Mandarino Minutes for 1-28-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,




When we Return...-
We hope that everyone is staying warm and safe!  When we return to school we will have the 5th & 6th hour exams.  The weather has allowed a lot of time to study for them. 😀⛄  We will have a full day of school with each class meeting after for about 28 minutes each. 

National Kindness Week-

Great Kindness Challenge is a proactive and positive bullying prevention initiative that improves school climate and increases student engagement. The Great Kindness Challenge is one week devoted to performing as many acts of kindness as possible.  Our school is participating this week, 1/28/19- 2/3/19. Although, we have done various things throughout the whole school year to promote and live out these qualities as well. Overall, we have very kind students at UMS!

Kindness promotes empathy and compassion; which in turn, leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others. When we practice random acts of kindness, It releases an energy. We feel better and the recipients of our acts feel better, which then makes them more likely to be kind to other people.

We will be giving every student a piece of paper  where they will list kind deeds they will do and then have an adult sign off on when complete.  The counselors will also be present at lunch this week to play a fun dice game with those that choose to participate. The cards will be turned into the office upon completion and entered into a raffle. The cards will be drawn and winners announced.

Please talk to your child about this and help support them in their endeavors.

National History Day Winners-

The social studies department wants to thank all of our students for a job well done and the hard work put into their projects!  Here are the results for the students that will advance to Western Michigan University:

Individual exhibit

Haley Shears

Margaret Cox

Maren Barfuss

Individual Website

Aseem Singh

Aaron Teng

Sam Hosbein

Individual Documentary 

Asher Harrmann 

Brooke Hartman

Eliza Kuhlman

Individual Paper

Rhys Conybeare

Alex Biggins

Braden Miesse 

Individual Performance 

Clara Berry

Maddie Ugalde 

Group Performance

Phoenix Izokaitis 

David Rojas

Group Website

Joseph Hawkins & Robby Cleveland

Ava Risser & Bridget Confer

Emma Teng & Jintong He

Group Documentary 

Pedro Czesnat & Thomas Weykamp

Grace Rommel & Emily Veine

Group Exhibit

Bridget Nuter & Lanie Smith

Phoebe Champion & Andrew Ferrell

Ginny Weykamp & Nick Pierangeli

Honor Credit Union-
8th grader, Brandon Wilder, was the Honor Credit Union winner of the month in December.  All students who make a deposit in that month are eligible and entered to win a gift basket.  Brandon was the December winner.

Brandon Wilder

8th grade Parent & Student Night at SJHS-
Just another reminder that a week from today, next Monday, February 4th at 6:00 PM in the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS is the student & parent scheduling meeting.  This meeting is very important for all to attend.

Common Sense Media Article of the Week-
This was an article that was written a few months back, but it talks about tips for decreasing phone time.  Article link: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/use-your-phone-less-with-tools-from-apple-google-snapchat-and-more

Quote of the week-

"You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those things that you can't put a dollar sign on. " - Dolly Parton

Have a nice and safe week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 1-22-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,



A Look At This Week-
Tuesday is review day and is a whole day.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are 1/2 days with dismissal time being 11:04 AM.
Wednesday, January 23rd- 1st and 2nd hour exams
Thursday, January 24th- 3rd and 4th hour exams
Friday, January 25th- 5th and 6th hour exams

Test Anxiety and Our Guidance Department-

During the last 2 weeks, the Guidance Department has come into many of the classes to help students understand anxiety & practice a relaxation technique.  This session we focused on mindful breathing and used the Stop, Think & Breathe app. We discussed that breathing is a quick way to access information stored in their working memory and help their 'thinking' and 'feeling' brain communicate. The students did a nice job practicing this technique and hopefully will continue to utilize the skill.  

As we go into exam week, we thought it might be helpful for you as parents to be able to reference some test-taking tips.  Here is a great website for not just students, but also parents:  https://www.testtakingtips.com

Ski Club tomorrow (Wed., Jan. 23rd)-
Ski & snowboarding club will go from 11:30-5:30 tomorrow Wednesday, January 23rd so that students can get back to study.

8th grade parents and students meeting-

INFORMATIONAL SCHEDULING MEETING for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents who plan to attend St. Joseph High School Fall 2019

WHEN: Monday, February 4, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: John & Dede Howard Auditorium @ St. Joseph High School

WHY: *Receive 2019-20 Scheduling Materials

*Learn about the High School Scheduling Process

*Meet Department Representatives

*Tour the High School

Special Screening for Parents-

Parents of K-12 students - Please join us Feb 11th from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm in the John and Dede auditorium at SJHS for a viewing of Screenagers. Screenagers is an award-winning film that depicts the challenging struggles that families have over social media, video games and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world. After viewing the film, we have a county expert, Joe Rommel, who will give additional updates on current social media trends and suggestions for parents on setting boundaries with their students’ social media use.

Refreshments will be available, along with free childcare offered by SJHS National Honor Society student group. Childcare is available for toddler through elementary school age children.

Common Sense Media-
Mrs. Cardon mentioned this site in a recent message to parents.  It is filled with great resources (movie reviews, book lists, apps & games, advice for parents, etc.).  Here is a recent article I read about the science behind tech obsessions:  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/the-sneaky-science-behind-your-kids-tech-obsessions

Upton Variety Show-
Congratulations to all our participants in the 2019 Upton variety show!  It promises to be another great show!  The date is Saturday, March 23rd at 6:30 PM at the John & Dede Howard Auditorium at St. Joseph High School.

Community Corkboard-

Have you took a look at the community corkboard lately?  You will find something there about lacrosse, teen book club, baseball & softball, and more.  Click here:  SJPS Community Corkboard

Quote of the week-  

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 1-14-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Food Drive-
From the Interact Club of Upton Middle School:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others? ” Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the MLK Day National Day of Service to serve their neighbors and communities. Join our students on this day by helping fight food insecurity through our food drive sponsored by the Upton Middle School Interact Club. The drive will take place this week from January 14 to the 18 and all food can be dropped at the boxes located at the front office. We are partnering with United Way of Southwest Michigan to provide shelf stable food items for The Soup Kitchen of Benton Harbor. Items needed: canned vegetables & fruit, salad dressing & mayo, rice & pasta, oatmeal, coffee creamer (powder), sugar/sweetener, teabags, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, canned meats (tuna, salmon, chicken), canned beans, dried beans, canned soups & stews, peanut butter, nuts, canned chili. (Large cans and bulk items can be bought at Gordon Food Service, Costco, or Sam's Club.)





2nd marking period ends this Friday-
This Friday, January 18th is the end of the second marking period.  Each marking period makes up 45% of a semester grade.

No School Next week Monday in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-
We will not have school next Monday, January 21st in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, jr.

Late Start this Wednesday-

The district has a late start this Wednesday, January 16th.  

Exam Week-

Next week is exam week 6th -12th grades in St. Joseph Public Schools.  Here is the schedule:

Tuesday, January 22nd - Review Day

Wednesday, January 23rd -  1st and 2nd hour exams

Thursday, January 24th- 3rd and 4th hour exams

Friday, January 25th- 5th and 6th hour exams

Wednesday-Friday the dismissal time is 11:04 A.M.

School Board Meeting tonight-

The school board meeting for January is this evening at 6:00 PM at our central office on Lincoln Avenue.

8th to 9th grade scheduling meeting for students and parents-

Informational Scheduling Meeting for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents 
who plan to attend
St. Joseph High School Fall 2019

Monday, February 4, 2019
6:00pm
John & Dede Howard Auditorium at St. Joseph High School

*** A change from the original calendar date***

Quote of the week-

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 1-7-19

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome Back-
I hope you had a great break with your family!  It was a wonderful time to get recharged.  I also hope you daughter/son got a chance to unplug a bit.

Sock Drive-

Thanks to all who contributed to the sock drive/toiletry drive - your donations will definitely be appreciated!!  In total, Upton will be donating 763 items (382 pairs of socks & 381 toiletries)!  Thanks to Builders Club for facilitating!  With the HS's donations of 451 pairs of socks, the SJ schools will be able to donate over 1,200 items to those in need!!  

Giving Tree-

Two Upton families had a great holiday season thanks to the generosity of many students, families, and staff at Upton.  We would really like to thank Margaret Cox and CeCi Ruchti for their organization, administration, and making sure everything went smooth!

Two weeks left in the marking period-

The 2nd marking period ends on Friday, January 18th.  

Exam Schedule-

Semester exams will happen January 23rd-January 25th.  

Each day the students will take two exams.  The exams are 10% of the students semester grade.  Semester grades are calculated as 45% 1st marking period grade, 45% 2nd marking period grade, and 10% semester exam.  Here is the schedule:

January 23rd-  1st and 2nd hour exams

January 24th- 3rd and 4th hour exams

January 25th- 5th and 6th hour exams

Each day of exams dismissal is at 11:04 AM.

No Late Start this week-

The district will not have a late start this Wednesday, January 9th.  Next week January 16th will be the next late start.

Chess Club returns this Thursday-

Chess club is this Thursday, January 10th after school in Mrs. Walsworth's room (room 219).  All levels and abilities welcome.

Quote of the week-

"And now we welcome the new year.  Full of things that have never been." - Ranier Maria Rilke

Happy New Year,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-17-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,



Great concert last week-
We would like to congratulate our Upton bands for a wonderful concert last week at St. Joseph High School!  Our kids performed well and the progression right through high school was amazing.  Great job to Mr. Engleman, Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett, and our A.I.R.'s for their hard work with the students!

Concert tomorrow evening-
Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, December 18th beginning at 7:00 PM will be the middle school choirs & 7th/8th grade orchestras performing at the John & Dede Auditorium at SJHS.  It will be another great concert!

7th & 8th grade basketball meeting-
Tomorrow morning (Tuesday, December 18th) will be a 7th & 8th grade girls basketball meeting in the Maize Gym beginning at 7:30 AM for student-athletes only.

D.A.R. Essay Contest-
Recently three 8th grade girls entered the Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contest they are :  Morgan Hanks, Grace LaFayette, and Caitlin Sullivan.  Of all the middle schools in the area Grace LaFayette was picked as the winner!  Her essay will now go on to the state competition.  We applaud all three ladies for their participation and wish Grace luck for the state competition!

Left to Right:  Pat Hill (DAR Rep), Mr. Mandarino, Caitlin Sullivan, Morgan Hanks, Mrs. Walsworth (ELA teacher for all three ladies), Grace LaFayette (Contest Winner), and Sylvia Fagal (DAR Rep and Essay Coordinator) 

Thanks for giving and ...-
We would like to thank all the families who have contributed to our giving tree, Toys for Tots, and sock/toiletry drive (this ends Wednesday, December 19th) so far.  It is not too late to contribute if you can lend a hand this holiday season.  On the giving tree we still have:
   -  Male pants waist size 30
   -  Male underwear size small
   -  Male shirts size small (2 of these)
   -  Male winter coat size small
   -  Male basketball shoes size 11
   -  Basketball
   - Wrestling toys
   -  Save-A-Lot Gift card

Interact Club Doing Great Things! -
25 Interact Club members spent time with three 1st grade classes at Countryside Academy/Millburg Early Learning Center last Friday after school.  This event has been an ongoing effort to promote literacy, STEM, and social mentoring by the Interact Club.  The students were dressed holiday festive and passed out candy canes to all the first graders. 

Interact students with Countryside Students

Unplug-
Every year at the break I always encourage parents to have your daughter/son unplug as much as possible.  Less computer time and more family time, less phone time and more time with friends, less time on video games and more outdoor activities, etc.  Two weeks away from their devices is healthy!  This is my two cents editorial. 😄

Minecraft for Education-
Please click on this link to find out information on the latest educational tool that SJPS students have access to:  Minecraft for Education Parent Letter

Two successful lockdown drills so far this year-
We have had two very well run lockdown drills this school year so far.  Our staff works with students to make sure they know what to do in the case of an outside/inside intruder, and during class or a passing time.  The local authorities observe these and give feedback on improvement.  

Student Council this Wednesday-
Student council will be meeting Wednesday after school until 3:45 to assemble candy canes in Mrs. Hubble's room. We need as many hands as possible so all members should try to attend.

Spirit Days Continue at Upton-

Quote of the week-

"The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family." - Lee Iacocca

Have a wonderful break with your family,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 12-10-18

Dear Parents/Guardians,



6th grade "Informance" was wonderful-
The sixth graders did a wonderful job in their first concert of their playing career!  The growth was fun to view, and it really looked the students were enjoying the performance.

Upton Students and Parents are so Giving-
We have many giving opportunities for those less fortunate this holiday season.  We have adopted two of our families at Upton with a giving tree.  The tree is in our office with tags on it.  Here is a list of some of the things on the tags:  Families we are sponsoring pdf
If your family feels you can contribute please take a tag and bring the item into the office.  CeCi Ruchti and Margaret Cox have taken this project under their wings to guide this!

Margaret Cox

CeCi Ruchti

Other giving opportunities-
Our students earlier in the school year heard motivational speaker, Mike Smith, speak to them about pursuing your dreams.  As your son/daughter told you it was a marvelous talk.  Mike has a nonprofit group called Skate for change.  Here is a link to that site to hear more information:  Skate for Change website  As a school we are collecting socks and toiletries (Toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.) to make a difference.  Our Builders Club is in competition with the high school Key Club.



Toys for Tots also have boxes in our building for their drive.  These toys will stay locally for kids in this area.

Band Concert this Wednesday-
This Wednesday evening at the John & Dede Howard Auditorium at SJHS beginning at 7:00 PM is the Middle School & High School Band concert.  It will feature all bands 6th-12th grades.  It is great way to get you in the holiday spirit.

Choir & Orchestra Concert next week-
Speaking of concerts, the middle school choir & orchestra concert will take place next week on Tuesday, December 18th at the John & Dede Howard Auditorium at SJHS beginning at 7:00 PM.  Three weeks in a row of great entertainment!

Lost and Found-
Our lost & found has several items in it.  If your daughter/son has lost something, please encourage them to take a look.  It is located in the room near the cafeteria (the students know where it is).

Holiday Luncheon this Thursday-
Just another reminder that the holiday luncheon is this Thursday during all lunches.  UPTO parents along with Mr. Jeffers and I will serve the students at lunch.  It will feature: sliced ham/turkey, potatoes & gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, homemade cake, etc.

Honor Credit Union winner for November-
6th grader, Jaslynn Ward, was the Honor Credit Union winner of the month.  All students who make a deposit in that month are entered to win.  Jaslynn won a gift basket and a $25 Visa gift card.

Jaslynn Ward

Thanks for your support of the Book Fair-
The Upton Media Center and Mrs. Burnette would like to thank you for your support of the book fair.  All proceeds go to add to the collection at Upton.  

Community Corkboard-
Have you looked at our district community corkboard lately?  Here is the link to the site:  SJPS Community Corkboard

Late start this week-
SJPS has a late start this Wednesday, December 12th.  Breakfast will be available at 8:15 AM.  School begins at 8:45 AM.

The district does not have a late start next Wednesday, December 19th.

Please do not message from ...-
Please do not message your daughter/son's teachers through their personal itsLearning account.  That is the avenue for students to communicate with their teachers.  The proper way is to email or through a parent itsLearning account.  

Students were well behaved-
Often we hear about about when something doesn't go well, but I wanted to report that our 7th & 8th graders were very well behaved at the dance on Friday evening.  The students seemed to enjoy the dance and just being with their friends!  Parenting is a huge part of our students great behavior.  They say, "Apples don't fall far from trees."

Quote of the week-

From Maya Angelou:

Have a great week,

Mr. Mandarino