Ithaca School District

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Dec. 16, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today: First Choice - Chicken Fajita, Second Choice - Pulled Pork Sandwich, Spanish Rice, Steamed Carrots, Mixed Fruit, Milk The schedule today for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Band, 7th and 8th Grade - Choir, HS - Day 2 Schedule. Wednesday's winner of $50 in the Band Parents Calendar Raffle was Cheryl Bockhop, with ticket #598 HS Band - This is a reminder that you have pep band tonight. Please be here by 6:40 pm. There is a Math Club meeting today during ATTACK Time. The high school band will be Christmas caroling around the community on Monday, December 20, 5:45 - 7:45 pm. If you know of anyone who would like to have us stop to play some carols for them, please let Mrs. Behrens know. Choir Fruit orders will arrive today. Please pick up in the bus garage after school until 5:30. Contact Kris Willis or Liz Niemeyer if you are unable to make that time work. The PTSO winter apparel orders are ready! They will be available for pickup today from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the commons. If you have any questions please contact Karia Brown at joekariabrown@gmail.com. There will be a football booster club meeting today at 6 pm in the commons. There will be a HS student council meeting today during ATTACK in Ms. Sprecher room. There is a middle school girl’s basketball signup sheet on the office window for all 6th -8th grade girls interested in playing this year. There will be a middle school girls’ basketball open gym next Wednesday, December 22nd from after school until 5:15 in the old gym. Please meet Coach Miller in the commons after school Wednesday and walk down with her. Also on Wednesday, December 22nd at 5:15pm we will have a player/parent/coach meeting to get contact information, sign up for concessions and hand out practice schedules. Everyone is invited to visit the library and pick out free books to take home and keep. Mrs. Zorea adds new books to our library every month. To make room for the new books that are being added, books that have not been read in a while have been removed from the library collection. All of these books are on tables in the library marked "FREE." These books need a forever home. You can choose and take as many books as you want. Come to the library, and pick out some free books. One of our students is going through a very difficult time. If you would like to know more and offer your support, please visit this care page: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/benhuebsch/journal/view/id/61b7892e82357ae224f5a93d It's not too late to join Forensics! If you missed Friday's meeting but still want to join or have questions about what we are about, stop in and chat with Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Zorea, or Ms Schmitt. All Forensics students should make time to talk with a coach about your category and topic or selection before the start of break. Zoom meetings are possible too! There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, December 17. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Middle School Student Council. 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. The PTSO's Gingerbread House Fun Night will be this Friday, December 17 starting at 5:30 in the Commons. A $50 gift card will be awarded to the 1st place entry, a $30 gift card for 2nd and a $20 gift card for 3rd. Hope to see you there! The PTSO will be hosting a Virtual Ithaca Family & Friends Trivia Night via Zoom on December 31 - New Year's Eve - starting at 6 PM. Sign up your team by emailing the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com with your group or family name by December 28. We will be drawing for three $50 gift cards throughout the night and you must Zoom in to win. Join us for family fun and prizes as we ring in the new year! Elementary--what is the temperature right now? How many more degrees until it's warm enough to go out? How many more degrees is it above (or below) our going-outside temperature? What time will we check the temperature for lunch recess? Did you know Rural Route 1 popcorn makes a great Christmas gift? The PTSO will be selling cash-n-carry popcorn in the school entryway by the office on Friday Dec. 17 during the boys and girls basketball games from about 6 PM to the end of the game. Most flavors available. Get 'em while they last! This Day in History: The Boston Tea Party. In Boston Harbor, a group of Massachusetts colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians board three British tea ships and dump 342 chests of tea into the harbor. Word of the Day: Abrasive uh-BRAY-siv adjective Abrasive means, literally, "causing damage or wear by rubbing, grinding, or scraping." Figuratively, it is used to describe people or things that are unpleasant or irritating.The powder might seem abrasive, but when used as instructed, it will remove dirt without damaging the surface. Birthdays: Elementary—Gracelynn Miller, and Jada Whiteaker H.S./M.S.—None

The Passages Holiday Food Drive sponsored by the Ithaca High School Student Council and National Honor Society is still going on! Help propel your class toward the top prize by sending items from this list. High School students, your classes can still be in the running, so dig in! This drive is one of Passages largest donations each year. Let's continue the tradition for them!

Dec. 15, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today: First Choice - Pizza Dippers, Second Choice - Ham Wrap, California Blend, Applesauce, Dessert, Milk Congrats on an amazing choir concert Monday! Mrs. Niemeyer is extremely proud. The music-making for 2022 will be even better! Shout out and thank you to the wonderful custodial staff and student helpers with set up and take down. The schedule today for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Choir, 7th and 8th Grade - Band, HS - Day 1 Schedule. Tuesday's winner of $75 in the Band Parents Calendar Raffle was Kathleen Schoen, with ticket #184. ATTENTION Middle School Wrestlers you are to report to the Multi Purpose Room after school for practice" There is a middle school girls basketball signup sheet on the office window for all 6th -8th grade girls interested in playing this year. There will be a HS student council meeting tomorrow during ATTACK in Ms. Sprecher room. Everyone is invited to visit the library and pick out free books to take home and keep. Mrs. Zorea adds new books to our library every month. To make room for the new books that are being added, books that have not been read in a while have been removed from the library collection. All of these books are on tables in the library marked "FREE." These books need a forever home. You can choose and take as many books as you want. Come to the library, and pick out some free books. Thank you to all who helped with the blood drive yesterday and to those who donated. Your thoughtfulness and gift of life is much appreciated. Reminder to HS FFA students, there is a potluck and Christmas card writing during seminar and lunch today in Ms. Sprecher room. If you are a member and didn't bring a dish, please still come and be part of our holiday celebration and community outreach. Food totals for today: Third place with 94.5 pounds is the Kindergarten, Second place with 113.5 pounds is the third grade, First place with 122 pounds is fourth grade. One of our students is going through a very difficult time. If you would like to know more and offer your support, please visit this care page: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/benhuebsch/journal/view/id/61b7892e82357ae224f5a93d There will be a football booster club meeting this Thursday at 6 pm in the commons. The PTSO winter apparel orders are ready! They will be available for pickup on Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the commons. If you have any questions please contact Karia Brown at joekariabrown@gmail.com. It's not too late to join Forensics! If you missed Friday's meeting but still want to join or have questions about what we are about, stop in and chat with Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Zorea, or Ms Schmitt. All Forensics students should make time to talk with a coach about your category and topic or selection before the start of break. Zoom meetings are possible too! FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will meet this Thursday morning at 7:00 for their annual Christmas Huddle Party. Breakfast will be served and an encouraging devotion! Bring a 'white elephant gift' for our fun & laughter game gift exchange! Check out our Ithaca FCA Facebook page for more details. All students are welcome! Hope to see you! There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, December 17. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Middle School Student Council. 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. The PTSO's Gingerbread House Fun Night will be this Friday, December 17 starting at 5:30 in the Commons. A $50 gift card will be awarded to the 1st place entry, a $30 gift card for 2nd and a $20 gift card for 3rd. Hope to see you there! The PTSO will be hosting a Virtual Ithaca Family & Friends Trivia Night via Zoom on December 31 - New Year's Eve - starting at 6 PM. Sign up your team by emailing the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com with your group or family name by December 28. We will be drawing for three $50 gift cards throughout the night and you must Zoom in to win. Join us for family fun and prizes as we ring in the new year! Elementary--what is the temperature right now? How many more degrees until it's warm enough to go out? How many more degrees is it above (or below) our going-outside temperature? What time will we check the temperature for lunch recess? Choir Fruit orders will arrive Thursday, December 16th. Please pick up in the bus garage after school until 5:30. Contact Kris Willis or Liz Niemeyer if you are unable to make that time work. Did you know Rural Route 1 popcorn makes a great Christmas gift? The PTSO will be selling cash-n-carry popcorn in the school entryway by the office on Friday Dec. 17 during the boys and girls basketball games from about 6 PM to the end of the game. Most flavors available. Get 'em while they last! This Day in History: U.S. Declares an end to the War in Iraq. In a ceremony held in Baghdad on December 15, 2011, the war that began in 2003 with the American-led invasion of Iraq officially comes to an end. Though today was the official end date of the Iraq War, violence continued and in fact worsened over the subsequent years. The withdrawal of American troops had been a priority of President Barack Obama, but by the time he left office the United States would again be conducting military operations in Iraq. Word of the Day: Talisman TAL-iss-mun noun A talisman is something that is believed to have magic powers and brings good fortune. In ancient times, the gemstone was worn as a talisman to avert evil. Birthdays: Elementary—none H.S./M.S.—Alexia McCullough and Sawyer Simpson

A Wisconsin holiday tradition is back! The Capitol Holiday Tree is filled with handmade ornaments each year and is located in the rotunda of the building. Ithaca Elementary 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade students created and sent in their creations highlighting what makes our community unique. Gov. Evers announced the theme of this year’s tree is “Hometown for the Holidays,” meaning each ornament should illustrate the creator’s hometown, neighborhood or community. The 32-foot balsam fir tree was donated to the state by the Menominee Nation.

The PTSO winter apparel orders are ready! They will be available for pickup on Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the commons. If you have any questions please contact Karia Brown at joekariabrown@gmail.com. And don't forget about the PTSO Gingerbread House Fun Night Friday, December 17 starting at 5:30 in the Commons. Hope to see you there!

Join one of the area's most successful high school wrestling programs! Ithaca-Weston Wrestling is seeking an additional High School Assistant Wrestling coach. Those interested should contact Brooke Hackl in the District Office at 608/585-2512 or email brooke.hackl@ithaca.k12.wi.us.

Today is Tuesday, December 14th. This is a reminder that today is a day of virtual learning for ALL STUDENTS. Elementary students will follow what the individual teacher sent/emailed home. Middle and High School students will follow the attached schedule. The Ithaca FFA Blood Drive is today at the Community Gym. After school activities for today will not be affected by virtual learning. We hope to be able to come back to school on Wednesday, December 15th. That decision will be made by 12:00 on Tuesday, Dec 14. Students were told to bring home all computer devices and chargers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Dec. 14, 2021 Today is a Day 2 The schedule today for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Choir, 7th and 8th Grade - Band, HS - Day 1 Schedule. The winner of $50 in the Band Parents Calendar Raffle was Amanda Fowell with ticket #283. The annual Ithaca FFA blood drive is today from 9 am - 2 pm in the old community gym. Students between age 16-18 years old who wish to donate must have a permission slip signed by their parents. See Ms. Sprecher for a copy. You can sign up on the door by Ms. Sprecher's room or at the link https://bit.ly/ithacadec14.Help give the gift of life during the holidays! There will be a football booster club meeting this Thursday at 6 pm in the commons. The PTSO winter apparel orders are ready! They will be available for pickup on Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the commons. If you have any questions please contact Karia Brown at joekariabrown@gmail.com. It's not too late to join Forensics! If you missed Friday's meeting but still want to join or have questions about what we are about, stop in and chat with Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Zorea, or Ms Schmitt. All Forensics students should make time to talk with a coach about your category and topic or selection before the start of break. Zoom meetings are possible too! FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will meet this Thursday morning at 7:00 for their annual Christmas Huddle Party. Breakfast will be served and an encouraging devotion! Bring a 'white elephant gift' for our fun & laughter game gift exchange! Check out our Ithaca FCA Facebook page for more details. All students are welcome! Hope to see you! There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, December 17. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Middle School Student Council. 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. The PTSO's Gingerbread House Fun Night will be this Friday, December 17 starting at 5:30 in the Commons. A $50 gift card will be awarded to the 1st place entry, a $30 gift card for 2nd and a $20 gift card for 3rd. Hope to see you there! The PTSO will be hosting a Virtual Ithaca Family & Friends Trivia Night via Zoom on December 31 - New Year's Eve - starting at 6 PM. Sign up your team by emailing the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com with your group or family name by December 28. We will be drawing for three $50 gift cards throughout the night and you must Zoom in to win. Join us for family fun and prizes as we ring in the new year! Elementary--what is the temperature right now? How many more degrees until it's warm enough to go out? How many more degrees is it above (or below) our going-outside temperature? What time will we check the temperature for lunch recess? Choir Fruit orders will arrive Thursday, December 16th. Please pick up in the bus garage after school until 5:30. Contact Kris Willis or Liz Niemeyer if you are unable to make that time work. Did you know Rural Route 1 popcorn makes a great Christmas gift? The PTSO will be selling cash-n-carry popcorn in the school entryway by the office on Friday Dec. 17 during the boys and girls basketball games from about 6 PM to the end of the game. Most flavors available. Get 'em while they last! This Day in History: Roald Amundsen becomes first explorer to reach the South Pole. Amundsen, born in Borge, near Oslo, in 1872, was one of the great figures in polar exploration. In 1897, he was first mate on a Belgian expedition that was the first ever to winter in the Antarctic. In 1903, he guided the 47-ton sloop Gjöa through the Northwest Passage and around the Canadian coast, the first navigator to accomplish the treacherous journey. Amundsen planned to be the first man to the North Pole, and he was about to embark in 1909 when he learned that the American Robert Peary had achieved the feat. Word of the Day: Flippant FLIP-unt adjective Flippant means "lacking proper respect or seriousness."The coach made a flippant response to the media's questions about the unexpected loss. Birthdays: Elementary—none H.S./M.S.—Hailey Allison and Trevor Templen Staff—none

All students will report to IN-PERSON learning on Wednesday, December 14th. Students are expected to report to school at their regular time. Thank you, Ithaca families, for your understanding and flexibility.

Due to staffing issues, all Ithaca students will be virtual on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Middle school and high school will follow the schedule below. Elementary will follow what the individual teacher send/email home. We hope to be able to come back to school in person on Wednesday, December 15th. That decision will be made by 12:00pm on Tuesday, Dec 14th. Students were told to bring home all computer devices and chargers. All after school activities (including the FFA blood drive) on Tuesday, December 14th, will occur as planned. This will also be reassessed on a daily basis.

Tonight is the Ithaca Winter Choir concert! Come enjoy 117 singers from grades 6-12 perform Christmas songs starting at 7pm in the Ithaca High School gym. Enjoy our talented singers!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Dec. 13, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today: First Choice - Chicken Alfredo, Second Choice - Fish Sticks, Peas, Peaches, Garlic Bread, Milk Tonight is the Ithaca Winter Choir concert. Come enjoy 117 singers from grades 6-12 perform Christmas songs starting at 7pm in the high school gym. Students, there is a note on the choir door if you forgot what to wear or when to arrive for warm up. The schedule today for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Choir, 7th and 8th Grade - Band, HS - Day 1 Schedule. The weekend winners in the Band Parents Calendar Raffle were Brad Sorensen - $50, Ally Plonka - $50, and Diane Gallagher - $100. 7th - 12th Grade Band Students: This is a reminder that your first Secret Santa gift is due tomorrow (Tuesday). There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, December 17. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Middle School Student Council. 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. The PTSO's Gingerbread House Fun Night will be this Friday, December 17 starting at 5:30 in the Commons. A $50 gift card will be awarded to the 1st place entry, a $30 gift card for 2nd and a $20 gift card for 3rd. Hope to see you there! The PTSO will be hosting a Virtual Ithaca Family & Friends Trivia Night via Zoom on December 31 - New Year's Eve - starting at 6 PM. Sign up your team by emailing the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com with your group or family name by December 28. We will be drawing for three $50 gift cards throughout the night and you must Zoom in to win. Join us for family fun and prizes as we ring in the new year! Elementary--what is the temperature right now? How many more degrees until it's warm enough to go out? How many more degrees is it above (or below) our going-outside temperature? What time will we check the temperature for lunch recess? Choir Fruit orders will arrive Thursday, December 16th. Please pick up in the bus garage after school until 5:30. Contact Kris Willis or Liz Niemeyer if you are unable to make that time work. Attention 6th through 8th Grade. Middle school wrestling sign ups are on the school office window. Practice will start December 13th after school. There will be a parents meeting after practice on December 13th at 5:15pm. Parents with questions can call Coach Finnell at 608-475-9936 Did you know Rural Route 1 popcorn makes a great Christmas gift? The PTSO will be selling cash-n-carry popcorn in the school entryway by the office on Friday, Dec. 10 and Friday Dec. 17 during the boys and girls basketball games from about 6 PM to the end of the game. Most flavors available. Get 'em while they last! The annual Ithaca FFA blood drive is on Tuesday, December 14 from 9 am - 2 pm in the old community gym. Students between age 16-18 years old who wish to donate must have a permission slip signed by their parents. See Ms. Sprecher for a copy. You can sign up on the door by Ms. Sprecher's room or at the link https://bit.ly/ithacadec14.Help give the gift of life during the holidays! Birthdays: Elementary— none H.S./M.S.—none Staff—none

The FFA Blood Drive is on TOMORROW! The annual FFA Blood Drive will be held tomorrow, December 14th from 9am until 2:00pm, and there are still appointments available including walk-ins! See this link to sign yourself up or just show up! https://bit.ly/ithacadec14

The Wauzeka-Steuben at Ithaca boys basketball game has been called off for tonight, due to expected bad weather.

Some updates to events for tonight (as of 1:30pm): *Middle School Boys Basketball pizza party is cancelled, *Girls Basketball is cancelled, and *Wrestling is still on as scheduled.

Due to the impending weather, we are POSTPONING Gingerbread House Fun Night to next Friday, December 17 starting at 5:30 in the Commons. Hope to see you there!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today: First Choice - Pizza Second Choice - BBQ Pork Sandwich, Carrots, Tropical Fruit, Dinner Roll, Milk Concessions tonight are the Middle School Student Council. The schedule today for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Band, 7th and 8th Grade - Choir, HS - Day 2 Schedule. Thursday's winner of $75 in the Band Parents Calendar Raffle was Phil McCormick, with ticket #87. There will be National Honor Society Meeting today in the LMC during Attack. Elementary--what is the temperature right now? How many more degrees until it's warm enough to go out? How many more degrees is it above (or below) our going-outside temperature? What time will we check the temperature for lunch recess? Choir Fruit orders will arrive Thursday, December 16th. Please pick up in the bus garage after school until 5:30. Contact Kris Willis or Liz Niemeyer if you are unable to make that time work. Attention 6th through 8th Grade. Middle school wrestling sign ups are on the school office window. Practice will start December 13th after school. There will be a parents meeting after practice on December 13th at 5:15pm. Parents with questions can call Coach Finnell at 608-475-9936 Did you know Rural Route 1 popcorn makes a great Christmas gift? The PTSO will be selling cash-n-carry popcorn in the school entryway by the office on Friday, Dec. 10 and Friday Dec. 17 during the boys and girls basketball games from about 6 PM to the end of the game. Most flavors available. Get 'em while they last! It's time to start the High School Forensics season! We're coming off of an award-winning 20/21 season and are ready to have a repeat! Join us for a brief meeting on Friday, December 10th in the LMC during ATTACK time. This will NOT conflict with the NHS meeting that day. Not sure if you're interested? Still stop in! If you have any questions, see Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Zorea, or Ms. Schmitt. The Ithaca third grade boys’ basketball team will begin practice today at the old community gym. Practice will be every Friday Evening from 6-7PM. The annual Ithaca FFA blood drive is on Tuesday, December 14 from 9 am - 2 pm in the old community gym. Students between age 16-18 years old who wish to donate must have a permission slip signed by their parents. See Ms. Sprecher for a copy. You can sign up on the door by Ms. Sprecher's room or at the link https://bit.ly/ithacadec14.Help give the gift of life during the holidays! The PTSO's 4th Annual Gingerbread House Fun Night will be Friday, December 10 starting at 5:30 in the Commons. The PTSO will provide frosting and graham crackers; house decorators can bring any candy you want to decorate your houses. Judging will be at 6:45 with prizes for the top 3 houses. Please start saving boxes - like pasta or mac n cheese sized - to use to build your house around as we are not using milk cartons this year. Hot cocoa will be served as well - hope to see you there! This Day in History: First Nobel Prizes awarded. The first Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace on December 10, 1901. The ceremony came on the fifth anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite and other high explosives. In his will, Nobel directed that the bulk of his vast fortune be placed in a fund in which the interest would be “annually distributed in the form of prizes to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.” Although Nobel offered no public reason for his creation of the prizes, it is widely believed that he did so out of moral regret over the increasingly lethal uses of his inventions in war. Word of the Day: Palisade pal-uh-SAYD noun Palisade refers to a fence of stakes used for defense or to a line of steep cliffs. Kayakers encounter many unique natural structures along the river, including its steep palisades. Birthdays: Elementary—on Sunday, Bodyn Louis H.S./M.S.—On Sunday: Derek Franzen, and Alana Nelson Staff—1st grade teacher, Mrs. Richards

Today we are throwing it back to the 1995-96 Boys and Girls Basketball teams. Recognize anyone from those teams?

DON'T FORGET! Gingerbread House Fun Night is this Friday, December 10 starting at 5:30 in the Commons! Prizes for the top 3 - 1st receives a $50 gift card, 2nd a $30 gift card and 3rd a $20 gift card! Judging starts at 6:45.

The Elf Shop will open soon! Santa's helpers of the Ithaca Middle School Student Council will be opening up the Elf Shop for Elementary students on Dec. 22nd during the school day. Each classroom will have assigned shopping times. Students will not need more than $2 to shop for items in the $.25-$.50 range.