Eagle's Post - 12/15/25

Hello Middle School South Families,

It is hard to believe, but we are officially just one week away from Winter Break and the conclusion of the second quarter! As we prepare to wrap up 2025 we have several updates and important reminders to share with you.

We also invite you to help us recognize our incredible staff by submitting a nomination for the "Teachers Make a Difference" Awards. We also have a few additional reminders regarding school bus safety, arrival/dismissal procedure reminders, and more.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

We hope you have a wonderful break and a Happy New Year!

Anthony

Friday, December 19, 2025

Early Release for Students

December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026

Winter Break

Monday, January 5, 2026

Institute Day - No student attendance

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

School Resumes

Illinois law requires all drivers to stop for a school bus when the stop arm is extended and the lights are flashing, whether on the street or on school property. Any violation will be reported to the police department for follow up. Please stay alert during arrival and dismissal to protect students walking to and from buses.

Now that we have entered the winter months, we are seeing an increase of the number of students being driven to school. This will lead to more traffic in our parking lot, slowing the flow of traffic. Here are a few important reminders regarding dropping students off at school or picking them up.

• The curb is a place to drop-off and pick-up only. Do not park and leave the car at the curb during any part of the day. All visitors should park in a designated parking spot.
• To drop-off, please pull forward along the curb in front of the building. This is the only area where students should get in or out of the car. Once stopped along the curb, students should exit on the passenger side and walk on the sidewalk to the front entrance.
• Do not drop students off or pick them up in the lane farthest from the curb or behind parked cars. This prevents students from crossing traffic or being hidden behind cars.
• To pick-up, please stay in the vehicle and move forward to the curb when the car(s) ahead in line advance. Students may enter their cars when they arrive at the curb. Do not park in a parking space and have students cross traffic to enter the car.
• Always cross at a crosswalk when available.
• Please stay off the phone during drop off and pick up times.
• Maintain a slow speed.
• Designated handicap spaces need to be available for those who truly need that special access. Do not park there unless a state-approved permit is displayed. It is a violation of the law and subject to a fine.
• Most importantly, pay attention. It is critically important to always drive with care.

Our Librarian, Mrs. Eberle, put together this reading list for your middle grade student. If you are looking to purchase or checkout any books for the break you may find these suggestions useful.

December 3-19, 2025

• New or gently used, CLEAN boots/snowpants only

• We cannot accept any other items at this time. PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT ACCEPT USED COATS

• Drop off location: D95 Administration Building, 832 S. Rand Rd (next to Walmart)

• Donation box will be just INSIDE the building - Please do NOT drop off anything outside.

Now that the holiday travel season is in full swing, we want to send a quick reminder to families to please make sure to communicate your planned travel by either contacting the office attendance line (847-540-2702) or through ParentVUE.

Our 2025-26 middle school yearbook is now available for purchase. Don’t miss out on capturing all the memories from this school year! The yearbook is a wonderful keepsake filled with photos, events, and special moments from the year. Please use the link below to order today!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Would you like to join a team and plan fun activity nights?

Maybe you would like to organize food and fun for the staff?

Most of our committees have notes and plans but need a few more people to make these events happen. Grab a friend, sign up for something amazing, and make this school year fabulous.

Looking for information on the clubs/activities available at MSS. You can find out seasons and contact information by clicking here.

Needed Forms Prior to First Day of Activity/Tryout:

For students interested in trying out and participating in a sport, students must have the following:

• Physical: All students participating in tryouts and a sport must have a current physical or sports physical on file. Physicals are good for one year and one month from the date the physical was conducted. Please check to make sure your physical is current prior to tryouts or the start of an athletic activity. The physical should be turned into the Nurse’s Office.

• Emergency Information Form: Students must have a completed and signed Emergency Information Form for each activity they are trying out for/participating in. They will need to turn this form in to the coach or sponsor at the time of tryouts. If try-outs are not required, then the form should be turned in at the first meeting of the sport or activity.

All registration for activities will be in ParentVUE and information about registration will be sent later this summer.