Iuka Middle School is getting ready to finish up the first nine weeks of school. We have had a great first nine weeks and have enjoyed welcoming back our students and getting to know new ones. We have sorted everyone into houses, enjoyed a great football season, and are proud to have new space to learn in the Michael Walker Outdoor Learning Center. Our character trait for the month was friendship, and on the 20th we got together in our houses and discussed what it meant to be a good friend, and how Michael’s legacy and the phrase “Love Like Mike” can remind us to be kind and inclusive to all. This month each grade chose a student who they believe exhibits this characteristic the best. For 5th grade, the student of the month is Thomas Williams. For 6th grade, Lila Kate Cutshall, for 7th grade Hunter Trimnal, and for 8th grade, Mary Katherine Davis. 

Football finished up a great season yesterday with a gritty performance against the Burnsville Mustangs to end their regular season. The football team, coaches, and cheerleaders represented their school well, and we are so proud of their hard work and effort this season. Coach Barron will be having baseball tryouts after school on October 5th. Please see Coach Barron if you are interested in playing for the middle school baseball team. Likewise, Coach Nunley will be hosting softball tryouts for the 7th and 8th grade girls on October 4th from 2:30-4:30 PM. Students trying out must have a physical. Please see Coach Nunley if you have any questions.

Semester exams are just around the corner. 7th and 8th grade students will begin exams this Friday with Cyber Foundations. While all students will be taking their Math exams on Monday October 2nd, ELA on October 3rd and 4th, and Social Studies on October 5th. Please remember attendance is always important, but it is especially important during exams. To encourage student attendance, A student’s perfect attendance each week is rewarded by earning 1 house point. Every morning, students also engage in games and activities called Chieftain Challenges as soon as the bell rings to encourage students to be present. Students earn house points and free snacks for winning. Focus on attendance will continue throughout the year at IMS because we know there is a direct correlation between student attendance and student achievement. 

Mrs. Lambert would like to let everyone know that yearbooks are still available to purchase online. However, on October 1st the price will increase. So, if you want a yearbook please go purchase one online now. No extras will be available at the end of the year. Also, all school picture proofs and football and cheerleader picture orders are due by October 6th and can be turned in to the library with Mrs. Lambert. 

IMS has two big events coming up. First up, is the first ever Iuka Middle School Fall Festival! This will open to the public on October 13th. It will be held at Iuka Middle School and will begin at 5 pm. The festival will include games, bouncy houses,  a cake walk, face painting, auction, pumpkin decorating contest, and many other fun activities and treats! Come support your IMS Houses and bring the kids to have some fun!

The next exciting event that IMS will have to offer is the annual IMS Talent Show. On October 24th at 6 pm. Come out and watch as the students and faculty of Iuka Middle School amaze us with their hidden talents! There will be prizes for each category. There will be performance and nonperformance categories, as well as an audience choice award. Entry to view the show will be five dollars per person. Audience Choice will be chosen by cash donations. Any student or faculty member may enter the talent show and talent display contests by paying $5 per person per entry.  Entrants may enter multiple contests and may enter as groups. 

Finally, IMS is ready to bounce into basketball season. The Chieftains and Lady Chieftains will begin the season in Hills Chapel on October 16th. They are ready to begin the season and show off their skills on the hardwood. So, get your stadium seats ready, and come out and support these young athletes as they begin their basketball season. As always, we would like to thank our sponsors and supporters. IMS could not do what we do for our students if not for the positive involvement and support we have from local businesses and community members.