Isanti Middle School

Parent/Family Newsletter December 15, 2023

February 2, 2024

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Upcoming Dates

February 16: No School - Professional Development Day
February 19: No School - President's Day
February 22: 7th & 8th grade Band Concerts
February 23: Spring Pictures
February 29: 7th & 8th grade Choir Concerts
March 7: End of Trimester 2
March 8: No School - Professional Development / Work Day
March 9 - 17: Spring Break
March 10: Start of Trimester 3

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Winter Conferences - Selected Conferences

Thank you to all of you who attended our Conference night last night, Feb. 1. Teachers are currently contacting parents to schedule Selected Conferences, which will run from Feb. 5-15. If you are contacted by a teacher we appreciate all of your support and flexibility in making time to meet to discuss your student's education.

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PBIS Update

We are excited to share updates about our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, a vital aspect of creating a positive and supportive learning environment at Isanti Middle School.

Overview of PBIS Plan:

Our PBIS plan is designed to foster a positive school culture by explicitly teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. PBIS focuses on creating a safe and respectful learning environment for all students and staff. We believe that when positive behaviors are acknowledged and rewarded, it contributes to a more conducive and enjoyable educational experience.

Earning PBIS Rewards Points

Students have the opportunity to earn PBIS Rewards points through consistently displaying positive behaviors. These behaviors align with our school-wide expectations and include showing Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Compassion, and Self-Discipline. Teachers and staff members actively observe and recognize students for their positive choices, through the use of PBIS Rewards points.

Acknowledging Behaviors and Actions:

We want to take a moment to celebrate the positive behaviors and actions that have been acknowledged recently. Some notable examples include:

Demonstrating kindness and empathy towards peers
Showing responsibility by completing assignments on time
Respecting school property and belongings
Being proactive in resolving conflicts peacefully

These are just a few examples of the many positive behaviors we see daily, and we are proud of our students for making Isanti Middle School a great place to learn and grow.

Bus Expectations:

We would also like to remind parents and students about our expectations for behavior on the school bus. Ensuring a safe and respectful environment extends beyond the classroom to our school buses. Students are expected to:

Follow the bus driver's instructions promptly
Use appropriate language and tone
Remain seated while the bus is in motion
Treat fellow students with kindness and respect

By adhering to these expectations, we can guarantee a safe and enjoyable bus ride for all students. Following are a few samples of the expectations posted in our school,

Thank you for your continued support of your students and our PBIS plan. Together we can create a positive and nurturing educational experience for every child.

- The Isanti Middle School Staff

Spotlight - Student Handbook

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Closed Campus

With the unseasonably warm weather we have had a few recent incidents of students arriving on campus and then leaving and coming back before the school day starts. A reminder, as explained in the 2023-24 Student Handbook, once students arrive on campus they may not leave without parent AND school permission.

Repeat Items

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Inclement Weather Plan

What happens if school is closed for the day?

Cambridge Isanti Schools may use eLearning days due to inclement weather. A flexible eLearning Day means that school can be in session without students and staff being physically present at the school. Below is more information on our eLearning Day.

Teachers will post the day's lesson in Google Classroom by 10:00am. All teachers will be available from 10am-3pm by school email or within their open Google Meets. Students may work on lessons independently throughout the day. If a student needs help with a lesson they can access their teacher according to the modified schedule in the slides linked below. Students are able to access Google Meets via their school issued Chromebook or other personal devices

IMS eLearning Day Slides

Attendance Intervention Meeting (AIM)

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AIM meetings serve as the initial intervention for students facing attendance challenges. AIM represents a collaborative effort between C-I Schools, the Isanti County Probation, and the Attorney's offices. When students accumulate three unexcused absences, we refer the student to the Isanti County Probation Department and they are invited to attend an AIM meeting held at the courthouse.