Friday, November 3, 2017

November Family Newsletter 2017



From the Principal

With the turning of the calendar page to November we reach the end of the 1st quarter of school (November 3). Hard to believe we have reached this point already, but here it is. Now that we have, kids may think it is time to slip into autopilot for a bit? Nothing could be further from the truth as the pace of instruction will continue to be the same, perhaps a bit quicker and students will continually be learning new material. Actually the end of the first quarter is great time to take stock in where your child(ren) currently is with their academics and 21st Century Skills.


To assist with that check up I would encourage you to be sure to look at the kids quarter grades/marks when they come out in the next week or so. If things are going well certainly take time to celebrate and offer praise for a job well done. If the marks are not where you know your child can perform, it is time to have a discussion about why they are not where they should be.


Either way, the start of the new quarter is a great time to reconnect with the goals that were set at the start of the school year. If things are going good stay with the plan, if not, I would encourage parents to adjust the plan and set in place more specific action steps to support forward progress. If that means detailing out the steps, great, as that will make it clear for everyone what is expected in the future.


Another facet of the quarter check up could be attending Parent Teacher Conferences later in November. Visiting with your child’s teacher can give you additional information about how to make adjustments in the plan to move them ahead. To sign up for a conference please see sign up information a bit later in this newsletter.


Thank you for your continued support and may you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.


Dan Joseph
Principal

Parent Teacher Conferences -- November 9, 15, and 17th

We are using “Sign-Up Genius” online system to schedule our Spring Parent-Teacher-Student conferences that will be taking place on November 9th, 15th and 17th. If you are familiar with the system, we encourage you to sign up from the convenience of your home or office. If you have not used Sign-Up Genius before, you will need to create a log-in before you can sign-up. The directions to create a long in are at (www.signupgenius.com). If you need assistance signing up for a conference please call the school office.


The Parent Teacher Conference sign up site is now open so you are encouraged to click on the link below to schedule a time that works best for you. Please follow the instructions below to set a time for your child’s conference.


Go to the River View School Website to find the Sign-Up Genius link OR click here.


To sign up click the tab at the top of the page for the teacher(s)/classroom you are
wishing to schedule a conference. Use the directional areas by the tabs to move left or right to find teacher names.


EXAMPLE:  Signup Genius.png
Once you have chosen the tab for the teacher(s) you would like, click  Signup2.png next to the time you prefer from the available slots and then click Signup3.png at the bottom of the page. As you complete the signup process please remember the following:
a. You can sign up for one teacher per time slot. Signing up for more than one will schedule you with two teachers at the same time.
b. To talk with each of your child’s teachers you will need to book a conference time with each of their core and or encore teacher
c. When you select your time please also include your child’s name in the box entitled Student name. To complete the signup process you will need to enter your child’s name. If you are uncomfortable doing that, please place your name in this box. Entering your child’s name will assist teachers with being better prepared of your conference.
d. You are not required to enter your email address or sign up for an account with Sign-Up Genius. If you already have a Sign-Up Genius account, make that choice and enter your login information.
e. Once you are finished, click Signup4.png  and the process is complete.
The following teachers will be holding conferences as a team so when you signup you will be meeting with all your child’s core teachers at the same time:
i. Bestul/Reider
ii. Janssen/Tilkens
iii. Harris/Abel
iv. Mecikalski/Bruecker
v. Reider/Swedberg/Weast
vi. Boehme/Peotter
vii. Thiel/VandeHey
viii. Kucksdorf/White/VanderVelden
If you any questions or are unable to access the internet to sign-up, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or the River View office at 766-6111.

Photo Booth and Sandwiches

During Parent Teacher Conferences on November 9th and 15th, students and their families can head to the commons area to have an awesome opportunity to dress up in props, make silly faces, and share their photos with their friends, family, and school!


Help us by joining in the fun by getting your picture taken with your family and spreading the word about the wonderful happenings we have going on!


Additionally, pre-wrapped sandwiches and small snack items will be sold for families who are looking for quick and easy dinner plans.


Sandwiches
Ham and cheese - $1.00
Turkey and cheese - $1.00


Snacks
Popcorn - 50 cents
Chips - 50 cents
Cookie - 50 cents


Drinks
Bottled water - 50 cents


Student of the Month

Each month we recognize one student from each grade level that is a true model of the River View way. All students that are chosen constantly demonstrate how to be respectful, responsible and productive.


For the month of October:
5th Grade: Nora Boucher
6th Grade: McKenzie Farrell
7th Grade: Jerreth Geiger
8th Grade: Rhett Jonas


and Staff of the Month for October is Lori VanZeeland.

Student Council

Congratulations to our 24 Student Council Representatives for 2017-18!
5th Grade:  Nora Boucher, Lillianne Heller, Nolan Laflen, Olivia Planert, Solon Schaefer, Sameeksha Srinivasan


6th Grade:  Norah Bowers, Ella Cronin, Kaylen George, McKenzie Mueller, Aubrey Norred, McKaleigh Pahl


7th Grade:  Carly Fisher, Veronica Isselmann, Charles Lund, Sophia Uitenbroek, Allison VanDerWegen, Jenna Vosters


8th Grade:  Wesley Boucher, Ashley Mayer, Makenna Nushart, Emily Piette, Ada Schaefer, Henry Wolfe


Student Council News

Food Drive October 30-November 9:  We will be supporting the Kaukauna High School National Honor Society's Food Drive by collecting canned and boxed food items.  We would love to be the district champion this year and beat out Quinney for most items collected per student!!


Pop Can Tabs:  We are also collecting aluminum pop can tabs in November and December.  We will send all that we collect to a Kindergarten girl, Mercedes Alves, in Portage, WI who is trying to beat the Guinness World Record for pop tabs collected (the record is 2,782,000 tabs).  All tabs collected will then be donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Madison, WI.  



ACDA Conference Logo.jpg

Our eighth grade choir member, Kyarra Furman, will be participating in the American Choral Directors Association Middle Level Girls Honor Choir-"Unite in Song" this February in Chicago, Illinois. Kyarra was selected by submitted audition. Congratulations to Kyarra and thank you for representing River View Middle School and Kaukauna!




Cherrydale Fundraiser Pickup
November 9th
RV Cafeteria
3:00-6:00 pm


River View Spirit Wear Sale

Do you need ideas for birthday or holiday gifts? Well, your worries are over!! The River View School Spirit Wear Sale is coming back to RVMS .  Many clothing items will be available...hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and more.  Multiple sizes are available, so there could be a gift for others in the family.  Go to the Online Apparel Store at https://riverviewspirit.itemorder.com  and enter sale code RVMS SPIRIT.  Orders will be taken until November 12th.  If you have any questions, please email maryjo@egpromo.com or call 920-462-5211. River View students and their families will look fashionable in their new RVMS clothing!


6th Grade Camp Reminder

6th Grade Camp information went home the first week of October.  The sixth grade students have the option of going to Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya each Spring.
Plan A:  $100 is due by February 21st    (In order to reserve a spot for your child for camp, a partial payment must be made by February 21st.)
Plan B:  You may apply for assistance by filling out the scholarship form as soon as possible before funds run out.


Honoring our Veterans

To honor our veterans, the eighth graders will be having a Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Friday, November 10th, at 1:15 pm in the auditorium.  Any family members who are veterans are invited to attend.   Veterans should check in at the lobby of River View Middle School (use the front entrance by the canopy) between 12:45 and 1:15 pm for a brief reception and then proceed to the ceremony.  The auditorium is wheelchair accessible.  In addition to a few featured veterans from the Korean War through Operation Enduring Freedom sharing their stories with the eighth grade students, some students will share their appreciation through stories of their own.   The eighth Grade Choir and Jazz Choir will be performing at our Veteran's Day Assembly. The choir will be singing a piece titled "Unsung Hero" in honor of our veterans. Our Jazz Choir will open the assembly by singing an A Capella arrangement of The National Anthem. If you have questions, please call Beth Knick at 766-6111, ext. 4101.


Fall Conferences
November 9 & 15  4:00-7:30 pm
November 17  12:30-4:00 pm


Last Call for Parents of 8th Graders
Last call to sign up for your child’s Eighth Grade Academic and Career Planning Conferences


A message from Mrs. Hinz, School Counselor (grade 8)



Over the last two newsletter,  I have shared the importance of parents of 8th graders being a part of their child’s Eighth Grade Academic and Career Planning or ACP Conference.  These conferences are a great opportunity to discuss your child’s transition to the high school for next year, discuss 9th grade classes and some of the academic expectations for high school.


The deadline to sign up for your child’s conference is November 30th.  To sign up click here.


Again, our primary goal of these conferences is to have as many parents of 8th graders be involved to discuss your child’s future education.  I will be offering  evening group conferences for parents who can not make it during the the day during parent conference nights (Nov. 9, 15 and 17) in the River View library. There are several options available during these evening times.  


If you are unable to make a conference time, please let me know and I will meet with your child individually.  I can be reached at 766-6111 ext. 4211 or by email (hinza@kaukaunasd.org).  Lastly, if you do not have an email in Infinite Campus, please call me to set up a conference.

Math Skills At Home

Did you know that you can help reinforce and build foundational skills necessary for success in math? There are many resources available for you to access and help support your child. Foundational skills are vital for helping students use the most efficient problem solving strategies. Foundational skills can include basic adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing facts, as well as fraction and decimal calculations. Below are a few resources that can help strengthen and build these important skills.


  1. Math Flash Cards: Simply using flashcards can help students practice and become more fluent with their basic math facts. Flash cards can be found at most stores for under $1. In addition, you can access online flashcards here.
  2. Math Practice Sites: There are many math practice sites that students have access to. Students already have the login information necessary to sign-in and practice the skills. Some sites that are currently used in some classrooms are:
  3. Extra Practice Sites: There are many websites and games available to help students practice their foundational skills. Some of these sites can be found by accessing a math website created by the 7th grade math teachers. In addition, there are videos for skills review and additional practice links.
  4. Online Textbook Review: Big Ideas has extra practice skill sets that students can access through their online textbook. Students have the required login information already saved.


A Closer Look Into PBIS

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports, social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success. Here at River View school we strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students.


We have many opportunities, through PBIS, for our students to review expectations and practice skills through our Wednesday lessons. We have many reward opportunities for our students through the school store and menu items.


This year, we are working on more opportunities for families to become involved. We have some opportunities for families to try out our photo booth during conferences and enjoy some snacks in the commons.


Skills and Strategies for Success
This school year, we have focused on setting students up for success by having specific character building lessons during our Wednesday PIE Time classes. So far, we have had lessons encouraging collaboration, organization, goal setting, work ethic, perseverance, and learning from our mistakes. We also had one PIE Time class dedicated to organizing lockers and finishing missing or late work before the end of the first quarter.


Throughout the rest of the year we look forward to encouraging and reminding students to remain Respectful, Responsible, and Productive not only during school, but in all other aspects of their lives.


Connecting to Home- Strategies to try at home

Using PBIS at home can have a huge impact on building good behaviors and relationships with students. Here are a couple of fun tips that are not only easy, but also effective!


-Send a positive note to school with your student that they will be able to find and read throughout the school day.  This may be a note in their assignment notebook or lunch.  It could also be an email sent to their school email address.  Sometimes they need to be reminded about how awesome they are.


-Try saying “Thank you for _____,” when you catch them doing something good, rather than pointing out their negative behaviors.  Students value being recognized for what they do right, and they will often try to receive praise rather than reprimanding.

Boys’ Wrestling Sign Up

Boys’ wrestling practice for grades 5-8 starts in December. If you wish to sign-up, you may do so in the office. Please make sure that your physical/alternate card, medical treatment consent form, co-curricular handbook signature page, concussion handbook signature page and the activity fee of $20.00 is paid. Students cannot practice until all this important information is handed in.  The first practice will be on Monday, December 18th.


Ski Club

Watch on Parent Portal for sign up this month.

Band News

On Friday, October 13th, the 8th Grade Band performed with the KHS Marching Band at a varsity football game. The band is now preparing for their performance at the school's Veteran's Day Ceremony on November 10th. Also, the RVS Jazz Band is excited for their first performance coming up at the Lawrence University Jazz Fest on November 4th.



Congratulations to 8th graders, Haylee Ebben, Ashley Mayer, Sydney Reinhard, Ada Schaefer and 7th grader, Reaghan Millard, for being accepted into the UW-Milwaukee Honor Bands. These students will rehearse and then perform with other selected students from around the state on the UWM campus over the weekend of November 17.


Upcoming Musical Events

  • ¨ Band Winter Concert for 6th and 7th grade on Thursday, November 30th at 7:00 pm in the RVMS Auditorium.
  • ¨ 7th & 8th Grade and Jazz Choir Concert on Thursday, December 7th at 7:00 in the KHS Auditorium.
  • ¨ Orchestra  Winter Concert on Monday, December 11th at 6:30 pm in the KHS Auditorium.
  • ¨ 8th Grade & Jazz Band Concert on December 14th at 6:00 pm in the RVMS Auditorium.

Update on school expectations…

As we head into even cooler temperatures and wet weather conditions, the following expectations become even more important for students to remember...
Dress for fall and winter weather
  • ¨ Coats and hats/mittens.
  • ¨ Boots if going in the snow.
  • ¨ Snow pants if wanting to play in the snow.
Rainy day recesses
  • ¨ Come inside your grade level entrance when it is raining before school.
Recess reminders
  • ¨ Playing safely and appropriately when playing kickball, football, on playground equipment or other organized games.

Inclement Weather/Cancellation

Please remind your son/daughter to dress appropriately for the cold weather. In the event of a snowstorm and school cancellations, we will communicate over the following radio and television stations. Additionally, the district has been using the capabilities of a messenger that sends e-mail notification to families with up-to-date e-mail addresses in our student management system.  Please refrain from calling school about school cancellations.
Radio: WAPL (105.7 FM) WIXX (101.1 FM) WGEE (1360 AM)
WEMI (91.9 FM) WNCY (100.3 FM) WHBY (1150 AM)
WGEE (99.7 FM) WPCK (104.9 FM) WNFL (1440 AM)
WPKR (99.5 FM) WSGC (1050 AM)
Television: WBAY-TV (Channel 2) WGBA-TV (Channel 26)
WHBY-TV (Channel 5)    WLUK-TV (Channel 11)


PE Force

We would like to welcome Mr. Kevin Rykal to the department.  He is teaching 7th grade PE and at Park Elementary School. The students in all grades have been busy working on the following:
Increasing cardio endurance
Increasing vocabulary by learning new “power words”
Increasing locomotor and object control skills
Increasing close reading skills and developing a deep understanding of movement
Increasing awareness of careers! (Personal Trainers and Athletic Trainers)


Mile Leader Board as of October 2017
5th Grade Alexander Aschenbrener 6:15
Nora Boucher                   7:15


6th Grade Griffin Boucher 6:14
Alexa Kinas 6:11


7th Grade Aaron Schimke 5:40
Maya Wegand 6:16
Miah Sprangers 6:16


8th Grade Maya Biese 6:02
Will Scott 5:45


First quarter is quickly coming to an end.  Please remind students in 6th-8th grade to bring home their clothes and wash them:)  We are looking forward to a great second quarter in the physical education department.  Students will be working on dance skills, volleyball and basketball skills with lead up games, along with cultural games for 7th grade and creative dance for 8th grade.


The PE Force
Mr. Sanderfoot, Mrs. Maurer, Mrs. Mursau, Mr. Bibow, Mr. Rykal, Miss Ziegler


The Salvation Army—Fox Cities 2017 Christmas Sign-up

For food and Toys, Adopt-A-Family & Coats for Kids
Registration on These Dates Only—
Wednesday, November 8th -  8:00am—4:00pm
Thursday, November 9th - 11:00am-7:00pm
Friday, November 10th - 8:00am-12:00pm
at 1200 W. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly
Connected to Fox Valley Christian Fellowship Church
*Information you MUST bring:
1) Picture identification (driver’s license, etc.)
2) Proof of income (most recent check stubs)
3) Social Security numbers for all family members
4) Proof of residency* (electric/phone bill, lease, etc)
Must reside in Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Little Chute, Kimberly, Kaukauna, Combined Locks, Greenville,  Grand Chute, Larsen or Darboy.
Questions Call—734-3324
www.safoxcities.org

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club meets Monday-Friday from 7:00-7:40 am in room 138. All students are welcome to join us to complete homework, socialize, or play games. Students can also bring their own breakfast or purchase a breakfast in the school cafeteria.


Parent Portal


Would you like to see daily announcements, attendance, grades, missing assignments, make phone number/address changes, pay for lunch/school fees,  etc., you may log on to Parent Portal.  If you don’t have access yet, go to the District website—http://www.kaukauna.k12.wi.us and go to the Family Resources > Need A Parent Portal Account and click on the “Click here to complete the request form”.



Chartwell’s Menu - Click here

Community Flyers

Click Here to access information about the following programs  for this month.

  • Food Drive