Mr. Dennis Draughon

To all my students: The code to join the shared 8th grade Social Studies Google Class for the beginning of the 2020/2021 schoolyear is: l6az3st

Until the time when we are allowed to resume regular classes at school, if you need to contact me through email during this difficult time, with your questions or concerns, I will be available to respond during the regular work week, M-F, from 11:20-12:05 PM. These will be my new 'digital office hours' for the remainder of the time that we are out of school due to the coronavirus.

Don't be afraid to reach out if you are able to. I will get back to you.

In the meantime, I hope you and yours are all safe and healthy during this difficult situation. I miss seeing each and every one of you! Rest assured, we will make it through this difficult time, and we will make it through together. We must all strive to stay positive and flexible and be willing to adapt to all of the changes happening at this time. When all else fails, stop, take a few deep breaths, and be grateful for all that you have. One thing I am always grateful for is the opportunity I have to help all of you to learn and grow and to reach your full potential.

Please stay connected and keep an eye out for any new assignments as I will be sharing new learning materials and opportunities every week. Stay safe, stay healthy, and be on your best behavior for your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I'm looking forward to seeing you all in person before the school year is finished!

This will be my tenth year teaching at Smithfield Middle. Before that, I briefly taught in Wake County schools. I have a BA in History from NC State University. In addition to teaching, I have been an editorial cartoonist for the past 39 years, visually commenting on national, state and local politics, as well as current events. For most of my time at Smithfield Middle, I have taught American history, which fits well with my other vocation. Three years ago, I taught World history for 7th graders here at our school. This year I will again be teaching 8th grade American history.

CLASS SCHEDULE
Block	Time	Class
1^st	7:50 – 9:05	8th Grade Social Studies
2^nd	9:08 – 10:18	8th Grade Social Studies
3^rd	10:21 – 11:01	Overtime
4^th	11:04 – 12:44	8th Grade Social Studies
5^th	12:47 – 1:57	^Planning
6^th	2:00 – 3:15	8th Grade Social Studies

School Announcements

Daily Student Schedule for January 19-29, 2021

Smithfield Middle School will be using the remote learning schedule for classes on January 19-29, 2021. Use the link inside for the schedule.

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January Portrait of a Graduate Winners

Congtatulations to the January Portrait of a Graduate Winners! The January Character Trait is being a Balanced, Self-Directed Learner.

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Backpack Buddies has a new time!

Backpack Buddies will be available for curbside pick up on Fridays from 9:00-3:00. This new time will be used for Backpack Buddies each week on Fridays throughout the rest of the year.

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SmMS Chromebook & Hot Spot Request Form

In order to request a school Chromebook or hotspot, this form should be completed by a parent or guardian.

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Smithfield Middle Athletic Interest Form

Athletics eligibility information, interest form and calendar for second semester athletics are enclosed.

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Smithfield Middle School Plan B

Smithfield Middle School will reopen for students under Plan B on Monday, October 19, 2020. See inside for a video from Ms. Faison and a new schedule for Plan B.

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Smithfield Middle Virtual Orientation & Open House

Smithfield Middle Virtual Orientation & Open House Presentations can be viewed using the link inside.

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Smithfield Middle School Portrait of a Graduate

Smithfield Middle School honors students with the Portrait of a Graduate award monthly. Awards are based on JCPS Portrait of a Graduate attributes.

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School Calendar

Here is the calendar for the 2020-2021 School Year.

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JCPS Announcements

JCPS transitions to Plan B for all students

The Johnston County Board of Education voted to return all Pre-K and EC-Self Contained students to Plan B, four days per week, beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 19. These students will participate in face-to-face instruction on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with Wednesday serving as a remote learning day. All other students in grades K-12 will remain on Plan C until Monday, Feb. 1.

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High School State Assessments FAQ

This FAQ document was created to provide responses to common or anticipated questions related to high school state assessments for first semester testing 2020-2021.

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Innovative Middle School and Program Information

Fifth grade Students and Parents, are you looking for an innovative middle school or an innovative middle school program? Innovation Academy at South Campus and AVID could offer what you are looking for.

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JCPS to Return to Plan C

Due to Johnston County being designated a “red” county by the NCDHHS, as well as increased quarantines and COVID cases in the school district as reflected on our dashboard, the Johnston County Board of Education voted to have ALL students, including Pre-K and EC self contained, return to remote learning under Plan C, beginning Monday, December 14 through Friday, January 15. Unless the remote learning period is extended beyond January 15th, students will return to the plan that they chose on the Second Semester Choice form on Tuesday, January 19.

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High School State Assessments Update

On December 8th 2020, the Johnston County School Board of Education voted to return to Plan C (Remote Learning), we would like to provide an update to parents and guardians of options to complete state-mandated End-of-Course (EOC) and Career/Technical Education Post Assessment testing.

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