Mustangs Update 01.07.2026 |
A CARING, CAPABLE, CONNECTED COMMUNITY OF LEADERS. |
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Students in Mrs. Connors’ FACS class had a special opportunity to partner with our Progress South Elementary kindergarteners! During their visit, the kindergarten students designed their own creative monster drawings. Back at South Middle, FACS students brought those designs to life by using their sewing skills to create stuffed monsters inspired by the original artwork. This hands-on project was a wonderful way to build connections across grade levels, showcase creativity, and apply real-world skills in a meaningful way. We love partnering with Progress South Elementary and celebrating learning at every level! In the coming weeks, our FACS students are excited to deliver the finished monsters to the kindergarteners who inspired them.
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Our band, choir, and orchestra students did a wonderful job at their winter concerts, sharing their hard work and dedication through thoughtful, well-prepared performances. It was clear how much time and effort they put into learning their music and supporting one another on stage. We’d also like to recognize and thank their teachers for the guidance, encouragement, and steady leadership they provide every day. Together, they created a truly meaningful and memorable concert season for our school community.
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A Note from Dr. Hottelman...Welcome Dr. Buschman! |
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| | SMS Families,
I am excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Matt Buschman as the next principal of South Middle School. Dr. Buschman will officially begin in this role on July 1, coinciding with my transition into the position of Assistant Superintendent of Special Services.
Dr. Buschman currently serves as an assistant principal at Pattonville Heights Middle School, a role he has held for the past four years. Prior to that, he spent nine years teaching middle school mathematics in the Rockwood and Meramec Valley school districts. His background in middle-level education and instructional leadership will be a strong asset to South Middle School.
Although Dr. Buschman’s official start date is July 1, we will work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition for students, staff, and families. He is eager to learn more about the South Middle community and looks forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Buschman to South Middle School and look forward to a strong and collaborative transition.
Thank you, Jackie Hottelman |
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Festive Fun with Principals |
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Our principals had a blast the day before break! They got into the holiday spirit by dressing up as Santa, the Grinch, and a few festive elves, spreading smiles and cheer throughout the building. |
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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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Students who met their sales goal during our school BoBo’s fundraiser earned a fun field trip to Main Event! Everyone had a great time celebrating their hard work and success. Thank you to all of our students and families who participated in the fundraiser- your support directly benefits our student activities fund, helping make Mustang Dollar Days and many other fun opportunities possible at South Middle.
This month at South Middle, our students are focusing on Habit 6: Synergize – “Together is Better.” Synergizing means valuing differences, working well with others, and combining strengths to achieve more as a team. Whether it’s through group projects, athletics, or daily interactions, we’re helping students see that great things happen when we listen, learn from others, and collaborate toward a common goal.
You can reinforce this habit at home by encouraging your child to listen to different viewpoints, appreciate what makes others unique, and find ways to work together on family tasks or decisions. When we synergize, everyone wins! |
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The December Leaders of the Month | |
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Jacob Pezzoli 7th Grade
Jacob is an absolute superstar! His hard work shines through in every single subject—he truly strives to do his best, and it shows! Jacob participates enthusiastically in class every day. But what really sets him apart is his incredible character: he's such a kind and thoughtful student who is always understanding and helpful toward his peers. Keep shining, Jacob! Addisyn Brown 6th Grade Addisyn is a high-achiever, who does well in all of her classes, is kind to everyone, helps her peers, is able to engage adults in conversation, and leads by example. She is a positive influence on those around her, with a great attitude! Manish Nallangi 8th Grade
I would like to nominate Manish Nallangi for 8th Grade Student of the Week. Manish is an exemplary student who excels both academically and socially. He is highly responsible, consistently completing all his work and earning excellent grades. Most importantly, Manish is a truly wonderful classmate; he is polite to everyone, always maintains a positive mood, and genuinely enjoys working well with his friends, making him an outstanding role model for citizenship in our classroom. |
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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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Yearbook Order Deadline - 1/30/26 |
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The clock is ticking! ⏰ Our yearbook order deadline is fast approaching on January 30, and you won’t want to miss out on this keepsake packed with memories, smiles, and all the moments that made this year unforgettable. Be sure to place your order before the Friday, January 30th deadline.
You can scan the QR code in the flyer, click the flyer or visit YEARBOOKORDERCENTER.COM to make your purchase. Not sure if you ordered a yearbook? No problem! Go to the website above and click "Find Existing Order." |
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Triple E Impact Award Recipient
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The District Office is excited to recognize the great work happening across all of our schools. Each month, our superintendent, Dr. St. Pierre, visits every building to celebrate the great work happening across all of our schools, shining a spotlight on one staff member for the positive impact they are making. So… drumroll please!
Our SMS Triple E Impact Award recipient for this month is Mrs. Sandy Connors, one of our amazing FACS teachers!
Carrie exemplifies our mission to Educate, Empower, and Equip students to Excel, and we are so proud to cheer her on! Way to go, Mrs. Connors! |
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A huge THANK YOU for your incredible support of this year’s Southside Turkey Drive! Thanks to the teamwork of South High, South Middle, EMGE, and Progress South Elementary, we raised a record-breaking $6,400—providing 525 turkeys to local families and earning the title of #1 donating school in St. Charles County! We’re so grateful for your partnership and leadership in making this our most successful drive yet—Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃❤️ |
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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!
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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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