Middle School Matters

Website: lodi.k12.wi.us

Phone: (608) 592-3854

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LodiSchoolsWI/

Quick Links:

Middle School Absence Form

Breakfast Menu - Menu de desayuno de la escuela secundaria

Lunch Menu - Menu de almuerzo de la escuela secundaria

Homework Pages: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

Bullying Prevention and Family Resources

Staff Directory

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2. Busque un cuadro blanco y haga clic en "Translate"

3. En el cuadro que aparece, selecciona "Spanish".

4. Su boletín está ahora traducido.

Dear Lodi Middle School Students and Families,

Welcome back! I'm excited to kick off another great year at Lodi Middle School.

Our school motto, Work Hard - Be Kind, will continue to guide us throughout the year. These simple words reflect what we want for every student: to give their best effort, treat others well, and contribute to a school where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

Middle School Matters

Each month, I'll share Middle School Matters to keep families informed without overwhelming your inbox. You'll find important dates, upcoming events, reminders, resources, and information to help you stay connected to what's happening at Lodi Middle School.

A New Year Brings Different Emotions

The start of a school year can bring a range of emotions. Some students can't wait to reconnect with friends and staff, while others may feel nervous about new teachers, schedules, lockers, or simply the unknown. Both reactions are completely normal.

If your student is nervous, one of the best things you can do is listen, acknowledge their concerns, and remind them that they don't need to have everything figured out on day one. If your student is experiencing significant anxiety about returning to school, please reach out to our School Counselor, Mike Meyers, at meyermi@lodischoolswi.org.

We'll Take It From Here

On the first day of school, students will report to their homeroom, where their teacher will help them understand the day's schedule, expectations, and routines.

There's always a lot to navigate at the beginning of a new school year. If you can get your student to the front door, we'll take care of the rest.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back and begin another year of Working Hard and Being Kind!

Work Hard - Be Kind

Derek Pertzborn

Principal, Lodi Middle School

pertzde@lodischoolswi.org | (608) 592-3854 ext. 3202

I am excited to begin another school year at Lodi Middle School! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal and to work alongside our students, families, and staff each day. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, golfing, fishing, and being outdoors. This summer, our family had the opportunity to visit Alaska—an experience we won't soon forget! I look forward to a great year of Working Hard and Being Kind together.

• Wed, Aug 19 - 6th Grade Parent Orientation - 6-7 PM - MS Cafeteria

• Thur, Aug 27 - Open House - 3:30-5:30 PM

• Tue, Sept 1 - First Day of School

• Mon, Sept 7 - No School - Labor Day

• Wed, Sept 22 - Picture Retakes

• Fri, Oct 2 - No School - Staff Collaboration Day

• Fri, Oct 9 - Homecoming

Speak Up, Speak Out is a confidential tip line where anyone can anonymously report safety concerns within our school.

Reports may include threats to the school, concerns about a student’s safety, bullying, or any situation that doesn’t feel right. Every tip is taken seriously, and administration will follow up on all reports.

Speaking up helps keep our school community safe for everyone.

To submit a tip, click the link below.

We are excited to welcome students and families back to Lodi Middle School for our Open House!

The main goal of the evening is to help students feel comfortable and confident before the first day of school. During Open House, students will have an opportunity to:

• Find their homeroom
• Find and practice opening their locker
• Meet their teachers
• Drop off school supplies if they have them
• Become familiar with the building

When You Arrive

Students and families should enter through the main entrance. Staff members will be available to welcome you and help you find where you need to go.

You can also use the Lodi Middle School building map to help navigate the school - Building Map

We look forward to seeing our students and families and getting the school year off to a great start!

🌅 Morning Arrival

Students who walk or are dropped off should arrive from 7:45–7:55 AM.

• Students enter the school at 7:50 AM.
• School begins at 7:58 AM

🎒 Afternoon Dismissal

School dismisses at 3:15 PM.

• Students who walk home should leave school grounds promptly.

🚗 Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Please review the maps below for the correct traffic flow for student drop-off and pick-up.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Reminder: Enter the parking lot using the eastern entrance and follow the one-way traffic pattern shown below. Please pull all the way forward in the drop-off/pick-up zone before your student enters or exits the vehicle.

Thank you for helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe and efficient for everyone!

We are excited for all of these amazing people to join our staff at Lodi Middle School!

Last school year, we worked with families to identify ways we could better support students and families in preventing and responding to bullying. One result of that collaboration is our Bullying Information for Families webpage.

The site provides families with information about:

• How to report concerns
• What happens after a report
• How to support your child
• What our schools are doing to prevent bullying.

You do not need to determine whether something meets the definition of bullying before reaching out. If something doesn't seem right, please let us know. Early communication helps us support students and address concerns.

Bullying Information for Families

Lodi Middle School will continue to be a phone-free school during the school day. This helps students stay focused, engaged, and connected to their learning.

📱 Phones Stay in Lockers

Students should place cell phones in their lockers when they arrive at school.

• Cell phones, earbuds, and other electronic devices may not be carried or used during the school day.
• We will review these expectations with students during the first two days of school.

What Happens if a Student Has a Device?

1st Offense

• Device is held in the office until 3:15 PM
• Student may pick it up at the end of the day

2nd Offense

• Device is held until 3:15 PM
• Student turns the device into the office for the next 5 consecutive school days

3rd Offense

• A parent/guardian must pick up the device
• Student turns the device into the office for the next 10 consecutive school days

Additional Offenses

• A parent/guardian must pick up the device
• The number of days the device is turned into the office doubles from the previous consequence

Important: Refusing to turn a device over to a staff member will result in an additional offense.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our classrooms focused on learning, relationships, and being present.

Lodi Middle School will continue to be a caffeine-free school this year. This helps us support healthy choices and keeps the focus on learning throughout the school day.

Please Leave Caffeinated Drinks at Home

Students should not bring caffeinated beverages to school or be dropped off with them in the morning.

This includes:

• Energy drinks
• Soda
• Coffee
• Bubblr and other caffeinated beverages

💧 Water in Classrooms

Water is the only beverage allowed in classrooms during the school day. Please make sure your student brings a water bottle to school each day.

Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy learning environment for our students!

Resources for Families

• Energy Drinks: What Parents Should Know
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Sports and Energy Drinks
• 8 Facts for Caffeine Awareness

We are excited to once again offer a designated middle school student section at Lodi High School home football games!

If your student plans to attend a game, please review the expectations below with them. We will also review these expectations with students during the first weeks of school.

View the Student Expectations Presentation

Before the Game

• All students in grades 6–8 must enter with an adult.
• Students must sit in the designated middle school section or with an adult.
• On Youth Night (September 12), players should sit with their teams and coaches.

During the Game

Students are expected to:

• Remain in the bleachers except when using the restroom or concessions.
• Remain inside the stadium throughout the game.
• Cheer for Lodi in a positive and respectful manner.
• Be respectful to peers, adults, supervisors, and visiting fans.
• Dispose of garbage in the appropriate containers.
• Represent Lodi in a positive manner.

🚫 Please Leave These at Home

• Footballs, soccer balls, kickballs, or other balls
• Noisemakers
• Laser pointers
• Banners or confetti
• Body paint other than face paint
• Pets

Tag, horseplay, and wandering around the stadium are not allowed.

After the Game

Students and other fans should stay off the field following the game unless they are affiliated with the varsity football or soccer team.

What Happens if Expectations Aren't Followed?

Students who do not follow stadium expectations will receive one warning. A second incident may result in removal from the game and/or the student not being allowed to attend the next home game. School consequences may also apply.

Thank you for helping make Friday nights a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for everyone!

The start of a new school year can bring both excitement and nervousness. Families can help students start strong by supporting routines, independence, and a positive outlook.

Help Set the Stage for Success

• Build a routine. Consistent bedtimes and mornings make the transition easier.
• Prioritize attendance. Being at school and on time matters.
• Ask specific questions. Try “What was the best part of your day?” instead of “How was school?”
• Encourage independence. Let students manage their assignments, materials, and responsibilities with your support.
• Let them work through challenges. Small struggles help students build problem-solving skills and resilience.
• Check in. Review Infinite Campus regularly and talk about how classes are going.
• Reach out early. Contact us when you have questions or concerns—we want to partner with you.

Remind your child that they don't need to have everything figured out right away. Middle school is a time to learn, grow, and become more independent.

We encourage all families to take a few minutes to review the Lodi Middle School Family & Student Handbook. It includes important information about school expectations, procedures, and resources.

Creating a positive middle school experience is a partnership between students, families, and school staff, and understanding our shared expectations helps us start the year strong.

Lodi Middle School - Family and Student Handbook

Here are three questions to ask your teen this week to get them to open up:

1. What are you most looking forward to about school this year?

2. Who is one adult that you are looking forward to seeing at school?

3. What will make this a great school year in your mind?

Please remind your child to charge their Chromebook each night so it’s ready for learning the next day.

If a charger has been misplaced or lost, please contact techsupport@lodischoolswi.org for assistance.

Keeping devices charged helps our students stay focused and prepared for class each morning!

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s success. When students are at school consistently, they stay connected to their learning, teachers, and classmates. Families play an important role in helping students build strong attendance habits.

Have an Appointment? Get a Note!

If your child misses school for a doctor, dentist, orthodontist, or other medical appointment, please ask the provider for a note and send it to the school.

Why does the note matter?

• Medically excused absences with appropriate documentation are treated differently for attendance reporting purposes.
• These medically excused absences do not count toward the 10 days families may excuse their child from school each year.

The easiest rule to remember: If your child has a medical appointment during the school day, ask for a note and send it to the office.

Thank you for helping us support strong attendance!

If your child will be missing school, please remember to report the absence.

Families can easily complete the Absence Form using the button below—no need to call or email! However, if you have questions or are unable to complete the form, you can still contact us by:

📱 Calling the attendance line: (608) 592-3854 ext. 0
✉️ Emailing the office: msoffice@lodischoolswi.org

To report an absence, click on the button below:

Students enrolled in Blessings in a Backpack receive a discreet bag of non-perishable, kid-friendly food each week to help support weekend meals.

• Bags are sent home every Friday

• If there is no school on Friday, bags go home on Thursday

Interested in enrolling?

Please complete the Blessing in a Backpack Google Form to sign up.

Professional dental services provided right at school for students and families in need.

Enroll: http://enrollment.bbsmiles.org/

Questions? Call 262-896-9891 or email coordinator@bbsmiles.org.

The Free and Reduced Lunch program is income based. Applications are available on the district website under Our Families - Food Service (English) or (Spanish).

Need help? Contact Ariel Andrews at 608-592-3855 ext. 1017 or andrear@lodischoolswi.org.

Food Service: Breakfast and lunch will be available for students. Please take a look at the important information below:

• For information on determining free and reduced meal eligibility, see this information from the Department of Public Instruction.
  
• Breakfast: Students will have the option to have breakfast as a part of their school day.
  
• 6th Grade - 8:20 AM
• 7/8th Grade - 8:52 AM
• Here is the link to the Food Service Website where you can learn how to check your account balance, make a payment or view the monthly lunch menu.

Health Services plays an important role in keeping students healthy and reducing health-related barriers to learning. As we prepare for the new school year, please review these important reminders.

💊 Medication at School

If your student will need medication during the school day:

Prescription Medication

• A completed medication consent form with physician and parent/guardian signatures is required.
• Medication must be provided in its original container.

Over-the-Counter Medication

• A parent/guardian must complete the medication consent form.
• Medication must be in its original container.
• The school will follow the dosage directions on the container. A physician's order is required for a dosage outside those directions.

Important: Middle school students may not carry medication with them during the school day, with the exception of approved emergency medications such as an inhaler, glucagon, or epinephrine when authorized by a physician.

Medication Form:
4K–8 Medication Consent Form

💉 Immunizations

Please make sure your student's immunization records are up to date. If your child received vaccines over the summer, please provide an updated immunization record to the school office.

Important for 7th Grade Families:
Students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of the MenACWY vaccine.

Wisconsin also requires healthcare-provider verification of chickenpox disease in certain situations when it is being used to meet the varicella requirement.

Families may complete an allowable medical, religious, or personal conviction waiver for immunization requirements.

Immunization Forms:

• Student Immunization Record – English
• Student Immunization Record – Spanish

💉 Vaccine Clinic at Open House

O'Connell Pharmacy will be at Lodi Middle School on Thursday, August 27, from 3:00–5:30 PM to provide an opportunity for families to receive needed vaccines.

View Vaccine Clinic Information & Registration

Questions or Health Changes?

Please contact our District Nurse if your student's health needs have changed or if you have questions or concerns.

Janelle Sivam, RN, BSN
District Nurse
Middle School: 608-592-3854 ext. 3484
Cell: 608-573-1851
Fax: 608-592-1045

Missing a sweatshirt? Can’t find that water bottle? Each month we’ll post photos of items from our Lost & Found.

If you recognize something, email Brittany Zais (zaisbr@lodischoolswi.org) or have your student stop by the office to claim it.