Linden Grove Middle School

In Michigan, the February Count Day is an important day when schools officially record student attendance for state funding and reporting. The state uses this count to determine how much funding each school receives, so having students present is essential. While learning happens every day, Count Day helps ensure our school has the resources needed to support programs, staff, and student services. We encourage all families to make every effort to have their child at school on Count Day and on time, unless they are truly ill. Your support helps our entire school community.

This week, our 6th graders will attend the STEAM Explorers field trip at the Air Zoo. Cheetah pod goes Thursday, Bobcat pod goes Friday. Permission slips only need to be returned if you don't want your child to go. Students will leave a little after 9 and be back around 1:30. Lunch will be provided.

Kalamazoo Central counselors will visit 8th-grade math classes and talk with students about 9th-grade schedule options.

6th

relate, critic(al) / critique, numerator, denominator, argument, counter claim, organ system, organism, temperate, topography

7th

relate, critic(al) / critique, mark up, mark down, ensure, imagery, hot spot, shield volcano, province, reform

8th

relate, critic(al) / critique, function, dependent, variable, simile, metaphor, wind, prevailing winds, inflation, veto

The open house will now be held at the new Career Connect Campus at 3500 Vanrick Drive. The Career Connect Open House provides an opportunity for students, families, and community members to explore:

• learning opportunities available at the high school level through Career and Technical Education (CTE), Early Middle College (EMC), Education for the Arts (EFA)
• and tools and resources available to support career awareness and exploration, work-based learning, and career coaching needs.

Food Service will be offering take-home meals during Ramadan (Feb 18-March 19) to those students that sign up using this google form.

As a school community, we need to work together to improve attendance. A very high percentage of our students are at risk for being chronically absent this school year (18 or more days out of school for any reason).

Currently, 38% of our students are already over 10 days of absence and 24% of our students have between 5–9 absences.

Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Students who miss school frequently often struggle to keep up with instruction, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and develop consistent learning habits. Even a few days each month can add up quickly and impact academic growth.

We understand that illnesses, family responsibilities, and unexpected challenges occur. Our goal is not to assign blame, but to partner with families to remove barriers and support students in being present as much as possible. If your family is facing attendance challenges, please reach out to us. We are here to help problem-solve and connect you with resources.

Here are a few ways families can support strong attendance:

• Establish consistent morning and bedtime routines
• Schedule appointments outside of school hours when possible
• Encourage your child to attend even if they feel slightly tired or unmotivated
• Communicate with the school early when concerns arise

Every day matters. Each day a student is present is another opportunity to learn, grow, and feel connected to our school community. We appreciate your partnership and commitment to your child’s success.

If you have questions or need support, please contact our office. We want every student here, every day, ready to learn.

Thank you for working with us to make attendance a shared priority.

The deadline to order a yearbook is April 17th. Paper forms were sent home. Online ordering is available at:

Order link: ybpay.lifetouch.com

Yearbook Code: 14668926

Weekday meets start at 4:30 pm

• Tuesday, Jan. 13 - LG @ Portage West (PC/Hillside)
• Saturday, Jan. 17 - Portage North Invitational - 9:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 20 - LG @ Hillside
• Saturday, Jan. 24 - Lakeview Invitational - 9:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 27 - LG @ Gull Lake (Hillside/Lakeview)
• Friday, Jan. 30 - LG GIRLS @ Gobles TBA
• Tuesday, Feb. 3 - @ Linden Grove (Hillside/North/Mattawan)
• Tuesday, Feb. 10 - LG @ Hillside (Battle Creek)
• Saturday, Feb. 14 - @ KAMSL Conference Meet TBA

B games start at 3:45, A games - 4:45 unless otherwise noted

Monday, Jan. 19 - 7A-3:45 and 8A-4:45 @ Hillside

Wednesday, Jan. 21 - 7B & 7A @Maple St

8B & 8A @ Linden Grov

Monday, Jan. 26 - 7B & 7A @ Lakeview

8B & 8A @ Linden Grove

Wednesday, Jan. 28 - 8A - 3:45 @ Milwood

7B & 7A @ Linden Grove

Thursday, Feb. 5 - 7B & 7A @ Portage Central

8B & 8A @ Linden Grove

Monday, Feb. 9 - 7B-3:45, 7A-4:45 & 8A-5:45 @ Gull Lake

Wednesday, Feb. 11 - 7B & 7A @ Linden Grove

8B & 8A @ Portage North

Monday, Feb. 16 - 7B & 7A @ Battle Creek Northwestern

8B & 8A @ Linden Grove

Wednesday, Feb. 18 - 7B & 7A @ Linden Grove

8B & 8A @ Portage West

Monday, Feb. 23 - 7B & 7A @ Mattawan

8B & 8A @ Linden Grove

Wednesday Feb. 25 & 26 - KPS Tourney - TBD

Entry to indoor events at Linden Grove is $1 for students and $5 for adults. Some schools charge students $3.

Students attending without an adult must meet the following criteria:

• No referrals

• Wait outside before the game and follow directions

• Must walk home or be picked up promptly at the end of the game. Students left at school may lose the privilege of attending future athletic events.

Students who have a behavior referral cannot attend a school event without an accompanying adult. The student must sit with the adult for the entire event.

To our families that plan to attend, it is my expectation, and the expectation of the league, that all adults in attendance are examples of sportsmanship and respect to our players, the opposing team and the officials. If something occurs at a game and you feel the need to discuss it with a coach, I ask that you wait 24 hours and email your concern to the coach and our Athletic Director, Mr. O'day.

In recognition of teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, community members and students taking initiative to build healthier school environments, Michigan Association of Supervision & Curriculum Development (Michigan ASCD) recognizes schools for fostering a safe, healthy, supportive and engaged environment for their collective students.

The Whole Child Award program is a collaboration with Michigan ASCD, Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA) and Michigan School Health Coordinators’ Association (MISCHA). The program aims to recognize schools in Michigan that have created a school culture that exemplifies the ten components of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model: Social & Emotional Climate, Physical Environment, Counseling, Psychological & Social Services, Health Services, Nutrition & Environment Services, Physical Education & Physical Activity, Health Education, Community Involvement, Family Engagement, and Employee Wellness.

It takes 5-7 minutes from the back of the line to the entrance of the building. Students must be prepared to stand in line outside in all weather conditions.

We are now offering our students and families a community service option in lieu of after-school detention. Community service is a form of Restorative Justice. Restorative Justice focuses on repairing the harm that was done by conducting a service project during the school day. The goal is for the student to take responsibility, understand the impact of their actions, and actively make amends. Students who accept the community service option will engage in a 10-20 minute service project conducted by their grade level’s behavior interventionist. The jobs may include, but are not limited to, cleaning up the interior and exterior of our campus through dusting, sweeping, and cleaning various surface areas.

If the student refuses the offer of community service, they will be scheduled for after-school detention.

If a fight occurs during the school day, students are expected to leave the area immediately. Students who linger to watch or move to the fight will be identified and given consequences the administration feels are appropriate, including possible suspension.

Recording a fight, even without participating, is also considered a violation of our school safety and behavioral expectations. Recording such incidents can escalate conflicts, spread harmful content, and put students at risk. Because of the impact on the school community and the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment, students who record fights will receive a three-day suspension. Our goal is to ensure all students understand the consequences of contributing to unsafe situations and to reinforce respectful, responsible behavior both in school and online.

One of the biggest challenges students face during the school day is managing distractions, and cell phone notifications are a major source of lost focus. The buzz or vibration can pull a student’s attention away from learning, and can encourage students to take the phone out of their pocket (which is a cell phone violation). Once distracted, it takes students several minutes to fully re-engage. Research shows that frequent interruptions make it harder for students to retain information and participate meaningfully in class discussions. By turning off notifications during the school day, you are helping your child stay fully present in their learning, avoid unnecessary stress, and develop the important skill of managing technology responsibly.

Students may use their cell phones during breakfast, until 8:03. After 8:03

there is no student cell phone usage allowed at Linden Grove. After 8:03 cell phones are expected to be silenced and stored out of sight. The safest place for a cell phone is at home. The next safest place is locked in the pod locker. Cell phones may not be carried in hands. If a student violates the cell phone policy the phone is confiscated for the day and returned at the flag pole at dismissal. The following additional consequences apply for cell phone violations:

1st violation- reminder

2nd violation- parent meeting required.

3rd violation- 1 week cell phone turn in at the start of the school day. Turn in duration increases 5 days with every third violation.

Students wearing airpods or headphones during the school day are assumed to be connected to a phone are considered in violation of the cell phone policy.

Doors open for breakfast at 7:45 am.

Outside, the 2nd floor hallway, the cafeteria or the gym are the only before-school options.

When dropping students off, please use the drop-off loop on the west side of the main entrance. That loop is only for drop-offs. Please do not park in the loop. If you need to park, use the lot inside the drop-off loop or the north end of the big lot in front of the school. The portion of the parking lot nearest the school is reserved for buses. Cars will not be admitted to that area.

To create an account on the app, use the district code KXRB. Then select Forgot Password and follow the steps to create your login credentials. The app is a great way to stay informed about your child's grades and attendance.

All students should be returning to school with their Chromebooks and chargers from last year.

Chromebooks need to be brought to school each day fully charged. If your child is new to KPS, we will assign them a Chromebook.

• A replacement charging cord can be purchased for $20.

• Other charges apply if repairs need to be made to the Chromebook.

Regular school day dismissal is 3:00 PM. Students exit the front doors and are expected to go to their assigned loading areas. Bus riders exit right and go directly to their buses. Car riders and walkers exit left and walk home or wait for pick up. All pick-ups should occur in the pick-up circle near the flag pole.

If a student has after-school detention, athletics, or club activities, they are expected to go directly after school and not dismiss out front.

It is essential that students know their bus numbers. Students may only ride their assigned bus and only assigned students may ride a bus. Bus riders who do not follow dismissal procedures can be subject to bus suspension. Please review the transportation handbook with your child.

After school supervision ends at 3:10. Students must be picked up by then.

6th grade- 10:48:11:18

7th grade- 11:43-12:13

8th grade- 12:38-1:08

Students enter the cafeteria and sit down at their selected tables. Sections are called one at a time to get food. Once Honor Guard students are recognized after the first 6 weeks, they are always called first .

The cafeteria typically serves 6 choices. One choice is the featured menu item. Other options are pizza, burger, chicken sandwich, made to order deli sandwich, salad bar, or grab and go (often a parfait). It is possible that one item may run out, but there are always other options available.

If a student has medically documented food allergies that restrict his or her diet, the restrictions or substitutions must be documented by a licensed physician and submitted to the Food Services Office before any changes will be made. The required forms are available in the Food Services Office at the KPS Administration Building, located at 1220 Howard St. or in your child’s school. For more information, please call (269) 337-0120.

Students are expected to remain seated throughout lunch. Staff members come around to collect trash. When the weather is cooperative, we offer students the opportunity to go outside for 10 minutes.

Students who consistently fail to follow the lunchroom expectations will be assigned to eat in the lunch detention space.

Students have five minutes of passing time between classes. We expect students to be in class and in their seats prior to the tardy bell. Students who earn two tardies in one day will serve lunch detention the next day.

1: Students may not wear hats, hoods, or head coverings after 8:03

2: Shirts must cover the naval.

3. Bookbags and jackets must be stored in lockers. Small bags can be carried.

4: The school reserves the right to ask a student to change if the student's outfit is causing a disruption to the learning environment.

Students in violation of the dress code are offered an item from the school or can call home to have an adult bring a change of clothes. Students who refuse either option will be sent home.

Please see the KPS code of conduct for other dress code rules.

Responsible gum chewing is allowed at Linden Grove.

Students can bring food and drinks to be eaten at lunch. No food or drinks, with the exception of water, can be eaten in the pods or during passing times.

If there is an issue with a specific class, please contact the teacher first by email. Teachers will respond within 24 hours. If there is a non-classroom issue, you can email the teacher, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Frison or call the main office.