Mrs. Perfect,
Principal
November 2016
The Spirit of Arcola
A Time For Giving to Others
The holidays are quickly
approaching and that means
busy schedules for many
families! You can help make
the next few months less
stressful by making sure
your child gets a good
nights rest, dresses for the
weather and eats a good
breakfast each morning!
We do have breakfast at
Arcola if you happen to
have one of those crazy
mornings and you have to
send them out the door to
the bus before they eat!
The price is $1.35. Please
remember if we have a two
hour delay, we do not serve
breakfast.
The students will also go
outside during the winter
months unless its raining or
the temps fall below 10
degrees with the wind chill.
Please make sure your child
has a coat with a working
zipper, hat and gloves.
Once the snow hits they
will need snow boots to
play in the snow, otherwise
they will have to stay on
the sidewalk during recess
time. NACS will post delays
and closing on the radio, TV
and the NACS website at
www.nacs.k12.in.us
PACE class offerings have
been sent home and some
classes start today! You
still have time to get your
child in a class or classes if
you didn’t have the chance
to send in your enrollment
form yet. Holiday Cooking
for grades K-2 is full at
Holiday SCRIP!
As mentioned above, the
holidays are creeping up on
us quickly! Don’t forget to
buy SCRIP for your gift
giving. So many people to
buy for, what should I get
them? I’m running out of
ideas, I need something
they will love and I really
can’t spend a ton of money!
SCRIP is the answer to all
your problems! We have
denominations of $5, $10,
$20, $25, $50, $100 and
up on some vendors! It’s
the perfect gift for bus
this time, but the other
classes still have room!
We are looking forward to
honoring Veterans on
November 11th at 9:30.
Refreshments will be
served to all Veterans prior
to the program in the
office. If you have a
Veteran in your family,
please invite them for a
very special day of
gratitude. The choir will be
singing, we will have a color
guard, our music teacher
will play the taps and our
fifth graders will be
reading some of their
essays with a theme of
gratitude and Veterans.
Veterans will not be going
to the classrooms this year.
Please call the office, email
or send in a note if you have
a Veteran in your family, so
we can be ready for them.
drivers, mail carriers, hair
stylists, teachers, friends,
stocking stuffers, secret
pals, the list goes on and on!
Don’t forget you can also
buy the gift cards and shop
online, avoiding long lines
and the hassle of trying to
Don’t forget to set
your clocks back an
hour before you go to
bed Saturday night,
November 5th.
Daylight savings time
ends November 6th.
find a parking spot at
the mall! For a short
time we will have $5.00
Starbucks, Panera, and
Barnes and Noble.
Please mark on your
order form that you
would like the $5.00
denomination card.
PERFECT’S PAGE
Dear Parents:
Another month has flown by and we are grateful for our celebration points. Our Fall Festival was a huge
success with wonderful weather to accompany us! Thank you to the Fall Festival Committee for all their
planning and work. It was good to see students (and adults) finding joy in the day.
As many of you know, we had our tree dedication at the start of the Fall Festival. Plant Center donated 3
trees for us to plant in honor of Luann, Liliana, and Rene. Their families were with us to celebrate the joy that
these three have brought to all of us here at Arcola. Initially, I was pondering how to go from a serious,
somber event of the tree dedication to the Fall Festival, but it all came full circle for us as we reflected on
the words that are engraved on the tree plaques; Luann’s plaque reflected on the friendship that she shared
with each of us. Liliana’s plaque spoke of finding a song in our hearts. Rene’s plaque spoke of finding joy in
simple pleasures. It then made perfect sense for us to move into Fall Festival as we enjoyed our friends, the
“song” (joy) in our hearts for the day, and the simple pleasures of the time together; the hayride, the hot
chocolate, the pumpkin painting, apple eating and poems with s’mores, etc. .
Thank you to Holli and Nathaniel Strack for arranging the tree donation and planting as well.
We have also moved through Parent / Teacher conferences and hope that there were many celebration points
for families. When strong partnerships are formed… the sky is the limit.
Lego League is moving right along as the “The Bee-Bots” continue their research and programming! They will
compete at Science Central on November 20th.
The PACE schedule is put together and students are signing up to learn new and creative things. Thank you to
Miss Kim for getting that all lined up and ready to go.
Please remember that I will accept photos from the gratitude challenge all year long. I would guess that we
have over a hundred on display at this point and look forward to adding to the board and seeing all the creative
ways that people meet the challenge!
I hope you all enjoy time with family and friends during our fall season. Remember, acknowledging the pleasures of each day can certainly change our outlook for the better.
Blessings,
Kathleen Perfect
The PTO Eagle Flyer
Angie Harrell, President
As we move ahead into the Fall season and a time of thanksgiving, it is impossible for
me to look back on our PTO initiatives since the start of the school year and not be
thankful for the generosity of so many people. I am thankful for the hard work of my
fellow members on the PTO board, the countless volunteers that have spent valued time
and energy to help with PTO activities, and all of the Arcola families that have supported
our fundraising efforts. So if you supported or volunteered with the spirit wear sales, the
Save Around Town fund raiser, Popcorn Fridays, Box Tops, teacher appreciation, or the
Fall Mud Run, saying thank you does not fully express the PTO Board’s gratitude for
your support!
As we look ahead to November, we will be once again having the
Silvergraphics Art fundraiser. Order forms will be coming home
soon, so be looking for them in your children’s bags. This is a
fundraiser that we started last year that allows you to purchase
products with your child’s art on them. These make great gifts for
family and friends. A new feature this year, is the ability to order
online in addition to sending in the order through the school. So look for the web link
and access code so that you can view and purchase products online. Also be looking
for material coming home about the PTO Holiday Shop. This is where you children get
the opportunity to purchase gifts for family and friends. The shop will be open during the
week of December 12th, with more information about shopping and volunteering
opportunities coming out closer to December.
PTO Dates to Know for November 2016
Nov . . .
Silvergraphics Fundraiser
11/4 . . .
Popcorn Day (.50 cents)
11/18 . . . Basketball Registration begins
11/17 . . . PTO Meeting 6:00 pm
12/16 . . . Basketball Registration ends
Reading Tip of the Month!
Mrs. Houser, Literacy Interventionist
To help your child become a better reader, ask questions that invite thinking such as, “Why do you
think … happened?” or “What do you think … means?”
Mrs. Houser needs a name for her “Tip of the Month” article. Can you help her out? The winning entry
wins a lunch time with Mrs. Houser! Send your ideas to Miss Kim in the office or give them to Mrs.
Houser.
Look for Mrs. Houser’s reading tips each month!
Characters with Character
Student’s First and Last Name:____________________
Lifeline: _____________________________________
Title of book: _________________________________
Characters Name: ______________________________
Actions: _____________________________________
Author: ___________________________________
Characters with Character
Student’s First and Last Name:____________________
Lifeline: _____________________________________
Title of book: _________________________________
Characters Name: ______________________________
Actions: _____________________________________
Author: ___________________________________
Counselors Corner
When I visit classrooms twice a
month for guidance lessons I focus on
one or two of the lifelines. You may
see activities come home with your
students that we have discussed
during our classroom guidance time.
We began the year focusing on
Bullying Prevention then discussed
Friendship skills. During the month
of November we will be focusing on
Career Exploration.
As we investigate different careers
we will discuss the importance of
getting involved in school and in the
community. Students will begin a
Career Guidance Portfolio that will
follow them through the years here
Mrs. Saleh
at Arcola. They will start to keep track
of different careers they research,
activities in which they are involved,
hobbies and interest they have and the
academic/personal/social skills in which
they already possess.
I look forward to seeing the interest
students have and encouraging them to
pursue those interest!!
Lifelines
On the opposite page you will find a
“Characters with Character” page
that you can help your child fill out
when they read a book (or for the
younger ones, when you read them a
book), please feel free to make
copies. Each time your child reads
a book they will fill out the form
and list one lifeline from the story,
along with the rest of the
information listed. They may only
use the book one time.
Page 5
Mrs. Perfect will collect the forms
and at each Eagle Extravaganza
students who have turned in
“Characters with Character” have a
chance to win a new book!
Common sense, Cooperation, Effort,
Empathy, Flexibility, Friendship,
Gratitude, Honesty, Initiative, Joy,
Patience, Perseverance, Personal
Best, Trust and Wellness!
The lifelines we are working on this
year are: Responsibility, SelfControl, Caring, Manners, Creativity,
Respect, Positive Attitude,
Integrity, and Courage. Some of
the older students know lifelines
from previous years such as:
Our Life Goals are to
1. Do the right thing.
2. Treat People right.
(Even if you don’t feel like it).
So, Read! Read! Read!
The Spirit of Arcola
P.E. Central
Mrs. Eakright
Fall is here and the leaves are
changing. Great fun is to be had
outside raking leaves, making piles
then running through them with joy
and starting all over again. Get out
with your kids and enjoy the
outdoors.
Ask your kids and see if they know.
As we get closer to celebrating our
Veterans we will experience boot
camp during class. We will talk
about the different branches in
the military and how important is it
to live a healthy life physically and
mentally. We will challenge our
bodies by going through an obstacle
course. Army crawl, rope swing, tire
toss, heavy backpack carry,
slackline, jump rope, pushups, sit
ups and arm strengthening scooter
pull.
We have slowly been learning some of
the bones in our body. We will
continue this into November this
year. Do you know how many bones
are in your body? Do you know which
bone is the strongest bone in your
body?
Art Easel
ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
The students and I had a wonderful
time during October, creating artwork
in the outdoor classroom. Check out my
page on the school website to see two
slide shows showing our class sessions
and artwork. The kids did a beautiful
job! The plants in the outdoor
classroom have successfully drawn a
variety of insect life for the students
to observe. We would like to add a
‘Birdscape’ to the outdoor classroom.
It is an assortment of bird feeding
stations that would draw various bird
species to our outdoor classroom to be
Musical Notes
In music class, we are beginning
composers. We have been working
hard in music class learning how to
write notes and where to put them on
the staff. We are also getting ready
for our school wide Veteran’s Day
program held here at Arcola on
Friday, November 11th. All students
will be singing the song “You’re a
Grand Old Flag” and the Arcola Choir
will have its first performance of the
year.
November 2016
Mrs. Sirois
observed by all students. If you would
like to make a financial donation
towards our ‘birdscape’ please see Miss
Kim in the office.
Items needed/wished for:
PLASTIC BAGS! Paper plates. Yarn.
Knitting looms. Paper towel tubes
*Check out the website for a full list!
Be sure to check out my school website
for info regarding PowerSchool, art
grades, art news updates, and student
creations.
http://www.nacs.k12.in.us/domain/1349
Mrs.Leahy
Soon we are going to be starting
music for our Winter Program which
will be held here at Arcola on
Thursday, December 8th.
This program will feature students in
grades K,1,2, Band students, and
Choir students.
ART TIP for HOME: Kids love paper
airplanes! There are lots of great
resources at your local bookstores and
libraries, and a $5 ream of copier paper
goes a long way.
Thanks So Much!
The 2016 Arcola Fall Festival was a huge success this year! The weather was perfect and a great time was
had by all. We made and ate s'mores while listening to a story, enjoyed hot chocolate on a hayride, had
potato sack races, ate apples on a string, and created some very colorful pumpkins.
This event was completely run by parent volunteers and funded through your generous donations and our
PTO. A special thank you to the Kuehnert family for the use of their hay wagon and tractor, Mrs. Felger for
the pumpkins, the Arcola PTO for the delicious hot chocolate, and to everyone who donated time and/or
money to help make this such a special day for our students.
Thank you again,
Your 2016 Fall Festival Committee
Healthy Tid Bits
Nurse Brenda Jones, R.N.
No flu-mist will be offered this year because the CDC is not confident in its effectiveness for this year and is
preferring the injection form for everyone this year. They are recommending getting flu shots with local
providers or if you have no insurance, are underinsured or have Medicaid, you can go to a Supershots clinic and
pay $10 per vaccine. I have posted a clinic schedule below.
Camera-less Photography Workshop
Camera-less photographs can be made using a variety of techniques, the most common of which are the photogram. Students will
explore many possibilities of camera-less photography that involve the darkroom. Many of the images created will incorporate the
element of chance! (If you have taken this workshop before and want to bring some of your own objects to use for your projects…
you know what kind of stuff to bring!) Otherwise, all materials are provided.
$35.00
Includes ALL materials, donuts, and juice/milk and a
snack
One Session Workshop
Questions and information,
Grades 1-5
Saturday, November 12th
Contact Nicole Croy at
9am-Noon
637-3161 ext. 3300
[email protected]
This workshop will be taught by Mrs. Nicole Croy and her award-winning photography students. The Carroll High
School photography students have won many awards regionally, as well as nationally.
The workshop will take place at Carroll High School in the Photography classroom
(Room #300). Please have students enter through door 13, and follow the signs to the classroom. Please drop
off and pick up your student at the classroom door.
Please send a check (made to Carroll High School) and the form below by Monday, November 7th. Space is
limited …sign up early!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Please Print. Detach and Send.)_
__________________
Camera-less Photography Workshop
Student's Name :__________________________________________
Student’s School ___________________________________ Grades: 1 th 2th 3th 4th 5th (circle one)
Address:______________________________________________________________________________
Phone:_______________________________________
E-mail:_______________________________________
Allergies ?:____________________________________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian Phone:______________________________
By signing below I hereby authorize Mrs. Croy to act for me in her best judgment in an emergency requiring medical
attention. I understand that neither Fort Wayne Carroll High School, Mrs.Croy, nor anyone connected with the workshop
will assume responsibility for any accidents including: medical, dental, or any accident that occurred during or as a result of any course of instruction by the staff. I then hereby give my consent for medical treatment deemed necessary by
physicians designated by school authorities and/ or transportation to a hospital emergency room for treatment for any
illness or injury resulting from athletic participation. I understand this authorization will only be enforced when I cannot
personally be contacted to provide immediate treatment. In the event that parent(s) cannot be contacted, please contact:
Emergency Contact Name:______________________________________
Emergency Phone:_______________________ (Please provide any relevant medical problems on back)
Parent(s)/Guardian Signature:___________________________________ Date:_____________
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Throughout the next several years, your child will be taking part in classroom lessons from the Common Sense Media
Digital Literacy and Citizenship curriculum. The goal of this curriculum is to educate and empower young people to
harness the power of the Internet and digital technology for learning and to become safe, responsible, and respectful
digital citizens.
What is digital citizenship?
YouTube. Goat Simulator. iTunes. Twitter. Minecraft. Facebook. Digital media and technology are evolving at a
dizzying pace, bringing with them extraordinary opportunities as well as real risks for our children. On the positive
side, children are using the immense power of the Internet and mobile technology to explore, learn, connect, and
create in ways never before imagined. On the negative side, harmful behaviors aided by digital technology, from
cyberbullying to copying online materials without citations, are surfacing in schools and in homes across the country.
Young people face ethical challenges daily without a road map to guide them. And many of us, parents and teachers
alike, are struggling with how to help kids thrive in this brave new world.
That is why we have embarked on this digital citizenship program. Our partner in offering this curriculum is Common
Sense Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the
trustworthy information they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.
What we teach
Through Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship curriculum, students learn about their connections to others
through the Internet, and they learn to think critically about how they treat others given this great responsibility.
The topics your child will be introduced to are:
• Digital Life: Students learn that the Internet is like a neighborhood. They reflect on their responsibilities
to this community and to the community members, both online and offline, and they consider what it means to
use appropriate digital manners, protect their own privacy, and respect others.
• Connected Culture & Cyberbullying: Students explore what happens when children gang up on one another
online, what to do if they experience cyberbullying, and how to communicate effectively using online tools.
• Respecting Creative Work: Students learn about basic concepts of copyright, and in the late elementary
grades, they learn to create online citations. In this context, the issue of plagiarism is framed as a matter of
respect.
The curriculum emphasizes a balanced approach and celebrates the positive aspects of digital life while teaching
students to avoid its potential perils. The Digital Citizenship curriculum is rooted in a model of ethical thinking that
starts with the self and moves outward, to encompass the entire community. Through hands-on activities,
role-playing, and classroom discussion, your children will be asked to reflect on how their digital and online behaviors
affect themselves, their friends and family, and the communities of which they are a part.
What families can do
As we engage in these lessons in class, we will be sending home parent tip sheets and spotlighting key Digital
Citizenship resources on the district and school websites. We encourage you to read and review the parent materials
and to use the material together with your children. If you have access to the Internet at home or at work, you can
visit the Common Sense Media website at commonsensemedia.org and take a look at the wealth of parent resources it
provides on kids and media. Raising and educating young people in today’s 24/7 digital media environment is one of the
most exciting and daunting challenges that parents and schools face today. Working together, we can raise a
generation of kids who become smart, responsible, and respectful digital citizens.