Mandarino Minutes: 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.