C-Heights Monthly Newsletter
September 2019
Welcome C-Heights Families!
Meet Your Admin Team
Mr. Incitti - Principal
My wife Julie and I have been living in Madison for the past 11 years. We have a 6 year old boy, a 3 year old daughter, and a little boy that just turned one. We enjoy hiking and camping, and take every opportunity to get out in the fresh air. Often in the summer, we are at the splash pad or biking or running on the bike paths.
I have been in education for 16 years, and also have experience in non-profit management through my years serving the YMCA. Both my parents were teachers, and my sister is a special ed and AVID teacher in NY. Prior to living in Wisconsin I taught in New York, Denver, Seattle, Chile and Japan. Prior to last year (when I was the AP here at C-Heights), I had been the AP at Turtle Creek Elementary School in Delavan, a dual language Spanish immersion school. Prior to that, I was the PBIS Coach and Bilingual Resource Teacher at Toki Middle School on the west side of Madison. In these most recent roles, I got abundant experience resolving conflict with restorative justice principles, and deepening my learning with staff around trauma informed practices. I believe in the power of growth mindset, and think staff wellness is an often overlooked opportunity to improve the field of education.
I feel grateful to be on the C-Heights team.
Ms. PrankeKlang - Associate Principal
Ms. Sarah PrankeKlang joined the Cardinal Heights staff this summer and is thrilled to serve as Associate Principal. She is looking forward to meeting each student in the upcoming weeks!
Ms. PrankeKlang and her husband have a two year old daughter. In her spare time, Ms. PK can be found spending time in their vegetable garden or taking their two dogs on adventures to the dog park or nearby hiking spots. Prior to joining the Cardinal Heights staff, Ms. PrankeKlang was a special education teacher at Middleton High School and more recently was student services coordinator at Kromrey Middle School in Middleton.
Cardinal Heights C.A.R.E.S for each student. We will be focusing on Community, Accountability, Respect, Empathy, and Safety throughout the school year and are looking forward to all students having a great year!
Ms. Winkler - Dean of Students
Mrs. Deborah Winkler is excited to start her second year at Cardinal Heights as the 8th grade Dean of Students. She is looking forward to getting to know each of the 8th grade students and their families. Even though Mr. Ragsdale will be the Dean for 9th grade, know that her door is always open for you too. Please say hello when you pass her in the halls!
Mrs. Winkler has two boys that are in college. She and her husband enjoy spending their time watching them play soccer and golf in college. They also like being outdoors hiking and, in the winter, skiing and snowboarding.
Before coming to Sun Prairie, Mrs. Winkler was an elementary principal for two years and 7th and 8th grade teacher for 18 years during which she taught Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. This means she will not only provide your student with behavioral support, but you can also have your student come see her if they are struggling academically or even if they just need help with organizational skills.
C-Heights C.A.R.E.S. for your student. Mrs. Winkler is looking forward to being part of the team that creates a memorable, positive educational experience for your student.
Mr. Ragsdale - Dean of Students
I want to share a little about myself as we begin our journey together. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before moving to the Madison area in 2010. I have one child; she’s in the 3rd grade and attends Belleville Elementary. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for my undergraduate degree and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for my master’s degree. I’ve worked with youth for over 15 years as a coach, trainer, mentor and many other things in between. I love hanging out with my daughter, traveling, working out and spending time with my family. I live a plant-based lifestyle because I believe that health is wealth. When I’m not working in the school system, I find all my attention going into my business Why Not Us. I have experienced a lot in my life and love sharing stories. My mission is to spark change in the lives of the people I serve. I believe we all have the ability to learn, grow and love but it must start within. My approach to this work is to keep it simple, be a listener first, build relationships, and bridge the gap between school and community. I am honored to be a part of the C-Heights community and look forward to getting to know you. I hope we all work towards building relationships with everyone who makes up the C-Heights community.
Math Corner
Your 9th grade Math team would like to share some tidbits with you each month to let you know what we are working on, what tips we might have to help support your student in math and also any math related news we run across.
We read a article recently that says the way we talk about our own math experiences with our children can shape how they view math. Our favorite takeaways from the article are below, but we hope you have a chance to read the entire piece.
"Our country’s communal math hatred may seem rather innocuous, but a more critical factor is at stake: we are passing on from generation to generation the phobia for mathematics and with that are priming our children for mathematical anxiety."
"Often adults are well-meaning when telling children about their own math phobia: after all, won’t it make the children feel better if they know that others feel that way as well? Research shows the answer is a resounding “no.”"
"What we need to do instead is encourage our children to persevere...You do not need an innate mathematical ability in order to solve mathematical problems. Rather, what is required is perseverance, a willingness to take risks and feeling safe to make mistakes. "
8th Grade Science Shout-Out
The 8th grade science teachers would like to welcome the class of 2024 to Cardinal Heights. We are excited to share our lab based curriculum with the students. The lab setting provides us with opportunities to build community in our classrooms and grow our students’ scientific literacy skills.
The year is made up of three main science units:
1. Weather and Climate Systems
2. Energy, Forces and Motion
3. Earth’s Dynamic Systems
Students will be able to access course information on the 8th grade science website:
http://www.tinyurl.com/science8chums
We encourage you to check it out, bookmark it or make it a favorite!
Looking forward to a great school year,
Ms. Pletz, Ms. Perkins, Mrs. Kademan, and Mrs. Harmon
C-Heights New Personal Device/Cell Phone Policy
We believe technology has revolutionized education and therefore provide every child with a Chromebook and high speed internet connection. We believe personal devices, especially social media and mobile games, create a significant distraction to learning and productivity. The purpose of setting limits on device use is to eliminate distractions, and get students re-focused on learning.
All personal devices should be off and away during class time unless being used for a teacher approved educational activity. Personal devices include, but are not limited to: cell phones, headphones, airpods, mp3 players.
Common teacher approved educational activities:
- Creating a video
- Listening to a podcast
- Using an educational app
- Scanning a QR code
Unacceptable reasons to use your personal device (during class time):
- Texting a family member
- Listening to music - use your Chromebook for this
- Responding to social media posts
- Because school provided Chromebook isn’t functional
If a student has a personal device out the teacher will provide a reminder of the off and away policy. If a student uses a personal device again, the teacher will ask that the personal device either be placed in the student’s locker or a designated spot in the classroom. If the student refuses, or has received chronic reminders, the teacher will write a minor discipline referral, contact the family and administration will ask the student to check the device in the office for the remainder of the day. Students failing to check phones when asked will result in further interventions and/or a behavior referral which could result in further consequences up to and including out of school suspension for insubordination.
Multiple personal device discipline referrals will result in a personalized device plan created with administration including but not limited to checking the device in the main office during school hours, in school suspension, restorative circles, or restorative conversations with staff or family.
Other information
The following are now Level II behaviors per SPASD’s student and family handbook, which could result in out of school suspension:
- filming day to day interactions between students and/or adults
- filming or attempting to film any type of student conflict and/or interaction
- Cell phones are not allowed at any time in the ALE or the in-school suspension room
- Speakers are not allowed to be used during school hours
- Smart watches may be worn in class and are subject to this policy, if causing a distraction
- Exceptions will be made in accordance with medical and or specialized educational plans
We ask parents to contribute to their student’s success by:
- Emailing students instead of texting them
- Reminding students to keep devices off and away during class time
- Coming in and talking with administration when questions or suggestions arise
Band News
Band Lessons:
Students have 1 band lesson every week during their resource. This lessons is attached to A & B days (except for Fridays).
Lessons are where much of the assessment occurs and instrument curriculum is taught.
Sun Prairie Band Booster Lesson Academy
The Sun Prairie Band Booster Lesson Academy has been created to provide convenient access to quality private instrument instruction for students in the Sun Prairie Band Program. The program is designed to give students access to one-on-one instruction on their instrument with professional musicians/teachers that specialize on specific instruments right at Cardinal Height after school on Tuesdays.
Learn more about the Sun Prairie Band Booster Lesson Academy at http://www.spbb.org/spbb-lesson-academy.html
Sun Prairie Honors Band
For 8th Grade Students - Just around the corner!
Audition recordings due October 16 - festival on November 16
Learn more about the Sun Prairie Honors Band at http://www.spbb.org/sun-prairie-honors-band.html
Cardinal Heights Jazz!
Jazz season will be kicking off shortly with auditions for jazz bands at the Upper Middle School. There is a place for everyone; the audition helps place students in an appropriate ensemble. Students interested in participating in jazz band will audition by performing “Blues by Five,” some sight-reading, and the option of soloing over a Bb blues. For more information please visit http://www.spbb.org/chums-jazz-audition-page-2019.html
Auditions will take place September 23 - 26 and rehearsals will begin October 1st.
Music Uniforms:
All Upper Middle School students should have been fitted for a concert uniform. There is a pants and vest options as well as a dress option. Students wearing the pants & vest option will need to provide their own fully black shoes, long black socks, & long-sleeved buttoned dress shirt. Students wearing the dress option will need to provide black dress shoes. Please contact if you have questions or need help with anything!
For more updates go to: https://www.spbb.org/cardinal-heights-bands.html
AP Testing Update
The CollegeBoard updated when Advanced Placement (AP) Test Registration is. Students will need to register for each AP Exam they plan on taking by October 4, 2019. AP Exams will run May 4-May 15, 2020. Each AP Exam is $94; however cost should not be a factor for taking an exam. Please reach out to Meghan Bosonetta or Patricia Yunen for help with financial questions or concerns.
Additionally, if you are applying for accommodations for an AP Exam, an SSD form must be turned in to Meghan Bosonetta no later than November 22, 2019.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Meghan Bosonetta at mlboson@sunprairieschools.org.
Student Council
8th Grade Athletics
Girls Volleyball and Boys and Girls Cross Country practice starts on Wednesday, September 4th from 3:05pm - 4:05pm! Volleyball will meet in the gymnasium. Cross Country will meet in room 515, Coach Jackson’s room. Athlete’s please make sure you have turned in all paperwork into the main office and have paid the athletic fee on infinite campus. Good luck this season!
Save the Date! September 9th, 6pm - 8pm at Sheehan Park (field 3)
Join High School Athletic Director, Eric Nee, and high school student athletes and coaches at the 2nd annual "Night with the Cardinals" event! This will be held at Sheehan park near field 3 (by the soccer field, softball field, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, and playground). This is a great way for SPHS athletes to get connected with the kids in the community in a positive way.
September Home Volleyball Games: Sept. 12th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 30th
September Home Cross Country Meet: Sept. 24th at Patrick Marsh Middle School
If you are interested in other 8th grade school sponsored sports (boys basketball, wrestling, girls basketball, or track and field), you may sign up at any time in the main office!
See detailed information about schedules, practices, and paperwork on the Cardinal Heights Athletic Website.
Spain Trip - Summer 2020
Advanced Learner Program
Meet your Advanced Learner Specialist
Bethany Philbrick has been working with students since 2013. She holds a Masters degree in Professional Development with an emphasis in Challenging Advanced Learners. Prior to coming to the Sun Prairie Area School District she worked with the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY). She is looking forward to getting to know the students at CHUMS and ensuring students are growing and developing their talents throughout this year.
You Are Invited
ALP Parent Information Night & Meet & Greet
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
6:30 - 7:30 CHUMS Auditorium
Differentiated Education Plan (DEP) update (Identified Tier 3 students)
This year all Differentiated Education Plans (DEP) will be reviewed during the fall for our identified Tier 3 students. In the past we met with them one year from identification date, however, after evaluation of our program, our staff decided we would better serve our students, parents and teachers by meeting with all students at the beginning of the year. We realize students change over the summer as well as goals, needs etc. We also feel that it allows our staff to get a face-to-face meeting with students to either start building a relationship with the student if new to a building or renew and continue to grow that relationship with returning kiddos. If you have any questions, please reach out to the ALP Specialist in your building.
4-Year Planning update
Our ALP staff will continue to meet with identified students in grades 8 to 12 to help plan out their 4 years of high school. We believe it is important to help students set short-term goals, plan class choices, and evaluate long-term plans after high school. After the initial planning meeting in 8th grade, each year ALP staff will meet with the student to re-evaluate choices, goals, etc. This is open to all identified students. Our staff will start reaching out to students mid-September to be sure we meet with all students who want planning meetings by mid-January. If you have any questions, please reach out to the ALP Specialist in your building.
Parent Learning Sessions 2019-2020 School Year Schedule
I would like to extend to you an invitation to the following Parent Learning Sessions that we will be offering the last Wednesday of each month (except December) at Meadow View Cafeteria at 6:00 pm. These are free events for parents of higher level learners. .
● Wednesday, October 23 - Opportunities at School and Outside of School
● Wednesday, January 29 - Summer Opportunities
● Wednesday, March 18 - Transitioning Building to Building/Grade to Grade
District Updates for C-Heights Community
Transportation Update
Bus Tags
All eligible bus students must have their bus tags on their person when riding the bus. Drivers will ask to see bus tags and may deny rides to students they don’t recognize if they don’t have a bus tag. If your child needs a replacement bus tag please see the school secretary. Students that carry smartphones can take a picture of their bus tag to show the driver.
Transportation Webpage
Did you know the district has a web page devoted to student transportation? There’s so much useful information, including an interactive boundary/busing eligibility map, forms for secondary household and childcare transportation requests, an FAQ, and more! Go to https://www.sunprairieschools.org/departments/transportation to check it out.
Lost and Found
Kobussen has a lost and found for all items left on the bus. The driver will keep the lost item on the bus for a few days, then turn it in at the terminal. If your child has a lost item don’t forget to check with Kobussen. Feel free to stop by the terminal at 1500 Forward Drive, Sun Prairie to check the lost and found.
Kobussen
If you have any questions or concerns about busing throughout the school year, please contact Kobussen at 825-8700, ext 5509.
Activity Buses
- All eligible bus riders are also authorized to ride the activity bus.
- Riders must present their bus tag and a pass from their coach/advisor.
- Activity buses do not have set routes. Schools that have more than one activity bus have designated areas of that school’s busing area (i.e. north and south, east and west, etc.) The drivers of these buses develop routes based on the students that are riding that day.
- Because there are no set routes for activity buses the amount of time students may ride and the stop they will use can vary greatly from day to day. Student ride times may exceed one hour.
C-Heights has two after-school activity buses that run Monday through Friday. One bus services the west side of the C-Heights busing area and the other services the east side. Both buses leave at 4:15 PM. The first day for the activity bus will be Wednesday, September 4.
ANNUAL ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION
As a result of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), every school district is required to complete a comprehensive asbestos inspection and develop a management plan for all asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM), present within the district. In an effort to comply with this regulation, the Sun Prairie Area School District had all buildings owned or leased by the District initially inspected by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), accredited inspector and any samples taken and analyzed by an independent laboratory. This information was then utilized to develop a comprehensive asbestos management plan.
A comprehensive re-inspection by an accredited inspector of all ACBM is required every 3 years, while periodic 6-month surveillance is an additional requirement. Beginning in July, 1998, the Sun Prairie Area School District contracted Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. (EMC), to perform 3- year re-inspections and 6-month surveillances for all district buildings.
Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. has completed the most recent comprehensive asbestos inspection and management plan, with this report available for your review during normal business hours in the Facilities and Grounds office. Copies of this report are also available to you upon request.
All ACBM found within the District has been identified, with location and condition assessed. Any areas noted as being in moderate to poor condition will be repaired or removed. A district long-range management plan of all ACBM has been developed.
Any questions relating to ACBM present in any District buildings, management plan or regarding the District’s on-going operations and maintenance program should be directed to Kevin Sukow, Director of Facilities and Grounds, 608-834-6567.
Vaccine Requirements and Meningococcal Disease
The Wisconsin Student Immunization Law requires that all students are up to date on school required immunizations or have a waiver on file. Please refer to the following link if you have questions about these requirements. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p44021.pdf
Your child may have already had these immunizations or may need to still get them.
Please check with your health care provider if you are unsure if your child is up to date.
Where can I go to get vaccines?
You may obtain the immunization(s) from your own physician or you may choose to go to Public Health Madison Dane County who can provide immunizations to children with no insurance or children with medical assistance. For more information on public health immunization clinic sites and who may be eligible to obtain immunizations call (608)266-4821.
What other new vaccine recommendations are there?
There are two other recommendations for vaccines that are not required for entry into school at this time. The first recommendation is for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine to protect against some types of cervical cancer and warts. The other recommendation is to offer children the meningococcal vaccine at their routine 11-12 year old doctor’s visit with a booster dose at age 16 or upon entering high school or college if they have not already received it. The following is more information about meningococcal disease and the vaccine.
More Information about Meningococcal Disease:
Meningococcal disease, commonly known as bacterial meningitis, is a rare but potentially fatal infection that can occur among teenagers and college students. While meningococcal disease is rare and difficult to contract, it is very serious. There is a vaccine that may help to prevent this infection.
Meningococcal bacteria can potentially be transmitted through close contact with an infected person through direct contact with respiratory and/or oral secretions from an infected person (for example, through sharing drinking containers or kissing). Teenagers and college students are at increased risk for meningococcal disease compared to the general population, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all U.S. cases every year. Meningococcal disease can be misdiagnosed as something less serious, because early symptoms like high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck, are similar to those of common viral illnesses. The disease can progress rapidly and can cause death or permanent disability within 48 hours of initial symptoms.
Up to 83 percent of all cases among teens and college students may potentially be prevented through immunization, the most effective way to prevent this disease. A meningococcal vaccine is available that protects against four out of five strains of bacterium that cause meningococcal disease in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading medical organizations recommends that all 11-12 years olds should be vaccinated with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). A booster shot is recommended for teens at age 16 to continue providing protection when their risk for meningococcal disease is highest. Teens who received MCV4 for the first time at age 13 through 15 years will need a one-time booster dose at 16 through18 years of age. If a teenager missed getting the vaccine altogether, they should ask the doctor about getting it now, especially if they are about to move into a college dorm or military barracks.
If you are interested in learning more about vaccines or illness, contact your health care provider. You can also look up more information on the web at www.cdc.gov/vaccines or www.immunize.org or call one of the Sun Prairie Area School District Nurses: Elizabeth Feisthammel 834-6679 or Debbie Brown 834-6583.