Mustang News:
Friday, September 23, 2022 Edition
It's a great day to be a Mustang!
Important Dates
September:
“Building our Mustang Family and Community”
26 Fun Hat and Hair Day- Walkathon Milestone #3
27-30 MAP Reading Assessment 2nd-5th
28 Fall School Picture Day with Jostens
29 1st-5th Grade Vision Screening
30 Mustang Walkathon Fundraiser Day
October:
"Kindness and Bullying Awareness Month"
7 No School- Teacher Prep Day
10 PTO Hosted Culver's Night 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
11 PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
13-18. Fall Scholastic Book Fair
13 Fall Conferences from 3:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
18 Fall Conferences from 3:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
20-21 NO SCHOOL K-12 Professional Conventions
26 Picture Retake Day with Jostens
A message from Mrs. Downs
Thank you to our Middleton Community for fundraising through our Walkathon! We had so much fun yesterday celebrating our second milestone- "Pajama/Comfy/Stuffed Animal Day". Today we achieved our next milestone and will be having a "Fun Hair/Hat Day" on Monday, September 26th. We can't wait to see our Mustangs on Monday with Fun Hair and Hats!
Thank you to our PTO for organizing our first Movie Night last Friday as well as our first ever "Kindergarten Play Date". It was wonderful to be able to gather as a community together. A few important PTO notes that I wanted to highlight:
1. Pre-order your 2022-2023 Middleton yearbook before October 1st for $22.00. The price will increase after October 1st. LINK
2. Middleton Walkathon Fundraiser: Goes through October 5th. The Walkathon will take place during the school day on Friday, September 30th. More details below.
I also wanted to highlight that we are learning Hispanic Heritage Month through our morning announcements. As a school, we are learning about a different Hispanic American everyday through October 15th that has positively influenced and enriched our society. A few that we have already learned about include: Gloria Estefan, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cesar Chavez and Ellen Ochoa.
Next Monday, September 26th, we will have our first lunchroom visitors since 2020! Thank you for your support and patience as we return to having guests! Thank you for using the link and reviewing the lunch visitor procedures. Here is the link for our Lunchroom Visitor Sign-up Genius
Wishing you all a wonderful fall weekend! Thank you for all you do to support Middleton!
Take care,
Jenna Downs
Principal
Hispanic Heritage Month Highlights from Middleton
Monday- Fun Hat and Hair Day!
Next Wednesday- Picture Day!
*Please note: It is important to not dress in the color "Green" due the use of a green screen.
Middleton Walkathon Kickoff
It’s been a fun week of celebrating milestones for the Middleton Walk-A-Thon! We are looking forward to walking (and celebrating) with all of the kids a week from today, September 30th, during their specialist time, see below for times. We have a really fun time planned for the kids. DJ King Leo will be there to play music and entertain the students while they walk. We will hand out freezies to each student at the end of their walk as a special treat for all of their hard work. Please make sure your child wears comfortable and weather appropriate clothing (we will be walking outside as long as the weather permits) and having a water bottle with would be great!
If you have not yet registered your child, you can do so here! https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/register?school_uuid=5d51829ed2b6e We are getting closer and closer to our goal and we know we can do it!
Thank you for all of your donations and support! We are thankful for our Mustang community.
Specialist Times:
4th Grade 8:55 - 9:55
1st Grade 9:55 - 10:55
3rd Grade 10:55-11:55
2nd Grade 11:55-12:55
Kindergarten 12:55-1:55
5th Grade 1:55 - 2:55
Bus Safety Evacuation Drill
We are proud of our Middleton students for safely riding the bus each day.
Order Your 2022-2023 Josten's Middleton Yearbook
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09896681
You are able to pre-order using the link above. Thank you to Middleton Parent Abbey Feldkamp for organizing our 2022-2023 yearbook!
Middleton PTO Message
A few things to share from our Middleton PTO:
Don’t forget to check out our MES PTO website at https://www.yourmiddletonpto.org/home now and throughout the year!
Add your student to/update their information in the Middleton Directory! https://middletonpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home. Find more information about how to navigate the directory on the PTO website!
We also have a PTO Facebook page named “Your Middleton PTO”! This is a private group for Middleton families only. Your request will be approved after verifying your child’s teacher. Add yourself here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1425755981027992/?ref=share_group_link
Looking forward to a GREAT school year!
SoWashCo Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
Be a representative on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Committee is recruiting parents/
guardians and staff for two-year terms, beginning fall of 2022. This advisory
committee will give feedback on, as well as collaborate to build, systems and
structures that support the responsibility of providing equitable experiences to all
students, specifically from racial or ethnic groups which are historically underserved.
How often will we meet?
This year, the committee will meet four times.
All meetings will be from 7-8 p.m. at East Ridge
High School.
• Dec. 6, 2022
• Jan. 17, 2023
• Feb. 21, 2023
• April 18, 2023
Job Opportunity at Middleton Elementary
Middleton Elementary. If this sounds like something you might enjoy or if you are interested, please reach out to Joy Peterson, Assistant Principal at Middleton Elementary. jpeters4@sowashco.org or 651-425-4913
You may also apply here: LINK
The hours are 8:25 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.. (6.25 Hours/Day)
Why work as a High Needs/Resource Paraprofessional at Middleton Elementary? Our Middleton Paraprofessionals share some reasons why they enjoy working on our team:
1. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve gained at Middleton with students and staff.
2. There are special moments where I know that I’ve touched the life of a student who normally doesn’t let someone into their life.
3. For me, Middleton Elementary gives me the feeling like a big family. When you have any problems, anyone is willing to jump in and help you. You never feel alone by yourself to face challenges. That is one of the many reasons that I love Middleton Elementary most.
If you are unable to commit to a daily job but are interested in becoming a paraprofessional substitute, please let Joy Peterson know and apply online: Paraprofessional Substitute Application
Thank you for considering supporting our Middleton School Community!
Tech Issues?
If you are having technology issues, please follow these instructions for support:
Go to the district website: sowashco.org
Click on “Families” at the top right of the page
Tech Support is the very last option on the dropdown menu that shows up.
Here is the direct link to that page:
Middleton Mustang Family Resources
Middleton Family Handbook
- Welcome Message
- Staff Photos
- Arrival Procedure
- Dismissal Procedure
Middleton Elementary: Allergy Aware
We welcome several students to our school with food allergies. We ask for your cooperation to help keep our students safe. We have students who are allergic to different foods or food groups. Allergies can be severe, and the reaction can be life-threatening.
To prevent an allergic reaction and provide a safe learning environment, your child’s school has taken steps to ensure each student’s health.
Students will be encouraged to wash their hands upon arrival, before lunch and after lunch
All building spaces are designated as a PEANUT/NUT AWARE ZONE. There will be no classroom projects with peanut butter or peanut shells
Please help us keep students safe by following the guidance below:
We ask families who pack a lunch or snack to be aware of the ingredients in any meals you send from home
Please instruct your child to not share food with other classmates
Examples of allergy-friendly snacks for the following 8 food allergies: milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
Applesauce
Freeze-dried fruits (apples, strawberries, raspberries)
Pretzels (gluten-free versions also available)
Raisins
Dried fruits (apricots, pineapple, cranberries, mango)
Veggie chips
Rice cracker/rice cakes
Popcorn
Thank you in advance for making the school environment a safe and healthy place for the students. We look forward to a great school year!
Visitors and Volunteers
Lunch Visitors
As we return to a more normal school year, we will be implementing new procedures and practices for those wishing to have lunch with their child at Middleton.
Middleton will be able to host limited lunchtime visitors between, September 26th – May 26th this school year. Based on space and safety requirements, a family member listed in Parent Portal may sign up using our monthly Reservation Link to accompany their child at our guest lunch table.
Lunch Visitor Reservation Link
We ask families to review the process below so that we can ensure this practice is available:
Sign up for the visit no later than the day prior to your visit.
Upon arrival for the visit, present identification and complete the Raptor screening.
Wear the visitor badge so that it is visible during the entirety of the visit.
Go directly to the lunchroom and eat in the guest space with your student.
No friends or additional students will be permitted to join the guest space.
Visitors may not visit during recess time.
We will have a limited amount of visitors due to limited seating in the cafeteria during the student’s identified lunch period.
Any outside food brought in can only be shared with your student.
Do not take pictures, record, or film while at school. Use of cell phones is strongly discouraged for safety and privacy.
These changes have been made for several reasons including:
School Safety
Monitoring school visitors is one of the most important ways we keep our school safe. When we have a significant number of people visiting their child at lunch, it becomes challenging to monitor who is in our building and where. By limiting the number of visitors each day and by having them sign up prior to the visit will make it easier for us to be aware.
Staffing
The timeframe in which students are eating lunch spans over three hours. When we have high numbers of visitors checking and out of the office during that timeframe, it is more difficult for our office staff to be available to students, parents, and staff and it is not uncommon for them to miss their own lunch breaks because it gets so busy.
Space & Student Privacy
Designated seating areas for lunchtime visitors and their student ensures there is enough space at the classroom table for all students and supports the privacy of the other students.
Device Protection Plan
SoWashCo Schools is offering families the option of purchasing a device protection plan to protect district-issued devices from accidental damage from fire, flood, natural disasters, or power surges; and theft (with a filed police report).
The cost for the optional plan is $20 annually per device. Families who qualify for federal educational benefits, such as free and reduced-price meals, will also be eligible for reduced pricing ($10 annually per device) or free coverage. Families can sign up and pay for the device protection plan through the SmartSchoolK12 website.
Please note that families who waive the device protection plan will be responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement of the device. If you have any issues signing up and paying for the device protection plan, please complete this payment tech support form or contact fees@sowashco.org.
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Student Handbook and Annual Notifications:
The purpose of the Student Handbook and Annual Notifications are to provide a framework of resources for your experience as a student, whether you are full-time, part-time, online or in-person. This includes information so that you can develop an understanding of the general rules/expectations and guidelines, along with notification of board policy or state statute.
Items noted with an asterisk [*] indicates notice is required by State statute. Items noted with two asterisks [**] indicate notice is required by School Board policy.
Besides the policies that are included and/or referred to in this Handbook, students are expected to be aware of and to abide by all of the District's policies. All of the District's policies can be found on the District's website. Students should pay particular attention to the policies in Section 500 that specifically pertains to students. Questions regarding policies can be directed to your building administrator.
Middleton Community Education Opportunity
We wanted to highlight two course that SoWashCo Community Education are offering at Middleton coming up!
Colorful Magic, Art Class, Wednesdays beginning 9/21
Language Sprout Elementary Spanish on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning 9/19
Thanks so much for your help getting the word out,
3rd-5th Grade Opportunity: Youth Summit
There is an opportunity on Saturday, October 1st for 3rd-12th grade students to attend a Youth Summit at Metro State University in St. Paul. I will share in our family newsletter as well but am sharing for our 3rd-5th to share out as well. Information: LINK Register here: gillette.mn/BMWC
Community Information - Royal Cubs Preschool Opportunity
Middleton Contact Information
School Hours: 8:40 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Jenna Downs, Principal, jdowns@sowashco.org or (651)-425-4901
Joy Peterson, Assistant Principal, jpeters4@sowashco.org or (651)-425-4913
Jennifer Gullickson, Office Coordinator, jgullick@sowashco.org or (651)-425-4901
Amanda Duffing, Health Care Specialist, aduffing1@sowashco.org or (651)-425-4902
Attendance Line: (651)-425-4906