Principal Thoughts
Hello School Family!
Well it is April already in a year that seems to have flown by. Spring is in the air and I even had the opportunity to dust off the golf clubs and get on the course again! As the school year comes to an end we have several important events coming up to share with you. If you have questions about any of the events listed please feel free to contact me at kortensk@kaukaunasd.org or by phone at 766-6129.
Forward Testing - Our 3rd and 4th graders have begun taking the state exams called Forward. These tests are all computer based and assess our students in Math, Reading and Writing for 3rd and 4th grade and in 4th grade they are also assessed in Science and Social Studies. Our students are well prepared and have been taking the testing process very seriously. While any testing can cause anxiety our teachers do a great job of using the skills we have learned in Conscious Discipline to help calm all of our students as they take the assessments. The scores are submitted to the state of Wisconsin and these along with other factors are used to determine our school report card grade. As a school we received and exceeds Expectations grade which is the second highest available. If you have questions about forward testing feel free to contact me at kortensk@kaukaunasd.org or by phone at 766-6129.
2nd Grade Concert - Our annual second grade concert is Thursday April 6th at 6:30pm in our gym. This is a great opportunity for our students to share their musical talents with our school community. Please come and check it out! If you cannot make the evening performance we will have a dress rehearsal at 2:00 on the 6th for our school family.
Lambeau Field Info Night - On April 19th from 6-7 pm we will be hosting a representative from Lambeau Field who will speak to our group about the booth we will be staffing at events this coming season starting with the Billy Joel Concert on June 17th. Those of you who expressed interested in helping us out at games and other events held at Lambeau this coming school year will receive an email invitation to this night. All others who want to learn more are welcome to attend. This event if successful could replace many if not all of the small fundraisers that PAC has traditionally done each year. We do not need you to buy anything we just need your help working the booth for a couple of hours.
The Kaukauna Strong Challenge - Sunday May 7th at Noon
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 Competitive 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.
- Why - Funds from this family friendly event will be used to support further staff training in Conscious Discipline.
- When - Sunday May 7th
- Time - 11:00 Registration at Park Community Charter School with Noon start time for all events.
- Anticipated End Time - 1:30 for the run and walk, 2:00 for the 20 mile Bike Ride.
- Cost - $20.00 for Participants 13 or older, $15.00 each for groups of six with all participants 13 or older, Participants 5-13 $10.00, Kids 4 or less Free!
Staff Feature - Office
Mr. Kortens - PrincipalWhere are you from? Manitowoc WI
Where did you go to High School and/or college? I graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1983. I have a bachelor degree from UW-Green Bay in Political Science and History. I received my Master Degree in Administration and Supervision from Marquette and my Superintendent’s certification from Cardinal Stritch University.
Total years in Kaukauna Area School District? 16 years. I have served at all levels in our district starting as an associate principal at KHS and RiverView from 2000-2008 and an elementary principal for the past eight years. Prior to that I served as principal of Catholic Central High School in Burlington WI and I taught middle school social studies in Kenosha for 7 years.
What makes Park Community a special school? Park Community is a great school with a strong commitment to making our community better. As a former social studies teacher, I love being a part of a school committed to helping our students become better citizens. Our kids know more about Kaukauna because they experience it first hand through our field studies and our integrated units of study.
Where are you from? Little Chute
Where did you go to High School and/or college? St. John’s High School, Little Chute and Fox Valley Technical Institute
How many years have I been teaching your grade level or working in an elementary school? I started working part-time in 1997 at the High School. I moved to Park when we because a Charter in the 2010-2011 school year.
What makes Park Community a special school? Our theme at Park is not only being a school family but being a part of a bigger family, our Community. Building relationships with not only everyone here but our community partners. These are lifelong lessons!
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 working hard on trying to create a self portrait. People are hard and getting all our parts in the right places is challenging. They are enjoying imagining themselves as royalty!
1st Grade Worked on pattern with teacups that could have come straight from Wonderland! Our bright stack of teacups are filled with patterns to make any Mad Hatter happy!
2nd Grade started their self portrait project and are imagining themselves as pirates and cowboys straight from the Wild West. We are creating wanted posters for all the crazy things 2nd grade students do!
3rd Grade has been working on drawing realistically. We used spring as our inspiration to create glass jars filled with bugs. Students enjoyed the challenge of creating realistic looking bugs and practicing value.
4th Grade is loving their dragon eyes. We’ve talked about cropping and how to blend oil pastels to create realistic looking scales.Like something straight out of a fairy tale our eyes look amazing!Featured Artist's of the Month!
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| Eli Rayer 1st Grade - Cunniff |
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| Lillian Schaefer 2nd Grade Gries |
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| Kaelyn Rogers 4th Grade - Serwe |
A message from Mrs. Vander Loop in the “filling station"
In March, our minds turned to mush - ing. On the first Sunday of March the 45th Iditarod began. Park School students and staff had a vested interest in the race this year, because we sponsored Peanut, a dog of musher Wade Marrs. Wade visited Park Community Charter School last year.
Kindergartners - were introduced to the trail, the dogs, the sleds, the mushers. They viewed clips from previous races. We read a book written by Libby Riddles, a musher from Wisconsin, who won the Iditarod years ago. After winning the race she became an author. Since the race does include the path that Balto took in the winter of 1925, we reviewed that story as well.
First Grade focused on the real heroes of the Iditarod; the dogs. Research began with the dictionary and then continued to books, magazines and websites. After learning all the facts we watched a video of the Dogs of the Iditarod. Students recognized the two coats of fur, the thick pads on their feet, the pointed ears, the markings on their heads and of course the booties. The research culminated with each student posting a fact for everyone to enjoy. Perhaps you saw them on the Library windows.
Second Graders learned everything there is to know about this interesting event. Since there was so much information, it was decided that we would organize the information by using the ABC’s. We learned that cache is a French word that means envelope. We learned about diphtheria and the sleds and the gear they must bring, the qualifications etc. We ended the project by using the 26 words to create a Word Cloud program on the computer.
Third Graders turned their attention to the great state of Alaska. We found out the intent of the race is to share the history of Alaska. It is a race of 1049 miles which reminds us that Alaska is the 49th state. The trail follows the path that gold seekers traveled during the Alaskan Gold Rush. It was exciting to learn that Wade Marrs received 3000.00 in gold nuggets. We learned that a 13 yr. old child designed the flag. Students searched the internet for facts about the 800 mile pipeline, the almanac for the size and population of Alaska. In order to share our information, students learned how to present their facts on a FlipGrid which video records them sharing their learning. Third Graders also chose two mushers to follow during the race. They read and dissected those musher’s biographies.
Fourth Graders chose two mushers to follow. They recorded specific information from each musher’s biography. Next they were directed to the Iditarod website on the Library Homepage. They recognized the copyright, each part of the menu, and the table that reported daily updates. They monitored the checkpoint their musher was at, how many dogs they had, the speed they were traveling. After looking up the definition of impetus, we watched a video that portrayed the impetus that resulted in thousands of people moving to Alaska and establishing sites such as Iditarod.
Dress Like a Musher Day and an all school assembly kept the momentum on an all time high. The entire school sang the Iditarod Trail Song. Wade Marrs finished in 6th place. We were all reminded that there are no losers in the race and even the last musher that get to Nome receives a trophy and a prize of money. Once again the mushers showed examples of trustworthiness, respect, kindness and helpfulness toward each other.
Physical Education with Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Stratton
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| Mrs. Stratton |
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| Mrs. Wells |
In March, all grade levels finished up the tumbling and rhythm units. Tumbling was a fun exploration unit where students were able to explore a variety of stations consisting of climbing, jumps, rolls, turtle dome activities and other obstacles. During rhythms, students learned many different dances- some with verbal cues and others we had to move to the beat of the music!
Jump Rope for Heart money has been sent to the American Heart Association and thank you gifts should be arriving soon. Park Community raised $4,249 to help those in need. Thank you again to all who donated!
Music with Mrs. Krueger
Kindergarten
The kindergarteners worked very hard on the concept of a steady beat during March. They used rhythm sticks to keep track of the beat in a variety of ways. They also learned a new song called “The Three Little Pig Blues” where they used their rhythm sticks as a microphone and a guitar. Some of the other songs they learned were: Three Little Fishes and Clap Your Hands.
1st Grade
The 1st graders continued to work with hand chimes in March. They reviewed how to correctly hold and play them. They also practiced reading and performing whole and half note rhythm patterns. They also enjoyed a couple of Arthur videos. One compared jazz vs. classical music, and the other featured the clarinet.
2nd Grade
The 2nd graders spent the month of March preparing for their upcoming spring concert on Thursday, April 6. It will be at 6:30 in the gym. Please make sure that your child arrives that night by 6:10. They should report to the music room. They are really doing a fantastic job!!
3rd Grade
The 3rd graders learned a couple of new songs in March. One is called My Personal Code. We discussed what makes up their own personal code-they have the power to choose who they want to be. Another song was called We Believe In Music. Finally, the 3rd graders enjoyed watching some of the group Stomp.
4th Grade
The 4th graders spent most of the month of March working on their recorders. We have make it to the red belt, which is the 7th belt of 9. Please encourage and support your child to keep practicing at home! The 4th graders also learned a new song called We Will remember.
News from the School Nurse - Mrs. Sundelius
On average the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a minimum of 5 ounces of fluid (water) every 20 minutes during hot weather. Ideally this fluid will be consumed in the shade while taking a rest from activities.
Fun ideas to encourage your child to drink water:
- Slice fruit or veggies and place them in water for a natural flavoring (make this a fun project for you and your child).
- Freeze fruit and use for ice cubes.
- Get your child a fun water bottle to use and teach them how to fill it up.
- Freeze water bottles for ice cold water all day long.
- Praise your child when they finish the water they are given. The praise can be a simple “good job” or a more elaborate reward system like a sticker chart.
- As always… be a role model yourself. Watching their parents and other adults is the primary way that children learn and their future eating/drinking patterns are ingrained.
SCHOOL COUNSELING NEWS!! From Mr. Zamost
April Classroom GuidanceDuring the month of April, I will be teaching in all of the K-4 classrooms and presenting on the topic of DECISION-MAKING SKILLS! In today’s world kids are faced with more and more important decisions at much younger ages…(Should I focus on baseball or basketball?, Should I try that cigarette or say no? Should I play that T rated video game at my friends or suggest a different activity?) It is so important for kids to develop strong decision making skills. In each grade level we will discuss the Decision-Making process, role play decision-making skills, and understand how to apply these positive social skills while interacting with others. All classes will be focusing on the benefits of sharpening our interpersonal skills to show good character!
K-Kids Update!
K-Kids is wrapping up as we only have one more meeting left (April 27th) which will be the end of the year celebration! More information and details to come as we get closer to the end of April.
During March we worked on making care baskets for the Children’s Hospital (pictured below) and made teacher appreciation cards! As a bonus, our K-Kids have been asked to put together a presentation demonstrating our community service we have provided this year by Kiwanis Club. Once our presentation is finalized I will share so we all can take a look on the hard work and service we have been able to accomplish.
Reading News from our Reading Specialist - Mrs. Keehan
WHAT RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
Parent Expectations and Student Achievement:
School age children spend 70% of their waking hours (including weekends and holidays) outside of school. The most consistent predictors of children’s academic achievement and social adjustment are parent expectations of the child’s academic attainment and satisfaction with their child’s education at school.
Decades of research show that when parents are involved students have:
- Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates
- Better school attendance
- Increased motivation, better self-esteem
- Lower rates of suspension
- Decreased use of drugs and alcohol
- Fewer instances of violent behavior
When children practice reading at home with parents, the children make significant gains in reading achievement compared to those who only practice at school. Parents, who read to their children, have books available, take trips, guide TV watching, and provide stimulating experiences contribute to student achievement.
Families whose children are doing well in school exhibit the following characteristics:
1. Establish a daily family routine. Examples: Providing time and a quiet place to study, assigning responsibility for household chores, being firm about bedtime and having dinner together.
2. Monitor out-of-school activities. Examples: Setting limits on TV watching, checking up on children when parents are not home, arranging for after-school activities and supervised care.
3. Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work. Examples: Communicating through questioning and conversation, demonstrating that achievement comes from working hard.
4. Express high but realistic expectations for achievement. Examples: Setting goals and standards that are appropriate for children's age and maturity, recognizing and encouraging special talents, informing friends and family about successes.
5. Encourage children's development/ progress in school. Examples: Maintaining a warm and supportive home, showing interest in children's progress at school, helping with homework, discussing the value of a good education and possible career options, staying in touch with teachers and school staff.
6. Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members. Examples: Reading, listening to children read and talking about what is being read.
(Excerpts taken from: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Final_Parent_Involvement_Fact_Sheet_14732_7.pdf)Inspirational Video
People are like garbage trucks is a short film about the positive and healthy way to react when negativity come our way. Don't allow a negative experience effect your day for the worse. We may not have the power to control everything that happens to us, but we DO have a choice on how we react to it. We can take control and not allow negativity to creep in and ruin our positive outlook and way of life.
Free Preschool Screening
The Kaukauna Area School District will be holding a free preschool screening at Tanner Early Learning Center on June 2nd, 5th, 6th and 7th for Kaukauna Area School District children. Information about the screening has already been mailed to most parents of children who will be four on or before September 1, 2017. In addition, parents of three year olds are encouraged to schedule a screening if there are any questions or concerns about their child’s development. The screening results will be used to provide parents with information about their child’s current development and to provide suggestions for follow-up activities. Parents will also receive information about district and community services. When there is reasonable cause to believe a child may have an impairment, the child will be referred for an evaluation.The screening will last approximately one hour. Please call 766-6150 (Tanner School) if you need
registration information. You will be notified of your appointment date and time about two weeks prior to the screening.
PARENTS—PLEASE PASS INFORMATION ON
If you know anyone who has children age 0 to 18 who are not currently enrolled in the Kaukauna Area School District but live within the district’s boundaries, please direct them to our website to fill out a Census Update form. They can get a copy by visiting our website at www.kaukauna.k12.wi.us. Click on ”Prospective Family & Staff” and then click “How to Enroll”.
Y-Care Sign Up
School Age Parents,Registration for next year's program begins Monday, April 3, 2017. Some sites fill up within days, so register as soon as possible on or after April 3!
Click Here for more information.The link gives you information on how to register and our rates for 2017-18. REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE THROUGH OUR MEMBERSHIP & PROGRAM SOFTWARE, WHICH IS DIFFERENT THAN LAST SCHOOL YEAR. Carefully open and read the file so you are fully prepared to sign up.
Any questions please let myself or Claire Nodolf know!
Julia Wohlt
Member Service & Child Care Director
HEART OF THE VALLEY YMCA
225 W Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly, WI 54136
(O) 920.830.5704 (F) 920.830.3068
(E) jwohlt@ymcafoxcities.org
(W) www.ymcafoxcities.org
Intro to Girls Hockey
Doug Meyer once again has reserved spring ice at AFIC for Girls Intro to Hockey practices. This would be an option for any girl regardless of age you may know who wants to try hockey or is new to the sport. Below is the practice schedule at the Appleton Family Ice Center. The cost is only $25 per skater. There will also be free (security deposit only) rental equipment available as well.Sunday, 4/23/2017 2:00-2:50pm
Sunday, 4/30/2017 2:00-2:50pm
Sunday, 5/7/2017 2:00-2:50pm
Sunday, 5/14/2017 1:30-2:20pm
Sunday, 5/21/2017 2:00-2:50pm
Sunday, 6/4/2017 1:30-2:20pm
Click Here to access the registration form. Please try to submit these forms as early as possible, so we can plan the practices and coaches accordingly.
Let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Brad
Brad Beyer
Fox River Girls Hockey Club
920-655-1102
Upcoming Events
April 10 - KASD Board of Education Mtg.
April 11 - Park Community Governance Board Mtg.
April 12 - Families notified of enrollment status at Park Community
April 13-17 No School Spring Break
April 15 - Park Community Brat Fry
April 19 - Lambeau Field Booth Presentation - 6:00
