Sanford Family Newsletter

November 7, 2025

Good People,

This week our school is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new, student-designed newspaper! Created entirely by our talented 6th grade Advanced Learners this publication showcases student voices, creativity, and school spirit. From interviews with teachers and student spotlights to coverage of clubs, sports, and upcoming events, the newspaper gives everyone a chance to stay informed and connected. During WIN, students worked hard to design the layout, write engaging articles, include jokes as well as games and even brainstorm the paper’s name and logo. Thank you to Ms Deweese for facilitating this group! Keep an eye out for the first issue—it’s full of fresh ideas and Sanford pride! Please click the link below to download the PDF.

In Partnership,

Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Ed.S.

Principal

Maria Sanford Middle School

pdf

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The Highflyer Newspaper Fall 2025.pdf

Download

16.0 MB

Monday (November 10th) is Sanford Night at the Bull's Horn! They will be donating 20% of all Dine In orders back to Sanford. Gather your friends and have a fun night out to support the school!

Early Giving for Give to the Max Day is Open!

We’re excited to support our Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) program with fresh, high-interest books for every classroom, and we need your help! The PTA is raising $6,000 to make sure all students have access to diverse, engaging titles that spark curiosity and a love of reading.

You can help us reach our goal by Give to the Max Day on November 20!
Donate here: https://give.mn/wcz31g

Spread the word to book lovers and the people who love your middle schooler most! Thank you for supporting our young readers and helping them discover their next favorite book!

Our next meeting is November 18th from 6:00p-7:30p in the media center at Sanford. Enter through the main entrance - Door 12. All are welcome!

To contact us or to sign up for our email communications, please send an email to: sanfordmspta@gmail.com.

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If you have rising 6th graders or current 6th or 7th graders who are interested in joining our school community: the school request window is open now through January 31. Visit https://exploremps.org/ to start the request process!

8th Graders and Families:

🎨 The FAIR School for Arts: Your Creative Path
8th Graders are you looking for a space to develop your own unique identity and artistic potential? Do you learn best through innovative scheduling and hands-on experiences? Are your artistic interests beyond the classes found in a typical high school?
The FAIR School for Arts in downtown Minneapolis is the premier Minneapolis Public Schools high school offering a comprehensive, arts-integrated curriculum rooted in equity and excellence. Students in grades 9-12, regardless of prior experience, can explore and specialize in fields like dance, music, media, theatre, and visual arts, while simultaneously completing their core academic requirements. Our teachers and professional artist partners nurture individual talents and passions, connecting students with the vibrant downtown arts community to personalize learning and refine their own artistry, ensuring they are prepared for college, career, and beyond.
Join us at FAIR for our Prospective Student Nights:

November 20, 2025 - 6:00 - 7:30pm
December 4, 2025 - 6:00 - 7:30pm
December 18, 2025 - 6:00 - 7:30pm (Virtual)
January 22, 2025 - 6:00 - 7:30pm

Middle School Movie Club

Next Saturday at the Walker Art Center, we are hosting Middle School Movie Club – a free program designed for middle school aged youth! The event on November 15 will feature the film Little Women, plus free art-making and gallery admission. We would love to extend this invitation to you and the youth you work with! Below is more information about the program:

When: November 15, 2025, from 12–4 pm

What: The film screening begins at 1 pm with drop-in art-making offered from noon to 4 pm. Free gallery admission is also included! Registration is available online and limited walk-up tickets will be available on the event day. Family and friends of middle school youth are welcome and also receive free gallery and film tickets.

About the Film: Little Women, directed by Greta Gerwig

Join the March sisters as they navigate love, loss, sisterhood, and self-discovery in a vibrant retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel. Already a classic for a new generation of fans, the film features a cast of favorites including Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet. Recommended for ages 10 and up. 2019, US, DCP, in English, 134 min.

For more information about the event and to RSVP, please visit the event page here. I have also attached a flyer to this email. Feel free to share the flyer with your communities! Please reach out with any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help!

Thank you,

Molly Yang (she/her)

Youth Programs Coordinator

Walker Art Center

725 Vineland Pl

Minneapolis, MN 55403

612-253-3419

@walkerteens