October 2012 - Manson Northwest Webster Schools

Manson Northwest Webster
Mastering New Worlds
Vol. XXI, Number 2
October 2012
Manson Northwest Webster Community School District Newsletter
www.mnwcougars.com
Teaching, Learning and the Technological Child-Your Kids Really Do Think Differently
By Supt. Mark Egli
percentage fast speed MTV), over 500,000 commercials
The much-heralded arrival of Chromebook laptops
seen all before the kids leave college. And, maybe, at the
in the MNW elementary has taken place. I don’t know
who is more excited, the students or the teachers. Several very most, 5,000 hours of book reading. These are today’s
Digital Native students.”
years ago, smart boards found a place in our classrooms
And those figures were based on the year 2001. Where
and have become an integral part of instruction. The
effect of individual laptops will be even greater as we learn might they be now? You may decry and protest the way
the world is turning, but neither you nor I can change it.
to incorporate and integrate this learning tool into our
The best we can do is provide instruction according to the
curricula.
ways our children learn best, and that is going to include
The laptops make possible new avenues of inquiryinstructional technology. Research has shown that the
based discovery, interactive digital communications and
physiology of the brain is different for children raised
collaboration. They come to the elementary as the junior
with the computer. As researcher Peter Moore explains it,
high and high school teachers are implementing the
“Children raised with the computer think differently from
process of combining face-to-face and online teaching/
the rest of us. They develop hypertext
learning known as a Blended format.
minds. They leap around. It’s as
Technology is truly blowing the
though their cognitive structures
covers off the text books and the walls
were parallel, not sequential. Linear
down from around our traditional
thought processes that dominate
classrooms. Information is growing
educational systems now can actually
exponentially, and web 2.0 tools allow
retard learning for brains developed
us to network and collaborate with
through game and Web-surfing
anyone anywhere in the world. Text
processes on the computer.”
books and the traditional classroom
These children will not respond
units cannot contain this explosive
favorably
to lectures and worksheets.
change in what and how we are
Returning
to Prenskey, “Digital
able to learn. The changes at MNW
Natives
accustomed
to the twitchare not ground-breaking, but they
speed, multitasking, random-access, graphics-first, active,
are keeping us apace with the inevitable, as schools and
connected, fun, fantasy, quick-payoff world of their video
educators learn to adapt to and adopt the technology in
games, MTV, and Internet are bored by most of today’s
the world around them.
We are fortunate to have a board that understands that education, well meaning as it may be. But worse, the many
skills that new technologies have actually enhanced (e.g.,
the education of today’s students is not only enhanced
parallel processing, graphics awareness, and random
by technology; today’s students require a new and
access)—which have profound implications for their
different approach to their education. This is not your
learning—are almost totally ignored by educators. The
or your Grandpa’s school, and these students are a lot
cognitive differences of the Digital Natives cry out for new
different from Grandpa. Today’s students really do think
approaches to education with a better fit.”
differently, and we must respond by teaching differently.
What I have quoted from Prensky was written over 10
Listen to the words of Marc Prinskey, acclaimed
international consultant, speaker and writer in the area of years ago, yet schools are still struggling to incorporate
these student-preferred technologies into the teaching/
educational technology.
learning process. So we move forward at MNW looking for
“Our children today are being socialized in a way that
that better fit, and one can say moving forward slowly if one
is vastly different from their parents. The numbers are
compares our schools to the rest of the technological world.
overwhelming: over 10,000 hours playing videogames,
We are making strides every year. There is still much to
over 200,000 emails and instant messages sent and
learn about how today’s and tomorrow’s students learn best,
received; over 10,000 hours talking/texting on digital
but it behooves all schools to put into place what we already
cell phones; over 20,000 hours watching TV (a high
know.
MNW Jr.-Sr. High School 712.469.2245
*
MNW Elementary School 515.542.3211
Notes from the desk of
Elementary Principal
Justin Daggett
The rate at which technology is changing in our
world today is alarming. It seems like right when I get
comfortable with my device, the new and improved
one is just coming out. But that is the world we live
in right now. That is the world we need to equip
our students not only to function in, but to excel
in. We live in a digital world that is going to look a
lot different by the time our students graduate high
school, and we need to begin preparing our students
for jobs that have not even been created yet. This is our
mission.
MNW elementary took a big step toward that
mission this month as we implemented a 1:1 laptop
initiative for grades 4-6, which means that each student
in those grades was issued a brand new laptop. Grades
PK-3 were not left out, as each of those classrooms will
receive 8-10 chromebooks in their room based on the
number of students in that room.
The new laptop is a Chromebook by Google. These
Chromebooks are state-of-the art notebooks that will
allow students to research on the web, use MyOn
(our web based reading program), as well as create or
design projects in all different content areas.
In addition to using the Chromebooks in our core
instruction, we will be having a “Tech Club” for sixth
grade students run by our librarian and technology
integrationist, Christine Sturgeon. This club will work
on projects such as: videos, podcasts, infographics, and
possibly even some computer programming.
This is a very exciting, yet challenging, time in
education as the advance of technology has changed
the whole landscape of school. We here at MNW
are committed to embracing this change, and doing
everything we can do to prepare our students to be
successful for their future.
Justin Daggett
MNW PK-6 Principal
Mr. Daggett reading
us a story called,
‘Go Away Big Green
Monster”
Mrs. Nelson’s
Kindergarten on the
first day of school!
22 little people
Mrs. Merritt’s class used their
laptops to download a creative
Mrs. Merritt’s
Music site with Mr. bleam. The
Classroom...
students were able to create
their own pieces by
experimenting with
different sounds. Mrs.
Merritt is enjoying using
this new technology for the elementary.
Mrs. Schreier’s Class
Daily 5 is in full swing
in Mrs. Schreier’s 2nd
grade class. Daily 5 is
a structure that helps
students develop the
daily habits of reading,
writing, and working
independently that
will lead to a lifetime
of literacy independence. Daily
5 is made up of 5 components, they are; Read to
Self, Work on Writing, Read to Someone, Listen to
Reading, and Word Work. We will have three
20 minute sessions where students will be
working on these five areas. Between the three
sessions, we will meet together on the carpet
for mini lessons and
to reflect on how our
sessions went. While
students are working
on the Daily 5, I
will be meeting
with reading
groups and
doing individual
conferences with
students.
Iowa Core and Common Core At Manson Northwest Webster
by Laura Horan
situations or simulate audiences for projects.
Iowa, along with many other states, has adopted
However, if our goal is to prepare students for
the Common Core State Standards in the areas of
life beyond school, they need to be given real
English Language Arts and Math. Since Iowa had
experiences like those they will have later.
previously legislated the Iowa Core, representatives
• Teach argument, not persuasion - Logical
from around the state completed an alignment study
argument convinces the audience because of the
and found the Iowa Core and the Common Core in
merit and reasonableness of the claims and proofs
English Language Arts and Math are basically the same
offered rather than the emotions of the writing.
thing. So now when we say Iowa Core in these two
Emotions come and go. Reasonable claims and
areas, we really mean Common Core and vice versa.
proofs do not.
• Increase text complexity - It’s not just about the
What does this mean for Manson Northwest
textbook anymore! Besides making sure that an
Webster? The purpose of the Iowa Core/Common
individual text is challenging enough, teachers can
Core is to transform teaching and learning in all
also raise the level of content in their classroom by
classrooms so students are college and career ready.
using multiple sources of information. Providing
The Core highlights five shifts that should happen as
multiple sources on the same topic can help
a result. So when the Iowa Core/Common Core in
students see a variety of perspectives, and it can
English Language Arts and Math is fully implemented
help students adjust to texts at varying levels of
in every classroom at MNW, we should see these shifts.
difficulty.
• Lead high level, text-based discussions – This is
Although the MNW staff has been learning about
as simple as when asking students to discuss a
the Iowa Core for a couple of years and thinking about
text as a whole class or in small groups, make sure
what it means for the classroom, teachers will have the
the questions are grounded in the text, and that
opportunity this fall to further their study of the Core
students refer to the text in their responses. While
by taking part in area-wide professional development
personal reactions and opinions are important,
sessions. These sessions are called Iowa Core
they should first be in response to what is being
Investigations and will run four full inservice days,
read.
once a month, from September through December.
• Focus on process not just content – Teachers are
Mr. Egli made reference to these sessions his
passionate about their content areas and we are
September newsletter article as well. While there are
glad they are serious about teaching skills and
many great learning opportunities going on in MNW
concepts because content obviously matters.
classrooms, it’s quite likely not all classrooms have
However, we cannot merely fill students’ heads
been completely transformed to reflect the Iowa Core/
with content; we should no longer ask students
Common Core. Giving teachers the opportunity to
just to memorize facts and details. Instead, we
learn the Core at a deep level during these 4 inservice
should engage students in the learning process.
days will act as the first steps to changing instruction
We should give students the opportunity to really
understand the concept and connect it to their own and learning.
We could approach the Iowa Core/Common Core
lives. When students make multiple connections
between a new learning and their own experiences, as a compliance issue, but instead we have chosen
to look at it as an opportunity to help prepare our
they develop a better understanding of what they
are learning and can transfer that learning to other students for their life beyond school. The Iowa Core/
Common Core is about learning and that’s what we’re
situations.
about at Manson Northwest Webster.
• Create assignments for real audiences with real
purposes - Of course teachers can create fake
The 6th grade band
performed in the
homecoming parade. The
band played and sung the
song “Dynamite” by Taio
Cruz.
RESERVATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR MNW’S
AUTUMN GRILL
Are you looking for a new and different place to eat lunch on Tuesdays? We have just the place for you! Six
Advanced Foods and three Independent Study in Foods students have been busy preparing and testing delicious
meals to be served at Manson-Northwest Webster’s student-run restaurant, the Autumn Grill. Meals will be
served on Tuesdays from October 9th through November 13th. You are cordially invited to dine with us at the
Autumn Grill, carryout a meal, or have a meal delivered to your home or workplace.
The MNW students are anxious to share their delicious menu choices with you and to serve you.
Please support them by making a reservation for one or all of their restaurants. Reservations to eat in, pick up or
to have a meal delivered need to be made at least 2 days in advance to 712-469-2245. Meals are ready at 12:00
noon, with seating beginning at 11:45. Each meal will include a small appetizer, an entrée and a dessert. This
year’s menus include:
Tuesday, October 30th
Tuesday, October 9th
Asian Lettuce Wrap with Thai Sweet Chili Sauce Fried Dill Pickle Slices
Grilled Hamburger with Cheese Sauce
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Rice
Green Beans
Peas and Carrots
Chocolate Mousse Parfait
Strawberry Angel Food Cake
Tuesday, October 16th
Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
Italian Sausage and Pepper Burger
Creamy Pasta Salad
Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake
Tuesday, November 6th
Fresh Fruit Kabob with Dip
Chicken Caesar Salad
Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie a la mode
Tuesday, October 23rd
Stuffed Mushrooms
Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla
Cinnamon Chips with Fruit Salsa
Spiced Apple Cake
Tuesday, November 13th
Fresh Garden Salad
Italian Pasta Supreme
Garlic Bread Stick
Lemon Bar
Students involved in this year’s Autumn Grill include: Harley Janssen, Tanner Peterson, Evie Taylor, Katie
Smothers, Matt Callahan, Adam Kolar, Karlee Buchanan, Drake Harman and Brandon Volf.
Thank you in advance for your support of MNW programs and we hope to see you soon!
Fourth grade is off
to a great start! We
are studying about
scientific inquiry,
the election, and
geometry. We
are continuing
to read, write, and research using the
Daily 5 program. We are excited to get our new laptops!!!
Check out our web-sites!
http://awesome4thgraders.wikispaces.com/
http://merritts4thgraderocks.wikispaces.com
In this picture, we are showing our “Circle Art”. This was a fun way for us to
explore lines, line segments, angles, and using a compass to draw circles. Go
Cougars!
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR NEWS
As we are half way through the first trimester of
school already it is an important time for seniors and
senior parents. There are a lot of things to be getting
done and here is checklist to be looking at to see if they
are finished.
ACT Testing Information
Test Date
Registration
Deadline
December 8, 2012 November 2, 2012
February 9, 2013 January 11, 2013
April 13, 2013
March 8, 2013
June 8, 2013
May 3, 2013
Late Registration
(late-fee required)
November 3-16, 2012
January 12-18, 2013
March 9-22, 2013
May 4-17, 2013
Test fee per test option
ACT (No Writing)$35.00
Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to
four college choices (if valid codes are provided when
you register).
ACT Plus Writing$50.50
Includes reports for you, your high school, and up
to four college choices (if valid codes are provided
when you register). The $15.50 Writing Test fee is
refundable, on written request, if you are absent on test
day or switch to the ACT (No Writing) before testing
JUNIORS - These are the ACT testing dates for
2012-2013 and fees for the test. I would recommend
any junior that is thinking about attending a 4 year
college to take these this year. I would recommend
taking the test after at least Christmas break to
have some Chemistry and Algebra II/ Geometry
background. You can take this test as much as many
times as you want and only your best scores are sent
on. You do have to pay the fee each time however.
SENIORS - If you are going to plan on going to
a 4 year college, or thinking about it, and have not
taken the ACT you need to do this at the nearest most
convenient date. You MUST have ACT scores to be
considered for acceptance at any 4 year college.
TO REGISTER TO TAKE THE ACT. You go to
www.actstudent.org and all the information is there.
You pay online after you register and it will tell you the
location of the testing site then. The sooner the better
because you can take it as many times as you like and
your best scores are the only ones that count. The ACT
test is only offered six times per year so it is important
to get it done now in case you want to retake it.It is
either @ FDSH or ICCC. You also need to enter a
school code which for MNW is 162-720.
Scholarship opportunities - Scholarship
opportunities are starting to roll in to the Guidance
Office. As they do I will be emailing any and all out
to seniors and their parents with specific information
about each individual scholarship. 90% of these are
all online applications anymore so this is the best way
to get them to you. Keep an eye open for these and if
you are not receiving them please contact the HS office
to be sure we have your correct email address. There
are some that are open to anyone and everyone and
some with very specific requirements to look at before
completing an application. Take advantage of these
as there is always a lot of scholarship money out there
that is not sued because no one applied for them.
College Planning Night - Annually we have
representative from ICAN visit MNW to provide
information on Planning for College. This great
information for seniors AND juniors as well as their
parents. They give you some great information on
what you should be doing and what you should be
looking for as you are less than 2 years away, or closer
for seniors from heading off to college. This year’s
meeting is scheduled for October 18th @ 6:00 pm in
the HS Media Center.
College Visits - Go out and visit colleges you
are interested in. Each senior is allowed 3 college
visits during the school day if you want to go and
visit schools of interest. It is great to do this if you
have questions or just want to go during a school day
and get a feel for campus life. Call the admissions
office of the college you intend to visit and set up an
appointment with them. Then just be sure to call the
school office and let them know your son or daughter
will be gone.
College Rep Visits – Each year we will have
representatives from 30-40 colleges come to the
high school twice per year to visit with any student
interested in their specific college or with questions
about colleges. I encourage all juniors and seniors to
take advantage of this opportunity. Emails will be sent
to student and parents of these opportunities with the
specifics of each visit included.
As always if you have question please feel free to
call Mr. Anliker in the high school guidance office with
questions.
Big changes this summer at the elementary library
If you haven’t been to
the elementary library in
Barnum lately, you’ve missed
a lot!
In late 2011, the school
district was informed they
were the recipient of a gift
of $5,000 from the estate of
Joyce Gordon that was to be
used in the school library in
Barnum. Mrs. Gordon was a
dedicated school librarian at Barnum for many years.
How would this generous gift be best used? There were
big decisions to make.
Looking around the library,
Christine Sturgeon, MNW’s K-12
Teacher Librarian/Technology
Integrationist, and Donna Ulrich, the
elementary school library associate,
realized there wasn’t anything about
the space that indicated this was a
library for children. (Of course, just a few years ago
it was a library for middle school students.) They felt
the space, with its plain walls, metal shelving, and
inadequate lighting, did not welcome students in the
library appropriately, even if it was frequently used by
classes. Mrs. Sturgeon and Miss Ulrich didn’t want to
simply use the money on books, which the
district would be buying anyway. Instead
they felt it should be used on something
that would allow Mrs. Gordon’s family
and friends to say, “Look what she did!”
Students were asked for their input,
which ranged from painting the walls
to building a fish tank in the floor. Jenn
Pearson’s third grade class frequently came into
the class to do Daily 5 literacy activities, where she
would conference with a student at a table. Classmates
would be working in the library
computer lab on their class blog
on Edmodo, and still others
would be scattered on the floor
reading “good fit books” from
the library. Mrs. Pearson’s
students gave Mrs. Sturgeon
and Miss Ulrich an idea.
Going to the social
networking site of Pinterest
for inspiration, there were
many ideas to consider. The librarians settled on the
idea of a “stage” on which the students could sprawl
out while reading. It could be used for storytime
and even as an actual stage
for groups of students doing a
readers theater presentation. It
should also include shelves for
picture books. Mrs. Sturgeon
created a simple plan, and Adam
Kolar, a sophomore student in
Kandice Roethler’s Virtual Reality class, used that to
create a 3D model of the space using the computer
program, Blender. In late May the plans
were finalized and the project began in
earnest.
Donna Ulrich painted the entire
library with a countryside scene, complete
with lots of trees, hills, and a bright
blue sky. To the north, Josh Anderson,
elementary art teacher, painted a sun and
wishing well on top of a Loess hill. Brian Nelson
built the stage and shelves. Carpet was installed on
the stage, the shelves were stained, and books were put
back on the shelves.
Reaction from parents, staff, and students has been
overwhelmingly positive. Elementary counselor Pam
Bleam said, “The changes to the library makes me ask,
‘Why didn’t we do this twenty years ago?’ It’s hard to
believe what paint, talent, rearranging, and fresh
new energy can do to a familiar space.”
Sixth grader Brian Pearson stated,
“How the library looks, it makes me
feel like this is a room where nobody
should be mean to each other because
it’s all so colorful and nice.”
If you haven’t seen the changes in
person
yet, plan to come to the Fall
Literacy Night to be
held at the elementary
school on Tuesday,
November 13.
Kickin’ It Up!
“From the top… And five, six, seven, eight!” The 2012-2013
dance season is off to a strong start at Manson Northwest Webster
High School. Pre-season practices began in June for the 14-member
squad which is led this year by senior co-captains Miranda Simpson
and Daniella Wille. In addition, several squad members participated
in dance camps over the summer to improve their skills. Simpson
returned to Brainerd, Minnesota, for her second year at Just for
Kix’s Summer Dance Intensive. While there, she took classes in
contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, and jazz dance styles with So You Think You Can Dance top ten
finalist Ashley Galvan and choreographers from Minneapolis, New York City, and Florida. New squad
members Madison Moser and Emma Simpson also kicked off their season early with a trip to the JFK
Drill Team Camp in Storm Lake, Iowa. The camp is designed to help dancers from across the state
Madison Moser, improve their overall technique while learning routines in kick, pom, and jazz. Emma says it was a
great experience and it’s something she hopes more girls will participate in next year.
Kate Jacobsen, and
The season officially got underway with a two-day team camp
Emma Simpson at MNW High School in August. While there, team members
began learning their Homecoming routine and focused on dance
technique including leaps and turns that will be incorporated into
many of their upcoming routines. They also had the opportunity
to try on the new state uniforms and poms which were made
possible through the support of the MNW Cougar Club.
This is just the beginning of what promises to be a busy year
for the dance team. Members commit to 6 a.m. practices 2-3
times per week and sometimes even more as they gear up for the
state contest. During these practices, dancers focus on improving technique and learn the routines
they will perform during basketball games, the ISDTA State Contest, area dance team nights, and
their own annual MNW Drill Team Night performance. For now, the team is busy learning new pom
and novelty routines for the ISDTA State Competition. Last year the squad finished with a Division
I rating in pom and a 2nd place trophy for their novelty blob routine. They’re hoping for even more
Meridith Callahan success when they return to Wells Fargo Arena on November 29th. Squad members are also given
the opportunity to participate in the ISDTA State Solo Contest, which Miranda Simpson will be
and Julianna
competing in this November.
Biedenfeld
Mary Fitzgerald, who is in her 11th year of coaching the squad,
says she’s excited for the upcoming season. “We are thinking
outside the box a bit as we have put together an upbeat,
quirky pom routine and will also compete with another fun
Blob routine. The girls are dedicated to the 6 a.m. practices
and have great attitudes. They are working hard to earn
Division I ratings, which is a good goal to set,” she says. The team’s commitment definitely
paid off with their first performance of a pom/hip hop routine at the MNW Homecoming
Pep Rally on September 12th. The routine showcased the growing talent of this team with
increasingly demanding technical skills and plenty of crowd-pleasing moves.
Expectations for their performances are high, but dancers are
expected to be students as well as athletes. “My first goal is always the
team academic award which we again qualified for,” says Fitzgerald. “The
team will be awarded an Academic Award of Excellence at State for their
Lucy Besch, Alex Jones,
team GPA.” Fitzgerald is joined this year by new co-coach and MNW
Amanda Lang, Ali Miller, and Drill Team alumnus Kristin Lawler.
To offset the costs of uniforms, travel, and other team expenses,
Katie Smothers
the squad is once again participating in two annual fundraisers. MNW
pocket calendars are going fast but are still available by contacting any drill team member
or coach. The cost is just $5. In addition, squad members are currently selling their popular
butterbraids. Butterbraids are $12 each and sales will continue through October 8th with
delivery on October 18th.
Returning veterans of the 2012-2013 squad include
senior co-captains Miranda Simpson and Daniella
Wille; seniors Karsyn Steib and Jordan Ukena; and
juniors Lucy Besch, Alex Jones, Amanda Lang, Alli
Miller, and Katie Smothers. New squad members
Karsyn Steib, Miranda
include sophomores Juliana Biedenfeld and Meridith
Simpson, Dani Willie, and Callahan; and freshmen Katelyn Jacobsen, Madison
Moser, and Emma Simpson.
Jordyn Ukena
Little Cougars Preschool Verified by Department of Education
“This is a preschool
I would send my
child to. Your school
district gets it!” With
those words on April
20, 2012 the teachers
and administration
of MNW Elementary
were informed that the Little Cougars four-year-old
preschool program had been verified by the Iowa
Department of Education and AEA. It also meant that
the Program had met all ten Quality
Preschool Standards and 152 criteria
needed to continue to receive state
funding for the program and, more
important, to assure a quality early
childhood program to the district
patrons. Several areas of the program
were recognized as strengths:
opportunities for large motor
development with the new
playground equipment and
the new trike track, but also
supplies many opportunities
to plant and watch the
growth of many types of vegetation from squash to
wild flowers.
• Parent Involvement The parents are asked to be
involved in ways that go beyond conferences and
volunteering for field trips. The
advisory board took an active role in the
visit by giving an opening welcome to
the verifiers and by preparing all of the
meals, among other things. The verifiers
were very impressed with the monthly
projects that go home with the students
throughout the year that encourage
• Technology Technology is used all day in the
learning structure as well as at play time. From
the smart board, to solo computer time, from live
streaming during play time
to teachers using I Pads to
record data, technology is
integrated into every part of
the day.
• Inclusion All of
the special needs children
are given support within the
classroom with minimal pull
out time. This is the least
parents to reinforce
the skills that are being
taught at school. They
also commented on
the value of the web
site and Facebook
pages that allow for
parent involvement in
learning.
The four-year-old preschool program runs four days
a week, with the fifth day, Friday, reserved for a one
day a week three-year-old exposure to the program
structure. The 2011-12 MNW Preschool Program
served 53 four –year-old students and 24 three-yearold students, the largest class since its beginning in
2006. The 2012-13 Program serves 69 three and fouryear-old students.
restrictive environment for all involved.
• Nature-based playground Noted as “exemplary”,
the preschool playground not only supplies multiple
Apple Picking Time!
The preschool classes went to the Apple
Orchard last month. They enjoyed
learning about apples, seeing the
Orchard’s apple peeler, and playing
in the Back 40 playground. Thanks
to all the parent volunteers!
At Manson Northwest Webster, we believe the integration of technology enhances learning by increasing knowledge and
skills and the ability to think critically to apply new learning in real life situations. Teachers and students use technology as
tools to access content, to collaborate, to communicate, and to assess progress as students move through the MNW system.
anson
M
t
a
y
!
nolog
h
c
e
entary
T
m
w
e
l
E
Ne
ebster
W
t
s
e
Northw
Laptops and tablets?
Even in Kindergarten?
Can’t Wait!
Quality teaching is at the heart of implementing technology in all classrooms.
Technology will never replace a teacher.
Elemen
t
ary Tec
hnolog
y

300 student laptops

200 tablets

19 Smartboards—one in each classroom

10 iPads

2 desktop labs/25 computers in each lab
MyOn Electronic Library
MyOn Reader matches student interest and reading level with content to personalize learning. The collections of books are
available anytime, anywhere, for any student.
How are teachers using technology in their classrooms?
 Websites and apps to practice skills
 Web tools for researching and creating
 To collaborate with classmates and others at a distance
 To read books online for more choice and appropriate
levels
It is an exciting time in education! Manson Northwest Webster is committed to meeting the needs of all
learners and preparing them for them for the world beyond our K-12 system.
Cougar Tracks
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 1
Thank you to Fitzgerald Welding for
donating and setting up a computerized plasma
cutter at the high school. Through this donation,
MNW students will be able to incorporate the
plasma cutter in Introduction to Cad, Laser
Manufacturing, Exploring Technology, and
Ag Construction. With donations like the
Fitzgerald’s students continue to learn twentyfirst century skills.
Yearbook students want to say a big thank you to all the local and area businesses that
sponsor pages in the yearbook. These sponsorships help to pay for book production, new
cameras, batteries, and other necessary supplies for the class.
Homecoming 2012
By Brody Eischeid
Homecoming was held the week of September 9 - 14, 2012. Powder puff football kicked off the
week of Homecoming on Sunday night, with the junior and freshman ladies coming up with the victory.
Powder puff was then followed by He-Man volleyball in the gym and the senior boys came out with a
victory. Wednesday night was the pep rally and coronation. Skits winners were seniors in first place,
sophomores in second place, juniors in third place, and freshman in fourth place. The Homecoming court
consisted of Jordan Schreier, Maranda Olson, Emma Johnson, Emily Lawler, Kayla Birkey, Cole Rowen,
Kolin Sukovaty, Jordan Reuter, Brennan Thompson, and Brody Eischeid. The Homecoming king and
queen are, Kolin Sukovaty and Jordan Schreier. Monday was Theme Day: Old Time Rock and Roll.
Monday’s winners were Jordan Schreier, Lucy Besch, Anna Pederson, and Adam Bryne. Tuesday was
Character Day. Tuesday’s character winners were Emily Lawler, Jocelyn Keller, Callie Patterson, and
Klay Ridge. Wednesday was Teacher Day, and the winners were Austin Hauge, Jenna Sankey, Brennan
Thompson, and Jordan Ukena. Thursday was Animal day. The winners for animal day were Marcus Bell,
Caitlyn Dewall, Josh Markert, and Karsyn Steib. Friday is always Cougar Spirit Day and the winners were
Cody Blair, Matt Johnson, and Josh Neumann. To sum up the day time events, Friday involved of a parade
and quantum show. That night the Cougars played the Wolves from IKM-Manning; it was a close battle
with IKM winning by four points. The dance followed from 10 to midnight.
Continued on page 2...
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 2
Homecoming Dress Up Days
Old Time Rock n’ Roll dressers : On the left, Adam Byrne, Hunter Ramthun,
and Katie Smothers. Above: Anna
Pedersen, Lucy Besch, Alli Miller,
Shelby Quade, and Jenna Sankey.
Mr. Richman and Mrs. Rechkemmer are dressed
as Freddy and Daphne from Scooby-Doo.
Austin Hauge and Alesha Hanson dressed up as
Mr. Holloway and Ms. Gaskill.
Lucy Besch and Caleb Wubben are
dressed as Mr. Richman and Mr.
Wubben.
Ashley Nicholson and Jordan Ukena also
dressed for Teacher Day.
Cole Kitten and Shelby Quade
dressed for Character Day.
Shelby Wood, Jordan Schreier, and Ashley
Sousa dressed up for Animal Day.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 3
Dress Up Days Continued...
Eight graders Kadence Junkman, Emma Nelson, and Liz
Stange get involved in dress up days.
Anna Pedersen posed as Mr.
Fredrickson from the movie Up and
Katie Smothers dressed as a minion
from Despicable Me.
Billie Smith sports a Little Red
Riding Hood outfit for favorite
character day.
Kayla Watne dressed as Batman and Shelby Wood dressed
as Hannah Montana for character day.
Right: Elsa
Martens
characterizes
Minnie
Mouse.
Jordan Ukena, Brandi Peterson, Mikaela Winter, and Jeremy Rohner
doing their 50’s and 60’s rock-n-roll style.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 4
Pep Rally/Coronation
King Kolin Sukovaty about to hug his father.
Seniors performing their skit called Rock n’ Roll Heaven.
Sophomores grooving to the beat.
Dani Willie, Marcus Bell, and Miranda Simpson dramatize their
skit for the crowd.
King and Queen being congratulated.
King Kolin Sukovaty and Queen Jordan Schreier.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 5
Homecoming Decorations
Miranda Olson says it’s okay to color the
building.
Sophomores discuss their theme for hallway decorations.
After writing senior names on the window, Jordan Schreier pauses for a smile.
It wouldn’t be Homecoming if car windows didn’t get painted.
Homecoming is about
gathering together to
celebrate the past and
the present. Juniors create a wall poster to support Cougar football and
other sporting events at
MNW Junior High and
High School.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 6
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 7
FFA is FFun
By Austin Thielmann
As the new school year began,
it brought with it many opportunities to
participate in FFA events. On September
8, 2012 the 34th annual FFA Trapshoot
was held at the Manson Gun Club. The
event commenced at approximately
8:00 a.m. with 27 teams participating;
consisting of 95 individuals from 9
different school districts. After the
competition ended and the results
were totaled, Newell Fonda 2 won the
Trapshoot participants include Keyton Strutzenberg, Zach Larson, Collin
Christensen, Bryce Birkey, Austin Thielmann, Devon Kirchoff, Cody
competition with a score of 44, Denison
Anderson, and Sam Wood.
2 got second with a score of 42, and
MNW 3 got third with a score of 41.
MNW 3 team members included Cody Anderson, Austin Thielmann, Connor Hokinson, and Lucas Dolder.
The top four individuals from Manson competing in the competition were Cody Anderson, who placed 4th
in the competition, Zach Larson, who placed 17th in the competition,
and Callan Anderson and Logan Fiedler, who tied for 18th in the
competition. Many thanks are due to those who helped make the
Manson Northwest Webster FFA Trapshoot possible including the
Manson Gun Club, Coon Valley Trophies, and members of the Manson
FFA.
In support of a nonprofit organization out of Michigan the
Manson Northwest Webster FFA has begun selling ice cream after
school in the commons. Sam Wood and Austin Thielmann serve ice
cream for one dollar a cup, and all proceeds are given to the Leader
Dogs Organization. The Leader Dogs Organization sends dogs from
their headquarters in Rochester Hills, Michigan to the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility where inmates teach
the dogs simple commands. After the dogs’ training is complete at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility
they are then sent back To Rochester Hills, Michigan where they are taught more complex commands.
Once finished with their training in Rochester Hills, Michigan the dogs are put into service as guide dogs
for the blind. The Manson Northwest Webster FFA would like to thank all those who support their current
endeavors.
On September 6, 2012 Farm Safety Management
took place. Four FFA members, Bryce Birkey, Hunter
Ramthun, Natasha Irwin, and Kylie Bergren educated
children about safety on the farm. The four FFA
members used various activities to educate the children
about hidden hazards and how to be safe on the farm.
Last year the Manson Northwest Webster FFA
took responsibility of the recycling program. At the last
chapter meeting which took place on August 21, 2012
the chapter members decided to renew their commitment
Continued on Page 8
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
page 8
FFA Continued
to keep the recycling program going for another year. On every
other Friday a few chapter members take a half an hour out
of their morning before school to pick up the paper in every
classroom’s recycling box. The paper is then taken to the local
recycling bin by Mr. Gaul. Recycling is a great way to improve
our community and a great way for lower class men to get to
know their future teachers.
It’s great to be an FFA member to be able to participate
in all the various activities and events.
Above: Hannah Van Meter, Austin
Thielmann, and Kelsey Strandberg
recycling paper.
Virtual Reality
By Jacob McGill
On September 11, 2012, Virtual Reality students Westley Aden, Caleb Sturgeon, Jacob McGill, Austin
Zinnel, Jacob Koons, and Nick Girard traveled to Storm Lake for a Virtual Reality conference. Upon arrival,
students helped set up class sessions. Westley and Caleb began teaching about the program Blender and how
to make background images and modeling mesh. Jacob McGill assisted students who got stuck or had a
questions about something on Blender that they couldn’t figure out. The morning went smoothly and kids
enjoyed learning a new program. After a lunch break, participants chose from three other classes that Westley,
Jacob, and Caleb were demonstrating. These choices were lighting, game making, and compositing. After the
student teachers were done teaching the students about different concepts in Blender, they were proud of their
accomplishments.
Getting In the Groove
By Alex Dangelser
September 9th, 2010, the French Club put on its first fundraising event: the Junior High Dance.
Thirty-seven students arrived to support the fundraising event. DJ’s Lucy Besch, Hunter Jud, Amanda Lang,
and Alex Dangelser chose from a variety of music to keep the night alive. Bags of candy were given away
for prizes, and refreshments were sold at the dance for students to enjoy. Students who attended, enjoyed the
French Student’s effort. On September 27th French Club students served a taco in a bag supper before the
volleyball home game.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Band is Her Thing: Megan Benz
By Alex Dangelser
Helping the band, improving their playing techniques,
sounding great, and having fun are Megan Benz’s goals for
teaching at Manson Northwest Webster. She has been teaching
for two years; in the summer she enjoys working at the USD
band camp. She also played in the Spencer Municipal band
and the BV Community musical. Outside of school and band
camp she enjoys reading, playing with her dog, and watching
television. She loves working with students, which makes her
dream job of teaching band in Iowa, a perfect tune.
It’s All in the Numbers: Annie Hoth
By Klay Ridge
Annie Hoth is the new middle school and high
school math teacher. She teaches Geometry, Pre-Algebra,
and Math Apps. Annie grew up in Northeast Iowa by the
Mississippi River. She has a younger brother. She graduated
from Wartburg College in Waverly. Annie chose to come to
Manson Northwest Webster because she likes the community,
the size of the school district, and the fact that there is 21st
century technology. Annie finds it very easy to interact with
the students and teachers. She said she is very outgoing and
is a people person. Annie’s hobbies include reading, working
out, and boating with friends. She may take up a side job
teaching piano lessons and eventually coaching. During the
summer Annie was a lifeguard, worked in an assisted living
facility, went to Mexico and flew to Seattle and then drove
back to Iowa! She loves working at Manson Northwest Webster! “Go Cougars!!”
Meeting the Challenge: Chris Wood
By Cole Kitten
Chris Wood, brother of Kevin Wood, is one of the
several new teachers this school year. He was a Behavioral
Specialist at Rabiner Treatment Center. At MNW Chris is an
associate for the seventh grade. Although he liked Rabiner,
he likes working at Manson a lot more. He says he does enjoy
working with his brother but their is a bit of a sibling rivalry.
When he was asked why he started working here, he said he
wants time for college. He says his dream job would be to do
exactly what coach Anliker does. If he could change one thing
about the school he said he would definitely choose to add
air conditioning to the super hot second floor. Chris has two
children who attend Manson. He said this is a plus because he
gets to see them in the hallways and it’s easier to check their progress with the other teachers.
page 9
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
page 10
Matt Pohlman
By Austin Pohl
Matt Pohlman is a new teacher this year at MNW. His MNW
classes include Exploring Computers, Intro to Business, and Intro to
computers. His college classes include Iowa Centrals Into to Business,
Accounting, and Intro to computers. Matt has been teaching for
approximately 18 years. He and his family live in Latimer which is
about a hour and fifteen minutes away. Before MNW he taught at
Cal Latimer for 17 years. He worked for the past five years as sports
reporter for Hampton Chronicle and Clarion Times newspaper as
sports reporter and a photographer. Matt also coached track and cross
country for 17 years and was head boys basketball coach for five
seasons from 1998 to 2003. Matt has two children Miranda, is in 2
grade, and Grant is in kindergarten. His wife’s name is Dawn. This
year his goals are getting to know the students and faculty better. He
also said that he was really impressed with the students at Manson
schools and he likes how there are many opportunities for the kids.
State Coach now at MNW
By Austin Bedford
Stacy Rice, state wrestling coach, now holds a teaching position at
Manson Northwest Webster High School. He has worked for the Rabiner
treatment center for many years and now is working at the high school,
but he is not stranger to MNW. He has been a resident for nine years now.
Also, he is entering his 8th season as a coach. He is also a coach for the
7th and 8th grade football team. He finds the Manson area a good fit for his
family along with a good learning environment. The specific duty Coach
Rice has tackled is the special education and supervision of the Rabiner
students. Coach Rice describes MNW as “excellent and couldn’t ask for
more.” If someone asks him for advice he’d say, “Try wrestling, you might
like it.”
Meet Anne Reuter
By Karsyn Steib
Anne Reuter was not born in Iowa. She came from
Germany! She lived in Reaensburg, Bavaria. She wanted to work
here because she enjoys working with the students. Her job here
is a high school associate. She easily interacts with the kids and
teachers, and she loves this job. Anne’s favorite part about this job
is the kids. Before she moved here, she was a hotel expert. She
graduated from Wirtschaftsschule breitschaft in Regensburg. Anne’s
hobbies include reading, walking, and photography. Another job
Anne has is running her own photography business.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
page 11
Mrs. Waller’s Chemistry
By Treston Hanson
The new Chemistry teacher at MNW is Jessica Waller, her husband
is a former MNW student. Jessica has been teaching for five at Muskatine
in Southeastern Iowa. Before coming Manson, she thought about teaching
in a different country; but her husband decided to farm so they never
really talked about it. When asked about the way technology has effected
education these days, she says it was a turn for the better. She said that
if kids didn’t have technology, they wouldn’t feel as much obligation to
stay in school, and that’s not including the appeal technology has on teens.
When asked if she include a little technology into her style of teaching, she
said yes, and that her class would mostly be paperless, everything but tests
anyway. She went to Wartburg Community College in Waverly, Iowa, and
her favorite aspect of teaching is sharing her passion for science with students, which she also said fascinated
her since she was a child. She loves working with kids, and science has always been her best subject.
Drill Team All Iowa!
By Karsyn Steib
Over 500 girls try out and only 270 girls are chosen to perform at All Iowa. This year two seniors
Dani Wille and Miranda Simpson tried out. They auditioned in Ames on September 9th and they said it was
hard work and they are very sore. They and over 200 other girls must learn a routine very quickly. If girls
get chosen, they go back in March and have a three day practice. Some are chosen for a patriotic flag routine
performed on Friday and Saturday and others are chosen to do a pom/kick/hip hop routine performed at Wells
Fargo during the final half time. Mary, one of the coaches of our MNW drill team, loves having our girls try
out. Mary’s favorite part about this is the girl’s excitement and the costuming. This is her 11th year doing All
Iowa try outs and up to 4 girls have made it in the past, and she thinks for sure they will make it this year.
Odyssey of the Mind
By Austin Pohl
Odyssey of the Mind is a problem solving competition where student compete in different exercises
to see what team can be the most creative. Student have to think outside the box to come up with an 8 minute
solution to certain problems. These problems range from building structures to acting in a performance. There
is also an on the spot performance were the student will be given a task to
complete within a certain time limit. Kids from kindergarten to 12 grade
are able to join and there is even a college division. About 15 student are in
Odyssey of the Mind this year. Each
year is different because there are
different problems that students will
solve. Last year the students did an
acting performance where the they
had to create a humorous act. Many
Liz Stange shares her thoughts
student enjoy Odyssey of the Mind
about Odyssey of the Mind. “It’s
because they are able have fun and
pretty cool!”
be themselves.
Katelyn Jacobsen, Emma Simpson, and Taylor Wood discuss their likes about Odyssey of
the Mind:
Odyssey of the Mind makes us think. When we practice, it brings our relationship with each other and Ms. Roethler closer. Hands-on problems are worked out
together, and they go very well.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
page 12
Cougar Cafe
By Emma Johnson
Cougar Cafe refers to
Family, Career and Community
and Leaders of America. It is a
class offered by Mrs. Tague. She
created the class that will totally
be run by students. Advanced
Foods students will also help
with baking of some of the foods
FCCLA will serve. Since this is
a new program, students have
decided to try out Cougar Cafe
on Fridays from 7 to 8:20 before
school to see how popular the idea
is. The reason that they want to
open the cafe in the morning is
so they can avoid conflicts with
students and teacher schedules.
Every Friday three FCCLA
members will work the coffee bar,
and then the next Friday, three
FCCLA students: Caitlyn DeWall, Callie Paterson, Kim Hokinson,
different students will. They are
Autumn Martin, Ellie Herzberg and Maranda Olson.
hoping to make a profit so that they
can buy more things for the FCCLA
class and for trips Mrs. Tague is planning for the class. The Cougar Cafe is planning on being cheaper than
other places where people can buy coffee, but as of right now they don’t set prices . Different flavors of
coffee and syrups will be offered. The FCCLA group has also thought about selling orange juice, smoothies,
breakfast pizza, pretzels and muffins for kids who don’t like coffee. The Cougar Cafe will be located in the
library. Mrs. Tague believes that this will bring more activity to the library. FCCLA students are planning to
have the cafe open by the end of October once the painting and redecorating is completed.
FCCLA
By Ellie Herzberg
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a new student-run organization at
Manson Northwest Webster. The organization is nation wide and the members can participate in events and
competitions. The students involved will get the chance to run the Cougar Cafe’, which is a coffee shop that
will be held at the school on Friday mornings. They will also get to participate in chapter activities, trips,
and projects. MNW’s group of students involved is run by Mrs. Tague. Approximately ten students, which
are a mixture of ninth through twelfth graders, have signed up to join the FCCLA. They will have meetings
approximately once a month, and they elected officers to run those meetings. The president is Callie
Paterson, the vice president is Maranda Olson, the secretary is Katie Smothers, the publicity coordinator
is Caitlyn DeWall, and the treasurer is Autumn Martin. Everyone involved is very excited to begin doing
activities, and they all hope the new program will run smoothly.
Manson Northwest Webster
Publications Class
Page 14
Fort Dodge Marching Band Festival
By Jacob McGill
Saturday September 22, the MNW Marching Band performed at the Fort Dodge Marching Band
Festival at Dodger Stadium. The band played the songs It Don’t Mean a Thing and Caravan. The band
placed fourth in 2A division. The marching band gets ready for the competition by practicing out side
daily on the field. Ms. Benz selected the music for this years marching band. Miss Benz stated, “The jazz
style works well with our instrumentation. It is fun music, and a good learning opportunity for kids.”
Above: saxophone players Chase Almond, Caleb
Sturgeon, and drummer, Keagan Heun.
Above: drum majors Jordan Reuter, Jordan Ukena, and the
marching band .
Above: Kierstyn Ferguson, Miranda Simpson, Adam Siepker,
and Miss Benz.
Above : MNW marching band.
Left: MNW
girls perform
at Dodger
Stadium
Above: Allie Miller,
Jordan Schreier, Emma Johnson , and Miranda
Simpson are ready for flags.
MNWCentral Office 712.469.2202