Mustangs Update 02.02.2026 |
A CARING, CAPABLE, CONNECTED COMMUNITY OF LEADERS. |
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Monster Deliveries to PSE |
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Students in Mrs. Connors’ 8th-grade FACS class had an exciting opportunity to partner with our Progress South Elementary kindergarteners! During their visit, the kindergarten students designed imaginative monster drawings, and back at South Middle, our 8th graders eagerly brought those creations to life using their sewing skills. This hands-on project sparked creativity, pride, and meaningful connections across grade levels while allowing students to apply real-world skills in an authentic way. The excitement truly came full circle when our 8th graders proudly delivered the finished monsters to the kindergarteners who inspired them, filling the room with smiles and joy. We love partnering with Progress South Elementary and celebrating learning, creativity, and leadership at every level!
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At the Jan. 16 SMS Spelling Bee, an impressive four-way tie emerged between Tyler Ngyuyn, Tanner Morgan, Zara Shariff, and Manish Nallangi. After an exciting tie-breaker round, Zara was crowned our first-place winner. Congratulations to all who participated! |
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A Note from Dr. Hottelman... |
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| SMS Families,
We have completed three AMI weather days so far this school year. Students must complete their assigned work to receive attendance credit for those days. AMI days allow us to continue learning while keeping everyone safe and also help ensure we do not need to make up these days at the end of the school year. If you’d like to learn more about how AMI days work, please visit the go.FZSD.us/AMIDays.
I also want to extend a huge thank you to our students, staff, and families who took the time to nominate someone for Employee and Educator of the Year. South Middle is truly filled with incredible people, and we are deeply appreciative of the recognition and kind words shared throughout this process.
I am proud to announce that our Educator of the Year is Mrs. Diana Stites, Educational Diagnostician, and our Employee of the Year is Mrs. Becky Meyer, 7th Grade Secretary. Both of these amazing ladies go above and beyond each day to support our students, staff and families. You will find more information about each of them later in this newsletter. Congratulations to Mrs. Stites and Mrs. Meyer. We are so lucky to have you at SMS! Thank you, Jackie Hottelman |
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📅 Upcoming February Dates | | |
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SMS Educator and Employee of the Year! |
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Educator of the Year: Mrs. Diana Stites
Mrs. Diana Stites is the calm, steady voice our staff and students rely on every single day. This year, she truly embodied what it means to do “other duties as assigned,” stepping in as a case manager, mentor, and teacher while supporting our building through staffing challenges, all while continuing her full responsibilities as an educational diagnostician. Diana leads IEP meetings with professionalism, compassion, and clarity, putting both teachers and families at ease. She consistently supports and develops both new and veteran teachers, strengthening their confidence and practice in ways that directly benefit our students. Simply put, Diana Stites is the heart of our special education department, and South Middle is incredibly fortunate to have her as our Educator of the Year. Congratulations, Diana!
Employee of the Year: Mrs. Rebecca Meyer
Rebecca Meyer, our 7th grade secretary, consistently goes above and beyond to support our school community. She works extremely hard each day and is always willing to help students, teachers, and staff whenever something is needed. Becky keeps everyone informed and on track through clear and timely communication, ensuring tasks are completed smoothly. She is dependable, organized, and always follows through. Most importantly, she brings a positive attitude and genuine kindness to her work, making South Middle a better place for everyone. Our school truly benefits from her dedication and commitment. Congratulations, Becky!
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| Habit of the Month: Be Proactive |
South Middle is a Caring, Capable, Connected Community.
Being proactive is about steering your own ship instead of letting the waves toss you around. At SMS, that means noticing what needs to be done and taking positive action before someone even has to ask. When we choose our responses, own our choices, and look for ways to help, we show that we are capable leaders.
Being proactive also helps us build a caring and connected community. When we look out for one another, include others, and help solve problems with kindness, we show that SMS is a place where everyone belongs. Each small proactive choice links us together like a friendship chain, creating the strong Caring, Capable, Connected Community of Leaders we are proud to be. |
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The January Leaders of the Month |
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Eden Donovan 7th Grade
Eden is a joy to have in class! She consistently gives forth her best effort, shows perseverance, and demonstrates integrity. We are proud that Eden is supportive of her classmates and that she approaches academic challenges with determination. Jordyn Callahan 6th Grade
Jordyn is attentive during instruction and immediately applies her new learning. She takes initiative in completing her work, even when absent, and does her best to produce quality material. Jordyn works well with her peers and is flexible, adapting to change within the classroom and school. Jordyn's focus on positive outcomes is why we have chosen her for Leader of the Week. My Nguyen 8th Grade
My Nguyen consistently demonstrates a conscientious attitude and exemplary school citizenship, serving as a positive role model for peers in all settings. They approach academic responsibilities with dedication, complete tasks with care, and maintain a respectful, responsible presence in the classroom. My positive interactions with classmates, willingness to help others, and commitment to maintaining a supportive learning environment reflect strong character and leadership. Their consistent display of integrity and responsibility makes them a valued member of the school community.
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Citizenship Award Recipients |
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So proud of our amazing Mustangs! 🐎💙
We celebrated students nominated by their teachers for Citizenship and Sportsmanship awards. Their character, leadership, and integrity shine in all they do. Keep leading the way! |
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Club and Intramural Online Sign-up Form
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This quick video walks you through exactly where to click on our website to submit your online form for a Club or Intramural. Visit sms.fz.k12.mo.us/o/sms, go to Clubs and Intramurals in the red banner in the middle of the home page, click on the "Online Permission Form" link, fill out the form and submit! Easy, breezy, Mustang-approved!
Once you submit the form, the Main Office will print it out and deliver it to the sponsor! |
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National School Counselor Week |
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We love our middle school counselors… they listen, support, encourage, and show up for our students every single day. 💙
This week, February 2nd - 6th, we celebrate our incredible counseling team for all the big moments and quiet check-ins, the guidance, the care and the countless ways they help our students grow and succeed. We are so grateful for the heart, dedication and compassion they bring to our school community.
Click on the Counseling Team photo below to watch our “Of course we’re counselors…” video and catch a glimpse of the many ways our counselors make a difference every day. Happy National School Counselor Week! |
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Find the cafeteria menu on our website or in the free FZ app, along with our calendars for information on Events. You can sync them to your calendar!
| Quick links to help you keep up with FZSD
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go.FZSD.us/QuickCalendar (or the Quick Calendar button on any of our websites) connects you with the school year at a glance.
go.FZSD.us/SyncMyCalendar allows visitors to sync our website, Elementary Letter Days and Middle School Letter Days calendars to their own.
go.FZSD.us/AMIDays is updated annually with information on inclement weather schedules and procedures. go.FZSD.us/CSIP provides updates on and access to our Continuous School Improvement Plan.
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