October 2026

Technology Reminders for Families

As we settle into the rhythm of the school year, I want to share a few important updates and reminders. Our goal is always to create a safe, clean, and focused environment where every student can thrive, and your partnership makes all the difference in helping us achieve that.

Chromebook Care, Security, and Responsibility

Technology plays a vital role in our classrooms, allowing teachers to deliver engaging lessons and giving students access to rich learning resources. To keep our devices working well and available to every student, we need your help with a few key habits:

Secure Placement: Please remind your student that their Chromebook should always be either in their direct possession or locked inside their assigned locker. Lately, we’ve noticed devices being left unattended on top of lockers, on hallway floors, and in the cafeteria, which significantly increases the risk of loss, theft, or accidental damage.
Keep Devices Unaltered: Stickers should not be placed on school-issued Chromebooks, and the barcode sticker on the back must never be removed, as it is essential for tracking and maintenance.
Charge Daily & Bring to School: Students are expected to bring their Chromebook to school fully charged every day. Because our supply of loaner devices is extremely limited, students who forget their device may need to call home so a parent or guardian can drop it off.
Review Expectations: Please take a few minutes to review the attached Chromebook Expectations document with your student.

A Note on Damage, Insurance, and Liquids:

While we teach proper care, we know accidents happen! A replacement for a damaged or destroyed Chromebook can cost up to $350, so we strongly encourage all families to sign up for Chromebook insurance. Please note that while insurance covers most accidental drops and hardware issues, spilled liquids are not covered under the policy. Please click here for our Districts Devices for Learning page for more information.

Respecting Our Building: Gum, Candy, and Drinks

Our custodial team works incredibly hard every day to keep our building clean and welcoming. To prevent messy spills on locker surfaces, hallway floors, and rugs, please review our handbook guidelines with your student:

Non-Water Beverages in the Cafeteria Only: All non-water drinks—including sports drinks, juice, soda, and individual caffeinated beverages—must be consumed in the cafeteria during designated mealtimes (Breakfast from 7:55–8:20 AM or assigned lunch periods).
Morning Arrival Routine: Students arriving with an open, non-water beverage will be asked to head directly to the cafeteria to finish or dispose of it before proceeding to their locker or classroom.
Water Only in Classrooms & Hallways: Outside of designated cafeteria mealtimes, students are permitted to carry and drink water only.
Gum Restrictions: Gum is strictly prohibited in the Media Center, computer labs, gymnasiums, cafeteria, and any posted classroom areas.

Maintaining Classroom Focus: Fidgets at Home

We are seeing an increase in personal items, particularly fidget toys and trinkets, brought from home. While brought with good intentions, these items frequently become classroom distractions. Furthermore, because the school cannot monitor or manage personal property, items brought from home run the risk of being lost, damaged, or stolen.

Keep Fidgets at Home: We ask that all personal fidgets remain at home so students can stay fully engaged in their learning.
Accommodations & Support: Exceptions are made for students who have specific fidget accommodations documented in an IEP or 504 Plan.
Next Steps: If you would like to discuss your student’s potential use of a fidget tool to support their learning during the school day, please reach out directly to your student’s school counselor.

By working together to protect our technology, keep our halls clean, and minimize classroom distractions, we build a school environment our students can be proud of every day. Thank you so much for your continued support and collaboration!

Warmly,

Sherri Schendzielos

Principal, Middle School East

Sherri Schendzielos

Principal

Molly Lindquist

Assistant Principal

Nate Hanson

Dean of Students/Actvities Director

Beverage and Fidget Reminder

We'd like to share a quick update and a few important reminders regarding school expectations, cleanliness, and classroom routines.

Building a Focused Learning Space: Fidgets at Home

We are seeing an increase in personal items, particularly fidget toys and trinkets, brought from home. While we know these items are often brought with good intentions, they frequently become major classroom distractions. Additionally, because the school cannot monitor or manage personal property, items brought from home run the risk of being lost, damaged, or stolen.

For these reasons, we ask that all personal fidgets remain at home.

Accommodations & Support: Exceptions are made for students who have specific fidget accommodations documented in an IEP or 504 Plan.
Next Steps: If you feel your student would benefit from using a fidget tool during the school day to support their learning, please reach out directly to your student’s school counselor so we can discuss the best plan for them.

Respecting Our Building: Gum, Candy, and Drinks

Our custodial team works incredibly hard every day to keep our building clean, safe, and welcoming. To support their efforts and avoid messy spills on locker surfaces, hallway floors, and rugs, please review our Student Handbook guidelines with your student:

Non-Water Beverages in the Cafeteria: All non-water drinks—including sports drinks, juice, soda, and individual caffeinated beverages—must be consumed only in the cafeteria during designated mealtimes (Breakfast from 7:55–8:20 AM or during assigned lunch periods).
Morning Arrival Routine: Students who arrive at school with an open, non-water beverage will be directed straight to the cafeteria to finish or dispose of it before heading to their lockers or classrooms.
Water Only Elsewhere: Outside of designated cafeteria mealtimes, students are permitted to carry and drink water only.
Gum Restrictions: Gum is strictly prohibited in the Media Center, computer labs, gymnasiums, cafeteria, and any posted classroom areas.

By working together to keep personal distractions at home and liquids in the cafeteria, we create a respectful, clean environment where our students and staff can thrive. Thank you so much for your continued partnership and support!

Daily School Schedule

School in session: 8:25 AM - 3:00 PM

Doors open: 8:00 AM

MSE Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

5th Grade Families: D.A.R.E is Back!

Save the Date!

October 2 - October 12: Move-A-Thon Fundraiser! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
Friday, October 2, 2026: 7th & 8th Grade Activity Night, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, October 6, 2026: Picture Retakes 📷
Thursday, October 8, 2026: Family Knight & Book Fair, 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM

What's the Scoop? Ice Cream Truck! 🍦🍨🍧

October 9, 2026: Move-A-Thon: Get ready to MOVE, GROOVE, and show your Knight pride!

5th Grade: 10:15–10:55 AM
6th Grade: 11:09–11:49 AM
7th Grade: 12:03–12:43 PM
8th Grade: 12:57–1:37 PM

October 12, 2026: ME Conferences & Book Fair, 3:45 PM - 7:45 PM

What's the Scoop? Ice Cream Truck! 🍦🍨🍧

October 13, 2026: PTO Meeting, 6:00 PM, Media Center
October 15, 2026 & October 16, 2026: No School! 🚫
October 26, 2026: District Advisory Committee Meeting, 6 PM - 7 PM

Fundraiser Link

🏃 Move-A-Thon Visitor Reminder

If you are attending the Move-A-Thon, please remain outside in the bus lot and do not buzz into the building. Visitor badges will not be issued for this event.

Thank you for helping us keep our building safe, secure, and running smoothly! 💙

📚 Media Center News

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to MSE in October! Students and families will have the opportunity to shop for books and discover some great new reads!

📍 Location: MSE Media Center

📅 Book Fair Schedule:

Wednesday, October 7: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (students)
Thursday, October 8: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (students) and 3:45–5:45 PM during Family Knight (students & families)
Friday, October 9: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (students)
Monday, October 12: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (students) and 3:45–7:45 PM during conferences (students & families)
Tuesday, October 13: 8:00 AM–end of KORT (students; final day and book fair takedown)

🛍️ Shop Online & Set Up an E-Wallet!

Visit our Scholastic Book Fair website to shop online, learn more about the fair, and set up your student's E-Wallet for easy, cash-free shopping.

Volunteers Needed!

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? We are in need of volunteers to support the fall Scholastic Book Fair. Volunteers must have a current background check on file with the district. We may need help with book fair set up on Tuesday, October 6th. We do not have an exact time frame. Set up will take place somewhere between 9:30 am and 1pm. If you would have flexible availability for this date please email Mrs. Hennies at laurenh@mystma.org. Include your name and phone number for contact. We welcome and appreciate all volunteer help to make this event a success!

We are also in need of volunteers to help staff registers in the mornings and evenings. To volunteer please visit the link below:

MSE Book Fair Volunteer Sign Up

If you have any additional questions you can reach out to Mrs. Hennies with questions at:

laurenh@mystma.org

MN Grown Thursday 🌽

Our hard-working students rolled up their sleeves this week to help shuck sweet corn for our special Minnesota Thursday school lunch on September 17th! Thanks to their prep work, the cafeteria served crisp, farm-fresh corn on the cob sourced directly from Becks Greenhouse in Elk River, MN. We love seeing our school community come together to support local Minnesota farms while enjoying a delicious, locally grown meal.

🤝 Important Information for Families Receiving Special Education Services

We are pleased to invite you to consider becoming a member of STMA’s Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). This group provides input on special education issues to the STMA school district. Parent involvement in the SEAC is especially vital to our efforts! By sharing their unique perspective of what it is like to use these services, parents can help the district to be more effective. As a result, outcomes for children with disabilities continuously improve.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Whitney Weber, whitneyw@mystma.org

Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Membership Application

🤝 Middle School East PTO!

GET EXCITED!

The MSE PTO is coordinating the first annual Middle School East MOVE-A-THON on Friday, October 9th! You are absolutely invited to come cheer your student on that day, and coffee, hot chocolate, and Raspberry Electrolyte drinks will be available for purchase. See flyer for more details, but the fundraiser will run from Oct 2-12. We are pumped to work together to raise money for our amazing school, students and staff members.

SAVE THE DATE for our next meeting on October 13th! We would love to see you there - it's a great chance to hear what's happening around our school, meet staff members and other parents, give ideas and suggestions, and discover ways you can be involved. If you would like to get connected, please see the details below to get on our email list and follow us on social media.

Thanks to everyone who attended our first PTO meeting - it was amazing! Our exclusive apparel line was a huge hit too, and all orders from 7 Legends are in production and should be ready by mid October.

PTO Meeting Dates

6:00 PM - MSE Media Center

October 13
November 5
December 15
January 12
February 2
March 16
April 13
May 4

Stay Connected

Join our mailing list: Sign up here
Facebook: STMA Middle School East PTO
Instagram: @STMAMSEPTO
MSE Website: MSE PTO

Policy Review Committee Members Needed!

💬 Your Voice Matters: Join the Policy Review Committee

The Policy Review Committee (PRC) meets 3 to 5 times each school year to review district policies in evening meetings. The committee issues recommendations to the school board regarding policy adoptions or changes. The committee values and welcomes the participation of our parents and community members that may have an interest in this work. No prior experience is required.
For more information, please contact the Executive Director of Administrative Services at 763-497-6504 or douglasbi@mystma.org.

Middle School Activities

Fall Sports

We had 313 students participate in fall sports and activities! What a fantastic turnout! 🎉 Sports are available for students in grades 7–8, while activities are open to students in grades 5–8. We love seeing so many Knights getting involved!

🤼‍♂️🏀 Winter sports and activities are just around the corner! Wrestling, basketball, Destination Imagination, and Chess Club registration will be opening soon. Keep an eye on our website for updates and registration information.

📋 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.

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! 💙💛

Educational Benefits

📚 Educational Benefits Applications

We encourage all families to consider completing an Educational Benefits Application. The application process is quick, easy, and completely confidential. Qualifying families may receive valuable benefits, including reduced fees for certain activities and programs, while also helping provide additional funding and resources that support all students at Middle School East. Eligibility is based on household size and income.

To learn more about Educational Benefits and to complete an application, please visit the STMA Food & Nutrition webpage here!

Counseling Corner

Youth Frontiers' Courage Retreat

We are excited to host Youth Frontiers’ Courage Retreat for all 7th-grade students on Friday, November 6!

Youth Frontiers is dedicated to building character, civility, and community through experiences that focus on kindness, courage, and respect. During the retreat, students will explore these important character traits and learn how to build healthy relationships, show respect, and contribute to a positive school culture.

A special thank-you to St. Cloud Financial Bank for sponsoring this retreat! We are incredibly grateful for their generous support in making this meaningful experience possible for our students.

Monthly Focus: Responsibility & Student Well-Being

Character Strong Trait of the Month: Responsibility
This month, our students are exploring what it means to practice responsibility—taking ownership of their actions, honoring commitments, and making positive choices for themselves and our school community.
Parent Resource Spotlight: Mental Health Support & Tools
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to highlight two valuable organizations that offer free resources, guidance, and educational materials specifically for families:
- Erika’s Lighthouse: Focuses on youth mental health education, helping families break the stigma surrounding mental health and depression through parent handbooks, discussion guides, and supportive tools.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Provides families and educators with free educational courses, support networks, and practical strategies to support youth well-being and navigate mental health challenges.
Unity Day
Join us in taking a visible stand against bullying! We encourage all students and staff to wear orange on Unity Day-Wednesday, October 21, 2026 to send a unified message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.