Middle Matters

7, October, 2024

• Movie Viewing Notification
• School Pictures
• Nutrition Services - A La Carte Information
• Every Meal
• Attendance Reminder
• 7th Grade Vaccine Reminder
• Athletics, Activities & Clubs

Monticello Middle School utilizes an opt-out approach for obtaining parent/guardian permission for student participation in viewing full-length movies within the classroom setting. This will serve as an electronic notification for all families, informing them of the occasional use of full-length movies as part of curriculum.

Curriculum Guides are a tool MMS uses for families to preview standards, pacing of courses, and academic resources.

Parents/guardians who do not wish for their child to participate must complete and submit the opt-out form LINK. If the form is not submitted, it will be assumed that permission has been granted for student's participation in viewing full-length videos. This opt-out form will remain on record for the duration of the 24-25 school year.

*Please note: Monticello Middle School students will not view full-length films rated PG-13 or higher at any point during the school year.

School Pictures are Ready!

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

• MONTICELLO MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Event Code: FE115824
• Also Needed: Infinite Campus Student ID

We wanted to make sure that all of our families are aware that breakfast and lunch are STILL free for all students. Additionally, all students who have received a school lunch are able to return to the serving area and select seconds (Or thirds! Or fourths!) of fruits and vegetables from the lunch line. We do offer some additional choices at the middle school, including second entrees and a la carte snacks and beverages. Everything that is offered through our a la carte program is “Smart Snacks in Schools” compliant. (“Smart Snacks in School” refers to the strict national nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold outside of the federal reimbursable school meal programs during the school day.). Students are required to either have money in their account or to pay with cash in order to purchase these items. We are able to add notes to students’ accounts that can help us to help your students manage their a la carte purchases. Please reach out to Kirsten Cowles kirsten.cowles@monticello.k12.mn.us for assistance with adding a note to your student’s account.

Healthy eating is so important for children. At MMS, we work hard to ensure students receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day to support their developing brains and bodies. Research shows that children who eat regular, nutritious meals are more likely to attend school and be engaged in learning.

We are excited to partner with Every Meal to offer a free weekend meal program to all our students.

Every Meal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. They strive to make a difference in children’s lives by focusing on food gaps like weekends, school breaks, and summer when they can’t receive food in school.

● Free for all families

● No qualifications required

● Students enrolled in the program will receive a 4-5 pound bag of nutritious, nonperishable food each week

● Every Meal does not collect information from families; privacy is protected

● Families may choose to participate in the program anytime throughout the

school year

● Families may choose from a variety of different weekend food bag options

In order to enroll in EveryMeal, please take a moment to fill out the following form: EveryMeal Enrollment Form

First distribution of bags will be expected for the beginning of November.

ONLINE ATTENDANCE OR ATTENDANCE LINE

If your student will be late or absent, families can notify the school in two ways:

• online attendance (through Parent/Guardian Portal)

• call the Attendance Line at 763-272-2110.

If your student needs to leave early, families can notify the school in three ways:

• online attendance (through Parent/Guardian Portal)

• call the attendance line

• send a note with your student to the Student Center

Prior notice (minimum of one hour) expedites the process, avoids interruptions into classrooms to have students dismissed, and eliminates difficulty reaching students during phy-ed, music, lunch, and special events.

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Minnesota Statutes, Section 123.70 requires all children enrolled in school to have documentation of immunization against nine vaccine-preventable diseases, allowing for certain legal exemptions. If this requirement is not met, the law states the student should be excluded from school.

***Parents of 7th graders, the following immunizations are required by law:

-An adult dose of Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis (TdaP)

- Meningococcal vaccination (1st dose)

You should make arrangements for needed immunizations with your family doctor or Wright County Public Health which holds several immunization clinics each month. To schedule an appointment, call 763-335-0280. If you have an appointment scheduled with the Wright County Public Health or at your clinic, please let us know this week. You can leave a voice message at any time of the day. Please send verification of the vaccine(s) to school by November 1st, 2024 . We need to have some kind of communication from you regarding your child’s missing immunizations by November 1st.

As a parent, you also have the right to decline these vaccines for your child. If you wish to declare a conscientious exemption for this vaccine(s), a conscientious objection (or non-medical objection form must be signed and notarized. A notary public is available in the district office free of charge. Please call to make an appointment at 763-272-2000.

If you have any questions please call Kelly Barrow, LSN.

Kelly Barrow, RN, PHN

Licensed School Nurse

763-272-2121 Fax#: 763-272-2109

kelly.barrow@monticello.k12.mn.us

Welcome to MS Athletics, Activities and Clubs!

With our MS Fall Athletics winding down, we are excited our students are developing their skills and meeting new friends along the way.

We are excited to be launching a new system for registering your students for Monticello Athletics/Activities.

Winter Registration for the 2024-25 year is now active for the following:

Athletics:

⅞ MS Wrestling *8-12 HS Girls Basketball *7-12 HS Dance

*7-12 HS Boys Swim/Dive *7-12 HS Gymnastics

*HS Winter Sports Information Night will be held on November 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Monticello High School.

MS Activities:

• 6-8 Yearbook Staff
• 6-8 Knowledge Bowl
• 7 & 8 Jazz Band
• 6-8 Speech

To register for activities offered by the Monticello Activities Office, please click the button below:

Register

*You will need to create an account, as a new user, and verify your new account through your email address.
*There is a ‘How to Register Video’ link located on the left-hand side of the registration home page, to help guide you.

Need Help?
Please reach out to Lori Pippert at lori.pippert@monticello.k12.mn.us regarding any questions about the registration process or MS Magic Activities.

​​​​​Middle School Club registration is online through Portal>Store. Here are a few MS Clubs active at this time:

MS Clubs:

• 6-8 American Sign Language Club (Begins 10/10/24)
• 6-8 Art Club (opens 10/9/24)
• 6-8 Dungeons & Dragons (opens 10/9/24)
• 6-8 Crochet Club (opens 10/15/24)

Additional MS Winter Sport Available:

7 & 8 Basketball

Registration for 7 & 8 basketball for girls and boys is also OPEN on the Monticello Community Education website. The first day of practice for Girls Basketball is October 28, 2024.. Practice will be on Monday-Thursday each week from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Boys Basketball will begin approximately January, 2025.

Please reach out to Lori Pippert in the Student Center with any questions.