Technology Donations

Dear Parents,

Our goal is to increase student use of technology in the educational setting.  There are a number of ways to do this.  We are very fortunate to have two computer labs that can be checked out.  However, if a student does not have technology class and we organized a revolving schedule where every class would have a turn in the labs, students would still average around 1 hour using technology as part of the instruction each week.  To maximize time with technology, students would need to have educational technology tools available to them more often.  That is a very costly initiative that we are currently not in a position to undertake. 

However, there are some other options.  We are encouraging all staff and parents (and students) that are upgrading their technology (laptops, tablets, iPad, iPhones or iPod Touches) to consider donating their old devices to Sparta Middle School.  All that we need to use for educational purposes to make the device effective would be Wi-Fi antennas in the devices.  If you are considering this, we ask that you clear the data and software from the device. 

I appreciate your consideration. 

NGAP Assessment

Parents,

At my Principal’s Coffee there was a request by some of the parents to take a sample test of what the new state testing will look like in 2014-15.  Kent ISD developed a prototype assessment from test items released by the organization developing the assessment.  We asked our teachers to take this test earlier this year.  The rationale for attempting the assessment is to recognize the level of complexity the new standards will be requiring of our students.  The middle school test is based on the 7^th grade Common Core State Standards.  There are options for fourth and eleventh grade as well.

We are unsure how the system will handle a lot of parents accessing this at the same time.  If you experience difficulty, try using it at another point in the day.  One thing that we found is that it is not as successful when using Internet Explorer.  I recommend Mozilla Firefox, a free download, or Safari on Apple devices. Here is the website:

NGAP Assessment

Once you access the site, here is the username and password to access the test:

Username: spartaparent

Password: ngap

If you take the assessment, I would love your feedback and thoughts.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Ski and Snowboard Club

We will soon start our SMS Ski and Snowboard Club.  Mrs. Julie Switzer sponsors this opportunity and has provided you with information under "Athletics/Clubs" on the left.  If you have any questions or your child has shown an interest in this, please refer to that parent letter for information and contact email for Mrs. Switzer.

Principal's Coffee

We will be hosting a Principal's Coffee with Mr. Stoner, SMS Principal, on Thursday, December 6.  The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m.  The meeting agenda will be posted a day or two ahead of time on the blog and will be emailed to all parents with active and accurate emails in PowerSchool. You are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting.  Parental participation in school is a key indicator of student success.  We would appreciate seeing you.

Thank you.

November Newsletter

We will not be sending home a paper copy of the newsletter this month and going forward.  If you would like a newsletter in a paper version, please notify your child's Advisory teacher or the middle school's office.

Thank you.

MEAP Schedule

We will begin our MEAP testing next week.  You will find our schedule on the left side of this page.  Please try to have your child(ren) at school at the start of the day and avoid any appointments for the start of the school day.  Make ups for students interfere with their regularly scheduled classes. Thank you for your consideration.

Monthly Newsletter

The monthly newsletter should be coming home with your students today.  This month we are sending home paper copies.  Going forward we will not be doing so.  All other newsletters and communications will be via email and this blog.  If you wish to receive a paper copy, please let the office know.  There is a section in the newsletter that can also be completed and returned to the office.

Thank you.