VMS ELKS Roundup

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we’ve already wrapped up the first month of school! We are thrilled with how the year has begun and grateful for the positive energy and support from our students, staff, and families.

Highlights from Our First Month

• Classroom Learning: Our students have hit the ground running with a great start to the academic year. It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and participation in lessons across all grade levels.

• RALLY Activities: Thanks to our dedicated RALLY committee, students have enjoyed engaging and fun activities designed to build community and support social-emotional learning. Each day’s tasks ensure all students receive the same important messages.

Important Reminders

• Planner Usage: Please encourage your child to use their planner daily. Staying organized is key to their success both inside and outside the classroom.

• Water Bottles: Please make sure your child’s water bottle has a sealed top. Open-top bottles or those with straws can cause spills, and we want to keep our learning environment clean and distraction-free.

Looking Ahead

As we move into October, here are a few dates to keep in mind:

• Monthly Communication: We will continue our communication as it is extremely important, but moving forward, all communication will be sent during the first week of each new month.

• Conferences: Oct. 10, 15 and 16 - more details will be coming soon.

• Activities Night: October 25th from 3:00-5:00; volunteers are still needed.

• End of Quarter 1: November 1st marks the end of our first quarter. Please be on the lookout grade updates and ensure your students are getting their work completed.

• Staff Development Days: November 4th and 5th will be staff development days. These are non-student days but will allow teachers to focus on grading and professional learning.

We appreciate your partnership and are excited to see what the rest of the school year holds. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support!

Best regards,

Amanda Ohlgren, Principal

VandenBerge Middle School

Direct: (763)241-3443

Extension: 2601

Amanda.Ohlgren@isd728.org

As we have become acclimated and students understand their schedules and classroom locations it is important for students to arrive on time and are prepared for each class.

As we progress through the school year, we want to remind everyone of the importance of our classroom expectations and arriving to class on time, prepared for class, and ready to learn. Being punctual not only helps students start their day on the right foot, but it also maximizes learning time and minimizes disruptions for everyone.

Per the district middle school handbook:

• Middle school students are expected to be punctual to each class with four tardies or less per quarter.

• If a student has four or more tardies in a quarter they may have consequences which may include, but not limited to, detention, student conference, parent conference, loss of privileges, involvement by county social services and/or the court system for truancy

At VMS, we strive to create a calm and enjoyable environment for students during lunchtime. To ensure that everyone has a positive experience, we kindly ask for your support in reinforcing the following lunchroom expectations with your child:

• Respect for Others: Students are encouraged to use quiet, respectful voices while enjoying their lunch, allowing everyone to have pleasant conversations.

• Cleanliness Counts: We appreciate students taking responsibility by cleaning up after themselves and helping us keep the lunchroom clean and tidy.

• Kindness is Key: We promote kindness during mealtime by asking students to use polite words, share space respectfully, and be considerate of others in the lunch line.

• Safety First: To ensure everyone's safety, students are reminded to remain seated during lunch unless they are given permission to leave their spot.

• Responsibility: We encourage students to take responsibility for their belongings, such as lunch boxes and water bottles, and make sure they are using them properly.

Thank you for partnering with us to help all students have a safe, respectful, and enjoyable lunchtime! Together, we can continue to make our school a great place for everyone.

10/25/24 Halloween Concert (ERHS, Salk 8th/VMS 8th Band) 7pm

ERHS Zabee Theater

12/3/24 VMS Band Concert 6 & 7PM

ERHS Zabee Theater

12/17/24 VMS Choir Concert 7PM

ERHS Zabee Theater

2/11/25 VMS 5th Grade Recruitment Concert 10am

VandenBerge Middle School

3/4/25 VMS Choir Concert 7PM

VandenBerge Middle School

3/6/25 VMS Ensemble Night 6 & 7:45PM

VandenBerge Middle School

5/15/25 VMS Choir Concert 7PM

ERHS Zabee Theater

5/22/25 VMS Band Concert 7PM

ERHS Zabee Theater

If your student did not like their first picture, this will be the last opportunity for them to do a retake. Any students who were absent from open house and our make up day should also plan to take a picture on retake day. We want to ensure we have a picture of all students for school IDs and the yearbook.

Click Kemmetmueller Photography Flyer for Picture Day Information

Don't miss out on ordering a yearbook at the low price of $25. After September 30th, the price will go up to $30.

Order at Jostens.com

search: "VandenBerge"

$25 + tax

We encourage parent involvement in our school community. Keep an eye out for an email from Sarah Holmgren.

Upcoming Events:

Activities Night - Friday, October 25th (3:00 pm -5:00 pm)

If you're interested in volunteering for various events and activities throughout the year, please email our Parent Liaison, Sarah Holmgren at sarah.holmgren@isd728.org.

October 10 - Conferences from 4:00-7:00pm

October 11 - Picture RETAKE Day

October 15 - Conferences from 4:00-7:00pm

October 16 - No School - Conferences (during the day)

October 17-18 - No School - Teacher Convention

October 25 - Activities Night from 3:00-5:00pm

VMS Parents Helpful Tips

VMS Website

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