February 28, 2013

Dear Parents and Patrons,

The past few weeks have been busy as we approach the spring ISTEP+ testing window.  Teachers have been reviewing data from Acuity testing (assessments provided by the Department of Education which indicates student’s mastery of math and language arts standards) and other grade level assessments to help us identify individual student’s strengths and weaknesses as we prepare for this year’s test.

We have also been planning a new approach to delivering the core curriculum in the 2013-2014 school year.  The new year will see our students and faculty put into teams.  Each grade level will be divided into two teams.  A team will consist of teachers in the core subject areas of math, language arts, science and social studies and the students assigned to them.  Teams will remain the same throughout the school year.  Each team will have a common planning time.  This common planning time provides teachers an opportunity to collectively look at student data and adjust lessons and activities to the specific needs of the students in their team.

We believe this holistic approach will benefit students academically and socially.  Parents are invited to attend a short orientation in the South Dearborn Middle School cafeteria April 4, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. to hear more on the coming changes and to ask questions.

As a final note, the search for a new South Dearborn Middle School Principal has been posted and the interview process will begin soon.  Hopefully, we can name the successful candidate before the end of this school year.

Please set your calendar to join us April 4, 2013.

Sincerely,

Jack Heller

Director of Student Services

South Dearborn Middle School

Providing a pathway for college and career readiness!

Change is good, and we want to let you, as parents and guardians of our students, know about the many changes soon to occur at SDMS, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.  

We will.....

1)  Continue to focus on the prescribed academic standards.

2)  Provide all students with a full year of Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

3)  Implement a team-oriented middle school schedule.

4)  Prepare your child for high school success and college or career readiness.

More details of these exciting changes will be provided at upcoming student and parent orientations.  The first informational meeting for parents, guardians, and community members is slated forThursday, April 4, 2013, at 6:30 pm in the SDMS cafeteria.  Additional meetings and orientations will be announced at a later time.

We look forward to having your child at South Dearborn Middle School and, as you can see, are already getting ready for their arrival!

Andrea Marine                                            

Assistant Principal

"KNOWING WHAT NEEDS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED, AND KNOWING HOW TO GET THERE"

Welcome to South Dearborn Middle School

** HOME OF THE SQUIRES **

The faculty and staff of SDMS are delighted your child is a student here. We believe all students can learn, and we are prepared to provide your student with a quality educational experience using the Common Core Standards to promote academic excellence, in a successful, safe setting.

Being involved is important for enjoying and being successful in school. There are many ways for students to become involved at SDMS. Several athletics are available, including football, volleyball, cross country, cheerleading, basketball, wrestling, track, and golf. And, for those students who do not find sports to be their niche, there are many other activities to pursue, such as student council, academic teams, SADD, school dances, school plays, etc. Parents and guardians are also encouraged and welcome to volunteer and be involved at school.

Communication is important in developing a productive relationship between the school, the student, and home and is something we believe in strongly. You are encouraged to visit the "Parent Corner" section of this site for specific information relating to upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, the school supply list, and immunization requirements. The email addresses of all faculty members are shown on the front page of your child's school agenda, and the school's phone and fax numbers are listed above. Please contact the school through any of those avenues. You will also find a considerable amount of information on the back of each mid-term and report card.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns that may arise through the year. We are always here to help!

Sincerely,

THE S.D.M.S. SEGMENT OF THE S.D.C.S.C. ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Mrs. Andrea Marine, Assistant Principal