Principal Thoughts
Kindergarten Information Night January 12th— Soon all three Kaukauna sites that offer kindergarten will be sharing information with interested parents on January 12th from 6:00—7:30 at Tanner Early Learning Center. The evening will start in the gym with a welcome from Director of Elementary Education, Kelli Antoine. After the welcome parents will have the opportunity to rotate between three rooms to hear presentations from Park Community, New Directions and Tanner staff about the fine programs each school offers. Please encourage anyone you know with a child currently in 4K to attend this informational night to learn why Park Community Charter School is the right school for their child.
Park Community Kindergarten Information Sessions January 16th—Park Community will also be holding two information sessions for people interested in seeing our Kindergarten program in action. Parents will have two opportunities this day to participate in a Brain Smart Start and watch either of our kindergarten classrooms. The sessions will start at 7:30 and 2:00 in our science lab with Mr. Kortens. I will discuss briefly what makes our school unique and then move to a classroom to observe a Brain Smart Start which is a key component of our brain based Conscious Discipline program. You will be able to see first hand how we build our school family connections each day with this activity. If you are interested in attending please click on this link or contact Ellen Tennessen to register for a time that works for you. You can reach Ellen at tennessene@kaukauna.k12.wi.us .
Registration and Lottery Process—All parents in the district will once again be receiving a School Attendance Confirmation form. It is very important that you select Park Community Charter School on this form even if you live in the Park attendance area (this will be listed on the form). If you do not indicate Park Community you seriously jeopardize your chances of having your child attend Park Community even if you have other students already attending our school. Class sizes for Park Community are based on the district average for each grade. This average is determined based on the School Attendance Confirmation form information received. Once the average is set for each grade if we have more applicants than openings we will hold a lottery after the district staffing plan is determined which is predicted to be early April. If you have questions about the registration or lottery process please give me a call or email me at 766-6129 or kortensk@kaukaunasd.org.
Lambeau Field Fundraiser - Park Community Charter School has received permission as a non profit organization with 501c3 status to run a booth at Lambeau Field. This is a great opportunity for our school to raise funds to support Conscious Discipline, additional technology and our place based curriculum which are not funded by the school district. Each year we send around $20,000.00 on these areas out of money we raise from sales and events. If this fundraiser is successful it is the hope of the Governance Board to eliminate many of the small fundraisers parents are asked to participate in by PAC during the course of a school year.
Successful groups have raised between $20,000.00 and $30,000.00. In order to raise that kind of money we would need to be able to staff a larger booth for EVERY event at Lambeau Field. Workers are required to be at the stadium before the game, stay through the entire game and for a period of time after the game concludes. Games and events are at various times including Thursday Nights, Saturday afternoon and evenings, Sundays afternoon and evenings, Monday nights, Preseason games and summer concerts.
Please CLICK HERE to take a short survey that the governance board will use to determine interest in this fundraising opportunity.
Park Community K4-5K—This event was a huge success last year and we are hoping to build on that. The group is looking to add a 15 mile bike ride as a way to attract more people. This event is open to the public. Please invite anyone you know who is interested in running/walking or biking to participate. The event is set to take place Saturday May 13th. More information on will be coming soon including registration materials by the end of February. Funds from this family friendly event will be used to support further staff training in Conscious Discipline. If you are interested in helping to plan this important fundraiser for our school please contact Brooke Wells at 766-6129 or wellsb@kaukaunasd.org.
Teacher Feature
3rd Grade - Mrs. Hinkens
Little Chute, Wisconsin
Where did you go to High School and/or college? I attended Little Chute High School and the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? 25
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school?
I enjoy building a connection with the students and watching them grow academically. 3rd graders are at a fun age to teach.
What makes Park Community a special school?
I love that we are teaching Conscious Discipline at Park Community Charter School. It is a wonderful feeling to connect with a child and build a school family. We are teaching each child that he/she is important, valued, and loved.
3rd Grade - Mrs. Nicholson
Where did you go to High School and/or college?
UW-LaCrosse for BS, UW-Stevens Point for MS
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? 27
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school?
3rd Grade is a wonderful grade to teach! Third Graders are old enough to do many creative things, yet young enough to really enjoy it.
What makes Park Community a special school?
I believe we are teaching the way teaching should be done. Our school commitments to Conscious Discipline, Community Connections, and Place-Based Learning combine to create caring, hands-on, real-world learning opportunities for our students.
ART - Mrs. Mueller’s Artist Tidbits
Check out our classroom blog at: http://www.parkartkingdom.blogspot.com and follow our Instagram to get notifications on new updates! park_art_kingdom
Kindergarten has been hard at work practicing their lines. We learned horizontal, vertical, zig-zag, wavy, diagonal and loopy, and boy are those loopy lines are hard! We read the book Little Green by Keith Baker and put our practice to use creating a colorful picture complete with humming bird.
1st Grade read the book Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and practiced drawing giraffes in all sorts of fun dance poses. They chose their favorite and drew it big. They were completed with a colorful watercolor sky.
2nd Grade began a unit talking about all kinds of textures. We created a textured sunset by using tissue paper glued to our paper, painted water texture on blue paper and drew wood texture on brown paper. We took all these pieces and assembled them into awesome Viking ships!
3rd Grade began talking about Hawaiian Tikis and how they work in the Hawaiian Culture. We are drawing our own tiki and coloring with crayons and will finish them off with a Batik process.
4th Grade is working on drawing animals including a background. We will then take our drawings and turn them into Repose metal creations.
Featured Artist’s of the Month!
 |
| Trevor Brugee Kindergarten - Roehrig |
 |
| Devin Schmitt 1st Grade - Cunniff  |
Griffin Haupt
2nd Grade Gries
2nd Grade Gries
A message from Mrs. VanderLoop in the “FILLING STATION”
Kindergarten - enjoyed stories of the holiday season. It is always fun when students help me with the pattern/refrain in a story. We talk about changing our voice to match the speaker, so when they repeated what Santa said it had to sound like Santa .Then we chuckled!A message from Mrs. VanderLoop in the “FILLING STATION”First Graders - started the month by reading the sequel to Sophie’s Squash. The author of this book is from Oshkosh, Wi. Before reading Santa’s Ark. we had to use the dictionary to find out what an ark is. Before reading Stickman, students had to think of how a person could use a stick. We were pretty creative and came up with most of the uses mentioned in the story. After Christmas students will use the computer to create a Stickman.
Second Graders - since 2nd Graders will “visit “ with Mem Fox’s many books in their classroom, we did some research on the wombat. That was followed with two Christmas titles in which a wombat is the main character. The research helped us understand the behavior of this animal in these fictional Christmas tales.
Third Graders - concluded their study of Native Americans with the book Jingle Dance. After the story they viewed an actual Ojibwe Jingle Dance. Students have also explored WebPath Express. This is a database of safe, reliable and grade leveled websites. Instead of going to Google for information, students should go to this amazing resource that has a link on the Library Homepage. We found some interesting facts about Christmas trees. Ask your child about a fact they remember. We finished the month with The Christmas Tree Ship. This historical fiction has Wisconsin ties. The Rouse Simmons sank of the coat of Two Rivers, WI. The video of the ship laying at the bottom of Lake Michigan was very interesting. We would all like to go to the museum in Two Rivers and see the artifacts.
Fourth Graders - reviewed the importance of searching on WebPath Express for websites. Next we explored a new database. Primary Search has actual magazine articles for 80 children’s magazine. We ended the month with the amazing story of the Christmas Truce of World War I. After learning about this historical fact, students viewed an actual video of the trenches and setting where the truce took place. The classes clapped at the end of the reading.
Physical Education with Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Stratton
 |
| Mrs. Wells |
 |
| Mrs. Sratton |
4th grade is working on teamwork and cooperation. This unit consists of activities that require a lot communication. It has been challenging at times, but we are having a lot of fun with it.
The 2nd and 3rd graders have been working on inline skating. This unit is so much fun! We have learned how to correctly put on elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, and skates. It took awhile but it’s getting quicker each day. As we continues our skate practice, we are getting better and better at our skills.
The kindergarten and 1st graders worked with the parachute. They also learned some of the P.E. favorites- Mission Impossible and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
In January, the 2nd and 3rd graders will finish skating. The 4th grade students will be finishing their teamwork and cooperation unit. Late January, all grades will be starting tumbling!
Music With Mrs. Krueger
The Kindergarteners spent the month of December singing songs of the season. Some of them include: The Angel Band, The Santa Claus Rock, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, and Jingle Bells.
1st grade
The 1st graders spent the month of December singing songs of the season. Some of the songs include: S-A-N-T-A, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Silver Bells, Up On the Housetop, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, and Jingle Bells.
2nd grade
The 2nd graders started the month of December by learning a few songs for their upcoming spring concert. They ended the month by singing few songs of the season. Some of them include: Nuttin’ For Christmas, Jingle Bells, Silver Bells, Rudolph The Red-Nosded Reindeer, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
3rd grade
The 3rd graders spent the month of December working on rhythm and singing songs of the season. Some of the songs they worked on include: Jingle Bell Rock, Rudolph, Jingle Bells, Silver Bells, Up On The Housetop, and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.
4th grade
The 4th graders continued to work on their recorders during the month of December. They also enjoyed singing a few holiday songs. Some of them include: Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, and Silver Bells.
News from the School Nurse
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can detect a life-threatening cardiac rhythm. AEDs are becoming more and more common in public areas such as churches, malls and schools. The Kaukauna Area School District has had AEDs in all of the school building for several years. Additionally there are staff members in each building that have received additional CPR training.
AEDs can save lives. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR and early AED use can more than double a victim’s chance of survival. The next time you are in your child’s school please look for the AED. They are located near the gym in each of the elementary buildings. Also consider taking a CPR class. Be a life saver!
JANUARY SCHOOL COUNSELING NEWS!! From Mr. Zamost
January Classroom GuidanceDuring the month of January, I will be visiting all of the K-4 classrooms and talking with students about Bullying/Violence Prevention! In each grade level we will discuss the definition of bullying (negative, hurtful actions toward another person that occur repeatedly over time…or “when someone is being mean and hurtful over and over again”) We will discuss the difference between “conflict” and “Bullying”.
- Kindergarten will be introduced to this topic and will focus on effective strategies to solve peer conflicts.
- Grades 1 and 2 will be learning about positive ways to handle bullying situations.
- Grades 3 and 4 will focus on ways to prevent bullying situations in our school.
K-Kids Update!
At our last meeting we went to the St. Paul home to go caroling, give holiday cards and of course spread some cheer! The kids did amazing and the residents at St. Paul were glowing with holiday cheer when we left. At our next meeting we will again regroup and decided on our next service project. Stay tuned for more information to come.Here is a picture of how much Park Community School donated to the Saving Paws animal shelter!
Bad Weather Coming? Emergency School Closing Information
In the event of a school closing due to weather you will receive a notification through Infinite Campus Messenger. It is extremely important that your contact information in the program be up to date. Please follow the directions on the Park Community website Click Here
Please Dress for the Weather
This is an unpredictable time of year weather-wise. Please be sure to send your child prepared for the worst Mother Nature has to offer. It is very important that the children go outside to play at recess; however, they need to be dressed for the weather. We do want to keep your child healthy. When the snow falls ALL students must have boots, in addition to snow pants if they play in the snow. If you have difficulty providing winter wear, please contact the office as we have donated items to share. It is also recommended that students keep a dry pair of socks and pants in their backpack in case clothing gets wet.
Memory Book Sale
The order envelope for our 2016-2017 Park Community Yearbook is coming home the first week of January. The cost of a book is $8.50. Please make checks out to NETWORK PHOTOGRAPHY not Park Community Charter School. The deadline for ordering is January 25th.Lost and Found
Are you missing any items of clothing, mittens, hats? Please check out our Lost and found box in the school lobby.
Old Christmas Tree Light Collection
As you begin taking down your holiday lights please consider donating any lights you are not going to use again to our collection at Park Community. We have partnered with Goldin Iron and Metal Recycling of Kaukauna to collect old holiday lights. The donated lights will be recycled and Goldin will make a matching grant to our school for the value of the recycled material. Just drop off you old lights in the collection container in the school lobby or at Goldin but remember to mention that you would like the lights to count in the Park Community collection.
PICKING UP STUDENTS PRIOR TO DISMISSAL
Just a reminder when picking up a child early from school (for an appointment or other reasons), please send a note or email to your child’s teacher or call the office in the morning. Once you arrive, the office will call the classroom and have your child sent to the office. This eliminates children from waiting in the office in case you are delayed and allows them to participate in the classroom instruction until you arrive. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.
Summer School 2017
Despite the cold temperatures, KASD is busy planning for summer school! Thank you to all the parents who responded to the survey following Summer School 2016. The combination of parent and staff feedback as well as a large amount of maintenance work to be done within the district this summer, the following decisions have been made regarding Summer School 2017:Location
- Classes will continue to be held at Kaukauna High School
- All courses will be offered in one session, June 13 – June 30, Monday – Friday
- Classes will run five days a week
- Two important reasons for this change
- Impact of the 4th of July
- Maintenance work that needs to occur this summer
- We will again offer an Open House prior to the start of summer school for families to become familiar with the location and rooms that classes will be taking place in.
- Busing/transportation will continue to be an option for families for a fee.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) News
The Park Community PAC meets in our library every month at 5:30 on the 3rd Tuesday. This group works very hard to provide funds to help support our charter initiatives and provide fun activities for families and students. Please consider attending.
SCRIP
Thanks to everyone who tried SCRIP over the holidays! It really seems to be taking off and we appreciate your help. SCRIP is a great fundraiser because we are not asking you to buy anything. All you do is purchase gift cards for the places you shop normally and we get a percentage from those stores directly to our school. If you would like to order online or learn more about the program CLICK HERE.
Kohl's is the scrip card of the month for January. (every $100 purchased = 1 entry towards a $25 Kohl's scrip card) You can use Kohl's scrip to pay your holiday Kohl's charge card charges and help our school at the same time!
Kohl's is the scrip card of the month for January. (every $100 purchased = 1 entry towards a $25 Kohl's scrip card) You can use Kohl's scrip to pay your holiday Kohl's charge card charges and help our school at the same time!
Basket Raffle and Conscious Discipline Family Event
This annual event will be coming up March 9th. Your child's classroom has selected a theme for their basket. Consider bargain shopping and supporting this EXCELLENT March fundraiser. More information will be coming on this evening as we will also be doing a Conscious Discipline Family Event that evening. Parents will have the opportunity to make and learn about structures used in Conscious Discipline that could also be used at home.Funset Boulevard Family Night
On Tuesday January 17th at 5:00pm Park Community families will take over Funset Boulevard in Appleton for a fun night of games, rides and laser tag. Information on this event will be coming home shortly. Come join the fun.
Upcoming Events
January 8th - KASD Board of Education Mtg.
January 10th - Park Community PAC Mtg. - 5:30PM
January 12th - 4K and Kindergarten information night - 6:00PM - 7:00 PM - Tanner
January 10th - Park Community PAC Mtg. - 5:30PM
January 12th - 4K and Kindergarten information night - 6:00PM - 7:00 PM - Tanner
January 17th - Kindergarten Information Meetings - 7:30AM or 2:00PM - Park Community
January 17th - PAC sponsored family social at Funset Bolevard - 5:00 PM
January 18th - Park Community Governance Board Meeting - 5:15PM - Park Library
January 20th - Early Release Day - Students dismissed at 11:30
January 25th - Park Community Spirit Wear Day
January 31st - Backwards Day
January 17th - PAC sponsored family social at Funset Bolevard - 5:00 PM
January 18th - Park Community Governance Board Meeting - 5:15PM - Park Library
January 20th - Early Release Day - Students dismissed at 11:30
January 25th - Park Community Spirit Wear Day
January 31st - Backwards Day
