Weekly Announcements
2023-2024
09/25 - 09/29
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Monday, September 25th, 2023
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Monday, September 25th – Fall Play Practice begins in the cafeteria
Wednesday, October 4th – Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Sign up on PTC Fast
PTO Meeting 5:00 pm in the front Fab Lab room 201
Thursday, October 5th – STEM Family Night
Friday, October 6th – NO SCHOOL – Data Analysis Day
Monday, October 9th - Indigenous Peoples Day
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Monday, September 25th – Brown Day
Tuesday, September 26th – Gold Day
Wednesday, September 27th – Brown Day
Thursday, September 28th – Gold Day
Friday, September 29th – Brown Day
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: (New announcements are in italic)
From the PTO: PTO Monthly Birthday Treat and Fundraising: Our PTO celebrates students’ birthdays by providing a treat for students during their birthday month. They also have treats available to sell to students who would like to purchase. This is fundraising to pay for PTO sponsored events like our grade level parties. Here are the dates PTO will be doing the birthday treats during lunch at VMSS: September 12th, October 3rd, November 7th, December 5th, January 9th, February 6th, March 5th, April 2nd, May 7th.
From Mrs. Martin: Do you love books, fun activities, and meeting other kids who love to read? If so, then R.E.A.D. Club is for you! R.E.A.D. Club meets once a month during the advisory/lunch time and has no required reading. If you were in R.E.A.D. Club last year, you are still signed up. If you want to join for the very first time, stop down to the library or send a Schoology message to Mrs. Martin. Our first meeting will be Thursday, October 12th.
From Mrs. Cunningham:
Ways to report your student’s absence, early pick up or late arrival. Please include the student’s name, grade, and reason for absence.
- Go to VMSS Webpage: https://vmss.district196.org/ click on REPORT AN ABSENCE at the top of the home page. (Student ID needed)
- To call: use the attendance line: 651-683-6969 Ext. 82616
- To email: use this address: vms.attendance@district196.org
- Send a written note with student to turn into the office
From the Administration: All students, if you forgot something at home and you know that a parent will be dropping it off, please pick it up on the table in the vestibule in the main entrance of the school between classes or during the noontime. Students will not be paged to pick up forgotten items. Valley Middle School of STEM is not responsible for any lost or stolen items from that table.
PARENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
From Mrs. Gallaher: Dear Parent/Guardian,
Please read the following on Vision Screenings: The state of Minnesota recommends that students have their vision screened during certain intervals throughout their academic career. These screenings are performed by your child’s school nurse annually during first, third, fifth, and seventh grade.
This year’s 7th grade vision screening will be on Tuesday, October 10.
This grade level vision screen will be supported by the LIONS club of Minnesota KidSight Program (https://www.lionskidsightusa.org/). Lions KidSight USA is a nation-wide program that brings Lions clubs across the country together to ensure our children receive eye screenings and follow-up care when needed. 1-in-3 young children have poor but correctable vision - often just needing eyeglasses. Their team of volunteers use the Spot Vision Screener which is a handheld, portable device designed to help users quickly and easily detect vision issues on patients from 6 months of age through adult. Spot screens both eyes at once from a nonthreatening 3-foot distance. The LIONS club does not keep any personal identifiable information from students. The only data collected is total number of students screened and the percentage of student referrals. The whole process takes about 3 seconds per student.
If your student does not pass the vision screen, a letter detailing your student’s results will be mailed home with a recommendation for a formal vision exam by an eye doctor.
If you choose to opt-out, please email the school nurse Hilary Gallaher at hilary.gallaher@district196.org.
09/18 - 09/22
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Monday, September 18th, 2023
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Monday, September 18th – Fall Play Auditions After School
Tuesday, September 19th – Fall Play Auditions After School
Monday, September 25th – Fall Play Practice begins in the cafeteria
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Monday, September 18th – Gold Day
Tuesday, September 19th – Brown Day
Wednesday, September 20th – Gold Day
Thursday, September 21st – Brown Day
Friday, September 22nd – Gold Day
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: (New announcements are in italic)
From Mrs. Martin: Do you love books, fun activities, and meeting other kids who love to read? If so, then R.E.A.D. Club is for you! R.E.A.D. Club meets once a month during the advisory/lunch time and has no required reading. If you were in R.E.A.D. Club last year, you are still signed up. If you want to join for the very first time, stop down to the library or send a Schoology message to Mrs. Martin. Our first meeting will be Thursday, October 12th.
From Mr. Spiegelberg: VMSS Math Team! Do you love math? Are you up for some challenging questions? Want to compete against the other middle schools in our district? Join the Math Team. Monday’s afterschool in Mr. Spiegelberg’s room (Room 418). Right after school until 4:00pm every Monday. Our first practice is this Monday, Sept. 18th. No need to sign up, just show up. See you Monday!
From Ms. Morgan: Are you interested in robots? Do you like coding? Are you a wizard with LEGOs? Then you should join Ms. Morgan on the First LEGO League Challenge Team! Practices are from 3-4:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from September 19 – November 11 in Ms. Morgan’s room (407). Space is limited, so stop by Ms. Morgan’s room to sign up!
From: Mrs. Deyo and Mrs. Waage would like to invite you to audition for the fall play……Peter Pan and Wendy! Stop by the LMC next week to pick up an information sheet and scan the QR code. Forms are due by Friday, September 15. Auditions will be held September 18 and 19 in the choir room after school.
From Mrs. Cunningham:
Ways to report your student’s absence, early pick up or late arrival. Please include the student’s name, grade, and reason for absence.
- Go to VMSS Webpage: https://vmss.district196.org/ click on REPORT AN ABSENCE at the top of the home page. (Student ID needed)
- To call: use the attendance line: 651-683-6969 Ext. 82616
- To email: use this address: vms.attendance@district196.org
- Send a written note with student to turn into the office
From the AVR Alpine Ski Team Coach:
Apple Valley / Rosemount High School Race Team Grades 7 and Up
Tuesday, September 19
23-24 Jump Start Meeting and Gear Swap
Date: Tuesday, September 19
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Scott Highlands Middle School Lecture Room B
14011 Pilot Knob Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Details: 6:00-6:20 23-24Program Overview
6:20-6:30 How to properly fit skis and boots
6:30-8:00 Gear fit and Swap
Hello Team and Parents,
AVR is hosting an informational meeting and gear swap for new and returning members on Tuesday, September 19. The purpose of this meeting is to provide new and returning team members information about the upcoming season and more importantly take a look at your gear to see if you need to upgrade anything for the coming season. This meeting is scheduled just before the Buck Hill Ski Swap, so if you don’t sell or pass your gear on to a teammate at our gear swap you can sell it there. Team members should bring their gear to do a quick fit check so they know if it is time to sell it or pass it on to other team members who may need an upgrade. I encourage you to bring new potential team members to learn about the program and learn about what to look for in equipment.
I hope to see you all on September 19.
Tom Schulz
AVR Head Coach
Questions: email Tom.schulz@district196.org
Call 952-210-3907
From the Administration: All students, if you forgot something at home and you know that a parent will be dropping it off, please pick it up on the table in the vestibule in the main entrance of the school between classes or during the noontime. Students will not be paged to pick up forgotten items. Valley Middle School of STEM is not responsible for any lost or stolen items from that table.
PARENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
From Mrs. Gallaher: Dear Parent/Guardian,
Please read the following on Vision Screenings: The state of Minnesota recommends that students have their vision screened during certain intervals throughout their academic career. These screenings are performed by your child’s school nurse annually during first, third, fifth, and seventh grade.
This year’s 7th grade vision screening will be on Tuesday, October 10.
This grade level vision screen will be supported by the LIONS club of Minnesota KidSight Program (https://www.lionskidsightusa.org/). Lions KidSight USA is a nation-wide program that brings Lions clubs across the country together to ensure our children receive eye screenings and follow-up care when needed. 1-in-3 young children have poor but correctable vision - often just needing eyeglasses. Their team of volunteers use the Spot Vision Screener which is a handheld, portable device designed to help users quickly and easily detect vision issues on patients from 6 months of age through adult. Spot screens both eyes at once from a nonthreatening 3-foot distance. The LIONS club does not keep any personal identifiable information from students. The only data collected is total number of students screened and the percentage of student referrals. The whole process takes about 3 seconds per student.
If your student does not pass the vision screen, a letter detailing your student’s results will be mailed home with a recommendation for a formal vision exam by an eye doctor.
If you choose to opt-out, please email the school nurse Hilary Gallaher at hilary.gallaher@district196.org.
School Meal Information
In March 2023, the Minnesota Free School Meals bill was signed into law. This provides all students in District 196 one breakfast and one lunch each school day at no charge.
A la carte items including snacks, beverages, and second entrees, are available to purchase in our schools. Students who wish to purchase a la carte items must have a positive balance in their Nutrition Services account.
09/11 - 09/15
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Monday, September 11th, 2023
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Monday, September 18th – Fall Play Auditions After School
Tuesday, September 19th – Fall Play Auditions After School
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Monday, September 11th – Brown Day
Tuesday, September 12th – Gold Day
Wednesday, September 13th – Brown Day
Thursday, September 14th – Gold Day
Friday, September 15th – Brown Day
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: (New announcements are in italic)
From: Mrs. Deyo and Mrs. Waage would like to invite you to audition for the fall play……Peter Pan and Wendy! Stop by the LMC next week to pick up an information sheet and scan the QR code. Forms are due by Friday, September 15. Auditions will be held September 18 and 19 in the choir room after school.
From Mrs. Cunningham:
Ways to report your students absence, early pick up or late arrival. Please include the student’s name, grade, and reason for absence.
- Go to VMSS Webpage: https://vmss.district196.org/ click on REPORT AN ABSENCE at the top of the home page. (Student ID needed)
- To call: use the attendance line : 651-683-6969 Ext. 82616
- To email: use this address: vms.attendance@district196.org
- Send a written note with student to turn into the office
From the AVR Alpine Ski Team Coach:
Apple Valley / Rosemount High School Race Team Grades 7 and Up
Tuesday, September 19
23-24 Jump Start Meeting and Gear Swap
Date: Tuesday, September 19
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Scott Highlands Middle School Lecture Room B
14011 Pilot Knob Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Details: 6:00-6:20 23-24Program Overview
6:20-6:30 How to properly fit skis and boots
6:30-8:00 Gear fit and Swap
Hello Team and Parents,
AVR is hosting an informational meeting and gear swap for new and returning members on Tuesday, September 19. The purpose of this meeting is to provide new and returning team members information about the upcoming season and more importantly take a look at your gear to see if you need to upgrade anything for the coming season. This meeting is scheduled just before the Buck Hill Ski Swap, so if you don’t sell or pass your gear on to a teammate at our gear swap you can sell it there. Team members should bring their gear to do a quick fit check so they know if it is time to sell it or pass it on to other team members who may need an upgrade. I encourage you to bring new potential team members to learn about the program and learn about what to look for in equipment.
I hope to see you all on September 19.
Tom Schulz
AVR Head Coach
Questions: email Tom.schulz@district196.org
Call 952-210-3907
From the Administration: All students, if you forgot something at home and you know that a parent will be dropping it off, please pick it up on the table in the vestibule in the main entrance of the school between classes or during the noontime. Students will not be paged to pick up forgotten items. Valley Middle School of STEM is not responsible for any lost or stolen items from that table.
PARENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
School Meal Information
In March 2023, the Minnesota Free School Meals bill was signed into law. This provides all students in District 196 one breakfast and one lunch each school day at no charge.
A la carte items including snacks, beverages, and second entrees, are available to purchase in our schools. Students who wish to purchase a la carte items must have a positive balance in their Nutrition Services account.
09/05-09/08
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Tuesday, September 5th, 2023
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Tuesday, September 5th – Fall Sports Sign-ups on MyPaymentPlus
Wednesday, September 6th – Fall Sports Sign-ups on MyPaymentPlus
Thursday, September 7th – First Day of Fall Sports
School Picture Day
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Tuesday, September 5th – Brown Day
Wednesday, September 6th – Gold Day
Thursday, September 7th – Brown Day
Friday, September 8th – Gold Day
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: (New announcements are in italic)
From the Administration: All students, if you forgot something at home and you know that a parent will be dropping it off, please pick it up on the table in the vestibule in the main entrance of the school between classes or during the noontime. Students will not be paged to pick up forgotten items. Valley Middle School of STEM is not responsible for any lost or stolen items from that table.
From Mr. Jotter: All students interested in participating in school sports MUST have a sports physical on file with the school. The fee to participate is $110.00. Please register on-line through MyPaymentPlus.
7th and 8th graders interested in participating in fall sports have the option to sign up for: Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis, and Girls Volleyball.
6th grade students may participate in Boys and Girls Cross Country and Girls Tennis this fall.
From Mrs. Pelinka: Cross Country will begin Thursday, Sept. 7 at 3:00 PM, and we will meet in room 508 for the first day of practice. Runners should change in the locker rooms and make sure their belongings are secure and locked. Please come to practice with water bottles, tennis shoes and comfortable running clothes each day. Can’t wait for an awesome season! Coach Pelinka, Vaillancourt + Canal
From Mrs. Cunningham: Ways to report your student’s absence, early pick up or late arrival. Please include the student’s name, grade, and reason for absence.
- Go to VMSS Webpage: www.vmss.district196.org click on REPORT AN ABSENCE at the top of the home page. (Student ID needed)
- To call: use the attendance line: 651-683-6969 Ext. 82616
- To email: use this address: vms.attendance@district196.org
- Send a written note with student to turn into the office
From Ms. Mills: 8th Grade Students:
You will be swapping out your iPad this week (September 7th-11th) during your Global Studies Class.
Your old iPad will be erased upon turn in.
1. You must turn in your old iPad to swap out to the new 9th Gen iPad.
2. All stickers must be removed from iPad and case before you are able to swap.
3. If you do not remember your password for Schoology, please visit us in the Tech Center before you swap iPads.
4. Any new 8th Grade students to District 196 have already been issued a 9th Gen iPad so they will not need to swap out.
5. Please remember to remind your parent to log into MyPaymentsPlus to Accept or Decline the iPad Protection as soon as possible. 2023-24 Protection Plan.