Mandarino Minutes for 12-18-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Congratulations to the Upton Joe Bots-
We are thrilled at the performance that the Upton Joe Bots put in this weekend in Battle Creek!  This was the first time our robotics team participated in the state competition.  In the words of Mr. Zimanksi:  "Out of the 48 teams that competed in our division (96 teams total), we finished ranked #14th.  Our drive team was outstanding and our robot performed very well! It was no small task to make it this far in the state championship.

These were the 96 best teams out of over 500 middle school teams in Michigan!  The mentors and coaches are so proud of all Joe Bot Teams! All Joe Bots should be congratulated, as this was an effort by all our students! All three teams performed beyond any of our expectations." 

Choir & Orchestra Concert this week-

The Upton Choirs and 7th & 8th grade orchestras have a concert this Wednesday evening beginning at 7:00 P.M in the John & Dede Howard Auditorium at SJHS.  It is a great way to highlight your week!

Sports Meetings this week-

7th & 8th grade girls basketball will be at 7:30 A.M. tomorrow Tuesday, December 19th morning in the Maize Gym for those girls interested in going out for basketball.  This is a student only meeting.

Wrestling meeting for all 6th, 7th & 8th graders interested in going out for wrestling will come during the lunches tomorrow Tuesday, December 19th.

For both sports they will begin Monday, January 8th after school.  A physical must be on file in the office.  For more information about Upton Athletics please email Gregg Schaffer at:

gschaffer@sjschools.org

No Late Start this week-
We start at our regular time this Wednesday, December 20th.  

1/2 day this Friday-

We have a 1/2 day this Friday, December 22nd.  Dismissal is at 11:04 A.M.  This will start the break.  We will return on Monday, January 8th.

Quote of the week-

"I don't think quantity time is as special as quality time with your family." -Reba McEntire

A great break-

We hope this upcoming break is filled with great family time!  We always encourage students to unplug their technology over the break.  We hope that the time is relaxing, rejuvenating, and memorable!

Enjoy your family and friends,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-11-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Band Concert Wednesday-
This Wednesday (12-13-17) starting at 7:00 P.M. at the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School will be our 6th-12th grade band concert.  It is always a fun way to celebrate the season!

Congratulations Mr. Catania!-
We want to congratulate Mr. Catania for being picked by the Michigan High School Football Association Assistant Coach of the year.  Not only is Mr. Catania an outstanding teacher in the classroom, but he also gives 100% on the football field as well. 

Great job in Lansing!-
We are so proud of our students who represented us in Lansing last week at the State Capitol Rotunda!  Mrs. Walsworth and the students had a wonderful presentation for the many visitors who came to their display.  These students will turn around and present this evening at our school board meeting at 6:00 P.M. at Upton.

Choir & Orchestra Concert next Wednesday (12-20-17)
Next Wednesday (12-20-17) starting at 7:00 P.M. at the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School will be our 7th & 8th grade orchestras & 6th-8th grade choirs.

Big lunch this Thursday-
This Thursday, December 14th our kitchen crew, Mr. Jeffers, parent volunteers, and I will serve a big lunch at Upton during the lunch periods.  It will feature things like:  sliced turkey/ham, mashed potatoes, cake, etc.) The cost is the same as a regular lunch. ($2.90)

Late Start this Wednesday (No late start next Wednesday 12-20-17)
The district has a late-start this Wednesday, December 13th, but we do not have a late-start next Wednesday, December 20th.

Girls Basketball Meeting next Tuesday, December 19th at 7:30 A.M.-
A girls' basketball meeting for 7th & 8th grade student-athletes (not parents) interested in going out for middle school basketball will be held next Tuesday, December 19th at 7:30 A.M. in the Maize Gym.  A parent meeting will be held after tryouts are completed.  Tryouts will start right after the break on Monday, January 8th.  All girls must have a physical on file in the office to play basketball.  For more information please email Gregg Schaffer at:
gschaffer@sjschools.org

Quote of the week-
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -Anne Frank

Have a great week,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-4-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,

All-State Honors Orchestra-

The following students were accepted into the 2018 Middle School All-State Honors Orchestra:

Abby Kim

Eric Geng

This is a huge honor as over 2600 students from across the state auditioned for these ensembles. The all-state orchestra will be rehearsing and performing in January.  Congratulations Eric and Abby!

6th grade "Informance"-
Tomorrow evening (12-5-17) at 7:00 P.M. will be the first 6th grade orchestra concert experience.  Mr. Lokey, Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett, Ms. Wallace, and the artist-in-residence assistants are excited to show how far the students have come since early September.

Students in Lansing for a Student Technology Showcase Presentation at the State Capitol Building-

7th graders:  Jack Francis, Micah Wagoner, Ruby Rappette, Emma Stout, Winter Bell, and Morgan Hanks will join Mrs. Walsworth in Lansing for this awesome opportunity.  They will present in the State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, December 6th.  It is the 17th annual event sponsored by MACUL and AT &T.  Here is a link with more information:  http://sts.macul.org 

From Left to Right:

Jack Francis, Micah Wagoner, Ruby Rappette, 

Emma Stout, Winter Bell, Morgan Hanks

Joe Bots on to the State Competition-

Congratulations to our Joe Bots who advanced to the Michigan State Championship in Battle Creek at the Kellogg Arena between December 14th-16th.  Their performance in Coloma on Saturday solidified this awesome opportunity!  Congratulations to the students and mentors for their tremendous hard work and dedication!

Toys for Tots-

The Upton Student Council is once again sponsoring the annual Toys for Tots drive at Upton Middle School.  Please consider donating a new & unwrapped toy to Upton Middle School between today and December 12th.  The toys will be given here in Southwest Michigan.

7th grade vision Screening-

This Friday, December 8th we will have 7th grade vision screening.  A half-sheet school vision screening sheet will be coming home with your daughter/son this Wednesday, December 6th.  It must be completed and brought back this Friday.

Guidance Page-

Have you visited the guidance department blog lately?  If not take a look at the what has been going on and see some of the resources.

Here it is:  https://umsguidance.weebly.com/

Upcoming Dates-

Friday, December 8th- 

7th & 8th grade dance from 5:30-7:30 P.M. 

Friday, December 8th- 

The Upton Book Fair concludes

Wednesday, December 13th- 

6th-12th grade Band Concert at the SJHS Auditorium beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Thursday, December 14th- 

Holiday Lunch at Upton

Wednesday, December 20th- 

Upton Choir & Orchestra concert at the SJHS Auditorium beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Quote of the week-

"Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude." - Lou Holtz

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino