The Raptor Report
December 2020
From the Principal
Dear Rolling Hills’ Families,
During this Holiday Season, it seems most appropriate to reflect on that which makes our lives bright--spending time with our families and friends, sharing a meal with those we love, and giving thanks for the freedoms we enjoy. There is not a more exciting place to learn and work than Rolling Hills Elementary School---Home of the Raptors! It gives us great joy to come to work every day to see the anticipation in the children’s eyes, hear their ideas, and watch them make connections both socially and emotionally to each other and the faculty. We have so many things to be thankful for and proud of this holiday season. Students at Rolling Hills have become both collaborative and complex thinkers as well as independent learners at times. Students have developed a sense of belonging and care for their classmates, and the ever changing world around them. We are also very thankful for our PTO and parents. Parents are crucial to student success, especially when having to learn through virtual instruction.
As the weather continues to get colder, consider reconnecting with your child through a good book. At Rolling Hills, improving reading, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking are a top priority. To be successful at nearly any job, critical thinking skills, a broad vocabulary, and the ability to communicate effectively are immensely important. In the 21st century, we have access to more written content than ever before without having to go to a library to get it.
There are 3 stages to reading: Read about it; Talk about it; and Think about it. Find ways for your child to build understanding, the ultimate goal of reading. Try a new tip each week to see what works for your child.
1. Don’t leave home without it. Always have a book or magazine along, especially when your child has to wait. (Doctor’s office, check-out lines…)
2. Once is not enough. Encourage your children to re-read favorite books and poems. Re-reading helps kids read more quickly and accurately.
3. Dig deeper into the story. Ask your child questions about the story they just read. Children should be able to give a quick summary. What is the story about? Who are the characters? What happened so far? Can they make connections? Do I have anything in common with the characters? Is their world similar or different compared to mine? What is the setting? Can they identify if it is fiction or nonfiction? Is this similar to another book I have read?
4. Take control of the electronics. It’s difficult for reading to compete with the TV and video games.
5. Pick books at the correct level. Check with your child’s teacher or the library specialist to identify the best books for your child.
6. I read to you, you read to me. Take turns reading aloud at bedtime. Your kids will love this special time together.
7. Write, write, and write! Ask your child to help write out the grocery list, write thank you notes, or keep a journal of all the special things that happen at home. When writing, encourage your children to sound out the words and use the letter and sound combinations they are using in school.
I and the staff of Rolling Hills are very proud of how the school, parents, and students are working together to make RHES a great place to learn. Please know that we will continue to work hard, examine our current practice and strive for excellence. To all the families, I wish you a happy, healthy, and memorable holiday season!
Dr. Ron Schlicht, Principal
Important Dates in December
3 - End of First Trimester
4 - No School
4 - Ski/Snowboard Club Starts
14 - Report Cards Posted
16 - Crazy Sweater Day
16 - PTO Meeting - 6:30
23-3 - Winter Break (classes resume 1/4/21)
Shout Out
A big shout out to Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Gorman , the Town of Mukwonago Police Department and the Department of Public Works for a great Turkey Trot Event. Unfortunately, due to the weather, students had to stay indoors, but were still able to enjoy a few minutes of exercise and activity. Many thanks to the Elegant Farmer for the delicious apples they provided for our student trotters.
Thank You
PBIS Spotlight
Our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) Team continues to support and reward safe, responsible and respectful behavior throughout the school.
Students have started spending their ROAR cards at the ROAR Store, shopping every other week. There have been some changes made this year, with fewer contact type rewards, but many fun additions asked for by students such as large water bottles, journals and a chance to be the bus announcer.
Although we cannot have our regular all-school assemblies this year, we came together as a school and played Thanksgiving Bingo. The students working from home also got to Zoom in and be a part of the fun. Dr. Schlicht enjoyed being the announcer.
November’s Monthly Focus was on showing gratitude. Showing gratitude expresses to others that we are thankful. The morning announcements gave suggestions of ways to show gratitude and think about what we are grateful for.
Congratulations to the November classroom Golden Award Winners!
Gym Golden Shoe : 4th Grade Ms. Herrera and 1st Grade Miss Wene
Library Golden Book: 4th Grade Mrs. Crary and 2nd Grade Ms. Napierala
Art Golden Palette: 5th Grade Mr. Linse and 2nd Grade Mrs. Butler & Mrs. Fierek
Music Golden Note: 6th Grade Mrs. Falk and Kindergarten Mrs. Hughes
We are always looking for donations of items for the ROAR store, as well as items to play with at recess. Please contact Ms. Napierala (2N) if you, or your business, may have items you think the students would be interested in.
Student Council
Despite the fact that our halls are not yet decked out with holiday flare, Student Council is a-flurry focusing on our annual “Adopt-a-Family” campaign. Student Council members are managing the community based “Adopt-A-Family” project in conjunction with the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County. Our collection took place November 10th – November 12th and we were able to raise an unbelievable $3,648.82, thanks to the generosity of Rolling Hills’ students, staff, and families. Our annual shopping trek to Target on Sunset in Waukesha is set for Saturday, December 5th to purchase just the right gifts. Target generously gives us 10% off of our total purchase price. This in turn allows the buying power of our dollars to expand. Please know that your support for this worthwhile project, through your generous donations, truly makes a difference in the lives of others.
Additionally, the Student Council will coordinate two December Spirit Days. The first, will take place on Wednesday, December 16th, centering on the theme, “Crazy Sweater Day” with the hopes of filling our school with a lively holiday vision. The second spirit day will take place on Tuesday, December 22nd, and will spotlight seasonal clothing choices with holiday colors. We are truly thankful for your continued support of our Student Council! May your holidays be merry and bright!
PTO
* * * NEXT MEETING Wednesday December 16, 6:30pm * * * *
(Rolling Hills Library AND via Zoom)
Raptor Raffle Calendars – are still on sale. Orders are due December 11th. Remember, only 1,000 calendars will be sold, so get those orders in soon! Raffle begins January 1, 2021.
Raptor Wear – is coming home this week!
Conference Dinner Take 2 – We had such a HUGE response in donations for conference dinners, that we were able to use the extra money to provide our teachers with another lunch before the Thanksgiving break to show our gratitude. Thanks to Sandwich Sisters for the great sandwiches and thank YOU for your generosity towards our teachers!
Box tops – You can help our school earn money all year round with the new Box Tops app. It is easy to use – just scan your receipt each time you shop and it will put those contributions in our account. Just register for your funds to be put in the ‘Rolling Hills School’ account when you register.
AmazonSmile – is a great way to support our PTO. Simply link your Amazon account with ‘Rolling Hills Parent Teacher Organization’ and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase directly to the PTO. Printed directions for linking your account can be found in the main office.
PTO has lots more fun events and activities planned. Stay up to date and get involved by attending meetings, reading the newsletter, watching for Signup.com invites in your e-mail and following us on Facebook (Rolling Hills Elementary PTO).
DON’T FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT
‘Rolling Hills Elementary PTO’
for up-to-the-minute updates!
Calling All Skiers and Snowboarders !!
If you are interested in joining the Rolling HIlls Ski/Snowboard club, the first date is Friday, December 4. A flier was sent home with additional information or click below to join.
Don't worry ... you don't need to know how to ski to join.
School Closings/Delays
A reminder to parents that in case of inclement weather, announcements regarding Mukwonago School closings or delays will be made through our electronic notification system. This information will also be placed on the district website as soon as it is available.
The successful delivery of information is dependent upon accurate contact information for each student. Please make certain we have your most current home telephone number, cell phone and email address. If this information changes during the year, please make the necessary changes in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Thank you.
Winter Clothing Policy
We want to review our school policy regarding clothing requirements for outdoor recess during the winter season.
1. Jackets, hats and mittens are needed in cold weather.
2. All students are required to wear snow/ski pants and changeable boots if they go off the blacktop and play or walk in the snow.
3. Any students without boots must stay on the blacktop.
Please mark all outerwear with your child’s name. We appreciate your help in making sure your child is appropriately dressed. If the temperature is 0 or above the students will be going outside, so plan accordingly.
Electronic Devices
It seems like there are new electronic devices available each holiday season. While many of these gadgets make great gifts, please remember that we have district policies about personal devices to minimize disruptions to the classroom and keep all students safe.
At the elementary level, we discourage students from bringing personal electronic devices to school. That includes but is not limited to devices such as: laptops, tablets, cell phones, smartwatches, and MP3 players. If a student brings a personal device to school, families must agree to retain liability for the device. The school cannot guarantee that it will not be lost or broken.
Since the district makes a number of electronic devices available for educational purposes in elementary classrooms, personal devices may only be used under the direction of staff members. When not in use, all personal devices should be put away and powered off.
Please remember these guidelines when considering devices for purchase and review guidelines with your child’s principal or teacher if you have any questions about bringing devices to school.
Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity
The Board of the Mukwonago Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education program or activity and is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment. The District’s Title IX Coordinator(s) is/are:
Susan Muenter
Director of Human Resources
(262) 363-6300 x24500
385 E. Veterans Way, Mukwonago, WI 53149
Any inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations to the District may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator(s) and/or the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
The Board has adopted a grievance process that provides for the prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints alleging any action that is prohibited by Title IX and/or its implementing regulations. The grievance process is included in Policy 2266 – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities, which is available at: https://go.boarddocs.com/wi/masd/Board.nsf/Public. The grievance process specifically addresses how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of Sexual Harassment, and how the District will respond.
Any person may report sex discrimination or sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator(s) in person or via email via the Title IX Complaint Form or via telephone.
The training materials used to train our Title XI Coordinator(s) can be found here.