Friday, April 30, 2021

Mandarino Minutes for 4-30-21

Dear Parents/Guardians,


NWEA Testing Next Week-
Next Thursday, May 6th we will do the Reading NWEA test and on Friday, May 7th we will do the Math NWEA test.  Please try your best to have your daughter/son to school here on time as we have to read directions to the class before they begin.  Thanks!



School of Choice window open from May 3-21 -

It is that time of year again!  Schools of Choice will be open May 3-21.  The packet will be available on our school website beginning May 3 on the district home page and all of the buildings' main pages at www.sjschools.org.  Those wishing to apply may download, print and complete the forms and return by US mail, email, fax, or they may drop off the packet to the central office located at 2580 S. Cleveland Ave, St Joseph or fax to 269-428-0333.





Football Meeting this Sunday, May 2 -

There is a football meeting THIS Sunday at 7:00 p.m. @ the HS Football Stadium for current 6th-11th grade students that are interested in playing football next year.






Tennis Club Monday Informational -

This Monday, May 3rd we will have a informational meeting at the tennis courts for students interested in tennis for parents and students beginning at 4:30 PM. The meeting will last approximately 45 minutes. Please wear a mask to the meeting.






No School Monday, May 3 for Elementary Schools ONLY -

Upton and the high school have a regular day of school on Monday. School begins at 7:45am.








Leaving early from school reminder-

When a student is leaving Upton for any reason the student needs to either bring a parent note to the school office in the morning, a parent/guardian needs to call the office with the student’s name and time they are leaving, or the student must call home from the office.  Texting or emailing through the classroom is not allowed.






Late Start this Wednesday, May 5th-

Wednesday, May 5th is a late start and school begins at 8:45 AM. Breakfast is available at 8:15 AM.





St Joseph Virtual School Updates-

https://stjoevirtualschool.blogspot.com/





From the Guidance Department -

 

GUIDANCE NEWS

BALANCE  is our theme for MAY 

 

It was so nice to have all of our students back in person last week!  As we begin a new month filled with more activities at and outside of school, we want to share some resources to help you find balance.

 

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

 

In the Parent Resources section:

Too much focus on ‘learning loss’ will be a historic mistake from Edutopia - Learning loss is real and needs to be addressed, but how we go about it should be commensurate with the size of the moment.

In the Community Resources section:

Do you need help paying for the internet? - from Common Sense Media - Congress created the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) to provide short-term assistance to individuals, students, and families to help pay for internet service and devices.

Be Kind to your Mind - MI StayWell Counseling team is offering a  free virtual support group sessions (especially for 14-17 year olds) 

 

 

What’s Happening at School:

 

Encourage your HS student to  check their grade level google classroom (classwork section under general info for job postings).  We just added info about: Lane Automotive, Fitch Camp in Dowagiac,  Air &/or Space Force Recruiting opportunities.  Work permits can be obtained from the office.

If you have job opportunities we can share,  please reach out so we  can get your information to our students!

 

 At Upton, we are starting an academic support group to help students with organizational skills.

 

Please remember we are here to support you - reach out if you have a question/concern:

guidance@stjoebears.com



SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY! -

The first Friday in May is School Lunch Hero Day, dedicated to those men and women who make the cafeterias and the schools a better place to be! For many children, the cafeteria is the first place they enter on a school day. From the first time through the cafeteria line, the lunch hero has more than nutrition on their minds.  The well-being of every child is important to them.  Keeping them safe, happy, and providing them with good and delicious food is also a priority. At Upton Middle School we are blessed with wonderful lunch ladies!





Cinco de Mayo on May 5-

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage. It commemorates the date of the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.






National Days next week-

May 3 - National Two Different Colored Shoes Day

May 4 - National Star Wars Day (May the fourth be with you)

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 6 - National Nurses Day

May 7 - National School Lunch Hero Day

(for more national days this month go to https://nationaldaycalendar.com/may/)





What’s for Lunch? -

Monday - Mini corn dogs, french fries, fruit cup

Tuesday - Hot ham & cheese on pretzel bun, sun chips, veggie/fruit cup

Wednesday - Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, dinner roll, apple slices

Thursday - Turkey & provolone on croissant, baked chips, veggie/fruit cup

Friday - Wild Mikes pepperoni or cheese pizza, fruit slushie, veggies with ranch





Quote of the week -




Have a great Friday & weekend,
Mr. Mandarino


















Friday, April 23, 2021

Mandarino Minutes for 4-23-21

 Dear Parents/Guardians,


Return to 100% -

We (the staff at UMS) are looking forward to a return to 100% face-to-face instruction!  I know a lot of our students are also looking forward to this as well.  😃  The numbers in the county as well as the school district support this decision.  


Blossomtime Youth Parade -

It’s Springtime which means it’s Blossomtime!

 

We would like to invite school age kids (toddler – Middle School) to participate in the 2021 Blossomtime Youth Parade on May 8th along Lake Boulevard in downtown St. Joseph at 12 noon. Check-in at 11:00am. 

 

Categories include: Shoebox, Bands, floats, decorated bikes/wagons/doll carriages, costumed pets, costumed individuals/groups, cheerleading, pom pon groups, drill teams, drum line, scout troops & 4H clubs.

 

The 2021 application and flyer are attached and we truly hope you’ll consider sharing this information and being a part of this long standing tradition this year.

 

Application Packet





Variety Show Act Extension - 

Mr. Lokey has graciously extended the date for variety show submissions.  We will need the commitment to an act by early next week.  If you have a daughter/son that has a talent, comical act, etc. please encourage them to enter an act.  Here is the link for more information:

Variety Show 2021 Informational Link





Utility Bill Assistance -

COVID 19 has impacted many people in many different ways.  Please see this attachment that gives information on utility bill assistance.


THAW Utility Assistance Link






One hour delay -


This Wednesday is a late start.  School begins at 8:45am and buses run on an hour delay schedule.



Spirit Week-



Moving/not returning next school year? -

If you are planning a move this summer, and not returning in the fall, please let the Upton office know right away, by either phone call (926-3400) or email to lkoetsier@sjschools.org.



What’s for Lunch? -


Monday - Chicken patty on bun, potato wedges, fruit cup

Tuesday - Pepperoni calzone, baked chips, veggies & ranch, fruit cup

Wednesday - Rotini pasta, garlic bread, carrot sticks, fruit cup

Thursday - Grilled chicken club, french fries, applesauce

Friday - Grilled cheese, tomato soup, goldfish crackers, applesauce





From the Guidance Department-



Covid 19 Testing for Athletes Reminder -

Mandatory Weekly Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing Information:

Upton track athletes who are 13 years old or older will be required to take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test each week.  Attached below are MDHHS Safer Conduct and COVID-19 Antigen Test Consent and Registration Forms. You can print these forms or your athlete can get the forms from your coach or the Upton Office. Both forms must be completely filled out with athlete and parent signatures filled in and turned into your coach before an athlete can be tested throughout the season.

The girls soccer club players test every Tuesday throughout the season at 3pm in Upton’s cafeteria. An athlete will have to test each week to be cleared to play for the next 7 days.


Safer Conduct
 

Consent Antigen 



National Days Next week...-


April 26 - National Pretzel Day

April 27 - National Tell a Story Day

April 28 - National Denim Day

April 29 - National Zipper Day

April 30 - National Arbor Day


For more National Days this month go to https://nationaldaycalendar.com/april/




Quote of the week -





Have a great weekend,
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...