Emails and Communications

March 29,2023

March 22, 2023

LAST CALL!!! Online link closes at 1pm TODAY. 

Thank you to everyone who has ordered a Moe's taco kit! We are at 56 kits as of yesterday afternoon and would love to hit 60! This is a quick, delicious meal and all of the money we receive from it will help fund the end of the year field trips that each grade takes. Feel free to share with friends too! If you are unable to make it on Thursday, you can also buy through this link and receive a credit to use in-store at another time. 

How to Order:

1. Please place your order by 1:00pm on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. 

Fill out this form to submit your order: https://form.jotform.com/223207315419147

2. Pick up will be at Mount Nittany Middle School in the parking lot between 5:30-6:00pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023. 

When picking up your order, please pull up to our table/van, tell us your name, we will bring your order right to you, and you’ll be on your way!

See you on Thursday, March 23, 2023, we’re looking forward to it!

NEW! Now you can find your link on the website: TheGenerousBurrito.com!

March 20, 2023

March 17, 2023

March 15th, 2023- 6th-Grade Students and Parents Only

For all 6th grade families…the spring intramural sport will be kickball, and it will be each of the Mondays in April and the first two Mondays in May. Those dates are April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, May 1st and 8th. It will take place on the inner loop field between the elementary and middle school and it will be from dismissal until 5:30. Please send your middle schooler with a snack, a water bottle and clothing/shoes that are appropriate for playing kickball.

If you have a need for the late bus - which arrives at the middle school at 6:15 PM - please reach out to Debbie Ritter at dhr11@scasd.org so that she can make arrangements with the Transportation Department. 

Please fill out the permission slip legibly because, in the event of an emergency or cancellation of the day’s intramural activity, an email will be sent or a phone call will be made to the person whose email address and phone number is on that permission slip. If the paperwork cannot be read, it will be returned so that it can be corrected.

March 3, 2023- 7th-Grade Students and Parents Only

Hello 7th Grade Students and Parents:

         The Student Council will be hosting the 7th Grade Disco Dance at MNMS on Friday evening, March 24th, from 7-8:30. The dance will be located in the Mount Nittany Middle School Gym. A DJ, some games, and Rita’s Italian Ice will be included with your ticket. The ticket price is $7.00 and will be sold at lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. (21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th) The dress code is dressy. (similar to your picture day attire.)

Please email School Counselor/ Student Council Advisor, Doug Romig with any questions.  (dtr12@scasd.org)

March 2, 2023

Dear Parents & Guardians, 

Recently, your child (excluding requested exemptions) completed the Behavioral and Emotional risk of developing emotional and/or behavior problems that may require interventions, if these have not already been identified. Here is a link to more information about the BESS rating scale: https://www.scasd.org/Page/27213

These scores are accessible to parents/guardians/caregivers and we are reaching out to you to provide directions on how to interpret and how to view your child’s BESS scores in ParentVUE. 

BESS Score Interpretation

Below is a description of the BESS index scores, which are based on norms for students similar in age to your child.. Please know, scores can fall into one of three categories of risk: Normal Risk (green), Elevated Risk (yellow), Very Elevated Risk (red).

Accessing BESS Scores in ParentVUE

You can view your child’s scores by logging into ParentVUE and clicking on your child’s name then clicking on “Test History” on the left, then click the “Detail Button” to ON to see levels. Then Review360 is listed at the bottom. Help Guide and example screenshot below

https://scasd.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/KB/pages/188023163/Navigating+the+ParentVue+Portal

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. 

Thank you for your help and support,

MNMS Administration

February 15, 2023

Dear MNMS Families

 

I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that your child will be receiving a summary report of their latest scores for the MAP assessment that we conducted in January. This report is in a sealed envelope and they are expected to take this home to share with you on Thursday, February 16th. Students are sometimes not the best messengers so please make a note to ask for this report. 

In case you are unfamiliar with the MAP assessment and what it measures, I have attached a family guide to explain what the test measures and why we give it three times a year. The two biggest reasons are:

• It measures what students know and what they are ready to learn at the time the assessment is given.
• It is a predictor of how students will perform on standardized assessments such as the PSSA and SAT. 

Thanks

Brian H. Ishler, Principal

Mount Nittany Middle School

Family+Guide+to+MAP+Growth (1).pdf 

February 6, 2023

February 3, 2023- 8th Grade Students and Families

February 1, 2023 - ALL MNMS Families

February 1, 2023 - Only to 8th Grade Families

January 20, 2023- all students and families

Are you interested in playing Ice Hockey?   

The State College Ice Hockey Club is exploring interest in forming a second Middle School team.  We have scheduled tryouts for Thursday, January 26 at 5:30pm in Pegula - enter through gate C.  Be sure that you bring a water bottle, both a light and a dark jersey, and all necessary hockey equipment.  There will be no charge to tryout.

This program is funded by the participating players - costs for this year will be approximately $300 or less.

If you are interested, please contact Cory Cunningham (cdc14@scasd.org) and request a Player Interest Form.  In addition, please provide Cory with answers to the following questions:

1. Will you be able to attend practice on Friday evenings at about 6:30?

2. Will you attend tryouts on Thursday, January 26 at 5:30?

3. Would you agree to have your child be considered to be a goalie?

January 18, 2023 - 8th Grade Families ONLY

Dear 8th grade Parents/Guardians: 

January 12, 2023

Good afternoon,

We hope you all enjoyed a relaxing winter break with family and friends.  As we move through January and into the second semester, the staff and administration at MNMS are hoping to shore up an issue we have been having with students and their team-colored lanyards with IDs.

Students need their lanyard and ID to use as their hall pass for leaving a classroom, particularly to use the bathroom. Every student was provided a lanyard at the beginning of the school year. Many students are leaving their lanyards at home or have even lost their lanyards without replacing them. Students have the ability to come to the main office and receive a temporary replacement lanyard for the day to use as their pass. This is becoming a constant situation for a large part of our student body. This is coupled with some recent vandalism in the stalls, lingering in the hallways, and missing large chunks of class time. We want to ensure the safety of our students and are unable to do so without easily identifying students in the hallways. 

Starting January 17th, students will be provided a reset and will be given a new lanyard if they don’t have one. After this reset, students will only be permitted three temporary passes and then will be issued a lunch detention if they do not have their lanyard when requesting to sign out. Students will go to the main office to fill out an electronic form notifying us that they are in need of a temporary lanyard, and our office staff will be keeping track of the amount of temporary passes each student is getting. We will reset the three passes with each marking period. As a reminder, we do have lanyards for purchase in the office for $2. If your student has lost their lanyard, please help them to look at home and in their backpack before purchasing a new one.

We appreciate your support in keeping all of our students safe! 

MNMS Administration and Faculty

January 11, 2023

MNMS PTSO Meeting

Good Morning

I wanted to let you know that the PTSO Meeting scheduled for tonight is canceled.  Our next meeting is scheduled for February 8 at 7:00 PM in the MNMS Library.

Thanks.

Brian H. Ishler, Principal
​​​​​​​Mount Nittany Middle School

January 10,2023

January 6, 2023 - 8th Grade Families and students Only

January 4, 2023- all students and parents

Are you interested in playing Ice Hockey?   

The State College Ice Hockey Club is exploring interest in forming a second Middle School team.  This program provides a unique opportunity to represent your school and community in the Laurel Mountain Hockey League.  All tryouts, practices, and home games would be in the Pegula Ice Arena.  Practices would be held on Tuesday mornings at 6:20 AM.

This program is funded by the participating players - costs are usually $1,150 and up.

If you are interested, please contact Cory Cunningham (cdc14@scasd.org) by Friday, January 13, 2023.

January 4, 2023 - 8th Grade Parent Only

Dear 8th grade Parents/Guardians: 

Looking for a creative way to tell your student, “I love you and I’m proud of you”? 

Place a recognition ad in the yearbook! Yearbook Recognition Ads are the perfect way to commemorate achievements and celebrate milestones. In addition, revenues from Recognition Ads help our school create a better yearbook.

A recognition ad is always a great idea. In the future, seeing your message will bring a smile as they remember your love and support during these important years. And, it’s easy to create a recognition ad. Just click on this link and follow the instructions.

For $25.00, you can include a picture and a personal message. All orders must be placed by 1/31/2023. Spaces are limited!

Reserve a space for your ad today to say how proud you are. Like the yearbook, your message will be a permanent memory. 

Thanks! 

Sincerely, 

The MNMS Yearbook Crew

Snowsports Information

January 3, 2023

Attention Tussey IM participants:

Our first IM snowsports session of the year is rapidly approaching (Wed., Jan 11). Here are some important details to know as we get started. Please go over this information with your child/children.

1. In order for the district to arrange for our transportation this year I need to have an early count of how many students plan to ride the bus each week. I will need this count by Monday, for each Wednesday trip. I believe the easiest way to gather this information is to send out a very short Google form for each week. It's extremely important that you submit the form for weeks that your child/children plan to ride the bus over to Tussey. If we find ourselves in a situation where we don't have enough seats for the bus ride to Tussey we will prioritize seating based on who responded to the Google form for the week (ie, those who responded to the form get priority over those who didn't). I would really like to avoid a situation where your child/children will not be allowed on the bus due to lack of seats, so please make submitting these forms a priority when you receive them.

Here's the form for our first week, Jan. 11. From now on I would like to avoid having to rely on Mr. Ishler when sending out these communications, so I'm asking you to include the email address/s that you use the most. Once again, I can't overstate how important it is this year that I have an accurate count for how many students would like to ride the bus to Tussey each week.

2. Please review the information about how the badges will be working this year. Tussey is doing things differently, so those of you that have participated in the past need to make sure you understand the differences. The information can be found on pg 1 of the Tussey IM Packet. I highly recommend you read all of page 1, except for the first paragraph.

3. Those of you that will be renting equipment from Tussey should also look at the information on pg. 2 of the Tussey IM Packet. This process is also different this year, so make sure you check it out. Tussey is also asking that everyone wear their shoes to the rental room (don't go in just socks).

4. Also new this year, Tussey will be using designated pick up locations for each school (see pg. 9 of the Tussey IM Packet ). The designated location for MNMS is the cafeteria.

5. It was quite a while ago that I sent out the initial communication about our program this year. Please take a quick look at this refresher before we get started.

6. Here are a few more details I would like to share.

• Equipment can be transported to school on the bus, and can be stored at school during the day. Students who bring equipment to school should take it to Mr. Haushalter when they arrive (starting at 8:15). Mr. Haushalter will be in front of the counseling office.
• Equipment should be picked up as quickly as possible at the end of the day so we can get the buses loaded, and get over to Tussey. The buses will be on the flag pole side of the building.
• When the buses arrive at Tussey we will be letting the students who are taking a lesson that day get off the bus first (lessons may start as early as 4:30).
• There will be chaperones on the slopes at all times, and we will make sure there's a chaperone in the lodge as well. The chaperones this year will be Mr. Haushalter, Mrs. Barger, Ms. Turley, Ms. Hull, and Mr. Aungst. If you have any questions, or you need anything, please look for a chaperone. Even if you end up finding one from PFMS or the High school they will be able to help you locate one of the chaperones from MNMS.

I look forward to seeing so many of our students enjoying time on the mountain this year.

Mr. Haushalter

​​​​​​​MNMS IM Snowsports Information 2023.pdf 

December 22, 2022

Good Morning MNMS Families!

December 17, 2022

December 16, 2022

The IM snowsports packages have arrived, and will be given out during pd 9 today (Monday, Dec 19). If your child doesn't pick their package up during pd 9 they can see Mr. Haushalter later this week, or when they return to school after the winter break. When your child brings their package home please make sure it's correct, and if there are any issues, reach out to Mr. Haushalter (kmh15@scasd.org).

December 13, 2022

We hope you are doing well!

The holidays are quickly approaching and we need your help! We have two upcoming school events next week to kick off the holiday break and are looking for volunteers and/or donations.

COOKIE SWAP

Every year we have a cookie swap for our wonderful staff and we need your help again this year to make it a success!  We are hoping that you can send in your favorite holiday treat for our teachers and staff to take home and enjoy with their families.

*Please keep in mind, each sign up will count as 2 dozen cookies.  The cookies will need to be prepackaged in a bag with 2 treats per package.

HOT COCOA DAY

We hope you all have a great holiday season!

December 7, 2022

December 7, 2022

Good morning!

Mount Nittany Middle School is providing two different after-school options for students that need a little additional assistance with schoolwork and/or a place and time to complete homework. 

November 21, 2022

November 17, 2022

Good afternoon, students!

Please be sure to bring your team-colored lanyard and ID to school with you each day; you need it to move through the hallways.  There are replacement lanyards for sale in the main office for $2. Please also make sure you are following the sign-out and sign-in procedures from each space in our school. I appreciate your help in keeping our bathrooms clean and hallways safe.

Thank you!

Mrs. Henderson and Mr. Ishler

November 15, 2022

November 9, 2022

MNMS Winter Sports

MNMS families,

Our IM Winter Snowsports program is back for 2023. You can find all of the information about our program on the MNMS Intramurals webpage. If you would like to get a reduced price package you will need to have everything submitted to MNMS by November 30.

We look forward to seeing many of you out on the slopes this winter.

November 7, 2022. Email only to 7th and 8th Grade Parents

November 7, 2022

Dear MNMS Families

Secondary report cards will be available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE by 9am Monday (11/6). In order to view the report cards this year please login to ParentVUE. Then, on the left hand menu, please select the “Documents” option. Your child’s report card will be uploaded here in a PDF format for you to view by selecting it.

If you have questions regarding your child’s report card please contact your child’s building.

If you do not see your child’s report card in ParentVUE by Monday morning, or you are having trouble accessing ParentVUE, please contact itsupport@scasd.org.

On Wednesday, we will be exercising a Secure in Place drill. For this drill, we will make an announcement instructing students to remain in their classrooms with doors closed until the end of the drill. The purpose of this drill is to keep hallways and open areas clear to prepare for any event in which we need these areas to remain open and accessible (i.e. if there was a medical emergency in which a professional response was needed). Instruction in the classroom will continue as normal during this drill.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Meredith Henderson and Brian Ishler

November 2, 2022 - This email only went to 8th grade parents.

November 1, 2022

Behavior and Emotional Screening

Hello Parents/Guardians,

Recently, your child (excluding requested exemptions) completed the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) self-rating scale. It’s important to note that the BESS is not a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, rather a screening tool used to determine a student’s risk of developing emotional and/or behavior problems that may require interventions, if these have not already been identified. Here is a link to more information about the BESS rating scale: https://www.scasd.org/Page/27213

These scores are accessible to parents/guardians and we are reaching out to you to provide directions on how to interpret and how to view your child’s BESS scores in ParentVUE 

BESS Score Interpretation

Below is a description of the BESS index scores, which are based on norms for students similar in age to your child.. Please know, scores can fall into one of three categories of risk: Normal Risk (green), Elevated Risk (yellow), Very Elevated Risk (red).

Accessing BESS Scores in ParentVUE

You can view your child’s scores by logging into ParentVUE and clicking on your child’s name then clicking on “Test History” on the left, then click the “Detail Button” to ON to see levels. Then Review360 is listed at the bottom. Help Guide and example screenshot below

https://scasd.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/KB/pages/188023163/Navigating+the+ParentVue+Portal

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. 

Thank you for your help and support!

October 25, 2022

Good afternoon, everyone!  We are getting closer to Halloween next week, and many are super excited about costumes and candy. We wanted to send out a reminder about wearing costumes at school since some students have asked about whether or not they are able to wear them next Monday.  Students are able to wear costumes if they choose, but we have a few reminders:

October 24,2022 email was only sent to MNMS 6th Grade Families

Welcome 6th-grade families to intramurals at Mount Nittany Middle School!

It has been a few years since we have been able to offer intramural sports at the middle school, and I would like to give families some feedback about the survey our 6th-graders took. This will also have some information about the intramurals that will be offered in the fall and again in the spring. 

First of all, thank you to everyone who took the time to respond - it was very helpful when making decisions about what activities to offer. The two most popular ones were table tennis and kickball, so we will offer table tennis in November/December and kickball will be in February. Skiing will take place in January, the same as it has been in the past.

The dates for the spring session will be announced as the time gets closer. 

The dates for table tennis are Tuesday, November 15 and 22 and December 6 and 13.  These days and dates were chosen because of staffing availability. Intramurals will be held on these dates, starting immediately after school dismisses at 3:40 and will run until 5:00.  Students MUST be picked up promptly and we ask that you check in with one of the coaches when picking up your student so that we know that they are getting home safely. If your student will require the late bus home, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can make arrangements with the Transportation department.

Any questions, comments or concerns can be directed to Debbie Ritter, Coordinator for Intramurals at dhr11@scasd.org.  We look forward to having a great start to intramurals.

Permission Form- Please return to your child's homeroom teacher.

October 22, 2022

Hello parents, guardians, and staff.

October 12, 2022

October 12, 2002

Conferences

Good Afternoon MNMS Families

I wanted to let you know that your student's homeroom/ROAR teacher will be reaching out to set up a conference.  They will have input from the other teachers to share with you during this conference.  This is similar to what we have done in the past.

Be on the look out for information.

Thanks.

Brian H. Ishler, Principal

Mount Nittany Middle School

October 5, 2022

MNMS PTSO Fun Run Update

Hello MNM Families,

We would first like to say THANK YOU to all who donated items or helped at the water table.  The winners have been announced and we are in the process of closing everything out so we get our check from The Get Movin’ Crew.  We didn’t meet our goal this year, but we did raise more than $17,000.  The overall monies we receive back however will be less because of fees that will be deducted from The Get Movin’ Crew.  The majority of these funds will be used to help cut the cost of fields trips. 

We would love to hear your feedback about the Fun Run.  Please take a minute or two and give feedback using the survey link below.  

https://s.surveyplanet.com/jsvlrowg

Thank you all again for your support and please reach out to me if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Liz Sheaffer

October 5, 2022

Hello MNMS Families! 

I wanted to reach out to ask that you review your students' attendance on Parentvue. (link below)

If you would please email MNMSAttendance@scasd.org for your students early dismissals, doctors notes, bus passes, etc... We are merging for clean record keeping away from the personal secretary email. 

If you have any missed dates (Unexcused) from this year, please email the excuse to MNMSAttendance@scasd.org and I will work with you on those if past the 3 days allowed.

*Fax number is below if you need it for doctors offices.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES 

I begin attendance reports this week &  I fluster doing court paperwork as much as you don't like to receive it, so let me know if you have any questions!! 

Emily E. Hull

MNMS Attendance Secretary

October 4, 2022

October 4, 2022

PV, MNE and MNMS have Partial Power

Dear Parents and Guardians:

At approximately 10 a.m. this morning, the power partially went out at Mount Nittany Middle School, Mount Nittany Elementary and Panorama Village Administrative Center. Administrators worked with staff to determine next steps and how to keep operating through the school day. Right now, there is sufficient lighting throughout the buildings and classes can continue at this time.

Lunch is being provided from other district schools. Although water for hand washing is not available in a few areas, we have placed hand sanitizer where necessary. However, drinking water is available.

Should this status change, we will let you know, but as of now, we have no plans to modify the school day. 

Sincerely,

October 3, 2022

MNMS Book Fair

Hello!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DAEAB2DA2F8CE9-mount

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you there!!!

MNMS PTSO

September 27, 2022

MNMS PTSO Fun Run Update

September 26, 2022

MNMS Families

Now that we are halfway through the first marking period, this is a good time to check in with your child about school and specifically, the progress that is happening in each class. Attached to this message is a parent guide that explains how to use ParentVUE to find out what is happening in your child's classes and to view class grades. Please note that the guide is written using screenshots from the web version but the same information can be found in the mobile version of ParentVUE. 

If you want to have a conversation with your child about classwork, here are two questions that could be used as conversation starters:

• What have you accomplished this year so far that you are proud of?
• How are you going to use this experience to be better next time?

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teachers. 

Using ParentVUE to Check Student Grades.pdf 

September 23, 2022

MNMS PTSO Fun Run Update

September 21, 2022

Supervision for Middle Students at High School Events

September 21, 2022

Dear Middle School Families,

With the start of cool fall weather comes the return of one of our favorite activities- football games!  We all are excited to cheer on our SCASD teams as they compete over the course of the seasons.  Currently, our high school team’s record is 4-0, and we’ve been thrilled to host opponents Williamsport and Hollidaysburg at Memorial Field.  Our next home high school football game is this Friday, September 23rd. The Little Lions will look to go 5-0 on the season as they host Central Dauphin.

As we team together with our high school administration, security guards, the HS and MS  school resource officers, and our families, we feel it is important to remind everyone of some important expectations and guidelines: 

1. Middle school and elementary aged students are to be accompanied by a supervising adult. We ask those adults to be on hand to help supervise the children in their care.

2. A new designated MS Student Section will be in place beginning next Friday, 9/23, for the Central Dauphin game. (see graphic) 

3. We are asking that all MS students in attendance occupy that student section if they are not in reserved seats or general admission seats with their family members. They may leave the designated MS student area to use the restroom or visit the concession stand, but it is expected that they return to their student section (much like our HS students currently do). On-site supervision will be asking students to move if they are congregating in the plaza area.

4. Remember that no backpacks, bags, umbrellas, balls or outside food & drink are permitted in the stadium.

5. Also, there is no re-entry.  If a student leaves the stadium, they are not permitted to re-enter without purchasing another ticket. 

6. Online ticket sales can be found at the Athletic Website.  Year-long student passes are just $28.00. Family passes (up to a family of 6) are just $93.00.  These passes get you into any regular season ticketed PIAA event all year long. 

As you prepare your student(s) to potentially attend these games, please also remind them that any misbehavior on school property or at a school-sponsored event could result in consequences per the 6-12 Code of Conduct at their respective middle school.  We are representatives of our schools and district at all times. We will spend some time reviewing our ROAR expectations with students and how those apply at athletic events. This is what we will share for you to review and discuss with your students.

Thank you very much for doing your part to ensure that your student(s) and all middle-level students are supported and safe.

GO STATE!

Sincerely,

Brian H. Ishler, MNMS Principal Karen Wiser, PFMS Principal

Meredith Henderson, MNMS Assistant Principal Michael Fester, PFMS Assistant Principal

September 20, 2022