WILDCAT CLIPS
FEBRUARY 8, 2023
Referendum - Spring 2024
Join us for an informational meeting to learn about the operational budget and critical building infrastructure needs of our District.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Lake Country School District Cafeteria
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Lake Country School District Cafeteria
During these meetings, the following topics will be covered:
Perspective: Gain insights into the background and context of the Districtβs work to address operational and infrastructure needs.
Facility Assessment Report: Share information on the condition and needs of our school district facilities.
Need for Action: Recognize the significance of addressing these issues for the well-being of our students, staff, and community.
Solutions in Sight: Discover the strategies and plans in place to address the identified issues, potential timelines, and funding sources.
Community Survey Coming Soon!
The survey link will go live in the next few days. Watch your mailbox for a postcard or check the school website! We encourage all community members to attend the next Lake Country School Community Meeting on December 13, 2023. Your input matters!
IT'S CONCERT TIME!
At Lake Country School in the Cafetorium
5K and Grade 1: December 12 at 5:00 PM
Gr 2 - Gr 4: December 12 at 6:30 PM
GR 5 & Gr 7/8 Choir: December 14 at 7:00 PM
Gr 5/6 Band Concert: December 19 at 5:30 PM
Gr 7 - Gr 8 Band Concert: December 19 at 7:00 PM
2022-2023 SCHOOL REPORT CARD
5 Stars - Significantly Exceeds Expectations
Lake Country School scored 91.3 & 5 Stars - Significantly Exceeds Expectations. In the area of ACHIEVEMENT, students scored 97.7 (95.4 in ELA and 100 in Math). Achievement scores are a studentβs level of knowledge and skills attained compared against state academic standards in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. MORE INFORMATION
CONGRATULATIONS FIRST LEGO LEAGUE (FLL)
Congratulations to our FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams who recently competed in regional tournaments.
In just their first year of participation, Team Popcorn Kernels had a strong showing at their early regional tournament in Mukwonago. The team is βon deckβ for potentially earning the opportunity to move on to a sectional tournament due to their strong overall performance. Team members include: Bianca Day, Massimo Emmanuele, Austin Filipek, Ryan Holahan, Darcey Howard, Parker Majszak, Jonathan Shaughnessey, Mark Tanieiev, Charlie Verthein, & Maitland Willbond. The team is coached by Elizabeth Majszak and Jennifer Willbond.
Also, in their first year, Team Flying Squirrels competed at the Madison regional tournament. The team earned second place for the Core Values award. This special award recognizes teams who display exceptional gracious professionalism and cooperitition. More specifically, the team demonstrated discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun. Team members include: Lucas Aguilar, Chase Barina, Elliott Delie, Harper Delie, Xander Hilson, Cora Lowe, Millie Luedke, Charlie Plowman, Krystian Viczcaino. The team is coached by Kristin Barina, Heather Delie, and Chris Luedke.
Team Syntax Errors also competed in the Madison regional tournament where they earned second place for their robot design, were 1 of 5 teams nominated for the coveted Championship Award (an award that celebrates the team that embodies the FLL experience by fully embracing the Core Values while achieving excellence and innovation in Robot Performance, Robot Design, and the Innovation Project), and qualified for sectionals later this month. Team members include: Easton Arnold, Sarika Chinta, Cole Cutler, Owen Jamison, Lukas Lowe, Cooper Majszak, and Eric Zhang. The team is coached by Laura Arnold, Elizabeth Majszak, and Tianhao Zhang.
We are very proud of all the teams. Congratulations to team members, coaches, and their families and best of luck to The Syntax Errors as they compete at Sectionals on December 17!
CARING & SHARING
Helping Local Families
Thank you to all that have been able to support a local family! There are still a few gift cards left. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Gifts should be wrapped with a gift receipt included. Please use a post-it taped on the outside with the corresponding code (ex. A-1). Keep bringing in those wrapped gifts to school. Remember gifts are due by Wednesday, December 13th to the office or Mrs. Thurin. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Thurin at thurinh@mylakecountryschool.org.
Thank you for helping out families in our community this holiday season!
Caring and Sharing Sign Up Genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4BADAD2FA3FD0-46246935-caring
STUDENT COUNCIL DRESS LIKE YOUR BUDDIES DAY
Students and staff at all grade levels had fun dressing their buddies for the Student Council Spirit Day!
SCHOOL RECESS
Please make sure your child comes to school with appropriate weather clothing!
During the winter months we are committed to ensuring that our students have the opportunity for outdoor recess whenever possible, but we first make sure all students are safe from severe weather conditions. Please make sure your child comes to school with a winter coat, hat, and gloves/mittens. This includes all students. All students are required to go outside for recess unless indoor recess has been communicated. If you are having difficulty obtaining cold weather clothing please reach out to the school. We are here to help.
INCLEMENT WEATHER PLANNING
Living in Wisconsin there is always the potential for inclement weather conditions that may warrant delayed starts or emergency closing of school. The decision to delay or close schools is a serious one that is made using the most accurate information available at the time when the decision needs to be made.
Arrowhead Schools Framework for Closing: There are many factors for a potential closure including the use of the standards applied by the National Weather Service to guide our decision making. We consider closing for cold when the weather service issues a βWind Chill Warningβ (sustained -35 degrees). For snow and ice, we consider closing when the weather service issues a βWinter Storm Warningβ (6β snow in 12 hours, 8β snow in 24 hours, 2β sleet, ΒΌβ or more of ice, blowing snow), Blizzard Warning, and an Ice Storm Warning. *These standards do not result in any automatic decision but instead start a formal analysis that also considers factors like timing and anticipated duration of a weather event.
Decision Process: Discussions take place with other area school districts, the bus company, the police department, and the department of public works.
Communication: A decision to close school is targeted to be made prior to 5:00 a.m. on any given day. This provides adequate time to notify media outlets, staff, and families prior to the need for anyone to begin travel to school. When the decision is made to close, media outlets are notified and all parents and staff are contacted by phone and email using our automated school Skylert systems. When watching media outlets, Lake Country School closure will be listed as Arrowhead Schools.
Early Dismissal: Once students are at school, it is complicated to close the school at a substantially earlier time than regularly scheduled dismissal. Bus drivers need to be brought in and many have other part-time jobs. In addition, parents need ample notice to make arrangements for the care of young students. We could see a situation with early dismissal where we would involve sending buses 10-20 minutes early to avoid drop off delays caused by slower driving conditions.
Safety: The decision to delay or close school affects many people and is not made lightly. The safety of students, staff, and parents is certainly our top priority and is weighed heavily when considering all pertinent information and considering a course of action. Please know that as parents you always have the choice to keep your children home if you feel uncomfortable about conditions/situations. Please call the Lake Country School attendance line to notify the district at (262) 367-3606.
GIRLS BASKETBALL PICTURES
We will be hosting a Picture Night for this year's 5th - 8th-grade Girls' Basketball teams on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Empire Photography will take pictures for the yearbook as well as team and individual pictures that will be available for purchase.
***PLEASE HAVE THE GIRLS BRING THEIR (CLEAN) BASKETBALL UNIFORMS TO SCHOOL ON THE DAY OF PICTURES. They will turn them in after they take their pictures.
Picture times as follows:
8th grade: 3:30 p.m.
7th grade: 3:50 p.m.
6th grade: 4:10 p.m.
5th grade: 4:30 p.m.
*Note: We are expecting 7th and 8th grade players to stay at school at the end of the day. 5th and 6th-grade players can choose to stay, OR go home and return at their picture time. We will have the bleachers out for the players to sit at and do homework/read a book while they wait.
We anticipate each grade level to take approximately 20 minutes, and girls will be free to leave after their pictures are taken. Supervision is available until 5:00 p.m. for players who do not have a ride home immediately after their pictures.
If you have any questions OR your daughter cannot make it, please let me know.
Thanks.
Thank you to all who order keepsakes from Art to Remember. Your generosity is very appreciated by our LCS art department!
ITβS NOT TOO LATE TO ORDER!
YOU CAN STILL ORDER KEEPSAKES ONLINE! SEE PROMO BELOW!
Art to Remember is sending you a promo code! Enter DEC10 at checkout for 10% off your order, now until December 31, 2023. This offer is not redeemable for gift cards or cash, and will not apply to previous purchases. Claim your discount now and start shopping!
Joanna Gonzalez (gonzalezj@mylakecountryschool.org)
Lake Country School
Art Teacher
SCREENAGERS PRESENTATION
On behalf of the Arrowhead Area School Counselors, we would like to extend an invitation to the parent screening of Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs and Alcohol in the Digital Age. This screening will be held on January 9, 2024, at Swallow School in the Multipurpose Room at 6 p.m. Middle School students in grades 7-8 will be viewing this film in their feeder schools the weeks following the parent screening.
With the epidemic of vaping and substance abuse, our schools and school counselors feel the need to give parents and students information that can help equip them with knowledge and skills to help deal with the pressures adolescents face. This updated version of Screenagers addresses the influences of the additional pressures digital media has on our students.
Here is a description of the film:
βScreenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age, the third feature documentary in the Screenagers trilogy, delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. The film also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom and strength to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.β
For more information on the screening, please visit the following links and websites:
If you are interested in attending this screening, please complete the following google form.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Jackie Hagenow
Swallow School Counselor
Jill Lesch
North Lake Counselor
ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT
New Student Online Enrollment
The new student online enrollment application for the 2024-25 school year will be available Nov. 4 - Dec. 1, 2023, specifically for enrolling students who will be freshmen during the 2024-25 school year.
CLICK HERE FOR THE INFORMATION FROM ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL
If you have any questions, contact:
Sue Casetta, Director of Learning at Arrowhead High School
262-369-3611 x4204
HOMEWORK HELP
Monday's and Thursday's 3:20 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. in Room 202
Lake Country School students in grades 3-8 are able to drop-in after school on Mondays and Thursdays for Homework Help. Students must have homework and/or a book to read. A parent or guardian must sign a permission slip for the school year in order for their child to drop in. If there is no school on Monday or Thursday, there will be no Homework Help. CLICK HERE FOR THE PERMISSION SLIP
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Are you interested in volunteering at Lake Country School? We are excited to have you join us!
In order to better protect our students, staff, volunteers, and visitors, Lake Country School District requires your cooperation with Raptor Technologies. Please CLICK HERE to fill out the application for a background check. It is very important that the information you enter on the application matches your government-issued identification card including your full legal name. It is important that you provide a valid email address so you can be notified as to the status of your application and for future communication. If you are unable to provide an email address, you use the districtβs email address. All information collected on the application will remain confidential and not be shared outside the volunteer program.
When you volunteer, please make sure that you are not bringing younger siblings to the school campus. This policy pertains to lunchroom volunteers, recess volunteers, holiday parties, classroom celebrations, etc. This is a liability and safety issue. School district procedures prohibit non-enrolled children from being on a school campus during school hours.
Lunchroom volunteers must check in at the school office prior to going to the lunchroom. The role of a lunchroom volunteer is to supervise children in the lunchroom to ensure they are being safe and kind. In addition, some children will need help to open lunch items. Between each lunch period, you are asked to help wipe the lunch tables. There will be lunchroom aides with whom you may ask questions regarding lunchroom rules. Please click on the link above labeled Lunchroom Volunteer to sign up. Thank you!
Recess volunteers must check in at the school office prior to going outside to the playground. The role of a recess volunteer is to supervise children on the playground to ensure they are being safe and kind. There will be recess aides on the playground whom you may ask questions regarding recess rules. Please click on the link above labeled Recess Volunteer to sign up. Thank you!
Please contact your child's teacher directly to inquire about volunteering in the classroom.
BOARD OF EDUCATION SEATS
Are you considering running for a Lake Country School Board of Education Seat?
The Spring Election is in April. If you are considering running for school board, please take a look at our Election webpage. Campaign Registration Statements and a Declarations of Candidacy must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in the office of the school district clerk or designee at 1800 Vettelson Road, Hartland, WI 53029.
LAKE COUNTRY SCHOOL PTO
Lake Country PTO is a nonprofit parent teacher organization whose membership includes all staff, parents, and legal guardians of students attending Lake Country School. The PTOβs mission is to establish a close relationship between home and school by advancing opportunities for all parents to become involved in the Lake Country School community.
The PTO sponsors assistance to teachers in classroom settings, raises funds for supplemental educational materials and experiences, supports school and family social interaction, and provides a forum for sharing information on issues that impact our children. The PTO believes that when parents support school through a positive partnership, it offers the best possible learning environment for our children.
π Lake Country School PTO is on Facebook!
π Playground Pole Pads
The district requested help from the PTO to replace the pads that surround the basketball and funnel ball poles. The PTO was able to donate the funds for these pads. We are happy to help keep the playground safe! The pads should arrive in a few weeks.
π City Tins
City tins have been delivered!
ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS & ACTIVITIES
Try Lacrosse for Free
Join us on Dec. 16th for a Try Lacrosse for Free event for boys and girls 1st-6th grade! While lacrosse may be intimidating to the first-time player, it is a similar sport to many others. Lacrosse is a sport for athletes in the off-season or for those looking to try other sports: Please pre-register for this event so we can ensure we have enough equipment. Please contact Jenny Lisner if you have any questions: jenny.lisner@arrowheadyouthlacrosse.com
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
FIELD HOCKEY LEAGUE
Contact: Jordy Smerchek, Assistant Varsity Field Hockey Coach, Arrowhead High School
A Christmas Carol at the Lake Country Playhouse
Take the whole family to see A Christmas Carol at the Lake Country Playhouse in Hartland. Get your tickets soon as this show typically sells out! https://www.lakecountryplayhousewi.org/upcomingshows/christmas-carol-musical
MERTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
FOLLOW MAA on Facebook for updates and www.mertonathletics.org for more detailed information about programs.
MAA and DICK's Sporting Goods will be hosting a 20% off shop event for all Merton Athletic
Association athletes and supporters at Brookfield store on 11/3-11/6/2023. The discount is valid on purchases STOREWIDE! If you can't find an item in the store, ask a sales associate to help you order it, and still receive 20% off. Present the coupon at the register to redeem this special offer! The coupon can also be downloaded and displayed from your mobile device.
Link: 20% off Coupon β CLICK HERE
PARENT RESOURCES
Technolgy Tips
Set clear limits for daily screen time use AND for specific topic usage. You can create an action plan that works for your family by using the American Academy of Pediatrics' Family Media Plan
Check in devices with parents or in a general area at night to not disturb sleep
Limit phone use during homework time
Practice what you preach--lead by example with your own screen time use
Monitor media usage- what apps, accounts, sites and games being used
Discuss safety and respectful behavior with media usage
Enforce the rules with your agreed upon technology expectations.
Screen time recommendations from the CDC: CDC: Screen Time vs. Lean Time
Navigating Social Media recommendations from Common Sense Media
Screen time recommendations from the AAP: Media and Young Minds
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Strategies to Make Homework Go More Smoothly
Homework has been around as long as public schools have, and over the years considerable research has been conducted regarding the efficacy of homework practices. Besides contributing to academic success, homework can help teach children how to take responsibility for tasks and how to work independently. Homework helps children develop habits of mind that will serve them well as they proceed through school and through life. Specifically, homework helps children learn how to plan and organize tasks, manage time, make choices, and problem solve. All of these skills contribute to effective functioning in the adult world of work and families. Homework also helps parents stay involved with their childβs education.
We encourage parents to help and assist their children to follow a nightly homework routine. Below are some recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists. If you have further questions please reach out to your childβs teacher. CLICK HERE FOR HELPFUL HOMEWORK ROUTINES
If you have further questions, concerns or need to collaborate about your childβs education or social/emotional/behavioral health; please reach out to your Student Support Team.
Heather Thurin, School Counselor EXT 132
Kelley Berlin, School Psychologist EXT 134
WELLNESS CORNER
The Lake Country School District promotes a healthy school environment for students and staff through education and awareness, and by providing and promoting healthy options and opportunities. The Lake Country School District will practice and promote good nutrition within the school setting. Students who practice good nutrition attend school with minds and bodies ready to take advantage of their learning environment. Eating habits are learned early in life. Therefore, the School Board, administrators and staff support a school environment that promotes and encourages lifelong nutritious eating habits.
2024 Student Chef Competition
Wisconsin Team Nutrition is pleased to announce the twelfth annual Whipping Up Wellness, Wisconsin Student Chef Competition. Teams of middle and high school students are invited to develop a nutritious, student-friendly recipe featuring local foods that can be incorporated easily into the school food service program. The competition consists of a Recipe Contest and a Cooking Competition. Teams must submit a team application and an electronic photo of their dish to the Department of Public Instruction by March 14, 2024. Please read the competition overview and application instructions carefully prior to submitting your teamβs application. CLICK HERE
Choosing a Healthy Eating Style
Introduction to the idea of a healthy eating style, and instruction on how to choose one, featuring MyPlate, school meals, and more.
Quick Links
2023-2024 School Calendar (select link at top of page)
WILDCAT CLIP SUBMISSION DETAILS
- E-mail submissions to Nicole Brown in the School Office at: brownn@mylakecountryschool.org
- Submissions for the Wildcat Clips must include a contact name and phone number for the readers to contact if they need additional information. Lake Country School District reserves the right to edit and/or limit items submitted.
- Click here for deadline dates and publications.