Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Tue, Jan 30, 2024
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today - First Choice: Beef chili w/corn bread, Second Choice: Chicken fajitas w/soft shells, Carrots, mixed fruit, WG roll
From Mrs. Burnley:
There will be an FBLA meeting today during Attack Time in Mrs.Burnley’s room. Attendance is mandatory. Permission slips for Saturday’s Regional Leadership Conference will be distributed and we will discuss plans for the event. Good luck to everyone who is competing!
From Ms Okus and Mr Tobin:
All parents and guardians are invited to attend tomorrow’s Music Instructor Meet-and-Greet at 6:00 pm in the band room.
From Mrs. Kershner:
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will gather Thursday morning, Feb 1st at 7:00 am. Join us for a hot breakfast, encouraging devotion and message! All are welcome! Hope you’ll join us!
From Mrs. Kershner:
The Big Brother & Big Sister RISE Program will begin Thursday, Feb 1st. Please see Mrs. Kershner if you have any questions.
From Mrs. Zorea:
Author Erin Soderberg Downing will be visiting Ithaca to talk with students in Grades 3-8 on Wed, Feb 7, 2024. Erin has written more than 50 books for kids and teens. Erin will discuss her newest novel, Just Keep Walking and will share many behind-the-scenes secrets from her writing process-from generating ideas to creating characters to research to writing first drives to revisions and beyond. If you would like signed copies of Erin’s books and need another order form, please see Mrs. Zorea.
From Ms. Sprecher:
The Ithaca FFA is selling strawberries again this year. The students will be collecting orders until Feb. 20 and the strawberries will arrive the week of March 11. To order, please contact a FFA member, Ms. Sprecher or find an order form on the Ithaca FFA and Ithaca Schools facebook page.
WORD OF THE DAY: Rebuff: to reject or criticize sharply- I will rebuff all of your excuses for late work.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Mohandas Gandhi, the political and spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement, was assassinated in New Delhi by a Hindu extremist on January 30, 1948.
BIRTHDAYS:
Elementary - Clara Thome
Middle School - none
High School - Xander Sorenson
Faculty & Staff - Ms Sprecher
Ithaca 5th grade students finished their Poetry Unit in our new reading curriculum CKLA! Students had to write a villanelle poem which has specific requirements of 19 lines, ABA rhyme scheme, and some line repeat. The 5th graders took on this challenge and did a great job!
Ithaca staff contribute far beyond the doors of Ithaca Public Schools! Ithaca School District librarian and 6th grade reading teacher, Mrs Emily Zorea’s term of
service on the national Pura Belpré book award came to end on
Monday, January 22, 2024, when the book committee made their
official selections to honor books for medals and honors at the Youth
Media Awards in Baltimore, MD. For the past year, Zorea has
served as the Administrative Assistant for the national committee.
The Pura Belpré book award is offered by ALA, or the American Library
Association. ALA also offers the Newbery and Caldecott book awards.
The Pura Belpré award is presented annually to Latino authors and
illustrators whose books for children and youth best portrays, affirms,
and celebrates the Latino cultural experience.
Over the past year, Zorea and committee members were sent hundreds
of books by publishers for award consideration. Zorea cataloged each
title so that the committee could keep track of what books they had
been sent. She also sent out communication between ALA divisions to
asked for member librarians to send book suggestions to the
committee to be especially considered for awards. In anticipation of the
final award decisions, Zorea photographed each book and copyright
page, and wrote citations for the titles that could be copied into the
final press release. Finally, she served as a listening ear during
discussions when committee members assessed the strengths and
weaknesses of titles in preparation of the final votes in January.
“I was honored when I was asked to serve on the committee as the
Administrative Assistant, and handling hundreds of books published
this year by Latino authors and illustrators was a rigorous experience in
seeing trends and themes in children’s book publishing” said Zorea about her experience. “I look forward to sharing these books with my
students, and I hope that our community members check out award
winning books at their local libraries and bookstores.”
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Mon, Jan 29, 2024
Today is a Day 2
Lunch for today - First Choice: Chicken patty w/bun, Second Choice: Fish sticks, Green beans, mandarin oranges, WG roll
From Mrs. Pluemer:
There will be a Middle School Sources of Strength meeting today, January 29th, in Mr. Kelly’s room
From Mrs. Kershner:
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will gather Thursday morning, Feb 1st at 7:00 am. Join us for a hot breakfast, encouraging devotion and message! All are welcome! Hope you’ll join us!
From Mrs. Kershner:
The Big Brother & Big Sister RISE Program will begin Thursday, Feb 1st. Please see Mrs. Kershner if you have any questions.
From Mrs. Zorea:
Author Erin Soderberg Downing will be visiting Ithaca to talk with students in Grades 3-8 on Wed, Feb 7, 2024. Erin has written more than 50 books for kids and teens. Erin will discuss her newest novel, Just Keep Walking and will share many behind-the-scenes secrets from her writing process-from generating ideas to creating characters to research to writing first drives to revisions and beyond. If you would like signed copies of Erin’s books and need another order form, please see Mrs. Zorea.
From Ms. Sprecher:
The Ithaca FFA is selling strawberries again this year. The students will be collecting orders until Feb. 20 and the strawberries will arrive the week of March 11. To order, please contact a FFA member, Ms. Sprecher or find an order form on the Ithaca FFA and Ithaca Schools Facebook page.
WORD OF THE DAY: Bunkum old-fashioned, informal word that refers to foolish or insincere talk or ideas. As usual, the politician let out a load of bunkum during his speech.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On this day in 1936, the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame elects its first members in Cooperstown, New York: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Matthewson and Walter Johnson.
BIRTHDAYS:
Elementary - none
Middle School - none
High School - Dante Kleinsasser
Faculty & Staff - none
Join us at Ithaca MONDAY for a Non Con matchup as the 10th ranked Bulldogs host number 9 Royall in boys' basketball. JV tips off at 6 PM and the Varsity game will follow. Let's fill OUR gym with BULLDOG fans!
Join us at Ithaca TONIGHT for a Ridge and Valley Conference matchup as the Lady Bulldogs host the Lady Trojans in girl’s basketball. JV tips off at 6 PM and the Varsity game will follow.
If you have struggled logging into or using the FAMILY ACCESS portion of Skyward, please watch this YOUTUBE presentation. It is a quick, but useful, overview of Skyward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wngf1JcO0Lg
Congratulations to the Ithaca-Weston High School wrestlers and coaches for winning their 4th consecutive Ridge & Valley Conference Championship. They defended their title last night at Kickapoo by defeating DeSoto, Kickapoo/LaFarge, North Crawford/Seneca, Pecatonica/Argyle, and River Ridge in dual match ups. It was a great night of wrestling from all competitors and teams. Please come support the team to defend the Scenic Ridge & Rivers tournament at Kickapoo next Saturday, February 3rd.
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Fri, Jan 26, 2024
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today - First Choice: Chicken & biscuits, Second Choice: Hamburger w/bun, Cauliflower blend, peaches, yogurt
Congratulations to the high school wrestlers for winning their 4th consecutive Ridge & Valley Conference Championship. Please come support the team to defend the Scenic Ridge & Rivers tournament at Kickapoo next Saturday.
From the Office:
Seniors, you must stop in the office to fill out paperwork for how you want your name to appear on your diploma. Breakfast break would be a good time to take care of this responsibility.
From Ms. Sprecher:
Middle school quiz bowl will meet Today during ATTACK.
From Ms. Durkin:
Those who are in the Art Club and would like a sweatshirt, you need to get your order and money to Ms Durkin by Today.
From PTSO:
Today is Popcorn Friday. 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 Art Department!
From The High School Girls Basketball Team:
Tonight will be youth night and poster night when we host North Crawford. It will also be parents' night for the high school teams. Parents will be announced between the JV game and varsity game. Youth teams will be announced during the halftime of the varsity game. After the game, the varsity girls will be signing posters in the commons. Cupcakes and cookies will be served after the game.
From Mrs. Zorea:
Author Erin Soderberg Downing will be visiting Ithaca to talk with students in Grades 3-8 on Wed, Feb 7, 2024. Erin has written more than 50 books for kids and teens. Erin will discuss her newest novel, Just Keep Walking and will share many behind-the-scenes secrets from her writing process-from generating ideas to creating characters to research to writing first drives to revisions and beyond. If you would like signed copies of Erin’s books and need another order form, please see Mrs. Zorea.
BIRTHDAYS:
Elementary - Annabelle Barlow on Sun
Middle School - Owen Kershner, Kennedy Salisbury on Sat
High School - Alex Bloedow on Sun
Faculty & Staff - Mrs Dickey, Mrs Hilby today
It's a Ridge and Valley Conference match up of EPIC proportions. Ithaca hosts North Crawford in boys basketball tonight at the IHS Gymnasium. 6 pm JV with the varsity tilt to follow. Come out, be loud, and support the Ithaca Bulldog boys basketball team tonight!
SNOW MUCH FUN! Ithaca Elementary students have been taking advantage of all the recent snow to play and build.
Popcorn Friday will be this Friday, January 26. 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 Art Department!
100% OSHA-30 certified! ✔️
OSHA 30 benefits workers with safety roles, including those in construction, manufacturing, factory operations, health care and more. The OSHA 30 courses promote safe and healthful work environments by training workers to identify, predict and avoid hazards in the workplace.
We would like to recognize the following students who have successfully completed
the online OSHA 30 certification training:
Mac Neefe, Matthew Kepler, Ryan Tourdot, Danny Feryance,
Alex Evans and Logan Anderson
🏆 Congratulations! 🏆
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Thu, Jan 25, 2024
Today is a Day 2
Lunch for today - First Choice: Spaghetti w/meatballs, Second Choice: Polish sausage/bun, Broccoli, apple slices, bread sticks
From the Office:
Seniors, you have today and tomorrow yet to stop in the office to fill out paperwork for how you want your name to appear on your diploma. Please take care of this responsibility in the next 2 days.
From Ithaca-Weston Wrestling Club:
Cheer on your Ithaca-Weston High School wrestlers as they defend their title and compete for the 2024 Conference Team Championship at the team duals contest tonight at Kickapoo High School. Action starts at 4:30pm. The team is seeking to repeat their past performances, and should they win this year, it will be the third year in a row! Good luck, wrestlers!
From Ms. Sprecher:
Middle School FFA will meet Today during ATTACK. Middle school quiz bowl will meet Friday, Jan. 26 during ATTACK.
From Forensics coaches:
Forensics performers, email is the expected method of communication from your coaches. Be sure you are checking that regularly. Some of you must meet with Mrs Thompson before Friday. Each of you are expected to meet with a coach weekly and prepare on your own daily.
From Ms. Durkin:
Those who are in the Art Club and would like a sweatshirt, you need to send your order and money to Ms Durkin by Fri, Jan 26.
From Mrs. Stellner and Mrs. Pluemer:
Sources of Strength will meet Today, during ATTACK. High School will meet in the LMC, and Middle School will meet in Mr. Kelly’s room.
From PTSO:
Popcorn Friday will be this Fri, Jan 26. 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 Art Department!
From The High School Girls Basketball Team:
Fri, Jan 26 will be youth night and poster night when we host North Crawford. It will also be parents' night for the high school teams. Parents will be announced between the JV game and varsity game. Youth teams will be announced during the halftime of the varsity game. After the game, the varsity girls will be signing posters in the commons. Cupcakes and cookies will be served after the game.
From Mrs. Zorea:
Author Erin Soderberg Downing will be visiting Ithaca to talk with students in Grades 3-8 on Wed, Feb 7, 2024. Erin has written more than 50 books for kids and teens. Erin will discuss her newest novel, Just Keep Walking and will share many behind-the-scenes secrets from her writing process-from generating ideas to creating characters to research to writing first drives to revisions and beyond. If you would like signed copies of Erin’s books and need another order form, please see Mrs. Zorea.
WORD OF THE DAY: Cosplay: engage in the activity or practice of dressing up as a character from a work of fiction (such as a comic book, video game, or television show). Liz’s favorite part of attending Comic-Con is choosing a character to cosplay that few others will think of, then recreating their look as accurately as possible.
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
Middle School - none
High School - Cody Byrnes
Faculty & Staff - none
During finals week, Careers students participated in Mock Interviews. They learned how to find job positions, how to apply for those positions, to write a resume, a cover letter, and how to prepare for an interview. We had volunteers from our community come in and conduct interviews to help students experience what an interview would be like and how they can best prepare. A special thanks to all our community volunteers.
Cheer on your Ithaca-Weston High School wrestlers as they defend their title and compete for the 2024 Conference Team Championship at the team duals contest tomorrow at Kickapoo High School. Action starts at 4:30pm. The team is seeking to repeat their past performances, and should they win this year, it will be the third year in a row! Good luck, wrestlers!
📸credit: Lisa Clary
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Wed, Jan 24, 2024
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today - First Choice: Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Second Choice: Beef Tacos/Soft Shell, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Milk
From the Office:
Seniors, you must stop in the office this week to fill out paperwork for how you want your name to appear on your diploma.
From Ms Schoen:
All 2nd semester teaching assistants are to meet with Ms Schoen sometime today. Contact her beforehand if you are unavailable to meet.
From Ms Schoen:
ACCESS testing begins today.
From Forensics coaches:
Forensics performers, email is the expected method of communication from your coaches. Be sure you are checking that regularly. Some of you must meet with Mrs Thompson before Friday. Each of you are expected to meet with a coach weekly and prepare on your own daily.
From Ms. Durkin:
There will be an Art Club meeting today during ATTACK. If you are in FCCLA, please attend that meeting first. Those who are in the Art Club and would like a sweatshirt, you need to send your order and money to Ms Durkin by Fri, Jan 26.
From Mrs. Stellner and Mrs. Pluemer:
Sources of Strength will meet Thur, Jan 25, during ATTACK. High School will meet in the LMC, and Middle School will meet in Mr. Kelly’s room.
From PTSO:
Popcorn Friday will be this Fri, Jan 26. 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 Art Department!
From The High School Girls Basketball Team:
Fri, Jan 26 will be youth night and poster night when we host North Crawford. It will also be parents' night for the high school teams. Parents will be announced between the JV game and varsity game. Youth teams will be announced during the halftime of the varsity game. After the game, the varsity girls will be signing posters in the commons. Cupcakes and cookies will be served after the game.
From Mrs. Zorea:
Author Erin Soderberg Downing will be visiting Ithaca to talk with students in Grades 3-8 on Wed, Feb 7, 2024. Erin has written more than 50 books for kids and teens. Erin will discuss her newest novel, Just Keep Walking and will share many behind-the-scenes secrets from her writing process-from generating ideas to creating characters to research to writing first drives to revisions and beyond. If you would like signed copies of Erin’s books and need another order form, please see Mrs. Zorea.
BIRTHDAYS:
Elementary - none
Middle School - none
High School - Hewsten Garcia-Boland
Faculty & Staff - Marla Smith
Mark your calendars for the first in a series of Ithaca PTSO Free Swim Days at the Symons Complex! On Sunday, February 11th from 1:30pm until 4:00pm, all Ithaca friends and families - adults, kids, and alumni - are welcome to enjoy free time in the Symons pool.
Middle and High School students participating in the 2024 SWAL Honors Choir Festival are reminded that the bus will leave Thursday, January 25th at 7:45am and will return by the end of the school day. The bus will depart on Saturday, January 27th at 7:45am. Both days, students should arrive with enough time to gather needed items before leaving Ithaca. The 2024 SWAL Honors Choir Concert at Mineral Point High School will be Saturday, January 27th, with doors opening at 3:45pm and the concert beginning at 4:30pm. Admission is $5. Good luck, performers. Or should we say, "Break a leg!"
It's strawberry time! The Ithaca FFA brought back their popular strawberry sale. These delicious beauties will arrive the week of March 11. The FFA Strawberry sale will run from Jan. 30-Feb. 21. Strawberries are shipped direct from Florida and arrive within 24 hours of being picked.
The money raised will help support our Program of Activities as well as to help pay for member's travel to conferences and conventions. Any member traveling to the Washington Leadership Conference, State Convention or National Convention will get to use all the profits they raise to help pay for their trip.
Strawberries will be delivered to your door from the FFA member you ordered from or you can pick them up. You can pay ahead of time or at the time of delivery.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKitUeSwJyPrvDwJ0am2KkN9Y2bsOadwoCmWr-CsldhUKQgA/viewform