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From the Principal

October 9, 2026

Good People,

On Monday October 12, all students will be engaging in specific lessons related to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Minneapolis Public Schools Core Academics and American Indian Education have developed grade-band lesson plans and slides to support implementation, with this year’s theme focused on Sovereignty. The Statement of Inquiry for this theme is How have Indigenous peoples in Mni Sota Makoce fought for sovereignty, and how do living traditions show sovereignty today? More information can be found at the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Landing Page .

Next week, we also have our fall conferences. We invite you to visit us and get to know our amazing teachers and staff on Tuesday night from 4:00-8:00pm we are offering drop-in style and Wednesday from 8:00 to 4:00pm we host scheduled conferences. Your students' teachers will be sending talking points messages directly to you with their google calendar booking page (we are no longer using myconference time) for you to book directly with your students' teachers for the scheduled conferences. Here is a list of all the teachers booking pages: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ep6nvYK6S2KvFwDtuE_b_B-qrAIhkYULS2my0t0g7bg/edit?usp=sharing

In Partnership,

Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Ed.S.

Principal

Maria Sanford Middle School

Celebrating Our Heritage in October!

October is a rich month of cultural recognition and celebration at our school. Throughout the month, we are continuing our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15) and honoring Global Diversity Awareness Month. October begins, our school community takes time to recognize and celebrate a variety of rich cultural heritage observances and important awareness initiatives. Throughout the month, we also celebrate Filipino American History Month, Italian-American Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, and Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

We encourage families to keep the conversation going at home! Ask your student about what they learn about next week.

from the PTA

School Grounds Clean up on October 12

The Sanford PTA is hosting a school grounds clean-up on Monday, October 12, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Meet in the school courtyard on 36th Street. We've got some specific grounds improvement ideas planned. The PTA will provide materials and some beverages and snacks. Blue Door Pub offers $5 burgers on Mondays for those interested in eating and socializing afterwards.

Sanford Night Out Fundraiser October 29th

Save the Date for Sanford Night Out! The event will be held at Arbeiter Brewing on October 29th from 5p-8p. Join us for a kid free night of craft beer, snacks and a silent auction to support our school. There is a suggested admission donation of $10/person. All are welcome! We hope to see you there!

We are still looking for donations for our silent auction. Contact Allison Bodkin at allisonfbodkin@yahoo.com with your donations or questions.

Sanford Volunteer Signup

Caregivers and grandparents! Could you give an hour or two of your day every month? Every week?! Are you unsure but want to know more about how you can help out at Sanford? Complete the signup and we'll be in touch. Thank you!

Our Next Meeting is October 20th

Join us at our next meeting on October 20th from 6:30-8:00p. Note the new time to accommodate Site Council. Enter through the main entrance at Door 12. All are welcome!

PTA Email Communication

Want to know more about what is happening at Sanford? You can sign up for our email communications by sending an email to: sanfordmspta@gmail.com.

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