Sanford Family Newsletter

January 23, 2026

Good People,

Last week, plant biologist Forest Hunt, from East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, came to present to 7th grade science classrooms about the practice of regenerative farming. Students will now get to incorporate this new knowledge into their summative assessment where they plan a future farm! Thank you Ms Hope for organizing yet another great community member presentation!

This week, I’m struck by how our community continues to show up in such remarkable ways. We are being shaped by the kindness and support surrounding our school, and that impact will stay with us long after this terrible time passes. Seeing those two things coexist—the struggle and the strength—is exactly what makes our Sanford community so special.

Next week in this newsletter we will share the link to sign up for scheduled conferences on Friday February 13, 2026. Our winter conferences style matches what we did in the Fall:

Thursday Night February 12, 4-8pm: This is a drop-in style session. You do not need an appointment to speak with teachers. One Spanish translator will be present (funded by the PTA).
Friday Day February 13, 8-4pm: These are scheduled sessions. We prioritize students who require specific interventions first. Once those targeted conferences are set, we open the remaining slots to all families. These scheduled conferences can be virtual or in person and will have multiple translators available - please indicate these needs when you schedule. The scheduled conferences window will open Friday, January 30, 2026 and the link will be shared in this newsletter.

In Partnership,

Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Ed.S.

Principal

Maria Sanford Middle School

To our students learning from home this week: We see you, we miss you, and you are still a vital part of the Sanford community! While your location for learning looks a little different right now, your goals remain the same. Take a deep breath, stay organized, and remember that your teachers are just a message away. We can’t wait to see you back in the halls soon—until then, keep up the great work!

Starting Monday, we will be providing an optional daily google meet check-in via your advisory google classroom to meet us at 10:45am to connect. We will have a fun community builder or game for this brief 15 minute check in. If your second period teacher is teaching you at 10:45, please do not leave your second period class to join this meet as it is optional and not meant to take the place of your class - but you can join if the direct instruction part of your period 2 class is over and you are available.

Quick Tips:

Consistency: Please remember that switching back and forth between in person and temporary online learning is really, really, really hard on your teachers - please stay in your chosen method of learning. If a student needs to be added to temporary online or removed, please email
Routine: We encourage to get dressed and sit at a desk (or table) to help their brain "switch" into school mode. Get up and move often!
The 20-20-20 Rule: To avoid screen fatigue, remind them to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Attendance: Make sure you are completing the learning task and/or showing up in the google meets for attendance! If there are errors with your attendance, please reach out to marcus.mitchell@mpls.k12.mn.us
Communication: Don't hesitate to email your teachers if you have questions!

Please reach out if your family needs any resources - our community has created a strong network of resources that we can deliver.

Course selection for next school year will happen during advisory next week! Temporary online students, we will send you information on how to do this in the google classroom for DEAR time. In order to make course selection for next year, your student will log into Infinite Campus and make the following choices:

Rising 7th graders(current 6th graders):

Choose Art from Band, Choir, Drama, Guitar, Orchestra, or Visual Art

Choose World Language from: Arabic, Dakota, Ojibwe or Spanish (they will take this in both 7th and 8th grade)

Rising 8th graders(current 7th graders):

Choose Art from Band, Choir, Drama, Guitar, Orchestra, or Visual Art

All the other courses that your student will take will automatically roll over in our system.

Do you have a rising 6th grader(current 5th grader)? We will be communicating with you in the coming weeks to plan for your art course choice!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Phillips Eye Institute’s Early Youth Eyecare (E.Y.E.) Community Initiative, part of Allina Health, will be at Sanford to conduct vision screening for all 7th graders. This screening helps to identify issues with a student’s vision but is not a full eye exam.

If your student does not pass the vision screening, you will be notified with the recommendation to have your student receive a full eye examination by an eye doctor. The E.Y.E. program can help with scheduling the appointment, interpreter services, transportation and financial assistance with exams and glasses.

Your student will bring home a consent form next week. If you do not want your student to have vision screening, please sign and return the Vision Screening Information Form to the school health office.

If you have questions please contact Lisa Kocon, Licensed School Nurse at 612-668-4934.

Lisa Kocon, RN

Licensed School Nurse

Minneapolis Public Schools

Sanford Middle School

612-668-4934

Fax: 612-668-4910

lisa.roy-kocon@mpls.k12.mn.us

Parent Education Night is Monday!

Monday, January 26th

6:30p - 8:00p

Sanford cafeteria

The Sanford PTA is proud to present a free parent information evening with Master Certified Life Coach (and Sanford parent) Sarah Cowan.

From Chaos to Connected with your Middle Schooler - How to be an empathetic and steady presence.

Please join us for an informational parent evening out. We'll provide the snacks, you bring your curiosity and questions.

Our next meeting is February 24th from 6:00p-7:30p in the media center at Sanford. Enter through the main entrance - Door 12. All are welcome!

To sign up for our email communications contact: sanfordmspta@gmail.com

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