

D-A Middle School Newsletter
February 6, 2025

** No MS Wrestling Practice Friday, Feb. 7th **
6th Graders only register for Fall Cross Country, Winter Wrestling and Spring Track & Field.
February 6, 2025
đź‘‹ Dear Durand-Arkansaw MS families,
Things to know this week:
- Activities
- MS Wrestler of the Week
- Panthers for PRESCOTT
- Lunch Time Free Time
- Leadership Club Meeting
- MS Forensics
- Trap Clothing Order Link
- Target Time Focus
- Link to School Calendar
- Letter from Mrs. Sabelko
D-A MIDDLE SCHOOL WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: JASPER VOTH!
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on a wrestler who has proven to be as tough as they come while still maintaining an incredible attitude both on and off the mat. Jasper has had an impressive 8-0 start to the season, and it’s clear that this athlete is on a path to greatness.
Off the mat, Jasper is like a big teddy bear, always approachable and kind-hearted, showing respect to teammates, coaches, and opponents. But as soon as the match starts, that gentle teddy bear nature quickly transforms into “grizzly bear mode.” Jasper has shown time and time again that when it’s time to compete, he brings unmatched intensity and focus, overwhelming their opponents with grit and determination.
What sets Jasper apart isn’t just the perfect record, it’s the relentless work ethic and leadership by example. Whether it’s a tough practice or a high-pressure match, he consistently put in the effort and lead their team through hard work and dedication. His perseverance and attitude are contagious, making him a true role model for the entire team.
Keep up the great work, Jasper! You’ve got a bright future ahead, and your commitment to excellence is an inspiration to everyone around you. Keep grinding!
Panthers for PRESCOTT!
Orders Due February 7th!
Mrs. Deaver is a beloved MS Teacher here at Durand-Arkansaw, and her husband is a Math Teacher at Ellsworth High School. As you may know, their baby Prescott was born premature after a very scary delivery/pregnancy, and will be in the NICU in Marshfield until his original due date in March. On top of the stress and expenses of this, Mrs. Deaver has had emergency surgeries/procedures as recent as January 29th. The D-A & Ellsworth PANTHERS are doing a clothing fundraiser, along with a Go Fund Me page to help them offset their staggering medical bills. Security Financial Bank has set up an account to collect donations for them as well. The Deaver Family appreciates all the support and well wishes sent to them.
Lunch Time Football
A relatively warm January day brought some middle schoolers outside for their free time and a quick pick up football game with Officer Bonnerup!
MS FORENSICS IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Forensics Tournaments Important Information:
Remember to tell your coach as soon as possible if you will not be able to make it to a meet
Optional: bring food for dinner or snacks (concessions will be offered as well, bring cash if you would like to purchase concessions)
Dress for success! You don’t have to be formal, but plan to wear clean clothes that are free of any distracting patterns, logos, etc. Wear something that you will feel confident and comfortable in
Have a plan to be picked up at the end of the night. (Consider also making a plan to contact home when we leave or are close to home so parents know exactly when to arrive!)
Forensics is not a spectator sport, parents and family will have a time to see you shine on family night towards the end of the season
Be sure to bring any materials you need with you on the day of the tournament! Scripts, visuals, notecards, etc.
HAVE FUN!
Tournament Date Reminders:
Thursday, Feb. 6th
Level I Tournament @ Assumption, pickup at Assumption around 6-6:30
Saturday, Feb. 15th
High school meet at DAMHS, we perform but do not compete against the HS, 7:45am-3:30pm
Monday, Feb. 24th
Family Night: Durand 5pm-6:30pm in Middle School Cafeteria
Thursday, Feb. 27th
Level II Tournament @ Assumption, pickup at Assumption around 6-6:30
Deadline to order Trap Clothing is February 13th.
This month's Target Time focus is F.A.I.L. Mrs. Sabelko shares more information in this week's letter, and you can follow TILL360 on YouTube.
As we gear up for an exciting weekend filled with Super Bowl celebrations and recognize the importance of American Heart Month, I want to take a moment to highlight the power of both teamwork and heart health—two things that make our school community strong. Whether you're cheering for your favorite team or focusing on ways to keep your heart healthy, this is a great time to come together, celebrate, and take care of ourselves. To support rest and wellness, we are also looking forward to a well-deserved day off on Monday, February 10, 2025. I hope this extra time allows everyone to recharge, enjoy time with loved ones, and return refreshed for the week ahead!
This week I would like to celebrate:
Miranda Kelch for advancing with her conservation speech to the state competition. We are incredibly proud of Miranda for being courageous getting up in front of others to speak.
Our MS Forensics team for doing an excellent job at their Eau Claire Meet on 1/30/25.
Coach Redetzke for the great accomplishment of 200 wins against Baldwin-Woodville on 2/3/25.
All 8th grade students for successfully registering for their high school classes.
At this time we are struggling with the language students are using at school with their peers and in general. As students become older and older we know that the language they use will become personal preference and we want to help them learn that at school, just like when they get older in many workplaces, the language and phrases they use matters, with some being appropriate and some not being appropriate. Phrases that are racist, sexist, or threatening will never be acceptable without consequences, and in the real human resources world this can look like job termination. I have greatly appreciated the support of families and having these “growing up” conversations with our students and would appreciate this week if you could take the time to review this.
An acronym in our setting that I like to use is teaching students to ask themselves to THINK about it before they speak is T.H.I.N.K. which stands for:
T-Is what I am about to say TRUE?
H-Is what I am about to say HELPFUL?
I-Is what I am about to say INSPIRING?
N-Is what I am about to say NECESSARY?
K-Is what I am about to say KIND?
Important Upcoming Events:
Monday, February 10, 2025 No School
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Quarter Three Incentive Trip-Science Museum of Minnesota & Omni Theater Experience
Friday, March 14, 2025 Student-Family-Teacher Conferences
Monday April 7, 2025-Friday, April 11, 2025 Wisconsin Forward Testing Week-Middle School
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6th & 7th Grade Strawberry Social Band & Choir Concert In the Park
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 8th Grade Promotion
Thursday, May 29, 2025 Students Last Day of School
Thank you for all you continually do to support our students and school!
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Sarah Sabelko