The Stinger January 5, 2024

Stinger Shining Staff

This is an opportunity (and part of our PBIS system) for you to share your words of appreciation to any staff member on our campus- and it is FREE. The form below will take less than a minute to complete. We appreciate you in advance for letting our staff know the great joy and success that they bring to our campus, students, and community!

Stingers of the Month

ACADEMICS

Office Hours are by appointment only. Every teacher will have a google form that students will complete prior to attending their office hours. This ensures safety and also allows for our teachers to appropriately prepare for the many needs that our students have when they come to get additional support in office hours.

UPCOMING ASSESSMENT DATES

• February 26-March 8: Mimic #3 (ELA/Math)
• March 18-April 12: AzSci State Assessment
• April: AASA State Assessment (schedule will be forthcoming)

SCHEDULING FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

7th grade parents- We will host a scheduling assembly for our 7th graders on January 23rd during 5th period. Students will bring home their registration sheet that evening. Please review this with your child, select classes for 8th grade, sign and return to your child's Science teacher. Our counseling team will assist students with signing up for their 2024-2025 classes the week of January 30-February 2nd. As a reminder, we staff based on requests, thus, we do not change schedules once they are made. PLEASE take time to talk through your child's wishes, needs, etc. prior to finalizing the course registration sheet. These are due back to the Science teachers no later than January 29th.

8th grade parents- Be sure to attend the Falcon parent night on January 17th for more information regarding scheduling and other important information.

COUNSELING CORNER

Dear Sonoran Trails Middle School Families,

Welcome back! We hope this letter finds you well-rested and ready for the exciting challenges that the new semester brings. We trust that you enjoyed a wonderful holiday break filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful moments with family and friends.

As we embark on this new semester together, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and commitment to the success of our students. We warmly welcome our returning families and extend a warm greeting to those who may be new to our STMS community.

The start of a new semester provides an excellent opportunity for reflection, growth, and renewed focus. Our dedicated teaching staff has been working diligently to prepare engaging lessons and meaningful experiences that will inspire and challenge students in their academic journey.

We understand that the transition back to school can sometimes be a challenging time for students as they reacclimate to the routine of classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. To support every student's well-being and success, our counseling team is readily available to provide assistance and guidance. As we embark on this new school year, we want to take a moment to remind you of the essential services and resources we provide to ensure that your child has a positive and successful middle school experience.

• Academic Guidance: Our counselors work closely with students to help them navigate their academic journey. Whether it’s selecting courses, setting goals, or addressing any academic challenges, we are here to provide guidance and support.
• Emotional Support: Middle school can be a time of transition and growth, and our counseling team is here to assist students in navigating the various emotions and challenges they may face. We offer a safe and confidential space for students to express themselves and develop the necessary coping skills.
• Social Skills Development: We actively promote the development of strong social skills and healthy relationships among our students. Through 2nd step, group activities, and one-on-one sessions, we aim to foster a positive and inclusive school environment.
• College and Career Readiness: Even in middle school, it’s never too early to start thinking about the future. Our counselors provide information and resources to help students explore their interests, set goals, and understand the pathways to success beyond middle school.

We are here to ensure that every student feels supported and ready to excel in the new semester and encourage open communication between parents, students, teachers, and the counseling team. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the semester, please feel free to contact us. We value your input and partnership in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment. You can find our contact information below.

Once again, welcome back to Sonoran Trails Middle School. We look forward to a semester full of academic achievements, personal growth, and memorable experiences. Together, as a united school community, we can make this semester a truly exceptional one for our students.

Wishing you a successful and fulfilling new semester!

Kelly Love (8th Grade Counselor); Phone: 480-272-8621; Email: klove@ccusd93.net

Michael Moriarty (7th Grade Counselor); Phone: 480-272-8618; Email: mmoriarty@ccusd93.net

Daniel Slager (School Social Worker); Phone: 480-272-8670; Email: dslager@ccusd93.net

UPCOMING ASSEMBLIES

At STMS, we are committed to fostering an environment that goes beyond academics, recognizing the value of nurturing the whole child. We were able to use tax credit money (thank you) and secure two different presentations for our students that we feel will add great value to the every student on our campus. Assemblies serve as a key platform for achieving this goal. Here is why they matter:

1. Community Building: Assemblies bring our middle school community together, creating a sense of unity and belonging. They provide opportunities for students to connect with peers, teachers, and staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
2. Character Development: Beyond textbooks and exams, your child's character is shaped by their experiences. Assemblies often feature discussions and presentations that promote values such as empathy, respect, and resilience. These moments contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals.
3. Inspiration and Motivation: Guest speakers, performances, and presentations during assemblies expose students to diverse perspectives and ideas. These experiences can inspire and motivate our students to explore new interests, set ambitious goals, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
4. Social and Emotional Learning: Middle school is a crucial time for social and emotional development. Assemblies will often touch on topics related to mental health, effective communication, and positive relationships. These discussions equip students with essential skills to navigate the challenges of being an adolescent.

February 5th: Student assembly, "Technology Talks" with Dr. Lisa Strohman during school hours regarding the impact technology has on our students daily lives. We will host a parent presentation at 6:30 that evening in our gymnasium. Please plan on attending this presentation as you will find it to be great value to you! Dr. Strohman is a Cave Creek community member who has a wealth of knowledge on educating and training kids, schools and parents to become responsible digital citizens. Check out her website here:

February 12th: "Your Story Matters" presentation to all of our students regarding the importance of their impact in our world. The speaker is Cory Greenwood who engages students and connects with students on their level creating an atmosphere where it is OK to be themselves. Check out his website here:

If you prefer to have your child opt out of the Cory Greenwood assembly due to the content, please email our school social worker, Daniel Slager, with that request. dslager@ccusd93.net

CLUBS

ATHLETICS

Yearbook Information

Are you interested in submitting photos to our yearbook? Please click on the link below!

Are you ready to purchase your child's yearbook? Please click on the link below!

PTO

Exciting things happening on our campus this winter break! The construction of our outdoor classroom began! We are so excited and will update everyone through social media and our newsletters!