8th grade Video

Thank you 8th grade!

If you are having trouble viewing the video Click Here for a youtube version.

Change in Michigan Adventure 8th Grade Trip

Dear 8^th Grade Parents,

We have held an annual trip to Michigan Adventure for our 8^th grade students.  We are, of course, doing so again this year.  Our trip has been planned for June 1, 2012, for months.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not get the information in time and we are facing a nasty weather day this Friday. Some students have asked about rain and storm delays at the park.  Here is what is posted on their website, http://www.miadventure.com/faq,:

Michigan's Adventure does not close due to poor weather. On rainy days, some rides may close for safety reasons, and will be re-opened as soon as safely possible. If lightning is overhead, all rides will close until the lightning passes. The park remains open, and the rides will re-open as soon as the lightning has passed and it is safe to do so.
The waterpark does not open on days when the air temperature does not reach 65 degrees within 2 hours of opening. Temperature does not affect the operation of the amusement park.

Our local weather forecasters are calling for a range of temperatures for a high this Friday from 59-62 degrees. Therefore, we are moving the trip to Monday, June 4, where the forecasts are calling for 78 degree weather.  We will depart at the same time and return to Sparta at the same time as planned.  The only change is next Monday versus this Friday.  We communicated this change the students today.  We apologize if this creates any complications for you or your children. 

If you have any questions or need my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Joel Stoner

Information for 8th Grade Parents

Dear 8^th Grade Parents,

The final middle school year for your student is winding down.  Below are some important dates relative to their end of the year.  Historically, the last day most students attend is the day of Recognition.  I want to be clear that the school year does not end until the Thursday of that week, June 7.  If you choose to allow your student to stay home those last days, please call to excuse them or send in a note excusing them.  You will receive a letter later that communicates the schedule for June 5.  On this letter is a permission slip that gives us the permission to dismiss your child at a designated time following Recognition practice.  This is usually around 11:30. This permission slip is only for the 5^th of June in the afternoon. 

Students that qualify are encouraged to join us for our 3 Mile Project field trip.  This will be for all students that will be earning all As and Bs for third trimester.  We hope all that qualify choose to join us.

If you have any questions or needs, please contact the Middle School office or me directly.

Thank You,

Joel Stoner

Important Dates

May 28 (or before)                       Baby Pictures Due!

June 1                                                Michigan Adventure

June 5                                                Recognition Practice

June 5                                                Recognition, 6:45 p.m. arrival

June 6                                                3 Mile Project

June 7                                    Last day of school

8th Grade Recognition Slideshow

Attention 8^th grade parents and students – Please send or email in a “baby/toddler” picture and a “recent” picture that we can use in the 8^th grade recognition slideshow.  They may also email any school related pics for this year to Wendi Berwald:

 wendi.berwald@staff.spartaschools.org

Thank You!

May-June Newsletter

The May-June newsletter is available to the left.  In addition, please be sure to review the section regarding School Messenger to help clarify some attendance call concerns.

Have a great day.

Survey Reminder

I want to encourage you, if you have not done so, to complete our parent survey.  There have been a few inquiries about wanting to comment on a few of the questions.  What I plan to do is use the data that is provided to ask questions related to the areas of concern and seek specifics, i.e., comments, from parents at that time.  Your input at this time will further our reflection and aid in seeking the types of specifics that can grow our abilities to serve your family better. I realize your time is precious and thank you for your time and consideration.  Here is the link:

Parent Survey 

Additional Information:

1.       Thank you for the generosity of our families. Our Student Government food drive for Mamrelund Food Bank was very successful.  Your generosity brought over 3,000 food items for needy families in our community.  Thank you.

2.       Progress Reports are coming home today.  Please look for the white folders that they will be sent home in today.

3.       Please consider attending the Family Fun Festival from 11:00-3:00 at Appleview elementary tomorrow.  Mr. Johnson, Middle School Assistant Principal, John Bull, High School Assistant Principal, and Nick Lewis, School Board Trustee, will be a few of the “targets” taking part in the dunk tank. 

Thank you and make it a great day.

Parent Survey

We are always looking to improve on the product that we provide the families of Sparta Middle School.  In order for our improvements to match the needs and thoughts of our families, we need your input.  Please consider thoroughly completing the survey below.  We use this information to adapt how we service our students.  Your thoughts and ideas are critical to doing that successfully.  Thank you for your consideration.

Parent Survey