VMS ELKS Roundup

Dear VMS Families,

It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into November and the start of Quarter 2! Our students have settled into routines, and it’s been so exciting to see their growth, curiosity, and energy fill our halls each day. With the new quarter comes new Allied classes and fresh opportunities for students to learn, connect, and explore their interests.

As the weather gets colder, we want to remind families of students who arrive early (prior to 7:50) and wait outside, please make sure your student is dressed appropriately for the weather if they are dropped off before that time. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and comfortable during these chilly mornings!

Warmly,
Amanda Ohlgren
Principal, VandenBerge Middle School

Students of the Week

Don’t wait! Order your yearbook before it’s too late. Ordering is as easy as going to jostens.com/yborder and searching “Vandenberge Middle School”

Pictures from picture day and retake day are now online! Please remember that you need to select your student's yearbook photo by Friday, November 21.

Online Galleries

If you have any questions, please contact Kemmetmueller at 952-473-2142 or email them at: info@k-photography.com.

Our Lost and Found is overflowing again (see picture below)! Please remind your student to take a few minutes to look through it for any missing items — coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, lunch boxes, and more.

All unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the month, so be sure to check before they’re gone!

Reflection of Bully Prevention Week:

For a week in October, students and staff came together to recognize Bully Prevention Week. During this week, everyone at VMS took part in activities that promoted kindness, inclusion, unity, and acceptance. We are grateful for everyone’s involvement and work toward making our community safe for everyone.

Holiday Donations:

As the holiday season begins, we have some opportunities from community partners we would like to bring to your attention.

Thanksgiving Gift Boxes are available!

Parents and families: In partnership with Emmanuel Christian Center (Elk River), we are excited to offer a resource again this year to provide Thanksgiving Gift Boxes to families by request. Boxes are available at your child’s school: VandenBerge Middle School on NOVEMBER 24-25 for pick-up, or can be sent home with your child.

Interested?

If you are interested in a Thanksgiving Box please email your student’s counselor by November 17th, 2025 with the following information:

1. Student name

2. Parent name and cell phone number

3. Which day you will pick up at VMS front office {Monday, November 24 OR Tuesday, November 25}

OR

If you want the bag sent home with your child (weighs about 10 lbs)

** These are First Come, First Served, so contact your counselor today.**

Please see the flyer below. You can use this link to donate or register to participate in the program.

If you have questions, please contact your student’s counselor.

Katie Svihel, Counselor

Last Names A-L

763-241-3505 x2631

kaitlan.svihel@isd728.org

Caitlin Ferguson, Counselor

Last Names M-Z

763-241-3505 x2659

caitlin.ferguson@isd728.org

We’re currently in need of sweatpants and leggings in very good or gently used condition for our student clothing closet. While we truly appreciate all the donations we’ve received, we want to ensure that the items available for students are in good shape and ready to wear — similar to what you might pass along to a friend or family member.

Thank you so much for your continued support and generosity in helping us take care of our students!

November Health Office Newsletter

📚 Book Lovers Alert!

Please remind your student to check the due date of their library books. Quite a few are overdue now. We love that they're reading and can always renew them if they come see us.

Click the link to stay informed about this month’s upcoming due dates and key events for your student(s).

Click Here

November is Family Engagement Month, a reminder that the most important part of a child’s success is feeling supported both at home and at school. Middle school can be a big time of change, and staying connected as a family or household makes a huge difference! When we all work together students feel more supported and November is a great time to make it a month of connection, gratitude and growth.

We are also here to help if there are families that need to be connected to resources and support. If your family could use a little extra help or information or even looking for more ways to connect to your student, as the school social worker (Kate Burgoon) I can help assist with this!

Here are a few ways families can stay connected this month:

• Talk daily: Ask your student one question about their day that goes beyond “How was school?” Try “What made you laugh today?” or “What felt challenging?”
  
  

• Share a meal or moment: Even one shared meal or walk together each week strengthens your bond and gives students a sense of stability.
  
  

• Model gratitude: November is a great time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, encourage your student to express appreciation to a teacher, friend, or family member, or even someone in the community.
  
  

• Check in together: Talk about goals or stress and remind your student that it’s okay to ask for help.

Kate Burgoon, MSW

Student Support Provider

VandenBerge Middle School

email: kathryn.burgoon@isd728.org

763-241-3450 ext: 2687

• Email: vms.office@isd728.org