Wildcat Weekly
Week of August 24th
Dear MMS Families,
A big thank-you to all of our parents who joined us for Parent-Teacher Conferences last night and those who will be joining us tonight! A special thank-you to our PTO and the many families who helped provide meals, snacks, and coffee for our teachers during these two long days. We are so grateful for our supportive school community!
A couple of important reminders as we head into the long weekend. There is no school tomorrow or Monday. Next week is also the final week of Quarter 1! All student work must be turned in by Friday, 10/16.
Lastly, parents, we need your help! We have been struggling with students arriving at school with Chromebooks that are not charged. Part of being prepared for learning each day is having a fully charged Chromebook. When students arrive with dead batteries, it disrupts both their learning and the classroom as teachers need to stop instruction to find chargers, send students to the library for loaners, etc. Please help us by establishing a consistent routine at home where your child plugs in their Chromebook every evening. This small habit would make a big difference in our classrooms. Thank you for your partnership!
I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!
-Mr. Olson, Principal, Medinah Middle School
Thank You, Parents & PTO!
A big thank you to all of our parents and families who attended Parent/Teacher Conferences! We appreciate you taking the time to meet with our teachers and partner with us to support your child’s success.
A special thank you to our wonderful PTO for providing dinner for our staff during conferences. Your generosity and support are truly appreciated!
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete our Parent/Teacher Conference Survey and share your feedback with us. Your input helps us continue to make conferences a positive and valuable experience for our families.
🎭 Introducing Our New Drama Club!
Medinah Middle School is excited to announce the creation of our new Drama Club! We will be doing a variety of fun activities, such as improv, one-acts and readers' theater. We will also play interactive games to help students feel comfortable with speaking and acting in front of their peers. If we have enough interest, we hope to have a performance at the end of the year to share with families. The cost for the club is $5 per student to cover the costs of scripts and supplies. Forms with payment information will be sent home with students in the next couple of weeks. We will meet on Tuesdays starting October 13 after school until 4:15 pm. Please contact Mr. Bolz, Miss Knoll or Mrs. Wortsman with any questions.
October's Key of Excellence: Failure Leads to Success
Throughout October, we are focusing on the second of our 8 Keys of Excellence: Failure Leads to Success! This key is all about helping students understand that mistakes and setbacks are an important part of learning and growing. We want students to be willing to try challenging things, take risks, and step outside their comfort zones, knowing that they won't always get everything right the first time. What matters most is how we learn from those experiences, keep trying, and use them to get better.
Throughout the month, we will be challenging students through our morning announcements to put this key into practice. We encourage you to reinforce this message at home, too!
🎃 Psst… Secret Parent Volunteers Needed!
One of our favorite MMS traditions is coming up! On October 30th, students are invited to wear a school-approved Halloween costume, and we’ll end the day with our annual Minute to Win It Assembly — students vs. staff!
Last year, we added a parent team for the first time, and it was an absolute blast! We’d love to do it again and are looking for a few parents willing to join the fun. Shhh...it’s a surprise for the students!
Parent volunteers would arrive at MMS at approximately 2:00 p.m. on October 30th, wear a costume if you’d like, and be ready to get a little silly and competitive! Each parent will participate in a Minute to Win It-style game against our students and staff.
Interested? Please email Mr. Olson at stolson@medinah11.org. If we have more interest than available spots, volunteers will be randomly selected and everyone who reaches out will be notified.
MMS Curriculum & Programming Guide
Have you checked out our new MMS Curriculum & Programming Guide? Take a look to learn more about the meaningful learning opportunities, programs, supports, and experiences that make up the MMS experience. Click below to check it out!
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!
PTO News
Order your 2026 - 2027 Yearbook
Homework Help Available!
Important Dates
Friday, October 9th
- No School
Monday, October 12th
- No School
Thursday, October 15th
- Taffy Apple Sales Due
Thursday, October 22nd
- Early Dismissal - 2pm
Thursday, October 29th
- Fall Picture Re-takes
Friday, October 30th
- Halloween Assembly
Wildcat Snapshots
🏆 **7th & 8th Grade Girls Cross Country Win Conference!**
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.
🎮 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
Alma on Your Phone! 📱
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