Principal Thoughts
Happy October to Everyone!
This past month our school practiced several important safety drills. Routinely we tell students that our job is to keep them safe. As a staff we take that responsibility seriously. Unfortunately events around the country in recent years have made it necessary to practice more than just fire or severe weather drills.
Our district has been working hard to improve the safety of our students and staff. We now have security cameras inside and outside of our building in addition to security locks on each door. Over the winter break last year staff from around the district practiced a new protocol for intruders called ALICE. ALICE is a program to help schools prepare for the unthinkable. ALICE provides staff with options such as evacuation, or lockdown depending on the situation.
This past week we introduced the concept of ALICE to students using the book I’m not scarred… I’m prepared in every classroom during a read aloud led by the classroom teacher. We then practiced a whole school evacuation to our two rally points which were determined by the Kaukauna Police Department, Holy Cross Parish and Riverview School. Utilizing all exit doors our school was completely evacuated with all students and staff accounted for at our sites within 10 minutes. We hope to never have to use these procedures in a real situation but I do feel that we are much more prepared for the unthinkable. If you have questions about these drills please feel free to call or email.
On a much lighter note, October 1st we will be holding our 3rd annual golf outing at High Cliff Colf Course in Sherwood. This is a major fundraiser for our school and a fun adult event. There is still time to register at www.parkgolf.eventbrite.com through September 28th for $60.00 per person or on the day of the event for $70.00. We have many great prizes including a signed Packer football and tickets to a Milwaukee Bucks home game. You could even win a Piano!
On a much lighter note, October 1st we will be holding our 3rd annual golf outing at High Cliff Colf Course in Sherwood. This is a major fundraiser for our school and a fun adult event. There is still time to register at www.parkgolf.eventbrite.com through September 28th for $60.00 per person or on the day of the event for $70.00. We have many great prizes including a signed Packer football and tickets to a Milwaukee Bucks home game. You could even win a Piano!
Teacher Feature - Here are our Pupil Services Staff Members
School Nurse—Mrs. Sundelius
Where are you from? Upper Michigan
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? Believe it or not this is my 24th year working in the District. I started when my oldest son was in kindergarten and he is now 28 years old.
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school? I love the kids. They are totally honest and fun to be with.
What makes Park Community a special school? The students, families and staff take such pride in Park Communities that is it an awesome place to work.
School Psychologist—Mrs. Hockers
Where are you from? West Depere
Where did you go to High School and/or college?
I went to High school In West DePere and college at UW-Milwaukee.
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? 5 years, 1 at KHS and 4 at Park Community.
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school?
I like that as a psychologist I am able to work with all grade levels and students. It is nice to get to know a wide range of students and keeps things interesting!
What makes Park Community a special school?
The staff! I really enjoy coming to a positive work environment every week! The staff is positive, easy to get along with, and is very child focused.
School Counselor - Mr. Zamost
Where are you from? Neenah, WI
Where did you go to High School and/or college?
Graduated from Neenah High School. Did my undergrad at U.W Stevens Point (Sociology/Psychology) and attended U.W Oshkosh for my Masters in Education (School Counseling).
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District?
This is my 2nd year at Kaukauna!
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school?
It is hard for me to just pick one thing… My favorite thing about working in an elementary school is the genuine energy and enthusiasm the students have to learn. I am truly humbled by being a part of their progress they make throughout a school year and I myself learn so much from all of them.
What makes Park Community a special school?
Park Community is special because of the students, parents and staff that are dedicated to helping each other reach our full potentials as people and of course life-long learners!
Social Worker—Ms. Haffley
Where are you from? I am from Lakeville, Minnesota and I currently live in Neenah with my boyfriend, Branden and our dog, Harper.
Where did you go to High School and/or college? I attended Lakeville North High School where I graduated in 2008. I received my Bachelor's degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota (Go Gophers!), and my Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois.
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? This is my very first year working in the Kaukauna Area School District, and I could not be more excited to be here!
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school? My favorite part of working with students at the elementary level is having the opportunity to make an impact on the youngest of people that they can hopefully carry with them forever.
What makes Park Community a special school? Ever since I walked in the doors at Park Community, I knew it was a special place. One of my favorite things about this school is how every student is loved and appreciated for who they are, and given a place to feel at home.
Musical Notes from Mrs. Krueger
Hello! My name is Sheri Krueger, and I am the music teacher at Park Community Charter School this year. I also teach at Victor Haen School. Here is my schedule in case you ever need to contact me:
Monday: Haen-AM Park Community-PM
Tuesday: Haen-AM Park Community-PM
Wednesday: Haen-AM Park Community-PM
Thursday: Haen-AM Park Community-PM
Friday: Haen-AM Park Community-PM
I am looking forward to a great year here at Park Community! Each class attends music twice a week for 30 minutes at a time. We do a lot of singing and also a variety of other activities such as playing rhythm instruments, movement, and listening. The major concepts we study are matching pitch, rhythm, steady beat, dynamics, and tempo. Also, the 2nd graders perform in a concert, and the 4th graders learn to play the recorder.
I believe that music is very important in the lives of children. I love working with children, and I will do my best to instill in them a love and appreciation for music that they can take with them through their adult lives.
This year all of the Park Community students started the year out by getting a commitment star with their name on it for music class. When they enter music class, they pick up their star, then they greet me, and then they use their star to make a commitments for the class.
The Kindergartners have been working very hard in music class to learn the classroom routines and expectations. We have also been working on using big beautiful singing voices. The songs that the kindergartners learned during September were: The Hello Song, The Color Song, Our new Park Community School song, Johnny Works With One Hammer, The Star Song, The Little Red Caboose, The Birthday Song, and The Goodbye Song.
The 1st graders have been working very hard since the start of school. We have been concentrating on learning the routines and expectations, and also on using big beautiful singing voices. The songs that the 1st graders learned during September were: The Star Song, Our new Park Community School Song, What’s More American, The Birthday Song, and The Apple Song. The 1st graders also started learning some notes-the whole note and the half note.
The 2nd graders started the year by reviewing our routines and expectations. They also worked a lot on their singing voices and their ability to match pitch. Some of the songs they worked on were: The Star Song, Our new Park Community School Song, The Birthday Song, It’s In Every One of Us, Mr. Sun, and What’s More American.
The 3rd graders started the year by reviewing our routines and expectations. They learned a new Hello Song. Some of the other songs they worked on were: The Star Song, Our new Park Community School Song, The Birthday Song, Feelin’ Good, and It’s In Every One Of Us.
The 4th Graders started the year by reviewing our routines and expectations. We talked a little bit about their 4th grade year and playing recorder. They also learned The Star Song, Our new Park Community School Song, The Birthday Song, and It’s In Every One Of Us, and The Star Spangled Banner.
The 4th Graders started the year by reviewing our routines and expectations. We talked a little bit about their 4th grade year and playing recorder. They also learned The Star Song, Our new Park Community School Song, The Birthday Song, and It’s In Every One Of Us, and The Star Spangled Banner.
Artful Info from Mrs. Mueller
Welcome to another exciting year in art! All students have kicked off their Square1Art project and are so excited to have the opportunity to order something cool with their artwork on it. Artwork has been mailed to the company so keep your eyes open for the order forms to come home. All students will receive a FREE sheet of stickers that will be inside of the order form! If you would like to check out some of the cool products early please visit http://square1art.com/Shop .
- Kindergarten is practicing their coloring and cutting skills while creating colorful peacocks from coffee filters and cut paper. Students loved watching their colors mix on their filter once sprayed with water!
- 1st Grade students have been holding onto summer by creating colorful birds using their hands! We practiced tracing our hand and then added details to make it look like a bird and gave our birds a background.
- 2nd Grade students reviewed warm, neutral and cool colors while creating Starry Night Owls. We also learned about Vincent Van Gogh and his painting Starry Night. We tried to recreate his style in our own night skies.
- 3rd Grade traveled deep in the ocean and studies jellyfish. We then used a variety of materials to create our own transparent jellies. We also studied the color wheel so we could choose the best color matches to create our oceans.
- 4th Grade learned is connecting to their Greek Mythology unit in their classroom. Students are in the process of writing their own myth. In Art students drew an illustration of their character or characters in their story. Be sure to check out these unusual hybrids when your child packet comes home!
A message from Mrs. Vander Loop in the “FILLING STATION”
Hello,
The new year is in full swing in the Park Community Charter School Library.
Books are being checked out and students are sorting them by call number as they bring them back. Ian is showing how it is done.
- Kindergarteners learned that every book has its own “house” to live in on the shelf. Thus the use of a shelf marker before removing a book is very important. They have been very respectful Library patrons. I can tell because I see many shelf markers in the stacks. We also talked about the importance of keeping our books in a safe place; away from pets, food and younger siblings at home..
- First Graders were reminded of the importance of using shelf markers before removing a book from where it “lives.” We also read an ABC book and learned the word incognito. We decided that Halloween was a great event for being incognito.
- Second Graders focused on routines. We also enjoyed the latest sequel to all of the If you give a mouse… The new title is If you give a Mouse an iphone.
- Third Graders reviewed the established routines for our partnership in learning. Internet Safety is required by the state of Wisconisn. I stress that they need to ask a trusted adult before going online, that they visit sites that are appropriate for them. The Library homepage is full of links to safe reliable websites; http://library.k12.wi.us Then click on Park Community Charter School.
- Fourth Grade also reviewed the routines that we have been using through the years. They were reminded of Internet Safety. They should tell a trusted adult when they are going online. They should begin every online search for information at WebPath Express which is on the library catalog page.
http://library.k12.wi.us Then click on Park Community Charter School - then the catalog tab - then find
WebPath Express in the column on the left side of the page. These websites are safe, reliable and grade
specific. The fact that personal information and passwords are private was stressed.
The library theme was revealed in an assembly. I’m grateful for Mr. Kortens assistance.
Physical Education with Ms. Weyers (left) and Mrs. Stratton (right)
Hello! I just want to take a moment to introduce myself as one of the new physical education teachers at Park Community. My name is Brooke Weyers, soon to be Brooke Wells- as I will be getting married in November. I am originally from Little Chute and graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a degree in physical education, adapted physical education, health education and coaching athletics. In addition to teaching PE at Park Community; I also teach 5th grade health at River View Middle School and coach volleyball at Kaukauna High School. I’m very excited to be a part of our Park Community school family and I look forward to a great year!This year I will be teaching kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade students. Mollie Stratton will be coming over from New Directions Learning Center to teach 3rd grade. Grades 2nd-4th will be using pedometers during class to work towards a step objective. Each class period the students will have a different step goal that they are trying to reach. The number of steps will depend on the activity we are doing. For example, if we are doing an activity that requires lots of movement, the step goal will be higher than an activity that doesn’t require as much movement. The pedometers stress a common theme in physical education- keep moving!
This October, Park Community is participating in National Walk to School Day. On Wednesday, October 5th students are encouraged to walk or bike to school. Students from all over the country will be participating in this same event. Walk to School Day is a great way for your child to learn about safety, be rewarded with a small prize, and get some exercise. Please help us make this event a success!
Careful News from the We Care Center - Mrs. Sundelius
Each year many children get head lice. Although head lice are not a major health concern, the experience can be very disheartening. Especially since many strains of head lice are becoming resistant to the current over the counter lice shampoos. Believe it or not the best way to treat chronic head lice is to diligently check their head daily and remove any and all eggs that are found. Any eggs left behind may hatch and the cycle will begin again. Head lice are not
choosy as to what type of hair they prefer. The louse is said to be an equal opportunity, gender blind, ethnically diverse parasite. In other words, no one is immune. The best way to decrease your child’s chances of getting lice is to discourage sharing of personal items that may carry the
louse (i.e. combs, hats, barrettes…). I would recommend checking your child routinely to ensure early detection. If you discover that your child has head lice, please notify the Health Office as soon as possible. The sooner we are aware of the problem the better able we are in preventing the spread to other children. If you would like more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the school nurse.
Literate Thoughts from our Reading Specialist - Mrs. Keehan
Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy: Year Two 2015-2016
Park Community Charter School adopted the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (PCL) model of instruction in 2014-2015. The PCL model uses literacy as a tool for measuring school change in four interrelated areas: student learning, teacher knowledge, school culture, and school processes. At Park Community we are committed to using literacy as a lever for educational change in order to increase teacher knowledge and student achievement. There are 10 key features to the model:
- Feature 1: A Framework for Literacy uses a workshop approach for meeting the needs of all students, including an integrated curriculum, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated instruction. Students acquire problem-solving strategies for working on tasks that increase in complexity and difficulty.
- Feature 2: Coaching and Mentoring uses scaffolding techniques to assist teacher in taking on new learning, including a gradual release model for assuming responsibility (Dorn & Soffos, 2006).
- Feature 3: Model Classrooms are transformed from traditional approaches of instruction into literacy labs that become settings for observing the model in action.
- Feature 4: High Standards are based on state, national, and professional standards with benchmarks along the way to ensure that all children reach their highest potential.
- Feature 5: Accountability includes a school-wide, seamless assessment system with multiple measures for evaluating success, such as formative and summative assessments, student portfolios, assessment walls, and school reports.
- Feature 6: Interventions are targeted to meet the needs of diverse readers, including Reading Recovery for the lowest students in first grade and K-5 intervention groups for other needy students.
- Feature 7: Professional Development is embedded into the school climate, including literacy team meetings, professional learning communities, teacher book clubs, peer observations, cluster visits, teacher conferences, and demonstration levels.
- Feature 8: Well-Designed Literacy Plan is created for continuous improvement, including short and long-term goals as related to literacy with a benchmark of three years with a monitoring system.
- Feature 9: Technology is used for communications, presentations, data collection, publications, and networking opportunities.
- Feature 10: Spotlighting and Advocacy are techniques for disseminating information on the model, including news releases, research articles, and presentations by school teams, and schools site visits.
(Courtesy of http://ualr.edu/literacy/)
From The Counselor's Office with Mr. Zamost
October Classroom Lesson
During the month of October, I will be visiting all of the K-4 classrooms and talking with students about Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Awareness (ATODA)! In each grade level we will discuss Red Ribbon Week and celebrate living a healthy and drug free life. First and second grade students will brainstorm healthy habits and learn that drugs and alcohol can have harmful effects. They will also learn medicine safety. Third and fourth grade students will learn about the different types of drugs and alcohol and discuss peer pressure refusal skills along with the negative effects that addictions can have on people’s lives. All classes will be focusing on the benefits of living a healthy and drug free life! As always, feel free to call me at 766-6100 ext. 3164 with any questions or concerns.Peer Mediation Program
The following 4th graders, along with other students from Quinney and Victor Haen, participated in the Peer Mediation Training at Kaukauna Utility last spring. They continue to work very hard to learn communication and conflict resolution skills while taking on a leadership role in their school during the 16-17 school year. They strive to help make Park Community Charter School a peaceful place to learn and have fun. I am extremely proud of this great crew of kids!
Karly Meredith
Aurora Baer
Peyton Vandeloo
Ian Kennedy
Nora Boucher
Abigail Kurey
Ian Gucwa
Hope Hietpas
Joselyn Lau
Samuel DiPiazza
Small Group Opportunities
Throughout October we will be starting a variety of small group counseling experiences. Some of the group offerings include: Fun with Friends (Social Skills), Fun with Feelings (Feelings Management), Family Change, Kids for Character, etc. Students can be self referred, teacher referred or parent referred. If your child is invited to participate, they will bring home a letter describing the group and the details of the lessons. For questions, concerns or referrals call 766-6100 ext. 3164 or email zamostd@kaukauna.wi.k12.usRed Ribbon Week
RED RIBBON WEEK – CELEBRATE A DRUG FREE LIFE!!During the week of October 24th -26th, we will be joining many other schools and communities throughout the nation to celebrate RED RIBBON WEEK…a week dedicated to celebrating a healthy and drug free life!All Kaukauna schools will be participating in various activities that promote drug free living. Students will participate in several dress-up days to raise awareness of the importance of living a drug free life! The elementary dress-up days are as follows:
- Mon. Oct. 24th Wear "Red, White, and Blue” …I Elect to be Drug Free!!
- Tues. Oct. 25th Wear “Active Wear/Sweats”…Stay active and be drug free!!
- Wed. Oct. 26th….District Wide Wear ”RED DAY”… Unite against drugs!!
Elementary (K-4 buildings) students will also be invited to participate in a placemat design activity promoting a healthy and drug free life. Two random students will be selected from each school and will have their photo posted on the Home Page of the District Website. The placemat messages will be distributed on KHS lunch tables in order to spread the drug free message!!
Lastly, don’t forget to take a few minutes to talk with your kids about the importance and benefits of living a drug free life. Thanks for supporting and participating in this important awareness effort!
In Other News!
Costumes for Halloween Festivities
At the end of the month, our primary classrooms will be holding Halloween/Fall celebrations. If your child will be wearing a costume at school, please follow these rules: Costumes may not include a violent theme or weapons or gruesome masks that might scare others. Masks that cover the entire face should not be worn for safety reasons. We also ask that you do not send/apply face paint. Teachers will be following their regular school day schedule
Water Proof Mittens & Gloves
In anticipation of the upcoming fall and winter seasons, Park Community will again be collecting gently worn waterproof mittens, and gloves. If you have an item you would like to donate, please wash it and send it with your child or drop it off in the office. These items will be given to our students in need. Your generosity is appreciated.
At the end of the month, our primary classrooms will be holding Halloween/Fall celebrations. If your child will be wearing a costume at school, please follow these rules: Costumes may not include a violent theme or weapons or gruesome masks that might scare others. Masks that cover the entire face should not be worn for safety reasons. We also ask that you do not send/apply face paint. Teachers will be following their regular school day schedule
Water Proof Mittens & Gloves
In anticipation of the upcoming fall and winter seasons, Park Community will again be collecting gently worn waterproof mittens, and gloves. If you have an item you would like to donate, please wash it and send it with your child or drop it off in the office. These items will be given to our students in need. Your generosity is appreciated.
Fire Prevention Week
The Kaukauna Fire Department has again shared materials with our students in recognition of Fire Prevention Week, October 9th-15th. Please support your child in keeping safe by discussing fire safety at home.
DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER OR PRINCIPAL AT ANY LEVEL K-12?
Now is your chance to nominate your teacher or principal for a Herb Kohl Fellowship. The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation is celebrating its 27th year of providing fellowships for 100 teachers and its 2nd year of providing fellowships for 16 principals. The purpose of these programs is to recognize and support excellence in teaching, innovation and administrative leadership. Now is the time to nominate! Learn more and nominate an outstanding teacher or principal in your life today! Click Here to Nominate a Teacher or Principal
The Kaukauna Fire Department has again shared materials with our students in recognition of Fire Prevention Week, October 9th-15th. Please support your child in keeping safe by discussing fire safety at home.
DO YOU KNOW AN OUTSTANDING TEACHER OR PRINCIPAL AT ANY LEVEL K-12?
Now is your chance to nominate your teacher or principal for a Herb Kohl Fellowship. The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation is celebrating its 27th year of providing fellowships for 100 teachers and its 2nd year of providing fellowships for 16 principals. The purpose of these programs is to recognize and support excellence in teaching, innovation and administrative leadership. Now is the time to nominate! Learn more and nominate an outstanding teacher or principal in your life today! Click Here to Nominate a Teacher or Principal
Conference and Progress Report Update
Thank you to all the parents who responded to the survey this summer regarding the structure of our reporting of student progress through conferences and progress reports . The current structure includes conferences in November and February which include a less formal document outlining student progress. Then in January and June, there is a formal progress report issued. The results from the survey did not indicate a strong preference for a change, therefore the same structure will be in place for the 2016-17 school year. As a district, we are exploring the timing of the February conferences. Historically, they were held at the conclusion of the 3rd quarter (end of March) but then changed to an earlier date to make a greater impact. This change was done quite a few years ago. Communication about student progress is ongoing and not restricted to these four points throughout the year, however, this is an effective time for us to again review the timing of these key opportunities to discuss student progress. If any changes will be initiated for the 2017-18 school year, those will be shared this spring as the conference dates are included on the calendar.
Thank you to all the parents who responded to the survey this summer regarding the structure of our reporting of student progress through conferences and progress reports . The current structure includes conferences in November and February which include a less formal document outlining student progress. Then in January and June, there is a formal progress report issued. The results from the survey did not indicate a strong preference for a change, therefore the same structure will be in place for the 2016-17 school year. As a district, we are exploring the timing of the February conferences. Historically, they were held at the conclusion of the 3rd quarter (end of March) but then changed to an earlier date to make a greater impact. This change was done quite a few years ago. Communication about student progress is ongoing and not restricted to these four points throughout the year, however, this is an effective time for us to again review the timing of these key opportunities to discuss student progress. If any changes will be initiated for the 2017-18 school year, those will be shared this spring as the conference dates are included on the calendar.
Please Sign up for Parent Portal in Infinite Campus
Infinite Campus has the ability to make emergency contacts with parents regarding school closing or other information during the school day. If the superintendent would determine that district schools would be closing early for some reason parents will receive an automated message giving them details.
It is very important that your contact information in Infinite Campus is up to date. If you have questions regarding your contact information please call our school secretary Mrs. Tennessen to check. Click Here for Directions
Safety Information
Sign In and Wear a Badge Every Time
Infinite Campus has the ability to make emergency contacts with parents regarding school closing or other information during the school day. If the superintendent would determine that district schools would be closing early for some reason parents will receive an automated message giving them details.
It is very important that your contact information in Infinite Campus is up to date. If you have questions regarding your contact information please call our school secretary Mrs. Tennessen to check. Click Here for Directions
Safety Information
Sign In and Wear a Badge Every Time
All visitors to the building are reminded to sign in the office and put on a visitor name tag. This system allows everyone in our building to easily identify staff (who wear name badges) and visitors. If you forget to get a name tag, please don’t be offended when you are asked to return to the office. Also, please be sure to sign your child in if your child is arriving late and sign your child out in the office if your child is leaving early for any reason. Working together, we can keep everyone in our school family safe.
Pick a Consistent Meeting Place After School
All visitors to the building are reminded to sign in the office and put on a visitor name tag. This system allows everyone in our building to easily identify staff (who wear name badges) and visitors. If you forget to get a name tag, please don’t be offended when you are asked to return to the office. Also, please be sure to sign your child in if your child is arriving late and sign your child out in the office if your child is leaving early for any reason. Working together, we can keep everyone in our school family safe.
Pick a Consistent Meeting Place After School
Parents who pick up their children after school are encouraged to develop a consistent meeting spot. This also promotes some independence of our students as they dismiss. There is adult supervision both behind school and in front until 3:15 p.m. If your child is picked up after school, please be here by 3:15 p.m. In the event that you are late, for the safety of your child, they will be asked to wait inside the building. Your understanding is appreciated. We also ask that when picking up students at the end of the day please wait outside of the main office or by the door on McDonald’s side of school.
Parents who pick up their children after school are encouraged to develop a consistent meeting spot. This also promotes some independence of our students as they dismiss. There is adult supervision both behind school and in front until 3:15 p.m. If your child is picked up after school, please be here by 3:15 p.m. In the event that you are late, for the safety of your child, they will be asked to wait inside the building. Your understanding is appreciated. We also ask that when picking up students at the end of the day please wait outside of the main office or by the door on McDonald’s side of school.
