January 2026

Dear MSE Families,

January has been a wonderful time to reflect on the progress our students have made and to look ahead with renewed energy and purpose. Thank you for your participation in this month's Parent Teacher Conferences which provides an opportunity for students to set goals, stay focused, and continue building positive habits in the classroom.

Our staff is committed to supporting every learner through engaging instruction, strong relationships, and academic interventions when needed. We encourage families to partner with us by helping students maintain strong attendance, stay organized, and communicate with teachers when questions arise. A reminder that Trimester 2 ends on March 5th.

With the coldness in weather, we've needed to remain inside more than usual for students recess time. Check out this video of Dean of Students Lindquist incorporating Minute to Win it activities for students to enjoy!

Thank you for your continued support of STMA Middle School East. Together, we will make 2026 a successful and meaningful year for all students.

Warmly,
Jennie Kelly
Principal, STMA Middle School East

MSE is beyond proud of our very own Megan Dolan, Technology & Engineering Education Teacher, for the incredible experiences she provides our students with! Congratulations and thank you for making Middle School East 1 of 38 schools internationally to earn this prestigious award and 1 of 2 in Minnesota!! Check out the video below that students helped her create as part of the selection process! Great work, students and Mrs. Dolan!

Upcoming Dates at MSE

• February 5, 2026: ME Grade 5 Band Conert @ Middle School West, Woodwind Concert at 6:00 PM Brass Concert at 7:00 PM
• February 10, 2026: ME Small Ensembles Concert @ Middle School West, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
• February 16, 2026: No School, Teacher Workshop
• February 20, 2026: ME Grade 8 Activity Night, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• February 23, 2026: ME Choir Concert @ High School PAC, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

What is PBIS?

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives. Middle School has continued to be recognized as a PBIS Sustaining Exemplar School, including 2024-25.

How does PBIS work at Middle School East?

It starts with communicating clear expectations for students and staff for how we operate each day at school. Expectations are communicated through Fall and Winter class meetings with the school administration and counselors, posters and signage displayed around the school as a visual reminder, and students learn about STMA school policies in the Student Handbook during the first two weeks of school in KORT.

Students are recognized for their positive behavior through daily positive acknowledgements, the Star Student Breakfast, use of the Knights Honor Lounge, and the writing of Knights Honor Cards. Knights Honor Cards are written to acknowledge students demonstrating the 9 monthly positive character traits of Character Strong. Those traits are respect, responsibility, gratitude, empathy, perseverance, honesty, cooperation, courage and creativity.

There are other important components to earning PBIS Exemplar Status as well. Stakeholder feedback is collected through the Parent Advisory Committee, student lunches with the Principal, and from staff through the MSE Site Council. Staff development takes place during teacher workshop days, professional in-service days, and at Staff meetings. These trainings focus on best educational practices, and have a focus on data analysis. Sources of information include student achievement data, such as grades and standardized tests, and student discipline data.

How did Middle School East become a PBIS exemplar school?

All of the components come together to provide an educationally excellent, caring place for students and staff to come to feel seen, heard and valued. Each year, schools have the opportunity to apply and be recognized for the hard work and excellence of their students and staff. We at Middle School East, are proud of the efforts of our stakeholders and the recognition the school has received. Click here to see a list of schools around the state that have also earned this important acknowledgement.

Middle School East offers the following sports for 7th and 8th grade for the Spring Season:

• Golf
• Track and Field
• Softball
• Baseball
• Boys Tennis

Middle School Spring Sports will start Monday, April 6th.

Click here to view our Spring Brochure for more opportunities for 7th and8th grade students.

We’re always looking to connect students with the right activities. If you or your student have any questions about sports, clubs, or other opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help!

Molly Lindquist - Activity Director & Dean of Students

We’re excited to launch Senior Knights, a program that celebrates and connects our senior citizens by inviting them into our schools to see the wonderful things happening at STMA! Please click on the flyer below for more information!

Families may qualify for Educational Meal Benefits, which can help with school meal costs and other school-based supports funded by state and federal programs.

If you believe your family may qualify, please complete an Educational Benefit Application. Applications can be completed online through Stratapps, or you can download and print a paper application here. Paper copies are also available in all school offices. Completed forms can be returned to any school office or your child’s cafeteria manager.

Please note:

• A new application must be submitted each school year.

• Only one application per household is needed.

• You will be notified by mail regarding your child’s eligibility.

Our family CharacterDare challenges provide a variety of opportunities to engage in actviities designed to increase connection and conversation at home. They also provide students with more opportunities to practice habits and skills discussed in class.

In addition to the title and the challenge itself, you'll notice a couple of symbols in the top corner. The weight represents how challenging we think the Dare is to complete. The single plate weights are lower level Dares. The more weight added, the more the Dare is designed to stretch you.

Some of the Dares are designed to be quick wins that can be accomplished in less than a minute. Others may required a bit of time. A full clock represents a more ongoing Dare that might extend throughout or beyond a week.

As you prepare for your child's transition to Middle School East, please know that we are here to help your child be successful. Please don't hesitate to contact us at 763-497-2655.

• Jennifer Kelly, Principal
• David Holler, Assistant Principal
• Molly Lindquist, Dean of Students & Activities Director
• Jennifer Scheel, Principal's Administrative Assistant
• Amy Kornovich, School Counselor for last names A-L
• Jessica Mesna, School Counselor for last names M-Z
• Jessica Buskey, School Social Worker

Connect with us:

Email: jenniferk@mystma.org

Website: https://me.stma.k12.mn.us/

Location: 4862 Naber Avenue NE, Saint Michael, MN 55376

Facebook: facebook.com/stmamse/

Twitter: @stma_ms_east