks to our Food Nutrition crew for the delicious hot chocolate!

From the Nurses

PLEASE TALK TO YOUR KIDS …

ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRY SCOOPING

Our District has had an increase in students making themselves sick by dry-scooping pre-workout supplements. If taken properly, the powdery substances should be diluted in water and consumed prior to a workout. Unfortunately, the trend that has gained in popularity on Tik Tok encourages consuming the powder right from the scoop, without dilution. This is known as “dry scooping”, and it has many dangerous side effects. There has been at least one documented case of a social media influencer experiencing a heart attack from dry scooping a pre-workout powder.

The safety of our students is of the utmost importance. We are hoping this information will promote healthy conversations within your families. Encourage proper hydration being key and using caution with these powders due to the high caffeine content. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Poison Control Article

Healthline Article

Connect with Us!!!
Social Media Channels
Did you know we are on Facebook? Instagram? And even Twitter!?!? We love our community, and as a team, we want to keep you updated on all the great things happening within the District. Thus, we have launched new and updated social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the QR code below for details or find them HERE.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.

HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
Visit our website
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram
SFMS Messenger – January 25, 2023
January 25th, 2023

 

January 25th, 2023

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A Message from the Principals

Happy New Year!  It’s crazy to think that we are already past the halfway point of the school year.  It is a great time to pause for students, families, and staff to reflect on what is going well, what can be improved, and set a goal for the second half of the school year.  As a Middle School, the goal that we will continue from the beginning of the school year is creating positive relationships with all of our students!

The midpoint of the school year is also the time for the next round of I-ready assessments.  The growth is a good indicator of all the hard work the students and staff have been working towards this year.  A reminder that all students are expected to pass two math and two reading lessons from their personal myPath.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal

Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal

Mark Your Calendars!

January 26th – Girls Basketball Home (7th Grade @ ES / 8th Grade @ MS)

January 30th – Girls Basketball @ Manitowoc Washington (7th / 8th Grade)

February 2nd – Girls Basketball Home (7th Grade @ ES/8th Grade @ MS)

February 9th – Girls Basketball @ Kiel (7th / 8th Grade)

February 13th – Girls Basketball Home (7th Grade @ ES/8th Grade @ MS)

February 16th – Girls Basketball @ Lake Country Academy (7th / 8th Grade)

February 17th – Staff Professional Development / NO School for Students

February 25th – Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival @ Kiel HS

Come support some of our Falls kiddos in the upcoming The Jungle Book Kids performance ~

Safety Update

In the month of January, the Middle School practiced a full medical response drill.  The drill includes our district nurses and our medical response team at the Middle School.  This drill consists of a scenario that takes place with the appropriate team members coming to assist.  An example could be a “bee sting” outside at the playground, causing a student to receive medical attention.  

MS Life Lately …

Congratulations to the 8th Grade team whose winning entry was awarded 1st place in the Waelderhaus Great Gingerbread Village Contest!

The Kohler Foundation’s award is granted to the schools of winning teams to help support participation in school enrichment opportunities for all students.

8th Grade Band students rehearsed with the HS Wind Ensemble for the annual 8th Grade / HS Pep Band performance at the Tuesday, January 24th HS Boys Basketball game.

6th Grade Social Studies students visited China using Class VR, viewing such sites as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Soldiers.

MS students enjoyed a performance by the HS Jazz Ensemble and Show Choir. 8th Grade students stayed for a Q&A Session to learn about HS opportunities.

5th Grade STEM students are using what they learned about coding in Code.org lessons to program Cue Bots!

5th through 8th Grade students competed in the Middle School Spelling Bee, spelling words such as maneuverable and preternaturally!

Congratulations to our top spellers: Siena (1st Place), Deena (2nd Place), and Van (3rd Place)!

8th Grade STEM students completed Mini Grills. This is part of the SFHS Project Grill Program, exposing Middle School students to manufacturing / metal fabrication (measuring, drilling, bending, and riveting).

Thanks to Bemis Manufacturing and HUI for their sponsorship!

Connect with Us!!!
Social Media Channels
Did you know we are on Facebook? Instagram? And even Twitter!?!? We love our community, and as a team, we want to keep you updated on all the great things happening within the District. Thus, we have launched new and updated social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the QR code below for details or find them HERE.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.

HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
Visit our website
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram
SFMS Messenger – December 21, 2022
December 21st, 2022

 

December 21st, 2022

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A Message from the Principals

The holiday season is an exciting, busy, and can even be a stressful time of the year for all.  It is a great opportunity to reflect on not only what we are all thankful for but also reflect on the calendar year.  The Middle School is thankful for the support the community and parents have shown for both our students and staff over the past year. 

The ‘Middle School’ years of our children include a lot of change, but also provide many opportunities for growth.  We hope you are able to reflect on the positive over the last year and take time to appreciate the growth that your children have made during the last year including academic, behavioral, social and emotional.  From our staff at the Middle School we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season! 

Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal

Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal

Mark Your Calendars!

December 23rd – January 1st: Winter Break / No School

(Return to School Monday, January 2nd)

January 12th – Girls Basketball Home (7th Grade @ ES / 8th Grade @ MS)

January 17th – Girls Basketball @ Horace Mann (7th / 8th Grade)

January 23rd – Girls Basketball @ Plymouth (7th / 8th Grade)

January 26th – Girls Basketball Home (7th Grade @ ES / 8th Grade @ MS)

January 30th – Girls Basketball @ Manitowoc Washington (7th / 8th Grade)

Safety Update

Our last safety drill involved relocating to the Elementary School.  An example of when this might be needed could be an actual fire, electrical outage, or water break during the school day.  The staff and students successfully transitioned to the Elementary School, took attendance, and transitioned back to the Middle School with minimal loss of learning time.

MS Life Lately …

7th and 8th graders preparing for the Winter Concert.

8th grade students showing off their fleece hats! 

Just in time for the weather to get colder!

Thank you to all of the students and families that made the

8th Annual FALCON FAMILY Movie Night a success!

5th grade Math students are using “money pieces” to add fractions

with unlike denominators.

6th grade Math students explored the relationship between distance and height through paper airplanes. They used their distance thrown and knowledge of ratios to calculate how far their airplane should go if thrown from different heights.

Teams of 8th grade reading detectives solved The Case of Mr. Maloney this week using their inference skills! They are serious about solving crime!

7th grade Social Studies students have been planning their future travels as they complete “A European Travel Guide.” Some of the tasks include determining border types, flags, population, & listing three topics of interest for each country.

5th grade students are learning and playing a new game called “Strand” created by a SFMS 8th grade student.

From the Nurses …

Your nurses are wishing you a happy and healthy holiday break! 

Some things have not changed:  STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!

While RSV is finally decreasing, influenza is still the prevalent respiratory illness right now. If you are interested in this data, THIS REPORT is updated weekly on the DHS website, you can keep an eye on it over the winter.

Connect with Us!!!
Social Media Channels
Did you know we are on Facebook? Instagram? And even Twitter!?!? We love our community, and as a team, we want to keep you updated on all the great things happening within the District. Thus, we have launched new and updated social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the QR code below for details or find them HERE.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.

HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
Visit our website
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

 

SFMS Messenger – November 22, 2022
November 22nd, 2022

 

November 22nd, 2022

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A Message from the Principals

With the holidays quickly approaching, it is a great time to talk about gratitude!  We were able to hold our Title I informational meeting this month. We are thankful that we had the opportunity to show gratitude to the families who came to this event.  For each student at the Middle School, there are three components that together contribute to the success of the students during the school year: the student, the staff, and the families.  We would like to say thank you to our families for being a crucial part in all of the students’ success this year.  

A reminder that Infinite Campus, the parent portal via CANVAS, and reaching out to teachers are all great ways to stay connected with your childs’ learning throughout the school year.  We challenge you to reach out and thank a staff member this month and help us spread gratitude throughout the building!

As always if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out,

Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal

Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal

REMINDERS

SCHOOL PERFORMANCE REPORTS – As communicated last week by Zach Pethan, Superintendent, school performance reports can be found HERE. You also have access to prior year reports, if you click on Middle School and scroll down you will find the 2021-2022 reports.

I-READY – Reminder that students are expected to pass weekly assignments within the online resource.  Students are expected to pass two math and two reading assignments from their “myPath” section of the I-Ready program.  It would be a great opportunity to build a nightly routine in practicing the individual instruction based on the academic needs of your child.  We will have our second I-ready challenge amongst the grade levels taking place leading up to winter break! 

Mark Your Calendars!

NOVEMBER:

23rd – 25th ~ Thanksgiving Break (No School)

28th ~ Boys Basketball Home (7th @ ES/8th @ MS)

DECEMBER:

5th ~ 7th – 12th Grade Choir Concert @ 7:00 pm (HS)

6th ~ Boys Basketball @ Kiel (7th & 8th)

8th ~ Boys Basketball @ Manitowoc Washington (7th) / 8th Home @ MS

12th ~ 7th – 12th Grade Band Concert @ 7:00 pm (HS)

13th ~ Boys Basketball @ Plymouth (7th & 8th)

15th ~ Boys Basketball Home (7th & 8th)

19th ~ 6th Grade Band & Choir Concert @ 7:00 pm (MS)

December 23rd – January 1st Winter Break (No School)

MS Life Lately …

Eva Zaret, an 86-year-old Holocaust Survivor from Hungary. came to speak to the 7th Grade as part of their studies in History and ELA.

7th Grade PE is working on developing coordination and balance! 

The Middle School and High School Jazz Ensembles performed in their

Fall Concert.

7th and 8th grade Spanish students had the opportunity to make Papel Picado after learning about their significance during the popular Día de Los Muertos celebrations typically held across Latin America.

The 6th grade STEM students have been working on their tool badge. 

The 5th graders were Happy Campers during our first annual “Camp Out and Read” day. It made for a wonderful day to get s’more reading in! 

5th grade got a virtual reality tour of our Sheboygan County Veterans Memorial and learned about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They even had an opportunity to get to know Doc from Dogs2DogTags, a service dog in training that will be placed with a Veteran in need. It was a day well spent remembering all of our Veterans!

From the Nurses …

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

The below is a good reminder of safety tips to minimize the common causes of ER trips over the holidays.

Connect with Us!!!
Social Media Channels
Did you know we are on Facebook? Instagram? And even Twitter!?!? We love our community, and as a team, we want to keep you updated on all the great things happening within the District. Thus, we have launched new and updated social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the QR code below for details or find them HERE.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers. In addition, more information about the Summer Youth Activity Leader position is HERE.
HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
Visit our website
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram
SFMS Messenger – October 26, 2022
October 26th, 2022

 

October 26th, 2022

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A Message from the Principals

As October comes to an end, it is an exciting point in the school year for students to showcase their learning and understanding of new content.  The first quarter is ending quickly and as conferences have already taken place, it’s a good reminder for families to continue monitoring students’ academics via Infinite Campus.  If you were unavailable for conferences or have any questions with logging into the platform please contact the MS office.  

Relationships have been, and will continue to be, a focus throughout the school year for students and staff.  Relationships don’t just stop at school between students and staff, but also connect school with families at home.  As stated above, Infinite Campus is a great starting place to gain an understanding of academics.  We cannot stress enough how important communication is, and we challenge you at home to reach out to our staff if there are any concerns that you may have regarding your child(ren).  

Another way to connect is following our social media pages.  Staff are using the different channels (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter) to showcase all of the wonderful things that are taking place on a day in and day out basis in terms of the teaching and learning that takes place at #SFMS.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out.  Thank you for your time, 

Sincerely,

Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal

Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal

Additional note … I-Ready Reminder: 

Friendly reminder that students are expected to pass weekly assignments within the online resource.  Students are expected to pass two math and two reading assignments from their “myPath” section of the I-Ready program.  It would be a great opportunity to build a nightly routine in practicing the individual instruction based on the academic needs of your child. 

Mark Your Calendars!

NOVEMBER:

5th ~ Lawrence University Jazz Festival – MS Jazz Ensemble

8th ~ Boys Basketball @ Lake Country Academy (7th & 8th)

10th ~ Boys Basketball Home (7th @ ES/8th @ MS)

14th ~ MS/HS Jazz Ensembles 7:00 pm

15th ~ Boys Basketball @ Manitowoc Wilson (8th)/7th Home @ MS

17th ~ Boys Basketball Home (7th @ ES/8th @ MS)

21st ~ Boys Basketball Home (7th @ ES/8th @ MS)

23rd – 25th ~ Thanksgiving Break – No School

28th ~ Boys Basketball Home (7th @ ES/8th @ MS)

Safety Update

In case you missed it, HERE is the Safety Update we sent last week.  To note, students and staff completed their first ALICE drill this month. In August staff were trained on ALICE. This month staff guided their classes through an introduction to the new principles and procedures that will be followed. This introduction also included talking through a variety of scenarios and choosing one to practice as a class.

Connect with Us!!!
Social Media Channels
Did you know we are on Facebook? Instagram? And even Twitter!?!? We love our community, and as a team, we want to keep you updated on all the great things happening within the District. Thus, we have launched new and updated social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the QR code below for details or find them HERE.
MS Life Lately …

SFMS Staff and Students Celebrating “Plaidurday”

Mr. Pethan visited 7th Grade Choir and was brave enough to sing a solo!

Way to go, Mr. Pethan!

5th Grade Science Exploring the Food Chain

6th Grade Spanish Presenting on Spanish-Speaking Countries

6th Grade Science Students Learning about Thermal Energy and Cooling Rates of Different Substances

7th Grade Math Students Multiplying Positive and Negative Numbers

District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers. In addition, more information about the Summer Youth Activity Leader position is HERE.
HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
Visit our website
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

 

SFMS Messenger – September 28, 2022
September 28th, 2022

 

September 28th, 2022
A Message from the Principals
The start of the new school year has brought a lot of excitement and engagement focused on building relationships and community throughout the entire school. The hard work and dedication by the staff has shown through the teaching and learning that is in full effect during the month of September! It has been a positive start to the school year, and we are excited to see the success and growth amongst all students here at Sheboygan Falls Middle School.  
Next month we are hosting parent teacher conferences on October 20th and 25th. Although it is a great opportunity to come in during teacher conferences, please do not hesitate to reach out to your students’ teachers in regards to any concerns academically, behaviorally, or socially that you may have in the meantime. The parent portal via Infinite Campus, paints a starting point to see how the start of the school year is going for your student.  
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Ryan Zak, SFMS Principal
Lindsey Schreurs, SFMS Associate Principal
Mark Your Calendars!
OCTOBER:
3rd – Volleyball Home (7th grade @ MS)/No 8th grade game
6th – Volleyball Home (7th @ ES/8th @ MS) / Cross Country at Brillion Deer Run Golf Course
10th – Volleyball @ Manitowoc Wilson (7th & 8th)
11th – Cross Country at Sheboygan Lutheran
13th – Volleyball Home (7th @ ES/8th @ MS)
14th – Picture Retake day
15th – Cross Country Conference meet at Two Rivers
17th – Volleyball @ Sheboygan Urban (7th & 8th)
20th – Parent/Teacher Conferences (4:00-8:00 p.m.)
21st – SFSD Professional Development In-Service (No School for Students)
25th – Parent/Teacher Conferences (4:00-7:00 p.m.)
Connect with Us!!!
Social Media Channels
Did you know we are on Facebook? Instagram? And even Twitter!?!? We love our community, and as a team, we want to keep you updated on all the great things happening within the District. Thus, we have launched new and updated social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Use the QR code below for details or find them HERE.
MS Life Lately …
The Middle School Cross Country team has been competing in a number of meets this season!
During social skills, students worked as a team by collaborating, communicating, and listening to one another! #relationships
A “Fantastic Friday” in 5th grade! Students were writing and working on their “eco columns”.
The first night of volleyball was a success for 7th and 8th grade!
The first day of school was a success! Students and staff had a great first day that ended with a school wide celebration!!!
Safety First!
Last week, SFMS had our first fire drill of the year. Students did a nice job following directions and learning their evacuation spots outside of our building! Well done! 
i-Ready Update: As students are wrapping up their beginning of the year I-Ready assessments, one change this year is going to be the expectation of passing weekly assignments within the online resource. Students will shift from completing an expected amount of minutes to focus on passing two math and two reading assignments from their “myPath” section of the I-Ready program.  
From the Nurses …
As we are still finding our “new normal” with school illnesses, we wanted to re-share our ILLNESS POLICY:
Please DO NOT send your child to school if the child has:
  • A fever ~ oral temperature of 100.0 or higher. Students taking medication for a fever should not be sent to school. We cannot dispense medication for a fever at school.
  • Diarrhea and/or vomiting within 24hrs of the school day.
  • Communicable diseases, please call the school nurse if your child is diagnosed with any communicable diseases.
You MAY send your child to school if the child:
  • Has been taking antibiotics for 24 hours or more.
  • Has a mild cold, cough, or runny nose.
  • Is experiencing symptoms which are part of a medical condition.
  • Has minor bumps, bruises, scrapes, etc. that don’t require medical attention.
  • Has been fever, vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours or more.
Testing is recommended for those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 but is no longer required for returning to school. This school year we do not have on-site COVID testing at the High School. If you are unable to obtain a rapid test kit, reach out to your school nurse. More information about contact tracing and COVID protocols can be found on our school website’s Responsible Return Plan.
Lastly, if your student has a cellphone and is texting you to come pick them up, please call the school to verify that your child has had their symptoms checked by the nurse or office staff. Picking them up without talking to a staff member will result in an unexcused absence.
Thank You!
In Wellness,
Your School Nurses
Amber Silva and Deanna Timler
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers. In addition, more information about the Summer Youth Activity Leader position is HERE.
HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.

 

SFMS Messenger – May 11, 2022
May 11th, 2022

 

May 11th, 2022
A Message from the Principals
As the last month of school has officially started it is nice to see the Wisconsin weather cooperate. With the warm weather and summer on everyone’s mind, it is important for our students to stay on top of their learning by checking in with their teachers about their academic progress. Our students also have access to Infinite Campus so that they can monitor their progress in all classes. The end of the quarter will be here soon! It is important that we all finish strong!
If you have any questions about your child’s progress, please feel free to reach out to their teacher(s). Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Amanda Pound, SFMS Principal
Ryan Zak, SFMS Associate Principal
MS Life Lately …
MAY CONCERTS
Our SFMS students have had a successful May thus far, filled with performances. Congratulations to Mrs. Stowers and her choral students for their performance on May 2nd. Congratulations to Mrs. Schmitz and her fifth grade students for their successful “informance” on May 5th, and finally, congratulations to Mrs. Winkler and her band students for their performance on May 9th!
Virtual Reality Experience for 7th Graders
Seventh graders in Mrs. Kaiser’s science class got to explore parts of the world through virtual reality goggles.
Business Expo
All seventh graders participated in their business expo on Friday, May 6th. They researched and prepared a material good that was “sold” to their peers and staff. Profits made were given to chosen charities that were determined by the seventh graders themselves. This expo was the culmination of weeks of collaborating with partners in this project. Special thanks to Mrs. Karlie Harms for her work in continuing this learning experience for our students.
Stovetop Lasagna
Students in Ms. Deem’s FCS learned how to make stovetop lasagna.
From the Nurse …
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and more and more families are seeking information and support on this as we recover from the collective trauma of the pandemic.
Help and information is available. It may be hard to talk about concerns, but simply acknowledging that you may be struggling is a really big step.
Taking a screen at mhascreening.org can help to better understand what you are experiencing and get helpful local resources. After that, consider talking to someone you trust about your results, and seek out a professional to find the
support you need.
While you may not need this information today, knowing the basics about mental health will mean you’re prepared if you ever need it. Go to mhanational.org/may to learn more.
And, did you know?
988 Coming Soon: Starting on July 16th, 2022, anyone facing a mental health crisis can call 988 and get connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also called the Lifeline). The line will be staffed 24/7 with trained crisis counselors and is free and confidential.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers. In addition, more information about the Summer Youth Activity Leader position is HERE.
HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
May Youth and Family Resource Guide
Please see HERE for May Youth and Family opportunities.

 

SFMS Messenger – April 13, 2022
April 13th, 2022

 

April 13th, 2022
A Message from the Principals
Dear SFMS Families,
We have entered the fourth quarter! Wow! This school year has gone by fast, and it is exciting to think about summer break. There is still a lot of teaching and learning to take place before the end of the school year. It is a great time to create goals with your child to focus on for the remainder of our school year. As the quarter goes along, please continue to check Infinite Campus to stay up-to-date on your child’s progress. Feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher at any point for clarification on any assignments or just to check-in. 
Oftentimes parents mention that their child has no homework to complete. As a reminder there are always books to read and I-Ready MyPath lessons to be completed. I-Ready is a great tool to help your child reach proficiency at their current grade level. The program modifies the workload to meet your student(s) where they are and help grow their skills to reach their current grade level. As we are finishing state testing this month, we will still have our last I-Ready diagnostic test to showcase the growth throughout the school year in both reading and math.  
Sincerely,
Amanda Pound, SFMS Principal
Ryan Zak, SFMS Associate Principal
A Message from Superintendent Annalee Bennin
Sheboygan Falls Families,
This month’s update is one of gratitude and recognition. I believe in ‘not saving a compliment’ and work hard to be grateful for all that is brought to our team each day.  
As an educational institute we get to plan and prepare, but we do not get to choose when tragedy faces us. While teams can ‘talk the talk’, it is not until faced with unfortunate or unexpected events that we recognize and reflect on how we ‘walk the walk’. Our community and our school team has demonstrated over and over this year that we walk the walk. Thank you for being part of our strong community!
As I had shared a couple months ago, the Eastern WI Excellence in Education Award to honor the great work of individuals within our educational institutions was implemented, giving community members, families, and peers the chance to recognize excellence in education. This award includes approximately 27 districts, and I am extremely humbled to share that we had 18 nominees from Sheboygan Falls. The next step for each of them is to expand on why they were nominated in 500 words, with the award ceremony upcoming on Saturday, May 14th. Please join me in congratulating our nominees:
EDUCATORS
Matt Berg MS Educator
Keenen McKenna MS Educator
Janis Jarosch HS School Counselor
Bruce Brunner HS Educator
Curtis Teunissen HS Educator
Rianna Kaiser MS Educator
Linda Henry MS Educator
Greg Schneider ES Educator
Carisa Resimius ES Educator
Stacey Rice MS Interpreter
Gina Koene ES Educator
 
SUPPORT STAFF
J. R. Lesperance MS Custodian
Lisa Hackbarth School Nurse
Lisa Berg MS Administrative Assistant
ADMINISTRATION/DISTRICT 
Lynn Bub ES Administrator 
Ryan Zak MS Administrator
Kevin Krutzik HS Administrator
Amy Lawrenz District Food Service
Thank you for your partnership in education … with gratitude,
Annalee Bennin
Congressman Glen Grothman Visit
On Friday, April 8th Congressman Glenn Grothman visited the Middle School to meet with approximately 25 8th grade students participating in the Capitol Hill Challenge. Congressman Grothman discussed his role in the law-making process, the importance of fiscal responsibility, and took questions from the students. Social studies teacher, Anton Shircel, who supervises the program at the Middle School, said that this was a great opportunity for students to meet and discuss financial issues with a member of Congress. “I can teach them the foundational ideas and skills of government but having a person directly involved in the process provides a relevance and proximity that I can not duplicate in the classroom,” said Shircel.
According to their website, the Capitol Hill Challenge is “an online, curriculum-based financial education program that reaches 600,000 students annually – either virtually or in the classroom – and gives students a better understanding of fiscal policy making, capital markets, and global economic trends.” The Capitol Hill Challenge is sponsored by the SIFMA Foundation. Members of the Foundation joined by video to participate in the event as well.
In addition to the meeting with Congressman Grothman, the students involved in the Stock Market Challenge meet twice a week with Mr. Shircel, learning about investment strategies, basic operations of stocks and financial markets, and participating in an online simulation where they invest in stocks and bonds. The program runs through May 6th.
At the MS Lately …
Here’s a peek at what’s happening at the MS lately …
FOOD DRIVE CHALLENGE
The week before spring break the MS ran a food drive for our local pantry in Sheboygan Falls. The school donated over 1,000 items!!! Students that brought in a donation were entered into a raffle for a “pie in the face” activity with different staff members at the MS.  
STUDENT / STAFF BASKETBALL GAME
We celebrated our hard work at the end of the third quarter with a student / staff basketball game.
BUSINESS EXPO PITCHES
Seventh grade students pitching their products ala Shark Tank style to the teacher panel.
WAFFLES WITH MR. ZAK
Students helped Mr. Zak deliver waffles to teachers on International Waffle Day before break.
Q4 Music Newsletter
Check out what is happening in 5th grade general music and 6th – 8th grade band and choir, enjoy HERE.
Boys & Girls Club Summer Program
Summer registration is open for the Boys and Girls Club Summer Program. More information can be found HERE and at https://thepositiveplace.com/summer-2022-program/.
2022-2023 Open Enrollment
The inter-district public school Open Enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend public school in a school district other than the one in which they reside or to remain in their current district in the event that they move out of the district before the start of the 2022-2023 school year (Moving? See HERE for more information on remaining in District through the school year). Open Enrollment will allow student(s) to continue attending school in the School District of Sheboygan Falls. Please call Mara Nack at 920-467-7893 for additional information or check the Department of Public Instruction Website at: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment (also check the 2022-2023 Open Enrollment Regular Application Period Brochure).
 
There is no tuition cost for students participating in the Open Enrollment program, but parents are responsible for transporting their student(s) to and from school.
 
The open enrollment period for the 2022-2023 school year is from February 7th, 2022 until 4:00 p.m., April 29th, 2022.  
 
Applications must be done on the DPI (Department of Public Instruction) website at https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. A link to this site will also be available on the school web site during the application period at: www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us. The DPI website will be active from February 7th, 2022 until 4:00 p.m. on April 29th, 2022.  
 
If you anticipate a possible move out of the School District of Sheboygan Falls, please complete the Open Enrollment application as soon as possible. You have the right to cancel your application at any time and are not bound to enrollment. If you are currently attending under a Tuition Waiver, you will need to complete an Open Enrollment application for the upcoming school year.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Learn more about available opportunities or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers. In addition, more information about the Summer Youth Activity Leader position is HERE.
HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
April Youth and Family Resource Guide
Please see HERE for April Youth and Family opportunities.
Supplemental Information:
Addressing Grief in Children
As grief can result from many types of losses and events, and as grieving does not have a timeline, we are sharing the following resources:

 

SFMS Messenger – March 9, 2022
March 9th, 2022

 

March 9th, 2022
A Message from the Principals
It is hard to believe that March is already here, it is a busy month for our SFMS students! We have a couple of reminders for families to think about as spring break approaches:
  • High School Musical performances run from March 17th – 19th. Tickets can be purchased in the MS office (more details are below). 
  • Our annual student / staff basketball game will occur the day before break on March 25th. 
  • The third quarter ends on March 25th. Now is a good time to check your child’s academic status in Infinite Campus. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions. 
  • Spring break is the week of March 28th. Enjoy the time away from school!
  • Wisconsin FORWARD testing will start in April. A family letter will be coming home soon regarding this. 
As always, if you have any questions regarding school events, feel free to contact the Middle School office at 920-467-7880.
Sincerely,
Amanda Pound, SFMS Principal
Ryan Zak, SFMS Associate Principal
A Message from Superintendent Annalee Bennin
It is exciting to think that three weeks remain in the 3rd quarter and Spring Break is right around the corner. Thank you for your dedication to your children and our schools this year. It is great to see a community that celebrates many great sporting events, musical events, co-curricular competitions through Forensics and Robotics to name a few. Thank you for flexing with us as we continue to monitor Covid-19 and make recent changes to adjust more to ‘pre-pandemic’ ways. This all takes grace and patience, and we appreciate that you have offered that every step of the way. Special shout-out to our nurses who have dedicated countless hours to helping support our staff and families through these times. Please thank them next time you get the opportunity to interact with them.  
With the 3rd quarter coming to a close in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to reach out to your child(ren)’s teacher(s) if you have questions or concerns. This partnership and open communication can truly make a difference in your child’s academic, social and emotional growth and achievement in school. We are here to support and partner to make your child(ren)’s experience positive and productive.  
Recently, our Board adopted our District Continuous Improvement Plan which aligns with our Mission, Vision, and Commitments. This is a moment to celebrate for our community as we continue to grow and set goals around Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) while also utilizing the data we collect through iReady, the Panorama Social Emotional Survey, and interventions to support our students socially, emotionally, physically and academically. We will continue to explore this plan as a District moving into the 2022-2023 school year. One of our next phases in our plan includes implementing a survey tool for our students, staff, and families to ensure we are receiving feedback from you in our commitment to continually improve to best meet the needs of our stakeholders.  
With Gratitude,
Annalee Bennin
Mark Your Calendars!
High School Musical, Jr.
High School Musical, Jr. is coming!
Get’cha head in the game for this year’s Middle School production of High School Musical, Jr!
Tickets sold in advance in the MS office or at the door. $5 for children, seniors, and military. $10 for adults. SFMS students and SFSD employees are free.
Thursday, March 17th – 7pm
Friday, March 18th – 7pm
Saturday, March 19th – 2pm / 7 pm
SFMS Hosts Solo and Ensemble
On Saturday, February 26th, Sheboygan Falls Middle School hosted Solo & Ensemble. Students had the opportunity to perform their solos and ensembles for feedback and a rating to grow as a musician. We had a total of 24 singers and 25 instrumentalists perform in a total of 49 events. Out of those 49 events, 15 received a 2nd and 34 received a 1st. We are very proud of our musicians!
Physical Education Team Building
Students completed a team building activity called landmine. Students were asked to be a guide for another student to help them navigate through the field of equipment without touching anything. The inspiration comes from how when blind individuals run 5k’s and marathons,They run with a guide to help them navigate the course. It requires quite a bit of trust to allow someone to lead you when you cannot see. 
News from the Art Room
It’s almost time for our Annual Middle School Art Exhibit! We will be showcasing some of the outstanding artwork from 5th-8th grade art students March 17th -19th. Come see the MS Musical (details above), and see the artwork in the Middle School Commons before or after the musical. We have been saving student artwork from the beginning of the year for our exhibit, but students are also welcome to bring in pieces they have done at home during this school year. e hope to see you for a very special weekend of showcasing our visual and performing arts.  
The 6th grade “ORANGE” electives group had a very special opportunity to work with an Artist-in-Residence from the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan. Lee Hunter is an Illinois-based artist who did a virtual visit with this 6th grade class in January. As part of this special opportunity, the ORANGE class will be getting a fully-funded field trip to JMKAC on March 15th to follow up with Lee Hunter; funding courtesy of a special grant from JMKAC! Students will learn about World Fairs, archeology, and will learn about how studying objects from the past can affect and influence our future. Parents of ORANGE class students, please watch your email for more info on this 2-hour field trip. (We will need chaperones!) 
Soon, students in 6th and 7th grade will be signing up for the 2022-2023 school year electives. Do you know how our Art program works at SFMS?  Here’s an overview: 
  • All 5th graders have Art class, once a week
  • All 6th graders have Art class, daily for approximately 8 weeks (students are divided into groups for electives) 
  • 7th and 8th graders can CHOOSE to continue on with Art classes. Art is not required.
If 7th and 8th graders continue to pursue their talents and interest in Art, we have 2 choices: 2-D Art, a drawing and painting emphasis class, for one semester, and/or 3-D art, a sculpture class for one semester. The goal of these upper-grade Art classes is to develop “expert learners” in Art – those who are focused, goal-oriented, flexible thinkers, and problem solvers, with a love for art! 
This semester, Mrs. Fischer has approximately 150 students enrolled in 3-D Art in 7th and 8th grade! It is so wonderful to have that many students choose Art class!
5th Grade Exploration
The 5th grade had a Google Meet with Wildfire Firefighter Cole Heili 2012′ alumni of Sheboygan Falls. He is currently working in Oregon and talked to the students about wildfires and firefighting. The students created a list of questions for Cole based on their research for a unit that they are doing on Earth’s resources and environment. 
Talking with Cole provided a very unique perspective into the life of a firefighter, training, and experiences!!
2022-2023 Open Enrollment
The inter-district public school Open Enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend public school in a school district other than the one in which they reside or to remain in their current district in the event that they move out of the district before the start of the 2022-2023 school year (Moving? See HERE for more information on remaining in District through the school year). Open Enrollment will allow student(s) to continue attending school in the School District of Sheboygan Falls. Please call Mara Nack at 920-467-7893 for additional information or check the Department of Public Instruction Website at: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment (also check the 2022-2023 Open Enrollment Regular Application Period Brochure).
 
There is no tuition cost for students participating in the Open Enrollment program, but parents are responsible for transporting their student(s) to and from school.
 
The open enrollment period for the 2022-2023 school year is from February 7th, 2022 until 4:00 p.m., April 29th, 2022.  
 
Applications must be done on the DPI (Department of Public Instruction) website at https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. A link to this site will also be available on the school web site during the application period at: www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us. The DPI website will be active from February 7th, 2022 until 4:00 p.m. on April 29th, 2022.  
 
If you anticipate a possible move out of the School District of Sheboygan Falls, please complete the Open Enrollment application as soon as possible. You have the right to cancel your application at any time and are not bound to enrollment. If you are currently attending under a Tuition Waiver, you will need to complete an Open Enrollment application for the upcoming school year.
District and Related Employment Opportunities
Looking for part-time work? Full-time work? Flexibility?
The District and Related Organizations have some great opportunities!
SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES: Opportunities within the School District can be found using the below links. Note that if you are looking for flexibility, we are actively seeking Substitute Teacher positions which can be found under the Certified Positions.
Certified Positions –
Assistants / Aides –
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY: Afterschool program fees are waived for children of parents who work at the Boys & Girls Club! If you are interested in part-time work, your child can be enrolled in the afterschool program for FREE while you work for the Club. Current open positions include Site Coordinator and After School Activity Leader. Learn more or apply at www.ThePositivePlace.com/careers.
HEIDENREITER BUS SERVICE: Heidenreiter Bus Service has opportunities for school bus drivers. Find more information HERE.
March Youth and Family Resource Guide
Please see HERE for March Youth and Family opportunities.
Health Services Protocols
As communicated on Monday, beginning Tuesday, March 8th, 2022, we have moved to the Health Services protocols as outlined in the Student Family Handbook, detailed HERE.