John Muir Elementary School
January 2019
Prevention is important
If You Want to Build a Snowman
Take the School Breakfast Quiz
A Note from Mrs. Garrigan
Welcome Back!
I hope you had a wonderful break and got the chance to spend some time with your family and friends. Thank you for sharing your time with your children. This is so special because they get a chance to learn your values, interests, and just spend quality time with you.
January is an exciting time for us at John Muir. It marks the halfway point of our school year. I want to thank the students for working hard and being kind during the first semester. I have seen significant growth in both academic and social-emotional progress. The second semester gives all of us a chance for a fresh start. Parents, I encourage you to support your students by getting them to school on-time and ready to learn. Students, please continue to work hard and be kind. Try to think of one extra thing you can do each day to make John Muir a better place.
Parent Teacher Club The Parent Teacher Club held a Holiday Extravaganza the day of our Holiday Program. Special thanks to everyone who baked for the Bake Sale, worked at the Bake Sale, staffed the Book Fair, and helped with the T-shirt table.
Community Music Monday Every Monday morning from 7:30-8:00 a.m. we have performers welcoming our students and staff into a new school week. If you have a musical talent that you would like to share with us, or you know someone who would be a wonderful addition, please let us know. You can send me an email at, garriganj@portage.k12.wi.us ,or call the school at 742-5531.
Safety At John Muir, we strive to make sure every student gets home safely. As parents, you can help us by keeping transportation changes to a minimum. Most students have a “usual" way of going home. If your child would need to deviate from that plan, please write a note in the agenda. While we realize that last minute changes occur, they do present challenges to your child(ren) and our staff. Please be mindful of this and limit last-minute telephone calls and changes. As a reminder, your child is not allowed to ride a different bus without permission from Riteway (608-745-1501).
Notes from our Nurse
Influenza
Cases of influenza are on the rise in Wisconsin and in our Portage school community. Please be on the lookout for symptoms and take appropriate action. If your child is diagnosed, please let the school office know this is the reason for the absence and follow your health care provider's directions to stop the spread of disease.
Symptoms of flu include:
a 100 degree F or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
a cough and/or sore throat
a runny or stuffy nose
headaches and/or body aches
chills
fatigue
nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Prevention measures include:
cover coughs
wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer
vaccination against influenza
get plenty of rest and/or sleep
stay home if sick
eat well balanced meals
drink plenty of fluids like water or 100% juice
For more information, visit www.flu.gov
Low and No Cost Health Care
St. Vincent de Paul Medical Clinic
Portage is home to the St. Vincent de Paul Medical Clinic. The clinic serves individuals on Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The clinic is located in the basement of the Wilz Drug Store, 140 E. Cook Street, Portage. You may enter the clinic directly from the alley behind the store. It is a walk-in clinic, and individuals are served on a first come, first served basis. They have a variety of primary care doctors and specialists providing care at no cost to the patient. Prescriptions are available on a limited basis. Staff of the clinic can assist people in obtaining medications through the manufacturer programs.
Services offered:
Physical exams (annual health check-up including school physicals for kindergarten entry and WIAA sports)
Exams for illness, injury, or wellness
Prescriptions (no controlled substances/narcotics)
Specialty care can usually be arranged, but not same day
Laboratory and imaging services
Prescription Drug Discount Cards
Contact your school nurse to obtain a prescription drug discount card. Several discount cards exist, and the school nurse can send you one of each of what she has at that time. You may then contact the locations to see how it can meet your needs.
If You Want to Build a Snowman
If you are in the snow, you MUST have snow pants and boots.
If you have snow pants and boots, you MUST bring them to school.
If you bring your snow pants and boots to school, you CAN build a snowman.
P.S. Please help your child to dress for the weather. If your child does not have winter outerwear, contact the school office.
A Message from the Cafeteria
Spelling Bee
Our school Spelling Bee will be held on January 4 in the John Muir room. The top spellers from fourth and fifth grade will compete for the opportunity to participate in the regional spelling bee in February. Parents, you are welcome to attend and silently support your children.
It’s Times (or division, addition or subtraction) Seriously, it is time for the Math 24 Competitions.
Our students have been practicing their math facts throughout the school year. They have challenged themselves to make 24 (using the numbers given) in a variety of ways. The top 15 fourth graders (January 11) and the top 15 fifth graders (January 18) will compete against other students in our district to determine who will represent Portage Community Schools at the regional Math 24 contest in March. The top six students in each grade will go on. Parents can support their child before and after the tournament, but should not attend the event.
Ask your fourth or fifth grade student to teach you how to play using the card pictured here.
Notes from Music
Congratulations to Xander Ryan and Johnny Bolgrien! They were chosen to sing the solos for our closing song "Light the Candles" at our holiday program on Dec. 14. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday break and we will see everyone in Jan.
Thanks for coming to our program and supporting your children.
- Mrs. Yerke
Making Your Goals a Success
By: Caitlin Richardson
Columbia County UW-Extension FoodWIse
The new year is a time in which many people set goals for improvement. Unfortunately, many of us give up these resolutions by the end of January. If you’re looking to improve your health this year, check out www.choosemyplate.gov tips to achieve success!
Start with small changes—Instead of a diet overhaul, make small changes to what you eat and drink that will work for you now and in the future.
Take one day at a time—Sometimes things don’t go as planned, even with the best of intentions. If you miss one day or one milestone for your goal, don’t give up!
Be active your way—Pick activities you enjoy! If you focus on having fun or learning a new skill that interests you, you will be more likely to stick with it.
Team up - Find a friend with similar goals—Swap healthy recipes and be active together. Staying on track is easier with support and a cheerleader.
Celebrate successes— Think of each change as a “win” as you build positive habits and find ways to reach your goals. Reward yourself−you’ve earned it!