Middle School Newsletter

Full Day Hours: 7:40-2:40

Early Release Hours: 7:40-1:30

Half Day Hours: 7:40-10:43

Attendance Line to report an absence: 269-441-4749

Late Arrivals/Tardies

• Late arrivals to school will still be considered tardy even with a guardian's explanation.
• Student's arriving more than 9 minutes late to school or to any class throughout the day will be marked absent from that class.
• Student's who leave with more than 9 minutes remaining will be marked absent from that class.

REMINDERS:

• If you are picking up your student early please call the office when you are on your way and we will have them ready for you!

• To keep information current, please make sure to update any changes to phone numbers and addresses with the office as soon as possible.

Happy New Year and welcome back! We hope your winter break was filled with peace and joy and that you are feeling refreshed for the new year. From this day to the end of the school year, each day will bring more and more daylight. We cannot believe that we are already halfway through the school year! As we start the second semester, now is a great time for your student to do some self-reflection around the first semester and set some goals for the rest of the year.

January is also National Mental Wellness Month. The key to mental wellness is being proactive and intentional with self-care. It is important to take care of our mental well-being before issues arise.

Below are some helpful tips for improving mental wellness.

• Exercise: Physical activity can improve your mood and reduced stress and anger.
• Eat well: A healthy, balanced diet can improve your mood and decrease anxiety and stress.
• Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is important for your mental wellness.
• Practice gratitude: Taking a moment to recognize positive experiences can help you see your life differently.
• Be creative: Try a new hobby, like learning to cook, paint, or play and instrument.
• Connect with others: Spend time with friends and family, or volunteer in your community.
• Seek help: If you're feeling overwhelmed, you can make and an appointment with a counselor.

If your student is in need of support please click on this LINK to sign up and the appropriate staff member will be in contact with your student.

All 6th graders have started working on traditional long division this month.

Practicing multiplication at home can help this process go smoother and help them make the connection between multiplication and division go much faster.

Dear Seventh Grade Families,

This semester, our seventh-grade staff is focusing on teaching students essential self-advocacy strategies, including:

• Encouraging them to speak up for themselves
• Expressing their needs effectively
• Taking responsibility for their own learning

These skills are a vital step in building students' confidence and fostering their ability to sustain personal growth. When students learn to communicate their thoughts and concerns, they become more engaged and motivated in their academics. Additionally, they develop the skills to navigate challenges and seek help when needed—preparing them for success both in and out of the classroom.

Parents play a vital role in supporting this process.
Encourage your child to express themselves, whether about their learning needs or other school challenges. Allowing your child to take the lead in discussing challenges with their teachers helps them practice self-advocacy in a supportive and safe environment with encouraging adults.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss additional ways to support your child in developing self-advocacy skills, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your partnership in helping our students grow,

The Seventh Grade Teaching Staff

In order to attend this year's field trip to Michigan's Adventure, each student must meet the following requirements between Monday, January 6th, 2025 and Wednesday, May 21st, 2025.

1. The student may not be suspended for any reason.

2. The student may not be on or have been on "social probation".

3. The student may not receive more than four detentions of any kind (for example: 10-minute lunch detention) during the second semester.

4. The student must be passing all four core classes for the second semester.

5. The student and their parent/guardian must sign and return the requirement slip by January 10th.

Any student who does not meet the above requirements will still be eligible to participate in the field trip, provided that one of their parents attends as a one-on-one chaperone and will be responsible for their own transportation.