VMS ELKS Roundup

Dear VMS Families,

Welcome back! We hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating break. As we return, we are entering the final two weeks of Quarter 2 and encourage all students to finish strong.

As we begin the second half of the school year, we are making a few adjustments to further reinforce classroom participation, engagement, and a continued focus on learning. These changes are designed to provide students with additional structure and support as we work together toward a successful finish to the year and will start on January 21st which is the start of Quarter 3.

Change #1: Student Planners
Students will receive paper planner pages that are three-hole punched and placed in their binders. This schoolwide support system will also include restroom passes. Our goal is to provide greater consistency, organization, and structure for all students.

Change #2: Tardies
We are implementing a new system to notify families more promptly regarding student tardies. Families will receive an email once a student has been marked tardy for the third time. Upon a fourth tardy, communication will come directly from the main office or administration.

At VMS, we are committed to creating engaging classroom experiences that provide strong educational opportunities for all students. A key part of this commitment is ensuring students arrive to class on time and prepared to learn. We appreciate your support in taking a moment to discuss with your student the importance of punctuality and readiness in the classroom.

Change #3: Missing Homework
Families will receive an email every week regarding missing assignments. This communication is intended to keep everyone informed and to encourage accountability, organization, and timely completion of coursework.

Change #4: Independent Reading Book
All students will be expected to bring a reading book to class as part of their daily materials. This initiative supports reading for enjoyment and learning, particularly once classroom work is completed.

Additionally, we ask for your continued support in reinforcing our expectation that student cell phones remain in lockers during academic hours (8:15–2:55) to help students stay focused and engaged throughout the school day.

We appreciate your continued partnership and support and look forward to a strong, successful remainder of the school year as we work together to help every student thrive.

Warm regards,
Amanda Ohlgren
Principal, VMS

No School Reminder - January 19 & 20

The end of quarter is rapidly approaching on Friday, January 16. There is no school on Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20. We will see students back in the building on Wednesday, January 21.

From the Attendance Office

We’ve noticed an increase in last minute student pick ups. Last minute pick ups should ONLY be for emergencies. Vacations, sports and scheduled appointments should be put in Campus Parent Portal ahead of time. If an emergency appointment comes up during the day, please try and give us courteously 1-hour notice. Please see our website for directions on how to enter absences, late arrivals and early releases. We are asking everyone to input all absences as soon as possible to ensure passes are made and delivered to the student. Several days in advance is preferable.

Parents should not be entering pickups for students not feeling well. If a student is not feeling well, please instruct them to visit the Health Office and together your student and health office staff will call you to make a plan for staying at school or getting picked up. Students are aware of this process and should not be texting or calling parents directly from their cell phone to be picked up. Please ensure that students go through the correct process of using the health office.

We will be starting the 2026-2027 school year registration process next week for our current 6th and 7th grade students. 6th grade students will be confirming their music choice for next year. 7th grade students will get to choose from a variety of quarter/elective classes, as well as confirm their music or study hall choice for next year. Please keep an eye out for a registration email soon!

• Freshman Registration Night will take place at ERHS on Tuesday January 20th

• 5:00-6:00 - Elective Fair in the Commons: The Elective Fair is an opportunity for departments with elective courses to host an informational table during the incoming Freshman Registration Night to help answer parent/student questions about elective offerings. Tables may include course project samples, handouts, pictures, etc. Student leaders may also be present to help.

• 6:00-7:00 - Incoming 9th Grade Registration Presentation in Zabee Theater

• January 26th - ERHS Counselors will be at VMS during classes to answer any questions.

Please look for additional information via Campus Messenger or on their website: https://erhs.isd728.org/counseling/2026-2027-course-registration

VMS will be holding an Academic Goals Week, February 2nd to the 6th. The purpose of this week is to motivate students to strive for academic success while encouraging the development of behaviors and skills that will support academic growth. There are activities throughout the week to help motivate students to work toward this growth, including a Student vs. Teachers Volleyball game on Friday the 6th to celebrate the week. If you have any questions surrounding anything for this week, please reach out to us in the counseling office.

Thank you to all of our VMS band and choir students for an outstanding performance at the December concerts! We also extend a sincere thank you to Mrs. Klingelhofer and Ms. Rinta for their dedication and hard work. The countless hours of practice and rehearsal truly showed; everything sounded wonderful, and our students did an excellent job representing VMS. We are already looking forward to the spring concerts!

To view these concerts, go to: https://www.isd728.org/livestream/elkriver. Scroll down to “Past Events” and click on “Click Here” (located on the right hand side of the event displayed) to see a listing of available live events.

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”

January Health Office Newsletter

Does Your Student Need Help In Science?

Starting with 3rd quarter on January 23rd, your student can now receive extra help in science. Help will be offered every Friday morning from 7:50-8:10 in room 244 with a Science Teacher.

Does Your Student Need Help In Math?

Help will continue every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7:50-8:10 in room 244 with a Math Teacher.

VMS: Parent Helpful Tips (Link)

AI for Parents Check out the FLYER for details.

Elk River School District is offering an "AI for Parents" workshop on Wednesday, January 14th from 6:00-7:00pm @ Elk River High School Media Center.

Enjoy the December CTE Newsletter

📣 SUP Coalition Newsletter December 2025

January 16: End of Quarter 2

January 19: No School (MLK Jr. Day)

January 20: No School (Teacher Workshop Day)

February 16: No School (Presidents’ Day)

February 17: No School (Staff Development Day)

March 10 & 12: Evening Conferences

March 13: No School (Staff Development Day)

March 27: End of Quarter 3

March 30: No School (Teacher Workshop Day)

March 31: April 3: No School (Spring Break)

• Email: vms.office@isd728.org