Muskego Lakes Family Newsletter
August 26th, 2022
Dear Muskego Lakes Families,
A huge thank you to everyone who was able to make it to Back to School Night this week! We had so much fun catching up with so many of you, and we are grateful that we were able to meet so many new families!
As we look ahead to the start of another school year, it is important to us that you know just how much we already love your child.
As a staff at Muskego Lakes, we see ourselves as a family. And, our hope is that Muskego Lakes will feel like a home away from home for your child. We care about our students as people first. And we will do just about anything we can to make sure your child feels seen, heard, and accepted here at school.
We know that the middle school years can be tough, so we know just how important it is that we partner with you to make sure your child has an amazing year ahead. If there is anything at all that we can do to help set your child up for a great year ahead, don't hesitate to reach out.
And finally, thank you for trusting us with your children. We recognize that it is a privilege, and we want you to know that you can count us to handle your child with care.
Enjoy these last few days of summer and can't wait to see students on September 1st!
With Love,
Rachel Rydzewski & Nancy Pasch
Muskego Lakes Principals
Important Dates Ahead
Alternative Time to Drop Off Supplies- August 29th 2:30-5pm
First Day of School - September 1st
Fall Literacy iReady Testing - September 7-9th
Fall Math iReady Testing - September 13-15th
School Picture Day - September 13th
Fall Parent Teacher Conference Dates - October 13th and 19th
Weren't Able To Make Back to School Night?
During those times, you and your child can set-up his or her locker and walk their schedule. Please note that no school personnel will be available during these times as we will be busy preparing to launch the start of the school year.
*Please also note that you are not required to bring your child's school supplies before the first day of school. Many students bring their school supplies on the first day, and our teachers will allow time for students to get settled upon their arrival.
Student Schedules and Locker Assignments
Schedules have been released via Infinite Campus. In addition, locker numbers have been assigned and are uploaded. If you are not sure how to access your child's schedule, feel free to call us at Muskego Lakes or email one of our school counselors janine.hake@muskegonorway.org (5-6th grade) or james.brickweg@muskegonorway.org (7-8th grade) who can help! In addition, if you have schedule questions or requests, we ask that you reach out to our school counselors as well.
For a printable schedule with your child's locker and bus number, please log on to IC. Then, on the left hand side select:
- "Documents"
- "22-23 School Year"
- "Schedule with locker"
Your child's locker and bus number should then appear on the bottom of the student schedule. Please confirm your schedule and locker number before setting anything up at school.
Stopfinder App - Bus Transportation
The Stopfinder Parent App is meant to provide real-time bus location information. This app will allow you to:
View your student’s daily transportation assignments, including transfer trips and stops
Securely share your student’s schedule with caregivers
Send private messages to the Dairyland Group (Muskego-Norway’s transportation provider)
Receive notifications and updates related to transportation
Send real-time vehicle location notifications based on GeoAlert regions you create for your student. (Disclaimer: Please note that as you set up the GeoAlerts, you should choose a location that is close to your home. Setting a region too far out could trigger an alert that the bus has entered the zone you selected, however, the bus may be running the route through the neighborhood and may not be headed to your child’s pickup/dropoff location immediately. If you run into this issue, contact Julie Kelly or Jamie Gleeson right away.)
Please see the promotional flyer for details on the app, as well as a video tutorial for your reference.
You will receive a separate email from Transfinder, the software provider for Stopfinder, by Monday afternoon, inviting you to subscribe to the service; there is no cost for this subscription. Please follow the instructions in the email to set up and begin using the app.
If you did not receive this message and are interested in using the app, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jamie Gleeson at jamie.gleeson@muskegonorway.org or 262-971-1819.
Reminder about Change to Morning Drop Off Routes at Muskego Lakes
This year, please note that we will return to having all students dropped-off in the front of the building before the start to the school day. This means if you drive your child to school in the morning, please plan on heading straight toward the main entrance rather than turning at the fork to drive behind the building. (Last year, we had 7th and 8th graders dropped off behind the building before school.)
The lane for morning drop-off extends to Door 14 (by the band room) for all students.
We ask that all cars pull forward to fill in all of the available space before breaking to let students out. We know it is tempting to want to drop your child off right at the main entrance, but drop off will go smoothly for everyone if you pull forward to fill the entire drop off lane before students exit vehicles.
This will allow more cars to move through the drop off route in a shorter period of time.
Please also note that for safety reasons, we do not permit a double lane of moving traffic in the morning. So, thank you for your patience so all students arrive safely to school.
Please review: Morning Drop Off Procedures
No changes will be made to our after-school pick-up procedures. We will continue the following:
- 5th & 6th grade students will be picked up and dropped off using the lane in front of the building
- 7th & 8th grade students will be picked up and dropped off using the lane behind the building
- Cars using the lane behind the school will loop around the building and merge with the 5th & 6th grade lane.
Dress Code Reminder for Back to School Shopping
The Board of Education, under the authority of state statute 120.13(1) can make rules pertaining to the conduct and dress of pupils in order to maintain good decorum, a favorable academic atmosphere, and appropriate student health and safety. Student dress guidelines are decency, safety, and moderation. Dress and grooming behaviors not allowed include those deemed to be 1) disruptive or interfering with the learning process; 2) unsafe or harmful; 3) not in keeping with good health standards; 4) the cause of excessive maintenance problems (i.e. cleats on boots); or 5) considered vulgar or offensive. Student attire must be respectful of others and appropriate for the educational setting at Muskego Lakes Middle School. School administrators will make the final decision as to what constitutes appropriate dress. Limitations in the dress code during the school day or at school activities (except in such instances where a school sanctions the wearing of any of the following for special activity) are as follows:
No wearing hats in the building. Hats are allowed in the cafeteria and at recess.
No insignia, jewelry, clothing or accessories which depict, represent, solicit or promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gangs, cults, sex, violence, or profanity.
No costumes (including animal costumes and accessories), chains or spiked jewelry.
Foot attire must be worn at all times. No bare feet, stocking feet or slippers.
No clothing determined to be offensive in a discriminatory fashion will be allowed.
No part of any undergarment is to be visible while standing or sitting.
No sunglasses (unless worn under the recommendation of a doctor).
We know, especially in middle school, students have a strong desire to express themselves and communicate their identity to their peers. The purpose for a dress code is so students themselves focus on their educational experience rather than their attire. The dress code is not about how certain attire would be perceived by others but rather is for the purpose of maintaining an environment focused on learning. We encourage students to express themselves through their clothes at social events (not school sponsored) and/or weekends. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure students come to school each day following the following expectations. Should they come to school and not, we will ask them to put on a different item of apparel which could require a parent/guardian coming to school to drop an alternative off. In the event that the student does not have an alternative item of apparel at school and a parent/guardian cannot drop off an alternative, students will work in the main office with access to learning until they meet the dress code. We offer items from the nurse office for students or encourage PE apparel when we cannot reach parents/guardians. Please know it is never our intention to embarrass a child so thank you for helping us by making sure your child comes to school dressed for the learning environment.
Upcoming iReady Fall Testing
Students will take the Fall iReady Assessment on the following dates:
Literacy: September 7-9th
Math: September 13-15th
The iReady Assessment is designed to get a clear picture of what students know and what they need to work on next. Talk with your child about doing their best and not stressing about wrong answers. In addition, it will be beneficial for students to ensure their chromebook is fully charged, has a pair of headphones, get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast on test days.
Student Photo Day & Ordering Information
If your child is sick that day, we will have a photo retake day later on in the school year.
Ordering Student Photos
If you'd like to order pictures, they can be ordered online using the following link:
https://orders.schoolandsportpics.com/ordering
When ordering, you will need to use the access key 6WNP4RQJ or use the drop-down menu to type and search for Muskego Lakes Middle School to start your order.
Use this coupon code to save 10% off of your order if placed prior to picture day:
Fall100388
*If for some reason your child misses or needs retakes, that is scheduled for September 29th.*
School Supply Lists for 22-23
Just a reminder that our summer mailer had printed copies of supply lists for your convenience but we've also linked supply lists here:
School Lunch Updates
Food Service Update
For the last two year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has provided free meals to all students through the National School Lunch Program. The free meal program for all students ended June, 2022. For the 2022-23 school year, the free program will no longer be in effect.
Free and Reduced Lunches:
Should a family qualify, there are free and reduced options for lunches available for students K-12. Elementary and middle school forms are below::
- Free and Reduced Meal FAQ’s 2022-23
- How to Apply for Free and Reduced Meals
- Free and Reduced Meal Application
- Department of Public Instruction Free and Reduced Meal Application Website
- High school free and reduced application form is linked and is accepted at the high school.
2022-23 Lunch Prices:
Elementary Lunch: $2.55MS Lunch 1: $2.95
MS Lunch 2: $3.50
MS Creation Station: $3.90
Milk Carton: $.50
MHS Ala carte meal rates as noted on the monthly menu will apply.
Important Reminders
In an effort to ensure students can move through the lunch lines efficently, we ask that you remind your student to ensure that they bring their school ID card with them to lunch daily or ensure that you have gotten your finger scanned.
Also, Taher's new website is under construction currently, so the school menu will be available only through the Taher Food4life app to start. For you ease, we have linked the september menu below with other helpful resources.
Questions related to the food service program can be directed to Benny D’Epiro, Food Service Director at 262-971-1790 x4522.
Robotics Club Advisor Opening for the 22-23 School Year
We are looking for someone willing to help students persevere when something doesn’t work the first time and/or someone who enjoys Legos. No need to be an expert! This club typically runs from 3:15-4:15pm after school and is open to all grade levels.
Anime Club Advisor for the 22-23 School Year
Muskego Lakes Associate Principal
Muskego Lakes Principal
Muskego Lakes Middle School
Website: https://www.muskegonorway.org/schools/muskegolakes/
Location: W124 S8009 North Cape Rd.
Phone: 262-971-1860
Twitter: @MLMSmuskies