MUMS Family Newsletter
February 13, 2026
Week 21
Dear MUMS community,
Thank you so much to all of our community members who came out to support our Band and Choir concerts on Wednesday evening. Even with bad weather we had an outstanding turn-out! We are grateful for our talented musicians and our choir and band directors for all of their hard work and dedication to our music program.
In the next week we will mostly wrap up our winter sports season. Upon returning from break we will begin "March Madness" volleyball fun! Thanks to all of our coaches and volunteers for their work with our winter athletes. We recognize how long the winter season is, and with that we are so grateful for your commitment to our students.
Lastly, next week we will enjoy "spirit week" sponsored by our Student Council! Check out the blurb below to learn what our daily themes are and check in with a student council representative with any questions.
We hope that you all 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
Important Dates:
- Feb. 13th - GMMDV Festival - Choir & Jazz
- Feb. 23rd-Feb. 27th - Winter Break
- Mar. 3rd - 8th Grade NAEP Assessment
- Mar. 4th - Early Release Day (12:45 dismissal)
- Mar. 6th - GMMDV Festival #2 - Band
From the MYP Coordinator
Greetings MUMS Caregivers!
If you have stepped foot in the MUMS building, you’ve seen our students’ creativity on full display in the many works of art around the building.
In 7th grade art with Ms. Maggio, students begin by asking, “What is Art?”. They are also asked, “What makes art successful?” and “How does art communicate visually?”. After exploring these ideas, students create “Name Design”, which communicates traits about themselves by morphing objects into letters of their name.
In addition to creative visual expressions, it is important to know that art class also develops key literacy skills. Once their “Name Design” is completed, students write a well-organized “Artist Statement” that explains their art, how they made it, what it communicates, and self-reflect. These Name Designs and Artist Statements will be on display at the Spring Exhibition, stay tuned for more details!
💡Talk to your student: Visual communication is everywhere: art, logos, advertising, videogames! Pick any image and ask them what the image communicates.
Spirit Week
Monday 2/16- Sparkle and Shine Day
Get ready to shine! Join us for Sparkle and Shine Spirit Day, where students and staff are encouraged to wear their brightest, most glittery, and most eye-catching outfits to show off their school spirit. Whether it’s sequins, metallics, neon colors, or your favorite sparkling accessories, this is your chance to stand out and celebrate together. Let’s fill the halls with energy, positivity, and school pride as we light up the day—literally and figuratively!
Tuesday 2/17- Olympic Day
Celebrate teamwork, perseverance, and school pride with Olympic Spirit Day! Students and staff are invited to dress in gear that represents the Olympic spirit—wear the colors of your favorite country, athletic apparel, or anything inspired by the games. Whether you’re cheering for Team USA or showcasing international pride, this is a day to recognize the values of respect, effort, and unity. Let’s come together, show our spirit, and go for gold!
Wednesday 2/18- Western Wednesday
Saddle up for Western Wednesday Spirit Day! Students and staff are invited to dress in their best western gear—think, denim, boots, bandanas, and cowboy hats. Whether you go full cowboy/cowgirl or just add a western touch to your outfit, it’s a fun way to show school spirit and join in the theme. Let’s bring a little country flair to the hallways and make it a rootin’-tootin’ good day!
Thursday 2/19- Rhyme Without Reason
Get creative for Rhyme Without Reason Spirit Day! Grab a peer or two and dress up as things that rhyme—but don’t relate. The sillier and more unexpected, the better! Think “cat and hat,” “teacher and creature,” or “star and jar.” This is a great chance to be imaginative, have fun with words, and show off your school spirit. We can’t wait to see all the clever and creative rhyming duos in the halls!
Friday 2/20- Flannel Friday
Stay cozy and show your school spirit for Flannel Friday! Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favorite flannel shirts, jackets, or pajamas to bring a warm and relaxed vibe to the day. Whether you go bold with bright colors or keep it classic with plaid, it’s an easy and fun way to participate. Let’s wrap up the week in comfort, style, and school pride!
ACSD’s new Elementary School Transfer Policy
The ACSD Board recently revised Board Policy C30, School Assignment and Intra-District Transfer, to offer more flexibility to ACSD families when choosing an elementary school for their child(ren). If you are interested in having your child attend a different K-5 elementary school, please read more about the policy and the application process here. To apply, use this form or visit your school’s front office or the ACSD District Office for a paper application. The application window opened January 30th, and all applications must be received by March 2nd, 2026.
There will be a second information session to learn more, ask questions, and get support filling out the application: Weds, February 18: 8:30-9:30am: at the Superintendent's Office (49 Charles Ave, Middlebury)
Schools have scheduled open houses for all interested families.
Tues, Feb 10, 5:30-6:30: Mary Hogan
Thurs, Feb 12, 5:30-6:30: Salisbury Community
Mon, Feb 16, 5:30-6:30: Cornwall Elementary
Tues, Feb 17, 5:30-6:30: Bridport Elementary
Weds, Feb 18 5:30-6:30: Weybridge Elementary
SEPAC meeting Feb 18
The SEPAC invites all families and caregivers of ACSD students with disabilities to join them on Wednesday, February 18th.
Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) on Wednesday, February 18th. We will be joined by Dr. Sonya Oefelein, ACSD Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Restorative Practices. Sonya will introduce herself and share her goals for the year. We will also hear from Megan Hendee of the MUHS Best Buddies Club.
Wednesday, February 18th
5:30 – 7:00 pm
MUHS Library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)
Student Absences, Dismissals + Bus Notes
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.
Shoreham/Cornwall bus caveats
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.
Volunteer, Substitute & Join our Friends of MUMS Group!
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