Good Morning Parents and Families:
It was another eventful week as you will see from our features below. Our students did an excellent job getting into the spirit as we made Digital Citizenship an emphasis this week. Additionally, we had our first Performing Arts concert, where our students did an outstanding job. Over 75 8th grade students experienced their first National Junior Honor Society meeting, where they brainstormed ideas to help serve Stone and the surrounding community. There were several opportunities this week for our students to receive an extra boost of motivation as we conducted several challenges: daily digital citizenship activities in Schoology, our weekly “get to class on time” challenge, pledge-signing in the cafeteria to support leaving a positive digital footprint, and a final challenge offered by our Panther News Team. Our Panther News crew continues to impress us with their weekly Friday news.
As you can see, there are so many wonderful things happening each day here. I am so proud of all these student-led efforts and love the collaboration and excitement I witness each day. We look forward to this week where we will have our second featured speaker as part of our monthly speaker series during Panther Block. We will also continue with our school-wide read of New Kid, as we come together as a school community in the reading and discussion of this graphic novel.
A reminder this is the last week of the first quarter. We will have a 2-hour early release on Friday October 29, 2021. You can find the bell schedule on our website. There is no school on 11/1 and 11/2.
As we close out this first quarter, we have some new things on the horizon, which you will receive more information in next week’s message. Next week, be on the lookout for:
- End of 1st quarter parent survey
- Information on adjustments to panther block, which will include opportunities for enrichment
- More information related to our Family Engagement Center & upcoming events
Thank you for your continued partnership and support,
Meredith Norris
Principal
Stone Middle School
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Digital Citizenship Week Feature
This week was an important week at Stone as it was Digital Citizenship Week. This year’s theme brought together digital citizenship and social emotional learning as students explored Social Emotional Learning in Digital Life with a daily focus around these topics:
- Self Awareness
- Self Management
- Responsible Decision Making
- Relationship Skills
- Social Awareness
Students participated in Spirit Week, had opportunities for daily activities and challenges in the Schoology course, signed a Digital Citizenship Pledge during lunch that is displayed in our school cafeteria, and had meaningful conversations in their Panther Block classes.
Students are online more than ever before, so teaching them how to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly is an essential part of their social and emotional development and academic success. For more information about how you can continue the conversation at home, visit our website for some photo highlights from this week and conversation starters you can use with your student.
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Portrait of a Panther Feature
It is always the best part of the week when I can honor and celebrate our students. This week is no exception and our winners this week demonstrated excellent Portrait of a Graduate skills not only in their classrooms, but in their performances as well. Please click the link above.
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Performing Arts Fall Concert Feature
Our Performing Arts department held their Fall Concert titled “Tales by the Fireside,” featuring wonderful performances from our band, chorus and orchestra students! Our performers did an outstanding job showcasing their talent in their first combined performance as Stone Panthers!
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Family Engagement Liaison Update
Welcome, Denisse Stein, our new family engagement and parent liaison. Mrs. Stein will be working at Stone and with our community to help families get the information and assistance they need to support their children and to ensure their academic success. She can also help connect families to resources in the community. Learn more about Mrs. Stein and look for opportunities for her to share upcoming events to include parent/family coffees, series on topics relevant to adolescence, and much more.
 Our students really enjoyed Neon Day, with a focus on Social Awareness!
 More Neon Day Fun from our students!!
 Our entire Performing Arts department did an excellent job! Thank you Mrs. Magwire, Mr. Quinlan and Ms. Sgrecci!
 More performing arts fun and joy!
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