Author: Kelly Avilla

Several 8th-grade students from Southport Middle School recently participated in the “8th-Grade Experience” at the St. Lucie Public Schools District Office, an event designed to introduce students to real-world career opportunities.  SPMS was proud to participate in this Classrooms2Careers initiative. During this interactive program, students engaged with professionals from a wide range of industries, including finance, construction, boating, healthcare, and law enforcement. Each station offered hands-on activities that allowed students to explore the skills and tools used in these fields, sparking curiosity and encouraging career awareness. The experience provided valuable insight into diverse occupations, helping students connect classroom learning to … Read More

Southport Middle School celebrated students who did not receive any referrals for the month of August with an exciting Staff vs. Student Volleyball Game! These students enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon cheering for their peers, purchasing snacks and drinks, and watching an intense matchup. The teachers came out strong, with a commanding lead, but the Girls Volleyball Team showed resilience, battling back to claim victory in both games! We also had a COLOR WAR, 6th graders wore Red, 7th graders wore Blue, 8th graders wore Purple, and the Staff wore Yellow!  The sixth graders won the competition with the most student … Read More

The Southport Girls on the Run team wrapped up their fall season by completing a 5K this past Saturday. Throughout the program, participants focused on more than just running, they built confidence, strengthened self-esteem, and developed leadership skills that will serve them well beyond the track. The experience empowered these young ladies to believe that anything is possible when they set their minds to it. The season’s finale was a celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth, showcasing how physical activity combined with mentorship can create lasting positive impacts. Congratulations to the team for finishing strong and embracing the power … Read More

Southport Middle School proudly joined the Socktober initiative, bringing together teachers, staff, and families to make a meaningful impact. This community effort collected socks of all sizes for donation to the Salvation Army, which distributes them to families in need. Thanks to the generosity of participants, countless individuals will benefit from this simple yet essential gift. The Salvation Army expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support. Special appreciation goes to Mrs. Koch for her leadership and dedication in organizing this project. This event reflects Southport’s commitment to compassion and service beyond the classroom.  Socktober showcased the spirit of giving and … Read More

Southport Middle School hosted its Read to Succeed Fundraiser at Big Apple Pizza on November 12, and it was a huge success! Families came together to enjoy delicious pizza while supporting SPMS. For every order 50% of proceeds went directly toward school supplies. Students who attended received a free book and a raffle ticket for a chance to pie our Admin and SRD during a live morning show! Thank you to our amazing families for showing up and making this event possible. A special thank you to our PTO parents for volunteering at the event as well.  Your support helps … Read More

Southport Middle School held their annual Title I Parent Night!  Families learned about the Title I program, how funds are acquired, where they are spent, and the resources they provide to support student success.  Guests also enjoyed a delicious baked ziti dinner while connecting with staff and community partners. We extend a special thank you to Jessie Adamson from Tykes & Teens for presenting practical tools on emotional regulation, helping families foster resilience and well-being.  Gratitude also goes out to our amazing PTO members who volunteered their time and effort. This collaboration strengthens our school-home partnership and helps every student thrive! … Read More

Southport Middle School proudly participated in the district-wide Unity Day celebration on October 25, promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Students and staff wore orange to take a visible stand against bullying and foster a safe, supportive school environment. Excitement filled the campus as everyone united for this meaningful cause. The event reflected Southport’s ongoing commitment to positive behavior and social-emotional wellness, aligning with its PBIS values. Unity Day served as a powerful reminder that every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and included—reinforcing the school’s dedication to cultivating a culture of respect and compassion throughout the community. The school’s vibrant … Read More

Southport Middle School proudly congratulates four exceptional team members for their achievements. Mrs. Banken has been honored as Teacher of the Year, while Mrs. Brack earned First-Year Teacher of the Year. Ms. Ayala was recognized as Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year, and Ms. Jacobson received School-Related Employee of the Year. These dedicated individuals make a meaningful impact on our school community every day. Their commitment, passion, and hard work are truly inspiring and reflect the values we uphold at Southport. We celebrate their success and thank them for their continued excellence and contributions to our students and school. Congratulations!

At Southport Middle School, students enrolled in seventh grade accelerated math prepared for their first district test by participating in a fun and engaging review game held in the Media Center. Led by math coach Mr. Mirc, who served as the game’s energetic host, students reviewed key skills and concepts they’ve learned so far this year. The activity fostered a lively, competitive atmosphere that helped reinforce learning while keeping students motivated. Through teamwork and friendly rivalry, students demonstrated their knowledge and built confidence ahead of the assessment. The review game not only supported academic readiness but also encouraged collaboration and … Read More

This past week, our dedicated educators at Southport Middle School came together for our voluntary monthly professional learning session.  Our teachers are collaborating, growing, and refining their craft to better serve our students. We’re proud of the commitment our teachers show to continuous learning and excellence in education. SPMS leverages the incredible talent of its own educators to create impactful professional learning experiences. By drawing on the deep expertise already present on campus, the school fosters a collaborative environment where teachers learn from one another, share best practices, and grow together. The result is a dynamic, teacher-led model of professional … Read More

Southport Middle School held its first PBIS event on Friday to reward students with no referrals for the past few weeks. Eligible students were able to choose from a variety of fun activities, including board games, arts and crafts, a movie room, gym free time, outdoor play, and tech games. This event was designed to recognize and encourage positive behavior, giving students a chance to relax and enjoy themselves. It also provided a great opportunity for students to spend time with friends in a fun and supportive environment. The PBIS event was a successful and engaging way to promote good … Read More

Students at Southport Middle School gained essential life-saving skills by learning how to perform CPR. During elective classes, students reported to the Media Center to receive this instruction.  The training empowered students to respond confidently in emergency situations, reinforcing the importance of quick action and preparedness.  District curriculum specialist Emmaline Harvey visited SPMS, offering expert instruction and hands-on guidance.  Ms. Harvey, along with our P.E. coaches, provided students with a deep understanding of CPR, making the lessons both engaging and impactful. This initiative reflects the district and school’s commitment to student safety and readiness, equipping young learners with tools that … Read More

Southport Middle School recently hosted a parent night for families with students enrolled in high school credit courses such as Algebra 1, Geometry, and Spanish 1. The event provided valuable information about how students were selected for these advanced courses and the academic opportunities they offer. Parents learned how these courses open doors for their children in high school, including access to honors programs, dual enrollment, and early college pathways. Families were also introduced to resources and strategies to support learning at home. The evening encouraged strong collaboration between families and educators to help students thrive in these rigorous academic … Read More

8th-grade students at Southport Middle School immersed themselves in the world of poetry. Through focused instruction and engaging activities, students explored a variety of poems with an emphasis on figurative language. They examined how literary devices such as metaphors, similes, personification, and imagery contribute to deeper meaning and emotional impact. By analyzing the poets’ word choices and stylistic techniques, students developed a stronger understanding of how language can evoke mood, tone, and theme. This deep dive into poetry not only enhanced their analytical skills but also encouraged personal interpretation and creative thinking, fostering a greater appreciation for literary expression.

At Southport Middle School, Mr. Guntow’s STEM students begin their engineering journey by designing and building bridges, blending creativity with structural principles. This hands-on project introduces them to key engineering concepts such as tension, compression, and load distribution. Students collaborate in teams to brainstorm, sketch, and construct bridge models using various materials. Through trial and error, they refine their designs, learning the importance of precision and problem-solving. The experience fosters critical thinking and encourages innovation, laying a strong foundation for future STEM studies. By the end of the unit, students not only understand bridge mechanics but also gain confidence in … Read More

At Southport Middle School, Ms. Tauriello’s 7th-grade science class kicked off the school year with an exciting STEM challenge!  On the first day of school, Ms. Tauriello’s class dove straight into science with an engaging hands-on challenge. Students worked cooperatively to construct the tallest possible structure using spaghetti noodles that could support the weight of a marshmallow. The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving as students experimented with design and stability. Their enthusiasm and collaboration set a positive tone for the year ahead, showing that learning can be both fun and meaningful. Ms. Tauriello’s classroom buzzed with excitement as students … Read More

Southport Middle School’s Athletic Department held a sports banquet in honor of all our student athletes. Southport’s Athletic Department was created to promote academics through sports and school involvement. The night of the banquet demonstrated school culture where family, friends, coaches, and players all come together to celebrate their player’s achievements. This night, players were recognized for their performance on and off the field in Cheer, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Football, and Track. Most Valuable Player and Most Improved awards were given to honorary players. Southport’s Athletic Department unveiled banners displaying 3 District Championships this year in Soccer, Girl’s Basketball, and … Read More

Future Leaders Unite: SPMS and PSLHS Student Councils/Governments Connect for an Afternoon of Leadership & Teamwork.  8th-grade Student Council students at Southport Middle School were introduced to the Port Saint Lucie High School Student Government.  This gave students a chance to get to know more about the program before joining in the fall. The two groups of responsible young leaders met to discuss their roles and responsibilities while planning for the future and working together in team-building activities and games. The student government at PSLHS planned and organized all the activities for the afternoon. A huge thank you goes out … Read More

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday of April.  This year it was Tuesday, April 22nd! Southport Middle School bus drivers were welcomed with wholesome breakfast treats and a beverage when dropping the students off in the morning. Students also made handwritten cards for the bus drivers expressing their gratitude and appreciation because a little ‘thank you’ goes miles. (literally) We could not do it without you.  Thank you to all our bus drivers for keeping our students safe each and every day!  Their dedication and hard work ensure that our students arrive at school … Read More