Classical Columns
February 2019
CCSA Board Meeting
Classical School Science Fair
Due to the nature of the planning, hard work, and perhaps some breakable or valuable displays, children of all ages through sixth grade must remain with their parents for this event. It will be an educational evening for all, so come and view scientific principles in action and show your support for the students who will be presenting their experiments!
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences
To sign up follow the link: http://signup.com/go/sFpQLpW
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS: Please sign up for a conference with your child's homeroom teacher as well as Spanish, music, physical education and/or art teacher if you desire. Remember to leave traveling time between teachers. Due to time constraints, please do not schedule a conference with your child's reading or math teacher on conference nights. Email that teacher directly if you would like to meet with them another time.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: Spring conferences are by teacher or parent request only. If you have not received a direct email from the middle school teachers, you do not have to schedule. You may choose to schedule with teachers if you desire.
Forward and MAP Testing are Coming!
March 18-21 Spring Testing: Middle School, 6th, 5th FORWARD EXAM ELA & Math
April 1st-April 5th Spring Testing: Middle School, 6th, 5th Makeup Testing (Diedrich), 4th FORWARD EXAM Science & SS
April 8th-April 12th Spring Testing: 3rd & 4th FORWARD EXAM ELA & Math
April 15th-18th Spring Testing: Middle School, 6th & 5th MAP testing (5th-7th) & FORWARD EXAM (8th Science & SS)
April 22nd-April 26th Spring Testing: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th MAP testing (reading and math)
April 29th- May 3rd: Spring Testing—Kindergarten MAP (reading) *Makeup Testing for all grades (Diedrich)
May 6th-8th: Makeup Testing for all grades (Diedrich)
World Language EPC Update
Over the past two years, the World Language Educational Program Committee (EPC) of the Classical Charter School Association (CCSA) Board reviewed the school’s Spanish curriculum. The EPC determined there were opportunities to improve the balance between the study of grammar concepts and participation in activities designed to improve interpersonal communication skills. Following extensive research, the EPC submitted a proposal to the CCSA Board to modify the curriculum; the proposal was approved at the Board’s January 2019 meeting.
Included in the proposal are deemphasizing grammar concepts that are either repeated in another grade level or that students are already exposed to through existing activities. Also included in the proposal is the incorporation of oral communication activities and assessments specifically designed by Sra. Cihlar and Sra. Lariviere to align with Classical School’s philosophy, rigor, and existing curriculum sequence. The proposed changes to the curriculum are designed to improve students’ oral interpersonal communication skills, including Spanish presentation and spontaneous conversational skills.
Beginning this school year, the changes will be rolled out to one grade level per year by adding applicable communicative activities to the curriculum. The modifications will be completed for 7th & 8th grade over the next two years. For 4th – 6th grade, the changes will be rolled out over the next three years. Activities for kindergarten through third grade are already adapted to this balance of grammar concepts and communication skill development.
If you have any questions about the modifications to the curriculum, please contact your student’s Spanish teacher.
YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST
1st runner up: Chiara Cole, 8th Grade, Mrs. VanRyzin's homeroom
2nd runner up: Emma Swan, 2nd Grade, Mrs. Duesterhaus' homeroom
3rd runner up: Claire Delfosse, 6th Grade, Ms. Elms's homeroom
Congratulations to all participants!
Classical/Einstein Upcoming Spring Athletic Teams
You MUST have an updated physical or alternate year physical form and concussion form on file in the Classical School office prior to the first day of practice. You may pick up those forms in the Classical office. You will not be able to practice unless the proper paperwork is turned in. The first track practice will be April 1st and will run from 3:30-4:45 pm. Please visit the link below for start dates and updated information from the coaches.
Sign up for either sport in the Classical School office starting February 22nd.
You may wish to stay updated on current coaches and schedules by logging into the AASD MS Sports webpage, Gorshe's Locker room at https://sites.google.com/a/aasd.k12.wi.us/gorshe-s-lockerroom/home.
2019 Knowledge-A-Thon (KAT)
1. Poster contest starts February 14th with posters due February 27th. Students may pick up poster paper from the school office.
2. Official kickoff day for KAT is Friday, March 15th. Teachers perform an inspirational skit in the Forum and students receive their question booklets.
3. March 18th-21st is Star Week. Students answer questions in the Forum during lunch to earn prizes.
4. April 1st-April 5th is Lottery Lollapalooza. Students answer KAT questions in homeroom and names are picked for prizes.
5. April 8th-April 12th is Bingo Bonanza week. Students who would like to participate can play Bingo during lunch recess to win prizes.
6. April 15th-April 18th is KAT Spirit Week. Stay tuned for fun activities throughout the week.
7. April 18th is KAT testing day. Students may dress up as a question or answer.
Students will receive their booklet of questions on Friday, March 15th relating to their respective grade's curriculum. If you would like to showcase your business or your employer's business in our Knowledge-A-Thon question booklet, simply send in your business card/electronic copy and a check made out to Classical School in an envelope to school labeled "Linda Kemps(KAT)." Half-page ads cost $25.00 and full-age ads are $50.00. Booklets are viewed by over 350 Classical families!
KAT Gift Card Donations Needed
MLK Student Essay Winner
"The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is an American hero. In school I will make peace. I do not like it when they push my friends. As Dr. Martin Luther King acted, I will say, please stop! I do not want my friends to get hurt. I am sad because some people do not like African Americans. I will always help people in all the ways I can, just like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., acted and did."
Classical Student Receives Optimists Club Honor
As part of a Youth Appreciation project, the Appleton Noon Optimist Club of Appleton honors Eighth Grade students for their accomplishments. Congratulations to Classical School student Umika Sivasamy, who was selected for the honor based on her positive attitude, actions and deeds, as well as her contributions to her home, school, and community. She has achieved academic success and exhibited admirable character! We are very proud of Umika! Umika received her award at the Optimist Club luncheon on January 23rd. Umika’s parents, brother, and Mrs. Cote also attended the luncheon.
The Appleton Noon Optimist Club has been honoring local youth through Youth Appreciation Events for over 20 years. Youth Appreciation is the most popular program sponsored by clubs throughout Optimist International, with more than 2,000 clubs participating each year.
Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 120,000 adult and youth members in 3,800 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world. Carrying the motto “Bringing out the Best in Kids,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, please call (314) 371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.
Rockin' 50s & 60s Dance a Big Hit!
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out with the dance this year. Thank you to all of the parents and Classical staff who generously donated their time to decorate, scoop popcorn, make lemonade, sell glow necklaces and register the families who attended. Thank you to those parents who came early and stayed late to decorate and help with the clean up.
Student enrollment for the 2019-20 School Year
.
The online application may be accessed here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAq6VxMefi7pHO2qOvHLztJ_21sJzuBiAtt4bjvuRVhDcxeQ/viewform
Paper applications are available outside the school office.
Please see the school website http://www.classicalcharter.com/prospective-families/application-procedure/ if you have questions about the lottery process, or contact Joanne Bielmeier at mailto:bielmeierjoann@aasd.k12.wi.us.
Classical School Information Night
Six Flags Read to Succeed
Reading logs are due February 15th.
Valentine's Day
- Please be sure to include a card for each student in the classroom to avoid hurt feelings.
- Students may include one small, inexpensive non-food item per Valentine card such as a pencil, small set of stickers, etc.
Health Services
As school nurses, we are asked to assess and monitor the health of our students. We are frequently asked to check school attendance patterns. This can be an eye-opening experience.
For instance if a student misses 10 days per year for the lifetime of their school career, that adds up to 130 days… almost a full school year. Research and experience teach us those students with poor attendance are at greater risk for school difficulty. This is especially true as students enter middle and high school. Making up missed schoolwork is very helpful, but missed classroom instruction cannot be made up.
We try to impress upon students that there is a difference between “not feeling well” and being truly sick. We all know there are times when we do not feel 100%, but still try to make it through the day. Students understand that parents do this in order to keep their jobs. This is a real “life skill” that employers look for when hiring. They want employees they can count on to come to work. For students school is their job.
Common sense can guide parents in deciding when a child is sick enough to be at home. If you are uncertain about sending your child to school, please call us. Sometimes a second opinion can be of help! Not only is school attendance a legal requirement, it encourages behavior that will help your child be successful in life. So while the days of “perfect attendance” may be old fashioned, great school attendance will never go out of style!
AASD Sharing Tables
February Calendar
Friday, February 1, 2019 7/8 Ski Trip Nordic Mountain 2:45 -- 11:30 PM
Saturday, February 2, 2019 Practice Forensics Meet Classical 8:30 -- 10:00 AM
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 A Winter Gr. 1-3 General Music Concert 6:00 PM -- 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Information Session Rm 122 6:30 PM -- 8:30 PM
Thursday, February 7, 2019 Pegasus Flyers go home today
Thursday, February 7, 2019 Info : 100th Day of School
Thursday, February 7, 2019 Girls BB 8th Madison @ 8th Einstein 2 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 7, 2019 Girls BB 8th Einstein 1 @ 8th KA 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 7, 2019 Girls BB 7th Madison @ 7th Einstein 2 5:15 PM
Thursday, February 7, 2019 CCSA Board Meeting Rm L08 6:30 PM -- 8:30 PM
Saturday, February 9, 2019 Level 1 Forensics Meet JR Gerrits Middle School-Kimberly 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
Monday, February 11, 2019 Girls BB 7th KA @ 7th Einstein 1 4:00 PM
Monday, February 11, 2019 Special Week: Have a Heart Drive (M-F) sponsored by Student Council, during lunch hour
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 -- 3:50 PM
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Girls BB 7th Einstein 2 @ 7th Wilson 4:00 PM
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Special Observance Day: Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 14, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Thursday, February 14, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 14, 2019 We Are Classical Club Rm 112 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 14, 2019 Pegasus Flyers go home today
Friday, February 15, 2019 Six Flags deadline: Students need reading logs returned to teachers
Friday, February 15, 2019 Makeup trip for 7/8 Ski Trip (if necessary) Nordic Mountain 2:45 PM 11:30 PM
Friday, February 15, 2019 Girls BB 8th Einstein 1 @ 8th Einstein 2 4:00 PM
Friday, February 15, 2019 Girls BB 7th Einstein 1 @ 7th Einstein 2 5:15 PM
Friday, February 15, 2019 Lottery application period for 2019-20 closes
Friday, February 15, 2019 Special Observance Day: Susan B. Anthony's birthday
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 & 126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 After School Study Hall Schroeder Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Elementary Arbitrary Monday
Thursday, February 21, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Thursday, February 21, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 21, 2019 Girls BB 8th KA @ 8th Einstein 2 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 21, 2019 Girls BB 7th KA @ 7th Einstein 2 5:15 PM
Thursday, February 21, 2019 Pegasus Flyers go home today
Friday, February 22, 2019 Girls BB 8th Einstein 1 @ 8th Madison 4:00 PM
Friday, February 22, 2019 Girls BB 7th Einstein 1 @ 7th Madison 5:15 PM
Friday, February 22, 2019 Special Observance: George Washington's birthday
Saturday, February 23, 2019 Info : WSMA District Piano & Vocal Solo & Ensemble (6-8) Appleton West High School 8:00 AM -- 4:00 PM
Monday, February 25, 2019 Girls BB 7th Wilson @ 7th Einstein 1 4:00 PM
Monday, February 25, 2019 Girls BB 7th Einstein 2 @ 7th KA 4:00 PM
Monday, February 25, 2019 Girls BB 8th Wilson @ 8th Einstein 2 5:15 PM
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Science Fair Forum/Middle School Hallway 3:00 PM -- 6:00 PM
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 -- 3:50 PM
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Girls BB 8th Einstein 1 @ 8th Madison 4:00 PM
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 -- 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 28, 2019 After School Study Hall Rm L08 3:00 PM -- 3:50 PM
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Homework Help Rms 122 &126 3:00 PM -- 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Girls BB 8th Madison @ 8th Einstein 2 4:00 PM
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Girls BB 7th Madison @ 7th Einstein 1 5:15 PM
Thursday, February 28, 2019 Pegasus Flyers go home today