There will be a Fair Meeting today at 3:45 p.m. in the Commons. Anyone interested in the Fair and Parade is welcome to come.
We take this time to remember our “Blue Star” and “Gold Star” Military Families and thank them for their sacrifice and generosity. We want them to know that they are a part of our community. "Blue Star" has come into use in the United States as a reference to having a family member in active military service, while the term "Gold Star" has come to refer to the loss of a family member in military service.
#BeThe1To is a national movement to help prevent suicide. Using five steps, anyone can #BeThe1To help someone in a crisis.
~ ASK - How can I help? Listen to what they have to say.
~ KEEP THEM SAFE - If you determine a person is serious about suicide, ask them if they have taken any steps toward doing so. Take your own steps toward getting them help or keeping them safe.
~ BE THERE - Stay with them or go to them.
~ HELP THEM CONNECT - Help them get help. Call a hotline or even work with them to develop a safety plan.
~ FOLLOW UP - Stay connected by calling, meeting, or sending a message.
More can be found online at https://www.bethe1to.com/bethe1to-steps-evidence/
This week is National Suicide Prevention Week.
Research has found that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition. Several other things may put a person at risk of suicide, including:
- A family history of suicide.
- Substance abuse. Drugs can create mental highs and lows that worsen suicidal thoughts.
- Intoxication. More than 1 in 3 people who die from suicide are under the influence of alcohol at the time of death.
- Access to firearms.
- A serious or chronic medical illness.
- Gender. Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide.
- A history of trauma or abuse.
- Prolonged stress.
- A recent tragedy or loss.
Making connections with people can often prevent a person from resorting to suicide. As a school that fosters kindness, our students know the skills that can make those connections. Always choose kindness to help prevent suicide.
Come to Culver's in RC Wednesday, Sept 11, and let the Ithaca/RC horse club members wait on you! Your Culver's meal helps us raise funds for scholarships and show fees. We'll be there from 4-8 pm. See you there!
Tuesday, September 10th is the last day that you may make schedule changes for the semester. See Ms. Bevan if you need to take care of this.
Due to a community conflict on Wednesday, the Band and Choir Parents are changing their meeting date to Tuesday, September 10th. The choir parents will meet at 6:00 pm in the choir room and the band parents will meet at 6:45 in the band room. Thank you!
There will be a Band Parents Meeting on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 pm. in the band room. We will be planning for the breakfast we provide on the day of the school fair. All parents of band students are encouraged to attend.
Attention all high school students applying for student council- we have moved up the deadlines for turning in your applications and elections. Student council applications are due to Ms. Sprecher at 3:30pm Monday, Sept. 9th. Elections will be held at your class meetings during attack time on Tuesday, September 10.
There is no cheer leading practice today. There will be practice Monday right after school.
Ithaca Choir Students: We will be having a Homecoming Choir Meal meeting on Wednesday, September 11th at 6:45 pm in the choir room.
Middle school volleyball players: The bus will be leaving MONDAY for Seneca on MONDAY at 4:15. Make good use of your time after school. Be on time to leave.
Middle School Volleyball players: You should gather by the elementary doors at the end of the day and wait there together until you are told it is safe to walk down to the old gym for practice. We don't want foot traffic among the vehicles that are picking up students.
Middle School students that are being picked up at the end of the school day should use the doors by Mrs. Prouty's office to go outside (not the elementary door).
A big "Thank you!" to Anytime Fitness of Richland Center for their donation of school supplies!
As we welcome students back, we also welcome new staff! Mrs. Katie Burnley is teaching Business Education. Mr. Kyle Lange is teaching Middle School reading and working with Title 1 students. Mrs. Liz Niemeyer is our Music Instructor and Choir Director. Mrs. Brooke Riddiough works in our business office and human resources. Ms. Laura Wydeven is teaching Middle and High School English. Ms. Jessie Lovin (not pictured) is teaching High School Phy Ed and Health.
NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Tuesday Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. If you have not applied by Oct. 1st, it will be assumed you plan on paying the lunch fee starting Wednesday Oct. 2nd. If you were on reduced lunches last year, you may have the reduced price of $.40 per day or $2.00 per week and reapply, also. See our "News" area for a link to the DPI website for more information in a News post about this program.
If you received an invitation over the summer to apply for membership in NHS, please make sure your applications are completed and turned in to Mrs.Wontor in Room 310 by Friday, September 13 by 3:45 pm. Late applications will not be considered.
Thank you, Evelyn Kolman! She is a 1942 Ithaca graduate and has donated school supplies to the school for over 20 years! These supplies help fill a great need not just on the first day, but all year long.
Tonight is OPEN HOUSE! Don't forget to bring your transportation forms so our bus routes don't miss anyone. Turn in completed registration and free/reduced meals forms as well. Reconnect with familiar faces and meet the new ones. Put on your smiles for school pictures too!