IMMS Family Flier
November 2, 2025
A Note from Ms. Thomas and Mr. Jondle
Dear Indian Mound Families,
It’s hard to believe we’re already entering November and the final week of the first quarter! We’re so proud of the effort and growth we’ve seen from our students so far this fall. As we wrap up the quarter, it’s a great time to celebrate progress and set goals for the months ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support—our school community is stronger because of it. We’re looking forward to a great start to the second quarter and all the learning and connections still to come.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us make IMMS a safe and welcoming place for all students.
In Service,
Jamie Thomas, Principal
Brett Jondle, Associate Principal
Important Dates
- Nov. 4: 6th Grade Band/Choir/Orchestra Concert 7:00
- Nov. 4: 7th Grade Courage Retreat
- Nov. 5: 7th/8th Band Solo Festival @ IMMS 4:15-8:00
- Nov. 7: End of 1st Quarter
- Nov. 7: Monthly Celebration Assembly 8:30 am
- Nov. 10: Start 2nd Quarter
- Nov. 19: Choir/Orchestra Solo/Ensemble @ IMMS 4:15-8:00
- Nov. 26-28: No School - Fall Break
- Dec. 22 - Jan. 2: No School - Winter Break
- 25-26 IMMS Sports: LINK
Outdoor Recess and Weather
As the weather continues to cool down and the seasons change, we wanted to provide a few reminders that we will/have been sharing with your scholar:
- Students should take their coats/sweatshirts/hats with them to lunch to avoid having to have to go to their locker/backpacks after being dismissed from lunch to recess
- To allow students the chance to eat at their own pace, there are two waves of dismissal from lunches. The first wave of dismissal happens 15 minutes into lunch (for those who are finished and want to get outside right away). The second wave of dismissal occurs twenty minutes into lunch (lunch/recess is thirty minutes total).
- The expectation is that at this point, all students must go outside for recess. Please continue to encourage this with your scholar
Swim Unit
Upcoming Swim Unit Info:
October 27-November 7
6th Grade
Mr. Hartlaub’s Classes
7th Grade
Mr Hartlaub’s Classes
8th Grade
Mr. Hartlaub’s Classes
Mr. Wilberg’s Classes
November 10-21
6th Grade
Ms. Madeiros’ Classes
Mr. Wilberg’s Classes
7th Grade
Mr. Wilberg’s Classes
8th Grade
Ms. Madeiros’ Classes
Students need to bring:
Swimsuit (no 2 piece suits/t-shirt over swimsuit is ok)
Towel
Sandals for walking on the pool deck is a good idea
Hair tie for long hair is preferred
Goggles are option but encouraged
Lotion is optional but encouraged
IMMS Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities
One of the most exciting things about IMMS is that we have multiple clubs and activities for students to be a part of. Check out our Daily Announcements LINK for clubs and co-curriculars. Try something that interests you!
Student Services
6 Ways to Help Teens Build Confidence and Resilience
As parents, caregivers, and community members, we all want to see our teens feel confident and capable as they grow. Here are six simple, everyday ways to support them:
1. Encourage Being Themselves
Remind teens that what they see online isn’t the full picture—most of it is just highlights. Help them appreciate what makes them unique and celebrate their real, unfiltered selves.
2. Set Healthy Limits with Screens
Work together to find balance with social media and tech use. Encourage activities that bring real joy—like sports, art, reading, or just spending time with friends and family offline.
3. Talk About What They See Online
Help teens think critically about the content they scroll through. Ask questions like, “Do you think that photo was edited?” or “What do you think this post is trying to promote?”
4. Strengthen Real-Life Connections
Encourage time with people who make them feel seen, supported, and accepted. Strong relationships in the real world help teens rely less on online approval.
5. Be a Role Model for Self-Kindness
Share your own stories about challenges or self-doubt—and how you learned to show yourself compassion. Teens learn a lot by watching how adults handle tough moments.
6. Make Mental Health Support Normal
Let teens know it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s talking with a school counselor, therapist, or trusted adult, remind them that reaching out takes courage, not weakness.
Donation Opportunities
We are looking for snack donations that we can give to students who may not be able to provide their own. We are specifically looking for nut-free, nonperishable, healthy, single-serving snacks.
Please either go to this Amazon link to contribute to the Snack Fund or to purchase specific popular snacks on our registry; or purchase snacks elsewhere and drop them off at the IMMS Student Services office.
Thank you.
Attendance information and tips
Common Reasons for Absenteeism
Feeling tired or unmotivated to go in the morning
Staying home for mild illnesses that don’t require absence
Transportation challenges
Lack of supervision or morning routines
Other family or home-based factors
If your family is experiencing any of these challenges,please reach out for support, resources, or to work together on improving attendance.
Lauren Noriega noriegl@mcfsd.org 608-838-4578
Family Information Regarding Student Learning
Below, you will find the "Hubs" (aka Task-List) for each grade level and Related Arts. You can click on the "Hub" to get information on what your scholar is doing in class, assignments, and assessments. As always, please use Infinite Campus to look up progress grades and turned in assignments.
Here are some helpful tips and videos that may be useful:
How to log-in to Infinite Campus (38 second video) or HelpDoc
How to check your scholar’s missing assignments (2 min. video) or HelpDoc
What are Conduct and Effort Scores? (2.5 min. video)
How to check your scholar’s Conduct and Effort Scores (3 min. video) or HelpDoc
Student Expectations
- Be on Time! School starts at 8:20am. Students who arrive after 8:20am (without a medical note/appointment note, etc.) will be marked as tardy. After five tardies in one quarter, a check in meeting with the student, as well as contact home will occur to partner on ways to get the student to school on time.
- Off and Away! Cell phones and headphones must be off and away starting at 8:15am.
- Caffeinated Drinks: students may not consume caffeinated drinks at school from 8:15am-3:30pm.
- Respect the Bubble: An area of focus this year is to teach and re-teach the importance of having students keep their hands, feet, and objects to themself. If you see this behavior, please continue to reinforce the "Respect the Bubble" expectation
Volunteer Opportunities
More to come...
McFarland Music Boosters Fruit and Kringle Sale - Oct 27-Nov. 9 MGM Youth Wrestling “Give it a Try” Open Mat Dates - October 7 - November 5 E.D. Locke Teen After Hours Nerf Night - November 7 MHS DECA Young Entrepreneurs Event - November 21 Madison Ballet 2025-26 Academic Year Information Futura 2025-26 Spanish Program at MPS and WIS E.D. Locke Library 500 Books Before Middle School Program E.D. Locke Library K-2 Magic Tree House Book Club - 2nd Tuesdays E.D. Locke Library K-5 Lego Club - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays through December E.D. Locke Library 3-5 Graphic Novel Book Club - Third Tuesdays E.D. Locke Library Teen Snack & Chat - Mondays E.D. Locke Library Teen UnBook Club - First Thursdays E.D. Locke Library VolunTeen Program - Third Tuesdays Free Triple P Positive Parenting Online Program for WI Families
Health Services
School Meal Nutritional Information
For families whose children have special dietary needs, such as a food allergy or diabetes, it is important to know what's on the school lunch menu. You can find detailed nutrition information for our school's hot lunch (& breakfast) program by visiting My School Menu. Please see the instructions linked here.
While menus may change due to product availability, families will be notified in advance of any updates. Students can also access this information on their Chromebooks or phones (high school students only, during passing period/lunch). We encourage families and students to review menu and nutritional information prior to each day to ensure a safe and healthy meal choice.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Health Services or School Nutrition department.
District News
McFarland EC-8 PTO Message
Did you know the McFarland PTO provides the funds for school author visits and books for classroom libraries. Thanks to the no hassle fundraiser that occurs every May, the books are prepaid for the upcoming year. This is such a great opportunity for children to be exposed to authors, reading, and writing.
District Recognition Days
November is….
Native American Heritage Month
Youth Homelessness Awareness Month
National Veterans and Military Families Month
November 1: Dia de los Muertos
November 1-2: Hmong New Year Madison, Wisconsin
November 3-7: School Psychology Week
November 3-7: WIS Family/Teacher Conferences
November 11: Veterans Day
November 19: Education Support Professionals Day
November 21: Substitute Educators Day
November 26-28: Fall Break, No School
November 27: Thanksgiving Day
November 29: Native American Heritage Day
The McFarland School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.