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Marauder Memo - October 19, 2025

Posted Date: 10/19/25 (10:00 AM)

MVMS

October 19, 2025

Hello MVMS Families,

We’ve wrapped up a strong first quarter filled with growth, connection, and new learning. As we move into Quarter 2, it’s a great time for students to reset routines, revisit goals, and build on the positive momentum they’ve created.

In the weeks ahead, students will take part in the ILEARN checkpoint, celebrate Red Ribbon Week, and showcase their talents during upcoming band and choir performances. We’ll also kick off our winter sports season and cheer on our Marauders as they compete.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support—it’s what makes Mt. Vernon Middle School such a special place to learn and grow.

Have a great week!
Dr. Lori Katz, MVMS Principal
 
Marauder Shield

Important Dates

This Week:
Wednesday, October 22: Early Release Day

Coming Up:
Monday, October 27 - Friday, October 31: Red Ribbon Week. - see below for details
Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Veterans Day Program, 2:20 PM - See below for details

Daily News
Daily announcements can be found HERE.
 

Red Ribbon Week

We will celebrate Red Ribbon Week the week of October 23-31. Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide campaign dedicated to promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles. This year’s theme is “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free.” Throughout the week, students will participate in activities, spirit days, and discussions that encourage positive choices and highlight the importance of living drug-free. We invite families to join us in supporting this message at home by talking with your child about the importance of making safe and healthy decisions. Together, we can help our students piece together a bright future!

Spirit Days to Celebrate a Drug Free Lifestyle: 

Monday 10/27: We fit together like Puzzle Pieces! 🧩 - Twin day! Partner up with a friend and dress alike.

Tuesday 10/28: Team up Against Drugs 🏈- Dress in your favorite sports or team gear

Wednesday 10/29: Be a Piece of the Solution 😃 - Wear clothes with positive messages! 

Thursday 10/30: Solve Life’s Puzzle like a HERO
🦸 - Wear your superhero attire! 

Friday 10/31: Say Boo to Drugs 🎃 - Dress in spooky halloween attire! Challenge yourself to hide a puzzle piece somewhere on your outfit. (No masks or face/head coverings) 
RRW
 

Updated Contact info - Please Read

Dear Parents and Guardians,

To help us ensure the safety and well-being of all students, we kindly ask that you review and update your child's emergency contact information. Having accurate and current contact details allows us to reach a responsible adult quickly if needed. 

In addition, we are implementing a new sign-in/sign-out process through our Raptor system. Keeping your emergency contacts up to date will help streamline this process and reduce delays when students are signed in or out during the school day. 

Please take a few moments to log in to Skyward and verify or update your child's emergency contacts by November 14th. 

Thank you for your prompt attention and for helping us maintain a safe and efficient system for our school. 
 

8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip – April 30–May 2, 2026

Our 8th graders are headed to Washington, D.C.! This exciting three-day adventure includes visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the White House, Smithsonian museums, and a night tour of the monuments. Want all the details? Cost, itinerary, chaperone info, and payment schedule can be found in the D.C. Trip Information Packet.

Be sure to review it with your student and secure your spot soon—space is limited!
 

Counselor's Corner

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Assistance

Outlook Christian Church has volunteered to provide Thanksgiving baskets to families that might need some extra help for Thanksgiving dinner. If you are in need, please fill out this form by Wednesday, October 29th. Baskets will be dropped off at the middle school on Monday Nov 24th. Outlook Christian Church requires that we give them a last name for baskets. This helps them in the sorting process. All names will be kept confidential. If you have students at multiple schools in the Mt. Vernon School District, please fill out the form that is correlated with your youngest child's school. If you have any questions, please reach out to kaitlin.baldwin@mvcsc.k12.in.us. Thanks!! 

Holiday Assistance

The holiday season is a special time, and we understand it can also bring extra challenges. If your family could benefit from some extra support this year, we invite you to apply for our Holiday Assistance Program.


 Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the end of the school day on Monday, November 3rd.

 Please note: Applications received after this date will not be processed.
Happy Holidays
 
Veterans Day

Veterans Day Program

Mt. Vernon Middle School invites military veterans and active service members to attend our Veterans Day program. Members of the Symphonic Band, MVMS choirs, Student Council, and NJHS will be participating.

Veterans or Active Service Personnel, their family, and the students they represent are invited to attend our program. All other students will be able to watch via live streaming. If you are a Military Veteran and would like to attend, please complete this form. 

Please complete this form if a Veteran plans to attend the program. - If a Veteran from your family will be joining us, please also let your student know so they can meet them before the program begins.

Program Details:
Our Veterans Day celebration will include a guest speaker, musical performances, and a Veterans Recognition Walk. During the walk, honored veterans will be invited to walk through the hallways while students show their appreciation and respect.  

DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday 11/11/25
Time: 2:20 PM (will last about 45 mins)
Location: Mt. Vernon Middle School - Main Gym
Park in the WEST lot (between the middle school and the high school) and enter the building at Door #8

If you have any questions, please contact the MVMS Main Office at 317-485-3160
 

Reporting an Absence

Reporting an Absence
If your student will be absent, please notify the school by 10:00 AM using one of the following methods:
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:
Please include the following in your message:
  • Student’s name
  • Name of the person picking student up
  • Time of pickup
***For safety reasons, individuals must be at least 18 years old to sign a student out of school.***

Click HERE for the full MVCSC Attendance Policy.
 

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.

***For safety reasons, individuals must be at least 18 years old to sign a student out of school.***

Thank you for your understanding.
 

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.
Fall Sports Tryouts
 
Turkey Trot
Track or Treat
 
MVMS - 50 years of Golden Memories
 

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

PTO would like to start each of their meetings with a short session on overcoming the challenge of parenting in the middle years. Please click on the button below to rate the level of interest you have in each topic (5 being very interested, 1 being not at all interested). If there are additional topics that you would like information on, please input those topics in the space provided.

Next meeting: 
October - No Meeting Fall Break 
Wednesday, November 5 - Marauder Hall

MVMS PTO University Topics
 
Box Tops

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!
 
Bus Information

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 MVMSMVHS, 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!
 

Helpful Links


Facebook: MtVernonMiddleSchool
Instagram: @Mt.Vernon_MS
X: @MtVernon_MS
X: @MVMS_Sports
Website: www.mvcsc.k12.in.us
 
Mt Vernon Middle School
1862 W. State Road 234
Fortville, IN 46040
317-485-3160