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Marauder Memo - January 4, 2025

Posted Date: 01/04/26 (10:00 AM)


MVMS

January 4, 2025

Hello MVMS Families,

We’re excited to begin 2026 with our students refreshed, recharged, and ready for a great semester of learning and growth. Thank you for sharing your adolescents with us and for everything you do to support our school community. We’re looking forward to a semester filled with progress, purpose, and plenty of moments to celebrate.

As noted in recent newsletters, Monday is a teacher-only day. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday morning!

Let’s make it a fantastic start to the new year!

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

Important Dates

This Week:
Monday, January 5: No School
Wednesday, January 7: Early Release Day

Coming Up:
Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
Monday. February 16: Presidents Day, No School
Tuesday, February 17: No School
Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 27: Spring Break, No School

Daily News
Daily announcements can be found HERE.
 

December Student of the Month

December SOM

We're proud to announce our Student of the Month winners who have exemplified our Life Value Term: Mastering “Accept No”

Team Drive: Josiah Clay
Team Embark: Hanna Lima Ramirez
Team Forge: Evyn Jensen
Team Expedition: Maddison Henrie
Team Navigation: Colton Cummings
Team Destination: Michael “Tre” Bargo
Team Shield: Levi Lear
 

Golden Marauder Ticket Winners

Golden Marauder winners
 

Body Safety - Redo

We need a redo! Because of the disruption to the schedule prior to break, students did not have the opportunity to view the body safety videos. Also, we received an updated video from our partners at Zoey’s Place. You can preview the video here: 

If you wish to opt your student out of watching this video, please email their counselor by Friday, January 9th. 
7th grade counselor: Kaitlin.Baldwin@mvcsc.k12.in.us 
8th grade counselor: Erin.Brown@mvcsc.k12.in.us

Lunch Balances

Please take a moment to check your child’s meal balance. To avoid any interruptions in meal service, follow the directions below to view your child’s balance and add funds to their account if . Thank you for your attention to this important reminder!
  1. Log into Skyward as a parent
  2. Click “Food Service” on the left
  3. Click “Make a payment” in blue
  4. Click “Fund lunch” 
  5. Continue as a guest or log in/create an account
  6. Fill out the information on the screen, including your student’s ID number
  7. Add your student and continue on to fund lunch
 

PTO Leadership Needed—We Can’t Move Forward Without You

Our PTO is still in need of several key volunteer roles, and we’re asking for your help. These positions are essential for hosting student events and providing the enrichment opportunities our students and staff look forward to each year. Without parent leadership in these roles, many of these special experiences simply cannot happen.

Each position has multiple signup spots to accommodate interest, but every role can function with just one dedicated person. If several people step forward, responsibilities can easily be shared as co-chairs or small groups. No one will be starting from scratch—full guidance, support, and resources will be provided.
If you have even a few hours a month and a passion for supporting our school community, please consider stepping up. Your participation isn’t just appreciated—it’s necessary. Together, we can create the moments and memories that make middle school meaningful.

Please see the SignUpGenius link below to view the most urgent roles: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AA4AA2CA3FFC25-61226118-mvms 

If you’re interested or would like more information, we’d love to hear from you!
MVMS PTO

Fundraising Chair or Co-Chairs
Help our PTO connect with both local businesses and larger companies to gather donations that directly support our students and staff. You’ll be provided with ready-to-use outreach language and plenty of support. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys building relationships and making a meaningful impact behind the scenes.

7th Grade Event Chair or Co-Chairs
Bring joy to our 7th graders by leading the planning of their special event! You’ll have access to last year’s plans, plus a team of volunteers who are ready to help wherever you need them. Creativity is welcome, and you won’t be doing this alone.

8th Grade Dance Chair or Co-Chairs
Help create an unforgettable sendoff for our 8th graders! All materials, notes, and decorations from last year’s dance are available for use—or feel free to put your own spin on it. You’ll have more than 10 volunteers ready to assist, making this a fun and highly supported role.

Dine to Donate Coordinator
If you enjoy connecting with local restaurants, this role is for you! Help schedule monthly Dine to Donate events during second semester—an easy, community-centered way to raise funds for our school. Guidance and past examples will be provided.

General Volunteer
Want to help, but not sure where you fit best? Sign up here! Whether you’re interested in being part of an event or simply want to step in where needed, we’ll reach out with options. Every helping hand makes a difference.
 

The Landing Place - A Space for Kids!

Once a week, kids ages 12–18 can gather in a youth-group style to share a meal, play games, and connect with one another in a safe, welcoming space. It’s a great opportunity to build friendships and have fun. Check it out!

125 E. Staat Street
Fortville, IN 46040
317-525-7791 
The Landing Place
 

Tutoring Opportunity

Peer tutoring will be offered after school on Wednesdays from 3:10pm - 4:00pm in Room B204. There will be mini-lessons at the start of tutoring to discuss topics such as organization, using a planner and many other tips for having a successful school day. High school NHS students will be paired with middle school students to work on homework, missing assignments or to review topics in math and ELA. Students will need to be picked up at 4:00pm in the front of the building. 

If you are interested, please complete this form. Spots will be limited due to having enough high school tutors to support students. I will send a follow up email after I receive the form to let you know if your student has a spot. Thank you for your request. 
 
Camp Invention
 
Bus Drivers
 

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.
Softball Winter Workouts
 

Nurse's Corner

We kindly ask for your support in helping us keep our school community healthy. Recently, some students have been coming to the nurse’s office asking whether they are sick after being sent to school with symptoms.
Please remember that you know your children best. If you truly believe your child is not feeling well or may be ill, please keep them home to rest and recover. This helps protect not only your child’s health, but also the well-being of other students and staff.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Sincerely,

Angela and Katie, MVMS nurses

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!
I need to stay home if...
 
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

January Lunch Menu

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