Spartan Gazette
March 2020
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
It's March! - A message from Principal Tarnutzer
It has been such a unique winter. We have had warmer temperatures, just as much snow without any snow days, and more illness for students and staff. Thank you to everyone who trudged out on a winter evening to volunteer or participate in our 2nd annual family fun night. We had record attendance (okay, it is only our 2nd year) and it was wonderful to see so many families having fun together at IMMS. It is such a special event largely led by our amazing students (your kids).
I just love March. In addition to the promise of better weather, it is a very busy and fun month. Here are a few of the highlighted activities for this month:
March 5: Youth Art Month Reception, E.D. Locke Public Library, 5:30-7:00p.m.
March 6: Student of the Month Assembly, with the Annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament and Jazz Ensemble performance
March 9: Spring Sports (Track) Registration Night, 6 p.m.
March 10: Course selections forms due for 6th and 7th graders
March 27: IMMS Talent Show, MHS Performing Arts Center, 1ish to 3:30ish
March 28-April 5: Spring Break
Youth Art Month
If you missed the reception at McFarland’s E.D. Locke Public Library on March 5, please stop by the Library all month to see the amazing artwork. There is also artwork displayed at the McFarland House Café as part of a memory project conducted by the art club.
Course selection Forms:
As crazy as it may seem, we need to start planning for next year. Students in 6th and 7th grade have received their course selection forms for next year. The forms are due on March 10th. Students are very excited to be picking their classes for next year. Please see our School Counselor, Mrs. Runde, or your child’s teachers with questions.
Talent Show:
One of the highlights of the entire school year is the IMMS Talent Show where students and staff have a chance to share their talents with the entire school. Visitors are welcome to join us during the afternoon of March 27 as you never know what you might see. Past events have included musical performances, dancing, joke telling, and even some juggling. You are also guaranteed to see a staff member or twelve share a hidden talent that amazes and surprises the students.
Spring Break:
The month ends with Spring Break. To be honest, we are more focused on the Spring part of Spring Break as we are ready for some lasting sunshine and heat.
We hope to see you at some of these events. We also hope that by providing you with this information you can avoid the developmentally appropriate, yet frustrating, lack of response you receive to the “How is school?” question.
Thank your for your involvement in your child’s education!
Students of the Month Recognized
First Row - 6th Graders - Callan Wagner, Ben Bosold, Diedrich Hemp, Brock Johnson, Reese Tierney-Osterloth, Julia Gordee, Rayna Randolph, Grace Swan, Ella Schuchardt and Clyde Fruits.
Second Row - 7th Graders - Jaden Zana, Brady Ochalla, Cayden Ruhland, Hunter Braun, Isabelle Dresang, Bradey Schneider, Alicia Hartson, Lydia Kramp, Mia Kramer and Libby Charlesworth.
Third Row - 8th Graders - Braylan Roder, Riley Malecki, Brookelyn Robbins, Brooke Clark, Nikole Bolha, Nora Wroblewski, Sakari Wenc, Xavier Davis, Johann Kindschi and Jacob Moffett.
Robotics Team Qualifies for the VEX IQ Middle School World Championships
Indian Mound Middle School has had a robotics team for seven years. This is the first time that a team has qualified for the VEX IQ Middle School World Championships. The robotics team meets twice a week from November to the end of February. The club competes in two to three tournaments a year, teams work to qualify for the State meet.
Four teams from Indian Mound Middle Schools Robotics Club competed at the State Tournament Sunday, February 23, in Appleton WI. Team 10720A (Kidz Bot Kidz) had the best engineering design notebook at the tournament and earned a spot at the VEX IQ Worlds tournament in Lousville Kentucky, April 26-28. Lorelai, Emily, Rachel, and Sara spent hours documenting the steps and planning required to build a quality robot.
Robotics at Indian Mound Middle School uses the construction, coding, and driving of small robots to teach students how to work as a team. Teams have to learn how to communicate and bring out the best of each team member. During the season, there were times during practice and tournaments where teams fell apart. Students with mentoring from Mr. Kinnaman learned how to work through conflicts and get back to building or competing with their robots.
Photo 1 Team photo at the State VEX Championships
Back row left to right
Carter Wendt, Finn Gotcher, Sawyer Dettlaf, Desmond Jasurda, Sara Horswill, Emily Sprang, Rachel Kuehl, Alex Voss
Front row left to right
Anthony Kuehl, Michael Burke, Carter Moran
Not in photo: Savannah Shropshire, Mia Burchette, Maizy Barelmann
Small photo with the banner: left to right.
Sara Horswill, Emily Sprang, Rachel Kuehl, Lorelai Cordio, Mr. Kinnaman
Reading Tips for Spring
Spring break is quickly approaching. Here are a few tips and the list of the best books of 2019 from the ALA (American Library Association).
Read for fun: Encourage your child to read a favorite magazine, author, genre or book.
Read together: Read a family favorite, or an author that you both may like.
Stock up on books at the local library.
Make the most of travel time: If you are traveling during break, look for local books, travel brochures, maps about your destination. Maybe try an audiobook that everyone can listen to during the ride.
And if you are still stumped… try out one of the BEST Books of the year!!
McFarland Youth Center - March Newsletter
Hello Youth, Parents and Guardians.
March is here and The McFarland Youth Center continues to provide daily activities, a daily snack, a homework space, homework help, a recreational space and more.
Our after school program will continue to run from 3-6 Monday to Friday (Tentative: check calendar or monthly emails for any closings). During this time youth are welcome to use the space for recreational activities or to participate in a group activity. They are also welcome to use our homework room for a quiet and calm place to read or do homework, adults will be available to help if needed. McFarland Youth Center has many recreational options this year! An outside and indoor basketball hoop, air hockey table, pool table, an Xbox 1 & other video game systems, foosball, shuffle board, darts, ping pong, board games and more!
Girls Group will continue to run from 5:30 to 7:30 on Mondays in March, we have once again partnered with girls scouts to offer the youth developmentally enriching projects and programs. Additionally, youth will have opportunities to earn girls scout swag and exciting MYC incentives! This opportunity will be open to the first 10 girls to sign on; email McFarlandyouthcenter@gmail.com for more information or to add your kiddo to the list! (Youth will be fed dinner on Girls Group days due to extended hours)
Boys Group will continue to run on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 pm, we will offer group games and identity building projects during this time. Boys will also earn incentive awards through MYC for attendance and participation. (Youth will be fed dinner on Boys Group days due to extended hours)
See below for Key Dates:
Key Dates and Closings:
- Friday, March 13: MYC CLOSED
- March 30th through April 3rd: MYC CLOSED
If your youth is new to MYC please fill out the needed pledge form found on our website https://www.mcfarlandyouthcenter.org/
Once this form is completed and submitted youth are welcome to drop in any time from 3-6 (M-F) for any after-school programming and to sign up for any extended programming.
Thank you and as always, please don't hesitate to email or call 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
mcfarlandyouthcenter@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlandyouthcenter/