Mandarino Minutes for 10-23-15

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Spirit Week Next Week (Oct. 26th-30th)-
Monday-  Favorite Sports Team
Tuesday-  Neon Day
Wednesday-  Decades Day (50's, 60's 70's, 80's)
Thursday-  Pajama Day
Friday-  Halloween Costume Day

8th grade Field Trip-
A special thanks to all our parents who chaperoned the two trips this week to the fish hatchery and SJ water plant.  The students had a good time and learned a lot.  Here are a few shots from Tuesday and today:

One-Hour Delay-

Next Wednesday, October 28th will be a district one-hour delay.  Classes will begin at 8:45 A.M. and buses will pick-up one hour later.

End of the 7th grade rotation one today-

Today (Friday, October 23rd) was the end of the first rotation.  7th graders will begin their new rotation on Monday, October 26th. 

Staff vs. 8th grade Volleyball Players-

Our staff will be taking on the 8th grade volleyball team this Wednesday, October 28th beginning at 6:00 P.M.  at Upton Middle School.  Their will be a free will donation taken at the door to benefit Madie Flores and her family.  As you know from earlier Mandarino Minutes, Madie is battling leukemia and is currently in Grand Rapids at the hospital.  Her medical journey can be followed at :

www.caringbridge.org/visit/madieflores

7th & 8th grade Dance-

We will have our first 7th and 8th grade dance on Friday, November 13th at Upton Middle School.  More details to follow in a future M.M.

Community Corkboard-

Remember to regularly check the community corkboard on our district webpage for many happenings around Southwest Michigan.  http://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

Quote of the Day-

"Eagles come in all shapes and sizes, but you will recognize them chiefly by their attitudes."  - E.F. Schumacher

Have a great weekend,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 10-16-15

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Choir Concert-
What a great job our Upton Choirs did last evening at SJHS! All of our choirs sounded great, were well prepared, and the last song when they all came together was moving. :)  Congratulations Mrs. Gray-Roll and the choirs!

Make A Difference – Be a Volunteer Coach!

Do you want to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, and physical development in the girls of our community?  Do you envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams?  If you said “yes” to either question then Girls on the Run of Berrien County wants  you to join our team!

Girls on the Run provides a unique opportunity for you to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of young girls by being a Volunteer Coach!  If you are interested please email Megan Dongvillo at: mdongvillo@sjschools.org

Bus Changes effective 10-26-15  -
A few changes of stops and bus assignments have been made due to the ridership numbers.  Yesterday (Thursday) and today (10-16-15) hard copy notes were given to the students on the buses.  To see the new assignments and times please go to this site:
http://sjschools.org/about-upton-parents/transportation
 
Planetarium Community Night-
Next Thursday, October 22nd will be a planetarium community night at UMS.  Mrs. Francis will present, “Sesame Street:  One World, One Sky” at 6:30 P.M.  Here is a trailer to describe more about the show:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnrRfK91-LU

8th grade science field trips-
Just a reminder that half of our 8th graders will be out on Tuesday, October 20th and the other half Friday, October 23rd for their fish hatchery & water plant field trip.  This will be a great opportunity for the students to see their curriculum in action.

7th & 8th grade boys basketball tryouts-
Tryouts will begin next Friday, October 23rd at 3:00 P.M. for 7th and 8th grade boys basketball.  A valid physical form that was done after April 15, 2015 must be given to the Upton office or handed to the coaches the day of tryouts.  If you have any questions please email Mr. Sonnevil at esonnevil@sjschools.org


Quotes of the day:
In honor of our beloved Cubs I thought it would be appropriate to quote the greatest Cub of all time.

"Loyalty and friendship, which is to me the same, created all the wealth that I've ever thought I'd have.”- Ernie Banks

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace.”- Ernie Banks

Have a great weekend,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 10-12-15

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

UPTO-

Our wonderful UPTO met last week Thursday, October 8th and continues to do a great job.  If you would like to be a part of the UPTO Facebook page please ask to join at :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/UPTOBears/ .  Minutes of UPTO meetings will be coming in future Mandarino Minute blogs.

 Late-Start Wednesday, October 14th-

We have a district one-hour delay this Wednesday, October 14th.  Buses will run one hour later and school will begin at 8:45 A.M. Breakfast will still be available to students that would like it.  Our morning supervision is also still in place.

7th & 8th grade Football games at Dickinson Stadium tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13, 2016-

10/13 Upton Football Schedule, Played at S.J.H.S. Dickinson Stadium.  We will be operating a gate for this game, and it is is the only home game we charge for.  ($3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students)

3:45 P.M. – Upton 7th Grade vs Lakeshore 7th Grade
5:15  P.M. – Upton 8th Grade “B” vs Coloma 7th/8th Grade
6:45 P.M. - Upton 8th Grade “A” vs Lakeshore 8th Grade

If any parent could give of some time in the concession stand tomorrow during any of the games it would be very appreciated. :) Ann Essig would be happy to have you and assist you in knowing the ins and outs.  

Choir Concert Thursday, October 15th-

Upton Middle School choirs will host their first choir concert of the year this Thursday, October 15th beginning at 7:00 P.M. in the high school auditorium.  Mrs. Gray-Roll and her choirs will entertain you with a variety of choral music.

MSBOA Fall Clinic-

Good luck to our 7th & 8th grade orchestras as they perform their Fall Clinic this Saturday.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to interact with other string players from across the state of Michigan and to perform in front of clinicians.  

 

Quote of the day:

“Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”-  Mark Twain 

Have a good week,

Mr. Mandarino

 

 

Mandarino Minutes 10-7-15

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Spelling Team-

Anyone interested in being a part of the Upton Spelling Team they will meet in Ms. Greissinger’s room on the following dates from 2:45 P.M.- 3:30 P.M.:

Thursday, October 8^th          Thursday, October 15^th        Wednesday, October 28^th

Tuesday, November 3^rd        Tuesday, November 10^th      Wednesday, December 2^nd

Thursday, December 10^th    Monday, December 14^th       Thursday, January 7^th

Friday, January 15^th

Ms. Greissinger realizes that students have busy schedules and conflicts, so students must attend at least six of the official team practices in order to participate in Upton’s Spelling Bee.  The Upton Spelling Bee determines which students would then qualify for the Cloverleaf Spelling Bee at Lake Michigan College.  Please have rides ready at 3:30 P.M.  Ms. Greissinger is excited to begin another year with your son/daughter.

News Team-

If your son/daughter is interested in joining the Upton News team please have them sign-up in the Upton media center before this Monday, October 12^th.  A mandatory meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 13^th after school in the media center and will end at 3:45 P.M.  If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Anderson before Tuesday.  Email address for Mrs. Anderson:  nanderson@sjschools.org

Coding Club-

This Friday, October 9th from 2:45-3:45 P.M. in the media center our Upton Coding Club will meet.  They will meet every other Friday tentatively.  We know this Friday, October 9th and Friday, October 23^rd for sure.  For more information on coding please go to the following site: https://code.org/

Lory’s Place and Upton Middle School

To better meet the needs of our students, our school is pleased to offer a support group for students who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, grandparent, other family member, friend or other significant person in their lives.  The loss does not have to be recent for a student to benefit from the group; the death might have occurred long ago but the student hasn’t yet worked through all of the feelings about the death.  The group provides grief support and education.  Fun, age-appropriate activities provide participants with a safe environment in which to explore the many feelings and experiences of grief.  Please understand a peer grief support group model may not be best suited for everyone.

Grief support can help all of us better understand the feelings and changes brought about by a death.  Studies suggest that extra support following a loss can help students function better at home and school, and gives them a special place for healing.  Staff from Lory’s Place, a Grief Healing and Education Center will facilitate the grief support group at our school for Children and Families, located in St. Joseph.  Lory’s Place is committed to children, teens and adults who are grieving and provides support that offers hope so the healing process can begin.  The group will meet for one class period, once a month at various times in the day.  All students attending will be expected to keep up with their schoolwork.  We will work around any test dates so as not to interfere with your child’s academic schedule.

After discussing this opportunity with your child/teen, please return this permission slip to the guidance office and put it in Mrs. Olson’s mailbox.  Please feel free to call the guidance counselor for your child or contact Lory’s Place, at 269-983-2707, for more information.

Upton Girls Competitive Cheer

Interested 7^th and 8^th grade girls that are interested in competitive cheer will be hosting open gyms from 3:00-5:00 P.M. the next three Thursdays. (October 8^th, October 15^th, and October 22^nd)

Socktober-

Did you know that there are 600,000 homeless people in the United States?  We have several homeless here in Berrien County.  The MOMS Club of St. Joe are coordinating a sock drive for the month of October.  Bring in new socks for children, men, and women of all sizes, colors, and patterns.  These socks will go to homeless right here in Berrien County.  This drive will run through October 30^th, 2015.  We have a box in the Upton office for drop-offs.  Please consider this donation.

Quote of the week;

“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do…but how much love we put in that action.”  – Mother Teresa.

Have a great rest of the week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes October 2nd , 2015

Dear Parents & Guardains

Builders Club-
Builders Club will be holding their first meeting Wednesday, October 7th, 3:00 to 4:00 in the foods room.  Builders Club is a Kiwanis-supported service club that seeks to improve our school and community through service projects.  Students build leadership, compassion, and friendship as they work together on projects.  Our first project will be making Christmas cards for injured soldiers on October 21st.  Membership information will be shared at the Kick-Off meeting October 7th.  All Upton students are welcome to attend and learn more about the club.  Please email Mrs. Hunnell with any questions – shunnell@sjschools.org

Madie-
Madie Flores is an 8th grade student at Upton.  Madie was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2008 and had a relapse in 2012.  Just when the family thought it was done it was discovered that Madie had Myeldysplastic syndrome, a cancerous disease that requires a bone marrow transplant.  Madie will be receiving this transplant next week.  Madie, because of all the risks with being involved will miss a great part of this school year.  You can follow her medical journey at:  
www.caringbridge.org/visit/madieflores
We are also asking for get well cards for Madie.  If your son or daughter would like to give Madie a well wish they can bring those to the office and we will make sure she receives them.  Thanks for keeping Madie and her family in your thoughts!

Art Prize- 
Mr. Fralick, Mrs. Beam, and Mr. Culver (SJHS art teachers) will be leading another group of kids on their annual Art Prize field trip.  This will include our students that are in Studio Art.  Our students will be amazed at the talent they will see.

Community Corkboard-
Please visit the Community corkboard regularly to see what is going on in the St. Joseph area.  Here is a quick link:  http://www.sjschools.org/sjps-parents/community-cork-board-district

Volleyball-
Congratulations to our 7th grade volleyball team on their runner-up finish this past Saturday.

Quote of the Day:
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." - Fredrick Douglass

Have a nice weekend,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for September 29, 2015

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Science Olympiad meeting-

As mentioned last week you must attend one of the meetings either today from 3:00-4:00 P.M. or tomorrow from 6:00-7:00 P.M. for your son/daughter to participate in our Science Olympiad team.  If you have any questions you may email Ms. Kietzerow for more information.  Kkietzerow@sjschools.org

Late-Start tomorrow-

We have a district one-hour delay tomorrow.  Buses will run one hour later and school will begin at 8:45 A.M. Breakfast will still be available to students that would like it.  Our morning supervision is also still in place.

UPTO No-Sale Fundraiser-

Thanks so much to many of you have already given your donation towards our wonderful UPTO.  They do so many great things for our students and student-athletes.  Their generosity towards many worthwhile causes has benefitted many students and staff over the years.  Some of the following items have happened:  purchase of books, uniforms and sports equipment, 8^th grade Career day support, gym class items, mini teacher grants, etc.  If you would still like to make a donation we would love if you could send that in with your son/daughter and we will make sure it makes it to the UPTO mailbox at Upton. 

Count Day-

Count day for the state of Michigan is next Wednesday, October 7^th.  In the middle school we take attendance every hour for our documentation.  It our hope to avoid as many appointments and late arrivals for students on this day.  Your help would be appreciated.

Homecoming Football game this Friday-

Just a reminder that we would like our middle school students to either be in the middle school section or sitting with their parents during home football games. Bringing footballs from home is discouraged, and pick-up football games behind the stadium are also not allowed.  We want the students to have a good time with their friends in the stands and to cheer on the team.  Thanks for your help and support.

Congratulations to our Cross Country teams-

Our 7^th & 8^th grade girls and boys each took home 1^st places this past weekend at a huge meet.  Our 6^th grade girls also took home 1^st place, while our 6^th grade boys finished in 3^rd place.  This was a fantastic effort for all.  Our coaches, Ms. V and Mr. Fralick, were very proud of you all!   

Quote of the week:
“I think togetherness is a very important ingredient to family life.” – Barbara Bush

Have a great week,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for Friday, September 25, 2015

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I will be moving Mandarino Minutes from a PowerAnnounment/email to a blog.  The advantages of this will be you can subscribe to this blog and have all the past & current posts all in one place.  To subscribe to the blog please enter your email in the upper right corner of this page.  Or, you can simply bookmark the address of this blog which is http://mandarinominutes.blogspot.com/ Being a novice "blogger" I will hope to improve this site as I go.  

Thanks,
Mr. Mandarino


Science Olympiad Flyer

Please see the attached flyer link above (just click on Science Olympiad Flyer) for any student who would like to be a part of our Science Olympiad team.  Ms. Kietzerow, Mrs. Foster, and Dr. St. Amand do an excellent job guiding our students.

8th grade field trip chaperones

8th grade parents are needed as chaperones for the science field trips planned for October 20th and October 23rd.  Please contact your son/daughter's science teacher to be a part of this trip.  The students will be heading to the water plant and fish hatchery.

Last Chance for Spirit Sales

The deadline for ordering for Spirit sales is this Tuesday, September 29th.  The following link will take you to the ordering site:  http://lazergraphicsinc.com/sale/upton-middle-school.html 

Thanks to Nye's Apple Barn

The Upton Life Management department would like to give a special thanks to Nye’s Apple Barn for donating apples for the 8th grade foods classes to make applesauce, apple butter, dried apples, and apple pie.  Please thank the folks at Nyes when you stop by for fresh local produce and gift items.  We are very fortunate to have such an abundance of fruits and vegetables this time of year and a local business that is willing to support our program.

Youth Night at the Bear Cage for SJHS Soccer

Tomorrow evening at 6:45 P.M. come to Upton Middle School at the Bear Cage to watch the Bears take on the South Haven Rams.  All youth (boys and girls) that show up to the game will be able to play a small sided game at halftime of the game.

Quote of the day:
In honor of the great Yogi Berra:
"If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else." - Yogi Berra

Have a great weekend,
Mr. Mandarino