February 3, 2020

It is that time of year when we begin the process for our eighth graders entering high school next fall. There will be an important informational meeting for all eighth graders and their parents on Thursday, February 20. We are asking parents and eighth graders to attend the informational meetings below

Team 8-1 @ 5:00pm-5:45pm

Team 8-2 @ 5:45pm-6:30pm

*Parent/guardian may attend either session if the designated time does not work for their schedule.

This is the next step in our registration process. We have met with students several times this year already to talk about high school expectations and the transition. Students will be registering for the high school during their WIN B classes on Wednesday, February 26. Please note that students who have not successfully completed their semester courses will not be allowed to register for high school classes.

On Monday, February 3 we will be implementing a new safer drop off lane on the east side of the building. Due to the congestion that develops on the east side of the building, parents will now be asked to use the sidewalk on the east side of the building as a drop off zone. Please do not stop in the middle of the parking lot and drop your child off. We are asking that students being dropped off enter through the arena entrance. This enforcement will begin Monday morning February 3rd. Please see the graphic below.

Monica Schwickerath, RN, LSN

Written by: Therese Olson

While I was in the midst of parenting three teenagers, the most worthwhile book I read multiple times was "Why Do They Act That Way" by Dr. Dave Walsh. I've also recommended it to many parents in my work as a middle school counselor for over 15 years. Dr. Dave Walsh and his own adult daughter, Erin Walsh, now have many on-line resources on their website "Spark and Stitch Institute". Much of their message has to do with understanding how the teenage brain functions and how to respond as parents/guardians to many different emotions and behaviors that arise. Check out this link to learn more about a Free Webinar this week - The Three Common Beliefs About Teenagers That can Derail Your Relationship And how reshaping those beliefs can get things back on track. The webinars will be offered on Thursday and Friday, February 6th and 7th at 12:00 p.m. CST. Feel free to contact any of the MMS social workers or me if you have additional questions or need other parenting resources.

Spark & Stitch Institute

After surviving the gray that came with January, Spring is inevitably just around the corner . . . somewhere! In the Middle School activities office, we are getting ready for the 2020 spring sports season. Through our fall and winter, we have had over 400+ student-athletes participate in our middle school athletic programs or school activities. There are numerous reasons why participating in school-sponsored programs is valuable, one of the most important being developing connections and relationships with students and staff. Extra-curricular activities and athletics are just another way to make an investment in kids and extend learning beyond the classrooms. Please consider and encourage your child to try something new in our building yet this year.

In the spring, we offer a number of opportunities for 7th & 8th grade girls & boys. Girls can participate in golf, softball or track. Boys can join baseball, golf, tennis or track.

Have you accessed the Mississippi8 website yet? There is a lot of valuable information on this website. You will find up-to-date schedules for Middle School and High School sports and activities.

Up-to-date information on this website includes: game times, which team plays first, and bus departure times. You can also sign-up to receive emails regarding any schedule changes, which has become a common occurrence in the spring.

1. Go to www.mississippi8.org

2. Select Monticello High School on the right.

3. Find the section titled, View Schedules under the calendar. Click on the sport of your choice and click on view.

To receive emails for any schedule changes or event reminders, follow these directions:

1. Go to www.mississippi8.org

2. Select Monticello High School on the right.

3. Find the section titled, Notify Me under the calendar. Follow the instructions provided.

Make sure that your computer does not have a SPAM blocker or you will not be able to receive the email.

Parents have two options for registering students for athletics or activities:

On-line Registration:

• Go to www.monticello.feepay.com

• Click Activities tab

• Log in

• Click to select the sport you are registering for under your child's name

• Complete required registration and MSHSL forms online

• Enter payment information (debit/credit card/checking/savings account information)

• Sports Qualifying Physical form for Athletes needs to be submitted to the MS Main Office (paper or electronic copy) Sports Physicals are good for 3 years

Online registration is not complete until payment is submitted. FeePay questions ~ contact Help Desk @ (763) 272-2099

(OR)

Paper Copy Registration:

Complete forms and submit payment today or to MS Main Office:

• Registration / Emergency Card

• Sports Qualifying Physical (Athletics only)

• 19-20 MN State High School League Eligibility Brochure (Athletics only)

• $120.00 (Athletics) / $60.00 (Activities) cash or check to Monticello Middle School