the middleton monthly - Middleton Elementary School

The Middleton Monthly
Message from the PrincipalMarch 2016
Greeting Middleton Families,
The weather is very unpredictable this time of year, it can be 65 degrees one day and 35 degrees the
next! It is extremely important we remember to dress for the weather. Please consider sending your
child to school in layers. Jackets are required for outdoor recess and activities unless the temperature is
above 50 degrees. It is helpful if you label your child’s clothing so when placed in the lost and found we
can return the missing clothing to your student. The current lost and found items are on display in the
commons area, stop by and take a look!
All of our students have been working extremely hard each day, staying focused on learning, completing
their jobs and engaging in classroom activities. This time of year the rigor of grade level learning really
ramps up to ensure students are well prepared for next year. Please help us by continuing to be
consistent with homework routines and making sure students are getting plenty of sleep each night so
they are ready for learning the next day.
Visit us on the web
mes.sowashco.org
Contact Information
Sara Palodichuk, Principal,
651-425-4901
spalodic@sowashco.org
Jenna Downs, Asst. Principal,
651-425-4908
jdowns@sowashco.org
Alicia Newman
Social Worker 651-425-4924
Special recognition and shout out to Mr. Utell and 8 of his band students… these students have been
nominated for the Southeast Division Minnesota Band Directors Association Beginning Honor Band
Festival and have been accepted to participate in the event! The students will participate in a concert on
May 7th at Boeckman Middle School in Farmington, playing 3 advanced pieces. The 5 th grade students
representing Middleton are - Sarah Parker, Chloe Carlson, Riley Vang, Gavin Montgomery, Lauren Kuhn,
Eva Vokac, Wyatt Holt and Nathan Langstraat. Way to go!
In the upcoming month we will have a number of dates for State testing for our 3 rd-5th grade students.
We do not expect perfection, but have high expectations for all of our students. As educators we do
want to celebrate our student’s successes especially when it is coupled with focused practice and
growth. “Failure is not an option” has become a well know motto in education, sports and life.
Nevertheless, the errors help us focus on what is missing or unclear to bring future success. The extra
time classrooms are spending on learning, reinforcing and becoming proficient at their grade level
standards is essential. We look forward to learning from the results so we continue to help students
grow!
MCA Testing Dates:
April 11-22 Reading 3rd-5th Grade
April 25-29 Math 3rd-5th Grade
May 4-8 5th Grade Science
The MCA-III: Minnesota Comprehension Assessments
The MCA-III in Mathematics, Reading and Science measure student proficiency on Minnesota’s state
Judy Laabs Foss, Psychologist
standards for students in grades 3, 4 & 5. The results of these tests tell us how well our students are
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performing against state standards, and how well we are doing at getting our student to and beyond
these standards. By working together to create a safe, responsible, positive learning environment we
Jennifer Thomas, Office Coord.
Jennifer Gullickson, Office Support can expect great success from our children. If you have questions, concerns or comments, please feel
free to stop by, give me a call or email me.
Main Office-651-425-4900
Fax 651-425-4915
Request for class placement for 2016-17: We value your input regarding the individual needs of your
child. One of the ways we work with parents is by offering an opportunity to provide feedback on your
Sharon Holtquist, Nurse
child’s needs to assist with next year’s classroom placement. The teachers/staff work very hard to
651-425-4920
create a balance in each classroom. We will consider placement based on your input regarding your
Janelle Shopbell, Health Asst.
child’s strengths and needs. Due to potential changes in staffing, requests for a specific teacher are not
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accepted. Parents who are interested in this process need to stop by the office and request a form.
Attendance Line
Completed forms must be returned by Friday, April 29th. We will be creating class lists for the
651-425-4906
2016-17 school year in early May.
Kerri Hanson, Kitchen Manager
651-425-4910
Your partner in Education,
Justy Veenbaas, Cashier
651-425-4909
Sara Palodichuk
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T h e M i d d l e t on M o n t hl y
Important Upcoming Dates
April 8thApril 9thApril 15thApril 18thApril 20thApril 28thApril 29thMay 3rdMay
May
May
May
May
May
4th5th6th10th11th13th-
Reading Rivalry Competition
Prairie Fire Theatre Performance of
Wizard of Oz, 10:00 AM
Art/Science Fair, 6-8 PM
Band Information Parent Night, 6:30 PM
Student Council Meeting
PTO meeting, 6:30 PM
Art Club after school
PTO Movie Night, 6:00 PM
Mrs. Johnson’s Program, 2:10 PM
Wendy’s Night,5-7 PM, Kindergarten hosts
Mrs. Wolfe’s Program, 2:10 PM
Mrs. McMorrow’s Program, 2:10 PM
Mrs. Edward’s Program, 2:10 PM
5th Grade Field Trip to Fort Snelling
Student Council Meeting
5th Grade Track Meet
*** MCA TESTING DATES***
April 11th-22nd: MCA READING, Grades 3-5
April 25th-29th: MCA MATH, Grades 3-5
May 2nd-5th: MCA SCIENCE, Grade 5 only
April 2016
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Art/Science Fair Update
Labels will be sent home soon with your
child. Also, we are looking for volunteers
to help set up the art fair on the afternoon of Thursday, April 14th, please check
the PTO website for details.
Lunchroom News
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T h e M i d d l e t on M on t hl y
PSYCHOLOGIST CORNER
Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be brilliant read them fairytales. If you
want them to be more brilliant read them more fairytales.” Author David Walsh, uses this quote
in his book Dr. Dave’s Cyberhood. His intention with this quote is to promote imagination which
is done through the power of language. David Walsh is a national expert on family life and the
impact of media on children. The advancement in technology is and continues to grow so
rapidly that parenting a child in the media age can be a challenge. David offers many tips to
parents of researched facts to debunk the myths. Here are a few:
Myth: Children’s brains develop along a set pattern.
Fact: The development of children’s brains responds directly to the environment in which they
grow up.
Myth: Television provides a good language model for young children.
Fact: Only an adult caregiver, interacting daily with a child, can provide a language model from
which very young children can learn.
Myth: A computer is automatically better for children than television.
Fact: Both are powerful tools and their value depends on how each is used.
Myth: Anyone who questions the use of computers and video games opposes progress.
Fact: Critical questioning of anything can help us make better choices.
Myth: Video games have no educational value.
Fact: Video games that increase academic skills are educational and introduce children to new
technologies.
Myth: The violence in video games does not affect the player because it is just a game.
Fact: The violence in video games may be more powerful to the player because they are
actively participating, instead of passively watching.
Myth: Any music recording with offensive language is clearly labeled
Fact: The Parental Advisory sticker system is completely voluntary, not all recordings with
offensive language carry the sticker.
Myth: Children get enough reading practice in school.
Fact: Children need a lot of practice to become fluent readers. Fluent readers enjoy reading
more. Television, video games, computer time can interfere with a child’s reading practice.
For more information check out David Walsh’s web site: www.mediafamily.org
Judy Laabs-Foss,
Licensed School Psychologist
April 2016
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ATTENTION MIDDLETON
BAND AND ORCHESTRA!!!
Our Spring Concert will be on:
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25TH 2016
School Assembly at Middleton ES – 2:00 P.M.
Evening Concert at Middleton ES – 7:00 P.M.
ALL BAND AND ORCHESTRA STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND BOTH!
Please do not forget your instrument or your music
Concert Dress for boys – clean white shirt, dark pants, dark shoes
Concert Dress for girls – clean white shirt, dark pants or skirt
(must go past the knees), dark shoes (no high heels)
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Peterson or Mr. Utell at
651-425-4916 or at kpeterso1@sowashco.org and mutell@sowashco.org
ATTENTION ALL FOURTH GRADE STUDENTS (UPCOMING FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS)!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play a band instrument? Well, now here is your opportunity. In
South Washington County, all fifth grade students are allowed to sign up to be a part of our Band
Program, which means all Middleton Fourth Graders are allowed to sign up and participate with the
Middleton Elementary School Band. Learning a band instrument is a lifelong skill that allows students
to express themselves through music and is also a place to meet lifelong friends by making music
together. Studies also show, students who are involved in music also do well academically and is a
great preparation for your subjects for next year. And the best part is ANYONE CAN DO IT! To hear more
information about the Middleton Elementary School Band, we will have two upcoming events for you
to check out what the band is all about:
Friday, April 8 from 2:30 – 3:00 PM – all fourth graders will be invited to observe an upcoming fifth
grade band rehearsal from the Middleton Band in the commons area. Here you will learn about what
the band looks like, sounds like and feels like as we rehearse for our upcoming concert
Friday, April 15 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM – all fourth graders will be invited to our Annual Band Recruitment
Assembly in which they get to meet Mr. Utell and see and hear all the instruments of the band they
could try. At the end of this assembly, enrollment forms will go home to students to sign up and
commit to the Middleton Band for next year
I look forward to seeing you there! Let’s Go Band! - Mr. Utell
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T h e M i d d l e t o n M o n t hl y
February Star Trait Winners
3rd Grade
4th Grade
Page 7
April 2016
If your child is going to be absent or late to schoolPlease call the Attendance Line at 651-425-4906.
This message line is open 24 hours a day-7 days a week.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS:
The safety of all students in the South Washington County School District is a top
priority. In the absence of a court order or legally binding document, a student may
only be released to authorized persons listed on the student’s emergency card and/or
identified on the Infinite Campus Student Information System. Exceptions require a
signed note from the custodial parent/legal guardian. Phone calls and verbal requests
will not be accepted without additional verification.
The school district will contact the custodial parent/legal guardian when there is a
question or concern regarding the release of a student. The school district may also
require some form of identification.
News from the Parking Lot
Please remember there is NO PARKING by the yellow curb in front of the school. This is
a traffic violation. If you need to come into the building please park in the parking lot.
Thank you for keeping our kids safe.
School starts at 8:40 a.m. - You may start coming in the building at 8:20 and are
welcome to wait with your child in the commons area.
School ends at 3:10 p.m. – The doors will be open at 3:00 p.m. for parents to come
in and wait for their child in the commons area.