From: Mitch Curry mcurry@mckinneyisd.netSubject: SJMS Tiger Tales - March 26, 2015

Date: March 27, 2015 at 1:27 PMTo: bkinast@mckinneyisd.net

SJMS March 26, 2015

Quick Links

Home Access CenterMISD WebsiteSJMS WebsiteSJMS Volunteer AppJoin PTO

SJMS Talent Show

The school talent showis around the corner!

Students areencouraged to audition

and show off theirspecial talent - dancing,singing, acting, band,

MARCH Dear Tiger Parents: Happy Friday! What a great turn out for Donuts with Dadsthis morning. There is nothing like startingout Friday in fellowship with other dads andtheir kids! It is really very special. A BIG THANK YOU to Mr. Burdick forheading up our Dads Club and specifically Donuts with Dads for the pastfew years. We really appreciate his time and efforts. Our students performed magnificently at the SJMS Poetry Slam Thursdaynight. Way to go Mrs. Kinast for hosting such a wonderful event for ourstudents. I look for great things at the MISD District Slam. Our Rocket Club teams, PRIDE 1 and PRIDE 2, are doing some amazingthings and will be competing this next month. Be sure you contact Mrs.Gibson at dgibson@mckinneyisd.net if you would like to have your studentjoin the team next year. Our Track teams are doing exceptionally well as we hit the mid point of theseason. We will host the MISD meet next week at Ron Poe Stadium andthen compete in the district meet. This group of kids have already set

singing, acting, band,instrument - you nameit, we want to see it!! Allgrade levels are eligibleto participate - single or

group performancesare welcome!

Auditions are April 17thafter school!

Talent Show is May14th!

More details to come inthe next issue of Tiger

Tales!!

STUDENT SIGN UPHERE

8th Grade Celebration!!The PTO along with theSJMS Administrationwould like to invite your8th Grader to theAnnual Celebrationmarking theircompletion of MiddleSchool by sendingthem off for a day of funin the sun!

Tickets are $25and includes a lunchand unlimited drinks forthe day!

Get $5 off bypurchasing your ticketsearly for $20!! TicketSales start MondayMarch 16th in the FrontOffice!

Don't forget you canpurchase SummerTickets for $25 that are

then compete in the district meet. This group of kids have already setseveral campus track records. RUN TIGERS RUN!! Finally, we are wrapping up our UIL Performing Arts contest season. All ofour kids have done amazing things this spring. We have an incrediblegroup of educators and students. It is a great time to be a Tiger! _________________________________ Reminder: Next Monday and Tuesday we will have STAAR testing duringthe day. Here are a few reminders:

7th grade students will test both days (STARR WRITING)8th Grade students will test on Tuesday (STARR READING)Students are to leave their Cell Phones at home or in their lockerfor the entire day.Volunteers and Visitors will not be allowed on campus Monday andTuesday.Please schedule all appointments (i.e. doctor's appointments) onanother day or late in the day (after 2 PM). According to the TexasEducation Agency, students are not allowed to "pause the test" andthen return to finish. Make up tests are only allowed for studentswho were sick on a testing day or for an extreme emergencyabsence.Lunches for testing students will be served in their testing rooms. Students can bring a sack lunch or purchase a sack lunch from thecafeteria. Additionally, students can bring a snack and water duringthe testing.6th grade students will be on a modified rotation schedule duringthe testing time for logistical reasons.

This afternoon I will send out a more detailed list of reminders to 7thand 8th grade parents about Monday and Tuesday.

Have a great weekend! Mitchell Curry

IMPORTANT: STAAR Testing DatesPlease note the following dates for STAARTesting for SJMS. Please planappointments and travel accordingly asbeing at school for these tests is crucial.

Day of the Week Date Grade/Subject

Monday March 30 7th Writing (Day 1)

Tuesday March 31 7th Writing (Day 2)8th Reading

Wed & Thurs April 1 - 2 Make up testing dates

Monday April 20 8th Grade Math

Tuesday April 21 6th Grade Math

Tickets for $25 that areinclusive of lunch,drink, and ice creamthat are good for thewhole summer!! Seethe Front Office formore details!

Download the ParentPermission Slip hereand return to the FrontOffice.

Running of theBulldogs - 5k/1 Mile

Run

The McKinney NorthCross Country and

Track team issponsoring a 5k and 1mile run on Saturday,April 11, 2015. The

proceeds of this eventwill provide

scholarships for CrossCountry and Track

athletes. Manymembers of the teams

are Scott Johnsonalumni.

You can participate byrunning or letting yourkids run. Registration

information isattached. You can

register online for a $4service charge or you

can fill out the attachedform, include payment

and get the forms to me(in my box or bring to

E205) or you caninteroffice mail entriesto Jessica Richards atMcKinney North High

Tuesday April 21 6th Grade Math7th Grade Math8th Grade SocialStudies

Wednesday April 22 6th Grade Reading7th Grade Reading8th Grade Science

Thurs & Friday April 23 & 24 Make up testing dates

Additional Information:Seventh GradersOn Monday and Tuesday, March 30th & 31st, 7th grade students will takeSTAAR Writing. On both days, 7th graders need to bring a sack lunch withthem to the testing room. If a student does not bring their own sack lunchto school, then they will have the opportunity to purchase a sack lunchfrom the SJMS cafeteria. Eighth GradersTuesday, March 31st, 8th grade students will take STAARReading. Students need to bring a sack lunch with them to the testingroom. If a student does not bring their own sack lunch to school, then theywill have the opportunity to purchase a sack lunch from the SJMS cafeteria Sixth GradersSixth Graders will not test during the week of March 30th. They will follownormal lunch procedures and eat in the cafeteria. It is very important we provide the best testing environment for ourstudents to do their best. For this reason, no visitors will be allowed in thebuilding on testing days (see above for schedules). Please alsounderstand that in order to minimize disruptions, parents are discouragedfrom dropping off anything at school unless it is medically necessary or anemergency. Please make sure your students have everything they needon testing days. Thank you for your cooperation!

Make sure your child gets a good night's rest and eats a healthy breakfast.The students have been working hard, and I'm sure we'll see outstandingresults on STAAR day SNACKS:Please feel free to send a healthy snack from home; grapes (boostenergy), apple slices, pretzels, water, peppermints, etc. If your child bringsa noisy food (chips), then please transfer the food to a ziploc bag. Thesecreate less noise and will be less distracting. In the past, TAKS was nottimed. However, with STAAR, students must complete the test in fourhours. We are not allowed to stop the test for a snack break, but kids areallowed to eat while testing. Also, time does not stop if students take arestroom break. We have advised the kids about the new rules, but weappreciate your reminding them as well. LUNCH:Students will eat lunch in their testing rooms on testing days. Pleaseprepare a sack lunch for them. Students who do not bring a lunch fromhome will need to purchase a sack lunch from the cafeteria upon arrival atschool. All students will have a sack lunch in their possession (from homeor the cafeteria) before testing begins.

McKinney North HighSchool.

For more information,

see links below:Entry Form

Sponsorship Sign UpSponsorship Info Form

Science CampMarch 16 - April 13th

If your child was invitedto Science Camp and

you have anyquestions,then pleasecontact Mrs. Jo at 469-302-5034. Please signand return the attached

flyer to your child'sScience teacher by

Monday, March 16th. Science Camp is a funway to build confidenceand strengthen skills.

We are eager tocontribute to yourchild's success at

SJMS, so please don'thesitate to call.

Letter to Parents

Brand New App!

Launching thisMONDAY!! The all new

Please do not schedule doctor or dental appointments on these days. Your child will not be allowed to come back and finish the test.

CELL PHONE POLICY FOR STAAR TESTING:Parents are strongly encouraged to have studentskeep their cell phones at home on STAAR TestingDays. If students must bring their phones, then theymust keep their phones locked in their lockers. Nocell phones are allowed in the testing area. Ifstudents are caught with a cell phone or using a cellphone during testing, then it will be given to anAdministrator. The cell phone policy is strictlyenforced during testing.

STAAR Testing - Preparing Your Tiger

Ms. Hjartberg & Mr.Gaffney wanted to give parents tips on how to handlethe upcoming STAAR Test with your Tiger. Since standardized tests canbe stressful on students, parents can really assist at home to make takingthese tests a little easier.

Make sure your child does all their homework and readingassignments. This will help make sure your child is prepared for thetest.Encourage your child to space out their studying and homeworkassignments so they will not be forced to cram on the night beforethe test.If you are anxious about your child's test, it's ok. Try to remail calmaround your child. You do not want them to get anxious about theirtests too.Encourage your child to do well but don't pressure him/her. Youmay stress him/her out. It is important for your child to stay relaxedfor the test.Keep a positive attitude about tests.Provide a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help yourchild study efficiently.Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your childare both aware of testing dates.Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before the test.Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foodsthat may make him/her groggy. Avoid high sugar foods that maymake him/her hyper.Make sure your child gets up early enough so that he/she will be ontime to school.Let your child relax for a few hours before bedtime, it can bestressful for a child to study all night.Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test

MONDAY!! The all newMISD Go App is in both

Apple Stores andGoogle Play Stores!

More details and howyou can get this app on

Monday!

For All the Info Aboutthe NEW MISD GOApp - Click the Link

MISD is a GREAT Place toWork!!

MISD is having aBilingual Job Fair on

May 1! 1 PM - 3 PM

The MISDBilingual/ESL

Department invites youto join them and meet

the MISD Principals. Allapplications must bebilingual certified or

soon to be in thesummer of 2015.

Please bring 10 copiesof your resume to thejob fair to provide toadministrators and

departmentsrepresented.

Where: Collin CountyHigher Education

Center3452 Spur 399

McKinney, TX 75069Click HERE for a map!

Contact Judith Coffman469-302-7710

Are You Ready for CubCamp???

taking.If your child is struggling on their tests, talk to them about it. Meetwith their teacher to find out the best way to help your child.Praise/reward your child when they do well on a test or for theirhard work preparing for a test.Encourage them to do better if they don't do well.

Source: http://www.testtakingtips.com/parents/index.htm

SJMS Tiger Tennis

The SJMS Tiger Tennis Season is underway! For allresults and team schedules, please refer to the followinglinks:

SJMS 8th Grade Boys ScheduleSJMS 7th Grade Boys Schedule

SJMS 7th & 8th Grade Girls Schedule

SJMS Tiger Track Results and Schedules

The Track Schedule for this year'sseason is located on the RankOnesite. You can reference theschedule and results by visitingthese links: SJMS 7th Grade BoysSJMS 7th Grade Lady Tigers

SJMS 8th Grade BoysSJMS 8th Grade Lady Tigers

If you would like to download a copy of the Lady Tigers schedule, pleaseclick the link - 2015 Track Schedule PDF Version

MISD Physical Exams for 2015 - 2016 School Year

Students participating in McKinney ISDathletics are REQUIRED to have ayearly physical prior to participation intryouts, practices, and games. Physicalsmust be on or After April 1, 2015 forparticipation in athletics for the 2015-2016 school year. Physicals must becompleted on the official MISD physicalform.

Day Date Location Start Time End Time

Saturday April 18th *Boyd HS 7:30 AM 10:00 AM

Saturday April 25th MHS 9:00 AM 12:00 PM

Wednesday May 27th North 2:30 PM 5:00 PM

This is a great time forincoming 6th gradestudents to earn yourTiger Stripes!! You canlearn everything youneed to know aboutbeing a successfulTiger Student nextyear! Some of thethings you'll learn:locker 101, navigatingthe school, changingclasses, PE, athletics,and more!!

9:00 AM - GroupActivities10:00 AM - OptionalParent InformationMeetingLunch: 11:00 AM

Parents - please planon picking your studentup at 12:00 PM if you'renot joining us for lunch.

Federal Report Card forSJMS

Please visit the linkbelow to view theFederal Report Card forSJMS.

This does include acomprehensive look atSTAAR Testing for thiscampus.

Federal Report CardLink

Cost: $20 - CASH ONLYStudent athletes on reduced lunch will be offered physicals for $10, andfree lunch students will receive a physical at a cost of $5. ECG: Electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings will be available at MHS orNorth for an additional charge of $15. *No ECG's available at Boyd -Students may go to MHS or North. Attire: Shorts & T-shirtsFemales (Sports Bra) Forms: Physical forms are GREY. The forms for McKinney ISD Physicalswill only be available through the secondary campuses and the athleticwebsite after spring break. The form can be found by clicking here, afterspring break. Outside of the three days provided by McKinney ISD, students areexpected to get a phyiscal on their own as we do not offer a makeup orsecond physical day on any campuses.

Engineering Club News

The Engineering Club's Team America Rocketry Challenge attempt to goto Nationals. They will be launching during the day tomorrow. They needto send their rockets up at a roaring 750-850 mph carrying one raw egg toan altitude of 800 feet, staying airborne for between 46 and 48 seconds,and then safely returning the portion of the rocket carrying the egg andaltimeter using a single parachute. These launches will be done, datarecorded, adjustments made, and then another launch if weather permits. They will also be launching in Gunter or Frisco on Saturday and evenpossibly Sunday afternoon.

1:The World Parent Information

Attention 8th Grade Parents!! Below are the remaining dates for 1: TheWorld initiative: Mar. 16 - MHSMar. 30 - MNHS

PTO Needs YOU!Attention all 6th and 7thgrade parents!! ThePTO needs YOU!!There are severalpositions that will beopen for the 2015 2016School Year. The PTOis an organizationwhere parents andteachers plan differentevents benefitting ourschool. For moreinformation about theSJMS PTO, please visitour page on the Tigerwebsite by clickinghere!

Bicycle Safety

Before using yourbicycle, make sure it is

ready to ride. Youshould always

inspect your bike tomake sure all parts are

secure and workingproperly.

Remember to:

1. Wear a ProperlyFitted BicycleHelmet

2. Adjust YourBicycle to Fit

3. Check YourEquipment

4. See and BeSeen

5. Control YourBicycle

6. Watch for andAvoid RoadHazards

7. Avoid Riding atNight

Mar. 30 - MNHSApr. 13 - MBHSApr. 27 - MHSMay 11 - MNHS

1: The World Parent Information

Attention Current 6th Grade Parents: Student Immunizations forthe 2015 - 2016 School Year

Your student will need proof of the following new immunizations to pick upa grade schedule for the 2015 - 2016 school year. We're informing youwell in advance to help you avoid possible vaccine shortages and long

lines at immunization clinics in August. Your child's classroom assignmentand/or schedule will be withheld next fall until his/her school immunization

records are up to date.

The deadline to turn in these records to Nurse Kerr before August17th, 2015.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/pertussis-containing vaccine (unless a boosterdose received within the past 5 years for 7th grade, last 10 yearsfor 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grades)Meningococcal Vaccine (one dose)Varicella vaccine (two doses received on or after 1st birthday)MMR vaccine (two doses received on or after 1st birthday)

The vaccines listed above are required in addition to those required byearlier laws. A signed statement of varicella disease will count towards thevaricella requirement. Please see the attached document from MISD School Health Services foradditional information, including information about where to getimmunizations and insurance information about vaccinations. MISD School Health Services - Letter to Parent - Immunizations 2015 -2016MISD School Health Services - Letter to Parent - Immunizations 2015 -2016 - Spanish

Accelerate Your Future - Spring Online Courses

THE TIME HAS COME!! MISD students have theoption of accelerating their course work by taking anadditional course online during the Spring of 2015.Courses are provided by Apex Learning and taughtby MISD teachers. There are no course meetingtimes, and classes can be accessed 24/7 for theduration of the term. Online classes are available tostudents in grades 8-12.

Upon Counselor Approval, one of the following courses may be taken

March 27 Report Cards Go Home MISD ExtendedGrading Period Due toWeather

Night8. Go With the

Traffic Flow9. Obey All Traffic

Laws10. Yield to Traffic

WhenAppropriate

11. Be Predictable12. Stay Alert at All

Times13. Look Before

Turning14. Watch for

Parked Cars

8th GRADEPARENTS:Please familiarizeyourself with thispresentation. It

is about Registrationand Graduation Plans

for Showcase Meetingsfor High School.

If you have questions atthe meeting, then

please write them onthe index cards

provided. Be sure toinclude your email

address. Questions willbe answered via emailonly and not at the time

of the meeting.

Of course if you havequestions later, feelfree to contact our

Counselors at SJMS.

MISD Registration &Graduation Plan

Presentation

Upon Counselor Approval, one of the following courses may be taken for credit acceleration: U.S. Government (11th or 12th grade) Economics (11th or 12th grade ) Psychology (8-12) Sociology (8-12) Health (8-12 ) Creative Writing- (9-12 elective credit only) English III- A & B (10th grade only) English IV-A and B (11-12 graders only)

Dates: Feb 9, 2015-*May 22, 2015 Tuition: $220.00 per semester (50.00 free/reduced lunch) Orientation : Orientation will be made available online on day 1 of thecourse after payment is made.

Additional Info: Payment can be made to your campus counselor in theform of cash, check, or money order made payable to McKinney ISD.Payment to counselors will not be accepted after May 1, 2015.

For more information, view the brochure by clicking the link: AccelerationBrochure - Spring 2015

Round of Applause for Advanced Drama Students!

Please congratulate our Advanced Drama studentsfor a fabulous day at District UIL this pastWednesday. This was truly the best competition Ihave ever attended. There was amazing art sharedall day! Our show placed 3rd and we walked awaywith 4 acting awards and 1 tech award. Honorable Mention Awards:Jake Sauls and Hillary SahirulAll-Star Cast Awards:Whitney Hutto and Rowan ChadickOutstanding Technician:Kyle Huber Huge shout out to Mrs. Burns for all of her hard work with these talentedTigers!

Save the Dates!

WeatherMarch 27 Donuts with Dads 7:45 AM - 8:15 AM

SJMS LibraryMarch 30 STAAR Test - 7th Grade

Writing1st - 5th Periods

March 31 STAAR Test - 8th GradeReading

1st - 5th Periods

April 1 & 2 STAAR Make Up Test

April 2 NO Thursday Night LiveAfter School

April 7 Progress Reports Home with Students

April 7 & 8 Non-Varsity Band UIL Boyd HS

Varsity Band UIL Allen HS

April 10 PTO Meeting 9:00 AM - SJMSTeacher's Lounge

Choir Region Rehearsal Faubion MS

Reminders: STAAR Testing begins March 30th. Please see schedules thatwere sent home with your student and the schedule listed in thisNewsletter. Please keep this schedule in mind when schedulingappointments or picking your student(s) up early during these testingtimes. We want your Tiger to be successful and we want all students tohave a quite and uninterrupted environment when testing.

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