Wildcats News
West Middle School
Principal - Joe Hardin / Assistant Principal - Victoria Albright / Assistant Principal - Mike Tillo
October 2021 Newsletter
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Upcoming Events
October 5 - Conferences @ WMS 2:55-5:35 P.M.
October 6 - Iowa's Healthiest State Walk Day
October 6 - Cross Country @ Sertoma Park 4:00 P.M.
October 7 - Volleyball City A Tournament @ WMS 3:30 P.M.
October 7 - 7/8 Football @ Riverside Field 4:00 / 5:10 P.M.
October 8 - No School - Conference Exchange Day
October 14 - 7/8 Football @ SSC Middle School 4:00 / 5:10 P.M.
October 15 - PBIS Incentive Tailgate Party @ WMS during the day (Wear football shirts)
October 20 - Middle School Orchestra Festival @ NMS 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
October 20 - Girls' Basketball @ WMS / West White 3:30 / West Green 4:30 P.M.
October 25 - Girls' Basketball @ NMS / West Green 4:00 / West White 5:00 P.M.
October 26 - Picture Retake Day @ WMS Order at www.inter-state.com/order enter CODE 62207G or search for West Middle.
October 26 - Girls' Basketball @ SSC Middle School / West Green 4:00 / West White 5:00 P.M.
October 26 - Wrestling @ EHS 4:00 P.M.
October 26 - End of 1st Quarter
October 28 - Wrestling @ WHS 4:00 P.M.
October 28 - Fall Dance @ WMS 5-7:00 P.M. For WMS students only / $2 entrance fee - tickets must be purchased in advance from Ms. Gates or Ms. Poeckes before or after school starting Oct. 11 / Costumes may be worn but NO costume masks, weapons or look-a-like weapons are allowed / Pizza and pop will be available for $1 each
Note from the Principal...
Happy fall everyone! I love this time of year as the students are settling in and beginning to explore new depths of knowledge. I want to take this opportunity to speak to you about two important topics. First, we have an amazing opportunity to communicate about your child’s educational progress. On October 4th and 5th we will be holding Parent/Teacher conferences. Parents can sign up for times using the myconferencetime link sent in previous emails and in this newsletter (above in Upcoming Events). Parents can choose if they want to meet in person, through Virtual Teams, or by phone. Our goal is to connect with each parent during this time.
Second, I would like to stress the importance of attendance. It is vital that your student is here daily as instruction is constant in all classes. When students are not here, they are missing out on the instruction and the practice opportunities that are happening. Most students can recover from a small number of days gone when they are sick or for other excusable reasons. However, I have seen even strong students struggle to keep up when the number of absences increase. Thank you for working with us and calling in excusable absences in a timely manner. As always, please reach out to us if you have concerns, questions, or ways that we can continue to make WMS a great place to be. - Joe Hardin 279-6813
September's Students of the Month
Hip, Hip, Hooray! These students were honored for showing exemplary positive behavior. Way-to-go, students!
6th grade - Kylie Dunne, Kloey Gisel, Arabella Inlay, Donnie Rosenbaum, Dalen Schoenherr
7th grade -Audric Cavenee, Jaiden Cruz, Zander Foland, Autumn Garza, Nevaeh Smith
8th grade - Christhel Bracamonte, Alyssa Derby, Reygan Mann, Hadli Ross, Ashlen Sloan
Student Council Update
Student Council has been hard at work for the first full month of school! We are committed to making sure every event has as much school spirit as possible and want to improve the school. We’ve done quite a bit so far. We participated in the West High Homecoming Parade and represented West Middle. We’re also committed to having Wooly appear every Friday at lunch and during home football games. Currently, Student Council is hard at work, making posters and coming up with ideas for the Halloween dance, which will happen on October 28th. Details are soon to come! Student Council also is trying to raise school spirit by giving out celebratory candygrams to students participating in sports. The cross-country, volleyball, and football teams have already received candygrams due to their upcoming seasons. We also spent a good few days creating posters for Homecoming week and would love to do more things like that. Student Council plans to do so much more this year, and we can’t wait! - By Brooklyn and Madeline
Masks Now Required on all City & School Buses
Please be aware that a federal mandate is in place requiring all persons riding on a city bus, school bus or an airplane to wear a mask. This mandate will be in effect until January 18, 2022.
Sioux City Young Ambassadors
The following 7th graders were selected to be Sioux City Young Ambassadors:
Nicholas Batawui, Kamryn Behrens, Taylin Brandt, Zander Foland, Leland Lundgren, Sofia Perez, and Mariana Ruiz Ledesma.
The Young Ambassador (YA) ceremony/orientation was held on September 13, 2021, at the Long Lines Family Center. This venue allowed for sufficient social distancing. Each nominee was honored at this Ceremony and given a YA t-shirt and a gift card to Book People courtesy of the Sioux City Mayor's Youth Commission. Congratulations, students!
West Middle Bell Schedule 2021/22
Monday
7:45-8:28 Period 1
8:31-9:11 Period 2
9:14-9:54 Period 3
9:57-10:28 Period 4 6th gr. lunch
10:31-11:02 Period 5 7th gr. lunch
11:05-11:36 Period 6 8th gr. lunch
11:39-12:19 Period 7
12:22-1:02 Period 8
1:05-1:45 Period 9
Tuesday-Friday
7:45-8:38 Period 1
8:41-9:31 Period 2
9:34-10:24 Period 3
10:27-10:58 Period 4 6th gr. lunch
11:01-11:32 Period 5 7th gr. lunch
11:35-12:06 Period 6 8th gr. lunch
12:09-12:59 Period 7
1:02-1:52 Period 8
1:55-2:45 Period 9
Smile - It's Picture Retake Day
October 26 is Picture Retake Day at West Middle. Due to COVID-19, all orders will be placed online this year again. No packets will be sent home prior to picture day and no money will be collected by the photographers. The only exchange will take place if your child is returning the original packet of pictures in order to have a retake done. If for some reason your child missed picture day in September, please go to www.inter-state.com/order to place your order prior to October 26. Please enter CODE 62207G or search for West Middle.
West Middle's Cell Phone Policy
All cell phones should remain in your child's backpack throughout the day. An announcement is made each morning reminding students to put their cell phones away. If a cell phone is seen outside of a backpack without permission, the cell phone will be taken from the student and stored in the office until the end of the day.
* If it is the child's 1st offense, then the child may pick up the phone themselves after school.
* Starting with the 2nd offense, a parent will be required to pick up the phone anytime that is convenient to them.
Unless a phone is needed for safety while coming and going from school, it may be best to leave the phone at home.
Health & Fitness Tip: Eat More of Nature's Harvest...Apples and Pumpkins
Fall is harvest time and what's better than fresh picked fruit? Some of nature's wonders can still be readily found and are fairly reasonable in cost. Two of these are apples and pumpkins. Your mind might automatically jump to thoughts of PIE when you hear the words apple and pumpkin but these two fruits can be enjoyed in a number of other healthy ways.
Apples - Apples are a good source of fiber and Vitamin C. They also provide smaller amounts of manganese, copper, Vitamins A, E, B1, B2, & B6. Apples have been known to help lower cholesterol. lower blood pressure, and help reduce the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in apples can promote bone health, and can even help protect again asthma. Remember to leave the skin on as half the fiber is found in the skin.
Pumpkins - Pumpkins are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber plus they are low in calories! The Vitamins A, C, & E, potassium, iron and folate found in pumpkins can boost the immune system, protect the eyes, keeps the skin strong and healthy, and fight against cancer.
Both apples and pumpkins can be served either sweet or savory. For some savory ideas, try adding apples to a pork roast while its cooking or add apples to stuffing mix or try using pumpkin to make a rich, fall soup or stew. Some recipes even call for cooking the stew inside of a hollowed out pumpkin shell. How fun is that?! So why not get your kids in the kitchen with you and have some family fun trying new recipes that incorporate apples and pumpkins.
(Fruit info taken from the website healthline.com)
*** Our Assistant Principal, Mrs. Albright, shared one of her favorite pumpkin recipes with us from minimalistbaker.com
One Pot Pumpkin Curry
CURRY
- 1 medium shallot (minced)
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 small red chili or serrano pepper (stem + seeds removed // thinly sliced)
- 1 large red bell pepper (thinly sliced lengthwise)
- 3 Tbsp yellow (or red) Thai curry paste (I prefer Thai True brand)
- 3 1/2 cups peeled and cubed pumpkin or butternut squash
- 2 14-ounce cans light coconut milk (sub full-fat for extra creamy texture or 1/2 of the coconut milk for vegetable broth for thinner curry)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar (plus more to taste // or sub stevia to taste)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 healthy pinch sea salt (~1/4 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp coconut aminos (or sub tamari or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2/3 cup roasted cashews* (lightly salted or unsalted are best)
1 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil (or avocado or grape seed oil // sub water if avoiding oil)
FOR SERVING optional
- Lemon juice
- Brown rice (method), Coconut Quinoa, or Cauliflower Rice
Fresh basil or cilantro
Instructions
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add coconut oil, shallot, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add bell pepper and curry paste and stir. Cook for 2 minutes more. Then add pumpkin and stir. Cook for 2 minutes more.
Add coconut milk, maple syrup or coconut sugar, turmeric, sea salt, and coconut aminos and stir. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Once simmering, slightly reduce heat to low and cover. You want a simmer, not a boil, which should be around low to medium-low heat.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften the pumpkin and infuse it with curry flavor.
At this time, also taste and adjust the flavor of the sauce/broth as needed. I added more maple syrup for sweetness, sea salt for saltiness, and a bit more curry paste for a more intense curry flavor. Don’t be shy with seasonings – this curry should be very flavorful.
Once the broth is well seasoned and the pumpkin is tender, add broccoli, lemon juice, and cashews and cover. Simmer for 3-4 minutes more over low to medium-low heat.
Serve as is or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. This dish gets elevated with the addition of fresh lemon juice and Thai or regular basil or cilantro for serving.
Best when fresh, though leftovers will keep in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
Optional: Scoop out half of the broth/sauce and half of the pumpkin (try to exclude the broccoli) and blend until creamy and smooth in a blender for a thicker, creamier curry. Return to pot and warm for a few minutes before serving.
Hy-Vee Receipts
$CHOOL BUCK$ PROGRAM RULES 2021/2022
All receipts must be from the Sioux City or South Sioux City Hy-Vee’s or the Hy-Vee Mainstreet Store.
Receipts must be dated August 1, 2021 – April 26, 2022.
Please Note: No fuel, postal, money order, Western Union, lottery, Quest, Mid American or gift card receipts will be accepted. If any of these receipts are found in any of the bundles the entire bundle amount might not be counted and will not go towards our school total. Please pay for these items separate from your grocery order. Pharmacy receipts DO count so save those. Please ask the whole family to save their receipts...grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, we'll take them all!
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education has gone online! The app is super easy. Download the app. Then answer a few, short questions. Make sure to select West Middle School. You can use our zip code, 51103, to find the school. Then, when you go to the store and see the box top picture on the top of an item you bought, upload the receipt in the app by taking a picture. If you use Ibotta, Shopkicks, Checkout 51, or similar apps, the process is the same.
Ask any friends, neighbors, or coworkers you have to do this for West Middle School if they do not have any kids at home. The app is free. People buy items all the time that have Box Tops on them. Let's capture some of this money to give back to West Middle.
Box Tops for Education (continued)
The more money raised through Box Tops and Hy-Vee receipts the more we can do for our students. Thanks for doing this for your children. Thanks for spreading the word to your friends, coworkers, and extended families. We truly appreciate your help.
Free and Reduced Meal Application Reminder
- Free and Reduced Meal Application Reminder: Have you filled out a free and reduced meal application for the 2021-2022 school year? If you haven’t, please take a few moments to fill out the application today. While meals are free to all students due to the pandemic, the information collected on the free and reduced meal application is needed for program funding within the District. Families who qualify for free or reduced meals may also qualify for P-EBT benefits. P-EBT benefits carry over for 30 days in the school year or until a new application is filled out for the new school year. The free and reduced meal application is available on the SCCSD website.
Virtual Backpack
- Stay Up-To-Date On Community Events: The Sioux City Community School District is proud to offer many ways for students and families to stay involved and connected in our community. Virtual Backpack provides families with a convenient way to receive the latest news and information from local non-profits and community partners on events and activities that may be of interest to District families. From camps and sports leagues to family services and resources, the SCCSD Virtual Backpack is a one-stop resource for community information. Sign up to receive the weekly e-newsletter today!
Return-to-Learn Plan and Weekly COVID-19 Reporting
- Return-to-Learn Plan and Weekly COVID-19 Reporting: The District’s Return-to-Learn Plan including our health and safety protocols and our weekly report for positive COVID-19 tests reported by parents and staff is available on the District’s website. The weekly positive COVID-19 data is updated every Friday as part of the District’s commitment to maintaining transparent communication with our families.
Attendance Is Vital
- Your Child’s Attendance Is Vital
The Sioux City Community School District recognizes that good attendance is essential to academic success. Nationwide, far too many students are at risk academically because they are chronically absent. Chronic absence is described as missing 10 percent of the school year—or about 18 days – for any reason, excused or unexcused. Research shows that’s the point at which absenteeism begins to affect student performance. We need your assistance to reduce absenteeism and help your student reach their highest potential. If there are challenges that make it difficult for your student to attend school, please let us know. We want to partner with you to build a habit of regular attendance and help your child succeed.
School Safety
- School Safety
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority. Each year, our school has fire, tornado, and intruder drills to ensure our students and staff are prepared for potential emergencies.
If an emergency should occur, we will notify you through our Blackboard messaging system. The system will call every phone number listed for your child, providing details about the emergency and directions for you on where and when to pick up your child if necessary. For more information on our safety processes, visit our website at https://www.siouxcityschools.org/parents/safety/.
Your Voice Is Needed
- Your Voice Is Needed
We are looking for volunteers to join the Sioux City Community School District’s Grassroots Advocacy Committee. As a volunteer, you will receive email updates about important legislative events that could impact public education. All we ask is that you take the information you receive and contact our legislators to let your voice be heard in support of public education. We will provide tips on how you can contact our legislators. There is very little time commitment on your part and no meetings to attend.
Download Our New Mobile App
- Download Our New Mobile App
Convenience at your fingertips! Download our new mobile app for easy access to the school calendar, events, and all the information you need about the Sioux City Community School District. The app is available to download now in the app store on your mobile device.
Let's Talk
An engaged community makes our District stronger. That is why we have made it easy for you to connect with us whenever it is convenient for you. We encourage you to take advantage of Let’s Talk!, our 24/7 online submission site. Reach out with your ideas, questions, concerns, and praise. To make a submission, please visit http://www.siouxcityschools.org/lets-talk/.
Communication and Preparedness
Student and staff safety is of paramount importance in the Sioux City Community School District. For this reason, the District exercises a host of crisis prevention and planning tactics. Should an emergency occur, the school notifies you through our Blackboard phone system. In an emergency, the system calls every phone number associated with your child in order to reach you. The message will give you details about the emergency and provide directions on when/where to pick up your child if the normal school day is altered. Learn more about school safety.
Focus 2022 Strategic Plan
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Sioux City Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas: Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, and Industrial Arts, Technology, & PLTW.
The Sioux City Community School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (for employment), national origin, religion, age (for employment), disability, socioeconomic status (for programs), marital status (for programs), or veteran status (for employment) in its educational programs and its employment practices. The District is required by Title IX and 34 CFR Part 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs, activities, or employment.
Inquiries or grievances under Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to Dr. Dora Jung, Director of Student Services & Equity Education/Title IX Coordinator at 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, (712) 279-6075, jungd@live.siouxcityschools.com. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations to the District may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, or both. Please see District Board policies 103 and 504.4 for additional information on available grievance procedures.
West Middle School
Principal: Joe Hardin
Website: https://www.siouxcityschools.org/west-middle/
Location: 3301 West 19th Street, Sioux City, IA, USA
Phone: 712-279-6813
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scwestmiddleschool/
Twitter: @wildcatswms