WILDCAT CLIPS
FEBRUARY 8, 2023
Lake Country School Board Approves Referendum Resolutions for April 2 Election
π’ This significant event marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to exceptional education while addressing the district's budgetary and facility needs. The referendum comprises two distinct and vital questions, addressing both immediate and long-term needs within our school district.
π° FULL NEWS RELEASE: bit.ly/lakec-news
βΉοΈ In the coming weeks we will share updated information on the Lake Country Referendum 2024 website as well as through social media, open house opportunities, meetings with community groups, a detailed community mailer, and more.
πLEARN MORE: bit.ly/lakec-ref24
MATH TEAMS
FIRST PLACE
The Math Meet provides an opportunity to challenge talented math students. The event, patterned after MathCounts, is sponsored by the Southern Lakes Advanced Learners Network. The one-day math meet seeks to do the following:
Stimulate interest in mathematics
Recognize exceptional mathematical talent
Provide a healthy academic environment
Support the Wisconsinβs Academic Standards in Mathematics as well as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards
Math meet team members earned a place on the team via their performance on a math-screening test, standardized math achievement tests (i.e. Measures of Academic Progress, Forward Exam, pre-ACT) and/or classroom-based math assessments (i.e. Math Olympiads).
Our students recently competed against teams with similar enrollment size from south central/eastern Wisconsin.
Both our 5th/6th grade team AND our 7th/8th grade team earned 1st place at the Regional Math Meet!
MATH ACCELERATION REQUESTS
Tuesday, February 20, is the deadline for a parent/guardian, teacher or other school district professional to request acceleration (grade skipping) in math by notifying Mrs. Schneider, the gifted and talented coordinator, in writing. Current kindergarten through sixth grade students, who are highly capable AND high performing students, are eligible to apply. Primary age students should also demonstrate advanced reading and writing abilities.
Math acceleration is an appropriate programming option for approximately 1-3% of the student population. Previously placed students do not need to reapply. Included with this written notification should be a rationale for why this is appropriate for the child. Once notification is received, a rigorous review process begins that incorporates data from student performance, standardized test results and teacher observation. Lake Country Schoolβs math acceleration committee will review the data before the end of this school year for 2024-2025 math class placement. Parents who have questions regarding this process should contact their childβs math/classroom teacher(s) or Mrs. Schneider.
LAST CALL! LAKE COUNTRY SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
LAST CALL - SIGN UP ENDS FRIDAY!
LCS Volleyball Sign-up is now open for Boys and Girls in grades 6, 7, and 8.
DEADLINE for sign-up will be Friday, January 26, 2024. NO LATE SIGN-UPS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Please fill out the appropriate Google Form below to sign up your 6-8th grade child. The district will add an activity fee to your child's Skyward account under the "fee management" tab when registration is closed.
***NOTE: Simply paying for volleyball does not mean you are signed up. You MUST fill out the google form.
6-8 Girls Form: https://forms.gle/nTWfse4ngdt7q4SHA
6-8 Boys Form: https://forms.gle/5syTdjz9LcBHQJLJ9
Sign-up ends on January 26, 2024. At that time, we will determine the number of teams needed and we will assign coaches. Coaches will give you information on practice dates. Our AMSAC scheduler will begin working on the game schedule after January 30, 2024. Once that is complete, you will get that schedule as well from your childβs coach.
The first week of Volleyball practices will begin the week of March 11th, 2024. The boy's conference tournament typically runs at the end of April, and the girl's conference tournament typically runs at the beginning of May.
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TRAYS
Around the World in 80 Trays is a state-wide event with the purpose of increasing global flavors in USDA School Meals Programs! DPI would like to acknowledge that food can do more than just nourish the body, but it can offer an invitation to explore the diverse cultures of Wisconsin students.
Students will be able to to sample foods from four different cultures during lunch every Tuesday starting on Jan.9th. We encourage everyone to participate and try new and exciting flavors from around the world!
January 9th: Wojabi- Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin berry sauce (p.30)
January 16th: Che Thai- Vietnamese fruit dessert (p.7)
January 23rd: Maipakke-Norwegian sandwich (p.23)
January 30th: Kafta Challow- Afghan meatballs (p.22)
Mrs. Gonzalez's K-8th grade classes are meeting in the innovation lab for introductions to their clay units. Activities included experimting on the pottery wheel and virtual 3D pottery! Next, classes will return to the art room to create individual hand-build project.
SCHOOL RECESS
Please make sure your child comes to school with appropriate weather clothing!
During the winter months we are committed to ensuring that our students have the opportunity for outdoor recess whenever possible, but we first make sure all students are safe from severe weather conditions. Please make sure your child comes to school with a winter coat, hat, and gloves/mittens. All students are required to go outside for recess unless indoor recess has been communicated. If you are having difficulty obtaining cold weather clothing please reach out to the school. We are here to help.
AFTER SCHOOL MAD SCIENCE CLASS
Mad Science After School at LCS - Science Surprise!
Bugs!
Engross yourself in entomology! Inspect authentic insect specimens. Update your insect anatomy know-how. Match-up insects with their habitats. Get bug-eyed with the Insect-A-Vision kit.
Earthworks
Dig into Earth Science! Uncover rock samples and discover how they formed. Inspect fluorescing minerals. Model the moving plates that cause bends and breaks. See the layers with your own Sedimentary Stacker.
Kitchen Chemistry
Cook up a chemical reaction! Blow up a balloon with yeast. Go on a nutrient hunt. Act out digestion from start to finish. Get a glimpse of your guts-in-action with the Digestor Inspector.
Detective Science
Help crack a case. Inspect fingerprints, mystery powders, and ink samples. Create a composite from memory. You'll even create your own Personal Profile.
Movie Effects
Discover why science is the real star on the big screen. Create cool sound effects. Toy with 3-D technology. Make motion pictures come alive. Sketch a short feature in the Cartoon Creator flipbook.
Science of Toys
What makes toys work? Move out of the way for motorized toys. Take a spin with kinetic tops. Balance a bird to reveal its center of gravity. A twist of the wrist sets your Yo-yo spinning!
KIDS HEART CHALLENGE
This year's Kids Heart Challenge (KHC) is fast approaching for grades 5K - 6th! Please click below for more information on how to register your child!
REPORT CARDS
β The 2023-2024 Second Quarter Report cards will post to Skyward Family Access on Friday afternoon, January 26. Please login to your account to view. β
HOMEWORK HELP
Monday's and Thursday's 3:20 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. in Room 202. Lake Country School students in grades 3-8 are able to drop-in after school on Mondays and Thursdays for Homework Help. Students must have homework and/or a book to read. A parent or guardian must sign a permission slip for the school year in order for their child to drop in. If there is no school on Monday or Thursday, there will be no Homework Help. CLICK HERE FOR THE PERMISSION SLIP
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Are you interested in volunteering at Lake Country School? We are excited to have you join us!
In order to better protect our students, staff, volunteers, and visitors, Lake Country School District requires your cooperation with Raptor Technologies. Please CLICK HERE to fill out the application for a background check. It is very important that the information you enter on the application matches your government-issued identification card including your full legal name. It is important that you provide a valid email address so you can be notified as to the status of your application and for future communication. If you are unable to provide an email address, you use the districtβs email address. All information collected on the application will remain confidential and not be shared outside the volunteer program.
When you volunteer, please make sure that you are not bringing younger siblings to the school campus. This policy pertains to lunchroom volunteers, recess volunteers, holiday parties, classroom celebrations, etc. This is a liability and safety issue. School district procedures prohibit non-enrolled children from being on a school campus during school hours.
Lunchroom volunteers must check in at the school office prior to going to the lunchroom. The role of a lunchroom volunteer is to supervise children in the lunchroom to ensure they are being safe and kind. In addition, some children will need help to open lunch items. Between each lunch period, you are asked to help wipe the lunch tables. There will be lunchroom aides with whom you may ask questions regarding lunchroom rules. Please click on the link above labeled Lunchroom Volunteer to sign up. Thank you!
Recess volunteers must check in at the school office prior to going outside to the playground. The role of a recess volunteer is to supervise children on the playground to ensure they are being safe and kind. There will be recess aides on the playground whom you may ask questions regarding recess rules. Please click on the link above labeled Recess Volunteer to sign up. Thank you!
Please contact your child's teacher directly to inquire about volunteering in the classroom.
STUDENT COUNCIL SERVICE PROJECT - PROJECT LINUS
Student Council has recently taken on a new community service project called Project Linus. Project Linus is an organization that takes homemade blankets and distributes them to local children in need. We are looking for donations of polar fleece that are 50β x 60β and must be new, smoke and pet free. Joann Fabrics and Hobby Lobby are great locations to get the fleece from. We also accept monetary donations which will be used to buy more materials, as well as fabric scissors. Checks should be addressed to βLake Country Schoolβ with βProject Linusβ in the memo. At this time, Student Council members will be the only ones working on the blankets. Contact Mrs. Thurin with any questions at thurinh@mylakecountryschool.org.
πΌ CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER! πΌ
Jordan Steger and his wife have welcomed their new baby girl, Emery! Jordan is the Director of Building and Grounds at Lake Country School. Congratulations Jordan and family!
LAKE COUNTRY SCHOOL PTO
Lake Country PTO is a nonprofit parent teacher organization whose membership includes all staff, parents, and legal guardians of students attending Lake Country School. The PTOβs mission is to establish a close relationship between home and school by advancing opportunities for all parents to become involved in the Lake Country School community.
The PTO sponsors assistance to teachers in classroom settings, raises funds for supplemental educational materials and experiences, supports school and family social interaction, and provides a forum for sharing information on issues that impact our children. The PTO believes that when parents support school through a positive partnership, it offers the best possible learning environment for our children.
πSpaghetti Dinner
March 7, 2024 - More information coming soon!
π Spring Dance
May 10, 2024 - 4K - Grade 6 - More information coming soon!
π Lake Country School PTO is on Facebook!
ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS & ACTIVITIES
Calling all 3rd & 4th grade girls! We want you to join the fun sport of lacrosse! This fast paced, exciting game will be fun for anyone; no experience required! The season is relatively short so the time commitment allows for other summer sports to be played. The season starts mid March with indoor practices and wraps up by the beginning of June. Registration ends January 30, 2024. www.arrowheadyouthlacrosse.com
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
LCYBS Youth Baseball Registration is Open!
Dousman Transport Co., Inc.
Village of Hartland
Pewaukee Sussex United
Milwaukee Rowing Club
Merton Athletic Association
FOLLOW MAA on Facebook for updates and www.mertonathletics.org for more detailed information about programs.
Registration is OPEN!!! Register EARLY...ALL Programs subject to waitlists.
- More Details on the website
- Sign up for the grade level your child is currently in (2023-2024 school year)
- Coach Pitch/T-Ball: Tuesdays or Thursday Night Leagues
BRONCOS
- 1st/2nd grade Machine Pitch: Monday Nights League
- 3rd/4th grade Baseball
- 5th/6th grade Baseball (the waitlist is on, the #s are close to having two teams. Grab a friend and get on the waitlist---once there is enough we will open a second team)
- 7th/8th grade Baseball
PONIES
- 1st/2nd grade Fastpitch
- 3rd/4th grade Fastpitch
- 5th/6th grade Fastpitch
- 7th/8th grade Fastpitch
WINTER Sports:
- Indoor Soccer (all age brackets will play this Saturday) ***Volunteers are STILL NEEDED to make the teams complete---Consider Helping your childβs team out (help fill in the highlighted openings)
- Itβs GAME WEEK for Merton 5th and 6th grade Boys AMSAC teams. Good Luck Boys!
- 3rd and 4th grade Boys Basketball Programs starts this week--at Merton Primary Gym.
- Adult Volleyball is in the gym this month Jan 17, 24, and 31.
- Indoor Practices have started for Mavericks and Fillies
PARENT RESOURCES
Technolgy Tips
Set clear limits for daily screen time use AND for specific topic usage. You can create an action plan that works for your family by using the American Academy of Pediatrics' Family Media Plan
Check in devices with parents or in a general area at night to not disturb sleep
Limit phone use during homework time
Practice what you preach--lead by example with your own screen time use
Monitor media usage- what apps, accounts, sites and games being used
Discuss safety and respectful behavior with media usage
Enforce the rules with your agreed upon technology expectations.
Screen time recommendations from the CDC: CDC: Screen Time vs. Lean Time
Navigating Social Media recommendations from Common Sense Media
Screen time recommendations from the AAP: Media and Young Minds
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Strategies to Make Homework Go More Smoothly
Homework has been around as long as public schools have, and over the years considerable research has been conducted regarding the efficacy of homework practices. Besides contributing to academic success, homework can help teach children how to take responsibility for tasks and how to work independently. Homework helps children develop habits of mind that will serve them well as they proceed through school and through life. Specifically, homework helps children learn how to plan and organize tasks, manage time, make choices, and problem solve. All of these skills contribute to effective functioning in the adult world of work and families. Homework also helps parents stay involved with their childβs education.
We encourage parents to help and assist their children to follow a nightly homework routine. Below are some recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists. If you have further questions please reach out to your childβs teacher. CLICK HERE FOR HELPFUL HOMEWORK ROUTINES
If you have further questions, concerns or need to collaborate about your childβs education or social/emotional/behavioral health; please reach out to your Student Support Team.
Heather Thurin, School Counselor EXT 132
Kelley Berlin, School Psychologist EXT 134
WELLNESS CORNER
The Lake Country School District promotes a healthy school environment for students and staff through education and awareness, and by providing and promoting healthy options and opportunities. The Lake Country School District will practice and promote good nutrition within the school setting. Students who practice good nutrition attend school with minds and bodies ready to take advantage of their learning environment. Eating habits are learned early in life. Therefore, the School Board, administrators and staff support a school environment that promotes and encourages lifelong nutritious eating habits.
Healthy Eating During Adolescence
Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught at a young age. The following are some general guidelines for helping your adolescent eat healthy. It is important to discuss your adolescent's diet with his or her health care provider before making any dietary changes or placing your adolescent on a diet. Discuss the following healthy eating recommendations with your adolescent to ensure he or she is following a healthy eating plan:
Quick Links
2023-2024 & 2024-2025 School Calendar (select link at top of webpage)
WILDCAT CLIP SUBMISSION DETAILS
- E-mail submissions to Nicole Brown in the School Office at: brownn@mylakecountryschool.org
- Submissions for the Wildcat Clips must include a contact name and phone number for the readers to contact if they need additional information. Lake Country School District reserves the right to edit and/or limit items submitted.
- Click here for deadline dates and publications.