Dear Parent/Guardian:

This month Oriole Lane will embark on a special project, an all school book club called One

School, One Book. Every family will receive a copy of the same book – Andrew Clements’

Frindle - and will be asked to read it at home over the next two weeks. We are personally

asking you to make the time so your family can participate in this special activity.

Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your child to be an effective reader.

But it is also a fun, worthwhile family activity. With the One School, One Book program, we

aim to build a community of readers at our school. Everyone - students, parents, teachers, even

administrative staff - will be participating, and we can all reap the many benefits.

Your oldest child will receive a copy of Frindle at a special school-wide assembly introducing

the program and the book. When the book comes home, you will receive a tailored reading

schedule so you can keep up at home. Generally you will be asked to read a chapter a night –

about 15 minutes per night, this could even count as part of your child’s nightly reading.

At Oriole Lane, your child will be invited to answer daily trivia questions to encourage and

reward attentive, aggressive listening. You will soon find that your child will take pride in

knowing and anticipating the details of the story. In class, there may be various activities which

discuss or explore the book. You will want to make sure your family keeps up so your child can

be included. Throughout the rest of March and into April, everyone will be talking about

Frindle!

One School, One Book is a novel program in that children at all grade levels will all be listening

to the same book. Strange or daring as that may seem, it actually makes sound educational

sense. Reading professionals recommend reading material out loud that is beyond a child’s own

reading level. And we also believe that you can and should continue reading chapter books with

your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves. We have selected a title that

can be followed and understood and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and

stimulate older children.

Good luck! I hope to talk with both you and your student sometime this month about Nick

Allen’s respectful challenges to his teacher’s authority. “When a whole school reads a book,

there’s a lot to talk about.” With your help, we can build a Community of Readers at our school.

Trivia Bank for Frindle,

by Andrew Clements (1996) Here are the trivia questions ahead of time! Make sure you read and listen closely to the story so you can enter your

answers! Please write down your first and last name, teacher, and answer onto a post-it, fold up your post-it and then

drop your answer into the box outside the lunchroom. Make sure you drop in your answer before the end of the day,

which is when we will announce the correct answer and pick that day’s winners.

1. What kind of bird is Nick Allen imitating when he chirps in Mrs. Avery’s class?

2. Mrs. Granger keeps 30 copies of what book on the back shelf in her classroom?

3. What is Mrs. Granger’s nickname (the name students use behind her back)?

4. Reading the first paragraph of the essay in the dictionary, according to Nick, is like reading the ingredients

of...what?

5. According to Mrs. Granger, who decides what words make it into the dictionary?

6. When Nick Allen was 2 years old, he used the word gwagala to mean...what?

7. While talking w/ Nick, Mrs. Granger holds up a maroon fountain pen. What color is the cap?

8. The word for pen, comes from the Latin word pinna, which in Latin means...what?

9. When the school principal, Mrs. Chatham, comes to his house, Nick likens her to a chess piece. Exactly what

piece?

10. “Grey. Maybe flecked w/ a little gold. Very sharp. But not hard or mean. Just bright, and strong.” Whose eyes

are these?

11. (A toughie today, for a short chapter.) The headline in the Westfield Gazette said “Move Over, Mr. Webster.”

Who is Mr. Webster?

12. Apparently, frindle is not the first word to be made up on the spot as an experiment. What word was invented in

Dublin, Ireland in 1791?

13. How do children spell pen on Mrs. Granger’s spelling tests?

14. How much does lunch cost at Nick’s elementary school?

15. What is Mrs. Granger’s first name?

Reading Schedule for Andrew Clements’ Frindle (1996)

15 chapters 3 weeks

March Thursday the 20th - Chapter 1 - Nick Friday the 21st - Chapter 2 – Mrs. Granger Monday the 24th - Chapter 3 – The Question Tuesday the 25th - Chapter 4 – Word Detective Wednesday the 26th - Chapter 5 – The Report Thursday the 27th - Chapter 6 – The Big Idea Friday the 28th - Chapter 7 – Word Wars Monday the 31th - Chapter 8 – Mightier than the Sword April Tuesday the 1st - Chapter 9 - Chess Wednesday the 2nd - Chapter 10 – Freedom of the Press Thursday the 3rd - Chapter 11 – Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Friday the 4th - Chapter 12 - Airwaves Monday the 7th - Chapter 13 - Ripples Tuesday the 8th - Chapter 14 – Inside Nick Wednesday the 9th - Chapter 15 – And the Winner Is…

Cans For Carnival!!

Dear Parents,

We will be having a school can drive called Cans

For Carnival during our Oriole Lane Carnival. We would really like it if you brought in canned foods. Please bring canned soup, fruit, or other non-perishable items. Foods like peanut butter will also be welcomed. Bring the cans to the evening carnival on April 4th.

Thank you!

From the Student Council.

4

th and 5

th Grade

General Music Concerts Where: Oriole Lane Gym When: Thursday, March 27, 2014 Time: 6:00 4th Graders go to classrooms 6:15-6:45 4th grade Performance

7:00 5th Graders to classrooms 7:15-7:45 5th grade Performance

Dear Families of 4th and 5th Graders, Your child will be participating in a music concert on the above date. The children will sing, dance, and play musical instruments to show how they learn basic concepts in general music class. Each child will be given a special part. If for some reason your child cannot participate, please notify Mrs. Dobrowits, as soon as possible. Extension x4239. Students will need to be dressed in concert attire. That means dress up a bit! Sincerely, Mrs. Dobrowits PLEASE NOTE: To prevent traffic congestion, we need you to arrive and depart from the school only at the designated times. There should be plenty of seating this year. Please feel free to invite grandparents and special guests. Older and younger siblings must remain in your company throughout the evening. We look forward to seeing you!

MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH MARCH 2014 Every March, music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to share musical ideas and accomplishments with their families,

friends, and communities. This year at Oriole Lane School, students will be celebrating Music in our Schools Month in a variety of ways:

All Oriole Lane students will be issued a pin with this year’s theme, “Music Makes Me Happy!” My hope is that students and staff will wear the pin each day this month for this special celebration.

We will also be participating in a Song of the Week Raffle. Students (Grades 1-5) will be given a traditional folk song at the beginning of each week. If the students sing the song together with an adult at home, they can be entered into a raffle for each song. At the end of the month, twenty different winners will be announced from the entries. (Please note that this is strictly optional).

Near the end of the month/early April, we will have Recital Days for students in Grades 1-5. Students may bring an instrument to music class for musical show and tell or they may perform a piece of music that they have learned at home on an instrument of their choice.

The 4th and 5th graders will be performing in their general music concert on Thursday, March 27 in the Oriole Lane gym. Look for times and additional information to come soon!

I hope that this year’s theme “Music Education: Orchestrating Success” will serve to remind us of the impact music holds in our lives. Take time to reflect upon the month’s activities with your children. Mrs. Dobrowits

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Please see below the guidelines governing the pupil transportation program of the Mequon-Thiensville School District.

ELIGIBILITY - The district transports resident students to public and non-public schools, to and from the school of attendance,

as determined by the district. In lieu of providing transportation, the district may also provide reimbursement to parents who

transport their resident children to non-public schools located within five (5) miles of district boundaries. The rate of

reimbursement is determined annually according to a statutory formula.

ROUTES - The bus company prepares bus routes each year in consultation with the district administration, based on school

starting and ending times, and student population densities. These routes are approved by the school board and may not be

changed except by action of the school board or its designee, the district Executive Director of Business Services.

WALKING DISTANCE - Kindergarten children will not be expected to walk any further than one-quarter mile. Students in

grades 1-8 are expected to walk one-quarter mile, and students in grades 9-12 may be expected to walk one-half mile. The

Executive Director of Business Services is given discretion in determining if these distances are appropriate, and may specify

shorter or longer distances in certain cases.

Buses will not be routed into dead-end streets, cul-de-sacs, or courtyards, subject to the above distance unless the Executive

Director of Business Services determines that a hazardous walking condition exists and a safe and adequate turnaround area is

provided for the bus.

ALTERNATE PICK-UP AND/OR DROP-OFF POINT - Students may be picked up and dropped off at a point other than the

designated bus stop if the alternate location is within the student's school attendance area. Parents are required to submit written

requests for this service using the Alternative Transportation Request Form provided on the back of this letter. Forms must be

received by the Executive Director of Business Services by June 1. Requests will be granted on a space available basis and only

for one year at a time. A minimum of three (3) working days notice from the date request is received in the District Office is

required before the alternate service can begin. NO REQUESTS WILL BE PROCESSED BETWEEN AUGUST 15TH

AND

SEPTEMBER 8TH

.

Parents who want their child to ride to school on one route and home on another must request such service each year using the

Alternative Transportation Request Form by June 1. This request can be granted only if space is available on the second route.

DAY CARE TRANSPORTATION - A student who attends a day care facility may be picked up and/or dropped off at a day

care facility located in the district provided that the facility is within the student’s school attendance area. A list of community

day care facilities served by the bus routes of each elementary school is on the back of this letter. Requests for service under this

provision must be made in writing, annually, prior to June 1 using the Alternative Transportation Request Form. All requests

for service under this provision are subject to the approval of the Executive Director of Business Services.

We ask for your understanding and cooperation as we make every effort to provide a safe, efficient, cost effective transportation

program.

Sincerely,

Gail M. Grieger, Executive Director of Business Services

ye REV: 2/2014

Mequon-Thiensville School District City of Mequon and Village of Thiensville

5000 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, WI 53092 Phone: 262-238-8500, Fax: 262-238-8520

www.mtsd.k12.wi.us

Demond A. Means, Ed.D., Superintendent Matthew Joynt, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

Gail Grieger, Executive Director of Business Services Sarah Zelazoski, Executive Director of Human Resources Melissa McCrady, Executive Director of Communications

MEQUON-THIENSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION REQUEST FORM – 2014-15

Bus transportation to and from home/school is automatically provided children of Mequon-Thiensville

residents. Alternative transportation (to or from daycare/babysitter) must be requested via this form annually.

___________________________________________________ ____________________________________

Student(s) Name (Please Print) School

___________________________________________________ __________________/_________________

Home Address City Zip Code Home & Work Phone #'s

___________________________________________________ ____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name Date

Alternative Transportation:

Community Daycare Facilities Served by the Bus Routes of Each Elementary School

DONGES BAY ORIOLE LANE WILSON

Dezigned 4 Kidz

JCC Gan Ami Kids Klub

Kids Rule Academy

KinderCare

Mequon Pre-School

Mequon Jewish Pre-School

Range Line Pre-School & Childcare

Sonlight Child Development Center

Dezigned 4 Kidz

Heart of the Village

JCC Gan Ami Kids Klub

Kids Rule Academy

KinderCare

Ozaukee Day Care

Mequon Pre-School

Mequon Jewish Pre-School

Range Line Pre-School & Childcare

Playdium at the ‘nines’

Sonlight Child Development Center

Children's Edu-Care

Heart of the Village

Kids Rule Academy

Mequon Pre-School

Mequon Jewish Pre-School

Nana’s Little Ones Daycare

Range Line Pre-School & Childcare

Pickup: __________________________________ Dropoff: __________________________________

Daycare or Alternative Address Daycare or Alternative Address

Additional Comments or Instructions:

Please circle days alternative arrangements are needed:

M T W Th F

Date requested change is to begin:* _____________________________ Bus # (for school) ______________

*A minimum of three (3) working days notice from date request is received in the District Office is

required before the alternate service can begin. NO REQUESTS WILL BE PROCESSED BETWEEN

AUGUST 15TH AND SEPTEMBER 8TH.

YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED ONLY IF YOUR REQUEST IS NOT APPROVED.

Complete and forward this request for special transportation to:

YVONNE EYNON, Mequon-Thiensville School District

5000 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092 • FAX: (262) 238-8520

For questions on route #s or times, please call Alltran Services Corp. at (262) 242-4900

RETURN FORM TO DISTRICT OFFICE Date Received:__________________________ REV: 2/2014

The Assignment of Students to Classrooms

in the Mequon-Thiensville School District

Grades K – 5

At the Mequon-Thiensville Schools, we strive to provide an educational

environment in which every child can be a successful learner. The assignment of children to classrooms involves an analysis of a great deal of information about each child as an individual learner. This brochure provides an explanation about how student class placement decisions are made and how you as a parent can provide input into that process.

Who decides which teacher a student will have? The principal at the building where the student will be attending for the upcoming school year makes student class placement assignments. Each building principal works with teachers on a daily basis and best knows the individual teaching styles of the faculty. She is in the best position to match student learning styles with the classroom setting that will best meet the student’s needs. Recommendations regarding the teaching style that a former teacher or parent feels would best meet the needs of the student are also carefully considered by the building principal when making placement decisions. Requests for specific teachers by name are not accepted or considered. How are class placement assignments made? In the spring of each school year, the current classroom teacher gathers information about each student. This information includes student achievement levels and any special information that the teacher feels needs to be considered in making placement decisions for the next school year. The teachers have the opportunity to share recommendations regarding the classroom setting that they feel would best meet the needs of each student. Once again, requests for specific teachers by name are not accepted or considered.

What is considered in making class placement assignments? The principal considers the following factors in making class assignments:

Achievement levels Study Skills Current classroom teacher input Social/emotional levels of functioning Student learning styles Services required to meet an IEP

The goal is to assign students so that each class has a heterogeneous

group of students; i.e., a balance of academic strengths and needs and gender. A mix of student ability levels is the desired outcome. For ease of scheduling supplemental instructional programs, certain classrooms may have clusters of students; e.g. Special Education Inclusion/Resource Reading Support, Individual/Small Group Instruction, etc. The teacher assigned to teach specific clusters of students may change from one year to the next. How can the parent provide input into student class placement decisions? The best way for a parent to provide input is to share that information with the child’s current teacher. In most cases, this will be sufficient in helping the school to make the best decision regarding the placement of a student. In special situations, there may be information beyond the classroom teacher’s knowledge and/or which is confidential in nature. This information may be shared with the principal on a special parent input card available in each school office on Monday, March 10th. We ask that this special card be used in lieu of letters. Only requests on the parent input card will be considered due to the large number of students being placed each year. Parent input cards need to be returned to the school office by March 28th..

Parent information should include:

the type of classroom atmosphere that would be the best match

for their child’s learning style, special family concerns, other students the child needs to be separated from due to

situations outside the school of which the teacher has no knowledge, and

other information that the current teacher doesn’t already possess.

Once, again, requests for specific teachers by name will not be

accepted or considered. When are class placement decisions made? Due to the mobility of our community and changes in staff teaching assignments, class placement decisions are ongoing throughout the summer and are finalized in mid-August. Class assignments will be sent home close to the opening of school due to last minute registrations and changes in teaching assignments. No changes will be made in class assignments once they are established.

We are looking forward to having your child as a student in our school. We hope that this explanation will help you understand that many factors are considered in making classroom assignments. You can be assured that our administrators and teachers join you in wanting an environment for your child in which he or she will be a successful learner.