Mr. Warzecha's Weekly Newsletter

October 5th: NO SCHOOL (Staff Development)

October 6th: In Person Conferences (3-7 PM)

October 6th: Book Fair Makerspace (3-7 PM)

October 8th: Picture Retakes

October 8th: Virtual Conferences (3-7 PM)

October 15th- October 16th: No School (MEA)

October 23rd: Fall School Dance (2:30-4:00)

October 26th -October 30th: Wolf Ridge Week

November 5th: Last Day of 1st Quarter

November 6th: NO SCHOOL (Staff Development)

November 25th - 27th: Thanksgiving Break

We will be having conferences on October ​6th and ​8th. October ​6th will consist of in person meetings, and the ​8th will consist of virtual meetings.

Prior to signing up: Please ensure that you sign up for the correct staff member. We have 1 Mr. Peterson (Geography) , ​Mrs. Peterson (Math) 2 Mrs. Peterson's (English). Mr. Schulte (US History) & Mrs. Schulte (Reading & Decoding/Comprehension).

Please click here to sign up for a time to meet with your child’s teachers. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

One-Day-Only Middle School Book Fair!

Mark your calendars! The Middle School Book Fair is happening for one day only on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Students will have the opportunity to browse and shop during their class walkthroughs during the school day, and families can shop together during parent-teacher conferences in the evening. Don't miss this great opportunity to discover new books and support our school library!

Parents and Guardians,

As we look forward to the Chisago Lakes Homecoming Football Game on October 2, 2026, our goal is to provide a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for everyone. We ask that you please take a few minutes to read and review the following game details and expectations with your student before attending.

Thank you for helping us create a fun and respectful environment for our students, athletes, families, and community.

HOMECOMING PREGAME

• All tickets and passes must be purchased by clicking on this Link. Please purchase your tickets before you get to the gate!

• Adults $7 + processing fee

• Students $5 + processing fee

• Student in grades 9-12: FREE (with their student ID)

• Seniors (60+)-FREE

• Adult 10-punch pass (only good for CL activities and for the 2026/27 school year): $50 + processing fee

• Student Pass (good for the 2026/27 school year): $40 + processing fee

• Food trucks will be available for your enjoyment beginning at 4:30pm, so come hungry.

• Pizza, BBQ, onion strings, caramel apples, mini donuts, gyros, cheese curds, hot dogs, chicken fingers, dumplings, wontons, egg rolls, belgium waffles, tacos, dirty sodas and of course...ice cream!

GAME EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS

• Grades K–5: Students must be accompanied by an adult at all times while attending the game.

• Follow directions from ALL school district staff.

• No backpacks or personal sports equipment, such as footballs, are allowed.

• Stay off the fence and do not throw anything over the fence.

• After halftime, students must return to the bleachers or stand along the fence facing the field. Hanging out or playing behind the bleachers is not permitted.

• Appropriate language and behavior are expected at all times. Profanity, booing, negative chants, name-calling, trash talk, or other disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event.

• Artificial noisemakers are not allowed, including megaphones, cowbells, sirens, whistles, and thunder sticks.

• Seating: The band will be seated on the bleachers on the turf, creating additional seating in the stands. Middle School students are asked to sit with High School students, leaving the entire first section available for elementary students and families.

🚫 PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Weapons, firearms, drones, or laser lights

• Alcohol, tobacco, vapes, cannabis, or illicit drugs

• Artificial noisemakers (megaphones, cowbells, whistles, sirens, thunder sticks, etc.)

• Balloons, confetti, glitter, baby powder, pom poms, or similar items

• Flags

• Large signs on sticks that obstruct views

• Vulgar, obscene, or inappropriate signs or images

• Backpacks

• Outside food or beverages

• Professional cameras or tripods

• Pets

👕 DRESS CODE

• Clothing must adequately cover the torso.

• No vulgar, obscene, or inappropriate clothing.

• No masks or costumes that prevent identification. Medical masking is permitted.

👏 SHOW YOUR SPORTSMANSHIP

• Use appropriate language and behavior.

• No profanity, booing, negative chants, trash talk, or personal attacks.

• Respect athletes, coaches, officials, and fellow spectators.

• Do not interfere with the contest.

• Only official team members and authorized personnel may be on the contest surface.

• Please stand respectfully for the Flag and National Anthem.

CONCLUSION OF THE GAME

• Fireworks will take place following the game. Spectators are asked to remain in their seats during the fireworks. After the fireworks conclude, spectators are welcome to enter the field. Please listen for the announcement before entering the field.

• Please help our custodial staff by placing all trash in the designated trash receptacles located throughout the stadium.

KICK-OFF IS AT 6:00PM! GO WILDCATS!

Is your child wanting to get all their homework done at school so they can relax at home? If this describes you, then after school Homework Help with Mrs. Peggy in Room 20 from 2:20 - 3:30 (Monday-Thursday) might be a great fit. Your child can just show up and get your homework done before they go home. Students participating do need a ride home from a parent/guardian at 3:30 each day that they attend.

CHISAGO LAKES SPIRITWEAR

📣Looking for your HOCO items? Check out GoldStar in Lindstrom! 🌠

When you check out, mention the PTO so a percentage of your purchase comes back to support our school!

Also visit the CLMS PTO table at HOCO to check out more Wildcat merchandise for you and/or your student!

💚💛 Every purchase makes a difference—thank you for supporting our students! 💚💛

Are you in need of some Chisago Lakes clothing as we are set to begin the 2026/27 school year?

If you answered "Yes", look no further. Our CLMS PTO is offering an online store for the 2026/27 school year. The process is simple. You look through the clothing and accessories, choose an item you'd like to purchase and then customize it with one of the six designs available. The site offers direct shipping for customers convenience.

CLMS PTO gets a small percentage of items that are purchased. All proceeds of PTO sales goes directly back into supporting our students and staff at CLMS. Please check out the link below

https://www.chisagolakesspiritwear.com/

INTEREST IN JOINING CLMS PTO

If you are interested in being a part of this organization please email Chisagolakesmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com.

PTO Link: https://linktr.ee/clmspto

Congratulations to the following students for being recognized for Student of the Week. Every student who received a Wildcat Wow this week was eligible for this honor. Names of Wildcat Award winners are entered into a randomizer, and winners are chosen.

Each winner received a Front of the lunch line pass & 1 free Ala Carte Coupon.

6th grade: Kailey Wicklund, Orion Langworthy-Kramlinger

7th grade: Nathan Seabloom, Harrison Dahms

8th grade: Brylle Medelberg, Daniel Saldivar Balbuena

School Photos are all ordered and paid for online. Ordering will be made available sometime soon. I will communicate with all families when the photos are ready to be ordered. To order, use this JOSTENSPIX.COM with Jostens Picture Day Event

EVENT CODE: FE95726

Re: Student with AIRBORNE LATEX (natural rubber) ALLERGY

Dear Parents/Guardians of Chisago Lakes Middle School Students:

This letter is to inform you of a student at the middle school who has a SEVERE LATEX ALLERGY. This allergy is AIRBORNE. Exposure to even trace amounts of latex or latex powder can trigger a serious allergic reaction. Airborne latex allergies occur when natural rubber latex proteins, often attached to glove powder, a balloon, or even from a rubber band stretching, become aerosolized and inhaled.

Common latex exposures include: gloves, balloons, rubber bands, erasers, some sports equipment, bandages, art/science supplies.

There is no known cure for a latex allergy, and the only way to prevent reactions is strict avoidance of products containing natural rubber latex.

To ensure the safest environment possible, please do not allow your child to bring balloons into the middle school. Also, please do not allow your child to have balloons on the school bus.

Please reach out to Kori Severson, Licensed School Nurse, if there are any questions: 651-796-8676 or kseverson@isd2144.org

Sincerely,

Todd Warzecha Kori Severson RN, LSN

CLMS Principal Licensed School Nurse

651-213-2401 651-796-8676

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting each 6th Grade Seminar class for a refresher on digital citizenship and smart device habits!

Here is a quick recap of what we covered together:

• Staying on School Accounts: We talked about why it is essential to stay logged into school-assigned accounts on our devices. It keeps their work organized, ensures their data and personal information remain protected under district privacy standards, and helps staff assist them if technical issues arise.
• Prioritizing Internet Safety: We reviewed how to protect personal privacy online. Students were reminded never to share passwords, account access, or personal information with peers.
• Focusing on Learning over Unblocking Games: Devices and school networks have an educational purpose designed to support classroom learning and research. We discussed why trying to bypass school filters or unblock non-educational games violates district policy and takes valuable time and focus away from learning.

The 6th graders were engaged and asked great questions! You can help reinforce these habits at home by asking your child what they learned during my visit and setting clear expectations for device use inside and outside of school hours.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe and focused online! Please feel free to reach out if you have any tech-related questions.

Ms. Katie Spooner

Technology Coordinator & Support

Chisago Lakes Middle School

651-213-2443

kspooner@isd2144.org

CLMS is entering our 4th year of No Cell Phone from 7:40-2:20. The expectation as that Cell Phones should be stored in students lockers throughout the day. If students need to call home they can make these calls in the Main Office.

In March 15, 2025 state law required that all Minnesota school district have policies on cell phones. The purpose of this law is to minimize impact on academics and behavior.

Below you will find the steps that we will follow at CLMS connected to phone use throughout the day.

If misuse occurs:

• 1st Offense – Phone is put into the phone case on the teachers desk (Tech Ticket)

• 2nd Offense – Phone is stored in the office for the remainder of the day.

• 3rd Offense – Phone is student in the office for 5 consecutive days (Phone in the Office List)

• 4th Offense - Phone is stored in the office for 10 consecutive days (Parent Meeting)

• 5th + Offense - Administrator discretion

Headphones/Earbuds

In an attempt to reduce distractions at school, students will not be allowed to use wireless headphones/earbuds during the school day. Students will be permitted to use wired headphones with teacher permission. Students may appropriately use headphones before 7:40 a.m. and after 2:20 p.m. in the school building. Wireless headphones/earbuds should be turned off and stored in students lockers, or backpacks located in their lockers, throughout the school day. The school bears no responsibility if electronic devices are lost, stolen, or damaged anywhere on school property. The use of electronic devices that disrupts the classroom will lead to disciplinary action. Electronic devices unclaimed by July 1 will be donated to a charitable organization.

Smart Watches

In an attempt to reduce distractions at school, students will not be allowed to use smartwatches during the school day for purposes other than checking the time (i.e. texting, calling, etc. will not be permitted). Students may appropriately use smart watches before 7:40 a.m. and after 2:20 p.m. in the school building. The school bears no responsibility if electronic devices are lost, stolen, or damaged anywhere on school property. The use of electronic devices that disrupts the classroom will lead to disciplinary action. Electronic devices unclaimed by July 1 will be donated to a charitable organization.

Other Electronics

Music players, speakers, electronic games, laser pens, or other electronic devices are not permitted to be used during the school day.

What are the behavior procedures at CLMS?

1. Redirect- Students are given the opportunity to change their behavior. An example is if a student is blurting, are redirected by the teacher and stop, their is no further step required.

2. Stop & Think- A stop and think is the 2nd step in our discipline process. This occurs when a student has been redirected, often a couple of times, and has not changed the behavior. The student will be giving a Stop and Think ticket to fill out and turn back in to their teacher. This process allows the student to truly think about their behavior while remaining in the classroom.

3. Room 1 (Behavior Processing Room): A student is sent to Room 1 when they have been redirected, received a Stop and Think, and still have not changed their behaviors. Both Lakeside and Taylors Falls have behavioral rooms as a part of their process too. Once students arrive to Room 1 the purpose is to engage students in understanding what behaviors caused them to be sent and what choices they can make in the future. It goes down as a referral, however, the main purpose is to allow our students an opportunity to think, grow, and learn when they make mistakes.

4. Administrative Referral: Major behaviors will be covered by Mr. Gillach (Assistant Principal) or Todd Warzecha (Principal).

How do I know if my student gets a Stop & Think?

Our new system (Minga) will aid in this process. When a student receives a Stop and Think their teacher will record this on Minga. Minga will send out an email notification on what behavior led to the Stop & Think.

What do I need to do if I receive an email for a Stop & Think?

The first step is to understand our process. To know that this is something that we, as a school, want you to be aware of and talk to your child. The email you receive is No Reply. It is not necessary to reach out to your child's teacher if you receive an email. Stop and Thinks are the next step after redirection and do not come with a consequence until a student receives a set of 5 each quarter.

What are the consequences of my child if they receive a Stop & Think?

No behavioral consequences occur unless they receive a set of 5. After receiving 5 the consequence varies based on the grade level of the student.

What are the consequences of Stop & Thinks?

6th Grade:

1. 5=discipline referral, 1 lunch detention and parent/guardian contacted

2. 10=discipline referral, 2 lunch detentions, discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted

3. 15=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention, parent/guardian meeting after the detention.

4. 20=discipline referral, 2 days after school detention, discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted,

5. 20+ - Next steps and consequences determined by Administration

7th Grade:

1. 5=discipline referral, 2 lunch detention and parent/guardian contacted

2. 10=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention, parent/ guardian meeting after the detention

3. 15=discipline referral, 2 days after school detention, parent/guardian discussion after the detention.

4. 15+= Next steps and consequences determined by Administration

8th Grade:

1. 5=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention and parent/guardian contacted

2. 10=discipline referral, 2 day after school detention discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted

3. 10+= Next steps and consequences determined by Administration

Why are their different consequences for each grade level?

This is a systematic approach to have procedures in place for success at CLMS as well as success as they will eventually transition to our high school. Our priority is involving parents in the process to collaborate on solutions if Stop and Thinks for a student accumulate.

What is a Wildcat Wow?

A Wildcat Wow is earned by a student who is making a difference at CLMS. We focus on our High Five which consists of Commitment, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility.

How will parents/guardians be notified if their child received a Wildcat Wow?

Parents will receive an email from Minga. The email will be No Reply. The purpose is to keep parents/guardians in the loop of the great things their children are doing at CLMS.

Chisago Lakes Middle School is excited to partner with Family Pathways to offer the “Food4Kids Backpack Program.”

The “Food4Kids Backpack Program” provides a bag of nonperishable food items to students in need, when school meal programs are not available (weekends, breaks, holidays, etc.). These bags will be discreetly and confidentially placed in students’ lockers on Thursdays after lunch. The contents of the bags will provide enough food to replace meals that the students would have received at school. (e.g. two breakfast options, two lunch options, two snack options, one can of fruit and one can of vegetables).

This program is available to all students, regardless of income. It will be handled discreetly and confidentially. This is a completely voluntary and confidential program. If you are interested, please fill out the information on this form and send in your request. Anyone may join this program at any time during the school year. To register please fill out the form HERE.

If you have questions regarding the Food4Kids Backpack Program, please contact Melinda Tinjum mtinjum@isd2144.org or 651-213-2409.

Exciting Changes Coming to Middle School Meals!

New Digital Menu Boards

Students will see digital menu boards in three locations:

• Hallway leading to the meal lines

• Near the meal lines in the gym

• Above the À La Carte/Lunch Express line in the cafeteria

The displays will help students quickly see what’s being served, which line to use, and available À La Carte items and pricing—helping lines move more efficiently.

Introducing the Lunch Express Line

Following a successful pilot last year, the Lunch Express Line is now an official daily option! Students can choose from a variety of wraps, sandwiches, salads, fruit, vegetables, and milk to create a complete, reimbursable school lunch included in the Free Meal Program. The Lunch Express Line can be found in the cafeteria where A' la carte is sold.

Adding Smucker’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Uncrustable Sandwiches to the Lunch Line-Up.

Research shows reintroducing peanut products in schools has not led to an increase in allergic reactions. Being that students are already allowed to bring peanut items from home, this change allows us to offer more meal choices right at school while bringing back a longtime favorite!

How we keep students safe:

• Sandwiches are clearly labeled indicating “peanut butter”

• Bright & clear signage near sandwiches

• District existing allergen protocols remain in place

With the safety steps in place and thoughtful rollout involving school administrators, nursing staff, and food services, we’re confident this change will add some nice variety and convenience for those who want it.

Zombie Spiders, Heroes, & Trivia Battles!

Looking for something awesome to do during study hall? Battle of the Books (B.O.B) is back!

Meet up every Thursday during 8th Hour to read top-tier 2027 Maud Hart Lovelace nominees like The No-Brainer's Guide to Decomposition, The Trouble with Heroes and more. Team up with friends, chat about wild stories, and prep for trivia glory!

• First Meeting: Thursday, September 24

• When: Thursdays during 8th Hour Study Hall

• Where: Library Media Center

How to Join: Be sure to sign up with Mrs. Denney or Mrs. Saueressig by September 24 for the first meeting!

In this engaging LIVE virtual eight-week class, middle school students will learn essential fundamentals to build a strong base in the Spanish language.

You'll learn the fundamental techniques of wire wrapping, focusing on how to securely encase a natural stone without glue or soldering. Discover how to shape wire to create intricate designs that highlight your chosen stone's unique beauty.

"En Guarde! Come and compete in the fastest growing youth sport in the country and be part of our team! Chisago Lakes & Forest Lake Community Education have combined to build this dynamic team of competitive fencers ages 13 - 18. Fencing Team Start Date 10/28 (Tuesday) Come to our informational meeting Tuesday, October 28 at Forest View Elementary Media Center.

Get your creative juices flowing by weaving jump rings and beads into this awesome leather strand bracelet. We will explore a variety of materials that can be used on the leather cord. Just imagine all the possibilities!