March
3/4: Late Start
3/11: Late Start
3/16 - 4/13: No School - please check Upton's itsLearning main page and teacher pages for more info
3/11: Late Start
3/16 - 4/13: No School - please check Upton's itsLearning main page and teacher pages for more info
February<3
2/3 & 2/5: Band, Choir, Orchestra night @ 7:00 for incoming 6th graders interested in participating in the 2020-21 school year
2/4: advisory lesson about mental health awareness, stigma & resources
2/4: 8th grade parent information night at SJHS @ 6:00. Attendance is HIGHLY recommended
2/5: Late Start
2/12: Late Start & Count Day!
2/13: 7th graders are exposed to their 8th grade elective options at lunch
2/18: Start Rotation 4 (6th & 7th grade)
2/19: 7th and 8th grade scheduling on Power School opens
2/19: Late Start
2/26: Late Start
2/28: 1/2 Day
Career Day - we are excited to have the opportunity MANY speakers a VARIETY of topics representing the 6
Career Paths (arts & communication; business, management & marketing; engineering, manufacturing &
industrial technology; health science; human services; agriscience & natural resources). ALL of our students will participate in this day and attend a few different presentations. Thanks so much to all of our community members who are volunteering this time to share about their career!
2/4: advisory lesson about mental health awareness, stigma & resources
2/4: 8th grade parent information night at SJHS @ 6:00. Attendance is HIGHLY recommended
2/5: Late Start
2/12: Late Start & Count Day!
2/13: 7th graders are exposed to their 8th grade elective options at lunch
2/18: Start Rotation 4 (6th & 7th grade)
2/19: 7th and 8th grade scheduling on Power School opens
2/19: Late Start
2/26: Late Start
2/28: 1/2 Day
Career Day - we are excited to have the opportunity MANY speakers a VARIETY of topics representing the 6
Career Paths (arts & communication; business, management & marketing; engineering, manufacturing &
industrial technology; health science; human services; agriscience & natural resources). ALL of our students will participate in this day and attend a few different presentations. Thanks so much to all of our community members who are volunteering this time to share about their career!
January
1/6: School starts
1/8: NO Late Start 1/15: Late Start 1/17: End of Marking Period 2 1/20: NO School (MLK Day) 1/22: full day 1/23: 1/2 day 1/24: 1/2 day 1/27: Start of Semester 2 & Marking Period 3 1/29: Late Start & Start of Yoga Club Session #2 See below for details 1/29: Panel of SJHS students come to Upton to speak to 8th graders and answer any questions about high school 1/31: Guest Speaker - Anthony Grapido - Magician The "Magic Of Hope" is a presentation Anthony built for schools to share his experiences about overcoming depression and being a Suicide Attempt Survivor. He shares his advice about dealing with stress, talking about your mental health, and where to go if you need help. Important Upcoming Dates:
February 4th: 8th grade parent informational night at SJHS. More information to come. February 28th: Career Day. Please contact Renee Menke at [email protected] if you are interested in presenting your exciting career at Career Day! |
YOGA CLUB Session #2 starting Wednesday January 29th! This session will run every Wednesday for 8-weeks. There will be a $35 fee to join the club. This will cover the cost of: -all materials that are used in order to make crafts that are relevant to the yoga practices -a certified yoga instructor -the use of a yoga mat ** We will not turn away any student that is interested in Yoga Club due to financial circumstances. Please let Ms. Toth know if you need assistance and we will provide a scholarship Please note: there are 25 spots available for this club. Spots will be filled on a first come basis. |
DECember
12/11: End of rotation 2
12:18: NO late start
12/19: Lunch groups
12/20: Winter Break starts at the end of the day!
return 1/6/2020
12:18: NO late start
12/19: Lunch groups
12/20: Winter Break starts at the end of the day!
return 1/6/2020
november
11/1: End of 1st marking period 11/5: Lory's Place 5th hour 11/7: Parent Teacher Conferences at SJHS: HALF DAY FOR STUDENTS! Session 1: 12:30-4:00 Session 2: 5:30-8:30 11/8: Wacky Hair/Hat Day. $1 to participate all proceeds go to United Way! 11/13: Steve Grant, former NFL player will be speaking to the entire student body 11/13: World Kindness Day :) 11/20: Lunch groups 11/27: Thanksgiving Break begins! |
October
9/30: Guest speaker Mike Smith is back for the second year! He will be speaking to the entire student body about school culture and inclusion. Click below for a preview!
Mike Smith spoke to the student body about school culture & climate. One aspect of school culture is feeling unified with a common purpose. One passion of Mike's that our students will come together to promote in our own community is giving to the homeless. He promotes giving socks & beanies and we would like to ask students & families to consider donating during the month of October (aka "socktober"). Look for further details from the Builders Club.
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May & June
5/1: Math M-Step day #3 for 6th & 7th
Late Start
5/6: English M-Step day #1 for 6th & 7th grade
5/7: English M-Step day #2 for 6th & 7th grade
5/8: English M-Step day #3 for 6th & 7th grade
Late Start
5/10: Tech Fest at the High School 6-7:30
5/13: Math NWEA for all grades
5/14: Reading NWEA for all grades
5th grade parent night for incoming 6th graders @ 6:30 & 5:45 for special education transitions
5/15: Late Start
5/22: Late Start
5/27: No school (Memorial Day)
5/31: 8th Grade Farewell
6/3: Last day of Marking Period 4
6/5: 1/2 day & Exams
6/6: 1/2 day & Exams
6/7: 1/2 day & Exams
Last day of school!!
Late Start
5/6: English M-Step day #1 for 6th & 7th grade
5/7: English M-Step day #2 for 6th & 7th grade
5/8: English M-Step day #3 for 6th & 7th grade
Late Start
5/10: Tech Fest at the High School 6-7:30
5/13: Math NWEA for all grades
5/14: Reading NWEA for all grades
5th grade parent night for incoming 6th graders @ 6:30 & 5:45 for special education transitions
5/15: Late Start
5/22: Late Start
5/27: No school (Memorial Day)
5/31: 8th Grade Farewell
6/3: Last day of Marking Period 4
6/5: 1/2 day & Exams
6/6: 1/2 day & Exams
6/7: 1/2 day & Exams
Last day of school!!
Scheduling Items for Next Years 9th Graders
DUAL CREDIT for 2019-20 School Year
NEW Testing Requirements:
DEADLINE for Accuplacer testing is Aug. 30, 2019
Accuplacer testing offered at SJHS (Must Sign Up in Guidance Office):
Thursday, May 23, 3pm in SJHS Media Center or
Wednesday, May 29, 5:30pm in SJHS Media Center or
Monday, June 10, 10:00am in SJHS Computer Lab TBD
If you are unavailable to test on any of the above dates, you are welcome to test at any LMC campus during their hours.
To contact the LMC Benton Harbor Campus Accuplacer Testing call 269-927-6173
Test Out/ Online Class Applications
Now available in the Upton office! Please have your student stop by.
NEW Testing Requirements:
DEADLINE for Accuplacer testing is Aug. 30, 2019
Accuplacer testing offered at SJHS (Must Sign Up in Guidance Office):
Thursday, May 23, 3pm in SJHS Media Center or
Wednesday, May 29, 5:30pm in SJHS Media Center or
Monday, June 10, 10:00am in SJHS Computer Lab TBD
If you are unavailable to test on any of the above dates, you are welcome to test at any LMC campus during their hours.
To contact the LMC Benton Harbor Campus Accuplacer Testing call 269-927-6173
Test Out/ Online Class Applications
Now available in the Upton office! Please have your student stop by.
Does your student need help remembering all of the activities and important dates going on around Upton?? Well, look no further..The Guidance Department has a solution for your family! Have your student check out the new school-wide activity calendar in the hallway on their way to lunch :)
APril
4/9: PSAT for 8th grade - taking it at the HS
4/11: Science M-Step for 8th grade
4/12: Science M-Step for 8th grade
4/15: Social Studies M-Step for 8th
4/16: Social Studies M-Step for 8th
4/17: Late Start
New Rotation starts
4/19: 1/2 Day
4/24: Late Start
4/25: National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day - wear BLUE!
4/29: Math M-Step 6th & 7th grade
4/30: Math M-Step 6th & 7th grade
4/11: Science M-Step for 8th grade
4/12: Science M-Step for 8th grade
4/15: Social Studies M-Step for 8th
4/16: Social Studies M-Step for 8th
4/17: Late Start
New Rotation starts
4/19: 1/2 Day
4/24: Late Start
4/25: National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day - wear BLUE!
4/29: Math M-Step 6th & 7th grade
4/30: Math M-Step 6th & 7th grade
March
3/13: SJHS College & Career Workshop
6 – 8pm @ SJHS
FREE to all SJHS parents & students, grades 8-12
We encourage all students & parents to attend as there will be something for everyone
from Financial Aid to a College Panel-Admissions 101.
Complete details coming soon but here’s a look at some additional sessions:
* Creating a College List – Where to Start
* NCAA Eligibility & College Athletes
* Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships
* Safe Dating
* College Admissions 101
* Writing Your Best College Essay
* SAT vs. ACT Testing – Which test is “best” to take
* The Real Challenges of College – What they don’t tell you
6 – 8pm @ SJHS
FREE to all SJHS parents & students, grades 8-12
We encourage all students & parents to attend as there will be something for everyone
from Financial Aid to a College Panel-Admissions 101.
Complete details coming soon but here’s a look at some additional sessions:
* Creating a College List – Where to Start
* NCAA Eligibility & College Athletes
* Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships
* Safe Dating
* College Admissions 101
* Writing Your Best College Essay
* SAT vs. ACT Testing – Which test is “best” to take
* The Real Challenges of College – What they don’t tell you
Click on the file below for information on Dual Credit high school classes
Dual Credit Information 2019-20 School Year | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer
During the month of March (Mon 3/11- Thurs 3/21),
Guidance is teaming up with Student Council to raise $$ for childhood cancer.
*We will have 3 brackets - 1 for each grade level
March $Money$ Madness Challenge Rules
* Bring in as much money as you feel comfortable and place in the container in your homeroom
*At the end of each Thursday the container will be COUNTED
*Whichever class(es) in your grade level that has the most $money$
will be eligible to move on to the next round
*There are 3 rounds in the bracket
*If your homeroom gets knocked out, please contribute to another homeroom
to help them win
*There will be a winner for EACH grade level - prize is a PIZZA PARTY
3/15: Upton Prospective Student Day @ 10:30
This is an informational meeting for all individuals in the community that are considering attending Upton next year. If you know someone that would like more information (ex: school tour, curriculum overview, Q&A) please have them contact Renee Menke at 269.926.3411
3/28: End of 3rd marking period
3/28: 5th grade vist to Upton
February
2/4: 8th grade parent night
*please note: if you were unable to make it to this night, we will be running a GO time session on 2/14 for students. Parents- please check out the powerpoint that was presented this night. It covers many of the questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's school counselor if you have any questions... we are here to help you navigate this next chapter!
2/4-2/8: Kindness Week: Great Kindness Challenge is a proactive and positive bullying prevention initiative that improves school climate and increases student engagement. The Great Kindness Challenge is one week devoted to performing as many acts of kindness as possible.
Kindness promotes empathy and compassion; which in turn, leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others. When we practice random acts of kindness, It releases an energy. We feel better and the recipients of our acts feel better, which then makes them more likely to be kind to other people.
We will be giving every student a piece of paper where they will list kind deeds they will do and then have an adult sign off on when complete. The counselors will also be present at lunch Tuesday-Thursday to play a fun dice game with those that choose to participate. The cards will be turned into the office upon completion and entered into a raffle. The cards will be drawn and winners announce on Mon 2/11/19.
2/11: Let's talk about High School - Panel of high school students will be coming to the Upton to help answer any questions middle schoolers may have about entering high school.
2/11: Community presentation of Screenagers- Parents and students K-12, please join us Feb 11th from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm in the St Joseph High School’s John and Dede Howard auditorium for a viewing of Screenagers. Screenagers is an award-winning film that depicts the challenging struggles that families have over social media, video games and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world. After viewing the film, we have a county expert, Joe Rommel, who will give additional updates on current social media trends and suggestions for parents on setting boundaries with their students’ social media use.
Refreshments will be available, along with free childcare offered by SJHS National Honor Society student group. Childcare is available for toddler through elementary school age children.
* Please see the 'parent resources' tab for a parent guide to this documentary.
Refreshments will be available, along with free childcare offered by SJHS National Honor Society student group. Childcare is available for toddler through elementary school age children.
* Please see the 'parent resources' tab for a parent guide to this documentary.
2/19: 7th and 8th grade teachers will have their 2019-20 school year class recommendations to students
2/20: 7th and 8th grade Powerschool window opens for 2019-20 school year registration
2/22: End of rotation 3
2/20: 7th and 8th grade Powerschool window opens for 2019-20 school year registration
2/22: End of rotation 3
January: Your mindset matters!
During the month of January, the Guidance Department will be focused on helping students establish a positive mindset. Managing stress and anxiety will not only help students with their overall well being...but also help them focus and perform better on their upcoming final exams!
What will the Guidance Department be doing?
- To begin, we will start by going into each class to explain to students what is happening to the brain when one experiences anxiety.
-We will continue to go into classrooms throughout the month to teach students a different quick tool each time that they can utilize to cope with anxiety. It is our hope that by the end of the month students will have a tool box of strategies to use!
Important dates in January
1/18: End of marking period 2
1/21: No school -- MLK Day
1/23-1/25: Semester exams
Tuesday, January 22 Regular Schedule (Review Day)
Wednesday, January 23
1st Hour Semester Exam: 7:45 – 9:15
2nd Hour Semester Exam : 9:34 – 11:04
Thursday, January 24
3rd Hour Semester Exam: 7:45 – 9:15
4th Hour Semester Exam: 9:34 – 11:04
Friday, January 25 End of 1st Semester
5th Hour Semester Exam: 7:45 – 9:15
6th Hour Semester Exam: 9:34 – 11:04
National Kindness week..stay tuned!
**Upton's first Peer to Peer Program starts at the beginning of semester 2!! For more information on what this is, please see the December section below.
December is a month of giving "gratitude"
All month: The Guidance Department will be teaming up with Builders Club to host a sock drive. At the beginning of the year, students listened to guest speaker, Mike Smith. Students were inspired by Mike's motivational message, and want to give back to the community. We learned from Mike that socks are one of the most needed items by homeless people in cold months.
*Check out the parent resources tab to see the social, emotional, and academic benefits students gain from giving back-"The Giving Glow"
RESULTS: Thanks to all who contributed to the sock drive - your donations will definitely be appreciated!! In total, Upton will be donating 763 items to the emergency shelter (382 pairs of socks & 381 toiletries)! Thanks to Builders Club for facilitating!
With the HS's donations of 451 pairs of socks, the SJ schools will be able to donate over 1200 items to those in need!!
**This also means that Upton beat the HS in items donated - go Upton!!
*Check out the parent resources tab to see the social, emotional, and academic benefits students gain from giving back-"The Giving Glow"
RESULTS: Thanks to all who contributed to the sock drive - your donations will definitely be appreciated!! In total, Upton will be donating 763 items to the emergency shelter (382 pairs of socks & 381 toiletries)! Thanks to Builders Club for facilitating!
With the HS's donations of 451 pairs of socks, the SJ schools will be able to donate over 1200 items to those in need!!
**This also means that Upton beat the HS in items donated - go Upton!!
12/4: Anxiety Documentary at the Lakeshore High School Auditorium from 6:30-8. This free film offers an important look into anxiety and the impact it has on teens and families and is open to anyone ages 10+. According to recent national studies, 80% of people believe anxiety is on the rise. We think watching Angst together and listening to our special guests after the film will be helpful to everyone who attends.
12/10: Peer to peer presentation to all students by Kathy Hickok from the Berrien RESA.
What is it?: Peer to Peer is a new program that Upton will pilot 2nd semester of this school year. Peer to peer support programs increase opportunities for students with ASD to access general education settings and curriculum. "Peers (LINKS) model typical academic and social behavior in educational environments throughout the school day and provide support for students with ASD to promote independence and socialization. Peer to peer support programs and inclusion of students with ASD not only affects outcomes for the students with ASD, but can also benefit peers." Upton will not limit support to students with ASD, but will also include peers that are in special education classes.
What will this look like at Upton?: Students that would like to be a LINK will select Peer to Peer as an elective class. They will be paired with a student that needs support. They will go to the same class each day with their assigned peer to provide them emotional and academic support.
What is it?: Peer to Peer is a new program that Upton will pilot 2nd semester of this school year. Peer to peer support programs increase opportunities for students with ASD to access general education settings and curriculum. "Peers (LINKS) model typical academic and social behavior in educational environments throughout the school day and provide support for students with ASD to promote independence and socialization. Peer to peer support programs and inclusion of students with ASD not only affects outcomes for the students with ASD, but can also benefit peers." Upton will not limit support to students with ASD, but will also include peers that are in special education classes.
What will this look like at Upton?: Students that would like to be a LINK will select Peer to Peer as an elective class. They will be paired with a student that needs support. They will go to the same class each day with their assigned peer to provide them emotional and academic support.
November is national career development month
Upcoming Events
November 2nd: End of marking period 1
November 8th: Parent teacher conferences
at the High School 12:30-4:00pm & 5:30-8:30pm
Come check out our Community Resource Fair
including a Teenager Mock Bedroom
The Teenager Mock Bedroom program is designed to educate parents about the possible warning signs of drug abuse. The mock bedroom is carefully staged with drug paraphernalia to show parents the most recent trends and numerous ways a teen may hide their “stash”as well as other items that are used to conceal the smell and effects. There will be members of the Voice.Change.Hope Alliance on hand at parent conferences to discuss and show in more detail the facts and trends of drug use in southwest Michigan. Please stop by and check it out, but do not bring students or other children.
November 9th: Career Day!
Your student will select 4 speakers they would like to attend. If you are curious what their options are, check out this link: padlet.com/vtoth/fiu8o14ice9m
*Reminder: After school tutoring is now available
Tuesday/Thursday: tutoring from NHS students at the high school. Students can take bus #16 over to the high school. Please have your student stop by the office to pick up a tutoring bus pass. Ends at 4:00
Wednesday: tutoring from retired teachers in the Upton media center. Ends at 4:00
October is national bullying prevention month
September is self improvement month
September 10 -
All School Assembly with MIKE SMITH: Pursuing Your Passions
Mike has accomplished things that few people his age have done, and his reckless pursuit of his passions has been a significant factor in getting him there.
In this talk, Mike explains that every decision we make can have a lasting impact on our lives and motivates people to live life intentionally, with purpose, and with a healthy dose of correctly-applied recklessness.
All School Assembly with MIKE SMITH: Pursuing Your Passions
Mike has accomplished things that few people his age have done, and his reckless pursuit of his passions has been a significant factor in getting him there.
In this talk, Mike explains that every decision we make can have a lasting impact on our lives and motivates people to live life intentionally, with purpose, and with a healthy dose of correctly-applied recklessness.
This month, students will be focused on setting new academic, personal, social, and family goals to start the school year off on a positive note. We will measure growth throughout the year.
2017-2018 School year
April/may are wellness months
The next few months are packed with testing, after school activities, and wrapping up school curriculum. While we truly believe each of these are extremely important, it is also vital that our students focus on their own personal wellness. For the months of April and May, the Guidance Department will be emphasizing the importance of physical, social, mental, and emotional wellness! Each of these 4 components is essential to self-care that foster healthy happy and successful students.
* For our 2nd edition of the Self-Care Series developed by the Guidance Department, please visit the parent resources tab.
Important Dates in April
8th Grade M-Step Schedule
4/11 - 4/13- 8th grade English M-Step testing
4/16- 4/18- 8th grade Math M-Step testing
4/23-8th grade Social Studies part 1 M-Step testing
4/24-Mrs. Foster's 5th hr. and all of Mrs. Francis's 8th grade classes take Science M-Step
4/25-8th grade social studies part 2 M-Step testing
4/26-Mrs. Fosters 4th hr. and all of Mrs. Mackellar's 8th grade classes take Science M-Step
4/18- 5th rotation starts
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
In the Guidance Department, mental health is at the forefront every month, week, and day. But nationally, May is recognized as a special awareness month. Please see the "Parent Resources" section for relevant articles.
Important Dates in April
5/8: Reading NWEA 6th-8th grade
5/11: Math NWEA 6th-8th grade
5/15: ELA M-Step day #1 for 6th and 7th grade
5/16: ELA M-Step day #2 for 6th and 7th grade
5/17: 5th grade students visit to Upton!
5/28: No School- Memorial Day
March Maddness
This month we will be joining forces with our wonderful student council. Together we will be hosting a penny war. We will begin amongst individual grades, and the winners will move on to compete with each other! All proceeds will go directly to Pennies for Patients.
March 1st: School wide assembly: "Carry the Love"
March 2nd: Online scheduling closes grades 6th-8th at 3:00
March 5th: Freshmen course selection form due to Upton main office
March 23rd: Perspective Upton students tour at 10:30
Pennies for Patients Competition Winners
6th grade: Nicholson AND Maier
7th grade: Gressley
8th grade: Hunnel
March 1st: School wide assembly: "Carry the Love"
March 2nd: Online scheduling closes grades 6th-8th at 3:00
March 5th: Freshmen course selection form due to Upton main office
March 23rd: Perspective Upton students tour at 10:30
Pennies for Patients Competition Winners
6th grade: Nicholson AND Maier
7th grade: Gressley
8th grade: Hunnel
February is Career Month
*February is a very busy month! Please check out the following upcoming events:
February 2nd: A panel of high school students will be coming into each 8th grade English class to answer some FAQ's our middle school students may have about high school. This will allow our middle school students to gain perspective what a typical day as a high schooler may look like.
February 7th: Informational Scheduling Meeting for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents who plan to attend St. Joseph High School Fall 2018
Time-6:00pm
Location-St. Joseph High School Auditorium
*You will receive 2018-19 scheduling materials, learn about the high school scheduling process, meet department representatives and tour the school.
This is a very important informational meeting and encourage all 8th grade students and their parents to attend.
February 13th: 7th grade honors breakfast @ 7:15
February 15th: 6th grade honors breakfast @ 7:15
February 16th: 8th grade honors breakfast @ 7:15
February 17th-23rd: 6th and 7th grade scheduling
February 23rd: Career Day! This year we will extend it to the whole student body, rather than to just 8th graders. We are expecting to have 30 presentations for students to choose from. This will be a combination of professionals within our community, in addition to various CTE programs offered within the county. The 6 career pathways represented will be: arts & communication; business, management & marketing technology; engineering, manufacturing & industrial technology; health science; human services; and agriscience & natural resources. Students will have the opportunity to select 4 speakers's sessions that they would like to attend.
February 2nd: A panel of high school students will be coming into each 8th grade English class to answer some FAQ's our middle school students may have about high school. This will allow our middle school students to gain perspective what a typical day as a high schooler may look like.
February 7th: Informational Scheduling Meeting for 8th Grade Students & Their Parents who plan to attend St. Joseph High School Fall 2018
Time-6:00pm
Location-St. Joseph High School Auditorium
*You will receive 2018-19 scheduling materials, learn about the high school scheduling process, meet department representatives and tour the school.
This is a very important informational meeting and encourage all 8th grade students and their parents to attend.
February 13th: 7th grade honors breakfast @ 7:15
February 15th: 6th grade honors breakfast @ 7:15
February 16th: 8th grade honors breakfast @ 7:15
February 17th-23rd: 6th and 7th grade scheduling
February 23rd: Career Day! This year we will extend it to the whole student body, rather than to just 8th graders. We are expecting to have 30 presentations for students to choose from. This will be a combination of professionals within our community, in addition to various CTE programs offered within the county. The 6 career pathways represented will be: arts & communication; business, management & marketing technology; engineering, manufacturing & industrial technology; health science; human services; and agriscience & natural resources. Students will have the opportunity to select 4 speakers's sessions that they would like to attend.
January
Keep Calm and Test on....
During the month of January, we will be focusing on test taking strategies in order to prepare for semester exams ( 1/24-1/26). Located on the Guidance Department's bulletin board near the lunch room, you can find a list of the top strategies to help yourself during the test and how to prepare for tests.
During the month of January, we will be focusing on test taking strategies in order to prepare for semester exams ( 1/24-1/26). Located on the Guidance Department's bulletin board near the lunch room, you can find a list of the top strategies to help yourself during the test and how to prepare for tests.