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Good People,

Meet Our School Social Workers Ms Becky and Ms Parker!

Our School Social Workers play a vital role in supporting our students' mental health, emotional well-being, and academic growth. They work closely with students, families, and staff to provide counseling, crisis support, and connections to essential community resources. Whether helping a student navigate peer relationships, offering a quiet space during a tough day, or partnering with families to remove barriers to learning, our social workers are here to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and ready to thrive. We are so grateful for both Parker and Becky! Please don't hesitate to reach out to them if you need anything: becky.wessman@mpls.k12.mn.us and parker.holmboe@mpls.k12.mn.us

In Partnership,

Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Ed.S.

Principal

Maria Sanford Middle School

We want every child’s school day to start and end on a positive, safe note! Today, our team visited buses across the school to connect with students and remind them about staying seated while the bus is in motion. We would greatly appreciate your help in reinforcing this message at home. Please also remind your student that if something feels unsafe, speaking up to the bus driver or another staff member is always the right thing to do. Below you will find the advisory slide from a few weeks ago to review. The kids love the School Bus Safety Rules video, you may want to mention it and see their reaction!

With our change to no student assigned chromebooks comes the adjustment to how will my student access mypath. Please know that your student can access their 10-20 minute weekly lesson through any device(at home or library) using clever. If this is a challenge please reach out to your math teacher. Here is the Link to Clever.

It is National Walk and Bike to School day on Wednesday October 7.

Join the PTA BIKE TRAIN at the meeting points between Lake Hiawatha Park and Sanford.

Come for the donuts. Stay for the fun!

Details can be found on the map and flyer.

¡Hola! Hello!

The Roosevelt Culinary program is hosting a Community Meal on Thursday, October 9, from 5-7pm, celebrating Latino Heritage Month. All are welcome. ¡Son todos bienvenidos!

This year the format of fall conferences will be similar to last year in that on October 13 from 4:00-8:00pm we will host a drop-in style conferences in the gym and a few classrooms on the main floor. On October 14 we will have scheduled conferences from 8:00-4:00pm. Your students' teachers will be sending talking points messages directly to you with their google calendar booking page (we are no longer using myconference time) for you to book directly with your students' teachers for the scheduled conferences.

Here is a list of all the teachers booking pages: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ep6nvYK6S2KvFwDtuE_b_B-qrAIhkYULS2my0t0g7bg/edit?usp=sharing

In Infinte Campus families can view lots of data; Grades, Attendance, and more. Portal is translated to Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. This can also help them complete OLR registrations.

What else can parents do in Portal? You Can View:

• Grades

• Attendance

• Assignments

• Schedules

• Teacher contact info

• Bus schedules

• And much more

You Can Update: parents can update the following information

• Attendance requests

• Address/household changes

• Family contacts (phone, email)

• School change requests (OLR)

• Emergency contacts

School Grounds Clean up on October 12

The Sanford PTA is hosting a school grounds clean-up on Monday, October 12, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Meet in the school courtyard on 36th Street. We need volunteers (students and adults!) to make this event happen. Families with Roosevelt students, note that your high schoolers will receive service hours for helping, so bring them along, too!

We've got some specific grounds improvement ideas planned. The PTA will provide materials and some beverages and snacks. Blue Door Pub offers $5 burgers on Mondays for those interested in eating and socializing afterwards.

Sanford Night Out Fundraiser October 29th

Save the Date for Sanford Night Out! The event will be held at Arbeiter Brewing on October 29th from 5p-8p. Join us for a kid free night of craft beer, snacks and a silent auction to support our school. There is a suggested admission donation of $10/person. All are welcome! We hope to see you there!

We are still looking for donations for our silent auction. Contact Allison Bodkin at allisonfbodkin@yahoo.com with your donations or questions.

Sanford Volunteer Signup

Caregivers and grandparents! Could you give an hour or two of your day every month? Every week?! Are you unsure but want to know more about how you can help out at Sanford? Complete the signup and we'll be in touch. Thank you!

Our Next Meeting is October 20th

Join us at our next meeting on October 20th from 6:30-8:00p. Note the new time to accommodate Site Council. Enter through the main entrance at Door 12. All are welcome!

PTA Email Communication

Want to know more about what is happening at Sanford? You can sign up for our email communications by sending an email to: sanfordmspta@gmail.com.

Website

If you have a student with dyslexia or reading challenges, the Dyslexia Family Fun Connection hosted at Groves Learning Organization is a wonderful space where your whole family can feel truly understood, supported, and connected.

Originally inspired and started by a MPS Sanford student, this event is designed to bring families together in a welcoming, low-pressure, and fun environment. It’s a great opportunity to share experiences, build community, and remind children that they are never alone on their journey.

Whether you are looking to plug into a broader network of support or just want to enjoy a fun outing with families who "get it," we encourage you to check it out.

Want to learn more or see upcoming event details? Visit the event page: https://www.groveslearning.org/event/dyslexia-family-fun-connection/

October 7, 2026: Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day

October 12, 2026: Indigenous Peoples Day

October 13, 2026: Fall Conferences 4-8:00pm - Drop-in the gym

October 14, 2026: Fall Conferences 8:00-4:00pm - Scheduled Appointments

No School October 14-16, 2026

Ms. Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Principal

naida.grussing-neitzel@mpls.k12.mn.us

Cell Phone: 612-730-1803

Sanford Middle School
3524 42nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Student School Hours: 8:40 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Main Office Phone: 612-668-4900

School Calendar

Athletics

Parent Portal (Infinite Campus) - Call the main office for the activation code if you need it!

School Instagram

Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

Previous Sanford Family Newsletters

Please consider donating to support our school supply needs through the Sanford PTA: https://giving.gofundme.com/campaign/811436/donate