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Principal Zeman's Notes
October 26th, 2023
End of the Quarter
We are excited to share an important update with you as we approach the end of this quarter, just two weeks away! As we near this milestone, we want to ensure you are well-informed and engaged in your child's educational progress.
Here's what you need to know:
Support and Encouragement: We encourage you to engage with your child about their experiences in school, their interests and their challenges. Your support and encouragement play a significant role in their overall success. If there are ever questions or concerns, please reach out to your student’s teachers for support.
Upcoming Events: Be on the lookout for special events, projects and activities your child will be participating in as we approach the end of the quarter. Your involvement can make these experiences even more memorable for your child.
We are committed to nurturing a thriving learning environment for your child, and your partnership with us is invaluable. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and setting new goals together.
Morning Math Help
The math department offers morning sessions for students to get assistance with their math work. The schedule is listed below:
7:45 am -8:10 am
Monday Mrs. Tuholsky Rm 225
Tuesday Ms. Harms Rm 220
Wednesday NO MATH HELP
Thursday Mrs. Olsen Rm 102
Friday Mr. Fossum Rm 114
If your student needs help, please encourage them to attend these sessions.
Bully Prevention Month
October is Bully Prevention Month, and we want to take this opportunity to remind our students and families about the importance of creating a safe and supportive school environment. We encourage you to talk to your student about the significance of speaking up if they witness or experience any form of bullying.
Bullying can take many forms, including verbal, physical and cyberbullying, and it can have a profound impact on a student's well-being. This is why we're committed to fostering a culture of respect, kindness and empathy at VandenBerge Middle School. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference.
Here are a few important points to discuss with your student:
1. Speak Up: Encourage your child to speak to their teachers, school counselors or any trusted adult if they hear or witness someone being bullied or if they themselves are experiencing bullying. It's essential that they understand they will be supported and their concerns will be taken seriously.
2. Use Safe Reporting Channels: Remind your child about the various reporting mechanisms available at our school. They can report bullying incidents anonymously (using our Say Something Anonymous link) if they prefer. Our goal is to ensure that no student feels alone or afraid to come forward.
3. Promote Kindness and Empathy: Encourage your child to be kind and empathetic to their peers. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
4. Digital Citizenship: Talk to your child about responsible online behavior. Cyberbullying is a serious concern, and it's important for them to know how to protect themselves and others when using the internet.
5. Model Good Behavior: As parents, your actions and words have a significant impact on your child's behavior. Be a role model by demonstrating respect, empathy and kindness in your own interactions.
Our school counselors and staff are here to support your child and address any concerns related to bullying. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or need assistance in handling a bullying situation.
Let's work together to make VMS a safe and welcoming place for all students. Together, we can make a positive impact and stand against bullying.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the well-being of our students.
Tri-Elk-a-Thon
We are excited to invite you to be a part of something extraordinary—a fantastic triathlon event that will not only bring our school community closer together but also showcase the incredible spirit and determination of our students. Your involvement in making this event a reality is invaluable, and we hope you will join us on this exciting journey.
Why a Triathlon?
A triathlon is an excellent opportunity to celebrate health, fitness and community engagement. It provides our students with a chance to challenge themselves, develop lifelong fitness habits and strengthen their resilience. More importantly, it opens our school doors to the wider community, fostering connections and building a bridge between generations.
How Can You Help?
We need passionate and dedicated parents to form a committee that will bring this vision to life. Your involvement can take various forms, such as planning, logistics, fundraising, promotion and coordination. Whether you have experience in event management, marketing, fundraising or simply a passion for community involvement, your contribution is invaluable.
Benefits of Volunteering
Impact: Your efforts will directly impact the lives of our students, inspiring them to embrace a healthier lifestyle and teaching them the importance of goal-setting and perseverance.
Community Building: Joining this committee will connect you with other like-minded parents who share your enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences for our children.
Skills Enhancement: This is an opportunity to enhance or utilize your skills, whether in event planning, marketing or project management.
Legacy: Your involvement will leave a lasting legacy at VandenBerge Middle School, remembered by generations to come.
Interested in Joining the Tri-Elk-a-Thon Committee?
If you are eager to be a part of this exciting journey to help make the VMS Tri-Elk-a-Thon a reality, please reach out to our principal, Mike Zeman, at michael.zeman@isd728.org or (763) 241-3443 to let him know your areas of interest and how you can contribute. We welcome all skill levels and backgrounds. Your enthusiasm is what matters most.
We look forward to seeing this incredible event become a reality with your help. Together we can create a memorable and inspiring experience for our students and community. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a positive impact.
Students of the Week
Important Dates
October 27, 3:00-5:00 - Fall Activity Night
October 27, 7:00 - 8th Grade Halloween Band Concert @ ERHS Zabee Theater
November 6, 4:30 - Choir Students to Minnesota Timberwolves Game
November 10, 2:05 - 8th Grade Veterans Day Program
November 10, Last Day of 1st Quarter
November 13, No School - Teacher Workshop Day
November 22, No School - Teacher Comp Day
November 23-24, No School - Fall Break
November 30, 7:00 - 6th Grade Band & Choir Concert