Friday, October 30, 2020

Mandarino Minutes for 10-30-20

 Dear Parents/Guardians,


Upcoming Choir, Band, and Orchestra Concerts -

All the following concerts take place in the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School and will begin at 7:00 PM.

Upton Choir Concert - Monday, November 2nd

8th grade Band Concert- Wednesday, November 4th

7th grade Band Concert- Thursday, November 5th

8th grade Orchestra Concert- Tuesday, November 10th

7th grade Orchestra Concert- Wednesday, November 11th





End of the Marking Period -

Next Friday, November 6th is the end of the first marking period.  In grades 6th-12th grades we do not send home hard copies of the report cards during the school year.  The grades reflected in PowerSchool on Monday, November 9th will be the official grade for the first marking period.





Lunch next week -

Mon., Nov. 2nd-  Mini Corn Dogs, Fresh Fruit, Carrot Coins

Tues., Nov. 3rd-  Nachos with Beef & Cheese, Salsa, Refried Beans, Mandarin Oranges

Wed., Nov. 4th-  Grilled Chicken Club, Hash Brown, Fruit Cup

Thur.,Nov. 5th-  Cheeseburger, French Fries, Mandarin Oranges

Fri., Nov. 6th- Pepperoni/Cheese Pizza, Green Beans, Apple Slices





After School Pickup and the AM drop-off -

With cold weather around the corner I wanted to remind you that we need every student picked up by 3:00 PM.  With all our cleaning protocols that are in place we can't have students hanging around after school in the building.  Also, in the morning the doors click open at 7:15 AM on regular school days and 8:15 AM on late starts.  This is the time our morning supervision begins.  We do not want students waiting outside the doors in the cold months as well.  





Student Council Opportunity -

Ms. Toth, our new student council advisor, has a slide show for you to view with your son/daughter if they might be interested in being a part of the Upton Student Council.  Please click below for the link:


UMS Student Council Slideshow Link





Virtual School Blog Link -

Here is the link to the virtual school weekly blog post:

https://stjoevirtualschool.blogspot.com/



You may want to bookmark this if your daughter/son is a virtual student.




Virtual Parents with children in performing arts please take a look-

Below is our schedule for the regular school days and late starts (one hour delay).  Please know that on late start Wednesdays the one hour delay schedule is used when dropping off and picking up after band, choir, or orchestra.



COVID Test On your Own  & Exposure Chart-

If you have chosen to get a COVID test for your son/daughter because you are thinking they might have COVID, the student may not return to school until you receive a negative notice. Please also provide the office with the letter from the health provider indicating this.  Below is a helpful chart if your daughter/son has had known exposure for you to refer to as well.


Also use the below link found on our District Website as a quick reference.

DAILY STUDENT SCREENING GUIDANCE



Virtual Tutoring-

Does your daughter/son need a little extra support at home?  Here is a resource for virtual tutoring for those students that would like a little extra support:

https://www.gvsu.edu/k12connect/






Late Start Wednesday -

We do have a late start this Wednesday, November 4th.  School doors will open at 8:15 AM and this is when breakfast is available.  Buses will run one hour later.  School begins at 8:45 AM.





Daylight Savings Time -

Don't forget to "fall back" this weekend on Sunday, November 1st.  




2nd Quote of the week -





Have a wonderful weekend,
Mr. Mandarino








Monday, October 26, 2020

Mandarino Minutes for 10-26-20

 Dear Parents/Guardians,


Detailed Messages Please -

When leaving a voice message for your daughter/son's absence, please leave a detailed message.  Please do not say "Will not be in today."  We need a reason for absence and symptoms if the student is sick for our reporting.




Picture Retakes or if Absent this Thursday, Oct. 29th-

Picture retakes will happen this Thursday, October 29th for anyone who missed our September 23rd date or would like a retake. We have picture forms in the office.  If it is a retake, please bring in the old package of pictures.





Student Pickup After School -

Please do not call your son/daughter and ask them to meet you on Maiden Lane.  We had students walking in the road last week and this is very unsafe.  We know the parking lot is busy, but patience will help student safety.




Rotation 1 & Rotation 2 for 6th & 7th Grades -

Rotation 1 will end tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27th) and their new rotations will begin Wednesday, October 28th.  




Lunch this week at Upton-

Monday-  Chick Patty, Side Salad, Applesauce, Sun Chips

Tuesday-  Hot Dog, Baked Beans, Peach Cup, Baked Chips

Wednesday-  Pepperoni Calzone, Corn, Fruit Slushie

Thursday- Chicken & Waffles, Hash brown, Fresh Fruit

Friday- French Bread Pizza, Carrots, Apple Slices

*** Chocolate and Regular Milk available every day with lunch ***



Costumes this Friday -

Students may dress up this Friday, October 30th for Halloween, but no Halloween masks will be allowed.  The masks must remain the COVID-friendly masks that students have been wearing all year long.  Thanks!




Washington DC Opportunity for 8th grade Reminder -

Just a reminder that Mr. Catania will hold a Google meet tomorrow night (Tuesday, October 27th) at 7:00 PM to talk about an opportunity of a Washington DC trip.  The link has more information.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QGQqaeU1XcElYSUyDDff_Mrie1S8_lraKyS73FgeyZQ/edit




Late Start this Wednesday, October 28th- 

The district will be having a late start this Wednesday, October 28th.  Buses will run one hour later.  Doors at Upton will open at 8:15 AM and school begins at 8:45 AM.




Half days on Nov. 12th & 13th - 

We will have half days on Thursday, November 12th and Friday, November 13th for parent-teacher conferences.  Dismissal will be at 11:00 AM both days.  More details on the remote conferences will be coming soon.




Quote of the Week-




Have a fantastic week,
Mr. Mandarino





Monday, October 19, 2020

Mandarino Minutes for 10-19-20

 Dear Parents/Guardians,



Thanks Interact Club -

In recognition for all the hard work our custodians do at Upton Middle School, our amazing Interact Club provided some treats for their enjoyment!  Our custodians have really worked extra hard this school year!  They were amazed and blown away!









MASKS-

We really need your help in the morning to remind students to bring a mask to school everyday.  We can't continue on this pace of giving away disposable ones at this rate.  We also recommend a backup mask or two in a baggy in their backpack.




UPTO -

Parents, in case you missed the email earlier this week, this is our opportunity to support the Upton PTO (UPTO).  Please take a minute to look over the flyer, which details where your money goes.  Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.  To make your donation simply click on the link below. 

UPTO LINK TO HOW YOUR FUNDS ARE USED





7th grade Vision screening -

Tomorrow, October 20th will be 7th grade vision screening at Upton.  




NWEA Student Progress Reports on Thursday -

We will be sending home student progress report with the students on Thursday, October 22nd.  Please ask you daughter/son for it to take a glance.  Remember what we want to see is growth from Fall to Spring over a school year.





Parking Lot-

Please practice caution, patience, a no-hurry attitude in the parking lot, drop-off, and pickup areas.  We need to know that safety has to be your #1 importance and not be in a hurry.  Thanks for your support!





Dr. Bruce's Update-

Hopefully you read Dr. Bruce's update last evening.  If you did not please take a few moments to read it.  It was sent at 6:39 PM last evening and the title is Weekend Bear News 10-18-20.




Late Start this Wednesday-

The district will have a late start this Wednesday, October 21st.  Doors at Upton will open at 8:15 AM.  Buses will arrive one hour later.  Breakfast will be available starting at 8:15 and school will begin at 8:45 AM.




Lunch this week -

Monday, 19th -  Garlic Cheese Flatbread, Side Salad, Applesauce

Tuesday, 20th - Cheese Quesadilla, Refried Beans, Salsa, Mandarin Oranges

Wednesday, 21st -  Alfredo Penne Pasta, Green Beans, Peaches, Garlic Bread

Thursday, 22nd -  Chicken Tenders, Waffle Fries, Apple Slices

Friday, 23rd - Bosco Sticks, Marinara Sauce, Carrot Sticks, Apple Slices



Quote of the week -


Have a great week,
Mr. Mandarino





Monday, October 12, 2020

Mandarino Minutes for 10-12-20

 Dear Parents/Guardians,


NWEA Fall Results coming home this week-  

I will send an e-blast out the day that we send home the Fall NWEA results this week.  We know with the COVID break in March and Summer break that some of the students scores are not where they had hoped, but we as a staff are optimistic that in the Winter & Spring when we test again that their scores will increase and that they will hit their growth targets by the end of the school year!





No Soda or Energy Drinks -

We do not allow soda or energy drinks at Upton Middle School.  Please do not have your daughter/son pack these in their lunches.  On rare occasions soda may be allowed for a special event, but it is not allowed most of the time.  Thanks for your help with this!





Virtual UPTO Meeting this Thursday-

This Thursday, October 15th at 1:00 PM will be our virtual UPTO meeting.  Feel free to join us if your schedule allows.  Here is the meeting link if you are interested:

meet.google.com/ypy-gvzp-uzi




Yearbook message from Mr. Khan -

Hello Upton families!

DON'T MISS OUT!    It's the best time to order this year's Yearbook!   The price is still just $30 for the book itself, with an option to purchase your student's name stamped on it for an additional $5 more.   The price will automatically increase to $45 on December 1 with no remaining options for a name-stamp.  (FYI - It will automatically increase again to $48 on March 30 and no more orders will be possible after April 16)

In an effort to help eliminate paper, checks, & cash, we are offering an option by which parents use online payments this year.  You can pay via check or money order in this system.    The WebStore can also be accessed from our district home page, or any building home page via the button along the left side of that site for online payments. 

Link to SJ WebStore:
                                       https://sjschools.revtrak.net/
(The Upton Yearbook is under:   Upton Middle School > Yearbook). No extra processing fee is charged to your credit card.


The Herff-Jones website is another option available to purchase this year's Yearbook directly from the online order center:   

                                      Upton Yearbook Order Center

Thanks in advance for supporting the Yearbook!  Mr. Khan




Vision Screening for 7th graders next week -

All our 7th graders will be vision screened by the Berrien County Health Department next Tuesday, October 20th.  




Lunch this week  at UMS-

Monday-  Mini Corn Dogs, Side salad, Applesauce, Sun chips

Tuesday-  Nachos, Refried beans, Salsa, Mandarin oranges

Wednesday- Grilled Chicken on Croissant, Hash brown, Fruit cup

Thursday-  Cheeseburger, French fries, Fruit cup

Friday-  Bid Daddy Pizza, Veggie sticks, Green beans, Apple slices

*** Everyday is a choice of 1% milk or chocolate milk ***





Late Start this Wednesday-

We have a late start this Wednesday, October 14th.  School doors will open at 8:15 AM and breakfast will be available at this time.  Buses will run one hour later.  School will begin at 8:45 AM.





We have been so pleased! -

The staff at Upton Middle school has been so pleased with the way our students have been following the procedures, protocols, and all the new nuances this school year!  It is because we have had your support as parents/guardians that this is possible! We have wonderful kids at UMS!





A contest opportunity from the Interact Club-

Please click on this link for a contest opportunity:







Quote of the week -





Have a wonderful week,
Mr. Mandarino






Monday, October 5, 2020

Mandarino Minutes for 10-5-20

 Dear Parents/Guardians,


Cross Country County Champions -

Congratulations to our girls and boys cross country teams as they both won the county meet this past Saturday!  Coach Matt Maier and Coach Eric Sonnevil lead these talented group of young athletes!

Upton's Top 5 Girls                   Upton's Top 5 Boys             

Lainie Dorow     (3rd)                     Nolan Adent          (6th)

Isabella LaPorte (6th)                     Carter Petzke         (7th)

Lydia Johnson   (7th)                      Eli  Johansen     (9th)

Sophie Gable    (8th)                       Joey Pierangeli       (12th)

Kaitlyn Harris  (10th)                     Ronan Humes          (13th)





Obtaining a Passport to Leave the School -

If your daughter/son has to leave Upton Middle School for an appointment during the school day here is the procedure:

  1. Please have your daughter/son bring a physical note to the office in the morning on their way to first hour.
  2. We will provide them a passport to leave.
  3. The student comes to the office at the designated time.
  4. A parent/guardian will sign them out in the office and return to their vehicle.
  5. The student drops the passport in the wire basket by the door and exits.
  6. Upon return (if they return to school that day) the student will grab their passport as a pass back to class and they will sign themselves back into school at the front desk. 

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Mrs. Conway, attendance secretary.




Requiring Medication at School -

If your child has an allergy or condition that requires medication to be administered at school, please stop by the office to pick up an Authorization to Administer Medication form. This is a requirement.  




Wednesday is Count Day -

Across the state of Michigan this Wednesday, October 7th is count day for all public schools.  It would be great if we had great attendance on that day!




Picture Retake Day -

Picture retake day is scheduled for Thursday, October 29th for in-person students only that missed picture day on 9/23.






7th Grade Vision Screening on 10/20/20 - 

Yellow half sheets will be coming home with your 7th grader soon.  Please fill these out and return to their 1st hour teacher by 10/20. 






Guidance Department Update -


From the Guidance Department

 

We are excited to be back and seeing all of the students!  With all of the changes happening this year, we’d like to take this opportunity to update you on some resources.

 

Our google site - COVID-19, Guidance & SEL.  This is a great resource for families with crisis, community, counseling, and parent resources as well as self-care, wellness, and apps to manage stress.  We recently added information about self-care, social media,

positive news and a community & crisis resource. 

Please consider bookmarking this site.

 

As we migrate from ItsLearning to Google Classroom, please know that your student is part of a classroom community for their graduation year (in addition to their teachers’ classes). 

We will communicate with the students in this classroom.   

 






Dr. Bruce's Email Yesterday -

I hope you had a chance to read Dr. Bruce's family announcement email yesterday evening just before 5:00 PM. In the announcement Dr. Bruce stated that SJPS will continue our protocols and mask procedures per our board policy. Our students and staff have been doing such a great job with all the new changes this school year!





Please Order Ahead of Time -

If your daughter or son is getting a school lunch please order student lunches on the following website sendmoneytoschool.com by 7:45 AM each morning.




Lunch for the week -

Monday (10/5) - Chicken Patty, Side Salad, Applesauce, Sunchips

Tuesday (10/6) - Hot dog, Baked Beans, Peaches, Baked Chips

Wednesday (10/7)- Pepperoni Calzone, Steamed Corn, Fruit Slushie

Thursday (10/8)- Chicken & Waffles, Hashbrown, Fresh Fruit

Friday (10/9)- French-bread Pizza, Carrot Sticks, Apple Slices

*** All lunches come with either 1% Milk or Chocolate Milk ***




Late Start this Wednesday, October 7th -

This Wednesday, October 7th and every Wednesday in October is a late start. Upton Middle School opens at 8:15 AM and school begins at 8:45 AM. Buses will run one hour later and breakfast is available beginning at 8:15 AM.






Quote of the week -



Have a fantastic week,
Mr. Mandarino








Mandarino Minutes for 6-9-23

  Dear Upton Middle School Families, Thanks! - We thank you for sharing your daughter/son with us this school year!  We also appreciate your...