Pacific Intermediate

Welcome Back to Pacific Intermediate!

Happy New Year, Pacific Intermediate families!

I hope this message finds you well-rested and that you enjoyed a wonderful Winter Break filled with family, friends, and fond memories. We are thrilled to welcome our students back to the hallways and classrooms on Monday, January 5th.

There is a special energy in the building when we return from break, and we are looking forward to channeling that excitement into learning and growth as we kick off the new calendar year.

Academic Update: The Second Trimester Continues

As we jump back into our daily routines, it is important to remember that while the calendar year has changed, our academic term has not reset just yet.

We are currently in the middle of the second trimester. This means that grades are continuing directly from where we left off in December. The assignments and assessments students complete in January will be added to the grade book that began back in November. We encourage you to check the parent portal to stay up to date on your student’s progress as we head toward the final stretch of this trimester in February.

Student Life: New Clubs

We want our students to be excited about coming to school, and getting involved is a huge part of that! This month, students will have the opportunity to select new clubs for January. This is a fantastic time for them to explore a new hobby, learn a different skill, or simply connect with peers who share similar interests. Be sure to ask your child what club they chose!

Important January Dates

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming schedule changes:

• Monday, January 5th: School Resumes (Welcome back!)

• Monday, January 19th: No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

Sincerely,

Matt Agee

Pacific Intermediate Principal

Mr. Crabtree~Math

Mr. Gilcrease~Language Arts & Reading

Mr. Wengler~History & Science

Mrs. Alcorn~Math

Mrs. Strauss~History & Science

Mrs. Tandy~Language Arts & Reading

Ms. Higgins~Math

Mrs. Jackson~ History & Science

Mrs. Menley~Language Arts & Reading

Mrs. Burt

5th Grade ELA Welcome back!! Can you believe the year is half over? We hope everyone had a restful and wonderful break.We hope you ready to jump back into learning! We will be starting Unit 3: Poetry. Students will be learning about figurative language, rhyme scheme, and different types of poetry. Not only will students be interpreting poetry and learning about different poets, but they will also be composing their own poems in class.

Dear Pacific Intermediate Families,

The school year has been going well; can’t believe we are already halfway through the school year. It has been great getting to know our students and building relationships. Please know that we are here to support both you and your child throughout this school year. Clear communication between home and school is one of the most important ways we can work together to ensure a smooth and successful year. If questions or concerns come up, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.

The Importance of Homework

Homework is an essential part of reinforcing daily learning. It allows students to practice skills taught in class and build confidence in their abilities. Homework is also a reflection of responsibility and preparation for class. Please help encourage your child to complete and return homework on time each day. It is important to note that homework is not just “50% of their grade”—it plays a significant role in overall success by supporting mastery of skills and readiness for assessments.

What We’re Learning in Math This Month
In math, we will continue the geometry unit and probably finish that up before the end of the month. After our geometry unit, we will be moving into operating with fractions. This month, we will be focusing on the following

• Quadrilaterals: Identifying and classifying quadrilaterals based on their attributes.

• 3-D Figures: Identifying and classifying 3-D figures based on their attributes.

• Fraction Operations: Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
  
  

We are so grateful for your partnership and support. Together, we can make this a year full of growth, confidence, and success for every child.

Science: Focusing on the water cycle and hydrosphere.

History: Rebuilding the United States post Civil War, The Gilded Age and Industrial Revolution.

Family and community engagement is a top priority for the MVR-III School District. To support this goal, Superintendent Dr. Carrie Schwierjohn is hosting monthly Coffee with Carrie sessions.

These informal gatherings offer a dedicated space for parents and community members to ask questions, share new ideas, and stay informed about district news. We invite you to join us for free coffee and conversation at Little Ireland Coffee, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., on the following dates:

• January 13, 2026

• February 10, 2026

• March 10, 2026

• March 31, 2026

• April 14, 2026

• May 12, 2026

We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your perspectives!

Mr. Effan~Social Studies

Ms. Griffin~Science

Mr. McMahon~English

Mrs. Voss~Math

Mrs. Boling~Social Studies

Ms. Stumborg~English

Mrs. Todahl~Science

Mrs. Weil~ Math

Mr. McMahon

Mrs. Meyers

Mrs. Stumborg

Ms. Shearin

6th Grade English: Mr. McMahon & Mrs. Stumborg

We will be continuing with our mentor/vocabulary unit. We will also be starting our next big project, the argumentative essay unit. We will be trying to wrap up that unit by the end of the trimester.

6th Grade Math: Mrs. Voss & Mrs. Weil

Math will be starting Ch. 4 Fractions, Decimals and Percents. The advanced math students will start Ch. 8, Integers, Number Lines, and Coordinate Plane.

Please make sure to check Canvas for lesson videos. Continue to check for homework on a nightly basis, and it is a good time to restock your child's pencil supply.

6th Grade Reading: Mr. McMahon, Mrs. Meyers, & Mrs. Stumborg

In reading class, we recently wrapped up our novel unit on Freak the Mighty. We studied figurative language and many various elements of fiction. We took the middle-of-the-year assessments in December. This shows the student's progress in reading comprehension and fluency. The students also have the second-trimester book report in their Google Classroom. They will need to have this completed by the end of February.

6th Grade Science: Ms. Griffin & Mrs. Todahl

We will start the year with our Climate Unit. Please continue to look at our weekly emails, planners, and Google Classroom. While there is nothing to replace the information students gain from a teacher's instruction, if you are sick at home you should be able to complete everything online.

6th Grade Social Studies: Mrs. Boling & Mr. Effan

We are currently finishing up our unit exploring ancient Indian culture and history. This month we are starting our unit on ancient China.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! We hope you enjoyed a restful holiday season filled with family and friends. The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on our achievements and set ambitious goals for the growth ahead.

Looking Back: Building Character

Throughout the first half of the year, our students have been hard at work developing essential life skills. By focusing on character education, they have learned to:

• Foster Inclusion: Respecting diversity and accepting others.

• Build Strong Relationships: Practicing social skills, maintaining friendships, and identifying unhealthy dynamics.

• Handle Challenges: Resolving conflicts, resisting peer pressure, and making responsible decisions.

• Safety First: Learning to recognize bullying and knowing when to seek help.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Future

As we move into the second half of the school year, our guidance lessons will pivot toward personal responsibility and future readiness. Key topics will include:

• Goal Setting & Time Management

• Stress Management

• Career Exploration

Upcoming Guest Speakers

We have several specialized programs scheduled for March and April:

• Body Safety: A program for all 5th and 6th graders presented by the Compass Health Network.

• Emotional Management: Chad's Coalition will work with 5th graders on emotional regulation.

• SOS Program: A dedicated session for our 6th-grade students.

Note: These guest programs are voluntary. While the district encourages participation, parents may choose to opt their child out of any program they feel is not a fit.

We are continually impressed by our students' progress and look forward to supporting their academic and social journey through the rest of the year. Please reach out if we can assist you or your child in any way.

Sincerely yours,

Jeanne M. Diamond, 5th Grade Counselor

Ally Speicher, 6th Grade Counselor

The Bridge Foundation is excited to announce two upcoming community events. Every dollar raised goes directly toward the Annual Back to School Bash, Classroom Grants, and Student Scholarships. Help us invest in our students' success!

Looking for a fun night out? The Pacific Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Dueling Pianos event to benefit the MVR-III Bridge Foundation.

• When: January 31st

• What: A high-energy musical evening for a great cause.

• Tickets: Purchase Tickets Here

(See the attached flyer for more details!)

It’s time to lace up those sneakers! Registration is officially open for our annual 5K. This isn't just a race—it’s a chance to show your school pride.

Help Your School Win the Trophy! We are awarding a traveling trophy to the school with the highest participation. Whether you run or walk, make sure to select your child’s school during registration to help them take home the bragging rights this year!

• When: Saturday, March 7th at 8am

• Student Perk: Discounted registration is available for all MVR-III students.

• Register here for the race.

Pacific Intermediate

195 N Indian Pride Dr.

Pacific, MO 63069

www.mvr3.k12.mo.us

Phone: 636-271-1425

Fax: 636-271-1465