The Week Ahead

Principal's Corner:

As you begin to build a routine, we are again including some helpful links and resources for you:

This newsletter is a quick "one-stop-shop" to stay current on what is coming up this week at UTMS in addition to a few reminders to mark your calendars for big events coming up a little further out.
The Genesis Parent Portal is a great place to check on your child's homework assignments, attendance, grades, and more.
If you do not already follow our UTMS Middle School Facebook page we recommend you do.
The Upper Township Middle School Website is a great resource some of the things you can find on this page include:
The Digital Bookbag
Athletics Calendar
UTMS Event Calendar

Back To School Night:

We are excited to welcome you to our Back to School Night on Thursday, September 17!

Event Timeline & Preparation:

5:45 PM: Doors open.
5:55 PM: Homeroom begins promptly.

Before arriving, please check Genesis with your child to confirm their homeroom teacher and room number. Upon arrival, head straight to that classroom, where a map and a copy of your child's class schedule will be waiting for you. You will be walking through a modified version of their daily routine, so arriving on time ensures you won't miss the start of the program!

Attendance Reminder: Back to School Night is designed specifically as an information session for parents and guardians. To ensure everyone gets the most out of the presentations, we strongly encourage an adults-only attendance. If a lack of childcare makes it impossible for you to come alone, children may attend, but they must stay directly by your side throughout the evening.

We look forward to a fantastic evening and working together for a great school year!

Important Dates & Events:

School Picture Day

Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 17. Order forms were sent home with students on Friday. Order your package online now by CLICKING HERE. CLICK HERE for more information.

Safety First

A reminder that U-Turns in front of the school are prohibited at all times while on school grounds. Please help us keep the kids safe and complete the loop through the parking lot. This includes early morning drop off, late drop off, early pick-up, parent pick-up, and after school event pick up and drop off.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—a time for our school community to come together and stand alongside the brave children and families navigating this difficult journey. Sadly, this battle hits close to home, as members of our own district student body are currently fighting various forms of cancer.

To honor these students, raise awareness, and support the ongoing need for research and resources, our staff will host a dress-down day on Friday, September 18.

We invite all of our students to join us in “Going Gold” on Friday by wearing gold or yellow. Let’s unite as a school community to show our battling students and their families that they are not alone in this fight.

Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month

September is Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month, a dedicated time to learn more about muscle-wasting conditions and show solidarity with those who live with them. This cause is especially meaningful to our district, as we have students within our own school family who are affected by this condition every day.

To rally around these brave students and highlight the need for continued support and care, our staff will host a special awareness day on Friday, September 25.

We encourage all students to join us in wearing green on Friday. Let’s fill our hallways with green to show our students and their families the full strength of our school community’s support!

Middle School Clubs:

The Upper Township Middle School offers many different after school clubs for students to take part in. The Sign-Up process will begin this week. Please encourage your child to pay attention to the morning announcement and to check their email to keep their eyes open for important information about club sign ups.

Fall Sports Tryous:

For ONLY those students who have signed up and have been cleared by the Nurse, tryouts will be held this week after school. Please be sure to be on time as there is no Late Bus.

Tryout Schedule:

Boys & Girls Cross Country:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday until 4:30 PM

Field Hockey:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 5:00 PM

Girls Soccer:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 4:30 PM

Boys Soccer:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 4:30 PM

PTO Information:

CLICK HERE to Register and become a member of the UTSD PTO! We are still looking for two 6th grade coordinators to help plan events. Interested, please reach out to PTO@upperschools.org

Fundraiser

The PTO Charleston Wrap fundraiser kicks off today! With over 2,500 gift ideas – including holiday, birthday, and hostess gift ideas – there’s something for everyone. Register online today at www.registercw.com and help spread the word!

40% of each sale goes directly back to the PTO to help support our students, staff, and school community. Orders will remain open till October 31, 2026. CLICK HERE to shop now!

8th Grade Fall Fest

The 8th Grade Fall Fest will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 6-8pm at the Upper Township Community Center. CLICK HERE for all the event details. This event is exclusively for 8th graders and all proceeds will benefit the Class of 2027 graduation festivities. $15 pre-registration by October 1st, $20 at the door. Laser tag, DJ, games, prizes, basketball, photo booth, and much more. It's sure to be a great time!

8th Grade Fall Fest Registration

Student Dress:

Students are expected to dress in a manner which is appropriate for a public school setting. Clothing worn or items carried are not to be distracting to other students or disruptive to the normal routines and functions of the school. Student dress and grooming is a personal matter between students and their parents. The school, however, will enforce proper dress decorum if it jeopardizes the student's health, welfare, safety, interrupts the educational process or is offensive in nature to others.

General Reminders:

Students may not wear the following:

Tops that expose the midriff (belly) or back
Shoes that do not cover the toes
Pajama Pants
Shirts that make reference to sex, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, violence or profanity.
Shorts of and inappropriate length
Hats or Hoods

Code of Conduct:

The Upper Township School District Code of Conduct has been developed to help our students become compassionate and resilient individuals ready to impact the world around us, teach positive behavioral expectations and recognize students for demonstrating expected behaviors.

The rationale behind our approach is to cultivate a school community where students not only understand the consequences of their actions but also have the chance to learn from their mistakes. By utilizing a progression of interventions and consequences, we aim to guide students toward responsible decision-making, self-discipline, and accountability.

The purpose of this code of conduct is not only to address inappropriate behavior but also to equip students with the skills they need to navigate challenges and contribute positively to their own lives and the lives of others. By combining clear expectations, restorative practices, and supportive interventions, we strive to create an environment where all students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

Thank you for your partnership in upholding these principles and fostering a safe and nurturing educational experience for every member of our school community.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE PLAN

Principal's Corner: Principal's Corner:

Back To School Night: Back To School Night:

Important Dates & Events: Important Dates & Events: