The Memorial Message

Happy New Year

2026

As we welcome our students back after a lengthy winter break, we recognize that returning to school routines can be a big adjustment for many of our children. After weeks of relaxed schedules, family time, and late nights, it’s completely normal for students to experience a mix of excitement and back-to-school nerves.

This transition gives us a tremendous opportunity to rally around our young people. Families can support students by gradually re-establishing routines, talking through expectations, and helping children set simple goals as they ease back into learning. Reconnecting with peers and celebrating the return to school can also help build confidence and excitement.

Most importantly, listening to our students and validating how they’re feeling goes a long way. When children feel supported at home and at school, they are better positioned to re-engage, focus, and thrive.

For families who would like additional insight and practical tips, we encourage you to read the following article:

👉 Back to School After Winter Break: How to Help Kids Adjust

Beginning this week, our students will soon participate in i-Ready Diagnostic Window 2 for reading and math. This diagnostic is an important checkpoint that helps us measure student growth from the beginning of the year to now. It provides valuable insight into where students are thriving and where additional support is needed.

Because this assessment serves as a marker for academic growth, it is extremely important that students take their time, remain focused, and do their very best. i-Ready is an adaptive diagnostic, meaning questions will adjust in difficulty based on student responses. Students will see questions that feel easy and others that feel challenging — this is intentional and helps the assessment pinpoint exactly where each student is performing.

Families can help by encouraging students to:

- Take the assessment independently

- Try their best, even when questions feel difficult

- Understand that it is okay to get questions wrong

- Take their time, as the assessment is not timed

The information gathered from i-Ready allows our teachers to tailor instruction to each student’s unique needs and ensure they receive the right level of support and challenge moving forward.

Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to support our students’ academic growth. 

Tomorrow, January 6, we invite you to support our  students by picking up your meal of choice from Vicenzo's! Proceeds benefit all end of the year activities. When you purchase, let them know you're supporting Memorial Middle School!

Students will receive permission slips during homeroom tomorrow for the school dance on January 15. Completed permission slips and payment must be returned by Monday, January 12 in order for students to attend.

School Merch is available for purchase at the link below. Click the link below and get your Memorial swag! Proceeds benefit our rising 8th Graders!

🔗: Memorial School Merch - Order Here!

At Memorial, we believe in serving our community. In the spirit and legacy of the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memorial will host its Second Annual MLK Day of Service.

This year, we are turning our attention to our new STEAM Lab and forthcoming Cosmetology Room. Together, we will clean, paint, and decorate these spaces to ensure our students have access to the learning environments they deserve.

We invite families to join us in this meaningful work. Please sign up using the link below. Lunch will be provided. Parents and guardians are expected to remain with their students for the duration of the service project.

Thank you for helping make Memorial a place where our students can learn, grow, and thrive.

🔗: Sign Up Here To Serve