Marinette Middle School News
May 2018
Message from Mr. Whisler
Marinette Middle School: Anchored in the Journey of the Whole Student
Time and time again, I have parents or guardians mention to me that they don’t feel as though they are wanted at their student’s middle school. This perception may be because of the reaction that their student has when the parent/guardian drops them off at school, what the parent/guardian sees through the media, or from the parent’s or guardian’s own experience as a young tweenager/teenager. However, this perception is no further from the truth!
Middle School is the time that students’ need their parents and/or guardians the most. It is part of growing up for a normal middle school student to make some mistakes, or think about the world with errors. However, it is the job of the adults that are responsible for the middle schooler to help guide them in the right direction. I like to think about it as allowing the middle school student to “play within the fences.”
As we enter the end of the school year, enjoy the Summer break, and start the school year up in the Fall, Marinette Middle School and the school’s Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) has committed to increasing communication with parents and guardians, and increasing opportunities for families to be involved at the middle school level.
Some suggestions for how you can be involved at Marinette Middle School include, but definitely is not limited to:
Record books on tape for students to listen to as they read;
Assist with fundraising efforts;
Assist with classroom management/clerical tasks;
Serve as a language tutor (i.e., speak either English with English Language Learners, or Spanish with our Spanish students);
Assist with cafeteria and playground supervision;
Provide childcare for a parent/guardian who is assisting in a classroom;
Mentor students around social and emotional learning;
Help “beautify” the school;
Volunteer in a school grounds clean-up day;
Read with student in the English Language Arts classroom;
Conference with students around Writing and Mathematics; or
Conduct a homework study session for students.
As you can see there are lots of ways to help out. One of the greatest benefits of being involved in your student’s learning community is that your student sees you put effort in to and take pride in their education and in turn they will take pride in their learning and learning community. Additionally, as your student sees you putting extra effort into them and their education, they will realize that you do want them to be successful and you are there to support in all that they do.
If you have questions about or would like assistance with setting up summer learning experiences or registering for the School District of Marinette Summer Learning program, please feel free to contact me at (715)735-1500 or mwhisler@marinette.k12.wi.us.
Alice and Wonderland
Play Performance for Friday, May 11th at 7:00 pm has been cancelled. Rescheduled performances will be Saturday, May 12, at 2:00 pm and 7:00pm in Middle School Gym.
MMS After School Clubs
MMS After School Clubs are wrapping up for the school year. Please be on the lookout for next year’s opportunities. We are awaiting word on a Department of Public Instruction grant that was written that would allow for expanded opportunities for ALL School District of Marinette students K - 8.
School Fundraising
Marinette Middle School is looking for creative ways to raise funds for various activities and items that would benefit all students. I struggle with asking students to go “door-to-door” asking friends and relatives to support their educational opportunities, where in return they purchase items that can be found in the local stores.
Because of this, MMS is exploring the Scrip Card program. Families will hear more about this as we move into the 2018-2019 school year. This program allows families and individuals to purchase gift cards to areas business (think Marinette, Menominee, and Green Bay) and a portion of the purchase price comes back to the sponsoring school. This is a great way to shop and support Marinette Middle School.
MMS also participates in the Box Tops program. Keep those Box Tops and bring them in to school. There is a bin in the Main Office where Box Tops are collected. This is a great way and easy way to support MMS as well.
If you are interested in volunteering to help manage our school-wide fundraisers, please contact Jen Huth at jhuth@marinette.k12.wi.us or (715)735-1500.
Message from Mr. Hanson
Hello MMS Parents and Guardians:
I’d like to update you on our attendance numbers and share some schoolwide behavioral data with you. Our 2017-18 school attendance goal reads as follows: Marinette Middle school overall attendance will increase from 92.7% to 94% by the end of the 2017-18 school year based on Skyward attendance reporting. Furthermore, based on Skyward reporting, the number of students missing 18 or more school days will decrease by 10% to 62 or fewer students during the same time period.
Currently we have a schoolwide attendance rate of 94.2%. We should be able to meet our goal! I’m hopeful that we can increase that number as we wrap up the school year. We have 56 students that have missed 18 or more school days as of now. We will continue to work with families and students this year, and in future years, to see continuous improvement with our daily attendance rate. Here is a breakdown by grade:
5th grade- 94.77%
6th grade- 95.01%
7th grade- 92.85%
8th grade- 94.19%
In March and April I spoke to students about decreasing classroom disruptions. I also asked for your support. I am so pleased to report that your efforts, and the efforts of your students, have paid off!
March 9th to March 23rd- 26 referrals documented for disruptions
March 23rd to April 6th- 22 referrals documented for disruptions
April 6th to April 20th- 22 referrals documented for disruptions
April 20th to May 4th- 11 referrals documented for disruptions
I love seeing this trend as it is indicative of a more efficient learning environment. Thank you so much for your help with this.
“Education is like a sport. It needs all its players. Parents, Teachers, Students, and Community.”
87.66% of our students have received 1 or fewer major referrals this year. 79% have received 0 referrals. This is a tribute to you as parents, and to our student body. The vast majority of our students are meeting expectations day-in and day-out.
As always, I can be reached at (715) 735-1504 or mhanson@marinette.k12.wi.us should you have any questions, concerns, or comments. I do appreciate hearing from you. Take care. Summer is almost here!
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an evidence based process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. - Casel
Why is it important?
Socially and emotionally competent children and youth are skilled in five core areas: they are self-aware, they are able to regulate their emotions, they are socially aware, they have good relationship skills, and they demonstrate responsible decision-making at school, at home, and in the community.
How does SEL apply to sports?
With summer coming around the corner, it's time for outdoor sports to start up again. During the summer months students still need social emotional learning supports. This is where sports can be beneficial. Accountability, positive anger expression, integrity, self-determination, and visionary goal setting are important values that address youth development and are natural lessons learned in a sport environment. Practice of these skills translate into a balanced school career, family life, and relationships.
PTO Fundraiser
Ethan S, 8th grader, is holding a fundraiser for the MMS PTO. On May 12th, from 12:00noon until 4:00pm, he will be hosting the fundraiser at the Dome Lanes in Marinette. For $10.00 a individual will receive 2 games of bowling, shoe rental, hotdog, chips, and soda. All proceeds will go to the PTO. Additional sales and game tickets will go to the MMS Bowling club.
IMPORTANT DATES
May 11 play cancelled
Alice and Wonderland Performance cancelled
May 12
Alice and Wonderland Performance
2:00 pm
7:00 pm
May 23
MMS Band Concert
7:00 pm
High School Auditorium
May 24
MMS Choir and World Music Ensemble Concert
7:00 pm
MMS Gym
May 26
Marinette High School Graduation
May 28
No School
BAND CONCERT DATE CHANGE
Printable calendar for May 2018
McTeacher Night
Genius Hour Project-McTeacher Night
Kaleigh W, MMS 5th grader, hosted a McTeacher's Night at the Menominee McDonald's location for her Genius Hour project. The proceeds of the night will be coming back to MMS to support student projects, activities, and other experiences.
The fundraiser was scheduled for Thursday, April 19th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. She is in had several volunteers for that evening. The experience consisted of assisting with serving families and miscellaneous other duties
A special thank everyone who helped out and also to those of you who came to eat at McDonalds that night. We had a fun night and raised over $300 in the donation buckets alone and 350.00 from McDonalds from our sales. The management told us they had another group who did a fundraiser there and they couldn't get the kids to do much but they were very impressed with the Marinette Middle School kids (and adults I'm sure) and how hard they worked. Thank you for helping us (and Kaleigh W) with this genius hour project!!
Summer Reading Skills Programs
Middle Years
Check out this month’s edition of Middle Years. Topics covered include: making summer learning social, tips for your students staying safe at home during the Summer, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.
Check for Learning
Check for Learning
Answer the following question to be entered to win a $10.00 gift card for a local gas station.