September 12, 2021

Southeast Middle Cougar Families,

We are entering week five of the school year and academics, student character, safety, social emotional learning, attendance, and student activities are some of focus areas for our faculty and staff this week. Progress reports will go home with students this Tuesday. All parents should monitor student grades in JParent weekly and help us to encourage our Cougars to stay focused and keep up with daily assignments even when absent. We began our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports) program to promote Cougar PRIDE Perseverance Respect Intelligence, Determination, and Enthusiasm; you should begin to hear your students talk about the Cougar bucks they have received for displaying these qualities each day. We can use your help parents to remind your students that cell phone are not allowed. Student should not have cell phones on or out for any reason during the day. We can also use your help to encourage students that a mask must be worn for their safety all day, and that mesh or clear backpacks only are required for their safe daily. We appreciate the partnership between parents and the school faculty and staff. Teachers are tracking student academic and behavior progress daily and will contact you as needed to keep you informed when a student needs support from home in one of these areas. We cannot thank you enough for working with us. We have over 950 students enrolled and we need your students present every day unless they are sick or there is an excused reason for their absence. Attendance, positive behavior, and good grades equal success and we want every Cougar student to be successful.

We are excited that student activities have begun and it is football and volleyball season. Both football and volleyball practices and tryouts are this week. Also, cheer, dance, and pep squad tryout applications will be available for students who are interested. All students should be picked up by 4:00 daily if they stay for practice. Open House has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 28^th 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm. COVID Testing is every Thursday for students and staff at 11:00 am. See the school website www.smsdataschool.com to register your student for COVID Testing; as always contact our office staff or school website for any information needed.

Every day continues to be “A great day to be a Cougar” at Southeast Middle School. Our families and students are the best!

Principal Shalonda Simoneaux