Hello Southern Middle School Families,

As we welcome another exciting school year at our school, I am delighted to connect with you through our SMS PTSA President’s Memo. Together, we have already accomplished so much in the first week of school, and the energy in our halls is a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and families. It is my pleasure to share a little about the SMS PTSA Board, share updates and opportunities, celebrate our achievements, and invite you to join us in the exciting journey ahead.

About The SMS PTSA Board

My name is Natasha Vaughan (you can call me Tasha) and I’m your 2025-2026 SMS PTSA President, representing one of five board members this year. My eldest daughter is a 6th grader at SMS this year and I have a seven-year-old daughter attending Veteran’s Park in the 2nd grade. In addition to serving as SMS PTSA President, I’m also employed as a Fundraiser with a Nonprofit here in Kentucky and my passion is to help and serve others. We have a small, but mighty team that is here to partner with our school staff, teachers, students, parents, and community members. I’m already thankful for the hard work that has already been put forth thus far into the 2025-2026 school year, by our SMS PTSA Board.

Our mighty team members are: Emily Simon as Recording Secretary and Communications, Binah Isreal as Treasurer, Anne Lattin - Membership, and Jenn Hawkins - Community Engagement, and Megan Kidd - Fundraising.

Upcoming Events

As we look at the months ahead, I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for the following events:

·       6th Grade Social Event: The event will take place during the school day on Thursday, 8/21. SMS staff and teachers organize a social event for 6th graders to have the opportunity to socialize and meet new friends.

·       Boosterthon Color Run Kick-Off and Event: Our BIGGEST Fundraiser of the year Kicks off on Monday, 8/25 and runs through 9/12 for donation acceptance, with our Color Run Event finale taking place on the track on Friday, 9/5/2025. 4-6 Volunteers are especially needed for this fun filled event to throw colored chalk at our students —look for volunteer sign-ups soon and more event information!

·       SMS Picture Day: 9/10 starting at 8am in the gym.

·       Fall Parent Conferences/Fall Advisory Meeting: Tuesday, 9/16/2025. Look for more information coming soon through Parent Square.

·       KY Kids Day: Friday, 9/26/2025. An annual event organized by Kentucky PTA aimed to acknowledge and celebrate each child’s uniqueness, emphasizing their value and the importance of their well-being.

·       Trunk or Treat: Thursday, 10/30/2025 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. This community favorite is back, promising fun, food, and games for all ages.

PTSA Priorities and Initiatives

Our mission is to provide anchors of advocacy for all children, so that every student is seen and heard. This year, our PTSA is focusing on:

·       Student Experiences: Fund Educational Field Trips for ALL students

·       Build Community: We are committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and that every family feels welcome in addition to collaborating with community partners.

·       Promote Staff and Teacher Appreciation: We strive to elevate staff and teacher appreciation while simultaneously help fund school events and small building enhancements.

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you have an hour a month or a day a week, your participation is invaluable. Consider volunteering  your talents and/or attending our monthly PTSA general meetings. These events are an excellent opportunity to connect, ask questions, and help shape future projects and events.

·       Volunteer Information: Submit your Volunteer Application here to get involved:

·       Attend our next PTSA meeting: September, 23, 2025 @ 5pm in the SMS Library

·       Share your feedback: We welcome your suggestions, concerns, and celebrations. Email us anytime at southermiddleschoolptsa.com

Celebrating Our Community

At the heart of our school community are the students whose curiosity and kindness inspire us daily. We applaud their achievements, large and small, and look forward to spotlighting their successes in future newsletters. If your child or student group has accomplished something special, please let us know so we can celebrate together.

We are also grateful for our dedicated teachers and staff. Their passion shapes not only minds but also character. Please join us in expressing appreciation for all that they do.

Looking Ahead

As we continue into the year, our PTSA remains committed to supporting every student’s journey. We invite you to be part of our story—by sharing your voice, your time, and your talents, you help make our school a place where everyone thrives.

Thank you for your ongoing support, enthusiasm, and commitment. Together, we are building a bright future for our children and our community.

Warm regards,

Natasha Vaughan

SMS PTSA President