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Middle School East News

May 7, 2021

Middle SchoolEast NewsMay 7, 2021

A Message from Principal Kelly

Dear Middle School East Families,


After a year of uncertainty and change, we are grateful for our students, staff and families that have worked so hard to make 2021-22 a success. We have all learned to adapt and grow depsite the challenges that the pandemic has thrown our way. I am continually impressed by our middle schoolers' resilience and eagerness to learn. It has been a gift to watch them in the classrooms, hallways, cafeteria and activities ... enjoying school and being with their peers. Thank you for your support as we head into the last month of this school year! Taking time to visit with your child about how to end the school year successfully is greatly appreciated! Included below are two recent messages from Mr. Holler and myself that were shared with students about kindness and personal space. Please be sure to check your child's growth academically on ParentVue and visit with them about how they can best complete the third trimester. Know that we are here to support your child in achieving their very best and are happy to help in any way we can.


We are excited and grateful for the recent decisions made that restore our practices back to a more typical school experience for students. Beginning today May 7th, students are no longer required to wear face coverings outdoors. Outdoor recess, physical education classes and outdoor class activities will be a mask free time for students. Students and/or staff that choose to continue to wear masks outdoors will certainly be respected in their personal preference, but will no longer be required to do so.


Thank you for your support and active involvement in your child's education. We truly enjoy our time with them! Please be sure to reach out to me with any questions/concerns. A very special thank you to all of the mothers and mother figures in our students lives! We wish you a very Happy Mother's Day this weekend!


Respectfully,

Jennie Kelly

STMA Middle School East Principal

Classroom Fun!

We're so proud of our teachers who continually work to engage students by making education FUN! Check out these photos from some of our amazing classrooms at Middle School East.
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Learning to canoe with Mrs. Syverson.
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Engaged in art with Mr. Jergenson.
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Playing tennis with Mr. Mashuga.
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Reading in the sunshine with Mr. Parkin.
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Berlin Airlift paper airplanes with Mr. Huggins.
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Making music with Mr. Hilden.
DNA models with Mrs. Boisner

Chromebook Return Just Around the Corner

Students not in distance learning who have a school Chromebook checked out - it's almost time to turn them in! They will be turned in during your social studies class on the following dates:

  • Grade 5 Tuesday May 18th

  • Grade 6 Friday May 21st

  • Grade 8 Tuesday May 25th

  • Grade 7 Friday May 28th


When returning them you will have to power them on, so have them charged and ready to go. You also need to turn in the cord, so make sure you have it along.

Congratulations to this week’s Knights’ Honor Winners!

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5th grader, Grady R. demonstrated Respect. Mrs. Knudson had this to say about him: Many days during recess, Grady will hold the door open for students coming in for lunch. When Grady does this he is typically the last student to get a hot lunch. Thank you Grady for being kind and helpful to all!

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6th grader, Gavin L. demonstrated Citizenship. Ms. Olson had this to say about him: When we were playing a classroom game, Gavin went above and beyond to make one of our new students included. He is such a team player!

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7th grader, Nevada L. demonstrated Citizenship. Mr. Arens had this to say about her: Nevada does a great job coming to class prepared and on task and is always engaged and asks great questions.
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8th grader, Ashley A. F. demonstrated Citizenship. Mrs. Glitsos had this to say about her: Ashley arrives at school every day with a positive attitude. She is a hard worker and is a leader in my classroom. She uses time wisely, shows respect to her peers and teachers, and makes sure everyone in the class is included.

Middle School East watched special messages from Principal Kelly and Assistant Principal Holler this week.

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Untitled May 5, 2021 6 28 PM

High School Transition

We are excited for our 8th graders to transition to the High School next year! On May 28th, students will have an opportunity to spend the day at the High School where they will be greeted by high school staff and administration, participate in a tour of the building, and learn more about life as a high school freshman. Students will spend from 11:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the high school. Please communicate ahead of time any early dismissals with the holiday weekend to ensure a smooth transition for your family and school. We will miss their smiles here at Middle School East, but know that they are moving on to do great things at the next level.

MSE Summer Academy

MSE Summer Academy will be in session Monday through Thursday, August 2nd to the 19th from 8 to 11 AM. Students will learn academic and social emotional skills in addition to exposure to pre-teaching in math and language arts. Transportation, breakfast and lunch will be provided for students participating in the program.


Criteria for participation in Summer Academy is based on a combination of MCA test scores and NC grades. A limited number of seats are available for each grade level. Students who qualify will receive an invitation in the coming weeks. Contact Assistant Principal David Holler if you have questions regarding the Summer Academy program.

Activities

Spring Activities are in full swing. Spectators are welcome at all middle school events this spring both home and away.


Check out the action from the Knights Softball team in their wins against Becker Thursday night.


The combined East/West 7th and 8th grade A softball team defeated Becker 15 -1 Thursday. Awesome pitching by Brooklynn B., a double and single by Callan W., singles by Adrienne L., Brooklynn B., Lacey B., Amanda O., Jessica B., and aggressive running by the whole team contributed to the win. Great way to start the season girls! We open our home season on Monday against Monticello.


What a night for Knights Softball! The 7th/8th B Team won their game against Becker 9-1. The team did a fantastic job of being aggressive baserunners and communicating. Paityn P. dominated the mound with strike out after strike out! Kayla W. did a great job of protecting the infield and Kaylen M. did a great job of making sure to get the outs coming her way at first base! Great game to start a great season! Keep it up ladies!

Youth Matters

Youth Matters is now in person. Students attend sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:30 with a MSE teacher to improve their academic skills, work on homework and increase independence.


If you would like your child to attend Youth Matters, please reach out to Mr. Holler at davidh@mystma.org or open the link to the Youth Matters Registration Packet for a schedule and more information.

School Day


MSE Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Classes In Session from: 8:55 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Students may begin to arrive at school when the school doors open at 8:40 a.m.


Crossing Guard at Naber Ave and 47th Street

Morning: 8:20 a.m. - 8:35 a.m.

Afternoon: 2:55 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.

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Food Service

Free meals will continue to be available to enrolled students on all scheduled school days. Click here for more information.
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STMA 2020-2021 School Calendar

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DL Materials Pick-up

Distance Learning Materials Pick Up Dates:


Wednesday, May 12

Wednesday, June 2


If your student has Distance Learning Materials to pick up, you will be contacted by the teacher. If you do not hear from your teacher(s), you have nothing to pick-up at this time. Pickups will take place from 8 am to 4 pm. Families should come to the main office during office hours (8 am to 4 pm) or contact the main office to set up a time to pick up materials.

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Technology Tools ~ Chromebooks & Hotspots

Check out the STMA Digital Learning Page. Here you will find frequently asked questions and quick tips to help navigate the commonly used resources by STMA students.


Check out these technology resources to help students who may get distracted by online learning.


Chromebooks and hotspots will be collected at a later date. Students do not need to return them at this time, but should bring them to school with them. Students who are able to bring personal headphones with them to school are encouraged to do so.


Check in with Dean of Students, Molly Schleicher, for questions/concerns about devices. mollys@mystma.org or (763) 497-2655

Counseling Corner

Need a break? Not sure how to quiet your mind? Check out STMA's Virtual Calming Room. Between journaling, coloring, mindfulness and mind games, you can find an activity to calm your mind and body. Use these tools to manage your emotions and find new ways to cope with the stress and anxiety of everyday life.


Please know that your school counselors are here to support you!

Last names A-L please contact Mrs. Knudson juliek@mystma.org

Last names M-Z please contact Mrs. Mesna jessicame@mystma.org

School Social Worker please contact Mrs. Buskey jessicab@mystma.org

Setting Boundaries!

Parents and children are spending a significant amount of time together during this pandemic. With our changing learning models, many families have felt frustrated while trying to help their child academically, socially, and emotionally. The more time we spend together, the more chances there are for conflict. If you are looking for ways to get out of a negative rut, check out this blog on setting boundaries from Spark and Stitch Institute. There is also a class you can enroll in if you want additional resources and ideas!