SMS subscribes to a philosophy that the unique needs of students in grades 6 through 8 can best be met in a middle school setting providing a student-centered program. The middle school plan recognizes that students of this age are undergoing greater physiological, psychological, and social re-orientation than at any other period in their lives.

We strive to meet the educational, developmental, and social needs that emerge in this transitional period.  Our program goals provide a supportive environment so students will have opportunities to develop skills and explore a variety of learning experiences while making the transition from elementary to high school.

In keeping with this philosophy, Spearfish Middle School provides:

• ·A core curriculum of language arts, math, science, and social studies;
• ·Exploratory classes to help students discover and expand their interests and abilities. Those classes include Spanish, Art, Computer Science, Choir/Music, Band, Physical Education/Health and Taking Charge;
• ·A counseling program with one full-time and one part-time counselor;
• ·A supportive environment for the physical and social development of every student;
• ·A gradual transition in programs from the self-contained classroom of the 5th grade to the departmentalized structure of the high school;
• ·Activity-oriented/sports programs to accommodate the needs of the early adolescent;
• ·A positive climate that fosters self-esteem, self-discipline, and student responsibility;
• ·Close contact and communication between parents and school;
• ·Opportunities for intervention and acceleration when needs are identified.

These goals can be reached when the student, the parent, and the teacher work together to succeed in the acceptance of the responsibility of education.  

• We strive to empower the student to attend school regularly; maintain a positive attitude; make an effort to achieve their goals; 
• We support parents in their efforts to be supportive of the school system and encourage the student to be responsible in their academic pursuits;
• We support teachers to strive for an optimal, professional approach to meet the individual needs of each student. 

When these responsibilities are met, maximum learning can be achieved.

Late Start Schedule ~ 10:15 a.m.

10:15-10:50 am 1st Period:

6 Expl; 7 Core; 8 Core

10:53-11:23 am 2nd Period:

all Core

11:26-11:56 am 3rd Period:

6 Core; 7 Lunch; 8 Exploratory

11:59-12:29 pm 4th Period:

6 Lunch; 7 & 8 Core

12:32-1:02 pm 5th Period:

6 Core; 7 Exploratory; 8 Lunch

1:05-1:35 pm 6th Period:

6 Band/Choir; 7 Exploratory; 8 Core

1:38-2:08 pm 7th Period:

6 Core; 7 Core; 8 DS Study/Choir

2:11-2:41 pm 8th Period:

6 Exploratory; 7 Core; 8 Band/Read

2:44-3:15 pm 9th Period:

6 Reading; 7 Band/Choir; 8 Explor.

Early Release Schedule 1:00 p.m. release

8:15-8:44 am 1st Period

8:47-9:16 am 2nd Period

9:19-9:48 am 3rd Period

9:51-10:20 am 4th Period

10:23-10:52 am 5th Period

10:55-11:24 am 6th Period

11:27-11:56 pm 7th Period - 7 Lunch

11:59-12:28 pm 8th Period - 6 Lunch

12:31-1:00 pm 9th Period - 8 Lunch