Southeast Middle Cougar Families,

Happy President's Day and Happy Black History Month Cougars! We are 37 instructional days away from our Cougars taking their LEAP test and we are doing all we can to prepare our students. Our faculty and staff have managed a large student enrollment we are presently at 952 Cougars, 318- 6th grade, 336-7th grade, and 298-8th grade. We are approaching the end of February, a much needed Mardi Gras break, and look forward to continuing our vision of Exposure, Preparation and Access to high school, college and career for our Southeast Middle Cougars. We will soon end the 3rd nine weeks of the school year! The last half of the school year will focus mainly on preapring for testing and planning for our students' promotion the next grade and the next school year. It is important for our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to begin to set goals and countdown to Spring testing, as well as, discussing the type of programs they want to choose to participate in high school. To us, they are Class of 2026, Class of 2027, and Class of 2028 high school graduates. It is up to all of us to help them achieve their highest potential.

Here are few remindes and upcoming events:

• Black History Spirit Week - Students will have themed days each day this week, an 8th grade dance Wednesday, and a Black History Program with a guest speaker.

• Tutoring will begin as soon as transportation confirms the busses. Possibly as early as Tuesday, February 22, 2022. A notice will be sent to the parents of the students accepted into tutoring as soon as we Transportation notifies the school.

• Weekly COVID-19 testing with Orion Labs on Thursdays at 7:30 am in the gym. Parents continue to register students online for weekly COVID testing as needed. If your student is sick or there are health and safety concerns, please keep the student home until safety protocols are followed

• High School planning - 8th grade parents should continue visiting high schools and applyling for magnet programs for next year.

• Southeast Middle still has magnet seats available in all grades and look forward to any interests in our programs.

• Parent-teacher partnership has helped to keep students engaged and safe. Behavior issus are harmful to the learning environment. Thank you parents for answering when we call and coming when we need your support.

• Mardi Gras Break - Students do not attend - Monday February 28th - Wednesday March 2nd.

Our teachers and staff appreciate our students and parents, and look forward to continued improvements in all areas of the school. Check our website smsdataschool.com for any information and upcoming events. Everyday is a Great Day to be a Cougar and 2022 will be no different.

Southeast Middle Administration