The eNews is the official electronic newsletter of Mahtomedi Middle School. |
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October 31: Birthday Cake Day
October 31: Grades updated in Infinite Campus November 1: Early Voting available 8 am-3 pm
November 3: Early Voting available 8 am-5 pm November 4: Election Day (see polling locations below) November 5: End of Quarter 1 November 7: Teacher Professional Day - No School
November 14: Middle School Youth Night 2:40-4:30pm November 25: Birthday Cake Day November 27-28: Thanksgiving Break - No School |
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This Issue's Top Highlights |
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We know that Halloween generates a lot of excitement and we want to remind all MMS families that, while costumes are fun, we ask that you please save them for your at-home Halloween activities. Costumes will not be permitted at school tomorrow. |
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Congratulations to the MHS Girls Soccer team for advancing to the State AA Soccer Finals.
If your child is planning to attend the game on 10/31 at U.S. Bank Stadium, please follow the directions in this document. Remember to complete absence requests by 9:00am on 10/31 and that phone calls will not be accepted for student dismissal. |
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Each month, Principal Jackie Collins spotlights learning happening at Mahtomedi Middle School. This month the Principal's Spotlight focuses on Rigorous and Meaningful Learning |
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As we wrap up the month of October and complete the last few days of 1st quarter, it is worth pausing to reflect on the progress being made around the middle school. While lessons focus on the specifics within each content area, there are so many additional skills and habits being learned and reinforced.
At the start of the 23-24 school year, the middle school staff committed to supporting the unique developmental needs of middle school kids. We have since been intentional in teaching skills in organization, time management, advocacy, and perseverance. As adults, we know how these skills entwine in our daily lives and how important it is for students to learn and develop in these areas. For many students, it is a stretch to string together the responsibilities of multiple classes each day, let alone the responsibilities week after week. We often talk about giving grace and meeting students where they are at in meeting
these demands.
As parents, it is helpful to inquire about the soft skills your child is developing at the same time as you are asking about the content being learned. Helping kids connect their academic aptitude to the strengths they demonstrate as they gain independence keeps them motivated to learn more, work hard, and be curious. |
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Jackie Collins, Principal, Mahtomedi Middle School |
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This school year, we have come together as a collective group of educators and are committed to frequently engaging students in writing as a way to express their thinking and learning. Out of all of the literacy skills, writing is the most complex. The acts of processing thinking and then putting words together to communicate thoughts are deep and meaningful learning. As the students grapple with the challenge, we have witnessed everything from feelings of frustration to feelings of pride. This commitment is no easy task as we work with kids to build their stamina and gain confidence in their ability to express themselves through writing. As they are asked to work harder, they naturally take on more ownership of their learning. We know the hard work will pay off, and it is exciting to watch the kids make gains.
If they are coming home exhausted, it’s because they are working really hard. |
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Referendum: Early Voting & Polling Locations |
Mahtomedi Public Schools will hold a two-question referendum on November 4 - one for operating revenue and one for facility improvements. Together, these questions reflect a forward-thinking, innovative approach that reinforces Mahtomedi’s leadership in education and prepares students to thrive today and in the future. Learn more at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us/elections |
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Early Voting and Absentee Voting are terms that are used interchangeably. All eligible Minnesota voters can vote early, either in person or by mail, without needing to provide a reason. Early voting is a great option for busy families! |
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Early Voting Locations
Washington County Gov. Center 14949 62nd St. N., Stillwater, MN 55082
Central Service and License Center 1261 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Cottage Grove Service Center 13000 Ravine Pkwy, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
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Early Voting Hours
Weekly Hours: Mon - Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm Nov. 1: 8 am - 3 pm Nov. 3: 8 am - 5 pm
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Polling Locations RESIDENTS OF MAHTOMEDI City of Mahtomedi, Precinct 1 & Precinct 2 vote at St. Andrew’s Church 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115.
RESIDENTS OF WHITE BEAR LAKE White Bear Lake W-4 P-2 vote at Redeemer Lutheran Church 3770 Bellaire Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
All other precincts vote at the COMBINED POLLING PLACE
City of Dellwood; the City of Grant, Precinct 1 and Precinct 2; the City of Hugo, Ward 3, Precinct 6; the City of Lake Elmo, Precinct 2; the City of Oakdale, Precinct 5; the City of Pine Springs; and the City of Willernie vote at the Mahtomedi District Education Center 1520 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
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To support our families impacted by the emergency food shortage, our school community will accept shelf-stable food donations and create “emergency grocery grab bags” for our families who need extra food support in November.
To contribute, starting November 3, drop off donations in the collection bin in the front entrance of any of our school buildings or the District Education Center. District staff will assemble grocery grab-bags with the received donations and distribute them to families in need.
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Items in Need
Accepted donations should be non-perishable and shelf-stable grocery items such as pantry staples and grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal, tortillas, cereal, peanut butter, pasta sauce, jams), quick-prepare meals (mac and cheese, ramen, microwaveable meal cups, canned foods), snacks (nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, crackers, granola bars), and non-food essential items (brown paper grocery bags, toilet paper, paper towels).
Support Resources
If you need food support, please contact our district social worker, Ali Middlebrook, ali.middlebrook@isd832.net or call 651-407-2304 or your child’s school counselor. You may also check out additional community resources for food support at this link here.
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Celebrating Indigenous People's Day with Art |
Ms. Flatten's 6th (pictured), 7th, and 8th grade Art classes created a collaborative art piece, inspired by Dyani White Hawk (Sičáŋǧu Lakota). Dyani is an award winning Native American artist based in Minneapolis. Her art is full of pattern, shapes, lines, color, and repetition. Students learned about how Indigenous art is still being created and celebrated today, and the beauty and history within it. Just like Dyani, Ms. Flattens classes filled their art with pattern, shapes, lines, color, and repetition. |
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National Honor Society students from the high school are available to provide free tutoring to middle school students. Tutoring will be offered on Tuesdays before school, from 7:15-7:45, and on Thursdays after school, from 2:45-3:15, starting on November 11th. A parent or guardian must register their student in advance in order to attend. Please complete this form to register your student for tutoring!
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MMS Activities Newsletter
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On our annual family survey, Mahtomedi Middle School (MMS) families asked us to keep them regularly informed on upcoming Middle School activities and registration deadlines. This year, Mahtomedi Community Education is sending families and students quarterly email and text updates on new class offerings and deadlines so families don’t miss out on registration. Click here to read the latest newsletter. |
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"Laser Lights and Carnival Nights" is a high-energy, all-out social afternoon packed with fun for all MMS students! From 2:40-4:30pm on Friday, November 14th, the gyms will be filled with giant inflatables, a live DJ, video gaming systems, henna tattoos, BINGO, carnival games, giant yard games, rubber axe throwing, and so much more! Students must be registered by November 13th, so don't wait! Click here to register today and remember, registrations will not be accepted at the door.
Parents, if you'd like to be a part of the fun as a volunteer, please click here. |
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Safe Space Club is starting on October 27th. This club is open to 7th and 8th grade students. Safe Space is a place for LGBTQ+ and friends to build community. It will meet during 7th and 8th grade lunch every other Monday. |
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We want to congratulate the cast & crew of our Fall play, "The Con" on an amazing run of performances last weekend. Each of you did a wonderful job. Way to go, Zephyrs! |
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Mrs. Carlson's 7th grade Spanish classes have been using a fun dice game to practice their vocabulary words. |
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The 6th graders are having Fall parties today and tomorrow during their Middle School Success classes to celebrate all of their hard work so far this Fall. Pictured here is the Eagle Team. The Coyote Team will have their party tomorrow morning. Thank you for your hard work, Zephyrs! And thank you to the 6th grade teachers for this fun opportunity to celebrate student success! |
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There are always reasons to celebrate! If you know of a staff member who has gone above and beyond, or have heard of a particularly excellent experience that your student had at school, we would love to hear about it! Click here to submit a celebration form and we'll make sure to take note and celebrate along with you! |
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FREE! Cribbage Club is open to grades 6-8 and will meet for four Tuesdays in November (4, 11, 18, and 25) in the Media Center after school from 2:45-3:45pm.
Click here to register: MMS Cribbage Club |
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MMS Youth Night Volunteers Needed |
The Mahtomedi Middle School Youth Night is approaching on Friday, November 14, and Mahtomedi Community Education could use volunteer help from parents/guardians! If you are willing to share some of your time, please complete the volunteer form. There are several shifts available between 2-5:15 pm, so you don't have to stay the whole time.
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Open to all Mahtomedi Middle School students, Knowledge Bowl has one spot left!
Practices take place weekly after school from 2:45-3:30pm, October 30-February 5 in room 105. Register at: KNOWLEDGE BOWL REGISTRATION
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Check out these upcoming opportunities to get involved in our school community.
The Middle School Parent Association (MMSPA) is always looking for parent volunteers! If you would like to get involved, please complete this Google Form.
MMS has an Amazon Wish List of a variety of items that we utilize regularly. If you are interested in purchasing anything on the list to help us stay well-stocked, we would appreciate it greatly!
Community Ed. Registration & Class Descriptions: Youth Enrichment and Youth Athletics
MMS Activities Web Page: Information about all the activities offered at MMS
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The School eNews contains information about our students, staff, and programs. The School eNews is published once a week and archives are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us/page/enews |
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