Wednesday, February 7, 2018

February Family Newsletter 2018

From the Principal’s Desk
The first semester is behind us and we are pushing into the third quarter. Now is the time to sit down with your son or daughter and take a look at where he or she is academically. If your son or daughter is doing well, let him or her know that you recognize and appreciate the effort to do well in school. If the grades are not where they should be, work out a plan to bring about a positive change. Connect with their teachers to get their input about what needs to be done by your child to bring up unsatisfactory grades. Reassure them that both you and the school are working on their behalf to be successful so they can achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

When we think of motivated, successful people who get things done, we think of independence, self-reliance, and responsibility. However, one of the characteristics of achievers is that they know how to find help and use it effectively. Another characteristic of achievers is that their families know how to give them positive help, the kind that builds confidence and independence. Ask your child to explain what sort of help he or she needs from you to turn things around. By directing your help, you can help your child maintain control and responsibility for their work. If you take control, their motivation to succeed will decrease as you are doing more work than them.  Help your child find the corrections that are needed and then model problem solving techniques to help address those areas of need. Now help them map out a plan of action that will bring a successful conclusion to the end of the school year.

Thanks for your continued support for your child(ren) and River View School.

Dan Joseph
Principal


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 December/January:
5th Grade: Lilliane Heller / Joseph Fischer
6th Grade: Alexa Kinas / Alayna Garrity
7th Grade: Peyton Jansen / Sydney Kappus
8th Grade: Lucas Ulrey / Konjit Hulvey

and Staff of the Month for December and January is Jerry Krueger / Amanda Turgeon.


Read Across America Week - February 26-March 2
The library is celebrating the love of reading throughout our school.  Plans include reading themed dress-up days, a reading challenge, and a read-in during recess on Wednesday, February 28th.

Here are the reading themed dress-up days --
Monday, February 26th - Page out of a Fairy Tale Day (Dress up like your favorite fairy tale character.)
Tuesday, February 27th - Favorite Fictional Character Day (Dress up like your favorite fictional character.)
Wednesday, February 28th - Comfy Clothes Day - Library Read-In (Cozy up with a good book in your comfy clothes.  Read in the library during your recess.)
Thursday, March 1st - Villain Day (Dress like your favorite villainous character.)
Friday, March 2nd - Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! (Dress like your favorite Dr. Seuss character.)

Parent Teacher Conferences -- March 1, 7, and 9th

We are using “Sign-Up Genius” online system to schedule our Spring Parent-Teacher-Student conferences that will be taking place on March 1st, 7th, and 9th. 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 login before you can sign-up. The directions to create a login 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…
     www.signupgenius.com/tabs/13576D70FA0CCEE2-parent OR click on the link in the e-mail you received an email from the Infinite Campus Messenger.

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.   You will be limited in the number of slots you can sign up for and Signup Genius will inform you when you have reached your limit.

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.  If you have one of these teams, only sign up for one slot.

i. Bestul/Beversdorf
ii. Janssen/Tilkens
iii. Harris/Abel
iv. Mecikalski/Bruecker
v. Reider/Swedberg/Weast
vi. Boehme/Peotter

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.

River View Rockin’ Lock-In

Friday, February 9th
6:00-9:00 pm
(Doors are locked at 6:30 pm)
For Grades 5-8th   (River View students only)
There will be Music (DJ/Dance), Face Painting, Scrap Booking, Basketball, Volleyball, Ping Pong, Board Games, and Candy Bingo.
Volunteers will need a background check.


Parenting in a Digital World
Parenting in the digital world can be tricky. We often hear students share how excited they are about their new digital devices. But we also hear parents express their worry about the potential harms of their child's digital device. Most parents' primary goals are to help their children avoid the harms of the digital world and reap the benefits of using technology.

This blog will offer support with resources to help parents in a digital world. We will add new blog posts twice a month.  Click here to view this blog.


Spelling Bee
The winning word was..."sabotage." Leah McElhaney (Gr. 7) took first place in this year's spelling bee. There were 57 contestants, and the bee went 15 rounds!

Taking second place was Leah Golding (Gr. 7). Third place went to Henry Wolfe (Gr. 8). Fourth place went to Samee Srinivasan (Gr. 5). Our alternate speller is Katelyn Leaman (Gr. 6) The top four will compete at the Regional Spelling Bee on February 20 at Lawrence University. Way to go Leah, Leah, Henry, Samee, and Katelyn!


Yearbooks
Yearbooks are on sale until February 20th - $13.50.  You may order them online or pick up a form in the office. Make checks out to River View Middle School or RVMS.

Scholastic Book Fair
River View Middle School will be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair the week of March 5-9 in the Library. Students may purchase books and other items during their lunch recesses on those days. The Book Fair will also be open during Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 7th and 9th for River View families. This is a great opportunity to get books into the hands of students!


Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with the USDA, to help encourage today’s youth to lead healthier lives.  Our students can make a difference in making our school environment healthier and more active.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Wellness Team meets one or two times a month during lunch or PIE Time and will put on many events throughout the school day/year.  The meeting day of the week will be determined later. Any interested 5th-7th Grade River View students can pick up a form in the office.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Maurer at maurerm@kaukaunasd.org or Mrs. Janssen at janssens@kaukaunasd.org or call us at 920-766-6111, Ext. 4186 or 4249.


Gr. 5-12 Orchestra Concert
The River View Middle School Orchestras will preview their upcoming District Solo & Ensemble performances on Monday, February 8 at 7pm in the River View Auditorium.  Students in 5th-8th grade will perform solos and small ensembles, most of which will be entered in the Wisconsin School Music Association District Solo & Ensemble Festival on Saturday, March 4 at Appleton North High School.   The concert is free and the public is invited to attend. The orchestras are directed by Katie Nesemann.

Solo Ensemble

River View vocalists and pianists will be participating in our regional
Solo/Ensemble competition on Saturday, February 24 at Appleton North
High School. The students will be performing selected pieces from the contest
list for WSMA music judges to earn a rating and have a chance to work with
these music specialists. We wish them the best on this exciting and challenging
event. We know you’ll represent RiverView well!


5th Grade Running Club
If you like running or jogging this club is for you! We meet three times a week, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Our goal is to build our running endurance from a half mile to 4 miles in time to run the Cellcom 5K on May 19th. Parents will be expected to bring their own child to the Cellcom 5K if they choose. Students will need to have a physical form, medical form, and concussion form on file before the start of practice. Paperwork can be picked up in the office. We start the last week in March, March 26th and will go until May 17th with a pizza party on May 21st. More information to come in March.


Work Permits
River View will process work permits for our students.  The following items are what we need to get a permit for a student:
  • Letter from the employer
  • Parent signature and student address
  • Birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or green card
  • Social Security CARD
  • $10.00
***The student needs to be present to sign the permit.


7th Grade Field Trip
The 7th grade staff are planning to take seventh grade students to the Milwaukee Public Museum on Wednesday, April 25th.  The Milwaukee Public Museum is one of the largest and best known museums of natural and human history in the United States.  It is a rich educational resource with something to excite and challenge people of all ages and interests. Students attending this field trip will explore exhibits that relate closely to the science and social studies curriculum.  Please watch for further information in the March newsletter!


Summer School 2018
KASD is already busy planning for summer school!  Thank you to all the parents who responded to the survey following Summer School 2017.  The combination of parent and staff feedback as well as a large amount of maintenance work to be done within the district this summer, the following decisions have been made regarding Summer School 2018:
  • Location - Classes will continue to be held at Kaukauna High School.
  • Dates - All courses will be offered in one session, Tuesday June 12 - Friday June 29, Monday - Friday.
    • Strength and Conditioning and Music Lessons/Band Camp will also be held in July.
  • Other Valuable Information:
    • We will again offer an Open House prior to the start of summer school for families to become familiar with the location and rooms that classes will be taking place in.
    • Busing/transportation will continue to be an option for families for a fee.

PE Force
Physical Education students are just finishing up the 1st semester with volleyball.  The 7th and 8th grade classes each competed in a classroom tournament to determine a class champion.  The class champions played during PIE time on Wednesday, January 17th to determine our 7th and 8th grade team champions!  Congratulations to all the winning teams.  

The second semester brings units in the fitness lab, floor hockey, tumbling and badminton.  We are excited to get started with our new units and hope to increase your child's knowledge of our fitness concepts.
 
Reminder, if you have not seen your child's gym clothes come home for awhile, please remind them to bring them home for a wash soon!



Mrs. Weast and Mrs. Swedberg's class worked together to save 225 Eagle Bills so that all three administrators would wear their pajamas to school! The kids joined in with a pajama party as well!


Parent Resources

Parenting in a Digital World - Click Here

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 theClick here to complete the request form”.

Infinite Campus for Families - Click here

Google Classroom for Families - Click here


Chartwell’s Menu - Click here

Community Flyers
Click Here to access information about any current flyers for this month.

  • Kaukauna Dance Team Pom Clinic
  • 2018 Kaukauna Softball Flyer
  • Girl Scouts
  • Tech Savvy Poster
  • United Way Valentine's Day Festival
  • 2018 Electric City Soccer Flyer
  • AAUW Essay Contest
  • Spike Club for Gr. 6-8 Boys Volleyball

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