Odyssey Observer
Odyssey Magnet School - - Grades 2-5 - - Tuesday, Aug, 29th
Updates
Meet and Greet! Wednesday, August 30th!
First Day of School
Mrs. Blattner's and Mrs. Balke's students will enter at Door C.
Mr. Tibbets, Mrs. Velpel, and Ms. Witzeling's students will all enter at Door F.
Remember to set up a meeting spot for the end of the day where you and your child can meet so you can hear about how great of a first day it was!
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions that you may have!
Breakfast and Lunch
Lunch - students have a choice of purchasing hot lunch or bringing a lunch from home. There are peanut free tables for those that need it. Those that don't have peanut allergies are welcome to eat at that table with their friends; however, no nuts is strictly enforced there.
Odyssey School Student Directory
The Ins and Outs of Odyssey
- Please look at and sign planners daily.
- Ask your child about the homework written in the planner. Every child is different. While we strive to give them independence, not all are ready for it. Some need to SHOW you their homework, while others just need friendly reminders or check ins.
- 4/5 grade students will have a stamp/highlight/symbol by each teacher's subject (core classes only). You'll know they have what they should have in their planners if you see the teacher's mark.
- Red folders are used for daily homework, forms that need to be returned, or things that can stay at home now. Please check these daily.
Volunteering
- Field trip helpers - advertised in the Odyssey Observer. Please look it over each week. It is emailed to the email you entered on Infinite Campus.
- Advisory Committee - always a great place to start getting involved. You are welcome to come to any or all of these meetings. There are four per school year. Dates are on the calendar below - please scroll all the way to the bottom of the newsletter for the dates of things for the whole year!
- School events - read the newsletter OR the Highlands newsletter for more places where your time is needed.
Communication
- Odyssey Observer - sent out each Friday at 3:00 pm. It is our main source to tell what's going on and coming up in the classroom. Please check it out.
- Planners - teachers will write notes about late work in here and that should be addressed immediately. Parents can write notes to parents in there too if they don't want to email it.
- Emails - each teacher's email is always at the bottom on each newsletter.
- Facebook Page - here's our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OMMagnetSchool
- Highlands newsletter - sent out by our wonderful secretaries or posted on the Highlands Facebook page - this will have some school building specific things in it from time to time.
Special Stuff
- Interim - once a year, all Odyssey grades participate in an interim. This is where we drop all of our core subjects and focus on an interactive, interdisciplinary unit where we mix all the 2-5 students into groups. This is usually a highly anticipated unit that the students really enjoy. It is best to avoid appointments or vacations during this time if at all possible. This year's interim will be from March 4-21.
- Absences - it is not enough to just email your child's teacher, although we do like to know. You need to include one of the secretaries (emails at the bottom on this newsletter), call the office, or complete the Attendance Processor for student absences which is in Parent Portal.
From Ms. Balke
Email: balkewolffjean@aasd.k12.wi.us
Subjects: Social Studies, Science, and ELA - grades 2/3
Room: 101
Hello! I will be sharing grades 2 and 3 with Mrs. Blatner again this year where I will be teaching Social Studies and Science along with ELA. My dog, Sasha, joins our class 3 days a week as a pet therapy dog. This will be my third year with our fabulous Odyssey learning community, and I look forward to a wonderful year. Previously, I taught for 27 years in the Shawano School District (special education, 1st, and 2nd grade) after which I took a position as the Wisconsin Speed Stacks Representative for Speed Stacks, Inc. traveling to school districts across the state and sharing my love of sport stacking to students and teachers. A little about me...I have 3 children, Mikayla (28), Peter (24), and Karsten (18). I have 4 grandchildren, Winstyn (6), Crew (4), Parker (1), and Mia (10 months). I love to sing, play piano and guitar, and garden. Our summers are spent on the water on our boat. My students like to ask me about our “Flamping Trips” ~ floating & camping at the same time. Yes, you guessed it, my students created that name! In the winter, we head to the Hayward area where we take long day trips on our snowmobiles! Sasha and I are looking forward to reuniting with many of you and to meeting lots of new friends!
From Mrs. Blattner
Email: blattnerjennif@aasd.k12.wi.us
Subjects: Math and ELA
Room: 111
Hello! I am one of the 2nd and 3rd grade classroom teachers. I’ll be teaching math and English Language Arts (ELA). I enjoy being in a multi-aged classroom, and excel at challenging my students with math at their personal level. My dog, Bo, joins me in my classroom as a therapy dog once or twice a week. My daughters, my husband, and I enjoy camping, arts and crafts, and finding adventures to do together. My passion for math is contagious, and I also enjoy playing flute in the Neenah Community Band and am working hard to help my mom and sister renovate a century-old farmhouse. This year we will have a semester-long student teacher September - January, allowing me to co-teach in my classroom while helping a new teacher finalize their education. Look for more information about Amanda Gruszynski to come home soon.
From Mr. Ghiglieri
From Mrs. Velpel
Grades 4 and 5:
Mrs. Courtney Velpel
Email: velpelcourtney@aasd.k12.wi.us
Subjects: English Language Arts (ELA) and Life Science
Room: 123
I teach English Language Arts (ELA), as well as Life Science, to all 4th and 5th graders. This will be my 22nd year teaching, ALL of them at Odyssey - and I LOVE it! These students are the best. I am an Appleton native, attending McKinley, Madison, and East. My husband, Bob, works as an estimator at Sure Controls, Inc. I have three boys - Rowen (13), Ethan (11), and Liam (8). My youngest has Down syndrome and your children will hear me talk about that from time to time. We also have a dog (Tula) and two cats (Raven and Maggie). Inclusiveness, setting high standards, being part of a respectful community, learning to continue to work hard even when it’s difficult, and meeting expectations in whatever way can get you there is important to me. I look forward to challenging your child in reading, writing, editing, learning about life sciences, and getting comfortable talking in front of the class this school year! I’m confident we will learn lots and have a great time together this school year!
From Ms. Witzeling
Grades 4 and 5:
Ms. Dory Witzeling
Email: witzelingdorot@aasd.k12.wi.us
Subjects: Math and Physical Science
Room: 119
Greetings! I am Ms. Dory Witzeling. I teach math and physical science. I just completed my 29th year of teaching with 18 of those years at Odyssey. I'm also an Odyssey/Magellan parent with two grown daughters who were in the program. I live with my husband, Dan Witzeling, who works at First Supply, and our goldendoodles, Cashew and Hazie (Hazelnut). We enjoy spending time with family, playing with our dogs, and hiking the Ice Age Trail. Barring any student allergy issues, Cashew comes to school with me twice a week. My school goals include getting my students to think hard, persevere, and support their claims in both science and math with evidence and logical reasoning. I'm excited to see many of you again and to meet our new students. I look forward to working with you!
From Mr. Tibbets
Grades 4 and 5:
Mr. Brian Tibbets
Email: tibbetsbrian@aasd.k12.wi.us
Subjects: Social Studies and Earth Science
Room: 124
Hi! I will be teaching social studies and earth science to all 4th and 5th grade Odyssey students this year. I am beginning my 21st year of teaching and my 5th year at Odyssey. I recently finished my master’s degree in leadership and cultural competency with an emphasis on gifted education and twice-exceptionality. Education at all levels is a passion of mine. I enjoy discussing issues with students and getting them to think critically. A bit about me and my family: I wind down in my free time with puzzles and games, outdoor activities, and have started biking a lot–I love it!
My wife Megan is a senior marketing consultant at Blue Door in Oshkosh. We have two daughters; Clara is entering 11th grade at Appleton West, and Willa is a 5th grader here at Odyssey. We love to travel and value discovering new places and experiences.
From Madame Hooyman
Grade 3:
Mme Stephanie Hooyman
Email: hooymanstephen@aasd.k12.wi.us
Subject: French
Room: 111
Bonjour! I am the 3rd grade French teacher. I also teach French at Magellan. This is my 16th year teaching at Odyssey/Magellan. I have been teaching in the AASD for 17 years. Students will study French for 6 years in our program! I’m looking forward to introducing your child to the French language and culture. I am a native of Appleton. I live here with my husband and my daughter, who is in elementary school.
From Madame DeJarlais
Grade 4/5:
Mme Krista DeJarlais
Email: dejarlaiskrist@aasd.k12.wi.us
Subject: French
Room: 124
Salut! I am the 4th and 5th grade French teacher. I taught at Odyssey a few years ago and am excited to be returning. I also teach French and coach cross country and track at Madison Middle School. In 4th and 5th grades we will continue learning the French language and culture. After 5th grade, students will be ready for level 2 French at Magellan. Outside of school, I enjoy being active and love being outside running, biking, hiking, etc. This summer I taught summer school and visited family out of state. It’s always a fun time with my niece and nephews.
From Mrs. Flocker
Grades 2-5:
Mrs. Leslie Flocker
Email: flockerleslie@aasd.k12.wi.us
Title: Odyssey Paraprofessional
Room: TBD
Hello, this will be my ninth year at Highlands/Odyssey Elementary. I have spent the past eight years as a Special Education Paraprofessional working closely with students each day. I am looking forward to getting to know the Odyssey students more this year.
From Mrs. Richards
Grades 4-8:
Mrs. Rachel Richards
Email: richardsrachel@aasd.k12.wi.us
Title: Orchestra Teacher
Room: Stage
Hi there! I am the 4th-8th grade orchestra teacher for Odyssey/Magellan, Highlands, and Wilson! This will be my 19th year of teaching orchestra in the AASD.
String bass and bassoon are my primary instruments and I love performing with ensembles in our community. I especially enjoy teaching violin, viola, cello, and bass to budding musicians, regardless of age! One of my passions is teaching and conducting the New Horizons Orchestra-Fox Valley - an educational ensemble for adults that are interested in learning an instrument. (It’s NEVER too late to learn!)
My husband and I have two adorable kitties - Tabby and Snickers - who love music as much as we do. You will hear plenty of tales of their shenanigans.
I look forward to working with our young musicians and helping them connect with their instruments, their classmates/community, and with themselves as they experience new skills and music each year!
From Mr. Dipietro
Email: dipietromatthe@aasd.k12.wi.us
Title: Band Teacher - grade 5
Room: Stage
I’m the 5th through 8th grade band teacher at Highlands Odyssey and Wilson Magellan. I’ve been making music for most of my life and I currently perform with a few different groups in the Fox Valley. Throughout the year you might see me playing a concert with my French horn or marching with a trombone or sousaphone. My wife works in the school district and we have two daughters along with several other, assorted mammals at home. The first year of band is an exciting experience and it only gets better as students progress as musicians. One of my favorite things about my job is getting to participate in the musical careers of my students for four whole years. Practice makes progress, so let’s get going =)
From Mr. Verheyen
Email: verheyenbryce@aasd.k12.wi.us
Title: Physical Education Teacher - grades 2-5
Room: Gymnasium
Hello from the gym! I’m so excited for this year because I get ALL Odyssey students. This will be my third year teaching. I believe PE is the perfect subject to learn the skills and strategies for a lifetime of physical activity while learning valuable social skills. I like to be active by running, biking, and doing CrossFit. I spent the summer training for a marathon, teaching summer school and traveling across Wisconsin to spend time with family and friends.
From Mrs. Fields
Email: fieldsmelissa@aasd.k12.wi.us
Title: Music Education Teacher - grades 2-5
Room: L01
Mrs. Fields will be teaching vocal general music to Odyssey 3-5 graders. I have taught for many years and still enjoy working with future musicians. In our music class we will sing, dance, listen, create, compose and perform. I look forward to developing this skill during their time at Odyssey. I have two wonderful kids and a beagle. I continue developing my own musical skills by singing in the community choir, newVoices and have taught at the Appleton music festival, Mile of Music, for the past seven years.
From Ms. Smith
Grades 2-5:
Ms. Kadie Smith
Email: smithkadie@aasd.k12.wi.us
Title: Music Education Teacher
Room: L02
Hello! While I will not be teaching any Odyssey classes this year, I do collaborate with Ms. Fields on concerts and our extra-curricular choir. This will be my 9th year teaching, and I can’t wait for another year. I am passionate about teaching knowledge and skill outcomes that develop both the music performer and the music appreciator in our students. I believe the music room is a great place because students work collaboratively to communicate ideas, and create beautiful art!
In my free time, I love to read, craft, garden, cook, and perform in the community. I sing with newVoices, perform with various community theatre companies, and I sing in my church choir. I am also an alumna of the Lawrence Academy Girl Choir program. This past summer I was a featured dancer in Riverside Players’ production of ALL SHOOK UP.
From Mrs. Sjostrom
Email: sjostromerin@aasd.k12.wi.us
Title: Art Education Teacher - grades 2-5
Room: 207Hello Amazing Artists and families! I am so excited to back teaching at Highlands/Odyssey this year. I am a former AASD student myself and am thrilled to be working here. This will be my 14th year teaching art to elementary students. I look forward to being creative with you and getting messy (of course!) in the art room. As an artist myself, I enjoy painting pictures of animals and landscapes with my watercolor paints. I also love to do 3D projects with my students using clay or model magic. When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time with my family and going for a run outside.
Questions? Concerns?? Compliments???
Please email the appropriate person from this list of Odyssey team members; we'll get back to you!
Jean Balke - Grades 2 and 3: balkewolffjean@aasd.k12.wi.us
Jenni Blattner - Grades 2 and 3: blattnerjennif@aasd.k12.wi.us
Brian Tibbets - Grades 4 and 5: tibbetsbrian@aasd.k12.wi.us
Courtney Velpel - Grades 4 and 5: velpelcourtney@aasd.k12.wi.us
Dory Witzeling - Grades 4 and 5: witzelingdorot@aasd.k12.wi.us
Stephanie Hooyman - French 3: hooymanstephan@aasd.k12.wi.us
Krista DeJarlais - French 4/5: dejarlaiskrist@aasd.k12.wi.us
Melissa Fields - Music: fieldsmelissa@aasd.k12.wi.us
Kadie Smith - Music: smithkadie@aasd.k12.wi.us
Erin Sjostrom - Art: sjostromerin@aasd.k12.wi.us
Bryce Verheyen - Phy Ed: verheyenbryce@aasd.k12.wi.us
Rachel Richards - Strings: richardsrachel@aasd.k12.wi.us
Matt DePietro - Band: dipietromatthe@aasd.k12.wi.us
Holly Goymerac - Secretary: goymeracholly@aasd.k12.wi.us
Jessica Nesemann - Secretary: nesemannjessic@aasd.k12.wi.us
Kari Krueger - Principal: kruegerkari@aasd.k12.wi.us
David Nitka - Associate Principal: nitkadavid@aasd.k12.wi.us
Going Out of Town?
Upcoming Events at Highlands/Odyssey
5 - First day of school!
18 - PTO Meeting - LMC 6:00 -7:00 pm
21 - HIG/ODY Badger Sports Park Night 4:00-8:00 pm
25 - No School
October
7 - Tough Kid Challenge - Field - Runs all day
9 - PTO Meeting - LMC 3:45-4:45 pm
10-20 - Book Fair
17 - Picture Day/Vision Screening
17 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:30 pm
19 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:15 pm
27 - No School
November
6- PTO Meeting - LMC 6:00 -7:00 pm
16- Picture Retakes
22-27 No School
December
11 - Odyssey Open House 6:00-6:45 pm
12 - Grades 5/6 Band Concert at Wilson - 6:30 pm
22-29 - No School - Winter Break
January
1 - No School (Last day of Winter Break)
8 - PTO Meeting - LMC 3:30-4:30 pm
15 - No School
22 - No School
26 - Family Movie Night 6:00 pm doors open, movie starts at 6:30 pm
February
5 - PTO Meeting - LMC 6:00-7:00 pm
8 - Odyssey 4/5 Music Concert - Gym 2:45-3:15 pm
13 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:30 pm
15 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:15 pm
19 - No School
29 - Odyssey 2/3 Music Concert - Gym 2:45-3:15 pm
March
11 - PTO Meeting - LMC 3:45-4:45 pm
20 - Strings/Band Concert - Gym Time TBD
22-29 - No School - Spring Break
April
1 - No School
4 - Odyssey Interim Showcase - 6:00-7:00 pm
8 - PTO Meeting - LMC 6:00-7:00 pm
18 - Goodies with Grown Ups - Gym 7:00-8:30 am
May
6 - PTO Meeting - LMC 3:45-4:45 pm
7- Odyssey Skate Party - Skate City 5:30-7:30 pm
16 - Fun Run 4:30-6:00 pm
24 - No School
27 - No School
June
5 - Odyssey 5th Grade Farewell - Kiwanis Park 5:00-6:30 pm
6 - Field Day/School Picnic/Kona Ice Day
7 - Last Day of School - dismissal at 11:27 am
Odyssey Magnet School
Odyssey-Magellan Magnet School provides advanced learners with a challenging study of math, science, communication arts, social studies, and foreign language in a stimulating classroom environment, with experienced and dedicated teachers.
Students in grades 2 through 5 attend school on the Odyssey campus located at Highlands Elementary School. Students in grades 6 through 8 attend school on the Magellan campus located at Wilson Middle School.
Email: velpelcourtney@aasd.k12.wi.us
Website: om.aasd.k12.wi.us
Location: 2037 North Elinor Street, Appleton, WI, USA
Phone: (920) 832-6250
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OMMagnetSchool