menomoneefallshs_dec.. - Academy Publishing, Inc.

“Pursuing Excellence One Student At A Time!”
Principal’s Corner
Raising the Bar with New Activities
Over the past years we have made significant progress in the development of some
key co-curricular activities that can link a student’s passions and skills with some
exciting experiences linked to promising career fields. This month I would like to
highlight a few of these developments.
Forensics
Menomonee Falls has had a forensics program for many years. Forensics is an
activity that allows students to showcase their skills as public speakers and in
public discourse. Students are able to compete against other students in a range of
categories including but not limited to original oratory, debate, and dramatic performance. Under the leadership
of Ms. Dwyer this program has grown to nearly 20 committed students. In addition to being a fun team activity,
forensics is an outstanding connection for students pursuing any career.
Mr. Corey Golla
First Robotics
MFHS is presently in the early stages of developing a First Robotics team. We are hopeful this team will
be preparing for its first build as you read this entry. First Robotics requires a team of students to build
a robot alongside a team of adult engineering mentors. While there is a lot of work done in preparation
for the season this activity culminates in an intense six week build when the team must design and build
the robot to complete a series of complex tasks. The final event brings all teams into an arena setting to
compete against one another. This activity is a direct connection for students pursuing a career in any of the
technical and engineering fields. Our coaches for this team are Robert Townsend (Math and Engineering)
and Bret Warner (Technology Education). We are still in need of mentors for the work related to engineering,
automation, and software.
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Corey Golla,
Principal
Ms. Suzy Thomas,
Associate Principal for
students with last names, A-L
Mr. Bob Vitale,
Associate Principal for
students with last names, M-Z
Mr. Ryan Anderson,
Director of Athletics/Activities
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANTS
Mary Zentgraf
Bobbi Von Asten
Kathy Sanders
Eileen Proffitt
Tammy Strupp
Tina Kastory
HOSA
HOSA is a national student organization that supports students interested in pursuing careers in Health Science.
The mission of HOSA is to develop leadership and technical competencies “through a program of motivation,
awareness, and recognition”. Students in HOSA may participate in the State or Regional activities in addition
...continues on next page
DECEMBER 2015
VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 2
www.sdmfschools.org
262-255-8444
2
Principal’s Corner
continues...
to our local events. HOSA is advised by Ms. Kopatich in the Science
department. The club is an obvious link for those in our Health Care
Academy as well as any other student interested in the field.
Future Educators
In the interest of developing the next generation of educators MFHS
now has a Future Educators Club. This group will have exciting
opportunities to immerse themselves in the work of educators
working shoulder to shoulder with our teachers or tutoring across the
district. Given our passion for the work the experiences are certain to
engage the compassionate students with an interest in teaching. This
group is advised by Ms. Bersch in the Math Department
Film and Media
While the group is still in development we will create a club or activity
for those with a passion in film making and communication using
modern and social and mass media. This club will link to students
with a passion in the ever changing world of modern media. Students
will have opportunities to engage with those working in the field, develop
projects for the district or local organizations, and work on their own
projects. Our hope is that we can link to a youth film festival or explore
other opportunities to showcase the work of our students in this area.
Stay tuned for more information as we get this group off the ground.
This is just a snapshot of some new opportunities at MFHS. Our goal
is to help every student connect with at least one activity that will help
them connect with our school through their own interests. In addition
to being passion points for students these activities, as well as others
already developed that have not been mentioned, all have an element of
rigor that will support growth for our students in their respective areas
of interest. Please help us connect your child to our building.
Corey Golla
Principal
Calendar of Events
December 2............ HS Jazz Bands Concert 7:30 pm MFHS Auditorium
December 3, 15...... PTSO Holiday Spirit Wear Sale 5:30-8:30 pm MFHS Main Vestibule
December 7............ Academy Parent Information Night 6:00-8:00 pm Auditorium
December 9............ HS Orchestra and Freshman Band Holiday Concert 7:30 pm MFHS Auditorium
December 10.......... HS Symphonic Band & Wind Symphony Holiday Concert 7:30 pm MFHS Auditorium
December 17.......... HS Choir Holiday Concert 7:30 pm MFHS Auditorium
Dec 24-Jan 3.......... No School Winter Break
January 4............... School Resumes
January 18 ............ No School – Teacher In-Service
January 20-22........ Final Exams – End of 1st Semester
January 25............. No School – Teacher Work Day
January 26............. 2nd Semester Starts
February 11-14...... Band Revue
February 18............ HS Orchestra and Freshman Band Pops Concert 7:30 pm MFHS Auditorium
February 20............ Winter Formal
March 10................ No School – Teacher Work Day-Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30-8:00 PM
March 25-April 3.... Spring Break
April 4..................... School Resumes
April 5..................... End of 3rd Quarter
April 21-24............. Spring Musical Play
May 14................... Junior Prom
May 16................... Achievement Awards
May 20................... Senior Holiday
May 25................... Scholarship Night
May 27................... Built in Snow Day
May 30................... No School – Memorial Day
June 1.................... Senior Athletic Awards
June 6-8................. Final Exams
June 11.................. Graduation
3
From the desk of Associate Principal
Ms. Suzy Thomas
Welcome to Schoology! Here are the Top 10 reasons why we think
Schoology is a great resource for students, teachers and parents:
1. Parent Account - If you don’t already have a Schoology account, go
to https://app.schoology.com/register.php and select Parent. Click
on the Parent button and enter the access code. Access codes were
distributed during conferences and mailed home with report cards. If you need your access code,
please contact the main office.
2. Merging Student accounts - If you have more than one child with a Schoology account, you can
easily link them. Click on the arrow next to your child’s name and go to Add Child. Enter that
child’s access code.
3. Messaging - Schoology makes it easy to send a message to teachers. Look for the envelope icon
in the top right corner of your Schoology page. Click on New Messages and click in the To: box and
search by teacher name. You can include a file
or link in your message.
4. Notifications - Click on the down arrow next
to your child’s name to select your notification
settings. You can receive a daily or weekly
email report of your child’s activities. You can
even select what time of day you’d like the
notification to arrive.
5.
Calendar - Keep up with your child’s
assignments or activities with the Calendar
feature. Teachers are posting events and
assignments to their course calendars. Some
sports and extracurricular activities have also
created Schoology pages and their events will
also show on the calendar. The home calendar
includes events and assignments from every
course and club in which your child is a
member. Click on an individual course to see that specific calendar.
6. Announcements - Each MFHS student is a member of a course called Daily Announcements.
Parents can access this course to read the announcements each day.
7. Curriculum Database - Teachers have loaded their curriculum into Schoology so that students
have the ability to access all the content they need for their learning.
8. Learning Management System - Schoology allows students to access multiple resources like
Google Drive, Khan Academy and pre-approved YouTube videos in one location. Students can
move seamlessly between different apps while working on assignments.
9. Facebook-like interface - Schoology’s interface is familiar, easy to use and appealing to students.
10. Schoology App - The app that extends Schoology’s powerful learning management solution to
your iOS or Android device. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play.
Help is available on the MFHS website - Schoology Parent link. Please continue to check PowerSchool
for information on grades and attendance.
Menomonee Falls Messenger
December 2015 • Issue 2
Published Six Times Per Year
Menomonee Falls High School
W142 N8101 Merrimac Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
4
Business Academy Capstone Project
The year, the Business Academy Capstone class is supporting Menomonee Falls resident, Al Clark
and his family, in his battle against ALS. Al was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) over
a year ago and it has become increasingly difficult for him to take care of his beautiful yard and
home. Kira Cerroni-King (daughter of 4th grade teacher, Andy Cerroni) and Cheri Furrer, Educational
Assistant at Ben Franklin, through the Coach Cassidy Classic Foundation, gave a presentation about
ALS to the class. The students learned that ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that
affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is a disease with no treatment and no cure. After
hearing the presentation and learning about Al and his family, the students made a commitment
to help. They have taken time to visit with Al and his wife and have gotten to know him well. So
far this fall, the students have cleaned gutters, trimmed trees, raked, cleaned out the shed, took
down summer lights, put up Christmas lights and even did some inside housecleaning! Last week,
Johnson’s Nursery generously donated mulch for Al’s yard and the students spent time spreading
mulch and raking leaves. “Team Capstone” joins “Team Cassidy” in the fight against ALS!
“Tax Day”…A Reality
The Menomonee Falls High School Business
and Information Technology Department will be
presenting the sixth annual “Tax Day…a Reality”
on Wednesday, February 17, 2016! The
project will again provide free tax preparation
assistance of 1040-EZ & WI-Z tax forms to ALL
interested students of the MFHS community.
Last year over $11,500 in refunds were received
by students! The Business Department will set
up a tax preparation area in the library. The
business students will serve as “tax advisers” to
the students of MFHS. The students will receive
advice on how to prepare their tax forms along
with actual preparation. Alumni who are now
CPAs will be available to check over final forms
and answer any questions. All students will
receive copies of their completed federal and
state forms in envelopes to mail to the IRS and
Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Students
may sign up for tax preparation assistance during
their study halls on Friday, February 12. Please
note: Only 1040 EZ and WI-Z forms will receive
assistance. If a student earned dividend income
or collected social security, we are unable to
assist with these returns.
Bring the following materials on
Wednesday, February 17
•
•
All W-2 Wage and Tax Statement forms from
each employer
Any 1099-INT Interest Income forms they
received from their financial institutions
Attention! Juniors interested in Badger Boys/Girls State 2016!
More information and application forms will be available in January. Badger Boys State will be held at Ripon College on June 11-18, 2016 – visit their
website at badgerboysstate.com.
Badger Girls State will be held at UW Oshkosh – Gruenhagen Conference Center on June 19-24 2016 - visit their website at badgergirlsstate.com.
5
From the desk of the Associate
Principal, Mr. Bob Vitale
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are entering the
last portion of semester one. Freshmen, semester exams are a time
that can be very stressful. The key to having a successful semester
exam period is to be caught up on all your work, making sure you
begin organizing your materials, and studying the week before your
exams. Freshmen, make sure you know exactly what you need to have accomplished and what
material(s) it is you will need to know for exams. If you do not know, advocate for yourself and ask
your teachers. Students of all grades make sure you are getting plenty of rest and eating before
your exams. Students and parents, please look at the exam schedule listed below or in the Student
Handbook.
Seniors, hopefully you all have filled out and submitted your applications for post secondary choices.
If not, see your counselor or administrator and the process needs to be completed. Seniors this
is your last semester stay in tuned with your grades, make sure you have all your requirements
for graduation, make sure your fees are paid, and make sure you have any detentions taken care
of. In any of these situations, if you need assistance please make sure you see your administrator.
Seniors finish up strong!
I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Important dates to remember:
Early Release
Exam Schedule
No School
December 2, 9, 16, 23
January 6, 13, 20, 27
Jan. 20
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
(1)7:50-9:20 (4)7:50-9:20(7)7:50-9:20
(2)9:35-11:05 (5)9:35-11:05(8)9:35-11:05
Lunch11:05-11:50 Lunch 11:05-11:50 NO Lunch Served
(3)12:00-1:30
(6)12:00-1:30
(Zero Hour) 12:00-1:30
* STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE IN THE BUILDING WHEN THEY
HAVE NO EXAM. If they do need to be here they must report to the cafeteria.
* ALL students have open lunch if they choose, but the cafeteria will
also be open and serving Jan. 20 and 21.
* Jan. 22 there is no lunch served and all students are dismissed at 11:05.
Christmas Break: December 24-January 3
January 18: In-service
January 25: End of first semester
Respect Everyone, Respect Education, Respect Environment! If you have any questions, or if I can
be of any assistance, please contact me at 262-255-8444, visit the school during the regular school
hours, or email me at [email protected].
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Mr. Vitale
Quarter 1 Attendance
Looking Great!
Our goal at Menomonee Falls High School is to
make sure that all of our students are college
and career ready. We believe attendance is an
important piece of this. Last year, we had 70% of
our students with exemplary or good attendance.
Exemplary attendance can be measured as having
4 or fewer absences, excused or unexcused,
throughout the school year. Good attendance can
be labelled as having 5 – 10 absences throughout
the year. Based off of our data from last year, we
have set a goal of 75% of students with exemplary
or good attendance during the 2015-16 school
year. At the end of Quarter 1, we are happy with
our results. Currently, 64% of our students are on
track for exemplary attendance as measured by
having 1 or fewer absences. 83% of our students
are on track for good or exemplary attendance as
measured by 2.5 or fewer absences.
Quarter 1
Quarter 1
2014 - 2015 2015 - 2016
Exemplary
Attendance
Good or
Exemplary
Attendance
60%
64%
80%
83%
So far, we are beating last year’s attendance rates
and on target to reach our year goal! We are asking
the students to beat Quarter 2 attendance from last
year which said that 88% of our students had good
or exemplary attendance. If we beat last year’s
numbers, we will be celebrating with ice cream
for everyone! Thank you to all of you for helping
us reach these positive numbers. We ask for your
continued support as we continue this work.
6
PTSO Presidents’ Message
Celebrating Computer Science at MFHS
A big THANK YOU to all of our PTSO volunteers who
donated their time to help with various school activities
these past few months. Also, thanks to our PTSO
Committee leaders for their help with organizing our
events and activities.
The students at MFHS are celebrating Computer Science Education Week on December
7-13. This nationally recognized week gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about the
societal impact of computing, explore computing careers and discuss the need for college
graduates majoring in computer science.
The PTSO will be awarding fifteen (15) - $500
scholarships to seniors this year. Our deadline for
submitting your membership is December 23, 2015. If
your senior hasn’t become a member yet, please do so
by the deadline to qualify for a scholarship.
•
Why study computer science?
•
•
Computer science is driving job growth and innovation throughout our economy and
society.
More than half of projected jobs in STEM fields are in computing occupations.
The current number of computing graduates will only fill 29% of the projected 1.4
million new computing jobs by 2020.
School Spirit wear is our major fundraiser to support
being able to give out scholarships each year. Remember
– we are the only school organization who sells official
HS spirit wear targeted to all students and families.
Order forms can be found online under our PTSO link, by
the front office or by emailing Cheryl Cieslewicz directly.
Our Annual Holiday Sale will be held on Thursday,
December 3rd from 5:30 - 8:30 pm and on Tuesday,
December 15th from 5:30 - 8:30 pm in the main
vestibule of the high school for your holiday shopping
needs. We do accept cash, checks and credit cards.
We are also selling Marcus Theatre movie tickets for a
discounted price of $8.50 each. With the purchase of
2 tickets, you will also receive one free $3 snack cash
voucher. These make great stocking stuffers or presents
for teachers, hair stylists, mail carrier, newspaper
delivery person, babysitter, etc. How can you get these
discounted tickets? Order online through MFHS PTSO
website https.//menomoneefallsptsa.revtrak.net/tek9.
asp, purchase at the Holiday Spiritwear Sale or by
contacting Sue Sutherland.
Watch our PTSO announcements section on our
webpage for up-to-date info. We are listed under the
“Organizations” tab on the left side of the main page.
Please click on the PTSO link. Check the PTSO webpage
often as updates and announcements are constantly
changing. Our next meeting is January 19th from 6:30
– 8:00 pm in the school office.
We encourage you to join the PTSO. It’s a great way to
stay connected and be “in the know” with all high school
activities. Please contact our PTSO Co-Presidents,
Susan Sutherland at [email protected]
or Cheryl Cieslewicz at [email protected] with any
questions or concerns you may have.
The PTSO wishes everyone a healthy and safe holiday
season. Happy Holidays!
Sue Sutherland & Cheryl Cieslewicz
Co-Presidents – 2015/2016
MFHS PTSO
[email protected] / [email protected]
Because information technology affects every aspect of society, students with computer
science degrees have open to them an enormous variety of careers—engineering, medicine,
law, teaching, manufacturing, entertainment, business, and countless others.
How can students get involved? Try the Hour of Code!
Hour of Code is an opportunity for every student to try computer science for one hour during
Computer Science Education Week. To this day over 140 million people worldwide have tried
the Hour of Code! We will be hosting a school-wide event on Friday December 11 where
all students will be able to see what it is like to do computer programming. If the students
enjoy computer science, they have the opportunity to take several computer science courses
offered at MFHS.
What courses are offered at MFHS?
Students at MFHS have the opportunity to take 5 different computer science courses:
•
•
•
•
•
Computer Science Fundamentals teaches the students the basics of computer
science using the Visual Basic programming language.
App & Game Development is divided into two main parts – creating apps for phones
and tablets and video game programming.
AP Computer Science – Java uses the object-oriented Java programming language
with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and is equivalent of a
first-semester college course in computer science.
AP Computer Science – Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts
of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology
can impact the world. Mobile App Development teaches the students how to design and create mobile apps
for phones and tablets.
For more information about Computer Science Education Week or the computer science
courses offered at MFHS, please contact Brenda Larson ([email protected])
7
Nutrition News
From the Desk of the Athletic and
Activities Director, Ryan Anderson
Congratulations to freshman, Kylee Wunschel for qualifying for the state
Cross Country meet in Wisconsin Rapids! Our small, but mighty, runner
made heads turn at the 2015 WIAA meet. Kylee stormed out of the gates
with the head of the pack. She ended 35th out of 190 runners. Coach Tom
Shannon couldn’t be happier for her. Way to go Kylee. MFHS is proud of you!
NEW FACE in a NEW PLACE: The Boys Swim & Dive team will be lead by a new head coach this season. Coach John Douglass will be taking the lead role this season for our Falls/Sussex/Germantown coop
team. Coach Douglass has been a swim coach for over 30 years. He has been named coach of the
year twice- once by the Wisconsin Swim Coaches Association and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He
is currently a finalist for the National Coach of the year award. Coach Douglass is also the girls swim
coach at Grafton High School. Welcome Coach Douglass!
As the winter sports season kicks off, I am excited about large crowds coming out to support our
various teams. As always, we are encouraging all of our fans to support our teams in a positive and
supportive fashion. We expect our fans to respect our opponents, the officials, and our own coaches
who work long hours on behalf of our student-athletes. If you need a schedule for the winter events,
they are available in the Athletic/Activities Office or at the ticket taker’s table at home events. Let’s all
help continue the tradition of making athletic events at Menomonee Falls High School something the
community, school, players, and fans consider the “best show in town!”
Please monitor your lunch account online. If
you are not registered yet, go to https://family.
wordwareinc.com and click the orange ‘Quick
and Easy Registration’ link on the right side.
You can see your family balance, daily student
purchases, set your own low balance email
notification level and make a payment using
FeeZee. In January we switched over to using
a Family Key in step two. Call 262-250-6462 or
email [email protected] to request yours!
Did you know? We use locally grown produce
such as apples, onions, watermelon and much
more! We receive these items from a produce
vendor, A J Wholesale Produce Inc, from
Sheboygan, WI.
This month’s Star Food is… Apple!
Fun Apple Facts:
•
•
•
FALLS PRIDE
Ryan Anderson
Athletic & Activities Director
www.fallsathletics.org
Apples contain no fat, sodium or
cholesterol and are a good source of fiber.
It takes about 36 apples to create one
gallon of apple cider.
Apples ripen six to 10 times faster at room
temperature than if they are refrigerated.
Nutrition Facts of Golden
Delicious Apple
Vitamin C 20%
Dietary Fiber 5.0 g 20%
Iron2%
Q: When is an apple a grouch?
A: When it’s a crab apple!
News from Band Bunch
Band Bunch Fundraiser
Platinum Marcus Theater movie Tickets $8.50 each (with every 2 purchased you receive a $3
concessions voucher)
$10 Marcus Gift Cards
$25 Marcus Gift Cards (includes a $5 concession voucher good Jan. 15-March 31st)
Please contact Sally Tautges @ 414-418-9294 or [email protected].
Help our organization out by purchasing these great gifts and don’t forgot St. Nick’s is right around
the corner!
FREE TRIAL!!!
Exp. 2/15/2016
Mathnasium of Menomonee Falls
mathnasium.com/menomoneefalls
262-251-5600
N78 W14569 Appleton Ave
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
For the parents, staff, students and community of Menomonee Falls High School
Menomonee Falls High School
W142 N8101 Merrimac Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Non-Profit Organization
US Postage Pd
Menomonee Falls, WI
Permit #31
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
PLACE LABEL HERE
8
National Business
Honor Society
On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, the
Business and Information Technology
teachers at Menomonee Falls High School
inducted 32 outstanding business students
into the National Business Honor Society.
The objectives of the National Business
Honor Society include:
•
Promoting and recognizing academic
achievement in business education
•
Fostering and recognizing leadership
skills and character development
•
Helping members grow ethically
and socially by promoting and
encouraging an interest in business
•
Encouraging member involvement in
service learning initiatives
Congratulations to the following students:
Front row (left to right): Kelly Mandry, Sierra Behari, Jessica Rabay, Makenzie Meyers, Tori Cichantek,
Mindy Wolfe, Madalyn Thomas, and Megan Novak. Second row (left to right): Brittany Matovitch, Mallory
Marchese, Bella Vang, Mara Tibbals, Morgan Schiedemeyer, Casey Seidl (president), Siddhant Jain, Isabella
Abbott, and Ben Oswald. Third row (left to right): Katie Hulce, Amanda Schmit, Jeff Marohl, Brandon
Kohnert, Matt Dreier, Tony Thorn, Joe Plantier, Jayce Kolinski, Marcus Haufschild, Tyler Jackson, and Max
Paul. Fourth row (left to right): Ben Perdzock, Hunter Ruediger, Danny Balister, and Jim Eisenhauer.