Dear Students and Families,
I have enjoyed my time here at M.E.S.M.S. over the past 2 years but it is time for me to move on to bigger things. I recently accepted a position as building Principal at Chester Elementary School (part of the Gateway School District). My last day in South Hadley is Tuesday April 13th. If you need to speak to a counselor regarding your childs academics/grades please contact your childs teacher directly or you can contact the Guidance Counselor Ms. Walsh-Pio at ext 4736. If you need to talk with a counselor regarding a social emotional concern you can contact the school Adjustment Counselor Mrs. Gwin at ext 1110. For any other concerns regarding your child you may contact Ms. Costello 6th & 8th grade Assistant Principal ext 1124 OR Mr. Napoli 5th & 7th grade Assistant Principal ext 1109.
I wish you all the best. Take Care.
Sincerely, Ms. Holzhauer
A Guidance Counselors Job
As a Guidance Counselor my job is to work with students, teachers and families to ensure a positive, successful school year. My focus is primarily on the areas of Academic and Career Development but I may also be involved in Social/Emotional needs as well. I am excited to begin another school year at M.E.S.M.S. and look forward to meeting each and every one of you.
Be on the look out for updates on my page about upcoming Guidance events, important dates to remember and tips for a succesful school year.
Sincerely,
Ms. Holzhauer
Mix It Up Day
BREAKING BREAD BUILDS BRIDGES TO BUDDIES
If you’ve ever found yourself wanting the cafeteria setting in your child’s school to become more advantageous to making friends and meeting new students, your wish is about to come true. On November 13, the Michael E. Smith Middle School will join thousands of other schools in the celebration of National Mix-It Up Day. With the approval from the Administration, the Raising Respect Task Force is moving forward with this upbeat crusade. On this day, students will be encouraged to sit in a new seat during their lunch. Classroom discussions, added lunch supervision, conversation starters and survey results are just some of the supports that will be implemented in the upcoming days to aid in the successful promotion of this innovative campaign.
While some students will look forward to trying this experience, others, may feel a little out of their comfort zone. As conversations may spring up about their feelings, here are some thoughts to share with your child:
v There is strength in numbers. Everyone will be participating.
v A new friend may be waiting on the other side of a 15-minute dialogue.
v Support from students and adults will be available throughout the day.
v Familiarity with others can reduce the bullying that exclusion negatively relies on.
v Out of the 175 (give or take) lunches your child will eat this year, this small act of
kindness may optimistically encourage the outcome of the rest of the lunches.
v This one act of kindness does not cost any extra money, nor require established talents
or skills.
v Adolescence is a time to encourage independence in small steps. This small step will
foster a sense of pride and commitment.
v Follow up ideas and activities will be presented throughout the year.
By accepting others,
we'll become sisters and brothers.
By finding common ground,
peace will be found.
By putting yourself in other's shoes,
none of us will lose.
It starts with each one of you,
and spreads the whole world through.
