Welcome to 5th Grade!
Back-to-School 2024-2025
Welcome!
Welcome to Marshall Middle School!
Welcome to Marshall Middle School, 5th graders and families! We've had a fun and busy first week of school and are still learning lots! We are so excited and hopeful for an awesome 2024-2025 school year!
5th Grade Advisors
Leah Fadness: leah.fadness@marshall.k12.mn.us
Derek Long: derek.long@marshall.k12.mn.us
Karen Peterson: karen.peterson@marshall.k12.mn.us
Scott Midtaune: scott.midtaune@marshall.k12.mn.us
Emily Pollock: emily.pollock@marshall.k12.mn.us
Nadine Weedman: nadine.weedman@marshall.k12.mn.us
Laura Miller: laura.miller@marshall.k12.mn.us
Joni Klimek: joni.klimek@marshall.k12.mn.us
Math
Hello from the 5th grade math department! The 5th grade math teachers this year are Scott Midtaune and Laura Miller. In September, we will be introducing students to their new math books, taking the fall NWEA, and starting our place value unit. Please talk with your students throughout each week about the happenings in 5th grade math—there may be times that your child comes home with work to be completed (usually twice a week). We are excited to get to know the kids and guide them through their 5th grade math year!
Language Arts
Welcome to 5th grade! Your language arts teachers this year are Karen Peterson and Emily Pollock. In September, we will be taking our NWEA fall reading test right away, working on getting to know each other and our classmates, and dive right into reading with some text structure! We will keep you up-to-date with LA happenings right here in this newsletter, so be on the lookout.
Social Studies
Welcome! Social Studies (and Science) will be taught by Nadine Weedman and Derek Long. We look forward to getting to know their students in social studies this first semester (quarters 1 and 2), and then switching to science second semester (quarters 3 and 4). We will start the year learning about the Early People and Native Americans that we will wrap up with a fun project--more info to come so be on the lookout!
Band
Hello and welcome to MMS! My name is Chris Witherow and I am the middle school band director. I look forward to getting to know you and make music along the way.
*It's not too late to sign up for band or orchestra--if your child is interested, reach out to Chris (band) or Wes Myers (orchestra), or your child's advisory teacher to get them added!
What You Need to Know
Handbook
Please read over the attached MMS handbook with your child. Most of the information below, and that you may need to know as the year progresses, is in this handbook:
Absences
If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please be sure to call/email Laura Fennell in student services. Phone: 507-537-6938; option 1 or ext. 4004
Tiger Traits
Tiger Traits look a little different at Marshall Middle School than they do at our elementary schools. Although our values are the same, we focus on Pride, Respect, and Responsiblity and what that looks like in our school community.
Counselor and Nurse
5/6 Counselor
Melissa SheppardPhone: 507.537.6938 - ext. 4041
Email: Melissa.Sheppard@marshall.k12.mn.us
School Nurse/Health Office
Phone: 507.537.6938 - ext. 4073
Fax: 507.537.6942
Information
The best way to contact your child's teachers is to email. Please give us 24 hours to return your email. If you have more time pertinent requests/concerns, please call Laura Fennell in Student Services (see above information) and she can get us a message sooner.
Middle School is a whole new world and we know that can be fun and terrifying all at once. Please know we are all doing our best to provide a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for your child. If you ever have any questions or need clarification on anything, please reach out. We're a team in your child's transition to 5th grade!
Daily Schedule
Wednesday Schedule
Conferences
Conferences at MMS are held once a quarter giving you the opportunity to meet and conference with teachers several times throughout the year. These are not mandatory but we encourage you to attend. Your child's teacher/s may also reach out to request a conference. Please look for more information and a sign-up link as each date approaches.
Dates:
Quarter 1-October 10
Quarter 2-December 5
Quarter 3-February 13
Quarter 4-April 10
Back-to-School Tips for Families
Important Dates
September 10-11 NWEA Reading Test
September 17-18 NWEA Math Test