Friendly Friday Update

As the school year comes to a close, I would like to thank you for the outstanding support you provide your child, and the school. Middle school years are challenging in many ways, and there can be many struggles that seem to never end. However, your dedication and continuous support for your child pays off in the long run. As they continue to grow and develop their identities, it becomes fun and exciting to watch the learning and development of a young adult.

Have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer!

• June 6 - Last Day of School
  
• June 6 - 8th Grade Recognition, 1:30 p.m.
• June 12 - Tour of Two Rivers High School, 11 a.m.
• June 19 - Juneteenth, district facilities and programs closed

Students - don't miss out on your favorite books just because your school iPad was turned in! Read through the directions below to keep reading all summer long with your Dakota County Library card and the Libby app.

The District’s Summer Stars Academy has volunteer opportunities for students entering grades 8-12. Summer Stars Academy volunteers help our younger learners with their math and reading skills, plus have some summer fun! Volunteers must have completed seventh grade (recent graduates are welcome to volunteer too). Sign up here. Email all questions to Kris Goldade.

Did you know there's a program to help families with summer meals? The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT) program provides families with school-aged children eligible for free or reduced school meals a benefit of $40 per month, per child ($120 total) during the summer months.

Qualifying is Easy! Your student may be eligible if they were approved for free or reduced lunch at any point between July 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024, or if they currently receive SNAP benefits, MFIP, or Medicare. You can apply online here. There's no need to reapply if you were already approved for free or reduced lunch.

Benefits: Each qualified student will receive their own S-EBT card loaded with a one-time benefit of $120 to help with summer food purchases.

Have questions? Contact the District’s Child Nutrition department at kelly.wegener@isd197.org for more information.

The last day of school is quickly approaching and that means all library books checked out from the Friendly Hills IMC are due!! Please be on the lookout for any books with a Friendly Hills Middle School IMC sticker and send them back to school with your student. If your student does have any books currently outstanding, you may also be receiving an email communication from Ms. A, our ~Friendly~ librarian that details the specific books you can help your student find and return. If you have questions about your student(s)' missing books, please email Ms. A

To observe the new state holiday and in the spirit of acknowledging the importance of Juneteenth, School District 197 will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

Please note:

• All School District 197 facilities will be closed on June 19, 2024.

• All programs will be canceled on June 19, 2024, including School Age Care (SAC) and Two Rivers Summer School, Community Education programming, athletics, and activities.

The Two Rivers Speech and Debate Program is holding one day workshops for middle school students to familiarize themselves with each activity. Debate is geared towards students interested in politics who enjoy reading and thinking critically. Speech is a much broader activity that includes students interested in politics, poetry, creative writing, and theater. Come try a one day workshop to learn more!

Click here to learn more about the Debate Workshop on June 27th

Click here to learn more about the Speech Workshop on June 28th

This fall, tackle football will no longer be offered at the Middle School level.

All students entering 8th grade who do not already have association teams they play for (such as TRAA, EAA, or West Side Boosters), will be immediately absorbed into the Two Rivers High School program. We are thrilled to have them and will provide equipment, facilities, game options, and a coaching staff as well as transportation to and from practices (District Activities bus).

All students entering 7th grade who are not already involved in association football, are strongly encouraged to join the tackle program through our local Two Rivers Athletic Association. Program registration begins in summer (and will be shared through multiple avenues) and practices begin in August prior to the start of school. The high school program and TRAA are working together to provide accessible and competitive opportunities aligned with our high school philosophies and skill development.

Please see the flyer below for more information.

Join us this summer for athletics, aquatics and activities for middle schoolers in District 197! For information on all our camps/classes and to register click HERE or email us at youthenrichment@isd197.org if you have any questions!

Warriors Athletic Summer Camps - Taught by TRHS Coaches: Girls Basketball Camp, Football, Soccer, Speed & Agility, Track and Field, Baseball, Gymnastics, Dance Camp

Activities: Speech & Debate Camps with TRHS Teacher Mr. Geiger

Aquatics: Water Instructor Aide Course, Artistic Swimming Course & Swim Lessons

Music Camps: Summer Jazz Band & Intro to Songwriting and Music Production

Respect. Readiness. Relationships. Responsibility.

Friendly Hills Middle School educates students in grades 5-8 and is part of the tight-knit community of Independent School District 197.

Follow ISD197 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

#TogetherWeThrive197

Email: christopher.hiti@isd197.org
Website: friendlyhills.isd197.org
Location: 701 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, MN, USA
Phone: 651-403-7600
Facebook: facebook.com/FriendlyHillsMS

Instagram: @friendlyhillsmiddle