Mandarino Minutes

Dear Parents & Guardians,

PSAT/M-Step/NWEA Coming Soon -

The week we return from spring break state and national testing begins. The 8th graders will be taking the PSAT followed up with MSTEP and NWEA testing for the whole school. Please put the dates below on your calendars and help your students come to school rested and prepared. These assessments are one measure of college readiness, one evaluation tool the state uses to determine district success, and a measure of student growth over the school year.

Please encourage your student(s) to give their best effort.

8th Grade only:

Tuesday, April 13 PSAT 8

Friday April 16 Social Studies M-STEP

Monday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 20 Science M-STEP

Whole School:

Thursday May 6 English NWEA

Friday May 7 Math NWEA

6th and 7th Grades only:

Monday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 11 Math M-STEP

Monday May 17 and Tuesday May 18 English M-STEP

Thank you for your support in making sure students are on time and in school these days.

Science Olympiad 12 years in a row! -

Our kids did it again for the 12th straight year! This year is 100% the kids. Without having face-to-face meetings, we have been having virtual meetings and the kids have had to be more independent than in the past. (Might work well to our benefit, but really miss seeing them face to face).

We had a 3-day competition last week. The kids tested after school at their homes communicating with their partners over Google Meets or phones as they were testing. We also did not have any of our build events this year and all of the lab events were test only. Definitely a different year.

Please congratulate the students on their placing in the following events (Placings are for our region):

Anatomy - 1st - Sahait MIdithuri & Pihu Sahai

Circuit Lab - 1st - Fiona Rusk & Ritika Wadke

Reach for the Stars - 1st - Sam Church & Alex Crooks

Digital Structures - 1st - Manasvi Mogili & Yeshasvi Mogili

Crime Busters - 1st - Diya Libi & Alec Emery

Experimental Design - 1st - Sahati Midithuri & Saanchi Jain

Ornithology - 2nd - Makayla Schadler & Pihu Sahai

Disease Detectives - 1st - Arina GAzina & Diya Libi

Meteorology - 2nd - Sam Church & Makayla Schadler

Water Quality - 1st - Arina Gazina & Alec Emery

Heredity - 1st - Ritika Wadke & Saanchi Jain

Machines - 2nd - Mariah Jhala & Maya Jordan

Food Science - 3rd - Ritika Wadke & Mariah Jhala

Game On - 1st - Fiona Rusk & Maya Jordan

Road Scholar - 1st - Alex Crooks & Alec Emery

Density Lab - 1st - Yeshasvi Mogili & Sahait Midithuri

Fossils - 1st - Manasvi Mogili & Makayla Schadler

Dynamic Planet - 1st - Saanchi Jain & Mariah Jhala

7th & 8th grade Track -

The Upton boys' and girls' track and field season is soon approaching. Conditioning workouts will be held Monday and Wednesday (March 22, 24, 29, 31) the two weeks leading up to Spring Break. After Spring Break the season will be in full swing. Those attending the conditioning workouts should have a pair of running shoes and warm enough clothing for running outside. We will meet out by the track at 3:00 and have rides ready to pick up at the front of the school by 4:00. If you have questions please ask Mr. Maier at Mmaier@sjschools.org

Upton Middle School Variety Show-

Please click on this link for information on how your daughter/son can be a part of the UMS variety show.

UMS Variety Show Link

Bear Wear is Back -

Bear Wear is Back! Click on the link to order.

Happy Shopping!

UPTO

March Madness Fundraiser from

the Student Council -

UPTO Update-

It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of another school year! A lot has happened since September and we’re grateful for your help and support.

The Upton PTO took on a much different role this year. With Covid restrictions in place, our ability to serve and support teachers, students and staff was extremely limited - yet, we found out, very much needed. That said, because of your contributions and generosity, we were able to do the following:

Stock the faculty lounge for the entire school year

Improved work stations for Upton guidance counselors

Surprised Upton staff with a holiday breakfast and a small holiday gift

Supported the media center with book lamination and 6th & 7th grade reading programs

Provided funding for Life Management classes

Helped complete the outdoor teacher’s lounge by purchasing an outdoor canopy

Distributed small gifts to every 2020 8th grade graduate

Next year, we’re hoping to accomplish even more with your help. Please consider being a part of the Upton PTO executive board. The following positions are open:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

For further information, please review the attachment below and if you haven’t done so already, please join our FB page Upton Middle PTO.

Nomination Forms

Thank you,

UPTO

From the Guidance Department-

PERSEVERANCE is our theme for March

As we adjust to the time change, inch closer to Spring Break and the end of the 3rd marking period, we must continue to persevere. This is the time to dig in and finish strong. We know that this can be a challenge.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out!

Please remember to check our family google site regularly for updates.

What's New This Week in COVID-19, Guidance & SEL:

In the Community Resources section:

We had the privilege of a recent visit from the Out Center highlighting resources.

Mosaic Health & Healing Arts - Family medical practice openly welcoming LGBTQ people - located in Goshen, IN

Family Acceptance Project - supporting youth in coming out to family

GLSEN - advocating for LGBTQ students

The Trevor Project - crisis intervention & suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth

In the Counseling Resources section:

Free Counseling at Andrews University Community Counseling Center -

telehealth visits available within a week or two; located in Berrien Springs, MI (269-471-6238)

What’s Happening at School:

At Upton we have motivational quotes about perseverance on our hall calendar.

We’ve also had Mr. Leonard’s 6th grade classes working on designing t-shirts to highlight people being

BOP Plant Sale-

Spring is in the air! SJ BOP is selling certificates for Barbott's if you are interested in buying plants and supporting your bands and orchestras.

Link to purchase: https://sjbopplantsale2021.cheddarup.com

Thanks for your support!

Late Start Next Wednesday -

Next Wednesday, March 14th the district will have 1 hour delay. Buses will run one hour later and breakfast will be available beginning at 8:15 AM. School begins at 8:45 AM.

Lunch next week -

Monday- Mini Corn dogs, French fries, Fruit cup

Tuesday- Hot Ham & Cheese, Sunchips, Carrots, fruit

Wednesday- Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, roll, fruit

Thursday- Hot dog, Baked beans, Baked Chips, Peaches

Friday- Bosco Sticks, Veggie Sticks, Fruit Slushie

Covid Tests and Not Feeling well-

PLEASE STAY HOME if anyone in your household is ill AND is getting a Covid test, & please keep all of your children home from school until you have received the results. We are trying very hard to limit the contact/spread of Covid in our schools. Thank you for your cooperation!

Please use the Daily Screening Guide if you are unsure whether you should send your child to school:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12qZMjcXTAClRq0NdgkpSJ8dSGVg0XZ3w/view