page background

D-A Middle School Newsletter

January 30, 2025

D-A Middle School Newsletter January 30, 2025

6th Graders only register for Fall Cross Country, Winter Wrestling and Spring Track & Field.

January 30, 2025

👋 Dear Durand-Arkansaw MS families,

Things to know this week:

  1. Activities
  2. MS Wrestler of the Week
  3. MS Forensics
  4. Trap Sign Up
  5. 8th Grade Badlands Trip
  6. 7th Grade Bowling Trip
  7. Winter Coats
  8. Target Time Focus
  9. Link to School Calendar
  10. Letter from Mrs. Sabelko

D-A MIDDLE SCHOOL WRESTLER OF THE WEEK: RYAN SCHLORB!

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Ryan for his incredible progress and dedication on the mat. Just a short time ago, he was still getting familiar with the basics, but in the last week, he has transformed into a true force. From struggling to execute basic moves to now running them with confidence and precision, his growth has been nothing short of impressive.

What really sets Ryan apart is his positive attitude. There’s always a grin on his face, and he brings an energy to the room that’s infectious. Despite the challenges and tough training, he never complains (expect for wall sits) and constantly pushes himself to improve. His work ethic and enthusiasm are an inspiration to everyone around them.

Keep an eye on this rising star—at this pace, it won’t be long before they’re leading the charge on the mat. Congratulations Ryan and keep up the great work!

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

  • We will take a bus to and from the tournament in Eau Claire. Be sure to take everything you need with you on the bus, we will NOT be coming back into the school when we return

  • Have a plan to be picked up at the end of the night. We will likely return around 8:00 from Eau Claire. (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, Jan. 30th

Eau Claire invitational, leave school at 2:40 (dismiss at 2:30), return around 7:30-8pm

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

MS/HS Trap Sign Up Information:

8TH GRADE BADLANDS TRIP!

7TH GRADE BOWLING TRIP!

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 end the month of January and move into February we are very thankful for the wonderful weather that is allowing the students a chance to get outside for free time after they are finished eating. The fresh air and sunshine have been great for all of us.


This week I would like to celebrate:


  • The 8th grade teachers and students for an outstanding trip to Badlands last Thursday, we had reports of respectful and helpful behavior.

  • The 7th grade teachers and students had so much fun bowling at Broadway Bowl last Friday.

  • The 6th grade teachers, especially Mr. Boigenzahn for popping all of the popcorn for each student, and the students for having excellent behavior on our first movie day!

  • Dr. Justin Patchin for a great presentation on social media safety.


A behavior I would like to address and ask help in stopping is a new game that students are playing this week, it is a version of “bloody knuckles,” but using a quarter that they roll and then slam someone else’s hand onto the quarter resulting in a cut hand. A few have just been using quarters to try to cut their hands, this results in multiple students touching the same quarter exchanging bodily fluids and harmful physical contact. The 8th grade teachers have noticed this in all classes and addressed it with their whole classes. Students who are caught engaging in this behavior will have an immediate office referral, parent contact, and a day of detention.



Important Upcoming Events:

  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025 First Day of Quarter Three & Semester Two
  • Thursday, January 23, 2025 8th Grade to Badlands for 2nd Quarter Positive Behavior Opportunity 8:05am-3:15pm
  • Friday, January 24, 2025 7th Grade to Bowling Menomonie, WI 11am-3pm & 6th Grade “Big Screen Movie” Experience (At School)
  • 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
Durand-Arkansaw Middle School
Home of the Panthers!