Remember to pick up sack breakfast and lunches at Ithaca School today from 4pm until 6pm. If you forgot yesterday, we have you covered! Pull in on the elementary side, and let us serve you with a smile! Look for a survey for next week's distribution soon.
Parents of Ithaca Students: We need your input. If you have not yet completed the Parent Tech Survey, please do so ASAP as we are making plans for student learning in the weeks to come. We want your input!! Thank you, Mr. Lechnir and Ms Schoen
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAKHUu_Wb9XroQdq8Rz945rzXucV-uj5lV1VEh78BRrgFZEg/viewform
We know how challenging this new learning environment is. Remember that sometimes the simplest forms of learning are the most valuable and even stress-reducing. Mrs. Newkirk and Mrs. Zorea challenge you all to read everyday. Send us your pictures of reading going on at home! Email to juli.thompson@ithaca.k12.wi.us or send via FB Messenger through the school's page.
The Newkirks found some obvious and creative ways to enjoy reading at home. Where do you like to read?
Mrs. Pluemer wants to remind everyone not to neglect your mental health. Managing stress and applying simple coping strategies can greatly improve mental health. Check out the link for suggestions. It specifically lists the importance of recognizing the different ways children deal with stress versus adults. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html
"Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:
-Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
-Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
-Excessive worry or sadness
-Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
-Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
-Poor school performance or avoiding school
-Difficulty with attention and concentration
-Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
-Unexplained headaches or body pain
-Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
There are many things you can do to support your child:
-Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
-Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
-Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
-Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
-Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members."
A reminder to families who signed up for breakfast/lunch pick up this week: Swing in NOW until 6pm. Quite a few haven’t picked up yet.
Welcome back to School (at Home)! Staff are hoping all families are getting settled into their new routine. If you have questions, concerns, need resources, or just want to talk, reach out to a staff member. Staff will be trying to reach you and your students at home. If you notice a blocked or unknown number, it may be them.
Mrs. Prouty hopes families were able to enjoy a little fun during Spring Break. School resumes in it's new way on Monday! Staff are "looking" forward to "seeing" students soon. Got your classroom ready at home? Take a look at Mrs. Prouty's new office.
Could you or someone you know benefit from a Pop-Up Pantry food tote? Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program is making a Pop-Up Pantry stop in Ithaca on Wed. Apr. 1 from 12:30-1:30 in the Twp Garage parking lot. Call or visit their website for more info. Spread the word!
It’s not the kind of Spring Break you thought you’d have. You might be feeling frustrated, stressed out, scared. You’re not alone. Your Ithaca family is going through this with you. When there are so many uncertainties, this is absolutely certain: One team, One School, One Family. If you need something – anything – reach out to a staff member. We are never far away. Even if it’s just to talk. We are here to support you and each other always. And know this, we miss you.
Ithaca Staff hope all are doing as well as can be expected during this time! As we prepare to make some decisions regarding home-based learning, we are asking at least one member of each family completes this survey regarding internet access, hotspot possibility, and devices for students in your homes. Please feel welcome to add comments at the end of the survey if your situation doesn't fit the questions asked. Any additional questions may be referred to Mrs. Schoen at 583-2622.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAKHUu_Wb9XroQdq8Rz945rzXucV-uj5lV1VEh78BRrgFZEg/viewform
Ithaca Seniors! Updates to some scholarships have been added to the school's website under the Counselor's Corner. Please note that Southwest Technical College Foundation and Lenz Family Scholarship deadlines have been extended to April 15, 2020, and the UW-Plattevillel-Richland Campus Foundation scholarship has been extended to April 17, 2020.
https://www.ithaca.k12.wi.us/o/ithaca-school-district/page/scholarship-info--4
The UW Extension Office has put out a document dealing with potential personal financial concerns you may have. There are links to resources and common questions with answers.
https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/toughtimes/covid-19-financial-resources/
Congratulations to the 2020 Ithaca School District Delta Kappa Gamma Winners.
Delta Kappa Gamma is hosted by the Lambda Chapter and offered to all students 3rd-12th grade. Students must write, illustrate, and publish their own story. Our elementary teachers have championed this contest and writing within the classroom for over ten years, and the accomplishments of our writers shows it! Congratulations, and job well done, students!
Attention Ithaca Seniors:
Just a friendly reminder to keep working on scholarships. Make sure you are also applying for scholarships at your school of choice. Go to their websites for more details. There is a list of some available scholarships on our website. Follow the attached path to "additional scholarship opportunities." **The Southwest Tech. Lenz Scholarship is due March 31 to Ms. Bevan and the Richland County Bank Scholarship is due April 3 to Ms. Bevan. You may either drop them off at the school to put in Ms. Bevan's mailbox after Spring Break or you may mail them to the school. Ithaca School, Attn: Meredith Bevan, 24615 State Hwy. 58, Richland Center, WI 53581. Mailed scholarships must arrive by the deadline, so please do not wait until the last minute. SW Tech Foundation Scholarships are due March 31 and UW Platteville-Richland Foundation Scholarships are due April 1. Both are submitted online and the links are on our website. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Ms. Bevan bevamer@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
With heavy heart, we share the passing of an Ithaca legend, Mrs. Shirley Braithwaite on her 90th birthday. Mrs. Braithwaite touched so many lives in her time at Ithaca. Her music and enthusiasm for all things were more than legendary. She and Wilmer brought Christmas joy to young and old as well. The Ithaca Community and Public School sends sympathies to her husband, family, and all who will mourn the loss of one of Ithaca's finest. Please share your memories with one another and those who never met her.
https://www.prattfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Shirley-Braithwaite?obId=12472184#/obituaryInfo
The Ithaca School District supports Ithaca families. We will begin providing breakfast and lunch to all Ithaca families for your children 18 and under regardless of your financial status. A food survey is located on the school web page, through social media and at this link ( https://forms.gle/krR9TGm1W7tbNTcF6 ) for all Ithaca families to complete who wish to participate beginning Monday, March 30, 2020. Each week, a new survey will be available for families to complete. Ithaca volunteers and staff will be providing pickup from 4-6 pm Monday, March 30-Friday, April 3. We ask that the front seat of the vehicle be vacant so that the food bag can be placed on the seat. This will limit if not prevent completely any contact between the passengers and the food server. We will have a drive-thru set up at the school. Watch for signs. Food service will continue through the closure. Updates will be broadcast on WRCO, the school website and the Ithaca School District Facebook page
Ithaca Families. A reminder that the building will be open today, Wednesday, March 18th until 3 P.M. for students and parents to pick up school work, empty hall and gym lockers, pick up medications, etc. Please be respectful of social distances, and we will monitor how many people are in the building in order to do so. Check in at the main entrance, retrieve a check list, and at the end of your visit, return that completed check list.
Ithaca will be open Wednesday, March 18, 9:00-3:00 for parents to get the resources planned for students during the Covid shutdown. Many thanks to everyone that came Tuesday!
Ithaca is open until 8:00 tonight for students to clean out lockers and pick up their resources.
Please be aware that I typed in Tuesday, March 27,It should be TODAY, March 17.