Wildcat Weekly
Week of August 24th
Dear MMS Families,
Believe it or not, today is the last day of Quarter 1 — time flies when you're having fun! I want to take a moment to recognize our incredible teachers and staff who work tirelessly to support our students and help them learn and grow each day. I am also so proud of our students for their hard work throughout the first quarter. We truly have a great group of kids at MMS!
A reminder that Quarter 1 report cards will be emailed home next Friday as a PDF, just like Interim Reports. If you haven't already, please check out the infographic below for instructions on how to add the Alma app to your phone for easy access to your child's grades. This resource will normally live in our "In Every Issue" section at the bottom of each newsletter, but we've moved it up this week. We have also heard from some Android users that the settings may look a little different, and we are looking into that!
-Mr. Olson, Principal, Medinah Middle School
Important Dates
Thursday, October 22nd
- Affy Tapple Sales during lunch periods
- Early Dismissal - 2pm
- PTO meeting 6:15 @ MMS
- Board meeting 7pm @ MMS
Friday, October 23rd
- Affy Tapple Sales during lunch periods
- Report Cards Posted to ALMA
- Hearing and Vision Rescreening
Thursday, October 29th
- Fall Picture Re-takes
Friday, October 30th
- Halloween Assembly
Alma on Your Phone! 📱
📱 Follow the Wildcats on Social Media!
Want to stay connected with everything happening at Medinah Middle School? Follow us on social media for school highlights, student activities, upcoming events, and fun moments from around our Wildcat community!
Be sure to check out our NEW TikTok account for even more Wildcat fun. Follow along, show your Wildcat pride, and don't miss out on what's happening at MMS! 🐾💙
🏀 Student Spectator Expectations for Athletic Events
As our athletic seasons get underway, we want to remind families of our student spectator expectations. These rules will be reviewed with students at school, but we appreciate your help in reinforcing them at home as well. Please review the graphic below with your child.
One especially important expectation is that students who stay after school to attend a home game must remain in the building. Once students leave school grounds, they may only return if accompanied by their own parent/guardian. This helps us keep students safe and properly supervised, rather than having students coming and going from the building without our ability to account for them.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our athletic events safe, positive, and enjoyable for everyone!
🎃 Halloween Costumes & Assembly – October 30th!
One of our favorite long-standing MMS traditions is allowing students and staff to wear Halloween costumes to school! This year, we will celebrate on Friday, October 30th. While we love having fun, it is extremely important that costumes follow our school guidelines to maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment. Please carefully review the rules below as you plan your child's costume. If you have already selected a costume that does not meet these expectations, students should either modify it in order to meet the expectations or not wear it to school.
We will also end the day with our annual schoolwide Halloween Assembly, one of the most fun MMS traditions of the year! A HUGE thank-you to the many parents who volunteered to participate in our Minute to Win It games. We had an overwhelming response and now have a full roster of parent volunteers. We can't wait for the fun!
YWCA Visit
Dear Families:
The safety and well-being of our adolescents is a major concern of parents today. Medinah Middle School recognizes this and is responding to these concerns by participating in the “Teens Taking Charge” program for 7th graders and the “Safe Dates” program for 8th graders, presented by the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Patterson & McDaniel Family Center, from Monday, November 9th through Thursday, November 12th.
· Family Shelter states: 42% of teens will experience some form of violence in a dating relationship before they turn 21.
· The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault states that: 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before they reach the age of 18. Of those, over 85% will be assaulted by someone they know and trust.
· According to a survey done by Seventeen magazine through Wellesley College Center for Research on Women: 85% of girls and 76% of boys reported that while in school they experienced “unwanted, unwelcome, sexual behavior that interfered with their lives, both personally and academically.”
These programs focus on three components:
1. Relationships – helping students learn what a healthy relationship looks like.
2. Sexual Assault Prevention – students will identify different types of abuse and sexual assault through an exercise using a continuum of violence. They will be encouraged to listen to their instincts to avoid dangerous situations and finally they will get resources on where to go for help.
3. Sexual Harassment – students will learn what sexual harassment is and what to do if they
feel like they are being sexually harassed.
Throughout the programs the Educators from the YWCA will be helping the students to identify a safety network of adults that they can go to if they have any problems or concerns.
An additional, stand-alone letter will be emailed to all families in the coming weeks with information about recorded parent sessions, the ability to opt your child out of this learning experience and instructions to do so, etc.
Steve Olson
Principal
Tim Wink
Physical Education Teacher
Show your Wildcat Spirit!
🐾 WILDCAT SPIRIT WEAR IS HERE! 🐾
Show your Wildcat pride!
The Medinah Middle School Spirit Wear Store is OPEN FOR A LIMITED TIME!
👕 T-Shirts • Sweatshirts • Hoodies • More!
Shop now and get your Wildcat gear before the store closes!
Wildcat Snapshots
🧀 Grilled Cheese Masters in the Making!
PTO News
Order your 2026 - 2027 Yearbook
Homework Help Available!
Medinah Park District
Volunteers Needed!
🎃 Halloween Bash –Haunted Trails Scary Character Volunteers Needed 👻
The Medinah Park District is looking for volunteers to help make this year’s Halloween Bash a success! If you are interested in volunteering, please click the link below for more details and to sign up.
In Every Issue
MMS Clubs
MMS Clubs
MMS offers a variety of clubs throughout the school year, giving students additional opportunities to get involved, connect with others, and explore their interests. Clubs may start and end at different times throughout the year, so check this section of the newsletter each week for current club schedules, details, and any sign-up information.
🎭 Drama Club
Students will enjoy a variety of fun activities, including improv, one-act plays, and readers’ theater! We’ll also play interactive games to help students feel more comfortable speaking and acting in front of their peers.
If there is enough interest, we hope to host an end-of-year performance for families!
When: Tuesdays after school until 4:15 PM
Start Date: October 13
Cost: $5 per student to cover scripts and supplies
Forms with payment information will be sent home with students in the next couple of weeks.
Questions? Please contact Mr. Bolz, Miss Knoll, or Mrs. Wortsman.
🎮 Game Club
Game Club is a chance for students to hang out, have fun, and connect with others through video games, board games, and tabletop games!
When: Every Wednesday, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: MMS Library
Cost/Sign-Up: No fee or sign-up required - just drop in!
Students may bring personal gaming equipment from home, but they must first get a permission slip from Ms. Benson and return it signed by a parent/guardian. Please note that the school cannot be responsible for lost or damaged personal equipment.
🫛 Peas in a Pod Club
A warm and welcoming space where students can build new and existing friendships through cozy activities such as puzzles, paint-by-numbers, knitting, making and sharing snacks, and creating crafts as gifts for others. This club is a great option for students who may not feel comfortable participating in competitive or athletic clubs and provides a calm, open environment to connect with others. No expert skills required—just come as you are!
When: Every Thursday, 3:30–4:15 p.m.
Where: Room 104 - Mrs. Panizales' room
Cost/Sign-Up: Permission slip required but no fee or sign-up - just drop in!
🎨 Art Club
Come create with us! Art Club is open to all MMS students and gives students a relaxed space to be creative, explore different materials, and work on art projects.
When: Every Friday, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: Art Room
Cost/Sign-Up: No fee or sign-up required - just drop in!
🎥Digital Media Club
Help us create and edit our weekly video announcements. Learn to write and deliver news content, use the camera, and use editing software.
When: Filming Thursday mornings, 8:00-8:30am. Editing Friday mornings 8:00-8:30am
Where: LMTC
Cost/Sign up: No fee to join. See Mrs. Wortsman to sign up.
Protect Your Chromebook - Optional Insurance
As students begin using their Chromebooks this school year, we strongly encourage families to consider purchasing Chromebook insurance for $20 per student. This optional insurance covers the cost of Chromebook damages and repairs for your student for the entire school year.
Without insurance, families will be responsible for the district’s cost to repair damaged Chromebook components:
- Hinge: $17
- Front Bezel: $22
- Back Cover: $25
- Keyboard: $25
- Touchpad: $29
- Battery: $70
- Screen: $90
As you can see, even one repair can cost significantly more than the $20 insurance fee, so we encourage families to take advantage of this coverage.
CLICK HERE to visit MySchoolBucks and purchase Chromebook insurance for the school year.
Please note that insurance applies to one student only. If you have multiple students and would like each Chromebook covered, insurance must be purchased separately for each student. Insurance must be purchased before any damage occurs in order for that damage to be covered. Coverage applies only to the 2026–2027 school year.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support!
P.A.W.S. – Positive Acts of Wildcat Service
Our P.A.W.S. Program (Positive Acts of Wildcat Service) recognizes students for giving back through service and volunteering in our community. Students can begin earning service credit as early as 6th grade and work toward special recognition and awards at their 8th grade graduation.
Getting started is easy! Students simply record their service on the P.A.W.S. form, have it signed by the organization where they volunteered, and turn the completed form in to the main office. Printed copies are also available in the office for students to pick up.
It’s never too early to start — we love seeing our Wildcats making a positive difference in their community!
🚌 Track Your Child’s Bus with First View!
Download the First View app and sign up to track your child’s bus. First View allows parents to view their bus’s location, receive trip updates and notifications, and stay informed about transportation.
Click here for the Medinah School District #11 First View Parent Letter:
Medinah School District #11 First View Parent Letter
First View Student Tracking Parent Registration Guide:
First View Parent Registration Guide
When prompted, you will need to enter:
District Code: U2G2J
Student’s Last Name
Student’s School ID – If you do not know your child’s Student ID, please contact your child’s school office.
We encourage all bus-riding families to download First View
School Expectations and Reminders
Cell Phones: As shared throughout the summer, students will not have access to their cell phones during the school day. Our updated cell phone policy is designed to reduce distractions, increase student engagement, and create the best possible learning environment. For more information about the policy and the reasons behind it, please click below to view our Cell Phone FAQ.
Bluetooth Headphones: Bluetooth headphones must remain put away during the school day. Students may bring Bluetooth headphones for use before or after school; however, the district is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Students will need wired headphones for use with their Chromebooks during class and state assessments.
E-Bikes & E-Scooters: As a reminder, E-Bikes and E-Scooters are not permitted on school property at any time, including before school, after school, evenings, and weekends. This expectation helps ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors.
Pick-Up & Drop-off Procedures
26-27 Bell Schedule and Lunch Times
Click the blue button below to see bell schedules for the 2026-2027 school year for the following: Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Friday, Early Dismissal, Half Day.
SCHOOL START TIME- 8:40 a.m., Students enter the building at 8:35 a.m.
LUNCH TIMES-
- Mon-Tues
- 8th Grade - 11:20-11:52
- 7th Grade - 12:03-12:35
- 6th Grade - 12:46-1:18
- Wed-Fri
- 8th Grade + 7th Grade band students - 11:36-12:06
- 6th Grade + 7th Grade students not in band- 12:08-12:38
- Early Dismissal-
- 8th Grade + 7th Grade band students - 11:21-11:51
- 6th Grade + 7th Grade students not in band- 11:53-12:23
SCHOOL END TIME- 3:30 PM
Lunch Ordering Information
They will open the portal for ordering lunches the week of 8/10.
- All students must be registered for school to create a MyMeals account.
- You will need to put in your students ID number
- Please create your account to order milk only or lunches each week.
- Lunch orders for the following week will always be due the Wednesday prior.
- PLEASE NOTE: Approved Free and/or reduced lunch participants still need to register and order their meals and/or milk using the MyMeals program. Only those eligible and who have placed an order via MyMeals will receive a free or reduced meal. (SEE BELOW FOR THE FREE/REDUCED APPLICATION).
From the Nurse's office
Health Office Contacts:
District Nurse, Ashley Malik–asmalik@medinah11.org
Health Office Assistant, Ewelina Korzeniewski–ewkorzeniewski@medinah11.org
Required Health Forms:
If your child will be participating in Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Cheerleading or Track they will need a current physical on file before trying out for the team.
Student Needs:
Please inform the nurse of any allergies or sensitivities to foods, medications, and environmental allergens. If there are any pertinent details of your students' health that you feel the nurse needs to know, please reach out and discuss this with the school nurse. This information can be helpful to better support your student throughout the day, if certain situations arise.
About Your Student’s Medication:
The district's medication policy mandates that all medication to be administered at school requires an MD order, this includes over-the-counter medications. Students may NOT keep over-the-counter meds in their backpacks or in their lockers--including cough drops, Advil, etc. This is an important safety concern! Please review the policy included in the registration process. A completed medication authorization form must be accompanied with any medication administered at school.
If your student requires an inhaler, Epi-Pen, or any oral medication, please obtain the medication form and appropriate health care plan from your physician when your child has their exam. Forms may also be obtained on the district website. Medication_Authorization2016.pdf (medinah11.org)
Absences related to illness:
If a student is absent for 3 or more consecutive days due to a illness or health issue, a doctor’s note WILL BE required per district policy
Please prepare to keep your child home until:
A fever of 100 degrees or greater--they can return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of any fever reducing medication
Vomited or had diarrhea--they can return to school after 24 hours illness-free
A persistent sore throat/cough--they can return to school after MD evaluation/treatment
Body aches/fatigue/paleness--they can return to school when rested/stronger
Itchy, draining eyes
Extracurricular Activities
Medinah Middle School offers a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular sports to engage students beyond the classroom. Opportunities include Cross Country, Basketball, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track, and a range of clubs such as Digital Media Club, Yearbook Club, Art Club, and Game Club, as well as musical groups like Concert Band and Jazz Band.
MMS Extra Curricular Participation Agreement
Sports - Pre-Participation Examination Form
Sport and Extra Curricular Fees
Cross Country - $50
Basketball - $75
Volleyball - $75
Cheerleading - $75
Track - $50