Ruschies Rock! Review
November 2021 - Vol III
CALENDAR & IMPORTANT DATES
EARLY RELEASE FRIDAYS - Dismissal is 12:45p
November 5
November 19
December 3
December 10
December 17
NO SCHOOL - INSERVICE DAYS
November 8
THANKSGIVING BREAK
November 24-25-26
WINTER BREAK
December 24-31
A Message From the Principal
Dear Families-
I am so pleased with the work that our students have put in so far this year! We are focused on goal setting with each student to help them reach one year of growth or more by the end of the school year. Each student should be reading at least 20 minutes a night to improve skills and build reading stamina.
Thank you to all the parents who chaperoned on recent field trips. Thank you as well to families and staff members who have donated items and continue to support the needs of our students including clothing, masks, water bottles, Halloween costumes, and snacks for the classrooms. We appreciate you partnering with us.
Mrs. Kenas, Ms. VanderSchaaf, the teachers, the recess supervisors, and myself are working with the 4th and 5th graders on good sportsmanship skills while playing games at recess. Students played some cooperative games and we are teaching them more games as well as following the rules when playing the games. When students break the rules, it isn't fun to play. Solving conflict while playing a game is an important social skill. Please reinforce playing cooperatively with peers.
Mrs. Gulrud - Rusch Principal
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
Cooperative Tarp Golf Ball Carry
Throwing Bean Bags in Buckets
Cooperative Tarp Golf Ball Carry
A Message from Your NEW Dean of Students
Greetings Rusch Elementary Students and Families,
Thus far, we have dedicated the month of September to exploring the character skill of respect and the month of October to the character skill of responsibility. Students have done a phenomenal job with developing and applying these skills and, in turn, have been able to celebrate their growth by earning Warrior Bucks which they were able to spend at the school store twice a month.
This month, our students will learn about the character skill of perseverance. Students demonstrate perseverance when they continue to work hard and complete tasks despite any barriers or obstacles they may encounter during the process.
You can help your student develop this essential skill at home by checking in with them regularly to discuss how school is going, providing them with encouragement to persevere through any challenges which they are currently facing, and assisting them with establishing evening routines that will support their academic success and overall well-being.
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!
Sincerely,
Cherida VanderSchaaf - Rusch Dean of Students
608-742-7376 x6002
Carline in Mornings - all use door 9
Please SLOW DOWN when driving out the gates in the morning
PAA students walking younger siblings and staff members are entering the door closest to the Splash Pad in the morning (right outside the gate that parents exit through). Please slow down and drive cautiously as you watch for pedestrians in this area. We have had a few near misses. Thank you for your help.
PICTURE RETAKE DAY
Tuesday, Nov. 2nd at Rusch @ 10:30am
OR
Nov. 3rd & 4th @ Galley Studio 9am 'til 5pm
For anyone else that would need a photo taken and/or retake. No appointment is needed! Students need to return the original picture packages if they would like a retake at no charge.. http://www.galleystudio.com/
VETERAN'S DAY SONG RECORDING
Some classes are also writing thank you letters to veterans for the Elks Lodge Veteran's meal on Nov. 12.
YOUTH CURLING SEASON STARTING!
Curling lessons are held on SATURDAYS. Your child will be grouped by age and ability and beginners are welcome! First year fees are $40.
Here are links to the forms and registration: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ep0QCvCP9OK0-pu0Yc9zolkuu_-rUr3G?usp=sharing
NO COST FOOD OPTIONS FOR ALL PORTAGE FAMILIES
SIGN UP HERE: https://forms.gle/YM1cfSG3AeiQDmfz7. (this link DOES NOT require a sign in)
As a Rusch Family, you can choose ONE of the following options:
OPTION 1: MONDAY MARKET BOX - you pick up at the High School from 3:15-4:00p beginning October 11th, 2021. No cost.
MARKET BOXES can include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Bread
- Fresh Fruit
- Fresh Vegetables
- Frozen Meat
- Boxed dry goods
- Some toiletries or diapers
OPTION 2: SHOP THE MARKET - you/your student shops for what you need at the food market at PHS on M, TU, TH, F from 2-4p. *Early Release Fridays - open from 12-2p. No cost.
Market items include:
Perishable and nonperishable
Fruit, vegetables, yogurt, milk, frozen, bread items
Canned items, granola bars, crackers, cereal
Hygiene/household items
OPTION 3: BACKPACK PROGRAM - Your student(s) will receive non-perishable dry goods/snacks on Friday afternoon in a plastic bag they can carry home. No cost.
Questions? Call Rusch Elementary 608-742-7376 and ask for Julia or Krista.
ABSENCE REPORTING LINE - 608-742-7376
We also need to know if they have a Dr appointment, will be tardy or need to leave early.
If their transportation home changes from what they normally do the office also needs this information prior to 2:30p. We need this to keep students safe and accounted for.
On EARLY RELEASE FRIDAYS it is especially important for you to let us - and your child - know how your child will get home. Please call the office.
MASKS & WATER BOTTLES REQUIRED
Your student(s) need a reusable water bottle at school. The water fountains are not on but students can use the bottle filler. Your student also needs a clean mask with them each day and a backup mask in their backpack if one gets wet, lost, or broken. These items are as essential as shoes and a backpack. We have some backup disposable masks but our supply is limited.
If you are interested in donating masks - either sewing them or buying disposables, we would really appreciate your help.
UPDATES FROM THE COUNSELOR
Hello Rusch Families!
October was bully prevention month. Though we promote friendship and kindness all year long, we pay special attention to bully prevention efforts this month. Each classroom had lessons surrounding this topic. In kindergarten we talked about what makes us special and what makes a good friend. In first grade we talked about what makes us special and standing up for ourselves and others. In second grade we watched Spookley The Square Pumpkin and talked about hurtful words and being proud of what makes us different. In third grade, we talked about the power of our words and learned what bullying is and is not. In fourth grade, we talked about teasing and sportsmanship. In fifth grade we talked about cyberbullying and sportsmanship.
When we discuss bullying, we want to make sure kids understand what the word really means. Bullying is repeated over time, intentional to cause harm, and targeted/has an imbalance of power. However, I also make sure kids know that rude behaviors, mean moments, and conflicts between friends can also be hurtful, and it’s okay to get help with those situations too!
Finally, now is a great time of year to practice gratitude! Click here for a fun Gratitude printable you can use at home.
Please reach out to me if there is anything I can do to support your student or family.
Have a wonderful week!
Angie Kenas
School Counselor