Mandarino Minutes

Friday, May 20, 2022

Mandarino Minutes for 5-20-22

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Wonderful Choir Concert-

We had a wonderful choir concert on Tuesday evening from our 6th-8th grade choirs. Many wonderful group and solo songs! Many of the songs were so touching that they brought standing ovations and tears to the eyes of many audience members.

Concerts Next Week-

Next week our concerts continue on the following dates at 7:00 PM in the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS:

Spring Band Concert - Monday, May 23rd
Spring Orchestra Concert - Wednesday, May 25th

Battle of the Books-

The 34th annual Battle of the Books was held on Thursday, May 19th, in the Upton Media Center, with thirty-five 7th graders participating. Divided into eight teams, these students matched wits over fourteen books that spanned a variety of genres.

Over the course of three rounds of questions testing book knowledge, teamwork and grace under pressure, it was a battle well fought by all teams. Taking the day, though, was Team "On the Same Page," including Aminah Garcia, Eva Bentley, Julia Grossman, Naomi Peremans and Catalina Gonzalez Santa Cruz. Congratulations to our 2022 Battle of the Books champs and all who took on this challenge!

8th grade Farewell Dance-

Please see the link below for a few remaining items to either donate or volunteer opportunities for the upcoming 8th Grade Farewell Dance being held in the Upton Cafeteria on Friday, June, 3rd, from 7:30-9:30 pm.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4FAAAD28A5F94-upton

Tennis-

The two tennis matches next week against Berrien Springs on Tuesday, May 24th & Thursday, May 26th will start at 4:15 at Berrien Springs High School.

Cross Country Meeting-

Upton Cross Country is one of the sports / clubs that is available to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade middle school students. It's a great way to build friendships, improve fitness, and be a part of something positive! Our season/training begins in the Summer and runs into the Fall. An informational meeting for parents and students will take place on Wednesday, May 25th in Upton's Auditorium @ 4:30 pm. If your child is interested in participating next year please plan on attending the meeting. There will be lots of good information and an opportunity to ask questions and get answers.

Thank you!

Coach Matt Maier

Summer Camp Opportunities-

Check out our district website for a list of summer camps & clinics:

Sport Camps Link:

https://sjschools.org/146-high-school/athletics/camps-and-clinics/191-sjhs-athletics-camps-clinics?highlight=WyJjYW1wcyIsImNhbXAiXQ==

Art Camp Link:

https://www.sparkignitelaunch.com/summer-art-camps

Garden Club-

Interested in making UMS more environmentally friendly? Want to learn more about how to garden and grow your own food? Upton is starting a Garden Club! If you want to learn more about our mission and join the movement, contact Mrs. Smothers at ssmothers@stjoebears.com

Spirit Week Next Week-

Monday Pajama Day

Tuesday Twin/Squad Day

Wednesday Dress Like an Adam Sandler

Movie Character

Thursday Favorite Jersey & Hat Day

Friday 6th Grade Wear Maize

7th Grade Wear Blue

8th Grade Wear White

Meemic Award awarded to Upton-

Mr. Brown applied and was awarded a $200 grant. The grant will be put to a good cause at Upton! Congratulations and thanks for applying Mr. Brown!

Soccer Opportunity-

We will have soccer open field, Tuesdays 3:00 to 4:15. Open to both boys and girls. Bring a ball and water, wear shin guards and come have some fun playing soccer with your friends. We will not hold an open field if it is raining. Questions, contact Sara Dawalt, socceruptonmiddleschool@gmail.com

Pick up at the End of the Day Reminder-

There has been an extreme amount of vehicle congestion at the end of the day, in and around Upton, including Maiden Lane and the Lincoln & Maiden intersection. Please do what you can to keep intersection and driveway openings clear for vehicles to pull in and park. Thank you for your cooperation!

Behavior Reminder as we end of the year-

We are asking for your support and encouragement to help your daughter/son finish the year strong. We have seen an uptick of behaviors that are not appropriate. Consequences need to happen when bad choices are made. Thanks for your help and partnership!

Late Start Wednesday-

Late start is this Wednesday, May 25th. Buses run an hour late. Doors open at 8:15am and school begins at 8:45am.

Community Corkboard- 

Take a few moments to see different opportunities around the area on our community corkboard:

https://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

Lunch Next Week-

5/23/2022 – HOT DOG, TRI TATER, CARROT STICKS, FRUIT

5/24/2022 – BONELESS CHICKEN, RICE, STEAMED VEGETABLE, FRUIT

5/25/2022 – TURKEY CLUB SANDWICH, BAKED CHIPS, SALAD CUPS, FRUIT

5/26/2022 – CRISPITOS, CHEESE SAUCE, REFRIED BEANS, FRUIT

5/27/2022 – BOSCO STICKS, MARINARA SAUCE,VEGETABLE, FRUIT

Quote of the Week-

Have a great Friday evening and weekend,

Mr. Mandarino

Friday, May 13, 2022

Mandarino Minutes for 5-13-22

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Concert Series Begins-

Our choir, band, and orchestra concerts start next week. All at 7pm at the John & Dede Auditorium at St. Joseph High School

Choir: May 17th

Band: May 23rd

Orchestra: May 25th

Ren Baldwin Technology Festival Winners-

Please take a few moments to look at the winning technology entries from this year's Ren Baldwin Technology Festival. We are especially happy for Liam Shell for winning the middle school grand prize for his Hydrogen Electric Turbine!

https://sites.google.com/stjoebears.com/2022-rb-tech-fest/festival-winners?authuser=0

Last NHS Tutoring at Upton-

The last NHS tutoring of the 2021-2022 school year is this Wednesday, May 18th from 3:00-4:00pm in the Upton Media Center.

8th Grade Farewell Dance-

The 8th Grade Farewell Dance Committee is excited to share the following opportunities to either donate food/supplies/decorations or to volunteer for the dance. We are looking for 6/7 grade parents to chaperone the dance.

The dance is open to only 8th graders and will be held in the Upton cafeteria on Friday, June 3rd, from 7:30-9:30pm.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E4FAAAD28A5F94-upton

Upton Student Credit Union-

Upton Bears Student CU is open every Tuesday during all lunch periods, outside the cafeteria. 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. 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!

April winner - Julia Grossman

Washington D.C. 2023 trip date change-

See updated Washington D.C. 2023 flyer below for date change and sign up today with only a $49 deposit. Receive a $100 Early Registration Discount through 5/13/22!

Please note that the travel dates have changed, in anticipation of school ending on June 9, 2023. New trip dates are June 11-14, 2023. See updated flyer below. This does conflict with the packet you have already received. The possibility of this happening was discussed at the parent meeting in April. If you have any questions, please email jcatania@stjoebears.com.

Volleyball Camp-

Here is a link for more information to the summer volleyball camp that starts the Monday after the school year ends:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B600nIyhqz8jYzRDNV9OVlBLWDFtcEFEblVMM011cXZaQTB3/edit?filetype=msword&resourcekey=0-TCF3wnS8P4LxrZ-OKqDKcA

Boys Basketball Camp-

Moving this summer?

Are moving this summer and not returning to SJPS in the fall? If so, please contact the Upton office at 269-926-3400.

Late Start Next Wednesday-

The district will have a late start next Wednesday, May 18th. School begins at 8:45 AM with breakfast available at 8:15 AM.

5th to 6th Grade Parent Meeting-

The Parent Only meeting is this Thursday, May 19th beginning at 6:30pm in the Upton Auditorium. This is for all 5th grade parents ONLY for students planning to attend 6th grade at Upton in the fall.

Lunch Next Week-

5/16/2022 – MINI CORN DOGS, HASHBROWN, FRUIT

5/17/2022 – MAC & CHEESE, STEAMED VEGETABLE, BREADSTICK, FRUIT

5/18/2022 – BONELESS CHICKEN WINGS, RICE, FRUIT

5/19/2022 – CHICKEN CLUB SANDWICH, TATER TOTS, FRUIT

5/20/2022 – PEPPERONI CHEESE BREAD, SALAD CUP, VEGGIE STICKS, FRUIT

Quote of the week-

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mr. Mandarino

Friday, May 6, 2022

Mandarino Minutes for 5-6-22

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Salmon in the Classroom-

Our 8th graders this week headed to Watervliet to release their salmon that have been with them since an egg earlier this school year. An article featured this in the Wednesday Herald Palladium. I know that because of the elements the Tuesday group had their experience cut short, but overall it is a great project with many benefits. Thanks to our science department, parent volunteers, Dr. St. Amand and her wonderful staff!

Ren Baldwin Technology Festival Tonight-

Your Guidance Team -

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Sodx85u4Xch2CY2SxC75vuKrSNWQ3FuvJBjl0OxMtBI/edit

Upton Updates From Your Guidance Department

Thanks Parents, UPTO, and School Board -

Thanks so much to the UPTO and parents that made this week special for the staff at Upton Middle School! The treats and wellness bar were very appreciated and was a big hit! We feel so supported by you! We also appreciate all the nice emails and notes that have been sent this week! The school board also provided the staff with a cake and some nice notes!

Visiting 5th graders -

The 5th graders from across the three elementary schools visited this week and had a great experience! They heard about the school day, club/sport opportunities, had lunch, toured, tried opening a locker, and asked many questions!

Girls Soccer -

Lady Bears vs. Lakeshore soccer game-

We have been invited to the high school soccer home games vs. Lakeshore on Monday, May 9th. JV plays at 5:00 and Varsity plays at 6:30. If your player wears her jersey, she can get in free. We will sit together in the stands during the games and cheer on the Lady Bears, as we play our rivals. Come see what soccer looks like in high school! There are a lot of other events at the high school that night, so please be aware that parking may be an issue. Let's have some fun and enjoy a fun night of soccer!