Milwood Weekly Newsletter Master

Dear Families,

As we continue this school year, we want to make sure every student has what they need to succeed. Strong learning happens when school and home work together! You can help support your child by encouraging them to come to class ready to try their best, turn in assignments on time, and regularly check their grades so they know where they stand.

Please know that you and your student are never on this journey alone. If your child is struggling with a topic, falling behind, or simply needs extra help with their schoolwork, please reach out to their teachers or our school team right away. We are here to partner with you, answer your questions, and provide the support your student needs to feel confident and succeed.

To prioritize student safety, drop-off and pick-up location is located at the front circle loop off Konkle Street (see aerial view below).

• Car Riders: Drop-off and dismissal pick-up will occur exclusively in the Konkle Street circle loop.

• Buses Only: Please do not use the staff parking entrance. Also note that the back lane (near basketball courts) is strictly reserved for buses only!

Even though all Michigan students currently receive meals at no cost, filling out the Education Benefit Form remains vital for our school community.

Completing this form directly impacts our district’s state and federal funding. These funds support essential classroom resources, technology, academic programs, and student support services.

If you have not already, please take a few moments to complete your form today.

We are finalizing our testing data review to set up targeted after-school tutoring groups! If your student qualifies, information will be sent home with them this week. Please look for these details and return any requested forms. Thank you for supporting our Milwood students!

Monday, October 12th:

• Volleyball Match- 8th Grade @ Home, 7th Grade @ Mattawan @ 3:45

Tuesday, October 13th:

• Volleyball Match- 8th Grade Home, 7th Grade @ Lakeview MS @ 3:45
• Skateboard Club

Wednesday, October 14th:

• Volleyball Match @ Milwood 7th Grade B

***3:45 Milwood VS Hillside

***4:45: Linden Grove VS Maple Street

***5:45: Championship

• 8th Grade B Team Volleyball @ Linden Grove @ 4:45
• Football Game - at Kalamazoo Central @ 4:00
• Sideline Cheer - Kalamazoo Central @ 4:00
• Game Club: 2:30- 3:30 in Mr. Gibson's Room (219)-Please remember to arrange a ride home!

Thursday, October 15th:

• Volleyball Match- 7th Grade A Team @ Hillside @ 4:45
• Volleyball Match - 8th Grade A Team @ Maple Street VS Linden Grove @ 3:45
• Soccer Club Match - @ Heritage Christian @ 5:30

Friday, October 16th: Have a fantastic Friday!

Saturday, October 17th:

• Cross Country: MSHAA Regionals @ Portage West

***Boys Varsity @ 9:15

***Girls Varsity @ 9:40

***Boys JV @ 10:55

***Awards Ceremony @ 11:50

When you run into a tough challenge, it is easy to say, "I can't do this." But adding that single word—yet—changes everything:

• "I don't understand this... yet."

• "I haven't mastered this skill... yet."

This small mental shift changes "I fail" into "I'm learning." It reminds you that your abilities aren't fixed in stone, but built through practice, effort, and time. Mistakes stop feeling like dead ends and start acting like stepping stones toward your goals.

Strong school-family partnerships rely on clear, consistent expectations to keep our students safe and focused on learning. We appreciate your support at home in reinforcing these core behavioral guidelines:

• Stay in designated areas: Remain in authorized zones throughout the school day.

• No hands-on horseplay: Physical roughhousing, pushing, or grabbing is strictly prohibited.

• Hands-off policy: "We were just playing" is not an acceptable excuse for physical contact.

• Be on time: Arrive at class punctually and ready to learn.

Lunchtime is a great opportunity for students to socialize and relax. To keep our cafeteria safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone, please remind your students of these key expectations:

• Stay Seated: Remain in your seat unless getting condiments, throwing away trash, or directed by lunchroom staff.

• Clean Up: Clean your area and throw away all trash. Keep all food and drinks inside the cafeteria.

• Keep Hands to Yourself: Keep your hands and feet to yourself. "We were just playing" is not an excuse to touch others.

• Volume: Keep conversations at a conversational level—screaming is not acceptable.

Thank you for helping us encourage these responsible habits!

Milwood students and staff kicked off the year in high gear at our first PEP Assembly this past Friday! We gave a huge shoutout to our athletic teams, watched our incredible dance team light up the floor, and brought the ultimate class rivalry to life with some hilarious grade-level games. Everyone brought their A-game—and maximum volume—all for a shot at winning the legendary Milwood Level Up Spirit Stick! Check back soon for photos of all the action!

😄📸Picture Retake Day is Monday, October 19th!!

Ms. Radke’s classes prepared for their upcoming test by playing Quiz, Quiz, Trade. Students move around the classroom to quiz their classmates with test style questions.

Enjoy this amazing video created by our own incredibly talented 8th grade Milwood student, Khwaja Sedeqi! Level Up, Khawaja!

🎲🎴Joining a club is a fantastic way to expand your social circle and discover new interests.

The school menu can be accessed via the Nutrislice app or website. Please search for "Milwood Middle School" to view daily menus.

Additionally, please note that all students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch. To ensure the continuation of this program, we kindly ask that all families complete the free and reduced lunch application form.