Upcoming Events
March 1: STEAM Family Night RSVP Forms Due
March 4: School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the CMS Library
March 5: PTO Meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the R/L Library
March 8: School in Session (previously a day off)
March 14: STEAM Family Night between 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
March 14: Community Conversation Circle from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the CHS Commons
March 4: School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the CMS Library
March 5: PTO Meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the R/L Library
March 8: School in Session (previously a day off)
March 14: STEAM Family Night between 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
March 14: Community Conversation Circle from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the CHS Commons
School Calendar Update
As a result of the high number of closures needed for inclement weather, the Board of Education has determined that MARCH 8 and APRIL 18 will now be regular school days for staff and students.
Please know that the decision to close school for the day is never an easy one but the safety of the students and staff is paramount. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. |
A Message from the Associate Principal
Encouraging regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your child for success—both in school and in life. When you make school attendance a priority, you help your child get better grades, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior and have a better chance of graduating from high school.
When students are absent for fewer days, their grades and reading skills often improve—even among those students who are struggling in school. Students who attend school regularly also feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to graduate from high school, setting them up for a strong future.
But when kids are absent for an average of just two days of school per month—even when the absences are excused– it can have a negative impact. These absences can affect kids as early as Kindergarten.
For example, young elementary school students who miss an average of just two school days per month often have difficulty keeping up with their peers academically and tend to fall behind in reading. But when students are able to read on grade level by the end of third grade, which is when kids transition from learning to read to reading to learn, they are three to four times more likely to graduate high school and attend college, post-graduate, or professional development classes than their peers who struggle with reading.
As a parent, you can prepare your child for a lifetime of success by making regular school attendance a priority. Please take a moment to watch this 2 minute video regarding the importance of school attendance.
When students are absent for fewer days, their grades and reading skills often improve—even among those students who are struggling in school. Students who attend school regularly also feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to graduate from high school, setting them up for a strong future.
But when kids are absent for an average of just two days of school per month—even when the absences are excused– it can have a negative impact. These absences can affect kids as early as Kindergarten.
For example, young elementary school students who miss an average of just two school days per month often have difficulty keeping up with their peers academically and tend to fall behind in reading. But when students are able to read on grade level by the end of third grade, which is when kids transition from learning to read to reading to learn, they are three to four times more likely to graduate high school and attend college, post-graduate, or professional development classes than their peers who struggle with reading.
As a parent, you can prepare your child for a lifetime of success by making regular school attendance a priority. Please take a moment to watch this 2 minute video regarding the importance of school attendance.
PTO News
We just wanted to take this opportunity to share what transpired at the February PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) Meeting earlier this month. We started off the meeting with Mrs. Moran sharing about the February Kindness Challenge that was kicked off during the school assembly that was held a few days prior. The goal of the challenge is to fill the entire wall of the cafeteria with paper hearts, each one representing a kind deed that was observed by a staff member. When a kind deed is witnessed, a staff member will give them a paper heart, which were all cut out by PTO volunteers, have them write their name on it, and bring it to the office to be taped up on the wall. Mrs. Mandy Hill, the school librarian, then shared an idea she had for an incentive where students would bring a stuffed animal to have a "sleepover" in the library. For an example of what this could possibly look like, check out this article.
We then moved into discussion about our first Family Night of this school year, which will be in conjunction with the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) department, Title One, and the English Language Learners Department. A question was raised as to why we have not had these nights so far this school year. The funding for Family Nights in the past came from a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction which also paid for a large portion of the Trucker U after-school program. We were not awarded that grant this year, and while the School Board courageously opted to continue funding for the Trucker U after-school program, that did not allow for money for the Family Nights, which are a substantial expense. With several organizations all working together, we will be able to make this night a reality, in the hopes of continuing more in the future. Planning for this night, which will be held on March 14th, is well underway, and our next meeting, which takes place the week prior, will be spent finalizing the various stations and plans for the night.
Also briefly discussed plans for Teacher Appreciation Week and the End of the Year Picnic, but planning for those items will continue after the Family Night is concluded.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5th beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Rexford/Longfellow Library. Childcare will be available once again so feel free to bring your children along. Hope to see you there!
The PTO Leadership Council
Jodie Kautz, Ryan Joren, Drew Lundt, Sonya Parks, and Amy Zempel
We then moved into discussion about our first Family Night of this school year, which will be in conjunction with the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) department, Title One, and the English Language Learners Department. A question was raised as to why we have not had these nights so far this school year. The funding for Family Nights in the past came from a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction which also paid for a large portion of the Trucker U after-school program. We were not awarded that grant this year, and while the School Board courageously opted to continue funding for the Trucker U after-school program, that did not allow for money for the Family Nights, which are a substantial expense. With several organizations all working together, we will be able to make this night a reality, in the hopes of continuing more in the future. Planning for this night, which will be held on March 14th, is well underway, and our next meeting, which takes place the week prior, will be spent finalizing the various stations and plans for the night.
Also briefly discussed plans for Teacher Appreciation Week and the End of the Year Picnic, but planning for those items will continue after the Family Night is concluded.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5th beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Rexford/Longfellow Library. Childcare will be available once again so feel free to bring your children along. Hope to see you there!
The PTO Leadership Council
Jodie Kautz, Ryan Joren, Drew Lundt, Sonya Parks, and Amy Zempel
The Importance of Reading
One of the most important things you can do for your child is to read with them or have them read to themselves for 20 minutes each night. This chart shows the difference that it can make in their academic performance.
STEAM Family Night
We will be hosting a Family Night for all Rexford/Longfellow families on March 14th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. You can come and go any time within this window. There will be math games, projects on display, demonstrations, and also a light snack provided in the commons. If you can join us, please be sure to RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Collection Help Needed
We are continuing to collect Box Tops for Education, Econo receipts, bag strips, and Our Family UPC symbols. If your student(s) bring in a sandwich bag full of any combination of the above, their name(s) get put into a drawing that will happen in May. Please write the name(s) of the student(s) and grade level on the bag. If you have more than one student, you can put each of their names on the bag so they are all entered into the drawing.
The winners from the last drawing received a Friday snack "punch card" with 10 punches, each one good for a free snack on Friday. It is so sweet how so many of these students have shared their winnings with their siblings or peers, often at times using a punch to get them a snack, too. We also wanted to let you know that the Milk Moola program has now come to an end, so please do not send any in with your child any longer. We are sad to see this program go, but appreciate your continued support with other avenues of funding. |
Library Corner
I'm excited to tell you about a very special program I’m coordinating at our school in conjunction with Crayola. It’s called Crayola ColorCycle – an amazing program devised to re-purpose used markers rather than sending them to landfills!
The ColorCycle program has re-purposed more than 70 tons of expended markers in the United States and Canada since 2013, and uses the most advanced plastic conversion technologies available today to make wax compounds for asphalt and roofing shingles as well as to generate electricity that can be used to heat homes, cook food, and power vehicles.
Students and teachers will be collecting used markers that are ready to be discarded in the library. Please help support our efforts by sending your kids in with any used markers you may have around the house- even non-Crayola brands! Highlighters and dry erase markers can also be included. The drop-off box will be located in the library for your child to deposit the markers.
Thank you in advance for participating! With the help of parents like you across the country, the Crayola ColorCycle program can continue to keep tons of plastic out of landfills each year.
The ColorCycle program has re-purposed more than 70 tons of expended markers in the United States and Canada since 2013, and uses the most advanced plastic conversion technologies available today to make wax compounds for asphalt and roofing shingles as well as to generate electricity that can be used to heat homes, cook food, and power vehicles.
Students and teachers will be collecting used markers that are ready to be discarded in the library. Please help support our efforts by sending your kids in with any used markers you may have around the house- even non-Crayola brands! Highlighters and dry erase markers can also be included. The drop-off box will be located in the library for your child to deposit the markers.
Thank you in advance for participating! With the help of parents like you across the country, the Crayola ColorCycle program can continue to keep tons of plastic out of landfills each year.
School Office News
Every Friday, the office has healthy snacks for sale for 50 cents. If you would like your child to purchase a snack, please send them to school with money and at some point in the day on Friday, their teacher will allow them to come to the office to make their selection. Graham crackers, fruit snacks, and even occasionally popcorn is available for sale.
Money generated from popcorn sales are funneled into the PTO account, as parent volunteers are the ones who purchase and make the popcorn.
Money generated from popcorn sales are funneled into the PTO account, as parent volunteers are the ones who purchase and make the popcorn.
Counselor's Corner: Respectful Interactions
Your youngster's daily dealings with adults and kids alike will be more pleasant if he speaks and acts respectfully. Try these simple tips for helping him/her learn about respect.
Respectful Replies
Think about something you and your youngster disagree on (say, whether his video game time should be limited). Model having a respectful discussion about it. You might say that his or her brain and body are growing and that he or she needs to run and play to stay healthy. Then, suggest a respectful response, such as "I want to be healthy but I love video games." Have him or her brainstorm other situations where people have different opinions but still speak to each other with respect.
Everyday Acts
When you mow the lawn or clean up after your dog, you can teach your child about respect for your neighbors. Explain that keeping your neighborhood clean and neat makes it nice everyone. Ask him to think of other respectful things neighbors should do. If you share an apartment laundry room; he might say that you respect neighbors' time by removing your clothes when they're done so others get to use the washers and dryers.
Respectful Replies
Think about something you and your youngster disagree on (say, whether his video game time should be limited). Model having a respectful discussion about it. You might say that his or her brain and body are growing and that he or she needs to run and play to stay healthy. Then, suggest a respectful response, such as "I want to be healthy but I love video games." Have him or her brainstorm other situations where people have different opinions but still speak to each other with respect.
Everyday Acts
When you mow the lawn or clean up after your dog, you can teach your child about respect for your neighbors. Explain that keeping your neighborhood clean and neat makes it nice everyone. Ask him to think of other respectful things neighbors should do. If you share an apartment laundry room; he might say that you respect neighbors' time by removing your clothes when they're done so others get to use the washers and dryers.
Message from the Superintendent: Inclement Weather and What to Do About It?
Every winter, school Superintendents across Wisconsin face the inevitable task of deciding when to close schools due to inclement weather situations. This winter has been no different and unfortunately in recent weeks more frequent than wanted or expected. Sometimes the decision seems obvious with winter storm warnings for snow or dangerous wind chills. But many times this decision is much more difficult.
When considering to close schools in Clintonville, we consider several factors including, but not limited to the following:
David C. Dyb, Ed.D.
715-823-7215 ext. 2604
[email protected]
When considering to close schools in Clintonville, we consider several factors including, but not limited to the following:
- Safety and health of students, staff, and bus personnel
- Current and forecasted weather conditions during school hours
- Cooperation with local authorities and highway departments to determine present and future road conditions
- Collaboration with area Superintendents
David C. Dyb, Ed.D.
715-823-7215 ext. 2604
[email protected]
School Board News
The School Board has a meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the CMS Library to conduct interviews with companies regarding proposals for facility planning. They will be interviewing 3 different firms at that time. The community is welcome to attend as this is being conducted as an open meeting.
The second Community Conversation Circle will be held on March 14th from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the CHS Commons, with a light snack provided during this time. The following questions will be discussed and we would love to have your valuable input:
The second Community Conversation Circle will be held on March 14th from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the CHS Commons, with a light snack provided during this time. The following questions will be discussed and we would love to have your valuable input:
- What does the community believe our educational programming should include to ensure we empower those we educate are becoming lifelong learners who can think independently, critically, and creatively in becoming successful, contributing members of our society? (College-Career-Community Readiness)
- What services do you expect the Clintonville School District to provide for the school and community?
- What are features of buildings and grounds you believe will best support the desired educational programming and services expected by the community?
The Trucker Way Minute
The focus in the month of February was on kindness. Students learned about a month-long "Kindness Challenge" at the last school assembly after learning about how kindness is contagious and how even the smallest act of kindness can make a BIG difference. The goal of the challenge was to cover the entire glass wall in the cafeteria with hearts. Staff from all around the building were on the lookout for kind deeds and gave out hearts to the students who displayed kindness. They wrote their name on them and then turn them into the office where student volunteers have been putting them up all month long. We have missed a lot of days this month, so we didn't meet our goal, but we did paint a picture of how many kind acts happen here at Rexford/Longfellow each and every day. During the assembly, Mrs. Moran reminded students that in a world where they can be absolutely anything, be kind.
Pictured below are all the students who were nominated in the month of January for the "Terrific Trucker" award. Each month, all students who are nominated are recognized at our monthly assembly, with one student from each grade level randomly chosen to take a ride on fire truck around town.
Pictured below are all the students who were nominated in the month of January for the "Terrific Trucker" award. Each month, all students who are nominated are recognized at our monthly assembly, with one student from each grade level randomly chosen to take a ride on fire truck around town.
Helpful Tips from the Health Office: TV and Video Game Rating
It is important for you to check and monitor your child’s TV and video game rating as our children have more access and opportunities to play all sorts of video games and view more varieties of TV programs. Ease of access also means that children have more opportunities to be exposed to violent and risky behaviors. Research shows that kids who view violent acts on TV or with video games are more likely to express aggressive behaviors. They can also develop a sense of fear that their environment is scary and may cause harm to them (Ben-Joseph, 2016).
TV shows and video games now carry a rating to help guide parents in deciding if a program or game is appropriate for their child to view. The ratings for TV and video games have some difference in meanings, the following chart will provide more details on what those ratings mean.
TV shows and video games now carry a rating to help guide parents in deciding if a program or game is appropriate for their child to view. The ratings for TV and video games have some difference in meanings, the following chart will provide more details on what those ratings mean.
Parents are given these tools to help them decide if their child is age appropriate to watch a specific program or play a certain video game, but there are more steps you can take to ensure it is the right decision.
Kids Health (Ben-Joseph, 2016) suggests that parents preview games or play it themselves before allowing their children to view or play. When introducing the game to your child play with them, talk to the child about what they are seeing to help them better understand what is happening in the game. If there is violence present in the game or on the TV program explain to them that, that type of violence is not what occurs in the real world. Taking these suggested steps can help your child identify less with aggressive characters and reduce the negative effects that violent games or shows can have (Ben-Joseph, 2016). Next month we’ll continue to discuss more steps parents can take to keep their kids safe while watching TV or while playing video games.
References
Kids Health (Ben-Joseph, 2016) suggests that parents preview games or play it themselves before allowing their children to view or play. When introducing the game to your child play with them, talk to the child about what they are seeing to help them better understand what is happening in the game. If there is violence present in the game or on the TV program explain to them that, that type of violence is not what occurs in the real world. Taking these suggested steps can help your child identify less with aggressive characters and reduce the negative effects that violent games or shows can have (Ben-Joseph, 2016). Next month we’ll continue to discuss more steps parents can take to keep their kids safe while watching TV or while playing video games.
References
- Ben-Joseph, Elana Pearl. (2016). Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games, and the Internet. Retrieved from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tv-habits.html?WT.ac=p-ra
- TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board. (n.d.) Retrieved from: www.tvguidelines.org/ratings.html
News from Trucker U
Just a friendly reminder to everyone to please drive slowly through the back parking lot. We want to ensure all students are safe during pick-up time and are asking all to be mindful of how fast you are driving. Also, if you need to come inside to get your child, please park your car in the parking spaces and come in. Please do not leave your car in the pick-up line where cars behind you can become stuck or have to pull around you. We thank everyone in trying to keep our students safe!
|
Trucker U Important Dates March 6: No Trucker U March 25 - 28: No Trucker U |
P.E. Happenings: Winter Curriculum
We are sure enjoying our winter Physical Education curriculum. Grades K-4 all go sledding as part of that curriculum and Grades 3 and 4 also go snowshoeing. We are very fortunate to have hills and a little woods on our school property!
Our snowshoes were purchased in 2002 through generous donations of several school and community groups. We are sincerely thankful for such amazing community support.
If you haven't already, please take a moment to check out Mrs. Petermann's Physical Education newsletter. There is a plethora of great information contained there so please take a moment to check it out if you haven't already. These are also sent home on a monthly basis in hard copy format, so please watch for your child to come home with them.
Our snowshoes were purchased in 2002 through generous donations of several school and community groups. We are sincerely thankful for such amazing community support.
- Dr. Connelly
- FWD Seagrave
- Fox Community Credit Union
- Greentree Health and Rehabilitation
- Lions Club of Clintonville
- Longfellow PTO
- Spectacular Visions
- Theda Care Physicians
- Walker Forge
If you haven't already, please take a moment to check out Mrs. Petermann's Physical Education newsletter. There is a plethora of great information contained there so please take a moment to check it out if you haven't already. These are also sent home on a monthly basis in hard copy format, so please watch for your child to come home with them.
Volunteer Spotlight
Janet Fields has been an absolutely awesome volunteer in Mrs. Walske's 1st grade classroom! Her daughter, Shia, was in Mrs. Walske's classroom last year and she came in weekly to help. She STILL asks if Mrs. Walske needs help on a weekly basis, even though she no longer has one of her children in class this year!
Janet is such a kind person and really goes above and beyond to help. When not in the classroom, she can often be found in the office cutting out laminating, or in the work room making die cuts. There isn't anything, ever, that she isn't willing to help with. Thanks for being such a tremendous asset to our school. |
Summer School Dates Announced
March Lunch Menu
*** COMMUNITY CORNER ***
Young Author's Workshop
All students from the region are invited to attend the Young Authors Workshop taking place on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Manawa Elementary School. We are thrilled about having two Wisconsin authors, Marla McKenna and K.W. Penndorf to share their experiences, expertise and enthusiasm with those who attend. The workshop is for students in grades 1-8. This workshop is sponsored by the Wolf River Reading Council, WSRA, and Manawa Elementary PTO. Paper copies of this registration form went home in mid February but it is here for you as well if you would like to print it or use the online registration link that is on the bottom left of the page.
If you have any questions, please contact Meria Wright, the Manawa Library Specialist, at [email protected].
If you have any questions, please contact Meria Wright, the Manawa Library Specialist, at [email protected].
Swimming Lessons at the CHS Rec Center
Your Opinion Matters
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this newsletter. It is our hope that your found it helpful and informative. If you have any suggestions on how it can be improved or other types of information you would like to see included, please e-mail Associate Principal, Vanessa Moran, at [email protected] to let her know.
The feedback that has been shared so far has been overwhelmingly positive and is very much appreciated. Please continue to share your thoughts with Mrs. Moran so this can continue to be a resource for you and your family. |