This week, 6th graders in Mrs. Schlabach's classes worked on collaboration, communication, and problem solving skills to complete a BreakoutEdu (similar to a breakout room).

Mrs. Schalbach reported the students worked very hard and were engaged throughout the activity and that each group was able to "break out", and thoroughly reflect on how they thought the game went during the discussion time.

The insights the students had about the activity and the kindness they shared towards one another was truly amazing!

During the months of January and February, SMMS students will be taking part in a service learning project to build a stronger connection with their school and community.

Students will team up with their homebase classes to choose and carry out their own service learning project that will better the school or local community.

 Students will have the opportunity to work on something they are passionate about while at school and find others who share their same passions.

These projects will then culminate in an assembly at the end of February to congratulate all students on their hard work and reflect on the importance of service learning projects for their local communities.

n this episode we hear a little bit about South Milwaukee Middle School’s Cold Winter Warm Hearts initiative last year and how they’re building on that effort this year. While the projects are meant to help others, there is some real thought behind what giving to others can do for an organization’s internal culture and the members of that community.

Ms. Nehring, who teaches Foundations for Success, nominated 8th grader, Rebeka.
Rebeka demonstrates the SM Way Trait of Perseverance.
 
Mr. Stepp, Orchestra Teacher, nominated 6th Grader, Cloe 
Cloe demonstrates the trait of Kindness. 

Mrs. Wawrzyniak, 6th Grade ELA Teacher, nominated Mara for demonstrating Responsibility. 

Mr. Gaudio, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher, nominated 7th grader, Madelyn, for demonstrating Responsibility. 

Ms. Bertoni, ELA Reading Specialist, says, nominated 7th Grader, Grace Kehoe, for demonstrating Responsibility. 

Mrs. Chmielewski, 8th Grade ELA teacher, nominated 8th grader, Adrian, for demonstrating Responsibility. 

Ms. Cuevas, Middle School Secretary, nominated 8th grader Miranda for demonstrating Kindness. 

Our 8th Grade students had the opportunity to nominate an Allied Arts Teacher for the month of December.

8th Graders chose Ms. Bleicher, who teaches Business and Career Education. 
Students said Ms. Bleicher is helpful, fun, and very nice. 
8th grader Chloe says, “Ms. Bleicher helped with my learning because she teaches well and knows how to get important details so we understand what we are learning. If we have a question she will come to us and explain what we need help with.”
Makaya says, “Ms. Bleicher is an amazing teacher, and can be fun to talk to when it is work time. She is also nice and I can learn a lot while in her class.”

Join us for an evening of science experiments, musical performances, art displays, makerspace, library learning center, a light dinner, and much, much, more.

South Milwaukee Middle School Yearbooks on sale now! Don't miss the opportunity to save you wonderful memories of SMMS! Order today!

All students in Physical Education classes will have the opportunity to participate in an Introduction to Swimming Mini-Unit. Students will learn introduction to water skills, fundamentals, and stroke development of the front crawl, and improve their fitness with fun aquatic activities.

PE Class Schedule for the Pool:
Mrs. Jaeger’s Classes: January 8th-January 19th
Mr. Formanek’s Classes: January 22nd-February 2nd
Mr. Zietlow’s Classes: February 5th-February 16th
Students are responsible for bringing:

• Swimsuit 
• Towel
• Personal Toiletries
• Plastic or mesh bag to transport wet items
• Goggles (optional)

If a student does not bring the required swim items for the pool, they will not be allowed to participate. The student will complete an alternative assignment given by their teacher and not earn participation points toward their daily grade. Administration will be notified if a student continues to violate the policy.

Girls South Milwaukee Middle School Basketball  Open Gym!

There is an opportunity for 7th & 8th grade SMMS girls to continue working on their basketball skills.  The South Milwaukee Recreation Department will be offering FREE Open Gyms for those interested beginning on December 5 2023 - February 20, 2024.  Open gyms will be held at Blakewood Gym on Tuesdays 6:45 - 7:45 PM and Thursdays 5:45 - 7:00 PM. 
 
Registration is required to attend.  This can be done online (smrecdept.org) over the phone by calling the Recreation Department office (414-766-5081) or in person at the office (located in the Lobby of Door #24 at SMHS). 
 

CATAPULT: MAGIC SHADOWS
Fri., Feb. 2, 7:00 pm
Stories told through music and miraculous silhouettes
Catapult’s Magic Shadows is a show for the entire family.

Working behind a screen, the Catapult dancers stretch their bodies and your imaginations, telling stories with silhouettes transforming magically from one shape to another.

You won’t believe your eyes as you watch these incredible dancers form magic shadows such as a mountain, a full size elephant, and a helicopter. You won’t figure out how they do it, and you won’t know what they will make next. Be surprised and delighted again and again.

Founded in 2009 by Adam Battlestein, Catapult catapulted to fame on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent.

 Animated by the dancers’ shadows, every cinematic scene in Magic Shadows is a kaleidoscope of colorful storytelling that will awe and astound you. You will never look at your own shadow the same way again!

Help For You, Help For Others:

When you, a friend or the community needs help, you can make it happen.  Speak up and speak out by reporting a tip! The Speak Up, Speak Out Resource Center will respond quickly and confidentially to make sure we can get help to you or to someone who is hurting, struggling or in danger.