Wilton community school district

Newsletter published monthly during the school year

www.wiltoncsd.org

NOVEMBER 2011 Volume 19, issue 4

District “Game Plan” for School Closings and Delays

-Joe Burnett, Superintendent

With fall moving along rapidly, I thought this would be a good time to share some information on our upcoming season – winter. It’s not as far away as we think (or as I’d like to think). The bottom line when it comes to making a determina-tion to have school is the safety of the students. I’d rather put in an extra day in June than have a weather related accident. Undoubtedly, school closings and delays can be an inconven-ience to parents. Please be thinking about your “game plan” when delays or cancellations occur. How do we determine if we have school or not? I work closely with our transportation director - Sam Mullin. We keep a close eye on the forecast like the rest of you. Major snowstorms are a little easier to predict as far as having a delay or a cancellation. Drifting snow, freezing rain, fog, and black ice are the tough ones be-cause they can be patchy and can change rather quickly – most of the time for the worse. If the weather is deteriorating in the evening, we’re inclined to call a two hour delay that night as it allows us more time the next morning to assess the situation. We try to have a determination by 8:45 a.m. on the days that we have two hour delays as to if we will cancel for the rest of the day. Deciding to cancel school is a big responsibility as we have over 800 students that come to school on a daily ba-sis. We will do our best to keep your children safe. Whenever there is a delay to the beginning of the school day, cancella-tion of school for the day, or early dismissal we will utilize the School Messenger Notification System for those an-nouncements. Also, listed are the primary contacts we make to local radio and TV stations: KWQC-TV in Davenport, KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, and WMT radio in Cedar Rapids. Remember, these will be the only stations contacted. We will always try to make a decision as soon as possible and a number of telephone calls must be made in a short period of time, so unless there is an emergency, please rely on these av-enues for information concerning delays, cancellations and early dismissals.

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

ELEMENTARY 732-2880

Principal: Jamie Meyer

Secretary: Sara Anderson

JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL 732-2629

Principal: Ken Crawford

Asst Principal/

Curriculum Director: Denise Austin

Secretary: Deb Brenner

Asst Secretary: Jill Proctor

CENTRAL OFFICE 732-2035

Superintendent: Joe Burnett

Business Mgr: Staci Kirkman

Board Secretary: Joy Gehrls

Central Office Clerk: Amy Marthaler

BOARD OF EDUCATION

President: Linda Duncan

Vice President: Tony Hurd

Board Members: Jeff Belknap

Gary Maurer

Christopher Watkins

The Board meets the second Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Jr/Sr Media Center and the fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. at the Central Office.

Thanks to every-one who attended Parent/Teacher conferences on October 5th and 12th. If you missed coming in on either of those days, always feel free to call and schedule an ap-pointment with a teacher. Confer-ences do not only have to be those days of the year.

First quarter has ended and se-cond quarter is in full swing. If you have questions on grades, please contact the teach-er. They are the

best ones to ex-plain why some-thing was graded and how it was graded.

November also signals the end of fall activities and the start of winter activities. From basketball and wrestling, to Variety Shows and Christmas concerts. The second quarter seems to drag a bit, yet goes quickly once we get through the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please take some time to look at our calen-dar and see if

there are any events you would like to at-tend. Late No-vember into De-cember are very busy times for everyone.

Enjoy this time before the busy holiday season engulfs all of us up.

“Great minds have purposes;

others have wishes.”

Washington

Irving

Important News from: Mr. Crawford November 2011

Wilton Jr/Sr High School

IMPORTANT

DATES

2-Senior Composite

Picture

Picture Re-takes 7-11

4-Variety Show-7 pm

5-Variety Show-7 pm

23-Dismiss at 2 pm

24 & 25-NO SCHOOL

30-Senior yearbook photo due

COUNSELING UPDATES

Important Upcoming Dates

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS TO WHS:

Nov. 2 La James Cosmetology College (Mason City) @ 10:00 AM

Nov. 7 Central College @ 11:00 AM

Nov. 14 Muscatine Community College @ 1:30

Nov. 17 Western Illinois University @ 10:00

ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES:

Registration deadline for the December ACT Test is November 4th. Go to www.actstudent.org to register for testing. Be sure to include our High School Code of 164705. If students do not use this code, WHS does not receive official results and we cannot include your ACT scores on your official transcript. Students may register until November 18th if they pay an additional late fee.

IOWA ASSESSMENTS AND PLAN TESTING

On November 8 and 9, from 8:15-11:15 AM, students in grades 7-9 and 11 will be taking the Iowa Assessments, the new edition of the former ITBS and ITED Tests. These are the tests that the state and federal governments use the determine the No Child Left Behind scores and profi-ciency levels for our school. It is important for students to be in school, well rested and ready to begin testing on time these 2 days. Students and parents will be able to use the results to see the academic growth of their student over the past year. Our sophomores take the PLAN test-a preview of the ACT Tests they will take as juniors or seniors. They will receive a predicted ACT score and an analysis of their career interests which will aid them in future planning, both in high school and beyond.

MCC SPRING SEMESTER COURSE PLANNING

On November 14th, Katie Watson from Muscatine Community College will be at WHS to aid stu-dents in planning for any dual credit college courses they are interested in for Spring semester. She will be bringing the Spring 2012 and Summer 2012 course schedules so students will know what will be offered for dual credit classes in the next semester. See Ms. Paper for more de-tails.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The National Honor Society Student & Community Blood Drive will be held on December 7th from 7:30 AM -12:30 PM. Please make plans to help out our community by donating blood dur-ing this drive. December is a time of lower donation numbers due to the holidays and we are working to keep the blood supply strong in our area! Call Char Paper @ 732-2629, ext. 211, to reserve a time. Any community members who come in to donate move to the front of the line!!

 

ANNUAL FFA FRUIT

SALES

It’s that time of year for the Wilton/Durant FFA to sell fruit, popcorn, and peanuts. Please contact any FFA member or Mr. Hammes to place an

order. Orders need to be placed by Thanksgiving. Please call the high school office at 563-732-2629 with any questions. Thank you for your continued

support.

IOWA ASSESSMENTS AND PLAN TESTING November is the month that we will be testing our students with the Iowa Assessments and the PLAN tests. Iowa Assessments will be given November 7–11, 2011 at the elementary in grades 3-6, and jr./sr. high testing will be done on November 8-9, 2011. Iowa Assessments will be given in grades 7, 8, 9, and ll. PLAN tests will be given to the 10th graders as a preparation for the ACT test as well as a career interest inventory.

At the elementary level, Iowa Assessments will be done in classrooms. In an attempt to improve standardization, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade testing will be done in a full group setting the first two blocks of each day. Most of the 11th grade testing will be done in seminar groups also at the beginning of each day. Iowa Assessments cover many of the important skills students learn at school, and the results of these tests help us identify needs and areas to address on our school improvement plan. Achievement data on the reading comprehension and math tests are also used to determine whether our district has met annual yearly progress targets that are determined by the No Child Left Behind legislation.

CURRICULUM UPDATE TEST STRATEGIES AND HINTS

Below is a list of strategies and hints designed to help all students with multiple-choice tests.

Strategies:

Read the directions carefully. Come up with your answer before

looking at the choices and see if it is there.

Read through all the choices. Immediately rule out obviously

wrong answers. Answer every question.

Hints: If you are unsure, begin with the

process of elimination. Trust your first instinct – change

answers only when you have a concrete reason.

Think of multiple-choice tests as a series of true/false statements.

If one choice is partly right, look for another one that is completely right.

If two options mean about the same thing, they are probably both incorrect.

Question options that contain absolute words (e.g. never, always, all, none, only).

Education is simply the soul of

a society as it passes from one

generation to another.

--G.K. Chesterton

Parents'/Guardians' Rights Notification:      Parents/guardians in the Wilton Community School District have the right to learn about the following qualifications of their child's teachers: state licensure requirements for the grade level and content areas taught, the current licensing status of your child's teachers, and baccalaureate/graduate certifications/degrees.  You may also request the qualifications of an instructional paraprofessional who serves your student in a Title I program.  Parents/guardians may request this information from the Office of the Superintendent by calling 563‐732‐2035 or sending a letter of request to Wilton Community School Central Office, 1002 Cypress Street, Wilton, IA  52778.      The Wilton Community School District ensures that parents will be notified in writing if their child has been assigned, or has been taught by a teacher for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not considered highly qualified.  

Please help us encourage all students to put forth their best efforts on these achievement tests. It is important that your son or daughter be at school and be on time. Also, it is important that your

child/children eat a good breakfast and get plenty of sleep. In the jr./sr. high, the students have reviewed their past scores and have set goals for this year. Please

help us encourage them to do their best and take pride in what they have learned. Students in grades 8, 9, and 11 will have an ACT predicted range on their score report and proficiency

on the Iowa Assessments will make students eligible to take classes for college credit.

Dear Wilton Elementary Families:

Beginning on November 7th and running through November 11th, students in grades 3rd through 6th will be taking the Iowa Assessment Tests. This is done yearly and is only one

indicator that the Wilton School District uses to meet the guidelines put forth by the federal government in regards to No Child Left Behind.

As with any assessment, test, or homework that a child does, we simply want them to do their very best. Here are a few suggestions that I hope will make this time less stressful for the kids and for you:

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. This will allow them to be more alert and able to showcase their ability they have as a student.

Have them eat breakfast. Having a good breakfast is known to reduce stress and give kids mental energy to do their very best.

Encourage your child to read the directions and questions carefully. This will ensure that they completely under-stand what is being asked.

If a question stumps your child, and they have done every-thing they can do to determine the answer, tell them to mark their best guess and move on. This is different from random guessing and making no attempt to determine an answer BEFORE marking their choice.

Winter Preparations

The weather continues to remind us that the winter season is not too far off. Please make sure that your child is prepared for going outside to recess. It is im-portant to know at what times of the day your child (ren) are outside at recess. This will help you gage the appropriate type of clothing they will need to wear while outside. Never underesti-mate the value in having sent gloves and a hat with your child(ren) to school. This would be a great time to check and make sure that all winter clothing will fit your child. You never know when it will be needed!! As a gen-eral rule, we will NOT send students outside for recess if the air temperature or wind chill are below zero degrees.

Wilton Elementary School “Making a positive difference in the lives of our students.”

End of Trimester

The end of the 1st trimester is Monday, November 14, 2011. Report cards will be sent home with the students on Monday, November 21, 2011. Included with the report cards will be certificates for 1st semester perfect attendance for those that met the criteria (0 absences and 2 or fewer tardies).

When you send lunch money with your child to school, it is your safest bet to send it in the form of a check. If it becomes necessary to send lunch money to school in the form of cash, please send it in an envelope with your child’s name on it. If you are unsure whether or not you are running low on lunch money, a red stamp is placed on their hand to indicate that your meal account is out of money. You can check your child’s lunch activity through our JMC online feature. You will need your username and password. Contact the ele-mentary office for assistance with JMC.

Mr. Jamie Meyer Elementary Principal

732-2880 jamiemeyer@wiltoncsd.org

Upcoming dates:

November 2

Picture Retake Day

November 7-11

Iowa Assessment Week

November 14

1st Trimester ends

November 23

Early Dismissal @2:00

November 24-25

No School

Go Beavers!!

November 2011

The PIE committee is asking all community members to continue to save their steel cans. Clean cans, with labels removed, can be sent to the elementary school to be recy-cled.

If you drop your child off at school, please encourage them to exit the vehicle on the passenger

side of the car and then proceed to the nearest crosswalk. Thanks!!

Wilton

November, 2011Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1Greenery SalesSTAGE CLOSEDVariety Show Rehearsal9:00am FCCLA FallMeeting1:00pm Gary Metivierguest author @Elementary Gym

2Picture RetakesSTAGE CLOSEDVariety Show Rehearsal

3STAGE CLOSED2:00pm Early Dismissal4:15pm BB-G/8th (H)vs. Tipton4:15pm BB-G/7th Awayvs. Tipton4:15pm WR-JH @Durant High School -MS GymMore...

4ACT RegistrationDeadlineSTAGE CLOSED7:00pm Variety Show@ Auditorium andStage

5STAGE CLOSEDState Solo CompetitionDance7:00pm Variety Show@ Auditorium andStage

6STAGE CLOSED

7Coe College Men'sHonor ChoirSTAGE CLOSED3:30pm FPI Practice @Stage

8ITED, PLAN, ITBSTestingSTAGE CLOSED4:15pm BB-G/8th (H)vs. Durant4:15pm BB-G/7th Awayvs. Durant4:15pm WR-JH @Tipton Middle School

9ITED, PLAN, ITBSTestingSTAGE CLOSED

10STAGE CLOSED2:00pm Early Dismissal4:15pm BB-G/8th Awayvs. North Cedar4:15pm BB-G/7th (H)vs. North Cedar4:15pm WR-JH (H) vs.West Liberty

11Cedar ValleyConference Honor BandSTAGE CLOSED

12

1310:00am BasketballTournament @ Multiplelocations

143:30pm FPI Practice @Stage4:15pm BB-G/8th (H)vs. West Liberty4:15pm BB-G/7th Awayvs. West Liberty

15Choir Trip Account4:15pm WR-JH (H) vs.Multiple Schools

16

17All State Music FestivalOpus Honor Choir2:00pm Early Dismissal4:15pm BB-G/8th Awayvs. West Branch4:15pm BB-G/7th (H)vs. West Branch

18ACT Late RegistrationDeadlineAll State Music Festival

19All State Music Festival

20

21Greenery SalesPie's for Thanksgiving3:30pm FPI Practice @Stage4:15pm BB-G/8th Awayvs. Mid-Prairie4:15pm BB-G/7th (H)vs. Mid-Prairie4:15pm WR-JH (H) vs.Multiple SchoolsMore...

22TBD BB-B/V Away vs.Mid-PrairiePie's for Thanksgiving3:00pm Ringing theBell for Salvation Army6:00pm BB-G/JV (H) vs.Cascade7:30pm BB-G/V (H) vs.Cascade

23Pie's for Thanksgiving5:00pm WrestlingInner Squad @ HighSchool Gym

24Thanksgiving Break

25Thanksgiving Break

26

27

283:30pm FPI Practice @Stage4:15pm BB-G/8th Awayvs. Tipton4:15pm BB-G/7th (H)vs. Tipton4:15pm WR-JH Awayvs. Tipton

294:15pm BB-G/8th Awayvs. Regina4:15pm BB-G/7th (H)vs. Regina6:30pm WR-JV (H) vs.DeWitt Central7:30pm WR-V (H) vs.DeWitt Central

30

1 of 1 10/31/2011 4:43 PM

WILTON SWIMMING POOL (WHIRLPOOL AND SAUNA ALSO AVAILABLE)

305 EAST WATE ST. WILTON, IOWA 52778

563-732-2445 Schedule Effective Oct. 25, 2011 – Jan.10, 2012

PUBLIC SWIM,THERAPY SWIM AND WATER WALKING Mon, Wed, Fri 6:30-8:00pm Saturday 1-5pm Sunday 1-4pm

ADULT LAP SWIM AND WATER WALKING Earlybird Mon, Wed, Fri. 6-7:30am Noon M,T,W, F, 10:55-11:50 am TH 10:30-11:15 am Sat 12 noon–1pm Evenings Mon, Wed, Fri 5:00-6:30pm

AQUASIZE (Water Fitness and Therapy Classes) ***All classes offer a 45min. choreographed routine, followed by use of the whirlpool & sauna room. Mornings Mon, Wed, & Fri 7:30-8:15am Afternoons Tues. & Thurs. 4:00-4:45pm Evenings Tues. & Thurs. 7:35-8:20pm

SENIOR CITIZEN SWIM Mornings Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00-10:00am A great time for water walking, water therapy, volleyball and exercising. No swimming skills required.

SWIMMING LESSONS Tuesdays, Nov.1–Dec.20, 2011 (8x) Parent Tot 6-6:30 Levels 4,5 & 6 6-6:45 Levels 1, 2 & 3 6:45-7:30 Cost: $35

PRIVATE LESSONS Available upon request. Cost is $8.50 per 1/2hr.

POOL PARTIES The pool is available for rent before and after regular scheduled hours. Saturday and Sunday mornings and evenings are the most popular times

POOL FEES (10% disc. on all memberships purchased during the month of November). GIFT CERTIFICATES available. ADMISSION Child and Senior Citizen $2.00 Adult (age 16 & up) $2.50 AQUASIZE Per time $2.50 20 punch pass $45.00 YEAR MEMBERSHIP Resident Non-resident Child and Senior Citizen $90+tax $100+tax Adult $110+tax $120+tax Family $200+tax $220+tax A family membership includes all children living at home under the age of 18. Memberships are non-refundable. 20 PUNCH PASSES Child and Senior Citizen $33.50+tax Adult $41.76+tax

HOLIDAY HOURS All hours below are additional public swim hours. Noon lap swim is from 12 noon to 1 pm during these dates. Aquasize,senior citizens,early bird and evening laps stay as scheduled.

If in question, please call ahead, especially over the holidays! Nov. 24 CLOSED Nov. 25 Public Swim 1pm-4pm & 6:30pm-8pm Dec. 23 Public Swim 1pm-4pm & 6:30pm-8pm Dec. 24 CLOSED Dec. 25 CLOSED Dec. 26 Public Swim 1pm-4pm & 6:30pm-8pm Dec. 27 Public Swim 1pm-4pm Dec. 28 Public Swim 1pm-4pm & 6:30pm-8pm Dec. 29 Public Swim 1pm-4pm Dec. 30 Public Swim 1pm-4pm & 6:30pm-8pm Dec. 31 Public Swim 1pm-4pm Jan. 1 CLOSED Jan. 2 Public Swim 1pm-4pm & 6:30pm-8pm

“HAPPY HOLIDAYS” FROM THE POOL STAFF!!!!