Middle Matters

9, September, 2024

Greetings Middle School Families,

It’s the first Monday of the month and time we send out our Middle Matters Newsletter. In this addition we would like to share a note of appreciation for your patience and flexibility the first week of the school year.

Thank you for your understanding as we roll out a new school year with changes in start times and schedules. We will continue to make adjustments in bussing and transportation as we navigate through the new routes and road construction challenges.

Thanks again for all your support.

Let's have a great week!

• School & Safety Procedures
• HOMECOMING 2024
• Picture Retake Day & Yearbooks!
• Attendance Reminders
• Parent Involvement Group
• Notes from the Student Center
• Health Notes
• Athletics & Activities Updates
• MMS Media Center

Just a reminder…Our school day starts at the Middle School at 8:15 am. For those parents and families dropping students off please note that the building will not be open until 7:50 am. Our school day concludes at 2:50 pm.

Please review the drop-off and pickup zone details below. This information is crucial as we do all we can to ensure the safety of students during our AM. drop-off times and PM-school dismissal.

Next week we will start reviewing safety procedures for our building, starting with our Bus Evac Safety drill.

It’s Homecoming week. To celebrate our school spirit we have some dress up days here at the middle school. We will also have the high school Fall sports captains and Homecoming court visit as well. Check out all the details below.

School pictures are ready for viewing and ordering through JostensPix.com

Use event code: FE115824

*RETAKE DAY will take place Tuesday, September 17th

ONLINE ATTENDANCE OR ATTENDANCE LINE

If your student will be late or absent, families can notify the school in two ways:

• online attendance (through Parent/Guardian Portal)

• call the Attendance Line at 763-272-2110.

If your student needs to leave early, families can notify the school in three ways:

• online attendance (through Parent/Guardian Portal)

• call the attendance line

• send a note with your student to the Student Center

Prior notice (minimum of one hour) expedites the process, avoids interruptions into classrooms to have students dismissed, and eliminates difficulty reaching students during phy-ed, music, lunch, and special events.

This year we are implementing a new school-wide SEL curriculum called Character Strong. The middle school will be going through these lessons on Wednesdays during M&M.The lessons focus on developing skills and mindsets around building positive habits, understanding our emotions, and increasing empathy for people and communities who have lived different lives than us. The curriculum helps students think about things they want to improve in their school, their relationships, and their world and then provides tools for them to work individually and in teams to close the gaps they’ve identified.

This curriculum was created to support school communities as they engage in the work of preparing young people to thrive in the 21st century. The research supports the effectiveness of this content to increase student’s academic success and college & career readiness. The lessons focus on developing skills and mindsets around building positive habits, understanding our emotions, improving teamwork, and increasing empathy.

Every week each grade level will have a “Character Dare” where students are encouraged to take what they learn and use it in their everyday lives. We will be presented with many different CharacerDares throughout the school year. We will ensure that you are kept informed of each when they happen, providing you with the opportunity to engage with your students about their experiences and progress.

Looking forward to a great year!

HEALTH NOTES

HEALTH OFFICE SCHEDULE: I am the license school nurse for Middle School, High School, and Nature Based Program. My schedule allows me to visit all 3 sites on a regular basis.

Health Paraprofessionals are assigned to each health office. Kristine Welle, RN, will be covering the Middle School. Her hours are 8:00am-3:00pm, and Kristine’s direct number is 763-272-2120.

CONTACT INFORMATION: We must have the most current contact information, including emergency contacts for the students. At times, the health office may need to get a hold of parents/guardians during the school day due to illness, an emergency, etc so it is important that we have the most current information so we can get in contact with you during the school day if needed. Please contact the main office if you need to make any changes at 763-272-2100.

MEDICATION POLICY: When it is necessary for your child to receive prescription medication (inhalers, epinephrine, daily ADHD medications, etc…) during school hours, the medicine must be in its original container and a form must be completed by the prescribing physician (these can be faxed to us at 763-272-2109). Also, we will need written parental permission. Over the Counter (OTC) medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc…) can be administered with written parental permission only. It must also be in its original container that includes dosage and directions. We will not, however, administer any OTC medication beyond the recommended pediatric dosage without a physician’s written approval. Also, aspirin or any other product not recommended for children will not be administered. All medications, vitamins, and supplements must be FDA approved.

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME: It is often difficult to know when your child is ill and should stay home. Immediate care at home will shorten the period of illness and prevent infection of schoolmates and staff. The following are general practices:

● If a child has had a fever of 100.4 or more, the child should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal without fever reducing medications such as Tylenol/Ibuprofen.

● If a child has vomited or had multiple episodes of diarrhea, the child should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.

● If a child has any rash or suspicious skin condition, a severe cough, a sore throat or other signs of acute illness, the child should remain at home.

SCHOOL REPORTING OF DISEASES: Schools in MN are required to report certain diseases to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Some of these include Chickenpox, Shingles, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Viral Hepatitis, Covid, and Influenza. It is important to notify school whenever your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease. We also keep track of strep throat and pneumonia so please let us know so we can better care for all the students at school.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Please turn in immunization records to the health office. Parents of incoming 7th graders: Per MN Immunization Law, the following 2 vaccinations are required for entry into 7th grade, an adult dose of TdaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) after age 11 & a meningococcal vaccine. As a parent you also have the right to decline these vaccines for your child but a conscientious objection (or non-medical objection form must be signed & notarized).

WELLNESS RESOURCE: The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) van travels to the Monticello High School 1-2x/month. If you are having insurance concerns and you need basic health care services, including immunizations, please contact them for an appointment. Their number is 763-335-0280. A fee may be charged but will vary on service(s) provided.

You can reach me via email (kelly.barrow@monticello.k12.mn.us) or phone if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Kelly Barrow, RN LSN

763-272-2121

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Minnesota Statutes, Section 123.70 requires all children enrolled in school to have documentation of immunization against nine vaccine-preventable diseases, allowing for certain legal exemptions. If this requirement is not met, the law states the student should be excluded from school.

You should make arrangements for needed immunizations with your family doctor or Wright County Public Health which holds several immunization clinics each month. To schedule an appointment, call 763-335-0280. If you have an appointment scheduled with the Wright County Public Health or at your clinic, please let us know this week. You can leave a voice message at any time of the day. Please send verification of the vaccine(s) to school by November 15th, 2024 . We need to have some kind of communication from you regarding your child’s missing immunizations by November 15th.

As a parent, you also have the right to decline these vaccines for your child. If you wish to declare a conscientious exemption for this vaccine(s), a conscientious objection (or non-medical objection form must be signed and notarized. A notary public is available in the district office free of charge. Please call to make an appointment at 763-272-2000.

If you have any questions please call Kelly Barrow, LSN.

Kelly Barrow, RN, PHN

Licensed School Nurse

763-272-2121 Fax#: 763-272-2109

kelly.barrow@monticello.k12.mn.us

Our next Parent Involvement is TONIGHT 6PM- MS Front Office Conference Room. This meeting is open to all Parents. It is a great way to get involved with other middle school parents and provide input on middle school events and happenings. Tonight's agenda includes discussion on the start of the school year, planning for our Read-A Thon in February and getting input for some of the field trips and celebrations during the school year.