MUMS Family Newsletter

Dear MUMS community,

Happy New Year! We hope that the break afforded you a wonderful opportunity to rest, reset and spend time doing the things that bring you joy!

As we begin to set our sights on the second half of the school year, we are taking the necessary time this week and next to reset our school-wide expectations and make any necessary adjustments so that the second half of the year is as as smooth as possible. To that end, we are having "on-team, reset assemblies" beginning today so that all students are clear and have an opportunity to ask any questions they might have. If you are curious about these expectations, please see the letter from our Student Responsive Coordinator (Erin Jipner) below.

In addition to the "reset" beginning this week, students are also working diligently to complete assignments before the Quarter ends. January 16th is the last day of Quarter 2, which is coming right up. Please check in with your child about any missing assignments so that you can partner with them to be sure they finish the first semester of school off strong. As always, if you have questions about grades, please direct them to your child's teacher first.

Thanks for your committed partnership and have a great weekend!

Best,

Michaela Wisell ~ Principal

If you have questions, please reach out to us:
MUMS office 802-382-1600 or visit the MUMS website.
Michaela Wisell, Principal mwisell@acsdvt.org

Fieh Chan, Assistant Principal fchan@acsdvt.org

Erin Jipner, Student Response Coordinator ejipner@acsdvt.org

Dustin Hunt, Athletics and Activities Director dhunt@acsdvt.org

• Jan. 16th: Quarter 2 Ends
• Jan. 19th: No School
• Jan. 20th: Inservice Day (no students)
• Jan. 21st: Quarter 3 Begins
• Jan. 22nd: 8th Grade Parent Night @ MUHS 6:30-7:30
• Jan. 22nd - 27th: FAST Winter Screener Dates
• Jan 30th - Option Based Drill

• Activities Calendar

Dear students and caregivers,

During the middle school years, the brain is undergoing significant development. Areas responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control are still maturing, while regions tied to curiosity and learning are especially active. This growth helps explain why students may show increased independence, big emotions, and a strong desire to explore their world; making guidance, patience, and support especially important during this stage. We recognize that students come to school with diverse experiences, strengths, and needs, and our goal is to provide a predictable, supportive environment where every student feels valued and ready to learn. To support this shared goal, we are writing to review our schoolwide expectations and how we work with students when challenges arise.

These expectations are not meant to be punitive; rather, they are tools to help students build responsibility, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills while maintaining a respectful learning community. We recognize that every student’s situation is different, and these expectations may need to be adjusted for emergencies, existing plans (like IEPs or 504s), or other unavoidable circumstances.

Punctual
Arriving on time helps students feel settled and prepared for learning. Students are expected to arrive before or by the final bell. Once the bell rings, classroom doors are closed to allow learning to begin smoothly. Students who arrive after this time will check in with the front office or counseling team to receive a late pass. They will be invited to participate in follow-up support focused on reflection, planning, and developing positive routines with Den staff during their lunch period (you may hear your student refer to this as a restricted lunch).

Respectful
We are committed to creating a school culture rooted in dignity, empathy, and respect. Students are expected to use kind words and actions, avoid harmful or derogatory language, and practice listening and turn-taking in conversations. When language or behavior causes harm, staff respond in ways that prioritize accountability, reflection, and repair, in alignment with our Code of Conduct.

Instruction Ready
Being prepared supports confidence and engagement. Students are expected to bring daily materials such as a binder, planner, writing utensil, water, and required class supplies. When students are unprepared, staff may provide additional support time (such as WIN or a restricted lunch period) to help students reflect, organize materials, and plan for future success.

Disciplined
To balance student needs with safety and learning time, hall passes are not issued during the first or last 10 minutes of class. At other times, students must have a pass when outside the classroom. Our expectation is one student, one pass, and one purpose. If a pass is incorrectly labeled, staff will support the student in returning and obtaining the correct pass, reinforcing responsibility and accountability.

For the safety and comfort of all, students are expected to walk in hallways, keep hands and bodies to themselves, and use appropriate language. When unsafe behavior occurs, staff work with students to understand the impact of their actions and identify better choices moving forward. We closely follow our Code of Conduct when actions require follow through.

Engaged
In classrooms, students are expected to sit in assigned seats (if used or implemented), use indoor voices, raise their hands, and to follow their classroom norms. These expectations help ensure that all students can learn without disruption. When challenges arise, staff focus on restoring learning and relationships through conversation, reflection, and support.

For general reminders, water is the only beverage allowed in classrooms. Other drinks should be stored in lockers, and caffeinated beverages are not permitted. When unapproved beverages are brought to class, students will be supported in returning them to their lockers or safely discarding them. Further, cell phones and backpacks are not allowed in classrooms and must be stored in lockers during the school day. If these items are brought to class, they will be sent to the front office and returned at the end of the day. When repeated challenges occur, staff may partner with students and families to create a phone support plan that promotes responsibility and success. Students are all assigned their own lockers and are strongly discouraged from sharing lockers with other students.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that behavior is a form of communication and that students learn best when their environment is predictable, when they feel supported, and when a culture of understanding and collaboration is present. We appreciate your partnership as we work together to help students grow academically and socially.

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to collaborate on additional support for your child, please reach out. We value your voice and look forward to continuing our work together.

Respectfully,

The Den Staff

Erin H. Jipner, PhD, Student Response Coordinator

Sara Stevens, Behavior Specialist

Attention 8th grade families: MUHS will host the Grade 8 Family Information Night on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30pm in the MUHS Auditorium (73 Charles Ave, Middlebury) to share important information about 9th Grade!

• Departmental representatives will highlight information about classes available to your student in 9th grade
  
• School counselors, administrators, and other key staff will share information to help prepare students and families for the transition to high school
  
• Learn more about the academic and social activities at MUHS, and
  
• Learn how to get help when needed
  

We hope that you will attend this informative session!

Help shape the future of education in our community! The ACSD Board will have open School Board seats this year in Bridport, Middlebury, and Salisbury. If you're interested, gather signatures* on your nominating petition and submit the petition and your Candidate Consent form to your Town Office by January 26, 2026.This is also a great time to reach out to encourage someone you think would be a great candidate! Board elections occur on Town Meeting Day, March 3, 2026. Terms are 3 years. You must be 18 or older and a resident of the respective town to run. You'll play a crucial role in enhancing our schools and advocating for every student. Learn more on the Running for School Board page of the Vermont School Board Association website.

* Petitions must be signed by 60 voters or one percent of the ACSD checklist—whichever is less. Petitions and the Candidate Consent Form are available with the links above, at your Town Hall, or the ACSD District Office (49 Charles Ave, Middlebury). ​​​​​​​

If your student will be absent from school, needs an early dismissal, or will take a different bus, please follow these directions:

• Absence / early dismissal: Call 802-382-1297, the MUMS attendance line, before 8:30am (helpful tip: add this number to your phone now as "MUMS attendance line")
• Early dismissal + bus notes: Students must deliver a caregiver's note to the front office when arriving at school (before TA).
• If taking a bus other than their regular bus: Students must bring a caregiver's note and have it signed by a MUMS Administrative Assistant in the front office to be valid.

Please use the "button" above to preview our ACSD bus routes.

Also please note a few caveats that impact students who ride Cornwall or Shoreham buses home.

Cornwall and Shoreham buses do not come to MUMS at pick-up time. Students who ride those buses must take a shuttle from MUMS to MUHS to meet their bus.

Cornwall students use the Bridport bus as their MUMS-MUHS shuttle and get on the Cornwall bus at the High school to ride home.
Shoreham students use the Weybridge bus as their MUMS-MUHS shuttle and get on the Shoreham bus at the High school to ride home.

We are so excited to welcome parents and community members back into our buildings this year! If you are interested in substitute teaching or volunteering this year, please start an application now!

If you are interested in joining our new Friends of MUMS group, email friendsofmums@gmail.com