Eagle Insights

Our teachers will be available for conferences on 10/12 & 10/13 from 3:30-7:30pm.

Our conferences will be "cafeteria style," meaning that all teachers will sit in the gymnasium at tables (except SpEd teachers- they will be in their classrooms). Conferences are not pre-scheduled; instead you can choose which teachers to visit (just like choosing food in a cafeteria). Each conference should last around 10 min.

You do not need to feel like you have to visit everyone. Instead, focus your time on visiting teachers of classes:

• In which your child seems to be struggling
• Where you have questions
• Where you want to clarify expectations

We strongly encourage you to bring your student with you to participate in conference discussions.

Tuesday, October 13th 6:00 PM, our resident therapists, Beth and Bellah, will offer a presentation for parents titled "They're in Middle School, Now What?"

The presentation will focus on parenting adolescents as they move their middle school years, including development changes and expectations that can impact students at school, at home, and socially. The presentation is intended for parents/caregivers and is expected to last approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

We only have classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week, due to the MEA break. Enjoy the extra long weekend!

Congratulations to the following students who were recognized for being Awesome Eagles for the month of September!

6th Grade - Ava Rask

7th Grade - Jase Ferguson

8th Grade - Charlotte Mathison

9th Grade - Kelton Foster

10th Grade - Hope Kurtz

11th Grade - Niko Tomic

12th Grade - Emery Diffendorfer

Berry Blendz will be sold at lunch for $5 CASH each Wednesday. Proceeds go to the student group volunteering for the week as well as to our school RISE prizes and events.

Some groups that will be selling include Student Council, FFA, Hope Squad, International Travel, and more!

Flavor Forecast:

10/14 - Caribbean Blend

10/21 - Razzelade

10/28 - Fruit Fusion

Is your student interested in a hands-on career where they can earn money while they learn? They should sign up to attend the Construct Tomorrow Trades Fair at RCTC on Tuesday, October 28. For just $5, students can explore union apprenticeship programs in careers such as plumbing, electrical, welding, carpentry, and bricklaying. These programs provide hands-on training while students earn a wage. Interested students should see Mr. McRae for a permission slip.

Is your student interested in science and pursuing a career in healthcare? If so, they should attend the Mayo Clinic Career Festival on October 19th! This career fair will be at the Mayo Civic Center and goes from 9:00 to 11:00. There is a cost of $7 to cover transportation costs, spots are limited. Students must be passing classes and have good attendance to attend. Interested students should stop by Mr. McRae's office for a permission slip.

On Tuesday, November 10th we will be bringing a group of students to tour the University of Wisconsin - Stout in Menomonie, WI. This is an opportunity to see a nearby college and get a firsthand view of what a university can look like while getting to speak with students, faculty, and tour campus. There is a cost of $10 for busing. Students who wish to go should see Mr. McRae in the career center for a permission slip. Spots are limited so sign up right away!

Conferences: 10/12 & 10/13 (3:30pm-7:30pm)

NO SCHOOL: 10/15-10/16

Gr 8 Eagle Bluff Trip: 10/28-30

2026-2027 District Calendar

Activities Calendar

I'm hearing more and more about students getting sucked into AI as a friend and it ending with negative consequences. In fact, this past week The Wall Street Journal published an article titled "Middle Schoolers are Seeking Out AI Friends."

In the article, they highlighted how current research says "the more often the students use AI [chatbots], the more anxious and lonely they become."

A cited quote from the research states:

“We found that two to four kids in every classroom are now reporting they prefer interaction with a chatbot over a human peer,” says Mitch Prinstein, codirector of UNC’s Winston Center on Technology and Brain Development and one of the study’s authors. “This is a pretty existential concern for this generation.” At this age, young adolescents’ brains are being wired to build relationships, so the risks compound.

Here is a direct quote from a parent in the article:

“She engaged with it every possible second she could,” Mileva says. “I didn’t realize she felt so lonely and that she was seeking validation from it. She said the chatbot understood her and agreed with her, and I said that’s what they’re designed to do.”

Why am I drawing this to your attention? Because a seemingly innocent online tool is now threatening the typical development of adolescents and leading to dire consequences, such as mental health problems, suicide, and drug overdoses. I encourage you to do your own research and then have an open conversation with your student about this. Find out if they have tried it. You might be surprised, and may want to take steps to intervene.

Jargon, Julie. "How AI Chatbots Are Deepening Loneliness Among Middle-School Students." The Wall Street Journal, 27 Sept. 2026, www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/ai-chatbot-use-middle-school-a1a77589. [1]

This year the Middle School Yearbook is being created with the help of a Community Ed class!

You can order the MS yearbook here. The price at this time is $26.

Purchase your High School Yearbook here! The price at this time is $68.

We have seen an uptick in students carrying bags, such as messenger bags, reusable shopping bags, and string bags. Please remember that none of those are allowed at school.

Did you know we have several club offerings through Community Ed? A few weeks ago we highlighted the new MS Yearbook Club, but we also have the following available for students in grades 6-12:

• Magic the Gathering club every Wednesday- FREE
• Dungeons & Dragons club every Thursday (students interested in playing other tabletop games are also invited) - FREE
• Lego Robotics- $15

Check out the Youth Enrichment offerings here.

Take a few moments to set up JMC for success this year!

Each year, we ask that you:

• Double check your address, phone number, emergency contacts
• Ensure we have health info for students
• Set up any alerts that may help you monitor your students attendance and grades.

Watch this video for help- it is only 55 seconds long!

Our After School Program is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:06–4:15 PM in Mrs. Heublein’s Room (B129).

The program is open to all students in grades 6–12 and provides a structured, quiet place for students to:

• Complete homework and assignments
• Make up tests or missed work
• Get caught up and stay on track academically
  
  

We encourage students who could benefit from some extra time and support to attend! The After School Program is intended to be a focused work environment, rather than a space for games or socializing.

Please note: The After School Program will not be held on days when there is no school or when conferences are scheduled.

Here is our Period Schedule for the year.

Here is our Back to School Flyer with some key reminders.

AB Calendar - Grade 6

ABC Calendar - Grade 7

Student Handbook link

Discipline Matrix link

If you need the newsletter in another language, choose the translate option.

See how here: https://youtu.be/nesZrgZQhFc?t=61

Disponible en español a través de la opción de traducción. Mira el video para aprender cómo.

HSMS Principal: Sarah Carlson

Email: sarahcarlson@deschools.org

HSMS Dean: Brooke Hasleiet

Email: brookehasleiet@deschools.org

Website: www.desch.org
Location: 615 South Ave. SW, Eyota, MN 55934
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoverEyotaHSMS