PAGE
1
Altoona Middle School: Gr 6-8
Altoona Intermediate School: Gr 4/5
P R I N C I P A L :
“It is the supreme
G A R Y
to awaken joy in
Go Railroaders!!
creative expres-
The Students and Staff of
Some friendly rivalry amongst our
staff!
Altoona Intermediate and
2 0 1 3
Altoona Intermediate &
Middle School Office at
(715) 839 6030
School District of Altoona’s Homepage at
www.altoona.k12.wi.us.
Middle School are proud
knowledge”.
O C T O B E R
Getting into the spirit of things ...
art of the teacher
sion and
P S Z E N I C Z N Y
of our school—and they
like to show it.
Albert Einstein
Our Recess Supervisor, Ms. Nelson
with the football team!
We hope you take a
moment to enjoy this
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
month’s newsletter—
Specialist Teachers & 2
Grade Schedules.
especially some in-
We thank our staff for the
formative articles writ-
dedication and enthusiasm
ten by our 6th Grade
October 2013
Calendar
3
Reminders!
3
School Crossing Info!
The O.T.L. LAB.
4
Baby Bourget!!
Late/early arrivals
Volunteering
5
Gr 4/5 News
Gr 6 News
Gr 7 News
Gr 8 News
6
Sixth Grade Articles.
8
Counselor’s Corner
School Council
10
Staff Contact list.
We were excited to cele-
students—and see what
brate Spirit week at
is happening in your
cessful start to our 2013—
school during the week
2014 School year.
leading up to homecom-
Finally, we thank you for
ing. Twin day, wacky
your continued support as
day, you name it we cele-
we endeavor to improve in
brated it!
every way we can, thus givchild’s grade level.
A few reminders ……
7
All Altoona Intermediate
and Middle School stu-
11
that has given us a suc-
dents and staff members
were able to enjoy viewing the Homecoming Parade along Bartlett Street.
Electronics (cell
phones,
iPods, etc)
should be
kept in a student's locker
from bell to bell.
ing your child the best education we can offer.
Gary Pszeniczny
A.I.S. & A.M.S.
Principal
Jamie Oliver
A.I.S. & A.M.S.
Dean Of Students
2
A.I.S. & A.M.S. SPECIALISTS:
Mr. Baldwin
Band 7 & 8
Music 4/5
Mr. Crane
Mr. Lueck
Choir 6 & 7 Choir 8
Band 6
Music 4/5
Mr. Emerson Mr. Hayden
Phy Ed 4/5
Phy Ed 4/5, 8
6-8
Careers 8
The 4/5 Team
Ms. Baxter
Spanish 4/5
Mr. Burgraff
Art 4/5
Art 6-8
Ms. Emerson
Health 6 & 7
6th Grade
Team
7th Grade
Team
8th Grade
Team
Ms. Bourget
Phy Ed 4/5
6&7
Ms. Gebert
Mr. Jenneman Ms. Skifstad
P.I.E. 4/5
Tech 4/5
Keyboard 4/5
P.I.E. 6 - 8
Info 6 & 7
World Lang 6-8
SCHEDULES
Grade 4/5
8:20 - 8:35
Advisory
8:35 - 9:45
Core 1
9:45 -10:00
Grade 6
Grade 7 & 8
7: 45 - 8:00
Advisory
7: 45 - 8:00
Advisory
Recess
8:00 - 9:00
Core 1
8:00 - 9:00
Core 1
10:00 -11:10
Core 2
9:03 - 9:48
Special
9:03-10:03
Core 2
11:10 -11:55
Special
9:51 - 10:51
Core 2
10:06 -10:51
Special
11:58 -12:33
Lunch/
Recess
10:54 -11:34
Lunch/
Recess
10:54 - 11:34
Lunch/
Recess
12:26 -1:56
Core 3
11:37-12:37
Core 3
11:37-12:37
Core 3
1:59 - 2:35
PIE
12:40 - 1:25
Special
12:40 - 1:40
Core 4
2:38 -3:21
Special
1:28 -2:28
Core 4
1:43 - 2:28
Special
3:23—3:30
Homeroom
2:31 - 3:00
PIE
2:31 - 3:00
PIE
3
The Month Ahead:
October 2013
Sun
6
Mon
Tue
AIS Cookie Fundraiser begins
1
7
8
FB VB
XC
Wed
T
2 AMS Magazine
fundraiser kick off!
3
9
10
15
14
16
FB
PTO Night at Dairy
Queen on Birch, 5-8pm
20
21
T VB
22
VB
28
VB
29
T
XC
Sat
4
5
11
In-service Day– no
school for students.
12
18
19
25
26
Child Development
Day. 8-5pm AMS Upper
Gym
17
T XC VB
XC T VB
Picture
retake day!
23
24
30
31
PTO Meeting
Cancelled!!!!
27
Fri
AIS Parent Teacher
Conferences
3:45—7pm
AIS Parent Teacher
Conferences
3:45—7pm
13
Thu
T
XC
WKCE TESTING BEGINS: OCT 28th THROUGH NOV 14th — more details to follow.
THU OCT 3rd
VB 7th RED 4pm LG
VB 7th BL 4pm UG
VB 8th RED 3:45 NS
VB 8th BL 3:45 NS
MON, OCT 7th.
FB 7th gr 3:45 Delong
FB 8th gr 3:45 Altoona
VB 7th RED 4pm UG
VB 7th BL 4pm LG
VB 8th RED 4:15pm CF
VB 8th BL 4:15 CF
THU, OCT 17th
VB 7th RED 4pm UG
VB 7th BL 4pm LG
VB 8th RED 3:45 D1
VB 8th BL 3:45 D3
XC 4:15 M
T 3:45 Altoona
MON, OCT 21st
VB 7th RED 3:45 NS
VB 7th BL 3:45 NS
VB 8th RED 4pm LG
VB 8th BL 4pm UG
T 3:45 Altoona
TUES, OCT 29th
XC 4:15 Delong
T 3:45 Altoona
TUE, OCT 8th
XC 4:15 NS
T 3:45 Altoona
THU, OCT 24th
XC 4:15 Altoona
T 3:45 S
VB = Volleyball
FB = Football
T = Tennis
XC = Cross country
THU, OCT 10th.
VB 7th RED 3:45 South
VB 7th BL 3:45 South
VB 8th RED 4pm UG
VB 8th BL 4pm LG
XC 4:30 Greenwood
T 3:45 S
TUE, OCT 15th
FB 7th gr 3:45 Alt.
FB 8th gr 3:45 D
MON, OCT 28st
VB 7th RED 4pm M1
VB 7th BL 4pm M3
VB 8th RED 4pm M2
VB 8th BL 4pm M4
LG = Lower Gym (AMS)
UG = Upper Gym (AMS)
NS = North Star
CF = Chippewa Falls
D = Delong
M = Menomonie
S = South
4
SCHOOL CROSSINGS:
A School Crossing Guard is on duty at the intersection of Bartlett and
6th between 7:15-7:45am. In the afternoon the guard is on duty from
3:00 - 3:10pm.
A guard is on duty at the intersection of Bartlett and 5th from 7:157:45 am and 8:00-8:20 am. After school a guard is available between
3:00-3:10 and 3:20-3:40pm.
Everyone is encouraged to cross only at the designated school crossings.
The O.T.L. (Opportunity To Learn) Lab.
Ms. Sivertson’s ride to school!
Ms. Sivertson and her OTL Lab
are open for business and off to a
super start! Second thru 12th
grade level have started coming to
the lab for GT services. First and
K are going through the GIFT assessment.
We are loving the new Chromebooks! Several upper
classmen have begun their online classes through
Aventa. Everyone has adjusted to moving to a new location. We like the sunny room and the new Café tables. The yellow comfortable chairs ROCK too.
The lab always needs “Brain Food” (small hard candies) and hot
chocolate packets for drinks!
Remember to visit the GT website on our district web page under SUPPORT SERVICES!!
5
We warmly welcome our newest little
Railroader!
Our AIS & AMS Phy Ed Teacher, Ms. Bourget,
announced the safe arrival of Baby Howard Ellis
Bourget.
DATE: September 19th, 2013.
TIME: 4:00pm.
WEIGHT: 7lbs 10 oz
LENGTH: 20 inches long.
“Howie”
Mom and baby are both
doing well!
Arriving Late? Leaving Early?
If your child needs to be picked up early, or is being
dropped off late, our school requires that a parent/guardian
sign the student in/out at the Intermediate & Middle School
office. Please ask at the office for the appropriate sign in sheet.
Visiting? Volunteering?
For the safety of our students and staff, we ask that
all volunteers stop by the school office, sign in and grab a
volunteer tag. As you leave, please sign yourself out and
replace the tag.
You are always welcome to visit our
school; however if you need to visit your student or a
staff member during class time, we ask that you call
the school to schedule an appointment. This way we
can ensure the staff member is available and that instruction time in not adversely affected.
6
Altoona Intermediate School Gr 4/5
HEADS UP!
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be October 8th & 10th, 3:45—7:00pm
Watch for reminders in your Student’s Assignment Notebook.
Students should be reading daily. Minutes should be recorded in
their Assignment Notebook.
Our school day begins at 8:20am. If your child is eating Breakfast
at school, they should be arriving by 8:05 to allow time to
eat and begin class on time.
THUMBS UP!
We all survived MAP testing! Routines and expectations have come together and the stage is being set
for classroom activities. Our day flies by and is
action packed. Learning is fun!!
HELP!!
We would love some treat donations for our classroom PBIS incentive treat buckets. Wrapped candy or granola bars would be perfect.
Gr 6: Altoona Middle School
Fill ‘Er Up – PBIS Treat Bucket
We need your help! The sixth graders have been earning many PBIS tickets for their good behavior. If they turn in five tickets, they get a coupon. They can turn in a coupon for rewards like
leading warm ups for their gym class, sitting in a comfy chair, wearing a hat all day, chewing gum,
going to the front of the lunch line with a friend, or a popular one is picking from the PBIS treat
bucket. In the bucket there is candy, crackers, popcorn, fruit snacks, beef sticks, granola bars,
packs of gum, chips, and more! Yum! It’s no surprise that it’s emptying quickly!
By Demarcus Andrews
This is where we need your help. Parents can donate any of the pre-packaged items listed above
to help us constantly keep the PBIS bucket filled to the brim. If you are willing to donate items, it
would be great! Have your son/daughter bring them to their homeroom teacher.
The students and the teachers really appreciate your donations. So please keep them
coming.
*CHECK FOR MORE 6th GRADE NEWS ON PAGES 8 & 9!
Sam Steffensen proudly holds
up a PBIS coupon as he picks
from the snack bucket.
7
Gr 7: Altoona Middle School
HEADS UP!
WKCE testing for 7th Grade will be during the window of October 28th—Nov 14th. Please
try to avoid scheduling appointments during these times. Exact dates will follow soon.
Jan 8th will be our 7th Grade Courage Retreat at UW Eau Claire.
Just a reminder that parents need to sign their student’s assignment notebook every Thursday Night.
THUMBS UP!
7th Graders have had a great start to the year. Teachers have been impressed with their
group work skills and communication and kindness toward each other. They have been doing a terrific job during homeroom time, getting organized and being prepared for the day.
They have been especially responsible with organizing their science notebooks and having
them with them every day.
HELP!!
Please save Boxtops from General Mills Products. Proceeds
from the Boxtops will go towards the cost of the 7th grade
Courage Retreat.
We are also looking for donations of individually packaged
snacks for our PBIS treat buckets. If you would like to donate please send them to your child's homeroom teacher.
Gr 8: Altoona Middle School
HEADS UP!
8th Grade students did a great job with MAP testing. We will be using our initial data to
help students set goals to continue improving and also work with students during PIE time.
We’re already excited to see growth throughout the year!
THUMBS UP!
Assignment notebooks are really helping our 8th graders keep
track of work and assignments.
We are off to a great start with our Core Values—Keep up the great
work!!
BE SAFE *BE RESPECTFUL*BE RESPONSIBLE *BE READY
TO LEARN
HELP!!
Donations for PIE Time Curriculum Supplements (I.e. Science
Magazines)
Donations to go toward Jason Project supplies—this year’s featured topic is Climate!
*Absentee Hotline (715) 839 6095
* Student Transit (715) 839-5116.
* Food & Nutrition Supervisor, Peggy Ehrhard, X 434
8
Words, Sentences, Stories and More
By: Alyse Tainter
The 6th grade language arts class has been very hard at work. In the first week
of school, kids were mostly just getting back in the swing of things in all their classes, but
now they’re all learning many new things.
Sixth grade students recently took the SRI (Scholastic
Reading Inventory) on the
new Chromebooks to determine their reading level or
Lexile.
In the beginning, Mrs. Phippen started with QAR questions. QAR stands for
Question-Answer Relationships . There are “In My Head” and “In The Book” QARs.
We have been working on writing our own different QAR questions and the various
places you’d look to find the answers. The class read a chapter from the funny book A
Long Way from Chicago, and as we read, we developed our own QAR questions and
answered them. We also learned many new vocabulary words using graphic vocabulary
(picture representations of the words) and listened to an old Irish song from the story
called “The Night Patty Murphy Died.”
Next, we read a short article or book about the first family, The Obamas, and
wrote more QAR questions and used them in our small group discussions.
We also learned about all the type of sentences (declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory)
and how to punctuate them correctly because Mrs. Phippen said that we needed some work and improvement in
this area.
We are all looking forward to our first guided reading books. The theme will be families and how they look
very different for everybody. The class will split up into groups . The groups are split up by your child’s reading level, or Lexile, that was determined by the MAP test and the SRI test students took. While students read, they will be
developing QARs from their books that their group-mates will answer in discussions. Look for the books to come
home starting October 1st. Your child will have a bookmark that indicates how much they need to read each day.
Happy reading!
Super Science
By: Trevor Kempen
In science, the sixth graders have learned a lot in the one month we’ve been in school. They have
been working really hard to think like real scientists. The sixth graders are learning how to conduct an experiment. So far in this unit, we have built pendulums, miniature lifeboats, and flippers. The sixth graders
are really enjoying trying to figure out and predict what is going to
happen in the experiments.
The kids are learning about different variables like size and
mass. They are also trying to conduct a controlled experiment. Which
is an experiment where you only change one variable at a time. It also
has an independent variable and a dependent variable. The independent variable is the one you know, and the dependent variable is the
one that you are trying to figure out.
The sixth graders have also learned how to record data on a
two coordinate graph. They were all surprised of the results.
Experiment number 4:
Foss Planes on a Flight Line
I am one of Mrs. Navarre’s students, and I think her class is one of
my favorites. I can’t believe how much fun I’m having in there. I am excited to find out what our next experiment is going to be.
9
Mathtastic BY: Riley Parks and Jackson Curtis
In math, we have been learning about factors, multiples, least common multiples, greatest common factors, and prime factorizations.
We had a unit project that was due on September 27th on our favorite number. For our projects, we had to include the prime factorization,
if our number was odd or even and why, multiples and factors of our number, connections to the number or why it was our favorite number, if our
number was prime of composite, and if our number was abundant, deficient,
or perfect. It was cool to see everybody’s finished projects and all the different favorite numbers.
if
We also have been looking at a website called
www.mathdashboard.com. On this helpful website, we can play games
such as the factor game and the product game. We can also search our
Mrs. Denameur, our long
Prime Time book online because it contains all of our homework; it’s an
term math sub
exact copy of the books we were given in class. This is great for those students who accidently forget their books at school and have an assignment to
complete. We hope you will enjoy these sites; be sure to check them out if you haven’t yet.
Finally, Mr. Winsand will be on a paternity for five weeks beginning on Monday, September 30th. He
is going to be spending time with his new baby daughter, Remy. While he is gone, we will be having Mrs. Denameur as our sub.
Top of the Class
Article By Sydney Kramer
This week, in Mrs. Camlek’s social studies 6th grade class, the students have
been taking charge. On Monday, Mrs. Camlek started off the week as any
other. The class was learning about digging for artifacts and about some of
the early cultures. Then, from interviewing a witness in the 3rd hour class,
Mrs. Camlek had just told the class that the 6th graders would be teaching
everyone else in the class. Their groups would be in the desks, and they
would have to be ready to present their findings by Tuesday. A different
witness from first hour told us, “I felt a little nervous because it was due
the next day.”
A few of the topics for this project were early farming, developing cultures,
and Princess Aida. A lot of the students really took this seriously. Some
students typed papers, and some got vocabulary words. One student even
made a model of an early farm! Other kids really took this project to the
next level, you could even say they took it to the top of the class.
Also coming up this week is dino dig … but that’s another story!
10
Counselor’s Corner: Ms. Kaldor & Ms. Burich Holle
Blugold Beginnings
The purpose of the Blugold Beginnings program is to educate and inspire students to believe that
a post-secondary education is important, attainable, and available to them. UW-Eau Claire students serve as mentors, tutors, and role models to help support our students. They facilitate after
school study clubs, work one-on-one and in group settings with participants.
Who? Underrepresented student populations in higher education are priority participants. This includes but it not
limited to students of color, student from low income backgrounds and first generation students.
When? Mondays & Wednesdays during PIE time and after school from 3:00-4:30. Transportation is provided.
How? Please contact your child’s school counselor for an application.
Children’s Service Society
Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin is partnering with
the Altoona School District to offer free mental health services. Licensed counselors will be
available to our school to offer a variety of groups. If you think your child could benefit from these services, please
contact Brooke Kaldor or Heather Burich Holle. More information coming your way!
Alternative Recess On Tuesdays & Thursdays, we offer an alternative recess for students who may want a quieter, smaller setting during recess times. High school students, along with a counselor, supervise the recess and
encourage friendship building skills. We offer a variety of board games, crafts, and legos. A great way to make
some new friends!
Student Council
By Denise Madison, Advisor
The Altoona Middle School Student Council has been very busy already this year. Students created a banner for the Homecoming parade September 20. Officers, representatives
and alternates cheered the length of the parade route. We survived the heavy rain shower,
though our banner colors did run a bit.
Several 8th grade members along with our officers helped lead the Back to School Bash the afternoon of September 27. The student bodies of both Altoona Intermediate School and Altoona Middle
School were welcomed into the lower gym by cheers and pompoms. Mr. Pszeniczny addressed the students prior to a slide show celebrating students’ success in the Core Values.
Student lead cheers followed the PowerPoint presentation before students went outside for
an extended recess accompanied by a great playlist.
This year student council is going to look a bit more traditional than in the past.
The Student Council Officers elected last spring will be taking on the leadership role of the council. Each homeroom
has elected a representative and an alternate. The representatives and alternates will be working with the officers to
plan activities and events for the student body during regular student council meetings. Volunteers from the student body will be invited to help with specific events throughout the year. The goal is to engage student council
members in supporting every student at AMS this school year using a real representative government model.
Please watch for announcements regarding upcoming activities and support the Altoona Middle School Student
Council during the 2013-2014 school year.
11
PAGE
Staff List &
Contact Details.
Dr. Biedron
ADMINISTRATION
NAME
Karen Henry
TITLE
Greg Johnson
11
Anita Schubring
EMAIL
EXTENSION
[email protected]
501
[email protected]
500
Dr. Connie Biedron
Superintendent
Joyce Orth
Executive Assistant
Mark Scheppke
Technology Coordinator
[email protected]
506
Gary Pszeniczny
AIS & AMS Principal
[email protected]
302
Jamie Oliver
AIS & AMS Dean of Students
[email protected]
356
Lori Watt
AIS & AMS Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
300
Brenda Gilmartin
AIS & AMS Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
301
EMAIL
EXTENSION
SCHOOL SERVICES
NAME
TITLE
Karen Henry
Pupil Services/Curriculum Director
[email protected]
311
Laurie White
School Psychologist
[email protected]
310
Teri Pala
Pupil Services/Curriculum assistant
[email protected]
354
Peggy Ehrhard
Food & Nutrition Supervisor
[email protected]
434
Greg Johnson
Maintenance Team Supervisor
[email protected]
339
Brooke Kaldor
Guidance Grades 4-7
[email protected]
303
Heather BurichHolle
Guidance Grades 8-9
[email protected]
303/405
Tracy Boyd
Speech/Language Grades 2-12
[email protected]
358
Terri Noel
ELL Teacher
[email protected]
466
Cindy Bray
O.T. & P.T.
[email protected]
251
Andrea Steffen
K-12 Reading Specialist
[email protected]
327
Denise Madison
Title 1 Teacher
[email protected]
349
Pat Solfest
Intervention
[email protected]
349
Suzy Sivertson
Gifted & Talented
[email protected]
323
Anita Schubring
School Nurse
[email protected]
246
Bobbie Kuchta
LMC Director
[email protected]
321
Shelly Pierson
LMC Director
[email protected]
321
Kelly Steward
LMC Support
[email protected]
320
12
PAGE
Staff List and Contact Details.
12
GRADE 4/5 TEACHERS
NAME
TITLE
EMAIL
EXTENTION
Jennifer Bain
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
331
Sara Brahan
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
334
Shalyn Gagnon
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
335
Chris Gutsch
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
338
Teresa Langlois
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
332
Jennifer Madsen
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
329
Sarah Pszeniczny
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
333
Julie Scott
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
337
Mary Stamos
4/5 Teacher
[email protected]
336
TITLE
EMAIL
EXTENTION
Social Studies: Grade 6
[email protected]
352
Science: Grade 6
[email protected]
322
English/Language Arts: Gr 6
[email protected]
319
Math: Grade 6
[email protected]
318
TITLE
EMAIL
EXTENTION
Science: Grade 7
[email protected]
304
Math: Grade 7
[email protected]
312
Terri Hanson
Geography: Grade 7
[email protected]
309
Kim Wardean
English/Language Arts: 7
[email protected]
308
TITLE
EMAIL
EXTENTION
Math: Grade 8
[email protected]
305
Teri Cihasky
English/Language Arts: Gr 8
[email protected]
317
Mike Laporte
History: Grade 8
[email protected]
307
Scott Thiel
Science: Grade 8
[email protected]
306
GRADE 6 TEACHERS
NAME
Shannon Camlek
Becky Navarre
Jill Phippen
Stacy Winsand
GRADE 7 TEACHERS
NAME
Heidi Colbert
Phil Graser
GRADE 8 TEACHERS
NAME
Colleen Chmelik
13
Staff List and Contact Details.
PAGE
13
RESOURCE TEACHERS
NAME
TITLE
EMAIL
EXTENTION
Special Ed: Grades 6-8
[email protected]
324
Kelly Ginder
Special Ed: Grades 5 & 6
[email protected]
325
Monica Laux
Special Ed: Grades 5, 7 & 8
[email protected]
314
Melissa Martin
Special Ed: Grades 4/5, 6, 7 & 8
[email protected]
314
Jennifer Riepe
Special Ed: Grades 4/5
[email protected]
325
Jo Adrian
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
NAME
EMAIL
EXTENSION
[email protected]
452
4/5 Spanish
[email protected]
429
Phy Ed: Grades 4/5, 6 & 7
[email protected]
340
Art: Grades 4/5, 6, 7 & 8
[email protected]
345
Music 4/5, Band/Choir 6, Choir 7,
Resource 7 & 8
[email protected]
316
Erica Emerson
Health: Grades 6 & 7
[email protected]
463
Greg Emerson
Phy Ed: Grades 4/5, 6, 7 & 8
[email protected]
340
Chris Gebert
World Languages: Grades 6 & 7
[email protected]
Scott Hayden
Phy Ed 4/5 & 8,
Careers & World Language Grade 8
[email protected]
340
Brady Jenneman
Tech Ed: Grade 4/5
[email protected]
343
John Lueck
Music: 4/5, Choir 8
[email protected]
451
Keyboarding: Grade 4/5,
Information Processing:
Gr 6, 7 & 8
[email protected]
342
Bob Baldwin
Jenna Baxter
Patricia Bourget
Tom Burgraff
Don Crane
Lisa Skifstad
TITLE
Band: 7 & 8
Music 4/5
If you have any Questions, Comments or Suggestions regarding our newsletter, please
contact Brenda Gilmartin in the AIS AMS Office at
“When you know better you do better.”
Maya Angelou