Mandarino Minutes for 9-3-20

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome -

Welcome to a new school year.  Our first day of school is September 8th-11th, 2020. (Depending on your last name)  A new school year is always exciting! We know that things will look different. The staff will do our best to make sure Upton is welcoming, safe, and a place of relationship-building. Academic emphasis on the core content areas of language arts, science, social studies, and math will remain a priority.  A variety of instruction in the performing & visual arts, Spanish, life management, industrial education, technology, and physical education complete our program providing each student with the opportunity to develop areas of interest and skill.

Please become a part of our UPTO. Please utilize the district website, and the Parent Portal regularly.  By being a part of your child’s education you are establishing strong foundations and being a positive role model. We depend on a partnership here at school and with you at home. ☺

The staff at Upton Middle School looks forward to working with you! Mr. Mandarino

Masks are required-

If your family choose the face-to-face education you have chosen to have your child wear a mask at school. We will expect them to be on during class, passing time, etc. Please help us by having this conversation with your daughter/son before the first day of school.

Packet in the Mail -

In the next day or two your child's schedule will arrive along with other various pieces of paperwork.  It will reflect the following:

• Semester 1 and rotation 1 (For 6th and 7th grades)
• On the back of the schedule is directions for setting up PowerSchool Parent Portal
• A map will be included in the packet so that the students can shade in their classrooms.  They can bring this the first day of school.
• The emergency card is in the packet as well.  Please sign and have your son/daughter bring it the first day of their school year.
• Other items are in this envelope as well.

District Bus Routes and Times-

Please see the link if your daughter/son will be riding the bus.  The link includes:

• Every school in the district bus schedules
• The name of the driver
• The name of the animal (important to know for loading after school)
• The stop location
• The approximate time the bus will pickup in the AM/drop off in the PM

Bus Routes for SJPS Link

Virtual Students Coming in for Band, Choir, Orchestra -

If your daughter/son is a virtual student that is coming into Upton for band, choir, or orchestra they must sign in at the main office before going to their classroom.

Morning Drop off and After school pickup -

In the site based reopening plan starting on page 13 (under phase 4) is the morning drop off procedures. If you haven't taken the time to review this, please do so. The after school pickup begins on page 23. We have photos to assist you. We need to all be very careful, drive slow, watch for students in the parking lot, and please never be in a hurry. Here is the link to review the plans if you have not:

SITE BASED RETURN LINK

First two weeks phase in schedule -

The link below tells you which day of the week your children come to school the first two weeks of school.

SJPS K-12 Phase In Schedule Link

Your Child Forgot Something? -

If your son/daughter forgot an item we will have a table in the vestibule for you to set the item down at.  You will simply buzz in at the front door, the secretary will let you in, and you will set the item down on the table, and your child can check in at the office for the item.  We are limiting the visitors inside the building.  

Opening School Youtube Video-

I know many of you have already viewed the opening school UMS video, but if not here is the link one more time:

Opening of School Youtube Link

Quote of the week -

Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 8-21-20

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope this finds you well-

I hope your family is enjoying the beautiful weather and are all doing well! School whether virtual or face-to-face is just around the corner and below will be a few helpful items to view at your leisure.  

Mandarino Minutes-

This is one avenue that I will communicate with you for the entire school year.  I know a ton of information has been thrown at you this past week, but we hope that each day that we continue to help answer questions and provide information that will be helpful to you.

Return to Learn Video-

Here is a short youtube video clip that outlines a few items you may have been wondering.

Return to Learn Video Clip Link 

Phase in Schedule for the first few weeks- 

Phase in Infographic Link

Food Service Paying Online-

Step 1: Creating an Account

• To setup a new account, go to SendMoneyToSchool.com and click the Create New Account button. 

• Follow the on-screen instructions.

• After clicking the Create Account button, a confirmation email will be sent to the address you provided. Be sure to check your junk or spam folders if you don’t see it within a few minutes.

Step 2: Confirm Your Email Address

• Click the link provided in the confirmation email to finalize creation of your account.

Step 3: Adding Your Children

• Sign in and follow the on-screen instructions to add your children or yourself to your account.

• You will be asked to provide the following information for each person:

1. ID Number

2. First and Last Name

3. Birthdate

FEATURES

• Make online deposits

• View your children’s

purchase histories

• Set parental controls

• Transfer funds among siblings

Frequently Asked Question:

-  I forgot my Password. Can I reset it?

On the login page, click the Forgot Your Password link. Enter your email address, and a new password will be sent to you.

-  How long does it take for deposits to appear at school?

Upon approval, deposits typically are available at the school within 10 minutes.

-  Is SendMyToSchool.com secure?

SMTS uses encryption to protect your data in both the browser and at the data center. Additionally, no credit card information is stored on our servers.

Send Money to School Link

SJPS Family Instructional Choice- 

If you have already filled out the survey we thank you very much!  If you have not here is the link below to do so at this time.  If you want more information on the virtual option please visit the SJPS website for more specifics.

SJPS Family Instructional Choice Link

UMS Site Based Plan-

This is a big document that has a lot of information.  This can be found for every school on the SJPS website.

UMS Site Based Reopening Plan Link

Incoming 6th grader orientation website-

I wanted to resend the incoming 6th grade orientation website that we sent back in June.  We will also work closely with your incoming 6th grader the first few weeks of school to help them feel comfortable and acclimated. To put your 6th grader at ease about lockers we will start the year without lockers. 

6th grade Orientation Website Link

Quote of the week-

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 6-15-20 (Last one for this school year)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thanks and ... -

Let me take one last chance to say thank you for all you have done to support UMS and SJPS!  Please enjoy your family this summer!  If I have some new communication/news to share with you I will send out an e-blast.

Last Chance for Medications Tomorrow-

We have had chances to pick-up medications and after tomorrow morning they will be properly disposed of.  We are offering one last chance from 8:30 AM-9:30 AM on Tuesday, June 16th.  Please ring the buzzer at the front door and it will be brought out to you.

6-12th Grade Choir Singing together -

This is truly a beautiful virtual performance by our 6th-12th SJPS choir students.  A special thanks to Mr. Roll for the hours upon hours he put into meshing this performance together!

Virtual Choir Performance Link

Summer Reading Reboot -

It is not too late to join a summer reading program.  Please encourage your son/daughter to read at least one book a month this summer.  

UPTO  Wants to thank... -

Thank you to each and every person who donated to the 8th grade keychain gift.

LORRIE BARTLOFF              LAURI BERRY
RENEE CATANIA.                 KAREN CAMELET 
NICOLE COAR.                     LARA CRAWFORD 
ANDREA CONFER               JUSTYNA CHAMPION 
KIMBERLY CAPLEA           CHARLOTTE BOWMAN-HAWKINS 
REBECCA HEAPS                AMANDA HERRING 
MELISSA HOSBEIN             MICHELLE HUMES
MARIA JORDAN                  ANITA KAPELKE
SANDY KRIEG.                    LARA CRAWFORD 
BRIGITTE KELLEY.             JULEE LAURENT 
TIFFANY LEDFORD.           APRIL MEIER
CARLOS A. MARTINEZ      LISA MOLLISON 
ELENA NEUS                       SHERRY NIGAM 
CAMILLE PIERCE               NATALIE RANK 
ALYSSA RAWLS                  KRISTEN ROBINSON 
CONNIE ROSS                     SHAWN SCHROEDER 
THOMAS SHEARS              AMBER SHUREB 
AMY HUME-SIZER             MARCI SMITH 
HEIDI SORENSEN               JAMIE SPEARS 
MICHELLE STANEART      LAURA GRIFFIN-TROYER 
SUSAN LANE-TURNER     MARY-ALICE VARGO 
DANA WALSWORTH          DEBORAH WEBB 
AMY WELLS                        KATHY WEYKAMP

A very special thank you goes out to Rich Daniels, CEO & Founder of RNS Packaging. RNS Packaging made it possible that each and every 8th grade student received a special keychain gift. Your generous donation is appreciated!

Thank you to Mary Moran and her small at home embroidery Business Breeches and Bloomers for creating the key chains and making this sale possible. She does beautiful work!

Quote for the summer -

Have a wonderful & relaxing summer,
Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 6-8-20

Dear Parents/Guardians,



Thanks for a great year -

Parents/Guardians, the staff of UMS want to thank you for a great, but very different school year.  We realize that the last 11 weeks have been very unusual and at times stressful.  Students learning at home, teachers teaching remotely, parents playing the role of facilitator, etc.  We appreciate your partnership and support.  We are hopeful that the 2020-2021 school year is a more return to "normal" school year.  Please enjoy your family time this summer!


Thanks also for a very efficient and smooth drop-off and pickup day last Thursday, June 4th.  We appreciate you showing up!  We had close to 95% of our students come through! 

No report cards and grading -

For the last five years UMS and SJHS (6th-12th grades) does not print off and mail hard copy report cards.  Your son/daughter's grades can be viewed in PowerSchool.

Just a reminder that marking period four is marked as CR for credit and semester 2 is marked CR for middle school classes.  High school classes will have CR for the fourth marking period and a grade or CR for semester 2 (depending on the option you chose).

Cross Country for 8th going into 9th grade -

For any incoming freshman who are interested in running cross country next fall at the high school. Please contact Coach Mahler by email at mmahler@stjoebears.com.  He will have an informational meeting soon.

Mike Mahler

St. Joseph Head

XC Coach

mmahler@stjoebears.com

(269) 930-0860

Cross Country for 6th going into 7th grades & 7th going into 8th -

Hey everyone!  

I know summer is just getting started, but I wanted to get you thinking about the upcoming 2020 Cross Country season.  I'm hoping you're considering being a part of our great tradition by being a part of this amazing team!  

Please take a moment to go through this google document.  It has a survey you can quickly fill out so I know a little more about you, give you some ideas for summer training, as well as get you thinking about earning certain mileage club honors!  

If you have friends that may want to run CC with us this year have them email me and I will be sure to get them this important information.  Have a great summer.  Keep on running and log those miles!  Maybe I'll see you out there!

I will send out more information as we get closer to August.

Mr. Maier

Physicals for the 2020-2021 School Year - 

For the 2020-21 school year the MHSAA pre-participation sports physical requirement will be waived for students in any grade who received a valid physical for sports during the 2019-20 school year (one completed on or after April 15, 2019). These students and their parents/guardians will be required to complete the two-page MHSAA SPORTS HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE found on MHSAA.com (attached here). These must be signed by student and parent/guardian and kept on file in the school. Students who did not receive a sports physical in the 2019- 20 school year or later must have a valid physical examination form on file. 

8th grade Farewell Flipgrid - 

The 8th grade farewell flipgrid will be sent out today.  A special thanks to Mrs. Cabanilla-Sinnett and Mrs. Nicholson for all the time they put in designing and producing it.   We obviously would have loved the in-person 8th grade farewell, but I think you will enjoy this Flipgrid.  Please let your daughter/son know it is coming today.

JoeBots 2020-2021 Information -

Please click here for the 2020-2021 JoeBots informational pdf.

JoeBots 2020-2021 Information Flyer

Unplug -

Every year I ask parents to help their son/daughter by limiting their online usage.  We all know that summer is a short season in Michigan, so I encourage you to have them enjoy the great outdoors, read a book, and spend less time on a device.  They spent a lot of time the last several months engaging online and a few months limited time would be good for everyone!  Thanks!

Quote of the week- 

Have a wonderful summer,

Mr. Mandarino

Mandarino Minutes for 6-1-20

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:

Benjamin Catania

Grace Rommel

Ceci Ruchti

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

Please contact Mrs. Burnette (kburnette@sjschools.org) if you have any questions.

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  and manage COVID 19 risks:  Article Check out this Link                                          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.   Covid-19, Guidance & SEL

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.

Anyone wishing to join UPTO or find out more information should email uptonmiddlepto@gmail.com.

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	Description	# Needed
Vice President	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.	1
Secretary	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.	1
Grade Level Representative	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.	At least 3 per grade level

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