March 27, 2026

Dear Bullpup Families,

This beautiful weather can mean only one thing:  Spring Break is almost here! Yes, that’s right!  Next week is our Spring Break.  Students will be released from school on Thursday, March 26th and we don’t need to see them back here again until Monday morning, April 6th.  Enjoy that break because when we return, it is go time!  The last quarter of the school year is going to be action packed with ISAT testing, field trips, and spring sports.  We sure hope your student enjoys this last big break in the school year and returns focused, ambitious, and ready to show the world how great SMS really is!

ISAT’s

We take the ISAT’s very seriously here at SMS.   We know that no set of tests can possibly show everything that our students have learned this year, or the general awesomeness of this group of kids.  However, we also know that our state and community will judge us by how our students do on those tests.  We also know that your student’s scores will be used to place them in classes next year.  So, for many reasons, we always want to do our “best on the test”.

We’ve been working really hard to prepare your students for these tests, but they need your help to truly do their best.  That starts with getting a good night’s sleep the night before every test and then starting the day with a nutritious brain boost breakfast.  That also means sending them to school with a charged Chromebook and, above all, with a “can do” attitude.  Let them know that you care about the test too, that you’re excited to find out how much they’ve grown since last spring.  Your support is key to your student’s success on the ISAT’s.  Let’s do this!

We ask that you take a moment to review the testing schedule below and plan for your student to definitely attend school on those days.

Snacks for ISAT’s

It’s kind of hard for middle schoolers to sit still and take a test for a couple hours.  Trust us – we know.  One way we combat student restlessness during the tests is to provide them with something to chew on – something small and not too sugary to keep them focused.  Things like jerky snacks, cheese sticks, nuts and other healthy, high-protein snacks help.  We also sometimes provide hard candies or mints, but we limit those to avoid the sugar crash.

As you probably know, however, quality, healthy snacks come at a premium and 500 of anything over multiple testing sessions tends to run up a formidable bill.  So, this year we are again reaching out to you, our Bullpup Community, to help us provide healthy snacks to students during ISAT testing.  Below is a link to sign up to provide snacks during testing. Think of us next time you go to Costco :)

Snack Sign Up

Also, Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up in the first week of May.  Be on the lookout for a similar sign-up for ways you can help us celebrate this great teaching staff!

Enrollment for Next Year

Online enrollment for next year is now open. Re-enrollment is required of all returning students. Please take a moment soon and check this task off your list. The link is below.

Enrollment Link

Remodel Update

The plans for our big remodel are starting to firm up! It’s going to be a lot of work and disturbance next year, but we’re still on schedule to complete all the work by August of 2027. We’re working on the plan for shifting classrooms during the construction. We’re happy to report that it looks like the 8th graders, this year’s 7th graders, will feel the impact of those shifts the least. In fact, some will be in newly-remodeled classrooms by December, 2026. If you’re interested in learning more about the remodel and how it will impact students next year, we will be having a “Pizza with the Principal” on May 13th at 5:30, here at the school. At the top of that agenda will be the remodel. Mark your calendars now!

Spring Sports

Now that basketball has wrapped up, we’re on to Spring Sports. It’s not too late to get your student involved! Track practice has started, but students can still sign up. Golf and Swimming kick off right after Spring Break. For more information and to sign up, go to the Athletics and Activity page on our website, link below.

SMS Activities

That’s all for now! Have a fantastic Spring Break!

Sincerely,

Mr. Penrose