South Sevier Middle School
September 17, 2025
Welcome to the new SSMS Community Council Members!
Aarika Viula, chair
Nicole Porter, vice chair
Kimberly Brown
Kelly Cefalia
Josey Parsons
Mark Howard
Payton Ashby, SSMS teacher
Paul McCormick, school counselor
Michelle Nielson, principal
next council meeting scheduled for October 15, 2025
October 15, 2025
3:15, SSMS conference room
members in attendance: Nicole Porter, Aarika Viula, Kelly Cefalia, Josey Parsons, Kimberly Brown, Mark Howard, Paul McCormick, Payton Ashby, Michelle Nielson
absent members: none
Agenda
1. Establishment of chair and vice chair positions, Annual Training Video
Aariak Viula was nominated as Chair, Nicole Porter was nominated as vice chair
2. Budget Review (plan proposed and approved in Spring 2025)
https://schoollandtrust.schools.utah.gov/publicdistrictdashboard?districtId=900
next council meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025
November 19, 2025
3:15, SSMS conference room
members in attendance: Nicole Porter, Aarika Viula, Kelly Cefalia, Josey Parsons, Paul McCormick, Payton Ashby, Michelle Nielson
absent members: Kimberly Brown, Mark Howard
Agenda
use this link to view the slideshow shared in the meeting
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RWOoigJoAwa263vfekhdZkjgq6pO_Q2rwjzMCImZUdo/edit?usp=sharing
1. Review of Council Purpose
2. Recent Happenings at SSMS
3. Budget Review (Trustlands and TSSA)
Clarification was given concerning the buy-out of teacher prep periods. Using prep periods helps with keeping class sizes at a maximum of 27, but priority is given to aim for 25. Using prep periods also helps offer yearlong reading instruction in all grade levels and for all students, and to provide flex intervention time for all tested subjects in all grade levels.
4. Questions/Concerns from Council Members
discussion items
Member Aarika Viula asked about attendance patterns as compared to what state and national reports are showing.
Response: SSMS is working hard to steadily improve the attendance of students. There are fewer than 10 students with severe attendance patterns. This is encouraging.
Member Nicole Porter asked about progress with skills recovery since COVID, now that it has been 5 years.
Response: SSMS assessment data shows a continual positive increase in the number of students demonstrating proficiency. Classroom data collected through the school's practices of mastery-based learning and grading also show that the majority of students are performing at grade level.
Member Nicole Porter asked about the process for students not enrolled in SSHS gaining permission to attend dances.
Response: SSMS does not host dances, but the guidelines and restrictions in place at the high school are for the protection of its student body and to ensure that only age-appropriate guests are participating.
It was noted by several council members that SSMS is doing great things for its students. The attitude of the students shows how much they enjoy attending. Test scores and performance, as compared to other schools in the district and stat,e show that things are effective and positive.
next council meeting scheduled for January 21, 2026