Van Brunt Newsletter
November 2017 Edition
From the Principal
Dear Van Brunt Families,
It’s hard to believe that the end of first quarter is upon us. We appreciate the great attendance at parent-teacher conferences and the open communication. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about standards based grading and hear about how things are going so far this school year. As you are learning more about our new grading system, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Students and staff have taken time to connect and learn from each other. Building positive relationships and finding each other’s gifts has been a focus this school year. Everyone has something positive to contribute to Van Brunt and we appreciate the positive contributions to our school community. I encourage you to ask your child about their positive choices.
Please continue to encourage your child to read at home. Research shows that the more a child reads the better reader the child becomes. Ask your child what they are reading at school and what they plan to read next. Homework should not take over 10 minutes per grade level in school. For example, if your child is in fourth grade, the average time spent on homework should be 40 minutes each night.
Thank you for your continued support of the students and staff of Van Brunt. I would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful start to the holiday season!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sawyer
Van Brunt Principal
Attendance Matters!
1. At Van Brunt, teachers start their day with students as soon as they enter the room. Students making learning connections from the moment they walk in the door. The first part of the lesson is usually an introduction and new concept development. When students are late they miss this crucial part of learning and begin their day behind the rest of the class.
2. Students prepare for the day as a whole.
3. Students connect with their teachers and friends.
Being on time for class is a big part of a student's life. It helps them feel centered, alert and responsive to new learning. But, the best part is that it helps students begin the day happier than when they arrive late and find themselves behind to start their day off.
Students are only allowed 10 absences per school year so please use those absences wisely!
Kindergarten students with perfect attendance for October!
First grade students with perfect attendance for October!
2nd grade student with perfect attendance for October!
3rd and 4th students with perfect attendance for October!
5th grade students with perfect attendance for October!
6th grade students with perfect attendance for October!
Team of the Month
Team of the Month: 5th Grade and Encore Teachers
This year Van Brunt is focusing on Horicon Strong: One Team. We will be celebrating a grade level along with a special area of our school to recognize as the "Team of the Month". For the month of November we are recognizing the 5th grade team and our encore teachers. This team consists of Nancy Keller, Cheryl Kannass, Cody Ferron, Kari Zahs, Tina Kasper and Brian Gutche. We will be showering these staff members with kindness this month and wanted to pass along an invitation for you to do the same! It can be a simple card, a treat, a note of appreciation or anything you choose! Sign up at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C044AA9A929A3FC1-team
Snapshot of the Team of the Month
Cheryl Kannass
I have been teaching at Van Brunt for 21 years. This is my 6th year teaching 5th grade. Previously I taught 7th grade for 10 years and 4th grade for 5 years. The one thing l love about teaching is watching my students grow academically and personally.
I have been married to my husband Scott for 22 years. I have two children Zack, who has started his first year of college at UW-W, and Nicole, who is a junior in high school.
During my time outside of school, I spend much of it volunteering as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 760 and Venture Crew 9760. I also enjoy traveling, taking pictures and reading.
Nancy Keller
I am currently a 5th-grade teacher. I have been with the district for 16 years and I have been teaching full time for 14 years. I truly enjoy my job especially the students. I love seeing how much they grow, change, and learn in 5th grade. Before coming to a teacher, I was a social worker for Dodge County Human Services for 10 years.
I am married to my husband Scott for 24 years and we live with our two sons Austin 22 and Brett 19 in the town of Hubbard. Scott is a Tool and Die Maker at Miller Tool and Die in Mayville. Austin is a first-year plumber apprentice and Brett is a college student at UW Fond Du Lac. Together we enjoy camping, fishing, going to country music concerts and going to as many Brewer games as we possibly can.
Kari Zahs
This is my 5th year as a music teacher in Horicon. I enjoy sharing my love of music with my students. It is a great opportunity to teach where I grew up and went to school at. When I'm not at school, my husband and I are attending my children's activities. I like to watch Doctor Who, play board games, and read a variety of books.
Cody Ferron
I am in my second year of teaching the 5th-12th grade band here in Horicon, and I absolutely love my job! They often say, "Your first year is the hardest," so if that's the case, I will really enjoy my time here thanks to all the great kids, helpful staff, and supportive community! I'm originally from Casco, WI (about half hour east of Green Bay) and went to college at UW-Platteville (about an hour west of Madison), so I have traveled much of Wisconsin. I'm glad to have landed here in Horicon!
Brian Gutche
I have been a phy ed teacher for 28 years, 27 of those years at Horicon. I enjoy seeing all the students smiling faces and their excitement when they come and leave PE class each day and knowing I helped make a difference in their lives. I like to spend time with my family, snowmobiling and doing outdoors activities in the north woods.
Tina Kasper
I have been at Van Brunt for 21 years. I love sparking passion in young learners. I love that students share my passion for learning and experiencing all forms of art. Some of my most memorable moments when I was in school are of being in musicals, band, choir, forensics, and basketball. I think all of those events helped me to become a well-rounded person, so I try to pass that onto my students. In my spare time, I love to go to movies, read books, and go hiking with my family.
October POPS Winners
Horicon Strong: One Team! Throughout the month, students will be looking for ways that their peers make Van Brunt stronger. 6th grade parents and family members were invited to attend the 6th grade POPS assembly and hear how their student has made Van Brunt stronger. Mark your calendar parents, November 30th we will be recognizing our 5th grade!
PTO Halloween Bash
Red Ribbon Week 2017
Students enjoyed participating in Red Ribbon Week October 23-October 31st. Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse. Please discuss Red Ribbon Week with your child and reiterate the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Thank you Modern Woodmen!
IMPORTANT DATES IN NOVEMBER
Nov 3 End of the First Quarter
Nov 6 -Nov 7 Book Fair In the Community Room 7:30-5:00
Nov 8 Picture Retakes
Nov 8-Nov 9 Book Fair In the Community Room 7:30-7:00
Nov 7 Grade 5 To the Symphony 9-2:30
Nov 9 Veteran's Day Program In the Gym 2:30
Nov 9 Reading Night In the Cafeteria 5-6
Nov 9 PTO Butter Braids Fundraiser Begins
Nov 10-Nov 11 Jungle Book Kids In the HS Gym
Nov 20 Board Meeting In the PLC Room 7:00
Nov 22-Nov 24 NO SCHOOL
Nov 30 POPS Grade 5 In the PLC 2:15