Nighthawk News
Northside Elementary / October 2023
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Principal's Message
Greetings Northside Families,
What a lovely launch your children have had into the 2023-24 school year! At Northside, we believe that “kids do well when they can” (Ross Greene) and that our job (as the adults at school) is to build strong relationships with our students and then to teach them the routines, procedures and expectations we have for them so that they are set up to do well. That relationship forming/learning has been exciting to watch over the last month.
Now that we’ve hit October, our classrooms will be further into their academic units and setting goals for how they are going to grow academic and social emotional skills this year. Our staff look forward to sharing those goals and the progress they have made thus far at our first round of conferences the week of October 16th-20th.
Here are some focus areas for learning in the month of October…
From Sept. 15th to October 15th, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. We are reading stories with Hispanic/Latino protagonists/authors and engaging in learning about Hispanic/Latino cultures through student, staff and family presentations about their countries of origin and culture. We strongly encourage any Hispanic/Latino families willing to share their child’s classroom to join us this month so we can celebrate and learn from your family. If you want some clean Spanish language music to play at home, here’s a great playlist - Hispanic Heritage Month Elementary School Playlist
- October is also Bullying Prevention Month and our school counselor, Mrs. Feltz, will lead our scholars through a series of lessons around what bullying is, how to be an “upstander” and the process to inform an adult if you see bullying at Northside. Lot so mean behavior and conflict gets named as bullying, but the true definition of bullying is unwanted behavior with the premeditated intent to harm someone else that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying is very rare in elementary school. Conflict and mean behavior are more what we expect from children who are still developing their emotional regulation and social competence skills.
We thank you for your partnership and firmly believe that we can’t do this work well without each and every one of you. After all, you are their first and most important teacher…
“Children and teens are great anthropologists. Your kids have a Ph.D. in you. They are watching everything you do. My kids are watching my face in the grocery line. They are watching how I greet the woman in a hijab in front of us and the man in a wheelchair behind us. They are watching how I greet their friends on the playground and how I interact with a stranger who stops to ask for directions in halting English. They watch my comfort -- or discomfort -- in interacting with children with disabilities, visible and invisible. They are looking for clues.” -Phyllis Fagell
Cheers to Fall,
Mrs. Jillian Block - Principal
Mrs. Brooke Coy-Tchouani - Associate Principal
Dates to Remember
- 10/2 No School, 4K - 12, Staff Professional Development
- 10/10 SCONES Meeting (Family / Caregiver SCO Group), 6:30pm, Northside
- 10/10 Free Vaccine Clinic, 3pm-7pm. Information here or in Spanish here
- 10/19 Northside Picture Retake Day
- 10/19 No School, 4K Students Only
- 10/19 4K-12, Fall Conferences, 4pm-8pm
- 10/20 No School, 4K-12 Students; Fall Conferences, 7:30am - 11:30am
- 10/27 Northside Fall Festival, 5-7pm
- 11/7 End First Quarter
Snack Time
Your child may need or want a snack each day. Please send in healthy and nutritious snacks (fruit, cheese & crackers, popcorn, pretzels, veggies, Goldfish, etc.).
Prepackaged snack donations to your student’s classroom are always welcome. Please ask your student(s) or their teacher(s) about food allergies in their room. Thank you!
PE News
Mr. LaFleur’s Introduction Letter.
September went so well. The students learned expectations in the gym, played cooperative games to learn to work together, reviewed the NS GaGa Ball rules, and did some dodging/chasing games.
In October, we will be working on our throwing/catching skills and kicking skills.
4th and 5th grade students get to learn all about bike safety and practice October 23- November 3. Look for more information to come home about this unit.
Please remember athletic shoes for PE class. This is important for everyone’s safety. If you forget, we have shoes and socks you can borrow from us. Here is a picture to know what shoes are appropriate for PE.
We highly recommend and encourage students to bring water bottles to PE class. We are very active in PE class!
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Mr. LaFleur 1-608-834-7111 or jslafle@sunprairieschools.org
Mr. Headington 1608-834-7158 or mheadi@sunprairieschools.org
Musical Notes
Coming up this month in Music:
- October Artist of the Month will be Ruben Blades.
- Kinder and 1 grade will start the Instruments Families Unit. Students will be playing Hand Percussion and Xylophone.
- Second grade will start the Flute Recorder Unit and learn how to read music.
- Third to Fifth grade will start the Ukulele Unit and continue learning how to read music.
What's Happening in our Art Studio?
In the month of September, we opened our studio back up with Drawing, Collage, and Painting supplies. Artists have begun exploring their own ideas and creations with new and old materials while remembering how to care for our shared studio space.
- Kinder- Has explored drawing and collage materials through guided practice and exploration.
- 1st- Has dug into their own ideas and getting back into the groove of how our studio operates.
- 2nd- Has stretched with a skillbuilder to transform squares into a new and creative artworks after reading the book The Perfect Square. Now they are exploring their ideas with shelf studios which are new to them this year.
- 3rd- Has generated lists of ideas they want to foster and create after reading
- 4th and 5th- Has reflected about the question “What do artists do?” and discussed how artists do more than just make art. They are showing their leadership as the senior artists in our school and are ready to take on more responsibilities with even more supplies!
Coming in October….
Look out for Artsonia papers coming home. Artsonia is a digital portfolio website we will be using to document our artworks again this year. If you would like assistance connecting to your artists profile, please stop by at conferences.
Recycled sculpture studio will be opening and our artists grades 2-5 will be exploring 3D creations.
Please reach out to Ms. Henker with any questions.
Library & Makerspace Updates
Since 2016 I have worked as a summer school librarian in the Sun Prairie Area School District. One of my goals is to share my passion for libraries and reading with students. Further, I hope to introduce students to the wonderful and wide-ranging extent of literature and resources that are available in our school library.
I encourage our future leaders to read at school and at home. Students will also learn in the library how to safely and responsibly navigate technology using school devices.
When not in school, I enjoy spending time outdoors camping and hiking with my wife. Of course, I love being in libraries, and particularly in Northside's awesome space.
Speaking of which, what an exciting first week in the Library and Makerspace! We have discussed what each space should look like, feel like, and sound like. Feel free to discuss these expectations with your loved ones.
We are also in the process of library reorganization. This is so we better use our available space, and to make room for new books! We have exciting new books in English and Spanish! Come check them out. I hope to hear from you.
Have a great week!
Health Office Reminders
Is your contact information on file current? It is important to have accurate phone numbers on file with school in case we need to reach you during the day.
Please send an extra set of clothes with your student to keep in their locker / cubby. If you have clothes you'd like to donate to our nurse's closet (especially Kinder - 2nd grade size), we would appreciate the extra items.
If your child needs any medication during the school day, a Prescription Medication Consent Form
must be signed by the medical provider. An Over the Counter Medication Consent Form will need to be signed by a guardian(s). Forms are also available in the Health Office.
If they are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please keep them at home:
- Fever of 100.4 or higher Your student's temperature should be below 100.4 without the assistance of medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
- Active vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Rashes along with fever and redness
- A positive Covid test within the last five days. See PHMDC or call the Health Office at 608-834-7106 for more information.
- Students with communicable diseases requiring antibiotic treatment (pink eye, strep throat, etc) may return after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment or 24 hours symptom-free.
Please call the school health office at 608-834-7106, if you need assistance.
Reporting Student Absences
Please call us at 608-834-7100 and press 1, to report a student absence. If you email your student's teacher, please include ckrusch@sunprairieschools.org. It is important to keep your contact numbers up to date in case of an emergency and for safe arrival calls.
2023-24 Elementary School Hours
Mornings: 7:30am (Drop Off / First Bell) 7:40am (Attendance Taken)
Dismissal: 2:40pm (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
Thursday Early Dismissal: 1:30pm
Advanced Learner Program (ALP) Updates
The Advanced Learner Program (ALP) is excited to be back and involved in the education of our students. My name is Jessica Tucci, and I am the ALP Specialist here at Northside Elementary. I can be reached at jstucci@sunprairieschools.org.
Math 24 Club
Math 24 Club will be offered to 4th and 5th grade students again this school year. Those that choose to participate during the school year, will have the opportunity to compete at our local Math 24 meet and the Dane County Regional Math 24 tournament in the Spring. The club will start on October 25th for 4th graders, and October 27th for 5th graders. It will run sometime during the school day. If your child expresses interest, families will be emailed a google survey to sign up.
Greater Dane Anthology Project
This is an opportunity for 5th grade students to enter a writing competition. Students can select from creative writing/narratives, persuasive writing, poetry, cartoons, or artwork. The theme this year is Beautiful Disaster. I will be going into 5th grade classrooms soon to introduce this opportunity. Students will submit a rough draft in late November, and final drafts are due in December. We judge the local pieces and select the top 10 pieces per grade level, per category to continue on to the regional competition in January.
Please contact Jessica Tucci at jstucci@sunprairieschools.org with any questions.
Community Schools Site Coordinator Update
Meet your Community Schools Site Coordinator
A Community School has a strategy to mobilize resources and partnerships and to build relationships. Northside’s Community School Coordinator, Stacey Christenson, is here to make sure all students and families have the resources they need to support their educational journey. Here are some programs and services for families at Northside in the Community Room, Room 109:
Food Pantry (both dry goods, cold foods and household items)
Clothing pantry
Adult learning programs
Access to laptops
Community resources and support to navigate and ensure your family gets the support they need
Stacey will be speaking at the October SCONES meeting and talking more about what it means to be a Community School, the history of this strategy in our district and the amazing programs and services offered to support everyone! Follow Community Schools on Facebook!
Northside events to look forward to:
Northside’s Fall Festival: Friday, October 27th from 5:00-7:00 pm. There will be food, music, costumes and so much fall fun!
Community Events to check out:
Sun Prairie Trunk or Treat: Saturday, October 28th from 12:00-4:00 pm. Dress up for a fun event at the Aquatic Center where your kids can trick or treat and have a blast!
Please contact Stacey Christenson for more information.
Social Emotional Learning
Our school is working hard to implement our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices. SEL includes a focus on emotional development, self-concept, and social competence. Some of our SEL strategies include community building, teaching SEL lessons, and including SEL standards and skills throughout our days.
Another part of our SEL work is a short, 8 question survey in grades 3-12. Students take this survey in the fall, winter, and spring to see how they're doing with things like making friends, setting goals for themselves, and understanding their emotions. Asking students these questions about themselves helps us understand where they need more instruction and support. Please reach out with any questions about this important work in our school!
Coming Up in October
At Northside, we want your child to be successful in school and that means supporting and encouraging their whole development. While excelling in academic classes is important, children also need skills to take on learning challenges, make good decisions, manage strong emotions, and get along with others. All students at Northside will be learning these skills from their classroom teacher through the Second Step curriculum.
What is Second Step? Parent Letter Overview (English) (Spanish) (Hmong)
What will my child be learning in Unit 1 of Second Step?
English (Kindergarten) (1st grade) (2nd grade) (3rd grade) (4th grade) (5th grade)
Spanish (Kindergarten) (1st grade) (2nd grade) (3rd grade) (4th grade) (5th grade)
Hmong (Kindergarten) (1st grade) (2nd grade) (3rd grade) (4th grade) (5th grade)
BULLYING PREVENTION UNIT: Ms. Feltz, School Counselor, will be visiting all classrooms (Guidance, K-5) in October and November to deliver lessons from the Bullying Prevention Unit from the creators of Second Step.
What is my student learning in the Bullying Prevention Unit?
Family Letter Overview English I Spanish
Units 1 & 2
Recognizing Bullying & Reporting Bullying (Grades K-3)
Recognize, Report, and Refuse Bullying & Bystander Power (Grades 4-5)
Kindergarten English Unit 1 Unit 2 I Spanish Unit 1 Unit 2
1st Grade English Unit 1 Unit 2 I Spanish Unit 1 Unit 2
2nd Grade English Unit 1 Unit 2 I Spanish Unit 1 Unit 2
3rd Grade English Unit 1 Unit 2 I Spanish Unit 1 Unit 2
4th Grade English Unit 1 Unit 2 I Spanish Unit 1 Unit 2
5th Grade English Unit 1 Unit 2 I Spanish Unit 1 Unit 2
Click HERE to learn more about Ms. Victoria Feltz, your School Counselor
Click HERE to learn more about Ms. Rachel Bucheger, your School Psychologist
Click HERE to learn more about Ms. Catherine Reierson, your School Social Worker
SCONES (Family/Caregiver Community Group)
Hello Nighthawk Families! And Happy October!
Thank you for a successful Run/Walk event! It was so great to see all the happy faces enjoying the nice weather. It was an awesome kick off to all of the Northside events we have planned for the year! We have a few dates and deadlines to share with you as we roll into October:
- Great News! The SCONES Pledge Drive is Back! Our Goal remains $10,000 and our deadline is Friday October 27! Funds raised go directly back to Northside through various events! You can donate through this PayPal Link or send along cash or check with your Nighthawk in a clearly labeled envelope with your child's name and teacher. If you donate via cash or check, your student will be entered to win a prize! Curious about our budget and how the funds are used? Check this out SCONES Budget 23-24!
*all previous cash/check donations are still prize eligible
- Northside School Directory: If you have not already submitted a paper copy, be sure to submit your contact information by October 6th. These directories are great if you want to connect with other caregivers in the Northside Family. Click HERE to add your contact details. Directories will be distributed the week of October 16th.
- The next SCONES meeting is Tuesday October 10 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. We'll talk about pledge drive updates, the next events on the calendar, and Northside's Stacey Christenson will share all about Community Schools. We hope to see you there!
- Our first share night of the year is at Texas Roadhouse! On Monday October 16th, mention Northside Elementary or bring in the flyer (you'll see it in the take home folder soon) and a portion of your meal purchase that night will benefit SCONES. It's a great way to have an easy meal out with the family while supporting your school.
- October Staff Appreciation: We will be stocking the staff lounge with all the fuel our Educators will need to get through conferences the week of October 16th-20th. Please use this sign up genius link and help us to show our educators some Nighthawk Love!
- FALL FEST is Friday October 27 from 5 to 7pm! Back this year by popular demand: A Nighthawk Chili Cook Off! We will have some "VIP Judges" that will taste test your creation and the winner will receive a prize. Make sure you make a BIG BATCH - we'll have attendees try the chili to vote on their crowd favorite. So, dust off those recipe books and send an email to northsidesco@gmail.com to enter the cook off. We'll have additional food, dancing and activities. Costumes are encouraged! This event is free to all Northside students and families. Join us!
Wishing you the best fall of all,
Your SCONES board
SCONES School Community Organization of Northside Elementary School
Let's go, POETICS!!
POETICS (Poets Of Every Type Inspiring & Changing Society) is open to 4th- and 5th-grade scholars interested in poetry.
We’re so excited for another year of reading poetry, listening to poetry, writing poetry, and performing poetry! Some POETICS students performed at the Sun Prairie Farmer’s Market this summer and we’ll have even more chances to write and perform at upcoming events, including the Fall Festival (on our new outdoor stage!) and some community events.
We’ll take a field trip to Madison to see a play based on a Maya Angelou poem, we’ll walk to the Sun Prairie Historical Museum to study and write nature poetry and ekphrastic poetry, and when Ms. Nieft returns to school, we’ll record poetry for Nellie’s Network! It’s going to be another AMAZING year of creativity and connection, so we hope you’ll join us!!!
Caregivers, please stay tuned for an email with sign-up details and our official start date (probably early October).
Contact Ms. Kiiru or Ms. Christenson with any questions.
Math Steering Committee
Across the 2022-23 school year, our math steering committee, composed of 4K-12 educators, developed and delivered a process to collect student, staff, parent, caregiver, and community (from the Business Education Partnership group) voice regarding their experience with math education in SPASD. We received over 1,000 responses through interviews and surveys, and the math steering committee utilized the information collected to compile a summary report of the data. This data will be used in part to help inform our math curriculum and coursework in future years. We invite you to watch this video overview to learn more about what our community has to say regarding what’s going well, the challenges and areas for improvement, and students’ overall opinions about their confidence as mathematicians. This video also explains the future of our math steering committee’s work in upcoming years. The math focus groups report may be accessed here as well.
AVID Tutor Recruitment
Are you or someone you know looking for a way to become more involved in our school communities? We are currently looking for community members to serve as AVID academic coaches. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college and career readiness system for students in the academic middle and/or students part of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Academic coaches support our AVID students during the tutorial process, a designated time in which students bring points of confusion from their content classes and work through them with an academic coach and small group of their peers. This position pays $16/hr. For more information, please contact the AVID District Coordinator, Katie Janssen at kmjanss@sunprairieschools.org.
Our greatest areas of need are:
Central Heights Middle School:
Periods 1 (8:57 AM - 9:36 AM) on Tuesdays and Friday
Periods 8-9 (2:15 PM - 3:35 PM) on Tuesdays and Fridays
Prairie View Middle School:
Period 1-2 (8:57 AM - 10:18 AM) on Tuesdays and Fridays
Periods 8-9 (2:15 PM - 3:35 PM) on Tuesdays and Fridays
Sun Prairie East High School:
Block 3A (12:11 PM - 2:12 PM) on Wednesdays or Thursdays AND/OR
Block 4A (2:19 PM - 3:45 PM) on Wednesdays or Thursdays
Sun Prairie West High School:
Block 3A (12:11 PM - 2:12 PM) on Wednesdays or Thursdays
Technology / Online Safety Updates
Please take a look through the links below for more information on some technology updates to our filter policy, our loaner chromebook procedures, and our new focused browsing tool called Securly Classroom.