Its been a long school year, HAPPY SUMMER VACATION everyone!
Following graduation rehearsal, our Seniors took the time to do a walk through of the Elementary School. Our Elementary students look up to our Seniors and take inspiration from them to reach this special place in their education.
Please enjoy this YouTube Presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f3Te7OlAmk
On Friday May 19th the Senior Scholarship Banquet was held. Over $250,000 was awarded in scholarships to the Class of '23. On behalf of Ithaca Schools we sincerely THANK YOU for making these scholarship opportunities available for our students. We are grateful for your support and appreciate your contribution. Also, Congratulations to all the recipients!
Please feel free to view the photos of this event at the following link. A Google account is NOT needed to view these photos.
The first link is to the raw picture files in a Google Drive Folder (No Google account needed to view or print photos).
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1X2d23wXQReBqvK8Cj8p1S74hZ98E7r56?usp=sharing
The second link is to our YouTube presentation of the program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyiV4QatTjA
The 2023 WIAA State Track & Field Meet is this today & tomorrow in La Crosse! Our team is on site and READY to do GREAT things!
We would like to recognize our 2023 Ithaca High School Award Winners. Our awards program was held May 19, 2023.
Please enjoy this YouTube video presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgAeh8S2NMw&feature=youtu.be
You think you have a win locked in, until...
Using games in the classroom teaches many lessons such as socializing, strategizing, critical thinking, math, even working through frustrations or enjoying successes gracefully. Mrs. Mani thought she had the UNO hand to take her to victory, until a "Swap" card from one of her opponents... Their faces say it all.
Congrats to the Wisconsin FFA Reserve Champion Livestock Team- Ithaca FFA
Team members: Violet Dilley, Logan Anderson, Bailey Wanless, Talena Sprecher
South Central Regional Qualifier Janesville, WI :
2nd place Team - Talena first place individual, Logan Anderson fourth place individual
Regional Qualifier Platteville, WI :
2nd place Team - Talena fourth individual, Violet 8th individual
State contest:
2nd place team - Bailey 6th place individual, Talena 11th, Logan 19, Violet 21
We are excited to have them on the judgingpro.com crew!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0K3cTkfcjgdT4GKkPtoDFfAwY6KBfqzEwFJkY6VrUjz4bM7fKrMyQNHGnbxoGf9ZHl&id=100063754232379&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=RUbZ1f
When you're out and about, check out the beautiful hanging flower baskets the Ithaca FFA created for the Greater Richland Area Chamber group.!
#LearnersTodayLeadersTomorrow
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02PvuFqvrrc3kBPefeKcnA9tK5MNCsNQPPC5BXB1P36eSeHA8JU58cTnBiRZvyAWk4l&id=100064708986765&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade middle school had a very successful science fair. Thank you to all that could attend!
On Friday May 26th the Ithaca 7th grade explored the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque Iowa. What a fabulous way to end the school year!
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Thurs, Jun 1, 2023
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today - First Choice: Pizza Dippers, Second Choice: Baked Fish, Mixed Vegetables, Fresh Fruit, WG Sliced Bread, Milk
Seniors - The Ithaca School Board of Education invites you to a breakfast on Friday, June 2nd at 7:30 a.m. in honor of your accomplishments. Breakfast Menu: Egg bake, sausage, pancakes, mixed fruit and white/chocolate milk. Bring your appetite! Graduation Practice will take place immediately after breakfast.
From Mr. Herbst:
Hardcopies of the semester exam schedule and expectations are in the office.
From Ms. Durkin:
If you had a first or second semester art class and would like your artwork, please pick it up by Friday or it will be recycled next week.
From Track Coaches:
Uniforms must be turned in by Thursday this week. Place clean uniforms in a plastic bag with your name on them and turn them in. Thank you to those who have turned them in.
From the PTSO:
We have 10 elementary/middle school yearbooks left. If you missed the deadline and are interested in one, please email hilbsam@ithaca.k12.wi.us by Friday, June 2. The price is $15 per yearbook.
From Ms. Stocks and Ms. Loven:
Attention Seniors: This Friday, June 2 is graduation practice. Bring your cap and gown with you. Breakfast will be served at 7:30am with practice to follow at 9am. You MUST be at graduation practice if you want to walk with your class for graduation.
From Ms. Bevan:
Seniors: If you haven’t done this already, please make sure you check your email for the Senior Post Graduation Survey link. This survey should be completed before Fri, Jun 2. Thank you!
From Mrs. Kershner:
For all 1st year Youth Apprenticeship students- please have your ETA (Education Training Agreements) turned into the guidance office by Fri, June 2 - any other questions about the Youth Apprenticeship Program…please see Mrs. Kershner.Thank you!
From Mrs. Wipperfurth:
On behalf of the Ithaca Playground Committee, we would like to thank everyone for helping make our brick fundraiser a success over the past couple years. This will be our final call for brick sales! Please take this opportunity to commemorate your child’s upcoming graduation, represent your graduating class from years past, honor a loved one, represent your business, and/or leave your legacy in any way you choose. Orders can be placed online at https://www.thatsmybrick.com/ithacawi. The order deadline is Fri, Jun 2. If you have questions, please reach out to Brittany Penfield at brittany.penfield@ithaca.k12.wi.us. Bricks will be ordered this summer and will be placed behind the school near the patio prior to the 2023-2024 school year. Thanks again for your support!
From Ms Schoen:
YOUniversity staff (summer school) are seeking student helpers in grades 8-11 during the weeks of summer school, June 12-23. Please see Ms Schoen if interested. Volunteer hours available.
Birthdays:
Elementary: none
MS/HS: Anthony Prouty
Our Careers students completed their mock interview. The last few weeks they have filled out an application, created a cover letter, resume, and prepared for an interview. Thank you to Marty Richards, Rob Richards, Dillion Louis, Julie Doudna, and Ashley Toussaint for taking time out of their day to help our students be prepared for interviews in the future.
The cooks have chosen! On Friday, June 2nd, the elementary students will enjoy a choice of Cereal Bars or Nutrigrain Bars with Mixed Fruit. Lunch choices for all will be Chicken Strips/Nuggest or Brat on a Bun, with vegetables, fresh fruit, wheat bread, and milk.
Check it out! Today is the Middle School Science Fair! From 3:30pm until 5:00pm, browse and listen to the scientific talents of our middle school students. They have been busy exploring and creating projects to share with you. Join us in the Commons tonight!
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Wed, May 31, 2023
Today is a Day 2
Lunch for today - First Choice: Beef Taco & Shell, Second Choice: Polish Sausage/Hot Dog Bun, Baby Carrots, Applesauce, WG Dinner Roll, Milk
From Mr. Herbst:
Hardcopies of the semester exam schedule and expectations are in the office.
From Coach Clary:
Baseball players should be released at 2:30 today.
From Ms. Durkin:
If you had a first or second semester art class and would like your artwork, please pick it up by Friday or it will be recycled next week.
From Track coaches:
Athletes should turn in their washed uniforms by Wednesday this week. Place clean uniforms in a bag with your name on it and turn it in please.
From Ms. Loven and Sources of Strength Team:
Did you know that about half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life? May is Mental Health Month - please join us to spread Mental Health Awareness by wearing green on Wed, May 31.
From Ms. Schmitt:
Do you want to act on stage and shine in the spotlight? Community Players has the show for you! CP is producing “Heidi” this summer, and needs YOU to audition! There are roles for children of all ages, and NO EXPERIENCE is needed! Auditions will be Tue, May 30 and Wed, May 31 at 6:00 pm in the downtown auditorium. Questions? Email communityplayersswwi@gmail.com or talk to Ms. Schmitt!
From the PTSO:
We have 14 elementary/middle school yearbooks left. If you missed the deadline and are interested in one, please email hilbsam@ithaca.k12.wi.us by Thur, Jun 1. The price is $15 per yearbook.
From Ms. Stocks and Ms. Loven:
Attention Seniors: This Friday, June 2 is graduation practice. Breakfast will be served at 7:30am with practice to follow at 9am. You MUST be at graduation practice if you want to walk with your class for graduation.
From Ms. Bevan:
Seniors: If you haven’t done this already, please make sure you check your email for the Senior Post Graduation Survey link. This survey should be completed before Fri, Jun 2. Thank you!
From Mrs. Kershner:
For all 1st year Youth Apprenticeship students- please have your ETA (Education Training Agreements) turned into the guidance office by Fri, June 2 - any other questions about the Youth Apprenticeship Program…please see Mrs. Kershner. Thank you!
From Mrs. Wipperfurth:
On behalf of the Ithaca Playground Committee, we would like to thank everyone for helping make our brick fundraiser a success over the past couple years. This will be our final call for brick sales! Please take this opportunity to commemorate your child’s upcoming graduation, represent your graduating class from years past, honor a loved one, represent your business, and/or leave your legacy in any way you choose. Orders can be placed online at https://www.thatsmybrick.com/ithacawi. The order deadline is Fri, Jun 2. If you have questions, please reach out to Brittany Penfield at brittany.penfield@ithaca.k12.wi.us. Bricks will be ordered this summer and will be placed behind the school near the patio prior to the 2023-2024 school year. Thanks again for your support!
From Ms Schoen:
YOUniversity staff (summer school) are seeking student helpers in grades 8-11 during the weeks of summer school, June 12-23. Please see Ms Schoen if interested. Volunteer hours available.
Word of the day: To expedite something is to speed up its process or progress. Expedite can also mean “to carry out promptly.” To expedite the processing of your request, please include your account number on all documents.
This Day in History: The famous tower clock known as Big Ben, located at the top of the 320-foot-high Elizabeth Tower, rings out over the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, for the first time on May 31, 1859.
Birthdays:
Elementary: Gwen Sharp
MS/HS: none
Congratulations to Ithaca math teacher, Mrs. Paula Boland! She is the 2023 recipient of the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services General Educator Teacher of the Year in Southwest Wisconsin and also the Dr. Ken Solis award.
Every year, the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services, or WCASS, nominates general education teachers who surpass the expectations of students with special needs. WCASS members are special education directors, pupil services directors, and school psychologists who work for all students with special needs. Mrs. Boland's nomination form stated that she is amazing at her job and a great friend. She finds ways to teach kids who may be struggling with what she is teaching. She goes at the pace of the students.
Paula makes connections with her students, and they know what her expectations are. Students know and are comfortable going to her with issues. Paula is also always there for her coworkers and friends. She is on committees outside her normal duties and even coaches softball. As part of winning this award, she is automatically nominated to become the State winner.
Dr. Solis graduated from Ithaca in 1976. He graduated with a master’s degree in bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2007 and from UW Madison and is an emergency medicine physician. He also created a fitness program using jump ropes in the 1980s called “Ropics” which was designed to make rope jumping both easy to learn and to make it less likely to cause shin splints. He earned the nickname “Dr. Jump” while he was training for breaking records. Dr. Solis has earned 2 Guinness world records for endurance feats in jump roping.
Dr. Ken Solis says, “Education is crucial for better understanding and improving our world, making life more meaningful, and improving the futures of our children. While a sound education is dependent on the community, educational board, and school administration, it is the teachers who are ultimately at the student’s side. Their commitment to teaching important facts, promoting creativity, and encouraging critical thinking should never be taken for granted. This award echoes my unspoken, but sincerely felt, thanks to my Ithaca teachers as well as those who have succeeded them as the worthy recipient today.”
Beginning in 2002, Dr. Solis encouraged the Ithaca School District to recognize an outstanding teacher with this award named in his honor. But not just any teacher - one that is a leader and great at their job. Someone that goes the extra mile. Ithaca Public Schools are full of educators with such qualities, so each year the selection is challenging. Mrs. Boland went above and beyond her teaching duties this year, preparing during the summer to add courses to her load that would enable our high school math teachers and students access to courses that hadn't been offered before and could give our students the added skills those courses could provide. This and for so many more reasons led the selection group to chose her as this year's Dr. Ken Solis award winner.
We thank Mrs. Boland for always being her best and going beyond for all students. Additionally, her coaching and safety team lead work have expertly and boldly served students and the Ithaca School District. Congratulations!
Mrs. Boland's Geometry students finished their lessons by making soccer balls and wind balls. For the soccer ball they were told they needed 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, nothing else. They figured out the angles needed for each shape and constructed the balls. The wind ball directions were 32 square pieces, put together to make a sphere. The holes in the wind ball can only be pentagons and triangles. The students were proud of their creations and some asked to make another one which led to the giant ones being constructed.
On Monday, May 22nd the Ithaca 3rd graders went on a field trip to the Cave of the Mounds. They enjoyed a mini course on the Geology of the Earth, sluicing for minerals and a cave tour.
Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow
Announcements: Tues, May 30, 2023
Today is a Day 1
Lunch for today - First Choice: Chicken Patty, Second Choice: Hamburger, Baked Beans, Pineapple, WG Hamburger Bun, Milk
From Mr. Herbst:
Hardcopies of the semester exam schedule and expectations are in the office.
From Ms. Durkin:
The Ithaca Student Council would like to thank all of you who attended the dance last Friday night! Thank you to all who generously donated to the Newkirk Family. We are truly blessed to have such a great community! A huge thank you to Mr. Andresen and Ms. Stocks for chaperoning and Mr.G for playing such great music!
From Track coaches:
Athletes should turn in their washed uniforms by Wednesday this week. Place clean uniforms in a bag with your name on it and turn it in please.
From Ms. Loven and Sources of Strength Team:
Did you know that about half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life? May is Mental Health Month - please join us to spread Mental Health Awareness by wearing green on Wed, May 31.
From Ms. Schmitt:
Do you want to act on stage and shine in the spotlight? Community Players has the show for you! CP is producing “Heidi” this summer, and needs YOU to audition! There are roles for children of all ages, and NO EXPERIENCE is needed! Auditions will be Tue, May 30 and Wed, May 31 at 6:00 pm in the downtown auditorium. Questions? Email communityplayersswwi@gmail.com or talk to Ms. Schmitt!
From the PTSO:
We have 14 elementary/middle school yearbooks left. If you missed the deadline and are interested in one, please email hilbsam@ithaca.k12.wi.us by Thur, Jun 1. The price is $15 per yearbook.
From Ms. Bevan:
Seniors: If you haven’t done this already, please make sure you check your email for the Senior Post Graduation Survey link. This survey should be completed before Fri, Jun 2. Thank you!
From Mrs. Wipperfurth:
On behalf of the Ithaca Playground Committee, we would like to thank everyone for helping make our brick fundraiser a success over the past couple years. This will be our final call for brick sales! Please take this opportunity to commemorate your child’s upcoming graduation, represent your graduating class from years past, honor a loved one, represent your business, and/or leave your legacy in any way you choose. Orders can be placed online at https://www.thatsmybrick.com/ithacawi. The order deadline is Fri, Jun 2. If you have questions, please reach out to Brittany Penfield at brittany.penfield@ithaca.k12.wi.us. Bricks will be ordered this summer and will be placed behind the school near the patio prior to the 2023-2024 school year. Thanks again for your support!
From Ms Schoen:
YOUniversity staff (summer school) are seeking student helpers in grades 8-11 during the weeks of summer school, June 12-23. Please see Ms Schoen if interested. Volunteer hours available.
All MS volleyball players grades should report to the commons today during attack time. Thank you!
Birthdays:
Elementary: none
MS/HS: Mon, May 29-Clayton Lee; May 30-Jorge Dermas, Channing Wheaton
Get yours! Show your spirit when you cheer on our state qualifiers at the the State meet next Friday and Saturday. Use the link below to get your Ithaca/Weston Track & Field Statebound tshirts. The shop closes at 9am on Sunday so that they may arrive in time.
https://ithacawestontrstate23.itemorder.com/shop/sale/?fbclid=IwAR1RdbgjOCdxUsNdhz5aXWzCHh1g4R9QJjulPgpu8L8lonD-P-fXxXT6Iq4
