STAYING INSIDE THE CIRCLE

The Inner Circle

The faculty and staff at Smithfield Middle School are beyond excited about the upcoming school year.  I want to personally thank all of the SMS parents for entrusting us with your children.  As we begin this new school year, I want to emphasize how important it is that each of you continues to be an active participant in your child’s education.  We want and need each parent to partner with us during these crucial developmental years. 

Throughout this school year, your child will hear the phrase, “Stay in the circle.”  Being “In the circle” means that students and faculty are focused on our main objective, which is learning.  As we enter a new year of higher accountability with tougher standards and limited resources, it is imperative that our students stay in the circle of learning each and every moment of the day. 

However, “Staying in the circle” also relates to their personal lives.  Middle school is a time where students gain a sense of self, personal identity outside of the group, and most important, a sense of purpose.  In addition to their educational circle, they should strive to stay within their personal circle. I want to encourage each parent to talk to your children about the vision of the person that you want them to become. You cannot call your son or daughter to a vision that you cannot define. The deeper your commitment to pursue this vision yourself, the better for your children.  Once that vision is established, they must strive to stay within the circle of that vision.

I look forward to an exciting, sometimes challenging, and fun-filled year.