April 2012

Vol. VII | Issue 8

EggDropsurvivors

Page6

FAMEreadies

JungleBook

Page24

ERMSprepares

for

DigitalWorldPage2

IN THIS ISSUE

Fi�h Grade Orienta�on Le�er—Geography Winner moves on—Spelling Bee

par�cipants place well—Orchestra Honors—New Raptor Raves

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Dear Parent(s):

How do we become more “digital” in our school learning?

The question is important because the students we serve now will soon be planning their futures. If there is one thing that is going to be common in all of their futures, it is that they will be ever more connected and ever more dependent on the digital workplace.

At our March site council meeting the teachers, parents, and students explored what education might be like as teachers and students become more and more connected digitally. Here is a sample of what was experienced during the meeting. 1. Both the school purchased laptop computers and privately

owned iPads, iPods, iPhones, and Smart Phones all were able to access the prescribed curricular information using the Eleanor Roosevelt wireless access.

2. Some minor problems with the equipment occurred (both the school purchased and the privately owned devices), but students, parents, and teachers were able to resolve the problems quickly and successfully on their own.

4. Working in small groups, each group was free to work at its own pace.

Creativity

4. Student learning projects were enhanced by the access to technology. Two examples provided to the site council were a 12 year old boy who writes his own apps for smart phones, and a 13 year old girl studying cancer and ways to minimize the risks of getting cancer. Both

students are from Pennsylvania. 5. A new educational concept of “flipping” the classroom is happening in some schools by assigning video classroom

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lectures at home over the internet, and then having the classroom teachers use class time to work with students on projects and assigned problems. In this way the teachers and students can resolve learning issues immediately when students run into difficulties because the teacher is available to them as they work their problems.

The transition to teach and learn in a digital format is something that needs to become the norm and not the novel experience. As we introduce the use of digital devices into all classrooms teachers, parents, and students need to be open to these new methods. I hope we can look back in a year or two and discuss how essential digital learning has become in our school.

Sincerely,

Dale Lass, Principal

ERMS Mission Statement

The mission of Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School is to

develop respectful, responsible learners through a rigorous

curriculum in a caring, diverse community..

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These students have all been recognized by their instructors for their exemplary

conduct and hard work in and out of the classroom.

House 6-1 Raptor Rave is: Ashley Callahan

Ashley is a very hardworking and polite young lady.

She is always willing to help and tries very hard in all

classes. She portrays the 3 R's of being respectful,

ready, and responsible.

Elizabeth Kruse is house 6-2”s Raptor rave for the

month of April. Teachers and students can count on

Liz to be on task and taking responsibility for her work.

Lizzy asks questions to help clarify her understanding.

She enters the room with a smile and is a joy to have

in class. Her positive attitude and dedication to

learning makes her a perfect example of the 3-Rs at

work here at ERMS.

House 6-3 would like to nominate Elizabeth

Wagner as our Raptor Rave. Elizabeth always

shows great effort daily and works well with others.

Her positive attitude can also been easily seen.

7-1's choice for this month's Raptor Rave is Rachel

Ryan! Rachel is a natural leader who shows great

confidence and commitment to excellence in

everything she does. She is always focused and

enthusiastic in her classes and goals. You are an

awesome role model, Rachel. We are so proud of you!

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House 7-2 has selected Carl Klaeska as our Raptor Rave.

Carl his best effort forward every day and is a great role

model to other students. Congratulations Carl!

Haleigh Bries is House 7-3's March Raptor

Rave. Haleigh is a kind, hard-working student. She is

always willing to lend a hand and follows the 3 R's

consistently. We are proud of all Haleigh has done this

year and will miss her when she moves on to 8th

grade!

House 8-1—Nate Leonard

Congratulations goes out to Nate Leonard, who

always makes the most of his day.

Nate is a motivated individual, a friend to all he

meets, and consistently demonstrates the 3 R's.

Great work, Nate!

House 8-2 nominates Cassidy Tomkins as this

month's raptor rave!! Cassidy tries her very hardest

at everything she does. She is pleasant and friendly,

and demonstrates the 3Rs consistently every day.

Congratulations, Cassidy. We are thrilled to be able

to recognize all your hard work!

House 8-3 takes great pleasure in recognizing Jalen

Berendes as our Raptor Rave this month. Jalen is a

polite, conscientious young man who takes every

opportunity to demonstrate the 3 R's of

Roosevelt. Jalen is a pleasure to have in class and a

pleasure to know. Thank you Jalen for brightening

our days!

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Going GREEN �p of the month...

**Do something for the planet on Earth Day (April 22nd)- and EVERY day!!**

Every year on April 22 more than 180 countries celebrate Earth Day. Join the party:

Take part in events organized that day. Then, through your own behavior, make

EVERY day an earth day! One small change in your life makes a difference. Did you

know that Americans go through about 400 million miles of toilet paper each year?

If every home replaced just one roll of regular toilet paper with a recycled roll, it

would save nearly 500,000 trees!

EGG DROP SURVIVOR

8th Grade Science Students were given limited supplies (5 sheets of paper and 1.5 feet of masking tape) to create a device that would prevent an egg from cracking when dropped off the stairwell. Congrats go to the following survivors from house 8-1:

2nd period Travis LeGrand, Andrew Compton, Alex Pape 5th period Sean Moser, Morgan Allan, and Mark Histed

EBLYONS

Nature Center

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5th Grade Orientation Nights With the melting of the snow will come spring; and for school administrators,

that means getting ready for a new school year in the fall. We are looking forward to meeting our incoming students for next year at the 5th Grade

Orientation Nights that will be held in April. If you know of families with 5th graders, please inform them that we will have two evenings for orientation, April 12 and April 17. We will be sending word to these families soon, but your help to spread the word will be most

Emergency Procedures With the coming of spring, so to come the violent storms that

threaten our safety in the Midwest. Because of the high likelihood of tornados, we take time to explain and practice our procedures with our students.

The same is true for a fire that might start in the building. We prepare and practice for such events.

We are fortunate in that… our building has modern safety measures built in, the ERMS faculty is very expert in carrying out our safety

procedures, and our students listen and cooperate promptly when we

practice our procedures. We will continue to schedule and hold drills to sharpen our

reactions and procedures. Let’s hope we do not ever have to experience the real thing! Have a great April!

Sincerely,

Dale Lass, Principal

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March, 2012

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Let me take this opportunity to extend a welcome to you as parents of future Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School students. New experiences and traditions await your child upon entering middle school.

Movement from elementary to middle school can be an exciting time for your child. Although some children approach this transition with apprehension and fear, let me personally assure you that we will do whatever we can to make the transition an easy and pleasant one. To assist your son/daughter in becoming more familiar with Eleanor Roosevelt, our counselors will be visiting (in some schools, have already visited) fifth grade classes in the elementary schools. Counselors will explain (or have explained) our programs, answer questions, and generally make your son/daughter feel more comfortable in transferring to middle school.

Another component of this transition process will be a Parent-Student Orientation Night that will be held in the month of April. Please refer to the

schedule on the reverse side of this letter. On your child’s designated night please report to the Roosevelt Auditorium no later than 7:00 p.m. During the program an ERMS Administrator will speak about school expectations and introduce members of our faculty. After the formal presentation you will be able to meet and visit with the teachers to learn additional information about your child’s classes and activities/athletics.

Please make plans to attend your child’s Orientation night at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School.

Sincerely,

Dale N. Lass Principal

DNL:rss

P.S. If you are unable to attend on your assigned evening, feel free to attend on the alternate date.

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EleanorRooseveltMiddleSchool

Parent-StudentOpenHouseOrientationSchedule

(OpenHouseforStudentsCurrentlyinGrade5)

Thursday,April12,2012

CARVER

EISENHOWER

HOOVER

LINCOLN

MARSHALL

Tuesday,April17,2012

AUDUBON

BRYANT

FULTON

IRVING

KENNEDY

PRESCOTT

SAGEVILLE

TABLE MOUND

7:00 – 8:30 ,...

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The April PTO mee�ng will be held April 10th at 5:30 in

the school conference room

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The Blank Summer Institute for the Arts & Sciences is a one-week residential summer program held at The University of Iowa for 120 of Iowa’s gifted students who are currently in grades 7 & 8. The Institute provides exceptionally talented students with an intensive and advanced educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth. The

Institute is administered by The Connie Belin & Jacqueline N. Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Each student selected will receive a $300 Myron and Jacqueline Blank Summer Scholarship to cover a portion of the institute cost.

Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School Selections

Carolyn Brondyke-Advanced Science Dan Horch-Creative Writing Sarah Potter-Social Sciences

Elizabeth Kelsey-Visual and Performing Arts

Cody Krause-Math Problem Solving *alternate

Congratulations to 8th grader, Dan Horch, for qualifying as one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2012 Iowa National Geographic Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek! The 2012 Iowa Bee will be held at Grinnell College on Friday, March 30, 2012. Great luck, Dan!!!

Congratulations to the final Roosevelt winners of the TH

Regional Spelling Bee held on March 3 at Clarke University.

Three of the top five spellers were students at our very own

Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School. 8th grader, Grant Kincaid,

placed 4th in the contest. A tie for second place was held by Alice

Tsui in 8th grade and Grace Tsui in 7th grade.

It was a long, tough contest, but worthwhile to all involved. Way to go to all of

the students who participated.

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ERMS Contacts

Main Office: 552-5000

Principal, Mr. Dale Lass

Business Manager/Principal’s Secretary, Mrs. Robin Shultz

Receptionist, Mrs. Julie Banigan

Ac�vi�es Office: 552-5010

Athletic Director/Assistant Principal, Mr. Jeff Johll

Activities/Assistant Principals Secretary, Mrs. Polly Fleming

A�endance Office: 552-5012

Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kelly Molony

Attendance/Assistant Principals Secretary, Mrs. Denise Durant

Health Office: 552-5016

Nurse, Mrs. Joanie Heitzman

Health Para-professional, Mrs. Davida McNamara

Guidance Office: 552-5013

Guidance Counselor – Grade 6, Mrs. Amy Glennon

Guidance Counselor – Grade 7, Mr. Mike Cosgrove

Guidance Counselor – Grade 8, Mr. Dan Powers

Records/Counselors Secretary, Mrs. Nancy Weiss

DCSD Anonymous Tip Line: 552-3075

The Roosevelt Report is sponsored by the ERMS Parent Teacher Organization and the ERMS Staff. In future issues we hope to bring you important information about events and activities at ERMS. If you have any suggestions or comments about the newsletter, please contact any of the following:

Mike Lenstra, Editor Robin Shultz, ERMS Secretary/Business Manager 583-9932; erms_news@yahoo.com 552-5003; rshultz@dubuque.k12.ia.us

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2011/12 PTO Board Members

POSITION NAME PHONE

President Mike Lenstra 590-5815

alexxus2@mchsi.com

Vice President Beth Weiland 542-4278

bweiland2@mchsi.com

Vice President Peggy Mulderig 557-2551

perig@mchsi.com

Treasurer Kelly Wollumuth 690-0196

kwollmuth@dubuque.k12.ia.us

Recording Secretary Laura Oberfoell 582-2017

loberfoell@dubuque.k12.ia.us

Corresponding Secretary Mary Fink 556-3214

mbfink1@mchsi.com

Dance CommiHee Cherri-Lynn Watson 513-4295

watsongroHo@mchsi.com

Spirit Wear Jane Rife 542-1734

griswoldsfun@yahoo.com

Hospitality Deanne Johll 556-3037

johll2149@mchsi.com

FAME Booster AnneHe Lucy 585-1300

Volunteer Coordinator Laurie Lenstra 583-9932

laurie_lenstra@mcgraw-hill.com

Yearbook Kirsten Pope 543-0935

kpope7772011@yahoo.com

mrlucy@aol.com

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Congratulations to Kennedy Honors

Orchestra Participants! Seven Roosevelt string players participated in the Kennedy High School Honors Orchestra in Cedar Rapids. Haemin Han earned the concertmaster position of the top group - that means she was the best violinist from the whole area that included students from as far as Decorah, Waverly, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City! Preston Kaiser also earned the first chair cello spot in the Green Orchestra. The other Roosevelt students - all of whom did our school proud - included Kelly Nowack, Lizzy Manning, Nichole Wollmuth, Tom Tigges and Drake Oswald!

RE M I N D E R

All cast and crew are requested to be in aHendance for

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Saturday, April 14, 8:30 am—3 pm

and

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Saturday, April 21, 8:30 am—3 pm

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Call to Order/ Roll Call

Attendees:

PTO Board: President: Mike Lenstra 1st Vice President: Beth Weiland

Treasurer: Kelly Wollmuth-absent 2nd Vice Pres.:Peggy Mulderig-absent

Recording Secretary: Laura Oberfoell Corresponding Secretary: Mary Fink

Dale Lass, Principal Jeff Johll, Assistant Principal

Members at Large:

Jane Rife-absent Annette Lucy Cherri-Lynn Watson-absent Kirsten Pope

Guests in Attendance:

David Cagigal–DCSD IT Director Kristi Howes- IT for Roosevelt

Jody Pfohl – future Roosevelt parent

Kristi Howes Presents: Kristi brought several iPads for the group to look at. She presented some applications that teachers and students are currently using. She said she uses reviews and teacher/student recommendations in choosing apps. She asked the group for adaptors to use the iPads with projectors and some 4-Port wall to USB power adaptors. The group agreed to buy them, and also suggested that we give Kristi a $20 iTunes gift certificate to get started with a few more apps. She hopes to have a Key-stone representative come in soon to help with some professional development. We hope that in the near future the district will support the purchase of iPads and apps.

Mr. Lass added that he could see replacing textbooks with iPads in a subject like Health.

David suggested talking to our associate superintendent about what apps are being pur-chased, which ones are successful, and which ones aren’t. Then they could be added to a website available to all school building technology leaders. He also mentioned that there are issues to be worked on with the iPads such as curriculum, security, and break-age. He briefly touched on BYOD (bring your own device), and how that might work in our district. He said it’s going to require a shift in the way teachers think and work.

Mary Fink shared her concerns about the district outsourcing our IT department. David explained that they’re trying to make the system better. He said there will be a website with a FAQ section, a call center with about 200 people available 24/7, and dispatch people who will be traveling around to the buildings in the district as needed. David said there is a representative from the Kerry School District (a district already using the Dell IT support) coming to Dubuque to talk to us about the program’s success (and is-sues to avoid).

ERMS PTO Meeting

3/6/2012

5:30 PM

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Mr. Lass then talked briefly about the issues coming up with virtual school districts. He mentioned a district in Colorado that had some students go from the virtual district to the regular public school district. In doing this, the district missed out on the funding for those kids. Because of this, the district had to teach more kids with less money for staff-ing, etc.

Committee Reports:

FAME: Annette shared that they are waiting for Hempstead to clear out, and they can get on stage. She is going to attend a meeting with Robin about budgets. The group talked about some small online ticket issues that Hempstead had. Beth thought they could be easily overcome with some minor timing changes. Mike mentioned that student photog-raphers will be going to FAME soon, so pictures will be ready for the Playbill, etc.

Dance: Mike spoke to Adrian (a dancer/instructor) about coming to speak at Roosevelt (as a part of PBS-possibly the week of the next dance) and possibly coming to the dance for a small performance.

Spirit Wear: Jane emailed an update that said, “I have everything organized for the table

at conferences… Vickie Pfab and I are working together on this. Hempstead and Senior

will be bringing some of their apparel for us to sell at conferences for those outgoing 8th

graders who are excited to get to high school. It was a popular thing last year when we

initially tried it, and I think it will be a good thing again….We are using the same sweat-

shirt design for the last time. We have a couple new ones in the works to freshen up, and

will possibly do a special spring order, but for sure will introduce it at registration and the

fall. So I will not have inventory for sweatshirts, but will take orders. 85% of the sweat-

shirts are ordered with names on them anyway, so it is not a huge hardship. I will be

trying to decrease my inventory so that the new apparel person can make any changes she

would like for next year without expense. I am also going to take inventory of the incom-

ing 6th graders free t-shirt they get on April 17 & 22 and check with Robin on numbers

and get those ordered to have the appropriate amount of sizes and inventory for those

nights. It also went over well to have apparel available for Roosevelt, as they are excited

as well to be coming to Roosevelt. If anyone would like to volunteer for that, let me

know.”

Yearbook: Kirsten said she is ready and will be meeting with Mr. Johll soon. She also

said the contacts for the FAME Playbill have been made, and she is unsure of the deadline

for that. She will let Mike know.

Newsletter: The group talked about the club information included in the last newsletter

being a hit. They may do it more often (and spread it out).

Hospitality: Conferences are coming up, and the staff will be treated to a taco bar.

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Box Tops: About $600 was raised this year.

Continuing Business:

Screens/Projectors: Mr. Lass said that $3500 in expense this year would be a building expense. He said that $28,000 would be needed for the cafeteria sound system, screens, and projectors. He said he has written a DRA grant that would hopefully help cover about $15,000 of that cost.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Lass expressed his hope that spring conference attendance would not be negatively affected by the fact that spring break is immediately following the conference schedule. He mentioned the accomplishments of some of the Roosevelt students recently (such as math contest winners, spelling bee participants, and band performing competitors). He said he is looking into scheduling changes for next year.

Treasurer’s Report: No treasurer’s report today.

New Business:

New Requests:

-Kathy Pisarik (Teacher Librarian) requested $990.00 for dvd/vcr recorders. That request will be delayed for further research.

-Stephanie Yager requested $260.50 for buses for a field trip to the landfill. Beth moved to approve with a second from Laura.

-Lynn Rigdon (7th grade Math) requested $195.00 for “balance discs” for students to sit on to help them focus. Mary Fink moved to approve the request with a second from Annette.

-Beth Whisler (Special Education) requested $554.89 for an iPad. This request was delayed for further research.

-Chris Burke (8th grade math) requested $45.00 for large easel pads of graph paper to be used for math investigations. Laura moved to approve the request with a second from Beth.

-Chris Burke also requested $38.55 for mirrors to be used in geometry. Beth moved to approve this request, with a second from Laura.

Reminders:

Next meeting will be on April 10, 2012.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Oberfoell.

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Search the web and shop with www.goodsearch.com and money from

Yahoo adver�sers and retailers will go to ELEANOR ROOSEVELT MIDDLE

SCHOOL without you spending an extra dime! Start your holiday

GOODSHOP shopping now and our school will benefit! Go to

www.goodsearch.com, search for Roosevelt Middle School, select our

school in Dubuque, IA and surf or shop.

It’s easy, safe and helpful!

TAKE CHARGE OF EDUCATION

Dou you shop at Target? Did you know there is an easy

way for your purchases to benefit ERMS? All you have to

do is use your Target Visa or Target Card and we will

receive a percentage of the amount of each purchase in

the form of a cash donation from Target through the

Take Charge of Education® program. Just visit

target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-316-6142 to designate our

school.

Raptors

R eady

espectful

esponsible

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The ERMS Faculty would like to extend a Thank You to the ERMS PTO, the PTO Hospitality Committee, Deanne Johll ~ Chairperson, Hy-Vee Asbury, and all the Parent Volunteers for the fabulous meal that was served during conferences. We have listed the volunteers below; taking great care to include

everyone whom contributed to the meal.

Kelly Roen Angela Johnson Amy Kruse

Tricia Kalinczok Judy Tigges Teri Caldwell

Dana Poll Annett Lucy Anna Modukuri

Judy Faulhaber Jen Rheingans Naida Patten

Kristen Pape Jean Moyer Suzanne Fransen

Laura Oberfoell Lakshumi Subramanian Cathy Weidemann

Deb Stephenson Tara Hilkin Dana George

Shelly Hannig Melissa McGinnis Sue and Jim Staggs

Katie Duax Deanne Johll Laurie Lenstra

If your name is accidentally omitted, we do apologize for the error and please know that we do greatly appreciate your contribution.

Sincerely,

The ERMS Administration and Faculty

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SAFE ZONE

This school is free of harassment, bullying, and

discrimina�on!

We’re safe here! An�-Harassment/Bullying/Discrimina�on

Assurance Statement

Any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination can be devastating to an

individual. Therefore, the Dubuque Community School District will not tolerate

harassment, bullying, or discrimination based upon a trait or characteristic of a

student, staff member, volunteer, or applicant for employment including, but not

limited to, age, ancestry, color, creed, familial status, gender identity, marital status,

national origin, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, political

belief, political party preference, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or

socioeconomic status. The school district requires all agencies, vendors, contractors,

and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for

the school district to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws, executive

orders, rules and regulations pertaining to contract compliance and equal opportunity.

School Board Policies

#1001/#1005

Any person having inquiries about this statement or

the district’s compliance with regulations

implementing Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504

or Iowa Code Section 280.3 is directed to contact:

The Forum

2300 Chaney Road

Dubuque, Iowa 52001

(563) 552-3000

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LUNCH MENU HOTLINE Call the Lunch Menu Hotline for the DCSD menu of the day.

552552--32503250

NSF CHECKS (NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS)

There is a $15.00 charge for all NSF checks per DCSD guidelines.

ABSENCE PROCEDURES

When a student is absent from school, the parent or guardian should call the

Attendance Office (552-5012) between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Please be

sure to identify your child’s last name, especially if it’s different from your

last name.

P�� S���� F� O��

Parents, can pay student fees and deposit breakfast/lunch money into your child’s

meal account by going to the Dubuque Community School District website at:

www.dubuque.k12.ia.us

Select Student Fees from the drop down box OR Select Student Meals from the

District front web page

W017904 H37/=20

The Dubuque Community School District has a “Weather

Hotline.” When school may be closed due to inclement weather,

individuals may call 552-3035 for school district updates. In addition,

YOU CAN NOW press "1" for athletic contest changes and press "2"

for fine arts activity changes.

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