I hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend! With only two school days this week, excitement for Thanksgiving Break is definitely in the air. Even though it’s a short week, I strongly encourage all students to attend. Each day matters, learning and assessment will continue, and being present ensures students don’t fall behind.

We want to share an important update regarding Chromebook use. We have seen an increase in misuse of school devices, and we are taking steps to address it. In the coming weeks, students who repeatedly misuse their Chromebooks may have them temporarily taken away.

We are asking for your partnership in reminding your child about using their Chromebook responsibly and for school-related purposes only. Appropriate use helps support learning and prevents disruptions in class and to your students learning. Thank you for your support with this.

After this week, we will be down to just three full weeks left in the quarter, which makes this a great time to remind students and families about the Quarter 2 Social requirements. Our socials are designed to celebrate students and motivate them to meet expectations throughout the quarter.

As always, eligibility is based on the three key areas we emphasize at South:

Please encourage your student to be here every day, put forth their best effort, and treat others with respect and kindness. These daily habits not only contribute to success at school but also help ensure they are able to participate in the fun events we have planned.

This time of year always reminds me how grateful I am for our South Middle School community. Our staff shows up every day with energy, compassion, and a deep commitment to our students, but our work is made stronger because of the support we receive from you.

Thank you for partnering with us, encouraging your children, and trusting us with their growth each day. We are fortunate to have such amazing families who contribute so much to the positive culture of our school.

I hope your break is filled with rest, joy, and time with the people you love most.

Let’s have a great (but short!) week, South!

Warm Regards,

Mr. Williams

Principal

South Middle School

We're excited to celebrate the amazing work our staff does every day, and we want to hear from you! Share a special shout-out for a staff member who has made a positive impact on your student's life by using the link below. We'll be featuring nominated staff in our weekly communications and on our Facebook page to recognize and honor the dedication and passion our educators bring to the classroom.

It's a lovely fall day in Southwest Missouri, but it's never too soon to make a plan for winter weather! When icy and snowy conditions strike, here's what you can expect from Joplin Schools.

When we need to notify you of updates or closures related to weather this winter, you can expect to hear from us in a variety of official ways:

Now is a also good time to make sure your family's contact information is accurate in PowerSchool, so you can receive timely alerts through ParentSquare. Log into PowerSchool to make necessary changes.

As a reminder, we plan to use the first 6 inclement weather days each winter as AMI Days so as not to extend the school calendar. Details about AMI Days can be found here. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in keeping our students safe and engaged in learning, even when the weather does not cooperate!

As you know, Chromebooks were checked out to students last week. During our class meetings, we also discussed expectations for care and responsible use. These devices are an essential learning tool in the classroom, and it is critical that students have them charged and ready to use every single day.

Thank you for helping your student build strong habits of responsibility and preparedness, skills that will support both their learning and independence.