What's Happening at West!

Dear Middle School West Families,

As we wrap up the first trimester of the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible strides our students have made. It’s been a trimester full of energy, growth, and achievement! From our classrooms to our sports teams, from art projects to science experiments and music concerts, the vibrancy of our school community is truly inspiring.

Highlights from this trimester include students embracing challenges in their learning, participating in engaging extracurricular activities, and coming together to build a positive and inclusive school culture. Our teachers have gone above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences, and our students have responded with curiosity and determination.

As we enter the holiday season, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. This time of year reminds us of the importance of community, gratitude, and giving back. We look forward to sharing acts of kindness demonstrated by our wonderful students this month.

Looking ahead, the second trimester promises even more opportunities for growth and success. With new projects, performances, and challenges on the horizon, there’s so much to be excited about. It’s hard to believe we are already beginning the second trimester of the school year.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we’re creating a vibrant and enriching environment for our students to thrive. Let’s keep the momentum going into the new year!

Sincerely,

Andy Merfeld
Principal

NO SCHOOL - Holiday Break

Mon., Dec. 23rd - Wed., Jan. 1st

School Resumes: Thursday, January 2nd, 2025

Thurs., Jan. 9th: 7th Grade Courage Retreat (details to follow)

Winter Dress Up Days

Monday, 12/16 - Jersey Day

Tuesday, 12/17 - Twin Day

Wednesday, 12/18 - Mismatch Day

Thursday, 12/19 - Movie Character Day

Friday, 12/20 - Pajama/Comfy

Friday, 12/20 - 5th grade Blanket project (Click Here for details)

December's Character Strong theme is Empathy. Empathy helps create a kind environment where everyone feels valued. Empathy requires a little bit of work. It means taking time to understand the feelings and emotions of others and offering support. It allows us to provide support and kindness to others and share in their experiences.

When talking to your children about empathy, here are some phrases and words to help them show and express their care for others:

-I am here for you.

-I am sorry you feel this way.

-You did your best. That's what matters.

-Let's talk about it together.

-Your feelings are important.

-Thank you for trusting me with your feelings.

At the end of October, our 6th grade students had an amazing time at Camp Fire, where we spent the day outdoors participating in a variety of fun and educational activities. The kids worked together to build shelters or assemble tents, learning teamwork and survival skills while testing their creativity. We also had a blast with archery, aiming for bullseyes and building confidence. Exploring the tiny wonders of nature through microscopes gave everyone a new appreciation for the small details we often overlook. The adventure continued as we used compasses to navigate the wilderness during an exciting orienteering challenge. It was a perfect day of learning, adventure, and peer bonding in the great outdoors!

7th & 8th grade students. This is just a friendly reminder regarding your chromebooks and the cold weather of winter months. DO NOT leave your chromebooks in a cold car or on a cold activity bus. This will damage your chromebook. Please take care of these school devices. Thank you!

Note: If your Chromebook does get left in a vehicle,

DO NOT open & start your device until it reaches room temp.

Buy your yearbook now!

School Hours: 8:25am-3:00pm

Doors open at 7:55am

Click HERE for our Daily Schedule of classes for each grade level.

Click HERE for information regarding the drop off and pick up process for students before and after school.

ParentVUE is a vital communication tool regarding the communication of student progress and it is imperative that you become a regular user of this tool. Parents are responsible for keeping family and contact information up-to-date in ParentVUE. Please review your personal data and edit your email, phone numbers, and emergency contacts directly in ParentVUE. See the STMA website for more information. Click Here for ParentVue.

It is important for all students to make every effort to attend school each day. From keeping up with learning in the many classes they attend each day to forming and maintaining relationships with peers and staff, it is important to make attending school a priority. We are focused on social development in addition to the academic success of students. Thank you for making every effort to have your child in attendance outside of unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your support in helping get middle school students to school each day!

NOTE: A student needs to be in school for "5" full periods in order to be able to participate in

ANY activity after school that day.

Please call the attendance line at 763-497-4524 option #1

or email: mwattendance@mystma.org

to report absences, early dismissals and late arrivals

Please be sure to share all necessary medical information and/or medications necessary to support your child throughout the school year with our school nurse, Mrs. Andrea Mischke, or our Health Assistant, Mrs. Niki Waldoch-Hunter.

Immunization Updates
Minnesota K-12 Immunization Law
Students are required to receive certain vaccines for school or submit an exemption. This requirement applies for all public, private, online, and home schools in Minnesota.

*Requirements for Grades 5 & 6: Hepatitis B, Polio, MMR, Varicella (Chickenpox), Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
*Requirements for Grades 7 & 8: Hepatitis B, Polio, MMR, Varicella (Chickenpox), Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) PLUS Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal.

If you have questions regarding immunization requirements or exemption forms, please contact Andrea Mischke at andreamis@mystma.org

If interested in Volunteering at MSW or becoming a PTO member: Click here:

Contact Sarah Sieve, MSW PTO President if questions: sarahsieve@gmail.com