Pella MS Newsletter
October 2025
There is always a ton of energy and excitement in the air for a homecoming week. We had a great week filled with dress-up days, pep rallies, and an Amazing Race at the end of the day today. We love the school spirit that was on display all week long.
With only 13 days left in quarter one, it seems like the start of this year has flown by. Now would be a great time to sit down with your student and find out a little more about their MS experience. Asking them questions like:
What’s been your favorite part of school so far?
-
What’s one thing that’s surprised you about middle school this year?
What’s a goal you want to work on for the next month?
If you could swap places with one teacher for a day, who would it be? Why?
- If you could wave a magic wand and change something about the MS, what would you do? (My personal favorite question)
Now would be a great time to spend some 1:1 time with your middle schooler. Go out to eat, get ice cream. or join them in watching their favorite show. Believe it or not, they like that time with you too.
Thanks for continuing to send us great kids. We are thankful for them each day.
In Education,
Mr. Tjeerdsma
Student Council and Student Ambassadors
There are many opportunities for students to grow in their leadership skills while at Pella MS. Two options that were recently chosen were the student council and student ambassadors.
Their peers choose the student council, which aims to make a positive impact on our community and school by fostering leadership and representing students' voices. They organize various enjoyable events, such as the homecoming tailgate on October 3. Mrs. Schulz leads this group.
Staff members select the student ambassadors. Their mission is to promote the 7 Habits by helping others become the best leaders they can be. They read our announcements each day, run a birthday box, and give tours to any new students. Mrs. Edwards leads this amazing group.
Class Spotlight: FCS Consumer
Ashley DePena, owner of Designer Cakes by Ashley, recently visited with Consumer FCS students to discuss her career as a baker. Students have been learning about being a baker in preparation for their upcoming Food Prep Unit.
Thank you for your time and for sharing your expertise with Pella Middle School, Ashley!
Worksmart Panel
On September 23 and 25, our MS students had the opportunity to start thinking about future careers with our Worksmart Connector panel. Employees from various industries around Pella were present to give the students a glimpse into daily life in each career. We thank the following individuals for taking time out of their busy days to share with our kids.
- Mikey Roederer, General Manager, Liberty Street Kitchen
- Jessi Galligan, Director, Pella Historical Society
- Elisa Klassen, Mfg. Systems Engineer, Vermeer
- Susan Vander Molen, Nurse, Pella Hospital
- Marie Vander Wilt, Pella High grad and Patient Care Apprentice
- Gary Schlerman, Manager, Fareway
Emree Westra, Patient Care Apprentice
Marty Murphy, Pella Corp
Pella MS - High Achieving Rating
The Iowa School Performance Profiles is an online tool showing how public schools performed on required measures. These measures include
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Growth in Math, ELA, and Science
- Proficiency in Math, ELA, and Science
This year, Pella MS earned a High Performing ranking! This is only possible due to the great efforts by the students, staff, and families within our Pella MS community.
Winter Sports at Pella MS
It may be hard to believe, but we are a month or less away from starting the first of our winter sports seasons here at Pella Middle School. Just a friendly reminder that we have a split sports season here at Pella Middle School. Before winter break, we offer girls' basketball and boys' wrestling. Boys basketball and girls wrestling will be offered after winter break.
Winter Sport Sign Up (LINK HERE)
To give us an accurate count on who will be participating, we do an online signup. Please only fill the form (linked above) out once for each student.
Girls Basketball
First Practice: October 20
Head Coaches:
7th - Emily Craig - emily.craig@pellaschools.org
8th - Jim Dingeman - jim.dingeman@pellaschools.org
Boys Wrestling
First Practice: October 27
Head Coach:
Jeff Petty- jeffpetty45@yahoo.com
Physicals ( LINK HERE for required form)
If you have any questions prior to the start of school or practice, please feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Nick Fynaardt
Pella MS Athletic Director
Upcoming Events
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: 90 min early dismissal
October 16: Picture retakes
October 22: End 1st quarter
October 23-24: Fall Break NO SCHOOL
October 27: Begin 2nd quarter, MS Parent/Teacher conferences 3:30-7:00
Contact Pella Middle School
Email: scott.tjeerdsma@pellaschools.org
Website: pellaschools.org
Location: 613 East 13th Street, Pella, IA, USA
Phone: (641)628-4784