The Bulldog's Woof

We were happy to have everyone back at South this morning, hopefully, refreshed--and germ-free--after a week away! (1.) Student report cards were due back, signed by a parent or guardian, before the break. Please send that in if you haven't already done so.  This month, South Middle School also received  our  report card! The state's  school  &  district report cards  are available for review on the DESE website. There is a link for families' convenience on the  South website , under the  About Us  section. Please let me know if you have any questions about our report card, or would like to discuss further. (2.) There is still time to  donate to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital  to support childhood cancer research, as well as children with cancer and their families. This is an annual fundraiser organized by Ms. Mac and supported by South's Student Council for this noble cause. Everyone's support is greatly appreciat...

It's three-fer Thursday, one day early! (1.) This Friday, South's Student Council is organizing a PJ Day Fundraiser. Stay comfy-cozy in your pajamas for the last day before break & donate to St. Jude's Research Hospital, in support of cancer research and care for kids receiving treatment. You can bring cash donations to homeroom, checks (made payable to South Middle School), or donate online:  St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital  -  tax free donation! (2.) You can still  buy this year's yearbook on  Josten's.com . Reserve your copy today for $35! (3.) Want to show your teachers some love on Valentine's Day? Skip the candy and send in these much-desired items: Kleenex/Puffs/facial tissues Clorox/Lysol/disinfectant wipes Expo markers - dry erase for whiteboards Expo spray/whiteboard cleaner Pencils Electric pencil sharpener (This would be  true  love!) Well, OK, chocolate is always appreciated too !

(1.) As the DPW works to get the roads clear, South is warm & open for tonight's PTO meeting!  Nobody can say you have grocery shopping to do; we  know  you all rushed out last night to get milk & bread before the storm!  The meeting starts at 7 in the South Library Media Center. (2.) Term 2 Report Cards went home yesterday. Parents/guardians, please sign one copy & return it to homeroom. The second copy is for your records (or your fridge!) (3.) Ms. Nguyen's February newsletter from the South Library is here! Make sure you've returned any overdue books and check out new reading material before the school vacation week 2/15-2/23.

  Next week, the community reading group at South will meet to begin discussing Jonathan Haidt's book,  The Anxious Generation .  I hope you'll join us!   All are invited to meet in the  South Media Center on TUESDAY, 2/4 at 7:00 PM  to discuss the first 2 parts of Haidt's book.  The Introduction & "A Tidal Wave: The Surge of Suffering" lay out the landscape of adolescents' plummeting mental wellness over the past 15-20 years.  In Part 2, "The Backstory: The Decline of the Play-Based Childhood," Haidt explores parenting & societal changes and the impacts on kids' social skills and development. In all, it's about 110 pages of reading, but it's not hard reading. Also, a bunch of the South teachers are listening to the audiobook and said it's good, if that's easier for you!  After February break, we'll meet on 2/25 to discuss the next section, where Haidt lays out the current setting for adolescents in a smartphone-enable...

  Five items from  your  South PTO: (1.) The February meeting of the South PTO is  this Thursday , 2/6, at 7pm  in the South Library Media Center. See agenda below. (2.) All month long, you can support the South PTO by purchasing Dave & Buster's PowerCards online: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/48625-south-middle-school-pto-dave-busters-fundraising-campaigns (3.)  Regift rally!  We are preparing for Teacher’s Appreciation week in April and currently accepting donations that we can include in our raffle!  Something we’ve done in the past is collect gift cards or unused gifts that people received over the holidays that they aren’t likely to use.  Of course we’re grateful for anything you’d like to donate, whether it’s a gift card to your business, tickets to a local sports game, a themed gift basket, or something else.  If you have something you’d like to donate, message us or comment below to coordinate.  We appreciat...