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 2016 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 2016 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. Students were reminded of the importance of self-advocacy, asking questions, dressing for success, finding ways to connect with the content being learned, and being “present” in class! The Spartan Trophy will be awarded to the winning grade on February 5, 2016 during our monthly “Student of the Month” assembly.
Student of the Month Assembly: On February 5, 2015, IMMS will have 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. The assembly will begin at 2:35pm!
Celebrate Good Times, Come On! On Friday, February 5, 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 11 and Monday, February 14, 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 11] will be done by invite only, followed by Monday, February 15 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 4:00pm-7:00pm both nights.
Time to Toot our Own Horns! Come join us on February 20 starting at 7:30pm at the McFarland High School A Gym, for the annual “Band-O-Rama”! In addition, on Wednesday, February 24 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!
Student Visitors: Indian Mound Middle School will be hosting up to five seventh and eighth grade students and their teacher for five days (February 6-10) as part of the sister school relationship the school district has established with Shijiazhuang, China! While learning about America, its people, and educational system, our Chinese guests will also find significant ways to teach our school community about their own nation, culture and people. It is incredibly touching and effective when students teach other students!
Staff Development Days: There will be no school on Monday, February 29. 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 implementing the current curriculum and state standards with those of the Common Core State Standards [CCSS]. Additionally, work continues as we prepare for the new standardized assessment, the “Wisconsin Forward Exam in English Language Arts [ELA]” and Mathematics for grades three through eight set to roll out in March for all school districts in Wisconsin [grades three through eight]. Our eighth graders will also take the “Wisconsin Forward Exam” for Science and Social Studies.
Additionally, our Literacy Action Team Action Team and 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. 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!
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 3rd: MHS counselors will present important High School registration information to 8th graders in their Social Studies class.
Wednesday, February 17th: Parent Orientation Meeting & tour at MHS from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF 8TH GRADERS AND 8TH GRADE STUDENTS ARE URGED TO ATTEND.
Monday, February 22th: 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!
McFarland PTO News
World Read Aloud Day 2016
World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words and creates a community of readers taking action to show the world that the right to literacy belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries thanks to people like you who participate and spread the word across the globe!
This year's World Read Aloud Day will be on Wednesday, February 24th. For more information please go to http://www.litworld.org/wrad/
Talent Show
"Overture, Cue the Lights, This Is It, The Night of Nights..." Who has talent? The students & staff of IMMS have talent! All are welcome to come join the fun on Friday, March 18, 2016 as Indian Mound students perform, sing, dance…and entertain! Will there be some staff surprises again this year? Performance application forms are due February 19th and auditions are scheduled in the lunchroom after school on Tuesday, February 23rd. Please direct your questions to Mr. Kramer at 838-4576.
Student Council News
The Indian Mound Student Council cohosted the Region 5 leadership conference sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of School Councils (WASC) and helped more than 500 middle school students (themselves included) have a fun & worthwhile experience.
The WASC offers an unbelievable summer camp experience that ALL IMMS students (not just Student Council) are encouraged to attend:
Whether you're involved in student council, the national honor society, the drama club, a sports team, the school musical, cheerleading, or your local FFA — WASC camp is for you! In fact, the camp programs are for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills!
Middle School Camps: Levels 1, 2 & 3 — July 10-14, 2016 (http://www.wasc.org/camp/)
LEVEL 1: LEARN – July 10-14, 2016 During the Level 1 experience, students will participate in fun activities focused on skills essential for the middle level including: building self-esteem and self-advocacy skills, learning what it means to be a leader, and ways to create exciting and interesting student activities.
LEVEL 2: ENGAGE – July 10-14, 2016 (for those who did level one last summer) Team building, goal setting, communication, and organization are key components to being an engaged leader. Participants at this level will have the opportunity to explore concepts of leadership, improve their leadership skills in a creative, engaged way, and gain a better understanding of self and sensitivity to others.
All IMMS students will receive $50 scholarships to attend camp. Please contact Mr. Kramer for details.
Matt Wilhelm Assembly
Wisconsin Lions Camp
The Wisconsin Lions Camp, located in Rosholt, Wisconsin, is looking for eligible campers and staff to join them for the summer of 2016.
Campers eligible include:
Youth who are deaf or hard of hearing (age 6-17)
Youth who are blind or visually impaired (6-17)
Youth with intellectual disabilities or educational autism (9-17)
Youth who have diabetes (age 9-16) , Contact the American Diabetes Association at 414-778-5500
Camper Applications , schedules, and information available at
http://www.wisconsinlionscamp.com/
Phone: 1-715-677-4969
Camper Open House: April 24, 2016 9am-3pm
Spelling Bee 2016
1st Place - Skyler Li
2nd Place - Shelby Ferrell
3rd Place - Callie Korth
Indian Mound Middle School
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/pages/Indian-Mound-Middle-School-McFarland-WI/204736889672509?ref=hl
Twitter: @ATarnutzer_IMMS