Spartan Gazette
December 2018
Aaron Tarnutzer, Principal
Building Administrative Assistant: Gina Pili pilig@mcfsd.org
Attendance Line: 608-838-8980
Email: tarnuta@mcfsd.org
Website: http://www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/schools/middle/
Location: 6330 Exchange Street, McFarland, WI, United States
Phone: 608-838-8980
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Indian-Mound-Middle-School-McFarland-WI-204736889672509/
Twitter: @ATarnutzer
Being Present - By Mr. Jondle
Greetings,
It’s difficult to believe that yet another year has come and gone, and that we find ourselves looking ahead to another calendar year. This time of the year is always bittersweet for me personally as I am one who enjoys routine and often struggle with change. The older I get, however, the more I understand that with change comes new opportunities and growth. It is that outlook that has helped me to look forward to the New Year and understand the importance of reflecting on the past.
The Holiday Season is often a time of reflection, a time for change, a time to set new goals, as well as a time to celebrate and look ahead. The same holds true for each of us here at IMMS. This “half-way point” of the school year allows each of us to look back at what has gone well so far, what changes are on the horizons, and also a time to celebrate our work! With this theme in mind, I find myself guilty of always looking ahead to the future and forgetting to truly “be present” and living in the moment. One of my favorite quotes that I’ve always tried to live out is, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”
That being said, I would like to provide my annual reminders about one aspect of this school year that has been a focal point for our students, staff, and families regarding students truly “being present”.
Regarding student attendance, The McFarland School District policy allows for ten (10) excused absences in a school year. Beyond ten days, we ask that absences be verified by a doctor’s excuse, appointment card, or be approved by the Principal or Associate Principal.
We realize that some absences are unavoidable. At the same time, we know that when students miss too much school they can fall behind academically. We don’t want your child to fall behind and get discouraged. Here are some things you can do to keep your child on track:
Make daily, on-time attendance the expectation in your household
Establish regular routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep
When possible, avoid scheduling dental and medical appointments during the school day
Avoid extended vacations that require your child to miss school
Don’t let your child stay home unless he or she is truly sick
Ask for help from school officials if you’re having trouble getting your child to school
If your child is sick or there is a legitimate reason for keeping your child home, we ask that you please contact the Indian Mound Middle School Office at (608) 838-8980 before 8:10 A.M. If your child does see a doctor or is in the care of a medical professional, kindly provide the school with a note from the doctor or clinic.
Additionally, I thought I would share some statistics that have surfaced in direct correlation with student achievement and attendance.
Half the students who miss two-four days in September go on to miss nearly one month of school.
An estimated 5 million to 7.5 million U.S. students miss nearly one month of school each year (approximately 20 days).
Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. One in ten kindergarten and first grade students are chronically absent. Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back.
By Sixth Grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student may drop out of high school.
Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school year [or about 18 days in most school districts], negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.
The academic impact of missing that much school is the same whether the absences are excused or unexcused.
When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
Attendance improves when schools engage students and parents in positive ways and when schools provide mentors for chronically absent students.
Most school districts and states don’t look at all the right data to improve school attendance. They track how many students show up every day and how many are skipping school without an excuse, but not how many are missing so many days in excused and unexcused absence that they are headed off track academically.
It is my goal this year and each year forward, to do everything I can to help provide support and understanding for families and students regarding attendance. It is also my hope that we continue to create a school environment where students want to be at school and truly be present!
New Year
Finally and most importantly, this Holiday Season is a time to give thanks for all that we have and what we have to look ahead to for 2019. I invite you to look back on all that your 2018 has been, and to what 2019 can be. While change is scary for many of us, it always brings substance and opportunities to each of our lives. Let’s embrace the unknown and celebrate all that 2018 was for us, while remembering to truly “be present” living in the moment, and making the most of our time together here at IMMS!
From our IMMS family to yours, may 2019 bring each of you peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Warmly,
Brett Jondle, IMMS Associate Principal
Resource Used: “10 Facts About School Attendance.” Attendance Works, https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/10-facts-about-school-attendance/. Accessed 17 Nov. 2018. Click here.
The 4th Annual Warm Winter Drive is here!!!!
All donations can be dropped off in the offices of CEPS, WIS, IMMS, and MHS from November 26-December 21.
The first two years our community has been very gracious in donating to this drive and we have collected over 2,500 items that were given to people experiencing homelessness. Last year our 5 schools alone donated over 4,000 items to elementary school kids!
This year our initiative is towards getting students the warm winter gear they need to be safe in our Wisconsin elements. We have partnered with 3 Madison schools who have a high rate of students in poverty. We hope we are able to donate enough items for all of their students.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer with our drive, please contact the front office of our EC-12 McFarland schools.
Free or Reduced Meals
Did you know . . . if your family qualifies for Free or Reduced Lunches, you also qualify for Free or Reduced Breakfast! Give us a try. We have many daily options to choose from including cereal, muffins, yogurt, hard boiled eggs and more. All meals come with fruit, 100% juice and milk. Menus can be found on the district website and our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/McFarlandSchoolMeals/
McFarland Youth Center - December
Hello Youth, Parents and Guardian,
During the month of December and in addition to our normal programming, MYC will be holding several service projects involving the help of the middle school youth as well as a winter party celebrating winter break.
Attached is December's programming calendar, see below for key dates for the month of December.
We have a few important special events and winter closings listed below, please review.
Key Dates and Closings:
Wednesday, December 5th: Girls Group 6-7:30pm
Thursday, December 6th: Boys Group 6-7:30pm
Thursday, December 20th: MYC Winter Party 5-7:30pm
Friday, December 21st through January 1st: MYC CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK.
McFarland Youth Center is a free nonprofit youth center for middle school youth, if your youth will be new to MYC please visit our website to access the required pledge form: https://www.mcfarlandyouthcenter.org/
MYC is open Monday to Friday; 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm during the school year.
**Schedule is tentative, check calendar.
Thank you and as always, please don't hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns.
Megan Beckler
Managing Director
McFarland Youth Center
5114 Farwell St
PO Box 362
McFarland, WI 53558
Office: (608) 838-3839
Cell: (608) 395-8617
McFarland Recreation, Activities and Play
GRAB SOME FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND GO SEE
"INSTANT FAMILY"
$1.00 from every ticket to INSTANT FAMILY bought now through December 2nd, supports McFarland Recreation, Activities, & Play (MRAP)
PURCHASE TICKETS VIA OUR CUSTOM FANDANGO LINK (or click the movie poster image above):
https://www.fandango.com/instant-family-2018-213977/movie-overview?a=13034&cmp=13034:FAMILY15067
Visit our website: www.MRAPNews.com for all your recreation needs!
Questions? Contact MRAP at mrap@mcfsd.org / fixa@mcfsd.org or give us a call at (608) 838-4666
Family & Consumer Sciences Day - December 3rd!
Since 2014, more than 400,000 people have committed to "Dining In" on Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Day!
AAFCS honors Founder Ellen Swallow Richards by celebrating FCS Day on her birthday. Through the FCS Day initiative, AAFCS provides information, tools, and research on the benefits of families preparing and eating healthy meals together.
The flyer gives some ideas on what your family can do on December 3rd to participate "Dining in". Commit to dining in here!
Spartan Clay Busters - Youth Trap Team
Spartan Clay Busters youth trap team is opening registration to approximately 10 new athletes in February! If you or your athlete want to be a Clay Buster, please read on - there are some safety requirements that must first be met.
Requirements to join:
- Pass a hunter’s safety course prior to the start of the season (March 2019)
- Must be between 11 years old and 18 years old
If you would like to join our youth trap team and have not passed a hunter’s safety course please plan ahead. You can visit the DNR website, https://dnr.wi.gov/education/outdoorskills/idcheck.html, to find a class that works for you.
If you want more information regarding our team please visit our website, http://www.spartanclaybusters.net or our Facebook page, @SpartanClayBusters.
More information to follow in January.