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IMMS Family Flier

March 15, 2026

IMMS FamilyFlierMarch 15, 2026

A Note from Ms. Thomas and Mr. Jondle A Note from Ms. Thomas and Mr. Jondle

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Dear Indian Mound Middle School Families,


We hope this message finds you well as we head into the final stretch before spring break. This week we held our Monthly Celebration Assembly, one of our favorite opportunities to recognize the great things happening in our school community. During the assembly, several students were honored as Student of the Month. We also held our annual Rock–Paper–Scissors Tournament, which brought plenty of excitement, laughter, and friendly competition for students and staff alike.


A reminder for our 8th grade families that students will be taking the Forward Exam during their science classes on March 17 and March 19. To help students do their best, please make sure they come to school with a fully charged Chromebook and wired headphones. A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast also go a long way in helping students feel prepared and confident.


Finally, we are just one week away from spring break. As the weather begins to warm up and students start counting down the days, we appreciate your continued support in reminding students to stay focused, follow school expectations, and finish the quarter strong.


Thank you for your partnership and support of Indian Mound Middle School.


With appreciation,
IMMS Administration

Jamie Thomas
Principal, Indian Mound Middle School

Brett Jondle, Associate Principal

Top things to know: Top things to know:

  • 8th Grade Science FORWARD Exam on 3/17 and 3/19
      • Bring WIRED headphones
      • Fully charge Chromebooks
  • Fidgets at School
  • Students of the month
  • Refresh of 8th grade universal expectations

Important Dates Important Dates

  • March 17: 8th Grade Science Forward Exam
  • March 19: 8th Grade Science Forward Exam (this is an updated day)
  • March 23-27: No School Spring Break
  • April 3: End of 3rd Quarter


  • 25-26 IMMS Sports: LINK


Forward Exam Dates

  • 3/17 and 3/19 Science (8th only)
  • 4/1 and 4/2 Social Studies (8th only)
  • 4/8 and 4/9 ELA (all students)
  • 4/15 and 4/16 Math (all students)

Fidgets: A Tool, not a Toy! Fidgets: A Tool, not a Toy!

If a student needs a fidget to help them focus, it should be small, silent, and not something that is shared with other students. If a fidget becomes distracting or is not being used appropriately, we will ask the student to put it away. If the fidget is seen again during that class period, it will be held until the end of class.Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment for all students.

March Safety Drill: Evacuation Drill March Safety Drill: Evacuation Drill

School safety is a priority in the McFarland School District. At Indian Mound Middle School (IMMS), we take several steps to ensure your child is safe and our school is secure. This wee​k (March 17-20), IMMS will conduct an Evacuation Drill. We will prepare your child for the drill during our school announcements and also allow students to follow up with their teachers about any questions they may have before the drill.


As with each of our safety drills, we will make an announcement prior to the drill to clearly inform students that a drill will be occurring. The entire procedure should last around 10-15 minutes. Students are reminded (as we will do during each of our drills and safety discussions) that schools are often some of the safest places to be and that these skills, which students and staff learn about safety, can be applied anywhere, both in school and out of school. Our goal is always to make this experience a useful practice of the procedures, without alarming students.

If you have any questions about the drill, please feel free to contact Ms. Thomas or Mr. Jondle at any time at 838-8980.

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Update on Expectations for 8th Grade Update on Expectations for 8th Grade

Hello 8th Grade Families,


We wanted to share a few updates and reminders to help keep our classrooms running smoothly and maximize instructional time for students. This time of year is a wonderful time to reteach and practice all universal expectations. 8th grade is almost in their last quarter of middle school and we working together to help prepare for high school.


Cell Phone Procedures - Off and Away

If a phone is visible or used during class time, students will be asked to turn it over rather than receiving a warning. The phone will then be brought to the office, where it will be kept safe and secure for the remainder of the school day.

We are updating our 8th-grade classroom phone procedures due to a recent increase in cell phone use during class and to better align with the policy at the high school. At the high school, students place their phones in a classroom cell phone hanger at the start of each class period.


Passing Time Reminder
Passing time between classes has been increased to six minutes. This change was made so students have time to stop and use the restroom/fill up water bottles without needing to leave during instructional time.


Classroom Fidgets: Tool not a Toy!
If a student needs a fidget to help them focus, it should be small, silent, and not something that is shared with other students. If a fidget becomes distracting or is not being used appropriately, we will ask the student to put it away. If the fidget is seen again during that class period, it will be held until the end of class.Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment for all students.


8th Grade Team

FORWARD Exam FORWARD Exam

FORWARD Exam is coming up. Our 8th graders will start with the Science portion of the exam on 3/17 and 3/19. You play an important part in helping students give their best performance on this test. Even though this assessment is a snapshot - one single perspective - it is important that our students have every advantage to do their very best.

We don't want to cause test anxiety, rather we want our students to be as prepared as possible. There are many ways in which you can help your child put their best foot forward.

The night before the test:

  • Make sure your child gets a full night of sleep.

  • Review positive self-talk with your child.

  • Charge Chromebook

  • Put headphones/earbuds in backpack

The morning of the test:

  • Arrive at school on time.

  • Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast - there is a strong correlation between eating breakfast, memory, and cognitive functioning.

  • Be positive and build confidence in your child about doing their very best.

After the test:

  • Talk to your child about their feelings about the test.

  • Remind your child that performance on a test does not define them as a person. It is just one opportunity to demonstrate learning.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education.

Together we can make a difference!


All students need WIRED headphone and chromebooks charged

Optimist Students of the Month Optimist Students of the Month

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Helpful Links Helpful Links

Daily Schedule

Daily Announcements

Day A/Day B Schedule

Student Services Support Contacts

McFarland School District Website

McFarland School District App

McFarland Youth Center Website

IMMS Athletics Calendar

IMMS Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities

Student Services Student Services

Family Information Regarding Student Learning Family Information Regarding Student Learning

Below, you will find the "Hubs" (aka Task-List) for each grade level and Related Arts. You can click on the "Hub" to get information on what your scholar is doing in class, assignments, and assessments. As always, please use Infinite Campus to look up progress grades and turned in assignments.


Here are some helpful tips and videos that may be useful:

  • How to log-in to Infinite Campus (38 second video) or HelpDoc

  • How to check your scholar’s missing assignments (2 min. video) or HelpDoc

  • What are Conduct and Effort Scores? (2.5 min. video)

  • How to check your scholar’s Conduct and Effort Scores (3 min. video) or HelpDoc

  • IMMS Standards Based Grading Presentation

6th Grade Hub
Content will be added by 12:00 on Mondays
7th Grade Hub
Content will be added by 12:00 on Mondays
8th Grade Hub
Content will be added by end of day on Mondays
Related Arts Hub
Content will be added by 4:00 pm on Fridays
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Student Expectations Student Expectations

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  • Be on Time! School starts at 8:20am. Students who arrive after 8:20am (without a medical note/appointment note, etc.) will be marked as tardy. After five tardies in one quarter, a check in meeting with the student, as well as contact home will occur to partner on ways to get the student to school on time.
  • Off and Away! Cell phones and headphones must be off and away starting at 8:15am.
  • Caffeinated Drinks: students may not consume caffeinated drinks while at school.
  • Respect the Bubble: An area of focus this year is to teach and re-teach the importance of having students keep their hands, feet, and objects to themself. If you see this behavior, please continue to reinforce the "Respect the Bubble" expectation

Health Services Health Services

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Children’s Safety Network – National Poison Prevention Week

We’re recognizing the upcoming National Poison Prevention Week (March 15–21, 2026) by highlighting practical steps that help prevent poisonings and connect families to expert support when an exposure happens. Poisoning is the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in infants, children, and adolescents. As new products become more common in homes, communities need clear, consistent prevention messages that reduce access to hazards and support rapid response. Safe storage and supervision is very important in every setting where young children spend time, and keeping medications, cleaners, chemicals, and other hazardous products locked, out of sight, and out of reach. ❗ Call Poison Help Line (800-222-1222) right away with any possible poisoning - PoisonHelp.Org❗

  • Button batteries also merit special attention because they are found in many household items and can cause severe internal injuries if swallowed. If a button battery is missing or ingestion is suspected, treat it as an emergency and contact the National Battery Ingestion Hotline (800-498-8666) or the Poison Help Line (800-222-1222) right away.

  • Expanding water beads and other water-absorbing “growing” products can look like candy, but they can enlarge after ingestion and cause serious internal injury.

  • Nicotine pouches are another growing concern. FDA guidance underscores the importance of keeping nicotine products in their original, closed packaging and storing them up high, out of reach, preferably locked, to prevent accidental exposure among children and pets.

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Welcome our new IMMS School Nurse!

Hi everyone! I'm Gabby Courseault, the new school nurse at IMMS and MHS. I'm coming from the UW Health Pediatric Diabetes Clinic. Prior to that, I worked inpatient at AFCH, as a camp nurse in Connecticut, and as a school nurse in Pewaukee where I grew up. Outside of work, I enjoy walks outdoors, crafting, and playing with my dog, Teva. I'm excited to be at McFarland and to meet you all!


Gabby Courseault BSN, RN, CPN

McFarland School Nurse (6th-12th)

Email CourseG@mcfsd.org

Office #(608)838-4671 | Fax #(608)838-4562
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Injuries & Activity Restrictions

Physical education (gym class) and recess are integral parts of the school day, designed for physical activity, social development and mental work load breaks. Injuries that require use of medical devices, elevator use or activity restrictions resulting in your student being unable to participate in physical education class may not participate in sports activities or active play during recess. Health Services staff and Parent/guardian may excuse a student from physical education at their own discretion for up to 1-2 days if, in their opinion, the student is temporarily unable to participate. Conditions that require exclusion from physical activities for longer than that time period require a written note from a physician or health care provider, specifying properly instructed use of equipment, activity restrictions and time frame to ensure the students physical safety. Any note received that does not have specific dates for exclusion/medical equipment/elevator use, will be honored for one week. Please see the Athletic & Activity Code of Conduct for more information when returning to play following injury/illness. Reach out to the Health Office with any questions.

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BBS Dental Clinic

Bridging Brighter Smiles Dental Clinic will be back at IMMS on Wednesday & Thursday March 18-19th for their spring visits! It's not too late to enroll! See flier information for more details and how to enroll; as well as the MSD Health Service website for additional Dental Resources.

⭐New this school year 2025-26, no cost for all students due to a grant fund for BBS!

  • Online Enrollment Form – Spanish – Bridging Brighter Smiles

  • Online Enrollment Form – English – Bridging Brighter Smiles

McFarland Health Service Website
Please view the McFarland School District Health Services website for information, forms, resources and contact info: IMMSHealthOffice@mcfsd.org #(608)838-4672

Summer Opportunities Summer Opportunities

Take a look at these awesome SUMMER Opportunities for our students!!

District News District News

Anxious Generation Update

We recently wrapped up the Anxious Generation Teacher Study Group and held our final community event in partnership with the E.D. Locke Public Library. In total, about 70 district staff members participated in the teacher study group and 25–30 community members joined the public conversations.

Highlights from the Teacher Study Group

  • In an early session, participants identified how the book’s Four Foundational Harms are currently showing up in our schools. LLS Notebook created a visual graphic capturing our “current reality” in McFarland (see below).

  • Participants conducted micro-research to learn more about the growing national response to these issues (see resources here).

  • In the final session, the group generated potential next steps for individuals, study group participants, and school buildings to consider moving forward (see list here).

Highlights from the Community Events
Participants engaged in small-group discussions around four reflection areas: self, technology, play, and independence.

Community Takeaways

  • Many adults are aware of their own technology habits and want to make changes, but find it challenging given how integrated technology is in daily life.

  • There is strong interest in helping children develop greater independence and resilience.

  • Families recognize the importance of unstructured play, though concerns about safety and social expectations can make it difficult.

  • Many families are experimenting with technology boundaries and are interested in building connections with other families doing the same.

Some community members are now exploring the creation of a McFarland community group of parents and residents inspired by research from The Anxious Generation and related work. The group would focus on supporting healthier childhoods by restoring play, independence, and real-world connection while delaying and adding protections around smartphones and social media.

Community members interested in learning more, sharing resources, or participating in future conversations and meet-ups are invited to share their contact information through this form.

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Special Community Screening of An Invitation to Wonder

Save the Date – Reserve Your FREE Tickets!

Thursday, April 9 | 6:30 PM

McFarland Performing Arts Center

Join us for a special community screening of An Invitation to Wonder - a breathtaking film by

Wisconsin filmmaker Ben Albert that explores the hidden beauty of our own Waubesa Wetlands.

This inspiring all-ages film was recently picked up by PBS for national distribution.


The McFarland Education Foundation is proud to partner with the Lake Waubesa Conservation

Association to support the McFarland School District in bringing this local gem to the big screen.


Admission is FREE.

When reserving your tickets, please consider making a donation to support the event and the

ongoing work of the McFarland Education Foundation and the Lake Waubesa Conservation

Association.


More info and tickets available here:

https://www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/community/PAC.cfm


Reserve your Free Tickets /Donate Here

Button: https://www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/community/PAC.cfm

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🎓McFarland School Board 🎓McFarland School Board

The next School District of McFarland School Board meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2026.

Click HERE for a link to the McFarland School Board agendas and minutes.
Click HERE for a link to the McFarland School Board YouTube live streams.

District Recognition Days District Recognition Days

March is….

Women’s History Month

Happy Women's History Month! This month we celebrate all the amazing women who have done incredible things to make this world a better place. Let's learn and appreciate their inspiring stories.


Youth Art Month

Youth Art Month is a time to celebrate the beauty of creativity! Keep creating, keep dreaming, and let your imagination soar!


Music in Our Schools Month

Let's celebrate the joy of music and appreciate the music offerings at MSD! Happy Music in Our Schools Month!


  • March 2-6 - School Social Workers Week

    • We are so lucky to have wonderful Social Workers who are dedicated to always being there to listen, support, and encourage us when we need it. Thank you!

  • March 2-6 - National School Breakfast Week

    • Start your day with the tasty food you need to fuel your adventures. What's your favorite breakfast meal?

  • March 4- Casimir Pulaski Day

    • Casimir Pulaski is recognized today for bringing order to the American cavalry, using modern training methods, and establishing the necessity of an independent cavalry during the Revolutionary War.

  • March 8 - International Women’s Day

    • It's International Women's Day! Today we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women.

  • March 17 - “The Great Hunger” in Ireland

    • "The Great Hunger" or the Irish Potato Famine, was a tragic event in Irish history.

  • March 19-20 - Eid al-Fitr

    • Eid Mubarak! Today marks the end of Ramadan and is a special day of celebration and joy.

  • March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day

    • Today, we educate and strive to raise awareness, understanding, and support for Down syndrome.

Click Here for the Yearly Calendar

Community Events and Programs Community Events and Programs

CLICK HERE for Community Event and Program Flyers

  • Madison Ballet Special Projects Ballet Storytime - March 14 through April 27

  • E.D. Locke Library Dragon PJ Storytime - March 19

  • E.D. Locke Library Read to a Dog - March 27

  • McFarland Youth Softball - Registration Open through April 1

  • E.D. Locke All Ages Poetry Content - April 1-30

  • Madison Ballet - ChoreograpHER - April 3-5

  • Free Sale for Families Event - April 11

  • E.D. Locke Library Music PJ Storytime - April 16

  • E.D. Locke Library Labubu Painting Party - April 17

  • McFarland Youth Soccer Referee Training Session - April 19

  • Tri 4 Schools 2026 Event Series May-August

  • MG Youth Lacrosse - Registration Open

  • Oregon Youth Lacrosse - Registration Open

  • Greater Madison Writing Project Youth Summer Sessions - Early Bird May 1

  • Summer Learning Opportunities

  • Madison Ballet - Summer Session

  • Free Medical Clinic - Verona Area High School - August 1-2

  • E.D. Locke Library 500 Books Before Middle School Program

  • E.D. Locke Library K-2 Magic Tree House Book Club - 2nd Tuesdays

  • E.D. Locke Library 3-5 Graphic Novel Book Club - Third Tuesdays

  • E.D. Locke Library Teen Snack & Chat - Mondays

  • E.D. Locke Library Teen UnBook Club - First Thursdays

  • E.D. Locke Library VolunTeen Program - Fourth Tuesdays

  • Free Triple P Positive Parenting Online Program for WI Families

The McFarland School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.

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