Spartan Gazette
Indian Mound Middle School
Greetings From Aaron Tarnutzer
When you think of the 4th quarter, what words come to mind? Track? Money unit? Recognition? Spring? Persevere? Excitement? This time of year is often referred to as the “silly season” in schools.
Just as time seemed to slow down during January and February, time speeds up in April and May. In the classrooms, students will experience the most challenging curriculum of the year as we build upon the skills and knowledge that has been gained in the first three quarters. Meanwhile, outside of the classroom there are many valuable, and sometimes fun, events that are sprinkled in throughout the end of the year. When challenging curriculum meets with fun and celebration, the results can be amazing and a bit unpredictable. Here are a few of these events:
April 3: No school
April 6: 8th grade recognition planning meeting, 6:00 p.m.
April 10: Real World Day, Celebration Day
April 14: Annual Open Mic Poetry Night @ MHS
April 28: 6th grade Science Fair
May 1: No school, professional development
May 6 and 7: 8th grade ropes course field trip (split in 2 groups)
May 7: 7th and 8th grade Band Concert @ MHS
May 14: 8th-12th Orchestra Concert @ MHS
May 18: 5th -7th grade Orchestra Concert @ MHS
May 19: Parent Teacher Organization Meeting, 6:30 pm.
May 19: Choir Concert @ MHS
May 22-25: No school
May 28: 6th grade Band Concert @ MHS
May 30: Blues in the Night at IMMS
June 3: 8th grade Recognition Ceremony (@ MHS) and Dance (@ IMMS)
June 4: End of the year trips
June 5: Last Day of School (1/2 day)
Along with these exciting events we have 7th and 8th grade track, the infamous 6th grade Money Unit, and the grade level track meets during the end of May. There are also the much less glamorous tasks and events such as student scheduling/placement, longer writing projects, 6th grade orientation, and much more.
As we begin the 4th quarter, we should take a moment to appreciate what we have accomplished together over the first three quarters, and push ourselves to be successful with the tasks at hand. My best advice for all of you involved and supportive parents and guardians, is to use some of the information I have shared with you to ask your child questions such as:
- “What is Real World Day anyway?”
- “What is different about the songs you are playing for the end of the year concert compared to the first concert?"
- “How does what you are doing in class compare with first quarter?”
- “What are your favorite things about this grade?"
Thank you for joining us on the adventure that is the 4th quarter.
Aaron Tarnutzer
IMMS Principal
Badger 3–8 Testing News
Badger 3–8 testing begins on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 and ends on Friday, May 22, 2015. Students will be testing in their ELA classes as well as their math classes. We are asking all students to bring their headphones/ear buds to school for the 2 days they are testing in their ELA classes. Headphones/ear buds will be collected in ELA classes, labeled and kept in a secure location during testing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s ELA teacher or Jill Runde at jill_runde@mcfarland.k12.wi.us or at 608-838-8980, ext. 4577.
Summer School 2015
This summer we have many new exciting Middle School opportunities! Students can choose from new enrichment classes that include Architecture, Duct Tape Creations, Survivor, Comic Book Creations, StemàSTEAM, Not Just Dodgeball, Improv/Drama and more!!
Summer School Registration will open on April 15 at 7 pm.
You can find all enrichment opportunities as well as registration information in the Summer 2015 handbook which can be viewed online by following the link for Summer School on the District News tab on the district webpage.
World Read Aloud Day
Celebrating the power of words and creating a community of readers.
On Wednesday, March 4th we joined over one million people in more than 80 countries and over 31 million people online to bring focus to the 793 million people who cannot read. It was a wonderful day to share a book.
Nutrislice: Online Menu
Welcome, Parents! Your child’s online menu has now gone digital!
Introducing Nutrislice, an online and convenient way to view your child’s school lunch menu that has intuitive features and engaging designs. With Nutrislice, you can:
· View nutrition information for each food
· Filter menus for specific allergens
· Have access to your child’s menu through the Nutrislice mobile app!
Visit our district’s new menus site at mcfarland.nutrislice.com to view the menu and discover so much more! Download “School Lunch by Nutrislice” on Google Play and the App Store today!
8th Grade American Legion Award Nomination Process
8th Grade students are eligible to participate in the 2014/15 American Legion Award Program (sponsored by the McFarland chapter of the American Legion). Teachers and parents are encouraged to take a few moments to nominate 8th grade students for this prestigious school / community award. Students can nominate themselves too.
This award is based on the tenants of the American Legion:
Courage (Spirit to stand up for the right and so one’s duty; a quality of intellect and will)
Honor (Strength and stability of character; high standards of conduct; a keen sense of what is right; adherence to truth and conscience)
Leadership (Ability to lead and cooperate in accomplishing objectives through group action)
Patriotism (Love of country)
Scholarship (Scholastic attainment; evidence of industry and application in studies)
Service (Kindness, unselfishness, fellowship, protection of others, and promotion of the interests and welfare of others without thought of personal reward)
8th grade students nominated for this prestigious award will be required to type an essay indicating how they “live” the American Legion tenants in order to be considered for the award. The typed essay should be no longer than two pages and be double-spaced. All students who complete an essay will receive an honorable mention certificate with special recognition awards presented to one 8th grade girl and one 8th grade boy. Please forward your nomination to Jim Kramer at 838-4576. The nomination deadline is March 31, 2015 and the student essays are due on or before April 14, 2015.
Student of the Month
IMMS Choir
Rock, Paper, Scissors Winner 2015
WASC Leadership Camp
WASC Leadership camp
Wisconsin Association of School Councils (WASC) Leadership Camps
All students are invited to participate in the Wisconsin Association of School Councils (WASC) leadership camp at Ripon College!
Leadership Camp - Whether you’re involved in student council, the national honor society, the drama club, a sports team, the school musical, cheerleading, or you’re local FFA — the WASC camp program is for you! In fact, the camp programs are for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills! While the WASC has three camps for Junior & Middle School (JAM) students, first timers will want to choose “Level 1 LEARN”.
JAM Camps: Levels 1, 2 & 3 — July 12 – 16, 2015
LEVEL 1: LEARN – July 12 – 16, 2015
During the Level 1 experience, students will participate in fun activities focused on skills essential for the middle level including: building self-esteem and self-advocacy skills, learning what it means to be a leader, and ways to create exciting and interesting student activities.
INCLUDED IN CAMP:
For five days, students will be led by education professionals in activities dedicated to understanding what it means to be a leader. With proven curriculum as the foundation, and unparalleled talent leading each camp, delegates agree that this program is “the most significant learning experience in my life to-date!”
Banquet: The delegates get dressed up for this special affair, where they dine in their finery while listening to inspiring speeches by their fellow delegates.
Speaking Opportunities: There are numerous opportunities for students to work on their presentation skills — and one evening where individuals from each group are asked to address the entire delegation.
Picnic: An outdoor event that includes games, food, and fun. It’s a great way to connect with new friends at the mid-point of the week.
Recreation: Recreation opportunities vary by camp, but include swimming, volleyball, tennis, running clubs, socializing and more!
Dance: A high-point of the week. Whether the delegates decide to dance with their new friends, or enjoy other activities, it’s a great time to celebrate.
Evening Closings: Each day ends with inspiring stories and songs — lead by adult and junior counselors. It’s the perfect way to end a day.
Learning will be enjoyable, creating fun and fellowship with students from all over the state of Wisconsin. Students need NOT have any connection or involvement in Student Council to take advantage of this unbelievably GREAT camp opportunity! This is a super camp…please call Mr. Kramer for specific information, as he has been a counselor for five years.
FEE: $386, but all IMMS camp participants will receive financial assistance toward their fee. Visit www.wasc.org for more information, registration forms, and more!