February 2026
Dear MSE Families,
As we wrap up the second trimester, I want to thank you for your partnership, encouragement, and steady support of your children and our school community. This time of year is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in big, visible leaps—often it shows up in resilience, new confidence, stronger friendships, and a willingness to try again. We are proud of the progress our students are making academically and socially, and we are grateful to walk alongside you in that journey.
Meeting with learners is always a highlight of my day! This past week I asked learners three questions to gain their perspective on Armor Up, a new initiative this school year. They were asked, "What do you enjoy?, What isn't going well that you'd like to see changed?, and What ideas or suggestions do you have to improve it?" They have a lot of valuable insights that are so important to tap into. This week will be another opportunity for students to share their input which we will focus on during our March Staff Meeting in preparation of next school year!
As we continue working to support every learner, I encourage you to read The Disengaged Teen. The book offers practical insights into why adolescents sometimes pull back and, more importantly, how adults can respond in ways that rebuild motivation, connection, and confidence. It aligns closely with our commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, heard, valued, and respected. It offers many easy practical ways to support your children and our learners. Thank you for being such an important part of your child’s middle school experience—we look forward to a strong and successful final trimester together.
Warmly,
Jennie Kelly
Principal, STMA Middle School East
Upcoming Dates at MSE 📅
- March 3, 2026: ME Band Concert, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Middle School West Auditorium 🎶
- March 6, 2026: No School, Teacher Workshop
- March 13, 2026: WEB Dodgeball Tournament, 3:05 PM – 4:45 PM
- March 16, 2026: ME Family Night & Book Fair, 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM 📚👨👩👧👦
- March 20, 2026: 7th & 8th Grade Activity Night, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 🎉🕺
- March 30, 2026 – April 3, 2026: Spring Break, No School 🌴😎
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives. Middle School has continued to be recognized as a PBIS Sustaining Exemplar School, including 2024-25.
How does PBIS work at Middle School East?
It starts with communicating clear expectations for students and staff for how we operate each day at school. Expectations are communicated through Fall and Winter class meetings with the school administration and counselors, posters and signage displayed around the school as a visual reminder, and students learn about STMA school policies in the Student Handbook during the first two weeks of school in KORT.
Students are recognized for their positive behavior through daily positive acknowledgements, the Star Student Breakfast, use of the Knights Honor Lounge, and the writing of Knights Honor Cards. Knights Honor Cards are written to acknowledge students demonstrating the 9 monthly positive character traits of Character Strong. Those traits are respect, responsibility, gratitude, empathy, perseverance, honesty, cooperation, courage and creativity.
There are other important components to earning PBIS Exemplar Status as well. Stakeholder feedback is collected through the Parent Advisory Committee, student lunches with the Principal, and from staff through the MSE Site Council. Staff development takes place during teacher workshop days, professional in-service days, and at Staff meetings. These trainings focus on best educational practices, and have a focus on data analysis. Sources of information include student achievement data, such as grades and standardized tests, and student discipline data.
How did Middle School East become a PBIS exemplar school?
All of the components come together to provide an educationally excellent, caring place for students and staff to come to feel seen, heard and valued. Each year, schools have the opportunity to apply and be recognized for the hard work and excellence of their students and staff. We at Middle School East, are proud of the efforts of our stakeholders and the recognition the school has received. Click here to see a list of schools around the state that have also earned this important acknowledgement.
JV One Act Play performed for 5th and 6th grade
Minute to Win It Games for Inside Recess
7th Grade East vs West Basketball Game
Our family CharacterDare challenges provide a variety of opportunities to engage in actviities designed to increase connection and conversation at home. They also provide students with more opportunities to practice habits and skills discussed in class.
In addition to the title and the challenge itself, you'll notice a couple of symbols in the top corner. The weight represents how challenging we think the Dare is to complete. The single plate weights are lower level Dares. The more weight added, the more the Dare is designed to stretch you.
Some of the Dares are designed to be quick wins that can be accomplished in less than a minute. Others may required a bit of time. A full clock represents a more ongoing Dare that might extend throughout or beyond a week.
Mrs. Kornovich
Mrs. Mesna
Mrs. Buskey
School Social Worker
As you prepare for your child's transition to Middle School East, please know that we are here to help your child be successful. Please don't hesitate to contact us at 763-497-2655.
- Jennifer Kelly, Principal
- David Holler, Assistant Principal
- Molly Lindquist, Dean of Students & Activities Director
- Jennifer Scheel, Principal's Administrative Assistant
- Amy Kornovich, School Counselor for last names A-L
- Jessica Mesna, School Counselor for last names M-Z
- Jessica Buskey, School Social Worker
Connect with us:
Email: jenniferk@mystma.org
Website: https://me.stma.k12.mn.us/
Location: 4862 Naber Avenue NE, Saint Michael, MN 55376
Facebook: facebook.com/stmamse/
Twitter: @stma_ms_east