Mandarino Minutes for 1-7-22

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year -

The staff at Upton Middle School hopes you had a great break with your family!  Happy New Year and we look forward to a great rest of the school year!

A Great Endeavor -

St. Joseph Public Schools is proud to partner with the United Way of Southwest Michigan to create “Warm Hearts Kits” to support the members of our local community that are struggling with homelessness. 

In order to make this happen we are seeking your help. Please consider donating the following items January 12 - 19 in the school office. 

Hats

Gloves

Socks

Deodorant

Shampoo

Conditioner

Bar Soap

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Tissues

Chapstick

Feminine Hygiene Products

Thank you for your support! 

From the Guidance Department -

Our guidance department is always looking at ways to support our students, parents, and staff.  They welcome your input and are always here as a support for your daughter/son.  Here are a few resources you could take a few moments to look at:

SJPS Guidance Series for Jan. 2022

Guidance Resources Website Link

Please be careful! -

As the winter months are upon us, so are slippery roads.  Please be very cautious near Maiden Lane, Lincoln Avenue, and the Upton grounds.  Drive slow, take your time, and please watch out for our students.  Thanks for your part in this!

Community Corkboard -

Have you checked out the district community corkboard lately?  Here is a link to the page:

Community Corkboard Link

Winter NWEA Testing-

This month in your daughter/son's math and ELA classroom they will be taking the winter NWEA test as they did in the Fall.  We are hoping for continuous growth through the school year.  They will also take it one last time towards the end of the school year.

Lunch Next Week -

01/10/22 – MINI CORN DOGS, POTATO WEDGES, FRUIT 

01/11/22 – PEPPERONI CALZONE, RICE, MIXED VEGETABLES, FRUIT SELECTION

01/12/22 – FRENCH TOAST STICKS, HASH BROWN, SAUSAGE, FRUIT 

01/13/22 – PASTA W/MEAT OR MARINARA SAUCE, GREEN BEANS, BREADSTICK, FRUIT SELECTION

01/14/22 – BOSCO STICKS, MARINARA SAUCE, CAESAR SALAD, FRUIT SELECTION 

Stay home with symptoms-

With the huge surge of COVID cases in Berrien County we are just reminding families to please make sure their son/daughter does not come to school if they are not feeling well.  

Test-to-Stay COVID-19 testing for eligible quarantined teachers, staff, and students is available at the SJPS Central Office located at 2580 Cleveland Avenue from 6:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. each weekday.

Late Start next Wednesday-

Next Wednesday, January 12th the district will have a late start.  School will begin at 8:45 AM at Upton.  Breakfast will be available beginning at 8:15 AM.

Quote of the week-

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Mandarino