Pella MS Newsletter

I hope this newsletter finds students enjoying a well-earned day off. We have had a great start to the second semester and are excited for upcoming events and activities. Please continue to be diligent when monitoring students' grades and homework completion. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's teacher or the office for assistance. We are happy to help and want all of our students to succeed.

Sincerely,

Mr. Tjeerdsma

Pella MS Principal.

Mr Fynaardt and 20 Middle School students recently visited the Pella Food Shelf as a leadership service opportunity. The students sorted food, checked expiration dates and restocked shelves while they were there. Keegan Shaw said "It was cool and there are so many shelves with different foods that help people in need."

Mr. Tangen leads a group of 80 talented students in show choir. These students have been practicing hard since October and have put together a fantastic show. Thus far, they have competed at Waukee and, most recently, Mount Pleasant. At the Mount Pleasant competition, Pella Adrenaline placed second! Great Job Pella Adrenaline!

Can a social media trend help our students understand math? Students in 7th grade math used a popular video trend to answer the question: How many pieces of yarn will hold up a person for 5 seconds?

After testing the yarn strength, using their knowledge of proportions, and asking many questions, students presented their conclusion to a teacher volunteer. It was a fantastic activity that emphasized higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

We have many amazing teachers, staff, and coaches at Pella MS. One such individual was recently recognized as the best in the state. Brittany Buck, who serves Pella MS as a special education teacher and head girl's wrestling coach, was named the junior high coach of the year by the Iowa Wrestling Coaches Association. She is the first coach to ever win this award!

An increase in running noses means we are running low on our tissue supply. If you are willing to donate more, please drop them off in the office. Thanks so much!

If you've been to a MS basketball game this semester, you've probably noticed an upgrade to our MS concession stand. We have a brand new serving window, digital menu, and now take credit cards! The 7th-grade students have done a great job planning and organizing the concession stand. If you're at a game, please consider getting a snack or drink while you enjoy the games. All proceeds from the stand are donated to charities that the 7th graders choose at the end of basketball season.

In March we will be hosting student-led conference at Pella MS. Students will work throughout the next few months on a leadership portfolio that they will share with their parents and their Monday Leader in Me teacher.

More details to come, but please plan on attending these conferences on either March 3 or 6.

All district families are encouraged to register all of their school aged children for the 2025-26 school year starting March 3. Have a child turning 4 by September 15, 2025? We need you to register them for preschool too! More details to come in the next few weeks about this exciting annual event, so watch your inbox! Questions about the school registration can be directed to Shayla Gift by emailing shayla.gift@pellaschools.org or by calling 641-628-9539.

February 10: NO SCHOOL - teacher professional development

February 12: Full day

February 19: 90 minute early dismissal for K-3 PT conferences

February 20: 90 minute early dismissal for K-3 PT conferences

February 21: NO SCHOOL

February 26: 90 minute early dismissal for PD

March 5, 12, 26: 90 minute early dismissal for PD

March 3 & 6: Middle School PT conferences Student Showcase

March 14: End 3rd quarter

March 17-21: NO SCHOOL - spring break

March 24: Begin 4th quarter

Email: scott.tjeerdsma@pellaschools.org

Website: pellaschools.org
Location: 613 East 13th Street, Pella, IA, USA
Phone: (641)628-4784