Fall 2009 / Edition: 3 Economy impacts ‘Digging’ for a cure school district budget

By Bill Prijic In fact, we are one of only two school District Administrator districts that are not taxing to the allow- able revenue limit in the Fox Cities and Every resident, whether they have a our conference. This demonstrates the child attending our schools or not, is Board of Education’s understanding of impacted by our school district and our our current economic climate. district budget. This year’s budget is Your board of education cut especially unique in that it is the first $1,000,000 from last year’s budget, but year that the district’s state aid the loss of over $1.15 million in has decreased from the previ- state aid was too significant to ous year. overcome. This resulted in the The nation’s economic crisis mil rate increase. over the past year has greatly To the board of education’s impacted everyone in our credit, they managed to make nation, our state and unfortu- the required cuts without caus- nately in our school district. ing horrendous harm to our Your board of education has students’ education. They were struggled mightily as they’ve PRIJIC also able to keep sufficient wrestled with balancing the resources in the budget need to provide adequate required by our strategic plan. resources to educate our students with This was not an easy task and our board the local taxpayer’s ability to pay. members suffered many sleepless Mil rate increases are rampant nights as they sought solutions. The Hortonville Volleyball program recently hosted a match entitled ‘Dig for a Cure.’ The across the state and nation, and the The good news is that our students goal was to raise awareness of Breast Cancer and to raise money to donate to the Wis- Hortonville Area School District is not will still receive a very high quality edu- consin Breast Cancer Coalition. Through the donations of several individuals and compa- immune. Our seven percent mil rate nies, the volleyball program was able to purchase pink jerseys and a pink ball to be used cation this year. To each of the district’s at the match. There were also informational brochures at the match to help people bet- increase, though higher than anyone taxpayers, I would like to offer our ter understand the causes, frequency, and prevention of breast cancer. There was a $1 wants, is still one of the lowest thanks to you on behalf of our students. donation asked of the spectators at the door and collection cans placed out as well. increases in the Fox Cities and our con- Thank you for supporting our future, Through the generous donations, the volleyball program was able to raise $305. The pro- ference. the students attending our schools. gram could become an annual event. Colantonio excited about technology advancements By Nathan Falk nology and 21st Century skills to help Newsletter coordinator students,” he said. “In a smaller school district (I’m used to those with Scott Colantonio, the school dis- 7,000 to 14,000 students) you have a trict’s new technology director, is chance to get to know people and help excited for what’s ahead. them with projects and activities, Colantonio has spent the past 19 something that’s harder to do in a years serving the needs of public larger district.” school students and staff. Colantonio said he’s After four and a half years as a excited about the possibilities middle school teacher, he that have opened up with the First Lady Jessica Doyle, and former State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster present moved into the role of technol- use of Skyward, the district’s Sandy Schultz and Marcia Schmidt the Governor’s Health Award. ogy administrator for the new online system. Burbank Unified School “It has great capabilities to District in California. After meet needs, whether it’s fam- HHS earns Governor’s Health Award lengthy stints as IT director in ily access, gradebook, and Stevens Point and Oshkosh, those types of services,” he Hortonville High School has been honored new/additional creative programs that pro- he’s proud to help Hortonville said. “At this point there’s as a Gold Award Winner in the Governor’s mote healthful living in all aspects of a students and staff with their COLANTONIO been a lot of positive feedback School Health Award competition for the third person’s life. technology needs. from teachers, staff and par- year in a row. A team comprised of Susie Steingraber, “This is a great chance to help stu- ents — they’re pleased with what they At a ceremony at the Governor’s High School Health Instructor; Marcia dents and staff really take advantage can do.” Residence, First Lady Jessica Doyle and State Schmidt, Physical Education Instructor; of the 21st Century learning opportu- Colantonio also credits his staff — Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster Heather Kloehn, Food Service Director; nities at our fingertips,” Colantonio Network engineer Ben Dumke, and said. announced the 2009 winners of the Governor’s MaryLynn Hermus, Counselor; Wendy technicians Pat Armstrong and Cory Scott and his wife, Linda, live in School Health Awards. The awards are given Neyhard, Assistant Principal; Pamela Kaisler — for their work. Oshkosh. They have three children, to schools in recognition of their effort to Peterson, Health Office Aide; Sandra Schulz “The amount of time Cory spent RN, District Nurse worked to review the Anthony, 14, Danny, 12, and Julia, 10. training everyone paid big dividends, develop programs, policies, and resources that school’s health, nutrition, and physical activity Linda is a teacher in the Oshkosh and Ben and the staff made sure our support students’ academic achievement and programs and policies. They completed an School District. network connections are stable, so long-term physical health. application that delved into the school’s com- “As a parent of three kids, and people can be successful without a lot “We know that healthier students support mitment to promote healthful living; and being married to a teacher, I’m in a of outages or problems,” Colantonio healthier communities, which in turn support developed a portfolio of actual examples of unique spot to hear first-hand some of said. “Pat is always on the run fixing a healthier Wisconsin,” said Doyle. “The what they accomplished, their plan for contin- the things they want to do to help computers, phones, and all the equip- schools that are being recognized with a ued growth, and their goals for the year. make those advancements available ment people depend on.” Governor’s School Health Award are doing a Their application, reviewed by a panel from in our schools,” he said. With technology advancing so great job of creating opportunities for every- the departments of Health Services and Public Colantonio said one of is main goals quickly, Colantonio said they’re always one in the school to become healthier and Instruction, the Wisconsin Partnership for is helping shape opportunities for staff looking to meet people’s needs. more physically fit.” Activity and Nutrition, and the Governor’s — balancing between the technical “Ultimately, we’re looking forward For Hortonville High School to continue to Council on Physical Fitness and Health, was side and educational side. to moving as quickly as we can to receive this award at the highest level, they one of only twelve schools in Wisconsin to “I feel the staff in Hortonville are make more opportunities available for had to show continued improvement and achieve this status. genuinely excited about utilizing tech- students and staff,” he said. Page 2 Help HMS support our troops! LeMahieu enjoys bettering the Hortonville Middle School is once again partnering with the American Items that are being collected are: community through involvement Legion Auxiliary Hammond-Schmit — 15,000 New Christmas cards Unit 55 in Hortonville in their annual — 100 Hanukkah Cards By Nathan Falk it takes forever to make Christmas troop support campaign. — Fist-sized or smaller Christmas decorations Newsletter coordinator a decision,” he said. Their goal is to send 400 boxes of — Christmas music CDs “I’m impressed with supplies for 3,500 troops between — Beef jerky or foil pouches of tuna Recently appointed school board this group of volunteers October and February. Boxes con- — Small packages of dried fruit, nuts, or trail mix member David LeMahieu said he’s — they are highly moti- taining Christmas items will be — Granola, breakfast, or protein bars excited to serve, because it’s a part of his vated and focused mailed in mid-November. Boxes of — Microwave popcorn or small packages community. individuals. It’s very food and socks will be mailed in caramel corn “The challenges are different than I results oriented — I like January and February. Cash dona- — 13 oz. or smaller containers any my work and I’m feeling tions can be mailed to: American thought they would be, but I’m regular (no decaf) coffee product LEMAHIEU good about it.” Legion Auxiliary Unit 55, — Apple cider mix impressed with how efficient and well run the school board is,” he said. The schools in the Americanism Committee, W9096 — Cappuccino mix district are what led the LeMahieu fam- LeMahieu represents the towns of Spring Road, Hortonville, Wisconsin — Tea (no decaf) ily to settle in Hortonia. 54944. Items are being collected at — ‘Cup-of-Soup,’ ramen noodles, or Hortonia and Dale. He lives in the town “We purchased our property in the HMS. Donna Nickel, HASD commu- Styrofoam cup instant soup of Hortonia with his wife Lynn, and sons Hortonville School District nearly 20 nity member and mother of son Joe — Microwave instant dinners Matthew and Nathan — who are both years ago after researching the perform- serving in Iraq, is organizing the — Instant oatmeal students at Hortonville High School. ance of HASD in comparison to other drive. — White, black, or green cotton boot height thick One of LeMahieu’s strengths is his 25 Please consider joining the schools,” he said. socks years of leadership experience he Hortonville Middle School students — Non-Christmas CDs or DVDs The term LeMahieu is serving out acquired working at Kimberly-Clark. He as they thank these brave young — Hand warmers expires in April 2010. LeMahieu said he retired in 2005. men and women for their service to — $10.35 Postage per box will have to decide in January whether to our country. “When I was hired I was the leader of run for the April election. He said he’s just a few, and when I retired I was vice glad to be involved in education — it’s an president of research and engineering, investment. leading 400 people,” he said. “Education is an investment and our He hopes to influence and assist with job as a school board is to improve the the shaping of a vision for the Hortonville investment quality for our kids,” he said. Schools in the rapidly changing 21st “Obviously, they have to take advantage Century. of it, but we can improve the quality of “With some volunteer organizations, their investment portfolio.” School to Work Corner Joel Newcomb has jumped headfirst partnerships which will empower a into his new position as School to Work greater emphasis of integration of learn- Coordinator for the Hortonville Area ing across the curriculum and School District! strengthening partnerships with the The mission of the Wisconsin Technical College. School to Work program To achieve this goal, departments are McKenzi Lorrig, Leah Bartsch and Kati Yang work on a project in their classroom us- is to empower students meeting to establish their vision for their ing integrated curriculum, where several subjects being taught are designed to be with the skills, knowl- programs. These visions, built around the related to each other. edge and attitudes for district’s strategic planning goals, will success in both lifelong influence the types of courses and curricu- learning and Careers in lum the District will offer to students in the the 21st Century. future. Another way of learning In preparation for the According to Bill Prijic, “The focus of NEWCOMB 2009-10 school year, the learning must be to prepare students for “It’s all about what we teach and how level, Greg Hall, teacher at Hortonville District’s Strategic Planning Team identi- their futures, not our past.” Specific we teach it.” That is how District Middle School, is teaching science and fied three key themes on which to focus actions to achieve this goal include: Administrator Bill Prijic, simply boils math through this integrated approach for their attention and efforts in working with Interdepartmental development of Career down education in the Hortonville Area one classroom of 8th grade students. students. These themes are: 21st Century Pathways, establishing transcripted credit School District. “Integrating math, science, and tech- Skills, Rigor, Relevance and Relationships and advanced standing curriculum agree- The “what we teach” that Prijic is ref- nology has provided me with the time and and Technology. ments with Fox Valley Technical College erencing is the district’s K-12 curriculum. flexibility needed to set up collaborative This year, School to Work and Career and developing Student Individual When the district created its Strategic projects through which students deepen and Technical Education (CTE) at Leaning Plans (ILP). An ILP is a docu- Plan in 2008, curriculum was one of its their content knowledge while learning, Hortonville High School have established ment and process which all Hortonville greatest focuses, requiring ten action practicing, and applying 21st century strong goals and are developing plans of High School students will use Career plans to be implemented over a five year skills,” Hall said. action to both strengthen current efforts Pathways to help plan, communicate and period. One of the Curriculum Action Integrating curriculum is more chal- and initiate new opportunities for student guide their educational preparation and Plans that emerged from the District’s lenging than one might think because it success which are consistent with our dis- development through high school and link Strategic Planning process directed the essentially means making something new tricts three goals. to resources consistent with students district to create connections between dis- out of an old mold. Scheduling has to be Hortonville High School’s Career and goals including postsecondary educational ciplines that deepen student rethought because a longer block of time is Technical Education Advisory Committee programs, apprenticeships or the military. understanding. needed than the standard 45-minute class is entering its second year of service. This Hortonville High School’s School to Creating these connections is also period. Teachers’ prep periods need to be committee consists of membership from Work initiatives include developing the referred to as “integrating curriculum” scheduled at the same time to allow for local business and industry, parents, stu- District’s Education for Employment and means that teachers design lessons collaborative planning. Lessons need to be dent, postsecondary representatives from Plan. This plan will serve to communicate that help students see how subject areas more project-based and instruction needs local technical colleges and the UW sys- the district’s vision and goals for meeting are related. For instance, the health topic to be delivered in a way that helps stu- tem, community agencies, local the Education for Employment standards of ‘diseases’ could be related to the social dents shift into higher levels of thinking government/municipalities and school established by the Wisconsin Department studies topic of ‘pandemics;’ the science and application. staff representing administration, career of Public Instruction. topic of ‘weather’ could be related to the Zola Nimmer, Director of Curriculum in and technical education departments In addition, the District also has a goal math topic of ‘determining averages.’ the Hortonville Area School District, (Business, Family and Consumer is to increase the strength and quality of Helping students see these content rela- stated “We are thankful for our teachers Sciences and Technology Education) and their school business partnerships. Part of tionships between curricular areas is who are excited about the benefits of an school counseling. this effort will include conducting a survey more reflective of the real world, and it integrated curriculum and we welcome The purpose of this committee is to of businesses within the Hortonville Area helps them understand more clearly why feedback from both parents and students serve as an advisory group and sounding School District boundaries to better the things they are learning have value to who are participating in these classes as board to the school. The committee will understand the needs of and what is their everyday 21st century lives. we strive to achieve what we believe is a help guide our efforts as well as assist our important to the success of business, and This year several teachers in the mid- better way of learning.” school in establishing positive partner- how the school district can partner to bet- dle and high school levels have willingly If you have an interest in reviewing the ships and proactive communication with ter serve and prepare our students for and enthusiastically accepted the chal- action plan that is providing the thrust for the Hortonville and Greenville communi- success in learning, careers and life. lenge to integrate their curriculums. At the district’s curriculum integration initia- ties. For questions or comments regarding the high school, several social studies and tive, it can be accessed along with all other Some of the goals established for mem- the School to Work programs and initia- English classes at the 9th and 10th grade action plans on the district website, bers of the CTE Team include, evaluation tive, Newcomb via e-mail at levels are being integrated. At the middle HASD.org. of curriculum and resources, developing [email protected] Page 3 All school walk Two better than one This year starts the beginning of something new in the Science Department at Hortonville High School. Life Science teacher Kari Bever and Special Education teacher Rebecca Johannes have teamed up to co-teach two sections of Biology. The co-teaching comes from an attempt to integrate more special education students into the general education classroom. “This has been a great opportunity to collaborate between our two departments and our students are indeed benefiting from this experience,” said Bever. “One of the most important benefits this year is that the students in the two classes have two teachers to help them. All students are getting more one-on-one and concepts have been explored and explained from various aspects.” The experience has also allowed integration of more hands-on activities and cooperative learning in the classroom. Research has shown that by providing these types of experiences, student learn- ing is enhanced and the retention of content material is increased. Working as a unit, these teachers have also incorporated more technology into the classroom. This has provided more real life experiences. “By doing projects with the aid of a Smartboard, they have been successful in presenting information in various formats to allow stu- dents to explore topics through different learning styles verses the traditional way of lecture,” Bever said. In addition, students have utilized the Smartboard and other technology to present projects to their classmates. “The experience thus far has been rewarding,” said Johannes. Hortonville High School students and staff participate in an all-school walk. The walk, part of Home- “Kari and I are excited to continue to apply new and exciting les- coming activities, was an effort to make students more aware of the importance of daily exercise. sons that will enhance the science curriculum.” Better understanding: ELL and English classes join forces In keeping with the district philosophy Zullner are able to offer ELL students the and learning to work with diverse groups benefits to the co-teaching model are hav- of preparing our students for their futures opportunity to participate in a standard of people. It has been exceptionally fun to ing material presented from multiple rather than our past, Kris Zullner, District English class rather than a separate ELL see the variety of opinions and ideas pro- perspectives, students are able to work in English Language Learner (ELL) English class. It also gives the general duced by this diverse group of students.” cooperative groups with more teacher Coordinator and HHS teacher, teamed up education students the opportunity to guidance, and each teacher brings a differ- There are several advantages to this with Steph Friebohle, HHS English interact with students that they may not ent strength or expertise to the class. new approach to inclusion. teacher to co-teach an integrated English otherwise have in their classes. In choosing the curriculum for the Survey class combining seniors and jun- “The experience has been very excit- By having two teachers in the room at class, an emphasis was placed on material iors from the ELL program with seniors ing,” Zullner said. “The students have all times, students are able to more easily that explores different cultural perspec- that would traditionally take the class. been working well together, helping each obtain extra support if needed without hav- tives while encouraging tolerance and By combining forces, Friebohle and other to better understand the material, ing to hold up the entire class. Other acceptance regardless of background. Youth options are very popular Got spirit?

Since the fall of 1992, when the Wisconsin legisla- District policy states that students must notify ture passed the Post Secondary Enrollment the high school principal of their intention to partic- Options program, now Youth Options, hundreds of ipate in the program by submitting a completed Hortonville High School (HHS) juniors and seniors HASD board and college approved application form have taken classes like 3 Dimensional Design, to high school counselors by March 1 for the fall Culinary Fundamentals, Intro to Ethics-Theory & semester, and by Oct. 1 for the spring semester. Application, Diesel Fuel Systems, and Cultural Students who fail a Youth Options course, stop Anthropology at institutes of higher education attending class, or who drop a course without (IHE) like Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) and approval of the high school principal, are required the UW-Fox Valley Center (UWFV). The district to reimburse the school district for the cost of the paid $85,528 in 2007-08 for HHS students’ tuition and class or classes. books. Frequently students take Youth Options courses Hortonville High School Counselor and School- via the internet and the KSCADE (K-12 to-Work Coordinator, Joel Newcomb, said “The Schools/Colleges Alliance for Distance Education) program builds bridges between the academic network. KSCADE is an interactive television net- experience to be found in high school and the diver- work that combines two-way audio and video with sity of offerings available to those students planning internet access. By far, the most popular way for for a post-secondary technical college or university Hortonville High School students to take classes is education.” by attending classes at FVTC or UW-Fox Valley. According to Hortonville Area School District According to the Fox Valley Technical College (HASD) policy, any 11th or 12th grade student in Board, HHS had the highest number of students good standing may enroll in a Wisconsin institute of involved in the Fox Cities area, with 86 HHS stu- higher learning for the purpose of taking one or more nonsectarian classes. According to State dents enrolled in 90 on-campus courses while Statutes, the HASD will absorb the cost of non-com- earning 578 college credits. The next closest valley parable university or technical college courses school was Kimberly, whose 18 students enrolled in (tuition and books) approved by the high school 22 on-campus courses earned 81 college credits. principal up to a maximum of 18 credits during the Hortonville High School juniors and seniors also student’s lifetime eligibility. select UW-Fox Valley as an IHE for Youth Options “The program has some requirements,” said classes. Newcomb. “This semester six of your students are taking “A student in good standing is just that — a classes on campus and 24 of them are taking them cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for the tech, through KSCADE,” said UW-Fox Valley Senior or in the top 25 percent of his/her class for four-year Student Services Coordinator Ted Du Four. “In college or university attendance. Positive school most semesters, Hortonville is second only to attendance and good behavior are also required,” Appleton in the number of on-campus Youth The Hortonville High School Cheer and Stunt Team performs he added. Options students.” during Pep Fest, part of Homecoming activities. Page 4 Help maintain safe routes to school Did you notice the “Slow Down” signs posted around the Greenville Middle School (GMS) campus asking you to slow down? Those signs were a result of the work our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Committee which has been meeting since last spring. Bruce Carew, Principal of GMS and Chairman of the Committee, helped to get the signs in time to put them out as reminders when school started. Laurie Wagner, Principal of Greenville Elementary School (GES), is also a team member and surrounded her building with the signs. If you did not notice the signs, you may have noticed the Outagamie County Sherriff patrolling the area. No left turn out All of these are efforts to make cer- of the parking tain our students are free from harm as they make their way to school. lot during Bicycling and walking to school drop-off and are a healthy means of transporta- tion. The Wisconsin Department of pick-up times at Transportation recognizes this and so hired Schreiber Anderson Greenville Associates (SAA), a transportation Middle School planning and civil engineering con- sultant. Together they have collaborated with local school administrators, teachers and par- ents to make bicycling and walking to school a safe and viable option for our children. The SAA will provide professional assis- tance to communities and schools for planning and infrastructure grant applications, community education and outreach, SRTS plan development, engineering and urban design, construction and program implementation. Greenville Middle School’s incoming fifth grade students is the largest fifth grade class since the school The signs and officer patrolling are not the only things our opened in 2002. There are 548 total students this year. Greenville Campus has implemented to make our area safer for students and drivers. Greenville Middle School now has a sign indicating there is no left turn out of the parking lot during drop- Largest fifth grade this year off and pick-up times, and they are working with the town to as they research the possibility of a crosswalk at Kimberly Court. Despite the thought that our population of students, and this year there are 548 students. The research and planning continue. The SRTS Committee growth would slow down, it has turned around. These numbers show a steady increase for conducted a parent survey related to the issues surrounding Greenville Middle School’s incoming fifth grade stu- Greenville Middle School. drop-off and pick-up times. Over 250 surveys were forwarded to dents is the largest fifth grade class to walk through Associate Principal Sally Radke for both the planning specialist for analysis and feedback. In addition, our doors since the school opened in 2002. Greenville Elementary and Greenville Middle state representatives observed both GMS and GES during their In 2002 the school opened with 375 students. In Schools commented “We are one of the districts busiest times in order to collect more pertinent data. 2003 there were 462 students, and the numbers kept that are fortunate to see the increase in enrollment. The results of the study will be suggestions for the develop- growing. In 2004 there were 482, in 2005 there were With the steady increase, we have done everything ment of plans for slowing traffic down, making routes to school 498, in 2006 there 505, and 2007 they had 512 stu- to accommodate the students that walk through our safe and helping our students develop healthy habits by bicy- dents. Last year’s population increased with 525 doors.” cling and walking to school. The dog will not be eating homework anymore!

Remember the days before computers? Remember when you were the connection between your teacher, your parents and your school work? Remember when you might get away with telling the teacher, “The dog ate my homework?” Those days have been slipping away for awhile, and with new software, called Skyward, efficient communica- tion is possible between the student, the teacher and the parents. One Wisconsin Principal, Larry Zeman from Chetek, said “Skyward software has improved our ability to deliver high quality education to students as well as our ability to communicate with parents. The setup, training, and implementation have been very well organized and effec- tive. The software has improved the quality of our school while also increasing efficiencies.” The Hortonville Area School District teachers, stu- dents, and residents can expect nothing less. The technology department has been buzzing around setting up and conducting teacher trainings, teachers have been working hard to get an in-depth understanding of how the new system works, and support staff have been preparing parents for using the parent portal. In August, at Greenville Middle Schools open house, parents were given their login and password for their child’s Skyward With Skyward, efficient communication is possible between the student, the teacher and the parents. site. According to Sally Radke, Associate Principal of dren to persuade their parents that there is no homework Some Greenville Middle School teachers not only post Greenville Middle School, “Parents are now able to use due. Parents will be able to log on, check grades or see grades to Skyward, but also post worksheets, readings, this system to monitor their child’s progress and home- what homework has been assigned. They will also be able and project rubrics on their classroom web sites. work completion, making it much more difficult to to send and receive notes from teachers. When you pair This means students will no longer be able to say I for- convince the teacher that, “The dog ate my homework!” this system with individual teacher web pages, the oppor- got my homework at school. Parents will be able to print it In addition, it will now be next to impossible for chil- tunities for excuses disappears. off. So, if the dog eats the first copy, make another one. Page 5 Goal setting: HMS teachers go back to the future Teachers at Hortonville Middle School and life, teachers are incorporating these career skills. century skills. are enthusiastically gearing up for teach- skills into their daily instruction. Principal John Brattlund said, “teach- Penelope Miller, eighth grade teacher ing about the future, the future of their Mastery of core subjects and 21st ers are embracing the concepts and who is creating a Spanish website for her students that is. Century themes of global awareness, preparing students for their future, not our students said, “I envision our Spanish Professional staff have been busy set- financial, economic, business, and entre- past.” class Web site as an important teaching ting goals that will prepare the HMS preneurial literacy, civic literacy, and tool that will not only foster students’ mas- students to be successful in their adult health literacy are the essential aspects Some of the goals include skyping, lives. In conjunction with the Partnership identified as mandatory for all students in developing interactive websites for stu- tery of world language and technology for 21st Century Skills, which has identi- the 21st century. Students will need learn- dents, wikis, blogging, and project based skills but also improve student, teacher, fied the skills, knowledge and expertise ing and innovation skills, information, learning. Professional staff have eagerly and parent communication and collabora- students must master to succeed in work media, and technology skills, and life and engaged in district wide in-services on 21st tion.” Jazz chart commissioned for the HMS jazz program

This past summer, Band Director Larry Manley and his Hortonville Middle School Jazz Ensemble received word that a jazz chart had been created and dedicated to their program. Professor Fred Sturm, director of Improvisational Music at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, arranged the chart as a thank you to the HMS program for participating in the annual Lawrence Jazz weekend and because of musical growth his two Godsons, Tony and Mike Darling experienced while participating in the pro- gram. The tune is called “Rock Island Line,” an American folk song. It was made famous by Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. Sturm, a world renowned clinician, judge and composer, has served as guest conductor of profes- sional jazz ensembles and radio orchestras in Germany, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. He is a director of university jazz ensembles and high Principal John Brattlund runs with his middle school students behind Hortonville Middle School after school last school all-state jazz bands throughout the U.S. as month. well as a clinician at national educational confer- ences and festivals. Sturm was the 2003 recipient of the ASCAP/IAJE HMS receives $2,000 running grant Commission in Honor of Quincy Jones, a prize granted to only one jazz composer of international If you see a lot of students running around in grams. The program was created to introduce kids to the prominence. Hortonville, it’s all because of their new program. benefits of sport, a habit of physical fitness, and a healthy Brandon Main, sixth grade tenor saxophone Hortonville Middle School teachers Crystal Gorwitz and lifestyle that prevents conditions such as childhood obesity. player said “That’s really cool. When other schools JoAnn Sutton recently received a $2,000 grant from the Sutton and Gorwitz organized an 8-week running pro- around the country buy the music they’ll see that it global financial institution ING’s Run For Something gram to train students to run a five kilometer race. was dedicated to the Hortonville Middle School Jazz Better program, in partnership with the National “Our goal is to establish marked, safe trails throughout Band.” Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). the community to run,” said Sutton. “Our theme is ‘Run for Manley’s Hortonville Middle School Jazz HMS was one of 50 recipients nationally, and one of only Ensemble will be performing the “Rock Island Line” the Health of It’ in order to stress the importance of being two in Wisconsin to be awarded the grant. Grant awards chart later this school year. active and promoting lifelong fitness.” were available in all states to public elementary or middle “It is a great honor to have a tune dedicated to our schools for running programs that targeted fifth-through Eighteen students are currently participating and will school and program,” said Manley. “Mr. Sturm has eighth-grade students. Over 300 schools applied for the run in the 5K being planned for November. The 5K run is been very helpful to the HMS program by providing ING/NASPE School Awards Program. open to anyone in the Hortonville area community. the opportunity to perform at the Lawrence Jazz The ING Run For Something Better is a campaign that Practices for the running club are held afterschool on Weekend and for his personal clinics he has provided supports community and school-based youth running pro- Thursdays at 3:20 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. to our students.” Healthy choices: Off the waist and around the world In conjunction with the Wisconsin healthy food choices and participating in Hortonville’s goal is to earn at least 25,000 For each of the eight weeks of the pro- Department of Public Instruction, the sustained physical activity. miles in the eight week program period gram, students will choose an exotic Hortonville School District will participate For example, a student can earn a mile during October and November taking its location, such as Newfoundland, Scotland, in the “Movin’ and Munchin’” program ini- per day for any of these activities: eating a students and principal all the way around Congo, Turkey, Australia, China, and Saudi tiative. fruit and a vegetable at every meal, drink- the world. Students can add bonus miles to Arabia, to send the photo of Brattlund. Dan Taycher, one of the teachers organ- ing at least five glasses of water, refraining their totals by involving family members or Students will calculate the distance to that izing this new program explained “This from drinking soda, helping their parents friends in the program. All participating point and use that number as their weekly program is designed to combat the prob- prepare a healthy meal, eating one meal schools will be considered for awards up to “Movin’ and Munchin’” goal. Along the $500 to be used to improve their nutrition way, the photo of Brattlund will be dressed lems of poor nutritional choices and lack of together with their family and no TV, or for and physical education programs. in the traditional costume of the goal coun- physical exercise in today’s youth. trying a new, healthy food. Students can At Hortonville Middle School, nutrition try. This will provide an exciting and Childhood obesity rates are increasing also earn a ‘mile’ for completing at least 15 and exercise will be combined with geog- motivational way to combine exercise and dramatically in school-aged youth. The minutes of a sustained, physical activity raphy as students work to send their nutrition with Social Studies and problem goal of the Movin’ and Munchin’ program such as mowing a lawn, rollerblading, play- principal, John Brattlund ‘around the solving. is to educate children in making good ing soccer or basketball, biking, or world.’ A large map of the world will be If you have any questions about the nutritional choices in their daily lives and swimming. Miles are also earned for com- placed in the school commons. A picture of “Movin’ and Munchin’” program or would to encourage them to become more physi- pleting a day with no television viewing Principal Brattlund will also be placed on like more information, please visit the cally active each day.” and for cutting back on the number of vis- the map. Students will be sending Movin’ and Munchin’ web page at The Hortonville School District version its to fast food restaurants. Brattlund back to visit his beloved home http://www.movinandmunchin.com/movin- of the program is called Off the Waist and Miles will be recorded for each student state of Minnesota. Before he can visit n-munchin.html or contact Crystal Around the World. Students in grades K-12 in their home classrooms at least once per Minnesota, however, he must travel all the Gorwitz at Hortonville Middle School 920- will be able to earn miles by making week and tallied district-wide. way around the earth. 779-7922. Page 6 So what’s all the rumble about?

If you talk to the students from Hortonville Elementary, in grades 2-4, and ask them what their favorite part of music class is most would say that they love to play the drums. According to Jolene Mowrer, HES Music Teacher “Friday is Drum Day and it never ceases to amaze me how much the kids look forward to creating music on the various percussion instruments.” Playing percussion instruments is a wonderful way to master the concept of rhythm. Mowrer added “I often teach them a set of rhythms that are played simultane- ously, but on occasion I also allow them to come up with their own patterns.” Not only does this allow Mowrer’s students to be creative, but they also are able to figure out if their pattern will fit with the other patterns created by Students at Hortonville Elementary School used percussion instruments to master the concept of rhythm in their their classmates. music classes. Playing in a drum circle teaches students to work together so they can achieve a common goal. The skills gained reach far beyond the music class- makes me feel good” and “Because it helps me express “It is truly a highlight in my students’ day and they walk room. Playing in a drum circle teaches students to work my feelings.” away with a sense of pride and excitement as well.” together so they can achieve a common goal. Drumming Mowrer thanked the Hortonville Elementary PTO and So, if you are ever at Hortonville Elementary on a has also been a great way for students to express their the Hortonville Music Boosters for making this all possi- Friday, please listen for the rumble coming from the feelings in a very positive way. According to Mowrer’s stu- ble by providing funds to purchase hand drums and a music room and feel free to join us as they create their dents, they enjoy playing the drums so much because “It variety of other percussion instruments. Mowrer stated next exciting masterpiece. Fun with Math Club Soon the third and fourth grade stu- The computers and board games dents at Hortonville Elementary School session each conclude with a project the (HES) have the option of joining in a students create using mathematics con- session of their Math Club. cepts. For computers, the students Math Club started seven years ago to learn to use PowerPoint to create a foster the excitement of love of mathe- slide-show of their own which teaches a matics. Students realized that they use mathematics concept such as money, mathematics everyday — in their busy geometric shapes, regrouping in addi- lives as well as for entertainment. tion, etc. The students receive an Math Club sessions are held after electronic copy of their presentation to school once a week. There are four dif- take home. ferent sessions during the year that For board games, the students study students may sign up to participate: the components of a board game before cribbage, chess, computers, and board selecting their own theme and creating games. Students explore how mathe- their game on a blank board. Their matics is used in each activity while board game must use at least one math- having lots of fun at the same time. ematics concept. They get very creative. For cribbage and chess, students At the conclusion of these two sessions, learn the elements of the games; prac- students share their projects with the tice with friends, classmates, and on one entire elementary student body at our selected day, practice with willing par- Math Morning, held sometime during ents and grandparents. Grandparents the late spring. in the community interested in practice Marcia Dunathan, third grade Jackson Mooren, Madison Roerdink, Sam Pommeranz, Gabby Magalski, and Gracie day can call the elementary school at teacher noted “Mathematics is used all Saari work on locomotor exercises, which include walking, running, skipping, galloping, 920-779-7911. The practice weeks culmi- around us — every day. At Hortonville jumping, hopping, sliding, and leaping. nate in two sessions with third and Elementary, we believe math is not only fourth grade tournaments. useful, but a lot of fun!” ‘Having a ball’ in physical education Dan Milliren, Hortonville and Greenville doing different locomotor movements!” World language programs Elementary Physical Education teacher’s Kindergarten students have also been students are having a ball. According to learning underhand throwing and catching, Milliren, full-day kindergarten is off to a overhand throwing and catching, and can help prepare students great start and students are benefiting by rolling. They have practiced these skills Did you hear the news? There’s a imitate sounds better. having physical education every day. individually and in groups while playing product out there that can help your Through songs and kinesthetic Having physical education class every games such as “Oscar’s Garbage Can,” child grow mentally! It helps them learning, children can remember infor- day helps lay the foundation for a healthy “The Junk Room,” and “Pin Guard.” Salena understand English better, and it mation better and more quickly than and active lifestyle in the years to come. Laketa, a student in Domask’s class, said, broadens cultural experience. It even most other methods. During the first month of school, students “My favorite part about gym class is learn- helps your child get into college easier, Matthew Craemer, HES and HMS have been learning skills that will help each ing how to throw overhand using paper as well as gives them an advantage in Spanish instructor, reported “In our student become a better and more active airplanes!” the job field. Spanish classes, we sing songs and person. Some of these skills include per- When asked about an important skill she What is this wonderful product and associate movement with vocabulary sonal space awareness, being able to move learned in class so far, Madison Roerdink of where can you get it? The answer is words. Children perform mini-skits and learning a world language. through space freely, taking turns, and per- Mrs. Domask’s class said, “I learned that I present biographical information all in Since 2001, Spanish has been offered forming different exercises. need to step with the opposite foot when I Spanish.” at both Hortonville Elementary and When the students enter the gym, they throw.” Learning a world language at an Greenville Elementary schools. do their locomotor movements of the day. early age helps children is how it “If your child is in Kindergarten and par- Students start learning Spanish in sec- These include walking, running, skipping, ticipating in these activities, I ask that you ond grade and continue each year up expands their view of the world. galloping, jumping, hopping, sliding, and talk with them about these activities,” through seventh grade. The emphasis “I have had parents come to me leaping. Next they perform exercises in Milliren remarked. “Better yet, have them of what students learn is co-curricular. over the years and tell me how they will squad lines. An ‘exercise leader’ chooses show you some of the exercises and loco- Research has shown that when chil- have their third- or fourth-grader be which exercise the class will do. The exer- motor movements they perform in class. dren at a very young age start learning their interpreter when they go to cises students have been learning include Ask them what squad they are in, what they a world language they reap many bene- Mexico,” Craemer said. jumping jacks, push-ups, mountain like doing best, and reinforce them posi- fits. When babies are learning their A website, www.discoverlan- climbers, squat jumps, and arm circles. tively. They are all doing a great job wearing native language, they have a height- guages.org has a wealth of information Gracie Saari, a student in Andrea Domask’s their gym shoes every day and most impor- ened ability to catch the nuances of the that shows how important it is to get class, said, “My favorite part about class is tantly, they are having a lot of fun.” way people talk, as well as mimic and your child started on another language. Page 7 Parents get to go back to first grade September 29 was another “First Day” of school and will hopefully be a day to remember for Greenville Elementary school parents of first graders. They were welcomed and then sent back to first grade! Parents were invited to join their child’s teacher in first grade to get a glimpse of their child’s school life, including the curriculum, and daily routine. Barb Wilhelms, Greenville Elementary School first grade teacher stated “We did not set up big chairs! We wanted the parents to feel little again.” The adults sat in their child’s chair and had lessons on the Hortonville Area School District operations, school and classroom goals and expectations, and academic standards in all curricular areas. They saw examples of the technology children use in class as each teacher demonstrated lessons on the Smart Board and used PowerPoint. Every family received a resource book to help them understand the terminology and strategies used in the classroom. Cody, a firefighter with the Greenville Volunteer Firefighters, gets close to students to disspell any fears they Parents could be heard making comments about how might have about the equipment they wear at a fire scene. times have changed since they were in school. One said, “I didn’t learn this stuff until I was much older.” Others shared how thrilled they were to get an inside view of Students learn about fire safety their child’s career at school. Wilhems remarked “Now when parents ask their child what they did in school all National Fire Safety Week was kicked-off at One student commented, “He looks like Darth Vader!” day, and the reply is, ‘Nothin,’ our first grade parents Greenville Elementary School with a visit from the The firefighters wanted students to see and hear what know that cannot be true.” Greenville Volunteer Firefighters. firefighters would look and sound like if they had to come The firefighters enthusiastically shared their fire into a burning building. The students were encouraged safety tips with each of the seven first grade classes. to ask questions and had time to tell their own stories We welcome your opinion! Firemen showed the eager students the tools and equip- too. Each child was given a Fire Safety pencil and Fire We welcome your opinion! ment on their pumper truck, and even invited the Safety helmet. children to climb aboard and check out the inside of the Kindergarten classes took this opportunity to focus on For newsletter comments, fire truck. The first graders learned about the ladder fire safety too. They colored a fire truck, talked about the truck, its purpose, tools and equipment. According to equipment they saw and read books about what to do in questions or concerns, please Barb Wilhelms, GES first grade teacher, “Students got to case of a fire. The firemen told the students to stay low, contact Bill Prijic at 920-779-7900 hop into the seats, just like real fire fighters.” “Stop, drop and roll.” Students could be heard repeating Firefighters visited classrooms to talk about fire this as they left school to get on their bus home. or e-mail at [email protected]. safety, smoke alarms, and what to do if there is a fire. Sally Radke, Associate Principal reported “I heard Their strongest message to the children was, “Never one excited student say, ‘Our families meeting place out- Editor: Bill Prijic hide if there is a fire.” side is the mailbox.’ The kindergarten and first grade To get their point across and to dispel any fears, the students at Greenville Elementary School picked up Layout: Nathan Falk firemen put on his oxygen tank, his mask and his helmet. some great safety tips thanks to our local firefighters.” Fourth graders take part in exCELLent learning Fourth grade students in Amanda Frenkel’s fourth grade classroom began the year by learning about the tiniest living things on earth: cells. Student Lexus Sommers explains, “We read about cells and then we got to look at them in the microscope. I was excited about seeing them and learning about them.” Using the scientific method, fourth graders were able to create a hypothesis about onion cells, and then use microscopes to test their theories. “My hypothesis was that the shape of the onion cells would be square-like, and it really did prove to be square,” recalls classmate Megan Ongemach. The students were afforded a wealth of learning oppor- tunities as they explored cells and their many parts. Besides their classroom set of microscopes, Frenkel bor- rowed a high-powered microscope from the middle school to view the cells in greater detail. The cells were then magnified with the scope camera and projected onto a screen in the classroom for all to analyze and discuss together. The fourth graders also created water-colored diagrams of different types of cells and their characteris- tics. Abbey Herndon, a GES fourth grade student, uses a microscope to search for cells in science class. Students said “I learned that all cells have a nucleus, but some have the process is interesting, especially forming their own hypothesis. cells walls and some don’t,” says student Bret Stenson. “I learned that there are many different kinds of cells. As young scientists, the fourth graders keep a Science “Students did a fantastic job comparing and contrast- I liked looking at the ones with cilia moving,” says Ariana Notebook during the school year where they write their ing the characteristics of plant and animal cells,” Holzen. hypotheses, their plans for testing them, and the results of commented Frenkel. Seth Julien adds, “I learned cells have different jobs each test. Frenkel added, “We respect each other as sci- Students were also excited to use the Smartboard, and if one dies, the others take care of its job.” entists and really get into our roles. When kids ask which allowed the entire class to view live cells moving Abby Herndon mentions, “I learned that cells grouped questions in science, they automatically think, ‘How can I and changing, instead of cells on the prepared slides together make a tissue. And tissues grouped together turn that into an experiment and get my answer?’ It really under the microscopes. make an organ.” is rewarding to see their entire thinking process.” Hortonville Area School District NON-PROFIT 246 N. Olk Street BULK-RATE P.O. Box 70 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Hortonville, WI 54944 PERMIT NO.2

District Resident

are appropriately identified in the in identified appropriately are

([email protected]). ([email protected]).

dures in place that ensure children ensure that place in dures

Resource Teacher Resource the staff ‘get the word out’ to make the necessary arrangements. arrangements. necessary the make to out’ word the ‘get staff the

The school district has proce- has district school The

Borowski, Elementary GATE Elementary Borowski,

arrangements for delays or closings — please be patient and help and patient be please — closings or delays for arrangements

excellence in each of our students.” our of each in excellence

([email protected]), or Lisa or ([email protected]),

District and school phone lines need to be available for staff to make to staff for available be to need lines phone school and District

are charged with bringing out the out bringing with charged are

Resource Teacher Resource

changing 21st century society. We society. century 21st changing

Dalen, Middle School GATE School Middle Dalen,

another source — sometimes technical errors occur. errors technical sometimes — source another

responsible members of an ever- an of members responsible

([email protected]), Deb Van Deb ([email protected]),

Double check the school closing information with with information closing school the check Double

learners, critical thinkers, and thinkers, critical learners,

Mary Claypool Mary

become life-long become

district’s GATE program, contact program, GATE district’s in case of an early dismissal or school closing. school or dismissal early an of case in

greatest potential, greatest

For more information about the about information more For

CLAYPOOL Please always have a plan for your child(ren) child(ren) your for plan a have always Please develop to their to develop

be nurtured. nurtured. be

enable them to them enable

WROE, WRQE, WSCO, WTAQ, WWWX, WVBO, WZBY, WZOR. WZBY, WVBO, WWWX, WTAQ, WSCO, WRQE, WROE,

for ways in which gifted children can children gifted which in ways for District’s mission to mission District’s

WIXX, WKSZ, WLTU, WNAM, WNCY, WNFL, WOSH, WOZZ, WPKR, WOZZ, WOSH, WNFL, WNCY, WNAM, WLTU, WKSZ, WIXX,

share insights and offer suggestions offer and insights share children, it is our is it children,

affords parents an opportunity to opportunity an parents affords RADIO STATIONS: WAPL, WCUB, WDUX, WECB, WEMI, WHBY, WEMI, WECB, WDUX, WCUB, WAPL, STATIONS: RADIO gifted and talented and gifted

GATE Parent Support group that group Support Parent GATE the unique needs of needs unique the

TV CHANNELS: 2, 5, 11 & 26 WEBSITE: WWW.HASD.ORG WEBSITE: 26 & 11 5, 2, CHANNELS: TV

be improved. HASD also has a has also HASD improved. be “In recognition of recognition “In

about how our GATE program can program GATE our how about Coordinator stated, Coordinator

broadcast on the following: the on broadcast

vides a forum for sharing ideas sharing for forum a vides

District GATE District

Announcements of school closings or two hour delays will be will delays hour two or closings school of Announcements

was established last year and pro- and year last established was Mary Claypool, Mary

members. A GATE Advisory Council Advisory GATE A members. are provided for teachers. teachers. for provided are CLOSINGS THER/SCHOOL WEA INCLEMENT

tors, board and community and board tors, staff development opportunities that opportunities development staff

students, specialists, administra- specialists, students, student activities, and the many the and activities, student

effort between teachers, parents, teachers, between effort allocated for GATE personnel and personnel GATE for allocated

mation on child development and connect and development child on mation Walker at 920-757-7153. at Walker

ity program requires a collaborative a requires program ity gram, the funding that has been has that funding the gram,

Children’s Fair will provide families infor- families provide will Fair Children’s or four-year-old child please contact Anne contact please child four-year-old or

Building and maintaining a qual- a maintaining and Building

Talented Education (GATE) pro- (GATE) Education Talented

To schedule an appointment for your three- your for appointment an schedule To

Greenville. Greenville.

that support our Gifted and Gifted our support that study. study.

3 p.m., at Shepherd of the Hills Church in Church Hills the of Shepherd at p.m., 3 Strategic Plan. Plan. Strategic

dren. This is reflected in policies in reflected is This dren.

mentorships, and independent and mentorships,

a.m. until 6 p.m. and Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. until a.m. 10 from 18 Nov. and p.m. 6 until a.m. Early Learners Action Plan of the District the of Plan Action Learners Early

needs of gifted and talented chil- talented and gifted of needs

ject acceleration, online classes, online acceleration, ject

three-and four-year-olds on Nov. 17 from 10 from 17 Nov. on four-year-olds three-and was organized to meet a need identified by the by identified need a meet to organized was

District understands the unique the understands District

needs through such things as sub- as things such through needs

(HASD) is sponsoring a Children’s Fair, for Fair, Children’s a sponsoring is (HASD) child’s overall development. Children’s Fair Children’s development. overall child’s

The Hortonville Area School Area Hortonville The

teachers strive to meet children’s meet to strive teachers

The Hortonville Area School District School Area Hortonville The with school district staff members about their about members staff district school with

and leadership. Once identified, Once leadership. and

resources for preschool children and speak and children preschool for resources your three- and four-year-old children? children? four-year-old and three- your

visual and performing arts abilities arts performing and visual opportunities available. opportunities

their parents browse displays of community of displays browse parents their ing for community resources and activities for activities and resources community for ing

academic ability, creative ability, creative ability, academic

pate in educational and play activities, while activities, play and educational in pate about your child’s development? Are you look- you Are development? child’s your about dcto GT)program (GATE) Education

eral intellectual ability, specific ability, intellectual eral

Children will have an opportunity to partici- to opportunity an have will Children

children! Are you interested in learning more learning in interested you Are children!

■ Gifted and Talented and Gifted

different areas of giftedness — gen- — giftedness of areas different

families to related community resources. community related to families Attention parents of three and four year old year four and three of parents Attention

Bringing out excellence out Bringing

Announcing HASD Children’s Fair Children’s HASD Announcing Page 8 Page