Mandarino Minutes for 1-8-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Happy New Year-
I hope your family enjoyed a lot of family time this past break!  We are almost 1/2 done with the school year.  Welcome back and have a great week!

Toy Drive-
United Way is sponsoring a toy drive for homeless children and there will be a drop box at Upton.  If you are able, please send in new, unused/unopened toys. The drive is for this week only.  This is different from Toys for Tots.  Please consider this donation if you can.

No Late Start this week-
We do not have a late start this Wednesday, January 10th.  It is a regular schedule day.

Semester Exams-
We will have semester exams January 24th (1st & 2nd hour exams), January 25th (3rd & 4th hour exams), and January 26th (5th & 6th hour exams).  These exams will be worth 20% of their semester grade.  The exam will cover the material that was covered over the 1st semester.  Exams like these take place 6th-12th grade.The breakdown is:  40% 1st marking period grade, 40% 2nd marking period grade, and 20% semester exam grade.  Dismissal for the exam days will be 11:04 A.M. for all three days.

Upcoming dates:

• January 16th- Community Planetarium Night at the Upton Planetarium beginning at 6:30 P.M.  The show is called Dark Star Adventures.  Here is the trailer to the show:  Dark Star Adventure Trailer
• January 17th- Late-Start
• January 18th- UPTO Meeting at Noon
• January 22nd- End of the 2nd Marking Period
• January 23rd-  Review Day
• January 22nd-  School Board meeting at Central office 6:00 P.M.
• January 22nd- UPTO meeting at 7:00 P.M. (Note: In the month of January we are doing two meetings.)

Quotes of the week:

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." - Dr. Marin Luther King Jr.

"The time is always right to do what is right." - Dr. Marin Luther King Jr.

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-18-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Congratulations to the Upton Joe Bots-
We are thrilled at the performance that the Upton Joe Bots put in this weekend in Battle Creek!  This was the first time our robotics team participated in the state competition.  In the words of Mr. Zimanksi:  "Out of the 48 teams that competed in our division (96 teams total), we finished ranked #14th.  Our drive team was outstanding and our robot performed very well! It was no small task to make it this far in the state championship.

These were the 96 best teams out of over 500 middle school teams in Michigan!  The mentors and coaches are so proud of all Joe Bot Teams! All Joe Bots should be congratulated, as this was an effort by all our students! All three teams performed beyond any of our expectations." 

Choir & Orchestra Concert this week-

The Upton Choirs and 7th & 8th grade orchestras have a concert this Wednesday evening beginning at 7:00 P.M in the John & Dede Howard Auditorium at SJHS.  It is a great way to highlight your week!

Sports Meetings this week-

7th & 8th grade girls basketball will be at 7:30 A.M. tomorrow Tuesday, December 19th morning in the Maize Gym for those girls interested in going out for basketball.  This is a student only meeting.

Wrestling meeting for all 6th, 7th & 8th graders interested in going out for wrestling will come during the lunches tomorrow Tuesday, December 19th.

For both sports they will begin Monday, January 8th after school.  A physical must be on file in the office.  For more information about Upton Athletics please email Gregg Schaffer at:

gschaffer@sjschools.org

No Late Start this week-
We start at our regular time this Wednesday, December 20th.  

1/2 day this Friday-

We have a 1/2 day this Friday, December 22nd.  Dismissal is at 11:04 A.M.  This will start the break.  We will return on Monday, January 8th.

Quote of the week-

"I don't think quantity time is as special as quality time with your family." -Reba McEntire

A great break-

We hope this upcoming break is filled with great family time!  We always encourage students to unplug their technology over the break.  We hope that the time is relaxing, rejuvenating, and memorable!

Enjoy your family and friends,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-11-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Band Concert Wednesday-
This Wednesday (12-13-17) starting at 7:00 P.M. at the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School will be our 6th-12th grade band concert.  It is always a fun way to celebrate the season!

Congratulations Mr. Catania!-
We want to congratulate Mr. Catania for being picked by the Michigan High School Football Association Assistant Coach of the year.  Not only is Mr. Catania an outstanding teacher in the classroom, but he also gives 100% on the football field as well. 

Great job in Lansing!-
We are so proud of our students who represented us in Lansing last week at the State Capitol Rotunda!  Mrs. Walsworth and the students had a wonderful presentation for the many visitors who came to their display.  These students will turn around and present this evening at our school board meeting at 6:00 P.M. at Upton.

Choir & Orchestra Concert next Wednesday (12-20-17)
Next Wednesday (12-20-17) starting at 7:00 P.M. at the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School will be our 7th & 8th grade orchestras & 6th-8th grade choirs.

Big lunch this Thursday-
This Thursday, December 14th our kitchen crew, Mr. Jeffers, parent volunteers, and I will serve a big lunch at Upton during the lunch periods.  It will feature things like:  sliced turkey/ham, mashed potatoes, cake, etc.) The cost is the same as a regular lunch. ($2.90)

Late Start this Wednesday (No late start next Wednesday 12-20-17)
The district has a late-start this Wednesday, December 13th, but we do not have a late-start next Wednesday, December 20th.

Girls Basketball Meeting next Tuesday, December 19th at 7:30 A.M.-
A girls' basketball meeting for 7th & 8th grade student-athletes (not parents) interested in going out for middle school basketball will be held next Tuesday, December 19th at 7:30 A.M. in the Maize Gym.  A parent meeting will be held after tryouts are completed.  Tryouts will start right after the break on Monday, January 8th.  All girls must have a physical on file in the office to play basketball.  For more information please email Gregg Schaffer at:
gschaffer@sjschools.org

Quote of the week-
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -Anne Frank

Have a great week,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-4-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,

All-State Honors Orchestra-

The following students were accepted into the 2018 Middle School All-State Honors Orchestra:

Abby Kim

Eric Geng

This is a huge honor as over 2600 students from across the state auditioned for these ensembles. The all-state orchestra will be rehearsing and performing in January.  Congratulations Eric and Abby!

6th grade "Informance"-
Tomorrow evening (12-5-17) at 7:00 P.M. will be the first 6th grade orchestra concert experience.  Mr. Lokey, Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett, Ms. Wallace, and the artist-in-residence assistants are excited to show how far the students have come since early September.

Students in Lansing for a Student Technology Showcase Presentation at the State Capitol Building-

7th graders:  Jack Francis, Micah Wagoner, Ruby Rappette, Emma Stout, Winter Bell, and Morgan Hanks will join Mrs. Walsworth in Lansing for this awesome opportunity.  They will present in the State Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, December 6th.  It is the 17th annual event sponsored by MACUL and AT &T.  Here is a link with more information:  http://sts.macul.org 

From Left to Right:

Jack Francis, Micah Wagoner, Ruby Rappette, 

Emma Stout, Winter Bell, Morgan Hanks

Joe Bots on to the State Competition-

Congratulations to our Joe Bots who advanced to the Michigan State Championship in Battle Creek at the Kellogg Arena between December 14th-16th.  Their performance in Coloma on Saturday solidified this awesome opportunity!  Congratulations to the students and mentors for their tremendous hard work and dedication!

Toys for Tots-

The Upton Student Council is once again sponsoring the annual Toys for Tots drive at Upton Middle School.  Please consider donating a new & unwrapped toy to Upton Middle School between today and December 12th.  The toys will be given here in Southwest Michigan.

7th grade vision Screening-

This Friday, December 8th we will have 7th grade vision screening.  A half-sheet school vision screening sheet will be coming home with your daughter/son this Wednesday, December 6th.  It must be completed and brought back this Friday.

Guidance Page-

Have you visited the guidance department blog lately?  If not take a look at the what has been going on and see some of the resources.

Here it is:  https://umsguidance.weebly.com/

Upcoming Dates-

Friday, December 8th- 

7th & 8th grade dance from 5:30-7:30 P.M. 

Friday, December 8th- 

The Upton Book Fair concludes

Wednesday, December 13th- 

6th-12th grade Band Concert at the SJHS Auditorium beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Thursday, December 14th- 

Holiday Lunch at Upton

Wednesday, December 20th- 

Upton Choir & Orchestra concert at the SJHS Auditorium beginning at 7:00 P.M.

Quote of the week-

"Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude." - Lou Holtz

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 11-27-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Upcoming Concert Schedule-

*** All concerts begin at 7:00 P.M. ***

6th grade Orchestra- Tuesday, Dec. 5th at Upton Blue Gym
6th-12th Band Concert - Wednesday, Dec. 13th at SJHS
6th-8th Choir & Orchestra Concert- Wednesday, Dec. 20th at SJHS

The Book Fair is here-
The book fair is here from today-Friday, December 8th in our media center.  
The online fair is at:  http://www.scholastic.com/bf/uptonmiddleschool

Upton JoeBots-

The Joe Bots Teams #8513, #11855 and #13702 will be competing in their second qualifier this Saturday,  December 2nd at Coloma High School. The opening ceremony begins at 10:00 AM.  Come cheer us on to victory!

Upton Spirit Wear-

Upton Spirit Wear just in time for the holidays!!  The spirit wear store will stay open until Dec. 10th where you can order online.  We will also accept order forms by cash or check.  These order forms are in the front office.  All items will be in by Christmas.  Please contact cindyigoe@yahoo.com with questions.

https://lazergraphicsinc.com/index.php/sale/upton.html

Upton Boys Basketball Change-
On Wednesday, 11/29 the games will now be played at Benton Harbor High School instead of Fair Plain MS. The 7^th grade "A game" will start at 4 P.M. instead of 4:30.  We’re expecting the 8^th grade A game to start around 5:15.

Honor Roll-

Honor Roll Criteria

Principals' Honor Roll:

Straight A's (or A-'s)

Honor Roll:

At least 2 A's (or A-'s) and no grade lower than a B.  This means B- or lower disqualifies.

We will be publishing the first marking period very soon.  The semester honor roll will once again be in the Herald Palladium.  

No Coder Club this week-
We will not have Coders Club this week.

Quote of the week-

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."  - Helen Keller

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Other events coming up:
Late-Starts - Wednesday, Nov. 29th, Dec. 6th, and Dec. 13
7th grade vision screening- Friday, December 8th
Holiday Luncheon- Thursday, December 14th
Break begins- Friday, Dec. 22nd at 11:04 A.M.

Mandarino Minutes for 11-20-17

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Siaka Massaquoi-
Upton Middle School hit the headlines of Friday's front page of the Herald Palladium! Words do not do justice on the wonderful visit our 7th graders had with Siaka Massaquoi.  Siaka was such a dynamic, gracious, awesome, wonderful presenter!  He is overall an even better person!  The way he interacted with our kids was simply a work of art!  We were all blessed for this great opportunity!  A huge thanks to Mrs. Walsworth, Mrs. Gressley, Mrs. Gaideski, Mrs. Vukorpa, and Mrs. Cardon for all their contributions in pulling this off!  This was secret appearance to our 7th graders based on their name paper that they wrote at the beginning of 7th grade.  

Siaka with our 7th graders at lunch

Upton Robotics-

All three Upton teams made it to the final match  of the Robotics competition on Saturday! All three bought home three trophies! Our next competition is December 2nd at Coloma High School. They also have a very good chance of making it to the State finals in Battle Creek on December 16th!

Here are the statistics from our event.

Overall team 8513 was Rank 17 with a record of 2-3-0

Overall team 11855 was Rank 5 with a record of 4-1-0

Awards include:

• Finalist Alliance
• Rockwell Collins Innovate Award Winner

Overall team 13702 was Rank 22 with a record of 2-3-0

Awards include:

• Finalist Alliance

Rankings are from a total of 37 teams.

Thanks to everyone for your donations-
A BIG thank you to Interact Club, Builders Club, and Student Council for teaming up and organizing Knock-Out November in an effort to collect items for the Emergency Shelter!  This was the biggest collection to date and we look forward to doing it again next year!

Upton Book Fair-  We need you!

The Upton Book Fair is almost here!  The fair in our media center will run from 11/27 through 12/8, but early birds can visit our online fair beginning on 11/22 -- just in time to browse for holiday surprises or gather and give gift suggestions to far-flung family members.  

Online fair:  http://www.scholastic.com/bf/uptonmiddleschool

In addition, volunteers are still needed for our book fair.  Come browse the books, connect with your child at school, and help students find the books they can't wait to read.  Follow the link below to check out ways you can help.

https://volunteer.scholastic.com/#/experience/login/NuwtCGUog

If you'd prefer to email directly for times and dates to volunteer, send inquiries to Elena Neus (eldave1@earthlink.net) or Kristin Burnette (kburnette@sjschools.org).

See you at the fair!

Guidance Blog-

Check it out:  Guidance Blog Site

1/2 day this Wednesday-

This Wednesday, November 22nd dismissal for Thanksgiving break is at 11:04 A.M.  We will run all classes this Wednesday for a 1/2 hour each.  It has been an Upton tradition for a long time to dress nice on the day before Thanksgiving to honor all those things we are thankful for!

SJPS Community Corkboard-

Have you checked out the SJPS Community Corkboard lately?  It has various items like:  a cool Krasl Art Center project, opportunities for middle school students at the library, etc.  Here is the link:  https://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

Quote of the week-

"All I ever wanted really, and continue to want out of life, is to give 100 percent to whatever I'm doing and to be committed to whatever I'm doing and then let the results speak for themselves. Also to never take myself or people for granted and always be thankful and grateful to the people who helped me." - Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your family time,

Mr. Mandarino