July 2026

Welcome from Your New MSE Administration Team!

As we gear up for another incredible school year at STMA Middle School East, we want to take a moment to introduce—and reintroduce—the team working behind the scenes to support your students, our staff, and our community.
We are incredibly fortunate to have a leadership team with a deep-rooted passion for middle schoolers and a combined 72 years of experience in education. We are here to ensure your child feels safe, valued, and challenged every single day.

Sherri Schendzielos, Principal: Entering her 27th year in education, Sherri loves the unique energy, growth, and humor that middle school students bring to the building. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment where every student can find their voice and thrive academically and socially.
Molly Lindquist, Assistant Principal: With 15 years of educational experience, Molly is dedicated to partnering with families to navigate these crucial transitional years. She works tirelessly to ensure school is a positive, engaging place where students feel a strong sense of belonging.
Nate Hanson, Dean of Students & Activities Director: Bringing 30 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator, Nate is the newest addition to our leadership team. He is passionate about building strong relationships with students, supporting positive behavior, and helping Knight athletics and activities thrive.

We know that the middle school years are a time of tremendous change, and we don't take the trust you place in us lightly. Our doors are always open, and we are so excited to partner with you for a fantastic school year ahead.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we will see you soon!
Warmly,

The MSE Admin Team
Sherri, Molly, and Nate

Sherri Schendzielos

Principal

Molly Lindquist

Assistant Principal

Nate Hanson

Dean of Students/Actvities Director

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Back-to-School Information

Save the Date!

2026-27 Save the Dates

Thursday, July 30, 2026 – 🏈 ME/MSW Fall Sports Meeting | 🕔 5:00 p.m. | 🏫 HS PAC
Monday, August 17, 2026 – 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ME Grades 6–8 New Parent Meeting | 🕔 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 🎒 ME Grades 6–8 New Student Orientation | 🕘 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Monday, August 17, 2026 – 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ME 5th Grade Parent Meeting | 🕔 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 – 📸 ME Grades 5–6 Open House & Pictures | 🕓 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 – 📸 ME Grades 7–8 Open House & Pictures | 🕕 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – 5th - 8th Grade 🍎✨ 📚🎒

2026-27 Middle School East Calendar of Events

Summer Office Hours

🤝 Join the New Middle School East PTO!

We are excited to launch the Middle School East Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) this school year—and we'd love for you to be part of it!

Whether you can attend meetings, volunteer at an event, help coordinate an activity, serve on the board, or simply share your ideas, every level of involvement makes a difference. Your support helps strengthen our school community and creates meaningful experiences for our students and staff.

The PTO is currently looking for parents interested in serving as Vice President and filling several other coordinator roles. If you're interested in learning more, please contact president@stmamsepto.org.

📅 PTO Meeting Dates - TBD

📬 Stay Connected

Join our mailing list: https://forms.gle/tteB6ja59TCc5iYHA
Facebook: STMA Middle School East PTO
Instagram: @STMAMSEPTO

Middle School Activities ⚽ 🎾 🏈

Fall Sports - Registration Opens July 20!

Students entering 7th and 8th grade are eligible to participate in STMA Middle School fall athletics!

📋 Sports Qualifying Physical Examination

A current Sports Qualifying Physical Examination is required for participation. Please make sure your student's physical is on file and valid before the season begins.

📅 Fall Sports Eligibility Meeting

Families are invited to attend the Middle School Fall Sports Eligibility Meeting on Thursday, July 30, at 5:00 p.m. in the STMA High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). Important information about the middle school athletics program and upcoming fall season will be shared.

If you have questions after reviewing the Middle School East Fall Activities Brochure please contact our new Dean of Students/Activities Director Nate Hanson at nateh@mystma.org.

We encourage all eligible students to get involved, stay active, and represent the Knights this fall. Go Knights! 💙💛

Nurse Notes 🩺

Summer is the perfect time to schedule your child’s annual well-child exam, sports physical, and immunization updates before the new school year begins.

Minnesota K-12 Immunization Law requires all students enrolled in school to have documentation of required immunizations or a valid medical or conscientious exemption on file. Students who are missing required immunization records may be excluded from school until the appropriate documentation is provided.

In addition, students participating in school sports must have a current sports qualifying physical examination on file before they are allowed to practice or compete. In Minnesota, sports physicals are valid for three years from the date of the exam. Families are encouraged to check with their health care provider to ensure forms are up to date before fall activities begin.

Annual well-child visits are also important for monitoring growth and development, updating vaccines, addressing health concerns, and ensuring your child is ready to learn and participate fully in school activities.

Please contact your child’s health care provider soon to schedule appointments, as clinics often fill quickly during late summer months. If your child receives updated immunizations or a new sports physical, please provide a copy to the school health office prior to the start of the school year.

Please click the link Below for the Immunization Information and Exemption Forms.

https://www.health.mn.gov/people/immunize/basics/readyk12.pdf

Thank you for helping keep our students healthy and ready for a successful school year!

Required Immunizations Incoming 7th Graders

Please see the attached Immunization letter that is required for all incoming 7th graders.

*Exemptions to this law include medical contraindication, laboratory evidence of immunity and conscientious objection. If one of these exemptions applies to your child, please contact Andrea Mischke, and/or visit the MDH website for more information: https://www.health.mn.gov/people/immunize/basics/readyk12.pdf

Safety Spotlight with School Resource Officer Deputy Husen

Information Regarding E-Bikes and Motorized Foot Scooters

If your family owns an e-bike or an electric foot scooter, we encourage you to take a few minutes to review Minnesota state laws with your child to help keep everyone safe.

A few important reminders:

The legal age to ride an e-bike in Minnesota is 15 and older.
The legal age to ride a motorized foot scooter is 12 and older.
Riders of motorized foot scooters must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.

Thank you for helping us keep safety a top priority for our students and families!

E-Bikes: 169.222 Subd (6a)
Motorized Foot Scooters: 169.225

Counseling Corner

Summer Family Resources

Summer is a great time to strengthen family connections, build healthy routines, and support children's social-emotional well-being. Explore these trusted resources for practical tips, activities, and support.

Mental Health & Wellness

Child Mind Institute
Expert articles and parent guides on anxiety, emotional regulation, friendships, behavior, ADHD, and supporting children through challenges.
Visit: Child Mind Institute

Digital Wellness & Online Safety

Common Sense Media
Guidance on screen time, social media, digital citizenship, family media agreements, and age-appropriate technology use.
Visit: Common Sense Media

Crisis & Immediate Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free, confidential support available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988.
Visit: 988 Lifeline

Summer Wellness Reminders

Students thrive when they: