NMS Update 9.8.2024

Middle school families:

I want families to know that we have had a terrific first week of school. We had plenty of smiles, laughs and energy this week and I am looking forward to seeing this continue. As our Minnesota temperatures go from 90’s to 60’s and possibly back to 90’s, we want families to know that we will be going outside for PE classes and lunch recess. Students should plan to dress appropriately for the weather and plan to be outside every day (weather and air quality permitting).

Student Attire: I want to recognize that it can be difficult for our students to make a shift in what they wear during the summer and what is acceptable for school. Because of this and some of the clothing choices our students made this week, I felt a reminder would be a good idea. You can read our middle school attire policy linked below but know that it is very difficult to write a policy that addresses all situations. If we can all use the lens of what someone would wear to a job for a standard, this will help tremendously. This does not mean students can’t wear comfortable casual clothing, we just want to teach our students that what is appropriate when hanging out with friends outside of school, may not be appropriate at a school, a place of employment, or even a family event like a wedding. Please have a conversation with your student and help us with this life lesson. Thank you in advance for your support and you can view our middle school handbook regarding attire/ dress with this link.

Greg Gelineau
Northfield Middle School Principal

ggelineau@northfieldschools.org

It is important to call our attendance line at 507-663-0655 or email Kari Hartwig khartwig@northfieldschools.org each day that your student is absent, or if they need to arrive late or leave early for an appointment or event. If your student is ill, please provide your student's symptoms and if they have a fever within your message. This is a 24-hour voicemail system. If you have any attendance questions, please contact Kari Hartwig at 507-663-0680. Thank you!

Josten's has an online order form to use after pictures have been taken: jostenspix.com Please use event code FE72724 when placing your order online. All students should have their picture taken in order to be in the yearbook and to receive a student ID. An additional picture day will take place on Tuesday, October 1 (7:30-11:00 am), for students needing retakes or if they did not take their photo in August. On October 1, we will call students down alphabetically. Students and staff are encouraged to have their picture taken regardless if they plan to order. We will print a student & staff ID for the 2024-2025 school year with the new photo. Note that you will need to have your student’s lunch pin to access their pictures and place an order if you choose. A student lunch pin may be found in Skyward/Family Access. If you have questions please contact Kari Hartwig at khartiwig@northfieldschools.org.

Students and families have an expanded front loop at the middle school with additional crosswalks. We will have Crossing Guards at Hwy. 246 and Arbor Street from 7:30 am - 7:45 am, to assist students cross this busy intersection. Parents that drop off or pick up their students at NMS should pull all the way around the loop to drop them off. We are also asking parents to not drive through the middle two-way section of the new lot during drop-off or pick-up times. This middle section is reserved for people who are parking and entering the building.

Thank you for your assistance with this and please drive slowly and keep an eye out for students and staff who are crossing on 246 and the parking lot.

Our School Counselors are available to assist families with class schedules and questions you may have:

Jenny Streefland - student last name A-H
Natalie Amy - student last name I-P

Cori Yamry - student last name Q-Z

Bell Schedule/Wednesday One hour Late Start

Monday, September 9: Maroon Day 1

• MS athletic practices, 3:00 pm
• School Board Meeting, District Office, 6:00 pm

Tuesday, September 10: Gold - Day 2

• MS athletic practices, 3:00 pm

• Boys Soccer & Football Photos, NMS Cafeteria, 3:10 pm
  
  

Wednesday, September 11: Maroon - Day 1

• One hour late start, 8:57 am
• MS athletic practices, 3:00 pm
• Boys Maroon & Gold Soccer @ Lakeville Century, 4:00 pm

Thursday, September 12: Gold - Day 2

• MS athletic practices, 3:00 pm
• Girls Soccer @ NMS vs Lakeville Century, 4:00 pm
• Girls Maroon Tennis @ NMS vs New Prague, 3:45 pm
• Girls Gold Tennis @ New Prague, 3:45 pm
• Grade 6 Volleyball Scrimmage @ NMS, 3:30 pm
• Grade 7/8 Volleyball @ Owatonna MS, 4:00 pm

Friday, September 13: Maroon - Day 1

• MS athletic practices, 3:00 pm

On Nov. 5, 2024 the Northfield School District will ask voters to consider authorizing bond to Reimagine Northfield High School. The high school facility faces numerous problems. This referendum will address these problems because the proposal is Safe, Smart, and Sustainable. Go to our website to get additional information regarding the bond referendum. Or better yet, attend a presentation or come to one of our high school tours!

JOIN US in room 153 afterschool for Middle School Youth Center! Check out the fun activities and clubs with your friends or join us to and make new ones! Everyone is welcome and there's no cost to you. All you need is a parent/guardian to fill out the MSYC participation form!

We provide a snack and bussing to select stops around town after programming (see the form for a list of stops). We have college tutors available to help with HOMEWORK, Monday through Thursday starting September 30th!

Please contact Nadine Bartolo for any questions.

September 9 - School Board Meeting (District Office) 6:00 pm

September 10 - Boys Soccer & Football Sport Photos (MS Cafeteria)
September 16-20 - Storybook Theatre (MS Auditorium), 4:00 - 8:15 pm

September 18 - Girls Soccer, Volleyball & Girls Tennis Sport Photos (MS Cafeteria)

Email: ggelineau@northfieldschools.org
Location: Northfield Middle School, Division Street South, Northfield, MN, USA
Phone: 507-663-0650

Email: mokeefe@northfieldschools.org
Location: Northfield Middle School, Division Street South, Northfield, MN, USA
Phone: 507-663-0650