Ruschies Rock! Review
May 2021 - Vol IX
Calendar of Upcoming Events
MAY 3-7
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!
May 31
NO SCHOOL - MEMORIAL DAY
June 3
END OF YEAR CARNIVAL - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
A Message From the Principal
As the end of the school year approaches, I want to thank parents, students, and staff for all the ways we have pulled together to make this year happen. Thank you for the long hours put in by our nursing staff especially to look out for everyone's safety. There are some exciting things we are planning for our students as the year comes to a conclusion. It is hard to believe there are only a few weeks left. We are collecting hot spots to return to the technology department, so please return those with your student if you haven't already.
To parents and staff members who have donated your time, talents, treats, masks, and/or other resources, I thank you for your generosity. Wishing you a very enjoyable summer with friends and family.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gulrud
Email: gulruda@portage.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.portage.k12.wi.us/schools/rusch/
Location: 117 West Franklin Street, Portage, WI, USA
Phone: (608) 742-7376
A Message from Mrs. Mann
Dear Ruschies,
It has been an amazing school year. Through our strong partnerships we have managed to navigate one of the most challenging years in history. Again, I thank you for continuously working with us to ensure that Rusch is a great place to be. Have an amazing summer and please reach out if you need any resources. It has been a pleasure to serve you as Dean of Students.
Love,
Dean Mann
608-742-7376 x6002
SAFELY DROPPING OFF STUDENTS
We have had some near accidents on Franklin Street ....
SUMMER SCHOOL DETAILS!
Portage Community School District will be providing summer school for all elementary students going into 4K through 5th grade. Each day will include a balance of academic enrichment and interactive experiences. Breakfast & lunch will also be provided.
HOURS & LOCATION
Summer school will be held @ John Muir Elementary School, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm from June 7-24 and July 5-22.
TRANSPORTATION DETAILS
Students are able to grab a lunch from 12-12:15
Walkers & Pick-Ups: Summer School Drop-Off: 7:45 a.m. Summer School pick up 12:00-12:15 p.m.
Busing Students: School Road Drop-Off 7:45 a.m. School Road Departure: 12:20/12:25 p.m.
Endeavor: Loading & Departure 7:20-7:30 a.m. Return: 12:40/12:45 p.m.
Lewiston: Loading & Departure 7:15-7:20 a.m. Oakwood Estates: 7:30-7:35 a.m.
Return: Oakwood Estates: 12:30/12:35 Lewiston 12:40-12:45
Rusch: 7:30-7:40 a.m. Return 12:30/12:35
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1, 2021
Complete this Registration Form for each child that will be attending Portage Summer School.
NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - MAY 3-7, 2021
Teachers inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in their students. They’re experts at boosting confidence through the right mix of motivation, support, and instruction. They double as mediators, supportive listeners, and all-around problem fixers. And in the past year, teachers persevered despite the many additional challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Teacher Appreciation Week is a chance to thank our teachers for all they do to ensure that students succeed in school and in life. We love our hardworking Rusch Teachers and Paraprofessionals!
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION - PLANTING SEEDS TO GROW!
Principal Gulrud helping students plant seeds
Charli holding her seeds
Annabelle assists students with planting
MARVELOUS MILK DAY
Elijah enjoys his flavored milk straw from Fuel Up to Play
Erik & Dillon also enjoyed their flavored Milk straws!
(below photo) FUTP kids Olivia, Bennett & Bakary delivered milk & straws to classrooms.
STUDENTS AWARDED DEAN & PRINCIPAL 'OF THE DAY'
Principal Marilyn in the lunchroom
Dean Daniel in his office
Shawn was Principal for a Day
Dean Bronx with Dean Mann learning the role
Dean Madden in his office
Principal Bristin working at Recess
Dean Adam looking the part doing deliveries
Principal Cortez problem solving at his desk
Dean Isabella on the playground
Principal Riley taking equipment to classrooms
Dean Parker enjoying the perks of his office
Dean Jackson delivered supplies to classrooms
Principal Sylas in the lunchroom
FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM THRU EXTENSION OFFICE
The food program will be returning this summer - Lunch will be served 5 days a week starting June 7th. Please check the Extension website https://columbia.extension.wisc.edu/summer-lunch-program/ for more details such as times and location and/or like the program on Facebook "Portage Summer Lunch Program" https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Charity-Organization/Portage-Summer-Lunch-Program-762326020830389/.
FIELD TRIP BIKING ON THE LEVEE
NURSING NEWS - HEALTH CARE COVERAGE OPTIONS
Has your Health Insurance Coverage changed due to the pandemic?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Health Insurance Marketplace® is now available on the HealthCare.gov platform. This SEP will continue through Saturday, May 15, 2021. Check into the healthcare coverage options for your family before you get into an emergency situation. Some people may be eligible for Medicaid. Check out what applies to your family.
NURSING NEWS - MOVING FORWARD
A few important considerations as we head toward summer.
The pandemic continues and so must our efforts to monitor for symptoms, no matter how mild or severe. Several recent positive cases of COVID-19 have presented with symptoms of runny nose, sore throat, congestion/sinus. This should not be ignored. These are symptoms on the Daily Student Self Screener and people should stay home and choose an option of a PCR COVID-19 test (no rapid tests), complete an isolation period, or possibly obtain a medical excuse. Please work with the school nurse and office staff. If one child is ill in the home, all other PCSD students should stay home until the ill person’s situation is figured out. The nurses will guide you through this.
COVID-19 Vaccine is now readily available for anyone in Wisconsin who is aged 16 years or older. Locally, most pharmacies, each health department, and health systems offer varying options. This website offers a search option to locate a place to obtain vaccine https://vaccinefinder.org/
If an exposure to a positive case of COVID-19 occurs at school, the school nurses will continue to determine who meets the close contact definition. Vaccination status of the exposed individual at the time of the close contact exposure is an additional step incorporated into the quarantine directions.
Keep on track, or get back on track with healthcare appointments, wellness exams, eye exams, dental exams, and school-required immunizations. Notices will be sent out shortly for those students who have new school immunization requirements. The form also includes the option to waive the new requirement if that is your preference. If there is a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak at school, those who are un- or under-immunized will be advised of the increased risk of the exposure and guidance about exclusion or obtaining the vaccine to decrease the likelihood of disease.
You may access the list of vaccine doses on file at school through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal under Health. Call the school nurse Kristal Summerton - 608-742-2165 x7008 if you have questions.
BACKPACK FOOD & GROCERY PROGRAM OVERHAUL
COMING SOON!!!
Also, we are excited to share the news that the Federal Government USDA has extended the free breakfast and lunch program through the 2021-22 school year to support families with children. This extension, is due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
If a student just wants milk, it is available during breakfast and lunch for 35¢ per half-pint.
SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOPS - SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - click on the flyer below to register
Art Poetry that Blooms Poetry Contest - Portage Center for the Arts
Requirements:
· Open to all third, fourth and fifth grade students in Wisconsin.
· Any form of original poetry or riddle is acceptable. Entry must be 200 words or less and describe air and/or the importance of clean air
· Writing MUST be the original work of the student.
· Each entry must include the name of the author, the name of the parent/teacher and the parent/teacher’s e-mail and phone number.
· E-mail entries to: DNRAirEducation@wisconsin.gov
· Entries must be received by Friday, May 7, 2021 to be eligible. Contest entries will not be returned and will become the property of the contest sponsor.