Marauder Memo - August 17, 2025

Posted Date: 8/17/25 (10:00 AM)

August 17, 2025

Marauder Family,

We’ve had an amazing start to the school year! Our hallways are full of energy, curiosity, and kindness. A special thank you to the many students who have gone out of their way to welcome our new Marauders—your smiles, invitations to join in, and words of encouragement make all the difference.

Here’s to keeping that positive momentum going as we dive into the year ahead!

With gratitude,

Dr. Lori Katz, MVMS Principal

Important Dates

This Week:

Wednesday, August 20: Early Release Day

Thursday, August 21: Picture Day

Friday, August 22: NWEA testing - Reading

Coming Up:

Monday, August 25: NWEA testing - Math

Monday, September 1: Labor Day - No School

Daily News

Daily announcements can be found HERE.

Updated Traffic Pattern

Thank you to everyone who has helped us navigate the new traffic patterns around the main campus. We appreciate your adherence to new procedures. As we continue to refine these procedures, all car traffic exiting MVMS will be directed to turn north on 200W. This will help alleviate congestion at the 4-way stop at 200W and 234. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Transportation - Please Read

Car Rider Procedures - If you have a car rider please review car rider procedures HERE

Bus Riders - Please see the attachment for QR code. Please see information sent out by transportation in parentsquare on Friday, August 1st.

If your family has students who attend MVMS, MVHS, and/or MVIS and they are car riders, pickup will take place in the west lot of MVMS by the Fieldhouse.

To gain access to this lot, please email: Jeff Brandes at jeff.brandes@mvcsc.k12.in.us

Thank you for helping us keep traffic organized and students safe!

Early Pick Ups

Parents, please be aware: We close the entrance off of State Road 234 at 3:20 PM for our car rider line. If you plan to pick up your child early, please do so before 3:20 PM, as the entrance will no longer be accessible after that time.

Thank you for your understanding.

Backpack Bites

FILLING OUT THIS FORM MEANS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SIGNING UP FOR THE BACKPACK BITES PROGRAM. Backpack Bites is a program where students are able to receive weekly food bags each Friday if parents feel that extra food support would be helpful during the weekend. Please complete the form if you feel this would be helpful for your family. Please know we are only able to accept the first 20 that are completed.

Backpack Bites

Support the MVMS Family & Consumer Science Class!

We’re excited to participate in the Box Tops for Education program through General Mills. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents — and those dimes add up quickly!

When possible, please cut Box Tops from your packages and send them to the Main Office. The funds raised will help us purchase groceries and cooking supplies for our Family & Consumer Science (FACS) classroom.

Thank you for your continued support — every Box Top helps!

Spirit Wear

E-Sports Call Out Meeting

Middle School Attendance Procedures

Reporting an Absence

If your student will be absent, please notify the school by 10:00 AM using one of the following methods:

Email: attendance-ms@mvcsc.k12.in.us
Call the Attendance Line: 317-485-3160 (voicemail available 24/7)

Important Notes:

Absence documentation must be submitted within 3 days of the absence.
If the student is sick for 3 or more days, a doctor’s note is required for the absence to be excused.
For any doctor, dental, or other appointments, a provider’s excuse note is needed for the time missed to be excused.

Picking Students up Early

If your student needs to be picked up early, please notify the school ahead of time to ensure a smooth process:

Email: attendance-ms@mvcsc.k12.in.us
Call the Attendance Line: 317-485-3160 (voicemail available 24/7)

Please include the following in your message:

Student’s name
Name of the person picking student up
Time of pickup

Click HERE for the full MVCSC Attendance Policy.

Athletics

Athletic Website click Here

Physical Forms

Anyone interested in trying out for an athletic team is required to complete and submit to the Athletic office the IHSAA Sports Physical and Final Forms prior to tryouts.

Attendance at MVHS Athletic Events

Please read the information HERE regarding attendance at Mt. Vernon High School athletic events.

Nurse's Corner

Medication Drop-Off:

Medications can be dropped off from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Dropping off medication for a student can be tricky after 3:00 PM due to the car rider line forming and SR-234 being closed in front of the school. Lunchtime (11:45 AM to 1:00 PM) is a busy period in the clinic, so if you drop off medication during this time, please be aware that your visit may take longer.

Asthma/Allergy Action Plans:

I am still missing several students' asthma and allergy action plans. If these forms are not submitted, your child(ren) may be excluded from field trips. These forms must be signed by both you and your physician. They are available on our website here.

Water Bottles/Food:

It is helpful if students bring a water bottle to school each day to stay hydrated throughout the day. It is also important that they have a good breakfast in the morning before school.

Be Prepared: It’s a great idea to keep a small personal kit on hand during your menstrual cycle. Consider including items like pads , wipes, and even a change of clothes—just in case.

New Students: If you're new to the school, please make sure to turn in your vaccination form as soon as possible. This helps us keep everyone safe and up to date!

MVMS PTO

Our PTO has always played a vital role in shaping the MVMS experience for both students and staff—and now, we need your help to rebuild and reenergize this important group.

From teacher appreciation events to student celebrations and field trips, many of the things our kids look forward to most wouldn’t be possible without a strong PTO. When families get involved, the impact is felt throughout the entire school community.

Whether you’re a planner, a helper, or just someone who cares deeply about making MVMS the best it can be—we’d love for you to join us. Every contribution makes a difference!

If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, please reach out to mtvernonmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com

Let’s work together to make this year unforgettable for our students and staff!

Join us for our next PTO meeting - September 10, 2025 (Virtual)

Wellness Uniform

This year, students will change into a wellness uniform for PE to support a more active, focused, and respectful learning environment. The uniform is designed to ensure all students are dressed appropriately for movement, promoting safety, comfort, and full participation in physical activities. Having a consistent PE uniform also helps reduce distractions, supports personal hygiene, and encourages a sense of routine and responsibility. Most importantly, it reflects our commitment to student wellness by helping every student feel prepared and confident during class.

**Please see the attachment for access to hyperlinks**