From the Principal’s Desk
Greetings all!
In past December newsletters I have talked about the gifts of patience, forgiveness, love and acceptance. I believe these gifts continue to be of the utmost importance in the lives our students as they can assist all with building a solid foundation that can last a lifetime. This year I would like to add to this list of gifts of kindness and empathy.
For last month or so River View has had two groups of students/staff working collaboratively to promote a stronger culture/climate through kindness. One group is the Random Acts of Kindness(RAK) groups and they have been hard at work generating ideas of how students at River View can spread more kindness throughout the Kaukauna community. Recently they generated a large number of chalk sayings around the outside of the school encouraging students, parents and visitors to trust and believe in themselves, to be positive and to reach out to others who are in need of understanding and kindness. They are also working on care packages for cancer patients.The other group is the Kindness Committee. This group is working on an Empathy Week for later in December and will be hosting different activities and lessons to assist students with developing an understanding of empathy and how it impacts their lives and the lives of others.
To support these groups’ work, on December 5th, Marc Mero, who is an inspirational speaker will be doing a presentation about empathy, kindness, growth mindset, resilience, etc to all River View students. We are grateful for Marc coming in with his message and providing our students with additional encouragement and motivation to show kindness and empathy toward others. If you are interested in learning more about Marc’s message please visit https://youtu.be/FwqXzkf6gcE or www.ThinkPOZ.org .
I am very proud of both of these groups and their efforts as they are doing important work to enhance our school, community and world to see the value and positiveness that comes with being kind and empathetic to peers and fellow community members.
Thank you for your continued support and I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a safe and productive New Year!
Dan Joseph
Principal
Winter Wonderland Dance
On January 18, 2019, Student Council will be sponsoring a dance for River View Middle School students. Due to this date being a half day, students are expected to leave school at the end of the half day and return at thestart of the dance. The dance will be held in the Commons of River View Middle School, and students will enter and check-in at the main entrance.
Times are:
● River View 5th and 6th-grade students may attend from 4:00 PM to 5:30 pm.
● River View 7th and 8th-grade students may attend from 6:30 PM to 8:00 pm.
● Pick up will be at the front entrance promptly at the end time.
● River View 5th and 6th-grade students may attend from 4:00 PM to 5:30 pm.
● River View 7th and 8th-grade students may attend from 6:30 PM to 8:00 pm.
● Pick up will be at the front entrance promptly at the end time.
The Winter Wonderland Dance attire is semi-formal, so students may dress formally, or they may wear what they feel comfortable in. District dress-code expectations will be enforced. Permission slips will be handed out in homeroom.
A Passion to Save Lives
On December 5th, Marc Mero, who is an inspirational speaker will be doing a presentation about empathy, kindness, growth mindset, resilience, etc for all River View students. Marc Mero’s commitment to improving the lives of children and teens is unparalleled. It’s not a job – it’s his “passion.” He works countless hours to respond to students who need words of encouragement, and connects suicidal and depressed youth (who are cutting themselves) with school counselors. Most of these students would otherwise hold in their hurt and pain. Marc is their “Hero and Champion!” There are two types of people in this world: Those who say that something needs to be done, and those who say they will do something. Marc Mero is a doer. Marc speaks from the heart when he says: “I’m dedicating the rest of my life to helping young people know that there’s hope in this world. Anyone can achieve their goals and dreams if they choose to BELIEVE! “At the end of your life… it’s not how much money you have in the bank or what kind of car you drove or house you lived in; it’s about how much you give and how much of a positive impact you make on another person’s life.”Student of the Month
Max Ashauer, Joey Fischer, Ziara French, Jenna Kinas, Kaden Kress, Haley Laatsch, Cameron Michalski, Riley Nieft, Jon O'Neill, and Marli Sanderfoot. Congratulations!
Staff of the Month
Laurie Bowers, Sandy Brittnacher, Jane Krueger, Sue Mursau, Carolyn Sladek, and Heidi VanDynHoven. Congratulations!
Yearbook Sale
We are accepting yearbook orders for $13.50 per book. Order forms are in the office. Pay by cash or make checks payable to RVMS. Return form and payment in a sealed envelope with student's name and grade to RV office by March 1st. Or you may order online at www.jostens.com. 
School Musical
This year’s school musical is Disney’s Aladdin JR.
Performance dates: March 15 and 16, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Kaukauna Civic Auditorium- River View School
Performed with permission from Music Theater International, Inc.
Audition materials will be available in the choir room starting December 3. Starting December 10, sign up for an audition time on the choir room door. If you are interested in doing stage crew, please join us for the Stagecraft Club. Information can be found (you guessed it) in the choir room.
Audition dates for Aladdin Jr. are January 2 and 3.
Stagecraft Club
Are you interested in learning about the backstage part of theater? Have you ever wondered how to create a set design or lighting design? Would you like to be able to run our soundboard or light board or possibly be in charge of the special effects part of a production? Would you like to build part of a set, make a prop or do some scenic painting? Do costume design and/or makeup design? If any of these things interest you, you may want to join us for our first ever Stagecraft Club. If you would like more information, please pick up the Stagecraft packet from Mrs. Bauer in the choir room(178). Our first meeting will be December 15, 10:00am-Noon. 
By definition: Stagecraft is the technical aspect of theatrical, film, and video production. It includes constructing and rigging scenery; hanging and focusing of lighting; design and procurement of costumes; make-up; stage management; audio engineering; and procurement of props.
Upcoming Musical Events
- Grade 8 & Jazz Band Concert on December 6th at 7:00 pm in the RVMS Auditorium.
- Grades 6-8 Orchestra Winter Concert on Monday, December 10th at 6:30 pm in the KHS Auditorium.
- Grade 7 and 8 and Jazz Choir Concert on Thursday, December 13th at 7:00 pm in the KHS Auditorium.
- Grade 6 Dig It! Musical Performance will be on Thursday, January 10th at 6:00pm for Day 1 students and 7:15 pm for Day 2 students.
Congratulations to Reaghan Millard and Cassidy Prendergast on performing in the UW-Milwaukee Middle School Honors band. The two River View eighth graders were selected into the group from hundreds of applicants all around the state.
Orchestra Concert
The River View 6-8th Grade Orchestras will be performing their upcoming Winter Concert on Monday, December 10th at 6:30 pm in the River View Auditorium. Students will be performing a variety of holiday and winter themed pieces.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Choir Concert
The 7th and 8th Grade Choirs and 8th Grade Jazz Choir will present their holiday concert on Thursday, December 13th. The concert takes place at Kaukauna High School and begins at 7:00 pm. All choir students should report to their warm-up area at the high school no later than 6:40 pm. Please come and share in this wonderful event as the students are working hard to prepare a beautiful performance.
Dig It!
Our sixth grade choir members will perform Dig It! A Musical Tale of Ancient Civilizations on January 10, 2019 during the school day for the fifth graders and their classmates and at an evening performance for their families and friends. The evening performance is at 6:00 pm for the Day 1 choir members and at 7:15 pm for the Day 2 choir members. Each class will present their own show and several students will have special parts in the production. The performance will take place at River View in the Civic Auditorium. All are invited to attend. The musical covers some of the students’ social studies and science curriculum. It is a fun way for our students to learn about the mysteries of the world, science, and history.
The musical begins on November 30, 1974, in Hadar, Ethiopia. Why? That was where and when two archeologists named Tom Gray and Don Johanson discovered an exceptionally complete skeleton of one of our early ancestors from over 3 million years ago. They named her Lucy. In our story, Lucy takes two young archeologists on an adventure back in time to learn about important cultures from the past such as Mesopotamia; Egypt; Asia; Greece and Rome. Our students met famous people from the past like King Zoser of Egypt; Imhotep-the architect of the first pyramids; Gilgamesh- king of the city of Uruk in Mesopotamia (the first recorded epic poem was about Gilgamesh and his battle against the giant, Huwawa); Confucious of Asia who lived from 551 to 479 B.C. and he became one of the best educated Chinese of all time; Sophocles, the author of great plays like Antigone, and Herodotus known as “the father of history”; and Remus and Romulus, twin brothers that legend say founded the city of Rome.
I hope to see you at one of our performances.
Mrs. Bauer
Choir Director
Maker Space Club
River View is going to have a Maker Space Club starting in January! This is a club where students can come to create and socialize using legos, k'nex, yarn, pipe cleaners, duct tape, etc-- you get the idea-- create using stuff!
Please watch the newsletter blog and have your child watch the announcements for more information coming out on times, dates, and how to sign up.
As we get this club set up, we are looking for donations of the following items:
- duct tape
- scissors (in good working condition)
- legos
- k'nex
- lincoln logs
- tinker toys
- magnetix sets
- yarn
- pipe cleaners
- knitting needles
- crochet hooks
- sewing thread
- sewing needles
- fabric scraps
- post-it notes
- card-making supplies
- stamp pads
- stampers (for making cards)
- card stock
- markers
Thank you so much for your support!
Pick Your Pathway
Curriculum Fair, College Night, and Parent/Teacher Conferences at Kaukauna High School on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Kaukauna High School for Eighth Grade students and parents.- Current 8th grade students and families: 6:45 - 8:00 pm
- Learn about current and future KHS classes and curriculum
- Meet the teachers, school counselors, administration, and representatives from athletics and activities
- Take a tour of the building
Current 8th grade AND 9th through 12th students and families: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Talk with representatives from two and four year colleges about post-secondary educational opportunities
Past representatives have included:
- UW Oshkosh
- UW Green Bay
- St. Norbert College
- Ripon College
- Lawrence University
- Fox Valley Technical College
- Northwest Technical College
Current KHS students and families: 4:30 - 7:00 will meet with current teachers regarding academic progress.
Sign-up for specific conference times will be available through SignUpGenius.com; An invitation will be sent to all parents via IC messenger.
Get to Know Our High School Band Students
The band program in the Kaukauna Area School District is educational and fun. With the high school program growing, they are having an exciting year. They travel regularly to the Twin Cities, Six Flags, Disney World and NYC.
A survey of 11th and 12th grade band students at Kaukauna High School was taken this November. Here’s what we found out:
87% are employed.
72% have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
76% are involved in TWO or more clubs or organizations.
84% are planning on attending a four-year university.
Notable Quotes from the Survey
“High school band has been a life changing experience.”
“Best memories of my high school career.”
“A fun and rewarding experience guaranteed to fuel nostalgia.”
“Band was the place I found a home.”
“Band has been a place where I have met more new friends than anywhere else.”
“I almost quit, but that would have been my biggest regret.”
“Don’t hesitate to join. Band is an unforgettable ride that is an absolute blast.”
“Pep band and marching band are some of the best times I’ve ever had.”
Everyone is so close. Your section is like a family and they are always helpful.”
“Band is the best community of people you will ever meet.”
All-State Choir Members
River View Middle School will be represented by five choir members this January. These choir members were selected to be a part of the All-State Middle Level Choir. They will be learning selected choral literature prior to attending their two days of rehearsals. The final concert will be January 12, 4:30 pm at the Lawrence University Chapel. These students will be working with internationally known conductor Gary Packwood and spending time with some of the best singers from all over the state of Wisconsin. Thank you for your interest and hard work. Way to go, River View Choir!!!
RV Physical Education
Students in grades 5, 6, and 8 are just finishing our current dance unit. In 5th grade the students were taught a few dances and graded on the 5-6-7-8 dance for their progress report. In 6th grade we focused on a few line and wedding type dances and threw in a creative dance option with the Cotton Eye Joe. Our 8th grade students are beginning to perform their self choreographed dances to the song of their choice. While all other grades were dancing, our 7th grade has been working hard on a Cultural Games unit recreating games from other countries with our school equipment. This assignment has them videotaping, editing, creating flags, adding voiceovers and working in google classroom. Ask your child to show you their project, they are amazing!
The rest of second quarter will entail a basketball and volleyball unit for all grade levels. Students will participate in skills, drills, and lead up games.
Girls Basketball
Girls’ basketball practice for grades 7 and 8 starts on January 3rd, 2018. If you wish to sign-up, you may do so in the office. Please make sure that your physical/alternate card and the activity fee of $20.00 is paid. Students cannot practice until all this important paperwork is handed in.
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), and WSGC (1050 AM)
Television: WBAY-TV (Channel 2), WGBA-TV (Channel 26),
WHBY-TV (Channel 5), WLUK-TV (Channel 11)
Winter Weather
So far this year most of our students have been doing a good job of coming to school dressed for the inclement weather. Winter coats, mittens, and a hat are a necessity during a Wisconsin winter. Thank you for doing your part in ensuring that your son/daughter leaves the house properly dressed.
All students are encouraged to wear winter weather gear if they wish to go into the snow. This will help to keep the students warm and dry when they enter back into school for the remainder of their day. We don’t want to hinder their need to run and enjoy the outdoors, and this will allow them to do so. Students may choose not to wear boots or snow pants, but are then asked to stay on the plowed black top area if they are not wearing those items. Thanks for your help in keeping students warm, comfortable, and safe this winter.
Summer School 2019
KASD is already busy planning for Summer School! Thank you to all the parents who responded to the survey following Summer School 2018. With the combination of parent and staff feedback, the following decisions have been made regarding Summer School 2019:
Location – Classes will continue to be held at Kaukauna High School
Dates – All courses will be offered in one session:
Tuesday, June 11 – Friday, June 28, 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.
District Wide Food Drive
Kaukauna High School's National Honor Society again sponsored their annual District-wide Fall Food Drive. The food drive ran from October 30th through November 12th. All food and monetary donations will benefit Kaukauna's Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.
On Tuesday, November 13th, National Honor Society members visited schools, collected and tallied the items and delivered the goods to the food pantry.
Congratulations, for another year straight (and every year since the competition began!) to Electa Quinney Elementary School who, as a school, collected 1,611 food items - that works out to just shy of five items per student! River View Middle School almost caught up to EQ this year, with an incredible 3,365 items - nearly 3 items per student.
Thank you to everyone who participated - your enthusiasm and generosity is so very appreciated by NHS, along with Loaves and Fishes Food pantry.
Parent Teacher Conferences
River View Staff would like to express its appreciation to our families for attending the recent Parent-Teacher Conferences. It is our hope you found the conversations as helpful as we did and that you were able to get your questions answered. Your presence provided a powerful message to your child(ren) and the importance you place on their education. Thank you for continuing to partner with River View Middle School through the Parent-Teacher Conferences.Also a thank you goes out to the following parents for providing dinner to the staff on conference nights!
Kerri Schaefer, Nicole Smith, Chris Moore, Rebecca Schomin, Katina Franzen, Crystal Hietpas, Rachel Bass, Kory Krueger, Lisa Suprise, Karina Hemme, Katie Meister, Karen Ritzke, Chrissy Roehrig, Carrie Bowen, Susie Mursau, Cheryl Mader, Reba Vandeloo, Paula Isaacs, Kristy Veldman, Abbey Adrian, Rebecca Schomin, Sue Haseman, Nylee Osborn, Martin LaGrow, Janet Reinke, Becky Duel, Libby Welhouse, Christina DiPiazza, Kimberly Rearson, Stacy Knapp, Shelly Krueger, Jane Gates, Aimee Nushart, Darrelee Kinas, Carrie Owen, Cheryl Mader, Alison Johnson, Nylee Osborn, Aimee Lund, Susan VandeHey, Andrea Riehl, Aimee Hamilton, Heather Awe, Kate Dusenbery, Karen Luckow, Allison Thiel, Wendy Bollen Fuchs, Sara Nelson, Tanya Pahl, Andrea Schimke, Tammie Karl, Suzie Isselmann, Kay Hofmann, and Betsy Olson.
River View Spelling Bee
The River View Spelling Bee is just around the corner. The school-wide spelling bee will be January 14, 2019 at 8:00 am in the auditorium. In fifth and sixth
Ski Club
Join the Ski Club and come enjoy the slopes with your friends after school! Whether you're an experienced skier/ snowboarder or have never hit the slopes, RVMS Ski Club is a great way to join your friends in getting outdoors for some winter fun!
The Ski Club is open to all River View students who want the chance to ski or snowboard this winter. No experience or equipment is required as there are several package options are available to meet the needs of all students. We take four trips to Nordic Mountain in Mount Morris, Wisconsin. The Ski Club allows students to enjoy skiing and snowboarding with savings of 60% off average prices!
2019 Ski Club Dates
Below are the scheduled ski trips for the 2019 season. We do our best to choose dates around band & choir concerts and scheduled sporting events. As Nordic Mountain no longer offers credit vouchers for missed trips, please ensure that your student can make most or all of the dates listed below as no money will be refunded for missed trips. Sign-ups are due Monday, December 10th.
Thursday, January 3rd Thursday, January 17th
Thursday, January 24th Thursday, February 14th
*Make up date: Wednesday, February 20th
Contact Information
Please contact your volunteer advisor with any questions or concerns:
Brandon Sanderfoot at rvmsskiclub@gmail.com.
Get updates via Remind by texting @rvmssk to 81010
Like our Facebook page at River View Middle School Ski/ Snowboard Club!
See you on the slopes!
Encourage Reading Over the Winter Break
Winter break is right around the corner. Here are four tips for keeping middle school students engaged in reading over winter break.
1. Read for fun. Spend time reading favorite holiday stories or the newest installment from a favorite series.
2. Stock up on books at the local library. Libraries may also have fun, free holiday activities throughout the break.
3. Make the most of travel time. If your family will be spending time in the car, bring books along for the ride.
4. Books make great gifts. Check online or at a bookstore for gift ideas.
Books are important and worthy of our attention even during winter break. Happy holidays!
In Charge
Because most parents of children this age (at the middle school) are taller than their children, they have the ability to see further; the horizon is further away, and the parent can see more, the parent can see what is over the hill before the child can. The parent has past experience to connect the present to the future to a more effective degree. That experience gives the parent the credibility and authority to say “no” to the child. Saying “no” is a responsibility that can be taken on without feeling bad about it. Children do expect the parent to say “no” to some things and in many instances the child hopes the parent will say “no”. This is the child’s way of knowing what the limits are. In many instances it keeps them off the hook with their friends. It’s a lot easier for a middle schooler to say, “My dad wouldn’t let me”, than to say, “I’m afraid of getting into trouble.” Sometimes it’s best to put off giving an answer. This gives the parent time to think things through and also shows the child that the request is important enough that the parent has taken time to consider the question or request. Ask questions that require the student to think through the request from several different outcomes. Through questions he or she gets a clearer or more complete perspective of the situation. Finally, after you, as the parent, have made your decision – and it may not make you very popular – stick with it. Your son or daughter will very likely try to sell you a ticket for a guilt trip. Don’t buy it. Tell him or her that you have been there, done that.Prescription Medication Reminder
For your child to take prescription medication in school, health office staff must have a written order from your child's physician and your written permission. Medication must be in the actual pharmacy labeled container (loose pills sent in baggies or envelopes are not acceptable). Please let the pharmacy know you need a second labeled bottle for school.
This is the expectation for all prescriptions, so if your child needs an antibiotic during the school day for an acute illness, please ask the doctor for a written order (this is different than the pharmacy label).
Any over-the-counter medications need a written note from a parent. Cough drops are not permitted in school due to the choking risk they present along with lack of effectiveness. A healthy alternative is to drink extra fluids, like water.
Please call me with any questions you may have at 766-6111 (Ext. 5250). Thanks for helping us keep our students healthy and safe.
Emily Jansen, RN
School Nurse
MAP Testing
Our Winter MAP testing starts up January 10th. If your student plans on being out for more than one day during the month of January, please see the office to get a prearranged absence form. This is very helpful as we plan to monitor all the students in the building during this month to make sure they all get tested.
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We are so proud of this group who worked so hard to create this awesome holiday display! (Olivia Jordan, Lauren Rydzewski, Ella Fennel, Lindsey Hmielewski, Isabella Beckerson, Mataya Raisleger, Maddie Casanova-Velus, Kaylen George) The card will be displayed down town Kaukauna.
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~December is a Great Time to Show You Care~
A caring individual can show good character by being compassionate, kind, loving, considerate and charitable. A caring person is sensitive to others feelings and needs. They are not intentionally mean or make poor choices. We can show that we care by expressing our gratitude and helping others.Community Flyers
Click Here to access information about the following programs for this month.- 4-H Flyer
- Girls Soccer Winter Camp
- Appleton Boys Choir Gr 2-6
- Winter Dance Camp Gr 4K-8
