Fall 2015 - De Soto Area School District
Transcription
Fall 2015 - De Soto Area School District
DE SOTO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Fall 2015 NEWSLETTER DE SOTO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT Dedicated to Learning and Growth; Striving for Excellence Vision Statement: Pursuit of excellence by providing exemplary educational opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, citizenship and technology. ~Beliefs~ We are… Homecoming Pep Assembly Waving the De Soto Booster Club Pirate Pride rally towels! partners with families and communities supporting a respectful, responsible, safe and caring learning environment. dedicated to high academic achievement and student success. Pirate Cheerleaders and mascot celebrating at the Homecoming Pep assembly. committed to continuous improvement. District News It has been a great start to this school year! Our teachers, students and administration have focused on promoting a positive learning environment where respectful, responsible and safe behaviors are the norm for everyone in the school settings. On the first day of school, UWLa Crosse’s Chancellor Gow joined De Soto Middle/High School students and staff, and continued the theme of personal responsibility in his speech to students focusing on appreciating diversity, setting academic, athletic, social and personal goals and the value of learning from all life experiences in and out of the classroom. We valued Chancellor Gow’s presence as it represented the strong connection between our school and the opportunities for continued education after graduation. We recognize that by involving and inviting outside resources into our schools we can provide greater inspiration and opportunities for each of our students. We also began our year with tremendous appreciation for the larger “community family” of supportive boosters, PTO, businesses, service and civic organizations that provide financial and support resources to our school programs, students and families. These community collaborations are important and in many ways essential to maintaining the high quality programs, facilities and educational options available to our students. However, none are more valued than the partnership we share with our student’s parents, grandparents and family members who alongside us share in the direct efforts to ensure the educational and social development of their child and all children in our district. Just prior to the start of the school year, Superintendent Jim Kuchta accepted a position in the Amery School District. The administrative team, along with teachers and staff dedicated themselves to ensuring the smooth start to the school year. Our staff continues in their commitment to provide all students with a quality education and opportunities for holistic growth and achievement. During the leadership transition, the administrative team members have taken on additional responsibilities and have worked diligently to ensure the effective, efficient and fiscally responsible operation of the school district. Mrs. Gronning, who serves as the Middle/High School principal, has been assigned the additional duties of interim superintendent during the transition period. Mr. Fergot, social studies teacher, is providing daily assistance as the Middle/High School Associate Principal. Mr. Olson, Prairie View principal will be responsible for all weather related school adjustments, working with Mr. Groves and the district’s transportation company. Mr. Chapes is facilitating administrative team meeting and other administrative team members have assumed additional responsibilities as well. Our staff welcomes contact by parents and community members and we encourage everyone to reach out on any topic or concern about your child’s education to the appropriate teacher or administrator. The School Board has formed an Ad Hoc Committee to address the future direction of the District’s leadership and this process includes an assessment of the district’s system strengths including educational programming, infra-structure and staffing strengths. The Ad Hoc Committee will develop a leadership profile and review traditional and alternative administrative leadership models. Feedback from parents, community members, teachers and students is welcome and will be sought over the next few months as the Board looks to make a determination by February on the future leadership structure that is best suited to our district’s needs. We value this opportunity to move forward as a district and community to best meet the needs of our students. De Soto Area School District Board of Education Shirley Alton-Village of Ferryville, Jess Boardman-Town of Genoa, Dan Fladhammer-Village of De Soto, Geri Fox-Village of Genoa, Kirk Holliday-Town of Freeman, Jeff Long-Village of Stoddard, Rick Pedretti-Town of Wheatland, Dean Penkalski-Town of Bergen and Kevin Walleser-Town of Sterling Administrative Team Mike Chapes, Stoddard Elementary Principal Tim Fergot, MS/HS Associate Principal Linzi Gronning, De Soto MS/HS Principal/Interim Superintendent Kelly Olson, Prairie View Principal Pat Busteed, Maintenance & Custodial Director DuWayne Gronning, Director of Technology Betsy Knutson, Food Service Director Caron Malin, Special Education Director 2 2015-16 Board Meeting Dates School Board Election Notice Monday, December 21 Monday, January 18 Monday, February 15 Monday, March 21 Monday, April 18 Monday, May 16 All meetings are held in the Middle/High School LMC at 7:00 pm unless posted differently and are open to the public. The following seats will be up for election on April 5, 2016: Village of Genoa Village of Stoddard Town of Sterling If you are interested in running, Campaign Registration Statement and Declaration of Candidate papers must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5th in the District Office. If a primary is necessary, it will be held Tuesday, February 16th. 2015-16 New Staff: L-R: Danielle Hopkins-MS/HS Phy Ed, Kirsten Jandrin-School Counselor, Jennifer Arndt-PV Kindergarten, Bryce Muenchow-Elementary Music, and Chelsey Oswald-HS Math Ricarda, Kelly & Alara Have you ever considered hosting an exchange student for the semester or the year? There are currently three exchange students attending De Soto High School. Kelly is from Denmark and is living with the Sikora family, Ricarda is from Germany and lives with the Martinson family and Alara is also from Germany and lives with the Hohlfelder family. They each had a few things to say about their time here. Alara says that the best things about living with her host family is to experience another family, coming out of her comfort zone and meeting new people who like her just the way she is. Kelly said that she has enjoyed volleyball a lot. Now that it is over she can only look back at the everyday practices with her volleyball girls, all the good home games and of course the long and short rides to away games and tournaments. She also said that she cannot wait to see what the upcoming days of this year will bring. Ricarda was very thoughtful with her answer as to why she thinks other families should consider hosting in De Soto. The top reason for her is to try something new! She said “I was really nervous to make this step to be an exchange student, but I realized after the second day here in De Soto that it was one of my best decisions I’ve ever made. You make new friends during the exchange year and learn so many things about the other countries. Also you help a student to make his/her dream come true and, I mean, isn’t it an awesome moment to live it together. The best thing for me is that you make it the best year ever with so many memories and such an amazing time together with a person from another country!” If you are interested in helping to make a dream come true for one of the many exchange students available for this upcoming school year, please contact Leah Monroe with EF High School Exchange Year at (608) 606-2652 or [email protected] 3 MOLE DAY 2015! Celebrated annually on October 23 from 6:02 a.m. to 6:02 p.m., Mole Day commemorates Avogadro's Number (6.02 x 1023), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry. Mole Day was created as a way to foster interest in chemistry. Schools throughout the United States and around the world celebrate Mole Day with various activities related to chemistry and/or moles. De Soto students in Mr. Campbell’s chemistry classes celebrated the mole by making mole sculptures from aluminum, enjoying mole treats, and telling mole jokes. Drew Foley wrote and enthusiastically performed a rap to show his appreciation for the mole. New Club—High School Math Club La Crosse Culvers supports local dairymen and the De Soto FFA On Aug. 18th the La Crosse Culvers donated 10% of all purchases from 5 to 8 PM. This generous donation totaled $353 which will be used to send FFA members to the National FFA convention in Louisville Kentucky. Do you enjoy a challenge? Do you like to know the why's instead of just the how's? Then Math Club is for you. We will study the history of math; as well as, look at concepts that might never be seen like the Golden Ratio or Fermat's Enigma. There might even be a few competitions with other students around the state. If you like math and are up for an exciting challenge, come and join the High School Math Club! For more information, contact Ms. Oswald. FFA members that served meals during that time were: President: Trisha Nickelotti Vice President: Benjamin King Secretary: Jessica King Treasurer: Emily Scoville Student Advisor: Brandon Parr Parliamentarian: Jaclyn Dahl Members: Kameron Perry, Sierra Martinson Thank You Culvers and we look forward to partnering with you for this event again in 2016! 4 What is Title I? Title I is a federally funded program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Through Title I, money is given to school districts based on the number of low-income families in each district. Each district uses its Title I money for extra educational services for children most in need of educational help. The focus of the Title I program is on helping all students meet the same high standards expected of all children. Under the Title I legislation, schools and families form partnerships to help students who need support in meeting high academic standards. Congress has provided this financial assistance to qualifying school districts since 1964. Meet the Title I Teachers Nikki Egge Lisa Robbins Prairie View Elementary For more information Stoddard Elementary [email protected] on Title I in Wisconsin: [email protected] (608) 648-2227 http://dpi.wi.gov/ (608) 457-2101 Ext. 516 Ext. 618 5 “Dedicated to Learning and Growth; Striving for Excellence.” Stoddard A Note from Ms.Elementary Mary Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a wonderful summer break. It is so nice to see all the smiling faces. The start of the new school year can bring so many different emotions to your family especially for children who are starting school for the first time. Please remember to talk with your children about school and reassure them that parents/ guardians and school staff are here to work together to make Stoddard Elementary a great place for them to learn and grow. Remember to ask your child how their day was and what their favorite part of the day was. It also helps to have a daily routine in place. It makes for a less stressful morning for everyone if a child knows the routine. Not only do we have new students this year, but new staff as well. Please help us welcome Mr. Bryce Muenchow who will be the new music teacher and Ms. Kirsten Jandrin who will be the new 4K-12 guidance counselor. We did have a few staff members leave and we wish them the very best. I am hopeful we will have another wonderful year and I look forward to getting to know you and your children. Reminders: Upcoming Events *Nov 25-27- No School *Dec.14 –Music Concerts @ Stoddard Breakfast starts at 7:30am. Classes start at 8:00am and the School day ends at 3:00pm. Check monthly calendars. There will be many events listed. Check folders daily for important information. Please sign in/out if visiting our building. Label all clothing with child’s name. Please do not park by curbs marked yellow in front of school. Please stop in the office to sign child in or out. *Dec. 23-No School Start of Winter Break Elementary Holiday Concert Updates Stoddard Prairie View th Monday, December 14 2 pm Grades 3-5 program for students and staff (community members welcome) 6:30 pm Grades K-2 program for families Kindergarten will start with a short program in the gym Grades 1-2 families will do a Christmas related craft in their rooms 6:45 pm Kindergarten will go to their room and do the craft Grades 1-2 students and families will then relocate to the gym to give their portion of the program Monday, December 7th 2 pm Grades 3-5 program for students and staff (community members welcome) 5:15-6:10 Soup Supper—All Families Welcome! 6:30 pm Grades K-2 program for families—Planning for all K-2 students to perform and not have to split the groups 6 HOMECOMING COURT 2015 The 2015 Homecoming Court was presented at the Homecoming Pep Rally Friday afternoon! From left to right: Bailey Gianoli, Hunter Thompson, Serena Holliday, Ben King, Queen-Idji Boardman, King-Jon Thompson, Skyler Hunze, Kassidy Kreuzer, Marissa Kunert and Dylan Krause. The Pirates “Caged the Wolves” defeating Wonewoc Center 47-12 on October 9th. Way to go Pirates & Fans!! ATTENTION ALL SENIORS ACT® Prep Course YOU NEED TO GET YOUR COLOR SENIOR PHOTO Designed to raise student test scores! Spring 2016: Feb. 6 - March 12 UW-La Crosse | website This unparalleled ACT® test preparation course readies students for all four sections of the ACT® test, plus the optional writing section. TO MR.STINGL BY JAN 15TH Students take official, retired ACT® pre- and posttests to determine strengths and weaknesses. Qualified instructors work directly with students to work through this comprehensive preparation program. Preparing for the ACT can increase test scores that are important for gaining acceptance into your college of choice and for expanding your scholarship opportunities. 7 EMAIL IN JPEG FORMAT (HEAD AND SHOULDER) BRING IN A PHOTO TO MR. STINGL HAVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER MAIL OR EMAIL TO MR. STINGL If you will not have your Senior pictures available by January 15th see Mr. Stingl ASAP!!!! Where are they now... We are adding a new feature to our newsletter highlighting alumni. If you are an alumni, or know one, please tell us. You can send an email to [email protected] with a couple of sentences about what they are doing and a picture if possible. We will set aside a page each newsletter to share who we have heard from. Thank you in advance for your assistance! To start our new feature we wanted to share with you all the Alumni who are working for the District! Look how many of us came back! The story below about Devin Simko, shared by Greg Koelker-retired English teacher, started the wheels turning and “Where are they now…” was created! We hope you enjoy it and share to help us keep it going. Staff Melissa (Fladhammer) Nolte, HS English—2006 Mark Arneson, Band—1979 Tony Paletta, 5th Grade Stoddard—1983 Guy Boardman, Maintenance—1992 Abbey Sedlmayr, PreK Stoddard & Prairie View—2008 Mark Boardman, MS/HS Custodian—1985 Tracy Snitker, Prairie View Custodian—1991 Kim (Ames) Bohnenkamp, MS/HS Secretary—1984 RoxAnne (Thompson) Fox, District Librarian—1967 Substitute Teachers, Aides & Support Staff Deb (Bohland) Groves, SPED & MS/HS Secretary— 1969 John Audetat—1980 MacKenzie Knutson—2014 Jennifer Gullickson, Teacher’s Aide Prairie View—1992 Dorothy (Berra) Stokke—1972 Sheryl (Caley) Haakenson, MS/HS Kitchen—1999 Kathy (Trussoni) Tully—1988 Opal (Matlock) Hostert, School Nurse—1992 Lynn (Everson) Tully—1984 Josh Knutson, Stoddard Custodian—1993 David Venner—1965 Jackie (Dilworth) Kreuzer, District Secretary—1986 Caron (Sedlmayr) Malin, Special Ed Director—2002 Ronda (Boardman) Nelson, 2nd Grade Prairie View— 1986 Devin Simko, DHS Class of 2006, made his La Crosse Community Theater debut in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) in September. Devin, the one on the left, did Solo Acting in Forensics and played parts in plays such as “Our Town,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Annie” at De Soto High School before graduating in 2006. Now a carpenter for (Mike DHS '08) Nickelatti Construction in Stoddard, Simko says, “I missed being on stage and hanging out with people in the theater. I never met anybody in theater I didn’t get along with. . . my favorite part is being the center of attention and making people laugh.” Photo courtesy of the La Crosse Tribune 8 AWARD WINNING TEACHERS HEATH ELIASON—TOP NOTCH TEACHER WKBT-A math teacher at De Soto Middle School has only been there for three years, but he is already making a huge impact on many student lives. “I had a really good math teacher in high school,” said Heath Eliason. Eliason has always wanted to be a teacher. “I remember sitting in his class one day and looking at him as I was taking a test and thinking, ‘Man, he has a great job,’” said Eliason. WKBT, News8000.com Summer 2015 Award After Hard work and dedication, Eliason landed his dream job of teaching and coaching basketball. “In De Soto, I get to teach them in the middle school and then coach them when they get into high school, so it’s sort of a continuation of the relationship that you build with the kids in the classroom,” said Eliason. —You can read the full article at News8000.com, choose the Schools tab.— SCOTT KING—DISTRICT 3 ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR The Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association recognized Scott King’s distinguished service as an educator, coach, official and athletic administrator and was proud to honor King as the 2015 District 3 Athletic Director of the Year at the annual November conference held in the Wisconsin Dells. King also received his 25-year athletic director service award at the WADA Awards banquet. King was also recently inducted into the Lyman Hall of Fame and has previously received coach of the year awards. He is also a recipient of the Golden Heart Award and the Gatorade “Coaches Care” Honor Roll award. While at De Soto, King has been a leader with booster organizations and has guided the development of both youth and school sports programs. He has consulted on the design of new physical education facilities, and overseen the renovations of softball and football fields. He worked with the Booster Club to secure funding for the new gym State banners, a discus cage and developed a shot put area for De Soto’s track program. King also oversaw the selection of fitness equipment for the new school/community strength and conditioning center. RON VON GLAHN—WI RURAL SCHOOLS ALLIANCE TEACHER OF THE YEAR De Soto Middle/High School Agriculture Teacher Ron Von Glahn was honored Thursday, November 12 as the 2015 Wisconsin Rural Teacher of the Year at the Rural Schools Alliance annual conference in Stevens Point. Mr. Von Glahn has had a 29-year career as an agriculture teacher, advisor, coach, student mentor and student advocate. He was recognized for his state level leadership in the development and institution of online agricultural curriculum. He also worked with the Eastern Allamakee Schools in Lansing Iowa, who were unable to secure an agriculture teacher for the 2014-15 school-year by coming up with a plan to allow him to travel to Iowa and teach Agriculture classes to Key High students. His mission as an agriculture teacher has always been as a facilitator to student achievement, not only while students are in school, but also to ensure each student has the support and skills to be successful in their daily lives, relationships, careers and as citizens in society. His agriculture and environmental classes are a highlight for his students with a classroom learning environment that has zero tolerance for “put downs” and bullying. Mr. Von Glahn has mentored at-risk students and counseled many into not dropping out of either high school or college. Outside of the classroom, he has been assistant softball coach, assistant volleyball coach, and for 9 years was the head varsity baseball coach at De Soto. He was named the District Baseball Coach of the Year in 1999. Today he is a volunteer coach, working with softball pitchers at several area schools. Mr. Von Glahn has prepared and supervised students on more than twenty trips to the National FFA Conference. (cont. on page 10) Linzi Gronning, Tamera Von Glahn , Ron Von Glahn and Leah Luke, Past President of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance 9 RON VON GLAHN—WI RURAL SCHOOLS ALLIANCE TEACHER OF THE YEAR—CONT. His students participate annually in the Farm to School, Harvest Challenge, the Jag Lake FFA Leadership Camp, the Vernon County Fair, 4-H Clubs, World Dairy Expo Judging, FFA Regional and Sectional leadership conferences, Regional and State FFA Career development, the State FFA Convention, and an annual trip to Chicago for seniors. Mr. Von Glahn’s community service includes serving as the Superintendent at both the Vernon and Crawford county fairs. For twenty-nine years he has worked with Junior Fair exhibitors and adults. He has also served as the treasurer of the Vernon County Fair Meat animal sale for twenty-seven years. He served as the President of the Wisconsin Agricultural Educators in 2004-05 and introduced the State to the online CAERT curriculum; Mr. Von Glahn was one of the first agriculture teachers to move to this curriculum, which he has successfully taught for the past 9 years, providing the most current and up-to-date materials for students. Mr. Von Glahn introduced and maintains the greenhouse operations, management, marketing and sales program he began twenty-nine years ago; he has served as a volunteer consultant providing assistance to fellow agriculture teachers in Viroqua, Seneca, Kickapoo, Westby and Prairie du Chien; he continues in his collaboration with teachers, parents, families and community members in developing and maintaining greenhouse programs throughout the region; Mr. Von Glahn also served as Chairman of the Region Three Constitution and Bylaws committee of the National Association of Agricultural Instructors and was Chairman of the Region Three Convention held in La Crosse in 2006. He is a volunteer instructor for the Department of Natural Resources providing community member and student certification in Trapper Education, Boating and ATV safety. He spearheaded the youth Legion Baseball and summer softball league for De Soto area youth. He is a founding member and treasurer of the De Soto Lions Club. He serves as parliamentarian for the De Soto Area Schools Annual Board meeting. He is also a veteran of the US Air Force. This state award makes him eligible for a national award. Mr. Von Glahn and his wife Tamera live in De Soto. Congratulations Ron & Scott for awards honoring your life-time careers of distinguished service! You are shining examples of life-long commitment to students, the District and the community in which we live. Thank you! Prairie Vet Service and Zoetis Donate to De Soto FFA By partnering with Prairie Vet Service/Anne Marie Elwing, Zoetis has donated $ 449 to the De Soto FFA Chapter this year. This contribution has helped put equipment in classrooms, helped build new animal agriculture facilities for FFA chapters, fund leadership development events and class projects, secure blue jackets, send members to their first National FFA Convention and more. A percentage of animal health products purchased thru Prairie Vet Service are donated to the De Soto FFA. De Soto FFA wishes to thank Prairie Vet Service and Zoetis for a partnership that supports Agricultural Education here at De Soto High School. Harvest Challenge This year the De Soto Harvest Challenge Team saw a lot of news faces and overcame several obstacles in this year’s competition. This year’s Harvest Challenge members were: Anna Busteed, Brandon George, Darin George, Roxanna Haakenson, Zach Kuchta, Grace Mitchell, Trisha Nickelotti and Emily Scoville. Monique Hooker was the team’s Chef Mentor and she taught students how to make a cost effective, healthy meal that our school lunch program could make during the school year. For the Vernon County Harvest Challenge competition, the students made Pirate Polenta, Cannonballs and Tomato Sauce, Gold Biscuits, and Barnacle Chips. The team finished 3rd in the Community Choice and 3rd in the Kid’s Choice during the taste testing portion of the event. With 7 of the 8 team members being first year members and underclassmen, the Harvest Challenge Team will use their experience and knowledge to be competitive in next year’s competition. 10 Stoddard Elementary Chili Cook-Off Congratulations to Stoddard Elementary fourth grader Amanda Moser for winning this year's Stoddard PTO Chili Cook Off. The cook off is held each year at Stoddard Elementary and is open to anyone who lives in the De Soto School District. Our champ Amanda went up against some real tough competition who had a lot more experience in the kitchen than she did. I know, because I too entered the contest and this wasn't my first chili competition. Ten contestants entered the race for the title and it was Amanda who became this year's champ. The voting for the contest is done by community members who receive a ticket after paying to judge all the chili. Once they have tasted all the contestants chili they cast their vote on whose tasted the best. I tasted Amanda's Chili and I can tell you first hand that not only is Amanda's Crunchtastic Chili recipe delicious, it's child friendly with the amount of heat she has in it. Being the great young lady that Amanda is, she has attached her recipe for all to enjoy! If you feel like you have the best chili recipe in the area and can compete with Amanda please join us next year for our annual cook off. All proceed for this event go to support Stoddard Elementary School.— Mike Chapes, Stoddard Elementary Principal Amanda's Crunchtastic Chili 2lbs Hamburger 2 15oz cans Kidney Beans drained 2 15oz cans Chili Beans in Sauce 2 Large onions Chopped 3 Stalks Celery Chopped 1/4 cup Chili Powder 2 Quarts Homemade V8 Juice 5 Good Shakes of Cholula 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Pepper Cook Hamburger until brown with onions, salt and pepper. Mix everything in a crock pot on low for 5 hours. Enjoy!!! Culver’s Rewards Character at Prairie View In an effort to promote positive behaviors and encourage academic achievement, Prairie View Elementary teamed up with the Viroqua Culver’s for “Kids of Character.” This program encourages students to display positive character traits in every aspect of their life. Culver’s provided certificates for: “A” for Effort Award, Great Job Award, Leadership Award, Super Reader Award, and Good Character. These awards are given out to students throughout the school year by all staff members and are also used for door prizes during monthly positive behavior parties. Thank you Culver’s!! Students are proudly displaying their “Culver’s Kids of Character Awards” which can be used for free ice cream, Kids Meals, or Extra Value Meals. Back (L-R): Ethan Nickolai, Braedyn Peterson, Harris Krueger, Cadence Thompson, Avyn Holliday. Front (L-R): Jaycee Sandry, Spencer Kirking, Brianna Turben. 11 Prairie View PTO Spooktacular Dalton Hauge bobbing for apples! The Prairie View PTO put on a Halloween Spooktacular for students and their families. The event was filled with games, fun, and treats. There was apple bobbing, a ring toss, and even a mad scientist station. Thank you to everyone who participated and made it a wonderful success. A special thank you to the high school students who volunteered and were interactive with the children. They helped set a good example for our students! Students brought carved pumpkins which we set up in the Prairie View garden. We had a “haunted” walk lit up by jack o lanterns. Sonny and Guy Boardman as “The Blues Brothers!” De Soto Zombie Run! On Tuesday, October 27th, the High School Wellness Club hosted their 2nd Annual Zombie Run! Due to weather, the run was moved inside which turned the event into a Zombie Haunted House. Participants made their way through the school, which was pitch black in some areas! High school students dressed up as zombies to provide a thrill and add a scare factor. We had over 100 participants and lots of sweaty kids! Thank you for supporting your High School Wellness Club! 12 It’s REAL Reading In Mrs. Sullivan’s’ room: Welcome to our 1st “newsworthy” newsletter about a few events in our middle/high school Reading/English/ Arts of Language department. We will be sharing with our parents and community what goes on in our classrooms and what the students are accomplishing. *6th graders are currently researching interesting topics for their informational expository essays. *7th graders are busy writing their own autobiographies and finishing Literature Circle novels. *8th graders are polishing up their writing skills and researching about Washington D.C. In Mr. Morrison’s room: *9th grade are honing their researching and writing skills and are in the beginning stage of their informative essays. In Mrs. Schwartz’ room: *6th graders will be finishing up their “Survival” unit and beginning their new unit on “Challenges and Barriers. Also, we will be reviewing Story Elements. *11th graders are moving out of the ancient Middle East and stepping into the world of tragic heroes, demi-gods and monsters. In Mrs. Nolte’s room: *English 10 completed their society projects (Picture—L) [E10 Photo Credits: Johanna Kunert, Alex Hobbs and Lane Buchner] *7th graders will be starting a Short Story unit and writing their own essay for publication. *8th graders will be finishing their novel and beginning a new unit on “The 3R’s of Growing Up”. *Young Adolescent Literature created their own Epics (superheroes) and is planning an anti-bullying program for the Middle School in Dec. (Picture—R) 13 Art Club Trip to Europe The De Soto Art Club is planning a field trip to England, Ireland and Whales this Summer. There is still room for more chaperones if you are interested in going. See Mr. Stingl ASAP! We are presently raising funds to offset the costs for this once in a lifetime experience. If any organizations needs art work done ,such as a mural, individual projects or portrait painting, etc. –Please contact Mr. Stingl at the High School. The De Soto Art Club hosted the first “Pirate Painting Party” fundraiser on Saturday, November 14th at the De Soto Community Center. All the profits raised go towards the 2016 Art Club trip to Europe. Over thirty people attended the event, had lots of laughs and turned out the lovely landscapes pictured. Meg Buchner, parent of Lane Buchner and Art teacher at St. Charles School, taught the class. Mr. Stingl oversaw the event, helped the painters, and assisted the student helpers who included Bailey Gianoli, Drew Foley, Lauren Volker, Julia Stalsberg, Lexi Soller and Vin Buchner. The next “Pirate Painting Party” fundraiser will be Saturday, January 23 from 6-8 pm at the De Soto Community Center. Tickets are $35 per person which includes canvas, all supplies, snacks and step-by-step instruction. Mr. Stingl will be teaching the class. Tickets will be available soon (see Mr. Stingl) and make GREAT Christmas presents. No painting experience is required and the event is easy and FUN! Congratulations Connor and Matthew! Matthew Boardman and Connor Ernst were both chosen to be a part of the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestra. Matthew is 1st Trumpet Philharmonic and Connor is 1st Euphonium Philharmonic. They both auditioned and were chosen based on their musical talent for this prestigious local orchestra. What a great achievement for the De Soto Band Dept. GIVING TREE It’s nearly time for the annual HS SAC gift giving drive! The giving tree will be set up in the high school commons from December 1st to December 17th. Please think about grabbing an angel or two from the tree as you attend sporting events or making a donation to help the SAC select and deliver the gifts. Please return all gifts to the middle/high school office by December 19th, so gifts can make it to their destinations in time for holiday celebrations. Thank you for your generosity through this holiday season! 14 Be SAFE Training By Greg Koelker Eleven De Soto High School students and Principal Linzi Gronning recently took part in a Be SAFE curriculum training sponsored by the Vernon County Bully Project and facilitated by Colleen B. Pulvermacher, associate professor University of Wisconsin. They met at Vernon Memorial Hospital. All participants agreed that the Be SAFE program would be beneficial for other youth—elementary, middle and high Saraya Boardman, Anna Busteed, Cassidy Trussoni and school age. De Soto High School senior, Cassidy Trussoni Venessa Larson said, “A big thing I took away from the day was that we are Idji Boardman, Morgan Lemke, Alexa Soller, Drew Foley, dealt stressors in our lives everyday but the way we look at Lance Buckles and Colleen Pulvermacher, UW Extension them determines the outcome.” In their evaluation comments, Trussoni’s classmates added responses like: “I learned that stress doesn’t always have to be negative.” “I learned I can control the way my mind processes things by slowing down.” ”I think parents should know this stuff.” “Great experience that will impact us and others through our outreach.” “I feel like I learned a lot about ways to help others and myself.” “I’m going to practice some stuff we learned – like using people’s names, eye contact, trying to ask questions to get to know people better.” “Everyone our age and in our school needs this training.” The intentions of the program were to: Build youth capacity in creating safe spaces, understanding differences, nurturing social and emotional intelligence and becoming critical consumers of the media. De Soto High School was the designated school for this pilot training project because students and staff have been focusing on bullying extensively, so the Be Safe curriculum was adapted to focus on a workforce readiness approach. The Be SAFE training is designed for both the work world and school systems and features 10 major focus areas for students and adults to explore and learn about in order to promote and facilitate safe school and work environments: 1. trying to understand other perspectives on situations 2. using a new way to handle stress and being more aware of how I treat others 3. being more thankful of my circumstances 4. being more open minded 5. helping to train others to in the Be SAFE skills 6. listening more and talking less 7. being more aware of and understanding other people 8. making direct eye contact 9. teaching younger kids 10. telling others what I need when I’m stressed. Trussoni added, “I would highly recommend this to other students and area schools. Anyone who attends this workshop will benefit from it, not only in the school setting but also in life. The most valuable part of the course was learning that it takes very little to make a difference in someone else's life. We can make connections with others if we take the time to do so.” This training was sponsored by numerous agencies in Vernon County. “De Soto was selected because of our activism in developing student leaders and our focus on the topics of Habits of Highly Effective Teens, understanding and accepting diversity, leadership and personal goal setting, and PBIS concepts of responsible, respectful and safe behavior,” says Principal Gronning. Unity Day Be an UPSTANDER, stand up to bullies! 15 STOP BULLYING Let’s stop the bullying behavior. It’s disruptive to family lives and it is disruptive to the learning environment at school. Before technology, bullying behavior was limited to mostly one-to-one interpersonal exchanges. Now, it is something that can occur 24 hours a day. What is bullying? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated and deliberate, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. There are three types of bullying, verbal, social and physical. Verbal includes teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting and threatening to cause harm. Social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships including telling other children not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors, or leaving someone out on purpose. Physical bullying involves hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting, tripping, pushing, taking or breaking someone’s things or making mean or rude hand gestures. What is Cyberbullying? Cyber bullying takes place using a form of electronic technology including devices such as cellphones, smartphones, computers and tablets through the use of social media sites, text messages, chats, instant messages and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean spirited text messages, emails, rumors started and sent by email or posted on social network sites, fake profiles, and embarrassing or malicious pictures or videos posted using social networks or websites. Why is Cyberbullying Different? Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can take place when a child is alone. Messages and images can be posted, often anonymously, and distributed exponentially to a wide and varied audience. Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, or images is extremely difficult and sometimes it is impossible to trace the source. Digital devices, social media sites, and technology are not the problem. These tools can be used for very positive purposes to promote learning, share information, connecting kids with friends and family, and celebrate achievements. Unfortunately, these same tools can be used to be hurtful and divisive. The problem is bullying using these tools. The effects of bullying, whether in person or through digital technology, are very similar. According to the stopbullying.gov site, kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to: Use alcohol and drugs Skip school Experience in-person bullying Be unwilling to attend school Receive poor grades Have lower self-esteem Have more health problems What can we do? First, we all have a role to prevent and stop bullying—school staff, parents, and students. We must continually send the message to make sure children understand bullying and cyberbullying behavior is unacceptable. We must make sure students know how to stand up to it safely and know how to get help. At school, victims or witnesses can share information with our school counselor, teachers or administrators. When a person really needs help, we hope students will step up and report. Kid Roles—There are many roles that kids can play. Kids can bully others, they can be bullied, or they may witness bullying. When kids are involved in bullying, they often play more than one role. It is important to understand the multiple roles kids play in order to effectively prevent and respond to bullying. 16 Parent Roles—Be aware of what your kids are doing online. It should never be a secret or “none of your business.” Children of all ages do not have the emotional maturity to handle and respond appropriately to many of the content topics being shared. ●Talk with your kids about cyberbullying and other online issues regularly. Know the sites your kids visit and their online activities. Ask where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re doing it with. ●Tell your kids that as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is reason for concern. Installing parental control filtering software or monitoring programs are one option for monitoring your child’s online behavior, but do not rely solely on these tools. ●Have a sense of what they do online and in texts. Learn about the sites they like. Try out the devices they use. ●Ask for their passwords, but tell them you’ll only use them in case of emergency. ●Ask to “friend” or “follow” your kids on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so. ●Encourage your kids to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being cyberbullied. Explain that you will not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having. ●Establish rules about technology use. ●Keep the lines of communication open. Check with your child. Listen to and understand their concerns. Get to know their friends. ●Encourage your child to get involved with an activity. There are many school and community activities and programs that provide opportunities for building positive relationships and skills boosting self-confidence, making friends that protect them from bullying behavior. School Staff We are working to educate students about preventing bullying, being an upstander and teaching students resiliency skills to report bullying and get help. ●PBIS—Positive Behavior Intervention Systems/Strategies—Teachers at all levels are working within a matrix of expected respectful, responsible and safe behaviors for each school environment from the classroom to the cafeteria, in the hallways and bathrooms, at assemblies and on buses and fieldtrips. PBIS lessons are taught and positive behaviors are acknowledged and reward activities are planned for exemplary behaviors by individuals and classes. ●Data is collected on all behavioral reports to assess issues and to work on prevention efforts to ensure a positive learning environment for all students and staff. ●At the Middle/High School the first two days of school were devoted to developing a school culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect through kindness activities, team building, anti-bully education, and other programs focused on establishing a positive school climate. ●Student leadership organizations like Student Activity Councils continue to play an important role in providing school programs and activities promoting respectful, responsible and safe behaviors. De Soto High School again hosted the Ridge and Valley Student Leadership Conference on Wednesday, November 18. Students from all conference schools focused on leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and positive behaviors. ●De Soto High School students received Be SAFE training and those student participants will begin serving as facilitators for peers and younger students providing resiliency skills to intervene, report and prevent bullying reinforcing positive and supportive social interactions and inclusiveness. ●R.E.A.C.T. Students are encouraged to REACT: ➢ R—Recognize that bullying is not normal behavior anywhere ➢ E—Explain school rules against bullying—No tolerance—No acceptance ➢ A—Act to report bullying if you or someone you know is a victim ➢ C—Care for those being bullied and the bully without accepting the bullying behavior ➢ T—Turn to key adults and friends who also believe that bullying is wrong and get assistance. Resources: ●Wisconsin Department of Instruction http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/sspw_bullyingprevention ●stopbullying.gov ●National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) ●La Crosse County Crisis Line (608) 784-4357 ●Hopeline Text “HOPELINE” to 741741 ●Great Rivers 211 Crisis Line ●Center Point Emergency Line: (608) 637-7007 17 River Bluff Families Against Bullying is focusing on reinforcing positive behavior with our students. We had a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) Challenge at the beginning of school. Students who posted their or other's act of kindness on our Facebook page were entered to win. Xenia Ibarra won the challenge and received 2 movie tickets. Our current challenge is Get UP Stand UP UPSTAND! An upstander is someone that stands up for another, not letting bullying continue. If you stand up for no bullying, then you are an UPSTANDER. Post a picture of yourself, with a sign that says, "I AM AN UPSTANDER" and you will be entered in the River Bluff Families Against Bullying's next drawing. Go ahead....show everyone that you don't like bullies. Post your pic on the FAB Families Against Bullying Facebook page. The prize is a skating party donated by High Rollers. Future plans include a scholarship that rewards positive behavior in the community. Please contact us if you would like to contribute or have ideas for sponsors. [email protected] Get UP Stand UP UPStand De Soto!!! Be FABulous!!! Veterans Day 2015 Middle/High School students provided a meaningful tribute to our country’s veterans. The middle school choir, middle and high school bands performed vocal and instrumental salutes, and students read from heartfelt memoires written by soldiers to their friends and family. Previous to Veterans Day, all middle and high school students took part in a walk to help raise funds that will support the costs for local veterans to travel on the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the memorials built in their honor. THANK YOU VETERANS! Mr. Crandall & Mr. Von Glahn present Mr. Jim Moe with a $1,000 check for the Freedom Honor Flight! 18 Fall Sports Highlights 2nd Team Defense Jon Thompson 1st Team Offense Jakob Hensley Austin Anderson Ben Rice Jon Thompson Zach Kuchta 2015 Football All-Conference Honorable Mention Brandon George Defensive Back Sean Ziegler Defensive Line 2nd Team Offense Jeff Alton Quarterback Ryan Lagerman Offensive Line 2015 Volleyball All-Conference Maddie Stilwell Julia Wiltinger Defensive End Center Running Back Wide Receiver Offensive Line Kicker Honorable Mention Casey Fremstad Ruby Lensing 1st Team Defense Coby Gemein Defensive Back Jakob Hensley Defensive Line Austin Anderson Linebacker Nick Malin Punter Ridge & Valley Sportsmanship Award Hunter Thompson Sportsmanship Award Maddie Stilwell JV Volleyball Team Freshman Volleyball Team 19 NEWS from your School Libraries Thank you for your support at the recent Scholastic Book Fairs in our district! Because of you, each library was able to select many new books for the libraries from Scholastic. The school libraries are being staffed this year by teaching assistants and a part-time consultant. At the De Soto Middle and High School, Kay Silvis is supervising students and managing the daily activities of the library. Cheryl Russell Miller is the TA at Prairie View Elementary and Suzanne Pence is the TA at Stoddard Elementary. The assistants work with staff and students in the library, they read aloud or discuss books, they help students learn how to use the library, how to locate information, and what it means to be a good citizen in a digital world. They assist teachers with helping students develop critical thinking skills and they keep the library organized for everyone. Roxanne Fox has returned to De Soto to work a few hours a month as the Library Consultant, helping coordinate all the library staff and programming this year. SPOTLIGHT ON PRAIRIE VIEW LIBRARY Cheryl Russell Miller is the TA at Prairie View Elementary every Monday, Wednesday and Friday working in the library with teachers and students. Cheryl has lived in De Soto since 2001 and worked as the Village librarian since 2012. She is the mother of three daughters. Sarah graduated from DHS in 2008, is married and has one child, Emery, who is 18 months old. Elly and Eva are currently attending middle school at De Soto. Cheryl is a graduate of Winona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. SPOTLIGHT ON STODDARD LIBRARY Suzanne Pence is the library TA at Stoddard Elementary and works Monday through Thursday. She teaches two groups of students everyday during the P.I.E. (Prevention Intervention Extension) time period. On Tuesday and Thursday, Mrs. Pence has classes in the library. Suzanne lives in La Crosse with her husband and two children, Sophia (11) and Sam (8). She has worked at the La Crosse Public Library as an aide and at the Onalaska Public Library at the circulation desk. Suzanne was also a substitute teaching assistant for the School District of La Crosse before joining the Stoddard Elementary staff. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from UW-La Crosse. BATTLE OF THE BOOKS BEGINS…At all four schools, students are busy reading this year's battle lists for the Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) Battle. This event will involve students grades 4-12 from all across Wisconsin who compete in a statewide online event in February, 2016. Students are expected to read twenty (20) books from a specific list of titles. They must also know details of the books, the authors and titles, and understand the overall theme or motif of each title. Ms. Fox will be working weekly with all groups at the two elementary schools and the middle and high school beginning in January. Only one team from each school is allowed to participate in the state battle - so if needed, we will hold our own Battle before theonline event. Any questions about this program can be sent to [email protected] De Soto Food Service Department The school lunch program and menus are designed to meet USDA nutritional standards. To meet those standards our schools serve low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, meat alternatives, and a salad bar offering a variety fresh vegetables. To ensure all students receive healthy meals while at school each meal is thoroughly analyzed. At breakfast we offer two choices, and during lunch we can offer one to two choices, depending on the day. All meals include a milk of their choice, additional milk is available for thirty five cents. Breakfast and lunch menus are sent home monthly with all elementary students and are available on the school district website. Let us help take the hassle out of planning and preparing meals for your child and encourage them to eat at school. Celebrating pajama day! Parents, grandparents and guardians are welcome to participate in school-meal programs by joining children at breakfast and/or lunch. All visitors must pay the cost of an adult-meal, which is $1.75 for breakfast and $4.05 for lunch. For further details please see the secretaries at your child’s school. Families are encouraged to apply for free and reduced priced meals at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit. For details see http://www.desoto.k12.wi.us/Documents/LunchApplication.pdf or contact your school secretary for information. Any questions or concerns, please contact Betsy Knutson Food Service Director 608-457-2101 ext. 610 20 2014 - 2015 Q4 Honor Roll 06/11/2015 - De Soto High School Q4 Honor Roll - 2014-2015 Q4 Grade 12 Perfect Honors Grade 11 Perfect Honors Grade 10 Perfect Honors Grade 9 Perfect Honors Chapes, Alexandria Adeline Fremstad, Casey Erin Chapes, Victoria Grace Buchner, Lane Elizabeth Stevenson, Alex Robert Gianoli, Bailey M George, Brandon Robert Chapes, Dylan Kostas Veglahn, Anna Elizabeth King, Benjamin Royal George, Darin Anton Chapes, Grant William Wellman, Zachary Craig King, Jessica Hannah Haakenson, Roxanna Mae Greener, Joel Robert High Honors Wallin, Benjamin Robert Kozelka, Lila Rose-Kathryn Knutson, Sarah E Bissen, Joseph Daniel Wiltinger, Julia Kelsey Kuchta, Zachary James High Honors Boardman, Natalie Kathryn High Honors Lemke, Morgan Mae Busteed, Anna Nicole Brosinski, Sadie Holliday, Serena Rae McKittrick, Brianna Caroline Daentl, McKenna Mercedes Fosdal, Kara Marie Kunert, Marissa Leanne Mitchell, Grace Lydia Dammon, Susanna Ardell Halvorson, Clarissa Marie Larson, Vanessa Marie Scoville, Emily Marlene Gilman, Jordan Marie Kabat, Britani Ann Maree Malin, Nicholas Philip Scoville, Logan James Hatch, Sebastian Forrest Kuhnke, Austyn Chad Pavwoski Jr., Jim Alan Tully, Sierra Carrese Heckler, Ethan Matthew Miller, Ashley Jean Poulin, Benjamin Scott Veglahn, Rachel Laraine Helgeson, Fletcher Eric Obert, Nathaniel Robert Quamme, Caitlyn Nicole Wellman, Rachel Lee Hobbs, Alex Timothy Olson, Austin Douglas Rem, Maura Mary Wopat, Julia Carolyn-Rose Kunert, Johanna Marie Payton, Denver G Stilwell, Madeline Amy High Honors Overby, Evan Robert Peterson, Sophia Rose Trussoni, Cassidy Jo Anderson, Austin John Honors Wang, Nicholas M Honors Boardman, Derek James Audetat, Isabella Mae Honors Alton, Jeffrey Daniel Brosinski, Grace C Boardman, Anthony Michael Abbott, Samantha Rene Crowley, Monica Ann Clements, Conner James Boardman, Cheyanne Jean Gerke, Emily Jean Gemein, Coby Daniels Foley, Drew James Hendrix, Kylee Rebekah Marcou, RaeAnn Jo Hensley, Jakob Alan Gillespie, Cassidy Laura Honken, Skylar David Paulsrud, Troy Robert Hermeier, Madeline Ella Gillespie, Patrick George Jacobson, Noah Reuben Strasser, Isaac Allan Hunze, Skyler Owen Ibarra, Xenia Marie Poulin, Jesse Lee Taylor, Renee Marie Kreuzer, Kassidy Marita Krause, Katelyn Marie Strasser, Olivia Marie Lensing, Ruby Jean Lagerman, Ryan Kenneth Trussoni, Jenna Rae Lomprey, Emily Irene Marley, Sam Moussa Nickelotti, Trisha Lee Parr, Brandon Jeffrey Dates to Remember Perry, Kameron James For the most up to date information regarding District activities, please check the District website, http://www.desoto.k12.wi.us/, for the most current times and dates of concerts, sporting events and other important events. Sometimes date and time changes are necessary and with Winter weather coming we may need to make changes with short notice. Pep Band! Rice, Benjamin Donald Stalsberg, Julia Marie Thiede-Hundt, Kendra Lee Voelker, Lauren Renee Ziegler, Sean Allen Ziegler, Brianna Cheryl Honors Dahl, Jaclyn Rose Gottbeheat, Morgaine Faith Johnson, Dylan Lee Ortiz, Henry Diego Rockwell, Trent Rodriguez, Garrit Preston Soller, Alexa Renae Werner, Samuel Robert 21 We thank you for your patience! GRADE 8 PERFECT HONORS Anderson, Riley Jo Brosinski, Ava Claire Heckler, Hannah Olivia Klemme, Elaina Jeannette Krzewinski, Jennafer Nicole Marley, Charles Thomas Sikora, Jake Waldon Skau, Hannah Lou Tully, Lila Mae Zink, Isaiah Mathew HIGH HONORS Beck, Riggin John Bergum, Drew Anthony Bergum, Katie Loren Creger, Jadon Hunter Hermeier, Michaela Dianne Jarzemski, Karmyn Alayna Knutson, Brendon Paul Meyer, Leah Marie Olson, Taylor Renee Rem, Brigid Kathleen Venner, Brock Ryan Voelker, Chase Dean Woodhouse, Morgan Leigh HONORS Arentz, Miranda Mae Gemein, Gavin Sage Hass, Emily Carmella Hermeier, Zachary Gary Hoff, Livia Olson Rodriguez, Max Sullivan 2014 - 2015 Q4 Honor Roll 06/11/2015 - De Soto Middle School Q4 Honor Roll - 2014-2015 Q4 GRADE 7 PERFECT HONORS Curti, Jacob Antonio Nickelotti, Paul Maxwell Sikora, Pearl Elizabeth Veglahn, James Dwight Ervin HIGH HONORS Arce-Johnson, Analia Estrella Boardman, Alexa Renee Boardman, Alexander Glenn Boardman, Matthew Alan Busteed, Nathan Ryan Kuhnke, Kyler Roger Kunert, Michael Joel Larson, Tyler Le Roy Pedretti, Hunter Patrick Steger, Carter Gregory Story, Alexis Briana Williams, Adam Richard Wilson, Lydia Robyn Rose Yttri, Brianna Elizabeth HONORS Fruth, Matthew Ray Gurske, Trinidy Sky Huebner, Tymber Anne Logslett, Caleb Robert Pedretti, Kaden John Spears, Takoda Gene Werner, Molly Isabelle Above—Middle School Football Left—Middle School Volleyball 22 GRADE 6 PERFECT HONORS Haakenson, April Marie Young, Jordan Layne HIGH HONORS Greener, Lily Charlotte Grelle, Aidan Christopher Helgeson, Mya Jo Hobbs, Emma Chloe Holliday, Isaac David Kreuzer, Kenzy Maxine Kurszewski, Jacob Matthew Larson, Aubree Leigh Lemke, Trevor Paul Lowen, Henry Tate Mason, Levin Ewell Matson, Alan Jeffrey Olson, Alec Conrad Russell-Miller, Elynn Claire Sanding, Trevor Michael Spears, Cierra Jo Stevens, Issiah Mathew Thompson, Andrew James Walz, Lucas Anthony HONORS Boardman, Zoey Ann Faulkner, Austin Russell Fox, Paighton Elizabeth Lee Garcia, Cezar Alejandro Greeno, Ellie Marie Hellerud, Grace Lillian Kaylee Koch, Emilee Jean Kukes, Dalton Gabrial Kunert, Keith William Lockington, Brooke McKenna Meyer, Chelsie Jean Nickolai, Austin Lee James Nies, Quinton Richard Penchi, Ella Ann Randa, Natalie Jo Runice, Lilli Quain Scoville, Alex Edward ImPACT Testing for Student-Athletes The De Soto Athletic Department is offering parents of middle and high school student athletes the option of having their child participate in ImPACT baseline testing. ImPACT is a tool to help determine recovery from concussion injury and used to help manage post-concussion return by students to their academics, to exertion and to play. ImPACT is also a tool to help communicate post-concussion status to coaches, parents, and with parents and clinicians. ImPACT testing is conducted at De Soto Middle/High School by our certified athletic trainer. Every year, at least 1.7 million brain injuries occur either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries. About 75% of brain injuries are concussions. For male athletes in high school and in college, concussion rates are highest for football, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse and wrestling. For females in high school cheerleading, soccer, lacrosse and basketball head the list. At the college level, women’s ice hockey has one of the highest reported concussion rates. What is a concussion? Often referred to by the names “getting your bell rung,” or “dinger”, a concussion is a “mild traumatic brain injury” and should be treated as a significant neurological event. A concussion is a brain injury that interferes with normal functioning of the brain (changes how the cells in the brain normally work). A concussion can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Basically, any force that is transmitted to the head causing the brain to literally bounce around or twist within the skull can result in a concussion. Over 90% of concussions do not involve loss of consciousness. It is important to note that a concussion can happen to anyone in any sport or athletic activity. Concussion affects people in four areas of function: Physical: This describes how a person may feel: headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc. Thinking: Poor memory and concentration, responds to questions more slowly, asks repetitive questions. Concussion can cause an altered state of awareness. Emotions: A concussion can make a person more irritable and cause mood swings. Sleep: Concussions frequently cause changes in sleeping patterns, which can increase fatigue. ImPACT is a sophisticated test of cognitive abilities that provide a baseline for clinicians and doctors to assess a student athlete following a concussion incident. ImPACT is a scientifically researched concussion management tool that assists health care professionals track recovery of cognitive processes following concussion. ImPACT tests conducted after a concussion allow for health care professionals, parents and educators to make decisions about academic needs following concussions. For more information on having your child participate in the ImPACT test, please contact Scott King, Athletic Director at (608) 648-0113. Parent and Student References: ● Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction—Guidelines for Concussion and Head Injury http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_tbi-conc-guidelines ● Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA)—Click on the Health tab on the top tool bar of the WIAA homepage. http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/Concussions.aspx ● ImPACT https://www.impacttest.com 23 School Counselor News 2015-2016 High School Highlights Senior year is fun and exciting but is full of many of deadlines, applications, entrance exams and more. Please stay tuned to the daily school announcements, the school counseling bulletin boards, and the school counseling webpage for any events and deadlines. - https://sites.google.com/a/desotopirates.org/de-soto-schoolcounseling/ Helpful Websites University of Wisconsin System: www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu Links to UW schools, online application, and “Major Mania” a database of majors and corresponding schools. Wisconsin Technical Colleges: www.witechcolleges.org A website that lists programs at WI technical colleges, tuition, job placement, and online application. Wisconsin Private Colleges and Universities: www.wisconsinmentor.org Virtual tours, college planning, financial aid information, and online applications Minnesota College and Universities: www.mnscu.edu Similar to the UW System website, except not all the MN schools are represented on the website College Applications - APPLY EARLY! PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES - that is your best opportunity to be accepted to the college of your choice. Each school admission period is slightly different. 4-year and 2-year UW schools begin looking at applications on September 15th! Some schools close admission once they reach a target number of incoming freshmen (for example, UWL is usually full in December). Other schools close admissions on a specific date i.e. January 15. Technical colleges usually have rolling admissions which means they accept students into a specific program until it’s full, BUT some programs fill up VERY fast. Bottom line… APPLY EARLY! and apply to more than one college. You may be wait-listed. Most college applications are online but check the college’s website for specific application details. UW System application- www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu ACT Exam - ALL JUNIORS are required to take the ACT Exam by the Department of Public Instruction. The ACT is also required when applying to a 4-year college or university or the WTC Liberal Arts program. ALL JUNIORS will take the ACT at De Soto High School at NO cost to the student during the spring of their Junior year (March 1st & 2nd, 2016 - juniors DO NOT individually register for the required exam, the school does that). Seniors and other students who wish to take the ACT beyond the one required exam during their junior year can do so at their own expense and time. See below for information regarding additional ACT registration, fees, and test dates. Additional 2015/16 ACT exam dates for seniors and other students who wish to take the ACT Exam beyond the one required exam during their junior year. These exam dates are not offered at De Soto High School - Check the ACT website for specific testing sites. Not all sites offer all testing dates. **Register online at www.actstudent.org - ACT Test Fee: $39.50 (non-writing) $56.50 (plus writing)** Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required) December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 November 7–20, 2015 February 6, 2016* January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016 April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016 June 11, 2016** May 6, 2016 May 7–20, 2016 24 School Counselor News-cont. ACT Exam - Cont. Official ACT Exam Scores - Send up to 4 ACT score reports for free by listing the colleges you’d like to have receive them when you register for the exam. If you need additional official score reports or need them in the future you may request them at http://www.actstudent.org/ for a small fee. ACT Exam Prep Course - Readies students for all four sections of the ACT exam, plus the optional writing section. $185 includes textbook set; pre- and post-tests; diagnostic assessment reports; face-to-face instruction and interaction with qualified instructors. - http://www.uwlax.edu/conted/Test-prep/ACT/ - Online version available also! Spring 2016: Feb. 6 - March 12 | Saturdays, 8:30-11:30 a.m. | UW-La Crosse | Registration Deadline: Jan. 29, 2016 COMPASS Exam - The COMPASS Exam is used for admittance to some technical colleges in Wisconsin. Please check with specific schools to ensure you’re registering for the correct exam. The COMPASS or ACT is required to apply to Western Technical College. The COMPASS is offered Monday-Friday at WTC, La Crosse campus. It is also offered at WTC, Viroqua campus. ● Register online at http://www.registerblast.com/wtc/Home/Tab/327. Students will need to bring picture ID and know their social security number the day of the exam. There is a $20 test fee. ● COMPASS Review (math, reading, writing) - http://www.westerntc.edu/admissions/ReviewOptions.aspx ASVAB - January 20th, 2016 Measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success, especially in the military. All 11th and 12th grade students will take the exam at De Soto High School as a career development tool. Transcript Request - college applications require official transcripts to be sent to the college. If you apply online, please notify Mrs. Jandrin to have an official transcript sent. If you apply on paper, bring your completed application and application fee to the guidance office and Mrs. Jandrin will attach an official transcript and mail it for you. Colleges will not accept you if they do not receive an official transcript. Some scholarships require an official transcripts which Mrs. Jandrin will be able to assist with. Letter of Recommendation - when asking for a recommendation, keep in mind these suggestions: ●People are very busy. Do not wait until the last minute. Try to ask 2-4 weeks before you need the letter. ●Provide the person with all of the relevant information about your high school career (student activities, work experience, future study plans and career, and why you’re applying to a particular school or scholarship). Pick up a letter of recommendation request form in the guidance office. ●Provide a stamped, addressed envelope if the recommendation is to be mailed. ●Write a thank-you note to the person for taking the time to help you. Application Essay - focus on things that you have not already touched upon in the application itself. Be honest, make your essay personal, and say something that will make you stand out from all the rest. Consider writing about a challenge you have overcome to leave a lasting impression. Be sure to write professionally with complete sentences and proper punctuation. Have someone review it! Changes to Senior Schedule - You will need to obtain prior approval from your school of choice before changes can be made. Most college acceptance letters state “final admission is contingent upon… successfully completing all the courses identified on your application (any changes to your senior schedule must be preapproved and submitted to us in writing.” All colleges require final high school transcript, which are reviewed for courses and grades earned in those courses. If you drop a course without approval from your school of choice, they have the right to retract your acceptance to their school. 25 School Counselor News-cont. Financial Aid Night - Monday, December 7, 2015 @ 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Presenter: Ellen Kreger, Regional College Access Advisor for Great Lakes Higher Education Cooperation Topics: FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) details and financial aid process The FASFA must be filled out prior to receiving any money from the government for college. It cannot be filled out until January 1 for the next school year. Must have parent's income tax return for 2015 before filling out the FASFA. Once you have been accepted to a school check with their financial aid office to determine if they have a deadline for the FAFSA. Most schools in Wisconsin do not have deadlines, but they encourage students to file their FAFSA as soon as possible as a lot of financial aid is based on a first come, first serve basis. Invites for Financial Aid Night will be sent home in November. Scholarships - Pay close attention to scholarship information throughout the year. Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes and are available at the national, state, and local level. It’s always worth it to apply! Many scholarship donors look to award money to students who may be overlooked by others. Some scholarships are for more specific fields such as automotive mechanics, agriculture, or welding. I will inform you of scholarships on a regular basis through the guidance webpage, the guidance bulletin board at school, and the school daily announcements. Please contact me if you would like to receive scholarship updates in a different way. Every college, including Western Technical College, offer scholarship opportunities. Also look into your parents’ place of employment; scholarships may be available there too. The Local Scholarship Application is due in the Guidance Office on March 2, 2016. This is a firm deadline. I will not accept applications after this date. I will begin distributing information regarding the Local Scholarship Application in January. However, if you would like to discuss it with me prior to that feel free to do so. Scholarship Award Night - Sunday, May 1, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m. - Information and invitation to come Campus Visits - Schedule a college campus visit if you haven’t done so yet. Schedule a visit to UW-L, Viterbo, and WTC even if you’re already familiar with the campuses. A campus visit will allow you to “feel the college out” and see if it’s truly a good match for you. Campus visits typically include college and admissions information, academic program information, extracurricular activities and opportunities, guided tours, and a student panel. Campus visits are offered on weekends and school vacations, but if necessary, campus visits may occur during high school hours. You are allowed 2 excused college visits per year. Complete a Verification of Student Attendance Form and return the completed form to Mrs. Jandrin the following school day for attendance verification. Transfer Information System - Web-based interactive program that allows University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Technical College System students to see how their credits will transfer to any UW or WTCS campus. This site is an excellent resource for those students planning to start off college at one institution and finish their degree at another. - www.uwsa.edu Program Shadows - Western Technical College - Allows you to spend time in a class or lab related to your program of interest. Visit with Western students and faculty members and find out what it’s really like to be a student at Western. Find more information on http://www.westerntc.edu/campusvisit/#form, or contact Dave Fish, De Soto’s High School Relations Counselor, at (608)789-6194 or [email protected]. Program shadows are available during the academic year from September 1 through April 30. Requests for April Shadows must be made by April 15. Career Coaching - Monthly one-on-one career coaching available by Dave Fish, High School Relations Counselor from Western Technical College at De Soto High School. If interested, you can request to meet with Dave. He can assist with the application process and answer any questions you may have. Furthermore, he can check your application status, interpret your COMPASS scores, and schedule a program shadow for you. 26 School Counselor News-cont. Student Contact Information - Set up a personal email address and check it regularly. Colleges want to talk to YOU, not your parents. Update your email address and voicemail recording to be professionally appropriate. Valedictorian/Salutatorian Information GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING CLASS VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN/ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP DESIGNEE/TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP DESIGNEE To be considered, the graduating senior must have been enrolled in De Soto Area School District for their junior and senior years (enrolled by the Third Friday in September). Students entering De Soto High School without a GPA will not be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian. The valedictorian at De Soto High School is the student who has highest cumulative grade point average after the first semester of his or her senior year. The salutatorian is the student who has the second highest cumulative grade point average after the first semester of his or her senior year. In the event of a tie for valedictorian or salutatorian, the following procedure will be implemented to break any tie(s): A. If there is a tie for valedictorian and only one of the students will commit to attending a university within the state of Wisconsin, that student who commits to a university in Wisconsin will be the district’s academic excellence designee. All individuals tied after first semester of their senior year will be asked to complete an Intent to Attend form that will stipulate whether they plan to attend an in-state or an out-of-state university. This form must be filed with the District Office no later than February 15th of the graduating year. In the event that more than one student commits to an in-state university, the tie-breaking procedure will proceed to B, and if necessary, on to item C. The other student(s) will be co-valedictorians at De Soto High School. B. The grade point average for all academic core courses will be used to break the tie. The following are the core academic areas that will be used: 1. English 2. Math 3. Science 4. Social Studies C. The best ACT composite score received by February 1st of the graduating year. D. In the event that there is a tie in steps A-C the school board will review a standard scholarship application completed by each of the students involved and, by a simple majority vote of the board members present, vote to break the tie. ** Mrs. Jandrin’s Weekly Schedule and Contact Information ** Mon/Wed/Fri - De Soto MS/HS Tues/Thur - Prairie View & Stoddard Email: [email protected] Phone: 648-3311 Ext. 115 Please don’t hesitate to stop by the guidance office throughout the year to ask questions. I’m here to help and assist you as you plan for your future! - Mrs. Jandrin 27 DE SOTO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 615 MAIN STREET DE SOTO, WISCONSIN 54624 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID DE SOTO, WI 54624 PERMIT #1 POSTAL PATRON Important Information Attendance Reminder: Attendance at school is essential to the successful completion of an education. Good communication between school and home regarding absences is a major responsibility for the school and the parent/guardian. Part of the school’s mission is to teach students good work habits, which includes regular attendance. All attendance matters (signing in or out, special leave requests, passes to leave school, reporting absences, etc.) are handled at each school’s office. Please report all absences by 10:00am by calling your child’s school. If we do not hear from you, we will attempt to contact you to verify the absence. If no contact occurs, the absence will be considered unexcused. If your child arrives late for school: Please send a note with your child or call your school’s office. Middle and High school students, upon arrival will sign in and get a pass for class. Elementary students should report to the office for attendance purposes. If your child needs to leave school during the school day: Please send a note with your student in the morning if they are to leave school during the day and have them bring the note to the school office before school starts in the morning. This will help to reduce class interruptions. You will need to sign your student out unless they are a high school student and have been given permission by you to drive themselves. Upon returning to school, the student is to sign in at the office and they will receive a pass to return to class. Homework Requests: If you wish to request homework, please let the office know when you call in the absence. WEATHER UPDATE INFORMATION Contact Numbers District Office (608) 648-0102 Middle/High School Office (608) 648-0100 Stoddard Elementary (608) 457-2101 Prairie View Elementary (608) 648-2227 School Counselor MS/HS [M/W/F] (608) 648-0115 Prairie View Elementary [T] (608) 648-2227 Stoddard Elementary [Th] (608) 457-2101 Transportation Office (608) 648-3830 Special Education Director (608) 648-0107 Athletic Director (608) 648-0113 Should weather, highway, or special conditions require the cancellation or shortening of the school day, this information will be broadcast over the following radio and TV stations. Notices will also be displayed on the District’s web site as appropriate. In some instances the parent email or “Remind” notifications may be utilized: WKTY WIZM WRQT WLCX WLXR WPRE WVRQ WVRQ KNEI La Crosse La Crosse La Crosse La Crosse La Crosse Prairie Viroqua Viroqua Waukon 580 AM 1410 AM 95.7 FM 1490 AM 104.9 FM 980 FM 1360 AM 102.3 FM 1140 FM Channel—8 La Crosse Channel—19 La Crosse Channel—7 Waterloo TV TV TV NOTICE TO ALL DISTRICT RESIDENTS: The school newsletter is not sent to all box holders. It is sent home with students and copies will be put in the banks and post offices in the District as well as Pedretti’s in Genoa, Pronto in De Soto, at the Red Mound Store and Stoddard Kwik Trip. It will also be on the district website at http://www.desoto.k12.wi.us/. Please contact us at 648-0102 if you want to receive a copy of the Newsletter. 28