Christmas Break is almost here! I hope everyone has a blessed and restful time with family and friends. I look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 12, 2026, in the new Seminole County Schools K-12 building! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and have a great week!
https://app.smore.com/n/r9v75-weekly-update-12-15-25
The journey to the National Spelling Bee begins each year with millions of students competing in schools across the country. In Seminole County, students advance through grade-level, schoolwide, and countywide contests to determine our region finalist.
Congratulations to Grayson Benefield, the 2025–26 Seminole County Spelling Bee Champion, and to Emerson Roland, this year’s region alternate. Grayson will represent Seminole County at the region bee in March.
We are proud of both students for their hard work and dedication!
Our Youth Leadership group joined youth leaders from Miller County today for a joint leadership session featuring a panel of local and state leaders. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, engage in meaningful conversation, and learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and impact of each position represented.
Panelists included:
Sam Watson – Georgia State Senate
Gerald Greene – Georgia State Representative
Mark Earnest – Seminole County Superintendent
Michael Keown – Miller County Superintendent
Michael Kirkland – Facilitator
This collaborative experience allowed students to deepen their understanding of government, education leadership, and civic engagement. We are proud of how confidently and thoughtfully our students represented Seminole County.
On November 20th, the McFadden Nature Center welcomed the 7th grade class for an exciting day of hands-on exploration and outdoor learning. As students arrived, the Center staff had multiple interactive learning stations prepared, each designed to spark curiosity and deepen scientific understanding.
Students rotated through three engaging activities: a wildlife station, a density station, and a wetland walk. At the wildlife station, students examined skulls and animal furs up close and even participated in an invasive species game that demonstrated how non-native organisms can overpower an ecosystem. The density station offered a surprising challenge—students tested buoyancy by floating objects such as bowling balls and feathers, prompting great discussions and even more amazement.
The wetland walk was a highlight for many. Along the trail, students identified native birds, observed a small alligator, and studied the trees and habitats that support life in the wetland ecosystem.
After lunch, the afternoon brought a new round of adventure as students practiced shooting magnetic arrows and tried their hand at disc golf. Before departing, the McFadden Nature Center surprised everyone with stickers and pencils—a fun souvenir of a day well spent outdoors.
This memorable field experience offered students a chance to connect classroom learning with the natural world, all while exploring, asking questions, and getting their hands a little muddy. A wonderful day of science in action!
Seminole County Middle School Spelling Bee
Congratulations to all the grade-level and schoolwide winners of the 2025-26 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Eighth grader Grayson Benefield is the new SCMS Spelling Bee Champion and will compete later this week in the county-wide spelling bee. The Seminole County Spelling Bee champion will advance to the region competition in March. Good luck to Grayson in the county-wide bee!
i-Ready Diagnostic Results
Our students are making strong strides in both math and reading. In math, 55% of students have already met their Typical Growth target—a benchmark they are expected to reach by the end of the school year. That’s a powerful indicator that our instruction, interventions, and daily student effort are pushing growth in the right direction.
Reading is also moving in a positive direction. So far, 41% of assessed students have already met their Typical Growth target, with additional students still completing diagnostics. While we have more work ahead, this early momentum shows real promise.
Overall, these results reflect thoughtful instruction, consistent expectations, and a whole lot of perseverance from our students.
The SCMHS Band and Chorus will present a Christmas Concert on December 11, 2025 at 6:30 at the Middle High School cafeteria. The cost is $5 per person. Come and enjoy some Holiday Harmonies from our SCMHS students!
Help the Student Council make a difference this Christmas!
Starting December 8, bring canned food items to your Tribe teacher.
The Tribe with the highest total will earn Nations Points and bragging rights!
Let’s come together as Seminole County Middle High School and brighten the holidays for families in need!
The tournament scheduled for this Saturday, December 5, has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 20
