Each month, Principal Jackie Collins spotlights learning happening at Mahtomedi Middle School. This month, the Principal's spotlight focuses on impact.

Our students were busy in Middle School Success classes this week creating holiday cards filled with kind words and sentiments to pass on to the residents at St. Andrews Village and Briarcliff. Students have been exploring the topic of kindness and learning first hand that “a selfless act of kindness can leave a lasting impression on people”. 

During their classes, students were informed that the residents were so touched and appreciative of the cards they had received for Thanksgiving that they requested another batch of cards to continue spreading joy for the upcoming holiday season. The challenge was accepted and the kids got busy creating!

As students were working, their conversations were about the residents. "Do you think they will like it if I write a personal note?", "I’m going to sign my name and maybe they will know one of my relatives." "I’m going to make Rudolph’s nose a heart, do you think they will notice?"

These simple acts of kindness show just how much community matters. Connecting our youth with our elders seems to touch the hearts of all involved and make an impression that will hopefully keep our students thinking about their impact on the world around them for years to come.

MMS hosted the Knowledge Bowl Meet on Tuesday, December 10, and more than 30 middle-school teams from numerous Twin Cities' schools participated. 

A big congratulations to our first-place winners - eighth graders Cole Tanner, Robert Befidi, George DeBruin, Jacob Robinson, and Edison Becker. In addition to first-place, Mahtomedi teams took third place, fifth place, and the Triple Team Award for having three top-scoring teams. All of the teams fought hard while having fun with their teammates.

Knowledge Bowl is an academic competition run by the Advanced Academics and Community Education departments. Students compete in teams to answer general knowledge questions in a Jeopardy game-like fashion. 

Our Middle School Bands & Choirs have been doing an amazing job at their Winter concerts!

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!

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, contact Megan Reitan at mnreitan@gmail.com

• 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