Isanti Middle School

Parent/Family News November 5

Strong Communities -- Strong Schools

Strong communities have strong schools and our community turned out with strong support for our schools. We are grateful for their support of our students and our schools.

With 63% and 62% voter support on Questions 1 and 2, the Cambridge-Isanti Schools referendum was approved. A majority of voters supported the issue at each polling location.

Our community sent a strong message: our Bluejackets matter, our staff are valued, and together we want to provide an outstanding education for our students.

The referendum will help us:

Support student learning
Hire and retain high quality teachers
Reduce class sizes
Enhance vocational-technical career classes
Increase student opportunities to earn college credits

The funds approved will be collected on taxes payable in 2022 and will be applied to the 2022-2023 school district budget. So, we will not see the impact of the funding until next school year. Staffing for next school year traditionally begins in Spring, and at that time we will be able to lower class sizes.

This funding will provide $3.5 million per year (less than the $8.5 million cut over three years) so we will need to be careful and intentional about looking at hot spots and lowering class sizes in a way that can be sustained. A portion of the funds will be used to attract and retain teachers amid a teacher shortage in Minnesota. A portion of the money also has to be spent on vocational-technical and career education in our middle and high schools and adding more opportunities for earning college credit while in high school.

One question we are seeing often is whether we have enough open classrooms to hire more teachers and lower class sizes? Yes, we have some vacant classrooms from previous layoffs, and we have room to increase the number of classrooms or sections in various grade levels.

There will be much to sort out over the next several months and years as we plan for the future, but we are committed to remaining accountable to our community and working responsibly within our means to support our students.

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ENCORE

Morning Session: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM (45 Min)
Afternoon Session: 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM (45 Min)
ENCORE Brochure/Registration

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IMS Food Drive

November 3-19

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Winter Sports

Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Boys Swim & Dive (7-12 Program)
Gymnastics (7-12 Program)
Wrestling

Registration Online

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Free Web Filtering for Parents - Bark Jr.

As a parent, you probably know that keeping your kids from spending all day (and night!) on their devices can be a challenge, and you’re not alone. But finding a quick and easy way to manage screen time and filter the web doesn't have to be mission impossible — or cost an arm and a leg.

We've partnered with Bark to offer our families a free Bark Jr subscription for life!

($60/year value)

For more information please check the Parent News 10.20.21 edition.

Use the URL below to activate your free Bark Jr account:

https://www.bark.us/bark-jr/signup?ref=MG3XT4Y

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Important Upcoming Dates

November 3-19: IMS Food Drive

November 25-26: Happy Thanksgiving (No School)

December 7: Picture Retake Day

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Picture Retakes - December 7

Every Meal

Every Meal is an organization that provides weekend food to children right where they are – at school. Their broad network provides 4-5 pounds of substantive, nutritious food directly to the children. At the end of each school week we will have food bags available to students as they leave IMS. Please complete the enrollment form or contact Terri Emmons, Isanti Middle School School Counselor, at temmons@c-ischools.org or 763-691-8659 to enroll your child.