
📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR THE 2026–2027 SCHOOL YEAR 📢
Continuing in the 2026–2027 school year, Semmes Middle School will utilize Yondr pouches and implement clear bag requirements as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and focused learning environment for all students.
📱 YONDR POUCH INFORMATION
• Students who bring a phone or personal electronic device to school will be required to store the device in a Yondr pouch while on campus.
• Yondr pouches may be purchased for $25 each.
• Students with a device on campus without a Yondr pouch will be considered in violation of district policy.
• Students and families who choose not to purchase a Yondr pouch must keep all personal devices completely OFF campus.
• Students are responsible for the care of their Yondr pouch. Lost or damaged pouches must be replaced by the student/family.
• Yondr pouches in good working condition may be used from year to year.
🎒 CLEAR BAG REQUIREMENTS
• Clear, transparent bookbags will be required, available in the online store.
• Mesh, tinted, solid-colored, opaque, or non-clear bags will not be permitted.
• Small non-clear pouches may be used for personal hygiene items.
• All personal belongings and bags are subject to search in accordance with school and district policies.
🔹 SAFETY PROCEDURES REMAIN IN EFFECT
• No hoodies permitted
• No headwear of any kind, including hats, caps, and bandanas
• No AirPods, earbuds, or headphones permitted
• Only clear plastic drinking containers permitted
• No blankets, stuffed animals, or toys permitted on campus
These expectations are designed to support student safety, maximize instructional time, and create a distraction-free learning environment where every Bulldog can thrive.
Additional implementation details will be shared prior to the start of the school year.


Finish ALL of your diagnostics WITHOUT FLAGS during the August 25–27 testing window and unlock a special reward:
🍕🎉 FUN LUNCH FRIDAY! 🎉🍕
On September 4, qualifying 8th graders will get to SIT WITH THEIR FRIENDS AT LUNCH! 🙌😎
Yep—you read that right! Complete those diagnostics, take your time, do your best, and earn a lunch where YOU get to choose your crew! 💙💛
✅ Complete ALL diagnostics
🚩 NO flags
💯 Give your best effort
🎉 Then enjoy the reward!
Handle business now. Have FUN later! 😎🐾
Who are you sitting with?! 👀 Tag your lunch crew! ⬇️

We have a busy week ahead, so be sure to check out our **Weekly Outlook** and mark those calendars! 📅
📚 **iReady Attendance Challenge | Aug. 25–27**
Our Beginning-of-Year iReady Diagnostic is here! **Every day counts!** Homerooms with **100% attendance** on August 25, 26, and 27 will earn the opportunity to be **OUT OF UNIFORM on September 1!** 🎉 Students must follow the out-of-uniform guidelines to participate.
💃 **6th Grade Back-to-School Dance | Friday, Aug. 28**
📍 SMS Gym
⏰ 2:30–4:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: **$10**, sold during lunch waves Aug. 25–27
🍕 Admission includes a slice of pizza and water.
👕 Students will wear their school uniforms.
🏐🏈 **Bulldog Athletics**
We have volleyball and football action this week, too! Come out and support our Bulldogs! 💙💛
📱 **Stay Connected:** Parents, be sure to join **ROOMS through the MCPSS app** so you don’t miss important school and teacher communication.
📌 **Reminder:** YONDR pouches are sold on **Tuesdays and Thursdays**.
Let’s make it a great week, Bulldogs! **Be here. Be ready. Do your best.** 🐾
#SemmesMiddleSchool #BulldogPride #EveryDayCounts #iReady #SMSBulldogs #BuildingBrighterFutures
























Good afternoon, Parents and Guardians,
This is a friendly but important reminder that the Semmes Middle School Cell Phone and YONDR Pouch Policy will be strictly enforced beginning Monday, August 17, 2026.
As shared in the SMS Weekly Outlook, students have been given the opportunity each morning this week during Homeroom to purchase a YONDR pouch if they did not purchase one during registration.
Beginning Monday, August 17:
NO cell phones may be brought onto the Semmes Middle School campus unless they are powered off and secured inside a YONDR pouch.
Students are expected to have their phones properly secured in their YONDR pouch upon arrival and throughout the school day.
Cell phone violations will be addressed according to the MCPSS Code of Conduct.
Students who still need to purchase a YONDR pouch may do so Tuesday and Thursday mornings only through the month of August.
Until a YONDR pouch has been purchased, students may NOT bring a cell phone onto campus.
We ask that parents and guardians please review these expectations with their students before Monday morning. Your support and cooperation are essential as we consistently implement this mandated policy and work to maintain a focused, distraction-free learning environment for all students.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!
















As summer begins, we want to help our Bulldogs stay prepared, engaged, and ready for success when school starts in August!
✅ School Supply Lists Are Now Available!
Families can begin gathering supplies for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Having supplies ready before registration helps ensure a smooth start to the school year.
Important reminders:
• Registration Fee: $15
• Science Lab Fee: $10
• Yondr Pouch Fee: $25
• Elective fees will be collected by elective teachers during the first week of school.
• Individual teachers may request additional supplies.
• Wish List items such as Kleenex, Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels are greatly appreciated.
📖 Summer Reading Challenge
Summer reading is optional, but research shows that reading during the summer helps students strengthen reading skills, improve comprehension, and prevent summer learning loss.
Students are encouraged to select ONE book from their grade-level reading list:
📚 Incoming 6th Grade
• Anne of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery
• Class Act – Jerry Craft
• Beneath the Swirling Sky – Carolyn Leiloglou
📚 Incoming 7th Grade
• Traitors Among Us – Marsha Skryouch
• Gone to the Woods – Gary Paulsen
• Among the Hidden – Margaret Peterson Haddix
📚 Incoming 8th Grade
• Scythe – Neal Shusterman
• The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
• Amari and the Night Brothers – B.B. Alston
🎨 Summer Reading Project
After reading their selected novel, students will create a digital bookmark using Canva that highlights:
• Setting
• Characters
• Theme
• Important symbolism from the novel
Students will submit a digital PDF of their bookmark when they return to school.
🍿 Reading Incentive
Students who complete the Summer Reading Challenge will be invited to a special Popcorn & Movie Celebration, and their bookmarks will be printed and displayed in the Semmes Middle School Library!
At Semmes Middle School, we are committed to helping every Bulldog remain Scholarly, Motivated, and Successful all year long. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another outstanding year of learning and achievement!
#SemmesMiddleSchool #SemmesBulldogs #BulldogPride #ScholarlyMotivatedSuccessful #SummerReadingChallenge #BackToSchool #MCPSS #BulldogsLeadTheWay 🐾💙💛


Need help with registration for the 2026-2027 school year?
📋 Meet one-on-one with Ms. McCoy, Semmes Middle School's Registrar, for assistance with registration and required documentation.
Available appointments:
• June 9 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
• June 16 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
• June 23 | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Reserve your time today by clicking the link below:
Click HERE to Reserve Your Time!
We're here to help make registration simple and stress-free.

We've compiled the important dates you'll need for a successful start to the 2026–2027 school year, including Bulldog Camp, summer registration dates, holidays, and key school calendar events.
Be sure to save this post and refer back to it throughout the summer. We look forward to welcoming our Bulldogs back for another great year at Semmes Middle School!
