Smithsburg Middle School
December 2014
Dates & Details
Dec. 2 – PTSA Meeting-6:00 PM
Dec. 5 – Grade 6 WEB Dance
3:30-5:00 PM
Dec. 9 – Winter Chorus Concerts
Grade 6:- 6:00 PM, Grade 7 – 7:00
PM, Grade 8 – 8:00 PM
Dec. 11 – Grade 8 Field Trip to
Maryland Theater
Dec. 12 – PTSA Holiday Activity
Night – 6:30-8:30 PM
Dec. 15 – Winter Band Concerts
Grade 6 – 6:00 PM, Grade 7 – 7:00
PM, Grade 8 – 8:00 PM
Dec. 16 – Periods 1 & 2 Geography
Bee Preliminary Competition
Dec. 18 – Orchestra Winter Concert
@ SHS – 7:00 PM
Dec. 24 – Jan. 4 – Winter Break
Jan. 5 – Students Return from
Winter Break
December is…
Read a New Book Month
Write to a Friend Month
Volume 1, Number 4
From the Principal’s Desk…
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The holiday season is a time to reflect and a time to enjoy family. I
appreciate the hard work of the SMS staff and students. They have
demonstrated a commitment to hard work and excellence. I appreciate
the Smithsburg community and the sense of pride and commitment to the
children we serve. I thank you for all you do to make our school an
outstanding institution of learning.
When we return from our holiday break we will begin testing our students
on mandated state and local tests. Your children will demonstrate their
test taking skills, test taking stamina and their knowledge gained at SMS.
As we go through the testing window I encourage you to communicate the
importance of doing well on these tests.
I hope you have a pleasant and prosperous holiday season and are able
to fully participate in this season of giving. The SMS staff and I wish you
the best and a Happy New Year!
Dr. Stephen Tarason,
e…students at a minimal cost. Principal
Some of the activities
student council offers include: a. Any h events. If you
are able to help please contact Mrs. Izat by email.
[email protected]
SMS Mission
The mission of Smithsburg Middle School is to develop
self-directed learners who take responsibility for
their behavior and learning as they are prepared for
career and college.
Our School Newsletter is now available on our
school website Go to www.wcps.k12.md.us
Schools, Middle, More Info
Contact Us
Stephen Tarason, Principal
Kyle Lingg, Asst. Principal
Phone – 301-766-8353
Fax – 301-824-5147
Address:
68 N. Main Street
Smithsburg, MD 21783
The Board of Education of Washington County does not discriminate on
the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, size, age, or disability
in employment or the provision of services. If you have a question about
this policy, call the Director of Human Resources at 301-766-2808.
www.wcboe.k12.md.us
LEOPARD’S PRIDE
Kindness Campaign
Inspired by an article she read, Lindsey
Draheim, grade 8 student, wanted to promote
a culture of kindness at SMS. With the
blessings from Dr. Tarason and the support
from SGA and Lindsey’s school counselor
the kickoff began on November 13th, which is
World Kindness Day.
Several activities took place, including “ice
breakers” during mentoring groups and
creating a SPPRAK (Smithsburg People
Performing Random Acts of Kindness) wall.
Students and staff were invited to write on
post it notes kind things others had done for
them lately. The notes were then placed on
the wall in the cafeteria so everyone could
see and be reminded what a powerful effect
kindness has on one another. (See SPPRAK
wall on the following page)
Other activities are planned for the remainder
of the year.
Way to go Lindsey!
KUDOS…
Smithsburg Middle School Honors Veterans
th
A Huge THANK YOU to the 6 grade students and staff. We
collected enough items to fill 2 huge boxes to be sent to
Afghanistan. Please continue to support veterans all year long
by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and by respectfully flying the
American flag
Pictured Left to Right:
Mark Procter, Jatavian Jones, Tyler Alexander
FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Several veterans and present enlisted personnel representing
different branches of the armed forces who have served in
Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom were
invited to Smithsburg Middle School to speak to students. The
honored guests visited several classes and spoke to students
about what liberty, patriotism, and freedom meant to them.
Many were dressed in uniform and brought along items and
pictures relating to the different places they had been stationed.
A special thank you goes to Pam Ours, Lead Teacher, for
organizing our Veterans Day program.
SMS
SPPRAK WALL
The Smithsburg Music Department invites you to the
upcoming winter concerts:
December 9, 2014 – Chorus Winter Concert – Grade 6 –
6:00 PM, Grade 7 – 7:00 PM, Grade 8 – 8:00 PM
December 15, 2014 – Band Winter Concert – Grade 6 –
6:00 PM, Grade 7 – 7:00 PM, Grade 8 – 8:00 PM
December 18, 2014 – Orchestra Winter Concert (held at
Smithsburg High School) – 7:00 PM
2014-15 School Preliminary Geography Bee
The preliminary competition of the Geography Bee will be held on
Tuesday, December 16th during periods 1 and 2 in Mrs. Souders’ room.
Approximately 30 students will compete in the preliminary competition
(chosen by the top 30 scores of a qualifying test given in all social
studies classes).
Those who win at the preliminary level will advance to the Final
Competition to be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2015.
Parents are invited to attend the Final Competition in January.
However, due to space, only competing students may attend the
preliminary competition in December.
STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
PTSA NEWS
It was wonderful seeing so many new faces, in addition to repeat attendees
at our November meeting. We have been busy organizing several
fundraising events as well as activities for the students.
On December 12, the PTSA will have their Holiday Activity Night. We have
asked the students for activity suggestions. We look forward to a fun filled
evening.
Thank you so much to those who supported us by attended Dixie Diner and
Misty Meadows. We hope you can join us at the Green Turtle on Tuesday,
November 25. On December 5 & 6, please shop at 5 Below and support our
school. Flyers will be going home for both events.
We have had several requests for spirit wear. Please watch for the flyer and
place your orders. They make wonderful gifts and will be in before winter
break. In addition to shirts and sweatshirts, we will also have blankets and
draw-string bags.
Because of a school event, we have changed our December meeting.
Please join us on Tuesday, December 2 at 6:00pm in the Media Center.
Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook.
Pride Schedule for December
Friday, December 5th
Smithsburg Pride
Friday, December 19th College Pride Day
Save the Date for the next Activity Night; February 13th. Student council
Members are encouraged to bring desserts; cookies, brownies, etc…
Volunteers are needed in order to make this night a success! Please
contact Mrs. Lisa Waters, Student Council sponsor, at
[email protected] or at 301-766-8353.

Pre-Packaged/Individually Wrapped Snacks were collected for Veterans
who have appointments at the VA Clinic in Hagerstown during the
month of November in honor of Veteran’s Day. SGA members will take
the collected snacks and Thank You Signs/Cards to the Clinic and
participate in a tour of the Facility. The date for the tour in December will
be announced ASAP. I will need help with transportation to the facility.

We wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season filled with family and
joy.
Jennifer Ashbaugh, Mary Glessner, Amy Woodward, Anne Jessop, Jen Keller
PTSA Executive Board
FFA News for December
FFA will meet from 3:30- 4:30 PM on December 1st and 15th.
Thank you to everyone who bought movie tickets. We raised over $120
for Tabatha’s Table, our local food bank.
PERSONALIZING WCPS MESSAGING THROUGH
“CONNECT 5”
Now you can get updates, emergency notices and other
communications from WCPS through the media of your choice. WCPS
has unveiled a significant new addition to the Connect 5 notification
system (formerly AlertNow). The WCPS MyConnect Parent Portal
enables WCPS employees and parents of WCPS students to manage
their contact information for Connect 5 notifications. MyConnect allows
Parents and staff members to control notification preferences by logging
into the MyConnect website at https://wcps.bbcportal.com/ and
registering using an employee ID number or, for parents, using their
student’s ID number. You will also need either a current email address
or phone number to validate your registration.
Additionally, parents and staff have the option of installing the
Blackboard MyConnect mobile app for Android and iOS. Once you
have completed the registration, you will also be able to visit MyConnect
to retrieve messages you have missed or want to review at a later time.
Connect the Public Information Office with any questions or help with
registration.
REMINDER FOR PARENTS
December (?) Date to be Determined - Community Service
Project Delivery
Wednesday, December 10th WCASC Meeting for Student
Council Members @ SHHS
All Members can attend. Permission Slips can be obtained from Mrs.
Waters and must be signed and returned by December 4th. You must let
your teachers know that you will be absent from class that day, and you
are Responsible for any work that you miss.

SGA Shirts
The option to design and purchase Student Council shirts has been
discussed recently during the meetings in Mrs. Waters’ room.
Students/parents would be responsible for purchasing these shirts. If
you are interested in having shirts for Student Council members, please
email Mrs. Waters at [email protected].

Student Council Meeting @ Smithsburg Middle
The date for the meeting will be announced during Morning
Announcements. The Meeting will be in Mrs. Waters’ room after school
from 3:45 to 4:45 pm. All members must attend! See Mrs. Waters if you
absolutely cannot attend. Happy Holidays from Student Council!
Teacher of the Year
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is proud of the
teaching excellence found within every school. Please consider
nominating a deserving teacher for public recognition as a
Teacher of the Year nominee.
In partnership with the Hagerstown-Washington County
Chamber of Commerce Foundation, WCPS is seeking
nominations for the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year. To
nominate a Teacher of the Year go to the WCPS website at
www.wcps.k12.md.us and click on Teacher of the Year
Nomination Form.
Nomination deadline is Friday, January 5, 2015.
GRADE 8 FIELD TRIP to THE MARYLAND THEATER
th
All 8 grade students will travel to the Maryland Theater in
Hagerstown on December 11, to see various plays based on
th
stories from the 8 grade literature text. All students must bring
their own lunch for we will probably not be back in time for the
cafeteria.
Box Tops for Education
Please collect box tops over the winter break. We will have another
contest beginning in January.
Let the clipping begin!