8TH GRADE SPRING FLING The 8th grade Spring Fling is on Friday, May 12, 2017 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Detailed information will be sent home with the next edition of Friday Notes. Please contact the office if you are interested in helping make this dance a success! FREE THROW CONTEST RESULTS Washington Middle School participated in the recent Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contests. Congratulations to everyone who participated. The following students placed at the Council Level in their age bracket and received a medal:

Madison Uelmen : 1st Place Winner (Girls-11 yrs)

Carter Hill: 1st Place Winner (Boys-11 yrs)

Amber Haines: 2nd Place Winner (Girls-12 yrs)

Isaac Raddatz: 1st Place Winner (Boys-12 yrs)

Garrett VerVelde: 1st Place Winner (Boys-13 yrs)

Adam Haines: 1st Place Winner (Boys-14 yrs)

Carter, Isaac, Garrett, & Adam competed at the District Level competition in Lena on February 12. Carter & Garrett placed second and Isaac & Adam placed first at the District Level in their age categories. Congratulations, everyone! PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES - March 16 Progress Reports will be posted online by Monday, February 27, and Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, March 16, from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. Teachers will be located in their classrooms. If you are unable to attend conferences and have concerns about your child’s grades, please call the school office to schedule a meeting with your child's teachers during their management times.

8th Grade - 8:55-9:25 a.m. 7th Grade - 10:25-10:55 a.m. 6th Grade - 12:30-1:00 p.m.

BUS DRIVERS ARE NEEDED The Oconto Falls School District is in need of bus drivers for regular routes and bus drivers for sporting events. If you enjoy watching sports, this could be a great part-time job for you. You could apply to be a substitute driver. Approximate route times are from 6:35 - 8:08 a.m. and from 2:55 - 4:15 p.m. Interested applicants must have a good driving record and no criminal record. Contact Kay Oninski at the Bus Garage (848-4460) or stop in at 337 Monroe Street, Oconto Falls, for more information.

Stephanie S. Landreman, Principal Anthony J. Logue, Assistant Principal Washington Middle School February 17, 2017

Web address: www.ocontofalls.k12.wi.us/wash

FIRE DEPARTMENT SPAGHETTI DINNER The Friends of the Oconto Falls Fire Department are sponsoring a spaghetti dinner to purchase additional training equipment. The dinner is scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2017, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Oconto Falls Fire Station, 500 Cherry Avenue. Dinner, refreshments, and desserts will be served. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults - $7.00; Seniors 60 years and older - $6.00; Children 5-12 years old - $5.00; Children 4 years old and under are FREE. …..For carry-outs, call 920-373-6929.

OPEN ENROLLMENT Wisconsin’s inter-district public school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend school districts other than the one in which they live. Wisconsin residents in grades K-12 may apply to participate in open enrollment. Parents must complete an online application form during the open enrollment period. For the 2017-2018 school year, parents must apply no earlier than February 1, and no later than April 28, 2017. (Late applications will not be accepted for any reason.) Please contact Debbie at the District Office, 920-848-4471, if you have questions regarding this process. ABRAMS YOUTH BASEBALL/SOFTBALL (AYBA) AYBA online registration began this past Wednesday, February 15 and will continue through March 22. Late fees apply after March 22. Visit the website at abramsbaseball.org for forms and league information. Please contact Rob McNichols at 846-8038 or email rob.mcnichols@oei-inc.com if you have questions.

ROSES FOR SPRING Deadline to order is March 17 Oconto Falls Lions members are taking order for roses, $15 per dozen, to be delivered on March 31, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Delivery is available in Oconto Falls and the surrounding area. Roses can also be picked up at the Oconto Falls Area Community Center, 512 Caldwell Avenue during those same hours. The last date of the sale is March 17. To order contact any Oconto Falls Lions member or place your order through the school office. SUCCESS TUTORING PROGRAM The success tutoring program is available twice a week (Mondays & Thursdays) from 3:20-5:15 p.m. and allows students to work on areas of remediation and homework completion. .....The next sessions will be held on February 20, February 23, February 27, March 2.

Friday Notes Page 2 Friday Notes

NATIONAL FFA CELEBRATES ITS 89TH ANNIVERSARY - February 18-25, 2016 - “Transform” Students at Washington Middle School are invited to promote agriculture and support FFA by observing the following special days during FFA Week:

Monday - Pajama “Penny” Day Tuesday - Neon “Nickle” Day - Milk Chugging Contest during lunch. Wednesday - Dazzling “Dimes” Day - Karaoke during lunch. Thursday - Camo for “Quarters” Day - Cow Pie Eating Contest during lunch. Friday - Team up for a Cause Day - Wear your favorite team jersey

(Yogurt Breakfast Bar for the teachers starting at 7:00 a.m., room 808.) BRING THE CHANGE FUNDRAISER In collaboration with FFA Week dress-up activities, Mrs. Cho’s fifth hour class is sponsoring a fundraiser to donate money to Wisconsin Children’s Hospital. The fundraiser is called Bring the Change. Students will be collecting different denominations of money each day as follows: Monday - Wear pj’s and bring pennies to donate; Tuesday - Wear fun, bright colors and bring nickels to donate; Wednesday - Wear a bedazzled outfit or a most dazzlingly crazy hat and bring dimes; Thursday - Blend right in by wearing camo and bringing quarters; Friday - Wear your favorite team jersey or colors, and bring any cash or coins to donate! A record will be kept of how much each 10th period class donates. The class donating the most will get to go with Mr. Logue for open gym during 10th period! So, don’t forget to bring in change for a change!

Page 2

COUNSELOR’S CORNER Mrs. Schneider, Washington Middle School Counselor COUNSELOR INTERN: We have the opportunity to have a School Counselor Intern at WMS. Chelsea Hetzel is originally from Little Suamico and a 2010 Graduate of Oconto Falls. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UW LaCrosse and is currently working toward her Master's Degree in School Counseling at UW Oshkosh. Ms. Hetzel is currently completing her internship with Mrs. Schneider at WMS and also at Lena Elementary. She just completed her high school internship at Bay Port High School. Chelsea loves traveling, going for walks, writing and playing with her new puppy. Ms. Hetzel is very excited to be a School Counselor and is enjoying her time at WMS. Welcome, Ms. Hetzel!

Cyberbullying – What is it? Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies such as email, cell phone text messages, instant messaging, and personal web sites to support or repeat hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others.

Parent Tips: Set up computer in a visible area – not in a secluded room. Monitor computer use. Click the URL bar to check your child ’s history. Teach your child “netiquette” – Be polite to others online. Ask your child not to email or

instant message from friends’ homes. Have consequences for inappropriate communication online if your child is the bully. You are

the parent; remove computer privileges! Contact police or internet service provider.

Teen Tips: Use “netiquette” – Communicate respectfully online. If someone communicates rudely or

inappropriately online, do not respond. Online bullies are just like offline bullies; they want you to answer.

Do not erase or delete messages from cyberbullies. This is your evidence to parents, police and your Internet Service Provider.

Inform your parents. They can inform the police and the ISP. Never send a message to others when you are angry. Use only respectful, positive language.

Page 3

ART PALETTE …..YAM is almost here! March is Youth Art Month! Celebrate by visiting the Oconto Falls Public Library to view the K-12 Oconto Falls School District art display during the month of March. WMS student artwork from April 20 16 - February 2017 will be on display. Students will receive an invitation at school to attend a reception that will be held in their honor on March 9, 6:00-7:00 p.m. We invite everyone to enjoy the talents and efforts of our student artists. The Arts offer something for everyone! …..Next Fresco Gecko Meeting: Thursday, March 23. We will be celebrating Youth Art Month by viewing the YAM Art Show at the library and enjoying a treat back at school.

.....Spring Fundraiser- April 6: Students in 7th and 8th grade Fresco Geckos will be asked to volunteer to help with the Easter Egg-stra fundraiser at Oconto Falls Elementary. Permission forms will be available at the March meeting.

8TH GRADE AWARD CEREMONY - JUNE 2 The 8th grade award ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and will be held in the Washington Street gym. Parents are invited to attend this special ceremony. Parents are welcome to take their 8th grader home after the ceremony. Please sign them out in the office.

Parents, please note: All fees (book deposit, laptop warranty, library fines, and projects) & end-of-the year fines must be paid before an 8th grader will be allowed to participate in the award ceremony. This policy was implemented to avoid bookkeeping issues when students register for high school in August. We appreciate your support in this matter.

Note: The date for the Award Ceremony is firm for June 2. It will not move to the last day of school if the school year is extended for snow makeup. (The student agenda states this incorrectly.)

CHOIR NOTES SOLO & ENSEMBLE: The District Solo & Ensemble Festival is Saturday, March 11 at OCONTO HIGH

SCHOOL and events will occur from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. More information about what time your child's event will occur will be sent to you as soon as the schedule is finalized. Every student in 7th and 8th grade choir is required to perform and transportation to and from Oconto High School will be available. At this point, your student should be practicing their music at home, and memorizing their piece. Practice tracks are available on Google Classroom in the “About” section. It is recommended that students rehearse at least twice with their accompanist before Solo & Ensemble. Mrs. Kostreva will be available after school on Tuesday February 21, Tuesday February 28, and Tuesday March 7. Ms. O'Neil will be available right after school on Tuesday February 21 and Tuesday February 28. Ms. O'Neil is also available to work with her 8th grade performers during 2nd hour on Friday March 3 and Friday March 10. Please sign up in the choir room for the rehearsals you (or your ensemble) will be attending. Please be sure to show up right after school to wait to rehearse with your accompanist because if there is no one waiting, they may not stay. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. McCully at rachel.mccully@of-ps.org.

FIELD TRIP: The 8th Grade choir field trip to Finding Neverland on Friday, April 21, will have another $20

per ticket minimum payment due on Friday, March 3. The final total is due on Friday, April 7. This past Thursday, students attending the field trip were given letters to take home which stated the remaining balance. More detailed information about the evening's events will be sent out closer to the performance date.

NURSE’S NOTES - STREP THROAT VS SORE THROAT Not all sore throats are strep throat. Most episodes of sore throats (which can be accompanied by a runny nose, cough, hoarseness and red eyes) are caused by viruses and usually clear up on their own without medical treatment.

Strep throat is caused by a bacteria (Group A Streptococcus). This bacteria tends to hang out in the nose and throat, so normal activities like sneezing, coughing, or shaking someone’s hand can easily spread infection from one person to another. It is so important to teach everyone the importance of hand washing. Good hygiene can lessen the chances of getting contagious infections like strep throat. It is also very important to teach children to cover their cough and sneezes with a tissue or their sleeve and wash their hands after.

Symptoms of strep throat can include fever, chills, stomach pain, red swollen tonsils, red and white patches in the throat, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and nausea, headache, and sometimes a rash on the body. Strep Throat usually requires treatment with antibiotics. With proper medical care, along with plenty of rest and fluids, a child should be able to return to school within a few days.

Friday Notes

Friday Notes Page 2 Page 4

Monday 20 FFA WEEK: Pajama “Penny” Day Success Tutoring - Room 807 - Miss O’Neil/Mrs. Schneider 5th Grade Girls’ Hoops Practice - Washington St. Gym - Mr. Raddatz

3:20-5:15 6:00-7:30

Tuesday 21 FFA WEEK: Neon “Nickle” Day Adult Basketball - Central St. Gym - Casey Williams International Club - Room 808 - Mrs. Loew/Mrs. Schroeder Tae Kwon Do - Central St. Gym - Sherry Czarapata

6:00-10:00 3:25-5:15 5:45-8:30

Wednesday 22 FFA WEEK: Dazzling “Dimes” Day Adult Volleyball - Central St. Gym - John Cross Hoops Club Practice - Washington St. Gym - Richard Cromell

6:00-8:30 5:45-7:00

Thursday 23 FFA WEEK: Camo for “Quarters” Day Success Tutoring - Room 807 - Miss O’Neil/Mrs. Schneider 5th Grade Girls’ Hoops Practice - Washington St. Gym - Mr. Raddatz

3:20-5:15 6:00-7:30

Friday 24 FFA WEEK: Team up for a Cause Day St. Anthony Basketball Game - Washington St. Gym

5:30

Monday 27 Success Tutoring - Room 807 - Miss O’Neil/Mrs. Schneider MS Wrestling - HOME - OFHS Gym 5th Grade Girls’ Hoops Practice - Washington St. Gym - Mr. Raddatz

3:20-5:15 4:15 6:00-7:30

Tuesday 28 Adult Basketball - Washington St. Gym - Casey Williams Tae Kwon Do - Central St. Gym - Sherry Czarapata

6:00-10:00 5:45-8:30

Wednesday 1 Youth Wrestling Practice - Central St. Gym - Mr. Bramer Hoops Club Practice - Washington St. Gym - Richard Cromell Adult Volleyball - Central St. Gym - John Cross

3:30-5:30 5:45-7:00 6:00-8:30

Thursday 2 MS Wrestling - AWAY - Shawano - Bus departs 3:00 Success Tutoring - Room 807 - Miss O’Neil/Mrs. Schneider 5th Grade Girls’ Hoops Practice - Washington St. Gym - Mr. Raddatz

4:15 3:20-5:15 6:00-7:30

Friday 3 WMS ACES Movie Night - Falls Area Performing Arts Center Friday Notes go home.

3:30-5:30

Mark Your Calendar February

The Oconto Falls School District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, political affiliation, physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities, handicap, gender, gender orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, marital, parental or pregnancy status, ancestry, color, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.

March

BAND NOTES Select members of the WMS band will be performing at the district level of WSMA Solo and Ensemble in Oconto on Saturday March 11. The festival goes from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and a schedule of event times will be posted soon. Good luck to all participants. EIGHTH GRADE PARENTS - We need pictures! We need baby pictures for an 8th grade PowerPoint presentation. If you do not have a baby picture, a kindergarten age photo or any other very young picture of your child is also acceptable. The picture can either be sent in jpeg format, via email to jolene.smaney@of-ps.org with the subject “Your child's name/baby picture,” or you can send a picture to school with your child to be scanned. All pictures will be returned. This project will involve all 8th grade students and takes time to put together. We ask that you please submit your child's baby picture no later March 31, 2017. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Smaney (848-4463, ext. 3).