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