MMS Counseling Newsletter

The new school year is here and our department is excited to start working with students and families. We are able to make connections with students through our Connect and Careers courses, individual counseling, the variety of small groups we offer, and so many other ways.

We are fortunate to have three School Counselors at MMS. This year Mrs. Seifert will be the 6th grade counselor, Mrs. Dusek will be the 7th grade counselor and Mr. Campbell will be the 8th grade counselor. We are also grateful to have Ms. Graham, RFSD 6-12 Social Worker, Ms. Bowers, School Psychologist and Mrs. Pitzen, our department’s secretary.

We will be sending out a newsletter each month to connect with students and families. We will share what is happening in the School Counseling Department and provide resources. We encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have!

Our Neighbors’ Place would like to offer a source of groceries for families experiencing financial hardship. Through the ONP Backpack Program, a bag filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food items can be picked up each week at at Our Neighbors' Place Day Center or request for it to be delivered to your child's school.

If you are interested in your child(ren) being a part of ONP Backpack Program, please complete the google form (click on the Our Neighbors' Place image).

Families may join the program at any time throughout the school year.

Character Education has been a strong component of Meyer Middle School’s mission. Two years ago, we started using a curriculum by Character Strong that is implemented a few times a month in student TAs. Last year, we added in another resource focused around small groups to support students.

Ongoing screening in both academic and social, emotional, and behavioral functioning can identify students that need additional support to increase their academic performance and improve overall well-being. Screening tools help school staff develop effective plans and allocate resources. We will administer the Character Strong Youth Needs Screener in the month of October. The Youth Needs Screener is completed by students. The results will be used as one data point in a proactive process that supports students with mentoring, organizational strategies, social skills, coping strategies, and other supports that help them fully engage in their learning. Should our team identify your child as needing additional support, you will be notified just as you would with academic interventions.

Success begins with showing up—students who attend regularly feel a stronger sense of belonging and are more likely to succeed. Below is a quick overview of our attendance expectations.

• Reporting absences: Enter through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or call your school’s secretary (list your school # here)

• Half-day absence: Missing 15 minutes up to 50% of the school day

• Full-day absence: Missing 50% or more of the school day

• Chronic absence: Missing more than 10% of school days (about 18 days, or 2 per month)

• Excused absences: Accepted reasons, including medical appointments with documentation

• Unexcused/truant absences: When no acceptable excuse is provided (15 minutes or more counts as part of a day)

• Allowed each school year:

  • 10 written, pre-planned absences from a parent/guardian

  • 4 oral or written parent/guardian illness absences

• Extended illness: Notes must be renewed every 30 days

For more detailed information on the district's attendance policy, visit our attendance page.

Homecoming: September 22nd - September 26th

Dress Up Days:

• Monday: Dress like Adam Sandler Day
• Tuesday: Jersey/Team Day
• Wednesday: Soccer Mom vs. BBQ Dad Day
• Thursday: Twin Day
• Friday: HOCO Shirt/Wildcat Gear