November 2016 USTANG EXPRESS Corporation Monthly Newsletter for the School Town of Munster Being Thankful Dr. Jeff Hendrix Superintendent In this issue: “Caught with Character” Program Red Ribbon Weekt Demonstrating Outstanding Citizenship Projects As the leaves turn, and the weather gets to be a little colder, and the holiday season approaches, I like to take time to reflect on how fortunate I am to live in such a great country. A country that is built on leadership, sacrifice and an unwavering belief in the power of its people. History tells us that our country is filled with people who have made major sacrifices in their lives so that others (family, friends and other Americans) can have the advantages and opportunities that many of us experience as Americans. So it is important that all of us take a few moments to remember all who have come before us to settle, build and lead our great country. We must also acknowledge and give thanks to those brave men and women who stepped up to serve and protect our country so that we can enjoy the freedom of living in this wonderful democracy. I hope that you will all take a moment to reflect in thought and prayer this November to all the sacrifices that have been made in this country by the men and women who are serving and have served in our military, police departments and fire departments. Tell them thank you! I know I will. Dr. Jeff Hendrix TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 2 Super Chat with Dr. Jeff Hendrix Super Chat with Dr. Jeff Hendrix is a monthly podcast program for the School Town of Munster hosted on the corporation website at http://www.munster.us. The program is designed to provide corporation and school information on events, issues and information that is pertinent to the School Town of Munster community. Topics for this monthly program will range from finance/budgeting, academic programs, curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices to student organizations, extracurricular activities and sports. The program this month will feature Jordan Mayer talking about the Speech & Debate Program, Ray Palasz talking about Auditorium Program, Andrew Robinson talking about the Choir Program, and Brett Winternheimer talking about the Band Program. The show is hosted by Gary Puckett, a national talk show host and writer. To access the show from the STM website, the listener must click onto the FlyPod logo, where the listener will be redirected to the podcast page and player. There is also a comment section on the FlyPod page for community feedback. We look forward to our community’s responses and ideas for future shows. School Bus Drivers Wanted The School Town of Munster is gladly accepting applications for the position of School Bus Driver. A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred, but we will train. Please visit our website at www.munster.us . Employment opportunities can be found by clicking on the Departments tab, then Human Resources TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 3 Accreditation Preparation School Town of Munster will be preparing for a Fall 2017 accreditation visit through AdvancEd during the 2016-17 school year. Parents can anticipate receiving requests for survey participation. This is a required component of the accreditation process. We anticipate that surveys will be completed by the end of the first semester. Updates will be provided through the Mustang Express as well as online. High Ability Update *Elementary High Ability Art - An art enrichment opportunity for all 4th and 5th grade students in the School Town of Munster is now available. Students have received information regarding the requirements to audition for participation in this enrichment activity. Miss Stephanie Middaugh and Mrs. Terri White will co-facilitate High Ability Art which will meet in Mrs. White’s Art classroom (I4) at Wilbur Wright Middle School. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from this school program. No School Town of Munster transportation will be provided. Students will be notified the week of November 7 of their acceptance status. If you have questions, please contact Miss Middaugh at 219-836-8635, ext. 7436 or [email protected]. *High Ability Elementary Honors Choir - The 2016-2017 School Town of Munster Elementary Honors Choir will be starting shortly! This is an auditioned ensemble, open to 4th and 5th Grade singers at any STM elementary school. Auditions will be held in the Munster High School Choir Room on Friday, November 11th from 4:00-7:30 PM. Park on the south side of MHS and go in Entrance N (Auditorium). Proceed to the right, go through the double doors, and the Choir Room is on the right before the glass doors. Students do not need to prepare anything ahead of time for the audition. Students do not need to sign up for an audition time and will be seen on a first come, first serve basis at MHS. Parents should plan to stay with their child while waiting for an audition. The auditions will be individual and will be conducted by Co-Directors Stacey Augle and Andrew Robinson. Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays in the Munster High School Choir Room from 4:45-5:45 PM. The first rehearsal will be on Wednesday November 16th. Parents will be notified via email of audition results by Monday November 14th. A rehearsal/concert schedule, rehearsal expectations, and other important information will be distributed at the first rehearsal. Any questions can be directed to Co-Directors Stacey Augle, WWMS Choir Director ([email protected], 219-836-6260 ext. 2284) or Andrew Robinson, MHS Choir Director ([email protected], 219-836-3200 ext. 3345). TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 4 *Lego League at Wilbur Wright Middle School - Munster High School HorsePower Robotics is proud to announce the establishment of the Wilber Wright Lego League team, 746 Watts! (For all you non-engineer types, 746 watts converts to 1 horsepower unit of power.) MHS HorsePower and WW 746 Watts will participate and compete under the FIRST Robotics umbrella. Both programs offer much more than robots and games. FIRST is an internationally known community known for encouraging and supporting STEM and STEAM innovation through multi-disciplinary 21st century skills. In the FIRST Lego League, children are immersed in real world science and technology challenges. Teams design their own solution to a current scientific question or problem and build autonomous LEGO robots that perform a series of missions based on an annual theme. The 2016 season theme is Animal Alliance. Through their participation, students develop valuable life skills and discover exciting career possibilities while learning that they can make a positive contribution to their community and society at large. Mrs. Govert from Munster High School and the High School robotics team will be organizing the new Lego League team at Wilbur Wright Middle School beginning in November for 6th through 8th grade students. Interested 5th graders that will be attending WWMS in the 2017-18 school year are also encouraged to attend organization and informational meetings. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Lyndee Govert, 219-8363200, ext. 3339 or [email protected]. Upcoming Assessment Windows NWEA Winter Window November 28 – December 16, 2016 ISTEP ECA Algebra I and English 10 December 5 – 16, 2016 A complete Assessment calendar can be located at www.munster.us < Assessment. Substitute Teachers Wanted School Town of Munster is looking for qualified substitute teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. To complete an application, please go to www.munster.us, select Departments, then Human Resources, Employment Opportunities, View Our Open Positions, Substitute and in the upper right corner click on ‘Apply.’ Applicants must have 60 college hours (transcript verified) and/or a state issued substitute certificate. TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 5 West Lake News The West Lake preschool classes at Frank Hammond enjoyed participating in the annual Halloween parade. The preschool program at Frank Hammond serves students with and without disabilities. For more information or to schedule an appointment for a free developmental screening, call Sara at 365-8507. Students in the West Lake Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP) participated in a scarecrow contest sponsored by the Residences at Deer Creek in Schererville. The students designed, assembled, and displayed the scarecrow at the facility. Voting was open to community members and the winning organization will win a prize. We are keeping our fingers crossed that our TAP students win! Rebecca Gromala Director West Lake Special Education TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 6 Munster Police Department News MUNSTER POLICE SEEKING DONATIONS - ANNUAL "COPS & KIDS" HOLIDAY PROGRAM The Munster Police Department and the Munster Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #147 are currently seeking monetary donations towards their annual "Cops & Kids" holiday shopping program for children in need. Each year, Munster Police officers volunteer to take pre-selected children shopping with funds donated by area residents, businesses and community organizations. Last year, over fifty (50) children who might not have received anything during the holidays were able to shop for toys, clothing, or other items thanks to the generosity of others. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make checks payable to the Town of Munster (memo: Cops & Kids) and mail them to the Munster Police Department, c/o Officer James Ghrist, 1001 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321. Donations will be collected through Friday, November 18th. For more information, please contact Officer Ghrist at 219-836-6639 or [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your generosity this holiday season. 2016 MUNSTER RED RIBBON WEEK POSTER CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED The Munster Police Department and Choice Community Council announced the winners of the 2016 Munster Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest during the last week of October. Each year, the Choice Community Council sponsors this contest which is open to grades K-12 and which raises awareness about drug prevention and the importance of making positive choices. This year's grand prize winner was Katie Kordeck, a senior at Munster High School, who received a $50 gift card from the Choice Community Council for her efforts. Additional individual school winners, who each received $25 gift cards, included: Savannah Kunas and Kristen Baurain (tie), Wilbur Wright Middle School; Kinga Grabowski, Frank Hammond Elementary School; Annabelle Spicer, Elliott Elementary School; and Hina Khan, Eads Elementary School. Winners were also selected at St. Thomas More School and St. Paul's Lutheran School. Katie Kordeck— Grand Prize Winner—MHS TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 7 Munster Police Department News continued 2016 MUNSTER RED RIBBON WEEK POSTER CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED Thank you to all of the many students who participated in this year's contest, and congratulations again to this year's winners. For more information about how to get involved with the Choice Community Council's efforts to prevent drugs and violence in Munster, please contact D.A.R.E. Officer James Ghrist at 219-8366639 or [email protected]. Kristen Baurain—WWMS Kinga Grabowski—FHH Savannah Kunas—WWMS Annabelle Spicer—Elliott Hina Khan—Eads TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 8 Eads Elementary School Eads Elementary Celebrates Red Ribbon Week Eads celebrated Red Ribbon Week in many ways. On our “Wake Up Drug Free” day, students wore pajamas to school and donated over 300 toothbrushes to the Salvation Army. On Thursday we celebrated “I Can, You Can, We Can—Take a Stand Against Drugs” with every student bringing in a canned good to be donated to the Food Pantry. Our school collected 853 cans of food. During the week the students not only learned about being healthy and drug free, they also learned that helping out others in need in our community makes Northwest Indiana a better place to live. During the month of October, Eads students learned about perseverance and how famous Hoosier, Mark Cuban, got his start as an entrepreneur while he attended Indiana University. The first grade held and all school assembly to talk about perseverance and recognize 84 students that earned brag tags. Thomas Jefferson, Dr. Suess, Walt Disney, JK Rowling, Albert Einstein The first graders described how these famous people persevered in their lives. Mrs. Linda Bevil Principal, Eads Elementary School TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 9 Elliott Elementary School Elliott Happenings…….. Fifth grade students went to Beyond Boundaries in Valparaiso this month. This challenge course is a set of group “initiatives” providing endless team-building opportunities. The students worked on open communication, creativity, support and trust with their peers. The students also discussed ways to transfer these concepts to the school setting. October is Fire Safety Month. The Munster Fire Department came to Elliott to present fire safety to the students in kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. The students were able to learn about family reunification and also were able to meet Sparky. TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 10 Elliott Elementary School Elliott Happenings continued The Elliott students participated in a voluntary Science Fair. The participating students worked hard to compete against their peers to earn first place in the Elliott Science Fair. Jim Nesci visited with our second grade classes. Jim wills his audiences to explore the world of reptiles with his guidance and expertise. There is so much to be learned about why they are on the planet. This is a one of a kind hands-on experience. Jim’s message is to conserve and protect reptiles. Author James Dworkin and Illustrator Michael Chelich came to visit at Elliott again this year. Last year they shared the book “The Dog and the Dolphin” that they wrote and illustrated. They have published a second book called “The Dog and the Jet Ski”. Elliott is so lucky to be the first school this book was shared with. The students acted out the story as Dr. Dworkin read it to the classes. Ms. Nicole Guernsey Elliott Elementary Principal TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 11 Frank Hammond Elementary Notes FHH: Character Trait Spirit Sticks and Veterans’ Day- November, 2016 The FHH PTO has expanded last year’s Spirit Stick program to focus on teaching about character traits and giving students an opportunity to demonstrate those traits! What is a Spirit Stick? It is an embroidered piece of material with various words, phrases, or shapes that hangs from a ring on the students’ backpacks. Last year PTO started selling Spirit Sticks as a fundraiser. Students started their collections with the opportunity to purchase fun Spirit Sticks with student interest themes such as holidays, school milestones like 100 days, Pokemon and Minecraft, pet themes, etc. Using those funds, the PTO is sponsoring this year’s “Character Trait Spirit Sticks” Program for sticks embroidered with a specific character trait that can ONLY be EARNED, not purchased. To start off the school year, we focused on the trait of RESPECT for August and September. During October, RESPONSIBLITY was our theme. Teachers integrate the trait of the month into lessons and discussions in the classroom. Teachers then choose up to four students during that month to receive a Character Trait Spirit Stick for demonstrating that trait during that time period. Children have also been learning good sportsmanship and supportiveness when their fellow classmates receive an award even when they did not. Not to mention, how much we appreciate that our winners are being such great role models for all! PTO members visit the classes to reward the recipients with a Spirit Stick, a certificate, and some type of gift card generally donated by a local business. Classroom displays and a large bulletin board in our main hallway remind students about how to make good choices part of their everyday character! TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 12 Frank Hammond Elementary Notes cont. For the month of November, students will be learning about Veteran’s Day while honoring the veterans and active serving military men and women who are part of our FHH family. Posters are hanging in our lobby with names/branch/years of these military members to recognize how far and wide our connections go. On November 4th, veteran and currently serving military guests are invited to attend a Veterans Day Celebration Assembly and be recognized by their student. The program will also include posting of the Colors by our Boy Scouts, musical performances by our Girl Scouts and music classes, artwork displays, a video about the meaning of Veteran’s Day, and live and video presentations from some currently serving military personnel sharing their experiences. Students are also writing thank you letters and collecting Halloween candy that will be sent to Troops who are currently serving our country. We are very proud of the good citizens that our FHH students are becoming! Mrs. Nancy Ellis Principal, Frank H Hammond Elementary School TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 13 Wilbur Wright Middle School Red Ribbon Week Activities at Wilbur Wright The week of October 24 was Red Ribbon Week at Wilbur Wright and the guidance staff planned many educational and fun activities for students to raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse. Students were given the opportunity to sign a drug free pledge and participate in a different theme each day of the week. Included in the theme days were hat day, twin day, neon day, and mis-match day. The students and staff had great fun dressing in different ways each day as an activity to recognize Red Ribbon Week. Each student was given a red ribbon to wear throughout the week and a daily drawing was conducted and prizes given out to the winning student wearing their red ribbon. Educating students about the dangers of illegal drug abuse is an important part of the guidance curriculum at Wilbur Wright and Red Ribbon Week was a great kick-off event for this topic. Caught With Character Program at WWMS This year at Wilbur Wright Middle School the students are taking part in the Caught with Character education program. One student from each grade level is recognized each Friday for displaying various acts of excellent character. These character traits include: kindness, perseverance, respect, responsibility, good citizenship, good judgement, integrity, and self-discipline. The winners are announced weekly to the entire school and receive a special treat during their lunch hour. In addition to the recognition component of the program, 6th grade students receive guidance lessons on how to become more responsible. These lessons are derived from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers. The students are flourishing and using language such as “I can be proactive by” and “I can put first things first by.” Great job Wilbur Wright Middle School students! TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 14 Wilbur Wright Middle School continued PSAT Testing for 8th Graders All 8th graders at Wilbur Wright took the PSAT test on October 19. The PSAT test offers great benefits to our students and to our teachers. The results reported back to the school help our teaching staff determine areas of strength and areas of weakness for groups of students as well as individual students. This knowledge helps the teachers plan future lessons to address the needs of the students. Additionally, the College Board lists three direct benefits for students that take the PSAT: access to scholarships, preparation for the SAT test, and connections to possible AP courses taken at the high school level. Check out the college board web site for more information about the benefits to students taking the PSAT test. Results will be reported back to schools soon and we will communicate those results directly with parents. Dr. Andy Sargent Principal, Wilbur Wright Middle School TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 15 Munster High School News 2016 Smash Cancer Munster & Chesterton Boys Tennis The Munster and Chesterton’s Boys Tennis Teams combined their efforts to fight a bigger foe than each other, Cancer. Munster senior, Adam Richter, organized the 2016 Smash Cancer event with Munster Coach Steve Lopez and Chesterton Coach Thomas Bour. Adam initiated running this event three years ago and said, “I hope it continues to be an annual event long after I graduate.” He also designed the Smash Cancer shirt that both teams wore with the names of 44 cancer warriors on the back side. Through their efforts the teams raised $3,454 dollars that was donated to both the Cancer Resource Center in Munster and the Cancer Research Institute in New York to be distributed to the Midwest area. Adam Richter Mariana “Chrys” Navarro-Ramirez won first place in the Lake County Substance Abuse Council Red Ribbon Poster contest in the 9-12th grade division. She will be awarded a Kindle Fire and a certificate. Mariana “Chrys” Navarro-Ramirez TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 16 Munster High School News cont. from page 15…. The DOC 200 Project© Demonstrating Outstanding Citizenship The DOC 200 Project is an officially designated Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project. It was created by the Educational Director of the Munster Junior Historical Society to celebrate and honor Indiana’s 200th birthday. Indiana students of all grades, including college, may participate in this exciting and unique character-building opportunity. College-bound students who successfully complete the DOC 200 Project will benefit from listing this impressive accomplishment on college applications. We know that most students become good citizens as a result of sound parental guidance. The DOC 200 Project builds upon that solid foundation by teaching children and teens to become exemplary citizens and by providing systematic practice to strengthen those abilities. This experience promotes the practice of fifty specific and important Life Skills that outstanding citizens demonstrate by showing responsibility, respect, a caring spirit, and a willingness to work hard for the good of this nation and everyone in it. Older students also gain valuable leadership experience. During the DOC 200 Project, students are given opportunities to practice and refine skills in the key areas of Integrity (honesty), Acceptance, Service, and Patriotism. Throughout this project, adults serve as role models of outstanding citizenship as children are encouraged to be positive and responsible thinkers, caring problem solvers, and contributing members of society. Every parent should be excited for the opportunity to provide this life-changing experience for their children as they learn to set lofty goals, work hard to attain them, and strive to earn the esteemed DOC 200 Medal for Outstanding Citizenship. Recipients of this esteemed medal will be able to wear it and be recognized at commencement. All colleges in the state of Indiana have recognized this as an official citizenship program that will be acknowledged on college applications. Register at www.DOC200Project.com For more information, contact Dr. Chickie-Wolfe at (219) 838-2120. Thank you for your continued support of Munster High School! Mike Wells, Principal, Munster High School TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW Page 17 November Newsletter 2016 MEET OUR WILBUR WRIGHT TEAM!! WITH 60 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE, THESE LADIES KNOW HOW TO SERVE UP A TASTY, HEALTHY, MEAL FOR YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT. Left to Right: Brandi Glover, Maria Martinez, Lydia Novosel, Dawn Reader, Linda Bruhn, Janet Barilla, Peggy Chovanec, Dragica Sosic Our Thanksgiving Day Feast Elementary and Wilbur Wright – Wednesday November 16, 2016 MHS – Friday November 18, 2016 Please take a moment to ready our STM Meal Charge Policy Meal Charge Policy It is the student’s responsibility to be responsible for their account and the parent’s responsibility to keep a positive meal balance in their student’s account. Our cashiers will make every effort to notify students of low and negative account balances. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the parent to monitor their student’s meal account balance. This can be done through the parent portal of Power School or through the schools’ online payment program; www.myschoolbucks.com If for for or until it an If your financial situation has changed you may qualify for free or reduced lunch assistance. Meal assistance applications can be found on the School Town of Munster website or at your students’ school office. TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW to Page 18 STM Meal Charge Policy continued Elementary Charge Policy We strongly discourage charging meals, but we understand that an occasional emergency makes it necessary at the elementary level. We care for the wellbeing of our students, so no student will be denied a meal and a student’s lunch tray will never be taken from them. Students may be offered an alternative meal in full. to of until their in with to any milk. that to from of milk. If the in of milk. If will be for water. notify that the balance in the that on the day. The School Town of Munster Food Service Department also sends letters home and email alerts every Friday to students with negative balances. It is the responsibility of the parents to monitor their student’s meal account balance. This can be done through the parent portal of Power School or through the schools’ online payment program www.myschoolbucks.com a to Wilbur Wright Charge Policy Wilbur Wright Middle "low for your convenience. for to not they will in full. with alternative to not their to of "low the to the the for their balance fruit until their of their low at $5.00. milk. www.myschoolbucks.com for your convenience. Munster High Students At the high school level students are expected to take responsibility of their own meal accounts. Students at MHS are NOT allowed to charge meals or any ala carte purchases. The cashiers are prompted to remind the students of their low meal balance starting at $5.00. Parents may check their student’s meal purchases and balances by setting up an account at www.myschoolbucks.com. "low for your convenience. TEACHING TODAY for TOMORROW before school lets out! Munster Education Foundation can make your gift giving easier! Give that special educator an apple! Make a contribution to the Munster Education Foundation, and an individual of your choice, affiliated with the Munster schools, will be honored. He/she will receive a specially designed card, with your name, special greetings, and a gold apple pin. Complete the form below and send your check payable to: Munster Education Foundation, P.O. Box 3046, Munster, IN 46321 All donors will receive an acknowledgement with receipt for a tax-deductible gift. Forms and donations must be in the Foundation box by Friday, May 22 in order for honoree to receive gift before Summer Vacation. ________________________________________________________ Please submit one form per honoree NAME of Person Being Honored _____________________________________________ School/Building/Bus # ____________________________________________________ Donor Name ______________________________________ Phone ___________________ (Name, as you want it to appear on gift card) Address _______________________________________________________________________ Email Address ____________________________ Donation Amount Enclosed _______________ Include your special message on a separate piece of paper! It will be enclosed with the gift card & apple pin. Suggested donation: $15.00 or more Vision All School Town of Munster students have the skills necessary to participate successfully in a global society. Mission The School Town of Munster, in partnership with all stakeholders, implements equitable and challenging learning experiences that provide the foundation for independent and innovative thinking. Beliefs The success of our school system depends on the collaboration and commitment of all students, parents, and staff to high quality standards, expectations and performances. Addressing unique learning styles and needs enables all students to learn. A safe and supportive learning environment enables continuous learning opportunities for all students and staff. Students will solve real world problems through the development of creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. The curriculum is aligned both horizontally and vertically with national, state and local standards and includes a variety of assessment strategies that provide feedback about learning to students, parents and staff. Data is used to drive instructional practices and monitor program effectiveness. Professional development is an integral part of our ongoing plan for continuous improvement in the use of research based instructional practices. Diversity enriches our school system through the recognition of various ideas, values and cultures. Access to and utilization of current technology is necessary for success in an ever-changing world. All stakeholders have a voice and the opportunity to participate in the educational process. School Contact Information Administration Offices: 219.836.9111 8616 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN 46321 Munster High School Office: 219.836.3200 8808 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321 Wilbur Wright Middle School Office: 219.836.6260 8650 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321 James B. Eads Elementary School Office: 219.836.8635 8000 Jackson St., Munster, IN 46321 Ernest R. Elliott Elementary School Office: 219.838.5250 8718 White Oak Ave, Munster, IN 46321 Frank H. Hammond Elementary School Office: 1301 Fran Lin Pky, Munster, IN 46321 219.838.2060
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