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Muskego Lakes Family Newsletter
October 20th, 2023
Dear Muskego Lakes Families,
At Muskego Lakes, we pride ourselves on living out our vision of "Connecting Hearts & Minds through Acceptance, Empowerment, and Achievement." An essential aspect of living out that vision is ensuring we can partner with families to learn how to support your child best and you as caregivers. And we want you to know that we always aim to gain more insight and feedback to ensure you and your child's experience is a positive one.
Here are some of the ways that we have changed and adapted practices as a result of feedback from you:
- Offering conferences both in-person and virtual
- Adding the co-curricular schedule each week in the parent newsletter
- Monday Musky folders to help get more student work home to families
- SOF trackers to help families access student learning progress throughout the year
- Updated weekly photos of lost and found items
- Printed report cards mailed home each quarter
- Discontinued requirements to purchase PE t-shirts
- Removed limit on 8th grade graduation guests
- Maintained yearbook costs to keep it affordable
- Secured additional school counselor and on-site mental health counseling
Your insights and feedback are invaluable to us, and we want you to know we are always here to learn from your experience and listen to your ideas so that we can improve or strengthen our practices. Please reach out to us with any suggestions or thoughts on how we can further enhance your experience in our building or the experience your student is having. Together, we can keep striving for excellence and fostering an environment where every student can thrive!
In partnership,
Rachel and Nancy
Muskego Lakes Principals
Important Dates Ahead
- October 22: MLMS PTO Pumpkin Spice Fair 9-2pm
- October 23: Fall Conference Night 4-8pm
- October 27: No School-Professional Day
- November 7: 8th Grade Pre-ACT
- November 14: 5-6th Grade CoGat Testing
- November 29: Choralfest
Fall Conference Reminders
Our staff is looking forward to being able to connect with families at our final upcoming fall conferences on Monday, October 23rd, 2023: both Virtual and In-Person options
A reminder that we are using the platform "Meet the Teacher" to schedule these conferences, so no drop-in conferences are available. Each scheduled conference will be 10 minutes long with 2-minute transitions in between. This sign-up closed for booking on Wednesday, October 18th at 3:00 pm. Please reach out directly to techers you weren't able to book a time with.
Planning to Attend In-Person Conferences
Before You Arrive
Don’t leave home without your child (if at all possible)
- At Muskego Lakes, we empower our students to know who they are as learners and to ensure they have an equal voice when it comes to their academic progress. For that reason, we highly recommend bringing your child along. Not only does that allow your child to hear strengths and opportunities for improvement but allows both you and the teacher to hear the student’s perspective on how things are going.
Make sure you know your schedule.
- We recommend printing if you have access to a printer. If not, you can reference the Meet the Teacher email you've received with your schedule on your mobile device.
Arrive early.
- We will have printed maps provided. Please come early so you can mark up the map and know where to go. Or better yet, bring your child along. With 2 minute transition time between conferences, it will be important that you have a game plan of classroom locations before the first conference begins.
Reminders for DURING Conferences
We need your help sticking to the scheduled conference times.
- Please be aware that we are recommending that teachers set a timer on their computers to stay on schedule. Please know that by doing this, they will be able to best value your time to make sure you get their undivided attention.
Don’t stress if running behind- you can set up an alternative time.
- If you arrive late for a conference, teachers will need to end the conference at the originally scheduled time. Thanks for understanding as we want to make sure we keep on schedule for all families. But if you are late or miss your conference, the teachers are more than happy to schedule a follow up time to meet. Just send them an email to set up an alternative time.
Planning to Attend Virtual Conferences
Please prepare to use Meet the Teacher for parent-teacher conference scheduling and attending by reviewing this quick reference guide HERE. This resource includes an 8-minute video tutorial and a “how-to” article with screenshots. Please Note: the video is UK-based and uses terms like "parents evenings" in place of "parent-teacher conferences."
Here are a few bits of information to note:
Check that you’re using a compatible web browser
The following web browsers are supported for making video calls:
iPhone/iPad: Safari
Android: Chrome or Firefox
Windows: Chrome, Firefox, or Edge (latest version only)
Mac: Safari, Chrome, or Firefox
Check your firewall settings
Please run this test https://networktest.twilio.com/. You will need to allow access to your microphone and camera. This test checks to see if there will be any firewall issues. Firewall issues during conferences are exhibited by seeing "black screens" or "Error 53000."
Going to your virtual meeting
Click HERE for the MLMS Conference Scheduler to attend your conference! This link is the same that you used to book your conferences.
We need your help sticking to the scheduled conference times.
- Please be aware that the Meet the Teacher platform has a 10 minute timer that begins at the start of your scheduled conference time and ends promptly after 10 minutes. At that time, the program will automatically boot both the teacher and family out of the video call. Therefore, the teacher will make every effort to wrap up the conference so that no one is cut off at the end.
Don’t stress if running behind- you can set up an alternative time.
- If you arrive late for a conference, teachers will need to end the conference at the originally scheduled time. Thanks for understanding as we want to make sure we keep on schedule for all families. But if you are late or miss your conference, the teachers are more than happy to schedule a follow up time to meet. Just send them an email to set up an alternative time.
Having Trouble During Your Virtual Conference?
Having difficulty accessing your conference?
If you are having difficulty accessing your conference via your computer, Meet the Teacher asks you to consider using a personal smartphone if you have access to one. Smartphones often have the microphone and camera enabled. Additionally, there are generally no firewall issues with these devices.
When accessing video calls for the first time, your web browser should ask you if you wish to allow access to the camera and microphone. If your camera and/or microphone is not detected, you'll see a message similar to this:
Please follow these suggestions below and then press Try Again:
- Try refreshing the page to see if the web browser prompts you for access to the camera and microphone. If you're prompted for access, choose Allow.
Otherwise, continue to step 2. Check if your web browser is blocking access to the camera and microphone and if so, unblock access. The steps to do so depend on which web browser you're using. Click on the link to view the guide:
iPhone/iPad: Safari - open Settings from the Home screen, then choose Safari, and scroll to the Camera & Microphone Access option.
Windows: Chrome, Firefox, Edge (latest version) - press the three dots in the upper right and choose Settings, press Site permissions on the left, followed by Camera and Microphone on the right. Ensure camera and microphone access isn't blocked for this website.
Need more assistance?
Contact Sarah Bauhs (sarah.bauhs@muskegonorway.org) with questions.
Upcoming 8th Grade Pre-Act
We are excited to share that on November 7th, all 8th grade students at Muskego Lakes will be given the PreACT assessment. Eighth grade students who begin their day at Muskego High School should report to Muskego Lakes at 8:05am.
PreACT provides:
Early indication of progress and ideas for improvement—PreACT gives students an estimated ACT test score and can be used as an indicator of college and career readiness.
Fast, robust reporting—Reports are ready quickly, so teachers and students can get to work turning PreACT insights into action. Reports include a predicted score in all tested areas (Math, Science, STEM, English, and Reading), an overall composite score, and an item response analysis.
Career Map showing 26 career areas that are matched to students’ interests and predicted ACT score.
Please make sure that your child has the following on the testing day:
3 sharpened (No. 2) pencils with good erasers
A watch to pace yourself (no phones please)
Calculator for the math test (recommended, but not required); see ACT Approved Calculators.
Tips to share with your child:
Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test
Eat a good breakfast
Follow directions exactly and don’t be afraid to ask questions
Don’t spend too much time on a single question
Choose the answer you think is best and move on
If the test is completed before time is called, recheck work
Is your Child Missing Something? Check the Lost & Found!
Common items we find are:
- water bottles
- school supplies
- assignment notebooks
- lunch bags
- sweatshirts
Please encourage your child if they are missing sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, pencil cases, hats, headbands, etc. to stop by student services to check for their missing items. We will continue to update our photos weekly, but any items remaining on October 26th will be donated. We will have tables up at conferences for you to stop and check for missing items as well.
Hallween Costume Reminders/Expectations
All costume preparations are to be completed at home. (No dressing or applying of makeup or colored/glitter hairspray once students arrive at school.)
Any accessory that is used improperly, distracts the learning, or is considered inappropriate for school will be turned in and students will be able to collect it at the end of the day.
Students wearing inappropriate costumes will be asked to call home (from in their classroom) to ask for a change of clothes.
Students should reach out to their homeroom teacher if concerned about a costume being appropriate prior to Halloween.
School rules regarding the dress code must be followed with the exception of hats. Hats may be worn.
Foot attire must be worn at all times. No bare feet, stocking feet or slippers
Students will need to change for PE still if you have it that day, so be mindful of how long it will take you to get in and out of your costume.
The following are items that will not be allowed:
No inflatable costumes
No fake weapons (i.e. swords, guns, nunchucks, knife, etc.)
No costumes or accessories that are offensive and/or depict, represent, solicit or promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gangs, cults, sex, violence, or profanity.
No mask/headwear that covers your entire face can be worn.
Mark The Calendar! Important Musical Information
We are less than a month out from information meetings, workshops and auditions for this years school musical. All will take place in the Choir room for students. Parents can pick up at Door 14 when finished.
Information Meeting:
Monday, November 6 3:10-3:45 pm (Open to any 5-8 grader interested in CAST or ARTISTIC OR BACKSTAGE CREW)
Workshop #1(CAST-highly recommended not required): Tuesday, November 7 3:10-4 pm
Workshop #2(CAST-highly recommended not required): Thursday, November 9 3:10-4 pm
(Bring Packets with you if you took one at workshop #1)
CAST AUDITIONS
Students should choose ONE DAY AND SIGN UP on the audition sign up doc. Students should plan to be there entire time.
Monday, November 13; 3:10-5:10 pm
Tuesday, November 14; 3:10-5:10 pm
Wednesday, November 15; 3:10-5:10 pm
CALL BACKS (by invitation only-emails will be sent on Wednesday evening)
Thursday, November 16; 3:10-5ish pm
Friday, November 17; 3:10-5ish pm
ARTISTIC & BACKSTAGE CREW APPLICATIONS-due Friday, November 17 by end of school day.
ON-GOING REHEARSAL DOC-all known dates and times are posted here and will be added as soon as the information becomes available.
If you have any questions regarding the musical, please reach out to Sarah Milton (Sarah.milton@muskegonorway.org).
Upcoming MLMS PTO Kringle Sale
Help support the Muskego Lakes PTO by selling/ordering Kringles. This year we will sell from 10/16-11/03. Kringles are from O&H in Racine and will be $15 each. They freeze beautifully, so perfect for the holidays. All orders are due by 11/03 at 8pm.
How To Order:
- Please email your order to Jenn Colon at justicegirl180@hotmail.com.
- Please just type your order in the email, do not scan or send the order form. This makes it easier to count. HERE is a digital copy of the order form for you to use/reference.
- You will recieve an email that your order was received within 24 hours.
- If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, that means she did not get it. If this happens, contact Jenn ASAP. You can also leave your order at the front desk of ML.
- No late orders will be accepted, so please have them to Jenn no later than 11/03 at 8pm.
Delivery/Pick-up
Delivery/pick up will be Saturday, November 18th around noon. More information on the location of pick up to follow.
Payment
On the day of pick up, we will need one check made out to MLPTO. No cash will be accepted. We will hold your check for 1 week to give you time to collect.
If you have any questions, please contact Jenn Colon at justicegirl180@hotmail.com. Please give her 24 hours to respond.
Help Us Recognize/Celebrate Our Staff!
To do so, you can complete the form HERE. We will be taking nominations until October, 22nd, 2023. Thank you for helping us honor our staff here at Muskego Lakes!
Shown above are the upcoming co-curricular events at Muskego Lakes!
If a change occurs from the date of this newsletter, we post on Infinite Campus in the announcement section. We commit to letting students/families know about changes and updating Infinite Campus announcements as soon as possible once we've been notified of a change.
Check out all MLMS events here which includes more detailed information!
Purchase a Yearbook Yet?
SIgn Up Today for Mid-Week Munchies
Every Wednesday the Muskego Lakes PTO is looking for volunteers to donate snacks to our teachers and staff. This greatly helps them make it through the week and brighten their day. You can donate snacks or a group of families can donate. We have roughly 100 staff members. Snacks can be anything you'd like. Please sign up for a date HERE if you can. Drop off will be in the front office by 8am on the Wednesday you sign up.
Thank you in advanced for helping spoil our staff.
Get Involved By Joining The Muskego Lakes PTO!
Please consider joining the Muskego Lakes PTO. We meet monthly in the MLMS library at 6:30pm. We always welcome new faces and would love to hear your ideas on how we can make this an amazing school year ahead!!
Meeting Dates for the 23-24 School Year:
- November 8
- January 10
- February 14
- March 13
- April 10
- May 8
Reminders for the Lunchroom
In an effort to ensure students can move through the lunch lines efficiently, we ask that you remind your student to ensure that they bring their school ID card with them to lunch daily or ensure that they have gotten their finger scanned.
For your convenience, we have linked helpful resources. You can always find the link to updated lunch menus, at the end of this newsletter.
2023-24 Lunch Prices:
- Elementary Lunch: $2.55
- MS Lunch 1: $2.95
- MS Lunch 2: $3.50
- MS Creation Station: $3.90
- Milk Carton: $.50
- MHS Ala carte meal rates as noted on the monthly menu will apply.
Questions related to the food service program can be directed to Benny D’Epiro, Food Service Director at 262-971-1790 x4522.
Clinical Psychology Associates Services
We are proud to continue to partner with Clinical Psychology Associates (CPA) to offer on-site counseling services through the summer months for students enrolled in Lakeview Elementary, Mill Valley Elementary, Bay Lane Elementary, Lake Denoon Middle, Muskego Lakes Middle, and Muskego High School. For information about CPA’s services and therapists or to get started with an appointment, please visit our website.
Muskego Norway School District Calendar
Please make note of days off and important events on the 23-24 calendar. It is ideal to make dentist and doctor appointments on days we do not have school whenever possible.
Thank you!
Muskego Lakes Middle School
Website: https://www.muskegonorway.org/schools/muskegolakes/
Location: W124 S8009 North Cape Rd.
Phone: 262-971-1860
Twitter: @MLMSmuskies