Big Reds Family News
October 2026
A note from the PrinciPals
It may still feel like summer, but fall is in full swing and MHS is settling into the routines of the school year. With 5 weeks of classes and activities under our belts, now would be a great time to check-in with your student about how things are going. Check PowerSchool for grades and attendance, and ask your child about their routines, friendships, and activities. Encourage your child to get involved with one of the many sports, clubs, or other activities available. Being an active part of the school community is an important part of feeling connected and happy.
The 3rd week of October is School Safety Week. During this time we focus on school safety protocols and procedures, making sure that staff and students know what to do in case of an emergency. Having these conversations, and practicing what to do in case of a real emergency are important steps that we take as a school community to keep staff and students safe. The flyers below outline the new procedures. Take a moment to talk to your child about their school safety plan, and encourage them to participate meaningfully in drills and conversations about school safety.
Work Permits now available online through Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is preparing to launch the new Youth Employment Permit Portal, a centralized online system that will modernize the state’s youth employment permit process and make it more convenient and accessible for minors, families and employers. Local school districts and nonpublic schools will no longer issue youth employment permits.
Beginning Oct. 2, employers and minors will use the new portal to complete the youth employment permit process through one statewide system. For additional information and updates, visit Michigan.gov/YouthEmployment.
🗓 Coming Up!
Picture Retake Day is October 27th
If you missed the original picture day, or want a chance to try again, our final opportunity will be on Tuesday, October 27th. Picture forms available in the main office, or you can click on this link to order
MAS event at Wiard's to support the MMS PTO
The Milan Middle School PTO has planned a fun fall evening for our district to come together and enjoy! Join us at Wiard’s Country Fair on Thursday, October 8th from 4–6 PM for an evening of fall fun.
Each ticket includes cider, a donut, and a small pumpkin to take home, plus all the attractions listed below.
We know fall is a busy time for families, but if you’re available, we’d love for you to join us, spend time together, and enjoy everything the season has to offer as one big MAS family!
Register and pay here
Additional Activities include:
- Old West Wagon Rides (Basically a hayride with no hay)
- The Spine Chilling MindShaft - Dark & Spooky
- Corn Maze
- Animal Petting Farm
- The Learning Barn
- Fort Wiard Miniature Golf
- Corn Queen Combine Playground
- Old West Swings
- Lil Folks Playground
- Straw Mountain Play Area
- Captain Wiard's Playground
- Chipmunk Corner
- Valley View Mountain Slides
- Pappy Apple Play Area
- The Country Store is also open!
Event Information
Event Information
Tips for meaningful and successful parent-teacher conferences
- Talk to your child beforehand and assure them that you are going to talk to their teachers in order to learn about what they are doing in school, and how you can help support their learning. Ask your child if he or she has any specific concerns about classwork, assessments, or the classroom environment.
- Familiarize yourself with classroom expectations and assignments. Review materials such as course syllabus, class assignments, and Google Classroom posts in order to have a better idea of what is expected of your child. This helps to inform your conversations with teachers.
- Make a list of questions to ask your child's teachers: Is my child completing assignments? Is my child engaged in classwork? Does my child struggle with focus or behavior issues? What are my child's strengths? What are their weaknesses? How can I best support my child's learning?
Coming to these important meetings prepared will help you and your child get the most out of the conference and can be an important step in the learning process.
MAS Spring testing schedule
For your planning purposes, this is a timeline of testing that will happen this spring. Additionally, AP testing will take place the first 2 weeks in May.
Counselor's Corner
Class of 2027 information
The Class of 2027 kicked off senior year with a senior class meeting. Please see here for the information that was shared with all students.
Class of 2028 information
The class of 2028 also has a lot going on as they prepare for their junior year. Please see here for the information that was shared with all students.
October is College Application Month
Want to save some money on your college applications? Apply for FREE to most colleges in Michigan during the month of October. Please note: MSU is only free for October 1-15.
AP Exam Registration Deadline- October 22
It is time to order Advanced Placement (AP) tests for spring! Each AP test costs $99, and payments and forms (form linked below) are due by Thursday, October 22, 2026. Students will need to turn in this form and select to test online through AP Central by October 22, 2026.
There is a $40 late registration fee from College Board. If you cancel your test after November 14th, there is a $40 cancellation fee.
If you qualify for reduced or free lunch, you qualify for a reduced price of $15 per test. If a payment plan is needed, please contact Mrs. Barbara at barbarac@milanareaschools.org or 734-439-5026. Test accommodations may be available for students with IEPs or 504s. If you have an IEP or 504 and wish to apply for accommodations, please see Mrs. Barbara by December 4th.
The FAFSA Opens in October!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available starting October 1. For more information about the FAFSA and steps for completing it, please visit the MI Student Aid website here. Students who plan to use the Community College Guarantee in order to receive two free years of community college must complete the FAFSA in order to receive those funds.
Check out the newsletter from SWWC to learn all about what is happening with our Consortium students.
Tutoring available M-Th until 3:30 with Mrs. Hammer in the library
Mental Health Support from the WISD
WISD offers free, online workshops on a variety of mental health topics for Washtenaw County parents, caregivers, school staff, and adults who work with children. Our first workshop of the 2026-27 school year is Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
We are excited to have UM child psychologist, Alejandra Arango, PhD provide us with practical tools for understanding and supporting youth experiencing depression, including how to recognize signs and understand suicide risk and prevention. We’ll also focus on the importance of connection and offer practical strategies for strengthening relationships with youth, navigating common barriers, and responding in ways that support their well-being.
Register here. Share this flyer with anyone you know who might be interested in attending.
You can access recordings of past workshops on a variety of different topics.
Vouchers for winter clothing available
Elise HIll, the District Social Worker has vouchers available. She can be reached at 734-439-5086 or hille@milanareaschools.org.
Contact MHS
Kristyn Pierfelice- Principal pierfelicek@milanareaschools.org
Michelle Enochs- Assistant Principal enochsm@milanareaschools.org
Main office phone (734)439-5000