Dear Parent/Guardian,

I hope this letter finds you having a great summer! I am writing regarding student schedules for grade 7 and grade 8 for the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, I would like to communicate the plan for parents and students to visit the middle school.

Student Schedules

The schedule for the 2026-2027 school year lists all the courses placed in a student’s schedule by the periods that they will meet. Students must meet all course prerequisites for English Language Arts and Mathematics placement. Additionally, individual teacher requests are not permitted.

Mars Area Middle School will be utilizing the Skyward student information system to communicate and deliver student schedules for the 2026-2027 school year. We ask that all parents and students use Skyward login credentials to access this important information. If you have more than one child enrolled in the Mars Area School District, please make sure that you change the view from “All Students” in Family Access to the child that will be enrolled at Mars Area Middle School. In Skyward, simply click on the “Schedule” tab to view the 2026-2027 student schedule.

If you plan to attend the middle school visitation and/or 7th grade orientation programs, please print, and bring your child’s schedule with you. If you are unable to print the schedule, we can assist you with printing at the middle school. Having the schedule printed before arriving will reduce wait time and make the middle school visitation more efficient.

Parent and Student Visitation and Orientation Schedule

The following programs will be offered to transition students into the new school year:

Middle School Visitation – Grade 7 & 8 – Thursday, Aug. 6 – 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

This program will allow students and parents to visit and tour the middle school. Student mentors will be available to assist parents and students through the building. Please bring your child’s printed schedule to the school visitation.

Middle School Orientation – Grade 7 & New Students Enrolling in the Mars Area School District – Thursday, Aug. 6 – 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

This program will be a presentation to ease your child’s transition to the middle school building. The Principal and Guidance Counselor will discuss important topics to ensure success for your child in the middle school. The presentation will take place in the middle school gymnasium. Following the presentation, student mentors will be available to assist parents and students through a tour of the building. Please bring your child’s printed schedule to the school visitation. 1

Middle School Visitation – Grade 7 & 8 – Thursday, Aug. 6 – 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

Any parent and student not able to attend the morning visitation will have the opportunity to visit in the evening. This program will allow students and parents to visit and tour the middle school. Student mentors will be available to assist parents and students through the building. Please bring your child’s printed schedule to the school visitation.

We hope that you are able to attend the programs described above. If you are unable to attend, we have an extensive orientation schedule that will take place during the morning of the first day of school, Tuesday, August 25th , for all 7th and 8th grade students. We look forward to working with you and your son/daughter this school year. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Todd J. Kolson, Principal