Tri-County Area School District PRSRT STD 409 S West Street U.S. POSTAGE PAID Plainfield, WI 54966-9608 Plainfield WI 54966 Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #1 PERMIT #7

(715) 335-6366 CAR RT ST RURAL ROUTE OR www.tricounty.k12.wi.us POST OFFICE BOXHOLDER February 2014

Tri-County Area Schools Tri-County Area Schools Child Development Days Dias de Desarrollo Infantil

Thursday, February 13, 2014 Jueves, 13 de Febrero, 2014 Friday, February 14, 2014 Viernes, 14 de Febrero, 2014

Tri-County Area Schools will be coordinating Child De- Las escuelas de Tri-County coordinarán los días de Desarrollo velopment Days on February 13 th and 14 th . School staff Infantil el 13 y 14 de Febrero. EL personal escolar junto al along with Birth to Three personnel will be screening personal de Nacimiento a los 3anios ½ van a evaluar a los niños children 2 to 3 ½ years old who are not currently en- que no están participando en el programa de Educación Tem- rolled in the district’s Early Childhood program. Your prana. Su niño(a) va a participar en una área de juego, donde child will be encouraged to participate in a play setting sus habilidades sociales, comunicativas, motrices y habilida- where social, communication, motor, and early learning des del aprendizaje temprano serán observadas. Usted skills will be observed. Eligible families will be con- tendrá la oportunidad de hablar con los evaluadores y expre- tacted by letter to set up a screening appointment. If sar sus preguntas o preocupaciones. Las familias que califi- you have any questions or concerns please contact Joan quen serán contactadas por carta. Si tiene alguna pregunta o Wallner in the elementary school office at (715) 335- preocupación llamar a Joan Wallner en la escuela primaria: 6366, ext. 2910. (715) 335-6366, ext. 2910.

Spell C-H-E-E-S-E !! These smiles belong to our 5 th -8th grade spelling bee participants fresh from the contest on January 16 th . We had a wonderful group of 18 stu- dents participate this year with Ethan Walker winning the contest. Mallory Altenburg placed second and will join Ethan at the Regional Spell- ing Bee in Wild Rose on February 11 th . They will be competing against students from Almond-Bancroft, Amherst, Waupaca, and Wild Rose. The top 4 students will continue on to the Badger State Spelling Bee on March 29 th . Good Luck Ethan and Mallory!!

Pictured: (back row) Ali Murray, Kaylae Allison, Talia Skelton, Allie Booth, Baylee Woiak, John Conley, David Femal, Derek Lockhart, Brayden Chamberlain, Mallory Altenburg, Ethan Walker, (front row) Christina Bartsch, Joseph Becher, Madelyn Henriksen, Brianna Leibsle, Joey Wheeler, Travis Ziaya, and Jose Martinez.

Pictured: Winner Ethan Walker and Runner-Up Mallory Altenburg

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #2 3rd Grade News By Mrs. Jagielo, Mrs. Ertl, and Mrs. Schroeder The third grade has been busy exploring all sorts of nonfiction literature to help us with our reading comprehension. Our curricu- lum focuses on bringing reading comprehension into all content areas. The students have enthusiastically taken to this new type of learn- ing. One example was their “Holidays Around the World” projects which involved independent research and presentation. We look for- ward to our spring research project that focuses on environmental awareness. We have finished reading the chapter book, Stone Fox , by John Reynolds Gardiner. This is a favorite story each year in 3 rd grade. During this unit we studied characters, setting and plot. For a writing project, we wrote our own chapter to add to the end of the story. Stop in and look at the variety of new endings to this story! Another reading unit focused on wolves, including habitats, life cycles, stereotypes and controversies. The Timber Wolf Alliance came to visit in October to present facts on the life of wolves and the history of the wolf in Wisconsin. The students learned many things about this magnificent creature! The students need to continue to learn their multiplication facts in math. Thank you to the parents who are helping their children practice at home. It makes a big difference! Upcoming units will include money, telling time, measurement, division, geometry, and frac- tions. In science, we have begun our unit on the human body. We are learning about how all of our organs work for us. It is amazing to see how everything fits inside of our bodies! We will then move on to the solar system, and learn a little about each of the planets. We hope to raise chicks and ducklings again this spring during our lifecycles unit. In English, the students have been learning about the parts of speech. We’ve covered the basics: nouns, verbs, and pronouns. We will soon be learning about adjectives and adverbs. The students will apply this knowledge in their creative descriptive stories. The kids really enjoy this unit and the stories are always a joy to read! Our next unit of study will be writing friendly letters. In addition to that, we have been practicing basic grammar skills and writing complete sentences in English class and in our everyday work. In social studies, we have been learning about different types of communities. Most communities are built near crossroads, wa- ter, or the mountains for natural resources. Another important part of social studies is learning how to read maps, charts, and graphs. We will soon be learning about career options. Students will explore different types of careers; and they will begin thinking about an area that they are interested in pursuing. Don’t be surprised when your child brings home a note about speaking to the 3 rd graders about your ca- reer. We hope many of you will consider coming in to share your experience with us. As you can tell, the third graders have been very busy. The school year is flying by, and there’s still so much to learn. We would also like to thank the parents for staying involved in their child’s education.

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #3 Battle of the Books

Teams of middle school students participating in our school library’s Battle of the Books (BOB) reading pro- gram, will be competing in preliminary and final battle rounds during the last 2 weeks of February. These classroom battles will determine which 2 teams will advance to our final 2014 Battle of the Books competition.

Family and friends of all contestants are invited to the final battle between the top 2 BOB teams on Friday, February 28 at 1:45 pm in the lecture hall, after which all Battle of the Books contestants will be recognized for the time and hard work they devoted to this exciting reading program.

Mrs. Kristy Bandy, Library Media Specialist

Gotta Cut Footloose! January 24 th our Middle School Stu- dent Council threw a great Hollywood themed dance party! Students enjoyed great music, Wii games, ping pong, air hockey, and board games! To make the night even better we also had a raffle and bake sale!! Sweet!! We’d like to thank Cheapskates Mo- bile DJ for keeping the dance floor hoppin’. Many thanks also go out to our wonderful custodians, great 7/8 staff for the games and ping pong equipment, the Knutson family for the use of their Wii, and to all our intrepid bakers for their yummy cookies and brownies for the sale!

Elementary Art News By: Jeanine Nowak

I am pleased to announce that artwork by Josi Grueneberg (Gr. 5K) and Brianna Buechner (Gr. 2) will be on display in the North Central Re- gional Art Show which is sponsored by the Wisconsin Art Education Association. Josi created a stamped leaf design and Brianna printed a design on fabric using ink and fabric markers.

These pieces of artwork will be on display at the Wausau Center Mall in the old Gap store. The art display will be held from February 8 th through the 16 th . A closing reception will be held on Saturday, February 16 th for the art students and their families.

If you plan to be in Wausau during February 8 th – 16 th , please plan to take some time to view these pieces of artwork, along with other art- work from central Wisconsin. The Wausau Center Mall hours are: Monday – Friday 10 am – 9 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 9 pm, Sunday 11

am – 6 pm.

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #4

The Tri-County FFA Chapter is again hosting the Rural Youth Safety Day for the 4th graders from Tri-County, Coloma, and Almond-Bancroft Elementary Schools. Safety is an important concept students need to learn at a young age, and we hope by hosting our safety day, we are making our students, safer students.

Our Safety Day will be held on Friday, May 9 th , 2014. It will be held at Veterans Memorial Park in Plainfield, located to the west of the Tri-County School. The different presentations include: car and bike safety, animal safety, machinery safety, fire safety, natural resources safety, home safety, and recreational safety. The presenters plan an interactive presentation to main- tain the interest level of nine and ten year old students. The stu- dents rotate though the stations throughout the day to learn about each safety topic.

We are seeking your financial help to sponsor t-shirts for the participants. In the past, students have had the opportunity to cre- ate a design for the next year’s safety t-shirt. We would like to continue this tradition for the Tri -County FFA 4 th Grade Safety day and are looking for dona- tions from local businesses and individuals to make this happen. We know that times are tough, and we are asking for any dollar amount you are able to contrib- ute for the t-shirts. This is great advertisement for you, as well. All sponsor names will be Rural Youth Safety Day! printed on the back of the t- shirt. This year’s event will have May 9th, 2014 over 100 4 th graders in atten- Sponsorship deadline March 14, 2014 dance, not to mention the FFA members, school staff, and pre- Thank you! senters that will proudly be wearing these shirts for years to come. March Tri-County Event Calendar Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #5

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Blood Drive HS 9:00 a.m. –2:00 Forensics p.m. @ Wisconsin Quiz Bowl vs. Rapids Amherst

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Booster Club Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Spring Break

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 HSSB Practice NHS TRIP Starts Chicago

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 School HSSB vs. Board Tigerton Meeting Family Reading 7:00 p.m. Night 5:00 –7:00 p.m. 30 31 HSSB vs. Menominee

BB=Boys Baseball; SB=Girls Softball; HS=High School; TR=Track; MS=Middle School; JV=Junior Varsity;

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #6

"Operation BootStrap". The students helped organize tables, box up donations, move donations to loading area and make labels. Students commented that they really like doing volunteer work.

TC volunteers helped work on organizing and boxing up dona- L-R -Felicia Lockhart, Kelsey Jackson tions at Operation BootStrap to & Randy Shaw were some of the volun- help needy families. The project teers at Portage County's “Operation was held at the Noel Hangar in Bootstrap”. the Stevens Point Airport. Mark Bates was the driver and adult volunteer.

Student volunteers L to R: Elias Juarez, Felicia Lockhart, Kelsey Jackson, Max Schoenstene, Randy Shaw.

Garrett Femal, 9 th grade, has been especially busy 10 th grader, Claudia Gon- Shannon Heath, 11 th 12 th grader, Sarah Blum, has completing Scouting zalez, continues to show grade, has shown real been an excellent math stu- assignments, basketball improvement in Geometry dedication in making sure dent throughout her years in practices and games to due to her consistent effort she maximizes her ability high school. With her God participate in, pep bands and desire. She asks good in class according to Mr. given ability and her overall to perform at, plenty of questions and seeks out Mesyk. She completes effort she has a great oppor- homework, and still extra help when needed. her daily work at a high tunity to succeed in college maintains his ‘A’ aver- Mr. Mesyk enjoys her good level and has seen her and beyond. Mr. Mesyk has age. According to band humor and overall positive overall grade improve. enjoyed being one of her teacher, Mr. Femal, attitude in class. She is proving she can teachers. Garrett is diligent, dedi- succeed when she puts her cated, personable, and heart and mind into it. always tries to do the right thing.

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #7

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #8

Tri-County Area Teachers Association Scholarship Raffle

The Tri-County Area Teachers Association is once again holding a Scholarship Raffle. All proceeds from this raffle will go to- wards scholarships for this years Tri-County High School seniors.

The raffle drawing will be held on Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tri-County High School cafeteria. Raffle prizes are 1st - $1,000; 2nd - $500; 3rd - $250; 4th - $250; along with other prizes. You need not be present to win.

Be sure to purchase your tickets from any Tri-County Area Education Association member or at various Tri-County events. Each ticket is $5.00 or you can purchase 3 for $10.00 or better yet 7 tickets for $20.00.

Tri-County FFA Attends State Leadership Conference

Ivy Klabunde and Elizabeth Nigh of the Tri-County FFA Chapter attended the Wisconsin Association of FFA Half- Time Leadership Conference held at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, January 10-11, 2014. Over 460 FFA members, advisors and state FFA officers participated. The Half-Time Leadership Conference provides FFA chapter leaders from around the state the opportunity to set goals and prepare for the second half of their year of service in their local FFA chapters. FFA members attended workshops focused on leadership and per- sonal development, membership and chapter development, and opportunities in FFA. They learned about preparing for FFA events and getting involved in community service. In addition, the 2013-14 National FFA Officer team was in at- tendance to work with the students. These officers are from 6 different states and travel the year representing the National FFA Organization.

The Half-Time conference has an over 28-year tradition for Wisconsin FFA members to bring top leaders together to assist in leadership development. This year’s leadership conference was designed and conducted by the 2013-2014 Wisconsin State FFA Officers. The theme of the conference was “Jump into the Lead.” "Half-Time is one of the pre- mier leadership conferences in our state and designed by student leaders. It allows FFA chapter leaders to develop their leadership skills, learn more about FFA activities and meet people while having fun," said Cheryl Zimmerman, State FFA Executive Director. “We are able to provide young people with an excellent experience to develop their leadership skills and get them excited about Agriculture, Agricultural Education and the FFA so they can build their local programs.”

FFA advisors were also busy during the weekend as they attended training sessions in the areas of Meat Animal Qual- ity Assurance, the Agricultural Career Network and promoting agricultural education in the community. Teachers were also involved in the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators (WAAE) Board Meetings and Committee meet- ings.

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #9

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #10

2013 FFA Fruit Sale

The Tri-County FFA had an OUTSTANDING fruit sale this year! Thank you to everyone who supported the Tri-County FFA. The annual fruit sale is the largest fundraiser of the year. This year we sold over $18,000.00 worth of fruit. The profits made from the fruit allow students to travel to lead- ership conferences at an extremely reduced rate, if not for free. These conferences help students build character as well as leadership and communication skills. In return the skills that these students learn are brought back to the local chapter and community. All around the funds raised provide a positive atmosphere for students to be challenged, be suc- cessful and start building a network of resources that will be invaluable to them in the future. Our top five sellers this year were: 1) Lucas Marinack, 2) Raymond Lauer, 3) Matthew

Nigh, 4) Wendy Blum and 5) Emma Czlapinski. Great job to all students who sold and made this year one of the most suc- cessful we have had! Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #11 Tri-County FFA Participates in District Speaking Contest

On Monday, January 20, 2014 five Tri-County FFA members participated in the District Speak- ing Contest at Rio, WI. All participants did a great job. In order for students to advance to the Sectional Speaking Contest they must place in the top two of their area. Dakota Lockhart par- ticipated in the Discussion Meet and Extempora- School Closings neous Speaking Contests placing fifth in both. Matthew Nigh also participated in the Discussion are posted at/on ... Meet and Extemporaneous Speaking Contest. He placed sixth in the Discussion Meet and seventh in Extemporaneous. Elizabeth Kemnetz placed fourth in the Job Inter- view Contest. Emma Czlapinski placed sixth in the Creed Speaking Con- TV Channel 2 (WBAY) - Green Bay test. The last individual who participated in a speaking contest was Sarah TV Channel 5 (WFRV) - Green Bay Chojnacki in the Job Interview Contest. Sarah placed second and will be advancing to the Sectional Speaking Contest in Westfield, WI on March TV Channel 7 (WSAW) - Wausau 4, 2014. We wish Sarah the best of luck on her journey to compete in the

TV Channel 9 (WAOW) - Wausau state Job Interview Contest in June.

TV Channel Fox 11 (WLUK) - Green Bay Tri-County Life Science Classroom TV Channel NBC 26/UPN 32 Receives Two Mounts Green Bay/Appleton The Tri-County High School life WAUH 102.3 FM - Wautoma sciences classroom (room 117) con- tains around fifty taxidermy speci- WBCV 107.9 - Wausau mens of Wisconsin wildlife, making WDEZ 101.9 FM - Wausau it one of the most extensive collec-

WDKM 106.1 FM - Adams tions in the state. These specimens have accumulated over the last 40 WDUX 92.7 FM - Waupaca years thanks to the efforts of many individuals. Some of the specimens on display WFHR 1320 AM - WI Rapids were donated as complete mounts, others were donated as animals which were then mounted by the district, and a few of the mounts were purchased. A classroom WGLX 103.3 FM - WI Rapids wildlife guide is available regarding the specimens on display. It provides informa- WGNV 88.5 FM - Milladore tion about the mounted animal such as physical traits, diet, and habitat. Information

WIFC 95.5 FM - Wausau concerning acquisition of each mount is also presented in the classroom wildlife guide, and some of the specimens offer quite interesting stories. This year we have WISS 1100 AM - Berlin been fortunate to add two specimens to our collection. Todd Miller donated a com- WIZD 99.9 FM - Stevens Point pleted mount of a brown-phased (summer coat) short tailed weasel. This mount

WKQH 104.9 FM - Marathon goes well with our white-phased (winter coat) long tailed wea- sel and mink, offering students the opportunity to compare and WLJY 106.5 - Marshfield contrast the specimens. Jim Caesar donated a speckled belly

WOFM 94.7 - Wausau (greater white-fronted) goose to our collection. This beautiful bird is a very rare migrating visitor to our area, as it is more WRIG AM 1390 - Schofield common to the prairie states to our West or the Eastern Sea- WSAU 99.9 FM - Wausau board. Of particular interest concerning this mount is that this

WSPT 1010 AM, 97.9 FM - Stevens Point individual goose is a sub-species that typically summers in Greenland and winters in the Northern British Isles. Infre- WYTE 96.7 - Whiting quently, individual birds associated with Greenland or Siberia are observed in North America. The speckled belly goose mount is a nice complement to our extensive collection of waterfowl mounts, and fosters discussion of ranges, identification, and the concepts sub-species and popula- tions. Students, teachers, and community members are welcome to view our collec- tion, and should contact Joe Raboin (715-335-6366 ext. 4350) in the high school science department in order to schedule a convenient time to visit. Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #12

Pictured L to R Front Row : Spencer Ellsworth, Kyle Baldukas, Josh Belt, Austin Modine, Mr. Marti, Ashley Taylor, Kelsey Jackson, Kristen Black, Shannon Altenburg, Elias Juarez. Back Row: Mrs. Vargas, Mrs. Senft, Jose Landeros, Derek Deeke, Ashley Thurley, Ana Juarez, Cindy Juarez, Felicia Lockhart, Jessica Jensen, Kaitlin Wilson, Dakota Lock- hart, Randy Shaw, Max Schoenstene, Kyle Black & Mrs. Biesek.

Tri-County High School was recognized for volunteer work in the De- cember issue of The Courier , which is the newsletter for the Veterans Home at King (available in print and electronically in color). The King newsletter displayed a TC group picture along with 5 individual pic- tures of our students working with veterans (Cindy Juarez, Kristen Black, Ana Juarez, Kaitlin Wilson & Jessica Jensen). After a short tour of the World War II Museum and Marden Center the students were divided into 3 groups to assist the members with bingo and Derek Deeke is pictured with pa- crafts. Mrs. Senft chaperoned the group at Stordock Hall where Cody triotic calendars that he helped Lockhart volunteered to be the bingo MC and call the numbers while design. The personalized calen- Kelsey Jackson ran the switches on the bingo machine. At Ainsworth dars were taken to the Veterans Hall Mr. Marti & Mrs. Biesek met an employee who is also a school Home in King where they became board member at Almond-Bancroft and she remarked that she thought popular prizes given to some it was great that our high school brings students to work with the veter- bingo and craft participants. Tom ans at King. Mrs. Vargas got to visit briefly with a Wautoma veteran Clendenning was the field trip bus while Felicia Lockhart was part of a group at MacArthur Hall assisting driver and he is a Vietnam War veterans with a craft project. Felicia said it was a very rewarding ex- veteran so he also received a cal- perience. Kyle Black said he liked talking with the veterans and he endar to thank him for his service thought the shop was a nice thing to have. Max Schoenstene com- to our country. High school stu- mented that the movie theater and bowling alley were neat. Elias dents assisted Mrs. B & Mrs. Sue Juarez mentioned he liked the tunnel system and lake. Jose Landeros Rettler with this project. thought the big campus was amazing. Austin Modine was glad his friend could come along on the trip because it was fun. Jessica Jensen (L) and Kaitlin Wilson volunteered to help Cross Country Ski Trails at the veterans with a craft project at MacArthur Hall in King. Jessica said she en- Tri-County School Forest joyed her experience at the Veterans Home so much that are groomed and open for use by any- she plans to go back to volun- one. teer additional time. Kaitlin said the Activities Staff told her that she should work Trail maps there because she's so good at assisting the veterans. are available on the school sign located in the parking lot On a school field trip to the Veterans Home in King, L to R at the school forest. Cody Lockhart and Kelsey Jackson visited with Ashley Taylor and her grandfather. Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #13 High School Yearbook Orders Last chance to order high school yearbooks!! If you plan to order a high school yearbook you MUST get your payment to Jostens by Feb. 14. We have to give them a final count by the 17th. Yearbook will not be ordering any extra books!

Eat at Chili's and support the Junior Post Prom!

Present this coupon either in paper form or on your phone and the Post Prom Committee will earn 10% of your dine-in or carry out to- tal. Thank you! Nominations Open for the Monsanto Grows Rural Education Grant

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is spon- sored by the Monsanto Fund to help farmers posi- tively impact their communities and support local school districts. Specifically, the program gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a public school district in their community to compete for a merit-based grant of either $10,000 or $25,000 to enhance education in the areas of math and/or science. In 2014, the program will operate in 1,271 counties across 39 states.

Nomination entries for this program must be received between January 6, 2014, 12:00:01 a.m. Central Time and April 15, 2014, 11:59:59 p.m. Central Time. Source: (website) http://www.americasfarmers.com/recognition-programs/grow-rural-education- official-rules/

Tri-County Area School District February 2014 Page #14 You may apply for Open Enrollment February 3, 2014—April 30, 2014 for the 2014-2015 School Calendar Year

For more information contact: Each family member

Public School Open Enrollment Program must enroll separately Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction P.O. Box 7841 If open enrolled at T-C Madison, WI 53707-7841 already no need to do it Toll-free: 888-245-2732 again. If you are a tuition [email protected] waver you must apply http://sms.dpi.wi.gov/sms_psctoc for open enrollment.

Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive on Wednesday March 5, 2014 @ 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. The blood drive will be held at Tri-County Area Schools in the H.S. Gym.