Middle School Matters Fall 2016 - School District of New Richmond

Middle School Matters
Fall 2016
Greetings Parents & Students,
I cannot believe that we are already into October. The NRMS Staff and I would like to thank all of you who attended Parent Teacher Conferences on Oct. 6th and 13th. The turn-out was good and shows the level of support and commitment that you as parents have for your
children! As always you can request a meeting with any of your child’s teachers during the school year, not just at the scheduled conference dates.
The first weeks of school have gone extremely well from my perspective. We have a great group of middle school students. I encourage
and challenge all students to get involved in at least one activity at the middle school. Research shows, students positively involved in
school and activities will be more successful in school and life. Please do your part to encourage your son or daughter to try something
new!
As the leaves begin to fall, and the temperature begins to drop, it is a good time to remind all students to dress appropriately and plan for
changes in weather. Having an extra sweatshirt or jacket at school would be a good idea. If your students are missing that sweatshirt or
jacket that they “just had to have”, you may want to check out our lost and found!
We have added some new faces to NRMS. Please help me welcome Brianna Beebe, 8 th grade Language Arts,
Cara Casey, School Guidance Counselor, Stephen Dahle, Choir/General Music, Heidi Hofmeister, 6 th grade Language Arts, Lara Hatzenbeler, 6th grade Math, and Stacy Carter-Davis and Kelly Till as Media Center
Paraprofessionals. Additionally, we welcome Elizabeth Volkert, Bill Califf, Tomi Kuehne, and Melanie Ellison
as they join our Special Services Paraprofessional team.
FAMILYMEANS
The School District of New Richmond has contracted with FamilyMeans for a School-Located Mental Health Program to provide mental
health therapy services to students at the New Richmond Middle School. We are very fortunate to have this service and opportunity
available to our students and families. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Amanda Altmann or Cara
Casey (Middle School Counselors), Ms. Wood (Assistant Principal), or myself.
REMINDERS:
School starts each day at 7:35am, which means students need to be in their 1st period classes prior to the 7:35 bell. Our school day ends
at 2:52pm.
NRMS ATTENDANCE LINE- 715-243-1616 Please use this number 24-7 when calling in your student’s absence. Please do not call the
front office.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AND DISTRICT WEB PAGES- Please check there for valuable information about NRMS events and happenings as well
as in the district.
FAMILY ACCESS- use this link on our web page to check grades, homework information, and progress/report card information.
STUDY GROUPS- Are held Monday-Wednesday at each grade level/house. This is an opportunity for students to complete homework,
get homework help, and work with teachers. No study group on early-out Wednesdays.
Please consistently check your emails for forms, updates and other important information. We have had reports that emails sent via Skyward have ended up in SPAM folders. Please check your settings. If your email has changed, please notify the middle school office at 715243-7472.
NRMS does not mail out paper copies of progress reports or report cards other than the final report card of the year. We send them electronically via Family Access unless otherwise requested. If you would like a paper copy, please contact the MS office.
If there are questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a staff member, MS office, or myself. We need to continue to work
together to provide the opportunities to help make each student as successful as they can be!
Respectfully,
Mr. Hatch
Doug Hatch
Principal
715-243-7473 [email protected]
Michele Wood
Asst. Principal 715-243-7474 [email protected]
From our Counseling Office...
Introductions
There is a new face in the Counseling Department at the
Middle School this year. Ms. Casey is our new school counselor, replacing Mr. Traynor who served as school counselor
for over 28 years. Ms. Casey is coming to us from the
Grantsburg School District and is in her ninth year as a
school counselor. She’s working hard to get to know students and is excited to be here.
Staff Spotlight
A more familiar face in the Middle School Counseling Department is Mrs. Altmann. She is in her tenth year at NRMS and is
looking forward to working closely with Ms. Casey this year.
We are excited to introduce new changes to our department
and to our curriculum. Stay tuned to learn of more to come!
What is the role of a School Counselor?
There is a wide array of responsibilities that make up the job description of a school counselor. The general focus is the proactive and prosocial development of all students. School
counselors work with situations and conditions that
interfere with a student's academic, social, and emotional success. A school counselor encourages successful
academic, career, and personal/social development to
ensure every child succeeds. This is accomplished
through a variety of methods, but mainly through individual counseling,
group counseling, and classroom lessons. School counselors also work
collaboratively with students, teachers, parents, administration, and
community members.
Curriculum
Ms. Casey and Mrs. Altmann met with all 6th-8th grade students in
September for ACES class, formerly known as “Guidance.” ACES stands
for Academics, Careers, Emotional and Social development and is a
better representation of what we do in the classroom with students.
During class time students met both school counselors, learned how to
make an appointment, reviewed what confidentiality means and how
that works in our department, received an overview of what we will be
teaching them in ACES classes, and participated in an activity to get to
know both school counselors. We will be back in classrooms in October
working with sixth graders on career education, seventh grade on safety topics, and prepping eighth grade for their individual planning conferences.
Have you heard the exciting news?? FamilyMeans Counseling
Agency has contracted with school district to provide a place for
easily accessible mental health counseling to occur for NRMS students during school hours. We are fortunate to be working with
FamilyMeans to provide counseling to students who need more
support than we as school counselors can deliver. If you would like
your student to meet with a FamilyMeans therapist during school
hours, please contact Mrs. Altmann or Ms. Casey.
Amanda Altmann 715-243-7485 [email protected]
Cara Casey
715-243-7477 [email protected]
“We would like to welcome Mr. Dahle back to New Richmond Middle School. We are excited to have Mr. Dahle
working with our students again. Mr. Dahle brings with him
a wealth of music knowledge, skill, and background with a
student-centered approach.” - Ms. Wood
After graduating from Luther College in Decorah, IA
majoring in Music Education (Band, Choir and Orchestra) Mr. Stephen Dahle has spent the last 3 years instructing at the Elementary, Middle School and High
School levels in the Hudson School District.
Mr. Dahle’s having a blast working with the talented
young musicians at NRMS. He feels the energy rise as
soon as students enter the rehearsal room and they
are just as eager to make wonderful music as he is.
Mr. Dahle is also very appreciative for how incredibly
warm and welcoming everyone has been in New Richmond; students, faculty, parents, and the community.
“What we have in New Richmond, the collaboration,
talent, and support, is uncommon in most cities. I love
working here and I couldn’t ask for a better place to
share my passion for music. I am so excited by the
potential I see in all of my students. I can’t wait to take
them to the next level of music appreciation and performance.”
6th Grade
Grade 6 BENGAL HOUSE
BENGAL TIGER
noun. 1. a tiger of a large and
threatened race with a long
thick coat, found in southeastern Siberia and northeastern
China.
Lindsey Benning
Spec. Services 715-243-1614
[email protected]
Shelli Fehrman
Spec. Services 715-243-1608
[email protected]
Heidi Hofmeister Lang. Arts
715-243-1646
[email protected]
Joe Hutter
Science
715-243-1609
[email protected]
Lori Klingler
Literature
715-243-1607
[email protected]
Rick Montreal
Social Studies 715-243-1604
[email protected]
Maryjo Peirson
Math
[email protected]
715-246-1610
Ben
gal
H ou
se R
ock
s!
Grade 6 SIBERIAN HOUSE
ith
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Ple
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Lindsey Benning
Spec. Services
715-243-1614
[email protected]
Lara Hatzenbeler Math
715-243-1603
[email protected]
Travis Helland
Science
715-243-1612
[email protected]
Laurie Larrabee
Social Studies
715-243-1632
[email protected]
Josh Martinson
Lang. Arts
715-243-1606
[email protected]
Megan Stowers
Literature
715-243-1605
[email protected]
SIBERIAN TIGER
noun. 1. a tiger, Panthera
tigris tigris, found mainly
in India and Bangladesh:
an endangered species.
How do we select the Student of the Month?
“Student of the Month students are strong leaders with great attitudes toward learning. They
are hard working students who go above and beyond in the classroom. It is a joy to recognize
these students as role models of our school and community.”
- Mrs. Stowers
STARS shine BRIGHT at NRMS!
Students of the
Month
“When I first found out that I was Student of the Month,
I was very surprised. My mom opened the letter on a
Friday afternoon and she yelled, “SAM!” I thought I was
in trouble. When she read it, she started tearing up.”
- Samuel Tyvoll
Cal Eckardt
Claire Seckora
Chloe Groth
Samuel Tyvoll
6th Grade


Social Studies
Literature
CURRICULUM UPDATE
CURRICULUM UPDATE
The beginning of the school year in social studies is spent studying and reviewing map skills such as latitude/longitude, scale,
and elevation/water depth. Students took part in a unique activity where they created a map project from an orange peel.
This particular project depicts the difficulty in projecting a 3dimensional shape onto a 2-dimensional surface.
In our next unit, we are studying early man and how early humans interacted with the environment. We also explore the
development of farming and domestication of animals, as well
as the many ways in which early man affects our culture today.
Students will have the opportunity to experience
an activity that will connect them to the past when
they analyze some mystery artifacts that should
simulate what it might be like at an archaeological
dig site. Lastly, students will have the chance to
create a personal cave drawing or mural about
different aspects of their lives that describes them.

We began the school year reading a number of informational
articles to learn the process of annotating text. We are encouraging students to have a “conversation” with what they
are reading to help reinforce reading strategies of good readers. These strategies include making connections, asking
questions, making inferences, making predictions, clarifying
confusion, summarizing, and identifying key vocabulary. It is
our goal to help students become “smarter” each day by
reading, talking and writing about the text they are reading.

We are well into our first novel. It is a science fiction novel
by Neal Shusterman entitled “Dark Side of
Nowhere.” In this novel, students will be
analyzing the main character and his journey/transition from a human being to an
alien-type being trying to save the
world. We will be comparing the novel’s
protagonist to other well-known characters
(Batman, Harry Potter, Shrek, Dumbo, etc.)
to analyze how each of those characters are “marked for
greatness.”
Language Arts
CURRICULUM UPDATE

Students have been focusing on and working with a curriculum
called Code X. Code X is a series that focuses on higher order
thinking in regards to reading and writing skills. Students will
also work with this curriculum in 7th and 8th grade. When reading through the pieces of literature, students learn new vocabulary and focus on how deeper understanding of words is important to reading and writing. Currently we are starting our
second unit in Code X titled, "Live Your Dream.” During this
Unit, students will be asked to explore the dreams that two
famous individuals had when they were young. We will also
study the strategies these authors use to describe the challenges
they faced while working to achieve their dreams. Upon completion of the readings in Unit 2, students will plan and deliver a
speech about one of the author’s goals and challenges and
whether or not the author achieved the end result he was seeking. As for the Written Performance Task, students will explain
how the two authors use writing strategies to help readers understand their experiences, challenges, and goals. Finally, students will show off their acquired knowledge and skills with an
end of the Unit Assessment.
“Smart is not something you are... Smart is something
you get!” - Stephanie Harvey
Extended Literature
CURRICULUM UPDATE

We began the school year reading a number of informational
articles to learn the process of annotating text. We are encouraging students to have a “conversation” with what they
are reading to help reinforce reading strategies of good readers. These strategies include making connections, asking
questions, making inferences, making predictions, clarifying
confusion, summarizing, and identifying key vocabulary. It is
our goal to help students become “smarter” each day by
reading, talking and writing about the text
they are reading.

We recently finished our first novel, Dark
Side of Nowhere and are currently reading
our second novel, Dangerous Days of Daniel
X by James Patterson. We were exploring
the genre of science fiction, and using this
genre to critically read the novel for figurative language, author’s writing style, and author’s purpose, as well as character development, setting, and other literary elements.
7th Grade
Clic
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Grade 7 CYCLONE HOUSE
Erin Baillargeon Science & Lit.
the
“Ho
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web ses” to
view
pag
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the
ir
715-243-1645 [email protected]
Bo Brandt
Soc. Studies & Lit. 715-243-1651 [email protected]
Ryan Schradle
Math & Science
715-243-1649 [email protected]
Kari Steffen
Spec. Services
715-243-1657 [email protected]
Josiah Wilson
Literature
715-243-1652 [email protected]
ˈsīˌklōn/
a system of winds rotating
inward to an area of low
atmospheric pressure
Grade 7 TORNADO HOUSE
Mallory Deziel
Science
715-243-1650 [email protected]
Sarah Kanter
Lang. Arts
715-243-1648 [email protected]
Taunya Kobernick Math, Algebra 715-243-1654 [email protected]
h
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Kari Steffen
Spec Services
715-243-1657 [email protected]
tôrˈnādō/
Ryan Stowers
Social Studies
715-243-1656 [email protected]
Tara Van Eperen
Literature
715-243-1647 [email protected]
a mobile, destructive vortex
of violently rotating winds
having the appearance of a
funnel-shaped cloud
How do we select the Student of the Month?
“When selecting candidates for Student of the Month we try to identify students who are excelling in the classroom, work well with other students, and who show great character, attitude,
and work ethic.” - Mr. Brandt
STARS shine BRIGHT at NRMS!
Students of the
Month
“It felt really amazing. I got to hang out with my family,
which was fun! We got to go out to eat. It was really fun
hanging out with my family!” -Austin Marx
Shaye Jacobson
Austin Marx
Samuel Olson
Mya Phillips
7th Grade
Literature & Extended Literature
Science
IMPORTANT DATES:
CURRICULUM UPDATE
 11/04—DUE: 4 AR points from INDEPENDENT reading book

CURRICULUM UPDATE

September was spent activating prior knowledge regarding what
skills and strategies good readers use and then building on those
skills and strategies by taking students deeper in their application
of strategies by reading and discussing a short story in class. This
story was also used to review the elements of fiction. From
there, we practiced actively reading nonfiction pieces using
“new” annotation strategies. Our nonfiction pieces also helped
to develop background information for our first class novel, Z for
Zachariah. You can expect your child to be working with this
novel nightly either reading chapters, writing
summaries or answering questions. Asking our
child to regularly share the key points of the novel is a great way to help her/him improve understanding of the text. If you would like to “read”
this novel with your child, (s)he can check one
out for you in the Media Center. At this time, all
literature classes (regular and extended) are
following the same general curriculum plan, however, there is

variation in the lexiles of some texts and the depth of questioning used in activities.
REMINDERS


One of the main goals of literature is to build personal reading
stamina. Your child should be reading EVERY NIGHT to build this
skill.
We are available after school most days to work with students
and/or provide a quiet area for independent reading.
REQUESTS

We are always on the lookout for grade level appropriate reading
materials for the classroom, gently used is perfect! Please keep
this in mind if you find yourself with a pile of books for donation.
Geography

We are working on our first unit of the year, The Foundations of
Geography. We have learned about how geographers organize
information about earth into the 5 Themes of
Geography and the tools that they use.
Students have created a map from their
home to school using all parts of a map. We
are currently studying the world population
and the impact of a large and growing population. The unit will
conclude with the topics of culture and how it changes with the
movement of people and goods, as well as government and economics. As we begin to tour the world for the rest of the school
year, we will begin in Asia.
The month of October is all about what makes something a
living thing. Students have been debating the 6 characteristics
of life and how they apply to living and non-living things. The
unit ends with a memory and stimuli lab which focuses on how
they can most effectively process and
store information. Late October and
early November, we move on to our cell
history unit where students will learn
about how the first cells were discovered and how scientists developed the
cell theory. We will have two microscope labs during this unit where students will observer different types of cells and classify them as prokaryotic or eukaryotic
or multicellular and unicellular organisms. We will then take it a
step further and have students observe unknown specimens to
determine if they are plant or animal cell based characteristics.
We will end the month of November with our cell organelle
unit resulting in students building 3D models of plant cells!
Language Arts
CURRICULUM UPDATE
Language arts students are currently working on writing a narrative based on an experience that has taught them a lesson, or
made them think differently. Within the coming weeks we will
be starting our next unit on natural disasters. We will
be reading Super Disasters of the 21st Century, which
covers 2005 Hurricane Katrina, 2008 earthquake in
China, and 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, and an excerpt
from The Perfect Storm.
7th Grade
Math—ALL 7th Grade Students
CURRICULUM UPDATE
The online version of our textbook can be found at www.bigideasmath.com. There are some wonderful resources here to help both families
and students understand the math. The lesson tutorials for each example in each lesson provide wonderful videos to view, there are also
online practice tests and quizzes to take, review material and interactives. We encourage families to explore the website to find the options
that will best help you and your student. Copies of the textbook can be checked out in the library for your student to use. And as always, if
there are questions regarding either of these options please feel free to contact your student’s math teacher.
REMINDERS




Check Skyward on a regular basis to make sure your child is getting homework turned in on time.
Check your child’s house website for up to date listing of homework assignments, scheduled quizzes, and tests.
Check your child’s planner to make sure they are writing down what they are doing every day for each class.
Your child will have homework in math class 4-5 nights per week. We expect them to do this homework at home
and utilize WINN time for studying notes, creating study aides, getting help on the problems they were challenged
on and utilizing school resources to help them out.
Math 7

7th grade math students have started off the year studying integers and rational number operations. Chapter 2
basically combines our newfound knowledge of handling positives and negatives with our 6 th grade knowledge of
how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and decimals. The ability to manage positive and negative numbers correctly will be important throughout the year so feel free to quiz your student at home on any of these topics. Trips to the grocery store, shopping, managing savings accounts are among a few of the activities that would
benefit your students in these areas and provide for some great real life application of our learning. Daily review of
notes will only make our knowledge stronger!
Accelerated Math 7

Equations have been our main focus. Your students should find themselves experts on these now as they can handle multi-step equations, variables on both sides, and rewriting equations for a different value as some of their many talents. Any review they can do on their
own of operations with integers, fractions and decimals will benefit them in the long run! Inequalities, ratios and proportions are next up
and should bring great learning opportunities to apply prior knowledge and gain new knowledge. Stay tuned! Daily review of notes will
only make our knowledge stronger!
Algebra 7

Algebra students started off the year with concentrated efforts on solidifying our knowledge of solving equations and establishing a strong
foundation to build on as we move forward through the various aspects of Algebra this year. We then explored the “Linear world” where
we are looked at different forms of linear equations and their graphs and how we can apply both of those areas of knowledge to solve
real-world problems. Currently we are working with linear inequalities and seeing how an inequality looks and works graphically and
what those solutions sets mean in real-world context. Systems of equations and inequalities will be up next. This will allow us to see
when two ongoing situations have the same solution, for example when thinking about a profit point. Students will benefit from having
graph paper available as they work this year. Daily review of notes will only make our knowledge stronger!
8th Grade
Plea
Grade 8 BLACK HOUSE
Brianna Beebe Lang Arts
715-243-1611 [email protected]
Damian Freyre Literature
715-243-1635 [email protected]
Kate Geissler
Science
715-243-1637 [email protected]
April Hamdorf
Spanish
715-243-1658 [email protected]
Gabe Henk
Amer. History
715-243-1636 [email protected]
Maria Miller
Math
715-243-1638 [email protected]
Anna Young
Spec. Services
715-243-1642 [email protected]
se r
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t to
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ith a
onc
ern
ny
s!
Grade 8 ORANGE HOUSE
Jeffrey Kanewischer Science & Lit.
715-243-1644 [email protected]
Roger Reuvers
Math & Lit.
715-243-1643 [email protected]
Lisa Schmidt
History & Lit.
715-243-1640 [email protected]
Samantha Shipway
Language & Ext. Lit.
715-243-1639 [email protected]
Anna Young
Special Services
715-243-1642 [email protected]
How do we select the Student of the Month?
“SOM choices are tough because we have SO many great students. When we make our choices,
we look for a student who is a leader in class and with classmates, who has a great attitude, and
who cares about academics. Once we've decided on students of the month, we honor them
with a ceremony where teachers can share fun memories and compliments about the student.”
- Mrs. Freyre
STARS shine BRIGHT at NRMS!
Students of the
Month
When the letter arrived I was surprised but happy that I was
selected as September Student of the Month. I enjoy helping
people and I was grateful to be recognized by the staff of
NRMS.
- Allison Kolbeck
Taegan Crabtree Allison Kolbeck
Sydney Massey
Anneka Salstrom
8th Grade
Science
Math
CURRICULUM UPDATE


8th grade scientists have started the year off with a number of lab
activities. Students have used the scientific method to determine
how many drops of water can fit on a penny and calculated the density of a variety of objects and liquids. Engineering skills were put to
the test by designing and building a "Masscar" made from milk cartons and push-up wheels. Now, we venture into the great unknown space! We are beginning in our celestial neighborhood, focusing on
Earth's position in our solar system and it's interaction with our
moon. Soon we will be heading deeper into our solar system and
beyond!
CURRICULUM UPDATE

U.S History
Geometry
CURRICULUM UPDATE
CURRICULUM UPDATE
Students are learning how the explorations of the Americas changed
the world. The students studied how explorers from different countries claimed land for Kings and Queens in the
name of Christianity, new resources and to
expand their empires. They learned how the
Columbian exchange brought plants, animals,
and diseases to many countries as well as the
beginning of the dreaded slave trade. Students were introduced to Spanish conquest
of the Incans and Aztecs. They were amazed by the fact that so few
men were used by Hernando Cortes and Francisco Pizarro to conquer
entire civilizations! Next up: Colonialization of the 13 colonies!

CURRICULUM UPDATE
Students have spent the first month of school diving into a unit on
survival. Students have read “The Story of Keesh”, a short story
about a boy who must hunt in the extreme cold in order to provide
for his village, and an excerpt from Life of Pi, a
novel about a boy who must find a way to survive
on a boat with a 450 pound Bengal tiger! Students
are focusing on the challenging environments
these characters face, and will be using this information to write their first essay.
Students in the 8th grade
CPM Geometry course have
completed chapter 1, shapes
and transformations, and
chapter 2, angles and measurements. Next up, justification and similiarity, followed
by trigonometry and probability. Keep up the great work
students!
Literature
Language Arts

The year in 8th grade math began with solving equations
algebraically. Now students are working on geometry topics. Students have been completing rigid transformations,
which include, translations, reflections, and rotations. Next
up, more geometry topics, as we look at angle relationships
when parallel lines are cut by a transversal and angle relationships in polygons.
CURRICULUM UPDATE

8th grade Literature spent their last few weeks honing their
reading and analyzing skills while reading the
classic Outsiders. They are now about to
move on to the much more modern Endangered. This is a rather popular
book that takes the kids to the jungles of
Africa as they follow a young girl and her
bonobo.
`
Extended Literature
CURRICULUM UPDATE

Students have been hard at work reading and analyzing The Giver. In just this first month students have
already improved on their close reading and deeper
thinking skills! In studying The Giver, we're able
to discuss utopias and dystopias, as well as analyze
symbols and allusions.
Please be sure to visit our website for up-to-date information about homework assignments, upcoming important dates and much, much more!
Click HERE!
ENCORE Classes
Emily Dabrowski
Health
715-243-1602
[email protected]
Stephen Dahle
Chorus
715-243-1620
[email protected]
Laura Feyma
FCE (8th)
715-243-1618
[email protected]
Amanda Figi
FCE (6th & 7th) 715-243-1618
[email protected]
Becca Haines
Band
715-243-1621
[email protected]
April Hamdorf
Spanish
715-243-1658
[email protected]
Allison Johnson
Art
715-243-1625
[email protected]
Jodi Mealey
Music
715-243-1622
[email protected]
Brian Miller
Tech Ed / Shop 715-243-1623
[email protected]
Karen Stellrecht
Phy Ed
715-243-1631
[email protected]
Matthew Schmitz Phy Ed
715-243-1633
[email protected]
Jim Saliny
715-243-1666
[email protected]
Orchestra
Orchestra
Tech Ed
IMPORTANT DATES
CURRICULUM UPDATE



6th Grade—are learning how to measure, how to read a drawing, and how to apply this knowledge to make projects. Ask
them which project they have
chosen to make.
7th Grade—are working through
a design and problem solving
process to construct a CO-2
dragster. They will test their cars
by racing them against other
students. Ask them about the
design software that they are
using.
8th Grade—are beginning the
production phase of making clocks and will be beginning the
individual work soon. Ask them how it is going and what jobs
they have done on our production line. 5 points extra credit if
they get your signature on a piece of paper that states their
production job.
 11/11—Veterans Day Service
CURRICULUM UPDATE


6th Grade—have been studying how to hold and use their bows.
They are moving along really well and are looking forward to their
Christmas Concert in December. You should ask to hear your
student play!!! And remember Practice, Practice and Practice.
7th & 8th Grade—are continuing to make great sounds, this will
be the biggest 7th and 8th grade Orchestra ever at the Middle
School! We are looking forward to our Christmas Concert as
well. The 8th graders are also working on a couple of pieces for
Veterans Day, they will play along with
the Band and Choir. It will be a great
day, Nov. 11th!
Spanish
CURRICULUM UPDATE

8th grade—we are currently working on describing others in
Spanish. We are excited to be starting writing sentences in Spanish.

7th grade—students have been enjoying learning about weather
expressions in Spanish.

6th grade—students are learning to count to 100 in Spanish.
REMINDERS

**Students will be mass producing the parts for clocks and assembling
them individually. 5 points extra credit if they get your signature on
a piece of paper that states their production job**
It is important to practice Spanish outside the classroom. Please encourage
your student to study and use their
Spanish knowledge in their daily lives.
ENCORE Classes
Physical Education
Media Center

REMINDERS
Students are able to bring their own technology devices (e.g.
laptops, tablets, eReaders, iPads, phones, etc) for use in the
school setting. A filtered internet connection on our “GUEST”
wireless network is required for student use. A form can be
picked up at the media center or downloaded HERE.
CURRICULUM UPDATE

We’ve had a great start of the school year in Physical Education.
We started off with soccer and have now moved onto Ultimate
Frisbee along with fitness testing. The students have a great time
and the nice weather has helped us get outside to enjoy the fresh
Autumn air.
REMINDERS

Please have your child bring the Phy. Ed. Uniform home to be
washed weekly.

As the weathers gets cooler, students
are allowed to have sweatshirt/pants
to put on over their uniform.

If a student has missed a fitness test,
please have him/her schedule a time
with their teacher to complete it.

If your child misses a day, please encourage them to schedule a
“make up” so that they can earn those points that they missed.
Family Consumer Education
CURRICULUM UPDATE



6th Grade— students started the year learning about the
basics of the sewing machine as well as how to thread the
machine. Students' first project was a basic pin cushion
where they practiced using their sewing skills by sewing a
few straight seams to create their pin cushion. Students then
were able to practice hand sewing their pin cushion shut to
complete the project. Students then tackled the task of creating a drawstring backpack. Again students practiced sewing
straight seams and learned the process of stringing the backpack strap cording through the tops of their projects. In the
coming weeks students will have the opportunity to showcase their sewing skills once again while creating a pair of
elastic waisted pajama shorts.
7th Grade—Financial Literacy—students started the year
learning about values, wants and needs as well as goal setting
and how setting goals is linked to financial planning. Students
then learned about checking accounts and all the pieces associated with a checking account
including checks and debit cards.
We then discussed the concept of
interest and how it is associated
with both saving as well as loans
and borrowing money. This past
week we discussed credit and
credit cards, what the pros and
cons of having a credit card are as
well as why having a credit card
comes with great responsibility.
We will finish out the rotation
learning how to write checks and why creating a spending
plan or budget is a useful tool in financial management.
8th Grade—students just finished up our unit on Child Development. Students reviewed stages and types of development. They applied this knowledge as they learned about
discipline and guidance techniques. Along with guidance and
discipline we discussed the very serious topic of Shaken Baby
Syndrome. We have now progressed into our cooking unit!
Students are excited to be in the kitchen and learning the
fundamentals of cooking; not to mention eating what they
produce!
Choir
CURRICULUM UPDATE

What a great start to the year it has been for choir! All three
choirs have been working hard on challenging pieces that they
will be presenting at their concerts on December 13th.

6th Grade—their piece is based off a poem from the 1500’s.
While featuring dramatic text painting, it is challenging the 6th
Grade Choir to make soft portions of the
song exciting as well as with the same
intensity of a loud portion of music.

7th Grade—is working on a piece that is
in Spanish and muy rítmico! While maintaining a high level of energy throughout
the piece, 7th grade Choir has especially been working on creating a rich, dark timbre that makes the choir sound more collegial and unified.

8th Grade—has hit the ground running working on pieces for the
Veterans Day ceremony on November 11th while simultaneously
working on pieces that will be performed on December 13th. One
piece to be performed at the winter concert is written by the
famous Romantic Era composer, Johannes Brahms. The piece will
be performed in its original language, German.
ENCORE Classes
Band
CURRICULUM UPDATE

The 8th grade band students had a busy homecoming week! They performed an indoor marching concert for the students of Starr and
Paperjack Elementary schools. Tiger Pride was everywhere at the pep assembly/indoor band concert performed for all the middle school
students as well. The band performed music from the summer parade season as well as new music from the fall. It was a great way to
end the exciting homecoming week!

6th grade— band students are in full swing with their instruments and music. We have created some ‘interesting’ sounds so
far and are looking forward to the challenge of new music.

7th and 8th grade—students have been learning lots of music in preparation for the homecoming events, Veterans Day assembly, and the holiday concert.

All band students are currently participating in our fall fundraiser. We are selling items from two catalogs with gifts including frozen foods, wrapping paper, magazines, and home goods. This sale contributes and helps fund our uniforms, equipment, and travel. With the growth in our band program, this sale helps us continue to succeed in music. Orders (with payment) were due on Monday, October 10th. Thank you for your support! Items will be delivered to the school on Monday,
November 14th and can be picked up in the band room between 2:45-5:30.
The New Richmond Middle School Marching Tigers participated in several parades over the summer. The marching band consists of a voluntary
group of 7th and 8th grade band students who
practice throughout the summer to prepare for
these events. They performed their show songs
of Olympic Fanfare, The Muppet Theme, and Hey
Jude. They are led by directors Becca Haines and
Liz Rasmussen and drum majors Ashley Patten and Ellie Barlow-Sage.
Programs & Special Services
From our Health Office…
DEALING WITH STRESS
By: Health Assistant
What is stress? Stress is what we feel when we react to
particular events. It is our body’s way of rising to a challenge
and getting ready to deal with a tough situation with focus
and strength. A little stress can help keep you on your toes,
ready to rise to the challenge.
Feeling nervous before performing at a concert or playing a
sport is natural. Taking a deep breath and relaxing will help
you be calm and enjoy your event.
Feeling a little stress about a test that is coming up can motivate you to study hard. But stressing out too much over a
test can make it difficult to concentrate on what you need to
learn.
Some stressors are ongoing or
long-term events, like dealing
with a parents divorce or moving to a new house or school,
being bullied or fighting with
your friends. These stressful
situations can cause your student to overeat on junk food, have headaches or stomach
problems, be moody and cranky. Sometimes falling asleep or
staying asleep can become a problem for them.
There are ways that as parents we can help our student keep
their stress under control. Help them to not overschedule
themselves by cutting out an activity or two and just keep the
ones that they love doing the most. Make sure your child
gets a good night of sleep. Your student needs 8 ½ to 9 hours
of sleep each night. Going to bed earlier, removing all devices
from the bedroom such as; television, phone and games can
help tremendously in getting a good night of sleep. Sleeping
in on the weekends is a great way to catch up on sleep. Treat
your body well with regular exercise such as walking the dog
during the week, which is an excellent way to help relieve
stress. Watch what you eat; choose an apple and milk instead
of a bag of chips and a can of pop.
Help your student practice solving problems and to ask for
help. They still need your guidance. Learning to solve their
everyday problems will help them feel capable of solving
them and help them build confidence that they can tackle
life’s bigger ones.
Let a little stress motivate you into positive action to reach
your goals. Believe in yourself and your student. That is the
best motivation for all.
Tiger Quest
Battle of the Books Extreme has started for those who dare
take the challenge! Participants must read
20 designated books by February 2017 and
compete in a school battle where they will
respond to 20 in depth questions. Top 4
finishers will compete online against other
teams in the state of Wisconsin. Participants will receive a free Battle of the Books
Extreme T-shirt and celebrate reading with a donut party.
Math Masters-6th grade and Math Counts- 7th and 8th grade
teams are getting underway with practices
starting the week of Oct. 10th. Both teams
will be participating in a kick off event
on Oct. 20th at Target Field for the Learning Math through Baseball program. Participants will get an
in depth tour and work on some baseball related math projects.
Jodi Markowski
715-243-7416
[email protected]
Clubs / Activities
Ski Club (All Grades!)
Yearbook Club
IMPORTANT DATES
REMINDERS
 11/02—Ski Club Sign Up begin @ 7am in Commons
 11/22—Ski Club Sign Up CLOSES
 12/01—1st Day of Ski Club (weather permitting!)

Please help us make the MS
Yearbook one to remember by
emailing pictures showcasing
student Tiger Pride to:
[email protected]
REMINDERS




Students can stop in the office for sign-up material or
find them on our webpage HERE.
After 11/02, sign up forms can be
dropped off in the office or in
room 128.
EVERYTHING must be turned in at
the same time; forms will not be
accepted otherwise.
Sign up is on a first come, first serve basis—space is limited!
Sporting events, club & activity meetings, study groups,
etc!
Washington D.C & Civil War Battlefields
Student Council
June 2-6, 2017
REMINDERS

Please remember to save your BOX TOPS and turn them
into Mrs. Hamdorf or Mrs. Stellrecht.
 We have our first Friday Frenzy coming up
on Friday, Oct. 21st. Join us for dodgeball, concessions, music, board games and more!

REMINDERS



Math Counts


REMINDERS

Math counts is a national middle school coaching and
competitive mathematics program that promotes mathematics achievement through a series of fun and engaging "bee" style contests. Math counts is open to 7th &
8th grade students at NRMS. Practice
is once a week, either on Tuesdays
after school or Wednesdays before
school. Practice begins the week of
October 10th. Looking forward to a
fun season!
Calling all 7th and 8th Graders! Travel to Washington DC
and Civil War Battlefields this summer! Click HERE for
more info!
Fill out this google form to get more information
Go straight to the Brightspark website HERE and use
code 6439132
Look for information at conferences in the commons
Fundraising options are available! For cost of trip and
other information, again please visit the website.
Talk to Mrs. Schmidt (Room 105) or Ms. Shipway (room
107) in the 8th grade hallway (across from the health
office)
Mrs. Schmidt
[email protected]
Ms. Shipway
[email protected]
Check out all Clubs/Activities HERE!
“Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change.”
- Barbara Mikulski
7th Graders!
We also have a trip
to Boston in the
Summer of 2018!
Look for more information coming
soon!
Get Involved in Extra– Curricular Activities
All Year
Yearbook Committee
Jazz Band
Student Council
Ovation
FFA
Art Club
Marching Band
Craft Club
Fal
Scien
l/W
ce Ol
ympi
ad
Foren
sics
er
Ski Cl
ub
Sewin
g Clu
b
Winter/Spring
Spelling Bee
int
Solo & Ensemble
Middle
School
Sports
Drama Club
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things
you didn’t do than by the ones you did.
Explore, Dream, Discover! - Unknown
Summer
Travel learning experience for 7th & 8th Graders. Planning meeting held
throughout the school year. *Additional fees apply.*
Washington DC
Fall

Football

Cross Country

Volleyball
Boston, MA
Winter
Tiger Quest Clubs

Boys/Girls Basketball

Wrestling
*Open to all students*
Math Masters—6th Grade
Math Counts—7th & 8th Grades
Geography Bee
PAWS (Peers Achieve With Service)
Battle of the Books
Chesskers (Chess & Checkers)
History Fair
Quiz Bowl
Spring

Track
Cross Country Girls
TiGeR aThLeTiCs
7th Grade Volleyball
BALLARD, SOPHIA
BAU, MAGGIE
BURNS, MARIE
DOLEZAL, CASSIE
FLOM, DARIA
FLOM, MARIA
HARRIS, KAYLA
JACOBSON, SHAYE
KILIBARDA, DANICA
KLING, BARBARA
KNUTSON, ALANNA
KNUTSON, AVERY
KOSIN, STELLA
MONTREAL, ABBIE
NOLAN, SYDNEY
OLIEN, CHLOE
PATTEN, ASHLEY
REWALD, ALINA
ROGERS, WILLA
SHILTS, ALI
SIMENSON, SAMANTHA
WHIPPLE, AMBER
WHITE, EVELYN
WIENKE, KAILYN
WILLIAMSON, SHELBY
ZILLER, ELIZABETH
ZINCK, ADDISON
Cross Country Boys
BENEDICT, MICHAEL
BESKAR, ANDREW
BISHOP, CALE
BURMOOD, JACK
CAMPBELL, CHRISTOPHER
DEAN, CONNOR
DRILL, JONAS
DULON, RILEY
HANSEN, GAVIN
HARRIS, TYLER
HUGHES, NOAH
JOHNSON, AIDAN
MCDONALD, CADEN
MENDEZ, CHARLES
ANDERSEN, JACLYN
BERG, MARIA
BLINDERMAN, ANGELA
CACKA, ISABELLA
COLOMBO, EVELYN
EIYNCK, SHELBY
ENGSTRAND, MADISON
ENGSTROM, KAISA
FAGNAN, KYLIE
FEHLEN, ERIN
GADACH, MAKAYLA
HAMS, ANNA
HAUGEN, KIERA
HEIER, LILLI
JACKSON, BROOKLYN
LaBLANC, BRYNN
LARSON, ANNABELLE
MATHEWS, PRESTON
MELBY, GIANNA
NAYLOR, KYLIE
NELSON, ABBIE
NELSON, HAILEY
OKTONOVELIA SERINA
PHILLIPS, MYA
POWERS, DYLLAN
TAPPE, EMMA
THOMPSON, AJA
VEENENDALL, LANIE
WATTERS, CALI
WILLIAMS, MAZIE
8th Grade Volleyball
ANDERSEN, MEGAN
BENISH, JAIDA
BLASZCZYK, ABIGAIL
BRITTON, ALEAH
BROWN, DELANEY
CONNOLLY, AINE
COUNTER, ELIZABETH
CRABTREE, TAEGAN
DeYOUNG, LEAH
EFFERTZ, ASHLEY
ELLISON, BRENNA
EMMERICH, CASSANFRALICK, BRYANNE
GESS, MADELYN
GOULETTE, SAVANNAH
HAGEN, TAYLOR
HEIBERG, SOPHIA
HERBERT, SHELBY
HOLLERN, BRIANNA
KAMMERER, OLIVIA
KIRCHOFF, MEGAN
KOLBECK, ALLISON
MEYER, CIERA
MOLOHON, SARAH
MORTIMER, ALYSSA
MURKVE, ARIANA
NYGAARD, JADA
SCHOON, SOPHIA
“The 7th grade volleyball players have been showing
STAFSHOLT, MAGGIE
great improvement as the season has progressed this
year. As of October 10th, the black team has a record
of 21-15 and the orange team is 5-31. The last match
is Thursday, October 20th at Amery. Keep up the
great work ladies!” - Coach Miller
TUNNICLIFF, ALI
TURBEVILLE, EMMA
ULWELLING, GRACE
“The middle school cross country team had an excellent year. As I am
writing this, the girls team has taken first place at every meet they have
run. All members have worked very hard in practice and this is evident by
the great improvement in races since the beginning of the year.”
- Coach Miller and Crotteau
TiGeR aThLeTiCs
8th Grade Football
ANDERSON, CADEN
ANDERSON, JAMES
BENEDICT, MARCUS
BIRD, GAVIN
BOTZ, CONRAD
BRUCE, ADAM
BURKE, MASON
CORK, NICHOLAS
DENNIS, TYLER
T
“ he 7th grade football team continues
to grow in our 2016
season. We have 4045 student athletes
who have committed
themselves to improving their football
knowledge and skill
level. Practices are
held daily after school
and the emphasis has
been on blocking,
tackling, and the fundamentals of the
game. The players
have made noticeable
gains in many areas
and they are working
very hard to keep
building on a solid
foundation. Both
teams have experienced success in recent games against
Amery and Somerset,
both ending with
decisive wins. The
coaches have been
pleased with the players overall attitude,
work ethic, and their
willingness to be
coached. The 7th
grade team and
coaches alike are
expecting to continue
to improve while
making this season
enjoyable and successful.”
- Coach Montreal
- Coach Martinson
7th Grade Football
ERICKSON, MASON
EASTEP, CALEB
FELTON, CONNOR
FLATTEN, RYDER
GEORGE, TAYVEN
GRESCHNER, BRET
HAYES, QUENTIN
HOPKINS, JOSHUA
JIMENEZ, RUBEN
JOHNSON, BLAINE
KIEFFER, MICHAEL
LANGE, NATHANIEL
ALEXANDER, ANTHONY
ALTENA, JAXON
ALTENA, JOSE
ANCO, JOSHUA
BAUER, LANE
BESSAC, AUSTIN
BLIETZ, DAMIAN
BLOYER, TRAVIS
BOHATTA, ALEX
CAMPEAU, KADYN
CONLIN, GRANT
DEMULLING, CHASE
DIETERT, WILLIAM
ERICKSON, JAX
ERICKSON, TUCKER
FEINER, CHASE
FINDLEY, MATTHEW
FOX, LUKE
HARTL, THOMAS
HEINECKE, SAM
HENNING, NOAH
JARCHOW, ALEXANDER
JOHNSON, TYLER
KLINDT, CHRISTOPHER
KRUIZENGA, DYLAN
LaDUKE, DOMINIC
LEFLER, BRADLEY
MANSKE, TRENT
MILLER, ISAIAH
MOUA, ISAAC
MYER, JACK
OCONNOR, KELLEN
OLSON, CHARLES
ROFF, BRAYDEN
ROGERS, RILEY
RUD, ETHAN
SALMON, CHARLES
SCHOON, BRYCE
SCHUTTE, HUNTER
SHEETZ, IAN
SMITH, CHASE
SPIELMAN, JORDYN
STOWERS , KENNAN
UNGER, BROCK
LANGENESS, CADEN
WOLF, CALEB
WEISS, SULLIVAN
LaPEAN, SAMUEL
LARSON, LOGAN
LEASE, BRADY
McGINLEY, JORDAN
PANEK, ZACHARY
PAULSON, GAVIN
RISTOW, TRISTAN
RUD, NOAH
SCHUBERT, BRIAN
SCHUTTE, JAMES
SHARP, COLLIN
SMITH, CARSON
THOMPSON, CHASE
THON, GARRETT
TRAYNOR, GADGE
VINCENT, AUSTIN
WICKLEM, JACOB
YAGER, DYLAN
MOODY, ISAIAH
Integrate Learning During Family Time & Have Fun Doing It!
- Mrs. Peirson
Many of us have a number of recipes that we enjoy preparing. Perhaps they are old family recipes or simply someone's favorite meal. Some recipes we can prepare without much effort: a quarter cup of butter, a quarter cup of flour, and two cups
of milk for a white sauce. However, when we have guests over for dinner, we find these familiar recipes have to be adjusted.
Maybe we have to make three times as many servings. Now we need three quarter cups of butter, three quarter cups of flour,
and so on. Sometimes we want to make a smaller portion, such as when part of the family is away. Now we find ourselves
using half a quarter cup of butter, half a quarter cup of flour, and so on. You and your child can discuss strategies for preparing a meal when you have to change the recipe. For example, you might ask your student: “Grandma's brownie muffin recipe
makes enough for three dozen muffins, but we only want one dozen. What should we do?” Your child may answer, “We can
divide the recipe measures by three.” Sometimes you have to make a judgment call. How do you cut the recipe in half, if it
calls for three eggs? Talk with your student about different strategies for changing a recipe like this. This conversation will
help reinforce the multiplication and division of fractions your child is learning in math.
Enjoy your cooking time together!
Did you know….
It seems we have a large number of Viking fans walking the
halls of the New Richmond Middle School.
Are you a Viking fan or a Packer Backer?
(tell Mrs. Burmood, Mrs. Davis, or Mrs. Till in the Media Center and earn a treat)