Pella MS Newsletter

Pella MS Families,

The first quarter has come and gone and we are excited for the newness that the second quarter brings. Students get to enjoy new exploratory classes and we are FINALLY moved into our new FCS and art spaces. We thank our kids and staff for being flexible over the past 7 months as we navigate construction in our building. There is still more exciting spaces to finish with the completion of "The Bridge" between the MS and Jefferson.

Let's have a great November, please reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Scott Tjeerdsma, Principal

Fifteen 8th-grade choir students attended Singfest at Central College on October 8. These talented students did a great job showcasing their talents and representing Pella Middle School.

On Thursday, October 17 8th grade students had the opportunity to visit two staples of the Pella community, Pella Corporation and Central College.

At Pella Corp, students saw a wide variety of what goes on at this large corporation. Students got to tour the manufacturing floor, see how rigorous of testing goes into making these windows, and even install a window themselves. We thank Pella Corp for hosting our students.

At Central, students were able to tour campus, visit a class, and enjoy a lunch in Central Market. Thanks to Central College for showing our students what the next steps could look like.

Congratulations to Sibley Carlstone and Finley Allen who were voted this year's Central College Kid Captains. Sibley and Finley were nominated by their peers using a rubric of characteristics such as having a positive attitude, making positive contributions, considering the needs and wants of others, showing respect and accepting and tolerating the views and beliefs of others — all of which makes them a great teammate.

Sibley and Finley were recognized before the October 19 Central College home game and were present at the coin toss.

When you head to Scholte Gardens during Tulip Time this year, make sure you check out the thousands of tulips planted by a few of our MS students. On October 23, forty students went out and served their community by planting Tulips and cleaning out flower beds. This is just one of the many opportunities we will have throughout the year for our kids to go out and use their talents to help others.

Although it may feel surreal, it is almost time to register your 8th grader for his/her high school classes! Jessica Manning and Rachel Van Zante (the high school counselors) will be holding a Student AND Parent Course Registration Meeting on Wednesday, December 11th.

• Student AND Parent Course Registration Meeting - Wednesday, December 11th
• Location: Pella High School Auditorium
• Time:: 5:15-6:15
• Bring: Your student’s laptop

If your student contact's you that they are not feeling well, please direct your student to go to the nurse's office to be checked out. Mrs. Craig and Mrs Reilly will contact you if your student needs to go home or needs medical attention.

As cold and flu season approaches, we are in short supply of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. If you are willing to donate these much-needed items, please drop them off in the office.

Parents/Guardians-please contact the Middle School office about school absences, and have your student contact teachers about missing assignments, upcoming absences, and make-up work.

Senate File 2435 was signed into law on May 9, 2024 with an effective date of July 1, 2024. Division VII of SF2435 details public school attendance requirements. The following provides a summary of district responsibilities.

Chronically absent means any absence from school for more than ten percent of the days or hours in the grading period established by a public school.

November 6: HS Musical and Club Day

November 6, 13, 20, 27: 90 min early dismissal

November 28-29: Thanksgiving break-NO SCHOOL

December 4, 11, 20: 90 min early dismissal

December 20: End 2nd quarter, 1st semester

December 23-January 3: winter break-NO SCHOOL

Email: scott.tjeerdsma@pellaschools.org

Website: pellaschools.org
Location: 613 East 13th Street, Pella, IA, USA
Phone: (641)628-4784