Mr. Warzecha's Weekly Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
September 28th-October 2nd: Homecoming Week
September 29th & 30th: Capti Testing
October 6th: In Person Conferences (3-7 PM)
October 6th: Book Fair Makerspace (3-7 PM)
October 8th: Picture Retakes
October 8th: Virtual Conferences (3-7 PM)
October 15th- October 16th: No School (MEA)
October 23rd: Fall School Dance
October 26th -October 30th: Wolf Ridge Week
CONFERENCES SIGN UP
We will be having conferences on October 6th and 8th. October 6th will consist of in person meetings, and the 8th will consist of virtual meetings.
Prior to signing up: Please ensure that you sign up for the correct staff member. We have 1 Mr. Peterson (Geography) , Mrs. Peterson (Math) 2 Mrs. Peterson's (English). Mr. Schulte (US History) & Mrs. Schulte (Reading & Decoding).
Please click here to sign up for a time to meet with your child’s teachers. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
HOMECOMING WEEK
SPIRIT WEEK-SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS
Students wear clothing that matches the theme, if they wish to participate.
Hats are allowed to be worn on Friday of next week.
NO FACE PAINT.
All clothing must abide by our school dress code policy.
October 2nd: Homecoming Game Expectations
CLMS HOMEWORK HELP
Is your child wanting to get all their homework done at school so they can relax at home? If this describes you, then after school Homework Help with Mrs. Peggy in Room 20 from 2:20 - 3:30 (Monday-Thursday) might be a great fit. Your child can just show up and get your homework done before they go home. Students participating do need a ride home from a parent/guardian at 3:30 each day that they attend.
CLMS PTO NEWS
CHISAGO LAKES SPIRITWEAR
📣Looking for your HOCO items? Check out GoldStar in Lindstrom! 🌠
When you check out, mention the PTO so a percentage of your purchase comes back to support our school!
Also visit the CLMS PTO table at HOCO to check out more Wildcat merchandise for you and/or your student!
💚💛 Every purchase makes a difference—thank you for supporting our students! 💚💛
Are you in need of some Chisago Lakes clothing as we are set to begin the 2026/27 school year?
If you answered "Yes", look no further. Our CLMS PTO is offering an online store for the 2026/27 school year. The process is simple. You look through the clothing and accessories, choose an item you'd like to purchase and then customize it with one of the six designs available. The site offers direct shipping for customers convenience.
CLMS PTO gets a small percentage of items that are purchased. All proceeds of PTO sales goes directly back into supporting our students and staff at CLMS. Please check out the link below
INTEREST IN JOINING CLMS PTO
If you are interested in being a part of this organization please email Chisagolakesmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com.
PTO Link: https://linktr.ee/clmspto
STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to the following students for being recognized for Student of the Week. Every student who received a Wildcat Wow this week was eligible for this honor. Names of Wildcat Award winners are entered into a randomizer, and winners are chosen.
Each winner received a Front of the lunch line pass & 1 free Ala Carte Coupon.
6th grade: Blake Larson, Mackenzie Back
7th grade: Johanna Weller, Edward Beierlein
8th grade: Kathryn Janssen, Attikus Kelley
Step It Up Fundraiser Update
Thank you for all of your support for our fall fundraiser. All of the money raised will go into supporting students at Chisago Lakes Middle School. The final amount of money raised will be shared in next weeks newsletter.
JOSTENS-ORDERING SCHOOL PHOTOS
School Photos are all ordered and paid for online. Ordering will be made available sometime soon. I will communicate with all families when the photos are ready to be ordered. To order, use this JOSTENSPIX.COM with Jostens Picture Day Event
EVENT CODE: FE95726
NEWS FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
Re: Student with AIRBORNE LATEX (natural rubber) ALLERGY
Dear Parents/Guardians of Chisago Lakes Middle School Students:
This letter is to inform you of a student at the middle school who has a SEVERE LATEX ALLERGY. This allergy is AIRBORNE. Exposure to even trace amounts of latex or latex powder can trigger a serious allergic reaction. Airborne latex allergies occur when natural rubber latex proteins, often attached to glove powder, a balloon, or even from a rubber band stretching, become aerosolized and inhaled.
Common latex exposures include: gloves, balloons, rubber bands, erasers, some sports equipment, bandages, art/science supplies.
There is no known cure for a latex allergy, and the only way to prevent reactions is strict avoidance of products containing natural rubber latex.
To ensure the safest environment possible, please do not allow your child to bring balloons into the middle school. Also, please do not allow your child to have balloons on the school bus.
Please reach out to Kori Severson, Licensed School Nurse, if there are any questions: 651-796-8676 or kseverson@isd2144.org
Sincerely,
Todd Warzecha Kori Severson RN, LSN
CLMS Principal Licensed School Nurse
TECH TALK: Partnering for a Safe & Successful School Year!
Welcome to the new school year! As the Technology Coordinator, I’ll be sharing brief bi-weekly updates in this newsletter with tips, resources, and trends to help our middle schoolers use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively.
Our school network and devices are designed for educational growth, learning, and research. To ensure a safe digital environment, our district uses web filters and actively monitors device activity on school accounts. While your student may use their own device at school, it is our policy that they are to be logged into their school account only, especially while using a personal computer.
Technology safety is a partnership! Here are three quick ways you can support your middle schooler at home:
- Review expectations together: Remind your student that school accounts and devices are for educational activities. Posting on social media, streaming unauthorized content, or cyberbullying on school network accounts is strictly against school policy.
- Keep account information private: Remind your child never to share their login credentials or passwords with classmates.
- Set home boundaries: While our school filters protect devices at school, parent guidance and monitoring at home remain crucial for healthy digital habits.
Thank you for your support in making this a great year! Please feel free to reach out if you have any tech-related questions.
Ms. Katie Spooner
Technology Coordinator & Support
Chisago Lakes Middle School
651-213-2443
CELL PHONE POLICY AT CLMS
CLMS is entering our 4th year of No Cell Phone from 7:40-2:20. The expectation as that Cell Phones should be stored in students lockers throughout the day. If students need to call home they can make these calls in the Main Office.
In March 15, 2025 state law required that all Minnesota school district have policies on cell phones. The purpose of this law is to minimize impact on academics and behavior.
Below you will find the steps that we will follow at CLMS connected to phone use throughout the day.
If misuse occurs:
1st Offense – Phone is put into the phone case on the teachers desk (Tech Ticket)
2nd Offense – Phone is stored in the office for the remainder of the day.
3rd Offense – Phone is student in the office for 5 consecutive days (Phone in the Office List)
4th Offense - Phone is stored in the office for 10 consecutive days (Parent Meeting)
5th + Offense - Administrator discretion
ADDITIONAL ELECTRONIC POLICIES
Headphones/Earbuds
In an attempt to reduce distractions at school, students will not be allowed to use wireless headphones/earbuds during the school day. Students will be permitted to use wired headphones with teacher permission. Students may appropriately use headphones before 7:40 a.m. and after 2:20 p.m. in the school building. Wireless headphones/earbuds should be turned off and stored in students lockers, or backpacks located in their lockers, throughout the school day. The school bears no responsibility if electronic devices are lost, stolen, or damaged anywhere on school property. The use of electronic devices that disrupts the classroom will lead to disciplinary action. Electronic devices unclaimed by July 1 will be donated to a charitable organization.
Smart Watches
In an attempt to reduce distractions at school, students will not be allowed to use smartwatches during the school day for purposes other than checking the time (i.e. texting, calling, etc. will not be permitted). Students may appropriately use smart watches before 7:40 a.m. and after 2:20 p.m. in the school building. The school bears no responsibility if electronic devices are lost, stolen, or damaged anywhere on school property. The use of electronic devices that disrupts the classroom will lead to disciplinary action. Electronic devices unclaimed by July 1 will be donated to a charitable organization.
Other Electronics
Music players, speakers, electronic games, laser pens, or other electronic devices are not permitted to be used during the school day.
BEHAVIOR/MINGA/COMMON QUESTIONS
What are the behavior procedures at CLMS?
1. Redirect- Students are given the opportunity to change their behavior. An example is if a student is blurting, are redirected by the teacher and stop, their is no further step required.
2. Stop & Think- A stop and think is the 2nd step in our discipline process. This occurs when a student has been redirected, often a couple of times, and has not changed the behavior. The student will be giving a Stop and Think ticket to fill out and turn back in to their teacher. This process allows the student to truly think about their behavior while remaining in the classroom.
3. Room 1 (Behavior Processing Room): A student is sent to Room 1 when they have been redirected, received a Stop and Think, and still have not changed their behaviors. Both Lakeside and Taylors Falls have behavioral rooms as a part of their process too. Once students arrive to Room 1 the purpose is to engage students in understanding what behaviors caused them to be sent and what choices they can make in the future. It goes down as a referral, however, the main purpose is to allow our students an opportunity to think, grow, and learn when they make mistakes.
4. Administrative Referral: Major behaviors will be covered by Mr. Gillach (Assistant Principal) or Todd Warzecha (Principal).
How do I know if my student gets a Stop & Think?
Our new system (Minga) will aid in this process. When a student receives a Stop and Think their teacher will record this on Minga. Minga will send out an email notification on what behavior led to the Stop & Think.
What do I need to do if I receive an email for a Stop & Think?
The first step is to understand our process. To know that this is something that we, as a school, want you to be aware of and talk to your child. The email you receive is No Reply. It is not necessary to reach out to your child's teacher if you receive an email. Stop and Thinks are the next step after redirection and do not come with a consequence until a student receives a set of 5 each quarter.
What are the consequences of my child if they receive a Stop & Think?
No behavioral consequences occur unless they receive a set of 5. After receiving 5 the consequence varies based on the grade level of the student.
What are the consequences of Stop & Thinks?
6th Grade:
5=discipline referral, 1 lunch detention and parent/guardian contacted
10=discipline referral, 2 lunch detentions, discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted
15=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention, parent/guardian meeting after the detention.
20=discipline referral, 2 days after school detention, discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted,
20+ - Next steps and consequences determined by Administration
7th Grade:
5=discipline referral, 2 lunch detention and parent/guardian contacted
10=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention, parent/ guardian meeting after the detention
15=discipline referral, 2 days after school detention, parent/guardian discussion after the detention.
15+= Next steps and consequences determined by Administration
8th Grade:
5=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention and parent/guardian contacted
10=discipline referral, 2 day after school detention discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted
10+= Next steps and consequences determined by Administration
Why are their different consequences for each grade level?
This is a systematic approach to have procedures in place for success at CLMS as well as success as they will eventually transition to our high school. Our priority is involving parents in the process to collaborate on solutions if Stop and Thinks for a student accumulate.
What is a Wildcat Wow?
A Wildcat Wow is earned by a student who is making a difference at CLMS. We focus on our High Five which consists of Commitment, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility.
How will parents/guardians be notified if their child received a Wildcat Wow?
Parents will receive an email from Minga. The email will be No Reply. The purpose is to keep parents/guardians in the loop of the great things their children are doing at CLMS.
FOOD 4 KIDS
Chisago Lakes Middle School is excited to partner with Family Pathways to offer the “Food4Kids Backpack Program.”
The “Food4Kids Backpack Program” provides a bag of nonperishable food items to students in need, when school meal programs are not available (weekends, breaks, holidays, etc.). These bags will be discreetly and confidentially placed in students’ lockers on Thursdays after lunch. The contents of the bags will provide enough food to replace meals that the students would have received at school. (e.g. two breakfast options, two lunch options, two snack options, one can of fruit and one can of vegetables).
This program is available to all students, regardless of income. It will be handled discreetly and confidentially. This is a completely voluntary and confidential program. If you are interested, please fill out the information on this form and send in your request. Anyone may join this program at any time during the school year. To register please fill out the form HERE.
If you have questions regarding the Food4Kids Backpack Program, please contact Melinda Tinjum mtinjum@isd2144.org or 651-213-2409.
FOOD SERVICE NEWS
Exciting Changes Coming to Middle School Meals!
New Digital Menu Boards
Students will see digital menu boards in three locations:
Hallway leading to the meal lines
Near the meal lines in the gym
Above the À La Carte/Lunch Express line in the cafeteria
The displays will help students quickly see what’s being served, which line to use, and available À La Carte items and pricing—helping lines move more efficiently.
Introducing the Lunch Express Line
Following a successful pilot last year, the Lunch Express Line is now an official daily option! Students can choose from a variety of wraps, sandwiches, salads, fruit, vegetables, and milk to create a complete, reimbursable school lunch included in the Free Meal Program. The Lunch Express Line can be found in the cafeteria where A' la carte is sold.
Adding Smucker’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Uncrustable Sandwiches to the Lunch Line-Up.
Research shows reintroducing peanut products in schools has not led to an increase in allergic reactions. Being that students are already allowed to bring peanut items from home, this change allows us to offer more meal choices right at school while bringing back a longtime favorite!
How we keep students safe:
Sandwiches are clearly labeled indicating “peanut butter”
Bright & clear signage near sandwiches
District existing allergen protocols remain in place
With the safety steps in place and thoughtful rollout involving school administrators, nursing staff, and food services, we’re confident this change will add some nice variety and convenience for those who want it.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS (B.O.B)
Zombie Spiders, Heroes, & Trivia Battles!
Looking for something awesome to do during study hall? Battle of the Books (B.O.B) is back!
Meet up every Thursday during 8th Hour to read top-tier 2027 Maud Hart Lovelace nominees like The No-Brainer's Guide to Decomposition, The Trouble with Heroes and more. Team up with friends, chat about wild stories, and prep for trivia glory!
First Meeting: Thursday, September 24
When: Thursdays during 8th Hour Study Hall
Where: Library Media Center
How to Join: Be sure to sign up with Mrs. Denney or Mrs. Saueressig by September 24 for the first meeting!
Community Education Classes
Cozy Up This Winter with a Good Book or Puzzle!
🐾 Welcome Back, Wildcats!
Your Guide to the Wildcat Community Center (WCC)
As we get ready for another exciting school year, we want to welcome all of our middle school students to the Wildcat Community Center (WCC)! Whether you're looking to shoot hoops, work out, swim, hang out with friends, or participate in one of our many programs, we're excited to see you this school year.
- Before You Come to the WCC
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review the following requirements before your first visit.
- Student Age Requirement
Students must be at least 12 years old to use the Wildcat Community Center without a parent or guardian present.
- Parent Permission Required
If your child will be visiting the WCC without a parent or guardian click one of the blue links below, we must have one of the following on file before they are allowed to enter independently:
- A completed Daily Use Form signed by a parent or guardian, or
- An active WCC Membership with the parent/guardian authorization completed during registration.
Having one of these completed ahead of time will make check-in quick and easy!
If you have any questions, please contact the Wildcat Community Center. Our staff is always happy to help.
Have a safe and amazing school year—we'll see you at the WCC!
Engage - Educate - Empower