Middle School Newsletter

November, 2018

Dear WDP Middle School Families, November has arrived! That means two months of school are now complete and hopefully everyone is settling into a positive and consistent routine that’s leading to success both inside and outside the classroom. Items of interest this month include…

Advisory Period

I wrote about the creation of a weekly student advisory period in last month’s newsletter. There are 43 separate advisory groups building-wide, averaging 16-20 students per group, by grade level. Almost every staff member in the building is linked to an advisory group in some manner. Your child will have participated in 7 or 8 advisory sessions since school started in September. Time spent in advisory sessions is sometimes a large group activity, but other times may be dedicated to a smaller sub group of students in need of some kind of assistance. Every month has a different theme for advisory periods. September’s theme was unity and October’s was responsibility. Some examples of activities include things like do-you-know-your-neighbor, discussions and surveys regarding feelings of connectedness to school, personal goal setting, brain breaks, and combating cyber bullying. The theme for the month of November will be pride – which will hopefully be on display in an advisory group vs. advisory group free throw shooting contest at our November 9

th pep

assembly to celebrate student successes.

A.L.I.C.E.

A.L.I.C.E. is a district-wide set of strategies and actions for dealing with an aggressive intruder/active shooter event that the school district adopted a couple years ago. All district staff has been trained and new staff members continue to be trained annually. Every time we conduct a fire drill at school, which occurs nine times throughout the year, teachers also briefly talk with students about A.L.I.C.E. Information that summarizes the A.L.I.C.E. content shared with students can be found at this web address – http://www.wdpsd.com/alice I encourage parents to review the contents of the attached presentation and talk with their son or daughter about what they should do if an event like that ever occurred. Should you have any questions about this, do not hesitate to contact us.

School happenings?

Photos and stories from significant middle school events or school happenings can often be found at multiple web addresses: https://wdpmsacademics.wordpress.com/ https://wdpmsactivities.wordpress.com/ https://wdpmsconcerts.wordpress.com/ https://wdpmsdances.wordpress.com/ https://wdpmsassemblies.wordpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/westdeperems/ http://www.wdpsd.com/middleschool/ - look for Latest News in the center of the main page

8th

grade Washington D.C. Trip

A parent meeting for those families interested in the trip was held on October 25. For students in grade 8, a November 9, 2018 down payment of $200 will be required to remain on the trip list. Checks payable to West De Pere Middle School can be delivered to our main office. More information about the trip can be found on our Washington D.C. trip webpage – https://sites.google.com/wdpsd.com/dctrip/ Lost and Found

Please feel free to stop by school at your convenience to see if your son and daughter may have lost items in the lost and found located in our commons. The lost and found will be emptied out and gone for donation to Goodwill after Friday, November 9. Sincerely, Dr. James Finley, Principal

Phantom Phundamentals Update October – Compassion

Students at West De Pere Middle School continue to impress the teachers and staff with their acts of character at school, in extra-curricular programs, and at home. Here are a few examples of the way that our students are demonstrating strong character. Sahara Howard, Grade 6, displayed Compassion when a student needed something for class, and Sahara willingly volunteered to share her materials and help the classmate. Addsion Cornwell, Grade 7, showed Citizenship when she congratulated a classmate for becoming our Vice President of Student Council. This was a position that Addison wanted and ran for. Cooper Lieuwen, Grade 8, displayed Citizenship when on two separate occasions, Cooper brought in armfuls of trash after cross country practice.

Attention Deer Hunters! If your son or daughter is planning on going deer hunting, the following procedures must be followed to have the absence excused:

1. Present a written parent permission slip to the attendance clerk or have a parent call the school requesting

the student to be released for a pre-excused absence. (Pre-excused absence slips will be available the first

week of November) 2. Student will be issued a pre-excused absence form to be signed by all teachers. 3. Return completed form to the attendance office two days prior to the planned absence.

Optional 8th Grade Year Washington, D.C. Trip Throughout the school year, there will be opportunities for students in all grades to fundraise to help support their 8th grade DC trip if they choose to participate. Gas cards and Seroogy candy sales are available to students in all grades.

If your son/daughter is interested in participating in the DC trip, please complete the form on the DC site. For any further inquiries regarding the trip, please contact Ms. Slowinski eslowinski@wdpsd.com.

Washington D.C. Information

For more information - https://sites.google.com/wdpsd.com/dctrip/

All Grade Levels

Gas Cards

Shell Gas Cards are available in the middle school office. Students earn 8% on every card sold. Bring cash or check (Payable to West De Pere Middle School) to the middle school office for purchase. We carry $50 or $100 cards. (Please include your child’s name on the check/envelope.)

Seroogy Candy Sales

The Seroogy sales have already started and are available in the middle school office. Students may pick up a box of 48 assorted Seroogy chocolate bars for $72.00. $36 per box goes toward the student’s DC account. (Please include your child’s name on the check/envelope.)

French Club News French Club students met on Thursday, October 11 after school for French Club Game Night! Students enjoyed croissants and played a variety of familiar games in French or authentic French games. Some examples include Milles Bornes and French Monopoly. French Club is open to all students, grades 6-8, who have French this school year, and students are still invited to join! Students can look forward to one French Club event per month throughout the school year. November’s event will be held on Thursday, November 1 from 2:45-3:30 in Madame VDB’s classroom (506). We will be celebrating National French Week!

Important Middle School Dates

Do you VOLUNTEER? Keep track and earn a Scholarship! We want to recognize and reward those students that give of their time and talents to positively impact our community. PACT (Parents and Community Together) is taking this opportunity to recognize students who have engaged in volunteer activities and demonstrated exceptional community service by sponsoring scholarships. Winners will receive Phantom dollars that can be used while the student attends West De Pere Middle School. Phantom dollars can be used toward any school fees such as: class fees, school supplies, field or class trips, lunch fees, dances, apparel, DC trip or any activity fee during the school year. Now is the time to keep track of your volunteer hours, more information coming soon!

Art Corner

Reminder of the De Pere Lion’s Club poster contest, “Kindness Matters.” Students who are ages 11-13 can design a poster showing how “Kindness Matters.” Posters can only use pictures, NO WORDS! Students who are participating or still want to participate need to get their posters turned in to Mrs. Schlatter (Room 306 - Art room) by Friday, November 3rd. If you have more questions, contact Mrs. Schlatter at tschlatter@wdpsd.com. Art Club has started! We have a couple of meetings under our belt. If you haven’t made a meeting, but still want to join, there is time! Come sign-up when you can. We meet on Mondays, after school until 3:30pm in the Art room. Many times we create more craft items for our school, so if you want to be apart of something and love crafts, this club might be for you! If you have more questions, contact Mrs. Schlatter at tschlatter@wdpsd.com “Art encourages children to think, developing skills and confidence as they go.” - Mary Ann F. Kohl

November 1 Athletic Grade Check November 2 Athletic Picture Day November 6 Last Day of 1st Quarter November 5-9 Fall Spirit Week November 13 PACT Mtg. @ MS 6:30 p.m. November 15 Athletic Grade Check November 22 & 23 No School November 29 End of 2nd Marking Period November 30 Early Release @ 11 a.m. December 6 Athletic Grade Check December 6 Middle School Musical @ HS 7:00 p.m. December 8 Middle School Musical @ HS 6:00 p.m. December 11 PACT Mtg. @ MS 6:30 p.m. December 20 Band & Choral Holiday Concert at Weidner Center 7:00 p.m. Dec. 24—Jan 1 No School (Winter Break) January 2 Practice begins for Girls’ Basketball January 2 Practice begins for Wrestling January 8 PACT Mtg. @ MS 6:30 p.m. January 10 Athletic Grade Check January 11 Athletic Picture Day January 21 No School January 22 Last Day of 3rd Marking Period January 22 Last Day of 2nd Quarter January 22 Last Day of Semester 1 January 24 Athletic Grade Check January 24 Athlet ic Grade Check February 7 Athletic Grade Check February 12 PACT Mtg. @ MS 6:30 p.m. March 5 Last Day of 4th Marking Period

March 7 Parent Teacher Conferences 4-8 p.m. March 8 Early Release @ 11:00 a.m. March 12 PACT Mtg. @ MS 6:30 p.m. March 15 District Solo & Ensemble March 16 District Solo & Ensemble March 22 Early Release @ 11:00 a.m. March 25—March 29 No School (Spring Vacation) April 1 Practice begins for 7/8 Track 2:45-4:30pm April 2 Last Day of 3rd Quarter April 3 Practice begins for 6th Track 2:45-4:30 April 4—9 MS Book Fair April 9 PACT Mtg. @ MS 6:30 p.m. April 9 MS Art Show / Music Recital in Commons April 11 Athletic Grade Check April 12 Athletic Picture Day April 19 No School April 24 Last Day of 5th Marking Period April 25 Athletic Grade Check May 3 MS Talent Show @HS 7p.m. May 3 Early Release @ 11:00 a.m. May 9 Athletic Grade Check May 14 PACT Mtg. @ MS 6:30 p.m May 20 Spring Choir Concert @ HS 6th, 7th & 8th Gr. @ 7 p.m. May 23 Spring Band Concert @ HS 6th, 7th & 8th Gr. @ 7 p.m. May 27 No School (Memorial Day) May 27 Memorial Day Parade—8th Gr. Band June 6 Last Day of School

West De Pere Middle School PACT Meeting Minutes- October 9th

, 2018 Attendees: Christina Syring, Natasha Simpson, Mandi Janquart, Theresa Jahnke, Tara Czachar, Trisha VanDeHei, Kimberly Dalke, Jim Finley, Christina Hendricks Approval for Treasurer’s Report – $18 will come off in October per Sue Planert. Sue will be Treasurer until after 3on3 Tournament then Mandi J., will take over. Approved by Theresa J., seconded by Tara C. Approval for Secretary’s Report – Handed out new bags for the Chrome Books that didn’t fit in the original bags. Approved by Mandi J., seconded by Kimberly D. Referendum – John Zegers and Kevin Hansen came in to discuss Referendum. There will be Facebook live sessions. Timing is right with the school district growing in the next 12 years. It will allow more options and easier transfers. Parent issue is too many transitions. After approved, they will consult with teachers, parents and students about a year before completion. There has been four Referendums in the past, three were successful; Tax Impact 1. 1992 – MS $150 per $100,000 home, 2. 2000 – additions to WW, MS & HS $360 per $100,000 home and the new Referendum is $64,800,000 for WW, Intermediate, MS & HS $24 for $100,000 home then additions to HS $9,900,000 $31 for $100,000 home. Tax money will drop off 2024-2025. The voters are 35% school age children and 65% no school age children. If it passes they will add air conditioning in the gym and HS auditorium to 6/700. There is an Open House on the Referendum at the MS on October 25th from 6-7:30pm. Cross Country Meet – Per Christina S., the weather was cold and rainy. Sold coffee, hot chocolate and popcorn mostly. $83 profit. Not enough trash cans. Thanks to JJ and Natasha for helping with cleanup. Apparel Sale – Per Christina S., sold 310 items with a sale of $8,914.35, made a profit of $452. Delivery later this week into early next week. Delivering to classrooms. Fundraiser Updates:

Box Tops – Michelle Wagner was absent, will get an update at next meeting. Jim F., and Theresa J., bought candy to replenish. 3on3 – On 10/20-21. Per Christina S., volunteer link sent out to staff; 11-4pm Sat and 8-5:30pm Sun. Set-up is usually Friday but using volunteers for set-up on Saturday morning. De Pere Baseball donated hotdogs and candy. Serving hotdogs, pizza and nachos. Per Jim F., 53 teams are signed up, was 48 but some entries got lost in the mail so added teams late. Girls will play on Saturday and boys on Sunday. Hired certified officials for $15 per game; it will be about $300 for Saturday and $1,000 on Sunday. Christina S., will follow-up with Sue Planert about how to pay officials. Trophy bill will be about $4-500. Score keepers are two-thirds full. There was two errors on schedule so sent update to coaches. Reputation for a quality event. Guaranteed three games, varies by team level. At admissions table, it’s not necessary to have teams sign-in. Would like food and drink coupons for workers.

Parent Teacher Conferences (10/25 1-8pm) – Christina S., will get in touch with Michelle Wagner and we will get an update at next meeting. Open Floor:

- Natasha S., asked why we haven’t added a second 3on3 Tournament or changed the date to later in the year. Reason we are having only one at this time is because we are competing against the Packer Schedule, Fastbreak starting soon and other 3on3 Tournaments with other schools.

Motion adjourn, Christina H., seconded by Theresa J. Next PACT meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13th at 6:30pm in the Middle School Library.

Athletic Information for 2018-2019 School Year

In preparation for the 2018-2019 school year, please be advised of the following information regarding participation in athletic activities in grades 5 – 8.

Sport Offerings:

5th

Grade: Boys & Girls Basketball 6

th Grade: Soccer & Cross Country (Fall)

Boys & Girls Basketball & Wrestling (Winter) Track & Field (Spring)

7th

& 8th

Grade: Football, Volleyball, Soccer, & Cross Country (Fall) Boys & Girls Basketball & Wrestling (Winter) Track & Field (Spring)

To participate in sports for the 2018-2019 school year, all athletes (grades 5-8) must complete the following before they can practice or participate: (Forms can be found on the website www.wdpsd.com, click on

Middle School, Athletics, Athletic Forms or forms are available at the middle school office.) • CURRENT PHYSICAL (No less than every other year with April 1

st as the earliest date) on or

after April 1st, of 2017

• EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION AGREEMENT – Medical Insurance Required

(must be updated yearly) • CONCUSSION FORM (must be updated yearly)

• CODE AND RULES VIDEO (done individually by each athlete in the family AND a parent/legal

guardian),while a student at Westwood, Hemlock Creek, or West De Pere Middle School.

Note: If you completed a Code & Rules meeting/video previously, you do not need to complete again! The Code and Rules video is available for review online – go to www.wdpsd.com, click on Middle School, Athletics, Code of Conduct and click on the video and survey link (survey must be submitted to record your session).

Important Dates for the 2018-2019 Athletic Year:

January 2 Girls’ Basketball Practice Begins 8

th – MS, 4:30-6pm; 7

th – MS, 2:45-4:20pm; 6

th – HC, 3:00-4:30 pm;

5th

– WW, 3:30- 5pm Note: The bus will take Grade 6 to HC and return for a 4:45 pick up at the middle school. Grade 5, HC will be bussed to WW after school, no return bus.

January 2 Wrestling Practice Begins – 3:00 – 5:00pm at HC. 6-8 Graders will be bussed to HC from M.S. and returned to MS after practice for pick up.

March 7 Parent Teacher Conference Night 4-8 pm April 1 7/8 Track Practice Begins – 2:45-4:30 pm April 3 6th Track Practice Begins – 2:45-4:30 pm Parents of Athletes: Contact information: Please make sure the school’s office has updated contact information on file. The information that is in PowerSchool will be used to contact you for events and notifications. Text Messages: Due to FCC regulation changes, in order to receive text messages on your mobile device each device will need to text "Y" or "Yes" to 68453. This will enable your device to receive important messages from your child's school. If you wish to stop receiving messages at any time simply text "Stop" to 68453. Go to www.wdpsd.com, Parents, Parent Notification and follow instructions.

PLEASE GO TO WWW.BAYCONFERENCE.ORG FOR PRACTICE/GAME SCHEDULES. SIGN UP ON “NOTIFY ME” TO RECEIVE ANY CHANGES MADE TO THE SCHEDULE

For a tutorial on bayconference.org, go to www.wdpsd.com, click on Middle School then Athletics, then Bay Conference Tutorial Sheet.