NJSD Connection: February 18, 2013
A Communication for NJSD Staff Prepared by
Mary Pfeiffer, District Administrator
NJSD Strategic Focus
1)
Foster a Sense of Belonging for All
2)
Acquire 21st Century Skills
3)
Relentlessly Pursue Improvement
District Administrator's Message
Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February.
Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still
officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Happy Presidents’
Day!
Speaking of birthdays, I was able to attend the 50 th birthday celebration at Coolidge
Elementary on Saturday. Fifty years ago today, Coolidge opened its doors to
students. At the celebration, the staff did a tremendous job of welcoming the public
and engaging them with stories of the past, current practices, and of course, cake!
Great job to all involved in making this a special day for the Coolidge and NJSD
communities.
On Friday of last week, I was able to witness a “Miracle Minute” at the Neenah High
School Winterfest Assembly. Led by Mrs. Steel, Business Education teacher and DECA
advisor, the audience was asked to contribute toward the Polar Plunge. The Polar
Plunge is an event where people raising money jump into Lake Winnebago on behalf of
Special Olympics. Ms. Doyle (NHS principal) and Mr. Fleming (Associate Principal)
offered their participation if $2,000 was raised. Prior to the challenge at the assembly,
$1,850 was raised. In just two minutes, an additional $750 was collected. Thanks to
Ms. Doyle and Mr. Fleming and the 11 Neenah High School DECA students who took
the Polar Plunge last Friday night!
Math Team Results - Another Championship???
2008-09 - Neenah Fox Valley Math League Champions
2009-10 - Neenah Fox Valley Math League Second Place
2010-11 - Neenah Fox Valley Math League Champions with Appleton North
2011-12 - Neenah Fox Valley Math League Champions
2012-13 - Monday, March 4 - Will it be three years in a row and four championships in
five years???
It was another dominating performance by the Neenah Math Team on Monday night
at Sheboygan South High School. The first team scored 254 points with second place
Appleton West coming in with 198 points. Fond du Lac took third place so the lead for
the Neenah Math Team going into the last meet holds at least an 8 point lead over
Appleton North. This means that with a fourth place or better finish on March 4, the
NHS Math Team will clinch its fourth Fox Valley Math League Championship in five
years. First team members on Monday night were Kyle Kumbier, Nick Ralston, Calvin
Baumgartner, Thomas Hameister, Josh Miller, Greg Rudd, Emily Terlap, and John
Payne. Neenah was also well represented in the individuals awards. Thomas Hameister
earned the only perfect 40 point score on the evening's test and, of course, took first
place in the junior division. John Payne took third place in the sophomore division.
Calvin Baumgartner took fourth place in the junior division. Kyle Kumbier took fourth
place in the senior division. Nick Ralston took sixth place in the senior division. Here is
hoping that another championship plaque comes to Neenah on March 4! Advisors for
the Math Team are Richard Frost and Melanie Jackson.
Tullar Kindergartners Make Some Career Moves
Tullar kindergartners recently had a "Community Helper Dress Up Day". The children
had to tell what they were, how they help others, and share what some of the 'tools'
that they use would be. The children also wrote about community helpers, did a
community helper/tools sort, watched short community helpers learning videos, and
did community helpers puzzles. It was a great day of engaged learning! Thanks, Mrs.
Kangas and Mrs. Rudd, for this exploration and imagination extravaganza!
Mrs. Wishy Washy Makes an Appearance at Tullar
Mrs. Kangas' kindergarten classroom was recently visited by the beloved big book
character, Mrs. Wishy-Washy. The morning was spent retelling and acting out the
story. Mrs. Wishy-Washy brought several 'wishy-washy' centers that each child got
to complete. They sang wishy-washy songs and had a "muddy snack" of animal
crackers and chocolate pudding. The morning ended with a gentle wishy-washy
scrubbing of each child. The next day, the children wrote thank you letters and drew
pictures to Mrs. Wishy Washy. They were very excited to get a letter back from Mrs.
Wishy-Washy as well. What an exciting morning of learning! Thank you, Mrs. Wishy
Washy (a.k.a. Karen Ford, Educational Assistant at Spring Road), for your Tullar visit!
Wilson First Graders Celebrate Mardi Gras
The students in Mrs. Martin's first grade were treated to a fun afternoon celebrating
Mardi Gras! One of Mrs. Martin's students recently moved to Neenah from Gulf Port,
Mississippi where she and her family celebrated Mardi Gras every year. This year, the
Harvala family brought Mardi Gras to Neenah! The first graders decorated masks, wore
beads, and learned about the traditions of Mardi Gras.
NHS Kind Council News
On the evening of February 13, about 15 Kind Council members and Mrs. Kristin
Mahoney put up over 2,100 valentines on the walls of NHS for students to have on
Valentine's Day. The Kind Council students were very excited about their efforts!
Roosevelt Celebrates Valentine's Day
The student's in Mrs. Wood's kindergarten class at Roosevelt School had a wonderful
time at their Valentine's Party, and learned a lot in the process. Here is a link to the
Animoto video, created by Roosevelt/Alliance/Tullar Library Media Specialist, Jenn
McMahon, highlighting the party. A good time was had by all!
http://animoto.com/play/ZkkiM34EdU2OombcDGjxmQ
Tullar Students Enjoy a Winter Wonderland
During a recent snowy day, Andra Mory, third grade teacher at Tullar, decided to
showcase the fun that children have with snow. As she took her class outside for
recess, she took many pictures of the joy that snow brings to students. She then
made an Animoto movie for families to see. As adults, our love of snow is diminished
due to the thought of slippery roads and the chore of shoveling. Seeing the joy in the
children's faces was a great reminder of the fun that winter can bring. Thanks, Mrs.
Mory, for this reminder! The Animoto video can be found at this link:
http://animoto.com/play/qchIisrpnzXbjZQukC6BrA
Tullar and Hoover Schools Showcase Their Talents
Last week, the Tullar and Hoover Jump Rope Clubs performed at half time for a
Neenah High School basketball game. The students practiced for many weeks, and
their dedication sure paid off! A link to the performance can be found here:
http://youtu.be/EMHd5_6rxRI Thanks to the great performers of these clubs, and to
Mrs. Lulloff and Ms. Weyenberg for overseeing these clubs!
Fang's Reading Club
Fang, the mascot for the Timber Rattlers, visited Coolidge School recently to
encourage students to read, read, read and participate in Fang's Reading Club.
Students who complete specified minutes of at home reading during the eight week
program earn prizes every two weeks, moving from first base, to second, and to third.
Students earning a "home run" with their reading minutes earn a ticket to a Timber
Rattlers game in June with a free hot dog and soda.
Coolidge School Celebrates 50 Years
Coolidge Elementary held a spectacular 50th birthday celebration on Saturday,
February 16, almost 50 years to the day that the first classes were held at Coolidge.
Mayor George Scherck attended the celebration and issued a proclamation claiming
February 16, 2013 as "Coolidge School Day!" Students, staff, families, and friends
from 50 years of Coolidge's history attended the special event. After viewing 50 years
of school memorabilia and enjoying birthday cake, the afternoon concluded with a
celebration concert by Randy Peterson.
Eighth Grade Students Learn How to Prepare for College
Eighth graders in Mrs. Swartzell's and Ms. Young's room had a guest speaker, Tammie
Blaney, from the UW Fox Valley campus. She spoke to the students about preparing
for college and stressed that it is not too early to think about this. Her important
message was, "You can do it if you want to!" This message inspired the students
whose parents didn't attend college and they are often the young people who think
that college is not possible. Mrs. Blaney also brought awesome backpacks for ALL of
the students!