Southeast Middle Cougar Families,

Happy New Year! We have reached 2022 and look forward to continuing our vision of Exposure, Preparation and Access to high school, college and career for our Southeast Middle Cougars. We are excited to begin week one of the 3rd nine weeks of the school year! This means that we are 18 weeks away from the end of the school year. As our students receive their 2nd 9 weeks report cards, it is important that parents and teachers encourage them to reflect, re-focus, and re-energize as spring testing approaches and another half of the school year remains. It is time for our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to begin to set goals and countdown to Spring testing, but most importantly, high school. They should begin to see themselves as Class of 2026, Class of 2027, and Class of 2028 high school graduates. We look forward to exciting activities like: PBIS events, recognizing students who made Honor Roll the 2nd 9 weeks, guest speakers to motivate our students, girls and boys basketball season, and 8th grade graduation picture day. We will continue to communicate upcoming events weekly, as well as continue 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. Students should be able to have "accountable talks" with parents about how they can maintain and/or improve their grades and behavior the second half of the school year. 8th grade parents should begin to visit high schools and apply for magnet programs for next year. Southeast Middle has magnet seats available in all grades and look forward to any interests in our programs. Parents, continue to help your student succeed academically by requiring daily attendance, reading and writing time at home, limiting social media time, building home libraries, visiting community libraries for study and reading time, and monitoring proper rest and eating habits. Social emotional health continues to be our focus as a student body and faculty. We welcome parent support to maintain safety and a positive school culture. If your student is sick or there are health and safety concerns, please keep the student home until safety protocols are followed. Class work can be provided online when requested for health and safety issues. We have noticed when our students are healthy and well-behaved in class, more teaching and learning happens, and they perform better in class. The parent-teacher partnership has helped to keep students engaged and safe. 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