District #139 Newsletter Our mission is to provide each learner with appropriate educational opportunities to reach his or her potential

November 2011 In this issue... Letter from the Superintendent Community Education From the Principal's Desk General Information Counselor’s Corner Winter Sports Schedules Rush City It's Elementary In the Community Notes from Nurse Judi Early Childhood News TIGERS www.rushcity.k12.mn.us

Fire Safety at Jacobson Elementary Letter from the Superintendent V. Koepp From the Principal's Desk S. Fuhs Dear District Resident, placed sixth grade teacher, Mary Kurvers, on special assignment (technology integration) and hired a sixth grade teacher to replace Events to remember: As I write this letter the unusual streak of warm weather has Ms. Kurvers. Welcome to teachers Stefanie Lofgren, grade one, yielded to more typical chilly fall weather and farmers are and Ashley Weis, grade six! • The musical this year is Annie and is scheduled for November 18th, and 19th at 7:00 p.m. and hurrying to harvest their crops before winter arrives. We November 20th at 2:00 p.m. are well into the school year, the first quarter and fall activi- Technology Integration – Technology continues to change how ties will end soon, and Parent-Teacher Conferences are just we shop, how we operate equipment and machines, how we • Yearbooks sales ended October 31st. If you still want to order one contact Carrie Kirchberg around the corner. gather information and make decisions, how we communicate, and how we learn. We try to stay abreast of and incorporate new at the high school. This newsletter contains information about upcoming school technologies that increase our efficiency and that enhance instruc- events and a lot of news about your local schools. Please tion, and it is no secret that our students often adjust more easily • The winter senior high band and choir concert is set for December 19th at 7:30 p.m. in the check your school calendar or the district web site for school to new technologies than the adults around them. theater. events and come on out to watch our students perform and to support them. Last spring we installed a robust wireless network at Jacobson El- ementary School and upgraded the High School wireless network, • The student application process for National Honor Society has begun. If you have any ques- Enrollment – After 4 years of declining enrollment, losing anticipating that we will see a huge increase in handheld devices tions about the application process, please call Mrs. Guentzel. about 25 students each year, we experienced an increase of used to access the Internet by staff and students. We have interac- about 20 students last year and we are up about 20 students tive whiteboards, or Smart Boards, in most of our classrooms, two • 8th hour study hall help is still available and can be a great resource for your child to improve again this fall, compared to last May. Most area schools computer labs at Jacobson Elementary, and two hard-wired labs grades or just get some help on schoolwork. continue to see flat or declining enrollment, so we are very and two mobile labs at the High School. This year our Preschool pleased with the enrollment increases and we will continue teachers are using a Smart Board and eight iPads to enhance to stretch our resources to provide great opportunities for our learning in our Preschool. • The end of the 1st quarter is November 4th. Parent Teacher conferences are set for Novem- students. ber 9th (5:00 – 8:30 p.m.) and November 10th (12:00 – 4:00 & 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.). Report We helped three of our teachers become certified Smart Board cards will be handed out at conferences. Please stop in the office and pick up the report card After reviewing District financial information, knowing that trainers, but realized that we needed to provide more opportuni- when you arrive for conferences. Students and parents are highly encouraged to attend con- the enrollment increase would also mean additional revenue, ties for teachers to effectively tap into the potential that different and responding to larger classes in grade one, the School technologies offer, and we needed to provide time for teachers to ferences. This is a great opportunity to discover the academic possibilities that are offered at Board decided to add a teacher in first grade. The Board develop lessons using Smart Boards and other technologies. Rush City High School. The counselor, Mrs. Larson, and myself will be available for any ques- tions you may have. Rush City School District #139 The School Board has approved a “technology integration” position and one of our teachers, Mary Kurvers, has agreed to Congratulations to coach Kevin Smith for being named the Great River Conference Cross Country PO Box 566 take on the challenge of helping other teachers integrate Smart Rush City, MN 55069 Boards, virtual field trips, student response systems, and other Coach of the Year! District Office 358-4855 technologies into daily instruction. Mary will serve as a “teacher Superintendent Vern Koepp on special assignment” this year, providing technology training, Easy Ways to help your child succeed in school: consultation, and follow up for teachers. I’m excited to see the Make family time a priority! benefits to our students! High School 358-4795 For teens, having regular dinners with their families is a strong predictor of academic success, psycho- High School Principal Stuart Fuhs Staff Recognition – Congratulations to paraprofessionals KC logical adjustment, and lower rates of alcohol use, drug use, eating disorders and risk of suicide. Kids Brown and Annette Hanson-Sias for being selected by their peers who eat most often with their parents are 40% more likely to say they get mainly A’s and B’s in school Jacobson Elementary 358-4724 than kids who have two or fewer family dinners a week. Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff Continue on Page 11

Rush City Schools website Save Aluminum Tabs for Math 7 www.rushcity.k12.mn.us School Closings Reminder The Rush City High School Math 7 classes, once again, School Board All Rush City closing or late start announcements are collecting aluminum pop tabs. Our goal is to reach

will be made on the following radio and television 1,000,000 as soon as possible. We currently have approxi- Chairperson Scott Tryon Rush City High School is still collecting Box Tops stations. Closings in the Rush City School District mately 750,000. The purpose is to realize and visualize how Vice-Chair Carol Cook for Education. Please drop them off at the school will include the Early Childhood Program and the St. much is in one million. Once our goal is reached, all pop tabs Clerk Brian Anderson office. For more information, visit btfe.com or con- Croix River Education District. will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. Please save Treasurer Stefanie Folkema tact Tami Knudson, Rush City High School Box AM 830 WCCO your aluminum tabs and give them to any seventh grader or Director Brenda Nessel Tops Coordinator, at [email protected] AM 1350 WCMP drop them off at the high school office for Paula Bengtson. Director Channa Tastsides or 358-4795. WCCO television Channel 4 Thank you for your past and continued support! 2 3 Counselor's Corner H. Larson MINNESOTA COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT RESULTS

Welcome back to another school year! It's hard to believe that When the District calendar was published in August we did not have MCA results for 2011. Rush City MCA results were recently received and are we are already a quarter of the way through. I would like to at colleges during their junior and/or senior years. We also make summarized below. A more complete summary is available on the District web site (www.rushcity.k12.mn.us) or by calling the District Office (320- take this opportunity to introduce myself as Rush City High use of Interactive Television (ITV) classes to expand course of- 358-4855). School's Guidance Counselor. I am coming to Rush City from ferings to our students. Instructors at another school teach these classes, and our students have the opportunity to participate in The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are given in grades 3-11. The State of Minnesota uses these test results to hold school accountable St. Louis, Missouri where I spent three years as a high school and to measure student performance related to the Minnesota Academic Standards. To comply with the federal No Child Left Behind law, students in counselor. Before that, I spent two years counseling in Minne- class activities and discussions with students from 2-3 other schools. grades 3-8 are required to take MCA’s for reading and math. To comply with state law, students in grades 5, 8, and 10 take a Science MCA, students in sota, one as an elementary counselor and one as a High School grade 9 take a Writing MCA, students in grade 10 take a Reading MCA, and students in grade 11 take a Math MCA. Counselor. I am very excited to work with the students at Rush City High School and look forward to a great year. If you have On-Line Access to Student Grades Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for a school building or school district is calculated for student sub-groups in four areas: 1) Participation-taking questions or concerns, please contact me at (320) 358-1267 or Many parents have been taking advantage of the parent access MCA’s, 2) Proficiency on MCA’s, 3) Attendance, and 4) Graduation rate. If a school building or school district does not meet the established perfor- [email protected] . School View, which allows them to get information about their mance criteria, then either the school building or school district is identified as “needing improvement.” son or daughter’s grades, attendance, etc. If you are not already Based on the 2011 spring MCA results, the Minnesota Department of Education has identified Rush City Public Schools as “needing improvement” in 8th Hour Homework Help using this option, I think you will find it a very valuable tool in tracking your child’s progress. Log on to the school district the following areas: Elementary – special education reading and free/reduced lunch reading; High School – white reading; and District – all students In order to assist students who are having difficulties with reading, white reading, special education math, and special education reading. We are making adequate progress in all other areas. schoolwork, the Rush City High School teaching staff offers an website (www.rushcity.k12.mn.us), click on School View on the after-school supervised study hall and homework help period. bottom right side of the page and the next screen will ask for While the 2011 AYP report indicates a need to improve in reading, it is worth noting that Rush City exceeded state reading averages in 5 of 7 grades Teachers from various academic areas have volunteered their your access code that you received in the mail. If you do not tested. The groups that did not make adequate progress were usually within 1-3 index points of making adequate progress. We have had strong read- time to help with this program. have this code, please call the high school office. ing performance in recent years and hope to make the adjustments needed to meet or surpass the state targets.

A team is working on an improvement plan to raise reading achievement and intends to build on changes to reading instruction that were made last This “8th Hour Homework Help” takes place on Monday and After you enter your access code, you will be prompted to create an ID and password. Once you have entered your password, you spring. A number of our teachers participated in training during June to implement the new English Language/Arts Standards, and we intend to follow Wednesday afternoons, from 3:10-4:00. Transportation is the up on that training with staff during this school year. responsibility of the student and/or parent. can access your child’s grades. The 2010 AYP report indicated a need to improve in math for all students and white students in the High School and for special education students as The study hall is located in the classroom of the teacher provid- Vocational and Post-High School Planning a District; and a need to improve in reading for special education students at Jacobson Elementary, the High School, and as a District. The 2011 AYP ing the help for the day. The names of teachers and locations In addition to Basic Standards, MCA, and MAP testing for aca- report indicates we are making adequate progress in math for all areas except special education students at the District level. are posted in academic classrooms, as well as on in the daily demic skills, Rush City Students also participate in assessments morning announcements. of their interests, work aptitudes, and work values. In the fall of 2010 a team of teachers, consultants, and parents developed an improvement plan to raise math achievement, and staff worked hard to implement the plan. The Minnesota Department of Education sets targets for reading and math for all subgroups for each school building and each school district in Minnesota. We are very pleased that our students exceeded the math target for all students by15 index points at Jacobson Elementary, Before participating in this program, each student and a parent This year, Rush City High School 8th and 10th grade students by 2 index points at the High School, and by 8 index points as a District. We intend to continue our efforts to improve math achievement. must complete an “8th Hour Agreement Form.” This form, will participate in ACT's Educational Planning and Assessment available in the counselor’s office, outlines procedures and System (EPAS) in early November. The Minnesota Legislature expectations. funds this testing, with no costs to participating school districts. The 8th grade component, EXPLORE, provides students with Continued from Page 4 This is a wonderful and convenient program that Rush City information on school planning and career exploration. The

High School Provides to students. If your child is struggling PLAN test, given to 10th graders, measures current academic de- interests to career fields. Students have the opportunity to decide Seniors attended the National College Fair in Minneapolis. with getting homework done at home or at school and needs velopment, explores career/training options, and helps students whether or not their scores will be released to military representa- Hundreds of college and military representatives from across a quiet place to complete their studies, do not hesitate to sign plan for their remaining high school years and post-graduation. tives. For students planning to enter the military, it is necessary the country were present to allow students to explore numerous your child up for 8th hour. Please call if you have any questions This test can be an early indicator of ACT scores, enabling stu- to take this test in either Grade 11 or 12. Any seniors interested in opportunities. Since reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin, about this opportunity. dents to build skills in specific areas. retaking the test may also do so. North Dakota, and South Dakota public colleges allow students

Ninth Grade students complete the Career Occupational Prefer- to attend these schools at approximately the same tuition as they Educational Opportunities For most seniors attending college, particularly 4-year colleges, would pay in Minnesota, the National College Fair allowed stu- Rush City High School students are taking advantage of a vari- ence System (COPS) as part of their career planning in their civics classes. The COPS inventories are completed by the stu- the ACT is necessary. If you have a son or daughter who is a dents to access their opportunities. All juniors attended the Col- ety of leaning opportunities, in addition to the regularly sched- senior and has not yet taken this test, please have them see me lege Fair in Pine City; this fair has representatives from mainly uled high school classes. Our Concurrent Enrollment program dents some time during the winter and are discussed at planning conferences held with students and parents later in the year. for registration materials. Remaining testing dates for this year in-state institutions and the military services. allows students to earn credits in college classes without ever include December, February, April, and June. The earlier the leaving the building; these credits then transfer to most post- Our juniors and seniors have the opportunities to take several test is taken, the quicker students can be accepted into schools secondary schools. Some RCHS students are also enrolled in of their choice; taking the ACT early in the college application Advanced Placement Psychology. After completing a rigorous tests. College-bound juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT on October 12th; these results will be available in the middle of December. season also allows a student to retake the test if he/she desires. If course of study, they will take a nationally normed test. Their you have a son or daughter who plans to attend a 4-year college scores will determine the amount of credit colleges will award. In December, all juniors will take the ASVAB, the Armed or university next year and has not taken or registered to take the ACT, they should register by November 4th for the Decem- The Post Secondary Education Option (PSEO) program in- Services Vocational Aptitude test. This test is valuable to many students not considering a military career, as it relates skills and ber 10th ACT test date. Students who qualify for Free/Reduced volves students leaving Rush City High School to take courses Lunch may receive a Fee Waiver for their ACT. Please contact Continue on Page 5 me if this applies to your son or daughter. 4 5 It’s Elementary! M. Tenhoff It’s Elementary! Elementary Dates to Remember Parent/Teacher Conferences available to them, and to help all teachers develop their PTO and School Board Advisory November 4 End of First Quarter It seems like we all were just out purchasing new knowledge and use of technology in order to prepare We can always use some extra people at our two school year supplies, and now it is time for Parent students for the world in which they will live. Mrs. parent-involvement committees: PTO and School November 4 Early Dismissal, students / Teacher Conferences. These meetings are an ex- Kurvers has the technology background and passion Board Advisory. Both of these committees meet dismissed at 12:10 p.m. cellent time to share valuable information regard- to help lead this charge and we are already benefiting only once per month. The next PTO meeting is November 9 Report cards go home ing your child. Parents will be soon receiving a from her support. Monday, November 7th, at 6:30 p.m. and the next November 9 Early Dismissal, students conference invitation letter, which allows you to School Board Advisory meeting is the follow- dismissed at 12:10 p.m. choose from the available conference times. Con- ing Monday, November 14th, at 7:00 p.m. Don’t November 9 & 10 Parent/Teacher Conferences ferences for grades 1-6 are held on the evening hesitate to call the school office, 358-4724, for Ways to Help November 10 & 11 No Classes of Wednesday, November 10th, and Thursday, I bet you have already turned in Kemps milk caps and additional information regarding these two very November 24 & 25 No Classes – Thanksgiving November 11th, during the afternoon and evening. General Mills’ box tops this year. We thank you for important functions at school. December 9 Mid-term Kindergarten conferences are at the same dates taking the time to see that these items get to school. In and times with additional time on Thursday morn- this day and age of tight school budgets, this additional Tiger Club December 9 Gr. 2 Music Program ing. Be sure to get your conference invitation income truly helps us in providing materials that we I am excited to report that our school-age child-care December 22 – 31 No Classes – Winter Break back to the office as soon as possible so that we would not be able to justify out of the regular school program, Tiger Club, continues to go well! We are January 2 No Classes – Winter Break can honor your requests for the dates and times budget. now looking at staying open for the upcoming Par- January 9 Grades 6-9 Band Concert that work best for your family. ent/Teacher Conferences, so be sure to call our new January 16 No Classes – Staff Workday coordinator, Colleen Schumacher, at 358-1348, if Also, many of you have designated your Target charge January 20 End of Second Quarter you would like child care during this time. card so that we receive a donation from Target. Our re- January 20 Early Dismissal, students Congratulations cent check was for $979.82. These funds help to bring dismissed at 12:10 p.m. I would like to extend my congratulations to two school-wide activities to all of the students. Fall Testing recognized staff members: Annette Hanson-Sias Elementary students have been very studious this January 25 All School Probes and Alissa Zeltinger. Resource Trainings and In addition, we also accept old cell phones, print car- fall and have taken both their Reading Probe tests January 27 Report Cards go home Solutions now offer two award programs so that tridges, electronic games, etc. for an electronic recy- and the MAP tests in Reading and Math. We rely we can honor both support staff and teaching staff cling program. upon this data to be sure that we are meeting the in the surrounding schools. Ms. Hanson-Sias needs of each student. You will be able to receive received the Educational Support Staff award and As a community support, we do also collect the pop your child’s results at Parent/Teacher Conferences. Mrs. Zeltinger was this year’s recipient of the can tabs for the McDonald House and all plastic caps Leaders in Educational Excellence Award. Both that Aveda recycles. Simply have your child bring Music Program Dates are outstanding representatives for our school and them to the container in the cafeteria to help support The grade level music programs are activities you we congratulate them both! both of these programs. are surely not going to want to miss! Please note the upcoming dates:

Technology Integration Specialist If you have been able to read recent Friday Folder December 9th 2nd grade newsletters, you have seen that we recently moved 7:00 p.m. High School Theater a classroom teacher, Mary Kurvers, into the roll February 9th 5th and 6th grade of Technology Integration Specialist. Technology 7:00 p.m. High School Theater is ever changing the way in which we teach and March 22nd 3rd and 4th grades the way in which students learn. No longer do 7:00 p.m. High School Theater we need to go to out-dated encyclopedias to find April 19th 1st grade information. In the Information Age that we are 7:00 p.m. Elementary Gymnasium all living in, it is imperative that we use all meth- ods possible to engage students, to teach students Students receiving "5 Over Summer" awards how to be selective with all the information that is

6 7 Notes from Nurse Judi Community Education www.rushcity.k12.mn.us

Each school year start has its own unique character- Yes students can carry asthma meds on them BUT ac- istics and challenges. This year has been the year of cording to school policy a doctor’s statement is still changing schedules, postponed health screenings and required and a plan in place. In the elementary we have Snowmobile Safety trainings, and changes in staffing. 45 students with health concerns requiring action plans with 15 current plans in place. Please attend to this ASAP Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012 The health screenings scheduled for 9/21/11 was for the safety of your children in the school setting. These Time: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm changed due to changes in Pine Tech clinical days On-Going ZUMBA situations could result in an emergency situation that had Location: Chucker’s Bowl - Rush City schedule. Grade 6 received scoliosis screening that day they been treated could have been prevented. Cost: $5.00 and new 6th grade students had their health screenings. Zumba is so popular here in Rush City, that every 7th and 10th graders and new high school students re- Zumba lesson is one big party. Zumba is addictive and Being promoted by the American Diabetic Association is Printed information will be sent home with 5th and 6th grades. ceived their health screenings on 10/13/11 with the help you want more each time. Every lesson brings an un- that when you fill your plate at the dinner table fill half High school students should pick up information at the student of volunteers and Bethel University CAP students (RN forgettable workout. You will want to get to your next with fruits and vegetables and ¼ with protein and ¼ with services window. Students must be 11 & complete the CD train- to BSN students). Kindergarten through 5th grade will workout as soon as possible! It is a mix of body sculpt- carbohydrates such as bread, rice, corn or potato. I would ing. To obtain the Snowmobile Safety Training CD, or for gen- receive their health screenings on 11/3/11 with Bethel ing and easy to follow dance steps for any fitness level. encourage you to take the challenge as a family. Think eral information, please call (888) 646-6367, (651) 296-6157, or University senior nursing students and volunteers. There No experience is necessary. Come & see for yourself. also about the snacks you eat; what you eat for snacks, (800) 366-8917, email at [email protected], call Deb Dahl- is still a need for three more volunteers. If you are in- Purchase a 10 punch card for $40.00 or pay $5.00 each when you eat them, and why you eat them. Snacking, berg at 320-358-3675. terested please contact me at 320-358-4724. Re-screens when you are hungry, on fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, time. ZUMBA days have changed. It now meets Mon- and referrals will occur November to December. If you and whole grain cereal/bread is the best practice. Eating day’s and Wednesday’s from 6:30 - 7:30 pm in Jacobson have immediate concerns regarding your child’s hearing while reading or watching TV often leads to overeating. Elementary Band Room. Zumba follows the school or vision please contact me directly at 320-358-1364. It’s a reminder and challenge as we face the Halloween calendar. In the event of bad weather, Zumba is can- and holidays. celled if after school activities are cancelled. We have had several cases of strep throat in first grade. Incidences of strep throat do increase with change of Stay healthy. Stay safe. seasons so please be alert for sore throats accompanied by headache, stomach ache, and/or a fine rash on the up- Announcing the 2012 Rush City per body or abdomen. Community Read! The Rush City Public Library, along with the Rush City As cold and flu season approaches we have had classes Friends of the Library, is proud to announce the 2nd An- in proper “cough etiquette” and hand washing. Please nual Rush City Community Read for February/March 2012. This winter, Rush City will bounce into Stanley Gordon review and practice these as a family event. A study was “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” West’s Blind Your Ponies. done that showed that if proper 20 second hand washing the musical “West has created a moving story, and one that moves along was done four times a day, stomach aches and illness Remember to: quickly, tying the lessons of basketball to those of life. As was cut in half. Good hand washing is the first line of Coach Pickett says, "Maybe after so many losses along the defense in breaking the chain of infection. Remember- • Wash hands frequently with soap way we all need to win at something," a sentiment so true Date: Friday, November 18 ing to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth also and water for 20 seconds. after all.” —Minneapolis Star-Tribune reduces your exposure to germs. Having a flu shot cuts • Cover coughs and sneezes with Time: 2:00 pm The youth companion novel chosen for the Community incidences of influenza and colds. Flu shots started early tissues or by coughing into your Location: Pine City Elementary Auditorium Read will be Last Shot: a Final Four Mystery by John Fein- this year as it was predicted that the type of flu this sleeve. Cost: $1.00 payable at the door stein. season would be so similar to the last and that the vac- • Stay home if you are sick. We’re looking forward to the community coming together for the 2nd Annual Community Read. The Friends of the cine would cover it. There has been at least one case of • Do not return to school or work Enjoy a theater production performed by Pine City High School students. The musical features more than a dozen songs and Library will be hosting a used book sale during the discus- documented influenza in Minnesota already this fall. until your fever is gone for 24 sion week in February/March. In preparation for the book hours without the use of fever- creative dances featuring the Peanuts characters: Lucy, Linus, Sally, Snoopy, Schroeder and Charlie Brown. This is described sale, we are asking for book donations. Please drop off any HEALTH ALERT: reducing medication (acetaminophen, donation at the Rush City Library. Ibuprofen, Naproxen as a “typical day in the life of Charlie Brown” showing how he We have 58 students who have asthma, food allergies, feels in many different situations. Join us for a warm hearted bee sting allergies, and seizures in the high school. fall Friday before the shopping seasons begins. EACH one of these should have an ACTION PLAN. Six of these students do. This puts 52 students at risk.

8 9 General Information General Information Rush City Teachers Wall of Honor Rush City High School Presents awarded Leaders in Rush City High School and The Amer- ANNIE Educational Excellence Award for ican Legion Post #93 have established a November 18 and 19 at 7:00 PM, and November 20 “Wall of Honor” to recognize graduates at 2:00 PM. 2011 Congratulations to the two Rush City teachers who of Rush City High School who are cur- Tickets go on sale on 1 November, and are $8 for reserved were selected by their peers as "Leaders in Educa- rently serving in active military service, seating, $6 general admission, and $4 for students. tional Excellence." Mike Saari, and Alissa Zeltinger in active reserve or in a guard unit. were officially recognized at a banquet in St. Cloud With a cast and crew of over 60 students, Annie promises to on October 26. Parents, administrators, and commu- The following information is suggested: be a grand production. Directed by David Stevens and Jaime nity members comment on the quality of our staff and 1. Photograph of the individual Holmstrom, the majority of the play is student-managed: Julia these two teachers certainly have demonstrated a com- 2. Name, rank and branch of service Westman manages rehearsals, Tom Jungels is stage manager, mitment to their students and to Rush City Schools. 3. Year of graduation from Rush City High School Molly Hjerpe is managing props and costumes, and Marissa Thanks to Mike, and Alissa for all you have done and 4. How the individual entered the service Belau is managing the business affairs. These four students (enlisted, officer training, ROTC, etc.) continue to do as representatives of the educational are assisted by student supervisors and student crews that 5. Brief military history community! 6. Current duty status and location have used their talents and hard work to produce a memo- rable, student run play. Rush City Support Staff If you have a family member or friend who is serving in the military and would like to have them dis- Come and see what the students of Rush City have produced Recognition 2011 played on the "Wall of Honor", send your information to: Congratulations to the two Rush City Support Staff this year with their delightful take of a well-known musical. selected by their peers to be recognized. Annette Han- Tigers Den Rush City High School son-Sias (left), and KC Brown (right) were officially PO Box 566 recognized at a banquet in St. Cloud on September 14. Rush City, MN 55069 Thanks to Annette, and KC for your contributions to the students and staff at Rush City Schools! Meet our new online payment system: SchoolView FeePay™ Continued from Page 11 as excellent educational support staff. Both were recognized the number of wins, but also includes learning to work together on Log on to the school district website (www.rushcity.k12.mn.us), click on School View on the bottom right side of the page and the next at a banquet held in St. Cloud during September to honor a common cause, putting team interests ahead of personal interests, screen will ask for your access code that you received in the mail. If you do not have this code, please call the High School office or Central Minnesota educational support staff. Congratula- learning from mistakes, and accepting victory or defeat graciously. Elementary Office. After you enter your access code, you will be prompted to create an ID and password. Once you have entered your tions also to teachers Alissa Zeltinger and Mike Saari for password, you can access your child’s grades. being selected by their peers as excellent teachers. Both It is great that we can provide these opportunities for our students were recognized at a banquet in St. Cloud during October to and research shows that students who participate in extra curricular Paying for school meals online is quick and easy! Just follow these steps once you have set up a SchoolView account with your confidential ac- honor Central Minnesota teachers. We have many dedicated activities also do better in the classroom. The all-school play, holi- cess key: Log onto the District website and click on the TIES SchoolView icon under quick links in the lower righthand corner of the webpage. employees working for Rush City Schools and it is nice to be day concerts, and winter sports are coming soon. I hope you will Enter your username and password. Click “Log in.” Click the link for online payments. Add to the account balance for each of your students able to formally recognize a few each year. come out to catch the action and support our students! using direct deposit from your checking or savings account or a credit card. Follow the easy step-by-step instructions each time you want to make an online payment (which can be split among all your students’ meal accounts). You will receive an immediate confirmation by email School Board Election – Terms for Board members Scott Sincerely, that your payment has been received. You can also print a receipt from the SchoolView screen. Payments will be posted to students’ accounts Tryon, Stefanie Folkema, and Brenda Nessel will expire De- within one business day. If you experience a problem using SchoolView, please contact a building representative. cember 31, 2011. Scott Tryon, Stefanie Folkema, and Tony Vern Koepp Carlson have filed for the open Board positions and several Rush City Christmas Give-Away other individuals have been mentioned as potential write in Any parent in need of help purchasing Christmas gifts for their candidates. Please remember to vote on November 8th at Winter Clothing Exchange children can pick up an application, after October 25, at the Rush the Rush City High School. Polls will be open from 12 noon Reminder On November 21, in the Rush City Foods Mall, a winter cloth- City Food Shelf - open every Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. and on until 8:00pm. School Board Elections ing exchange will be available. If you have gently used coats, November 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. The applications are also available Tuesday, November 8th from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm mittens, hats or scarfs you no longer need, your donation will be from the pastors of the Rush City Churches. This offer is lim- Fall Activities – Congratulations to the athletes and coaches in the High School Gymnasium greatly appreciated. If you need any of these items, feel free to ited to children ages infant through 18 and living in and attending of our fall sports – volleyball, cross country, and football – for help yourself. school in the Rush City School District. This event is sponsored your hard work and exciting contests. Success is more than 10 by Rush City Cares, Rush City Lions, and Thrivent Financial. 11 Varsity Hockey (Home games are at P.C.) Thurs., Dec. 1 Chisago Lakes Away 7:00 Schedules Subject to Change Thurs., Dec. 8 North Branch* Home 7:00 Sat., Dec. Away 7:30 10 Silver Bay Away 2:00 Varsity Girls Basketball Tues., Dec. 13 Mora* Fri., Dec. 2 Aitkin* Away 7:00 Finlayson* Home 7:30Home 7:30 Thurs., Dec. 15 Proctor Thurs., Dec. 8 Hinckley Away 7:00 Away 7:30 Sat., Dec. 17 Minneapolis* Thurs., Dec. 15 Frederic Home 7:00 Away 7:30 Mon., Dec. 19 St. Paul Fri., Dec. 16 Ogilvie* Highland Home 7:00 Tues., Dec. 20 Moose Tues., Dec. 20 Grantsburg River Home 7:30 Lake/Willow River*Home 7:00 Lake/Willow Away 7:30 Fri., Dec. 30 Two Thurs., Dec. 22 Moose Harbors Away 3:00 Home 7:30 Tues., Jan. 3 Princeton Tues., Jan. 3 Foley Away 7:30 City* Away 7:30 Thurs., Jan. 5 Becker/Big Fri., Jan. 6 Pine Lake Away 7:00 Central* Home 7:30 Sat., Jan. 7 Two Tues., Jan. 10 East Harbors Home 3:00 Away 7:30 Tues., Jan. 10 WSLGF* Fri., Jan. 13 Royalton Away 7:00 Home 7:30 Fri., Jan. 13 Legacy Tues., Jan. 17 Braham* Christian Academy*Home 7:00 Thurs., Jan. 19 North Fri., Jan. 20 Aitkin* Branch* Away 7:30 Finlayson* Away 7:30Away 7:30 Fri., Jan. 20 Eveleth Tues., Jan. 24 Hinckley Gilbert Home 7:00 Home 7:30 Tues., Jan. 24 Mora* Fri., Jan. 27 Onamia* Home 7:00 Away 7:30 Thurs., Jan. 26 St. Paul Highland TBA Tues., Jan. 31 Ogilvie* TBA Away 7:30 Sat., Jan. 28 Minneapolis* Thurs., Feb. 2 Isle* TBA TBA City* Home 7:30 Tues., Jan. 31 Moose Mon., Feb. 6 Pine Lake/Willow River*Away 7:00 Central* Away 7:30 Thurs., Feb. 2 Becker/Big Fri., Feb. 10 East Lake Home 7:00 Home 7:30 Sat., Feb. 4 Ely Tues., Feb. 14 Mora Home 3:00 Home 7:30 Mon., Feb. 6 WSLGF* Thurs., Feb. 16 Braham* Home 7:00 Home 7:30 Fri., Feb. 10 Tues., Feb. 21 Isle* Legacy Christian Academy*Away TBA Tues., Feb. Feb. 23 Onamia* 14 Sauk Rapids - Rice Home Varsity Wrestling Thurs., All home games played in Pine City. 7:00 JV games begin ninety minutes prior to Varsity games. Sat., Dec. Section dates subject to change. Tues., 3 Rush Section dates subject to change. *Denotes Conference Games Dec. 6 Aitkin* Fri., Dec. City Invite Home 10:00 Tues., Big9 Varsity Boys Basketball Dec. Tues., Fri., 13 Hinckley Lake Dec. Dec. Invite Away 4:00 Away 6:00 6 Atkin* Tues., 16 Chisago Fri., Dec. Dec. Finlayson* Away 6:15 Thurs., 8 Hinckley Home Sat., 20 Cloquet Lakes Dec. Jan. Fri., Dec. 16 15 St. Thurs., Mora7 Invite Away 4:00 Finlayson* Away 7:30 Jan. Sat., Dec. 17 John's 7:30 Sat., 12 Ogilvie* Invite St. John’s TournamentTournament Away TBA Jan. Braham 6:15 Tues., Thurs., 14 Hinckley Dec. St. John’s Tournament Jan. Away 10:00 Tues., 20 Isle* Thurs., Jan. 2619 Cloquet* Jan. Away Invite Away 10:00 Away 6:00 Thurs., 3 Mooselake Sat., Jan. Away TBA Jan. Mora Triangular Tues., 5 Pine Thurs., 28 Grand Jan. Willow Away 7:30 TBA Feb. Away 6:00 Tyes., 10 East City* River*Home 7:30 Fri., 2 Mille Rapids Jan. Feb. Invite Away 8:30Away Fri., 17 Braham* Central* *Denotes Conference10 GRC MatchesLacs* Jan. Away 7:30 TBA Tues., 20 Aitkin* Section dates subject to changeMeet Jan. Home 7:30 Braham 6:15 Fri., 24 Hinckley JV matches begin 75 min. prior to varsity matches. Jan. Home 7:30 Onamia 4:45 Tues., 27 Onamia* Jan. Finlayson* Home 7:30Away 7:30 Thurs., 31 Ogilvie* Girls Gymnastics Feb. Mon., 2 Isle* Home 7:30 Tues., Dec. 6 Princeton Feb. 6 Pine Home 6:00 Thurs., Away 7:30 Tues., Dec. 13 Irondale Feb. City* Home 6:00 Fri., 9 East Sat., Dec. 17 RC Invite Feb. 17 Braham* Home 7:30 Home 12:00 Tues., Central* Wed., Dec. 21 North Feb. Home 7:30 St. Paul Away 6:30 Fri., 21 Mora Thurs., Jan. 5 Grantsburg Feb. 24 Ogilvie* Away 7:30 Away 6:30 Tues., Tues., Jan. 17 Chisago Feb. Away 7:30 Lakes Home 6:00 Thurs., 25 Onamia* Tues., Jan. 24 Forest Mar. Away 7:30 Lake Home 6:00 JV games begin1 St. ninety minutes prior to Varsity games. Thurs., Jan. 26 St. John's Home 7:30 Anthony Village Away 6:30 Section dates subject to change.Prep Away 7:30 Tues., Away 7:30 Jan. 31 Grantsburg, North Branch Home 6:00 *Denotes Conference Games Sat., Feb. 11 Granite Ridge Conf. Princeton TBA Sat., Feb. 18 Section 4A Meet TBA TBA Feb. 24, 25 State Meet Meet dates and times subject to change. TBA TBA

12 13 In the Community In the Community The Rush City School District would like to thank these organizations and individuals for their contributions to the following programs:

Donations from August 13, 2011 through October 14, 2011

High School Student Activities Financial Contributions Financial Contributions Financial Contributions Santa Days Target 2011 Tiger Golf Classic 2011 Tiger Golf Classic 2011 Tiger Golf Classic

Elementary School Student Triple T's Pub & Grub Maytag Laundries - Frandsen Rush City Car Wash Activities Wayne & Alice Peshia Concessions Prefer Paving, Inc. Saturday, December 3rd Target T&T Sprots & Lawn Auto Value Parts Stores Prefer Ready Mix., Inc. Newton Financial Solutions, LLC Annette's DayCare & Preschool East Central Energy 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Staff Development Luncheon Herman Insurance Serv., LLC Riverbottom Design, Inc. Rush Lake Resort Unity Bank Soft Dental Walmart - Cambridge Central Motors Ivy Farms Creamery, Inc. East Central Sanitation Rush Printing Santa Store, Skating with Santa & A Tree Lighting Aquatic Center/Operating Rush City Lions Bob&Shari Schlagel Olson Funeral & Cremation Serv. Account Service Electric, Inc. Perry's Auto Salon Chilson Jeweler's Unity Bank-Rush City Rush City Foods Matt Meissner Page Transfer, Inc. McDonald Dist. Co.,Inc. Rick&Kristine Moulton Rush City Boys Basketball Sand & Mrs. Clause Stops: Rush City Yourth Sports Club Desiree's Dance Studio Hawk Aviation

Federated Coops Inc.-Rush City Xplode Sports Training Coldwell Banker Pro IV Realty Frandsen Bank & Trust Braham 8:30-9:30 Unscheduled SCHOLARSHIP DONORS 10:00-11:00: Hairdo or Dye

American Legion Post 93 P.E.O. Women's Organization 11:30-12:30: Grant House Bob Froelke Award Pheasants Forever-Chisago County Chapter 1:00-2:00: Chucker's Burnett Dairy Richard M. Markham Family Cargill Community Scholarship Rock Creek Lions 2:30-3:30: Ice Skating Rink C.E. Jacobson Memorial Rush City Cares 4:00-5:00: Santa Store Class of '75 Rush City Chamber of Commerce Class of '85 Rush City Eastern Star OES/Jasper Chapter No. 28 5:30: Tree Lighting Coldwell Banker Pro IV Realty Rush City Education Assoc. Community Supports Programming Services Rush City Fire Department Diers Family Memorials Rush City Foods Schedule of Events (some may overlap) Dollars for Scholars Rush City Garden Club Doyle Scholarship Rush City Jaycees Eagles Aerie 2663 Rush City Lions East Central Energy Rush City Masonic Lodge 10:00-11:00 Festive Hair with Santa @ Hairdo or Dye East Central Sanitation Rush City Snobugs 10:00-12:00 or 2:00-4:00 RCHS Choir Caroling ERA Muske Company Rush City Student Council Fairview Lakes Region Auxiliary Rush City VFW 11:00-1:00 Lunch with Santa@ Grant House Federated Co-ops Rush City Women's Club Gladys L. Johnson Trust Tozer Foundation 12:00-2:30: Bowl with Santa @ Chuckers Kiebler Award for Excellence Unity Bank, Rush City 2:00-4:00: Skate with Santa - Carolers at rink, hot cocoa Knights of Columbus U.S. Cable Lake State Federal Credit Union Vallely Will Fund 3:00-5:00: Santa Store Matson Dunwoody-Bill & Evelyn Matson William Kieper 3:00-5:00: Stories with Mrs. Clause, Friends of the Library Book Sale Floyd and Jan May William West Memorial

The District would also like to extend appreciation to community and school district members who have contributed to school fundraisers and local organizations. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. 14 15 Early Childhood News

For additional information call the Early Childhood Program at 358-3635 Open Playtime (non-separating) Birth to Kindergarten Turn those harried or boring mornings into pleasurable times with your children by attending Open Playtime. Have fun playing and doing special activities with your child. Parents can also discuss issues with a family educa- tor and/or other parents. Staff will have a story and special activities available each week. No pre-registration. Stay as long as you wish. Tuesdays 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. $2/child, $4/family or a punchcard available for $20 Dates - Sept. 27, October 4, 11, 18, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20

Early Childhood Screening In Minnesota, all children are required to complete Early Childhood Screening before they enter Kinder- garten. Screening should be done once your child is 3 years old. This is an opportunity for you to review your child’s growth and development and to follow up on any concerns. It includes a developmental assess- ment, vision and hearing testing, height and weight measurement, immunization and health history review and a parent interview. Screening IS NOT an exami- nation to determine readiness for school. Rather, its purpose is to identify conditions which might interfere with your child’s ability to learn. Appointment letters will be sent to all families with age eligible children who are on the Rush City School District Census.

Please call Rush City Early Childhood at 320-358- 3635 if you are not sure if your child is on the census.

Rush City Schools Non-Profit PO Box 566 Organization Rush City, MN 55069 US Postage PAID Postal Patron Rush City, MN 55069 Carrier Route Presort Permit No. 104 Or Current Resident