Principal Thoughts
It is February and that means we are planning for the 2017-2018 school year already. Thank you to everyone that attended the Kindergarten information night at Tanner or came in for a tour of our school. We are excited about the new students and families that are interested in our school.
That being said I need to stress the following points one more time:
- If you have a child currently in 4K at Tanner and do not register them on the district attendance confirmation form by February 3rd they will be attending Tanner Early Learning Center for kindergarten even if you have another child currently at Park Community currently. If you did not recieve a copy of the School Confirmation form Here It Is. Please fill it out and email it to me at kortensk@kaukaunasd.org before Monday Feb 6th at the latest.
- If you choose to keep your child at Tanner for kindergarten thinking they can just come to Park Community in 1st grade you are taking a significant risk . We know that all of our current kindergarten students are planning to return and there will likely be NO openings for first grade at this time next year. If you choose to take this chance and they do not get in at Park Community for first grade they will be going to Victor Haen for first grade. Tanner is not an option.
Please contact me if you have any questions about the registration process. We would love to have your child at Park Community next year!
Registration and Lottery Process — 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 - We had a great response from parents and staff regarding the possibility of running a booth at Lambeau Field. Our governance board has decided to move forward with this opportunity and will be contacting those who indicated they are interested. The first event on the calendar will be the recently announced Billy Joel concert June 17th. If you are interested in helping our school at events like this please CLICK HERE to take a short survey and get your name on the list.
The Kaukauna Strong Challenge
"Are You Kaukauna Strong?"
This event was formerly known as the Park Community 4K5K Run/Walk. We have been working hard to update this event and broaden the audience of potential participants. This year the event will feature three separate events for participants.The Traditional 5K Family Walk - the walk will follow the same route as past years starting with registration in the school parking lot and beginning and ending at Veterans Memorial Park across from school. Participants will walk past the Grignon Mansion along the Fox River. There are no prizes for the walk but all participants who register prior to April 28th will receive an event T-shirt.
The Comptetetive 5K Run - This year we are adding a competitive 5k Run that will challenge participants to run up Mt. Misery in Gignon Park. This challenging route will award prizes for 1st and 2nd place and everyone who enters prior to April 28th will recieve an event T-shirt.
The Bike Ride - this year we are adding a 20 and 10 mile Bike Ride. The ride will start at Veteran Memorial Park and head past our community partners Kaukauna Utilities and 1000 Islands Environmental Center. Both routes will head out County Road ZZ along the Fox River. The 20 mile route will continue to Wrightstown and back while a 10 mile route is available also (yellow line on map).
We are excited to expand our school family event to make it a true Kaukauna community event. Please invite anyone you know who is interested in running/walking or biking to participate.
Where are you from?
Where are you from? Menasha
The Library wishes to thank Mr.and Mrs. Niquette for donating two books to honor a former teacher in the Kaukauna School District.
Kindergarten - We have decided that we definitely like books by Lita Judge. We enjoyed two of them so far. Students also enjoyed a new title that reminded us of how a character’s size can depend on what they are comparing. Next to a Lego man students are BIG, but next to an adult, they are small.
First Graders - missed two classes this month due to a late start and school being closed. We did discuss the difference between facts and opinions before reading Winter is for Snow. Students noticed that once the character tried it she learned that her opinion changed. We wondered if perhaps the author wanted us to realize that fact.
Second Graders - We had fun “meeting” David Shannon after reading Too Many Toys. He got the idea for the book from his daughter. He wrote his first book when he was 6. We could write stories about the things that we do. Then since students read fables in their classroom, we enjoyed three different versions of The Tortoise and the Hare. Same story but we found lots of differences and similarities.
Third Graders - reviewed the Atlas as a useful resource. We also made a connection between the God Atlas who was punished by having to hold the heavens up and the name of a resource that has maps of everything on Earth. I showed them a picture of the beautiful sculpture that can be seen on Hwy 41 on the right before the Kaukauna Hwy. J exit. It is an excellent place to visit. Students learned about the AV2 books that we have in the Library. They offer some form of audio visual that correlates with the topic of the book. Students need to access the AV2 website. The introduction of these books was a great segway into our next research project.
Fourth Graders - had fun trying to locate information about the Arches and Canyonland National Park in Utah. It was an excellent way to introduce the Culture Grams Database. However, this resource did not provide as much into as we wanted so the question was WHERE NOW? Students had to refer to the resources available, and it was decided that a website might be helpful so WEBPATH EXPRESS is the place to start when looking for a website. Well, we were not disappointed although it took some tenacity. We found an excellent video of these amazing works of nature. In fact, I shared it with all of the teachers in case they wanted to share it with their students. Yes, research can be such fun - it may not be easy but persistence pays off.
In January, 2nd and 3rd grade students wrapped up the inline skating unit. The 4th graders finished working on teamwork and cooperation activities. All grades have started the tumbling unit and will continue into February. In tumbling, students get to learn and explore all different types of activities including: jumps, balances, supports, rock wall traverse, rope climbing, and cargo net climbing.
Jump Rope for Heart is also coming in February! The American Heart Association and Park Community are teaming up to help fight heart disease and stroke. During the program, students will learn about their heart and how to develop healthy habits. They will also have the opportunity to raise funds to help save lives!
Kindergarten
The kindergarteners are making great improvements in using their singing voices. This is something we will continue to work on throughout the rest of the year. Some of the songs they worked on during the month of January are: The Snowman, The Mitten Song, and See The Pony Galloping. This is one of their favorite songs as they get to gallop around the room while they are singing.
1st grade
The 1st graders worked on songs in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day during January. Some of them include: Sing About Martin, A Man Named King, and The Road To Freedom. They also each had their ability to match pitch tested.
2nd grade
The 2nd graders began learning music for their spring concert. They learned that they will have the opportunity to sing a solo or have a speaking part for the concert and were able to volunteer if they would like to have a special part. The concert is called Destination Rock ‘n’ Roll and will be performed at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 6.
3rd grade
The 3rd graders sang a variety of songs during January. Some of them include: A Man Named King, Sing About Martin, Free At Last, and Dream Your Dreams. The 3rd graders also discussed how to keep Dr King’s dream alive here at Park Community-to be a kind and caring person. Don’t use words to hurt someone’s feelings. Be a friend. Make someone feel good today!
4th grade
The 4th graders continued working hard on their recorders skills and the recorder Karate program. Please encourage your child to practice at home and always remember to bring their recorder back to school on our music days-Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 4th graders also started learning about a variety of instruments.
In the last few weeks influenza has made itself know in Wisconsin. What is influenza? Influenza is a contagious disease that is spread easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing. For most people influenza presents itself with a fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Some people can get much sicker. Influenza kills about 36,000 people each year in the United States; mostly the elderly and persons with an underlying health condition.
A routine flu vaccine and regular hand washing are the best ways to prevent this illness. However, if your child should become ill, please follow the guidelines below when deciding if they should be at school.
Please keep your child home if:
Your child has had a fever greater than 100 degrees within the past 24 hours.
Your child has vomited or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
A cough (or other illness symptom) is bothersome to your child and may prevent him/her from participating in learning.
Your child is not able to participate fully in all school activities including recess. If your child is run down an extra day of rest may be helpful.
Remember you know your child best so take your cue from them when deciding if they are well enough to be at school. Once your child is at school, we try to encourage them to participate fully. However, if your child does develop a fever or appears ill we will contact you.
You can find more information on influenza on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website: www.cdc.gov/flu
February Classroom Guidance
During the month of February, I will be visiting all of the K-4 classrooms and talking with students about Self Knowledge and Management/Self-Esteem! In each grade level we will learn about valuing our own unique talents and abilities. We will discuss the concepts of individuality, positive thinking, and positive attitudes. All classes will be involved in classroom discussion around these topics and participate in class projects, stories or videos that encourage the development of self-confidence and self-esteem.
SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
At the beginning of February, we will be starting to develop a new round of small group opportunities for any students who are recommended or referred by their teacher, a parent or themselves. The various groups being offered include: Friendship/Social Skills Groups, Recess Group ( Being too competitive or not able to follow rules) and Family Change Group.
For questions, concerns or referrals call 766-6134 ext. 3164 or e-mail zamostd@kaukauna.sd.org
Location
- Why - Funds from this family friendly event will be used to support further staff training in Conscious Discipline.
- When - Sunday May 7th
- Time - 8:00 Registration at Park Community Charter School with 9:00 start time for all events.
- Anticipated End Time - 10:30 for the run and walk, 11:00 for the 20 mile Bike Ride.
- Cost - $20.00 for Participants 13 or older, $15.00 each for groups of six or more with all participants 13 or older, Participants 5-13 $10.00, Kids 4 or less Free!
Teacher Feature
2nd Grade - Mrs. Gardner
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. –Arlington Heights, Il.
Where did you go to High School and/or college? I went to High School for three years in Rolling Meadosn, Il. When I was a senior we moved to St. Germain, WI and I graduated from Northland Pines in Eagle River. I attended UW-Eau Claire for my BS degree.
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? This is my 27th year in Kaukauna.
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school?
I LOVE teaching 2nd graders! They are like sponges—soaking up tons of new learning. I enjoy watching their eyes “light up” for new knowledge and understanding.
What makes Park Community a special school?
I believe we have a strong, special school. Our amazing staff are dedicated and committed to teaching our students to be thoughtful, respectful, engaging members of society. I love how we make students feel connected and valued. Our students do succeed be-cause they think they can!
2nd Grade - Mrs. Gries
Where are you from? Menasha
Where did you go to High School and/or college?
I went to Menasha High School and I graduated from St. Norbert College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Elementary Education and minor in Early Childhood
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? This is my 23rd year teaching 2nd grade! I even did my student teaching at Park Community under the direction of Mrs. Kuehl!
What is your favorite thing about teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school?
My My favorite thing about teaching 2nd grade is building our school family with 7-8 year old students! Children at this age seek safety, love and attention. I love building relationships and making connections with students. They are so inquisitive and interested in learning! I enjoy watching them grow academically, socially, physically and emotionally over the year!
What makes Park Community a special school?
Conscious Discipline makes Park Community a special place to learn and to grow as a staff member and as a student. I feel fortunate to work with so many wonderful colleagues that truly care about our students! Park Community is a special school because the staff is always looking for ways to improve their skills so our students’ skills improve!
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 read the book Penguins Love Color by Sarah Aspinall. We then learned about primary colors and how they can create other colors. We mixed our Secondary Colors from our Primary Colors then used our new colors to draw penguins. We finished them off with a cute little winter scene placing them in Rainbow order.
1st Grade learned about New York Pop Artist James Rizzi and created buildings with a cartoon style. Our buildings each took on their own personality once we added a face to them!
2nd Grade started to talk about foreground, middle ground and background. We also learned with perspective is and why it is important in showing these spaces on our paper. We then created Minion snow days inspired by the book Minions Snow Day by Brandon T. Snider.
3rd Grade finished their Hawaiian Tikis and started to create monsters inspired by the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. We will be focusing on how to create different kinds of textures to help our monsters stand out.
4th Grade finished off their metal repousse with a black border decorated to match their awesome animals. We then talked about form and how things we can see from all sides are sculptures. We will take our new knowledge to build oversized crayons and pencils!
Featured Artist’s of the Month!
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| Tristan Wolosek 2nd Grade - Gardner |
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| Luke Brochtrup 3rd Grade Nicholson |
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| Marissa Hietpas 4th Grade Serwe |
A message from Mrs. VanderLoop in the “FILLING STATION”
The Library wishes to thank Mr.and Mrs. Niquette for donating two books to honor a former teacher in the Kaukauna School District.A message from Mrs. VanderLoop in the “FILLING STATION”Kindergarten - We have decided that we definitely like books by Lita Judge. We enjoyed two of them so far. Students also enjoyed a new title that reminded us of how a character’s size can depend on what they are comparing. Next to a Lego man students are BIG, but next to an adult, they are small.
Second Graders - We had fun “meeting” David Shannon after reading Too Many Toys. He got the idea for the book from his daughter. He wrote his first book when he was 6. We could write stories about the things that we do. Then since students read fables in their classroom, we enjoyed three different versions of The Tortoise and the Hare. Same story but we found lots of differences and similarities.
Third Graders - reviewed the Atlas as a useful resource. We also made a connection between the God Atlas who was punished by having to hold the heavens up and the name of a resource that has maps of everything on Earth. I showed them a picture of the beautiful sculpture that can be seen on Hwy 41 on the right before the Kaukauna Hwy. J exit. It is an excellent place to visit. Students learned about the AV2 books that we have in the Library. They offer some form of audio visual that correlates with the topic of the book. Students need to access the AV2 website. The introduction of these books was a great segway into our next research project.
Fourth Graders - had fun trying to locate information about the Arches and Canyonland National Park in Utah. It was an excellent way to introduce the Culture Grams Database. However, this resource did not provide as much into as we wanted so the question was WHERE NOW? Students had to refer to the resources available, and it was decided that a website might be helpful so WEBPATH EXPRESS is the place to start when looking for a website. Well, we were not disappointed although it took some tenacity. We found an excellent video of these amazing works of nature. In fact, I shared it with all of the teachers in case they wanted to share it with their students. Yes, research can be such fun - it may not be easy but persistence pays off.
The Iditarod is Coming!
Help Park Community Charter School sponsor PEANUT in the 2017 Iditarod.
Peanut is a sled dog on Wade Marrs’s team which will compete in the 2017 Iditarod starting in March. Last year Wade Marrs visited our school family.
We are trying to raise $300.00 by March 1st. If you are interested in helping we will take any monetary donation in the school office. You can drop off your donation, send it with your child, or mail your donation to Park Community Charter School 509 Lawe Street, Kaukauna WI 54130. Checks can be made out to Park Community Charter School.
Physical Education with Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Stratton
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| Mrs. Wells |
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| Mrs. Sratton |
Jump Rope for Heart is also coming in February! The American Heart Association and Park Community are teaming up to help fight heart disease and stroke. During the program, students will learn about their heart and how to develop healthy habits. They will also have the opportunity to raise funds to help save lives!
Music With Mrs. Krueger
The kindergarteners are making great improvements in using their singing voices. This is something we will continue to work on throughout the rest of the year. Some of the songs they worked on during the month of January are: The Snowman, The Mitten Song, and See The Pony Galloping. This is one of their favorite songs as they get to gallop around the room while they are singing.
1st grade
The 1st graders worked on songs in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day during January. Some of them include: Sing About Martin, A Man Named King, and The Road To Freedom. They also each had their ability to match pitch tested.
2nd grade
The 2nd graders began learning music for their spring concert. They learned that they will have the opportunity to sing a solo or have a speaking part for the concert and were able to volunteer if they would like to have a special part. The concert is called Destination Rock ‘n’ Roll and will be performed at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 6.
3rd grade
The 3rd graders sang a variety of songs during January. Some of them include: A Man Named King, Sing About Martin, Free At Last, and Dream Your Dreams. The 3rd graders also discussed how to keep Dr King’s dream alive here at Park Community-to be a kind and caring person. Don’t use words to hurt someone’s feelings. Be a friend. Make someone feel good today!
4th grade
The 4th graders continued working hard on their recorders skills and the recorder Karate program. Please encourage your child to practice at home and always remember to bring their recorder back to school on our music days-Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 4th graders also started learning about a variety of instruments.
News from the School Nurse
In the last few weeks influenza has made itself know in Wisconsin. What is influenza? Influenza is a contagious disease that is spread easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing. For most people influenza presents itself with a fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Some people can get much sicker. Influenza kills about 36,000 people each year in the United States; mostly the elderly and persons with an underlying health condition.
A routine flu vaccine and regular hand washing are the best ways to prevent this illness. However, if your child should become ill, please follow the guidelines below when deciding if they should be at school.
Please keep your child home if:
Your child has had a fever greater than 100 degrees within the past 24 hours.
Your child has vomited or had diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
A cough (or other illness symptom) is bothersome to your child and may prevent him/her from participating in learning.
Your child is not able to participate fully in all school activities including recess. If your child is run down an extra day of rest may be helpful.
Remember you know your child best so take your cue from them when deciding if they are well enough to be at school. Once your child is at school, we try to encourage them to participate fully. However, if your child does develop a fever or appears ill we will contact you.
You can find more information on influenza on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website: www.cdc.gov/flu
February SCHOOL COUNSELING NEWS!! From Mr. Zamost
February Classroom Guidance
During the month of February, I will be visiting all of the K-4 classrooms and talking with students about Self Knowledge and Management/Self-Esteem! In each grade level we will learn about valuing our own unique talents and abilities. We will discuss the concepts of individuality, positive thinking, and positive attitudes. All classes will be involved in classroom discussion around these topics and participate in class projects, stories or videos that encourage the development of self-confidence and self-esteem.
SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES
At the beginning of February, we will be starting to develop a new round of small group opportunities for any students who are recommended or referred by their teacher, a parent or themselves. The various groups being offered include: Friendship/Social Skills Groups, Recess Group ( Being too competitive or not able to follow rules) and Family Change Group.
For questions, concerns or referrals call 766-6134 ext. 3164 or e-mail zamostd@kaukauna.sd.org
K-Kids Update!
At our last meeting we set up shop almost like an assembly line and cut out box tops for our school to help raise money! Once I have the official amount we were able to raise I will of course share. Next meeting we will be putting together little care packages for the children's hospital and making cards for them as well. Below is some pictures of our last meeting cutting out box tops.Conference Changes for February 21st and 23rd
This year February conferences are planned on an invitation basis. You should have been contacted by now with a sign up genius ling if your child's teacher is requesting a confernce. If you did not recieve an email requesting a conference and would like to meet with your teacher you are still welcome to come in for a conference. A sign up genious link will also be coming for this. If you do not recieve it just contact Mrs. Tennessen and she can help you out at 766-6129.
Teacher Preferences for 17-18
If you are interested in having your child in a particular room for the upcoming school year please fill out THIS FORM and return it to the school office by Monday April 3rd. Requests like this are not guaranteed but will be strongly considered when determining the make up of our homerooms for next year.
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.
Lost and Found
Are you missing any items of clothing, mittens, hats? Please check out our Lost and found box in the school lobby.
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.
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 Rescheduled
On Tuesday February 7th at 5:00pm Park Community families will take over Funset Boulevard in Appleton for a fun night of games, rides and laser tag.
Upcoming Events
- Feb 2nd - Ground Hog Day
- Feb 7th - Early Release Day - Students dismissed at 11:30 Also - Rescheduled Funset Boulevard Day - 5:00
- Feb 13th - PAC Sponsored Pic a Different Name Day
- Feb 13th - KASD Board of Education Mtg. - District Office
- Feb 14th - Park Community PAC Mtg. - 5:30PM
- Feb 14th - Valentine's Day
- Feb 15th - Wear Park Community Gear DAY
- Feb 15th - Park Community Governance Board Meeting - 5:15PM - Library
- Feb 20th - Basket Raffel Tickets on Sale!
- Feb 21st - Invite Parent Conferences 4:30 - 7:00PM
- Feb 23rd - Early Release - Student dismissed at 11:30 - Invite Conferences 12:30 - 8:00 pm
- Feb 26th - Dr. Suess Birthday!
- Feb 27th - KASD Board of Education Mtg. - District Office
