NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING SEL AND PARENT EDUCATION
SPMS PTA, in conjunction with the school administration, will help keep parents updated on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs that are taking place at school. Where appropriate, the PTA will align parent education opportunities with the programs and topics covered in school.
THIS WEEK: Anti-Bullying and Digital Citizenship Presentations Begin
All SPMS students will be attending anti-bullying and digital citizenship presentations provided by the Train Your Brain (TYB) counseling team, beginning Monday with the 6th graders, followed by 7th grade beginning on 11/6 and 8th grade on 11/13. The PTA is also planning a parent education forum on this topic in late November, so be on the lookout.
What is Train Your Brain?
Train Your Brain is SPUSD’s social-emotional support program serving SPMS and SPHS. Please visit the SPMS TYB page and check out last year’s “What Is Train Your Brain?” presentation to learn more about the program at SPMS.
10/20 Mental Health Week Kick-Off:
On Friday 10/20 at the monthly student awards assembly, the TYB team, the Upstanders peer mediation group, and the PTA will kick off Mental Health Week. They will deliver presentations and skits to demonstrate mental health support services available to them at school and beyond, and introduce them to next week’s Mental Health Week activities, which aim to expose students to coping and prevention strategies that support mental health.
Future Topics for SEL Student Presentations & Parent Education:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion assemblies are planned for students later in the year. Presentations on drug use and vaping awareness, dangers, and prevention are planned for both students and parents.
PARENT ED – ADHD/ADD
10/19 (THU) 6PM @ SPMS Library or virtual
Flipping The Script on ADHD
How to identify strengths in children with ADHD
to facilitate healthy development and academic success
Thursday, October 19 @ 6pm
In-Person – SPMS Library
Virtually – Link will be emailed
RSVP Required RSVP HERE
Dr. Oren Boxer is a South Pasadena parent and a highly regarded clinical neuropsychologist known for his expertise in evaluating cognitive functioning and enhancing it across different age groups. He holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and completed additional post-doctoral training in pediatric neuropsychology at UCLA. His career is marked by comprehensive assessments, innovative treatment approaches, and a dedication to advancing the field of neuropsychology.
PTA COFFEE
10/20 (FRI) 8AM @ SPMS Quad
Please join us after drop off for our SPMS PTA Coffee. Hear what we have planned for Mental Health Week 10/24 – 27.
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
10/24-27 @ SPMS Quad
Volunteering for Mental Health Week is a quick and fun way to interact with the Middle School kiddos and support their mental health and wellness. We seek help with the 13 Lunchtime activity stations we have planned for the Four Days, that’s 11:30-12:30, Tuesday through Friday, October 24-27.
Here is the Signup Genius Link for Volunteering. Feel free to sign up for more than one day. If you’re not able to volunteer, you might consider adding your name to a Donation slot. Thank you!
NOMINATING COMMITTEE NEEDED
BRIAN MAHLER, PTA PARLIAMENTARIAN
We Need a Nominating Committee!
Every PTA elects a Nominating Committee in the fall. This committee is responsible for creating a slate of candidates for next year’s PTA Executive Board, which will be voted on at our General Association meeting in March 2024. In terms of commitment, committee members have an introductory meeting and then start reaching out to current board members and other parents in the community to see who would be interested and a good fit on next year’s PTA Executive Board, before ultimately “nominating” a slate of candidates. (These candidates may include those serving on the committee.)
We will be electing our Nominating Committee at the next General Association meeting in November. Please email info@spmspta.org if you are interested. Thank you!
LIBRARY CORNER
MS. BARANETS, SPMS LIBRARY
https://spmspta.org/library-corner/
All students are invited to enter the Tiny Tales of Terror Contest. Write an original horror story in 50 words of less and win a prize!
Stop by the library for contest rules and details. Entries are due by Friday, October 27th.
October is ADHD Awareness Month Check out Ms. Baranet’s Book Recommendations and also the SPMS library has ADHD related books on display.
Would you like to follow what’s going on in the SPMS library?Follow the library on Instagram @spmstigers
ICE CREAM MONDAYS
MONDAYS After School
Volunteer to help here.
SPORTS
SPMS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
Did you know that the SPMS Athletic Boosters Club is the PRIMARY source of funding for the SPMS intramural and competitive athletics programs? Please join the Athletic Boosters today and support school sports at spmsathleticboosters.org/join.
Fall Competitive Sports: See website for dates/times.
Grades 7-8: Coed Flag Football and Girls Volleyball
Grades 6-8: Coed Cross Country
Intramurals: See website for dates/times.
Grades 6-8: Coed Outdoor Basketball
Grades 6-8: Girls Lacrosse
SPMS Merch Sales: Buy Now for the Holidays!
It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping! Please make your merchandise purchases by October 20th to guarantee your sizes and delivery by Thanksgiving weekend. Check out all of our new design options along with some classics. To purchase visit the SPMS Athletic Booster Club website.
Blaze Pizza Dine Out
November 9, 2023
In-Restaurant: show flyer before paying
Online: only via app or blazepizza.com. Enter code 1167A
MUSIC
SPMS MUSIC BOOSTERS
Music Boosters supports our music programs for Band, Choir, Orchestra and 5th Grade Band. Your donation is essential for new instruments, instrument repairs, sheet music, concert attire, teaching specialists and much more. Donate here.
