Winter - 2025/2026
Principal Notes
Dear MSE Families,
As we approach winter break, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the first part of the school year. This season offers us a natural pause—a time to reflect on how far our students have come and to celebrate the learning, growth, and resilience we see in them every day.
Our school community has accomplished so much this fall. Students have challenged themselves academically, supported one another socially, and contributed positively to our school culture. None of this is possible without the encouragement and involvement of families, and we are truly grateful for the trust you place in us.
The picture I've included this month was from the 67th day of school. We had the MSE cube out for kids to take their pictures in with friends given the 6-7 theme is such a big thing this year! Students and Staff alike had a great time with the day!
Winter break is an important time for rest, connection, and renewal. I encourage families to enjoy time together, unplug when possible, and help students return refreshed and ready for the second half of the school year. As always, student safety and well-being remain a priority, and we appreciate your support in helping students make responsible choices while away from school. This time of the year can be especially difficult for many people. Being a middle schooler is hard!! Please take the opportunity to share with your child what you love and value most about them. While they often don't like to admit it, your time and attention mean the world to them and hope you are able to enjoy some well deserved time together over the next two weeks.
Please note that winter break begins at the end of the day, Friday, December 19th and school will resume on January 5th. If you have questions or need assistance during the break, our school office will be open on December 29th, 30th and January 2nd where Ms. Scheel will be available.
On behalf of the entire staff, I wish you and your family a restful, joyful, and safe winter break. We look forward to welcoming our learners back in the new year.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Kelly
STMA Middle School East Principal
We're a STEAM School of Excellence! ✨
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!
School in session: 8:25 AM - 3:00 PM
Doors open: 8:00 AM
MSE Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- 12/22/2025–1/2/2026 – Winter Break – No School! ❄️⛄️
- 1/6/2026 -- Spelling Bee @ Middle School West Auditorium, 6:00 PM 🐝✏️
- 1/15/2026 -- ME Conference & Family Knight 🛡️
- Conferences: 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
- Family Knight: 5:45-6:45 PM
- 1/19/2026: No School, Teacher Workshop
Parent Advisory Committee
Parents are the heart of our school community, and your voice matters. The Parent Advisory Committee at Middle School East gives families the chance to share input, ask questions, and partner with us to make our school even stronger. Please join us and be an active part of your child’s middle school experience.
Monday, February 2nd, 2026
Monday, April 6th, 2026
Meetings will be help on the dates listed above, in the Middle School East Media Center. Exact times for the second and third meetings of the year are to be determined, based on parent feedback, through the sign up form. Please complete the registration form using the QR code above.
Highlights 📸
5th Grade Recognition for Knight's Honor during lunch today!
Chili Cook Off Winners in 7th Grade FACS class!
Making Quesadilla's in 8th Grade Spanish class!
Tech Ed Woodworking
Gobble, Gobble Gathering
We’ve heard wonderful feedback about using the ParentVUE app to submit absences, appointments, and early releases. Families are finding it to be a quick and convenient tool, and we’re glad it’s making things easier for you across all grade levels, K–12.
As a reminder here is how you can report your student's attendance:
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Step 1: Use the ParentVUE app – Log in, select the Attendance tab, and enter the details.
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Step 2: Email your child’s school at meattendance@mystma.org if the app is not available.
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Step 3: Call the school office at 763-497-2655 option 1.
**For support with your ParentVUE account, please contact the Main Office at 763-497-2655**
Middle School Activities
Exciting Winter Opportunities for Our Students!
Middle School East offers the following sports for 7th and 8th grade for the Winter Season:
- Girls Basketball
- Boys Basketball
- Wrestling
Click here to view our Winter Brochure for more opportunities for 5-8th 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
Media Center Stories 📚
Senior Knights!
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!
IXL Achievement
Students have been sharpening their Math and ELA skills using IXL in Armor Up, Math and ELA classes, and working at home. Middle School East students have answered almost half a million questions this school year, working over 5,000 hours, and mastering over 8,000 skills. Way to go MSE Learners!
Safety Spotlight with School Resource Officer Deputy Husen
Looking for ways to talk with your child about staying safe online?
Deputy Husen recommends exploring NetSmartz Kids, an engaging and kid-friendly website designed to teach important lessons about internet safety.
- 🌐 Visit: www.netsmartzkids.org
NetSmartz Kids was created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and offers interactive videos, activities, and age-appropriate resources to help families learn how to navigate the digital world safely—together.
Educational Benefits
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:
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A new application must be submitted each school year.
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Only one application per household is needed.
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You will be notified by mail regarding your child’s eligibility.
Character Dares – Monthly Challenge 🌱💭✨
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.
Mrs. Kornovich
Mrs. Mesna
Mrs. Buskey
School Social Worker
Questions❓
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
