Spartan Gazette
Indian Mound Middle School
Greetings From Brett Jondle
“Collaborate, Achieve, and Celebrate!”
It’s difficult to believe that there is already one month of 2015 in the books, and the month of February is upon us all. Each of us have settled in with our new year, focused on new and upcoming goals for 2015 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.
Spartan Trophy Challenge: During the month of December and the early weeks of January, through our Positive Behavior and Intervention Support [PBIS] program, the students at IMMS focused in on ways to be responsible and become more aware of appropriate use of technology at IMMS. The Spartan Trophy will be awarded to the winning grade on February 6, 2015 during our monthly “Student of the Month” assembly.
Student of the Month Assembly: On February 6, 2015, IMMS will have it’s monthly “Student of the Month” assembly. These celebrations continue to be a time to recognize students who consistently display characteristics that display achievement, respect, responsibility, and empathy towards others. The assembly will begin at 2:35pm!
Celebrate Good Times, Come On! On Friday, February 6, students who have earned academic grades that are passing in all of their classes as well as a passing conduct and effort grade [O, S, or N] will participate in a full day of learning, celebration, and recognition! Students will have a modified schedule in which they will have all of their academic classes and lunch by 11:30am. Starting by 11:45am, students who are eligible, will participate in their “Celebration Day” activity of choice, lasting until approximately 2:15pm. Following the Celebration Day activities, a “Student of the Month” assembly will begin at 2:35pm in the IMMS Gymnasium to recognize students nominated by IMMS Staff for the month of January.
Family/Teacher Conferences: On Thursday, February 12 and Wednesday, February 18, 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 12] will be done by invite only, followed by Wednesday, February 18 serving as the traditional “Arena Style” conferences. The Family/Teacher Conferences run from 4:00pm-7:00pm both nights.
Time to Toot our Own Horns! Come join us on February 21 starting at 7:30pm at the McFarland High School A Gym, for the annual “Band-O-Rama”! In addition, on Wednesday, February 25 starting at 7:30pm, join us for the Jazz Band Ensemble [grades 7-12] held at the McFarland High School Auditorium! 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 16. This professional day will allow staff to continue to work on their curriculum with other team members of either the same grade level or same subject area. Educators across the state of Wisconsin have continued their work with aligning the current curriculum and state standards with those of the Common Core State Standards [CCSS] as well as prepare for the new standardized assessment, the “Badger 3-8” set to roll out in April for all school districts in Wisconsin [grades three through eight]. This is valuable time for our staff as collaboration, reflection, and planning are all key components in pushing students’ learning forward. Additionally, our Literacy Action Team as well as our Math Action Team will be meeting to continue looking at our instructional practices at IMMS, specifically at ways to sharpen our use of literacy [reading, thinking, speaking, writing, and listening] as well as numeracy in and out of the classroom. This day is essential for our staff to collaborate, reflect, and plan ahead!
As I look back to January and wait for what’s ahead for February, the theme of collaboration, achievement, and gratitude all surface as common, persistent themes to keep at the front of my thoughts and my actions. The month ahead, while short in the number of days, is a month full of exciting times for our students, staff, and families alike. Together, let’s support one another to always push forward and to also not lose sight of what’s important…our youth. 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
Guidance News: 8th Grade Students Register for High School
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. These decisions can be supported and anxious times alleviated through active involvement for students and their parents in the decision making process. Therefore, it will be crucial to keep in mind some important dates when looking to allow for an efficient and successful transition:
Wednesday, February 4th: MHS counselors will present important High School registration information to 8th graders.
Monday, February 9th: Parent (of 8th grade students) Orientation meeting & tour at MHS from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF 8TH GRADERS ARE URGED TO ATTEND.
If you have any questions, please call Jim Kramer at 838-4576 – he will be most happy to help!
Jim Kramer
Janice Gerlach
Jackie Guenther
Middle School Music Notes
Solo/Ensemble – The March 2015 Rock Valley Conference Solo/Ensemble Festival is OPTIONAL for students in the IMMS performing music classes. Students who have an interest in learning an additional solo or ensemble piece for the RVC Solo/Ensemble Festival need to contact their Director ASAP. The due date for registering for the Festival is February 6, 2015, and is rigid.
Piano Accompanists – Students who elect to perform a solo or ensemble piece at the RVC Solo/Ensemble Festival may need a piano accompanist. Your Director can help arrange this for you. As in years past, there is a charge of $20 per accompanied event.
Piano students - if it is part of your piano studies to perform at the Solo/Ensemble Festival; we will help make this happen for you. Contact your Director with your solo information, and he or she will take care of the registration process. The due date is February 6, 2015, and is rigid. As in years past, we encourage piano students to participate in Solo/Ensemble, and as such, the registration costs are covered by the IMMS Music Budget.
Band-O-Rama – February 21, 2015 at 7:30pm is the date for the Annual McFarland Band-O-Rama. The Band-O-Rama will involve all band students from 6th grade through 12th grade in a concert celebrating band music in McFarland Schools. Band Directors will provide more information as the date approaches, please put this one on your calendar – you will not want to miss it!
Thanks for your continued support!
8th Grade American Legion Award Nomination Process
8th Grade students are eligible to participate in the 2014/15 American Legion Award Program (sponsored by the McFarland chapter of the American Legion). Teachers and parents are encouraged to take a few moments to nominate 8th grade students for this prestigious school / community award. Students can nominate themselves too.
This award is based on the tenants of the American Legion:
Courage (Spirit to stand up for the right and so one’s duty; a quality of intellect and will)
Honor (Strength and stability of character; high standards of conduct; a keen sense of what is right; adherence to truth and conscience)
Leadership (Ability to lead and cooperate in accomplishing objectives through group action)
Patriotism (Love of country)
Scholarship (Scholastic attainment; evidence of industry and application in studies)
Service (Kindness, unselfishness, fellowship, protection of others, and promotion of the interests and welfare of others without thought of personal reward)
8th grade students nominated for this prestigious award will be required to type an essay indicating how they “live” the American Legion tenants in order to be considered for the award. The typed essay should be no longer than two pages and be double-spaced. All students who complete an essay will receive an honorable mention certificate with special recognition awards presented to one 8th grade girl and one 8th grade boy. Please forward your nomination to Jim Kramer at 838-4576. The nomination deadline is March 31, 2015 and the student essays are due on or before April 14, 2015.
P.E. Swimming Unit
Ms. Stokes' P.E. classes will have their swimming unit from January 26th through February 13th. Remember bikini's are not allowed. Any student may wear a shirt over their swimsuit. Please send a towel and goggles (if your child would like to wear them). Feel free to contact Ms. Stokes if you or your child has any questions about the swimming unit.
Talent Show 2015
"Overture, Cue the Lights, This Is It, The Night of Nights..." Who has talent? The students of IMMS have talent! All are welcome to come join the fun on Thursday, March 19, 2015 as Indian Mound students perform, sing, dance…and entertain! Will there be some staff surprises again this year? Performance application forms are due February 20th and auditions are scheduled in the lunchroom after school on Tuesday, February 24th. Please direct your questions to Mr. Kramer at 838-4576.