Altoona Middle School Gr 6 - 8

Altoona Intermediate School Gr 4/5

J a n u a ry 2 0 1 5

H a p p y N e w Y e a r !

In This Issue:

Michael Perry visits 1

Darnell family & Ath-

letic boosters

2

AIS artwork 3

AIS recess & myths 4

AIS news 5

6th gr news & art 6

7th gr art & news 8

8th gr art & news 10

8th gr E/LA 12

Nurse Anita’s news 14

Guiding Good Choices 15

January Calendar 16 Mr. Pszeniczny AMS & AIS Principal

Mr. Oliver Dean of Students

Write it on your

heart that every day is the best

day in the year.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson AIS welcomed author Michael Perry, to our school, on

Tuesday December 9. He spoke to us during the

morning about how to be a better writer. He also

shared with us how he writes. The students were sur-

prised and inspired to learn his unconventional methods. For in-

stance, he climbed a mountain with two disabled veterans and then

told their story. He also often writes while he is in his hunting blind

or in the outdoors on assignment. Students are currently listening

to his book, The Scavengers, a young adult novel. If you would like

to find out more his website is: http://sneezingcow.com/

A special thanks to Ms. Madsen for organizing this interesting

and rewarding experience for our AIS students.

Author Visit!

Darnell Family News: A 2nd grader in

Pedersen Elementary, with a sibling in AIS was

recently diagnosed with a serious medical con-

dition.

CaringBridge is a nonprofit offering trusted spaces where family

and friends can connect and share during any type of health event.

Kyanna Darnell and her family now have a Caring Bridge site.

The link to the site is Site Link: www.caringbridge.org/visit/

kyannadarnell and the Site Name is: kyannadarnell

Various fundraising efforts are also taking place within the

school, including selling Kyanna Strong wristbands for $2 and t-shirts

for $10. A separate note is being sent home regarding these—watch

for it in your child’s backpack.

PARENTS: THE ALTOONA BOOSTER CLUB NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!!!

THE BOOSTER CLUB IS INSTRUMENTAL IN SUPPORTING ALL OF OUR ALTOONA

ATHLETIC TEAMS GRADES 7-12

THE BOOSTER CLUB IS CURRENTLY SEEKING NEW LEADERSHIP AND MEM-

BERS WHO ARE WILLING TO GET INVOLVED AND HELP OUR ATH-

LETIC PROGRAMS SUCCEED IN THE YEARS TO COME.

THE NEXT BOOSTER CLUB MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21 AT

6PM IN HIGH SCHOOL COMMONS. ALL ARE WELCOME. IF YOU ARE A

PARENT OF AN ATHLETE ON ANY OF ALTOONA’S HIGH SCHOOL OR MID-

DLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC TEAMS, PLEASE CONSIDER GETTING INVOLVED.

YOUR CHILDREN NEED AND DESERVE YOUR SUPPORT!

Page 3

Altoona Intermediate School Grade 4/5

Ms. Bain

Ms. Brahan

Ms. Gagnon

Ms. Gutsch

Ms. Langlois

Ms. Madsen

Ms. Pszeniczny

Ms. Schirm

Ms. Scott

Ms. Stamos

By Anna By Diego

By Kelina

By Keyliana By Marcus By Tom

By Paige By Rosie

A.I.S.

Artists

Grade 4/5

8:20 - 8:35 Homeroom

8:35 - 9:45 CORE 1: English/

Language Arts

9:45 -10:00 Recess

10:00 -11:05 Snack & CORE 2:

Science & Social

studies

11:08 -11:53 Specials

11:57 - 12:29 Lunch & Recess

12:32 - 12:52 Stamina

Reading time

12:52 -1:22 P.I.E.

1:25 - 2:37 CORE 3: Math

2:40 - 3:25 Specials

3:27 - 3:30 Homeroom

Page 4

Parents & Guardians

– Just a quick reminder that AIS school

hours are 8:20am – 3:30pm.

AIS students are not to arrive at school before 8am

as they are unsupervised during this time. Many

staff are in meetings before school and AMS stu-

dents are beginning classes during this time.

At 8:00am AIS supervisors begin their recess duty

and at 8:05am our buses begin to arrive.

We appreciate your co-

operation to ensure the

safety of all of our AIS stu-

dents and to provide opti-

mal learning environments

for our AMS students.

How did the porcupine get it’s quills?

Long ago, there was a guy named Marcus, and a girl named Ashley. They were

picking up sticks in the woods one day together. They came across a weird stick,

and then Marcus picked it up and he changed into a porcupine. He didn’t have

any quills because long ago they didn’t have any quills. Ashley started freaking

out, so she stabs that same stick into Marcus/porcupine and then he shrunk and

then she starts screaming and running away. She comes back the next day and he

has quills and the whole forest is full

of porcupines with quills. Marcus is an

evil porcupine …. he is trying to hurt

everything and everyone, except the

other porcupines. That’s how porcu-

pines got their quills! By: Jaden, Payton, Amber, and Dru

A.I.S.

In science class we were learning about the sun, moon,

and planets. We studied the phases of the moon! There

are a lot of fun facts about the sun, moon, and planets!

We spent about 5 weeks and explored the solar system.

—Natalie, Hilary & Mercy

In science, we have been using motors and light bulbs. We

have had lots of fun with the motor and the light. We have

been using a hand held generator. And, we're waiting for a

sunny day to be able to use our solar panels.—Cole, Caleb &

Damion.

In math 4 we are studying measurement, quick im-

ages, math facts, and multiplication. Sometimes

when we are done early, we can log into Moby Max.

Last week, we did coding with Angry Birds! - Domi-

nic & Reynier

In math 5 we are doing fractions, percentages, and

decimals. We also participated in the "Hour of Code". -

Kyle, Zaydion & Isaac

The 3 of us really enjoy writing our Student Treasure books. We really like

writing the books because we can write about anything we like. Summer did

a book called Magic, Morgan did a collection of stories, and Brianna did a

book about her family.—Summer, Mor-

gan & Brianna

We will be reading biographies this

month about people from Wisconsin. Mrs. Kuchta

talked about how to find books that were written and

illustrated by Wisconsin authors in the LMC.—Rachael

& Tatyana

In Great State Wisconsin News there are stories and map work. So

far, we have studied where Native Americans live throughout Wis-

consin.—Mathias & Anthany

Altoona Intermediate School: Grades 4/5

In E/LA we are learning about figurative language.

This is when you describe something by comparing

it to something else. They can be similes, metaphors, hyperboles, idi-

oms, etc. We are also writing our own songs.

In math, our focus is on fractions, including adding, subtracting,

multiplying and dividing them.

In Science we are researching Biomes. -Brianna Lima

“A biome is a large geographical area of dis-

tinctive plant and animal groups, which are

adapted to that particular environment”.

(Blueplanet.org)

Soon we will be making presentations on our Biome to the class.

In Social Studies with Mrs. Camlek we have been learning about Ancient Mesopota-

mia, Egypt and Mesa Verde.

In E/LA we are learning how to write poems by rewriting Christ-

mas songs and poems into our own creative versions, including some

very funny lines. We will be performing them in front of the class for all

to enjoy.

We have a new math book which is interesting, if I do say so my-

self. Up next we will be learning how to multiply rational numbers into

equivalent fractions. - Brandon Scheildler

Previously, in Science, all 6th graders made a Biome presen-

tation (see Biome description above!). Now we are preparing

for a big test from Mrs. Navarre on 12/19/14.

In Mrs. Camlek’s room we completed a test to see how much

we have learned about the lost city of Mesa Verde.

6th Grade

6th Grade Ms. Camlek

Ms. Navarre

Ms. Phippen

Mr. Stuttgen

Page 7

Grade 6

7: 45 - 8:07 Super Study

8:07 - 9:07 * Core 1

9:10 -10:10 * Core 2

10:13 -10:58 Specials

11:04 -11:33 Lunch/Recess

11:36 -12:36 * Core 3

12:39 - 1:39 * Core 4

1:42 - 2:27 Specials

2:30 - 3:00 PIE

By Adaline By Keelyn By Daydrean

By Leah By Logan By Carson

By Carson By Sarah

Ms. Colbert

Mr. Graser

Ms. Hanson

Ms. Stilp

Page 8

7th Grade Grade 7

7: 45 - 8:07 Super Study

8:07 - 9:07 * Core 1

9:10 -10:10 * Core 2

10:13 -10:58 Specials

11:04 -11:33 Lunch & Recess

11:36 -12:36 * Core 3

12:39 - 1:24 Specials

1:27 - 1:57 P.I.E.

2:00 - 3:00 * Core 4

By Morgan By Tierra By Jarret

By Logan By Joe

By Abigael

By Kaylee

Thanks to Mr. Burgraff for

Decking our Halls!

Page 9

- Desiree Leland

In E/LA we have been earning about different types of po-

ems, including Simile, Color and Free verse poems. After fin-

ishing our Poem packet we began a “My Name” learning es-

say. We wrote an essay about our names using descriptive

language and sensory imagery. We will be sharing these with

each other in the week leading up to the Christmas break.

In math we are learning about stretching and shrinking. That’s where you

use a rubber band to make a shape that is shown on paper. Some of them are

big and some are small. We are to find the perimeter,

the area, the S.F. (scale factor) and A.F. (area factor).

In science, one lab that I really enjoyed experi-

menting with was the Block lab. We had to calculate the

density of nine different blocks which all had the same

volume and then use this answer to figure out what the mystery material was.

In Ms. Hanson’s class we have been studying the types of gov-

ernment systems. The government systems we have studied in-

clude Direct Democracy, Monarchy, Constitutional Monarchy,

Representative Democracy, Communism and Authoritarian Dic-

tatorship. After the unit we had to

write a play showcasing one gov-

ernment system and we also made a Help Wanted

Advertisement regarding a government system.

7th Grade

8th Grade Artists with

Mr. B.

Page 10

Grade 8

7: 45 - 8:45 * Core 1

8:48 - 9:33 Specials

9:35 - 10:00 P.I.E.

10:02 -11:02 * Core 2

11:04 -11:33 Lunch & Re-

cess

11:36 -12:36 * Core 3

12:39 - 1:39 * Core 4

1:42 - 2:27 Specials

2:30 - 3:00 Super study

By Austin

By Chris

By Hannah By Keaton

By MacKenzie

By Jake

By Mathias

By Megan By Oscar

By Skyler

By Sydney

8th Grade WOW!!!

Ms. Wardean's 8th grade students

donated $70 plus dog & cat food,

and other much needed supplies to

the Eau Claire Humane

Association this month.

8th Grade History and Math

By: Payton Oliver

In history class we have been

learning about events that have been

leading up to the Revolutionary War. We studied how the pilgrims

reached the new world. We watched videos that helped us understand

all the events that led up to Lexington and Concord, like the Boston Tea

Party. Our next unit will be the Constitution.

In math class we have been learning about different equations

along with some graphing. We have learned to write down and convert equations. We also

know how to find missing numbers and equations along with writing the correct sentence

that goes along with the equations or missing variable. Right now we have been learning

about parallel and perpendicular lines and how to write them in equations.

8th Grade Science

By: Ben Schmid

In science class right now we are researching our energy sources and how to use

them efficiently. This includes researching fossil fuels (natural gas, oil,

coal, etc.), and finding out how these energy sources are produced.

Previously, in one of our labs, we had to identify different types of

coal. We had to identify peat, lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite

coal (in order of formation steps). We also watched a video called

“Kilowatt Ours” which mainly covered how we as humans are wasting

our energy supply, and how we can cut down on energy usage. We

also had to write conclusions for our labs, fill out guides for videos

we’ve watched, and completed other various homework assignments.

8th Grade English Language Arts

In 8th grade language arts with Ms.

Wardean and our student teacher, Ms.

Griffith, we have just finished our Rights

and Responsibilities historical fiction nov-

el unit. In our guided reading groups,

we read 15 different novels where the

characters had constitutional rights vio-

lated. Our discussions for the novels re-

volved around those rights and we wrote

a series of journal responses on a blog

page of our website.

Our final project was to create web sites that included a novel summary, a

picture walk of historical places and time period culture, a Google map depict-

ing the setting and travel route of the story, a Kahoot! quiz about our novel, a

blog page with journal responses, a Tagul word cloud with key vocabulary

words, and found poetry from our novel. We collaborated in groups of 3-5 to

create the websites.

Please check out the showcase in the middle school hallway to access all

of our webpages, but here is a sneak peak at just a few. Follow the link under

the pictures, or scan our QR

codes to quickly access our pag-

es.

http://burymyheartatwoundedknee.weebly.com/

http://warriorsdontcry2.weebly.com/

http://numberthestars00.weebly.com/

http://trailthroughthemists.weebly.com/

http://freedomwalkersmb.weebly.com/

http://soldierxbookgroup.weebly.com/

Scan the pictured QR code, or follow the link

below the picture to access the webpages.

Page 14

NEWS FROM NURSE ANITA

Holiday Head Lice Treatment Holidays bring family members from far and near. Bad

enough to think your child may have given it to some-

one you know or even gotten from someone you know,

but how stressful to pass it to a cousin you have not

seen since last year. Head lice prevention and early

treatment is key this time of year.

Tips for head lice prevention include:

Avoid head to head contact. Remember head lice are transmitted through

head to head contact.

Keep hair tied back.

Avoid sharing hats, scarves, brushes and hair accessories (including the

community Santa hat).

Have good metal lice comb on hand and comb weekly to check for head lice.

Be proactive, ask to check family/ friends children’s hair.

Early head lice treatment is vital to ending the situation. If treated early, it lessens

the chance of spreading lice to others. Another prevention measure to avoid re-

infestation is to get rid of all the nits (lice eggs) by combing / picking them out .

Let others your child has had contact with know to check theirs. Encourage them to

check for head lice and be treated as soon as possible.

Why stress over head lice? Better to be on guard and prevent head lice or if needed

get it treated early and successfully. Get past head lice and on to celebrating with

family and friends. If you have been through head lice in the past you know one

thing to be thankful for is a safe, effective and stress free treatment for head lice.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Office (715) 839-6030 Absentee Hotline (715) 839-6095

District Office (715) 839-6032 Food Service (715) 839-6056

MARSHFIELD CLINIC: Guiding Good Choices

DID YOU KNOW……..

Wisconsin rates of underage drinking (age 12-20) continue to be higher than

the national average.

66% of Wisconsin youth have reported drinking alcohol

33% of Wisconsin youth have tried cigarettes

31%of Wisconsin youth have tried marijuana

1/4 of people in Wisconsin who began using heroin were younger than 25

years old when they started using.

Guiding Good Choices is a free program offered throughout northwestern Wisconsin for adults involved in

the care and wellbeing of children in Grades 4-8. Parents, family members and professionals who work

with youth will gain tools needed to guide children in healthy, drug free decision making.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN…….

Getting started — How to prevent drug use in families.

Setting Guidelines — How to develop healthy beliefs and clear standards.

Avoiding trouble – How to say no to drugs.

Managing conflict – How to control and express anger constructively.

Involving Everyone – How to strengthen family bonds.

Reserve your spot now at www.northwoodsggc,org For questions contact the University of Wisconsin—Stevens

Point at UWSPCE-Conferecnes@uwsp.edu or 1-800-898-9472

Disclaimer

The School District of Altoona from time to time permits the distribution of information related to appropriate non-commercial activities sponsored by nonprofit groups. Distribution of materials does not mean or imply sponsorship or support of the activity by the school system. Any problems related to the operation of the activity will be strictly between the participant and the sponsoring organization. Request for further information about the activity should be directed to the sponsoring organization.

Upcoming February 2015 Dates:

2/5/15 Forensics @ Northstar 2/9/15 Forensics Family Night

2/17/15 AIS Play Practice begins 2/24-2/26 & 3/3 & 3/4 AIS to Ice Age Center

January 2015

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 3

4 5

Back to school!

6 7

7th Grade

Courage

Retreat

8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19

20 21 22 23

End of Q2 &

Semester 1

24

25 26

Early Release

No PM classes

27 28 29 30 31

Winter Break

Board Meeting

6:30pm D/O

Board Meeting

6:30pm D/O

AIS & AMS PTO

PES LMC

4pm Forensics

Meet at South

4pm Forensics

Meet at Menomonie

Mathcounts

competition.

AMS PTO Eat

‘n’ Treat Day”

AMS PTO Eat’n’Treat Day

TOPPERS PIZZA (2159 Eastridge Cen-

ter—near MEGA) will donate 50% of

their sales to the school for the entire

day! 11am—3am on Monday, Jan 26th,

2015. Take out or delivery! Be sure to

mention ALTOONA FUNDRAISER!

6pm Athletic

Booster Meet-

ing - AHS

Commons