Springvalley Middle School

WELCOME

Springvalley Middle

School

Respect Excellence Accountability Cooperation Honesty

February 22, 2012

Springvalley Middle School was very fortunate and pleased to send students Eden de Bruin and Matthew Tucsok to Hollywood Road Education Center on January 13, 2012 where 32 students ranging from grades 4- 12 came together to create our School District #23 official Harmony Day song. Local songwriters Ryan Donn and Calum Hughes worked with the students from start to finish. This musically talented group brainstormed words to create the lyrics for this song. After lunch the students sang together as a whole and also in small groups to sing in harmony. We were lucky enough to have some very talented middle and high school students that played the guitar and saxophone on the musical piece. The saxophone portion of the song was performed by our own Eden de Briun. It was a terrific opportunity for these students.

If you are interested in listening to the Harmony Day Song, please click here. Enjoy!

FOUNDATION SKILLS ASSESSMENT (FSA)

Dear Parent/Guardian

The annual B.C. Foundations Skills Assessment (FSA) for all grade 7 students is set to begin on January 16th, 2012, at Springvalley Middle School. Our expectation is that all grade 7 students, with the exception of the few who meet the Ministry exemption requirements, will write the FSA tests. A Springvalley administrator will be contacting the parents of those students who meet the specific criteria of exemption from writing the FSA tests. An administrator may also excuse a student from participating in the event of a family emergency, a lengthy illness or other extenuating circumstances. If any of these factors may apply to your child, contact either Mrs. Jill Voros, vice-principal, or Mr. Troy White, principal, so we may discuss the possibility of an exemption. Please refer to the letter from Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of School District #23 for more specific information about students who are typically exempt from participating in this process.

In addition, due to the fact that teacher job action continues, principals and vice-principals will administer all the FSA sessions.These sessions will take place between January 16 and February 3.

2012 FSA Schedule

Students and parents that are interested in sample type FSA questions can access them by going to the following link. https://www.awinfosys.com/eassessment/fsa_sample.htm

For further information on this topic, including access to a Parent Information Brochure, please refer to the Ministry website: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/ or contact the school office.

Sincerely,

Mr. T. White

Principal

FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM AT SMS STARTS

JANUARY 4th

The grade 7, 8 and 9 boys and girls will be receiving a co-educational presentation from our district Family Life Education team of teachers soon. The classroom teacher will be present during the lessons.

DVD’s will be shown to support the topics of discussion. At the end of the lesson, students will have the opportunity to ask anonymous questions and discuss issues and concepts brought out in the lesson.

Should you have any questions about the Family Life program, please contact your principal and he/she can provide you with an outline of the power point lessons. If you require further information your principal will forward all questions to the Family Life team.

Grade 7 Parent Letter

Grade 8 Parent Letter

Grade 9 Parent Letter

Family Life School Schedule

For more information on the SD#23 Family Life Prgram please visit the following website

FAMILY LIFE WEBSITE LINK

ATTENTION GRADE 7 PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 7 students:

Recently the Ministry of Education made some significant changes to their funding policy. These changes require school districts to document within student files proof that the parent/guardian is ordinarily resident of British Columbia in order to be eligible for provincial funding. We are asking for your assistance as we work to meet the new requirements.

What does this mean for me as a parent or guardian:

A parent or guardian will meet the new requirements simply by providing a copy of their B.C. Medical Card (Care Card) and a copy of their B.C. drivers' licence (or an approved supporting document) for the student file.

If you do not have a B.C. Medical Card:

You will have to apply for one and provide the school with proof of application along with (3) three supporting documents in order to establish residency.

Other supporting documentation for proof of being 'ordinarily resident':

Ownership of a dwelling or long-term lease or rental of a dwelling,
Document indicating British Columbia residence (i.e. utility bill),
B.C. Provincial registration of an automobile,
B.C. Driver’s Licence
A current income tax return filed as a B.C. resident

We are requesting that all documentation be submitted to the office by Nov 18^th. We thank you in advance for your assistance as we work to meet this new Ministry requirement.

Sincerely,

Mr. T. White

School Principal

Homework Club (student or parent initiated intervention; drop-in

Debbie Manly, Coordinator - Cafeteria

We are pleased of offer a place where students have the ability to take ownership of their learning by attending the Homework Club. At Homework Club, students are provided extra help and a quiet place to work. Computers are also available. Many students find Homework Club a better alternative than completing work at home; attendance is voluntary.

Sessions are offered in the cafeteria and are supervised by Ms. Manly

Monday to Thursday from 3:00-4:00
Students who are unable to respect the learning environment may be asked to leave.

Parents that want to confirm their child’s attendance at Homework Club can contact the school and ask for Ms. Manly.

2011-2012 Registration Information

The official registration days are completed. The office will continue to accept new registrations with space permitting. Please contact Nancy Weninger, our school registrar, if you have any questions about registering at SMS (250-862-3274)

Click on the link below to access more information about registration in School District #23:

http://www.sd23.bc.ca/features/registration

The purpose of Springvalley Middle School is to connect with students in a caring environment that enables them to demonstrate respect, excellence, accountability, cooperation, and honesty (REACH).