Mr. Warzecha's Weekly Newsletter

September 14th, 15th, & 16th: FastBridge Math

September 28th-October 2nd: Homecoming Week

October 6th: In Person Conferences (3-7 PM)

October 8th: Picture Retakes

October 8th: Virtual Conferences (3-7 PM)

October 15th- October 16th: No School (MEA)

October 26th -October 30th: Wolf Ridge Week

Parents & Students,

Reminder that we have AFAST testing for Math starting on Monday. If your child would to bring their own wired headphones, no bluetooth, for this testing it would be appreciated.

CHISAGO LAKES SPIRITWEAR

Are you in need of some Chisago Lakes clothing as we are set to begin the 2026/27 school year?

If you answered "Yes", look no further. Our CLMS PTO is offering an online store for the 2026/27 school year. The process is simple. You look through the clothing and accessories, choose an item you'd like to purchase and then customize it with one of the six designs available. The site offers direct shipping for customers convenience.

CLMS PTO gets a small percentage of items that are purchased. All proceeds of PTO sales goes directly back into supporting our students and staff at CLMS. Please check out the link below

https://www.chisagolakesspiritwear.com/

INTEREST IN JOINING CLMS PTO

If you are interested in being a part of this organization please email Chisagolakesmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com.

PTO Link: https://linktr.ee/clmspto

Some parents have reached out to staff letting us know that they have not received Minga messages. We were able to resolve this issue after school today. If you would like to know what the previous Wildcat Wows or Stop and Thinks stated please reach out to our Technology Coordinator, Katie Spooner @ kspooner@isd2144.org.

Congratulations to the following students for being recognized for Student of the Week. Every student who received a Wildcat Wow this week was eligible for this honor. These students receive a Front of the lunch line pass, 1 free Ala Carte Coupon, and get their photo taken for the newsletter.

6th Grade: Caleb Drews, Wyatt Grosz

7th Grade: Weston Zerwas, Samuel Johnson

8th Grade: Lacie Lund, Mimi Hackman

EVENT CODE: FE95726

We had a good opening week to our 2026 CLMS All School fundraiser this week. We have one more week to go in our campaign. Students can still send out additional emails if they so choose and Golden Tickets can still be turned in for prizes, and to get into the Big Prize drawing box.

Also, if students do not want to send out emails, but would like to participate and get entered in for prizes, cash or check donations of $50 or more would get you a Golden ticket entry for prizes as well, and would really help our school.

Thanks in advance for all your support in our fundraising effort.

Re: Student with AIRBORNE LATEX (natural rubber) ALLERGY

Dear Parents/Guardians of Chisago Lakes Middle School Students:

This letter is to inform you of a student at the middle school who has a SEVERE LATEX ALLERGY. This allergy is AIRBORNE. Exposure to even trace amounts of latex or latex powder can trigger a serious allergic reaction. Airborne latex allergies occur when natural rubber latex proteins, often attached to glove powder, a balloon, or even from a rubber band stretching, become aerosolized and inhaled.

Common latex exposures include: gloves, balloons, rubber bands, erasers, some sports equipment, bandages, art/science supplies.

There is no known cure for a latex allergy, and the only way to prevent reactions is strict avoidance of products containing natural rubber latex.

To ensure the safest environment possible, please do not allow your child to bring balloons into the middle school. Also, please do not allow your child to have balloons on the school bus.

Please reach out to Kori Severson, Licensed School Nurse, if there are any questions: 651-796-8676 or kseverson@isd2144.org

Sincerely,

Todd Warzecha Kori Severson RN, LSN

CLMS Principal Licensed School Nurse

651-213-2401 651-796-8676

CLMS is entering our 4th year of No Cell Phone from 7:40-2:20. The expectation as that Cell Phones should be stored in students lockers throughout the day. If students need to call home they can make these calls in the Main Office.

In March 15, 2025 state law required that all Minnesota school district have policies on cell phones. The purpose of this law is to minimize impact on academics and behavior.

Below you will find the steps that we will follow at CLMS connected to phone use throughout the day.

If misuse occurs:

• 1st Offense – Phone is put into the phone case on the teachers desk (Tech Ticket)

• 2nd Offense – Phone is stored in the office for the remainder of the day.

• 3rd Offense – Phone is student in the office for 5 consecutive days (Phone in the Office List)

• 4th Offense - Phone is stored in the office for 10 consecutive days (Parent Meeting)

• 5th + Offense - Administrator discretion

Headphones/Earbuds

In an attempt to reduce distractions at school, students will not be allowed to use wireless headphones/earbuds during the school day. Students will be permitted to use wired headphones with teacher permission. Students may appropriately use headphones before 7:40 a.m. and after 2:20 p.m. in the school building. Wireless headphones/earbuds should be turned off and stored in students lockers, or backpacks located in their lockers, throughout the school day. The school bears no responsibility if electronic devices are lost, stolen, or damaged anywhere on school property. The use of electronic devices that disrupts the classroom will lead to disciplinary action. Electronic devices unclaimed by July 1 will be donated to a charitable organization.

Smart Watches

In an attempt to reduce distractions at school, students will not be allowed to use smartwatches during the school day for purposes other than checking the time (i.e. texting, calling, etc. will not be permitted). Students may appropriately use smart watches before 7:40 a.m. and after 2:20 p.m. in the school building. The school bears no responsibility if electronic devices are lost, stolen, or damaged anywhere on school property. The use of electronic devices that disrupts the classroom will lead to disciplinary action. Electronic devices unclaimed by July 1 will be donated to a charitable organization.

Other Electronics

Music players, speakers, electronic games, laser pens, or other electronic devices are not permitted to be used during the school day.

What are the behavior procedures at CLMS?

1. Redirect- Students are given the opportunity to change their behavior. An example is if a student is blurting, are redirected by the teacher and stop, their is no further step required.

2. Stop & Think- A stop and think is the 2nd step in our discipline process. This occurs when a student has been redirected, often a couple of times, and has not changed the behavior. The student will be giving a Stop and Think ticket to fill out and turn back in to their teacher. This process allows the student to truly think about their behavior while remaining in the classroom.

3. Room 1 (Behavior Processing Room): A student is sent to Room 1 when they have been redirected, received a Stop and Think, and still have not changed their behaviors. Both Lakeside and Taylors Falls have behavioral rooms as a part of their process too. Once students arrive to Room 1 the purpose is to engage students in understanding what behaviors caused them to be sent and what choices they can make in the future. It goes down as a referral, however, the main purpose is to allow our students an opportunity to think, grow, and learn when they make mistakes.

4. Administrative Referral: Major behaviors will be covered by Mr. Gillach (Assistant Principal) or Todd Warzecha (Principal).

How do I know if my student gets a Stop & Think?

Our new system (Minga) will aid in this process. When a student receives a Stop and Think their teacher will record this on Minga. Minga will send out an email notification on what behavior led to the Stop & Think.

What do I need to do if I receive an email for a Stop & Think?

The first step is to understand our process. To know that this is something that we, as a school, want you to be aware of and talk to your child. The email you receive is No Reply. It is not necessary to reach out to your child's teacher if you receive an email. Stop and Thinks are the next step after redirection and do not come with a consequence until a student receives a set of 5 each quarter.

What are the consequences of my child if they receive a Stop & Think?

No behavioral consequences occur unless they receive a set of 5. After receiving 5 the consequence varies based on the grade level of the student.

What are the consequences of Stop & Thinks?

6th Grade:

1. 5=discipline referral, 1 lunch detention and parent/guardian contacted

2. 10=discipline referral, 2 lunch detentions, discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted

3. 15=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention, parent/guardian meeting after the detention.

4. 20=discipline referral, 2 days after school detention, discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted,

5. 20+ - Next steps and consequences determined by Administration

7th Grade:

1. 5=discipline referral, 2 lunch detention and parent/guardian contacted

2. 10=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention, parent/ guardian meeting after the detention

3. 15=discipline referral, 2 days after school detention, parent/guardian discussion after the detention.

4. 15+= Next steps and consequences determined by Administration

8th Grade:

1. 5=discipline referral, 1 day after school detention and parent/guardian contacted

2. 10=discipline referral, 2 day after school detention discussion with student and parent/guardian contacted

3. 10+= Next steps and consequences determined by Administration

Why are their different consequences for each grade level?

This is a systematic approach to have procedures in place for success at CLMS as well as success as they will eventually transition to our high school. Our priority is involving parents in the process to collaborate on solutions if Stop and Thinks for a student accumulate.

What is a Wildcat Wow?

A Wildcat Wow is earned by a student who is making a difference at CLMS. We focus on our High Five which consists of Commitment, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility.

How will parents/guardians be notified if their child received a Wildcat Wow?

Parents will receive an email from Minga. The email will be No Reply. The purpose is to keep parents/guardians in the loop of the great things their children are doing at CLMS.

Chisago Lakes Middle School is excited to partner with Family Pathways to offer the “Food4Kids Backpack Program.”

The “Food4Kids Backpack Program” provides a bag of nonperishable food items to students in need, when school meal programs are not available (weekends, breaks, holidays, etc.). These bags will be discreetly and confidentially placed in students’ lockers on Thursdays after lunch. The contents of the bags will provide enough food to replace meals that the students would have received at school. (e.g. two breakfast options, two lunch options, two snack options, one can of fruit and one can of vegetables).

This program is available to all students, regardless of income. It will be handled discreetly and confidentially. This is a completely voluntary and confidential program. If you are interested, please fill out the information on this form and send in your request. Anyone may join this program at any time during the school year. To register please fill out the form HERE.

If you have questions regarding the Food4Kids Backpack Program, please contact Melinda Tinjum mtinjum@isd2144.org or 651-213-2409.

Exciting Changes Coming to Middle School Meals!

New Digital Menu Boards

Students will see digital menu boards in three locations:

• Hallway leading to the meal lines

• Near the meal lines in the gym

• Above the À La Carte/Lunch Express line in the cafeteria

The displays will help students quickly see what’s being served, which line to use, and available À La Carte items and pricing—helping lines move more efficiently.

Introducing the Lunch Express Line

Following a successful pilot last year, the Lunch Express Line is now an official daily option! Students can choose from a variety of wraps, sandwiches, salads, fruit, vegetables, and milk to create a complete, reimbursable school lunch included in the Free Meal Program. The Lunch Express Line can be found in the cafeteria where A' la carte is sold.

Adding Smucker’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Uncrustable Sandwiches to the Lunch Line-Up.

Research shows reintroducing peanut products in schools has not led to an increase in allergic reactions. Being that students are already allowed to bring peanut items from home, this change allows us to offer more meal choices right at school while bringing back a longtime favorite!

How we keep students safe:

• Sandwiches are clearly labeled indicating “peanut butter”

• Bright & clear signage near sandwiches

• District existing allergen protocols remain in place

With the safety steps in place and thoughtful rollout involving school administrators, nursing staff, and food services, we’re confident this change will add some nice variety and convenience for those who want it.

Zombie Spiders, Heroes, & Trivia Battles!

Looking for something awesome to do during study hall? Battle of the Books (B.O.B) is back!

Meet up every Thursday during 8th Hour to read top-tier 2027 Maud Hart Lovelace nominees like The No-Brainer's Guide to Decomposition, The Trouble with Heroes and more. Team up with friends, chat about wild stories, and prep for trivia glory!

• First Meeting: Thursday, September 24

• When: Thursdays during 8th Hour Study Hall

• Where: Library Media Center

How to Join: Be sure to sign up with Mrs. Denney or Mrs. Saueressig by September 24 for the first meeting!

Your Guide to the Wildcat Community Center (WCC)

As we get ready for another exciting school year, we want to welcome all of our middle school students to the Wildcat Community Center (WCC)! Whether you're looking to shoot hoops, work out, swim, hang out with friends, or participate in one of our many programs, we're excited to see you this school year.

• Before You Come to the WCC

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review the following requirements before your first visit.

• Student Age Requirement

Students must be at least 12 years old to use the Wildcat Community Center without a parent or guardian present.

• Parent Permission Required

If your child will be visiting the WCC without a parent or guardian click one of the blue links below, we must have one of the following on file before they are allowed to enter independently:

• A completed Daily Use Form signed by a parent or guardian, or
• An active WCC Membership with the parent/guardian authorization completed during registration.

Having one of these completed ahead of time will make check-in quick and easy!

If you have any questions, please contact the Wildcat Community Center. Our staff is always happy to help.

Have a safe and amazing school year—we'll see you at the WCC!