Dear Parents/Guardians,
Rich Maxam 8th grade Outstanding Students-
Rich Maxam was a respected and valued member of Upton’s staff for over 20 years. He was a colleague, mentor, friend, and a tremendous and positive influence on untold youth during his years as a science teacher, camp counselor, ham radio operator, rocket club advisor, and Boy Scout leader. Rich stood for many great qualities by being a living example to students and peers. He fostered and engendered leadership, independent thinking, integrity, and perseverance in his students. Most importantly, he made them believe in themselves. Now these same qualities have become the criteria that are used to select four outstanding students from the class of 2024. Only four are chosen for this highest honor that is bestowed annually upon Upton students. Of the many fine students in the 8th grade, four worthy recipients have been chosen by the Upton faculty and staff. Congratulations to four recipients for the 2019-2020 school year:
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| Benjamin Catania |
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| Grace Rommel |
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| Ceci Ruchti |
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| Isaac Zahrt |
Thursday, June 4th Locker Pickup/Drop off of Items-
This Thursday will be a drive-in plan where you will not have to even get out of your car. When you drive around you will just pop open your trunk open or roll down your window and we will take the appropriate items and you will receive the items from their lockers at the end of the path. Everyone will enter on Lincoln Avenue near the tennis courts and exit onto Maiden Lane. It is important that you try and stick to our scheduled times (See below) and to follow the correct path (Link to the correct path). We would love to have everyone come through next Thursday, June 4th.
The following items will happen:
Locker items (Hallway and Gym Lockers) will be distributed to students in a large bag (at the end of the path)
Yearbooks will be included in the locker bag (If you ordered one) If not, and you are interested in still purchasing one you will email Mr. Kevin Khan for more information. Kkhan@sjschools.org
All students will turn in library books, Algebra, Geometry, and French students will also turn in their textbooks
All 8th graders and students not returning to SJPS will turn in laptops, and art supplies for those in art (You received an email on 8th grade laptops from our IT team yesterday morning with more information on MacBook purchases)
7th graders will turn in time capsule items for English class (Seniors just received their time capsules last week and loved them!)
6th and 7th graders are holding on to their laptops for the time being
Time Frames for pickup by last name (The alphabet is divided in quarters):
A-E 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
F-K 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
L-R 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
S-Z 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
More on Textbooks/Library books -
We realize it's been a long time since your student visited the media center! With the end of school drawing near, it’s time for the scavenger hunt to begin. Let’s find those library books! Students can see the books they have checked out by logging into their account on Destiny Discover, our library catalog. (Here’s a brief screencast to remind them how to do that.)
We recommend looking for books in the following places if they can't quite place their hands on their checkouts: under beds/couches, on personal or family bookshelves, in a sibling’s room, under car seats, at a relative’s home....It is also possible that we may find some library books still in lockers at Upton. If so, we will find them.
In addition, students with the following teachers/hours may have taken textbooks home and need to return them this Thursday:
French textbook - Elkins 6th hour
Algebra 1 textbook - Holleman 2nd, 5th, 6th; Houseal 4th; Khan 3rd & 4th
Geometry textbook - Houseal 2nd &3rd
Schools of Choice Information -
If you moved out of the district this past school year, have a sibling that would like to apply, or are enrolled with a letter of release and wish to continue at SJPS:
We will accept Schools of Choice applications June 1-30, 2020. To apply online, please click here to fill out the form - or you may download here and complete the schools of choice application and send via email (spatzer@sjschools.org), mail (3275 Lincoln Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085), fax (269-429-5042) or drop box (located outside the central office doors, 3275 Lincoln Avenue) by June 30, 2020. If you know of other families interested in Schools of Choice, please share this information.
UMS 2020-2021 Interact Officers -
Congratulations to the 2020-2021 Interact Club officers! This club is open to any 6th-8th grader interested. For more information please email Mrs. Cindy Igoe at cindyigoe@yahoo.com
Elizabeth Fisbeck- President
Lylah Hyska- Secretary
Sahiti Midithuri- Treasurer
Spencer Hirsh- Community Service Director
June 1st Guidance News -
June 1 Guidance News & SEL
Last Blog of the school year!! Happy Summer!
How to enjoy summer activities
for Pandemic Parenting Tips including:
Be sure to check updated articles on our SEL website, particularly in the Self-Care resources section. One new article addresses life skills families can implement with teens for the summer.
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A huge thanks from the UPTO -
From the desk of the UPTO -
Parents and guardians,
UPTO wishes you and and your families a safe and wonderful summer!
Please make sure you have our information! Join the Upton Middle PTO Facebook group for up-to-date information.
Please join us!
The PTO Board at Upton Is Seeking
General Board Members and Grade Level Representatives
for the 2020-2021 School Year!
Being a part of the UPTO General Board is a fulfilling way to contribute to our school district and be a vital part of our school’s community. Being a member of the UPTO board allows you to be more involved with many of the great activities that your students enjoy throughout the year, such as: school dances, guest presentations, parent educational events, scholarships, 8th grade farewell, teacher hospitality & appreciation week and many more. UPTO Board Members have a voice in changes within the District by advocating for all students and supporting our middle school community. Interested in inventing your own program for Upton students? Want to give an established program a makeover? We welcome your creativity!
We rely on parent volunteers like you to be successful. UPTO Board terms are for one year and most positions can have a co-officer to share the responsibilities. Board members will attend a monthly PTO General Meeting (held the third Thursday of the month at 12 pm in the Upton Conference Room). Grade level representative positions are only a one year commitment.
Please consult the table below for the vacant positions and their responsibilities. Not sure what would be the best fit for your schedule and interests? Let us know, and we’ll help you find a good fit. If you have any questions, email the address above.
If you are interested, please send a short email to the Nominating Committee at uptonmiddlepto@gmail.com by Monday, June 1st, with the position of interest in the subject line. The email should include:
your name and contact information
grade(s) of each child
what Executive Board position you are interested in
a sentence or two about why you’d be a good fit for the position you’re applying for.
The Executive Board will vote to approve the new slate at its final meeting in June after which all applicants will be contacted about the outcome. We would love to have you join us via Zoom at our June meeting to begin the transition to next year.
Vacant Officer Positions (1 Year)
Position
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Description
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# Needed
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Vice President
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Provide needed assistance to the President and Co-President in carrying out all duties, be available to conduct meetings in the President and Co-President’s absence or their inability to serve.
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1
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Secretary
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Keep all records, prepare the agenda, take and record minutes, handle correspondence, and send notices of meetings to the membership. The Secretary will have them available at all meetings.
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1
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Grade Level Representative
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The Class Representatives will be the communication connection between UPTO, school, parents, and students. They will also help facilitate the recruiting of volunteer opportunities, including nominations for the Board.
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At least 3 per grade level
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Quote of the week -
(Thanks for all your hard work and determination the last few months!)
Have a great week and see you Thursday,
Mr. Mandarino
