SCHOOL ZONE 9-27-12

Over the next few weeks I would like to focus on helping our readers get to know us better, and making you aware of some of the positive things our students are doing. 

This month the focus is on Sailorway Middle School.  The leadership team of Principal Brian Zeller, Assistant Principal Beth Bartlome and guidance counselor Elane Mattmuller are proud of what they have to offer students.  Some activities and items of interest to parents and community members are:

• A new playground is coming!  The new playground will be built with the help of staff and community members on October 12 from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. If you have not already volunteered to help with construction or cooking and would like to do so, please send a note into the office with your child.

• Morning announcements will be emailed to parents in the near future. If you didn’t include your email on your child’s emergency medical form, please send that email address to the office with your child or mail to:  Beth Bartlome, Sailorway Middle School, 5355 Sailorway Drive, Vermilion, OH 44089.

• When you visit SMS you may notice an increase art work displayed throughout the building. This will include many of Miss Askin’s original murals, much like those we loved at South Street School.

• Make sure to check out the Sailorway Athletics link from the Vermilion Schools web site to view our athletes in action!  The page can be found at the following link: http://www.vermilionschools.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Sailorway%20Middle%7CAthletics

Sailorway is also teeming with activities for students after school!  In cooperation with the school district Drug Task Force, our team of teachers and administrators is working to provide positive after school opportunities that will appeal to a variety of students.  In addition to athletic and music activities, Sailorway also offers the following: 

• "S.N.A.C "(Student Nutrition Advisory Council) team aides in choosing new menu items for the food service department. Last year, the students tasted 4 different items all provided by Gordon Foods. Three of the 4 were items were chosen to be included on the menu.  Student input is even more important this year as the food service department works to comply with many changes in nutritional guidelines as mandated by the National School Lunch Program.  The first taste testing for 2012-2013 will be the first week in December. Students interested in being a part of this group should notify Mrs. Hess in the cafeteria.

• The Sailorway Middle School Jazz Ensemble is open to all students in grades 6 & 7 graders who play Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Bass, Guitar or Drums. Participation in this activity is by audition only. Mr. Komperda meets with participants one or two evenings each week. The group will perform three concerts this year.

• “Smovers and Shakers” is a student council group led by Mrs. Mattmuller. Each homeroom has one representative that assists in community service projects and helps make our school a better place. The group will meet monthly and as needed.

• Mrs. Mattmuller will also host a Friends of Rachel Club that will be open to all students.  This club will focus on taking care of each other and random acts of kindness. The goal of this club is to meet weekly. 

• Miss Schutrum and Mr. Ryan offer Intramurals for grades 4 to 7. Intramurals will meet every Tuesday right after school until 3:30.  One sport will be played for about 4 weeks and will then rotate to another sport. Sixty students have signed up for this activity already!

• Drama Club meets on select Tuesdays with Mrs. Browne. Rehearsals for the December 6 play will soon be underway! There will be a second semester play and a variety show, Sailorway Live, at the end of the school year.

As always, we welcome parents into our schools to see for themselves how we are doing.  If you are interested in visiting a classroom during school hours, please contact the main office for an appointment.  Athletic and music events are a good opportunity for community members and parents to show support for our students.  We are proud of what we have to offer.  I will share more in the coming weeks.