Ithaca School District

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Tue, Apr 11, 2023 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today - First Choice: Bar-B-Que/WG Hamburger Bun, Second Choice: Corn Dogs, Baked beans, Sliced apples, WG Dinner Roll, Dessert, Milk From Ms. Sprecher : Attention all students needing YQCA training for the county fair or state fair. Training for HS students will be today during lunch. Training for MS and elementary students will be today during Attack. From Ms. Durkin: There will be a student council meeting today during ATTACK in the art room. From Mrs. Burnley: There is an FBLA meeting today during ATTACK in Mrs. Burnley’s room. If you are going to State Leadership Conference on Sunday, make sure you are there for important final details. If you have not brought your permission slip in, please bring it by Thursday. From PTSO: Our April PTSO meeting will be held today at 3:45 in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there! From Ms. Sprecher: The spring FFA blood drive is Wed, Apr 12. Sign up by Ms. Sprecher's room or online. All donors must be 16 years of age. https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258099 From Mr. Crawford and Mrs. Niemeyer: We will be hosting a music booster meeting this Sunday at 1 pm in the band room. There will be votes on a few separate topics, as well as more information on our upcoming fundraisers. Immediately after, at 2 pm, there is an informational meeting about the band trip to Florida for Spring of 2024. All band students who will be in grades 9-12 next year that are interested in going on the trip are asked to attend. We will have our travel representative here to present and answer questions, as well as give you an approximate itinerary of what our trip will entail. From Mrs. Kershner: For students in 10th & 11th grade who are interested in taking the CNA course this summer, please stop in the guidance office see Mrs. Kershner for paperwork and an update about the upcoming course. Thank you. From Mrs. Thompson: Forensics performers, what you put in will directly impact what you get out at State. We have two weeks to get ready. Practice daily on your own and frequently with a coach. Let’s reach for all Gold! If you’d like to rehearse with Mrs Murphey, be sure you email her to set up a time. From Mrs. Thompson: Middle Schoolers! It’s not too late to join track! Our first meet is this Thursday, and you will be able to participate if you come to practice by Wednesday night. From the PTSO: The last FREE Symons Swim Day sponsored by the PTSO this year will be on Sun, April 16 from 1:00–3:55 p.m. We welcome all Ithaca families, alumni, and their friends to enjoy a free day of swimming at Symons “on us.” Word of the day: A zany, noun, is a person who acts like a buffoon to amuse others, or one who is generally foolish or eccentric. Zany also has a more specific sense that refers to a type of clown or acrobat in old comedies. My brother's friends are an unpredictable bunch of zanies. This Day in History: A tribute to Mr Hess: On April 11, 1921, KDKA in Pittsburgh broadcasts the first live sporting event on the radio, a boxing match between Johnny Ray and Johnny Dundee. Birthdays: Elementary: Kegan Ringelstetter MS/HS: Jason Logue, Darin Nelson

The last FREE Symons Swim Day sponsored by the PTSO this year will be on Sun, April 16 from 1:00–3:55 p.m. We welcome all Ithaca families, alumni, and their friends to enjoy a free day of swimming at Symons “on us.”

El último día de natación GRATUITA de Symons patrocinado por PTSO este año será el domingo 16 de abril de 1 a 3:55 p. m. Damos la bienvenida a todas las familias, ex alumnos y sus amigos de Ithaca para que disfruten de un día gratis de natación en Symons "por nuestra cuenta".

Sign up to help save a life! The spring FFA blood drive is next week on Wed, April 12. Sign up by Ms. Sprecher's room or online. There are still openings! All donors must be 16 years of age. https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258099

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Mon, Apr 10, 2023 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today - First Choice: Philly Chicken, Second Choice: Cheeseburger, Baby Carrots, Peach Cup, Sub Bun, WG Hamburger Bun, Milk From Mr. Herbst: There will be a mandatory meeting today in the commons during ATTACK for all high school students. Those who have earned the current ATTACK Release Privilege will be released at the conclusion of the meeting. From Ms. Sprecher: Attention all students needing YQCA training for the county fair or state fair. Training for HS students will be today and tomorrow during lunch. Training for MS and elementary students will be today and tomorrow during Attack. From Mrs. Newkirk and Ms. Schmitt: Please join us on Mon, April 10 for the annual Family Reading Night. This year’s event will feature a Supper sponsored by the PTSO and storyteller Kay Elmsley Weeden. Weeden is a bilingual storyteller who blends Spanish and English together in stories, songs and activities. Supper begins at 5:30 in the commons, and storytelling at 6 in the library. Please RSVP to Mrs. Newkirk or Ms. Schmitt with your family name and the number of people attending. From PTSO: Our April PTSO meeting will be held next Tues, April 11 at 3:45 in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there! From Ms. Durkin: There will be a student council meeting Tuesday April 11th during ATTACK in the art room. From Ms. Sprecher: The spring FFA blood drive is next week on Wed, April 12. Sign up by Ms. Sprecher's room or online. All donors must be 16 years of age. https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258099 From Mrs. Thompson: Forensics performers, what you put in will directly impact what you get out at State. We have two weeks to get ready. Practice daily on your own and frequently with a coach. Let’s reach for all Gold! If you’d like to rehearse with Mrs Murphey, be sure you email her to set up a time. From Mrs. Thompson: Middle Schoolers! It’s not too late to join track! Our first meet is this Thursday, and you will be able to participate if you come to practice by Wednesday night. From the PTSO: The last FREE Symons Swim Day sponsored by the PTSO this year will be on Sun, April 16 from 1:00–3:55 p.m. We welcome all Ithaca families, alumni, and their friends to enjoy a free day of swimming at Symons “on us.” Word of the day: In the field of biology, symbiosis, noun, refers to the relationship between two different kinds of living things that live together and depend on each other. In broader, non-scientific contexts, symbiosis means “a cooperative relationship,” such as between two persons or groups. A perfect symbiosis was at work between the café’s co-owners, with Stephanie managing the day-to-day operations and Maria handling the finances This Day in History: On April 10, 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is founded in New York City by philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh, 54. In 1863, Bergh had been appointed by President Abraham Lincoln to a diplomatic post at the Russian court of Czar Alexander II. It was there that he was horrified to witness work horses beaten by their peasant drivers. En route back to America, a June 1865 visit to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in London awakened his determination to secure a charter not only to incorporate the ASPCA but to exercise the power to arrest and prosecute violators of the law. Birthdays: Elementary: none MS/HS: none

The Black Hawk Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) celebrated the Senior Good Citizen of the the Year recognizing students from area high schools at a program on April 5. 2023. The DAR Good Citizen program is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The student selected as the school's DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of: Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism. Congratulations to Ithaca's DAR Good Citizen, Erica Steinmetz. Pictured are selected DAR Good Citizens: Back Row: Seneca High School- Kendra Chambers; Richland Center High School- Mason Levy; Highland High School- Colton Frost; and Wauzeka-Steuben High School- Lily Mitchell Front Row: Ithaca High School- Erica Steinmetz; Riverdale High School- Gracie Anderson; La Farge High School- McKala Huebsch; and Kickapoo High School Jayla Nagel

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Thurs, Apr 6, 2023 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today - First Choice: Pizza Dippers, Second Choice: Hot Dog, Applesauce, Baked Beans, WG Dinner Rolls, Hot Dog Bun, Milk From Ms. Sprecher: The spring FFA blood drive is next week on Wednesday April 12. Sign up by Ms. Sprecher's room or online. All donors must be 16 years of age. https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258099 Kudos to our students: At the Monday night softball game, the umpire said he recognized many of the Ithaca students from the Sectional basketball game between Wauzeka and Bangor. He complimented on how well behaved and respectful our students were in the stands. He has officiated boys and girls basketball games so he knows our students. From Mrs. Pluemer: Middle and High School Sources of Strength will meet today in Ms. Nugent's room. We will be planning the final campaign for the school year. From Mrs. Newkirk and Ms. Schmitt: Please join us on Mon, April 10 for the annual Family Reading Night. This year's event will feature a Supper sponsored by the PTSO and storyteller Kay Elmsley Weeden. Weeden is a bilingual storyteller who blends Spanish and English together in stories, songs and activities. Supper begins at 5:30 in the commons, and storytelling at 6 in the library. Please RSVP to Mrs. Newkirk or Ms. Schmitt by April 1 with your family name and the number of people attending. From PTSO: Our April PTSO meeting will be held next Tues, April 11 at 3:45 in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there! From Mrs. Thompson: Forensics performers, what you put in will directly impact what you get out at State. We have three weeks to get ready. Practice daily on your own and frequently with a coach. Let's reach for all Gold! From the PTSO: The last FREE Symons Swim Day sponsored by the PTSO this year will be on Sunday, April 16 from 1:00-3:55 p.m. We welcome all Ithaca families, alumni, and their friends to enjoy a free day of swimming at Symons "on us." Word of the day: Obdurate, adjective, is a formal word that means "resistant to persuasion." It is usually used to describe someone who is stubborn or not willing to change their opinion or the way they do something. We all admire his obdurate refusal to give up on his goal despite the many challenges he faced. This Day in History: Wisconsin Day of Observance-April 9 Wisconsin Public School Observance Day commemorating the date during World War II when the largest number of Americans were captured in the Conquest of Bataan. Customarily observed through gubernatorial proclamation, the day recognizes those who suffered captivity in foreign countries while in active service with the U.S. armed forces. Birthdays: Elementary: Fri, Apr 7-Kenneth Kypke, Sat, Apr 8-Easton Degenhardt MS/HS: Fri, Apr 7-Zander Jones, Sat, Apr 8-Liam Rowin

Ithaca High School and Richland Center HS organizations “Youth4Change” hosted a breakfast for community leaders on Monday, March 6th, at the University of Wisconsin Platteville-Richland campus Wallace Student Center. Campus food service directors served a delicious and healthy breakfast. Sixty-two people attended the breakfast, including State Representative Tony Kurtz, State Senator Howard Marklein, Fire Chief Scott Gald, Sheriff Clay Porter, Chief Billy Jones, leaders from RC Health and Human Services, County Supervisors, Township Board members, School Board members, Treatment Providers, Guidance Counselors, Educators, School Administrators, the County Judge Lisa McDougal, parents, Symons Director, Pastors, and several others. RCHS Youth4Change Advisor Jeff Behrens said, “It was an outstanding event, an excellent opportunity for the students to develop presentation skills, network with decision-makers, and advocate for changes in the community. The Ithaca Y4C Advisors are Samantha Wilson and Heather Dickey. The presentation included the organization’s goals, accomplishments, and prevention process. Youth4Change highlighted two specific community changes: preventing the community’s acceptance of social hosting (underage group drinking on private property) and implementing a tobacco-free parks policy. “We know that nine in ten adults who develop a substance use disorder began using a substance while in their teens. This is newer information about how substance use disorders develop. The policy-based strategies we recommend support the research and can effectively save our community from the harm and cost of substance use treatment.” said RCHS Y4C leader Kailey Hockerman. Meeting attendees posted their questions, ideas, and ways to commit to action on wall posters. The information will be compiled and followed up.

APRIL IS NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH! Join us as we work to raise awareness about alcohol-related harms and the importance of strong alcohol policies. Rest easier. If you live in a state with more alcohol safeguards – like strong policies limiting where, when and how alcohol is sold - you are less likely to experience aggression-related harms from someone else’s drinking. Second-hand harms from alcohol are real.

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Wed, Apr 5, 2023 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today - First Choice: Fish Sticks, Second Choice: Hamburger/WG Hamburger Buns, Mandarin Oranges, Green Beans, WG Dinner Rolls, Milk From Mr. Herbst and Ms. Schoen: ATTACK is extended to 3:30 p.m. effective immediately. Here's why-Wisconsin mandates that students receive a minimum number of hours of instruction. As a result of one emergency day and twelve calendar modifications due to weather, we currently do not have enough hours to satisfy the state requirements. Having already converted the remaining PLC afternoons to instructional time, we have two options-extend ATTACK by 10 minutes effective immediately or add days to the end of the school calendar, thereby extending the school year beyond commencement. From Ms. Sprecher: Congratulations to all the LDE participants that competed on Monday of Spring Break. Advancing to State is the Quiz Bowl Team of Ethan Birkrem, Annabeth Sprecher, Kaylee Manning, Maylee Pluemer and Brinley Wanless. Great job team! The spring FFA blood drive is next week on Wednesday April 12. Sign up by Ms. Sprecher's room or online. All donors must be 16 years of age. https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258099 Kudos to our students: At the Monday night softball game, the umpire said he recognized many of the Ithaca students from the Sectional basketball game between Wauzeka and Bangor. He complimented on how well behaved and respectful our students were in the stands. He has officiated boys and girls basketball games so he knows our students. From Mrs Thompson: We will have a forensics team meeting today during lunch in the LMC. Get your lunch quickly and meet there. It won't take long. From Mr. Andresen: The Math Team will have a meeting Wednesday, April 5th, during ATTACK Time. The purpose of the meeting is to go over the state and conference competitions last month. Attendance is optional. I hope to see you then! From Mrs. Kershner: FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will gather Thursday, April 6th, at 7am. All Middle School and High School students are welcome to join us for an encouraging & inspiring Easter devotion and message. We will gather for a big breakfast together as well! Hope you will join us! From Mrs. Newkirk and Ms. Schmitt: Please join us on April 10 for the annual Family Reading Night. This year's event will feature a Supper sponsored by the PTSO and storyteller Kay Elmsley Weeden. Weeden is a bilingual storyteller who blends Spanish and English together in stories, songs and activities. Supper begins at 5:30 in the commons, and storytelling at 6 in the library. Please RSVP to Mrs. Newkirk or Ms. Schmitt by April 1 with your family name and the number of people attending. From PTSO: Our April PTSO meeting will be held next Tues, April 11 at 3:45 in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there! From Mrs. Thompson: Forensics performers, what you put in will directly impact what you get out at State. We have three weeks to get ready. Practice daily on your own and frequently with a coach. Let's reach for all Gold! From the PTSO: The last FREE Symons Swim Day sponsored by the PTSO this year will be on Sunday, April 16th from 1-3:55pm. We welcome all Ithaca families, alumni, and their friends to enjoy a free day of swimming at Symons "on us." Word of the day: To fawn, verb, over someone is to court their favor by groveling or by flattering the person. Fawn is also sometimes used of dogs to mean "to show affection." // Still new to celebrity, the musician. seemed a bit baffled by those fawning over her during her recent visit to her hometown. This Day in History: On April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an innovative federally funded organization that put tens of thousands of Americans to work during the Great Depression on projects with environmental benefits. Under the guidance of the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture, CCC employees fought forest fires, planted trees, cleared and maintained access roads, re-seeded grazing lands and implemented soil-erosion controls. They built wildlife refuges, fish-rearing facilities, water storage basins and animal shelters. To encourage citizens to get out and enjoy America's natural resources, FDR authorized the CCC to build bridges and campground facilities. From 1933 to 1942, the CCC employed over 3 million men. Birthdays: Elementary: none MS/HS: none

Plenty of openings!! Please consider giving the gift of life. Join the Ithaca FFA in their donation goal of 50 pints! On April 12, 2023 in the Ithaca Community Gym from 9:00am until 2:00pm the Ithaca FFA is hosting a blood drive. Schedule an appointment to be a priority donor by calling 877-232-4376 or online https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/258099 Pedal to save lives! Donate for a chance to win an electric bike.

Kudos to our students! Last night at our softball game the umpire said he recognized many of the Ithaca students at the Sectional basketball game between Wauzeka and Bangor. He complimented on how well behaved and respectful our students were in the stands. He has officiated boys and girls basketball games so he knows our students. Well done and keep it up, Bulldogs!

Get out and vote! As Americans, we have a precious gift in the ability to vote. Don't take that for granted. Ithaca School District voters have two positions open for School Board of Education. Incumbent Randy Manning is seeking re-election. Martin Richards is registered as a write-in candidate for the second position. Check out what's going to be on YOUR ballot by using this link: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Whats-On-My-Ballot

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Tues, Apr 4, 2023 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today - First Choice: Chicken Patty, Second Choice: Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Pineapple, Broccoli, WG Hamburger Bun, Yogurt, Milk From Mr. Herbst and Ms. Schoen: ATTACK is extended to 3:30 p.m. effective immediately. Here’s why—Wisconsin mandates that students receive a minimum number of hours of instruction. As a result of one emergency day and twelve calendar modifications due to weather, we currently do not have enough hours to satisfy the state requirements. Having already converted the remaining PLC afternoons to instructional time, we have two options—extend ATTACK by 10 minutes effective immediately or add days to the end of the school calendar, thereby extending the school year beyond commencement. From Ms. Sprecher: There is a HS FFA meeting today during ATTACK in Ms. Sprecher's room. The spring FFA blood drive is next week on Wednesday April 12. Sign up by Ms. Sprecher's room or online. All donors must be 16 years of age. From Mr. Andresen: The Math Team will have a meeting Wednesday, April 5th, during ATTACK Time. The purpose of the meeting is to go over the state and conference competitions last month. Attendance is optional. I hope to see you then! From Mrs. Kershner: FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will gather Thursday, April 6th, at 7am. All Middle School and High School students are welcome to join us for an encouraging & inspiring Easter devotion and message. We will gather for a big breakfast together as well! Hope you will join us! From Mrs. Newkirk and Ms. Schmitt: Please join us on April 10 for the annual Family Reading Night. This year’s event will feature a Supper sponsored by the PTSO and storyteller Kay Elmsley Weeden. Weeden is a bilingual storyteller who blends Spanish and English together in stories, songs and activities. Supper begins at 5:30 in the commons, and storytelling at 6 in the library. Please RSVP to Mrs. Newkirk or Ms. Schmitt by April 1 with your family name and the number of people attending. From PTSO: Our April PTSO meeting will be held next Tues, April 11 at 3:45 in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there! From Mrs. Thompson: Forensics performers, what you put in will directly impact what you get out at State. We have three weeks to get ready. Practice daily on your own and frequently with a coach. Let’s reach for all Gold! From the PTSO: The last FREE Symons Swim Day sponsored by the PTSO this year will be on Sunday, April 16th from 1-3:55pm. We welcome all Ithaca families, alumni, and their friends to enjoy a free day of swimming at Symons “on us.” Word of the day: Kith, noun, is an old-fashioned term that refers to familiar friends, neighbors, or relatives. It is often used in the phrase “kith and kin,” which means “friends and relatives.” We love inviting all of our kith and kin to family cookouts on holidays. This Day in History: 1968: Just after 6 p.m. on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. is fatally shot while standing on the balcony outside his second-story room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers’ strike. In the months before his assassination, Martin Luther King became increasingly concerned with the problem of economic inequality in America. He organized a Poor People’s Campaign to focus on the issue, including a march on Washington, and in March 1968 traveled to Memphis in support of poorly treated African-American sanitation workers. On March 28, a workers’ protest march led by King ended in violence and the death of an African American teenager. King left the city but vowed to return in early April to lead another demonstration. Birthdays: Elementary: Olivia Biermeier, Lennon Neefe, Mason Parduhn MS/HS: Caleb Birkrem

¡Noche de lectura familiar! Únase a nosotros el lunes 10 de abril a las 5:30 p.m. Se servirá una cena gratis provista por Ithaca PTSO en la cafeteria al lado de la puerta principal. La narración de cuentos comenzará a las 6:00 pm en la biblioteca. Kay Elmsley Weeden es una narradora bilingüe que mezcla español e inglés en sus historias, canciones y actividades. Las familias ayudarán a crear un cuento juntos. Confirme su asistencia antes para la comida con el maestro de su hijo o envíe un correo electrónico a Andrea Newkirk a newkand@ithaca.k12.wi.us.

Family Reading Night! Join us Monday, April 10th at 5:30pm. A free supper provided by the Ithaca PTSO will be served in the Ithaca Commons. Storytelling will begin at 6:00pm in the library. Kay Elmsley Weeden is a bilingual storyteller who blends Spanish and English into her stories, songs and activities. The families will help create a short story together. Please RSVP for the meal with your child's teacher or by emailing Andrea Newkirk at newkand@ithaca.k12.wi.us.

Any middle schoolers grades 6th-8th interested in participating in track, practice will begin tonight April 3rd. All athletes need a physical or alternate year card and signed code of conduct forms turned in. Meet in the Commons dressed and ready to start at 3:30. Practice will end this week at 5:00.

From the Wrestling Booster Club: Congratulations to the Wrestling Calendar Raffle Winners: March 25: Sherry Poad, March 26: Heidi’s Shop, March 27: Jeremy Neefe, March 28: Joe Swenink, March 29: Noah Anliker, March 30: Mike Hilby, March 31: Amber Hilby

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Mon, Apr 3, 2023 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today - First Choice: Cheesy Quesadilla, Second Choice: Brat/Hot dog bun, Steamed Carrots, Peaches, WG Dinner Roll, Milk From the Wrestling Booster Club: Congratulations to the Wrestling Calendar Raffle Winners: March 25: Sherry Poad, March 26: Heidi’s Shop, March 27: Jeremy Neefe, March 28: Joe Swenink, March 29: Noah Anliker, March 30: Mike Hilby, March 31: Amber Hilby From Coach Jeanna: Any middle schoolers grades 6th-8th interested in participating in track practice will begin tonight April 3rd. All athletes need a physical or alternate year card and signed code of conduct forms turned in. Meet in the Commons dressed and ready to start at 3:30. Practice will end this week at 5:00. From Ms. Bevan: Today, Monday, April 3rd, during ATTACK time, students in grades 9-11 will be filling out a pre-scheduling plan to help us prepare for next year’s class schedule. Please report to your assigned ATTACK room and turn in your plan to your ATTACK advisor before the end of the day. Thank you! From Mrs. Kershner: FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will gather Thursday morning, April 6th, at 7am. All Middle School and High School students are welcome to join us for an encouraging & inspiring Easter devotion and message. We will gather for a big breakfast together as well! Hope you will join us! From Mrs. Newkirk and Ms. Schmitt: Please join us on April 10 for the annual Family Reading Night. This year’s event will feature a Supper sponsored by the PTSO and storyteller Kay Elmsley Weeden. Weeden is a bilingual storyteller who blends Spanish and English together in stories, songs and activities. Supper begins at 5:30 in the commons, and storytelling at 6 in the library. Please RSVP to Mrs. Newkirk or Ms. Schmitt by April 1 with your family name and the number of people attending. From Mrs Thompson: Forensics performers, what you put in will directly impact what you get out at State. We have three weeks to get ready. Practice daily on your own and frequently with a coach. Let’s reach for all Gold! From the PTSO: The last FREE Symons Swim Day sponsored by the PTSO this year will be on Sunday, April 16th from 1-3:55pm. We welcome all Ithaca families, alumni, and their friends to enjoy a free day of swimming at Symons “on us.” Word of the day: Tactile, adjective, describes something related to the sense of touch. It can also be used to describe something that is tangible, that is, perceptible by touch. With the introduction of haptics to smartphones, receiving a call from a friend became a much more tactile experience. This Day in History: 1860 On April 3, 1860, the first Pony Express mail, traveling by horse and rider relay teams, simultaneously leaves St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. Ten days later, on April 13, the westbound rider and mail packet completed the approximately 1,800-mile journey and arrived in Sacramento, beating the eastbound packet’s arrival in St. Joseph by two days and setting a new standard for speedy mail delivery. Although ultimately short-lived and unprofitable, the Pony Express captivated America’s imagination and helped win federal aid for a more economical overland postal system. It also contributed to the economy of the towns on its route and served the mail-service needs of the American West in the days before the telegraph or an efficient transcontinental railroad. Birthdays: Elementary: Rylan Hash, Alexander Welsh MS/HS: none

Only 4 weeks until our Italian Cabaret! Make sure to guarantee your spot by calling the school office at 608-585-2311, or stop on in! Only $15/person for a night of great food and amazing talent. See you on April 28th!