Isanti Middle School
Parent/Family Newsletter November 20, 2023
Season of Thanks
The finish line for the first trimester of our school year is rapidly approaching. As we head into Thanksgiving, it is nice to pause and reflect on the many things we are thankful for, especially as we have just six more instructional days before the end of tri 1.
I want to take this opportunity to share just a few of them with you. We are thankful for our students who come to school every day ready to learn – they give us all a daily reminder of what is important and why we are here. We are thankful for the support of the parents in creating an outstanding partnership for our students. We are thankful for our teachers, instructional assistants, secretaries, nurses, lunchroom monitors, custodial staff, support staff, therapists and administrators who really care about student achievement and have the best interests of our students at heart. We are also thankful for our volunteers who enthusiastically contribute so much to our school.
We see dedicated and tireless individuals going above and beyond to make sure that great things happen in our school. They do make a difference, and the children, in their own individual ways, benefit from those efforts.
I would like to wish all of you and your families a healthy, relaxing and happy Thanksgiving break!
People & Pet Food Drive - Compassion
Wednesday, November 22 is the last day of our People & Pet Food Drive. Once again this year we are in a friendly competition with CMS to collect the most food for this great cause. At this time we are still looking for more students to participate. While our goal is to get as many items as possible, ultimately I would love to see as many different students as possible participate.
In support of Family Pathways.
Bring your food donations...even just one item...to Advisory!
Upcoming Dates
November 22: Final day of the People & Pet Food Drive
November 23-24: No School Thanksgiving Holiday
November 30: Trimester 1 Ends
December 1: No School - Professional Development & Trimester Wrap-up
December 4: Trimester 2 Starts
Student Connection Survey - Linking School Goals & Strategic Plan
Each year, we set school goals around the following items:
Math and Reading Achievement & Progress (Growth)
Math or Reading Achievement (Equity)
School Climate
Consistent Attendance
Strategic Priorities
We will foster positive Personal Relationships.
We will improve the mental health & well-being of all students and staff.
Typically, at the middle level (IMS & CMS) our School Climate goal is linked to student behavior data. We typically work to increase the number and percentage of students who are displaying consistently positive behavior throughout the year. This year, we are looking to add another measure for this goal. We have developed a very short three question check-in for students to help us identify how well students feel connected and valued at school. Our intention is to get a broad view of students' current perceptions to allow us to intentionally program supports in our day, such as Advisory, which are intended to help meet these needs.
The survey will collect no student specific data. We'll ask them to identify which grade they are in, and then all of the responses will be grouped by grade-level and building level.
If you would rather your student not participate in this check-in, please use the link below to opt-out. prior to the end of the day on Monday, November 27.
Inclement Weather Plan
What happens if school is closed for the day?
Cambridge Isanti Schools may use eLearning days due to inclement weather. A flexible eLearning Day means that school can be in session without students and staff being physically present at the school. Below is more information on our eLearning Day.
Teachers will post the day's lesson in Google Classroom by 10:00am. All teachers will be available from 10am-3pm by school email or within their open Google Meets. Students may work on lesson's independently throughout the day. If a student needs help with a lesson they can access their teacher according to the modified schedule pictured below. Students are able to access Google Meets via their school issued Chromebook or other personal devices
Repeat Items
Attendance Intervention Meeting (AIM)
AIM meetings serve as the initial intervention for students facing attendance challenges. AIM represents a collaborative effort between C-I Schools, the Isanti County Probation, and the Attorney's offices. When students accumulate three unexcused absences, we refer the student to the Isanti County Probation Department and they are invited to attend an AIM meeting held at the courthouse.
ENCORE is here!
ENCORE program provides free tutoring, internet access, and opportunities for students to improve their academic and study skills.
- ENCORE is open to all IMS students.
- Students will work on assignments and work to improve academic skills.
- Transportation is the responsibility of the family
- Afternoon (Monday thru Thursday)
Winter sports registration is now Open!
If your child is interested in a winter sport, please see details here regarding activity start dates and practice locations. Winter sports/activities available: Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Wrestling, Boys Swimming, Speech.
Click here to register for activities. Reach out to Chris Goebel at cgoebel@c-ischools.org if you have questions.
Upcoming Dates
November 23-24: No School Thanksgiving Holiday
November 30: Trimester 1 Ends
December 1: No School - Professional Development & Trimester Wrap-up
December 4: Trimester 2 Starts
Parent / Family News
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Isanti Middle School
Email: rpauly@c-ischools.org
Website: https://ims.c-ischools.org/
Location: 201 Centennial Drive Northwest, Isanti, MN, USA
Phone: (763) 691-8600