Muskego Lakes Family Newsletter

Dear Muskego Lakes Families,

It was so wonderful to have students back in our building this week after winter break, and even better that we could take time to end the week with grade-level assemblies. This afternoon we spent time coming together at a school with our PBIS assembly! At our assembly, we spent time acknowledging students for various reasons such as their involvement in clubs, musical and sports, showing integrity, and more! We even had fun building relationships and celebrate students meeting their grade level goals! Check out photos from this fun time together today below.

With all these great things going on, it's hard to believe that the end of the second quarter is quickly approaching next week! With that in mind, we also want to express that it is important to sit down and look at Infinite Campus with your child.

We recommend looking for missing assignments, upcoming assessments, and project deadlines. In addition, we recommend that your child check in with his or her teachers if there are any questions about their grades before the quarter ends.

In addition, at Muskego Lakes, all students keep online portfolios called Standards of Focus trackers and learner profiles. They are empowered to track their progress on key standards in both literacy and math on their portfolios. Their learner profiles are student created and a way of showcasing how they learn best, house things they are proud of, and home to their SOF trackers. If you haven't yet, check in with your child about their learner profile and "SOF Tracker' to learn even more about how your child is progressing as a learner.

Thanks for all the ways you partner with us to support your child in his/her academic achievement!

With love,

Rachel Rydzewski & Nancy Pasch

Muskego Lakes Principals

• January 17th: Co-Curricular/Club Photo Day

• January 19th: Quarter 2 Ends

• January 20th: No Students/Professional Development Day

• January 25th: Last Student Photo Day

• February 7th: 8th Grade Career Fair

• February 17th: Community Day

• February 20th: No Students/Professional Development Day

• March 2nd: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Is there a member of the Muskego Lakes staff who has been especially kind? helpful? Is there someone at Muskego Lakes who goes above and beyond for you and/or your child?

If so, consider nominating any member of the Muskego Lakes staff for a Musky Award!!! To do so, you can complete the form here. We will be taking nominations until Monday, January 9th, 2023. Thank you for helping us honor our staff here at Muskego Lakes!

Students in grades 5 - 7 will be receiving their course registration forms this week for the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Hake and Mr.Brickweg, our school counselors, started this week presenting the information to our students about the electives and how to register for those elective choices. Please note that when students are selecting their elective classes, the online portion must be completed through the student's Infinite Campus account. While directions are being provided on how to register online, please know that some students have changed their Infinite Campus passwords and are not their original passwords as stated on the direction sheet. If a student does not remember their Infinite Campus password, please have them go to the Student Services office or the main office to have their accounts reset to their original passwords.

Online course registration for 5th, 6th and 7th graders is due by Wednesday January 18th. Course selection, (program) cards need to be completed and signed by a parent/guardian by Wednesday, January 18th as well. There is not a "save" button when online registration is complete and we do not want you to print the online information. More detailed information was sent out as an IC blast from the high school as well to families.

MHS Registration information for 8th Grade Students

Please review the presentation HERE shared with students on how to register for their high school courses. Important to know the deadline for this is January 31st for fall classes. For summer classes registration opens on February 10th and closes on February 17th.

Muskego High School invites all students and families to two important events intended to assist with the transition to high school and the course selection/registration process.

Our first event is the Muskego High School Orientation Evening on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. This night is intended to provide some insight as to what makes MHS such an amazing place and what it means to be a Muskego Warrior. Students and families will hear about important factors to a successful transition to high school and will get a chance to hear current high school students share stories about their experience with the transition. Presentations will be facilitated by the administrative team, the athletic director, and our school counseling team. Families will also have the opportunity to meet coaches and club advisors, and take a self-guided tour.

In an effort to maintain two relatively equal size presentation groups and maximize the opportunity to engage in the learning, please follow the alphabetical schedule below. Our orientation event will begin promptly at 6:00 PM with the presentations described in the outline below.

Students - Last Names A-K

6:00-6:45 PM Attend “Keys to Success” presentation in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)

6:45-7:00 PM Walk to the Salentine Gymnasium

7:00-7:15 PM Brief Presentation on Co-Curricular Activities in the Salentine Gymnasium

7:15-7:45 PM Visit Co-Curricular Activities in the Cafeteria and Self-guided Tour of MHS

Students – Last Names L-Z

6:00-6:15 PM Brief Presentation on Co-Curricular Activities in the Salentine Gymnasium

6:15-6:45 PM Visit Co-Curricular Activities in the Cafeteria and Self-guided Tour of MHS

6:45-7:00 PM Walk to the Performing Arts Center (PAC)

7:00-7:45 PM Attend “Keys to Success” presentation in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)

For your convenience, you may park in either the east lot along Racine Avenue (nearest the PAC) or the west lot located off Woods Road (nearest the Salentine Gym), depending upon which presentation your night will begin with.

The second event, Muskego High School Course Information Night, is open to all current and incoming students/families. The goal of this event is to provide students and families access to our entire teaching staff to ask questions about the specific details and expectations of the various courses we offer. This event will take place on Wednesday, January 25th, and will be run in an open house format from 5:00-8:00.

We are excited to begin our partnership together and hope to see you at these important events. If you have any questions about either event, please contact our Student Services Office at (262) 971-1790, ext. 4509.

After each diagnostic assessment of iReady, a building level team consisting of instructional coaches, administration, and students services staff meet to consider next steps for all students scoring below the 40%ile on the diagnostic assessment. The team reviews student data and then makes determinations if further benchmarking needs to be conducted so we can make decisions to support their learning.

Building Academic Foundations is looking for volunteers to come in and talk about their careers in order to expose the students to a variety of career opportunities. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact: Kristen Modica - kristen.modica@muskegonorway.org

Officer Sandretti has started DARE lessons with our 5th graders. He sent home with students an informational letter this week and should have brought it home for you. If you have not seen this letter it's attached HERE for you.

Making friends in middle school can be stressful and tricky for all students. Here are some ways to help your child connect with other kids.

1. Go over social rules and cues.

Some middle-schoolers with learning and thinking differences have more trouble with social skills than others. One strategy is to talk with your child about social cues and rules — but don’t just do it in the aftermath of a social blunder. Discuss basic social skills when things are calm and going well, too so that they can identify when in a calm and not dysregulated state.

It can also be effective to discreetly point out social cues when you see others using (or missing) them. For example: “Do you see how Mr. Jones backed away when Zach talked to him? That’s because Zach was standing too close.”

2.Remind your child there are different types of friends

Not everybody can be a friend for all situations — and that’s OK. Talk that through with your tween. For instance, some kids aren’t good at keeping secrets, but they’re lots of fun. Some are easy to talk to about feelings, but they don’t share the same interests. Some are great to work with on projects but not so great to hang out with.

Let your child know just because someone isn’t “best friend” material, that doesn’t mean that child can’t be a friend. It just means there are limitations to that particular friendship.

3. Understand what your child wants and needs.

Some kids don’t need a bunch of friends. Managing the drama of multiple friends is sometimes too much. Check in with your child. Ask, “What are you looking to get out of a new friendship? What kinds of things do you picture doing with a friend?”

Keep in mind that your child’s friendship needs might not match yours. And they may change over time, too. So keep checking in.

4. Keep talking about what’s important in a friend.

Explore what your tween thinks makes a good friend. It may actually help your tween understand how they view friendship. Try to listen and not project your own ideas. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think makes someone a good friend? Why?”

Exploring what your tween has to offer as a friend can also help. Ask your tween to consider what qualities or things make them a good friend to have.

5. Help your child recognize possible friends.

our child may not recognize the kid who could be a friend. Talk about who your child likes to spend time with, either at school or outside of it. Point out who they talk about in positive ways.

Sometimes kids aim to be friends with kids who have very different values. Guide your child by helping your child voice values that are not negotiable. Ask things like: Do you want a dependable friend who shows up on time? Is honesty very important to you, or having a friend you can confide in?

6. Explore new ways your tween can start friendships.

Joining afterschool activities is a good way for tweens to meet kids with common interests. Once your child feels confident with kids in that group, your child may want to hang out one-on-one.

Help your child come up with things to say like, “You do great accents in drama club. Let’s hang out sometime and maybe you can teach me.” Your child could also invite a friend to come to an activity. “Are you going to the food drive on Saturday? Want us to pick you up on the way?”

7. Talk about behaviors that can damage a friendship.

Sometime kids may wear out a friendship because they want so badly for it to work. Kids can overwhelm friends by talking nonstop or interrupting.

Be frank with your child about what your child needs to know to avoid hurting a friendship. For instance: Friends need space and can’t always be together. They may each have other friends they want to see sometimes. You and your friend both need a chance to talk about your feelings and what’s important to you. And friends can disagree without hurting each other.

8. Keep your eyes and ears open.

When kids are this age, keeping on top of the help they need in making friends can be tough. Volunteer to drive carpools or host a small group of kids for a movie marathon. Or volunteer when you can to be a chaperone, lead an outside activity, etc. to see what’s happening in that environment. You’ll get a chance to observe and listen to not only their words, but to their emotions as well.

Let your child know they can talk to you — and you will listen without being judgmental. That indirect route of being a sounding board helps keep the lines of communication open.

Please reach out to one of our school counselors, Mrs. Hake ( grades 5/6) or Mr. Brickweg (grades 7/8) if your child is experiencing friendship issues or you have more questions on ways to support your child fostering friendships.

Calling all 8th grade parents that want to be part of the graduation committee! We will be having our 1st planning meeting on Tues, Jan 10th at 7pm at Becky Sawallich's house! Graduation will be here before we know it and we look forward to seeing everyone that's interested in helping out! Any questions, please reach out to Becky Sawallich at beckyinaz@hotmail.com

Ticket sales for the Muskego Lakes Middle School production of Matilda Jr. are live starting Friday, January 13th! To order tickets click here.

Performance Dates:

Friday, March. 17 at 7 pm (Miracle Cast)

Saturday, March 18 at 2 pm (Miracle Cast)

Saturday, March 18 at 7 pm (Naughty Cast)

Sunday, March. 19 at 2 pm (Naughty Cast)

We asked her to share a little about herself and her career in education, in addition to what what makes her proud to work at Muskego Lakes and she said:

"Ever since high school, I knew I wanted to find a career to help others. Once I started college, and working at my parent’s daycare, I knew being an educator was the right choice for me. Not only was I able to fulfill that dream, but I was able to further it by earning my Masters of Education. Throughout my 20 years of teaching, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both Las Vegas, NV and a couple communities in Southeast WI. I have experienced different subjects and grade levels with the many families I’ve gotten to know over the years. I am so grateful that my path led me to Muskego though. This school district, by far, has been the most challenging, yet rewarding opportunity. Without these challenges, I would not have found the growth I have made as an educator. I can honestly say that my life has meaning and purpose because I chose to be a teacher"

Here is a little more to help you get to know Mrs. Demolas

Favorite Coffee Drink: Salted caramel cold foam cold brew

Favorite Subject When In Middle School: Math

Fun Fact About Me: I coach on a mountain biking team

My Dream Vacation: Traveling around Greece

My Students Would Describe As: I think my students would describe me as someone who is kind and caring, with a good sense of humor, but still focuses on challenging the students.

We are currently seeking highly dedicated, motivated, co-curricular advisor to serve the student community at Muskego Lakes Middle School for Muskego-Norway Schools. The mission statement of FBLA is to inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. Through conferences, workshops, community service, and academic competitions, FBLA has helped so many students to learn about being a leader and assist in finding their future careers.

If you are interested in possibly becoming an advisor and have questions please reach out to Rachel Rydzewski (rachel.rydzewski@muskegonorway.org).

Open gym until March will be held at Mill Valley information. If attending, we ask that you enter at Door 12 (in the southwest corner of the building, by the gymnasium- NOT the main doors). Also please know there is no food and drink allowed in the gym! Looking forward to seeing you all there.

You may order a middle school yearbook through Jostens, as yearbook sales are not handled through the school. In order to order a year book please visit: Jostens.com/YB23 . The deadline to place an order is February 1st, 2023. Additional copies of yearbooks will not be available at school after the deadline.

If you're not certain if you've already ordered a yearbook, please search your email for "Jostens" and look for a confirmation of sale. Or, if you created an account when ordering, you may login to Jostens.com, and view your purchase history.

To inquire about financial assistance, please reach out to Stacy Pawlak, Social Worker.

A friendly reminder that when you notify school of your child/children being out ill/sick, it's important that we get the reason that they are out as we keep track of illness to monitor outbreaks.

Reporting of Illness

If your student is ill please keep them home and notify us at 262-971-1860 ext 5000. You may also use the Campus Parent App to report the illness.

Reporting of COVID

If your student has a positive COVID test please keep them home and Report your student's COVID ISOLATION using the COVID-19 SYMPTOM OR STATUS NOTIFICATION.

Please refer to the Health Services website for additional information.

We are proud to continue to partner with Clinical Psychology Associates (CPA) to offer on-site counseling services at Bay Lane Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Mill Valley Elementary, Muskego Lakes Middle School, Lake Denoon Middle School, and Muskego High School. For information about CPA’s services and therapists or to get started with an appointment, please visit our website.

Please consider joining the Muskego Lakes PTO. We meet monthly in the MLMS library at 6:30pm. We always welcome new faces and would love to hear your ideas in how we can make this an amazing school year ahead!!

MLMS PTO Meeting Dates for 2022-2023

• January 18
• February 15
• March 15
• April 19
• May 17

The MLMS PTO wants to thank the excellent staff for everything they do by providing midweek munchies. Every Wednesday, you have an opportunity to sign up to bring in munchies for the staff to help them make it through the week and brighten their day. If you are interested in supporting this, please sign up here.

You may make a report by visiting the website, using your smartphone by downloading the SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT app from the Apple Store and Google Play, or by calling 1-800-MY-SUSO-1 to speak to a resource center analyst.

We encourage you to follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Website: https://www.muskegonorway.org/schools/muskegolakes/
Location: W124 S8009 North Cape Rd.
Phone: 262-971-1860
Twitter: @MLMSmuskies