Kasson-Mantorville Middle School

Dear KMMS Families,

I hope this message finds you healthy and well. It’s hard to believe how quickly September has passed — it’s been a busy and exciting month at Kasson-Mantorville Middle School. We recently wrapped up another successful Homecoming Week, and I want to commend our students for the outstanding way they represented KoMet Pride both in and out of the classroom. Their enthusiasm, participation, and respectful behavior made the week a memorable one. Thank you, families, for your continued support and involvement in helping make KMMS such a special place.

Middle School Conferences – Thursday, October 22, 2026

Open House Conferences will be held from 3:30 to 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 22, 2026. All parents and guardians are welcomed to attend. At 5:00 pm, KMMS will transition to scheduled conferences.

Scheduled conferences will be held from 5:00-6:30 pm on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Scheduled conferences are invite only.

Conferences are an important opportunity to connect with teachers, discuss your child’s progress, and work together to set goals for the remainder of the quarter. Our shared priority is to ensure every student is supported and set up for success — both academically and personally. We look forward to partnering with you during this important event.

KMMS Community Service Day – Tuesday, October 13

One of the highlights of our school year is the annual KMMS Community Service Day, taking place on Tuesday, October 13. This tradition gives our students the chance to serve the Kasson and Mantorville communities and express gratitude for the incredible support we receive year-round. It’s a meaningful day that fosters connection, responsibility, and civic pride.

In the coming days, you’ll receive additional details from your child’s KoMet Time teacher outlining the schedule, including breakfast, lunch, service projects, and activities. As always, please keep the unpredictable October weather in mind when preparing for the day. We’ll provide updates as the date approaches.

Halloween Expectations – Friday, October 30

As we look ahead to Halloween, I want to remind families of our expectations for the day. Students are not permitted to wear costumes at school on Friday, October 30. We treat Halloween as a regular instructional day and appreciate your support in maintaining this focus.

6th Grade – Eagle Bluff Field Experience

Our 6th grade students are eagerly preparing for their Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center trip in Lanesboro, MN, a three-day, two-night outdoor education experience designed to build community, foster environmental stewardship, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork and problem-solving.

The program provides opportunities to:

• Foster respect, stewardship, and a sense of community

• Build teamwork, problem-solving, and other essential life skills

• Increase environmental awareness and academic literacy

• Encourage positive outdoor experiences

• Spark curiosity and appreciation for the natural world

Please review the packing list and expectations with your child to ensure they are prepared — dressing in layers and bringing clothes suitable for outdoor, potentially wet and muddy activities is highly recommended. A huge thank you to the parent volunteers who are helping make this experience possible!

Important Dates

October will be a full and exciting month at KMMS. Please review the upcoming events below and mark your calendars. We appreciate your continued partnership and support — together, we can ensure a successful and meaningful school year for every student.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Together in KoMet Pride,

Josh Larsen

Principal

Wednesday, October 7th - Student Flu Shot Clinic (Students must be signed up online prior)

Tuesday, October 13th - Community Service Day

Wednesday, October 14th - 16th - No School

Thursday, October 22nd - KMMS Conferences

• Open House from 3:30-5:00
• Scheduled from 5:00-6:30

Tuesday, October 27th - Picture Retake

Thursday, October 29th - Grade 8 Choir Concert @ 7:30pm in the MN WiFi Performing Arts Center

Friday, October 30th - 5/6 Fun Night from 6 - 8pm - $5 Admission

This is a friendly reminder for incoming 7th graders, that they must have immunizations turned in before the first day of the 2026-2027 school year. The Meningococcal and Tdap immunization are required. Should you prefer to exempt your child from immunizations, please contact Nurse Ashley for the exemption form.

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions please contact Nurse Ashley @ a.greer@komets.k12.mn.us.

KMMS Robotics is back for its fourth season! Robotics gives students the opportunity to design, build, program, and compete with VEX robots while developing skills in engineering, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.

This year, the team will be open to 6th–8th grade students, with space for 24 students total. Because robotics is part of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, students will complete an application as part of the selection process.

Important Dates

Wednesday, October 7: Applications available in the KMMS Office
Wednesday, October 21: Applications due to the KMMS Office
Friday, October 23: First Robotics practice

Students who are interested should pick up an application in the office, complete it, and return it to the office by Wednesday, October 21.

I’m excited to see what this year’s students design, build, and accomplish!

Questions?
Isaac Ydstie, Robotics Coach
i.ydstie@komets.k12.mn.us
507-634-1654

Did you know your Hy-Vee receipts can help support our students? Last year, thanks to the generosity of our families and community, we raised an incredible $1,076.43 through the Hy-Vee Cash program!

It’s an easy way to give back—simply turn in your Hy-Vee receipts to the middle school office and your everyday grocery shopping can help provide additional support and opportunities for our students.

Every receipt makes a difference, and every dollar adds up! Thank you for helping make our schools and students stronger.

Keep those receipts coming!

If you forgot to purchase your middle schooler a yearbook, not to worry. The middle school office has some yearbooks available for purchase. They are $25 and payments can be cash or check (made out to KMMS).

What is Food for Friends?

Food for Friends is a program that provides nutritious, child-friendly, and easy-to-prepare foods to Kasson-Mantorville students who would benefit from additional assistance on weekends and on school breaks. There is no cost to the student or family to participate in Food for Friends.

We are excited to welcome Libby, our new School-Based Mental Health Therapist from Family Service Rochester! Libby will be collaborating with our District School Counselors and Social Workers to provide therapeutic services to K-12 students.

If you think your child may benefit from mental health services, please contact the middle school office for more information. Once a child is referred to School-Based Mental Health, an initial consultation will be scheduled and a diagnostic assessment completed. All School-Based Mental Health Services will be billed to family insurance plans.

Address: 1400 5th Ave NE, Kasson, MN USA

Phone # 507-634-4030

School Website

Facebook

Office Staff

Josh Larsen, Principal: j.larsen@komets.k12.mn.us

Sarah Simon, TLC: s.simon@komets.k12.mn.us

Brianna Kirchner, Counselor: b.kirchner@komets.k12.mn.us

Jesse Torres, Social Worker: j.torres@komets.k12.mn.us

Sally Smith, Secretary: sally.smith@komets.k12.mn.us

Emily Mehling, Secretary: e.mehling@komets.k12.mn.us

Ashley Greer, MS Nurse: a.greer@komets.k12.mn.us