Pella MS Newsletter
October 2024
Letter from the Principal
Pella MS Families,
We have a busy October upcoming at Pella MS. Sports are finishing up, and new sports and activities like show choir and jazz band will begin. Thank you for taking the time to look over our newsletters to keep up to date on the different elements of your child's education. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. Let's have another great month!
Sincerely,
Scott Tjeerdsma, Principal
Students Doing Amazing Things!
Service Learning
Our first service project of the year was a tremendous success! With the hard-working help of 10 students, we were able to assist Kaden's Kloset at First Church by sorting, folding, and organizing clothes from newborns to teenagers. This service project helped Kaden's Kloset prepare for an upcoming community outreach event to provide free clothes for families in need. Thank you students for your fun energy and diligent efforts.
The next opportunity for service learning will be planting tulips for TULIP TIME. Be on the lookout for more information on this chance to serve our community.
WorkSmart Connector
On October 1 and 3, our MS students had the opportunity to start thinking about future careers with our Worksmart Connector panel. Employees from various industries around Pella were present to give the students a glimpse into daily life in each career. We thank the following individuals for taking time out of their busy days to share with our kids.
- Mikey Roederer, General Manager, Liberty Street Kitchen
- Joe Dirksen, MES Project Leader, Pella Corp
- Jessi Galligan, Director, Pella Historical Society
- Elisa Klassen, Mfg. Systems Engineer, Vermeer
- Susan Vander Molen, Nurse, Pella Hospital
- Marie Vander Wilt, Pella High grad and Patient Care Apprentice
- Tim Te Groetenhuis, General Manager, Culvers
- Gary Schlerman, Manager, Fareway
MS Athletics
Winter sports sign-up is underway!
Winter Sport Sign Up (LINK HERE)
To give us an accurate count on who will be participating, we do an online signup. Please only fill the form (linked above) out once for each student.
Girls Basketball
First Practice: October 21
Head Coaches:
7th - Emily Craig - emily.craig@pellaschools.org
8th - Jim Dingeman - jim.dingeman@pellaschools.org
Girls Wrestling
First Practice: October 21
Head Coach:
Brittany Buck- brittany.buck@pellaschools.org
Boys Wrestling
First Practice: October 28
Head Coach:
Jeff Petty- jeffpetty45@yahoo.com
Physicals ( LINK HERE for required form)
Upcoming Events
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes for the Middle School are Wednesday, October 9. If your student(s) missed picture day, they can still have pictures taken on retake day. Order online at mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID EVTTWS7TB. Order forms are also available in the office.
8th Grade Field Trip October 17
On Thursday, October 17, the 8th grade class will visit Pella Corporation and Central College. Students will leave the Middle School at 8:15 and will return around 2:30.
Save the Date!
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Monday, October 28. Sign-up information will be sent out soon.
Public Schools Attendance Laws Update
Senate File 2435 was signed into law on May 9, 2024 with an effective date of July 1, 2024. Division VII of SF2435 details public school attendance requirements. The following provides a summary of district responsibilities.
Chronically absent means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days or hours in the grading period established by a public school.
Construction Progress - Almost Done!
Science Classroom
FCS Room with new appliances
Kitchen Serving Area
Calendar
Upcoming Events:
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: 90 minute early dismissal
October 17: 8th Grade Field Trip - Pella Corp and Central
October 23: End First Quarter
October 24- 25: Fall break-NO SCHOOL
October 28: MS Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:30-7:00
November 6, 13, 20, 27: 90 min early dismissal
November 28-29: Thanksgiving break-NO SCHOOL
Contact Pella MS
Email: scott.tjeerdsma@pellaschools.org
Website: pellaschools.org
Location: 613 East 13th Street, Pella, IA, USA
Phone: (641)628-4784