What Does That Mean? Common Terms @ STMS
South Tahoe Middle School has a lot of fun, exciting events, classes, groups, programs, schedules, etc.  Below is a brief summary of some terms to help you navigate with your student through middle school. 

Most of the terms below deal directly with a traditional school schedule.  All of the items below will be adjusted throughout the school year according to the current instructional model.

Collaboration:  Held on Wednesdays and is a planning time for the teachers to meet with their subject area, grade level or school wide. Traditionally school is dismissed at 12:55 on these specific Wednesdays. 

Advisory: In a traditional school schedule, advisory is held every Thursday before 2nd block.  Same grade level, have the teacher at least one time per day.  School-wide activities, assemblies

Enrichment:  In a traditional school schedule, enrichment is held during 8/9 period (opposite student's lunchtime)  Monday through Friday students work on academics during this time.

Incentives
:  In a traditional school schedule, incentives are held during 8/9 period (opposite student's lunchtime). Every Friday, also called "Fun Friday",  and rotates every 6 weeks.  Students sign up for the incentive and are expected to complete session…..may include Timberwolves in action, sports, crafts, etc.  Incentives are for students not in a scheduled class during one of the lunch periods. 

Minimum Day:  We have two different dismissal times for our minimum days. 

If the minimum day is a district-wide minimum day (for example:  prior to a holiday break) the dismissal time is 11:55

If the minimum day is only for STMS (for example:  back to school night, conference week) the dismissal time is 12:10.

Club Live:  Club Live promotes a healthy lifestyle by providing safe, high energy alternative activities. The club features leadership events, community service projects, club meetings, and recreational trips

6th Grade Olympics:  2 day competition for our 6th graders during PE

Pumpkin Run:  School-wide annual pumpkin run by grade.  Top runners win pumpkins….(October)

TRIO:  Room 43 - Tutoring services, academic, financial, and career guidance, Career exploration and planning assistance, Workshops to develop skills for success, FREE trips to four year schools, FREE trips to cultural events, Workshops for parents in English and Spanish to provide information and support.  For more info, visit:  http://www.ltcc.edu/web/new-students/trio-educational-talent-search

PTA:  Our STMS parent club is very busy at STMS.  They assist selling PE clothes, fundraising for supplies, binder hospital, school dances, end of the year activities.  You can reach our PTA here:  [email protected]

Cafecitos:  Parent Club for our Spanish speaking families.  Usually meets twice monthly on Monday mornings.  Please check the events calendar for exact dates. ***dates are set after the first meeting

Parent Conference Week: Held October 12 - 16, teachers meet with individual families. The entire week is on the minimum day bell schedule - with a dismissal time of 12:10.

Binder Hospital:  PTA sponsored (and outside donations of supplies)  Each Friday, parents volunteer during lunch to help kids organize their binders.

Operation School Bell:  Sponsored by El Dorado County.  125 kids are selected to receive a $100 shopping spree at our local K-Mart

Coats for Kids:  Sponsored by our fantastic local Kiwanis Club.  125 kids are recommended to receive new coats for the season.  Usually held in October

TAP:  (Tahoe Arts Project)  Sponsors our amazing“arts” assemblies  (Assemblies are only during Advisory) Please visit TAP at:  http://tahoeartsproject.org/

Friday Kids:  20-25 kids supported with a bag of weekend groceries.  Funded by outside sources.