Mandarino Minutes for 3-31-22

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

Spring break begins at 2:42 PM today-

Spring Break next week!  Just a reminder that we do not have school tomorrow (Friday, April 1st). Please take this time to enjoy your kids and unplug as much as possible! Enjoy your vacation and see you on Monday, April 11th.

No Late Start after Spring Break -

We will not have a late start on Wednesday, April 13th after Spring Break.  Wednesday, April 13th will be a 7:45 AM start time.

End of the 3rd MP-

Today does mark the end of the 3rd marking period. Final grades for the marking period will be after Spring break. Just as a reminder, a hard copy of the report card does not go home at the end of the marking period. A final report card (with the entire year) will be mailed home in June.

Builder's Club celebrates March is Reading Month-

Builder's Club students went to the elementary schools today to read to a class of their choice to celebrate March is Reading Month!

Lainey Poole and Mackenzie Bush pictured here are reading to Mrs. Starks class at Lincoln Elementary

PSAT for 8th graders -

On Wednesday, April 13th our 8th graders will be taking the PSAT test here at Upton Middle School.  It will be important that students are on time to school on this day.

What to Bring on Test Day

• At least two No. 2 pencils with soft erasers -- NO pens or mechanical pencils will be allowed!

• Wear layers (sweatshirts or hoodies are fine). Students will NOT be able to bring coats into the testing room

• ** Calculators will be provided 

 

 

What NOT to bring on Test Day

• NO Electronic equipment 

• No cell phones allowed

• No personal computing devices like laptops, notebooks, bluetooth devices, or tablets

• No Cameras

• No Timers

• No audio players/recorders

• No backpacks

• No wearable technology like digital watches that includes smartwatches that can be used to record, transmit, or receive information; or any other prohibited devices

Washington D.C. 2023 parent meeting-

There will be a parent ONLY meeting on 4/21/2022 at 6:00 PM in the Upton Auditorium.  This is for parents of current 7th graders only. 

New Schedule for GoTime/Advisory/Lunches-

Changes to our schedule, were effective 3/28/22. (This was mentioned in previous blog posts)  Please note that lunch times have changed and Go Time (24 minutes) and Advisory (24 minutes) has been added to schedule every day for all grade levels:

Red Baldwin Technology Festival -

Lunch when we return from break-

Monday (11th) - Pepperoni Calzone, Rice, Salad Cup, Fruit

Tuesday (12th)- French Toast Sticks, Sausage, Hash Brown, Fruit

Wednesday (13th)- Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Fruit

Thursday (14th)- Cheese Quesadilla, Corn, Refried Beans, Fruit

Friday (15th) - French Bread Pizza, Mixed Veggies, Fruit

Unplug! -

Every year at Spring break I recommend to our students to take a break from their devices for one week and enjoy their break from school. I once again encourage them to put their laptops, smartwatches, and cell phones to the side and enjoy people face-to-face.

Quote of the week -

Have a great Spring break with your family,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 3-25-22

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

Great Concerts this week -

We had two wonderful concerts this week!  Our 6th-12th grade orchestras performed Tuesday evening and our 6th-12th grade choir sang last evening at the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS!  We are so impressed with the talent that are walking the hallways of our schools!  We really appreciate our performing arts teachers as well!

PSAT for 8th graders -

On Wednesday, April 13th our 8th graders will be taking the PSAT test here at Upton Middle School.  It will be important that students are on time to school on this day.

All 8th graders created their College Board accounts this week. This is how they will receive their PSAT scores and SAT scores in the future. We will not be sending home printed copies of score reports. If your student needs any additional support with this, please have them make an appointment with their counselor. 

On Monday, students will be sent home with a PSAT Student Guide that includes important information about the test, test-taking tips, and sample test questions. Please check out your student's grade level google classroom for more information.

No Late Start after Spring Break -

We will not have a late start on Wednesday, April 13th after Spring Break.  Wednesday, April 13th will be a 7:45 AM start time.

Advisory Seminar in PowerSchool-

In last week's Mandarino Minutes I described Advisory and GOTime being an everyday period of time starting next week and what each time period entails, but I want to also make sure you understand that this is not a graded portion of their day.  The class shows up in PowerSchool, but is just a way for the advisory teacher to take attendance and help with grade checks.  If you have anymore questions on advisory or GOTime, please first reach out to your child's counselor who would be happy to help you out.

Your support is appreciated! -

This week and last we had class meetings with each grade level.  We talked about our new advisory/GoTime Schedule, expectations, and watched a few short videos on being a good person.  Some of the expectations we talked about were cell phone usage during class, showing up to class on time, gum chewing, running in the halls, not leaving trash behind at lunch, etc.  Mr. Jeffers and I appreciate the support we get from most of you!

Paraprofessional Openings-

Upton Middle School is seeking Paraprofessional candidates for two immediate hires. The two positions have different time requirements. One for the hours of 7:30am-12:30pm, the other 10:30am-3:30pm. Anyone interested can view and apply for current postings at the following link:

https://sjschools.org/st-joseph-public-schools/employment

Ren Baldwin Technology Festival- 

Last Call for Leaving Early -

Spring Break begins next Friday, April 1st through Sunday, April 10th.  If you plan to leave on vacation before April 1, please leave a message on the Upton Attendance line for the date(s) of your child’s absence.   Call 269-926-3400, option 1.

Lunch Next Week -

03/28/2022 - CHEESEBURGER, POTATO WEDGES, SALAD CUP, FRUIT SELECTION

03/29/2022 - PEPPERONI & CHEESE PIZZA, SALAD CUP, CORN, FRUIT SELECTION          

03/30/2022 - ROTINI PASTA, MEAT OR SPAGHETTI SAUCE, STEAMED BROCCOLI, FRUIT SELECTION

03/31/2022 - CHICKEN PATTY SANDWICH, VEGGIE PASTA SALAD, CARROT STICKS, FRUIT SELECTION

Quote of the week-

Justice Clarence Thomas

Have a good Friday and weekend,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 3-18-22

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

Science Olympiad -

For the 14th straight year the Upton Middle School Science Olympiad team won the regional Science Olympiad competition last Friday at Lake Michigan College.  The students had fun, learned a lot, and look forward to moving to the state competition.  Congratulations!!!

7th & 8th grade Orchestras-

We are so thrilled to report that both the 7th & 8th grade orchestras brought home straight division 1 ratings at festival last Friday afternoon!  This means that all choirs, bands, and orchestras received the highest honors possible.  We are grateful for such a top-notch performing arts program in SJPS!

Honors Band-

We had several students in 7th & 8th grade perform last evening at Andrews University in the Honors Band.  This is a great honor and the result of a lot of hard work and practice.  Below is a picture of the group that performed last evening.

MS Tennis Meeting-

We will have a student meeting after school this Wednesday, March 23rd from 2:45-3:30 for any 6th-8th grade student interested in our tennis club.  

Dr. Stephanie Grant Presentation -

We had a nice turnout for the wonderful presentation given by Dr. Stephanie Grant last evening.  The message was informative and appropriate.  The slides from the presentation are available on the guidance page.  Thanks so much to the elementary schools and middle school PTOs for sponsoring this great event!

Guidance Page with Dr. Grant slides Link

Concerts Next Week -

Next week we have two concerts happening at the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School.  Both concerts begin at 7:00 PM.

• Tuesday, March. 22nd - String Spectacular 6th-12th grade 
• Thursday, March 24th-   UMS & SJHS Choirs

New Schedule Coming Up GOTime & Advisory-

Starting the week of March 28th we will start a new pilot schedule at Upton Middle School.  We will be running advisory and GOtime on a daily basis.  Advisory is meant to be a supportive place to help students do well in school, learn about themselves, support each other, and have good conversations about meaningful topics. Advisory time will also have a wellness check, morning announcements, grade checks, etc. Advisory isn’t a graded class. GoTime which we have been doing for several years will have time for intervention, getting help in a class, planetarium shows, club meetings, extensions, etc. Many schools in the nation have been doing this concept already for several years. We are having class meetings next week to talk more about this with our students. Thanks in advance for your support!

St. Patrick's Day at Upton -

The students at Upton Middle School came out with their shamrock spirit yesterday!  Below is 8th grade Stiles Miller showing off his school spirit!

Ren Baldwin Technology Festival -

Maud Preston Palenske Library Visit-

A huge thank you to Tracy Chandler, the Teen Services Librarian at the SJ /Maud Preston  Palenske Memorial .  She visited Mrs. Jones and Mrs. LoPresti’s 6th and 7th grade ELA classes to share some general library information (library location, invitation to visit, how to get a library card, the Teen Room),  explain the Summer Reading program, tell kids about some of the fun Summer events hosted in the library garden, and to show some of the  new book titles available in the Teen section.   The public library is such a wonderful community resource - we’re lucky to have a great one! 

Community Corkboard-

https://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

Please check out the community corkboard on the district website to see what is going on in our community.

Late start Wednesday-

Next Wednesday, March 23rd, is a late start Wednesday.  School begins at 8:45am and breakfast is available starting at 8:15am.  Buses run an hour late.

Quote of the week-

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 3-11-22

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

Band & Orchestra Festival Ratings-

Congratulations to our 7th & 8th grade bands on receiving straight ones at band festival this week! We are so proud of the band members, Mr. Doe, and our wonderful AIR's! Good luck today to our 7th & 8th orchestras today at festival!

Variety Show Tonight! -

Tonight at the John & Dede Auditorium located at SJHS is the Upton Variety show. The show begins at 7:00 PM. Students are $2.00 and adults are $5.00. The students have worked hard to prepare!

Track for all 7th and 8th graders-

 

Spring is coming and that means the start of Upton Track and Field!  Come be a part of one of Upton's many successful teams.  This is a great opportunity to hang out with your friends, be part of a team, improve your overall health and fitness, and challenge yourself.  Track is open to all 7th and 8th grade students.

 

Practices are going to begin Monday, March 14th.  If you are even the slightest bit interested, come and check it out on Monday.  You'll be glad you did.    

 

Come to practice with athletic shoes, appropriate athletic clothing for being outside, and a water bottle with your name on it.  If it's cold or raining we still try to get outside, so come prepared.  Practice takes place right after school until 4:00.  If you've already participated in an Upton sport you should be ready to go.  If this is your first sport you'll need to make sure your parent has everything submitted on the PlanetHS website.  Forms are located in the office if you need them.

UPTO Meeting-

The next UPTO meeting will be next Thursday, March 17th in the Upton Conference Room beginning at 1:00 PM.

Guidance Department-

March Guidance Blog

Dr. Stephane Grant Parent Presentation-

Upton Bears SCU- February Winner -

Upton Bears Student CU is open every Tuesday during all lunch periods, outside the cafeteria. Upton Bears Student CU offers great incentives to promote good saving habits for students. All new members will receive $15 if they open their membership with at least $1 (membership forms are available at the Upton Bears Student CU table or in the school office). All existing members will receive $5 for making their first deposit at Upton Bears Student CU. There is a prize box so students can choose a prize with every deposit. Every deposit is entered into a monthly drawing to win a gift basket with a $25 Visa gift card. Every deposit is also entered into an annual drawing to win an iPad Mini at the end of the school year!

Ava Sims, the Upton Bears CU winner in February!

Upton Spring Musical-

THANK YOU!-

A special thanks to our parent volunteers who chaperoned the 6th, 7th and 8th grade skate nights last month at the John and DeDe Howard Ice Arena.  We couldn’t do this without you!

SAVE THE DATE-

Friday, June 3rd is the 8th Grade Farewell Dance.  Volunteers are needed.  Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4eaaa82aaafa7-8thgrade

From Central Office-

Due to a decline in the number of tests given per site as well as the percent positivity of those tests, the SJPS test site located at our administration building will close after March 18.  Please visit bchdmi.org for test site information.

Late Start Wednesday-

Next Wednesday, March 16th is a district late start. School begins at 8:45 AM and breakfast is available at 8:15 AM.

Spring Break Reminder-

Spring Break begins April 1 through the 10th.  If you plan to leave on vacation before April 1, please leave a message on the Upton Attendance line for the date(s) of your child’s absence.   Call 269-926-3400, option 1.

New Prospective Student Day-

We will have a meeting/tour on Wednesday, March 16th at 1:15pm in the Upton Conference Room, near the main office.  This meeting is just for potential new 6th-8th grade students & parents beginning at SJPS (not current 5th graders & families) next school year.

Lunch Next Week-

03/14/2022 - MAC & CHEESE, STEAMED VEGETABLE, BREADSTICK,  FRUIT SELECTION AND MILK

03/15/2022 - MINI CORN DOGS, FRENCH FRIES, FRUIT SELECTION AND MILK

03/16/2022 - NACHOS, BEEF AND CHEESE, REFRIED BEANS, FRUIT SELECTION AND MILK   

03/17/2022 - CHICKEN CLUB SANDWICH, TATER TOTS, FRUIT SELECTION AND MILK

03/18/2022 - GRILLED CHEESE, TOMATO SOUP, GOLDFISH CRACKERS, SALAD CUP, FRUIT SELECTION AND MILK

St Patrick’s Day-

Thursday March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day.  Wear your green! St. Patrick’s Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing and a whole lot of green.

Quote of the week-

Have a great Friday and weekend,

Mr. Mandarino