Muskego Lakes Family Newsletter
November 3rd. 2023
Dear Muskego Lakes Families,
With last week being the end of the first quarter, we wanted to shed some light on the role of assessments students complete during the year at Muskego Lakes. As principals, we see the assessments students take as a partnership, a way for our staff to better understand your child as a learner and tailor instruction that is just right for them, and a way that we can provide you insight into how your child is progressing.
The goal of any assessment given here at Muskego Lakes is never to cause worry or frustration. Instead, our approach to testing at Muskego Lakes is one that supports encouragement, fosters goal-setting, and serves as a guide so we can intervene and help students to close any learning gaps they might have, master grade-level standards, or challenge their skills. We use the results to plan for your child's strengths and areas where they might need extra help. In addition, they help us as a school monitor and track your child's academic growth over time.
This process helps us connect hearts and minds by allowing us to work with students where they are at, which, as a result, helps to develop your child's confidence. As they take assessments and see their improvements over time, it can boost their self-esteem and motivate them to set and achieve higher academic goals. This is something you might have seen in their reflections on their Standards Mastery assessments or SOF trackers they shared with you already this year or mentioned at recent fall conferences.
However, we know that assessments and the results are just one piece of the puzzle, and each of our students here at Muskego Lakes is so much more than a test score! We want you to know that to us, testing isn't about grades; in fact, many of the assessments students complete are never calculated into their grades. However, we recognize that testing can sometimes stir up feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, not just for your children but for you as well. With that being said, if your child (or you) are anxious about an assessment and want to talk through what the assessment looks like and what the results mean, our staff is here to help, so please reach out to us, your child’s teacher, or our student services staff.
In partnership,
Rachel and Nancy
Muskego Lakes Principals
Important Dates Ahead
- November 7: 8th Grade Pre-ACT
- November 8: MLMS PTO Meeting 6:30pm
- November 14: 5-6th Grade CoGat Testing
- November 22- 24: No School Thanksgiving Break
- November 29: Choralfest at MHS in Salentine Gym
- November 30: Band Concert 6th Grade: 6pm & 7/8th Grade: 7pm at PAC
- December 5-7: Literacy iReady Testing
- December 11-13: Math iReady Testing
- December 14: Choir Concert 7pm at PAC
- December 15: 6th Grade Science Fair
- December 22- Jan 1: No School Winter Break
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!
Did your child misplace something? Check out 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 right away. Please check out the items that are currently in our lost and found this week.
Upcoming 5-6th Grade CogAT Testing
Our 5-6th grade students will be taking the CogAt test on November 14th in social studies. The CogAt is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and it evaluates the level and pattern of cognitive development of students, as well as their abilities in problem solving using verbal, quantitative, and spatial (nonverbal) reasoning. The CogAT measures developed abilities that begin at birth and continue through early adulthood. Scores can be used to adapt instruction in ways that enhance students’ success in learning.
Data gathered from these assessments will be included as one aspect of the multiple measures
that help staff make decisions regarding your child’s instructional needs. There is no way for
students to study or prepare for this assessment. Rather, to attain the most reliable results, we
want to foster a relaxed, natural environment in the classroom.
Results of this assessment will be shared with you following the completion of the testing and following our District’s universal screening process. The information gathered will not be used
in any calculation of report card grades since it is not directly connected to standard or skill
achievement.
Please contact Andy Bavlnka, the Director of Secondary Learning, if you have any questions at andrew.bavlnka@muskegonorway.org.
Help Support Building an Indoor Recess Cart
The Muskego Lakes PTO is looking to assemble a rainy-day activity cart for students to access for indoor recess. The hope is that when students have indoor recess, they will be able to choose from different options to occupy their time and make memories with one another. If you are willing and able to help, please check out our Muskego Lakes Amazon Wishlist HERE.
On behalf of the Muskego Lakes PTO, they thank you for considering supporting this endeavor.
Building Academic Foundations looking for Guest Speakers
How to Help Your Child Deal With Academic Anxiety
Signs of academic anxiety
Kids don’t always tell you how they feel or show anxiety in obvious ways, and behavior is one way kids communicate. Look out for these signs of academic anxiety in your child:
- Complaining of frequent stomachaches, headaches or other physical pain with no known medical cause
- Avoiding school or certain classes (e.g., refusing to get dressed or trying to miss the bus)
- Worrying excessively about school and no longer making time for activities they used to enjoy, including social interactions.
- Showing changes in sleep or eating habits
- Showing changes in mood, such as appearing to be “on edge,” irritable, or tearful
- Acting out in class (e.g., being the class clown, getting in fights or talking back)
- Having an “I don’t care” attitude about anything related to school
- Sweating, shaking or fast breathing when thinking or talking about school
Talking to your child about academic anxiety
It’s natural to want to help kids feel better when they are stressed, but sometimes even the best intentions backfire. By attempting to fix the problem without acknowledging their feelings, kids can end up feeling worse while getting the message that their feelings are not OK. Here are some helpful ways to respond:
Overcoming academic anxiety in the moment
What can kids do when they find themselves worrying excessively about an assignment, or feeling short of breath as a teacher passes out a test? It’s important for kids to get a chance to learn and practice these skills in a calm moment, such as at the kitchen table while doing homework, so they will be ready to use them when they feel their anxiety rise. Here are a few strategies:
- Deep breathing: Breathe slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth. Repeat several times
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Slowly tense and relax muscles. For example: As you inhale through your nose, tighten the muscles in your hands by pretending you are squeezing a lemon. Hold for a few seconds. Now, imagine letting go of the lemon and allowing your muscles to relax, as you exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Grounding: Take a few deep breaths, and then use your senses to notice things. For example: Notice 3 things you can see around you, 2 things you can touch or 1 thing you can hear, etc.
Overcoming academic anxiety in the long run
Here are some ways you can give your child a healthy outlook on school and help them manage school-related stress.
- Practice healthy habits as a family. Healthy habits have a positive impact on both the body and mind, and they help reduce stress. Encourage the whole family to prioritize getting enough quality rest, eating well and being active.
- Encourage balance. Encourage children to explore other interests and hobbies so that school is not their only focus.
- Make time for play. Like adults, kids need unstructured time to play, unwind, be creative and relax. Taking breaks and being active can reduce stress.
- Be a positive role model. Your child still looks to you as an example, and if they see you managing stress in healthy ways they are more likely to do the same. For example: “I feel stressed about a big work deadline, but I know I will feel better if I take a break to go for a walk. Would you like to join me?”
- Teach your child how to study smarter. Knowing how to properly study, and be organized, can help reduce anxiety.
- Break big assignments up into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Find a quiet space and remove distractions (such as the TV, phone, etc.).
- Use a planner to help with time-management.
When to seek help or support for academic anxiety
Some amount of school-related anxiety is normal and to be expected for most kids (at some point in their lives). If you are ever concerned your child may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety that go beyond what is normal and manageable, or you have other concerns about their emotional wellness, please feel free to reach out to our student service team of:
- Stacey Malek - School Psychologist
- Janine Hake - School Counselor
- James Brickweg - School Counselor
- Stacy Pawlak - School Social Worker
Severe Weather Drills
Each year, Muskego Lakes students and staff participate in two severe weather drills. This drill is meant for us to practice the procedure should we ever find ourselves in a real situation where we must use them QUICKLY AND CORRECTLY. It prepares us to deal with severe weather, such as thunderstorms, high winds, tornados,hail,etc.
On Monday, students will receive a lesson with some facts about severe weather, the procedure for getting to our shelter locations, how to get into the safety position, expectations for behavior, and other important facts, such as how we will inform families of student safety during an actual weather emergency.
Wondering Who Do I Contact?
We want to make sure that you know who to reach out to when you have a question, so please click on image below or here to check out our Muskego Lakes one pager for who to contact.
Upcoming 8th Grade Pre-Act
A reminder that this upcomning 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
Musical Information Meeting Monday!
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).
Purchase a Yearbook Yet?
MLMS PTO Kringle Sale Due Tonight 8pm!
Help support the Muskego Lakes PTO by selling/ordering Kringles. . Kringles are from O&H in Racine and will be $15 each. They freeze beautifully, so perfect for the holidays. All orders are due TODAY 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.
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 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