Recently, Mrs. Lewandowski’s 7th-grade ELA students finished reading "A Long Walk to Water." This story is about children who fled their homes without their families during the Sudanese Civil War. These children walked for years to try to find safety from the war, resulting in this group of boys being called "The Lost Boys of Sudan." Some of the boys were relocated to the United States to start their lives here.
Mathon Noi, a “Lost Boy” relocated from South Sudan to Rochester, returned to SMS to share his experiences about his journey with students to help them make connections to the novel. Mathon shared his story and how he is giving back through his non-profit, Building Minds in South Sudan, which builds schools.
This year, he brought another guest, Ted Avgerinos, who has traveled with Mathon to build schools in South Sudan.
#CommunityConnections #RedefiningRural
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL4IpYepXbk
Please join us in honoring and thanking all those who served our country. There will be no school today in observance of Veterans Day.
#CommunityConnections #RedefiningRural
Led by Kiersten Crone, who created personal invitations for each potential new teammate, this initiative was all about agency, inclusion, and belonging. By empowering current athletes to reach out and welcome others, our swimmers are taking ownership of their team culture and creating a space where everyone feels valued and connected.
This experience wasn’t just about swimming — it was about experiential learning in action. The girls learned what it means to lead, mentor, and create opportunities for others to succeed — skills that extend far beyond the pool. We’re so proud of our team for modeling what it truly means to be a Lady Griff!
#ExperientialLearning #Agency #RedefiningRural
This victory secures her spot at the NYSPHSAA Girls Swimming & Diving State Championships at the Webster Aquatic Center, beginning Friday, November 21st!
After being out for most of the dual meet season due to injury, Corinne came back stronger than ever—showing remarkable determination, resilience, and love for the sport.
We couldn’t be prouder of Corinne for her hard work and dedication. This talented junior will be making her first appearance at the State Meet, and we can’t wait to cheer her on!
SMS Clubs & Activities:
TIES
Student Council
MS Musical Society
Announcements Crew
Jazz Band
Chamber Choir
E-Sports
Human Rights Club
Trap Team
Maching Band
National Junior Honor Society
Fuel Up to Play 60
Science Olympiad/Tech Wars
MS Fine Arts Club
SADD
The SGI Fiddlers
MS FFA
Sports Media Club
Continuing the tradition, the eighth-grade class celebrated Veterans Day on Thursday with a field trip to Shuttleworth Park and small group discussions with local veterans. Social Studies teacher Drew Beiter organized the day's events, which included the singing of the National Anthem, the recitation of the poem "In Flanders Fields," and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Before leaving the park, students heard from Gold Star Mother, Holly Baker. The trip ended with laying a wreath and the playing of Taps. The day continued with small group discussions with local veterans, family members of veterans and Honor Flight.
"This day is always one of my favorites. By having our students connect with local veterans and with the beautiful war memorials at Shuttleworth Park, it is my hope that our students not only understand the importance of Veterans Day, but also take our servicemen's message of service, strength, and compassion to other areas of their life in the years ahead," Mr. Beiter said.
Thank you to the Felton Burns VFW Post 5260, Jastry Amvets Post 219 and the Concord American Legion Post 431. A special thank you to our guest speakers and the American Legion Post 431 Color Guard!
Following the day's events, students will complete a writing assignment to reflect on what they learned about why we celebrate Veterans Day, the experiences of local veterans and things that they can do going forward. The first act that students have the opportunity to do is participate in Hat Day, with proceeds benefiting the Concord Veterans Care Project.
#CommunityConnections ExperrientialLearning #Agency #RedefiningRural
#ExperentialLearning #RedefiningRural
Leading the way for SGI was Elke Melnik, who placed third individually in the Class C girls race, earning her a spot in the New York State Championships. Melnik’s strong finish helped anchor the team’s success against a deep and competitive field.
Also contributing to the team’s podium finish were Isabella Bogner, Hazel Zielen-Ersing, Deseray Hines, Caitlyn Rzepecki, Claire Chandler, Abby Kujawa, and Amanda Tartick, each turning in key performances to secure SGI’s runner-up spot.
On the boys’ side, Scott Peterman was the top finisher for Springville, pacing the team through a challenging course under crisp fall conditions.
The state meet will take place on November 15th at Queensbury High School, where Melnik will represent SGI among New York’s best runners.
This event's Order Code is 0166PGF. Online ordering is available with the link below.
Inter-state studios' picture ordering is all online this year. If families want to pay with cash or check, they can still send in the payment with their student on picture day, but any cash or check orders will need the order information and payment plus tax. The school does not have order forms with envelopes this year, so check out the link below for more information.
https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/0166PGF
