Mandarino Minutes: Mandarino Minutes for 5-19-23

Dear Upton Middle School Families,

Concert This Week -

The choir concert this past Tuesday evening was simply amazing! Great solos, wonderful group songs, kids having fun, and a director with tons of enthusiasm! Thanks Mrs. Gray-Roll and all the choirs!

Concerts Next Week -

Next Monday, May 22nd (Upton Bands) and next Wednesday, May 24th (Upton Orchestras) will perform at the John & Dede Auditorium beginning at 7:00 PM.

Summer Learning Opportunity-

We are delighted to offer a new summer learning experience at Upton Middle School this August. The nine day "kick-start to the school year" opportunity will be available to select students that we believe will benefit from time with our teachers to bolster their academic skill set in advance of the school year. Invitations will be sent to incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders via email this week. SJHS will run a similar program for incoming 9th graders this August.

If, as a parent or guardian, you believe your student would benefit from this experience and you did not receive an invitation, please contact Laura Koetsier at 269-926-3402 to be placed on the waiting list.

Boys Basketball Meeting -

Any 6th - 8th grade boys interested in playing basketball next year, plan on attending a meeting on Monday morning in the Blue Gym at 7:30am.

8th Grade Farewell and Dance -

(this info below was also emailed to 8th grade families May 1st)

8th grade families,

It is hard to believe that our children will soon be celebrating the last day of middle school, which also brings about the last day of middle school. It is a tradition to celebrate our 8th graders with an 8th Grade Farewell and Dance.

Friday, June 2nd we will be having our annual 8th grade farewell for our 8th graders. This year we will be returning to an evening event for families. This year the farewell ceremony will also be held at the John and Dede Howard Auditorium at the High School from 6:30 - 8:00PM.

The dance committee wanted to share some specific information with you to bring you up to speed as well as to make you aware of ways you can contribute and/or participate to help make this event special for our students.

The dance is open ONLY to 8th graders and will be held in the Upton Cafeteria following the farewell from 8:15 - 10:00 PM. The theme of the dance is “Oh The Places You Will Glow”. Please encourage your student to dress with this theme in mind and also remember that the school's dress code applies to the dance as well.

Please use the email address below for the sign-up genius that lists the opportunities available to volunteer for dance-related activities like decorations, chaperone, setup and clean up.

Please feel free to reach out to UPTO at uptonmiddlepto@gmail.com , Jennifer Durocher at jkdurocher@hotmail.com or Versha Singh at versha15@yahoo.com with any questions.

Thanks in advance for your support!

The 8th Grade Farewell Dance Committee

Congratulations on a great season,

Girls' Soccer Club!-

We want to congratulate all of our girls who participated in soccer this Spring! A huge thanks to the director of both boys and girls soccer, Mrs. Sara Dawalt!

Sideline Cheer -

If you are interested in doing sideline cheer next year at Upton, please fill out the google form below. This is just a sign up for more information. Practices will start in August and are usually two nights a week. You don’t need to have any experience. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Liz Reimers. My email is ereimers@sjschools.org. I am so excited to hear from you! Cheer Sign Up

Next Thursday, May 25th Washington DC Departure Meeting-

Mr. Catania will be hosting a meeting for all 8th graders and their parents that will be attending the Washington DC trip in June. This meeting will begin at 6:30 PM in the Upton Middle School Auditorium.

Congrats Mrs. Schweir and Mrs. Kelley -

Congratulations to Mrs. Schweir and Mrs. Kelley for receiving their 10 year pins this week! Thanks for your great service to our young students and for being great colleagues!

Summer Camps -

For a list of summer camps and activities for your child, please see the Community Corkboard on our district website -

https://www.sjschools.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=117537&pageId=482853

Students of the Week -

6th Grade - Violet Peterson

7th Grade - Divyang Verma

8th Grade - Gordon Hosbein

Educator of the Week -

Congratulations to Mrs. Royer!

Summer Volleyball Opportunity-

No School on Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. This year it is observed on Monday, May 29.