MMS Monthly Memo

October was a bustling month at Marshall Middle School! We successfully completed vision and hearing screenings, hosted parent/guardian/teacher conferences, enjoyed our first school dance, held a flu shot clinic, and wrapped up our fall activities.

Looking ahead, November promises to be just as eventful. We will kick off the month with our first quarterly celebration, recognizing and rewarding students who have consistently demonstrated our Tiger Traits of respect, responsibility, and pride during the first quarter. As part of this celebration, we will be watching the movie “Inside Out 2.”

Additionally, our club activities are in full swing, offering students opportunities to join the Conservation Crew, Knowledge Bowl, and FCA. Sports activities are also gearing up, and Amber Gorter from the High School Activities Department will be available on Wednesday, November 6 during 7th and 8th grade lunch to answer any questions about winter sports registration.

We deeply value the partnership between our families and the school. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help!

Peggy Reynolds, MMS Principal

peggy.reynolds@marshall.k12.mn.us

Bennett Appel, Assistant Principal

bennett.appel@marshall.k12.mn.us

4 – Quarter 2 begins

4-8 – Scholastic Book Fair in Middle School Library

6 – 2:20 dismissal

8 – Quarter 1 Celebration

13 – 2:20 dismissal

16 – Kindness Closet open from 9-noon

20 – 2:20 dismissal

21 – Middle School Band Concert

• 6:00 – 5th and 7th grade
• 7:30 - 6th and 8th grade

• 6:00 - Orchestra 5-8
• 7:30 - Choirs 7/8

The Marshall Middle School has implemented BARR school-wide this year. BARR — Building Assets, Reducing Risks — is an evidence-based system that provides our school with a strength-based comprehensive approach to meeting the academic and non-academic needs of all students. Through BARR, we work to harness the power of relationships and data to remove barriers to learning and ensure that no student is invisible at Marshall Middle School. All 5th -8th students are grouped into block teams with a common Language Arts, Math and Social Studies/Science Teacher. This teacher team meets throughout the week to monitor student progress, identify strengths and to consider ways to support and challenge all block students. Every other week, our 5/6 counselor or 7/8 counselor, BARR administrator, and BARR coordinator meet with teacher teams to offer additional support for students and help provide recognition for students' unique strengths and talents.

• Please drop off and pick up your child at the front main entrance. Do not use the back of the building (Door 14) for drop off or pick up.
• Please do not drop off your child in the parking lot. With the traffic from the drop off or pick up lane, it is unsafe for your child to cross to the sidewalk. We want to ensure the safety of all.
  
• Please do not park behind the Middle School. With deliveries truck and maintenance vehicles going back and forth, that area is for authorized vehicles only. Also, students should not be using the service road as a sidewalk as there is a designated sidewalk between buildings. We are asking all of this for the safety of the students and parents.
  
• We have some cars in the morning driving a little fast and people on their phones.
• Please do your part in keeping the students safe by following the rules.

Reading ability is an essential skill which everyone can learn. Through library books and other reading materials (including audiobooks and e-books), students can experience new and exciting adventures which will help them develop their imagination and writing proficiency well beyond academic learning. Books also help readers explore new vocabulary and strengthen their sense of ‘word order’ in sentence structure.

This week is the Marshall Middle School will be the Scholastic Book Fair where book enthusiasts and readers of all kinds can browse new titles, explore new book styles, discover fabulously creative authors, and shop for wonderful new reading materials. The Scholastic Book Fair will run November 4 through 8 and be open to students, staff, and families. We look forward to seeing you there!

We encourage you to remind your middle school students about the invaluable resource that our school counseling department provides. Here at Marshall Middle School, we are fortunate to have Melissa Sheppard, school counselor for grades 5 and 6, and Margo VanMoer, Social Worker for grades 7 & 8. Our counseling department offers a safe and confidential space where students can openly discuss their thoughts and feelings. They are equipped to help students navigate the complexities of friendships and resolve any issues that may arise. Additionally, they are there to support students through various middle school challenges, whether academic, social, or emotional. By visiting the school counselor department, students can gain the guidance and tools they need to thrive during these formative years.

This engaging sport combines the fun of traditional golf with the skills of throwing and strategy, providing a fantastic opportunity for your child to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

What is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is played by throwing a flying disc into a series of metal baskets, aiming to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible. It emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making it a perfect fit for our students.

Benefits for Your Child:

• Physical Activity: Disc golf promotes exercise and outdoor activity, helping students stay healthy and active.

• Skill Development: Students will develop hand-eye coordination, throwing techniques, and strategic thinking.

• Social Interaction: Playing disc golf encourages teamwork and friendship as students collaborate and compete in a fun environment.

• Confidence Building: As students improve their skills, they gain confidence and a sense of achievement.

Program Details:

• Introduction Sessions: We began with introductory sessions during physical education classes, where students learned the basics of disc golf, including throwing techniques and game rules.

Get Involved! We encourage parents to support this initiative by providing discs for your child (if possible) and participating in upcoming events. Your involvement can enhance their experience and foster a love for this enjoyable sport.

There are two permanent courses in Marshall. One is located at Independence Park and the other is located on the north side of SMSU. A temporary course is located at the Marshall Middle School but will be taken down sometime in November.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the program, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to seeing our students embrace the joy of disc golf!

Photos submitted by Mrs. Sturrock is our long-term sub for Mrs. Moorse.

Students compared how white light and color filters may cause objects to appear different colors during a Skittles lab.

Mrs. Bueltel led her guided learning class in an exciting STEM project: building a bridge. Students were challenged to use limited materials to construct a bridge capable of holding the most weight.

The Student Council hosted the 2024 School Dance. It was well attended and the students had fun playing carnival games and dancing for two hours. A HUGE thank you to the teachers and parent volunteers for making this dance possible!

The Kindness Closet is located in the Middle School library basement. We offer clothing for all ages, toys, housewares, bedding, personal care items, school supplies and much more, all FREE of charge.

On Saturday, October 26, the Kindness Closet held its first "Open to the Public" event, and it was a great success! We were able to donate over 650 items to families in Marshall! We are excited to announce that another event will take place on November 16th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

We are currently seeking donations of the following items:

-Bedding/blankets

-Winter gear

-Gently used children's clothing

-Gently used infant and toddler clothing

-Hygiene products

-School supplies

-Gently used toys, books, and games.

If you have items to donate, please contact the middle school office at 507-537-6938 or Kendall Olson at kendall.olson@marshall.k12.mn.us to arrange a donation time.