Jen Olson Elementary Principal

Humphrey Elementary - 320-543-4680

Winsted Elementary - 320-543-4690 Elementary Laker News-December 2019 www.hlww.k12.mn.us

December Greetings!

Before diving into our December news, I wanted to give a quick “thanks” to all the families that made our VIP

Breakfast a terrific November event. What a turnout at both sites…we served close to 900 students and families

between the two elementary schools!!! It was great to visit with so many of you again, and we were glad to have you

join us for the morning.

Other events that deserve a shout out includes Humphrey’s Barn Dance residency—a week’s worth of physical

education and music wrapped up into a boot-stompin’ good time! A big thank you to Miss Kalvig for her efforts to

write the grant and secure the artist, as well as both Miss Kalvig and Mr. Westling in coordinating schedules and

teaming together to create the best learning experience possible for students. Winsted’s third and fourth grade

students took the stage for a “sweet” and fun holiday musical performance—a “double thumbs up” to Mrs. LeClaire,

the third and fourth grade students and their classroom teachers for a job well done. Congrats! And finally, a big

thanks to our PTA groups for hosting fun family opportunities—Humphrey movie night and Winsted bingo were both

BIG hits. Keep your eyes open for future PTA and family opportunities. There are more coming in the upcoming

months!

So, what’s coming in December? First off, we’re running for fun with Apex! Apex Leadership Company has been in

our buildings and sharing online leadership messages with our schools the last few weeks in partnership with our

fundraiser, and we get to wrap it up with our fun runs on December 4 and 5, at Humphrey and Winsted, respectively.

All of the monies raised for our run go back to classrooms to support grade level and school field trips, helps us host

special events like VIP Breakfast, Grandparents’ Day, classroom guest days, our roller skating unit in Phy. Ed. class,

guest speakers, and enhanced classroom opportunities. Your efforts and support are very much appreciated.

Speaking of roller skating… Humphrey students will be “rolling” soon with Mr. Westling during their roller skating

unit. All of our students will be learning about the different traditions and celebrations in which families participate,

respective to the December holidays. We’ll continue working hard in our core content areas and our social areas too.

Winsted students will make their December journey to St. Mary’s Care Center to visit with some of the residents as

part of our monthly activities in the community. We will be busy! And before you know it, we’ll be closing out our

last day of the calendar year on December 20, with plans to return January 2, 2020, after our winter break.

Winter weather is here! Please remember that students are outside on a daily basis—bus stops, morning and noon

recess times, and fitness breaks taken by classrooms/grade levels. Don’t forget all of the outdoor gear—hats, gloves,

boots, etc. so students are able to enjoy the brisk winter weather. You’ve done a fantastic job of equipping your child.

Please encourage them to wear the gear you’re providing. We have an occasional “determined” student who may feel

his/her locker is a better place for snow pants than on them. We’re working on it from our end, and ask that you help

reinforce wearing the gear at school too. Our lost and found baskets are starting to grow, so be sure to check for any

missing items before the winter break. (PS—labeling clothing is GREAT!)

Continue to check out our social media posts—Facebook and Twitter. It’s an easy

way to learn about different activities taking place around our elementary buildings

and the district. Our Twitter handles are @HumphreyElem and @WinstedElem and

we’re posting to Facebook through each elementary school as well as the HLWW

Laker Pride pages. We welcome new followers!

On behalf of all of the elementary schools’ staff,

I wish you the happiest of holiday, and a safe,

enjoyable winter break.

Have a great December!

Jen Olson

Upcoming Events

December 23-January 1 -HLWW No School

January 2 -HLWW Classes Resume

January 16 -HLWW End of 2

nd Quarter

January 17

-HLWW No School

December Theme

---Honesty---

*I use my talents and abilities to be the

best person I can be.

*I cooperate with others.

*I help others in need.

*I give gifts to others in need.

*I give gifts to others and I am thankful

for what I receive.

Winter Recess Please be sure your child has

the right outdoor clothing to

enjoy our Minnesota winter

recess!

All students, grades K-4, are

asked to wear hats, mittens,

boots and snow pants during

the winter season (students

not wearing boots must stay

on the paved area during

recess). Also, a reminder for

parents to assist their child

and our staff by labeling

your child’s winter apparel.

Students will be outside

during the noon hour recess

period unless the following

weather related conditions

(listed below) are in

existence. If any of the

conditions apply, recess (or a

portion of recess) will be

held indoors.

*The temperature

and/or wind chill index is at

or below zero degrees.

*Precipitation (rain or snow

and/or weather conditions

(thunderstorms or lightning)

to a degree that it is deemed

the conditions are not

conducive to student’s well-

being.

*The playgrounds are in

such condition (wet, icy

and/or muddy) that it is

deemed unsafe.

Morning Drop Off For the welfare and safety of

all students, it is requested that

students who walk, ride

bicycles or are dropped off by

parents arrive after 7:50 AM

due to supervisory reasons.

If you drop off your child

before school or pick up your

child after school, please do

not drive/park in the staff

parking area or playground

area for safety reasons.

Should you have changes to

your address, phone numbers

or emergency contacts please

log in to your ParentVUE

account to update.

If you do not have a

ParentVUE account, you can

send an email to parentview@hlww.k12.mn.us. Include your child’s first and

last name, grade level and

school currently attending.

You will receive a

confirmation email with an

activation code and instructs

for completing the setup

process.

Milk Break Milk is available to students in

grades 1-4 for “classroom milk

break” and is optional. The cost of milk

for the second half is $26.00. If you

would like your child to participate in the

classroom milk break for the second half

of the year, please send $26.00 by January

18. Please make checks payable to ISD

#2687.

Snack Break If you would like your child to participate

in the snack program for the second half

of the year, please send $40.00 by January

18. Checks should be made payable to

ISD #2687.

Emergency Closing Information School may be closed in the event of

extreme weather conditions or emergency

circumstances. Parents are advised to

make provisions for the care of their

children in the event of a school closing,

late start or early dismissal.

If you need to change your emergency

closing information, let the office know

and a new form will be sent home.

Elementary

It will soon be time to order your elementary yearbook. Order

forms will be sent home in December. Please return envelope

with payment before the March 16 deadline.

What Is Help Me Grow?

By Heidi Joy Bursch, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Minnesota’s Help Me Grow: Infant and Toddler Intervention Services are provided for eligible children birth to three years of age who may be experiencing delays in their development for several reasons, including special health conditions. These services are designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each child and their family and are offered at no cost to families. Accessing these services as early as possible will ensure the best developmental outcomes for the child. Minnesota’s Help Me Grow: Preschool Special Education provides services based on the needs of preschool children who meet state eligibility criteria for developmental delay or other disability, and who are experiencing challenges in their learning and development. Children may be eligible if they are not able to learn, speak or play like other children who are the same age. Talk to your child’s physician with your concerns to see if Help Me Grow is what your child would benefit from or you can call 1-866-693-GROW (4769) or go directly to their website at: http://helpmegrowmn.org if you have concerns about your child's development. Once a referral is made to the local early intervention program where you reside, you will be contacted to arrange for a screening or an evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for the Help Me Grow program. Services are free.

PTA News - Thank you to everyone who

donated food for conference meals, volunteered their time to help at work night, brought your family to Humphrey’s movie night, attended Winsted’s BINGO night and ordered Laker gear from the apparel sale. We couldn’t make these events happen without your help and they were all a great success because of you! With funds raised through the pizza and apparel sale we were able to sponsor the photo booth at the Community Tree Walk hosted by Waverly this year.

The more you engage with your school community, the more rewarding your experience while your children are in school will be. We encourage you to look for opportunities to volunteer and share your experience and talents. Small or large time commitment – there is a place for you!

Events for December

NO meetings in December

for Humphrey or Winsted PTAs

Project Caring

Become a part of “Project Caring”. Collect

non-perishable food items and cash donations.

Bring them to your child’s classroom between

December 3-10.

The items you collect will be

brought to the HLWW High

School and packed by volunteers

who will deliver the boxes to

families in our area on December 13.

Project Caring is sponsored by District 2687

and is organized by the FFA students. Waverly

Lions, Howard Lake Lions, Winsted Lions,

Winsted Firemen Relief Association and

Howard Lake Legion Post 145 contribute to

Project Caring.

If you need more information or have questions

contact HLWW Community Education 320-

543-4670.

Thank you for your participation in “Project

Caring”.

Winsted Elementary

Jameson Schlueter 12/1

Raziel Elke 12/2

Matty Lanars 12/2

Keith Lachermeier 12/4

Samantha Bender 12/7

Hunter Bush 12/10

Logan Haire 12/10

Hale Kuznia 12/11

Roman Russell 12/12

Isaac Hirsch 12/14

Clara Quast 12/14

Parker Jansson 12/17

Conrad Diers 12/18

Renny Nelson 12/20

Tanner Iverson 12/21

Sophia Hintz 12/25

Jack Schlagel 12/26

Xander Loch 12/27

Breann Mickolichek 12/30

Amelia Reynolds 12/31

Humphrey Elementary

Raylan Pink 12/3

Connor Boman 12/7

Harlow Boehlke 12/8

Amelia Eldred 12/10

Hannah Wendler 12/10

Luke Paumen 12/13

Lydia Engstrom 12/14

Deacon Singer-Towns 12/17

Samantha Swartzer 12/18

Eliisa Peterson 12/19

Braxton Borrell 12/20

Chelsea Curran 12/20

Patrick Birotte 12/22

Christine Decker 12/24

Teegan Kirby 12/26

Reagan Karels 12/27

Garret Jude 12/29

Tucker Hawley 12/30

Hannah Dalbec 12/31

Winsted Elementary

Taylah Elg 6/5

Lillian Springer 6/6

Kizer Busse 6/8

Rylan Swanson 6/13

Prince Teorey 6/13

Lexy Foss 6/15

Grant Thompson 6/16

Zachary Thompson 6/16

Kali Lusk 6/17

Addisyn Lind 6/18

Toby Ver Hey 6/19

Melody Awe 6/24

Sophia Morales 6/27

Hallee Grimm 6/28

Ella Kutz 6/30

Humphrey Elementary

Raymond Loebertmann 6/2

Jackson Chilton 6/3

Maddilyn McClellan 6/3

Lillian Bielefeldt 6/7

Elizabeth Constenius 6/7

Corbin Lepowsky 6/7

Noah Lepowsky 6/7

Blake Hanson 6/9

Cooper Shaw 6/9

Evelyn Karels 6/10

Hazel Duske 6/11

Grady Bauman 6/13

Julianna Teorey 6/14

Matthew Gnitka 6/15

Ashton Weeda 6/18

Fiona Harincar 6/19

Andrew Probst 6/20

Lauren Cardinal 6/21

Gavin Goranson 6/23

Isabel Schlag 6/23

Khloe Kizer 6/27

Dylan Shusta 6/28

Logan Matzke 6/30

First Grade Kindness

By Mrs. Myhre, Humphrey Elementary

In first grade we have been working

hard on what it means to be kind. We

have celebrated by wearing orange

on Unity Day and cardigans on World

Kindness Day. We have read many

books and have had many discussions

on what it means to be kind. Before

leaving the room for the bus, students

are asked to share one kind thing they

did that day and one kind thing

someone else did for them. Below, first

graders share what kind things they

have done for someone.

Caroline: I shared my crayons with

friends.

Grayson: I helped keep my brother

distracted.

Wade: I share my toys.

Lizbeth: I help clean.

Austyn: Give hugs.

Blake: I help my friends.

Jesse: I did dishes for my mom.

Blake: I invited new friends to play with

us.

Kilian: I played with a first grader that

had no friends to play with.

Vanessa: I give my mom hugs.

Sophia: When people are sad I give

them hugs.

Skylar: I help put dishes away.

Wyatt: I help pick up the classroom.

Ana: I clean the kitchen.

Trystan: I helped a friend who was sad.

Surina: I helped clean the bathroom at

home.

Brecken: I ask friends if they are okay

when they are hurt.

Hannah: I help clean my bedroom.

Five Activities To Support Your Child’s

Speech And Language Skills During The Holidays

By Shannon Durick, MS/CCC-SLP

Certified Speech-Language Pathologist

1. Read A Holiday Book Together. Put technology away. Choose a holiday book with your child. Talk

about why you are choosing that book (for example, you could say, “we are choosing this book

because everyone in our family likes animals”). In this example, you just helped your child

understand how to answer a question using a complete sentence. Now read the book together. BUT-

don’t just read the words. Talk about the pictures, ask questions, and ask your child to predict what

might happen on the next page (before you turn in). Reading is one of THE best ways to develop

speech and language skills. Other ideas:

a. Talk about the cover of the book with your child (for example, “I see ___” and

“I like ___”). Ask “what do you see.” Pause and wait...see if they can tell you

something that they see.

b. Ask questions (for example, “what is this?”) and point to a picture in the book. Pause

and wait...see if your child can answer. If they can’t, say the answer and have them

repeat back to you.

c. Ask “where is…?” questions about pictures (for example, “where is the cat?”). Pause

and wait...see if your child can answer. If they can’t, say the answer and have them

repeat back to you.

d. Ask “who” and “what-doing” questions about pictures. Pause and wait...see if your

child can answer. If they can’t, say the answer and have him/her repeat back to you.

2. Play “Santa Says” (with the same rules as “Simon Says”) to help your child focus on their listening

skills (did they hear you say “Santa says” that time or not?). Encourage your child to keep going

even if they miss some of the answers. This helps teach them resiliency when things don’t always go

their way or when they don’t get the correct answer. Use this as an opportunity to teach them what

you do when you don’t get something right (for example, “Oh I missed that one because I was

distracted. I need to listen again. I’m not mad that I missed it because I know I can keep trying.”). It

is important for kids to see adults make mistakes and to see what the adults do when they make

mistakes. Set a family goal for how many correct “listens” you can get during “Santa Says.” Graph

your results on a piece of paper. Try to beat the goal each night (or once a week).

3. Take A Holiday Light Drive together as a family. Some families even like to wear pjs during this fun

tradition! As you drive, talk about where you see the lights (for example, “those lights are on the

roof” or “those lights go all the way around the house” or “those lights are only on the trees”). You

can also compare the different house (for example, “this house has lights on the roof, and the last

house had lights in the windows”). In these examples, you just taught your child about the concepts

of “on,” “around,” and “only.” You also taught your child how to compare two items/things.

4. Holiday Decorating Talk-About. Talk to your child about where you are placing holiday decorations

around your house (i.e., a two-step direction: “Let’s put the stockings on the mantle and then the

tinsel on the tree” or “Now I’m going to find something that is fluffy, white and cold to put under the

tree” - you are using your words to describe the snow to teach your child about the concepts of

“fluffy,” “white,” and “cold”).

5. Play A Holiday Treasure Hunt Game. Hide two or three holiday symbols, objects, or decorations

somewhere in your house (for example, an ornament, star, small tree, small stuffed Santa, stocking,

unlit candle). Then give your child clues about where they can find the items (for example, “the

ornament is under something we sleep in” or “the star is behind the biggest present).

Have fun making memories and teaching

your child this holiday season!

Making Adjustments

Mr. Kley, Third Grade, Humphrey Elementary

With one quarter under our belts in the new school year, students are starting to fall into their daily routines

and teachers are getting settled in as well. Students are adjusting to their new teachers, as well as teachers to

their new students. Making the move from second grade to third grade can be a big adjustment. The

students are becoming more independent, completing more complex assignments, and taking on a heavier

work load than what they did in the past. In third grade we learn two and three digit addition and subtraction

problems, multiplication and division facts, author’s purpose or the reason why an author writes a passage,

new vocabulary words and multiplication timed tests. We are asking a lot out of these students and it is a big

adjustment for them.

One day I talked with my students about what adjustments they have made so far in third grade. We started

to compile quite a list. The list included: the math and reading curriculum is more difficult this year, it is

difficult to pay attention to the directions because it takes two or three steps to solve problems, there are

fewer spelling words but they are more difficult. My students each wrote about something that they are

adjusting to.

Parker-the math tests, homework and reading tests are more difficult because of the responsibility I have in

learning.

Carter-multiplication timed tests because we didn’t do them in second grade.

Elle-the new schedule and all of the math; as well as a new class.

Jayden-all of the routines. It’s a lot of stuff and more difficult than second grade.

Blake-studying and timed tests because you have to work harder to learn it.

Karina-math!!! Lots of math!!! We have to do timed tests and a lot of other stuff.

Ray-cutting out three hours or more of my night to read and do homework because if I don’t do it I wouldn’t

be able to pass all of my timed tests.

Neve-studying for our timed tests and doing our homework every night. If I don’t, I won’t learn anything.

Madey-having to study a lot more. If I did not know my multiplication I would have to study a lot more to

pass them.

Keanen-we have to do a lot more multiplication and division. We need to do this to get ready for fourth

grade.

Chris-doing homework and multiplication because third grade gets you ready for fourth grade.

Riley-cursive. In second grade we just had to do the normal alphabet.

Ellen-multiplication because it is harder than addition.

Ava-doing homework and turning it in on time because we didn’t have homework before and always did it

together.

Angel-division and multiplication because in second grade you learn about addition and subtraction.

Everett-multiplication and division because in second grade we didn’t do it as much as we do now and it is a

lot harder.

Logan-bigger responsibilities because I was not used to taking responsibility for my things.

Kaiya-I have more responsibilities, more to keep track of, a heavier backpack and practice more math.

Whether or not each student knew third grade would be a challenge, they have all done a great job accepting

that challenge. They continue to work hard and improve each day. This group is not afraid to try new things

and they continue to work hard until they come up with a conclusion. I’m looking forward to working with

this group of students throughout the year and helping them develop and grow.

Gifts

By Mr. Krzmarzick, Third Grade, Winsted Elementary

Our school year is quickly moving on. It is already

December and my snowmobile wants out of the garage.

Third graders have been practicing their multiplication

facts almost from the first day of school. Our students

have read many good books this year including Shiloh,

Where the Red Fern Grows and Charlotte’s Web. My class

has also worked on their writing skills. Writing is usually a

difficult skill for students to master. We brainstorm ideas

and sometimes draw a picture to help. The students then

write a rough draft. We revise, edit and finally write a

good copy. Students then present their paper to the class.

One of our writing assignments was titled Gifts. Some gifts

my students would give are as follows:

Lily – Give Dad a vacation to spend with family.

Jack – Give Mom a washing machine, Jack promises he

won’t crawl in it.

June – Give my brother, Alex, a job. He is 21 and needs

one.

Bryn – Give Mom, a new ring. Hers is too small.

Evelyn – Grandma needs a new car. Her car is too small

for four cousins.

Sophia – Give Dad a new Halo game, but it is too scary

for Sophia to play.

Renny – Give Grandpa a new boat to catch fish and

muskrats.

Griffin – Mom needs a paint coat. Her coat has too much

paint on it.

Logan – Mom gets some creepy dolls to put on her

headboard.

Razi – Mom gets a pink Chevy pickup. Her old one is

broken down.

Car’rese – Mom needs a new car, as it is broken down.

Max – Dad needs a bigger shop for more workers and tee

shirts printed.

Jacob – Uncle Tom needs more model trains to build with

Jacob.

Trystan – Get Grandpa some collector coins, the older the

better.

Hallie – Mom needs a ring. She likes jewelry.

Alexis – A bow and arrow for my Dad because he likes to

hunt deer.

It was good to see the students

think of others.

Box Tops For Education

The Box Tops for Education

program is changing the way we

can earn cash for our school!

Over the summer, participating

brands have begun to change

their packing from the traditional

Box Tops clip to the new Box

Tops label.

See this…CLIP IT

See this…SCAN YOUR RECEIPT

Going forward, instead of

clipping from packages and

checking expiration dates, all Box

Tops will be earned digitally by

scanning your receipt. The Box

Tops for Education team has

worked hard to build a NEW-

and-improved, user-friendly Box

Tops mobile app, available now.

The new app features state-of-

the-art technology that allows

you to scan your store receipt,

find participating products and

instantly add Box Tops to our

school’s earnings online.

Be sure to download the new app

or update your existing app:

Thanks for helping our schools!