Weekly Announcements
2022-2023
09/26 - 09/30
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Monday, September 26th, 2022
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Wednesday, October 5th – Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:15pm – 5:15pm
PTO Meeting at 5:15pm in the Maker Space/Conference Room
Thursday, October 6th – Picture Re-take in the morning
Thursday, October 13th – Valley Middle School of STEM 50th Anniversary Celebration 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Monday, September 26th – Brown Day – Band Lesson Day “A”
Tuesday, September 27th – Gold Day – Band Lesson Day “B”
Wednesday, September 28th – Brown Day – Band Lesson Day “C” and Wednesday 1
Thursday, September 29th – Gold Day – Band Lesson Day “D”
Friday, September 24th – Brown Day – Band Lesson Day “E”
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: (New announcements are in italic)
From Ms. Crouse: Attention 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students!!!
Are you interested in robots? Do you like Coding? Do you like LEGOS!?
Then you should join Ms. Crouse on the VMSS FIRST LEGO League Challenge Team!
Practices are after school Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-4:45 from Sep. 27-Nov. 29.
The first practice is set to be Tuesday, September 27th from 2:45-4:45 in Ms. Crouse’s room in 214.
(Note: There will be additional dates on weekends for competitions and extra practices past Nov. 29th, if necessary)
The club works together to design, build, and code a robot built out of LEGOS to complete tasks that all relate to a global issue. We also research the issue, come up with a proposed tech-based solution, and present our project at a local competition where we will race our robots to gain the most points completing tasks. If our team does well, we can move on to the State Championship in January, or the National and Global Competitions in the Spring!
The fee is $50 to participate. Spots are limited to 20 students. Ask Ms. Crouse for more information!
From Mrs. Pelinka: Attention Curious Science Girls!
Twin Cities Public Television is looking for people to feature in five new episodes of SciGirls for broadcast on PBS TV and the Web. Here is who they are looking for:
Girls who are 12-14 years old, curious, intelligent and excited about science, technology, engineering or math!
If you are interested, contact Arwen Tag at atag@tpt.org to be considered for our upcoming episodes in partnership with the National Parks.
More information can be found on your Schoology grade level group page along with a PDF permission form.
From Mrs. Martin: Attention all readers! R.E.A.D. Club is a VMSS tradition and YOU'RE INVITED to be part of the fun! Once a month during lunch/advisory time, join us for games and new book talks, plus get to know other students who love to read. Our first R.E.A.D. Club meeting will be Thursday, October 13th. If you want to join R.E.A.D. Club, stop by the LMC to get on the list. Passes for the meeting will be given out closer to the date.
From Mrs. Trudeau: What do you think the future will be like? How will climate change impact our cities? Explore these questions and more by joining FUTURE CITY! We are looking for team players to work together on model building, essay writing, and presenting. Click this link - https://futurecity.org/minnesota- for more information. Stop by Ms. Trudeau’s room (207) for information, and watch for an informational meeting next week! All grades welcome.
From Mrs. Spychalla: The 7th and 8th grade Stock Market Game SIGN UP deadline is this Thursday, September 29. See Mrs. Spychalla for details. Teams who have already signed up should have their user names and passwords by the end of this week. Teams who already have their passwords may start playing.
From Dr. Tidwell: Students must be accompanied the whole time by a parent/guardian to attend any after school sports game(s)/matches. Thank you for your cooperation.
From Dr. Buchwald: Students please check the lost and found in the cafeteria if you are missing any clothing, lunch bags, water bottles, notebooks, etc. Due to the abundance amount of lost and found items in the lost and found area in the cafeteria, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity at the end of each month.. Lunch boxes/bags and water bottles will be thrown away. Student’s it is your responsibility to check for your lost items.
From the Faith Club Parent Advisors:“Faith Club is kicking off the 2022-2023 school year with See You at The Pole on September 28 at 7:30am and the first official meeting will be Friday October 14 at 7:15-7:45 in room 410 (Mrs Bellow’s room). Enjoy time with friends and meet new friends as you enjoy a donut too! Please join our social media for updates @VMS Faith Club.”
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: (New announcements are in italic)
From Dr. Tidwell: Students must be accompanied the whole time by a parent/guardian to attend any after school sports game(s)/matches. Thank you for your cooperation.
From Dr. Buchwald: Due to the abundance amount of lost and found items in the lost and found area in the cafeteria, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity at the end of each month.. Lunch boxes/bags and water bottles will be thrown away.
Parents – If you need to drop off any items for your child during the school day, please drop the item off on the table in the vestibule of the main entrance. Students will not be called/paged down to the vestibule to pick up any items. It is their responsibility to check that table during the day. Thank you for your cooperation!
COMMUNITY EDUCATION:
Classes being offered through Community Education:
Intro to Web Page Development (grades 7-9)
Tue & Thu | Sep 27 & 29 | 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. | 2 sessions | $40 | EHS
Less than 5 spots left!
Science Olympiad-MYSO (grades 6-8)-Forestry
Wed | Oct 5 – 26 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | 4 sessions | $40 | EHS
Code Championship Tournament-Virtual Computer Coding Competition (grades 3-9)
Sat | Oct 8 - Nov 12 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | 6 sessions | $123 | Live Online
Improv: Acting Without a Script (grades 6-9)
Wed | Sep 28 - Oct 26 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | 5 sessions | $85 | BHMS
Quest: An Immersive Game Experience (grades 3-8)
Mon | Oct 3 - Nov 21 | 6:15 - 7:45 p.m. | 7 sessions | $79 | skip Oct 31 | SHMS
The District 196 Foundation will host its 2nd annual Celebration event on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Minnesota Vikings Museum in Eagan. The event is a fundraiser that will support the foundation’s mission to eliminate barriers to learning for students in Independent School District 196. Guests can enjoy live music, a tour of the museum, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a short program. The event is open to all. Tickets cost $50 per person ($30 of which is tax deductible). Space is limited, so register now at www.district196foundation.org/events.
In lieu of attendance, the foundation welcomes donations specific to its core programs. A donation of $215 provides a student with food each weekend throughout the year. A gift of $100 restores an instrument for an aspiring musician. A contribution of $35 provides 10 books for a student in need over the summer. $1,096 provides weekend food for two children, five instruments and more than 50, new, age-appropriate books. This Club 196 level also provides recognition on our website. The foundation’s ability to fund these programs depends on support from people who share its commitment to ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to learn. To donate, visit https://www.district196foundation.org/donate
09/19 - 09/23
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Monday, September 19th, 2022
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Monday, September 19th – Fall Play Auditions after school
Tuesday, September 20th – Fall Play Auditions after school
Wednesday, October 5th – Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:15pm – 5:15pm
PTO Meeting at 5:15pm in the Maker Space/Conference Room
Thursday, October 13th – Valley Middle School of STEM 50th Anniversary Celebration 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Monday, September 19th – Gold Day
Tuesday, September 20th – Brown Day
Wednesday, September 21st – Gold Day
Thursday, September 22nd – Brown Day
Friday, September 23rd – Gold Day
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: (New announcements are in italic)
From Dr. Tidwell: Students must be accompanied the whole time by a parent/guardian to attend any after school sports game(s)/matches. Thank you for your cooperation.
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. Thursday’s afterschool in Mr. Spiegelberg’s room (Room 418). Right after school until 4:00pm every Thursday. No need to sign up, just show up. See you Thursday!
From Apple Valley Rosemount Alpine Ski Team:
Attention all downhill skiers: the Apple Valley / Rosemount Alpine Ski Team booster club is hosting a ski equipment swap and information meeting at Scott Highlands MS on September 20, from 7-9 pm. Come and learn about what ski equipment you need to be on the team. If you already have downhill gear bring it with you for a fit check.
Details
What: AVR Alpine Team equipment information meeting
Grades: 7-12
When: Tue, September 20, 7pm – 8pm
Where: Scott Highlands Middle School, 14011 Pilot Knob Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA (map)
Apple Valley Rosemount Alpine Team Equipment Information Meeting
Apple Valley / Rosemount Alpine Ski Team Website
Questions: Tom Schulz, AVR Head Coach Tom.schulz@district196.org
From Ms. Mills:
IMPORTANT! Please read….
ALL families are expected to review and acknowledge the iPad Student User Agreement, and also accept or decline the Protection Plan by 4:00pm on Monday, September 19, 2022. After that date, anyone who has not either accepted or declined the Protection Plan will be considered to have declined and will be responsible for any costs associated with damage or loss until such time that you have actively accepted the Protection Plan.
Log into your MyPaymentsPlus account and for each child search “iPad” to display the following two activities of which you will register for one:
- 22-23 iPad User Agreement + ACCEPT Protection Plan
- 22-23 iPad User Agreement + DECLINE Protection Plan
From Dr. Buchwald: Students please check the lost and found in the cafeteria if you are missing any clothing, lunch bags, water bottles, notebooks, etc. Due to the abundance amount of lost and found items in the lost and found area in the cafeteria, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity at the end of each month.. Lunch boxes/bags and water bottles will be thrown away. Student’s it is your responsibility to check for your lost items.
From the Faith Club Parent Advisors:“Faith Club is kicking off the 2022-2023 school year with See You at The Pole on September 28 at 7:30am and the first official meeting will be Friday October 14 at 7:15-7:45 in room 410 (Mrs Bellow’s room). Enjoy time with friends and meet new friends as you enjoy a donut too! Please join our social media for updates @VMS Faith Club.”
From Mr. Podmers:
Attention 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Want to get into the Fab Lab more? After School Fab Lab Club will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 20th. First session runs through October 27th. Check out the following link for info to sign-up.
From Mrs. Spychalla: Each year the Veteran’s group offers students an opportunity to enter an essay competition. Our students have participated for 16 years. Essay that are submitted to the Rosemount VFW are evaluated by the Veteran’s group. Later in the year some students are honored at a recognition and receive a token of remembrance. Usually at least one student earns an impressive award. See Ms. Pelinka or Mrs. Spychalla in room 416 for the details and a handout that gives the directions.
From Mrs. Spychalla: Reminder from the bulletin last week: The Aviation event for families will be held Saturday, September 24 at Flying Cloud Airport. Families must register on the stars of the north aviation day website. See Mrs. Spychalla in room 416 for details.
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: (New announcements are in italic)
From Dr. Tidwell: Students must be accompanied the whole time by a parent/guardian to attend any after school sports game(s)/matches. Thank you for your cooperation.
From Dr. Buchwald: Due to the abundance amount of lost and found items in the lost and found area in the cafeteria, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity at the end of each month.. Lunch boxes/bags and water bottles will be thrown away.
“VMSS will be partnering with Every Meal - Fighting Child Hunger to provide weekend meals to families in our school community. Every Meal provides non-perishable food items that students can take home and share with their families over the weekend. It is free of cost to families and bags of food will be placed in students lockers providing privacy to students. If you know of any students/families that could use this program, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Venz (jennifer.venz@district196.org, 952-431-8783) or Mrs. Walberg (tracy.walberg@district196.org, 952-431-8312) or Mr. Bronson (john.bronson@district196.org, 952-431-8782) and we will connect with these families. Thanks and have a great day!”
Parents – If you need to drop off any items for your child during the school day, please drop the item off on the table in the vestibule of the main entrance. Students will not be called/paged down to the vestibule to pick up any items. It is their responsibility to check that table during the day. Thank you for your cooperation!
COMMUNITY EDUCATION:
The District 196 Foundation will host its 2nd annual Celebration event on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Minnesota Vikings Museum in Eagan. The event is a fundraiser that will support the foundation’s mission to eliminate barriers to learning for students in Independent School District 196. Guests can enjoy live music, a tour of the museum, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a short program. The event is open to all. Tickets cost $50 per person ($30 of which is tax deductible). Space is limited, so register now at www.district196foundation.org/events.
In lieu of attendance, the foundation welcomes donations specific to its core programs. A donation of $215 provides a student with food each weekend throughout the year. A gift of $100 restores an instrument for an aspiring musician. A contribution of $35 provides 10 books for a student in need over the summer. $1,096 provides weekend food for two children, five instruments and more than 50, new, age-appropriate books. This Club 196 level also provides recognition on our website. The foundation’s ability to fund these programs depends on support from people who share its commitment to ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to learn. To donate, visit https://www.district196foundation.org/donate
09/12 - 09/16
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Monday, September 12th, 2022
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Thursday, September 15th – LAST DAY TO SIGN UP FOR FALL SPORTS
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS: (New announcements are in italic)
Attention 8th Grade Students:
You will be swapping out your iPad next week on either September 13th (Cross), 14th (Roseen), or 15th (Gallaher) during your Global Studies class.
Your old iPad will be erased upon turn in. Any questions please reach out to Nancy Mills at nancy.mills@district196.org or come visit us in the Tech Center.
1. You must turn in your old 6th Gen iPad (red tag on back) to swap out to the new 9th Gen iPad (pink tag)
2. All stickers must be removed off of case before you are able to swap!
3. If you have an iPad repair fee you will remain with the 5th or 6th Gen iPad until the fee is paid.
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. Parents are asked to log into MyPaymentPlus to Accept or Decline the iPad Protection Plan by September 19th
From Mr. Podmers:
Attention 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! Want to get into the Fab Lab more? After School Fab Lab Club will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 20th. First session runs through October 27th. Check out the following link for info to sign-up.
From Mrs. Spychalla: The Stock Market Game for 7th and 8th graders is starting. There are two versions – the yearlong game is from now until the end of April. The fall game is from now until December 2. Your team may register for either game. Students choose their own teams of 2 to 4 students. ALL 7th and 8th graders may be on teams. Come to the GTD room 416 for a registration form. There will be a 10 minute introductory meeting in the GTD hallway outside room 416 on Thursday, September 15 during each of the 7th and 8th grade advisories. Students who come will get passes to give to their advisory teacher when the meeting is over.
From Mrs. Spychalla: Each year the Veteran’s group offers students an opportunity to enter an essay competition. Our students have participated for 16 years. Essay that are submitted to the Rosemount VFW are evaluated by the Veteran’s group. Later in the year some students are honored at a recognition and receive a token of remembrance. Usually at least one student earns an impressive award. See Ms. Pelinka or Mrs. Spychalla in room 416 for the details and a handout that gives the directions.
From Mrs. Spychalla: Reminder from the bulletin last week: The Aviation event for families will be held Saturday, September 24 at Flying Cloud Airport. Families must register on the stars of the north aviation day website. See Mrs. Spychalla in room 416 for details.
From Ms. Gunn: Ever wondered what it would feel like to be on stage? Well here’s your chance! The time has come for the VMSS Fall Play. Audition packets will be available next week outside of room 118 (next to the cafeteria). Packets must be taken home and filled out by students and parents. Audition forms must be turned in to the basket outside room 118 by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH. Auditions will be held Monday, Sept. 19 and Tuesday, Sept. 20.
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. Tidwell: 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.
PARENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
"VMSS will be partnering with Every Meal - Fighting Child Hunger to provide weekend meals to families in our school community. Every Meal provides non-perishable food items that students can take home and share with their families over the weekend. It is free of cost to families and bags of food will be placed in students lockers providing privacy to students. If you know of any students/families that could use this program, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Venz (jennifer.venz@district196.org, 952-431-8783) or Mrs. Walberg (tracy.walberg@district196.org, 952-431-8312) or Mr. Bronson (john.bronson@district196.org, 952-431-8782) and we will connect with these families. Thanks and have a great day!”
Parents – If you need to drop off any items for your child during the school day, please drop the item off on the table in the vestibule of the main entrance. Students will not be called/paged down to the vestibule to pick up any items. It is their responsibility to check that table during the day. Thank you for your cooperation!
09/06 - 09/09
VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL of STEM
WEEKLY BULLETIN
For the week of Tuesday, September 6th, 2022
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS AT VMS:
Tuesday, September 6th– Fall Sports Registration is on-line In Campus - MyPaymentPlus – Boys and Girls Soccer (7th
Wednesday, September 7th - Fall Sports Registration is on-line In Campus - MyPaymentPlus – Boys and Girls Soccer (7th & 8th), Boys and Girls Cross Country (6th, 7th, & 8th) Girls Tennis 6th, 7th, 8th), Girls Volleyball (7th & 8th).
Thursday, September 8th – Fall Sports Begin after school
School Picture Day! All students should get their picture taken on this day regardless if you are purchasing pictures or not. Pictures need to be taken for student ID cards and for the yearbook!
STAFF AND STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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. Tidwell: 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. Spychalla: This year the International Aviation Day will be held on Saturday, September 24 at Flying Cloud Airport. Although the title on their website says “Girls in Aviation”, ALL students and their families are invited. Families MUST register with Stars of the North Aviation Day and are encouraged to register soon since registration is limited. Students should see Mrs. Spychalla in room 416 if they have questions. Although this is not a school sponsored event, many VMSS families have attended in past years.
PARENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Parents – If you need to drop off any items for your child during the school day, please drop the item off on the table in the vestibule of the main entrance. Students will not be called/paged down to the vestibule to pick up any items. It is their responsibility to check that table during the day. Thank you for your cooperation!