Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Tue, Sept 17, 2024
Today is a Day 2
Lunch for today - First Choice: Broccoli Cheese soup w/ asiago focaccia bread; Second Choice: American sub sandwich, Roasted carrots, Fruit cocktail, Salad Bar, Milk
Wisconsin Day of Observance: U.S. Constitution Day
On Wednesday, Sept 18, students will be released at 2:00 PM. Elementary pickup will begin at 1:45 PM. This is a planned day for professional development for faculty and staff.
From Mrs. Burnley:
There will be an FBLA meeting during Attack on Tues., Sept. 17 in Mrs. Burnley’s room.
From Ms. Sprecher:
Thank you to the Freshman class for doing concessions tonight for the volleyball game.
From Mrs. Kershner & Mrs. Wipperfurth:
The RISE Mentoring Program will Kick-off this Thursday, Sep 19th! Students, please check your email with information regarding the program this year. We are looking forward to a great year to inspire, encourage and support our little bulldogs! If you haven’t signed-up but are interested, please reach out to Mrs. Kershner or Mrs. Wipperfurth. Thank you high school students for making a difference!
From Ithaca Football:
Youth football will meet again Thur, Sept 19th, and meet every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks on the football field at 6:00. Practice will finish at 7:00. No sign up is required. The final practice will be October 11th 6-7pm.
From Mrs. Stellner and Mrs. Pluemer:
Middle and High School Sources of Strength will meet in the LMC on Thursday, September 19th.
From Mrs. Deitelhoff and Mrs. Stellner:
There will be a Senior Class Meeting during attack in Mrs. Deitelhoff’s room on Friday, September 20th.
From PTSO:
Our first Popcorn Friday will be this Friday, September 20. Elementary students, your classroom teacher will take your order and money. Middle School and High School students you will be able to purchase yours during breakfast, at the end of your hallways. Cost is $0.50 per bag, limit 2 bags per person. Help support the 2nd grade class!
From PTSO:
Do you want to offer your time helping out? Do you want to earn hours towards scholarships or entries in a drawing? Do you need volunteer credit? If any of these fit you, consider volunteering for the PTSO. We are always looking for people to volunteer for things like: babysitting, working a shift at homecoming, helping run gingerbread night, attending a PTSO meeting, etc. If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to Samantha Swenink at ithacaptso@gmail.com.
WORD OF THE DAY:
Liminal: a formal word most often used to describe an intermediate state, phase, or condition.
The essay presents an image of the border region as a liminal zone where one culture blends into another.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
Beginning early on the morning of September 17, 1862, Confederate and Union troops in the Civil War clash near Maryland’s Antietam Creek in the bloodiest single day in American military history. The Constitution of the United States of America is signed by 39 delegates present at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
From Mr. Herbst:
We will continue to announce birthdays at the beginning of the school day; however, they will no longer be listed on the announcements that are sent to the general public.
From Mr. Herbst:
Parents/guardians are informed of field trips via permission slips. Unlike an athletic event or concert, field trips are not open invitations for the general public to attend. Therefore, as a safety precaution, field trips will no longer be listed on the calendar on the District’s website.

It's not too early to start planning your schedule for the 102nd Ithaca School Fair and Homecoming festivities. You won't want to miss a second of it all!

Tonight's the night, youth footballers! Ithaca Youth Football will start tonight Monday, September 16 and meet every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks. Meet at the football field at 6:00, and practice will finish at 7:00. No sign up is required. The final practice will be October 11th 6-7pm.
📷 Credit: Jeanette Simpson

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Mon, Sept 16, 2024
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today: First Choice - Fish Sticks w/tartar sauce and WG roll; Second Choice - Chicken salad on WG bread, Coleslaw, Pineapple, Salad Bar, Milk
Wisconsin Day of Observance: Mildred Fish Harnack Day Commemorates the only native-born American known to have been executed by the Gestapo in Nazi Germany. Mildred Fish Harnack was born in Milwaukee in 1902.
On Wednesday, Sept 18, students will be released at 2pm. Elementary pickup will begin at 1:45pm. This is a planned day for professional development for faculty and staff.
From Ithaca Football:
Youth football will start next Mon, Sept 16 and meet every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks. Meet at the football field at 6:00, and practice will finish at 7:00. No sign up is required. The final practice will be October 11th 6-7pm.
From Mr. Kelly:
Football players meet in my room after school today. Monday, Sept. 16th
From Mrs. Burnley:
There will be an FBLA meeting during Attack on Tues., Sept. 17 in Mrs. Burnley’s room.
From Ms. Sprecher:
Nobody is signed up to do concessions for the Tuesday, Sept. 17 Volleyball game. If nobody signs up, there will not be concessions that night. If your group is interested in helping, please contact Ms. Sprecher today.
From PTSO:
Do you want to offer your time helping out? Do you want to earn hours towards scholarships or entries in a drawing? Do you need volunteer credit? If any of these fit you, consider volunteering for the PTSO. We are always looking for people to volunteer for things like: babysitting, working a shift at homecoming, helping run gingerbread night, attending a PTSO meeting, etc. If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to Samantha Swenink at ithacaptso@gmail.com.
WORD OF THE DAY:
Succor: something that you do or give to help someone who is suffering or in a difficult situation. We see it as our duty to give succor to those in need.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
On September 16, 1893, the largest land run in history began with more than 100,000 people pouring into the Cherokee Strip of Oklahoma to claim valuable land that had once belonged to Native Americans. With a single shot from a pistol the mad dash began, and land-hungry pioneers on horseback and in carriages raced forward to stake their claims to the best acres.

Everyone loves a parade! All area businesses, candidates, organizations, families, and classes are invited to enter in the Ithaca School Fair and Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 12. Line up is at 10 AM and the parade starts at 10:30. Welcome to the Jungle is our theme this year!

The Ithaca School District will be holding community informational meetings concerning the upcoming referendum. If you missed yesterday's meeting in Keyesville, catch one or more of the next meetings. Upcoming sessions will be held Thursday night, September 19, at 7:00 at the Loyd Community Center; Monday night, September 23, at 7:00 at Ithaca Schools; Wednesday, October 2, at 5:45 at the Ithaca Community Gym; and Sunday morning, October 6, at 11:30 at the Willow Valley Church Hall.

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Fri, Sept 13, 2024
Today is a Day 2
Lunch for today: First Choice - Mozzarella Sticks w/marinara sauce and roasted broccoli; Second Choice - Chicken Ceasar Entree salad w/WG roll, Fresh cantaloupe, Salad Bar, Milk
From Mrs Thompson:
There will be a freshman class meeting during 4th hour on Friday, Sept 13. Come prepared with a pencil and your device.
From Mrs. Zorea:
The deadline to submit your NHS application has been extended for one week. Scholars who are eligible to apply for membership in the National Honor Society received an application in the mail over the summer. A digital application was also emailed to your school address today. Please return your applications to Mrs. Zorea in the Library, or to the school office to be placed in her mailbox by Fri, Sept 13.
From Mr. Klang:
There will be a Junior Class Meeting in Mr.Fetterly’s room during ATTACK Today, Sept. 13th.
From Ithaca Football:
Youth football will start next Mon, Sept 16 and meet every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks. Meet at the football field at 6:00, and practice will finish at 7:00. No sign up is required. The final practice will be October 11th 6-7pm.
From PTSO:
Do you want to offer your time helping out? Do you want to earn hours towards scholarships or entries in a drawing? Do you need volunteer credit? If any of these fit you, consider volunteering for the PTSO. We are always looking for people to volunteer for things like: babysitting, working a shift at homecoming, helping run gingerbread night, attending a PTSO meeting, etc. If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to Samantha Swenink at ithacaptso@gmail.com.
WORD OF THE DAY:
Callow: a synonym of immature and is used to describe someone, especially a young person, who does not have much experience and does not know how to behave like an adult. The novel’s plot involves a callow youth who eventually learns the value of hard work and self-reliance.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
On September 13, 2007, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The declaration, which defines the rights of the planet’s Indigenous peoples to their respective ways of life and prohibits discrimination against them, it was a watershed moment for groups that often struggle for representation at the international level.
BIRTHDAYS: Elementary - Jaxson Eng (Sun); Middle School - Aydan Phillips (Sat); High School - none; Faculty & Staff - none

FairEntry is open for the Ithaca Fair! We've added several "fair themed" classes this year. Note: Following the Richland Co. Fair, no lactating dairy cattle will be shown this year due to the avian flu strain found in dairy herds across the country. Events listed on the first page are still pending while we are still organizing.
https://www.fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/20951

September is #SuicideAwarenessMonth
Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Learn about behaviors that may be a sign that someone is thinking about suicide. For more information, visit https://go.nih.gov/cw9p2vx #shareNIMH


It's a beautiful, warm day in Ithaca. What could be better than a cool, crisp chicken Caesar salad? ❤️School Lunch

Young footballers! Ithaca Youth Football will start next Mon, Sept 16 and meet every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks. Meet at the football field at 6:00, and practice will finish at 7:00. No sign up is required. The final practice will be October 11th 6-7pm.

Ithaca students are invited to learn new skills in Library class. This week, they learned how to code Bee Bot robots to play the game, "Capture the Kingdom". Along with having a lot of fun, students practiced breaking a complicated problem into smaller steps, working with others respectfully, and reflecting with a growth-mindset when their coding did not turn out the way they predicted.



Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Thur, Sept 12, 2024
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today:
First Choice: Tater Tot hotdish w/WG roll
Second Choice: Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Mixed vegetables, Blueberries, Salad Bar, Milk
From Mrs Thompson:
There will be a freshman class meeting during 4th hour on Friday, Sept 13. Come prepared with a pencil and your device.
From Mrs. Zorea:
The deadline to submit your NHS application has been extended for one week. Scholars who are eligible to apply for membership in the National Honor Society received an application in the mail over the summer. A digital application was also emailed to your school address today. Please return your applications to Mrs. Zorea in the Library, or to the school office to be placed in her mailbox by Fri, Sept 13.
From Ithaca Football:
Youth football will start next Mon, Sept 16 and meet every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks. Meet at the football field at 6:00, and practice will finish at 7:00. No sign up is required. The final practice will be October 11th 6-7pm.
From PTSO:
Do you want to offer your time helping out? Do you want to earn hours towards scholarships or entries in a drawing? Do you need volunteer credit? If any of these fit you, consider volunteering for the PTSO. We are always looking for people to volunteer for things like: babysitting, working a shift at homecoming, helping run gingerbread night, attending a PTSO meeting, etc. If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to Samantha Swenink at ithacaptso@gmail.com.
WORD OF THE DAY:
Fraternize: to be friendly with someone or to spend time with them in a friendly way. Fraternize is often, though not always, used in situations where such friendly behavior is considered wrong or improper, as in “fraternizing with the enemy.” The boss warned that fraternizing with the junior employees could be a risky career move for a manager.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
1940: Near Montignac, France, four teenagers discover a collection of prehistoric cave paintings when they stumble upon the ancient artwork after following their dog down a narrow entrance into a cavern. The 15,000- to 17,000-year-old paintings, consisting mostly of animal representations, are among the finest examples of art from the Upper Paleolithic period.
BIRTHDAYS: none

September is #SuicideAwarenessPreventionMonth and Ithaca Public Schools is striving to give our students and community the support they need.
Save the number, save a life. Add the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) to your phone now—it could save a life later. Trained crisis counselors are available to talk 24/7/365. Visit https://go.nih.gov/hoMF6tt for more info. #shareNIMH


You are encouraged to attend one or more community forums, where various Ithaca School Board of Education members will provide information and answer questions about the upcoming referendum. Please joins us as your schedule allows. The first is this Sunday, September 15th at 10:45 a.m. in the Madonna Hall at St Mary's Catholic Church in Keyesville.

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Tue, Sept 11, 2024
Today is a Day 2
Lunch for today: First Choice- Cheese quesadilla w/salsa and sour cream; Second Choice - Ham and Cheese on a sub bun; Carrot salad, Watermelon, Salad Bar, Milk
Observance Day:
A day to remember the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, and to honor law enforcement officers and firefighters.
From Mr. Herbst:
Going to class prepared is an expectation of students, just as going to work prepared is an expectation of adults. In our three days of school last week, there were excessive requests from students to go to their respective cars because they forgot something. I have instructed the school secretaries to deny these requests, so be responsible and gather what is necessary from your vehicle before entering the building. Thank you, young adults.
From Coach Mindham:
The Richland Center/Ithaca cross country teams competed in Boscobel last night, with the girls team finishing third and the boys team finishing first overall out of 15 teams. Individually, Clayton Lee finished 6th overall in the varsity results, and Braysen Garcia-Boland finished 1st overall in the JV results.
From Ms. Sprecher:
There will be an HS FFA meeting on Tue, Sept 10, during ATTACK in Ms. Sprecher’s room.
From Mr. Klang:
Please come out to support the High School Girls' and Boys' Basketball teams when they host a Culver’s Share Night on Wed, Sept 11 from 4-8 PM at the Richland Center Culver’s.
From Mrs. Kershner and Mrs. Wipperfurth:
There will be a Kick-off meeting for any 9th-11th grade students who are interested in being a mentor for the RISE program. Returning mentor students are encouraged and new mentor students are welcome! This will be held Wed, Sept 11 during ATTACK. We will meet in Mr. Nee’s classroom. We hope to see you then!
From the Ithaca Music Boosters:
There will be a meeting this Wednesday, Sept 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the band room. We’ll discuss Homecoming plans and fundraising for the year. Families with students in all grade levels from K-12 are welcome to attend!
From Mrs. Zorea:
There will be a meeting for the current NHS on Thu, Sept 12 during Attack in the LMC.
From Mrs Thompson:
There will be a freshman class meeting during 4th hour on Friday, Sept 13th. Come prepared with a pencil and your device.
From Mrs. Zorea:
The deadline to submit your NHS application has been extended for one week. Scholars who are eligible to apply for membership in the National Honor Society received an application in the mail over the summer. A digital application was also emailed to your school address today. Please return your applications to Mrs. Zorea in the Library, or to the school office to be placed in her mailbox by Fri, Sept 13.
From Ithaca Football:
Youth football will start next Monday September 16th and meet every Monday and Thursday for 4 weeks. Meet at the football field at 6:00, and practice will finish at 7:00. No sign up is required. The final practice will be October 11th 6-7pm.
From PTSO:
Do you want to offer your time helping out? Do you want to earn hours towards scholarships or entries in a drawing? Do you need volunteer credit? If any of these fit you, consider volunteering for the PTSO. We are always looking for people to volunteer for things like: babysitting, working a shift at homecoming, helping run gingerbread night, attending a PTSO meeting, etc. If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to Samantha Swenink at ithacaptso@gmail.com. September 27th
WORD OF THE DAY:
To vilify someone or something is to say or write very harsh and critical things about them. The word is a synonym of defame. They were vilified in the press for their comments.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
September 11 At approximately 8:46 a.m. on a clear Tuesday morning, an American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact left a gaping, burning hole near the 80th floor of the 110-story skyscraper, instantly killing hundreds of people and trapping hundreds more in higher floors. The attackers were Islamic terrorists from Saudi Arabia and several other Arab nations. Reportedly financed by Saudi fugitive Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda terrorist organization, they were allegedly acting in retaliation for America’s support of Israel, its involvement in the Persian Gulf War, and its continued military presence in the Middle East.
BIRTHDAYS: none

September is Suicide Awareness Month. Here are 5 steps you can take to #BeThe1To help someone who is having thoughts of suicide:
ASK: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.
BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.
HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.
HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.

The Bulldog Block Challenge 6K run/walk is back this year also! Lace up your shoes and take a lap or two around the Big Block to raise funds for the Ithaca Foundation. Join us Saturday morning, October 12th in person or enjoy a route on your own virtually. We would like each participant to sign a separate waiver, including kids, for liability purposes.


Congratulations to Ithaca alumna Talena Sprecher! Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree and only one other Ithaca student has earned theirs. Congratulations to Ithaca FFA member Talena Sprecher on her achievement! We are so proud of you!
Keep up with Ithaca FFA activities, events, successes on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057109673791

Parents of students in all grade levels from kindergarten through 12th grade are welcome to attend a meeting of the Ithaca Music Booster Club. If you have a student at Ithaca, you are already a member! The Boosters will meet tomorrow, September 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the band room. Agenda items will include Homecoming meal discussions and setting fundraisers for this school year. We're always eager to welcome active members!

