Lewiston News
November, 2018
Mr. Meyer's Message
Based on the calendar, we are already to the end of the first 9 weeks of school! Can you believe it? It has been one of the quickest, most rewarding school years in my time as an educational leader thus far. I want to use my message to give you some things to reflect on this month that may help your child be even more successful at school this year!
There is a poster that is hung up near the front entrance at Rusch Elementary School. I walk passed each day and today I thought I would share what it says with you. The title of the poster is "Reading Matters" It states that a child who reads 20 minutes per day is exposed to 1.8 MILLION words per year and scores in the 90th percentile on standardized tests. A child who reads 5 minutes per day is exposed to 282,000 words per year and scores in the 50th percentile on standardized tests. A child who reads 1 minute per day is exposed to 8,000 words per year and scores in the 10th percentile on standardized tests.
I am not suggesting that the only reason to read at least 20 minutes per day is to perform on standardized tests, but I am saying that students are going to be at a clear advantage in life if they are someone who reads each and every day consistently for an amount of time that impacts their learning and comprehension. We read each and every day with your child at school. Each student is a unique individual with unique needs and parents know these needs the best! If your child has struggled to perform on our district assessments or the Forward Exam, it may be that they need more time in the act of reading outside of the classroom. Please help your child by giving them a quiet place to read each day, a book to read each day, and feedback on the books they read each day! Together we will help your child succeed here at school and in the world outside of school!
Have a great Month!
Mr. Meyer
Galley Studio picture retakes are November 8th
Lewiston Elementary Veteran's Day program
Monday, Nov 12, 2018, 09:00 AM
Lewiston Elementary School, Wisconsin 127, Portage, WI, USA
Joyful Traditions
Councelor's Corner
OCTOBER; BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
In an effort to promote awareness of school bullying, the month of October is designated as Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying can cause school absenteeism, mental and physical stress, poor school performance, and poor self-esteem.
A definition of bullying to use for younger, elementary age children:
Bullying is when you keep picking on someone because you think you’re
cooler, smarter, stronger or somehow better than them.
It is important to distinguish bullying from other unkind, mean and harmful behavior. Calling someone a name or pushing someone once, being rude or having an argument with someone is not bullying. Of course, these behaviors should be addressed but may have different consequences and interventions, which is why the distinction is critical. To be defined as bullying, all three components must be present: (1) repeated actions or threats, (2) a power imbalance and (3) intention to cause harm.
Students at Rusch have been learning about the difference between being mean, being rude and being a bully in third and fourth grade while the primary grades have been focusing on kindness and accepting of differences and fifth grade is covering what circumstances may prompt an individual to become a bully.
Tips for Parents: What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied
If your child is being bullied at school, this can be a very painful experience for your child and your family. Here are some things you can do to support your child if he or she is being bullied:
Never tell your child to ignore the bullying.
Allow your child to talk about his or her bullying experiences.
Write down what is shared.
Empathize with your child. Tell him or her that bullying is wrong, that it is not his or her fault, and that you are glad he or she had the courage to tell you about it.
If you disagree with how your child handled the bullying situation, don’t criticize him or her. It is often very difficult for children to know how best to respond.
Do not encourage physical retaliation.
Check your emotions. A parent’s protective instincts stir strong emotions. Although it is difficult, step back and consider the next steps carefully.
Contact a teacher, principal or school counselor at your school immediately and share your concerns about the bullying that your child has experienced. Work closely with school personnel to help solve the problem.
For more information regarding bullying prevention, visit: https://www.stopbullying.gov/
Nursing
Head lice
Everyone dreads these two words, “head lice”. Head lice are a nuisance and do not spread disease. Portage Schools protocol is when students are found to have live head lice and or nits, parent or legal guardian contact will be made to notify you of the finding and to come pick your child up from school. A handout about how to get rid of head lice will be given to you at the time of pick up. A child must be treated before returning to school. Upon return to school, the child must have a head lice check in the main office. If live lice are found, the child will again be sent home. Please call the office or send a note with the type and date of treatment used. Follow all directions on the package of the head lice treatment product each time you treat.
All people in the household should have their heads checked for lice. Often, it is the adults in the house who also have head lice but are overlooked in the treatment process. Cleaning of the environment is critical. Vacuuming and washing fabric items should be done for areas the person with lice has been in the past 2 days.
The custodians have cleaning schedules for each area in our district. This process includes washing hard surfaces and vacuuming floors.
Please talk with your children about your expectations not to share hats, combs, brushes, hair items, and to be considerate of personal space. A high five is a great alternative to a hug. For students with long hair, consider a braid or holder to keep the hair pulled back. Parents should develop a routine for checking their child’s head for lice daily or at least every few days.
The school nurse is available to you as a resource, please do not hesitate to call for support and guidance. Mrs. Hon covers elementary buildings and may be reached at 608/742-4867, ext 4131, 608/697-4912, or honv@portage.k12.wi.us
Music
Hello Lewiston Families!!
In music right now we are starting to get music ready for the Veterans Day celebration and the Winter Program. The students are working very hard on the singing and instrument parts! Just another reminder that the Winter Program is on Friday, December 14th at 6:00 pm at Portage High School. More details will be sent out as the program gets closer.
-Miss Janes
Phy Ed
This past month we have been playing soccer, bowling, playing parachute games, speed cup stacking and lots of team building activities. Next month we will be improving our skills in badminton and basketball.
-Mr. Schuette-
Cafeteria news
Classrooms are earning Golden Spatulas each week in hopes of earning a "Magical Lunch". Congratulations to the Fifth graders, the recipients of the first "Magical Lunch"
Please click on the link for November Lunch Menu.
https://www.portage.k12.wi.us/district/lunch.cfm
Please ask the office for Free and Reduced applications any time throughout the year.
Office News
Our School Day is 8:00-2:55. Students are considered late/tardy after 8:10 AM.
All tardy students must be walked into the main office and signed in by a parent/guardian.
Students need to wear coats/sweatshirts below 50 degrees. If you need assistance with cold weather clothing, please call the office.
For planned absences, please contact our office for pre-authorization forms.
If your child will be absent please contact the main office by 8:15 AM. 608-742-2524
Chaperones or volunteers need to complete an annual background check online at least two weeks prior to volunteering. Please use this link to locate the form. http://www.portage.k12.wi.us/district/volunteer-opportunities.cfm
If you need help with this process, please call the Lewiston office at 742-2524.
Dates to Remember
November 8: Galley Studio picture retakes
November 12: Veteran's Day program
November 21-26: No School - Thanksgiving Break
Fall Festival Fun
Community
Website: portageboyshoopsclub.com/youth-bb
Portage Sharing Supper
Sharing Supper came to Portage in 2015. Each supper includes free blood pressure checks, Kids Corner with educational games and activities plus informational booths for guests to learn about services that are available to them in our community. Meals are free and everyone is invited. The Portage Sharing Suppers are held on the last Monday of each month at the Bartels Middle School, 2505 New Pinery Road from 5:00-6:30pm. We are always looking for great people! We reach out to local businesses, civic groups, and individuals to ask them to consider giving back to their community by donating their time, talents, and treasures. For more information regarding Portage’s Sharing Supper, please email portagesharingsupper@gmail.com.
Upcoming Sharing Suppers for 2018- (generally the last Monday of each month)
Nov. 26 from 5-6:00 PM
Dec. 17 from 5-6:00 PM
Lewiston Elementary School
Website: portage.k12.wi.us/lewiston
Location: W11195 State Hwy 127, Portage, WI, USA
Phone: 608-742-2524