December 1 , 2011

 

Dear South Middle School Parents,

 

It is hard to believe, I know, that the holidays are right around the corner.  Hopefully you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family;  the December holidays and December break are just three and one-half weeks away! 

The first marking period ended on November 14th and report cards were posted a few days later.  Hopefully, you've logged on to Parent-Link and have checked how your child did during the first marking period.  If you have any difficulty logging on, please call us at the school and we will help you.

Our December concerts are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, December 13 and 14.  Our seventh and eighth grade performers will be in concert on December 13th and our sixth grade performers on December 14th.  These concerts are both wonderful opportunities to hear and see how your children have achieved in their instrumental and vocal pursuits since the start of school, and an excellent way to get into the "holiday spirit."  I hope you will be able to make one or both of these special events!   

I would like to devote the remainder of my column to helping parents understand who to call if you have any questions.  Schools are complex organizations.  Many different individuals serve student needs in a variety of capacities.  Often, when a question arises, parents are unsure as to whom to call to have their questions answered.  If a parent has a question about homework, tests, quizzes, assignments, grades, or any aspect of classroom life, parents are strongly advised to call the teacher first!  In the majority of cases, conversations between parents and teachers resolve most questions.  If you have a question concerning your child’s adjustment to school, issues regarding friendships or peer pressures, or general academic adjustment concerns, please call your child’s counselor.  Questions regarding school behavior/consequences and or buses should be directed to the deans or to the assistant principals.  Questions regarding curriculum, budget, and staffing, should be directed to the principal.

 

To assist you in expediting communication, the following is a list of the new telephone numbers here at South Middle School:

 

              Principal – Dr. James Welsch – 441-4600

              Assistant Principal – Jerry Cozine – 441-4600

              Assistant Principal – Dr. Gina Cartolano – 441-4600

              Deans’ Office – Ms. Karla Krupala -- 4604

              Counselors’ Office – Grade 6 -- Mrs. Gerstein – 441-4621

                                               Grade 7 – Mr. Nadherny – 441-4622

                                               Grade 8 -- Mrs. Miller – 441-4623

              Main Office – 441-4600

              Art Department – 441-4640

              Computer Department – 441-4642

              English Department – 441-4644

              Health Education Department – 441-4647

              Home and Careers Department – 441-4646

              World Language Department – 441-4648

              Library – 441-4649

              Math Department – 441-4649

              Music Department – 441-4651

              Nurse’s Office – 441-4610

              Physical Education Department – 441-4652

              Psychologists – 441-4636 (Dr. Goldin); 441-4635 (Dr. Erstein)

              Reading Department – 441-4653           

              Science Department – 441-4654

              Social Studies Department – 441-4655

              Social Worker – 441-441-4637

              Special Education Department – 441-4656

              Technology Department – 441-4659

 

 

 

I hope you find this information helpful.  Thank you for your continued support of our school and for sending such wonderful students to us each day!

I want to wish you and your family a Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful holiday season.

 

 

 

 

 

Peace,

   

James R. Welsch, Ed. D.

Principal