With warmer days rolling in, students have been soaking up the fresh spring air with laps around the track after lunch. It’s become a bright little pocket of the day where conversation, laughter, and movement all blend together—part reset button, part social hour, and part energy boost. Whether walking with friends or just enjoying a few quiet moments outside, this time has been a refreshing way for students to recharge before heading back in for afternoon learning. 🌿☀️

Dear South Middle Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful break and had the opportunity to relax and recharge. It has been great welcoming the warmer weather and we hope you enjoyed the long weekend together as a family.

As we move further into April, there is a great sense of focus and purpose throughout our building. Our students and staff continue to work hard each day, and we are excited for the opportunities ahead, especially as we prepare for MAP testing beginning April 21.

MAP testing is an important opportunity for our students to demonstrate their learning and growth. We are confident in our Mustangs and look forward to seeing them give their very best. To help your child feel prepared and confident, we encourage a few simple but impactful habits:

You will find the detailed testing schedule included in this newsletter.

This month, we are also focusing on Leader in Me Habit No. 3: Put First Things First. This habit is all about prioritizing what matters most, staying organized, and following through on responsibilities. Across our classrooms, teachers have been intentional about helping students apply this habit by preparing them for grade-level expectations and building the skills they need for success, not just on MAP, but for the next step in their educational journey. Whether students are preparing for the next grade level here at South or transitioning to high school, we are committed to ensuring they feel confident, capable, and ready.

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing parent volunteers. Your support in selling tickets, helping at the dance, and volunteering during the school day makes a tremendous difference. We truly value having parents visible and engaged in our school community, and it strengthens the connections that make South Middle such a special place.

It’s a great day to be a Mustang! 🐴

Thank you for your support,

Jackie Hottelman

Principal

As we head toward the end of the month, students will begin MAP testing on April 21. This is an important opportunity for them to showcase the academic growth they’ve built through months of hard work, focus, and high-level learning. Classrooms have been buzzing with effort all year long, and it shows.

To help students be at their best, please continue encouraging them to get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school each day ready to focus and do their best. Below is the MAP Testing Schedule

Say goodbye to sending kids to the book fair with crumpled bills and mystery coins, and hello to eWallet, a simple digital payment option from Scholastic. Families can set up an account so students can independently choose and purchase their books during the fair, right at school. Even better, any leftover funds stay saved for future fairs, making the whole experience smoother, smarter, and a little more magical for everyone involved. 📚✨

Scholastic Book Fair Dates:  April 8-14

Scholastic will be charging 7.95% sales tax 

SMS Scholastic Book Fair Website

Scholastic Online Store: April 2-15 (it offers an expanded selection of titles) 

 Parents can sign up for eWallet.

The NJHS Spring Fling was one for the books—a night full of energy, style, and nonstop fun! From the moment students walked in dressed to impress, the vibe was set for an unforgettable evening. The dance floor stayed packed all night, with students showing off their best moves and making memories with friends.

Between the music, laughter, and all-around good times, it was clear this was more than just a dance—it was a celebration

of our amazing students. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make the night such a success. We’re already counting down to the next one!

For SMS Staff, Spring Break brought a little bit of everything this year, and if there were a highlight reel, it would have range. Some staff members traded their desks for sandy beaches and tropical cruises, soaking up sunshine and ocean views. Others laced up their hiking shoes and chased fresh air and scenic trails, while many enjoyed the simple (and often best) moments spent with friends and family.

Of course, not all heroes wear sunglasses on a beach. Some took on the noble quest of “adulting” over break tackling errands, appointments, and yes… even a trip to the DMV. A few kept things running behind the scenes here at school, proving that even during break, the heart of our building never fully clocks out.

However it was spent, Spring Break was a well-earned pause filled with a mix of adventure, productivity, and connection. Judging by the stories and snapshots, it’s safe to say our staff returned recharged, refreshed, and maybe just a little proud of surviving both the lines at the airport and the lines at the DMV.

April 1st was Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, we celebrated a group of educators who are the quiet engine behind so many student successes at SMS. Our paraprofessionals are masters of the in-between moments, offering a steady hand during challenging lessons, a word of encouragement at just the right time, and the kind of support that helps students feel seen, capable, and confident. Whether they are working one-on-one, assisting in classrooms, or stepping in wherever needed, they bring patience, flexibility, and heart to everything they do.

At SMS, we know that learning doesn’t happen by accident, and our paraprofessionals play a vital role in making it happen every single day. They build relationships, reinforce instruction, and help create an environment where all students can thrive. Their impact may not always come with a spotlight, but it is felt in every corner of our building. Today, and every day, we are incredibly grateful for their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students.

Team 7-1: March 2, 2026; Landon Brenker

Landon is always kind and respectful to teachers and other students. He works hard and always goes the extra mile. Landon can be counted on to work diligently with his peers, and is welcoming to all students that might be in his group.

8th Grade: March 9, 2026, Christian Burnett

Christian is an exemplary student who always participates and works hard. He is kind hearted, respectful to adults and his peers, and he is one of the coolest kids I know! I am so thankful to have a student like Christian.

Team 7-2: March 16, 2026 Olivia Aubuchon

Olivia is a proactive student who is diligent with her academics and demonstrates leadership skills within each one of her classes. She is a valued teammate, and we love that she works collaboratively with all her peers. Her academic drive is noticed, and her leadership skills shine. 

Team 6-2: March 30, 2026 Cailey Schaefer

Cailey is diligent about making sure she fully understands all material presented in class and will often explore concepts further.  She works well with her peers and has fun learning new things. Cailey is very respectful, helpful, and flexible in social situations and loves to help others.  It is very obvious that Cailey works hard to make sure she is successful.

As after school activities continue this spring, we’d like to send a quick reminder about our 3:20 PM AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES pick-up procedures to help traffic flow smoothly and keep students safe.

For after school activity pick-up at 3:20 PM, please enter the campus through the North entrance and exit through the South exit. This one-way flow helps prevent congestion and allows cars to move through the line efficiently. We also ask that the center pull-out lane remain clear at all times so that cars that have already loaded students can safely pull out and exit.

Following this procedure makes a big difference in keeping AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITES dismissal organized and moving quickly for everyone. We appreciate your help in keeping the line moving and ensuring a safe pick-up for all students.

Thank you for your cooperation and support during our 3:20 PM After School Activities Dismissal.