February 2014 Newsletter

Schilling Farms Middle School
935 Colbert Street
Collierville, TN 38017
Volume 15, Issue 2
PTSA Newsletter, February 2014
From the principal’s pen . . .
The holidays have passed, the cold of winter is upon us, and we all eagerly look forward to a fantastic
second semester at Schilling Farms Middle School.
Some highlights from semester one:
• Student athletes excelled in numerous sports, setting records and earning multiple recognitions: an
All-State cross-country team member; state championships for the SFMS dance team and for our
competitive cheer squad; both a top finish in the regular season and the #1 seed in the post-season
district tournament for our boys basketball team; numerous individual and relay medals for members
of the swim team; and an unprecedented sixth consecutive undefeated (14-0) district season for our
girls basketball team under the leadership of Coach Pattie Gardner.
• Our extracurricular catalog of opportunities continued to grow, allowing more individuals than ever
to belong to student clubs and organizations. Mr. Holmes and Mr. Baumer brought bowling back to
Schilling Farms in the form of the “Schilling Strikers,” while Ms. B. Hunter and Ms. Cathey created a
student club for game aficionados. Our Stallion horse lovers formed an equestrian club, Ms. Reich
promoted positivity through the “Hero Club,” and Ms. Simpson invited movie fans to “Lights,
Camera, Action!” Finally, SFMS showcased our first competitive step team under the direction of
Ms. Buchanan, Ms. Braxton and Ms. L. Davis.
• Parents, teachers, students and the PTSA Board of Managers worked together to produce our most
successful Schilling Showdown in history. The funds raised by that event are continually invested in
programs and products that benefit all students at SFMS. Significantly, the PTSA spent
approximately $5000 in December to upgrade all student-accessible desktop and laptop computers in
the school to ensure compatibility with the programs required by the state for all on-line assessments
this spring and next school year. Thank you, SFMS PTSA!
The months ahead will be filled with exciting events, including Lady Stallions softball games; a
‘50’s-themed spring musical; band and orchestra trips to St. Louis, MO; grade-level field days; and the
8th grade promotion ceremony. In addition, all students will complete the state writing assessment, a
second Constructed Response Assessment (CRA) in math, a final round of Discovery Ed benchmark
assessments, and the TCAP battery of achievement tests. High school registration will also be a major
focus for our eighth grade students and their parents. As the semester proceeds, we will continue to
share up-to-date information through the school website, homeroom e-mails, the PTSA website, and
published flyers.
If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns regarding any aspect of Schilling Farms Middle
School, please contact me by phone, by e-mail, or in person. Thank you for your support.
Jeff Jones
__________________________________________________________
Shelby County Schools offers educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.
Page 2
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
When you wish upon a star….
It is time to turn wishes into reality and improve our PTSA!!! This school year has flown by and we need to know
your WISHES for the 2014-2015 school year. We have a unique opportunity with the creation of the Collierville
Municipal School District to closely examine what we do as a parent group and what we want to do in the future.
We have so many STARS at SFMS! We have award winning faculty, students, extra curricular groups, and sport
teams, but a PTSA is only as strong and active as its members want it to be. In order for the PTSA to be relevant to
parents and students we need to know what you want from the SFMS PTSA.
On February 20th at 9 am, in the SFMS Library, the SFMS PTSA will host a round table discussion on the role of the
PTSA at Schilling Farms Middle School and in the new Collierville Municipal School District. We are looking for
ALL opinions; whether you ar e a longtime volunteer or someone who has never volunteer ed -- we need your
input!
 What activities would you like to see the PTSA sponsor?
 How can parents assist the school and the district?
 What role should the PTSA take in advocating with the school board?
 Should the Collierville Municipal School PTAs form a local council for the purposes of support and local
events?
We understand many parents cannot attend a 9am meeting, so please share your thoughts with us by sending an email
to us at [email protected].
I look forward to seeing you on February 20 at 9:00 am and to help us shape the future!
Leslie Thomas
Your SFMS PTSA President
Health Room
Health Room Needs Donations !!
For many years, the SFMS Health Room has operated with donations. Please see the wish list below from Nurse Jackson. If
you are able, please donate items on the supply list. The items are separated by grade to help even out the donation process.
6th Grade: Band aids, Kleenex, Zip Lock Bags (sandwich size), sponges, sanitary pads (no liners)
7th Grade: Hand sanitizer, individual size Sprite or Ginger Ale, small paper cups (4oz), sanitary pads (no liners),
Kleenex
8th Grade: Elastic wraps (Ace bandages), individual size Sprite or Ginger Ale, 1 inch tape (paper/silk/water proof),
sanitary pads (no liners), Kleenex.
Parents, Thank you so much for providing these items which will assist me in caring for the students. Also if you
have any extra containers of dental wax, contact lenses caddies or solution, it will be appreciated.
With Humble Regards, Rochelle Jackson RN, BSN SFMS Nurse
We need volunteers to staff the Schilling Farms Health Room.
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
If you would be willing to help us with one or more shifts, please contact Leslie Mitchell, VP Health Room, at
[email protected] or you can sign up at the SignUpGenius website:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090E4DADA62BA75-health/4291180
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Leslie Mitchell, VP Health Room ([email protected]).
Volume 15, Issue 2
Page 3
Cultural Arts
Reflections Contest
2013-2014 National PTA Theme
“Believe, Dream, Inspire”
These are the list of the winners for the 2013 Reflections Contest. There entries will be sent to the
State level.
Dance
1st – Abby Smither
2nd – Amy Zhou
Literature
1st – Emma Stopher
2nd – Maeve Barger
3rd – Autumn Erwin
Photograph
1st – Sushmitha Kathiresh
2nd – Maggie Liu
3rd – Divya Dwarampudi
Honorable Mention – Divya Dwarampudi
Honorable Mention – Isaac Vongphit
Honorable Mention – Jada Cato
Honorable Mention – Claire Thomas
Visual Arts
1st – Natalie Cleavelin
2nd – Jana Chao
3rd – Amy Zhou
Music
1st – Amy Zhou
Honorable Mention – Alice Zakharenko
Honorable Mention – Michael Linder
Page 4
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
Open House
Volume 15, Issue 2
Page 5
Schilling Showdown Fun!!
Page 6
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
Schilling Showdown Success
Thank You Parents and Students for Participating
in the Most Successful Fundraiser in SFMS History!
Because of the tremendous success of the 2013 Schilling Showdown, the PTSA has funded student programs, purchased
technology upgrades for SFMS, and set aside money for use later in the school year. This “set aside money” will be
used to help fund purchases of any items needed by SFMS to help during the transition to the new Collierville
Municipal School District.
Along with raising a record setting amount of money, the Showdown day was a great day of fun for all our students.
New activities were added this year and more teachers and administrators were dunked this year than ever before!
The Showdown wouldn’t have happened without the efforts of our fabulous teachers, administrators, and volunteers. It
takes a large number of committed volunteers to make this event happen, and we appreciate each and every single
person who helped us out!
StormChasers Visited SFMS!
This past Fall (2013), the 6th Grade Science classes studied weather forecasting and meteorology, and had a rare
opportunity to learn from area StormChasers! Information presented was in regards to severe weather (thunderstorms,
tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards), how to read a radar and determine
possible tornado formations, and then how to stay safe in a tornado. In
addition, there was a discussion on why “storm chasing” is vital.
It was pointed out that weathermen rely heavily on first hand information
from weather spotters. Without this first hand knowledge, weatherman
would have no idea if an actual tornado hit the ground or not.
At the end, several video clips of actual tornadoes "chased" were shown, and
students were allowed to tour a “chase vehicle.”
“Go Jim Go” at SFMS!
Each year since 2006, News Channel 3 Meteorologist, Jim Jaggers, rides his bicycle 333 miles across the Mid-South
raising money for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. This year, SFMS raised $2035.35 to be donated to “Go Jim Go”.
Page 7
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
Spirit Week Pep Rally
Volume 15, Issue 2
8
Schilling Farms Middle SchoolPage
PTSA
6th Grade Pep Rally during Spirit Week Fun!
Page 9
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
7th Grade Pep Rally during Spirit Week Fun!
Volume 15, Issue 2
8th Grade Pep Rally during Spirit Week Fun!
Page 10
Page 11
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
Volume 15, Issue 2
Page 12
Girls Basketball Remains Undefeated!!!!
Lady Stallions remained undefeated for the 6th Year. The team is under the leadership of Coach Pattie Gardner and Assistant
Coaches Jennifer Christensen and Terry Smith
Varsity Team:
Kerrigan Braxton, Jayla Hemingway. Kelsey Trice, Destiny Amaefula, Cedricka Whitley, Caroline Bacon, Lizzy Christensen,
Kayli Taylor, Zipporah Davis
Junior Varsity Team:
Kayli Taylor, Destiney Tackett, Destiney Amaefula, Cedricka Whitley, Zipporah Davis, Julia Moss, Mya Gargone, Megan
Crowley
An Amazing Season by Boys Basketball!
The Schilling Farms Middle School boys' Varsity (9-2) and Junior Varsity (5-0) basketball teams are having a great season
under the leadership of head coach Toby Taylor and assistant coach Norris Langford Jr.
The Varsity Team Members are Chad Stetson, Tre’lin Bailey, Denver Thompson, Takori Rooks, Jake Peterson, Reagan
Ballard, Zach Perrin, Mason Gross, Jalen Lynn, Julian Shelton, Ryan Boyce, Josh Mariencheck, Christian Williams, Kyle
Colwick and Jaylon Saulsberry.
The JV basketball Team Members are Legend Denler, Justin Miller, Kevin Wright, Jacob Jones, Malachi Picart,
Jeffrey Hubbart, Jake Liebenrood, Kannon Trice, Houston Colwick, Justin Campbell, Justin Stonework,
Khamali Davis, Christian Clark and Khaled Abukhalil.
Page 13
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
Congratulations to Our
Competitive Cheer and Dance Teams!
Congratulations to SFMS Competitive Cheer
Team for winning The UCA Nationals held in
Orlando, Florida on February 8, 2014.
“National Champions!!!!!!!!!! So unbelievably
proud of these kids!!!!!”, stated the team’s
teacher sponsor, Leslie Ponder.
SFMS Competitive Cheer Team also competed at
State in November 2013 and are the TSSAA
State Champions in the Middle School NonTumbling Division!!
Members of the 2013-2014 Competitive Cheer
Team are: Auggie Burke, Cole Johnson, Anne
Elizabeth Matheny, Mallory Hough, Hana
Burnett. Murphy Foust, Reilly Johnson, Madison
Jacobs, Ericka Fields, Lauren Cockrell, Jeri
Raines, Abby Banks, Erica Benton, Amanda
Holt, Molly Thompson, Bella Robbins, Camille Johnson, Olivia Sampson, Camryn Peterson, Hannah Houston,
McKinley Brown, Anna Hopkins, Audrey Lowe, Jordan Perrault
Congratulations goes to our Award-Winning
SFMS Dance Team! At the 2014 National
Dance Team Championship in Orlando, Florida,
they captured 2nd Place in two events - Hip
Hop and Pom!
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” said
Katie Kerekes, the team’s teacher sponsor.
“Their tireless efforts over the last nine months,
all under the guidance of their dedicated coach,
Jennifer Taylor, have paid off in dividends.”
Schilling Farms Middle School’s dance team
competed in the 2013 TSSAA Dance
Championship on Saturday, Nov. 23 at MTSU
in Murfreesboro, where they took home the
first-place trophy and division title for their pom
routine.
Members of the 2013-14 SFMS dance team are
Cassidy Williams (captain), Amelia McGowan (captain), Savannah Liebenrood (captain), Brooke Baigrie, Kennedy
Cates, Mirielle Erpelding, Annie DiMento, Carlie Graham, Lauren Hurley, Amanda Jack, Taylor James, Jada Jenkins,
Jevenee Jerdon, Grace Lanier, Miranda Salgado, Abby Smither, Laila Travillion, Emma Warmus, Natasha Whitt and
Cayla Woodard.
Volume 15, Issue 2
Page 14
Fuel Up to Play 60 Club
2013 SCSEF Race for Education
Sunday, November 4, 2013 3:00 p.m.
Schilling Farms students were enthusiastic about this year's Race for Education! For some of them, it was their first
time to go the distance—3 miles—and they did it with smiles on their faces! Race participants received a race t-shirt,
an extra SFMS Spirit Day, and will be treated to a pizza party sponsored by PTSA. Most importantly, the race reminded us how fun it is to be active with friends! Proceeds come back to SFMS to directly benefit our students. What
a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
SFMS students were treated to a complimentary smoothie at breakfast Tuesday, December 10, sponsored by the Fuel
Up to Play 60 Club! They were given a choice between tasting a Strawberry Smoothie or a Chocolate Banana
Smoothie. They were both a hit! Five lucky winners won a FUTP60 football and bracelet in a drawing from the
smoothie taste test participants.
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a program founded by the National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with USDA, that
empowers students to take charge in making small, everyday changes at school. We want kids to make a difference not
only in their lives, but also their community.
The FUTP60 Club meets every other Tuesday at 7 a.m., and we do fun activities like Zumba, yoga, balancing jumbo
eggs on our heads, jumping rope double dutch style, playing disc golf, walking/jogging on our outdoor trail, and
more! Dues are $20 per year and include a t-shirt. See Mrs. Webber or Nurse Jackson for more details.
Joanne Webber, P.E. Teacher
Rochelle Jackson, School Nurse
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Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
Cross Country Team completes successful season
On October 13th, members of the Boys and Girls SFMS Cross Country teams competed in the West Tennessee
Middle School Cross Country Regional Championships at Shelby Farms. The Boys team was named West Tennessee
Regional Champions bringing home first place out of the fourteen teams competing, with a score of 61. Jake Peterson
and Brandon Burt both finished in the top 10, taking 6thand 9th, respectively, out of over 160 participants. The Girls
team took fifth place out of the twelve teams competing and was led by Emma Haltom who finished 17th overall.
Due to the successful finishes at Regionals, both teams qualified for the 2013 Tennessee State Cross Country
Championships in Knoxville, TN, held on October 19th. The Varsity Boys team came in 10th out of 24 teams. The
Varsity team was comprised of Jake Peterson, Brandon Burt, Robby Hill, Parker Buras, Drew Ferguson, Devon Cline
and Harrison Powell. Jake Peterson earned All State Team Qualifier placing 14th out of 259 varsity participants.
The Varsity Girls team placed 13th at State out of 22 teams and was comprised of Emma Haltom, Taylor Hill, Lindsay
Michaud, Hannah Suber, Caroline Bacon, Sara Pacer, and Sarah Chesek.
The Junior Varsity boys also competed at the State meet finishing in 12th place. Competing were Ethan Beck, Luke
Anthony, Luke Quartermaine, Brayan Castanon, Joshua Knoll, Billy Smith, Jacob Morgan, and Josh Robertson.
Congratulations to all of our cross country team members on a very successful season.
Volume 15, Issue 2
Page 16
Speech and Forensics Club News
Students competed at the annual OLPH Speech and Forensics Tournament in Germantown on October 29, 2013.
Picture left to right Shreya Varrier – placed 4th in Prose, Adarsh
Menon placed 2nd in Prose. Amy Zhou placed 3rd in Audition
Monologue.
Other students who participated are Joshua Parks, Aby Binu, Billy
Smith and Sahithi Kundavajjala.
SFMS students also participated in the annual St. George’s Middle School Speech Tournament in Collierville on
November 19, 2013. Schilling Farms Middle students competed and brought home several well - deserved awards.

In the Dramatic Interpretation category Sarah Rubenstein placed 4th and Aby Binu placed 3rd.

In the Prose category Adu Menon placed 4th.
In addition, several other members of the club participated:
Elizabeth Harrington, Gautham Nair, Nathan Salazar, Billy Smith, Joshua Parks, Shreya Varrier, Amy Zhou and
Sahithi Kundavajjala. Students complete at local middle school tournaments throughout the year. The Speech and
Forensics Club is sponsored by Sandra Emerling.
Schilling Farms Middle School PTSA
Page 17
Schilling Farms
Upcoming Events
February—March 2014
Middle School
PTSA Publication
Counselors Corner…
8 Homework Tips for Parents
 Make sure your child has a quiet,
The Stallion Stampede
will be released 3-4
times per year.
Submissions and ideas
for The Stallion
Stampede may be
emailed to the editor at
webmaster@
schillingfarmsptsa.org
or sent to the school
addressed PTSA
newsletter
Or, sign up on our
webpage.




Visit the PTSA
website
sfmsptsa.org







Upcoming
activities
Volunteer
opportunities
Forms
PTSA Budget
PTSA Board
Student
Activities and
Awards
Back of the
Backpack (BOB)
Sign-Up



well-lit place to do homework.
Avoid having your child do homework
with the television on, cell phone
nearby, or in places with other
distractions, such as people coming
and going.
Make sure the materials your
child needs are available. Ask
your child if special materials will be
needed for projects and get them in
advance.
Help your child with time
management. Establish a set time
each day for doing homework. Don't
let your child leave homework until
just before bedtime.
Be positive about homework.
The attitude you express about
school and homework will be the
attitude your child acquires.
When your child asks for help,
provide guidance, not answers.
Giving answers means your child will
not learn the material. Homework is
a great way for children to develop
independent, lifelong learning skills.
Help your child figure out what
is hard homework and what is
easy homework. Have your child
determine which should be done
first, the hardest or the easiest.
Perhaps do the hard work first; that
way he/she will be most alert when
facing the biggest challenges.
Consider workload when signing
children up for extra curricular
activities. Children need to pursue
hobbies and sports, but priorities
need to be clearly set for schoolwork.
If your child is getting
frustrated, encourage him/her
to take homework breaks. If it is
taking too long to finish homework,
help your child break it into
manageable steps.
February
2/14
SFMS Spirit Day w/ Morgan Cox
1/2 Day for Students
(8-11:30 am)
Valentine’s Day
2/17
Presidents’ Day (No School)
2/20
PTSA General Meeting (9:00 am)
Sports Team Pictures
2/27
Spring Pictures
Talent Show (7 :00 pm)
2/28
SFMS Spirit Day
Muffins and Moms (7 –7:45 am)
March
3/2—3/4 Jr. Beta State Convention
3/7
Q3 Ends / Spirit Day
3/8—3/16
Spring Break
3/17
St. Patrick’s Day
3/21
SFMS Spirit Day
3/28
Showdown Ice Cream Reward
SFMS Spirit Day