Mandarino Minute for 12-14-15

Dear Parents/Guardians,

8th Grade EDP's-
8th graders in their Social Studies classes on Friday worked on their Educational Development Plans (EDP's) that follow them 7th-12th grades.  They worked on these with the guidance of their counselors.  EDP's are completed via CareerCruising.com http://public.careercruising.com/en/, and include a Learning Styles Inventory and a Career Interest Inventory. The counseling department is encouraging students to access Career Cruising and share their EDP with their parents.

Concerts-
Just another reminder that we have two concerts this week at Upton Middle School.  Tomorrow (Tuesday, December 15th) features our 7th & 8th grade orchestras and our 6th-8th grade choirs, and on Wednesday, December 16th will be the middle school and high school bands.  These concerts both start at 7:00 P.M. at the SJHS auditorium.  They are always a great way to get you in the spirit of the season. The concerts will also be streamed live on the St. Joe Bears Network on youtube for your relatives from out of town that are unable to attend at:  youtube.com/c/stjoebearsnetwork

All State Orchestra-  Kevin Wang
Congratulations to 8th grader Kevin Wang for being selected to the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) all state orchestra team.  Kevin has now been selected two years in a row for his playing performance.  This truly is quite an honor!

Variety Show Informational Meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 15th)-
Tomorrow, Tuesday morning at 7:30 A.M. in the Upton Media Center will be a short informational meeting for students interested in trying out for the variety show.  The Upton Variety show will take place on Friday, March 18th.  We encourage all and any sort of talent to please give it a shot.  Mrs. Schrock will once again be directing our show.

Wrestling Meeting after school Tuesday, December 15th-
Students should come after school tomorrow Tuesday, December 15th for an informational session on wrestling.  They will receive information and meet the coaches.  If your student is unable to attend, please have them email Mr. Lokey at blokey@sjschools.org

Community Corkboard-
Please visit the community corkboard for all the latest programs in the area at:  http://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

The Break-
The entire Upton Middle School staff would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas break.  It should be a time to connect with family & friends, relax, unplug as much as possible, and just take it easy.  We hope it is a memorable time for you. :)

Quote of the week:
"The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege."- Charles Kuralt

Best always,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minute Update for 12-10-15

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Great "Informance"and ...-
I think everyone will agree that the 6th grade "informance" Tuesday evening was outstanding! :)  The 6th graders have come a long way in 90 days. 

Remember that 7th/8th grade orchestra & 6th-8th choir concert is next Tuesday, December 15th and the MS/HS Band concert will be on Wednesday, December 16th. Both concerts will be at SJHS beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Variety Show Informational Meeting-
Next Tuesday, December 15th at 7:30 A.M. in the Upton Media Center we will have an informational meeting for anyone interested in trying out for the Upton Variety Show.  Mrs. Schrock will once again be our director.  We hope your son/daughter considers showcasing their talent! :)


Star Wars Movie Night at SJHS -
S.J.H.S. United Nations Club is hosting a Star Wars Movie marathon this Saturday, December 12th from 3:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. in the High School Student Center (same place middle school conferences were at) .  They will be showing Star Wars episodes 4, 5 and 6.  The cost is $5.00 for all viewing all three movies.  Popcorn and drinks will also be available to purchase for $1 each.

Book Fair and Toys for Tots ends tomorrow, Friday Dec. 11th-  
Tomorrow, Friday, December 11th is the end of our book fair here at Upton.  We appreciate your support of the fair and will now be able to add other books to our collection.
Our annual Toys for Tots drive will also end tomorrow.  If you would like to send in any last minute new unwrapped toys our local Marines would really appreciate it.

Elk’s National Free Throw Contest
This Saturday, December 12th at SJHS in the main gym is the Elk's National free throw contest.  This competition is for boys and girls ages 8-13 years old.  The registration begins at 11:00 A.M. and the
competition begins at 11:30 A.M.  We have flyers available in the Upton office.  For more information contact Doug Mikkelsen at 269-369-0920 or 269-923-0314 or email Elks National Free Throw Contest Question

Social Media #2 Update-
On November 16th I sent out an update on some social media sites that our students are exploring and using.  Today I am listing a few more that you as parents should be aware of.  Take a few moments and familiarize yourself with these apps if you are not familiar with them.

Tumblr
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/facebook-instagram-and-social/what-should-parents-know-about-tumblr?utm_source=103015+Parent+Default&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly

https://d1pmarobgdhgjx.cloudfront.net/parenttip/PT_CMSE_Tumblr.mp4

Vine
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/facebook-instagram-and-social/what-should-parents-know-about-vine
 
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/what-is-vine

10 most violent video games of 2015
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/10-most-violent-video-games-of-2015-and-what-to-play-instead?utm_source=October+2015+-+Violent+Video+Games&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly
 
 Short Meeting for 7th & 8th grade girls interested in trying out for basketball-
A short meeting will take place tomorrow, Friday, December 11th in the Upton Auditorium for any young lady interested in going out for 7th or 8th grade basketball beginning at 7:30 A.M.

Spirit Week #2 next week-
Monday- Pajama Day
Tuesday-  Twin Day (Two or more people who dress alike)
Wednesday- Favorite Sports Team Day
Thursday- Fitness Wear Day
Friday-  Christmas Day (Red, Green, Ugly sweaters, etc.)
  
Quote of the day:
"Anyone can carry his burden, however hard, until nightfall. Anyone can do his work, however hard, for one day. Anyone can live sweetly, patiently, lovingly, purely, till the sun goes down. And this is all life really means." ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Have a good one,
Mr. Mandarino 

Mandarino Minutes for 12-7-15

Dear Parents/Guardians,

6th grade Informance and Upcoming Concerts

Tomorrow (December 8th) there will be the 6th grade orchestra "informance" beginning at 7:00 P.M. in the Upton Blue Gym.  Come see how much the students have grown over the school year! 

The Upton Choirs and 7th & 8th grade orchestra concert is next Tuesday, December 15th at the SJHS auditorium beginning at 7:00 P.M.  Next week Wednesday, December  16th will be the MS/HS band concert also beginning at 7:00 P.M. in the SJHS auditorium.  This is a great way to put a smile on your face for the upcoming Christmas season. :)

8th grade Parents--- Save the Date for the High School informational meeting
Informational Scheduling Meeting for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents who plan to attend
St. Joseph High School Fall 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 6:30pm
St. Joseph High School Auditorium

You will receive 2016-17 scheduling materials, learn about high school scheduling process, meet department representatives and tour the school.  This is a very important informational meeting and encourage all 8th grade students and their parents to attend.

One-Hour Delay

This Wednesday, December 9th is a district one-hour delay.  Buses will run one hour later and breakfast will still be served at UMS.  School will begin at 8:45 A.M.

The Book Fair Continues -

The book fair runs through this Friday, December 11th at Noon.  We will be running some evening hours tomorrow (December 8th) from 6:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M.  We want to thank you for past, present, and future support of our media center. :) 
  
7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball

Any young lady wishing to tryout for 7th and 8th grade basketball there will be a short meeting before school in the Upton auditorium from 7:30 A.M.-7:45 A.M. this Friday, December 11th to hear more information from the coaches.  We will also have a signup sheet on the office windows for those interested.  
 
First Lego League Robotics from the desk of Robotics coach Denise Clark

Saturday our Robotic teams participated in the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Qualifying Tournament at Lakeshore Middle School.

The IROBOTS scored well in robot matches and their robot surprised them by hitting it's mark and getting the sorter to operate.  This excited the team members and they went back to the pit to program the robot to perform more missions.  With this new creative and inspiring energy they were on their way to place 2nd in the single elimination tournament. 

The CIRCUIT BREAKERS increased their scores with each robot match.  They were excited with this performance which inspired them to go back to the pit area and program their robot to perform more missions.  Part of the tournament involves project, core values and robot design judging.  The CIRCUIT BREAKERS were awarded the Judges Award for their unique efforts and performance.  Below is a picture of the CIRCUIT BREAKERS:

It was a pleasure working will all the students.  We are so proud of all of them.  They showed teamwork, Gracious Professionalism, Cooperation and had great fun.

Thank you to all the parents that helped and provided snacks/drinks throughout this season and at the tournament.  You should be very proud of your students.  Mrs. Clark

Upton First FTC Robotic Team From the Desk of Mr. & Mrs. Zimanski

The UPTON robotics FIRST FTC team finished in 8th place out of over 40 entries
at the Allendale Middle School on Saturday.

On behalf of Mr. White and Mr. Fisbeck, I would like to thank you for the opportunity
to help mentor the team this year. The students (and parents) have shown outstanding dedication and support for the team. These young engineers are our future! They will be the ones who take us to Mars and beyond and will cure cancer! They will make this world a better place.

I look forward to being part of this program for many years to come.

Your Upton Team:

Mr. Ryan White SJHS - Team Leader
Mr. Greg Fisbeck - Whirlpool - Programming Mentor
Mr. Mike Zimanski - EAGLE Technologies Group - Build Mentor

Mr. Aditya Ajoykrishnan - Build Team
Mr. Zachary Conybeare - Build Team
Mr. Jonah Cox - Build Team
Mr. Will Fisbeck - Programming Team
Mr. Cole Koetsier - Build Team
Mr. Dashiel Matlock - Programming Team
Mr. Steven Markert - Build Team
Mr. Sean Thursby - Programming Team
Mr. Nicholas Zimanski - Programming Team

Congratulations to all!  Mr. & Mrs. Zimanski


Honors Day Quotes for the quotes of the week:

"It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it." -Benjamin Franklin 
 
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau
 
“There is no substitute for hard work.”- Thomas Edison

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”- Gail Devers

"It's not only children who grow.  Parents do too.  As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can't tell my children to reach for the sun.  All I can do is reach for it, myself." ~Joyce Maynard

Have a great week and see you at the upcoming concerts,
Mr. Mandarino