Mandarino Minutes for 12-16-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Great concert last week-

We would like to congratulate our Upton & High School bands for a wonderful concert last week at St. Joseph High School!  Our kids performed well and the progression right through high school was amazing. Great job to Mr. Doe, Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett, and our A.I.R.'s for their hard work with the students! It was a night that put a smile on your face!

Concerts this week-

Monday, December 16th 7:00 PM 

High School Choir and Orchestra at SJHS in the John & Dede Auditorium

Tuesday, December 17th 7:00 PM 

6-8th grade choirs & 7-8th orchestra at SJHS in the John & Dede Auditorium

Spirit week this week-

1st Upton 7th and 8th grade dance-

Congratulations to the Upton Robotics Joe Bots - White Team #13702!!

We finished 25th out of 36 teams in the Michigan State Championship - Franklin division. The Job Bots were also nominated as the first runner up for the Rockwell Collins Innovate Award Finalist position.

The team fought hard through some challenging robot malfunctions and had some great game play while being gracious professionals the whole time! We had a lot of fun at the State Championship and made some new friends in the robotics community. The team finishes the season with a record of 11-10-1.

All three Joe Bots teams will now move into the off-season activities while we watch the SJHS team The Average Joes begin their season on January 4th, 2020. 

The Joe Bots have some great outreach events coming up! We will keep you posted as to where you can see the Joe Bots in action soon.

We wish to thank all of our team sponsors, The Saint Joseph Public School Foundation, Saint Joseph Public Schools, our mentors and coaches for a great season! The teams would not go so far in the Robotics competitions without their continued support!  Go Joes!!

Upton Bears Student Credit Union November winner-

Carrie-Ann Thurman, the November winner for Upton Bears Student CU.  Carrie-Ann won a gift basket with a $25.00 Visa gift card!

Unplug-

Every year at the break I always encourage parents to have your daughter/son unplug as much as possible.  Less computer time and more family time, less phone time and more time with friends, less time on video games and more outdoor activities, etc.  Two weeks away from their devices is healthy! 💻📱🎮

No Late Start or Go Time this week-
We have no late start and GO time this week.

Leaving Early For Break?-

If you are leaving early for the break, please let our office know with a note or a phone call. If you are calling the number is (269) 926-3400.

Quote of the week-

Have a wonderful two weeks off with your family!

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-9-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Holiday Concerts to Brighten the Season-

Tuesday, December 10th 7:00 PM (Orchestra) and 7:30 PM (Band)  in the Upton Blue Gym is the "Informance" featuring the 6th grade orchestra and band.  Orchestra parent meeting at 6:30 PM and band parent meeting at 7:00 PM.  

Wednesday, December 11th 7:00 PM in the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS is the 7th-12th grade bands.

Tuesday, December 17th 7:00 PM in the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS is the 6-8th grade choirs & 7-8th orchestra

Upton Joe Bots-

Congratulations to the Upton Joe Bots - White Team #13702

Finishing ranked #13 out of 36 teams, they were selected as the third pick of the #1 ranked alliance and played fiercely in the finals!

This team was victorious as the winning alliance at the Coloma Sunset Coast Splash qualifying tournament. This is the second time team #13702 has won the Coloma Michigan event in three years!

Team #13702 also was awarded 2nd runner-up for the Collins Aerospace Innovate Award!  The Joe Bots - White team will now travel to Battle Creak Michigan this Friday and Saturday to compete in the Michigan State FTC Championship and bid for a spot n the FTC World Championship next April!

Our other Joe Bots teams also finished their season on a great note!

Joe Bots - Maize Team #8513 finished their season and the event ranked #4 out 36 teams and during the alliance selection process, were bumped up to the captain of the #3 ranked alliance.

Unfortunately with very tight scores, this team did not make it past the semi-final rounds.

Joe Bots - Blue Team #11855 finished their season and the event ranked #29 out 36 teams. This team fought hard, but could not overcome some robot performance issues.

Toys for Tots and Wonderland Toy Store-
We continue to ask for your generosity for our area youth that may not have much for this holiday season.  We have boxes throughout the school for both Toys for Tots and Mosaic Wonderland Toy Store.  All gifts will stay in Southwest Michigan.

Late start this week, but not next week-

The district does have a late start this Wednesday, December 11th, but does not have one on Wednesday, December 18th.

Rotation 2 ends this Wednesday-

Rotation 2 ends this Wednesday, December 11th and the Rotation 3 starts on Thursday, December 12th for all 6th and 7th graders.

Holiday Luncheon next Wednesday, December 18th-

Our UMS holiday luncheon will take place on Wednesday, December 18th.  On the menu:  sliced ham or turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, dinner roll, cake, and milk.  The lunch is the regular price.

This week's menu:

Monday- Beef ravioli or Pepperoni Calzone

Tuesday- Nacho Supreme

Wednesday- Hot Ham & Cheese or French Toast Sticks

Thursday-  Boneless Chicken Wings or Chicken Patty

Friday- Big Daddy Pizza:  Cheese or Pepperoni

1st Upton 7th and 8th grade dance-
The first Upton dance of the school year will take place next Thursday, December 19th from 2:55-5:00 PM at Upton Middle School.  This dance is for Upton Middle School students only and it it for 7th and 8th grade students only. Please have rides available at 5:00 PM.

Quote of the week-

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-2-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,



Important Parent Presentation tomorrow evening-

Tomorrow,  Tuesday, December 3rd beginning at 7:00 PM in the Upton Auditorium will be two great presentations on cyber/internet safety and the second presentation on the dangers of vaping.   Chief assistant prosecutor, Steven Pierangeli, and Detective Sergeant Cory Peek will speak during the opening session about the internet and your teen.  They will have tools and websites that are important for you to know.  
In the second presentation, Lisa Peeples-Hurst, a public health promotion and prevention supervisor at the Berrien County Health Department will give a vaping 101 presentation.  Our 8th graders will also get a Vaping 101 lesson in their social studies classes tomorrow as well. We hope you will join us for what we think are two very important topics.

Upton Book Fair-

The Upton Book Fair is here!  From today through Friday, 12/13, come visit us in the media center to find your next great read.  All purchases benefit our school!

You can also visit our online fair. It’s a great way to browse a larger selection for holiday surprises or give gift suggestions to far-flung relatives. 

Have you tried out the new eWallet?

• Create an account (It’s easy and free.)
• Set an amount to be spent
• Send your child to the fair to shop without cash!

It’s that easy!  Watch the video.

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”  

-- Garrison Keillor

See you at the fair!

JoeBots-

The Upton Middle School Robotics teams will be competing this Saturday in their second qualifying tournament.  The Joe Bots will be in Coloma, Michigan competing with 36 other Michigan teams.

All three Joe Bot teams will be trying for a spot in the state championship on Saturday December 7th.  Consider coming out to Coloma High School on Saturday to cheer us on!

7th grade vision screening-

This Thursday, December 5th will be our 7th grade vision screening which will be done by the Berrien County Health Department.  Your son/daughter will be coming home with a yellow half-sheet of paper to have you fill out.  Please have this sheet returned by Thursday morning to their first hour teacher.

Toys for Tots & Wonderland Toy Store-

We wanted to remind you that we are still accepting unwrapped new toys for two very worthy non-profit organizations.  All toys stay in Southwest Michigan.  Thanks for your donations!

Upcoming Concerts-

• December 10th- 6th grade Orchestra and Band "Informance" in the Upton Blue Gym.  Orchestra parent meeting 6:30 and student performance at 7:00 PM.  Band parent meeting at 7:00 PM and student performance at 7:30 PM.

• December 11th- 7th-12th grade Band Concert in the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS beginning at 7:00 PM

• December 17th- 6th-8th grade Upton Choirs and 7th & 8th orchestra concert in the John & Dede Howard Auditorium at SJHS beginning at 7:00 PM

Holiday Luncheon-

We will have a very nice luncheon on December 18th at all the lunch periods.  The menu will include: Sliced turkey or ham, corn, mashed potatoes & gravy, sweet potatoes, roll, and holiday cake.  It is the same price as our regular school lunch- $2.95.

Yet Another New Club-

Beginning next Tuesday, December 10th from 2:45-3:45 in the Upton Media Center is the start of a new club called the Minecraft Build Club.  It is open to any 6th-8th grader.  They will also meet on January 14th and January 28th.

List of Clubs on the Website-

Check out the list of Clubs we offer here at Upton! We have something for everyone!

https://www.sjschools.org/upton-clubs-overview

Late Starts for December-

SJPS has late starts this Wednesday, December 4th and next Wednesday, December 11th.  We will not have a late start on Wednesday, December 18th.

Quote of the week-

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.  Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."  -Helen Keller

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 11-25-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Very Informative Parent Opportunity-

Next week Tuesday, December 3rd beginning at 7:00 PM in the Upton Auditorium will be two great presentations on cyber/internet safety and the second presentation on the dangers of vaping.   Chief assistant prosecutor, Steven Pierangeli, and Detective Sergeant Cory Peek will talk in the opening about the internet and your teen.  They will have tools and websites that you should know about.  In the second presentation, Lisa Peeples-Hurst, who is a public health promotion and prevention supervisor at the Berrien County Health Department will give a vaping 101 presentation.  We hope you can join us for what we think are two very important topics.

1/2 day of school Wednesday, November 27th-

The Wednesday we will have a half day of school.  On November 27th dismissal will be at 11:00 AM.

Dressing Nice on Wednesday-

It has been a tradition for close to 20 years at Upton to dress nicely the day before Thanksgiving break to show our gratitude for all the things we are thankful for.  This tradition started when Mr. Skibbe was principal of Upton Middle School. We will do this on Wednesday, November 27th.

Bus Passes (Friends, Grandmas, Etc.) -

Please have your son/daughter submit a bus pass by noon on the day they are requesting to ride home with a friend.  Three out of six of our busses are full and can't take bus passes.  Having this submitted by noon gives the students time to make alternate plans.  Parents must also call in by noon if you are requesting by phone. We can't honor a note brought to us at the end of the day.

NHS Tutoring at St. Joseph High School-

Tutoring at SJHS Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00.  

There is a new procedure for obtaining a tutoring bus pass.  

A student must request an Academic Study Session slip from the office before noon on the day of tutoring.  Then the slip needs to be filled out by the teacher and returned to the office before a bus pass is given for tutoring.  If a student does not have a bus pass from the office, they will not be allowed to take the bus over to SJHS.

Upton Bears Student Credit Union October winner-

The October winner for Upton Bears Student CU. Samara Fernandes won a gift basket with a $25.00 Visa gift card!  Congratulations Samara!

Time Change for Basketball Games-

The boys 7th & 8th grade A teams games tomorrow, November 26th, will be at 4:00 and 5:15 PM against Benton Harbor. The school is located on the corner of Colfax and Napier.

Upton Book Fair-

The Upton Book Fair is almost here!  From Monday, 12/2, through Friday, 12/13, come visit us in the media center to find your next great read.  All purchases benefit our school.

Can’t wait until then?  Early birds can visit our online fair beginning NOW -- just in time to browse for holiday surprises or gather and give gift suggestions to far-flung family members over the long Thanksgiving weekend.

But wait...there’s more!  At this year’s book fair, we are excited to offer eWallet.

• Secure, cash-free payment option
• Pre-authorized amount to control spending
• Funds immediately available for use

It’s that easy!  Watch the video.

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”   -- Garrison Keillor

See you at the fair!

Keep the Toys Coming-

Mosaic's Wonderland Toy Store and Toys for Tots have collection spots at Upton Middle School. All the toys collected will go to kids in Berrien County. Thanks so much to those that have already contributed!

Howard Ice Arena Holiday Schedules-

Happy Thanksgiving-

The Upton staff hopes your family has a wonderful Thanksgiving!  If you are traveling we wish you safe travels. Please encourage your child to unplug as much as possible and enjoy family time this break.

Quote of the week-

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino