In Mustang Minutes, students engage in Leader in Me lessons that focus on the 7 Habits and leadership skills. These activities help students strengthen relationships, foster teamwork, and build a sense of belonging. The connection activity pictured here reminds us that every Mustang is an important part of our school community—together, we are stronger.
South Middle Mustangs
First Week of School at SMS
Building Connections in Mustang Minutes
A Note from Dr. Hottelman
Thank you to our amazing staff, students, and families for such a successful start to the school year! Our new students have adjusted well to middle school, and our returning Mustangs are doing awesome. Over these first few weeks, staff has been focused on building strong connections with students while teaching school-wide and classroom procedures and routines.
We are also looking forward to our 4th Annual Fall Festival on October 3, which is a wonderful event that brings our school community together. More details will be shared soon, but we know it will be another great success thanks to your support.
This month in Mustang Minutes, students are learning about the habit Think Win-Win and finding solutions where everyone benefits. We’ll continue to reinforce this habit throughout the month as part of our commitment to developing leadership skills in all students.
We want our students to find their place at SMS by joining clubs and activities, which are now kicking off for the year. Students can sign up at any time. Click here to see more information.
Thank you for your support,
Jackie Hottelman
Remember to:
Click here to check out clubs and intramurals. Link to Activities HERE
Check out our Welcome Video
Order a Yearbook HERE
Sign up to volunteer or donate for the 4th Annual Fall Festival information they need to check out
Donate to provide dinner for staff during Parent-Teacher Conferences
Spread the word ...
Upcoming Dates
Sept. 8 - A+ Tutoring begins (Monday-Thursday)
Sept. 8 - Last day to Pre-Pay for Kona HERE (pre- pay window closes at 10:00pm)
Sept. 10 - Early Release Day (Kona Ice)
Sept. 12 - MAP score reports come home
Sept. 15-29 - Bobo's Fundraiser
Sept. 18 - Picture Retake Day
Oct. 1 - Early Release Day
Oct. 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 3 - 4th Annual Fall Festival, 5-7 PM
South Middle School 4th Annual Fall Festival
📅 Date: Friday, October 3rd
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: South Middle School
💲 Cost:
$5 per person (includes a wristband and 10 tickets)
$20 per family
🎉 Activities include:
Games
Prizes
Raffle baskets
Hot cocoa bar
Hot dogs
Photo opportunities
And more!
🎉 Support Our School with BoBo’s Fundraiser! 🎉
We’re excited to kick off our BoBo’s Fundraiser, which directly supports South Middle School. Every dollar raised goes right back to our students through:
🎟️ Mustang Money prizes each month
🎉 Fun school events
💡 Extra activities and opportunities for our students
🌟 Student Incentive:
If students sell only 20 items, they earn a field trip to Main Event and enjoy pizza, games, and tons of fun! The fundraiser runs September 15-29, with product delivery scheduled for October 30. The products will be available for pick up at the school.
This is a great way to support our school community while giving students opportunities for exciting rewards.
👉 Click here for more information
✨Classroom Spotlight - Mrs. Crabtree's 8th Grade✨
Students are using hexagonal thinking to make connections between ideas and experiences.
By working together to link their hexagons, they are practicing Habit 6: Synergize, and valuing differences, building on each other’s strengths, and creating a stronger classroom community.
Habit of the Month: Think Win-Win
During the first weeks of school, our Mustang Minutes focused on building connections and learning about the habit Synergize—working together to achieve more. This month, we are highlighting Think Win-Win. Students are learning that success isn’t about one person winning at the expense of another, but about finding solutions where everyone benefits. By practicing this habit, our Mustangs are building respect, cooperation, and positive relationships both in and out of the classroom.
A Peek into a Caring, Capable, Connected SMS
2025-2026 SMS Staff
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!
South Middle - Office Hours 6:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Phone - 636-281-0776
Website: https://sms.fz.k12.mo.us/o/sms
Email Dr. Jackie Hottelman, Principal
Email Kacee Claybon, Assistant Principal
Quick links to help you keep up with FZSD
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.