Yesterday, Ms. Loven and 5 High School Peer Leaders traveled to UW-Platteville for the Sources of Strength Regional Retreat. This retreat gathered high school peer leaders from surrounding schools to find new and creative ways to spread Hope, Health, and Strength within our school. We participated in many large group and small group discussions and activities. We had a great time and are excited to bring back some ideas for future campaigns.
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, January 27th. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student, please. Proceeds this week will go to the PTSO. Middle School students, we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school, we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast.
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Thurs, Jan 26, 2023
Today is a Day 2
Lunch for today - First Choice: Meatballs/Spaghetti, Second Choice: Polish Sausage/Bun, Broccoli, Apple Slices, Bread sticks, Milk
From Mrs. Niemeyer:
Ithaca is hosting honors choir today, so band and choir students need to report to the commons 2nd, 4th and 5th hours (bring your jackets).
From Ms. Sprecher:
Middle School Quiz bowl will meet today, Thursday, during ATTACK. Middle School FFA will meet this Friday during ATTACK.
Forensics Students:
All performers are expected to meet with a coach this week.
From Mr. Kelly:
The wrestling team will be leaving at 1:00 on Thursday January 26th.
From Mrs. Kershner:
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will meet for morning Huddle on Thursday, Jan 26th at 7:00am. Enjoy a motivating devotion, encouraging message and breakfast together. See you Thursday.
From Mrs. Kershner:
All Youth Apprenticeship Students, please stop in the guidance office by Friday, Jan 27th for a quick update and signature that is needed to complete your YA Skills Checklist. Thank you.
From PTSO:
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, January 27th. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student, please. Proceeds this week will go to the PTSO. Middle School students, we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school, we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast.
From Mrs. Boland and Mrs. Burnley:
There will be a Junior Class Meeting on Friday, Jan 27th in Mrs. Boland's room during Attack.
From Ithaca Music Boosters:
Ithaca is hosting the SWAL Middle and High School Honors Choirs on Thursday the 26th and Saturday the 28th this week. Our area vocalists invite you all to their performances on Saturday starting at 4:30pm in the Ithaca High School gym. The boosters are still looking for volunteers for lunch concessions on Saturday. Use this link to sign up or contact Jill Plonka or Juli Thompson. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49AFA62AA3FFC61-2023
From PTSO:
The PTSO is sponsoring a Symons FREE Swim Day on Sun, Jan 29 for our Ithaca families and friends. Free swimming from 1-3:55 PM for adults and children. Alumni welcome! Any questions contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com or see more details at www.ithacaptso.org. Hope to see you there!
From Miss Schmitt:
UW-Richland Theatre is producing "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" this spring, and we need YOU! There are MANY roles for students including the main characters Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, as well as forest creatures, goblins, and unicorns! Auditions will be held at the UW-Richland Coppertop Theatre on Wednesday February 1, and Thursday February 2 starting at 6:30. Everyone is welcome to audition - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! For more information, contact Miss Schmitt, or the director at sharpwi@uwplatt.edu
Ithaca School Foundation and PTSO:
The Ithaca School Foundation's Trivia Night is back! Get a team together and join the fun on Friday, February 17 starting at 6 PM in the Commons. Cost is $50 per team of 8 people with a limit of 20 teams. There will also be a silent auction and concessions by the FCCLA. To reserve your spot or if you are interested in donating to the silent auction, contact Rob Richards at 585-2137 or via email at rob@richardsinsure.com. Proceeds from the trivia night and the silent auction will go to the outside digital sign fund.
From Miss Schmitt:
Wesley Brown is collecting cans for Ben Huebsch! Cans can be dropped off in Miss Schmitt's room, 204, and Wes will be donating all of his proceeds to the Huebsch family.
From Mrs. Pluemer:
There will be a Sources of Strength meeting today during ATTACK, for both Middle and High School, in Ms. Nugent's room.
Word of the Day: Knackered is an adjective mostly used informally in British English to mean "very tired or exhausted." Unfortunately, I was too knackered after work to join them for dinner.
This Day in History: On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip guides a fleet of 11 British ships carrying convicts to the colony of New South Wales, effectively founding Australia. After overcoming a period of hardship, the fledgling colony began to celebrate the anniversary of this date with great fanfare and it eventually became commemorated as Australia Day. In recent times, Australia Day has become increasingly controversial as it marks the start of when the continent's Indigenous people were gradually dispossessed of their land as white colonization spread across the continent.
Birthdays:
Elementary: none
MS/HS: none
Staff: Mrs Lisney, Mrs Dickey, Mrs Hilby
On Wednesday, nine Ithaca students attended a ‘Pistons to Pathways’ tour at Fillback Ford in Richland Center. Local students learned about this automotive technician dealership academy that is offered yearly for students who are interested in the automotive program/pathway. Thank you Fillback Ford and Chuck Keller, with CESA-3 for offering this opportunity for our students.
Ithaca students who attended: Allison Durst, Landon Thompson, Darin Nelson, Danny Feryance, Braeden Freestone, Alex Evans, Mac Neefe, Wesley Nelson and Logan Anderson.
For more information about this program- please contact: Monica Kershner - Ithaca YA Career Coach
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Wed, Jan 25, 2023
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today - First Choice: Soft shell Beef Tacos, Second Choice: Grilled Chicken, Mixed Fruit, Corn, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Milk
From Mrs. Niemeyer:
The Ithaca Choir will be selling Butterbraids until February 14th. Please help these students fundraise for the next trip to New York - see a choir student today!
From Ms. Durkin:
The Ithaca Student Council would like to thank all who attended the snowball dance on Saturday night. The dance was a lot of fun! A huge thank you to Mr. Andresen and Mr. Crawford for chaperoning. We couldn't have done it without you! We would also like to thank Summer Roh for the great photos she took in the photo booth.
Attention SENIORS: Please stop in the office and let us know the way you would like your name to appear in the yearbook.
From Mrs. Burnley:
There is an FBLA meeting during Attack today in Mrs. Burnley's room. This is the last meeting before RLC. It's extremely important that everyone attends.
From Ms. Sprecher:
Congratulations to the Middle School and High School FFA students that participated in the District LDE contest yesterday. It was almost a clean sweep by Ithaca with 17 students advancing to Sectionals! Middle school students Ethan Birkrem, Annabeth Sprecher, Brinley Wanless, Kaylee Manning, Peyton Brown, Alyssa Olson, Jacey Maxwell, Autumn McBain and Emma Hilby took First and Second place in the Quiz bowl competition. Hewsten Garcia-Boland and Keegan Jones took 3rd and 4th in Extemporaneous Speaking. Talena Sprecher won the Prepared Speaking and Employment Skills contests. Landon Thompson and Alan Pomering made it to the finals of Discussion Meet and Landon won. The Parli Pro team of Talena Sprecher, Hailey Boon, Josie Laue, Alan Pomering, Landon Thompson and Hewsten Garcia - Boland won first place. Ms. Sprecher is very proud of all your hard work and dedication.
Forensics Students: All performers are expected to meet with a coach this week.
From Mr. Kelly:
The wrestling team will be leaving at 1:00 on Thursday January 26th.
From Mrs. Kershner:
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will meet for morning Huddle on Thursday, Jan 26th at 7:00am. Enjoy a motivating devotion, encouraging message and breakfast together. See you Thursday.
From Mrs. Kershner:
All Youth Apprenticeship Students, please stop in the guidance office by Friday, Jan 27th for a quick update and signature that is needed to complete your YA Skills Checklist. Thank you.
From PTSO:
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, January 27th. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student, COCKRETH000please. Proceeds this week will go to the PTSO. Middle School students, we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school, we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast.
From Ithaca Music Boosters:
Ithaca is hosting the SWAL Middle and High School Honors Choirs on Thursday the 26th and Saturday the 28th this week. Our area vocalists invite you all to their performances on Saturday starting at 4:30pm in the Ithaca High School gym. The boosters are still looking for volunteers for lunch concessions on Saturday. Use this link to sign up or contact Jill Plonka or Juli Thompson. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49AFA62AA3FFC61-2023
From PTSO:
The PTSO is sponsoring a Symons FREE Swim Day on Sun, Jan 29 for our Ithaca families and friends. Free swimming from 1-3:55 PM for adults and children. Alumni welcome! Any questions contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com or see more details at www.ithacaptso.org. Hope to see you there!
From Miss Schmitt:
UW-Richland Theatre is producing "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" this spring, and we need YOU! There are MANY roles for students including the main characters Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, as well as forest creatures, goblins, and unicorns! Auditions will be held at the UW-Richland Coppertop Theatre on Wednesday February 1, and Thursday February 2 starting at 6:30. Everyone is welcome to audition - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! For more information, contact Miss Schmitt, or the director at sharpwi@uwplatt.edu
Ithaca School Foundation and PTSO:
The Ithaca School Foundation's Trivia Night is back! Get a team together and join the fun on Friday, February 17 starting at 6 PM in the Commons. Cost is $50 per team of 8 people with a limit of 20 teams. There will also be a silent auction and concessions by the FCCLA. To reserve your spot or if you are interested in donating to the silent auction, contact Rob Richards at 585-2137 or via email at rob@richardsinsure.com. Proceeds from the trivia night and the silent auction will go to the outside digital sign fund.
From Miss Schmitt:
Wesley Brown is collecting cans for Ben Huebsch! Cans can be dropped off in Miss Schmitt's room, 204, and Wes will be donating all of his proceeds to the Huebsch family.
Word of the Day: A misanthrope is someone who hates people in general. I finally relented on going to the mall, which is always crowded, after my friend gently poked my arm and told me to "stop being such a misanthrope."
This Day in History: On January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics take off in style at Chamonix in the French Alps. Spectators were thrilled by the ski jump and bobsled as well as 12 other events involving a total of six sports.
Birthdays:
Elementary: Ivie Duren
MS/HS: Cody Byrnes, Erica Steinmetz, Lexi Stowell
Over the next few weeks, Ithaca is running a campaign for you to “Get To Know” our staff. Please enjoy the following bio of today's featured Ithaca employee. Get to know Heather Syvertson
Congratulations to the Middle School and High School FFA students that participated in the District LDE contest yesterday. It was almost a clean sweep by Ithaca with 17 students advancing to Sectionals! Middle school students Ethan Birkrem, Annabeth Sprecher, Brinley Wanless, Kaylee Manning, Peyton Brown, Alyssa Olson, Jacey Maxwell, Autumn McBain and Emma Hilby took First and Second place in the Quiz bowl competition. Hewsten Garcia-Boland and Keegan Jones took 3rd and 4th in Extemporaneous Speaking. Talena Sprecher won the Prepared Speaking and Employment Skills contests. Landon Thompson and Alan Pomering made it to the finals of Discussion Meet and Landon won. The Parli Pro team of Talena Sprecher, Hailey Boon, Josie Laue, Alan Pomering, Landon Thompson and Hewsten Garcia-Boland won first place. Ms. Sprecher is very proud of all your hard work and dedication.
Every Friday, Community First Bank employees can choose to wear jeans in exchange for a small contribution to their "Casual for a Cause Fund". Then each quarter CFB donates the money to a local organization. Supporting communities is an important part of the CFB culture! The Richland Center Branch selected "Passages" & "Ithaca-Under the Lights". Here is Jason Muckler, along with CFB employees, accepting the donation on behalf of Ithaca-Under the Lights.
Don't forget! Tomorrow, January 25th, is a scheduled Early Release day for students and PLC for staff in the afternoon. Elementary students will begin dismissal at 12:15pm, and the final bell for Middle and High School students is 12:34pm.
Over the next few weeks, Ithaca is running a campaign for you to “Get To Know” our staff. Please enjoy the following bio of today's featured Ithaca employee. Get to know Brittany Penfield.
Ms Stock's Careers class students recently had mock job interviews. She states that she is grateful for the many community volunteers that take the time out of their day to interview students and provide them with meaningful feedback to better prepare them for their futures. Students prepare for these interviews by completing applications, preparing resumes and cover letters, and considering commonly asked interview questions. This would not be possible without those community members who return every semester such as Marty Richards, Rob Richards, and Dillon Louis. Thank you so much!
Ithaca staff participated in valuable safety trainings and discussion on Friday, January 20th during their professional development day. Under the guidance of Sheriff Clay Porter and Ithaca Superintendent Julie Prouty, the Safety Committee and many area law enforcement officers conducted scheduled active intruder training and led thoughtful conversation on safety in our buildings. Many thanks to Lieutenant Mike Czys, Chief Billy Jones, Detective Jason Pilla, and Deputy Aaron Wallace for their participation, and who also complimented staff on our excellent reactions, preparation, and positive approach to the training. Collaborative work between our area law enforcement and administrative team and safety committee will continue, and students will receive age-appropriate information on being safe in their classroom and community. Threats can come in many forms, and safe students and staff is a priority at Ithaca Public Schools. Any questions regarding this or future training may be directed to any member of the administrative team. Pictured are Principals Greg Herbst and Kathleen Schoen, Lt Mike Czys, Chief Billy Jones, Det Jason Pilla, Deputy Aaron Wallace, and Safety Committee members Paula Boland, Juli Thompson, and Heather Stocks.
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Mon, Jan 23, 2023
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today - First Choice: Teriyaki Chicken Rice, Second Choice: Hot Ham Cheese/bun, Cooked Carrots, Applesauce, Dinner Roll, Milk
From Ms. Durkin:
The Ithaca Student Council would like to thank all who attended the snowball dance on Saturday night. The dance was a lot of fun! A huge thank you to Mr. Andresen and Mr. Crawford for chaperoning. We couldn't have done it without you! We would also like to thank Summer Roh for the great photos she took in the photo booth.
Attention SENIORS: Please stop in the office and let us know the way you would like your name to appear in the yearbook.
Congratulations to senior Marshell Self who achieved his 100th wrestling win!
From Ms. Sprecher:
Please release the Middle School and High School FFA students that are participating in the District LDE contest at 2:30 today.
Concessions tonight is the Archery club. Tuesday night concessions is Wrestling club.
From Coach Benson:
Boys Basketball Parents Night, youth night and Poster Night will be Mon, Jan 23 when the teams play against Riverdale.
Forensics Students:
Performers new this year must activate their accounts in Speechwire by the end of today, Monday - you should have received an email. All performers are expected to meet with a coach this week.
From Mrs. Kershner:
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will meet for morning Huddle on Thursday, Jan 26th at 7:00am. Enjoy a motivating devotion, encouraging message and breakfast together. See you Thursday.
From Mrs. Kershner:
All Youth Apprenticeship Students, please stop in the guidance office by Friday, Jan 27th for a quick update and signature that is needed to complete your YA Skills Checklist. Thank you.
From PTSO:
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, January 27th. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student, please. Proceeds this week will go to the PTSO. Middle School students, we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school, we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast.
From Ithaca Music Boosters:
Ithaca is hosting the SWAL Middle and High School Honors Choirs on Thursday the 26th and Saturday the 28th this week. Our area vocalists invite you all to their performances on Saturday starting at 4:30pm in the Ithaca High School gym. The boosters are still looking for volunteers for lunch concessions on Saturday. Use this link to sign up or contact Jill Plonka or Juli Thompson. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C49AFA62AA3FFC61-2023
From PTSO:
The PTSO is sponsoring a Symons FREE Swim Day on Sun, Jan 29 for our Ithaca families and friends. Free swimming from 1-3:55 PM for adults and children. Alumni welcome! Any questions contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com or see more details at www.ithacaptso.org. Hope to see you there!
Ithaca School Foundation and PTSO:
The Ithaca School Foundation's Trivia Night is back! Get a team together and join the fun on Friday, February 17 starting at 6 PM in the Commons. Cost is $50 per team of 8 people with a limit of 20 teams. There will also be a silent auction and concessions by the FCCLA. To reserve your spot or if you are interested in donating to the silent auction, contact Rob Richards at 585-2137 or via email at rob@richardsinsure.com. Proceeds from the trivia night and the silent auction will go to the outside digital sign fund.
From Miss Schmitt:
Wesley Brown is collecting cans for Ben Huebsch! Cans can be dropped off in Miss Schmitt's room, 204, and Wes will be donating all of his proceeds to the Huebsch family.
Birthdays:
Elementary: none
MS/HS: Violet Dilley
Staff: Mrs Burnley, Mrs Seehawer
100 wins!! Congratulations go out to senior Ithaca-Weston wrestler Marshell Self. Marshell has worked hard throughout his high school wrestling career to achieve this goal. Catch him and the I-W wrestlers tomorrow night at home. Cheer them all on, and it's T-shirt night, too!
Over the next few weeks, Ithaca is running a campaign for you to “Get To Know” our staff. Please enjoy the following bio of today's featured Ithaca employee. Get to know Laura Wydeven.
The Rotary Club of Richland County recently made a $2,000 donation to the Ithaca Softball - ‘Under the Lights’ campaign to help fund the installation of lights on the Ithaca Softball field.
Youth 4 Change Members: Just a reminder that tomorrow, January 20th, we are meeting at Kelly's Coffeehouse at 11:00am to take part in the Sticker Shock campaign.
Sticker Shock is a national campaign to reduce underage drinking by limiting youth access to alcohol. The campaign is designed to discourage adults from buying alcohol for minors by educating them about the dangers and consequences of these actions. We'll enjoy a complimentary Kelly's drink, sponsored by Partners 4 Prevention Coalition, hand out certificates to area businesses that passed the most recent compliance checks, and place stickers around the alcoholic section of Eastside BP. All are welcome to participate!
The PTSO is sponsoring a Symons FREE Swim Day on Sunday, January 29 for our Ithaca families and friends. Free swimming from 1-3:55 PM for adults and children. Alumni welcome! Any questions contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com or see more details at www.ithacaptso.org. Hope to see you there!
El PTSO está patrocinando un día de natación GRATUITA en Symons el domingo 29 de enero para nuestras familias y amigos de Ithaca. Natación gratuita de 13:00 a 15:55 para adultos y niños. ¡Bienvenidos exalumnos! Cualquier pregunta comuníquese con el PTSO en IthacaPTSO@gmail.com o vea más detalles en www.ithacaptso.org. ¡Espero verte allí!
A message from Zac Thome, Ithaca Athletic Director: There are no after school activities or practices today at Ithaca. The building is closed.