Spartan Gazette
February 2019
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
"Collaborate, Achieve, and Celebrate!" - Message from Mr. Jondle
Each of us have settled in with our new year, focused on new and upcoming goals for 2019 and for many, may have slipped back into our “old ways” forgetting the resolutions we may have set earlier. The month of February is a month that is short, yet filled with events that allow for reflection, celebration, and looking ahead.
During the month of January, educators and students have been busy at IMMS! The month of January has seen highlights that reflect student achievement as well as teachers, administrators, and specialists’ professional development. As you can see below, February is shaping up to be another exciting month as well!
Spartan Trophy Challenge: During the month of January and the early weeks of February, through our Positive Behavior and Intervention Support [PBIS] program, the students at IMMS focused in on ways to be responsible and respectful, particularly with keeping their hands, feet, and objects to themselves. The Spartan Trophy was awarded to the winning grade on February 1, 2019 during our monthly “Student of the Month” assembly.
Student of the Month Assembly: On February 1, 2019, IMMS had its monthly “Student of the Month” assembly. These celebrations continue to be a time to recognize students who consistently display characteristics that embrace achievement, respect, responsibility, and empathy towards others.
Family/Teacher Conferences: On Thursday, February 28 and Tuesday, March 5, IMMS will be hosting “Family/Teacher Conferences”. As always, we welcome families and students to join us for this wonderful opportunity to check in with your child’s teachers celebrating and sharing your child’s progress this year. The first night of conferences [Thursday, February 28] will be done by invite only, followed by Tuesday, March 5 serving as the traditional “Arena Style” conferences. On both nights, your child’s Related Arts’ teachers will be available for “drop in” conferences. The Family/Teacher Conferences run from 4:15pm-7:15pm both nights.
Time to Toot our Own Horns! Come join us on Saturday, February 16 starting at 7:30pm at the McFarland High School A Gym, for the annual “Band-O-Rama”! It will be a fun time had by all celebrating our students' musical talents!
Staff Development Days: There will be no school on Monday, February 18. The professional development day will allow staff to continue our learning related to important initiatives. On Monday we will hearing from a panel of parents of children who are transgender to understand how we can best support these students. We will have another safety training with our School Resource Officer John Miller. We will finish the professional development time with a focus on equity including our role in making all students feel safe and valued at IMMS. We will continue our focus on preventing and addressing microaggressions. Our district Related Arts team will also have a time to collaborate. As you can imagine, this professional day is valuable time for our staff as collaboration, reflection, and planning are all key components in pushing students’ learning forward. Our staff thanks you for understanding and allowing us this time to work with one another.
As I look back to January and look at what’s ahead for February, the theme of collaboration, achievement, and gratitude continue to surface as common, persistent thoughts to keep at the front of my thoughts and my actions. While short in the number of days, is a month full of exciting times for our students, staff, and families alike. As we continue to look at what we want to improve, let’s remember to commit ourselves to rejoicing in all that has been accomplished and what lies ahead yet to be accomplished!
Warmly,
Brett Jondle
Students of the Month
McFarland Youth Center - Youth of the Month - AVA VINCENT
Key Dates for 8th Grade High School Registration
With the start of the New Year comes the impending transition to High School for our IMMS 8th graders. This is a very exciting time full of choices and uncertainties. Therefore, it will be crucial to keep in mind these important dates for an efficient and successful transition:
Tuesday, February 26th: MHS counselors will come to IMMS to present important High School registration information to 8th grade students.
Thursday February 28th and Tuesday March 5 [Family Conferences]: MHS counselors will be holding information sessions for 8th grade parents from 6:00-6:30pm at IMMS.
Friday March 8th: Registration for high school classes must be complete on Career Cruising and a printout is due to the student’s Social Studies teacher.
If you have any questions, please call Jill Runde at 838-4577 – she will be most happy to help!
The 100 Black Men of Madison African American History Challenge Bowl
IMMS is excited to announce that we will be participating in The 100 Black Men of Madison African American History Challenge Bowl (AAHCB). The AAHCB is an educational program designed for 6th through 8th grade students to enhance the appreciation and study of African American history. In its 25th consecutive year of operation, the bowl is a challenging and fun way for students to expand their knowledge of African American History in highly competitive local and national competitions.
The annual contest is in a quiz show format where students are quizzed on questions from the book "100 Amazing Facts About The Negro" by Henry Louis Gates Jr. A book is provided to each student and students will complete in teams of two. The first week in April our IMMS teams will compete against each other. The winning team will represent our school and compete for a chance to represent the Madison chapter at the national conference in Las Vegas in June. If you or your student have any questions or would like more information please contact Mrs. Branch through email at branchm@mcfsd.org or by phone 838-4819.
Alliance of Allies Fundraiser
Huge thank you to all that supported the Alliance of Allies group through buying HOT Chocolate.
We made over $100 which will go towards bringing in
Student Council Activities Update
Robotic Team Competition
The IMMS robotic team competed against 27 other middle school teams at Fox Valley High School, in Appleton WI.
One of our teams took top honors in the teamwork challenge. All of the teams worked hard and had fun. Karma and Nathan's robot is on the left of the screen.
McFarland Ultimate Frisbee Fundraiser
Our very own McFarland High School Spartan Ultimate Frisbee team is raising money for its travel expenses and would greatly appreciate your support through the purchase of one (or more!) of their custom-stamped discs. (see the image below)
Discs will be sold at $15 for one disc or $25 for each pair of discs.
Please help the high school team with their fundraiser by purchasing a 2018-2019 Spartan Ultimate Frisbee disc today: https://goo.gl/forms/cbNHBwMymQMsccLa2
McFarland Youth Center - February
February, 2019
Hello Youth, Parents and Guardians.
We are a month into 2019 and The McFarland Youth Center continues to offer both structured and unstructured activities and programming.
On Tuesday, February 12th we hosted a day for 5th grade only!
Attached is February's programming calendar, see below for key dates for the month of February.
Key Dates and Closings:
- Tuesday, February 12th: 5th Grade Only: 3:15 to 6:00
- Monday February 18th: Sign up Service Project (1:30 to 5:30) Girls Group (6:00 to 7:30)
- Thursday, February 21st: All school dance at IMMS! (Snacks & Music Provided by MYC) 3:45 to 5:30
Thank you and as always, please don't hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns.
MYC is open Monday to Friday; 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm during the school year. **Schedule is tentative, check calendar.
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/