Mandarino Minutes for 3-1-16

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Congratulations to Mir Quddus!

8th grader, Mir Quddus, won the Cloverleaf Spelling Bee at Lake Michigan College on Friday.  Mir spelled the word "participle" and "conspiracy" to win the 2016 event.  Mir has been in the spelling bee since he elementary days at Brown School.  Mir will now compete in Washington D.C. in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May.  Our students welcomed Mir back to Upton with a school-wide clap-around the school.  8th grader, Aditya Ajoykrishnan, also finished in the top ten with a 6th place finish.  Our final speller was 6th grader Madison Klitchman who finished in the top 20.  Congratulations to Coach Chris Greissinger for preparing all of our spellers!

Sports Schedule Changes

Tuesday, March 1st Make-up Games:
4pm - St. Joe 7th Grade “B” vs Buchanan 7th @ Buchanan HS
5pm – St. Joe 8th Grade “B” vs Buchanan 8th @ Buchanan HS

4pm – St. Joe 7th Grade “A” vs St. Joe 8th Grade “A” @ Upton
5pm – St. Joe 8th Grade “A” vs Michigan Lutheran @ Upton

Thursday, March 3rd Change In Location:
4pm – St Joe 7th Grade “B” vs Edwardsburg 7th “B” @ Edwardsburg MS
5pm – St. Joe 7th Grade “A” vs Edwardsburg 7th “A” @ Edwardsburg MS

4pm – St. Joe 8th Grade “B” vs Edwardsburg 8th “B” @ Edwardsburg HS Old Gym
5pm – St. Joe 8th Grade “A” vs Edwardsburg 8th “A” @ Edwardsburg HS Old Gym

Pre-Festival Makeup Concert

The combined Middle School and High School Orchestra Pre-Festival concert will be held tomorrow Wednesday, March 2, 7 PM, at the High School auditorium. It would be a great opportunity to go to the Lakehouse Restaurant for the BOP Give Back Night where 10% of the proceeds will go towards the Band and Orchestras. Please contact Mr. Lokey or Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett with any questions or conflicts.

Calendar Photo Contest

The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation is once again sponsoring a photo contest for all SJPS students and their families.  Photos should reflect life at school, academics, arts, athletics and extra-curricular activities and should be taken between April 2015 and March 2016.   Only one entry is allowed per person.  Entries may be submitted now until March 18 at sjpsfoundation@sjschools.org.

The top 30 entries will be posted March 24 - April 8, 2016 at Dairy Queen on Niles Avenue, and Pater True Value on M-139 in St. Joseph.  Online voting will also be conducted on www.stjosephpublicschoolsfoundation.org.  The top 10 vote-getting photos will be announced on April 15th.   The winner receives the cover photo on the 2016/2017 SJPS Calendar, a Season Sports Pass, $25 gift certificate to Silver Beach Pizza and 2 tickets to Encore 2016.  A Season Sports Pass will also be awarded to the 10 pictures that get the most public votes.  For additional information, visit www.sjpsfoundation@sjschools.org or contact Sue Riemland, Foundation Administrator at 269-926-3252 or sjpsfoundation@sjschools.orgsjpsfoundation@sjschools.org. 

Computer Science for Young Ladies

Anyone interested in Computer Science and coding (especially young ladies)?

Check out the FREE screening of "Code Girl" this Thursday, March 3 from 6-8:30 at the Mars Community Center in Berrien Springs.  This event is sponsored by the Project Lead the Way Computer Science and Engineering Program from Berrien Springs Public School.  Following the screening there will be a panel discussion with Computer Science professionals from Whirlpool Corporation and Andrews University.  Women and girls (and men and boys) of all ages welcome!
Here is a link to the official trailer.
 

Questions? Contact Nancy O’Rourke at (269) 473-0522 or norourke@shamrocks.us

Sponsored by the Berrien Springs Public Schools Project Lead the Way Computer Science and Engineering Program with assistance from members of the Andrews University ENACTUS student organization.

Community Corkboard

Don’t forget that you can find community events for students and families on our Community Corkboard.  This can be found on this link:  Community Corkboard. 

1/2 Day Friday

We have a 1/2 day this Friday, March 4th.  Dismissal will be at 11:04 A.M. 

Scheduling for 7th and 8th graders for the 2016-2017 school year

7th to 8th grade and 8th to 9th grade online scheduling continues through this Friday, March 4th.  The hard copy sheet (Golderod for 7th graders & Blue for 8th graders) is due by this Monday, March 7th.

Quotes of the week:

“Be happy for this moment.  This moment is your life.”- Omar Khayyam

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” - Francis of Assisi

Have a great rest of the week,

Mr. Mandarino

 

Mandarino Minutes for 2-24-16

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Scheduling for next school year-

We are getting ready to schedule for next school year.  Teachers will be making recommendations this week, and live scheduling online will begin Friday afternoon/evening. The live scheduling will be Friday, February 26th- Friday, March 4th.  The paper form will be due by Monday, March 7th.

8th grade Summer PE and Health-

Please see the attachment for information on Summer Physical Education and Health for 8th graders entering 9th grade next Fall.  Link:  Summer PE & Health

Choir Festival-

Our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choirs performed Tuesday, February 23rd beautifully at The Chapel for their Region 6 Choir Festival.  We are currently waiting to see the results from the judges.  Mrs. Gray-Roll had all choirs prepared, sounding great, and the students had a really fun time.  This festival is like the M-Step of choir.

Pre-Festival Band & Orchestra Concert-

Due to the weather the pre-fesitval concert has been cancelled for tonight (Wednesday, February 24th).  When we have a rescheduled date we will let you know.


1/2 Day of Friday, March 4th-

We will have a 1/d day next Friday, March 4th. Dismissal will be at 11:04 A.M.

Flint Water Crisis-

Thanks to the generosity of our students and staff we raised $775 towards the Flint water issues.  A check has been sent on behalf of the students and staff of UMS.

UPTO-
Here are the highlights from the last UPTO meeting:

The last UPTO meeting took place at noon pm on Thursday, February 17 and lasted less than an hour.  Seven people attended.  Topics of discussion included class scheduling for next year; upcoming events like the spelling bee, music festivals, and the variety show; and M-STEPs..  Volunteers are needed for eighth-grade career day and the eighth-grade farewell; contact an UPTO board member if you'd like to volunteer.  Those who have already volunteered for these events should be contacted by the committee chairs soon.  Our next meeting has been moved to noon on Thursday, March 10, so Mrs. Cardon can inform us about the upcoming bond issue.

Quote of the week:

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”-  Henry David Thoreau

Have a good rest of the week,
Mr. Mandarino

Blog post for 2-16-16

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In Loving Memory of Madie Flores

It is with incredible sadness that Upton Middle School 8th grader Madie Flores passed away of cancer.  Our students wrote some very beautiful sympathy letters and many attended her service.  It was wonderful to see the love and thoughtful outpouring of support.  Our team of SJPS counselors, social workers, and support from the Berrien RESA was excellent for our students and staff as they grieved in their own way.  Madie is our hero!  She was a courageous, fun-loving, sweet, and a lovely young lady.  Our thoughts and prayers are with George, Mary, and Melanie Flores.


One-Hour Delay

SJPS will be having a one-hour delay tomorrow, Wednesday 2-17-16.  Buses will run one hour later, and breakfast will still be served.  Classes will begin at Upton will begin at 8:45 A.M. 

Girls Soccer from the desk of Aaron Soule

Upton Middle School Soccer Club would like to invite all interested 6th, 7th, & 8th grade girls to participate in the 2016 Spring Southwest Michigan Middle School Soccer League (SMMSSL).   All girls are welcome to sign up to participate in the up coming season. Teams will be based on grade and skill level making this a fun and competitive soccer experience.  So come join us to make another great season of Bear soccer. 

When: 

Thursday, February 18^th, 6:00PM – 6:30PM

A short parents meeting will be held to discuss the upcoming

season and answer any questions.  Players are welcome to

attend.

Where: 

Upton Middle School Auditorium

Who:

All 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Girls

If you are unable to attend the meeting and your daughter is interested in playing this spring, please contact me at soule3@mac.com. 

 Best regards,

Aaron Soule

Director of Upton Middle School Soccer

Safe Online Talk

This week our school social worker (Mrs. Fairchild) and counselors (Mrs. Olson & Mrs. Lownds) reviewed with our 7th graders safe online talk.  Please see this link for tips: 

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/classroom_curriculum/6-8-familytip-safeonlinetalk.pdf


Quotes of the week:  

"True happiness is...to enjoy the present, without anxious dependance upon the future."- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." -  Nido Qubein

Have a good week,
Mr. Mandarino
 

Mandarino Minutes for 2-2-16

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

Late Start 2-3-16  & 2-17-16

SJPS will be having a one-hour delay both Wednesday, 2-3-16 and 2-17-16. Buses will run one hour later, and breakfast will still be served.  Classes will begin at Upton at 8:45 A.M.

UPTO Meeting 2-11-16

Our wonderful UPTO group will meet next Thursday, February 11th at 12:00 P.M. in the Upton Conference room.  We would love to have you if your schedule will allow.

Semester Honor Roll

At the end of each semester the honor rolls are computed as follows:

4.00 - 3.50 Maize Honor Roll
3.49 - 3.00 Blue Honor Roll

The semester honor roll will be posted in the Herald Palladium.  When we know a date that this will be printed I will pass it on in this blog.  Marking period honor roll breakfasts, sponsored by our UPTO, take place at the end of the 1st and 3rd marking periods.

Planetarium Community Night-  The Little Star that Could

Our next community night for the planetarium is Tuesday, February 16th at 6:30 P.M. and it is called The Little Star that Could.

8th grade entering 9th grade in the Fall of 

2016 Student and Parent Meeting-

Informational Scheduling Meeting for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents 

who plan to attend

St. Joseph High School Fall 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

6:30pm

St. Joseph High School Auditorium

Flint Water Fundraisers-

Thanks to all of our students and staff who contributed to the Flint water issues by wearing their hats.  This Thursday, February 4th we will wear pajamas for $1 to also aide this very worthy cause.  

A New Start-

With the start of a new semester it is also a new start for students.  We hope the second half of the year is a successful one for your son/daughter!  Please help them keep those established routines for studying, homework, being on time to school, and giving 100% on a daily basis.

Quotes of the Week-

"Most of the successful people I've known are the ones who do more listening than talking." --Bernard Baruch

"With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see." Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Have a good week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 1-25-16

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Semester Exams- 
The first semester is coming to an end.  Exams will begin Wednesday, January 27th. Dismissal on the half days will be at 11:04 A.M.  The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, January 27th-  1st and 2nd Hour Exams

Thursday, January 28th-  3rd and 4th Hour Exams

Friday, January 29th-  5th and 6th Hour Exams

From the Desk of Mrs. Fairchild, UMS 

Social Worker, Exam tips-

The following sites gives students and parents tips on preparing for exams.  Mrs. Fairchild, Upon Middle School Social Worker, was kind enough to pass these on.  

Student tips for different types of tests and various strategies to prepare:

http://www.testtakingtips.com

This link is specifically for tips for parents:

http://www.testtakingtips.com/parents/parents_test_taking_tips.pdf

Flint Water Fundraiser-

Our student council is sponsoring two fundraisers next week for the Flint water issues.  On Tuesday, February 2nd our students can wear a hat for $1, and on Thursday, February 4th they can work pajamas for $1.  We are hoping that between the two days we can give a nice donation to the city of Flint.  Thanks in advance for your donations!

Spelling Bee-

Congratulations to our 3 finalists that will represent Upton Middle School in the Cloverleaf Spelling Bee at Lake Michigan College they are:

-  Aditya Ajoykrishnan (8th grader)

-  Madison Klitchman (6th grader)

-  Mir Quddus (8th grader)

Ms. Greissinger does such a wonderful job working with these students and preparing them. I am sure we will once again make a run at it again! 

8th grade entering 9th grade in the Fall of 

2016 Student and Parent Meeting-

SAVE THE DATE: 

Informational Scheduling Meeting for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents 

who plan to attend

St. Joseph High School Fall 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

6:30pm

St. Joseph High School Auditorium

Pasta & Rice Drive-

The pasta and rice drive continues through the rest of the week.  Please bring donations to the Upton office by Friday, January 29th.  We have had several people donate already and I know the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen really appreciates it.  Iggy Laurent is our student coordinator of this fundraiser.

UPTO-

The last UPTO meeting took place at 6:30 pm on Thursday, January 14 and lasted less than an hour.  Topics of discussion included standardized testing; teacher appreciation, the honors breakfasts, and other UPTO-sponsored events; student activities such as winter sports teams, spelling bee and the variety show; and our ongoing (but much closer to being resolved) budget crisis.  Volunteers are needed for eighth-grade career day, and the eighth-grade farewell; contact an UPTO board member if you'd like to volunteer.  Those who have already volunteered for these events should be contacted by the committee chairs soon.

Did you know UPTO, Upton's PTO, maintains a Facebook page with lots of information about school events?  It's a private page to protect our students, but you can ask to join by going to https://www.facebook.com/groups/UPTOBears/ .  It's a great place to get information and ask questions about what's going on at the school.

2nd Semester Count Day, Wednesday 

February 10th-

Our second semester Count Day is coming in a few weeks on 2-10-16.  Each student must be be counted each hour of the day for each period on this day.  Absences and appointments should be avoided, if possible, for any portion of this day.  We understand staying home when you are sick and appointments made over six months ago, but we are asking for your help.

Quotes of the week:

"The will to succeed is important, but what's more important is the will to prepare." -Bobby Knight

"Do not look for approval except for the consciousness of doing your best. "-Andrew Carnegie

Have a good week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 1-13-16

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Mandatory 8th to 9th grade scheduling meeting for all 8th graders and a parent/s-

SAVE THE DATE: 

Informational Scheduling Meeting for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents 

who plan to attend

St. Joseph High School Fall 2016

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

6:30pm

St. Joseph High School Auditorium

M-Step Results-

The 2015 M-Step results along with a parent explanation letter will be coming home tomorrow (Thursday, January 14th) with your son/daughter.  We will be handing these out in the sixth hour classes right at the end of the day.  Please ask your son or daughter to see this handout.


NWEA Reading-

Thursday, January 14th (tomorrow) all of our students will be taking the midyear reading NWEA test.  Our students should come to school with a fully charged computer.


UPTO-

We will have a UPTO meeting tomorrow, Thursday, January 14th beginning at 6:30 P.M. in the Upton Conference room.  Our wonderful UPTO does a lot for our students and staff. :)


Martin Luther King Jr. Day-  No School-

This Monday, January 18th SJPS will not be in session for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

John and Dede Howard Ice Arena Open on Monday-

The Howard Ice Rink will be Open this Monday January 18^th (MLK Day) from 11:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.  Cost is $5.00 admission and $3.00 skate rental.

7th & 8th grade Softball Pitchers-

An open gym at the high school field house will take place tomorrow (Thursday, January 14th) from 6:45 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. for any 7th and 8th grade softball pitcher.  Please bring a catcher with you if you can.

Quotes of the Week-

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others'?"  - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"The time is always right to do what is right."- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Take care,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes post for January 7, 2016

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Happy New Year-
The staff at UMS hopes that you had a wonderful break and a happy new year!  I hope your 2016 is a great one!  The school year is almost half-way over!


Semester Exams- 
We have two more weeks left in the 1st semester followed by semester exams the last week in January.  For those new to semester exams the students have two exams over a half day.  Dismissal on the half days will be at 11:04 A.M.  The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, January 27th-  1st and 2nd Hour Exams

Thursday, January 28th-  3rd and 4th Hour Exams

Friday, January 29th-  5th and 6th Hour Exams

Variety Show-

Variety Show auditions begin next Wednesday, January 13th and Friday, January 15th after school in the Upton Auditorium.  Mrs. Schrock has had a sheet for kids to sign up for a day in the lunchroom.  In addition the students are bringing a parent permission slip home to you to be signed and given back to Mrs. Schrock prior to the tryout date.  Our variety show is always very well done and the kids have a lot of fun.  For more information please email Joanne Schrock at:  jschrock@sjschools.org

Builders Club-

The next Builders Club meeting will be Wednesday, January 20th after school.  For more information please email Mrs. Hunnell at:  shunnell@sjschools.org

Winter Sports-

Thanks so much to our winter coaches for giving of their time to our student-athletes.   The following people are coaching the various sports:

7th grade basketball-  Ms. Emily Laukus and Mr. Matt Maier

8th grade basketball-  Mr. Rick Bloodworth and Mr. Eric Sonnevil

6th-8th grade wrestling-  Mr. Burke Lokey and Mr. Matt Culver

7th and 8th grade competitive cheer-  Mrs. Chris Russell

Wrestling-

Wrestling began this week, however we will still take wrestlers.  They meet after school in the blue gym balcony.  If someone is still interested they should see Mr. Lokey.  Parents can email Mr. Lokey for more information at: blokey@sjschools.org

Ski Club-

We are hoping that our ski club will get to the slopes this Monday, January 11th.  Mr. Brown is once again running S.J.P.S. largest club.  :)

Soup Kitchen Drive:  Pasta and Rice-

The Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor, Michigan are in need of pasta and rice.  Pasta and rice are staples that they use quite a bit of and they are running low.  Please consider donating a box/bag of pasta or rice at UMS.  We hope that we can make a nice donation to them.   The Soup Kitchen heavily relies on the donation of the local communities to feed the less fortunate. 

Attention 7th grade parents-

If your son/daughter is interested in taking studio art next school year the must fill out an application to be a part of this class.  They can obtain an application from Mr. Fralick or go to his My Big Campus page.  The deadline is January 29th.  This has also been announced to the students at Upton.

Quotes of the week:

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."-  Hal Borland 

"Every day is a chance to begin again.  Don't focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations."-  Catherine Pulsifer

Take care,

Mr. Mandarino