As we progress through the school year, I want to address an important issue that has come to our attention: the increasing consumption of energy drinks among our students during school hours.

While we understand that students often seek ways to enhance their energy and focus, the health implications of consuming energy drinks can be concerning. These beverages typically contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can lead to a range of negative health effects, including increased heart rate, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. For developing adolescents, these effects can be particularly pronounced.

Our primary goal is to create a safe and healthy environment for our students to learn and thrive. Therefore, we are implementing measures to discourage the consumption of energy drinks on school premises. We kindly ask for your support in discussing the potential risks associated with these beverages with your child. Encouraging healthier alternatives, such as water or natural fruit juices, can significantly benefit their overall well-being and academic performance. For information and guidance on energy drinks and teens, check out this quick read from John Hopkins School of Medicine

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to promote a healthier school environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support.

-Eric Stang

Husky merch on sale for just one week. Show your OEMS spirit this summer.

Next week Tuesday, May 6th is our new family open house. We are inviting all new families to come and visit the school, take a tour and meet some teachers. This event will take place from 4:00 - 5:15 pm.

We are looking forward to meeting you!!!

Be prepared to show your Ordean spirit!!

Spirit week will be held the week of May 12th - May 16th.

See the flyer below for the theme of each day that week and the video linked if you would like a more detailed description for the themes. 🤩

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! SAVE THE DATE for May 12-16, and get ready to empower your reader with book choice. Don't forget to set up your student's eWallet account for cashless, stress-less shopping. Friends and family can even contribute funds! Set one up on our book fair website. Start exploring together: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/oemshuskies

Students bringing their characters to life.

Fine Arts Night will be Friday, May 30th from 5:30-7 PM. Jazz Band, Orchestra small groups, visual arts, graphic arts and snacks! In the OEMS Cafeteria. Free with cash donation for snacks.

On Sunday, April 27th, 10 students from Ordean East Middle School competed in the History Day State Competition. Kai C. received an honorable mention in Individual Exhibit Board, Amelia O. received an honorable mention in Individual documentary, and Laila D. received 4th place in Individual Performance.

Congratulations OEMS Huskies!

Ordean East Band's Spring Concert is Thursday, May 15th in the gym. $5 adults/youth are free. Band students arrive at 5:30. Hope to see you there.

Please view the Parent Square message regarding our 8th grade Valley Fair trip.

The Permission Form on Parent Square & money turned in to your student's advisor should be done by Thursday May 15th.

We are excited to have a wonderful day with our 8th graders as we send them to high school next year!

Thanks,

8th Grade Team

Orchestra Spring Pops concert is on Thursday, May 22 at 5 P.M., OEMS gymnasium. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and students are free.

The OEMS PTA will be celebrating ALL of our Ordean East Staff during the week of May 5 - 9!️
Every day of the week, we will have a different treat for our staff. Volunteers are needed to set up the "NACHO Average Staff Member" nacho bar on Monday, 5/5. Check this link to see what shifts are available and sign up! https://signup.com/go/HzOpGvd

On Friday, we will deliver Thank You Notes and Starburst candy to all of our ALL-STAR staff members. If you or your student would like to submit a thank you note to any of our teachers or staff members, fill out the following form by Thursday, May 9th and the PTA will print it out and deliver. Thank you note submission form: https://forms.gle/R2czsTProVk5jEsE9

Calling all friendly, experienced Ordean East parents! Help welcome new parents and guardians to Ordean East at the New Family Open House on May 6th! You will hang out at the PTA table, talk up our amazing school and encourage visiting adults to join the OEMS PTA! More details and sign up here: https://signup.com/go/TUiBWzk

Please help us show the OEMS teachers and staff how thankful we are by contributing to a teacher appreciation lunch and treats. We are also looking for volunteers to help with set up and clean up. Please text Susan Midlo (612)940-9928 with any questions. Thank you for your support!

We're using SignUp.com, the leading time-saving online coordination tool, to help us organize our upcoming event. Please click the link below to learn more and sign up to participate. Thanks for participating! https://signup.com/go/HzOpGvd

The last Ordean East PTA meeting of the school year will be held on Thursday, May 8th at 6pm in the Media Center. Virtual meeting link will be available! Join us to help plan an amazing end to the school year and to put plans in place to kick off next year strong!

We need your help to plan a fun last day of school for our outgoing 8th graders! 8th Grade Event Planning Committee volunteers will work with OEMS Student Council, MTSS Coordinator and staff to organize some fun activities for the last day of school just for our outgoing Huskies! There will be a few meetings (probably virtual) to brainstorm and divvy up tasks. Sign up to help here: https://signup.com/go/vkuZQUY

The Congdon Park PTA is holding the annual Bike Rodeo on Tuesday, May 20th, from 5-7pm. We are looking for many volunteers to help us have a great safety event for our students and families. There will be several stations for kids/families to rotate through, including registration and raffle tickets, bike safety table, name plate crafts, basic bike mechanic station, agility courses, food trucks, and MORE!

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/521955802093/true#/invitation

Thank you to Maurices and all our individual donors for supplying our Ordean East Middle School Kids Closet with clothing items and supplies for our students who may need a little extra help! Maurices came through with much needed women-sized shirts! Thank them next time you are in their store!

Would you like to help too? The OEMS Kids Closet could use sweatpants of all sizes, but especially adult M, L and XL. Drop off any donations to the main office!

May 6th - New Student Open House

May 8th - Last PTA Meeting of 24 - 25 School Year

May 20th - Duluth East Girl's Volleyball Informational Meeting

May 22nd - Orchestra Spring Pops Concert

May 30th - Fine Arts Night

For any interested in trying out for Duluth East Girl's volleyball in the fall: There will be an informational meeting in the East library on May 20th at 6pm. Parents and players are encouraged to attend. Information about tryouts, expectations, and summer opportunities will be shared. Contact Coach Susan Schmidt at East with any questions.

From now until the end of the school year, any student that takes the bus to East High School after school needs to take bus number 525. It will be near the front of the line of buses. This will be the designated bus that will take Ordean students to East High School for after school activities.

Garden Crew will be meeting after school Mondays, May 5th is the first meeting in Dani Vang's room, 3133.

The ultimate goal of our summer program is to provide the players within our program a great basketball experience at a low price. We strive to improve the fundamentals of each player in the program by working on footwork, ball handling, finishing, shooting, and overall defensive skill. These are essential components in becoming a better basketball player. When it comes to building a basketball player, there is NO more important time! We need our kids in the gym!

The Link Center at UWS Superior is launching a new educational camp for the summer of 2025. These programs are thoughtfully crafted to offer middle and high school students a mix of learning and recreation, fostering personal growth and career exploration. To learn more, visit https://www.uwsuper.edu/community-engagement/youth-and-high-school-programs/educational-summer-camps/

If you have any questions, please contact the Link Center at link@uwsuper.edu.

UMD will be hosting its Annual Football Youth Camp this year on July 10th - 11th from 9am-4pm each day. Please see below for the flyer and link for registration.

UMD will be hosting its Padded Development Camp for incoming 8th and 9th graders on July 10th-11th. Please see below for the flyer and link for registration.

If you would like to learn more about summer programs and activities through Duluth Public Schools, please see the link below.

The program is for ages 10-18 and allows them to come into the facility for free Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30-6pm. It is staffed and there’s a snack provided.

Children aged 10 & 11 would need to stay with the Teen Thrive staff (unless in the pool with the lifeguard supervision), but 12+ can feel free to utilize the facility on their own!

https://www.duluthymca.org/programs/family-and-community/community-programs-duluth-area/thrive

On the last Friday of each month, YMCA hosts Teen Night at their Hermantown location for ages 10-18. This event includes concessions, games, open swim, and more—a great way for teens to have fun in a safe and welcoming space.

Email: ordeaneast@isd709.org
Website: https://ordeaneast.isd709.org/
Phone: 218-336-8940