Spartan Gazette
Indian Mound Middle School
Greetings From Aaron Tarnutzer
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
As hard as it is to believe, another school year is coming to a close. There are so many wonderful memories to share from the school year and also a few things to look forward to next year. Here are a few of the highlights:
Parents of 5th grade students: Welcome to your first IMMS newsletter. We hope you find our newsletter to be informative and interesting. It was wonderful to meet so many of you on April 21st at the 5th grade parent night. If you were unable to attend, you may find the information on our website in the news section at www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/imms. We have heard so many wonderful things about the class of 2022 and we can’t wait to have them join us. While our next formal meeting will not be until the orientation sessions during the evening of August 26, please feel free to contact IMMS at 838-8980 with your questions. A few things you can take care of sooner than later is to order your child’s P.E. uniform online and send in your Timber lee Volunteer Form if you plan to join us at Camp Timber lee. Both forms are available on the IMMS website.
Parents of 6th grade students: What a wonderful start to their middle school careers. It has been exciting to watch this class change from shy and rather nervous students in September to the confident students they are today. The class of 2021 has already made IMMS a better place through their initiative, empathy, hard work, and commitment to our school. I can’t wait to see what they can do in 7th grade. I also want to acknowledge how impressed we have been with how involved you are in their education. It has been an honor to partner with you.
There will be a few changes for them next year, including longer math and reading/language arts classes (86 minutes instead of 77), having ARRE time 1 to 2 times a week instead of everyday, and having different teachers for Social Studies, Science, Math, and Reading/Language Arts. The students in the classrooms typically change each period as they no longer travel as a homeroom as they did for 6th grade.
Parents of 7th grade students: They have reached the end of the middle of the middle. There are so many amazing students in this class who are ready to be leaders in the class. We will count on these students to serve as excellent role models for our incoming 6th graders next year. Many of these students will be taking a summer school leadership course to serve as “Ambassadors” for the upcoming year.
In 8th grade they can expect more freedom and independence, accompanied with higher expectations and responsibility. There are many “perks” to being in 8th grade including extra picnics, field trips (i.e. civil war, ropes course), being able to stay inside during the winter months, and more. Before you know it, we will find ourselves in January where your child will begin choosing classes for the high school based on the career conversations they have with their School Counselor, Ms. Jill Runde.
Parents of 8th grade students: This is your last issue of our newsletter. Your children have made our school better with their great ideas, by modeling empathy for our younger students, and by “jumping the hurdles of life” on a daily basis. I can’t believe 3 years has passed. You will be amazed by how much they have changed when you see the slide show during 8th grade recognition! It is hard for us to see this class move on, but it will be fun to watch them at the high school. Before you know it, we will be at their graduation! I suppose I should slow down a little bit, but time does fly. We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone at 8th grade recognition on June 3rd, followed by the end of the year trips on June 4th, and the 10:00 dismissal on June 5th. It has been an honor to serve as their Principal for the past three years.
Next Year: IMMS will look a little bit different next year. Sandra Schoen, currently a K-2 Art teacher in the district, will join us as our art teacher. We are fortunate to have someone with her talent and passion for art education join our staff. We will also have a new School Psychologist, Angie Brunett as Katie Kosobucki is moving out of the area. While Ms. Brunett has some big shoes to fill, we are confident you will see her as a great support for your child. We have also hired Cody Lundquist to serve as a teacher for students with special needs, primarily at the 6th grade level. Cody is an experienced educator who is committed to our community and is excited to be serving the district. In addition to the new staff members who are joining us, both 6th and 7th grade will be “one to one” with iPads being used to enhance instruction. Next year also brings an end to the looping model from 7th and 8th grade. Our enrollment for next year will increase slightly (about 12 students), which means our space issues will continue to pose challenges to us. We are fortunate to have flexible students and staff who are willing to share space as we teach and learn in every available space in this well maintained building.
We welcome your thoughts on the school year and questions about next year. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call, stop in, or send an email. Thank you for making this year so amazing. Now, it is time to start counting down the days until the 2015-16 school year!
Aaron Tarnutzer
IMMS Principal
Spartan Trophy
Student of the Month
MHS Jazz Ensemble
YAHARA RIVER WRITERS ANTHOLOGY WINNERS! McFarland Authors are Recognized
All McFarland students in grades 5 – 8 are invited to participate in the Yahara River Writers Contest sponsored by the Greater Dane County Advanced Learners Coordinators Network. Students can submit entries in four different categories: Editorial, Short Story, Poetry or Cartoons.
McFarland is allowed to submit 6 entries in each category for each grade level. The entries are then judged along with those from 26 different school districts in the Dane County Area—as far north as Poynette, south to Monroe, east to Fall River and west to Mount Horeb. Area judges read hundreds of entries and select the top ten. These authors are invited to the Writers Workshop held at the Memorial Union. From the top ten entries, the Top Two are chosen. A total of eight McFarland student authors were selected to attend this workshop. Their entries are published in the Yahara River Writers Anthology. Each writer receives a copy of this anthology. Copies can be found can also be found at the WIS and IMMS libraries and the public library.
Pictured below:
Back Row: 7th grade - Sara Yavas (2nd place story), 7th grade- Ella Weaver, 5th grade - Mara Freeman, 7th grade Matthew Moyes (2nd place editorial), 6th grade - Matt Amrhein
Front Row: 5th grade - Brooklyn Ray, 5th grade - Shelby Ferrell, 5th grader - Katie Rossman(1st place story)
Health Service Summer Safety Tips
How to keep prescription drugs away from your kids.
Prescription drugs such as sedatives, pain relievers, stimulants, cough/cold medicine and allergy medications taken by anyone other than for whom the drugs were prescribed, can be addictive and even deadly. Here are some tips for keeping your children safe:
Properly dispose of all prescription drugs if they are no longer in use. Also dispose of non-prescription medication containing the following ingredients: dextromethorphan, dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Lock up all prescription and non-prescription medications. Don’t leave them unlocked or out in the open. Remove them from kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, bedrooms, linen closets, pantries etc. Explain the dangers of prescription drugs, or using non-prescription drugs incorrectly? Talk to your child care provider about keeping their medications locked.
Poison Control- Poison Help for accidental ingestions: 1-800-222-1222.
Sun Safety
1. Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2. Apply sunscreen properly- apply a generous amount 30 minutes before going outside. Use an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply every 2-3 hours, or after sweating or swimming. Apply to nose, ears, hands, feet, neck and lips.
3. Some medications increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, ask doctor about medications with these effects.
Bike Safety
1. Wear a helmet at all times. It should cover your forehead, and all straps fit firmly around your chin and neck.
2. Wear bright or light colored clothing. Wear sneakers, with laces tied tightly. Make sure all loose items are secured: pant legs, shoe laces, backpack straps.
3. Ride along the side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
Lawn Mower Safety
● Children under age 6 should be kept inside during mowing
●Children should be at least 12 years old to operate a walking mower, and 16 years to operate a riding mower.
● Eye protection, gloves, and sturdy shoes should be worn while mowing
●Check lawn for debris, and other objects that may hit person when mowing.
●Never fill the tank with gasoline when the lawn mower is hot, or engine is running.
Resources
Badger Care-Children under age 19 with no health insurance may be eligible under this program for services. Application can be completed at http://www.access.wi.gov/
Pediatric Orthopedic Care-Children under the age of 18 regardless of income or insurance coverage may receive specialist care at Shriners Hospital: 1-612-596-6105.