Dear MMS Families,

It has been fun to see our building really come alive over the last few weeks with students getting involved in Band, Cross Country, Art Club, Digital Media Club, Game Club, and more. Middle school is a fun place to be, and we love seeing our students find ways to get involved!

Be sure to check out the Clubs section below. We are working to improve our communication about club opportunities, so this section will remain in our weekly newsletter as an easy place to reference current club schedules, details, and updates.

Have a great weekend!

-Mr. Olson

Principal, Medinah Middle School

MMS Clubs

MMS Clubs

MMS offers a variety of clubs throughout the school year, giving students additional opportunities to get involved, connect with others, and explore their interests. Clubs may start and end at different times throughout the year, so check this section of the newsletter each week for current club schedules, details, and any sign-up information.

🎮 Game Club

Game Club is a chance for students to hang out, have fun, and connect with others through video games, board games, and tabletop games!

When: Every Wednesday, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: MMS Library
Cost/Sign-Up: No fee or sign-up required - just drop in!

Students may bring personal gaming equipment from home, but they must first get a permission slip from Ms. Benson and return it signed by a parent/guardian. Please note that the school cannot be responsible for lost or damaged personal equipment.

🫛 Peas in a Pod Club - NEW

A warm and welcoming space where students can build new and existing friendships through cozy activities such as puzzles, paint-by-numbers, knitting, making and sharing snacks, and creating crafts as gifts for others. This club is a great option for students who may not feel comfortable participating in competitive or athletic clubs and provides a calm, open environment to connect with others. No expert skills required—just come as you are!

When: Every Thursday, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Where: Room 104 - Mrs. Panizales' room
Cost/Sign-Up: Permission slip required but no fee or sign-up - just drop in!

🎨 Art Club

Come create with us! Art Club is open to all MMS students and gives students a relaxed space to be creative, explore different materials, and work on art projects.

When: Every Friday, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: Art Room
Cost/Sign-Up: No fee or sign-up required - just drop in!

📚 Homework Help Begins Next Week!

Beginning next week, Homework Help will be available to all students. Students can get extra help with math or any subject during the times listed below.

➗ Math Only
📅 Tuesday & Thursday
⏰ 8:00–8:30 a.m.
📍 LMTC — Ms. Lupo

📖 Any Subject
📅 Wednesday
⏰ 8:00–8:30 a.m.
📍 Room 111 — Mrs. Mardula

📚 Any Subject
📅 Tuesday & Wednesday
⏰ 3:30–4:15 p.m.
📍 Room 120 — Mrs. Erickson

Students are welcome to attend whenever they need additional support!

Protect Your Chromebook - Optional Insurance

As students begin using their Chromebooks this school year, we strongly encourage families to consider purchasing Chromebook insurance for $20 per student. This optional insurance covers the cost of Chromebook damages and repairs for your student for the entire school year.

Without insurance, families will be responsible for the district’s cost to repair damaged Chromebook components:

Hinge: $17
Front Bezel: $22
Back Cover: $25
Keyboard: $25
Touchpad: $29
Battery: $70
Screen: $90

As you can see, even one repair can cost significantly more than the $20 insurance fee, so we encourage families to take advantage of this coverage.

CLICK HERE to visit MySchoolBucks and purchase Chromebook insurance for the school year.

Please note that insurance applies to one student only. If you have multiple students and would like each Chromebook covered, insurance must be purchased separately for each student. Insurance must be purchased before any damage occurs in order for that damage to be covered. Coverage applies only to the 2026–2027 school year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Medinah PTO

Battle of the Box Tops!

Help us turn everyday purchases into money for our school! Download the Box Tops for Education app, select Medinah School District 11, scan eligible receipts, and give credit to your student’s grade for our schoolwide competition. Check out the flyer below for how to get started!

Please click here for more information

P.A.W.S. – Positive Acts of Wildcat Service

Our P.A.W.S. Program (Positive Acts of Wildcat Service) recognizes students for giving back through service and volunteering in our community. Students can begin earning service credit as early as 6th grade and work toward special recognition and awards at their 8th grade graduation.

Getting started is easy! Students simply record their service on the P.A.W.S. form, have it signed by the organization where they volunteered, and turn the completed form in to the main office. Printed copies are also available in the office for students to pick up.

It’s never too early to start — we love seeing our Wildcats making a positive difference in their community!

Important Dates

Cross Country Schedule

Wednesday, September 16th

PTC Wizard opens - see flyer above

Friday, September 18th

1/2 Day of school - 11:45am dismissal

Thursday, September 24th

No School

Friday, September 25th

No School

Wednesday, October 7th

Parent Teacher Conferences (4:30-8:00 PM)

Thursday, October 8th

Parent Teacher Conferences (4:30-8:00 PM)

Wildcat Snapshots

In Every Issue

Medinah Middle School

700 E. Granville, Roselle IL 60172

630-893-3838

www.medinah11.org

School Expectations and Reminders

Cell Phones: As shared throughout the summer, students will not have access to their cell phones during the school day. Our updated cell phone policy is designed to reduce distractions, increase student engagement, and create the best possible learning environment. For more information about the policy and the reasons behind it, please click below to view our Cell Phone FAQ.

MMS Cell Phone Expectations: Frequently Asked Questions

Chromebook Wi-Fi: Beginning this year, student Chromebooks will automatically disconnect from the internet each night at 10:30 p.m and reconnect at 6:00 a.m. We have made this change because we want to support healthy habits and ensure students are getting the sleep they need rather than working late into the night or using their school device for non-school-related purposes. This change helps promote both student wellness and online safety.

Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth headphones must remain put away during the school day. Students may bring Bluetooth headphones for use before or after school; however, the district is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Students will need wired headphones for use with their Chromebooks during class and state assessments.

E-Bikes & E-Scooters: As a reminder, E-Bikes and E-Scooters are not permitted on school property at any time, including before school, after school, evenings, and weekends. This expectation helps ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors.

Pick-Up & Drop-off Procedures

Please take a moment to review our Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures by clicking the document below. The procedures have not changed from last school year. As a reminder, all families should use the east driveway next to the soccer field for student drop-off and pick-up, not the front parking lot. This procedure helps us maintain a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal process for all students.

MMS Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

26-27 Bell Schedule and Lunch Times

Click the blue button below to see bell schedules for the 2026-2027 school year for the following: Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Friday, Early Dismissal, Half Day.

MMS Bell Schedules 26-27

SCHOOL START TIME- 8:40 a.m., Students enter the building at 8:35 a.m.

LUNCH TIMES-

Mon-Tues

8th Grade - 11:20-11:52
7th Grade - 12:03-12:35
6th Grade - 12:46-1:18

Wed-Fri

8th Grade + 7th Grade band students - 11:36-12:06
6th Grade + 7th Grade students not in band- 12:08-12:38

Early Dismissal-

8th Grade + 7th Grade band students - 11:21-11:51
6th Grade + 7th Grade students not in band- 11:53-12:23

SCHOOL END TIME- 3:30 PM

Lunch Ordering Information

Medinah School District partners with Quest Food Services to offer hot meals for students who choose to purchase lunch at school. Students are also welcome to bring lunch from home, and parents may drop off lunches if needed. However, food deliveries from services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or similar are not permitted in our buildings.

They will open the portal for ordering lunches the week of 8/10.

All students must be registered for school to create a MyMeals account.
You will need to put in your students ID number
Please create your account to order milk only or lunches each week.
Lunch orders for the following week will always be due the Wednesday prior.
PLEASE NOTE: Approved Free and/or reduced lunch participants still need to register and order their meals and/or milk using the MyMeals program. Only those eligible and who have placed an order via MyMeals will receive a free or reduced meal. (SEE BELOW FOR THE FREE/REDUCED APPLICATION).

From the Nurse's office

Health Office Contacts:

District Nurse, Ashley Malik–asmalik@medinah11.org
Health Office Assistant, Ewelina Korzeniewski–ewkorzeniewski@medinah11.org

Required Health Forms:

6th Grade & ALL NEW STUDENTS: Physical, Dental, & Vision
If your child will be participating in Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading or Track they will need a current physical on file before trying out for the team.

Student Needs:

Please inform the nurse of any allergies or sensitivities to foods, medications, and environmental allergens. If there are any pertinent details of your students' health that you feel the nurse needs to know, please reach out and discuss this with the school nurse. This information can be helpful to better support your student throughout the day, if certain situations arise.

About Your Student’s Medication:

The district's medication policy mandates that all medication to be administered at school requires an MD order, this includes over-the-counter medications. Students may NOT keep over-the-counter meds in their backpacks or in their lockers--including cough drops, Advil, etc. This is an important safety concern! Please review the policy included in the registration process. A completed medication authorization form must be accompanied with any medication administered at school.

If your student requires an inhaler, Epi-Pen, or any oral medication, please obtain the medication form and appropriate health care plan from your physician when your child has their exam. Forms may also be obtained on the district website. Medication_Authorization2016.pdf (medinah11.org)

Absences related to illness:

If a student is absent for 3 or more consecutive days due to a illness or health issue, a doctor’s note WILL BE required per district policy

Please prepare to keep your child home until:

A fever of 100 degrees or greater--they can return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of any fever reducing medication
Vomited or had diarrhea--they can return to school after 24 hours illness-free
A persistent sore throat/cough--they can return to school after MD evaluation/treatment
Body aches/fatigue/paleness--they can return to school when rested/stronger
Itchy, draining eyes

Extracurricular Activities

Medinah Middle School offers a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular sports to engage students beyond the classroom. Opportunities include Cross Country, Basketball, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track, and a range of clubs such as Digital Media Club, Yearbook Club, Art Club, and Game Club, as well as musical groups like Concert Band and Jazz Band.

Concussion info sheet

MMS Extra Curricular Participation Agreement

Sports Physical Form

Sports - Pre-Participation Examination Form

Sport and Extra Curricular Fees

Cross Country - $50

Basketball - $75

Volleyball - $75

Cheerleading - $75

Track - $50