2023-2024 Emails

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On Friday, Sept. 1, the State High varsity football team will open its season at home against Downingtown East in what looks to be an exciting matchup. 

This year, in a new protocol for home games, the District asks that adults accompany elementary and middle school students at the game. Please abide by this request and help us supervise our young fans so that they and everyone else can fully enjoy a Memorial Field “Friday Night Lights” experience.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Brian H. Ishler, Principal

Mount Nittany Middle School

Monday, August 28, 2023

Monday, August 28, 2023

Picture Day

Dear Parents/Guardians: 

School pictures will be taken on Monday, September 11th. Make-ups are scheduled for October 24th. 

Please note: All students will have their picture taken whether or not you choose to purchase a package. These pictures are used for our school yearbook and ID badges.

If you would like to order personal photos, simply complete the order form that was sent home with your child last week. If you do not wish to order school pictures, please recycle the unused order form. 

This year, parents may pre-order their pictures online with Lifetouch using the Picture ID: EVT97N4QG. Additional flyers are available in the main office of the middle school. School staff will not be collecting the payment envelope if sent in with your child; order packages will be given to the photographer on the day of the photo shoot. Remember to have your child bring the payment envelope to the photo shoot on the day indicated. Packages cannot be ordered without payment either in the envelope OR on line. 

If you would like to order a yearbook, they can be purchased at the Jostens website for $40 until September 15th. Please click the link to order. If you are able, please also consider donating a yearbook to a student in need. You can do so through your online purchase or send in $40 cash or check (written out to SCASD Activities Fund) to me at MNMS.

If you have any questions, please contact Jocelyn King at jmm59@scasd.org. 

Take care,

Jocelyn King

Monday, August 21, 2023

Dear SCASD Families,

At Mount Nittany Middle School,  we are working to find ways to support students’ behavioral and emotional needs. It is important to note that mental health experts have highlighted the significant increase of mental health needs of youth across the country. 

On September 6, 2023, your student will have the opportunity to take part in a universal screening survey.  This screener is intended to help learn more about the behavioral needs and emotional well-being of each student.  Screenings will be conducted electronically in the fall and spring. 

What is the universal screening? 

The universal screening survey consists of approximately 30 questions related to students' self-perceived behavioral and emotional strengths and weaknesses.  The questions used in the survey are drawn from the BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System.  After completing the survey, students’ responses will be scored and divided into a three-tier distribution, which aligns with the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) model already being used by SCASD for academic skills.

What are tiers and how do tiers impact service provision for students?

Tier 1: GREEN Students whose scores fall into Tier 1 range (approximately 80-85% of the population) are considered "normal risk" and will have access to all of the resources that currently exist in the school system (tutoring support, counseling services, extracurricular opportunities, etc.) to support healthy personal and academic growth.

Tier 2: YELLOW Students whose scores fall into Tier 2 range (approximately 10% of the population) are considered at "elevated risk" and will have access to some additional services if warranted (i.e. Student Assistance Program, educational support group counseling programs, etc.). 

Tier 3: RED Students whose scores fall into Tier 3 range (approximately 5% of the population) are considered at "extremely elevated risk" and will be provided with access to more intensive interventions, which may include a referral to a therapeutic provider in the State College community.

Can I see my child’s score?

Once the assessment has been administered, an email will be sent to parents and guardians with direction on how to access your child’s scores in ParentVUE.

Is my child required to participate? 

We would like all our students to take part in the survey, but the survey is voluntary.  No action will be taken against the school, you, or any student if the student does not participate.  Please note that all information gathered through the screening is kept completely confidential and is not placed in your child’s academic records. 

If my child is identified as needing services, am I required to take part in these services?

The school Multi-Tiered System of Support team reviews all scores following the screening, and considers whether additional supports may be needed. You will be contacted if your child may benefit from these supports. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information about the screening, please contact your child’s school counselor or the school psychologist. You will have the opportunity to view your child’s results electronically or upon request once the screening window is completed.

You can view the entire survey and Frequently Asked Questions at the following link: http://www.scasd.org/Page/27213.  Students will complete the survey during period 9 on September 6th. We will send an email to students enrolled in the virtual academy asking them to take part in the screener as well. The screener will take no more than 15 minutes to complete.

If you do NOT want your child to take part in the survey, please complete this GOOGLE FORM.

Sincerely,​​​​​​​

MNMS Administration

Monday, August 14, 2023

Monday, August 14, 2023

Friday, August 11, 2023