MIDDLE MATTERS
Everything in the Middle School that matters
Happy New Year!
Principal's Message
Welcome to 2021!
As the calendar rolls into a new year, we want to get the latest middle school information to families. Below is a calendar of the upcoming events as we begin to transition back to our Hybrid Teaching Model. A couple of notes regarding our next phase:
End of the Semester is January 20th
We are nearing the midway point of the school year. The end of first semester is January 20th. Parents will be able to access grades in the Parent Portal on Monday January 25th.
Grading in the Distance Learning /Hybrid Model
Students should take a look at their grades from the first half the school year. If they are not satisfied with their grades, now is a great time to make the needed changes in routines.
When the school year began, we shared with students that during this global pandemic taking ownership in their academic progress will be more important than ever. Teachers and school staff will be limited to what supports are available in the hybrid and distance learning model. We asked that students establish reasonable expectations for themselves and build healthy daily routines. These actions will be key to their success as they prepare themselves for the next school year. Now is a good time to reflect on the first half of the school year and make any needed changes, especially our 8th graders who will be registering for high school next month.
Next fall will be different. We hope our school experience will be a little more normal than what we all experienced so far this school year. Students will be challenged in their classes at a higher level but can only build on what they have learned this year. Teachers have been reaching out to families and collaborating to work out any barriers that students may have during distance learning. Let’s continue to work together and do all we can to help prepare students for next fall.
Message to 8th Graders - High School Registration is Near!
This month the 8th graders will begin the registration process for high school. We will begin coordinating with the high school principals and counselors all the details for this exciting next step for the MHS Class of 2025. It is important for all 8th graders to know that passing all your middle school classes is the minimal requirement to begin this process. Students who are not passing all of their classes will not begin the registration process.
Teacher Planning/Professional Development Days
Teachers will be using these days to prepare for the second semester. They will be reviewing student data, prioritizing standards and collaborating in teacher teams to build interactive lessons for the second semester.
♦♦Parent Reminder: Friday Focus is invite only.♦♦
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
MS ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES MESSAGE
7th & 8th-grade Girls’ Basketball practice has started, 7th & 8th-grade Wrestling practice will begin on January 18th, and 7th & 8th-grade Boys’ Basketball practice will begin on February 8th. A Sports Physical must be on file along with registration and payment before participating. Registration is located in Infinite Campus in the Parent Portal under the Store menu. Athletes will need to provide their own transportation to practices and will be allowed two spectators for home events only. Fans will not be allowed at away games.
Also, registration for the MS Speech Team is open for grades 6-8. It’s a great way to build skills, build confidence, and meet people.
SCHOOL NURSE NOTES
Give Kids a Smile! Free Dental Care for Kids in Need
STUDENT CENTER
Student Center Drop In Meet
Student Center staff will host drop-in hours for both students and staff during distance learning. Each day there will be a google meet hosted by one of the Student Center staff to answer any questions, give resources, consult, or anything we can assist you with. If you’d even like to pop in to request a staff member to call or schedule a time to meet in person, that is an option too.
When: Monday-Friday Time: 11:00-12:00
Google meet Nickname: StudentCenterSupportMental Health during Distance learning
The COVID pandemic has created an overall increase in stress, fear and uncertainty for many. Statistics show that mental health concerns for adolescents is one area of functioning significantly impacted. Listed below are signs of distress, resources offered here at Monticello Middle School as well as crisis resources.
Signs: Feeling restless. Wound up, or on edge. Becoming easily fatigued. Struggling with concentration. Experiencing irritability. Feeling muscle tension. Having difficulty keeping worry levels under control. Thoughts of harm towards yourself and/or others or thoughts that you are better off dead than alive.
Student Center Support:
Therese Olson, School Counselor- 763-272-2105 or therese.olson@monticello.k12.mn.us
Alexis Peterson, School Counselor Intern- 763-272-2115 or alexis.peterson@monticello.k12.mn.us
JeNee Olson, School Social Worker - 763-272-2108 or jenee.olson@monticello.k12.mn.us
Sarah Sopher, School Social Worker - 763-272-2107 or sarah.sopher@monticello.k12.mn.us
Mental Health Crisis:
Immediate danger to self/other (suicidal thoughts and homicidal thoughts):
Crisis Response Team: 1-800-635-8008 and text MN to 741741
Four County Crisis Response Team: 1-800-635-8008
Suicide Prevention Lifeline National: 1-800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Spanish: 1-800-628-9454
QUICK LINKS
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Click on the Follow Monticello Middle School button below to subscribe to our newsletter.
Monticello Middle School
Website: https://www.monticello.k12.mn.us/Domain/9
Location: 800 Broadway Street East, Monticello, MN, USA
Phone: 763-272-2000
Twitter: @MMS_Leader