Mandarino Minutes for 10-22-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Upton Ski Club-
SJPS biggest club is the Upton Ski and Snowboarding Club.  It is open to all 6th -8th graders from not knowing how to ski/snowboard to experienced skiers/snowboarders.  Here are several links for more information:
UMS Ski Club Information and Expectations Link
UMS Ski Club Sign-Up Link
UMS Ski Club Payment Link
For more information please email Mr. Brown at Ibrown@sjschools.org

Spirit Week this week-
Today- Workout Day
Tuesday- Summer Tourist Day
Wednesday- Unity Day/Anti-bullying day - Please wear orange.
Thursday-  Pajama Day
Friday- Favorite Sports team day

Morning drop-off-
REMINDER: Please do not turn LEFT off of Maiden Ln. into the school during morning drop-off.  Cars headed West down Maiden Ln. should proceed to the back drop-off on Lincoln Ave.  If one car starts to do this, others will follow and we will end up with the same Maiden Ln. back-up that we have had in previous years.  Thank you!  If you have any questions regarding morning drop-off, please email Mr. Jeffers at Cjeffers@sjschools.org

End of Rotation 1/ Start of Rotation 2-
Today is the end of rotation 1 for 6th & 7th grade.  Tomorrow begins Rotation 2 for the students.  Students not done with a project must make arrangements with the teacher to finish.

Innovators/Coders Club-

The first Innovator’s Club meeting of this school year will take place tomorrow after school, Tuesday, October 23rd from 2:50-4:00 PM in the Upton Makerspace in the media center.  This club is open to all 6th-8th graders. If you like to tinker, to create, or just imagine what can be, this club is for you. It will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.  

Planetarium Community Night-
The planetarium community show is tomorrow evening (Tuesday, Oct. 23rd beginning at 6:30 PM.  This show is:  The Little Star That Could.  Here is the trailer for the show:  The Little Star That Could Trailer

8th grade field trips-
Just a reminder that the 8th grade field trips are this Tuesday and Thursday at the fish hatchery and water plant.  This is the kick-off to Salmon in the Classroom.  It is a fun and educational day.

Spooktacular Concert this Thursday-
Thursday, October 25th is the orchestra Spooktacular Concert at the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS beginning at 7:00 PM.  It is always a fun concert, and often has some surprises! 

UPTO this Thursday-
The rescheduled PTO meeting will be this Thursday, October 25th in the Upton Conference room.  Please join us if your schedule allows.

Dungeons and Dragons this Wednesday-
This Wednesday afternoon from 2:50-4:00 PM will be the Dungeons and Dragons club meeting.  This club is open to all 6th-8th graders.

Keep the warm clothes coming-
The Women's Service League coat, scarf, gloves, mittens, boots drive is going well.  However we really could use more hats, gloves & mittens.  Please consider donations some gently used items if you can.

Upcoming Dates to remember-
October 24th- Late Start
October 31st- Late Start & Halloween (Costumes are allowed, but masks can't be worn during class time.)
November 2nd- End of the 1st Marking Period
November 8th- Conferences (Held at SJHS) - 1/2 day of school 
November 9th- Career Day 2018 - 1/2 day of school 
November 14th- Former Professional Athlete to speak to the students 

Quote of the week-

Have a great week,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 10-15-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Awesome Opportunity-
Did you see the Saturday Herald Palladium front page? :)  Some of Upton musicians had the opportunity to hear Ifetayo Ali-Landing play music, sing-along, and ask questions.  Ifetayo is a professional cellist who is only 16 years old, and she is a phenomenal talent!  We would like to thank Mr. Lokey for making this possible!

6th grader Braden Miesse and Ifetayo Ali-Landing

Coat Drive-
The Women's Service League is once again sponsoring a very worthy cause, Operation Coats 2018.  Gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, or a donation would be appreciated.  Here is a link for more information:  Operation Coats 2018 pdf

Coder/Innovator Club-
The first Coder/Innovator Club meeting of the school year will take place next Tuesday, October 23rd from 2:50-4:00 PM in the Upton Makers room off of the media center.  This club is open to all 6th-8th graders.  It will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.  

Choir Concert-
Last Thursday was a wonderful choir concert put on by our 6th-8th grade choirs.  The students sounded really good and really seemed to be having a great time doing so.

UPTO-
We have a UPTO meeting this Thursday at 12:00 PM in the Upton Conference room. This is open to any Upton parent/guardian.

Late Start this Wednesday-
The district has a late-start this Wednesday, October 17th.  Buses run one hour later, and breakfast is available at 8:15 AM.

Orchestra Concert next week-
Next Thursday, October 25th is the orchestra "Spooktacular" at the John & Dede Howard Auditorium at SJHS beginning at 7:00 PM.  This is always a fun concert! 

End of the 7-week rotation-
The end of the 7-week rotation will be next Monday, October 22nd.  6th & 7th graders will move on to their 2nd rotation on Tuesday, October 23rd.  Students with project-based classes may have to work before school, after school, or during GO time to complete their project.

Chess Club-
Chess club will meet this Thursday, October 18th until 4:45 PM in Mrs. Walsworth's room (219).  This is open to all students and all ability levels.

Careful driving-
As the weather starts to get worse the amount of parent drop-offs increase at Upton Middle School.  Please remember to take your time, never pass another car on the left or right, and stress to your daughter/son to get out on the curb side whenever possible.  We really want to make sure that everyone arrives and leaves carefully.

Quote of the week-
"You can control two things: your work ethic and your attitude about anything." - Ali Krieger

Have a great week, 
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 10-8-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,


UpStream Club today-
The UpStream club meets today from 2:45-4:00 PM in Ms. Kietzerow's room (room 212).  If your son/daughter can't make tonight's meeting they can join at any time.  This club does stream studies, science exploration, etc.  For more information, please contact Dr. Ann St. Amand at algaewiz@hotmail.com

Builders Club-
The first Builders Club first meeting of the year is this Wednesday, October 10th from 2:50-3:30 PM in the Foods room (Room 309).  This club is open to all 6th-8th graders.  It is a service-oriented club.  Last year they visited the nursing home, made care packages for the troops, did a beach sweep, teacher appreciation acts of kindness, etc.  If your daughter/son is interested, please have them give it a try.  Mrs. Hunnell is the club sponsor.

Choir Concert-
The first choir concert of the year is this Thursday, October 11th beginning at 7:00 PM at the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS.  It should be a great concert!

Coders Club-
The Upton Coders Club begins Tuesday, October 23rd in the media center from 2:50-4:00 PM.  This club is open to any 6th-8th grader interested in computer coding.  No experience is necessary.

Two Great Causes-






Late Start this Wednesday-
The district will have a late start this Wednesday, October 10th.
The district will also have late starts on Oct. 17th, Oct. 24th, and Oct. 31st.  Buses will run one hour later, and breakfast will be available beginning at 8:15 AM.

Dates in the Future-
October 23rd-  Planetarium Community Night 6:30 PM
October 25th- Spooktacular Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM
Oct. 27th & 28th- Orchestra All-State Auditions at UMS

Community Cork board-
Please be sure to check the SJPS community cork board from time to time.  Here is the link:  https://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

Friday is a Maize and Blue Spirt Day-
This Friday, October 12th is a district Maize and Blue day for 
homecoming week.  Students and staff are encouraged to wear their maize and blue to school.  

Quote of the week-

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes post for 10-1-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,



Count Day (No Late-Start this Wednesday)-
This Wednesday, October 3rd in the state of Michigan is student count day.  We will not have a late-start this Wednesday.

National Custodian Day, October 2nd-
Tuesday, October 2nd is national custodian day!  Upton has 4 wonderful men who work hard to make Upton look tidy and also go above and beyond for students on a daily basis. We salute Jeff Kennedy, Wes Eichler, Murel Lowe, and Joe Martin for their dedication and hard work!

Left to right:  Mr. Martin, Mr. Lowe, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr. Eichler

Chess Club-
Chess club will take place this Thursday, October 4th and Thursday, October 18th after school until 4:45 PM.  All ability levels are welcome and those that want to learn are also encouraged to give it a try.  This club meets in Mrs. Walsworth's room (room 219).

Dungeons and Dragons Club-
This Wednesday after school until 4:00 PM is the Dungeons and Dragons club in the media center.

Choir Concert on October 11th-
Next Thursday, October 11th is the choir concert at 7:00 PM in the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School.  Mrs. Gray-Roll will feature all grade levels in their first concert of the year.

Builders Club next Wednesday, October 10th- 
The Builders Club (a service club at Upton) will have its kick-off meeting next Wednesday, October 10th from 2:50-3:30 PM in the Foods room (room 309) at Upton.  This club is open to all grade levels and is a wonderful way to give back to others.

Signing a student out/Student coming in-
When you are signing a student out for an appointment you must enter the building, but when the student returns they may come in themselves to sign back in.  If you have any questions about passes or appointments, please email or call Mrs. Conway.  Her email is: gconway@sjschools.org

Guidance Blog-

Ms. Toth, Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Fairchild, and Mrs. Menke invite you to take a look at their blog.  This blog will have different features and resources from time to time, so bookmarking it might be a good idea.  Here is the link to their sight:    https://umsguidance.weebly.com/

Ms. Toth

Mrs. Peterson

Mrs. Fairchild

Mrs. Menke

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

Mandarino Minutes for 9-24-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Picture Day Wednesday, September 26th-
This picture day is for students that were not at Start-up day in August.  This is not picture retake day. (That will be at a date in the future and I will let you know that date)  Picture packages were sent home last week with your daughter/son.  Every student regardless of whether they are purchasing pictures will be having their picture taken for their student ID and the yearbook.  Forms are available in the office.

M-Step Spring Results Parent Report-
Your daughter/son's Spring 2018 M-Step reports will be coming home with them today.  Please ask them for them when you see them this afternoon/evening.

Late Start this Wednesday-
School will begin at 8:45 AM.  Breakfast will be served at 8:15 AM.  Supervision is available beginning at 7:15 AM.  Buses run one hour later.

Home football game this Friday-
Please make sure that your son/daughter is in the Upton section or under your supervision for this Friday's home football game.  We allow students to use the concession stand at the end of each quarter and halftime.  (Not during the game action.)  We also ask that students do not bring footballs to the game.  This game is the Team Up against cancer game.  Survivors will walk with the cheerleaders and band members at 6:30 PM.

Dungeons and Dragons Club Meeting-
This Wednesday, September 26th from 2:45-4:00 PM will be the first Dungeons & Dragons Club meeting of the 2018-2019 school year in the media center.  This is open to all grade levels. 

Spanish Club Begins this Week-
The introductory class begins tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25th in room 406 from 3:00-4:00 PM.  The Intermediate class begins Wednesday, September 26th from 3:00-4:00 PM in room 406.  If you have any questions, please contact Cynthia Ellspermann at Cellspermann@sjschools.org

Quote of the week-
"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.  Because someday in your life you will have been all of these." - George Washington Carver

Have a great week,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes Post for 9-20-18 (addition to the week)

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Picture Day-
Picture day for those that were not at Start-up day is next Wednesday, September 26th.  Forms are available in the office.  (Forms were also mailed home in August)  Everyone regardless of ordering pictures will have their picture taken for their student ID, and the yearbook.

Dave Ramsey Club-

We are excited to announce a new after school club at Upton!

What:  Dollars and Cents Club (The Dave Ramsey Personal Finance Course for Middle School)

Dates:  Each Tuesday, Oct. 2 through mid-January

Time:  2:45 - 4:00 p.m.

Place:  Room 207

Who:  All Upton students are welcome to apply

Objectives:  Dave Ramsey’s Five Foundations -

1. Save an emergency fund
2. Get/stay out of debt
3. Pay cash for your first car
4. Pay cash for college
5. Build wealth and give

Advisor:  Mrs. Reck (kreck@sjschools.org)

Applications due by Friday, Sept. 28

• Pick up an application from Mrs. Reck or apply online at  https://goo.gl/forms/mytiD96gyuqgxUfb2
• The course is limited to 20 students.  If more than 20 students apply, the applications will be accepted via a lottery.
• 
  

Special thanks to Tri-ing for Life for their generous sponsorship!

Elizabeth Gousetis-
In yesterday's Herald Palladium Upton Middle School 8th grader Elizabeth Gousetis was recognized for her baking skills.  Elizabeth won several awards at the youth fair this summer.  The article does a great job of talking about the family tradition in the family!  The article appears on the front page of the Food section.  Great job Elizabeth!

Fish Hatchery/Water Plant Chaperones-

We are looking for chaperones for our Salmon in the Classroom field trip on October 25th. We will leave Upton at 8:00am and head to the Water Filtration Plan here in St. Joseph and the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan, and then return to Upton by 2:30 pm. It is a great field trip which the kids really enjoy, and we need as many parents as possible to make our day a success. Please let me know if you are willing & able to chaperone. All chaperones need to complete a Volunteer Consent Form and have it submitted to the office by September 25th.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Jenna Francis

(269) 926-3469

Bonus quote-
"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln

Have a good rest of the week,
Mr. Mandarino