Remember to pick up sack breakfast and lunches at Ithaca School today from 4pm until 6pm. If you forgot yesterday, we have you covered! Pull in on the elementary side, and let us serve you with a smile! Look for a survey for next week's distribution soon.
Parents of Ithaca Students: We need your input. If you have not yet completed the Parent Tech Survey, please do so ASAP as we are making plans for student learning in the weeks to come. We want your input!! Thank you, Mr. Lechnir and Ms Schoen
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAKHUu_Wb9XroQdq8Rz945rzXucV-uj5lV1VEh78BRrgFZEg/viewform
We know how challenging this new learning environment is. Remember that sometimes the simplest forms of learning are the most valuable and even stress-reducing. Mrs. Newkirk and Mrs. Zorea challenge you all to read everyday. Send us your pictures of reading going on at home! Email to juli.thompson@ithaca.k12.wi.us or send via FB Messenger through the school's page.
The Newkirks found some obvious and creative ways to enjoy reading at home. Where do you like to read?
Mrs. Pluemer wants to remind everyone not to neglect your mental health. Managing stress and applying simple coping strategies can greatly improve mental health. Check out the link for suggestions. It specifically lists the importance of recognizing the different ways children deal with stress versus adults. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html
"Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:
-Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
-Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
-Excessive worry or sadness
-Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
-Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
-Poor school performance or avoiding school
-Difficulty with attention and concentration
-Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
-Unexplained headaches or body pain
-Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
There are many things you can do to support your child:
-Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
-Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
-Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
-Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
-Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members."
A reminder to families who signed up for breakfast/lunch pick up this week: Swing in NOW until 6pm. Quite a few haven’t picked up yet.
Welcome back to School (at Home)! Staff are hoping all families are getting settled into their new routine. If you have questions, concerns, need resources, or just want to talk, reach out to a staff member. Staff will be trying to reach you and your students at home. If you notice a blocked or unknown number, it may be them.
Mrs. Prouty hopes families were able to enjoy a little fun during Spring Break. School resumes in it's new way on Monday! Staff are "looking" forward to "seeing" students soon. Got your classroom ready at home? Take a look at Mrs. Prouty's new office.
Could you or someone you know benefit from a Pop-Up Pantry food tote? Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program is making a Pop-Up Pantry stop in Ithaca on Wed. Apr. 1 from 12:30-1:30 in the Twp Garage parking lot. Call or visit their website for more info. Spread the word!
It’s not the kind of Spring Break you thought you’d have. You might be feeling frustrated, stressed out, scared. You’re not alone. Your Ithaca family is going through this with you. When there are so many uncertainties, this is absolutely certain: One team, One School, One Family. If you need something – anything – reach out to a staff member. We are never far away. Even if it’s just to talk. We are here to support you and each other always. And know this, we miss you.
Ithaca Staff hope all are doing as well as can be expected during this time! As we prepare to make some decisions regarding home-based learning, we are asking at least one member of each family completes this survey regarding internet access, hotspot possibility, and devices for students in your homes. Please feel welcome to add comments at the end of the survey if your situation doesn't fit the questions asked. Any additional questions may be referred to Mrs. Schoen at 583-2622.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAKHUu_Wb9XroQdq8Rz945rzXucV-uj5lV1VEh78BRrgFZEg/viewform
Ithaca Seniors! Updates to some scholarships have been added to the school's website under the Counselor's Corner. Please note that Southwest Technical College Foundation and Lenz Family Scholarship deadlines have been extended to April 15, 2020, and the UW-Plattevillel-Richland Campus Foundation scholarship has been extended to April 17, 2020.
https://www.ithaca.k12.wi.us/o/ithaca-school-district/page/scholarship-info--4
The UW Extension Office has put out a document dealing with potential personal financial concerns you may have. There are links to resources and common questions with answers.
https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/toughtimes/covid-19-financial-resources/
Congratulations to the 2020 Ithaca School District Delta Kappa Gamma Winners.
Delta Kappa Gamma is hosted by the Lambda Chapter and offered to all students 3rd-12th grade. Students must write, illustrate, and publish their own story. Our elementary teachers have championed this contest and writing within the classroom for over ten years, and the accomplishments of our writers shows it! Congratulations, and job well done, students!
Attention Ithaca Seniors:
Just a friendly reminder to keep working on scholarships. Make sure you are also applying for scholarships at your school of choice. Go to their websites for more details. There is a list of some available scholarships on our website. Follow the attached path to "additional scholarship opportunities." **The Southwest Tech. Lenz Scholarship is due March 31 to Ms. Bevan and the Richland County Bank Scholarship is due April 3 to Ms. Bevan. You may either drop them off at the school to put in Ms. Bevan's mailbox after Spring Break or you may mail them to the school. Ithaca School, Attn: Meredith Bevan, 24615 State Hwy. 58, Richland Center, WI 53581. Mailed scholarships must arrive by the deadline, so please do not wait until the last minute. SW Tech Foundation Scholarships are due March 31 and UW Platteville-Richland Foundation Scholarships are due April 1. Both are submitted online and the links are on our website. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Ms. Bevan bevamer@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
Ithaca Families! Please compete the food survey today if you haven't. We will begin providing breakfast and lunch to all Ithaca families for your children 18 and under regardless of your financial status. A food survey is located on the school web page, through social media and at this link ( https://forms.gle/krR9TGm1W7tbNTcF6 ) for all Ithaca families to complete who wish to participate beginning Monday, March 30, 2020. If you do not have the ability to compete the online survey, contact Kathleen Schoen at 583-2622. Each week, a new survey will be available for families to complete. Ithaca volunteers and staff will be providing pickup from 4-6 pm Monday, March 30-Friday, April 3. We ask that the front seat of the vehicle be vacant so that the food bag can be placed on the seat. This will limit if not prevent completely any contact between the passengers and the food server. We will have a drive-thru set up at the school. Watch for signs. Food service will continue through the closure. Updates will be broadcast on WRCO, the school website, and the Ithaca School District Facebook page.
With heavy heart, we share the passing of an Ithaca legend, Mrs. Shirley Braithwaite on her 90th birthday. Mrs. Braithwaite touched so many lives in her time at Ithaca. Her music and enthusiasm for all things were more than legendary. She and Wilmer brought Christmas joy to young and old as well. The Ithaca Community and Public School sends sympathies to her husband, family, and all who will mourn the loss of one of Ithaca's finest. Please share your memories with one another and those who never met her.
https://www.prattfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Shirley-Braithwaite?obId=12472184#/obituaryInfo
The Ithaca School District supports Ithaca families. We will begin providing breakfast and lunch to all Ithaca families for your children 18 and under regardless of your financial status. A food survey is located on the school web page, through social media and at this link ( https://forms.gle/krR9TGm1W7tbNTcF6 ) for all Ithaca families to complete who wish to participate beginning Monday, March 30, 2020. Each week, a new survey will be available for families to complete. Ithaca volunteers and staff will be providing pickup from 4-6 pm Monday, March 30-Friday, April 3. We ask that the front seat of the vehicle be vacant so that the food bag can be placed on the seat. This will limit if not prevent completely any contact between the passengers and the food server. We will have a drive-thru set up at the school. Watch for signs. Food service will continue through the closure. Updates will be broadcast on WRCO, the school website and the Ithaca School District Facebook page
Ithaca Families. A reminder that the building will be open today, Wednesday, March 18th until 3 P.M. for students and parents to pick up school work, empty hall and gym lockers, pick up medications, etc. Please be respectful of social distances, and we will monitor how many people are in the building in order to do so. Check in at the main entrance, retrieve a check list, and at the end of your visit, return that completed check list.
Ithaca will be open Wednesday, March 18, 9:00-3:00 for parents to get the resources planned for students during the Covid shutdown. Many thanks to everyone that came Tuesday!
Ithaca is open until 8:00 tonight for students to clean out lockers and pick up their resources.
Please be aware that I typed in Tuesday, March 27,It should be TODAY, March 17.
Tuesday, March 27, 2020
Homebound instructional work is set up for our students. The doors will be open for families to pick up work, and clean out lockers from 4:00 to 8:00 PMTuesday. We will also be open from 9:00-3:00 Wednesday, March 18. We will monitor the doors so that we do not surpass the “10 contact person rule” Only the front entrance will be used. All medication is in the office, a parent must sign for it.
Elementary, All of the teachers have packed up everything into the students’ cubbies. You may stop in the library for books and art room for supplies.
Middle school, All the packets are in Mrs. Boland’s room. You should go to your locker and gym locker and the band room if needed.
High School Clean out gym lockers, lockers and stop in all classrooms for each child, do not forget band instruments.
For Middle school and High school, we will have check-off sheets so nothing is missed.
Julie Prouty, Chris Lechnir, Kathleen Schoen, Cheryl Richards
Ithaca Public School Social Worker, Shelly Pluemer, shares a valuable article about making the best of the time spent at home right now. She also adds that it is important to know contact information for adolescent mental health providers resources in the Richland County area.
https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/2020/03/13/my-kids-school-is-closed-so-now-what/
Student resources and announcements located here: https://www.apptegy.net/s/news-ithaca-school-district/articles/resources-for-students-announcements
Some more updates on cancellations from Mrs. Plonka:
March 17 - Modern Woodmen speech - cancelled
March 18 PTSO meeting - cancelled
March 19 - Game Club - cancelled
March 26 - 3rd grade Lit Wars - Postponed (for now)
Ithaca Public Schools will be closed starting Monday, March 16. This is a change to the decision made earlier today. All instructional staff should report to work.
Ithaca School District will remain open on Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17. As conditions change, this will be updated. Please read the letter posted on the webpage for specifics.
For anyone who had been planning on attending the Richland Hospital's seminar Vaping: The Good, The Bad, and The Deadly it has been cancelled. At this time, they are cancelling all outside organization meetings held at the Hospital effective immediately, extending through April.It is unknown if events will be rescheduled.
Some great news among all the cancellations! Congratulations, JoAnn Pretsch!!
Congratulations to the following for Best of Show at Richland Area High School Art Exhibit:
Misunderstood by Beth Bohringer, Boscobel;
Love Yours by Elizabeth Kenudson, RV;
Glitter Girl by McKenzie Bell, Hillsboro;
Identity by Emerson Harmon, Dodgeville;
London, JoAnn Pretsch, Ithaca;
Captain America by McKenzie Bell, Hillsboro.
Kids College on the UW-La Crosse campus on April 3rd has been cancelled.
The Lit Wars competition scheduled for next Thursday will be done by students at their own schools. Ithaca students will compete at Ithaca. 3rd Grade Lit Wars has not been changed at this time.
Updated cancellations: State FCCLA and FBLA competitions have been cancelled at this time.
Please review most current posts to stay up-to-date with cancellations. They are posted quickly after the decisions are dispersed.
The High School Band trip to Florida over Spring Break has been postponed. We are looking into rescheduling for a later date
With regard to student and community health and safety the winter sports banquet for Monday has been cancelled.
Due to the cancellation, the gear turn in for boys basketball will be Monday after school.
Mr. Favreau was informed that the FFA Contest hosted by UW-Platteville, which was to be held next week on March 19th has been canceled. This was a decision made by the UW-P folks and the FFA has not responded as of yet with any possible makeup alternatives (sites or dates). This is a State qualifying event....so updates will be posted out as soon as possible.
Ms. Durkin has been notified that the student art showcase held in the Student Center on the UW-P/Richland campus has been cancelled. Select Ithaca students were to have their talent on display at this event.
Forensics students: Although your season has been cut short, your coaches are very proud of you for working so hard and performing so well.
From the Executive Director of the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association: It is with a heavy heart we must announce cancellation of ALL speech festivals – district and State – for the remainder of the season. Today, Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency, and in accordance, State Statute Ch. 250 requires we cancel our events. With uncertainty and limited time between now and the end of the school year, there are no reasonable means to plan and execute an alternate timeline for festival dates or locations. Several other states have cancelled their State Speech contests, so this is, indeed, an extraordinary situation.
With regard to student and community health and safety, the Solo and Ensemble competition Ithaca would be hosting tomorrow (Saturday, March 14th) is cancelled. This is also in response to the State competition being cancelled.
Attn students in grades 3-12: Game Club will be next Thursday, March 19 from after school until 5 PM. Elementary please bring permission forms. We will meet in the Commons for a snack and then go to the Multi-purpose room.
Today’s $50 winner of the Ithaca Wrestling Calendar Raffle is Jim Bailey.
Forensics Students and Parents: The district meet is currently scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at UW Platteville. Students should be at school to board the bus at 6:10 that morning; return time will be approximately 2:00 p.m.
Important information related to the Covid 19 virus:
From the Forensics Association: Effective immediately, all WHSFA District festivals are closed to outside guests (i.e., family, friends, etc.). Only contestants and adjudicators will be allowed in contest rooms. This will be strictly enforced. Rounds cannot begin if any additional people beyond adjudicator, contestants, or a school-sanctioned aide for a student with special needs is in the room.
With that in mind, students should plan to ride the bus both to and from Platteville.
In the event that UW Platteville becomes unavailable due to the virus, the location of the district meet may change. Cancellation is a possibility if there is no alternative.
Please email Coach Louise Murphey with questions or concerns: murplou@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
We will be hosting our Conference Solo/Ensemble Contest here this Saturday, May 14th. A reminder to Choir families: we need your help with concessions for Solo and Ensemble for Saturday March 14. Please go to Sign-Up Genius to see what you can do. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4eaeab2fa5fb6-concessions
The March PTSO meeting will be held next Wednesday, March 18 at 3:45 in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Please read Superintendent Julie Prouty's message concerning topics involving COVID-19 concerns.
If you get a chance this week, head over to UW- Richland Student Center to see local high school art work on display! These pieces art on display are from Ithaca. Kayde Koch, Jacob Mueller, and JoAnn Pretsch all have work entered.
The Class of 2020 would like to thank all the people who came out last night to support us at Culvers. A big thank you to the seniors who worked last night.
Seniors: Mandatory meeting during attack on Friday to get your caps and gowns. If you owe money, you need to pay that on Friday.
There will be an informational meeting for all interested in High School Volleyball for next year on Thursday, March 12 during ATTACK Time in the LMC. This includes any 8th graders who may want to play next year.
Today’s $50 winner of the Ithaca Wrestling Calendar Raffle is Eric Olson
Today’s $50 winner of the Ithaca Wrestling Calendar Raffle is David Fargen.
Attention: High School Baseball players. There will be a meeting in Mr. Kelly’s room immediately after school on Thursday. If you are playing baseball- Be There! It will only last about 10-15 minutes. Coach Clary
To let families know: Bus 1 is running about 30 minutes late.
The first grade class had Officer Kyle Mueller from Sauk County visit and tell all about his occupation of being a law enforcement officer.
They were asked questions by Officer Kyle, the students asked questions, were given candy, and were lucky enough to climb through the back seat of his car.
Softball team pictures will be Wednesday after school. The Softball Parent Meeting Thursday at 6:00 in the commons.
Richland Junior Bowlers All you can eat Pizza Buffet on Thursday, March 12th, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Phoenix Center Bowling Alley in Richland Center. Cost is $10 per person & $5 for ages 10 & under. All You Can Eat Pizza also Includes:Tossed Salad, Dessert, Soda, Coffee & Water. Nice variety of Raffle & Silent Auction Items Available! also a 50/50 Raffle. All proceeds will benefit Richland Junior Bowlers Schloraship Program. Come & support several of the bowlers from the Ithaca school & their scholarship program.
Today’s $50 winner of the Ithaca Wrestling Calendar Raffle is Bruce Hemmersbach.
Tomorrow night the Ithaca Senior Class will be hosting Culvers Share Night in Richland Center from 4pm until 8pm. Please come out and support the senior class with their final class fundraiser! Proceeds will go to paying for graduation.
It is that time of year again; time for Youth Baseball/Softball Registration. You can find the links for the code of conduct and registration form on Class Dojo, the school Facebook Page, and the announcements. We also have a few copies in the front office. There are a few new changes this year, so please look at the forms carefully. Deadline to have the completed forms turned in is March 20. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask, Brett Maxwell 588-4496.
Trap club season is approaching quickly. Sign-up is to be completed by March 23rd. It is recommend to talk to the coach and complete the sign-up by March 10th. THE SPRING MEETING AND FUN SHOOT IS ON MARCH 15TH. Contact head coach John Crook at 608-712-3535 or jcrook717@gmail.com for more information. He can guide you through the signup process and what you’ll need to compete. Also, talk with some of the students who have been involved in the trap club for the past two years - They’ll have positive things to say!
Hope For Change is a promotion by the Partners for Prevention Coalition - an organization dedicated to preventing substance abuse by creating safe and healthy communities. At the Hope For Change event, stories of recovery will be shared, and resources for various recovery and support networks will be available.
Don’t forget! Monday, March 9th is an early release day!
Attention high school students age 16 and over who are interested in pursuing a job in a health career: the Scenic Rivers Area Health Education Center is taking applications for health careers summer camps held in La Crosse on June 21-24, 2020 or in Platteville on June 28-July 1, 2020. Deadline to apply is March 31. Please see Mrs. Plonka for more information.
- In 2019, 40% of Richland County high school youth reported that they tried vaping. (Youth Risk Behavioral Survey). That is around 280 young people.- Richland County, WI YRBS survey
Inconspicuous vaping is ever-evolving. Knowledge about the dangers is increasing. Attend the upcoming talk on vaping at the Richland Hospital. Dr. Wright and Anna Banker, NP will help you identify the signs of someone that is vaping and how to talk to youth about the risks. Questions will be welcomed. This is a free event at the Richalnd Hosptial on Thursday, March 26th from 5:30-7:00pm. If you have any questions regarding the even, feel free to contact Dana Gochenaur at the Richland Hospital 647-6321 X 2413.
Today’s $50 winner of the Ithaca Wrestling Calendar Raffle is Kreg Perkins. On Saturday, Shanna Franzen $75.00 and on Sunday, Pat Drea $50.00.
The winter sports banquet will be Monday March 16th at 6pm in the commons.
The Middle School Wrestlers won the conference wrestling tournament yesterday. Congratulations!
First graders are learning about the different occupations in their communities! Today Frank, one of our custodians, came in to talk about his job. The children asked questions and even had the chance to see boilers, a storage closet, and watched Frank use the Zamboni. They all enjoyed it!
Join us at the meeting to contribute to:
• Worksite wellness completed in partnership with Rockwell Automation, The Richland Hospital, and Symons Recreation Complex
• Healthy Wisconsin Communities Designation
• Richland County will join other Wisconsin communities being recognized for their efforts to improve health & amenities to serve their citizens!
• Influencing policies to support wellness Richland School District, RC Aquatic Center, G.R.A.C.E., FoodWIse & school gardens, Color Run with Sources of Strength
• Talk with other community leaders about how we can influence health for everyone! Use the tool.
Richland FIT Steering Committee members 2019-20:
Cindy Chicker-co-chair (HWLI graduate)
Chelsea Wunnicke-co-chair (HWLI graduate)
Betsy Roesler (HWLI graduate)
Sheri Scott (HWLI graduate)
Mary Nee (HWLI participant)
Marcia Carlson
Amy Hardy
Abbey Ewing (welcome!)
We look forward to seeing you there!!
Choir Parents: We need your help with concessions for Solo and Ensemble for Saturday March 14. This year Ithaca is hosting the contest. Please go to Sign-Up Genius to see what you can do. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4eaeab2fa5fb6-concessions
Nothing to do tomorrow night? The Annual Ithaca PTSO's FREE Bingo night will be Friday, March 6 starting at 6 PM in the Commons. All Ithaca friends and family are welcome to this event. We have LOTS of prizes and everyone goes home with a free book! Hope to see you then!
School social workers are a vital part of the district. Students' learning is enhanced with the assistance and attention social workers provide. Happy School Social Workers Week!
Choir students: Remember to pick up your Butter Braid orders today in the commons at the end of the school day.
The Policy meeting scheduled for tonight will be held Thursday, March 4 at 6:00 PM instead.
Congratulations to the Destination Imagination teams who competed on Saturday at Middleton and did a fantastic job representing Ithaca. Placing 5th in Improv were the Scream Testers - Olivia Menne, Ally Plonka, Owen Feryance, and Abby Plonka. Placing 4th in Improv was High Aspirations Low Expectations - Ilana Bloczynski, Tristen Peterson, Trista Pluemer, and Maggie Gschwind. Placing 3rd in Engineering were the Meeses Geeses - Kaylee Peterson, Emma Coy, Kaylee Miller, Alivya Young, and Miranda Franzen. Placing 2nd in Fine Arts and earning a trip to state were the Pickle Pals - Allison Durst and Holly King. Placing 1st in Improv and also earning a trip to state were the 7 Yetis - Kerrick Thompson, Meghan Miller, Sam Jones, Ethan Birkrem, Maylee Pluemer, and Annabeth Sprecher. The Meeses Geeses, Pickle Pals, and 7 Yetis all ranked 1st in their instant challenges as well.
Thank you to everyone who came to the share night at Culvers yesterday! The Junior class appreciates your suppprt!
Congratulations to the Elementary Battle of the Books team as they placed 10th yesterday out of 23 teams at the MVGTN competition in Warrens! Members of the team are Ethan Birkrem, Maylee Pluemer, Peyton Brown, Ashlynn Fowell, and Memphis Burkhalter. I was very proud of your teamwork and you represented Ithaca well!! ~ Mrs. Plonka
Check out the banners in the Commons honoring our Valedictorian, Zach Nelson, and Salutatorian, Bethany Weldon. Thank you to the Ithaca PTSO for purchasing them and to Frank Wastlick for hanging them up.
From organizer, Dana Gochenaur: Due to the high numbers of influenza within the community, we feel it would be in the best interest of the students to cancel Club Scrub for tonight. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, please feel free to call.
Come and support the Junior class for their Share night from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. at Culvers tonight.
Ithaca is doing a mental health screening for all freshmen. There is a video explaining the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYp8jM9t7mY&feature=youtu.be
On Sunday the Youth Basketball program had our end of the year youth basketball party! Youth families gathered and we celebrated with food, a program and a fun open gym for the kids!
We would like to thank our basketball booster club for their support and our volunteer coaches for their time and dedication to the program:
Joe Brown, John Young, Darin Steinmetz, Kristin Ihm, Brenda Olson, Janelle Jones, Shelly Maxwell & Monica Kershner.
March 1-7 is National School Social Worker Week. School Social Workers support students, families, and the community in mental health, relationships, and a variety of social/emotional/behavioral areas for personal and academic wellness.
Juniors and International students: Those that have not turned in permission slips, bring them to Ms. Bevan today. Meet in the commons on Tuesday morning at 8:00a.m. with #2 pencils and a calculator to leave for ACT testing. Please make sure to be on time for the bus.
Butter Braid orders will be here on Thursday. Please make arrangements to pick up your order in the commons right after school. If you have a large order, you might need to make arrangements to have someone pick you up that day. Remember that Butter Braids are frozen and will need to stay that way until you deliver them. We DO NOT have enough freezer space here at school to store your orders.
There are still quite a few ACT permission forms missing for our students taking the ACT. Forms are due Monday to Ms. Bevan. Here is a copy for your convenience.
Read Across America Week begins next week on Monday to commemorate Dr. Seuss Week! Share a love of reading with your family and your students' classes. Bring a book to school to read, and rediscover your love for Dr. Seuss' books by reading them at home too.
Serenity Clary will soon share her love of singing at two state wrestling tournaments. She will Be performing the national anthem at the 2020 State Individual Wrestling Tournament tomorrow at the Kohl Center in Madison and at the Youth State Wrestling Match in March, also in Madison, at the Alliant Center. Read more about her in the February 27, 2020, issue of the Richland Observer!
Wash your hands!! According to the CDC, handwashing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) that you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.
Taken from the attached article, "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that best practices for hand washing include not only rinsing the hands with water, but also applying soap and scrubbing the palms, the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the fingernails.
A person should scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing the soap and drying the hands with a clean towel.
However, Prof. Nicolaides notes that of the people who do wash their hands after using the restroom, many never apply soap and spend under 15 seconds on the procedure."
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-hand-washing-really-could-slow-down-an-epidemic?fbclid=IwAR1adoAaENcxF1mcZOC6IeNWrdyUG2VVI-2pvlxC697gdj7MB4cNvslV_4s
Make plans now for dinner at Culvers next Tuesday, March 3rd! The Junior class will be having a share night from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. Come support the Juniors as they raise money for their Prom!
ACT Testing will be on Tuesday, March 3rd for junior and international students. The test will be administered at the UW-Platteville-Richland Campus so we will be leaving Ithaca at 8:00a.m. that morning. Students should turn in permission slips to Ms. Bevan by Monday, March 2nd. Thank you!
The flu (influenza), colds (viral upper respiratory infections) and whooping cough (pertussis) are highly contagious and, in the initial stages, might seem alike. This comparison chart could help you and your healthcare provider determine what course of treatment is needed.
There will be an end of the year pizza party for any Youth Basketball player this Sunday from 12:00-2:00 in the Commons. This does include little Dribblers. Pizza will be served.
The High School Baseball sign-up sheet is now posted next to the office. It is important that you get signed up so coaches can start planning logistics for the season. Thank you!!
Just a reminder: Applications for Early College Credit Program, Start College Now Program, and the College Up Program are due to Ms. Bevan by March 1st.
The Annual Ithaca PTSO's FREE Bingo night will be next Friday, March 6 starting at 6 PM in the Commons. All Ithaca friends and family are welcome to this event. We have LOTS of prizes and everyone goes home with a free book! Hope to see you then!
FFA Week festivities continued yesterday with students and staff sporting their flannel. The excitement continued with milk drinking contests among the high school students.
Around the area Influenza still has a stonghold on our community. To keep the risk for infections as low as possible, check this link to look for suggestions:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm
Hand-washing, covering your mouth with an arm or sleeve, and keeping your hands away from your face are three vital steps to reducing your risk for infection.
Seniors: Just a reminder: Please be watching your scholarship deadlines. They are all posted on the website. Local packets are due this Friday. Check with Ms. Bevan to see if your 3 rating sheets and/or recommendation letters have been received. If you have any questions, please ask.
https://www.ithaca.k12.wi.us/o/ithaca-school-district/page/scholarship-info--4
State Bound!! Good Luck to Ithaca-Weston wrestlers Sawyer Willis and Monty Jennings at the State Wrestling Tournament on Thursday night! The pep assembly Thursday during ATTACK Time will include sending them off in style.
Attention Middle School Students: Anyone interested in participating in the Modern Woodmen Speech Contest, please talk to Mrs. Plonka for more information. The topic for this year's speech is "What Freedom Means to Me".
All juniors and international students will be taking the ACT Test on Tuesday, March 3rd at the UW Platteville-Richland campus. The bus will leave from Ithaca School at 8:00a.m.,so please be on time. Students should return permission slips to Ms. Bevan by Friday, Feb. 28th.
FFA Week activities began yesterday. Day 1 of FFA week included a spaghetti eating contest. The freshman dominated both rounds!!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, February 28. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Elementary and Middle School DI teams. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
There will be Math ACT review this Wednesday evening from 4:30 - 5:30 and Thursday from 3:30 - 4:30.
A reminder that this is FFA Week and our Dress Up Day for Tuesday will be Flannel Day and Wednesday is Camo Day...don't forget there will be Ice Cream on Friday for all high school students participating in the dress up days.
We will be having a short pep assembly on Thursday during ATTACK Time from 9:36am-10:06am . Our winter sports teams and the various club activities will be recognized. We will also be sending Sawyer Willis and Monty Jennings off to the Individual State Wrestling Tournament where they will be competing on Thursday night at the Kohl Center.
The middle school girls basketball teams will be playing their last game of the season tonight! 7th grade at 5:00, with 8th grade to follow. This will also be our parents night recognition! Join us in the old gym and come support your lady bulldogs!
Ithaca Elementary is looking for two (2) long term substitute teachers for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year! The best candidate for this position has a bachelor's degree in education and loves working with kindergarten or first grade students. Official experience and a state teaching license is preferred, but we welcome those with informal experiences as well. Candidates will be beginning the school year and filling one position for ten weeks or another for twelve. We ask that candidates are flexible and willing to work with the everyday changes that a classroom has to offer. It is also important that you are willing to become a part of the Ithaca community and serve the many families throughout the district. Apply online through WECAN at WECAN.education.wisc.edu. Questions may be directed to Ithaca Elementary School Principal Kathleen Schoen at 608/585-2311.
Just a reminder! There will be no school on Friday, Feb. 21st.
Next week, February 24th through the 28th, is National FFA week! Help support the Ithaca FFA chapter and the National FFA organization by partaking in our fun FFA week events and dress up days.
Monday is favorite agriculture implement/truck/car brand dress up day and there will be a spaghetti eating contest at lunch. Thank you in advance to all who participate.
HS Band Students: Please remember that we are setting up your Disney Tickets and Bands tomorrow, Friday, February 21st. Please come at the time that you signed up.
Have some of the best pancakes around on Sunday as the Ithaca Lions host one of their fabulous Pancake Breakfasts to support Kaliey Koleman. Kaliey is the daughter of Ithaca graduate, Holly Harlan. She is currently a 6th grader at River Valley and receiving Leukemia treatments through American Family Childrens Hospital. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. Support Kaliey and Holly and enjoy a delicious breakfast!
Spring is coming and so is Track season! The signup sheet is on the office window. We especially need as accurate of a count for boys, because we would like to get new uniforms this season. Our first practice is March 9th!
Any students that were absent during scheduling Monday or still needed to get a parent/guardian signature, please turn in your colored scheduling sheet to Ms. Bevan's mailbox in the main office.
The PTSO is still looking for volunteers to help provide the meal for our teachers during parent teacher conferences on Thursday, February 20. Please go to Sign Up genius to bring something! Drop off your item/s anytime before 3:30 PM on Thursday by taking them to the FACE room, the office, or down to room 104. If you bring it in the morning, we can bake it for you or store it at school. Any questions, contact Ms. Sprecher. Thank you!! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094facac2dabfe3-parent
Come shop at the book fair during Parent/Teacher Conferences! While you're in the building, browse the Scholastic Book Fair. Choose from the selection of pre-school through young-adult books. If we reach a minimum sales goal, 25% of our sales comes back to us in Scholastic Bucks!
Congratulations to Ithaca-Weston Wrestler Sawyer Willis! Sawyer set some goals at the beginning of his Senior year of Wrestling.Two were to reach 100 career wins and 50 career pins. He met his career win goal last Saturday on his home wrestling mat at the WIAA Regional tournament. He currently has 61 pins. No better feeling than reaching your goal!
The February PTSO meeting will be held Wednesday, February 19 at 3:45 p.m. in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided . We hope to see you there.
FCA Huddle group will meet this Thursday, 7:00 am in the FACE room. All middle school and high school students are welcome! Come enjoy a big hot breakfast, inspiring devotion and encouraging message. Hope to see you. Bring a friend!
Due to poor road conditions, Ithaca is on a two hour delay. There is no morning 4K. 2/18/2020
The PTSO families are providing the meal for our teachers for parent teacher conferences on Thursday, February 20. Please go to Sign Up genius to sign up to bring something! Drop them off anytime before 3:30 PM on Thursday by taking them to the FACE room, the office, or down to room 104. If you bring it in the morning, we can bake it for you or store it for you at school. Any questions, contact Mrs. Sprecher. Thank you!! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094facac2dabfe3-parent
Due to impending weather, Ithaca Public Schools will be dismissing at 1:00pm. There will NOT be any afternoon 4K today.
Choir Students: Remember that tomorrow is the day you turn in your Butter Braid orders and money. See Mrs. Niemeyer or Mrs. Willis if you have questions.
Softball sign-up is up by the office. Please put your name next to the number you want this year.
A reminder that tomorrow, Monday, February 17th, students in grades 8-11 need to have their colored scheduling sheet filled out and signed by a parent/guardian to schedule with teachers. Remember that you may look on your shared drive for the Course Description Guide if you have questions about courses or reach out and ask your teachers. Also, Seniors will not need to report until 10:00a.m. on the 17th.
HS Band Students and Parents, don't forget! The Florida Trip Meeting will be held this Sunday, February 16th, at 2:00 pm.
Ithaca will open two hours late on Friday, February 14, 2020 due to the inclement weather. No AM 4K.
There are many academic opportunities for our students to earn college credits, complete post-secondary certifications, or learn on the job while still in high school! Before you complete your course schedule for the 2020-21 school year, read over this link to see if any of the opportunities can help you reach your career goals! Reach out to Ms. Bevan for any questions or clarification.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mhEQoO29VbXKBskL1TlljWuk3lXc_-wL3E3JkneImnc/edit?usp=sharing
Attention graduating seniors! Check out our website for scholarship information. Review some locally offered scholarships, deadlines for application, and links to free scholarship searches. To get there: Go to the Ithaca School website www.ithaca.k12.wi.us; click on "Explore"; under the High School section, expand the "Counselor's Corner" tab; click on "Scholarship Info". Pay special attention to all requirements for applications and any deadlines. Scholarships are free money that doesn't need to be repaid.
The February PTSO meeting will be held next Wednesday, February 19 at 3:45 p.m. in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided . We hope to see you there.
It's BOOK FAIR TIME! There are so many choices! But is there something that is missing your student is wanting? Can't make it to school during shopping times? Worry the money you're sending isn't going to make it to the book fair? There are solutions! Check out the online book fair. Go to ScholasticBookFairs.com and click "Find a Fair" or type "Ithaca Elementary" in the "Find a Fair" search engine. When you click on Ithaca Elementary, a new window takes you to the Welcome Page of our school's fair. Users will need to create a secure profile, but that's all there is to it! For shopping online during the fair, Scholastic will give Ithaca Schools 25% back! We use those Scholastic Dollars to purchase books, beanbags, bookshelves, or other items for classrooms and the LMC. Come on in or shop online - all our students benefit!
February 10-14 is Bus Driver Appreciation Week!
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction joins with Governor Tony Evers to recognize the important contribution that bus drivers make in support of education in the state. Thousands of dedicated men and women work every day to transport children safely to and from school. They become friends and protectors of their passengers, responsible for students’ safety in sometimes difficult conditions, and their work is respected and appreciated. Transporting students over the millions of miles each school year, school bus drivers provide one of the safest ways to make sure students get to and from school. We would like to say THANK YOU to Owen, Tammy, Bill, Cathlynn, Mike, Troy, and Frank S. for your dedication to our school, community, and most of all, to our kids!
If you're thinking of hitting the road tomorrow night, consider cheering on our Lady Bulldogs as they travel to La Farge to play basketball. During that game, fans will also be supporting a young La Farge student facing leukemia. Feel free to wear orange as well to support Faith!
Game ON! Attention students in grades 3-12: Game Club will meet this week on Thursday, Feb. 13th from after school until 5 PM. Meet in the commons for a snack and then we will go to the Multi Purpose Room. Bring warm clothes if you want to go sled riding!
Students in grades 8-11! Make sure you have your colored scheduling sheet filled out and signed by a parent/guardian this week. You will need to have it here and ready to go on Monday morning, February 17th to schedule with teachers. It would be a good idea to complete it, have it signed and place in your locker so that on Monday morning it will be waiting for you. Remember that you may look on your shared drive for the Course Description Guide if you have questions about courses or reach out and ask your teachers. If you have other questions or are having trouble figuring out how the schedule works, please stop in and see Ms. Bevan this week. Seniors will not need to report until 10:00a.m. on the 17th.
It's that time again to start bringing in your Boxtops, Village Hearth, and Tyson labels! Please have them in by Wednesday, February 19. Elementary can turn in to your teachers. Everyone else can drop off in the bin outside the office. And don't forget the Boxtops app!
Ithaca Public Schools wishes to thank the Richland County Bank for the new scoreboards! Pictured here are Ithaca School Board members and members of Richland County Bank, including the newest 2-week old Bulldog!
Mr. Triphan dispelled rumors that brooms can stand upright only on certain days NASA alleges they will stand. Thanks for revealing the #FakeNews!
Ithaca, along with 30 other schools, participated in the FBLA Region 4 Leadership Conference on Saturday, February 1 in Baraboo. We are proud of how the 18 Ithaca students who participated in the FBLA RLC represented our school and community. We're thrilled to announce that 9 of these students are advancing to the FBLA State Leadership Conference in Madison on March 30 and 31! Students who won their event were Aaron Feryance, Ryan Lee and Audrey Newkirk. Students who earned 2nd place were Ellie Crook, Noelle Crook, Shelby Funk and McKenna Muckler. 3rd place recipients were Zach Nelson and Talena Sprecher. The three students who will be alternates for their events at state are Erin Louis, Alana Nelson and Elise Newkirk. Congratulations to everyone on their hard work.
CONGRATULATIONS to Audrey Newkirk who was elected as the FBLA Vice President of Region 4. Not only are we excited for Audrey's new leadership position, but a requirement of the office is hosting the FBLA Region 4 Leadership Conference at Ithaca next year on February 6. We're looking forward to hosting this event and showing the region our wonderful community.
Thank you also to everyone who supported the students and helped them prepare for the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference!
Congratulations to the FCCLA members who competed at regionals on Friday. Receiving Silvers were Paige Nowicki, Adrianna Longo, Nate Drone, and Jaci Rosenow. Advancing to state competition in April are Talena Sprecher, Briella Hollands, Kaleb Underwood, Brandon Debukler, Dani Hatfield, Katarina Weitzel, McKenzie Weeden, Kyannah Koch, Kyla Pluemer and Hayley Boone. Great job everyone!
Let the Middle School Student Council babysit for you this Friday! Registration has been extended to Thursday.
The PTSO, in conjunction with the MS Student Council, is offering free-will donation babysitting this Friday, February 14 - Valentine's Day from 5:30-8. Just bring your children into the commons and we will take them from there. We are asking for a $5 donation per family. You may pick up your child(ren) by 8 PM in the Multi Purpose room. PTSO adults will supervise and all proceeds go to the Middle School Student Council.
The Scholastic Book Fair is here! Visit the book fair in the LMC from February 11 through February 20th. The book fair will also be open for Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 18th and 20th. Books will be available for elementary, middle and high school students, with some titles selling for as little as $1. Come check out the Book Fair in the LMC.
The Florida meeting has been canceled and will be rescheduled for next Sunday, February 16th, at 2:00 pm. See you then!
HS Band Students and Parents: A reminder that you have a mandatory informational meeting on Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Commons. This meeting will cover all rules and expectations about the Band Trip to Florida. If we receive the snow that is predicted for Sunday, a decision will be made at 11:00 am if the Florida trip meeting needs to be canceled and rescheduled. Please check the Ithaca High School Band Facebook Page or listen to WRCO to see if it is still scheduled at 2:00 pm.
This week is National School Counseling Week! We thank Ms. Bevan and Mrs. Pluemer for all they do to assist our students in so many ways. School counselors are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, postsecondary and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. We cannot thank Ms. Bevan and Mrs. Pluemer enough for all they do every day!
There will be no JV boys basketball practice today.
The Ithaca 6th through 12 grade choir students are selling delicious Butter Braids. See a choir student to check out flavors available and place your order. Sales will end on February 18th.
Good luck tomorrow to our Middle School Math Counts team of Aaron Bloczynski, Caleb Birkrem, Alivya Young, Sammy Clary, Danny Feryance, Miranda Franzen, Kaylee Peterson, Xander Sorenson, Holly King, and Allison Durst as they travel to Onalaska tomorrow for the sectional competition.
7th and 8th grade students: Please see Mrs. Willis if you are interested in attending Club Scrub and pick up an application this week.
7th and 8th grade students: Please see Mrs. Willis if you are interested in attending Club Scrub and pick up an application this week.
Remember, Today, Feb. 6th is an Early Release Day for Students.
HS Band Students and Parents: A reminder that you have a mandatory informational meeting on Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Commons. This meeting will cover all rules and expectations about the Band Trip to Florida.
Just a reminder...FCA- Huddle group, will be tomorrow morning (Thursday) 7:00am! Enjoy a Big breakfast, fellowship and an inspiring message from The NFL Today, called ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’! Bring a friend, be encouraged...You’ll be glad you came! See you tomorrow morning!
On Friday, January 31, five 6th graders attended the CESA 3 Improv workshop with Ann Dolan at Lancaster. They learned how to work together, establish the scene, and perform a story with a beginning, middle, and end. These students are also competing in the regional Destination Imagination contest on Feb. 29 in the Improv challenge category.
With great pride, Ithaca Public Schools announces that Zac Nelson has been named the Class of 2020 Valedictorian and Bethany Weldon has been named Salutatorian. Congratulations!
The PTSO, in conjunction with the Middle School Student Council, is offering free-will offering babysitting for Valentine's Day - Friday, Feb. 14, from 5:30-8 PM. Please return the filled out form with donation (if donating) to your child's teacher by Monday, February 10. All proceeds go to fund Middle School Student Council activities.
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, Feb. 7. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Kindergarten class. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
Congratulations goes out to Talena Sprecher for taking 1st place at last night's Creed Speaking event at the FFA District Speaking contest held in Boscobel. Talena now qualifies to compete in the Sectional Speaking contest in Shullsburg on March 25th.
Richland Junior Bowlers Share Night is from 4 PM - 8 PM on Wednesday, February 5th at Richland Center Culver's. Proceeds will benefit the Junior Bowlers Scholarship Program. Dine In or Drive thru! Come & support several of the bowlers from the Ithaca school & their scholarship program.
This Thursday Feb 6th, FCA Huddle group will meet. 😃 7:00 am in the FACE room. You won’t want to miss this one! Our message is from The NFL Today and is called ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’- come be encouraged and inspired on hearing some amazing testimonies from NFL players. Hope to see you!! Invite some friends! All middle school and high school students are welcome! Breakfast will be served!! 🍳 🥞 🥛 🍩
Come support the Middle School wrestlers tonight in their only home meet. Wrestling starts at 5:30.
BINGO!! Don't forget the PTSO will be hosting a FREE Family Bingo Book Exchange Night on Friday, January 31 in the Multi-purpose room from 6 PM - 7:30 PM for all Ithaca families and friends. Books for all ages will be given away as prizes at this Bingo night. If you have some books you'd like to see go to a new home, bring them! If you don't have extra books, don't worry because we've got lots!
Please mark your calendars boys basketball players and families! Parent's night for will be on February 3rd vs North Crawford. Youth Night will be February 13 vs. Kickapoo. Senior Night will be held on February 27th vs. La Farge. Please spread the word and GO Bulldogs!
Congratulations to Aaron and Ilana Bloczynski who did a fantastic job representing Ithaca at the West Sectional Spelling Bee at Weston on January 29. Ilana placed 4th in the competition and Aaron placed 2nd out of 14 students from Weston, Wauzeka, Seneca, North Crawford, Bluff View Prairie du Chien and Prairie Catholic. We are proud of you!
Great job to the 7 students who represented Ithaca at the Middle School Science Quiz Bowl competition at UW Madison this past Saturday. 21 teams from around Wisconsin participated in the contest. Competing on Ithaca team 1 were Aaron Bloczynski, Micah Salisbury, and Caleb Birkrem. Team 2 members were Ilana Bloczynski, Trista Pluemer, Maggie Gschwind, and Allison Durst.
Reminder: Middle School Student Council will be running their annual Valentine Gram Fundraiser through Jan. 31st. Order forms are located outside room 204 or in the office. All completed orders and payments must be turned in by THIS Friday, Jan. 31st. to Mrs. Hilby via mailbox, in person, or on her desk. Valentine Grams will be delivered on February 14. Middle School Student Council greatly appreciates your support.
Seniors if you haven't submitted pictures for the yearbook you need to do so ASAP!
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Challenger Shuttle explosion that took the lives of seven crew members including teacher Christa McAuliffe.
Pardon me for a personal reflection. As a 4th grader and like so many students across the nation, we had been prepped by our teachers for this moment. We studied the aeronautics program, reviewed the lessons Mrs. McAuliffe would be conducting from space, talked about the training she endured to become a civilian and female astronaut! Her selection made it seem that anyone of us young people could choose and do anything.
As other classes joined us in our classroom, we huddled close to the roll-cart TV. We joined Mission Control in the countdown... BLAST OFF! The cheers were loud and excited!
And then 73 seconds later it all changed.
Our youth today have become desensitized now to horrendous video, but we had never seen something like that. It was very awful to watch and experience as a young person. Now, I can admire the way our teachers gathered their emotions and talked to us, reassured us, and were honest with us.
It is often said that heroes walk among us. How very true. Christa McAuliffe has become an example of that for my generation. She provided us with a public example of the lengths that educators of any type go through to inspire learning and find connections to ALL of their students. Figuratively and at times literally, educators give their lives to young people.
In honor of Christa McAuliffe, remember the dedication of one or more of your "teachers". And teachers come in many forms! If you have the opportunity to do so, thank them.
Thank you, Mrs. McAuliffe.
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-challenger-disaster-mcauliffes-students-have-gone-2016jan27-story.html
The sledding hill was kind of a byproduct of outside landscaping leftovers, and yet a wonderful one! The hill is an exciting focal spot whenever it's open. Yesterday, the older elementary students were caught with big smiles and laughs enjoying the sledding hill.
Congratulations are in order for Ithaca High School and Middle School students who earned placement to the 2nd Quarter Honor Roll. Hard work, well done!
This past Saturday there were 19 middle school and high school students that participated in Honors Choir at Mineral Point. They spent the day working on difficult music with other excellent musicians throughout our music conference. Mrs. Niemeyer is very proud of their representation of Ithaca, especially because of their positive attitude, respect, and beautiful singing!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, January 31. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Elementary and Middle School Destination Imagination teams. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
The PTSO will be hosting a FREE Family Bingo Book Exchange Night on Friday, January 31 in the Multi-purpose room from 6 PM - 7:30 PM. Books will be given away as prizes at this Bingo night. If you have some books you'd like to see go to a new home, bring them! If you don't have extra books, don't worry because we've got lots! (The BIG Family Bingo night with lots of prizes will be March 6 - more information on that event coming later.) Any questions, contact Jill Plonka at 986-2921 or japlonka@hotmail.com.
Reminder to Middle School Science Quiz Bowl participants: The bus for Madison will leave from school at 6:30 AM tomorrow, Saturday, morning.
Reminder to honors choir participants:
The bus leaves from the elementary entrance at 7:30 am tomorrow. Bring music and money for concessions. Dress comfortably, but bring dress clothes for the concert at 4:30 pm. Students can be picked up from Mineral Point provided they give me a note. The bus should return by 7 pm.
The Ithaca vs North Crawford boys basketball game tonight (at Ithaca) has been canceled.
Due to inclement weather, Ithaca School District will not have school today, January 24, 2020
Today is January 24, 2020. Ithaca has a two hour delay. There is no morning 4K.
So much talent in Ithaca Students! Some of Peg Durkin's art students have work on display at the CESA 3 office. View other works of art in the Commons as you attend events or visit.
Our Throwback Thursday picture takes us to the 1998 Ithaconian, as we celebrate National Honor Society. Look at all of those young faces!
Due to our delay and local road conditions, Ithaca students will NOT be traveling to Mineral Point today for Honors Choir rehearsals. There WILL, however, be sectional rehearsals with Mrs. Niemeyer at times throughout the day.
Today is Thursday, January 23, 2020. Ithaca School District has a 2 hour delay. There is no AM 4K
Today is Thursday, January 23, 2020. Ithaca Schools have a 2 hour delay
Congrats to Mr. Jeff Behrens and the Richland High School Band on their performance today at the State School Board Convention!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, January 24. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the Elementary and Middle School Destination Imagination teams. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
Winter Wonderland, this year's Snoball dance, will be held at the Ithaca commons on Saturday Feb. 1st from 8p to 11p. If you are bringing a guest that is not an Ithaca student, they must be signed up by Friday January 31.
The Middle School Student Council will be holding their annual Valentine Gram Fundraiser again this year. Orders will be taken from January 27-31. All orders and money must be turned in to Mrs. Hilby by 3:25 p.m. on January 31. Completed orders should be turned in to Mrs. Hilby via mailbox, her personally, or on her desk.
There are new grams offered this year! Please note one change that is not listed on the flyers/order forms: The puppy gram is available while supplies last on a first-come-first-served basis. We do have a green frog as a backup in case we run out of puppies. If you would specifically like a frog instead please list that on your order from.
Thank you for your support with this fundraiser.
Game Club will be held this Thursday, January 23 from after school until 5 PM. All students in grades 3-12 are welcome to attend. We will meet in the commons for a snack and then go to the Multi-purpose room for games. Hope to see you all then! Mrs. Parduhn and Mrs. Plonka
If you are a certified nurse, and you are interested in working at Ithaca 1-2 days a month, please fill out our application on the website under "Explore" and then "Employment". Turn completed application forms in to the office or district office.
Ninth grader Erica Steinmetz and seventh grader Allison Durst entered the Teaching Today WI Dream Careers essay contest last November. Authors wrote an essay on their dream career. Allison was one of the 6 middle school winners and will receive a $100 cash prize and Erica received an honorable mention and will receive a $75 cash prize. Congratulations ladies on your excellent essays!
Winning essays will be featured in upcoming issues of Teaching Today - Wisconsin. View the full article with a complete list of winners here http://www.teachingtodaywi.com/mobile/index.html.
Last Tuesday the 4th and 5th grade Math 24 teams traveled to Southwest Tech for the CESA 3 competition. There were 102 students from 17 schools participating in the contest. Placings and points are as follows:
In 4th grade Alyssa Olson placed 9th with 122 points, Memphis Burkhalter placed 13th with 111 points, and Peyton Brown placed 31st with 67 points. In 5th grade Ethan Birkrem just missed a ribbon placing 4th with 105 points, Aubri Imhoff placed 19th with 51 points, and Maylee Pluemer placed 22nd with 44 points. Congratulations we are all very proud of you – you did an outstanding job representing Ithaca!
The High School Science Quiz Bowl trip to Milwaukee tomorrow (Saturday Jan 18) has been cancelled.
This message from Ithaca Boys Basketball: No practice today due to the anticipated road conditions. See you on Monday!
The Ithaca at Lafarge girls basketball game for tonight has been postponed due to impending weather.
The Grow Rural Education program allows eligible farmers to nominate their local public school district for grants to help enhance STEM education. Nominations are now open through April 1st. Once nominated, school districts submit applications to compete for $15,000 grant to help fund projects that enhance their STEM curriculum.
Here is a link to fill out a nomination: https://www.americasfarmers.com/grow-rural-education/
Eligible farmers and schools are defined at this link: https://www.americasfarmers.com/grow-rural-education/program-rules/
A story is circulating about a 104 year-old WWII Veteran that is asking for Valentine's cards to be mailed to him for Valentine's Day. To honor him for everything he has done for our country and to make his day, the Middle School Student Council is going to be collecting Valentine's Cards and sending to him. If your class or anyone in general is interested in making cards for him please let Mrs. Hilby or a Middle School Student Council member know. They will be collecting them from now until January 31, and then mailing them out.
Ithaca Students have art hanging at CESA 3 in Fennimore. Look for it when you are there!
Reminder that we are tree nut/peanut sensitive which means you make every attempt to NOT have any tree nuts/peanuts in food you bring into the school. This is literally a life-threatening situation.
Attention NHS members: Don't forget we have concessions on Thursday night for the boy’s basketball game. Please be here.
HS Band Students: A reminder that you have pep band on Thursday night. Please be here by 6:45 pm.
Just a reminder... The FCA and GIG will be having a movie night...tonight! All middle school and high school students are welcome to attend Willow Valley Church...Supper will be served at 5:30 - followed by the showing: ‘Overcomer’ - an inspiring movie for all!
Popcorn will be provided. Bring a friend!
Snowshoeing for 5th graders was postponed for today, but the weather didn't keep Mr. Mani from encouraging winter outdoor fun! This Snowbody was created during recess today thanks to the help of a lot of creativity and hard work of our older elementary students.
The Ithaca school spelling bee was held in the gym last week with 31 students in grades 4-8 participating. Our 3rd place speller is Maggie Gschwind, 2nd place is Ilana Bloczynski and after 38 rounds, our Ithaca Spelling Bee champion 2020 is Aaron Bloczynski who won with the word ’successor’. Aaron and Ilana will represent Ithaca at the West Sectional Bee at Weston on January 29 and Maggie will serve as alternate. Congratulations to everyone, I am very proud of each and every one of you! Mrs. Plonka
For ease of use, our Facility Use Form is now located on the web and app! Look under "Explore" and click on the "Community Related" tab under "Printable Forms". Clicking on "Facility Use Form" will open the form needed to make reservations. This form must be submitted at least five days prior to the date of use.
Families without internet at home. If you qualify to receive assistance for this program, information may be found at https://www.wisconsinruralhousing.org/about-3. This program helps households obtain internet for those that meet these qualifications: Must have 1 child in middle or high school; Must have a device that is internet accessible; Must be under 80% County Median Income; Your home must be able to receive internet. Applications are on the web, or print from this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7iybYZWzv6nbjNMYjlRNDRsQmk1NlFyT2hmN2Vmc01HNVFV/view?usp=sharing
The FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and GIG are teaming up to host a movie night!! 🎥
Wednesday, January 15 @ Willow Valley Church. Supper will be provided & will be served from 5:30-6:15- following supper will be the showing of: ‘Overcomer’- an inspiring movie about an encouraging coach and cross country athlete finding her identity and purpose.
ALL middle school and high school students are welcome! Bring a friend!
Popcorn will be provided!
Hope to see you!!
The careers class applied the life skills and job skills they have been learning about and practicing during the Mock Interviews yesterday. Sophomores prepared a cover letter, resume and references for an entry level job they would like to apply for. Community business people donated their time and talent to interview the students and give them feedback on their interview as well as their cover letter and resumes. Although the students were nervous, they all agreed that the interview wasn't as bad as they thought it would be. The careers class teaches interviewing skills to every high school student as well as help them set goals for being career and college ready. A big thanks to the following for donating their time to invest in the future of our students: Julie Doudna, Dana Francois, DeAnna Jelinek, Pam Kaufmann, Chuck Keller, Monica Kershner, Laura Melby, Brian Moore, Marty Richards, Dave Schoen, and Ashley Touissant.
The January PTSO meeting will be held next Wednesday, January 15 at 3:45 in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there!
4K-2nd grade youth wrestling sign up is tonight, January 9th at 6pm in the multipurpose room. There will be a wrestling booster club meeting immediately following for anyone interested.
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, January 10. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 5th grade class. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
Watch the Bee! The Ithaca School Spelling Bee will be held Thursday, January 9 starting at 8:30 in the Gym. Everyone is welcome to come and watch 30 of our best spellers in grades 4-8 compete to represent Ithaca at the West Sectional spelling competition later this month.
All parents and guardians are asked to complete this survey as part of a mental health program Ithaca Public Schools is part of in conjunction with Richland Center schools. Please follow the instructions according to the school your children attend. Thank you for all your help!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehkdygnWFFXh0MvYQ3zEvCQ5F272waCUL4IvU7rFuId6ydLw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
Are you concerned about bullying for your or someone else's child? Check out this link for helpful information about what to look for, what to say and do, and more!
https://www.stopbullying.gov/
Art Club Meeting tonight is cancelled and rescheduled for after school this Thursday.
Seniors: Please stop in the office and print your full name as you wish it to appear on your diploma. It won't be long now! Thank you.
Middle School Student Council is working to help wildlife. Save your mascara wands and old bra clasps! Clean old mascara wands with soap and water, place them in a zip bag and bring them in. Wildlife refuges use mascara wands to clean animals from oil, larvae, fly eggs, mites, infections, mud, and other contaminants. Cut off clasps from old bras to be used by refuges to repair damaged turtle shells. Bring all items to Mrs. Hilby! Thank you for helping us help animals!
On Friday and Saturday, 21 MS and HS Band students participated in the Conference Honors Band Festival held at Riverdale HS. Students from 10 schools participated. The students had an outstanding concert on Saturday night. Thank you, students, for your dedication and work ethic! You did a great job in representing Ithaca. The following students participated: Calix Wheaton, Montanna Scott, Paige Nowicki, Benji Clary, Rylee Jacobson, Nick King, Emma Schoen, Jaci Rosenow, Tristen Peterson, Allison Durst, Holly King, Kaylee Peterson, Alivya Young, Josie Laue, Brianna Alt, Sam Clary, Kaylee Miller, Bailey Wanless, Trista Pluemer, Micah Salisbury, Xander Sorenson.
Join the Ithaca Lions in supporting an Ithaca family. This pancake breakfast will assist the Weitzel family as Tara is undergoing her treatments and recovery.
https://www.facebook.com/events/815294548896822/
The Ithaca School Spelling Bee will be held Thursday, January 9 starting at 8:30 in the Gym. Everyone is welcome to come and watch 30 of our best spellers in grades 4-8 compete to represent Ithaca at the West Sectional spelling competition later this month.
The final winners in the Ithaca Band Parents Calendar Raffle were: Brandon Johnson - $50, Shannan Amacher - $75, Taylor Sanderfoot - $75, Amy Fry - $150, Jeni Meyer - $175, and Kreg Perkins - $250. Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser!
The 38th Annual Bi-State Wrestling Tournament brought over 700 wrestlers and almost 70 teams from Minnesota and Wisconsin to the LaCrosse Center. Ithaca-Weston wrestlers saw tough competition and performed quite well according to Coach Clary. Congratulations to Sawyer Willis and Monty Jennings on their 10th and 11th place finishes, respectively. All the wrestlers have plenty to be proud of Ithaca-Weston placed 10th in the Division 3 standings with 68 points. Many wrestlers scored team points and all wrestled competitively. Next up, I-W travels to the Sauk Prairie Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 4th. (Photos courtesy of Lisa Clary)
Middle school girls basketball practice is cancelled today (Monday, December 30) due to impending weather moving in this afternoon.
We will reschedule for in the community (old) gym tomorrow from 10am until 12pm for anyone that can make it.
Monday Dec 30, 2019: Due to current slippery conditions and impending weather later today, ALL HS boys basketball practices today are cancelled.
Sometimes we get caught red-handed. Sometimes principals get caught "read" handed... What started as a small reading group, grew into a large reading group with Mrs. Schoen.
Congratulations to Brooklyn Granger who has very successfully completed her first college semester at Southwest Tech! As part of CollEDGE Up, Brooklyn is enrolled in the 11-12-14 Nursing Program. More information on CollEDGE Up may be found at https://www.swtc.edu/academics/colledge-up. Again, Congratulations, Brooklyn!
All classes at Ithaca were in the giving spirit this season! The High School Student Council and National Honor Society held a food drive for Passages. Thanks to the generosity of all, 1733.3 pounds of donations were collected! Wow!
Mrs. Zorea presented recently as a guest at the 772: Library Services to Children and Young Adults at UW-Madison's graduate school. She and five other colleagues who serve youth in libraries provided practical information about what the aspiring librarians in the course can expect when they enter youth library work. Her background in both public library and school library youth services, made her an excellent resource to answer questions from both areas. Mrs. Zorea states that our state has a great new group of upcoming professionals!
Didn't catch the Elementary Music Program? Well, don't fret! View it here:
https://youtu.be/eptF6pX4k5Q
As you cheer on the Lady Bulldogs tonight at home against Wauzeka-Steuben, stop by to buy some walking tacos and baked goods as well as other concessions from the Middle School Student Council.
Cheer on the Ithaca-Weston wrestlers! Good Luck at Brookwood tonight and tomorrow at Richland Center.
There is a middle school wrestling meet on Jan. 6th at Royall which was just added to the schedule. So we will have to start practice on Jan 2nd the day we come back from break.
Thursday's winner of $100 in the Ithaca Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Jesse Hash of Richland Center, with ticket #379.
Middle and High School track and field families! The Ithaca Track Club is working concessions at the January 3rd boys basketball game. Workers are needed. We need at least 6 workers. If you aren’t able to work but would like to contribute, we are hoping to sell sandwiches and some other food items other than the usual. Please contact Jeanna Lorenz or Juli Thompson to sign up.
Art Club: We will meet after school Friday, tomorrow until 5pm. All high school students are welcome at any time!
Need a Christmas gift idea for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list? You're in luck! The PTSO will be selling Rural Route 1 popcorn and spirit items at the boy’s basketball game tonight.
Wednesday's winner of $50 in the Ithaca Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Sabrina Mueller of Richland Center, with ticket #605.
Don't forget the Elementary Music Program is tomorrow! Watch the student production in the Community gym beginning at 1:30.
Congratulations to all Ithaca Bands and Mrs. Behrens on a job well-done at last night's concert. The 5th grade band made their musical debut as did the High School Jazz Band. The hard work of all the students was apparent in the exceptional performances!
There will be a Baseball Booster Meeting Thursday 6:00 pm in the commons. Any parent of a high school baseball player who is interested in helping support Ithaca Baseball is welcome to attend.
As we roll into the Holiday Break, families, please take a moment or two to grab up any lost items in the lost and found and all gear in your students' cubbies. The break is a time for our custodial staff to make a clean "sweep" of the hallways and classrooms. You give them a great Christmas gift by limiting the clutter they need to work around. Thanks to all our custodial staff for all they do to keep our buildings and grounds safe and neat for all our Bulldogs and staff!
Choir Students: Please remember to turn in your money for the fruit sale to Mrs. Niemeyer or Mrs. Willis by the end of this week.
Tuesday's winner of $50 in the Ithaca Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Cody Mitchell of Dodgeville, with ticket # 387.
Just a reminder: FCA Huddle group Christmas party, tomorrow morning! 7:00- FACE room. Breakfast, devotion, fellowship and white elephant gift exchange! Come join us! Merry Christmas!
Middle school wrestling will start January 6th after winter break. Practice will run 3:45-5:30. Have a great winter break. Coach Anderson.
The Winter Band Concert will be held tonight at 7:00 pm. Band students in grades 5 - 12 will be featured.
Monday's winner of $75 in the Ithaca Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Geralyn and Steve Kohlstadt of Richland Center, with ticket #269.
Don't forget the food drive for Passages is still ongoing until Friday! See the list for needed items.
The top three grades as of Monday are:
1. Fifth grade - 336 pounds
2. Fourth grade - 178.4 pounds
3. 4K - 44.3 pounds
Our donations have helped Passages families for nearly a whole year! Keep the giving spirit going!
FCA Christmas party huddle morning- 7:00 am Thursday Dec 19! Join us for a Christmas breakfast, devotion, fellowship & our annual white elephant gift exchange. See flyers in the hall or check out our Facebook page for more details! Hope you’ll join us!
Evelyn Kolman, a 1942 Ithaca graduate, celebrated her 95th birthday on December 15th. Evelyn has been supporting Ithaca students for over 20 years by donating school supplies yearly. As a small token of appreciation, the students created and signed cards to wish Evelyn a Happy 95th Birthday.
Evelyn, along with her family, would like to sincerely thank the students and staff for taking the time to help make her birthday so special.
Just a friendly reminder: 7th & 8th grade girls basketball practice will start after school, 3:45-5:30. Following practice, there will be a brief student athlete/parent meeting. Thank you!!
The weekend winners in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle were: Eugene Miller - $50, Amber Hilby - $75. and Kristi Durst - $50.
Last night these high school band students gave of their own time and volunteered to go Christmas caroling around the Ithaca community. We had a great time and the community members really enjoyed hearing them! Thank you students for using your musical talents and bringing Christmas joy to the community!
Check out the upcoming Community Education courses offered on both the Richland and Platteville campuses. Registration is OPEN!
https://campus.uwplatt.edu/continuing/enrichment
Watch our band students perform next week! The Winter Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 17th, at 7:00 pm. Band students in grades 5 - 12 will be featured.
Next week is the 5 days of Christmas for the whole school. Show your Christmas spirit on Monday with Pajama Day. Dress code still applies, but let's make it fun!
High School Band students: Your final Florida trip payment is due on Monday, December 16. All money has to be turned in at that time.
As you probably know, many residents at PV have little money to spend and/or few relatives to assist them with purchasing those little things that make everyday living a little nicer.
This is the 15th year that Ithaca School District has collected items for Pine Valley Community Village. Each year, your generous gifts benefit people in our own area. Often these people are past neighbors, old family friends, a relative, or someone we may know who has met with an unfortunate event/ illness that require their life to be supported in an atmosphere where constant and safe care is provided.
As members of the Ithaca School Family, we feel it is important for children to learn to reach out to and aid others who are different or less fortunate than we are. We not only strive to educate your child to the best of our abilities, but we also endeavor to do our part, in developing them into the best human beings possible. We feel the “wish list” project is well worth undertaking yearly and that it demonstrates true kindness and generosity.
You may send gifts at anytime. We will keep them here at school until we make our Christmas visit to Pine Valley the week of December 16th.
At this time, we extend to you, a sincere and heartfelt thank you for any contributions that can be made on your family’s behalf.
Again, thank you!
The Ithaca School Staff
Thursday's winner of $100 in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Monica Kershner of Lone Rock, with ticket #617.
The middle school girls basketball season will begin next week! Any interested girls in 7th and 8th grade, are asked to please sign up! There is a sign up sheet in the commons. We will begin practice on Monday December 16 (3:45-5:30) Following practice we will have a brief student athlete/parent meeting (held in the old gym).
Little Dribblers basketball practice, grades K thru 2nd, will be in the multipurpose room this Saturday from 10:15-11:00am.
St Mary's-Keyesville and St. Kilian's-Bear Valley are going to both be participating in Wreaths Across America this coming Saturday, December 14th at 11:00 AM. Wreaths Across America is a program where veterans, deceased and living, are remembered and honored for their service. It is also an opportunity to teach youth to value freedom. VFW Post 2267 of Richland Center will be assisting at St. Mary's-Keyesville. The Lone Rock American Legion will be assisting at St. Kilian's-Bear Valley. All are welcome to attend. These are the only two cemeteries in Richland County which are having Wreaths Across America ceremonies this Saturday. These cemeteries will be joining over 1600 other cemeteries to honor our veterans. All programs in the United States start precisely at 11am (12 Noon Eastern Standard Time). Food and fellowship to follow in St. Mary's parish hall and St. Kilian's basement.
More information on the Wreaths Across America organization and it's history may be found at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/our-story.
Here are the preliminary numbers for the food drive:
High school - none =(
8th - none
7th - 13 pounds
6th - 7
5th - 46.5
4th - 52.5
3rd - 19.5
2nd - 14
1st - 6.5
kindergarten - 3.5
4K - 23
This is a great start! Keep the donations coming!
Check out this event! After School Robotics sessions are being hosted by UW-Platteville Richland Continuing Education Institute. Session A: Wednesdays, Feb 5–March 4 6–7:30pm; Session B: Wednesdays, March 25–April 22 6–7:30pm. Build your LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot. Robots will be built with interchangeable parts and are fully programmable to kick a ball, move in a circle, and listen to your commands. Innovation and creativity are required. You will work individually and in teams to build robots of your own design. Best for students entering grades 2–6. Session A and B are both five-weeks and cover the same material. *ALL PARENTS MUST FILL OUT HEALTH AND CONSENT FORMS AT REGISTRATION* https://www.facebook.com/events/3361378740643524/
Wednesday's winner of $50 in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Jorge Solorzano of Fennimore, with ticket #629.
Choir Students who sold fruit: Remember to pick up your fruit the Saturday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. at Oakwood Fruit Farm. If you cannot be there, make arrangements for someone else to pick it up for you. Oakwood is closed for the season so this will be the only time you will be able to get your fruit.
All of the gifts and gift cards for the NHS Host a Family are due in Mrs. Wontor’s room, Room 310, by 3:30 tomorrow. They will be delivered to the family this weekend. Thank you for your support!
Our Throwback Thursday pic takes us to the 1980 yearbook as we celebrate boys JV basketball. What a memory!
Tuesday's winner of $50 in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Adam Kepler of Richland Center, with ticket #625.
If you ordered a wreath from the Ithaca Wrestling Club it will be available to pick-up today. Pick-up is from 3-6 p.m. at the bus barn. Thank you for your support of Ithaca Wrestling.
Start planning your wardrobe for next week! As we look forward to the Holiday Break, students will enjoy dressing up differently each day. We hope you'll all participate in the fun! The Five Days of Christmas are:
Monday - Pajama Day
Tuesday - Ugly Holiday/Christmas Sweater Day
Wednesday - Holiday Hat or Favorite Holiday Character Day
Thursday - Christmas Colors/Pattern Day
Friday - Flannel Day
Congratulations to the Choirs on a wonderful concert last night! Mrs. Niemeyer is very proud!
Monday's winner of $75 in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Amanda Fowell of Richland Center, with ticket #99.
There will be a football booster club meeting at 6:00 pm tonight in the commons.
The PTSO Winter apparel order is in! Please plan to pick your order up in the commons this Thursday, December 12 after school until 5 P.M. If you cannot pick up at this time please contact Karia Brown at joekariabrown@gmail.com.
Members of the High School Band will be Christmas Caroling on December 15, 5:00 - 7:30 pm, in the Ithaca, Keyesville, and Sextonville areas. If you know of any community member who would enjoy us stopping to play for them, please let Mrs. Behrens know.
Farmers in our community are facing extraordinary challenges. The Richland County Extension Office is coordinating "Stronger Together", a series of sessions addressing current challenges in the farming community. Sessions are free and a lunch is provided.
The first session is tomorrow, December 10th. Contact Chelsea Wunnicke, Family Living Educator for information or to register at 608.647.6148 or email chelsea.wunnicke@wisc.edu
https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/dairy/events/stronger-together/
Middle Schoolers are invited to attend the Winter Luau Dance Party on December 13, 2019 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Ithaca Community Gym (“Old Gym”). Admission is $5, and new at this dance: Competitions ~ Hula Hoopin’, Musical Chairs, and Limbo! Winners get a Prize. Snacks and beverages provided.
The annual food drive put on by Student Council and the NHS starts December 9 and goes through December 20. Have your children bring their donations to their classroom and student council members will collect items during the week. The coordinator from Passages stated that our donations help them out for almost a year!
This year we are making the food drive competition a school wide event. The top three classes throughout the elementary, middle, and high school who collect the most pounds of food will get a pizza party during lunch. Along with these changes, water will not be accepted as a donation. Thank you for your support and donations to the less fortunate people in our community!
Here is a list of common needs at Passages:
~Soups,
~Tuna
~Spaghetti Sauce & Noodles
~Canned Ravioli & Other Pasta
~Egg Noodles
~Salt & Pepper
~Mac & Cheese
~Cake & Brownie Mixes
~Baked Beans, Black Beans, Refried Beans
~Taco Shells & Flour Tortillas
~Hamburger & Tuna Helper
~Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise
~Instant Potatoes
~Rice, Spanish Rice, etc.
~Peanut Butter
~Jelly & Jams
~Sugar, Brown Sugar, Powder Sugar, Flour
~Ramen Noodles
~Canned Vegetables
~Canned Fruits, Fruit Cups
~Applesauce
~Cereal
The weekend winners in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle were: Susan Meyer - $50, Eric Hoffman - $75. and Braeden Freestone - $50.
Just a friendly reminder that we are now taking appointments for our Developmental/4K Screening in January. If your child will be 3-years-old or 4-years-old on or before September 1, please call the school office at (608) 585-2311 to reserve your spot!
Our music departments are in the holiday spirit! Upcoming events are:
Winter Choir Concert (Middle and High School) in the High School gym tonight, December 9th at 7pm.
The High School Band is Christmas Caroling on Sunday, December 15th.
Winter Band Concert is Tuesday, December 17th at 7pm in the High School gym.
Elementary Winter Program in the Community Gym on Thursday, December 19th at 1:30pm.
Are you aware of the Pioneer Pledge Program?
The Pioneer Pledge program will cover the cost of tuition and fees (not including room and board) for all new freshmen who are Pell eligible.
Requirements:
• Be a new freshman admitted to UW-Platteville (branch campuses are not eligible) by May 1
• Submit a FAFSA and be Pell eligible
• Be a resident of Wisconsin for tuition purposes
• Enroll as a full-time student in the Fall 2020
General renewal criteria will include: remain in good academic standing, successfully complete 30 credits per academic year, and remain Pell eligible. Students who meet the renewal criteria will remain eligible for the program for up to eight consecutive semesters.
Looking for a gift for that “hard to buy for” person?
Consider purchasing a personalized brick from That’s My Brick. Bricks are once again being sold to help fund the student patio, to add features to the playground, and to beautify the school grounds.
Anyone can purchase a brick, for just about any reason: Class spirit, graduation, memorials, groups, clubs, advertisement, family pride/heritage...
Orders can be placed at https://www.thatsmybrick.com/ithacawi. Order deadline date is Dec 20, 2019.
Questions? Contact Jenna Wipperfurth at Ithaca Schools 585-2311 or jenna.wipperfurth@ithaca.k12.wi.us
There will be a football booster club meeting at 6:00 on Tuesday December 10 in the commons.
Softball girls, please come and see Mrs. Boland about the Softball Camp.
Thursday's winner of $100 in the Ithaca Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Dale Tydrich of Cazenovia with ticket #319.
TONIGHT! From 4:00-7:30 pm, let the Horse Club make supper for you--tacos!! Walking tacos, taco salad or soft shell tacos--$5. Proceeds for scholarships and entry fees. Plan to attend!!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
In light of recent events at various high schools in Wisconsin where law enforcement personnel were called upon to intervene in situations for the safety and well-being of students and staff, we are reminding all families that the Ithaca School District and Richland County Sheriff’s Department have a strong partnership in place. We are grateful for the in-school support we receive from the officers that work closely with our schools and for the open lines of communication that exist between us and both the sheriffs’ and police departments.
Today, December 5, 2019, Ithaca had an unplanned lockdown for the entire district. There was an altercation with a student at lunch, and we needed to clear all the students from the halls so that the officers could do their work. As soon as we felt the students were safe, we released the lockdown to resume normal activities. I am proud to state our county sheriff’s department not only assisted but came back to make sure we were all OK.
In the Ithaca School District’s mission, it states that we will “ensure the highest levels of learning in a positive, safe, community-rich environment.” Our administrators work with city and county authorities on emergency safety training and simulations, and all of our employees annually review safety procedures and practice drills. Unfortunately, with the recent news from other Wisconsin districts, we are reminded that we must continually remain vigilant.
The Ithaca School District maintains a variety of active security measures at all times, including locked exterior doors, mandatory check-in procedures at school entrances, video surveillance, and the shot detector alarm. In recent years, we have invested grant funds to enhance security at school building entrances, numbering doors and windows, installing new security cameras, installing equipment to improve communication within our buildings, and more.
A comprehensive emergency response plan guides our response to emergency situations at the district and school levels. Staff are trained to implement emergency procedures and participate in practice drills throughout the year. Students receive training as well, including participation fire drills, severe weather drills, and lockdown drills during the year.
The Richland County Sheriff, Richland Emergency management, and Richland Police Department personnel regularly participate in the review of our security and emergency procedures. Additionally, there is a county safety team consisting of members of all area schools, EMT, fire, and emergency management. We know in an emergency, we will have the assistance of the entire county.
Of course, we cannot do the work of keeping everyone safe alone. We need students, parents, and community support. We encourage parents to speak with their students to emphasize the role that they have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines (e.g. not providing building access to strangers, reporting strangers on campus, reporting threats to school safety made by students or community members, etc.), and communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators or other trusted adults. Ithaca Schools uses the Safe Schools Alert as an Online Tip Reporting System. This is linked in our Ithaca App, on the webpage, and there are posted links in the building.
We recognize that recent events have raised concerns and we want to assure you that we have taken steps and continue to implement measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. Please contact your school principal or your child's school counselor if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Sincerely,
Julie R. Prouty
Ithaca School District Superintendent
The PTSO Gingerbread House Family Fun Night is back! Join us on Friday, December 6 in the Commons starting at 5 PM to build a gingerbread house! Frosting, graham crackers and milk cartons will be provided; all you have to bring is a base like cardboard or a cookie sheet, candy decorations, and your imagination! Free hot cocoa will be served as well. First, second, and third place houses will receive prizes! Hope to see you then!
The 7th grade Life Science class has been studying plant and animal cells. As a final assessment they build models of cells to show the types of organelles in cells.
Wednesday's winner of $50 in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Kim Auz of Richland Center, with ticket #370.
Basketball Open Gym for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls. Old Gym, this Sunday, December 8th from 6-7:30 pm. Come and work on your shooting. Pass the word!
Our Throwback Thursday takes us back to the days of typewriters and when cut and paste meant scissors and glue. This is the staff responsible for the 1984 Ithaca Yearbook.
High school students who are interested in joining our forensics team should meet on Tuesday, December 10, during attack time. The meeting will be in Mr. Lange's room, number 106.
Any students interested in joining FCCLA please meet during ATTACK in Ms. Sprecher's room on Thursday. If you are not able to make it to the meeting, please see Ms. Sprecher by the end of this week.
Tuesday's winner of $50 in the Ithaca Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Jared Klingaman of Richland Center, with ticket #95.
There will be a Safesitter Class held at the Richland Hospital Monday, December 30th from 9:00am-3:30pm. This class is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they're home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. If interested, you must pre-register and pay by December 12th. Please see Ms. Bevan for fee and registration information.
Come to Weston on Thursday, December 5th and support the Ithaca-Weston wrestlers at our annual T-shirt night. Arrive early to get a FREE Ithaca-Weston wrestling t-shirt (while supplies last) and watch the wrestlers battle New Lisbon.
Also, wrestling open mat for this Thursday, December 5th will be immediately after school until 5 p.m. (Due to the high school Varsity dual at Weston). Open mat will continue, twice per week, until Christmas break, every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 6:15 p.m. With any questions, please contact Troy Clary.
A drug-safety sweep with the Richland and Grant county K9 units was conducted today. Students and staff remained in their rooms while the sweep was conducted for confidentiality purposes. We are pleased to report that nothing was found. The Ithaca School District thanks the staff, students, and county officials for their cooperation and diligence for our safety.
Juniors and Seniors! Discover Southwest Tech, a campus visit opportunity will take place this Wed., Dec. 4th from 9am-11am. This event includes the following: ~Free Breakfast for all attendees!
~Campus Tour
~Admissions information session
~Student panel with current SWTC students
~Option for a one-on-one meeting with an advisor Students interested in coming to this event may sign up at: https://www.swtc.edu/admissions/visit-registration.aspx?visitType=DISCOVER Information may also be found outside of Ms. Bevan's door.
Seniors! Yearbook needs your baby and senior pictures. Don’t forget your senior quotes. To enter them go to Google Senior Classroom.
Monday's winner of $75 in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Amanda Fowell, with ticket #99.
The Ithaca School District is seeking your help! A community forum is going to be held where a number of area employers are going to share their expectations and/or desired skills they wish new employees to possess. Everyone who attends will have an opportunity to discuss this information in a small group. This will assist Ithaca in evaluating current offerings and future efforts.
Ithaca desarrollo de empleabilidad a estudiantes
El distrito escolar de Ithaca está buscando su ayuda. Se llevará a cabo un foro comunitario donde varios empleadores del área compartirán sus expactativas y /o habilidades deseadas que desean que posean los nuevos empleados. Todos los que asistan tendrán la oportunidad de discutir esta información en un grupo pequeño. Esto ayudará a Ithaca a evaluar las ofertas actuales y los esfuerzos futuros.
We now have an Ithaca Sources of Strength social media presence. Ithaca Sources of Strength is a group of peer leaders working to empower, support, and sustain positive social change in our school and community by promoting messages of hope, help, and strength! To see what our peer leaders have been up to add us today on Instagram and Facebook @ithacasourcesofstrength.
For instance, our Sources of Strength peer leaders created a Tree of Thanksgiving for students to name things that they give thanks for.
The National Honor Society is sponsoring a family again this year. The family is a former Ithaca family with two children. The daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Please sign up under the tree in the commons to donate items that will help them. There is a special need for gift cards and gas cards. Bring the items to Mrs. Wontor in room 310 by Friday, December 13th. Thank you for supporting this family.
The Middle School Student Council will have a National Cookie Day Cookie Sale on Wednesday, December 4 during the last 10 minutes of middle school lunch. Price is $0.50 per bag with two cookies per bag.
TACO FRIDAY! Let the Ithaca-RC Horse Club cook for you this Friday from 4:30pm-7pm in the High School Commons. Enjoy a tasty Taco Supper before you head to the basketball game or PTSO Gingerbread building.
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, December 6. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 4th grade class. Middle and HS students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
Yesterday's winner of $50 in the Band Parent's Calendar Raffle was Al Stanek of Hillsboro, with ticket #256.
Happy Monday and welcome back to school.
Choir Students: Bring in all finalized fruit orders tomorrow (Monday, Dec. 2nd) and turn in to Mrs. Niemeyer or Mrs. Willis! Please do not turn in money with the orders. All money (checks written to Ithaca Choir Boosters) is to be turned in after fruit delivery. Please share!
Happy Thanksgiving from Ithaca Public Schools! We are grateful for hard-working students, a supportive community, and dedicated staff. Enjoy the holiday with those who make you feel thankful.
The PTSO Gingerbread House Family Fun Night is back! Join us on Friday, Dec. 6th in the Commons starting at 5 PM to build a gingerbread house! Frosting, graham crackers and milk cartons will be provided, all you have to bring is a base like cardboard or a cookie sheet, candy decorations, and your imagination! Free hot cocoa will be served as well. First, second, and third place houses will receive prizes! Hope to see you then!
It's not too late! Pre-order your Christmas Wreath to support Ithaca Wrestling! The 24" evergreen wreaths are only $18 each. Fill out an order form and return with payment to Mrs. Richards in the district office or The Richards Insurance Agency. Order forms are available in the commons, on Ithaca Wrestling & School District's Facebook pages as well as Ithaca School District Web page. Pre-paid Orders must be received by December 2nd with pick up in the commons on Wednesday, December 11th. Times to be determined. A Sample of the wreaths that are being sold is hanging in the commons along with order forms. If you have any questions, please contact Owen Richards at 604-1616.
Don't forget to stop in to Culver's TONIGHT to support the Patio and Playground Improvements Share Night from 4pm until 8pm. Let us serve you tonight before you serve everyone tomorrow. Thanks for your continued support of our outdoor areas. Our students enjoy all your efforts!
Support Ithaca Playground and Patio Improvements by heading to Culver's in Richland Center TOMORROW for a Share Night from 4pm until 8pm! Let them make your pre-Thanksgiving cooking simpler! Thanks to all your support, the ongoing improvements have been big hits!
A reminder to families that tomorrow, Wednesday, November 27th is an Early Release day.
Our PTSO-sponsored Game Club is always a big hit! Students enjoy a quick snack before diving right in.
Congratulations to 1st Quarter Honor Roll honorees from the Middle and High School! We are proud of the hard work our students do each day. Keep working hard!
If you remember Mrs. Prouty testified at the Capital last spring in support of passing a bill to provide an alternative for Special Education educators to receive proper credentials. That bill was passed recently by Gov. Evers. Wisconsin Act 44 creates an alternative to the requirement that an applicant for an initial special education teaching license must pass the Foundations of Reading Test (FORT). Under the bill, a person may instead complete a course that satisfies specific requirements.
One week left to pre-order your Christmas Wreath to support Ithaca Wrestling! The 24" evergreen wreaths are only $18 each. Fill out an order form and return with payment to Mrs. Richards in the district office or The Richards Insurance Agency. Order forms are available in the commons, on Ithaca Wrestling & School District's Facebook pages as well as Ithaca School District Web page. Pre-paid Orders must be received by December 2nd with pick up in the commons on Wednesday, December 11th. Times to be determined. A Sample of the wreaths that are being sold is hanging in the commons along with order forms. If you have any questions, please contact Owen Richards at 604-1616.
The annual Ithaca Choir Booster Fruit Sale is back! Find a choir member to place your order. The orders will close on December 2nd and the delivery date is December 14th.
4K/Developmental Screening is coming in January! Screening allows us to get to know your 3-year-old or 4-year-old child better in a play-based screening scenario. It will also allow you to receive information for/about your young child, whether there may be any developmental concerns that need addressed in preparation for their future school experience, and to register your 4-year-old child for
4-Year-Old Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. See information in the images to register.
¡4K / Developmental Screening llegará en enero! La evaluación nos permite conocer mejor a su hijo de 3 años o de 4 años en un escenario de evaluación basado en el juego. También le permitirá a usted recibir información para / acerca de su hijo pequeño. Puede informarle si hay alguna inquietud sobre el desarrollo que deba abordarse en preparación para su futura experiencia escolar, y usted puede registrar a su hijo de
4 años para el Kindergarten de 4 años para el año escolar 2020-2021. Ver información en las imágenes para registrarse.
Support Ithaca Playground and Patio Improvements by heading to Culver's in Richland Center next Wed., November 27th for a Share Night from 4pm until 8pm! Let them make your pre-Thanksgiving cooking simpler! Thanks to all your support, the ongoing improvements have been big hits!
That lonely glove at your house wants its pal back! The lost and found has grown since the cold weather made its arrival. Please check through the lost and found area outside the office. Items still there on Wednesday will be cleaned out before Thanksgiving break.
Middle and high school students participating in the Dream Career Essay contest need to have their essays in to Mrs. Plonka in Google doc or pdf format by November 30. Next week! For more information, talk to Mrs. Plonka.
Band Students: All raffle tickets and money needs to be turned in by next Wednesday, November 27th. We want all tickets to be sold!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, November 22. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 3rd grade class. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
The Ithaca Middle School Quiz Bowl team competed at the CESA 3 competition yesterday at Southwest Tech. Congratulations to Aaron Bloczynski who placed second high individual in the 8th grade individual test. The 8th grade team of Aaron Bloczynski, Alivya Young, Danny Feryance, and Caleb Birkrem did well placing in the top half of the 14 schools represented at the contest. Congratulations also to the 7th grade team of Maggie Gschwind, Sammy Clary, Ilana Bloczynski, and Trista Pluemer for placing 4th among 14 teams at the competition. You represented Ithaca well - I'm proud of you ~ Mrs. Plonka
Recent Ithaca Football Booster's Calendar Raffle ticket winners are: Nov 15 Gary Mossholder CVA Wolf 50 cal Muzzleloader w/scope, Nov 16 Bruce Adams $50, Nov 17 Kent Marshall $50, November 18, Brannon Gasper Remington 870 12 ga Express. Thank you for supporting Ithaca Football!
There will be Game Club TOMORROW after school until 5 PM. All students in grades 3-12 are invited. Elementary remember to return your permission slips to come. Middle and High - meet in the Commons after school for a healthy snack and we will go to the Multi-Purpose room for games. Make sure your ride is here by 5 PM please.
Come and support the Student Council TONIGHT for a Culver's share night. Proceeds go towards leadership training and scholarships. We hope to see everyone there!
CESA 3 is conducting a Substitute Teacher Training course on Tuesday, December 10th from 9:00am until 3:00pm (check in begins at 8:30am). This course is a requirement for obtaining a substitute teaching certificate from the Wisconsin DPI. If you hold at least an associates degree in any area, you are qualified to take this course and obtain your substitute teaching certificate. Register for the course or look for more information at https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=24730. Another course is being offered on January 29th, 2020.
The need for substitutes is great, not only in our district, but those around us. Become a valuable resource in our schools to young minds!
There will be a PTSO meeting on TOMORROW, November 20 starting at 3:45 in the LMC. All are welcome and we hope to see you there!
The FFA Fall Blood Drive is TOMORROW from 9 am till 2 pm in the Community Gym. Sign up with Mr. Favreau, in the office, or on-line https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/190832. There are still openings for whole blood after 10am and for double red cell donations. This drive is also opened to the general public. And don't forget...."Give a pint , Get a Pint" of Culver's custard!
What’s happening this week in FCA? There will be a community outreach, Wednesday night, November 20, ‘Heart of An Athlete’- This will be held at the Richland Center High School auditorium. Doors open at 6:30- event starts at 7::00. All middle school and high school students & families are invited! Enjoy a night filled with inspiring messages, encouraging music and door prizes!
And don't forget! Thursday morning....Fellowship is Christian Athletes “huddle” morning! 7:00 am breakfast and devotion! Hope to see you!
A sincere thank you from Mrs. Niemeyer goes out to everyone that made the Variety Show possible! Thanks so much to the Ithaca community as a whole for your enthusiasm for the arts. Let's keep it going for years to come! Thank you also to:
The choir students for accomplishing so much!
Andy and Glen Niemeyer, Mr. Favreau and Mr. Mani, Greg and Aubrey Olson, Kaleb Underwood, and Danny Clary's Family for the building of the stage extension.
The Ithaca Foundation and PTSO for supplying monetary funds for the stage.
Mr. Hess and Mr. Wastlick for helping with tech set up and other important details.
Audrey, Elise, Kailey and Mrs. Newkirk for designing the program.
Jenni Christianson and Heather Muckler for organizing decorations and intermission.
Brian Walder and Cheryl Crook for running the technical boards - couldn't have done it without you!
Rob Richards and Bob Frank for helping to set up curtains and lights.
Susan Bloczynski for taking pictures.
Flexible coaches and supportive teachers!!!
Mrs. Behrens and Mrs. Willis for guidance and encouragement.
Administration and school board.
Donate blood this Wednesday! The FFA Fall Blood Drive is scheduled for Wednesday November 20th from 9 am till 2 pm in the Community Gym. You may sign up with Mr. Favreau, in the office, or on-line at https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/190832. This drive is also open to the general public. And don't forget...."Give a pint , Get a Pint" of Culver's custard!
Recent Calendar raffle ticket winners are: Nov. 11 Cheri Delkamp Savage Axis 7mm-08 w/scope, Nov. 12 Bailey Paint $50, Nov. 13 Lisa Bomkamp Center Point 370 crossbow, Nov. 14 Mick Huebsch $50. Thank you for supporting Ithaca Football!
Winter arrived unexpectedly and has a tight grip on our weather. As our students go out to enjoy recess or time outside, please be mindful of what gear your children are bringing (or not bringing) to school. As Mrs. Schoen has sent home, we encourage students to make their own choices about the gear they wear outside. Our staff reviews their choices and only intervenes if the weather is dangerous for what they may be missing. Please know that our staff is very sensitive to the needs of our students, and we discuss often that we can be approached at any time when they need things. This includes winter gear. Our supportive community and staff have resources to help students if they need items like winter jackets, snow pants, boots, or any other supplies. We will be discreet in supplying them, but we need to know. Feel free to reach out to your student’s teacher, Mrs. Schoen, Mrs. Pluemer or any other staff member to communicate those needs. We are One Team, One School, One Family.
Come and support the student council Wed. Nov. 20th for a Culver's share night. Proceeds go towards leadership training and scholarships. We hope to see everyone there!
Attention high school students: If you haven't ordered your yearbook yet, no worries, check out the holiday specials that Josten's is offering! Posters with details and ordering code for FREE holiday cards can be found throughout the high school.
There will be Game Club Thur., Nov. 21 after school to 5 PM. All students in grades 3-12 are invited. Elementary remember to return your permission slips to come. Middle and High - meet in the Commons after school for a healthy snack and we will go to the Multi-Purpose room for games. Make sure your ride is here by 5 PM please.
There will be a PTSO meeting on Wednesday, November 20 starting at 3:45 in the LMC. All are welcome and we hope to see you there!
Congratulations to the 6th grade Math 24 Integers team of Abby Plonka, Derek Franzen, Hunter Kennedy and Izzie Ortiz who participated in Tomah! They had a full day of competition, math, and fun.
DONUT Friday is TOMORROW, November 15. All proceeds for the donut sale will be donated to The March of Dimes. Donuts will be sold for $1 to high school and middle school students during Attack Time in Mrs. Burnley's room and after lunch.
Recent Calendar Raffle winners are: Nov. 7, Danny Clary-$50, Nov. 8, Bruce Adams-Tri Star Setter 20 ga over/under, Nov. 9, Jake Dederich-$50, Nov. 10, Joel Young-$50. Thank you for supporting Ithaca Football!!
Have you ordered your Ithaca FCA apparel? Go to http://www.idoshirts.com and order your Fellowship of Christian Athletes t-shirt today! Deadline is Thursday night, Nov 14! Thanks for your support!
Support the Ithaca Wrestling Club and get in the Holiday Spirit early. The Club is offering you the opportunity to pre-order 24" evergreen wreaths at only $18 each. A Holiday wreath would make a great pre-Christmas gift for family and friends. You can pre-order your wreath by filling out an order form and returning with payment to Mrs. Richards in the district office or The Richards Insurance Agency. Order forms are available in the commons, on Ithaca Wrestling & School District's Facebook pages as well as Ithaca School District Web page. Pre-paid Orders must be received by December 2nd with pick up in the commons on Wednesday, December 11th. Times to be determined. A Sample of the wreaths that are being sold is hanging in the commons along with order forms. If you have any questions, please contact Owen Richards at 604-1616.
Be entertained by Ithaca singers this Friday and Saturday! Watch our choirs perform pieces with a 50's flair. No admission! Shows begin at 6:30pm in the Community Gym both nights. Ithaca Choir Boosters are providing light refreshments during intermission for a free will offering.
The FFA Fall Blood Drive is just around the corner! The Drive is scheduled for Wednesday November 20th from 9 am till 2 pm in the Community Gym. You may sign up with Mr. Favreau, in the office, or on-line at https://donate.wisconsin.versiti.org/donor/schedules/zip.
All students 16 years old and older are eligible to donate. This drive is also opened to the general public. And don't forget...."Give a pint , Get a Pint" of Culver's custard!
A reminder that there is NOT rehearsal for the Variety Show tonight. It is very important that all participants attend the rehearsal on Thursday, November 14th in the old gym. Kindergarten and 1st grade students only from 5-5:25 pm, 6-7-8th grade only from 5:30-6, and HS shortly after 6 pm. Come dressed in the outfit you plan to wear.
Good luck to the 6th grade Math 24 team of Abby Plonka, Derek Franzen, Hunter Kennedy and Izzie Ortiz as they travel to Tomah on Tuesday for the Math 24 Integers competition!
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.
A reminder that tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12th is an Early Release day for students and a PLC day for staff.
A reminder that there is a sign up sheet for any interested high school student looking to join boys basketball outside of Mr. Mezera's door. The parent/player/coach meeting will be held tonight at 6:30 in the commons. Please contact Coach Mezera if you are unable to attend.
Ithaca Middle School Student Council is asking for help. We are collecting items for our annual Elf Shop. For those of you who don't know what this is, elementary students get to come shop for their parents for Christmas. They purchase a gift for their parents (1 for each) at the cost of 25-50 cents each item. The elf shop has a slight change this year. It will run December 18 from 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Parents will be asked to please stay in hallway as the MPR will be a "No Parent Zone" to ensure the surprise. More information will come out soon.
The student council then wraps the presents so it is a total surprise. How can we do this? This is where you all come in handy. We are looking for donations of gently used or brand new items that you no longer want or use. Some examples are listed below.
~coffee cups ~candles ~re-gifted items ~lotions ~tools ~jewelry ~body spray/cologne ~scarves ~dishes ~puzzles ~$ as we can go purchase items
If you have anything or would like to help, please let me know. I am willing to make arrangements to pick up items. You can also mail items to the school with attn: Samantha Hilby on them. Or you can drop them off the school. Thank you for any and all help. We greatly appreciate it!
Ithaca FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is growing strong! Go to http://www.idoshirts.com
and order your FCA shirt today - Anyone can order. Deadline for online orders is Friday Nov 15.
The Tuesday, November 12th rehearsal for the Variety Show is cancelled. It is very important that all HS choir students participating in the Variety Show are present in the old gym shortly after 6 pm Thursday, November 14th.
Any high schoolers interested in wrestling are invited to attend an informational meeting on Friday during lunch in the Mezzanine. Please bring paper and pencil.
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, November 8. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 5th grade class. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
Band Parents Calendar Raffle tickets are still for sale! $10 each. Band Students: If you have calendar raffle tickets that you aren't going to sell, please return them to Mrs. Behrens so that someone else can sell them. Our goal this year is to sell all 700 tickets!
Ithaca Football Boosters Calendar Raffle winners: November 2nd $50 Gary Leeck, 3rd $50 Kari Honer, 4th Ruger American .270 Tom Doudna, 5th $50 Trevor Templen, 6th $100 Thad Weldon. Thank you for supporting Ithaca Football!
With Winter apparently here already, our Throwback Thursday photo focuses on the boys basketball season. This 1975 story is courtesy of the Richland Observer.
FCA- Fellowship of Christian Athletes will meet tomorrow morning (Thursday Nov 7) 7:00am in the FACE room. Start your day with a hot breakfast, fellowship, an encouraging message and devotion! All middle and high school students are welcome!
The Curriculum and Instruction Meeting scheduled for this evening is cancelled.
Due to inclement weather, Ithaca School District is closed today, November 6, 2019.
It's normal to feel frustrated when something is hard, but how we react to that frustration helps determine our success. This is why we challenge students - engaging in something that is hard creates growth and habits of perseverance.
"...they should value the time of struggle and know that they are on their way to being better, wiser and equipped with a stronger brain. Getting answers right is OK, being stuck and finding them hard is fantastic."
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-10-28-why-struggle-is-essential-for-the-brain-and-our-lives?utm_source=Youcubed+Updates&utm_campaign=11eb7ec351-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_11_03_06_35&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_230e567c40-11eb7ec351-164431385
Today is November 6, 2019. Ithaca School District has a two hour delay. No AM 4K
Today is November 6, 2019. Ithaca School District has a two hour delay
To prepare for the Variety Show, all participants of the Variety Show will rehearse Thursday, November 14th in the old gym. Kindergarten and 1st grade students only from 5-5:25 pm, 6-7-8th grade only from 5:30-6, and HS shortly after 6 pm. Come dressed in the outfit you plan to wear for the shows.
There will be a High school choir rehearsal in the old gym on Tuesday, November 12th starting around 6 pm. Pizza will be provided! Plan to be there until 8 pm.
There will be a high school girls’ basketball parent/player/coach meeting on Monday, November 11th at 6:00 pm right after practice.
The Kiwanis will be distributing new and slightly used coats for kids on Thursday, November 7th from 5:30 -7:30 at the Nazarene Outreach Center in Richland Center.
Ithaca Public Schools is seeking to hire a highly qualified, collaborative, high school math/science instructor. Read more and apply on the WECAN website at https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/.
Attn MS and HS students: Anyone interested in entering the Teaching Today WI Dream Career Essay Contest can get a copy of the guidelines from Mrs. Plonka. These essays are due in Word or pdf format to Mrs. Plonka by November 30. Cash prizes are awarded to the top 12 entries in the state and are published in the Teaching Today WI newspaper.
Any students in grades 3-12 who are interested in entering the Appelly Poetry contest should get an entry form and rules form from Mrs. Plonka. Your poems must be turned in to Mrs. Plonka on or by November 6.
A reminder that Richland County nurses will be here on Nov. 7th from 9:00-12:00 in the multi-purpose room to give flu vaccines to students that returned permission slips. If you want your child to be vaccinated, please fill out the permission slip and return to the school. High School students should stop in the office for permission slips.
Today Middle and High School students attended the Save a Life Tour at our school. They watched a moving interview of a teenager who was driving a car with her friend and brother when another driver hit their car. Her brother was killed by that distracted driver. Our speaker discussed the opportunity to be given a second chance - but that opportunity doesn't always happen for everyone. Choices behind the wheel don't always just impact ourselves. The video was emotional and very powerful. Our HS/MS students and staff were given the chance to drive simulators while texting and "impaired." Be prepared for your students to comment on some of your driving habits, and encourage conversations about safe driving behaviors. Our students and children are our most valuable possessions.
https://www.wsaw.com/video?vid=493203871
A reminder that there will be an informative meeting and registration for kindergarten through 6th grade youth basketball players on Monday, November 4th at 6:30pm in the commons area. Please attend if your child plans to play youth basketball this winter.
NED yoyo sales will take place daily in the MPR from 7:30-7:50. Students eating breakfast should come up after they finish eating. If yours breaks, see Ms. Schoen.
Need a Christmas idea? The online spiritwear store is now open! Orders may be placed online until midnight, November 15. Paper order forms with checks are due in the school office by 3 P.M. November 15. No late orders will be processed. Free delivery to school will be mid-December. Just in time for Christmas! A few new items added this year. Check it out! https://www.idoshirts.com/online-stores/ithaca-ptso-online-store/
Elementary classes are observing Red Ribbon week by "Planting the Promise" for a healthy, drug-free life. K-5 are making promises to their future selves of how they are going to reach their dreams and goals, with a display by the Elementary doors. Grades 2-5 planted red tulip bulbs outside the Elementary playground, to commemorate the beauty of a healthy, drug-free life.
Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles. Prescription and over-the-
counter drugs are the most commonly misused substances by Americans age 14 and older, after marijuana and alcohol. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Open to the Public: The Save A Life Tour is coming to Ithaca this Friday! The nation’s leading impaired and distracted driving prevention program is a comprehensive high impact safe driving awareness program that informs, educates, and demonstrates the potentially deadly consequences resulting from poor choices and decisions made by the operator of a motor vehicle. The 45 minute presentation will begin at 8:00am.
Our staff advocates for students every day, not just during school hours. Mrs. Prouty testified during an executive session and public session on the importance of our dedicated educators for special needs students.
https://wiseye.org/player/?clientID=2789595964&eventID=2019051079&startStreamAt=16555&stopStreamAt=16806
We know our kids well. But could we identify signs or symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse? During Red Ribbon Week and everyday all year, we encourage you to review some early warning signs and ways to look for them.
https://drugfree.org/article/spotting-drug-use/
Any High School AND Middle School students interested in participating in Science Quiz Bowl in January please meet with Mrs. Plonka in the LMC on Thursday - not today - at Attack time for details.
On Sunday, November 3rd, the DNR and Richland County and Conservation Committee are holding a Landowner Field Day: Winter Tree Identification. at 1:00pm at Ash Creek Community Forest. Participants will practice identifying trees and hike using a new trail map. Contact Juli Van Cleve to RSVP or receive more information.
Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles. High school seniors who smoke marijuana are 2 times more likely to receive a traffic ticket and 65% more likely to get into an accident than other teens. (U.S. Department of Transportation)
If you would have any interest in being a host family for an International Student for the remainder of this school year, please contact Meredith Bevan at bevamer@ithaca.k12.wi.us or (608) 585-2311. Thanks for considering this opportunity.
Frozen custard and great food fast! Wednesday, October 30th, the Art Club will be hosting Share Night at Culver's from 4-8pm. Please come and support the Ithaca Art Club!
There is a high school girls' basketball sign-up sheet on Mr. Klang's door. If you are interested in playing this year please sign up by Friday.
Talking to your children about drugs can be nerve-wracking. But it's necessary! In the spirit of Red Ribbon Week, here is a link with suggestions on having those difficult conversations with varying aged young people.
https://drugfree.org/article/prevention-tips-for-every-age/
On Wednesday, Jon Kleba from UW Stevens Point will be in the school library from 8:05-8:35am. Please stop down and visit with him if you have questions about opportunities available at UW Stevens Point.
Mrs. Newkirk and Mr. Lange would like to thank all of the families that supported our Mike McNair Literacy Event last night. We would like to send out a big thank you to Annette Louis for making the spaghetti supper for the evening and Mrs. Plonka and the PTSO for donating their time and food for the event. Finally, we would like to thank Mrs. Wipperfurth, Erica and Tyler Steinmetz, and Audrey, Elise, and Kailey Newkirk for their assistance before, during, and after the event.
Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles. According to the 2018-2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 50% of Ithaca High School students reported they “ever had an alcoholic beverage”; and of these 50%, 46% reported to have had their first alcoholic beverage before the age of 13.
Congratulations to the 2019 Ithaca WIHA team on placing 4th in Division A (11-15 riders) at the state WIHA show this past weekend. Great job to all riders!!
Attention kindergarten through 6th grade youth basketball players: There will be an informative meeting and registration sign up on Monday, November 4th at 6:30 pm in the commons area. Please attend if you plan to play youth basketball this winter. Thank you.
Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles. According to the 2018-2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 31% of Ithaca High School students reported “ever tried vaping/juul/e-cigarettes.”
HS Band Students: Please be in the band room by 6:25 pm or meet at the football field by 6:35 pm tonight.
Southwest Technical College will be hosting a Program Southwest Tech's Program Visit Day is Tuesday, October 29th from 10am-2pm! New this year: ALL industries are on one day!
Who should attend? Juniors and seniors (or adult learners too!) who want to learn about their top interests would find Program Visit Day helpful.
Visit Days include:
*Campus Welcome/Overview
*Two classroom shadows (spend time with current students!)
Free lunch
*A student/faculty panel
*Distinguished Alumni speaker
Please register before the event by using this link https://www.swtc.edu/admissions/visit-registration.aspx?visitType=PROGRAM
Ned's coming!! Who is Ned you ask?? Well... Ned uses storytelling, puppetry, illusions and yoyo tricks to take you on an entertaining journey. He follows clues, meets memorable characters and learns valuable lessons. You will have the opportunity to purchase yo-yos! The Ned Show is Wednesday, Oct. 30th!
Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles. Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don't, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.
If you would have any interest in being a host family for an International Student for the remainder of this school year, please contact Meredith Bevan at bevamer@ithaca.k12.wi.us or (608) 585-2311. Thanks for considering this opportunity.
Richland County nurses will be here on Nov. 7th from 9:00-12:00 in the multi-purpose room to give flu vaccines to students that returned permission slips. The permission slips will be sent home soon. If you want your child to be vaccinated, please fill out the permission slip and return to the school. High School students should stop in the office for permission slips.
Wear red TOMORROW, to support Red Ribbon Week and a healthy, drug free life!
10-24-19 Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles.“Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when people start using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even after quitting marijuana.” SAMHSA
This just in! FAFSA competion help is in the Science Building on the UW-Platteville Richland campus tonight!
Extended! You can still register until this Friday to attend the Family Literacy Night featuring Mike McNair. The event is Monday, October 28th beginning at 6pm.
Don't forget! Get help completing a FAFSA TONIGHT! Come to Melvill Hall on the UW-Platteville Richland campus to receive your free assistance at 6pm. Attendees are entered to win a scholarship. Details are available at www.CollegeGoalWI.org.
The first Game Club night will be tomorrow, Oct 24 from after school until 5 PM. Meet in the Commons for a healthy snack and then we will go to the Multi Purpose Room. See you then!
Good luck to the Ithaca WIHA team as they compete at state competition this Friday thru Sunday. Trail and Ranch riding are Friday beginning at 3pm. Sat and Sunday shows start at 8AM in the New Holland Pavilion by the Alliant Energy Center. Hope to see you there.
The Ithaca/RC horse club will be having a share night at Culver's TONIGHT, Wednesday, to help pay for the fees for going to state WIHA and for scholarships. Come out and support the group as they prepare to compete at state this weekend!
Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles. Underage drinking increases the risk of alcohol problems later in life. Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence at some point in their lives.” SAMHSA
Reminder: Rural Route 1 popcorn order pickup is this Friday, Oct. 25 from after school until 8 PM and on Saturday Oct. 26th from 8 AM to Noon. If you are unable to pick up at this time please contact Jill Plonka or Karia Brown to arrange another time for pick up. Also, if you are available on Friday at 2 PM we are looking for people to assist in unloading and sorting orders and would greatly appreciate the help!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, October 25. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 1st grade class. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
The PTSO's Trunk or Treat is back! This year it will be held at the School Forest on Saturday, October 26 from 4 PM - 6 PM. HS Student Council will be guiding trail walks from 4-6 and from 6-8 PM Haunted (scary) Trail walks! This event is FREE and there will be prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place decorated trunks. Hot cider and cocoa will be available as well!
Next Wednesday, October 30th, the Art Club will be hosting Share Night at Culvers from 4-8pm. Please come and support the Ithaca Art Club!
Don't miss out! Ithaca School District's Title 1 Program and PTSO welcome author Mike McNair on Monday, October 28th! Register your family and return the form to your student's teacher by October 22nd. Details and form can be found on the "News" tab of our site and app.
FAFSA! Ugh! Need help completing a FAFSA? Free assistance is available this Wednesday, October 23rd at the UW-Platteville-Richland campus beginning at 6pm. Attendees are entered to win a scholarship. Details are available at www.CollegeGoalWI.org.
Seniors and Freshmen: Dale and Jostens will be here on Thursday from 9:30-10 during attack time to take ring and cap and gown orders. Please have payments ready for any extra things you want to purchase other than your cap and gown. Caps and gowns are paid for by the class.
Red Ribbon Week is observed from October 23rd-October 31st. It is a celebration of healthy, drug-free choices and lifestyles. Red Ribbon Week commemorates the sacrifice of Enrique Camarena, an undercover Drug Enforcement Agent who gave his life in the line of duty, trying to prevent drug addiction. During this time, our students will be learning more about healthy choices and how they can live drug-free.
The first Game Club night will be Thursday, Oct 24 from after school until 5 PM. Meet in the Commons for a healthy snack and then we will go to the Multi Purpose Room. See you then!
Looking ahead to next week, Tuesday, October 22nd is an Early Release day. It is a PLC afternoon for staff.
In preparation for our district Veteran's Day Program, we are updating our directory of area veterans past and present. Please email juli.thompson@ithaca.k12.wi.us with name, branch of service and year/s of service along with their Ithaca class, if applicable.
Don't forget that the Book Fair will be open during Parent/Teacher Conferences today, Thursday, from 11am until 7pm in the LMC. New this year is that the book fair will require charging sales tax on purchases. Come pick out some great new reads! Or use the shop online option. Go to Scholastic.com/fair, search for and select "Ithaca Elementary," and help us earn 25% in rewards. Spend $25, and shipping is free!
Boys Middle School basketball starts Monday after school until 5:30. All interested should attend. Bring basketball attire. If athletes weren't in a fall sport, please make sure all your paperwork is in.
The Ithaca Wresting club and Ithaca schools need help installing a new sub-floor system in the mezzanine this Saturday. This new flooring system will make a much safer surface for all students and athletes.
Installation should take about 4-6 hours if we can get 8-10 volunteers. We are planning on starting at 7:00 AM on this Saturday October 19th. Please Let me know if you're able to help. If you have a cordless drill or impact please bring it along.
Thanks, Marty Fargen (608-532-6840)
Drumroll please! The top sellers for Rural Route 1 popcorn who will each receive $10 in cash when they pick up their popcorn Oct. 25th or 26th are:
Addyson Jurgensen from Ms. Jensen's class
Aydin Kloehn from Ms. Brewer's class
Lyvia Pickel from Mrs. Kitsembel's class
Abigail Phillips-Durst from Mrs. Mindham's class
Sofia Weber from Mrs. Penfield's class
Eli Swenson from Mrs. Penfield's class
Juliet Hein from Mrs. Penfield's class
The Dederich twins from Mrs. Mindham's class
Aydan Phillips from Mrs. Bailey's class
Xander Hilby in the Middle School
and our top seller with 157 buckets of popcorn is Tanner Swenink from Mrs. Mindham's class.
The class that will receive the $100 prize for earning the most is Mrs. Mindham's Kindergarten class!
Thank you all for selling this year and thanks for your support of the Ithaca PTSO!
The Ithaca School District is now hiring for a lead bus driver and a full-time bus driver. The lead bus driver should have the ability to work on buses to maintain them and to keep them road-worthy. A CDL with a bus endorsement is required for both positions. You can help transport Ithaca Students to their world of education. Please call the district office at 608-585-2512 for a complete job description, pay scale, and more information. If you would like to apply, visit our website at www.Ithaca.k12.wi.us Then click on the folowing:
EXPLORE
EMPLOYMENT
Application form
or call 608-585 2512 today to join the Ithaca team!
This Thursday October 17, Coach Mezera will invite those returning varsity players and those playing varsity in the summer league to breakfast at the Center Cafe at 9AM. We will be looking through samples and layouts for new uniforms. Please let Coach Mezera know if you plan on attending.
The first art club meeting will be tomorrow, Wednesday in the art room after school until 5. All high school students are welcome to join!
The Ithaca Richland Center Horse Club is having a spaghetti supper fundraiser tonight from 4 to 8 pm. Cost is $5.00 for students and $7.00 for adults. There will also be pies for sale!
There will be a PTSO meeting in the LMC on Wednesday, October 16 starting at 3:45 PM. Hope to see you there!!
Parent Teacher conferences are this Thursday, October 17. PTSO is going to furnish a meal for the staff consisting of soup/chili, salads, rolls and desserts. Please let Melissa Sprecher know if you can donate! Thank you!
Band Fundraiser items are being delivered today and can be picked up between 3:25 and 4:30 pm in the Commons. If you are unable to pick these items up, please arrange for someone to help do so.
ATTENTION FRESHMEN & PARENTS! Wed., Oct. 16th @ 12:30 your student will receive information about ordering their Class Ring. Please either go online at jostens.com to design and place your ring order OR turn in your order form at school to our Jostens rep on Thurs., Oct, 24th from 9:30-10:00am. QUESTIONS - Please contact Jostens @ 1-800-567-8367 or jostens.com.
It's that time of year again elementary students! Please bring your Boxtops, Village Hearth UPC codes, and Tyson labels in to your teacher to be counted! Please have all items in by Wednesday, October 23. The PTSO also has a collection bin outside the office for these items. We are also collecting toner, old cell phones and AA, AAA, C, D, and 9 Volt batteries to be recycled and these can be placed in labeled drawers in the same bin.
There will be an Ithaca School Fair and Home Coming wrap up meeting today at 5:00 in the LMC.
"One Hand Helps Another" is a fundraising effort started by student Natashia Mueller, inspired by her mom's journey with breast cancer that helps individuals, families, and organizations in the Ithaca community. Tomorrow, Monday, "One Hand Helps Another" is selling cupcakes for $1 in Ms. Sprecher's room during HS lunch and ATTACK time. On Tuesday, Natashia encourages everyone to wear pink and to stop in to buy Dirt Cake for $2.
The JV football game for Monday is cancelled.
High School Seniors: Apply for the Kohl Student Excellence Scholarship! Public school students must submit their completed applications, including letters of recommendation, no later than Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 11:59:59 pm. Applications submitted by the deadline without the three required letters of recommendation are incomplete and will not be considered. The purpose of the Herb Kohl Excellence Scholarship program is to recognize student leadership, citizenship, school and community involvement, and academic achievement. It is the goal of the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation to encourage Wisconsin youth to pursue post-secondary education in a public or nonpublic university, college, or vocational/technical college. The Foundation awards $10,000 scholarships to 100 Wisconsin high school graduates each year. See the website at the link below for more details.
https://www.kohleducation.org/studentexcellence/
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards has designated Oct. 6-12 as Wisconsin School Board Week - a time to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our communities. Ithaca is joining all public school districts across the state to celebrate Wisconsin School Board Week to honor local board members for their commitment to the Ithaca community and its children.It takes strong schools to build a strong community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child learn at a higher level. They make the tough decisions every month and spend many hours studying education issues and regulations in order to provide the kind of accountability our citizens expect.
The key work of school boards is to raise student achievement by:
• Creating a vision for what the community wants the school district to be and for making student achievement the top priority;
• Establishing standards for what students will be expected to learn and be able to do;
• Ensuring progress is measured to be sure the district’s goals are achieved and students are learning at expected levels;
• Being accountable for their decisions and actions by continually tracking and reporting results;
• Creating a safe, orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach;
• Forming partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems; and
• Focusing attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues related to student achievement.
School board members give the Ithaca community a voice in education decision making. Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in October, their contribution is a year-round commitment.”
The seven members serving our district are as follows: Susan Bloczynski, Ron Brisbois, Kelly Feryance, Steve Louis, Randy Manning, Linda Peterson, and Summer Roh. Thank you is not enough, but if you see them, please thank them for their commitment and work.
Southwest Technical College is having an Open House on Wednesday, October 16th from 3-7pm. Come learn about programs and services. Attend to qualify for a chance to win a $500 Scholarship. Apply for free admission from anywhere, all day at swtc.edu/apply. Preregistration for the open house is appreciated at swtc.edu/openhouse. There is a flyer located next to Ms. Bevan's door with more details.
Attn Middle School and High School students: There will be a Destination Imagination (DI) organizational meeting this Friday, Oct. 11 at Attack time in the LMC. All are welcome to come check us out! See you Friday!
Have you heard about 4H? Not sure what it's all about? Talk to one of the 4H MANY members at school or Ms Schoen or Ms Sprecher. 4H has so much to offer and you will have a great time with great people. Sign up soon!!
Football players, please get your raffle tickets sold and turned in to your coach by October 18.
Good luck to the WIHA team as they head for district competition this weekend in LaCrosse. The team will compete in showmanship, equitation, horsemanship, ranch riding and speed events. Members include Shelby Funk, Charlie Jones, Brooklyn Granger, Brianna Granger, Sara Jones, Emma Schoen, Talena Sprecher, Sibilla Bazzan, Josie Laue, Maggie Kershner, and Ariana Louis. Go Bulldogs!
Band Students: The fundraiser items will be delivered on Monday, October 14th. Please pick your order up in the Commons, between 3:25 - 4:30 pm.
HS Band Students: Your next Florida trip payment is due on Monday, October 14th.
Dear Parents and Guardians:
We strive at Ithaca to keep your children safe while they are in our care. But, we need your help. Upon investigating an incident during last Friday's game, we noticed that many students are unsupervised, running around in dark areas, in the new volleyball court, behind the school, near the softball field, and in the high school parking lot.
We ask that after regular school hours, your children stay with you at evening events. Mrs. Schoen has advised the 3-8 grade students that it is expected that they stay within the fencing of the football field for their safety. Ithaca hires crowd control/supervision, but these people are not able to be everywhere, and so we need your help. Students should remain in the gym during inside games and in the fenced and lighted areas for outside activities. Your assistance is greatly appreciated to keep all our children secure.
Sincerely,
Ithaca Administration.
The Scholastic Book Fair is here! Visit the book fair in the LMC from October 9th through October 17th. The book fair will also be open for Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 17th. New this year is that the book fair will require charging sales tax on purchases. Come pick out some great new reads! Or use the shop online option. Go to Scholastic.com/fair, search for and select "Ithaca Elementary," and help us earn 25% in rewards. Spend $25, and shipping is free!
Join us TONIGHT Tuesday, October 8th at Ithaca School District Cafeteria Commons Area from 4:30 PM- 7 PM for a community discussion, featuring a panel of experts. A free dinner will be served at 4:30 pm. Panel discussion with state and local experts at 5:15 pm. This event is for adult family and community members; childcare is available. Contact Shelly Pluemer at 585-2311 x117.
Volleyball fans! Tonight's games against Seneca are at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm, with the JV team starting at 5pm.
Join us Tuesday, October 8th at Ithaca School District Cafeteria Commons Area from 4:30 PM- 7 PM for a community discussion, featuring a panel of experts. A free dinner will be served at 4:30 pm. Panel discussion with state and local experts at 5:15 pm. This event is for adult family and community members; childcare is available. There is NO cost for the dinner or program, but we do ask you preregister by October 5th, so we have an accurate count for dinner and childcare. Contact Shelly Pluemer at 585-2311 x117.
Sophomores: Just a reminder that the ASVAB test will be given on Monday, October 7th from 8-11a.m. Please go to your first hour class for attendance, lunch count, and announcements and then meet in the commons. See Ms. Bevan if you have any questions.
Attention all high school students. Mrs. Prouty received a phone call from a community member that walked by a high school float with the American Flag. This service member said that all the students on the float stood up. Ithaca students stood up without prompting or any adults present. Mrs. Prouty wants to say thank you for that, for respecting the flag, and impressing a community member. You not only honored the flag, but you brought honor to the school, and honored the service member's time. Thank you.
Notice to all fans: the JV game on Monday October 7 is cancelled.
The High School Band will be marching in the Canyon of Lights Parade in Richland Center on Saturday at 7:00 pm Come and see the band all lit up and representing our school!
Join us Tuesday, October 8th at Ithaca School District Cafeteria Commons Area from 4:30 PM- 7 PM for a community discussion, featuring a panel of experts. A free dinner will be served at 4:30 pm. Panel discussion with state and local experts at 5:15 pm. This event is for adult family and community members; childcare is available. There is NO cost for the dinner or program, but we do ask you preregister by October 5th, so we have an accurate count for dinner and childcare. Contact Shelly Pluemer at 585-2311 x117.
The 6th Grade field trip that was scheduled for yesterday, October 1st will not be able to rescheduled due to conflicts with the County Conservation office. An alternate field trip is being planned for the spring.
Thank you to everyone who donated shoes to our shoe drive. With your help, the 5th grade collected 105 pairs of tennis shoes for children in need. This means 105 students can now attend school and get an education! Thank you to all who donated! Your kindness just changed someone's life!!
Middle School Football Parents and Players: Due to a shortage of bus drivers the October 10th game at DeSoto has been moved to 6:30 PM. Obviously, this means we will most likely not get back until approximately 10:00 PM. Thus, we will not be stopping on the way home. However, we will have time right after school to eat. So, I encourage you to have your son pack his own lunch for that time.
If you would like to purchase a letterman's jacket, please see Mrs. Moser for an order form. Cost is $275.
The Middle School Football game that was rescheduled for tonight in Boscobel has been cancelled.
The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale will run until Friday, October 4. All elementary students will be selling. If any MS/HS students would like to sell, order forms can be picked up in the office. All orders should be turned in with money by Friday, October 4. This is the main fundraiser for the PTSO and we use the money raised from this for activities like the birthday party bounce house, supplies for the school, scholarships, and the outdoor recreation areas. Thank you for your support!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, October 4. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 4th grade class. Middle and High School students: we will come around to the classrooms to sell at Attack time with teacher permission.
Ithaca School District's Title 1 Program and PTSO welcome you to participate in Family Literacy Night featuring Author Mike McNair on Monday, October 28th!
Mike McNair is a former Richland Center High School guidance counselor turned author. For this literacy event, he will include the unprecedented way he became a writer along with discussing humorous selections from his memoir. His goal is to encourage students to pen their own stories. As McNair puts it, “It’s a crime to wait until you’re almost 60 to begin writing.”
When: Monday, October 28th Where: Ithaca School
Please join us for a free dinner beginning at 5:00 in the Commons, sponsored by the PTSO. Mike’s presentation will be from 5:30-6:30. Each family attending will receive one of Mike’s autographed books absolutely FREE, sponsored by the Title 1 Department & PTSO!
Register your family and return the form to your student's teacher by October 22nd.
Tomorrow is the last day for our Kindness challenge and shoe drive. Please be sure to turn in your kindness journals and shoes to Mrs. Clary by 3:00 tomorrow. Help spread kindness and get us to our goal!
Don't forget the Ithaca School Fair Horse Show concludes the homecoming and school fair festivities this Sunday at the Anderson Quarter Horse Farm. Action begins at 10:30! Riders from 4K to alumni are invited to participate. All are welcome to watch!
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.
We will kick off our FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Huddle group this Thursday October 3rd at 7:00am - FACE room. Join us for a morning of fellowship, big breakfast and an encouraging & uplifting message. Bring a friend! All middle school and high school students are welcome!
While you're enjoying Homecoming and School Fair experiences tomorrow, take a look at all the improvements and additions our grounds have recently undergone. Our newest addition is a spruced up sign for our Community Gym. Happy 2019 Homecoming and School Fair. Welcome all!
Homecoming Dance! It's Saturday night from 8-11. Please note on the poster it is wrong... Cost is $5 and court free. Make sure to sign up for guests in the office by today.
There is still time to become a member of FBLA. Please return forms and $15 membership dues to Mrs. Burnley either today or Monday. If you still need a form, stop by the Business Ed. classroom today.
Football Boosters will have the concession stand open tonight at 6. We will have limited food for sale. There will be hot dogs, candy, and drinks available.
A most sincere thank you to Mr. Mani, Mrs. Wipperfurth and the entire Playground Committee! The patio and volleyball pit are phenomenal! It was your vision that brought the natural playground and the patio to fruition. On behalf of the staff and students of Ithaca, I most sincerely thank you!! ~Ms. Schoen
The final leg of the school spirit award for homecoming is tonight with class games!!! Games begin at 5 pm with boys volleyball coached by the girls, followed by bubble soccer and of course the rest of the fun on the football field. The night will end with pep band, king and queen announcement and a small campfire.
New this year, following the volleyball game, the school will be locked so please take everything you need with you after the game.
We're still collecting shoes in Mrs. Clary's room until Monday, September 30th!
Where are the donated shoes going? Students ask every time they drop them off. The answer is an orphanage in Africa. If you have an Amazon Prime account there is a documentary called "Inspire Hope." This will explain where our shoes will end up and why it is so important for us to give to those less fortunate. Please watch it if you have a chance. It's about 50 minutes long and very inspiring.
Picture retakes! Wednesday, October 2nd will be picture retake day in the High School gym.
Change of bus plans for your student? Please remember that in order for our drivers and teachers to get students where they need to go, all bus changes need to be in the office by 11:00 daily.
Mrs. Wobschall was a recipient of a Back to School - School Supply grant sponsored by Meemic Insurance and Office Depot/Office Max. She and her fifth grade class were excited to receive their package! Thank you Meemic Insurance and Office Depot/Office Max!
Today is Bullying Awareness Day, established as one of 21 Wisconsin Public School Observance Days to bring attention to the harmful effects of bullying in the school setting. Bullying may negatively impact a student's connection with school, their engagement with the curriculum, and their overall ability to learn. Bullying prevention is critical to building a school environment conducive to learning, and where students feel safe at all times.
Today is day 9 of our 15 days of kindness. So far we have a total of 620 random acts of kindness, and a mountain of donated tennis shoes. Keep the kindness coming- 6 days left to reach our goal!
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.
Come to Culver's from 4-8 tonight to support the Ithaca/Richland Center Cross Country team!
TRACK FAMILIES!! The silent auction/raffle is fast-approaching! The Ithaca Track Club is still looking for donations, and we really need workers Saturday. This is a great fundraiser for our group, and we are asking for anyone to help. Even past members! There is a lot going on at the fair. If folks work together, we can have blocks of time covered so you aren't missing much of the day. Contact Jeanna Lorenz or Juli Thompson to work or donate. Thank you!
Art Club Meeting! If you are interested in being in the Ithaca Art Club (high school) please meet in the art room the last 10 minutes of lunch on Wednesday.
Early College Credit and Start College Now Applications are due to Ms. Bevan by October 1st for Spring 2020 classes. If you are interested in taking a college course through one of these programs, please see Ms. Bevan this week.
Think Kindness: how many acts of kindness can you do and document today? I challenge you to 5! Let's work together and meet the challenge of 5000!
The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale will begin Monday, September 23 and run until Friday, October 4. All elementary students will be selling. If any Middle or High school students would like to sell, order forms can be picked up in the office. All orders should be turned in with money by Friday, October 4. This is the main fundraiser for the PTSO and we use the money raised from this for activities like the birthday party bounce house, supplies for the school, scholarships, and the outdoor recreation areas. Thank you for your support!
PJ day is ALWAYS a fun time at Ithaca. Mrs. Hilby, Mrs. Boland and Mrs. Willis were great sports when it came to picture time.
The 97th Ithaca Homecoming 2019 Dress Up Days!
ELEMENTARY
Monday – Pajama Day (must be school appropriate)
Tuesday – Favorite Character (any book, movie, etc. character)
Wednesday – Wacky Hair
Thursday – Class Colors Day: 4K-purple, K-blue, 1st-black, 2nd-orange, 3rd-yellow, 4th-green, 5th-red
Friday – School Spirit (wear your Bulldog Gear)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Monday – PJ Day
Tuesday – Twin Day
Wednesday – SNL Character Day - Google it
Thursday – Class Colors Day: 6th red, 7th green, 8th blue
Friday - School Spirit day (wear your Bulldog Gear)
HIGH SCHOOL
Monday – Pajama Day...wear appropriate pajamas!
Tuesday – Twin Day
Wednesday – Favorite Saturday Night Live Character - Google it
Thursday – Class Colors Day: Fr-Pink, Soph-bright yellow or neon, Jr-orange, Sr-black
Friday – School Colors and School Spirit Day
High Schoolers! Homecoming week is next week! This is a great opportunity to get into the school spirit and to build teamwork with your classmates. Dress up days for next week are as follows:
Monday- Pajama Day...wear appropriate pajamas, please!
Tuesday- Twin Day
Wednesday- Favorite Saturday Night Live Character. Google it
Thursday- Class Colors. Freshmen-Pink, Sophomores-bright yellow or neon, Juniors-orange, Seniors-black
Friday- School Colors and School Spirit Day
A representative from each class of the Student Council will tally the votes for dress up days. Because each class is not the same in numbers, the class that has the most percentage of participants will win for dress up days. That will be added on to the games for Thursday night. Class with the most votes wins a pizza party on Friday!
Today is POW-MIA Recognition Day
In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. It honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. It is most associated with those who were POWs during the Vietnam War.
By Wisconsin statute, the day is observed on the Friday of the third week in September.
Bower-Gunnill-Dalton VFW Post 2267 representatives will be at different locations in Richland Center for the Buddy Poppy distribution in conjunction with National POW/MIA Recognition Day Friday, September 20th and Saturday, September 21st. People who make a donation will be given a Poppy to wear.
The Fair Committee would like to thank you in advance if you were planning on coming tomorrow to assist with fence installation. We won't need you thanks to a generous offer by Mitchell Ricco Fencing to bring his crew and equipment to complete the work. Materials are purchased, and the new area will be ready for next week!
Don't forget that tomorrow is 3rd Count Friday - please ensure your student/s attend school tomorrow for this very important day.
Come out to Oakwood Fruit Farm this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and help support the Ithaca Wrestling Club. We will be serving brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers from 10am until 2pm. Thank you for your support of the Ithaca Wrestling Club!
Attention Choir Parents, we are still in need of bars and workers for the Homecoming Pork Dinner. If you haven't done so yet, please go to Sign-Up Genius and sign up to work.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EAEAB2FA5FB6-ithaca
The 97th Ithaca Fair is coming up, and the fair committee has a need. We need to build a new fence to tie the cattle up during the Fair. Materials have been covered!
The biggest need now is people to help build the fence this Saturday, September 21 starting at 2:00. We also are in need of a fence post digger.
I know Ithaca Community will help us with project to continue the Ithaca School Fair. Please share this post. Many thanks from the Fair Committee!
Today is day 2 of the 15 day kindness challenge. Be sure to document those kind acts and challenge yourself to be creative. You can turn in and get more journals outside Mrs. Clarys classroom.
In addition, Ithaca is teaming with the Think Kindness organization for a shoe drive. If you have slightly used or new tennis shoes you can bring them to Mrs. Clary's room anytime within the 15 day kindness window. These shoes will then be donated to kids just like you who simply can't afford their own.
Youth football sign up and practice will be on Thursday Sept.19th from 5:30-7:00.
The first Friday Popcorn of the year will be this Friday, Sept. 20. Cost is 50 cents a bag limit 2 bags per student please. We will come around at Attack time with teacher permission. Proceeds will go to the 2nd grade class.
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
The school year is off to a great start! All of the sports seasons are in full swing, and the students are settling in on their academic pursuits!
This Friday, (September 20th) is the STUDENT PUPIL COUNT. Wisconsin public school districts are required to count students for membership purposes. Basically, this is how the Ithaca school district is compensated monetarily for each student.
Please have your student in school this coming Friday (September 20th).
Remember to mark your calendars for September 28th for our Ithaca school fair and the Homecoming football game vs North Crawford! It will be a great time to see former classmates and renew friendships!
On Friday, November 1st we will be having a “Distracted Driving” presentation in the HS gym. The presentation, and hands on simulation, will be about texting and driving and other distractions. The public is welcome.
Sincerely,
Julie Prouty - Superintendent
Chris W. Lechnir - 6-12 Principal
Kathleen Schoen 4K-5 Principal
Have you completed your fair entries yet? A reminder for those who do not have internet access: There will be help making fair entries today 3:30-4:40 and again on Thursday from 6-7:30 in the Commons.
If anyone is interested in Cheerleading for wrestling with Weston, there will be a sign up sheet outside the office. All interested individuals sign up by September 20th.
Needed, part-time translator/paraprofessional at Ithaca Schools. Daily hours to be determined, dependent on students schedules. Contact Brooke Riddiough 608-585-2512, brooke.riddiough@ithaca.k12.wi.us, or see the application online Explore/employment.
Ithaca is seeking substitute teachers! If you hold an Associates and/or Bachelors degree, CESA 3 is holding a training course that will help you obtain a substitute teaching certificate. The certificate or teaching certificate is required to be considered for substitute teaching. Go to this CESA 3 link https://www.cesa3.org/upcoming-events/. Then click on the registration link under September 23rd events.
There will be a PTSO meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 18 starting at 3:45 in the Library. All are welcome - we will be discussing the fair and the upcoming Rural Route 1 fundraiser.
Attention parents of basketball players from grades 1-12. We are currently seeking booster club members. If you love the game but don't want to coach, being a booster club member is perfect for you! We will have a meeting Tuesday September 17, at 7 pm in the commons for all those interested. Hope to see you there!
Don't miss out on your High School memories. Order your 2020 yearbook today!!
On Monday, September 16th we will welcome speaker Grant Denton to Ithaca. Grant works with an organization called Think Kindness. Think Kindness is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring measurable acts of kindness around the globe. Each year they speak to over 100,000 students and have documented over 1.5 million acts of kindness. Parents, teachers, and students are all invited to come listen to Grant's awesome message! The elementary assembly will be at 1:00 and Middle/ High will be at 2:00.
Anyone wishing to enter a float in the Homecoming parade may pick up a parade entry form in the HS office or find it online on the school web page or Facebook page. Please enter by Wednesday, September 25 by contacting Rob Richards.
5th - 12th grade Band students are selling fundraising items, such as pizza, cookie dough, gift items, etc. Please contact them if you are interested in supporting them. Also, High School Band Students: Your next payment for your Florida trip is due on Monday, September 16.
Middle School Football families: Tonight's game in Boscobel is cancelled. There is also no practice.
Attention students showing pigs at the Ithaca Fair - you need to get your rope test results to Mr. Favreau ASAP. You will not be allowed to show or sell if you do not get this information in. Thank you.
Students! Please turn in your Technology: Network and Internet Usage Safety forms by Friday or your account will be turned off.
Youth Football practice has been canceled today due to the weather. It will start next Thursday, Sept. 19th.
The Bulldog Block Challenge is back! No pre-registration required - just show up and register that morning at 7 AM, Sept. 28 at the Ithaca Town Garage. $20 per person, no discounts. Max. per family is $60. Race begins at 8 AM. T-Shirts and “goody-bags” will be given to the first 45 participants who arrive. (Your t-shirt size not guaranteed). ALL participants will be entered into the raffle at the end of the race. See you there!!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7iybYZWzv6nOEQ2MlZKTkJrS2ZPbWVnT2lGTFpDU25odjNN/view?usp=sharing
It’s time for youth football. All Ithaca players 4th-6th grade are encouraged to participate. No sign up needed just show up Thursday September 12th. Practices will be Thursday evenings 5:30-7pm for six weeks. Just bring a concussion form filled out. You can print them from the school website under sports info. Try to show up earlier the first night to get your gear and turn in form.
Who remembers this mid-80s crew? We travel back to 1986 on the "old steps" of IHS for our Throwback Thursday memory!
"There's a misconception that depression is just being sad...Real depression can be when everything in your life is going right... Every 30 seconds someone takes their life because of depression... We have a tendency to say so what? We're not perfect. And that's ok."
Kevin Breel didn't look like a depressed kid: team captain, at every party, funny and confident. But he tells the story of the night he realized that -- to save his own life -- he needed to say four simple words.
https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_breel_confessions_of_a_depressed_comic?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
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.
The Wisconsin School Music Association has recognized Ithaca as an Accredited School. This honor recognizes the school's outstanding participation in the WSMA programming and distinguishes our band and choir programs in providing valuable music education opportunities for our students.
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.
The Ithaca Choir Booster Homecoming Pork Dinner is back. Parents of choir students in 6th grade, middle school, and high school choir are asked to sign up on the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4eaeab2fa5fb6-ithaca
All band parents are asked to please sign up at the following link to work at and donate items for the Band Parents Breakfast for Homecoming. More details to come!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4cabab2da2f49-ithaca
#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!
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.
Ithaca Choir Students: We will be having a Homecoming Choir Meal meeting on Wednesday, September 11th at 6:45 pm in the choir room.
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.
There is no cheer leading practice today. There will be practice Monday right after school.
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.
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).
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.
A big "Thank you!" to Anytime Fitness of Richland Center for their donation of school supplies!
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.
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.
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.
As you make your way into and through the halls, keep your eyes open for all the hard work that our buildings and grounds crew undertook this summer! Bright new lighting was installed in many areas, including the Commons, Community Building and LMC. New windows! Our upper HS parking lot has been resurfaced and new "Visitor" spots are marked out. We have a new HVAC management system. Fresh paint and wax, new seals around our exterior doors complete with new security alarms. What a great way to start the new year!
Middle school volleyball practice on Friday, August 30th will be 3:30-5 in the old gym to allow for the holiday weekend. -Coach Yoose
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!
"And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were." Rainer Marie Wilke
We have new faces to meet! Paperwork to turn in! Pictures to take! Order online at mylifetouch.com with Picture Day ID: EVTPWPGJK.
It's not to late to join the Middle School Volleyball team! Practices the rest of this week will be Tues. from 5-6:30, Wed. 5-6:30, and Fri. 5-6:30. There will be NO Practice Thursday due to Open House activities. Next week practice is Tue, Wed, Thurs. 3:45-5:15. All practices are in the Community Gym. Be sure you have all your required paperwork turned in.
Ithaca is seeking an individual who has their Phy Ed degree and a Health certification to fill a high school Phy Ed and Health position. Applicants who have a four year degree may apply with some stipulations. Details for the teaching position may be found through the WECAN website https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/.
Debunking Free and Reduced Meals Myths
Families received applications for the Free and Reduced Meal Program. We urge you to complete and return the form! You way ask, “Why?” Read on to find out why that application is so valuable!
1) I don’t qualify, so I shouldn’t apply.
~What the state deems as “qualifies” may be different than your point of view. It doesn’t harm anything or anyone to fill out the form.
2) I don’t want free or reduced meals for my children, so I shouldn’t apply.
~Qualifying for free or reduced meals does NOT mean your family needs to accept them. BUT! Having families that do qualify increases funding that our school receives for other programs. That funding can help us provide more learning opportunities for our students and more resources for our staff! If you qualify, even if you don’t participate in the program, our district still may receive the added funding.
3) I don’t want other students or adults to know we participate in the free or reduced meals program.
~Ithaca takes this very seriously. No one outside of our food service leadership and administration knows this information. Treating students or families differently because they receive free or reduced meals will not be tolerated in the Ithaca School District.
Please, PLEASE complete and return the form by August 27th. Doing so can help our students, families, and staff in so many ways. If you need a form, please contact the district office, reach out via Facebook in a private message, or view the DPI page devoted to free and reduced meals to find copies of the forms. The link is found under "News" on our app and website.
Are you or is someone you know qualified to teach math? Ithaca is seeking a high school math teacher to join our wonderful teaching staff! Review the position details from the WECAN website at https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/.
The Ithaca School district has an employment opportunity for bus drivers! We are looking for a permanent substitute driver for a morning and afternoon route. This driver will also have a regular mid-day route daily! This is an excellent opportunity to make some extra money, enjoy your day out of the house and make a difference in the lives of Ithaca students. Please call Mr. Andrew Peterson or Mrs. Cheryl Richards at 608-585-2512 for compensation and employment details. Call today to help transport Ithaca students to their world of education. The number again is 608-585-2512, and ask for Cheryl Richards or Andrew Peterson. Call now, this opening is for immediate hire.
ATTENTION: Parents and Guardians. Transportation sheets have now been mailed. Please return the sheets to the Transportation Department or directly to Andy Peterson at Ithaca Schools as soon as possible. Thank you.
MS Football practice will begin next Monday with practice from 4 until 6.
Middle school volleyball starts Monday August 26. Practice is from 5:00-6:30 the first week. No practice Labor Day. Once school starts practice is 3:45-5:15.
We are still looking for a Middle School girls Volleyball coach. Interested applicants should turn in a completed application that may be found on our website under “Employment”. Any questions contact Ithaca Athletic Director Zac Thome at thomzac@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
Ithaca Public School is looking for a Community Liaison to assist our students! Details may be found on our website.
In the event parents, guardians and/or student-athletes missed the Ithaca High / Middle School Co-Curricular meeting (required) we have a digital copy of the presentation. We also have DVD's for check-out from the school office. https://youtu.be/32hI5NPUDUs
If you plan on coming to the school this week, workers will be prepping the high school parking lot on Monday to be seal-coated. The HS lot is going to be seal-coated Tuesday, July 30 - Thursday, August 1. Do NOT park in that parking lot.
Put it on your calendar! The co-curricular meeting is August 5 at 7pm in the HS gym. All middle and high school athletes should attend with a parent.
Ithaca School District is looking for a bookkeeper/administrative assistant or human resources professional. The complete set of duties are listed on the school website in policy 360. Pay is commensurate to experience. Please contact Ithaca 608-585-2512 for any questions. Stop in the district for an application, or find it on our website www.ithaca.k12.wi.us
And here is the CORRECT link to the SWCAP survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/73Q522D
2019 Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP) would like you to complete a survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/73Q522D Or call 1-800-704-8555 Help our community to communicate more fully by taking 10 minutes to complete the survey. thanks!
Families, are you looking ahead to the school start and wondering what supplies are needed for your children? The supply lists are found on the school website and at this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jl1xDZW-zvvHgrU4xA78okIfDDhxJMLZf6778u4YThk/edit?usp=sharing
Help develop young readers at Ithaca School District. The district is seeking a Reading Specialist to work with Middle and Elementary students. For more information and to apply, quality applicants may visit the WECAN site at https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/. Join a fabulous and supportive staff!
There will be a substitute teacher training at CESA 3 next week on Tuesday, June 9.
If you know someone who has an interest in becoming a substitute for you, steer them to this training. Brad Van Epps will go through the licensing process with them, plus cover classroom management, school policies, health and safety issues, classroom strategies, and much more.
Candidates can register here: http://bit.ly/2PsDDTp
Our Throwback Thursday photograph takes us back to School Board Elections in 1974. Ballot courtesy of the Richland Observer.
The work continues over the summer.
The gyms are still not ready so boys basketball workouts for tomorrow are cancelled.
Looking for some fun activities to do tonight or tomorrow? Ithaca Middle School student, Jaxon Louis is paying it forward. Using his Make A Wish gift, he and his Bulldog Bunch are hosting a Wiffle Ball Tournament at the Louis home. Great food, items for sale and auction, and of course wiffle ball all to raise funds for GRACE.
Ithaca Public Schools may have an opportunity for you to work with superb staff and families! We are looking for quality applicants to fill three positions: A Middle/High School English teaching position, a Middle School Reading Specialist position, and a Middle/High School Business Education position. All are full time opportunities! Review the postings and apply online at https://wecan.education.wisc.edu/#/.
SUMMER FOOD - SUMMER FUN! Healthy meals for kids and teens. FREE! No need to sign up or apply - just show up and enjoy! Nearest Location is: Jefferson Elementary, 586 N. Main St., Richland Center, WI 53581 TIME: Breakfast will be served now through June 28th and August 5th - 16th from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Lunch will be served Now through August 16th, except the 4th of July from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: Nellie Tyl, Richland SD Food Service Director, 608-647-6063 More Info: www.wisummerfood.org or call 211 Text: 'food' to 877-877 for meals near you.
High school and middle school track athletes: A reminder that Wednesday we’d like as many helpers as possible for a clean up project. Meet in the HS parking lot at 8:30. Bring a water bottle, lunch, and if possible work gloves. It’s advised to wear pants and maybe even long sleeves or layer. Contact Jeanna Lorenz or Juli Thompson with questions.
Band lessons for today, June 18th, are canceled due to a family emergency. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Basketball workouts Tuesday and Thursday this week are cancelled due to gym floor resurfacing.
Do you shop on Amazon? Want to help out our community while doing so? Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and sign up to support the Ithaca School Foundation. They are currently raising funds to purchase an outdoor digital message sign to announce current events to the community. If you have any questions, or would like to donate directly to the Ithaca School Foundation, contact Rob Richards at 585-2137. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Since our Throwback Thursday originator, Adam Hess, was on assignment yesterday we will take a pictorial journey today. We travel back to 1969 and reminisce about Ithaca Schools very own newspaper, The Purple Quill. Do you remember this publication?
Congratulations to our High School and Middle School students who were placed on our 4th Quarter Honor Rolls!
Come join our Middle and High School staff as an English teacher! Do you teach English or know someone who does it well? Ithaca Public Schools is looking to fill a vacancy teaching Middle and High School English. Quality applicants should view the posting and complete the application process on WECAN (Wisconsin Education Career Access Network).
Parents please check your children's school lunch account, and if there is a negative balance please send payment by June 12th. Office staff will be off for the summer so if you do not want to receive Skyward notifications all summer long, the balance should be paid. Any payments received after the 12th may not get posted until sometime in August when the office staff are back to work.
Ithaca Football apparel store is open until July 5! Orders will take approximately 3-4 weeks to ship once the store closes. See the Ithaca Football Facebook page to find the link as well as other summer activity details.
The scheduled spring sport recognition night for our teams has been cancelled. Each team will have their own recognition nights due to scheduling conflicts.
Camp Bulldog starts MONDAY!! Exciting adventures and activities await. Students should arrive in the Commons at 8:00am to check in to their group for attendance. Buses for field trips leave promptly at 8:15am, and we will not be able to wait for late arrivals. Ending times vary, but authorized adults taking students home must enter the building to check the student out.
Each day students must bring: sack lunch, water bottle, and (already have applied prior to arriving) sunscreen and bug spray. No electronic devices are permitted.
Be sure students are dressed appropriately for the weather and wear athletic shoes.
In the event of inclement weather, alternative indoor activities will be planned at school.
Youth basketball players! Summer youth basketball camp will be held on June 27 and 28 (Thursday and Friday). This is a coed camp for youth entering 3rd through 8th grade. Attached is the registration form. Any questions may be referred to Monica Kershner.
A reminder that today is a full day of school as a result of our weather cancellations.
Our final Throwback Thursday photo(s) of the current school year takes us back to 2007 and the musical "Cinderella" - Enjoy!
How do you know it’s the last day of school? The Leaning Tower of Hess.
We have heard students stating they will not be attending school tomorrow. It is the expectation of the administration and staff that students are present, even on the last day of school. The last day of school is utilized to make up missed testing, catch up on other missing coursework, and CELEBRATE all the gains our students have achieved. If your student will not be present at school tomorrow or any day, parents or guardians should call the school office to notify us of that absence.
What a day of fun, excitement, and celebration we had last Thursday! Mrs. Schoen was able to wrangle and kiss a pig to celebrate the 1st graders reading over 4,000 books among the two classes. Our drumline serenaded the 1st graders then led the Seniors and state track stars as they paraded through the halls into the playground amidst the applause of the students and community members present. We finished off as the parade of drummers and seniors entered the gym to recognize baseball, softball, and track, as well as our very own Mrs. Clary. She was selected as this year's recipient of the Dr. Ken Solis Excellence in Teaching Award. Whew! What a great day!
Mock interviews for careers class occurred recently. A big thank you to the community members willing to donate their time to help teach these kids interviewing skills!
Last call for the lost and found! Take a moment to look over the lost and found for any items that may belong to your family. Also, elementary students should be reminded to bring home items in and under their cubbies.
Reminder Middle School families! As you may have heard or seen on the school calendar, the Middle School Awards program will be the last day of school on Thursday, June 6th at 1:30pm in the high school gym.
Elementary students: Remember to use your FREE roller skating passes by June 8! Roller rink summer hours are Thursdays 5-9, Fridays 4-9 and Saturdays 2-9.
All middle school and high school track athletes are asked to help with an outdoor project on June 19th during the day. Rain date is June 20th. You'll need to bring a lunch and a water bottle. See Mrs. Thompson or Jeanna for details.
Elementary girls interested in learning volleyball, there will be a camp at Ithaca on July 25. If you did not get a form see Mrs. Moser or have a parent check out the Ithaca Volleyball Facebook Page.
Middle and High school volleyball players: Please get your Murphy Volleyball Camp forms into Coach Moser or mail it to school. The camp is July 23 & 24. Forms can be found on the Ithaca Volleyball Facebook Page.
As the State Track and Field Meet closed, Ithaca/Weston athletes came home victorious! Haley Durst is a second-time State Champion and now state record-holder in the Division 3 100m! Haley placed second in the 200m setting a new school record. Jed Sieber placed 6th in the shot put, 7th in the 400m, and 8th in the 100m. The girls 4 X 100m relay team of Anna Durst, Haley Durst, Emma Schoen, Julia Schoen, and alternates Paula Gomez and Ella Spencer placed 6th setting a new school record. Congratulations to athletes, coaches, parents, and all team members on a very successful season. Thank you to our community for supporting our track athletes this season! (Thank you for sharing photos - Deidra (Faber) Schumacher, Lori Durst, Jeanna Lorenz)
With the support of Mrs. Prouty, Mr. Lechnir, and Mrs. Schoen, Mrs. Zorea is forgiving all late fines for library books. Thank you for bringing your books back to share with other readers.
Additionally, students who have turned in a signed permisison slip may check books out this week for summer reading. Mrs. Zorea and Mrs. Thompson are available 7:30 unitl 3:45. Continue to enjoy reading this summer!
The weight room will be closed after school this week.
Looking for upper classmen to assist summer school staff the week of June 10-14. Volunteer hours to be logged. See Ms Schoen if interested. The first two who qualify will be granted the opportunity.
There will be no weight room after school today.
New school records were set this season in track by Haley Durst in the 100m and 200m and Emma Schoen in the 100m hurdles. The season hasn’t ended yet! We wish our Ithaca/Weston athletes good luck as the State Track Meet begins today. Jed Sieber is competing in the shot put, 100m and 400m, Haley competes in the 100m and 200m, and the girls 4 X 100m team of Haley, Anna Durat, Emma, Julia Schoen, Paula Gomez, and Ella Spencer competes as well. Good luck!
SUMMER FOOD - SUMMER FUN! Healthy meals for kids and teens. FREE! No need to sign up or apply - just show up and enjoy! Nearest Location is: Jefferson Elementary, 586 N. Main St., Richland Center, WI 53581 TIME: Breakfast will be served June 17th - 28th and August 5th - 16th from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Lunch will be served June 17th - August 16th, except the 4th of July from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: Nellie Tyl, Richland SD Food Service Director, 608-647-6063 More Info: wisummerfood.org or call 211 Text: 'food' to 877-877 for meals near you.
Seniors, graduation practice is tomorrow! Remember to report to the commons at 7:30 am Friday morning. Graduation practice is at 8am and is MANDATORY for you to attend.
Today our TBT photo honors the late Elroy Pampuch. In which year was Mr. Pampuch recognized as the Wisconsin District 5 Athletic Director of the year? A. 1980, B. 1989, C. 1990 or D. 1999
Seniors: Please, please bring your caps on Thursday. You will be doing a march for the elementary Thursday after Ms. Schoen kisses the pig!! Thanks.
There will be no Early Release on Friday, May 31st. This was a change in response to winter weather cancellations.
Next Monday will begin our Summer Library Check out. If your student hasn't turned in a permission form, it's not too late. Print, fill out, sign, and send it to school! As long as the student doesn't have any outstanding books checked out, they can pick up to 12 books to take home for the summer and return during Open House or the first day of school. More information may be found on the News tab of our website and app. Happy reading!
8th grade families - please make note of the change for the 8th grade trip to Devil's Lake! The trip will now occur on Friday, May 31st in the hopes that the weather will be more cooperative. Please make this change on your calendars.
The high school student council continued their How to Survive High School 101 with the 8th graders today. The members of the student council shared information on clubs and sports the first day. Today 8th graders heard student council members give advice from their experiences.
The Boxtops Program is changing! First, still keep cutting out those Box Tops for Education - as long as you see them, and they aren't expired, clip and send to school! The new Boxtops For Education app can be downloaded for free from Google Play or iTunes stores. This summer they are also giving a bunch of bonus boxtops just for using the app, so we could potentially earn lots of extra money. Scan your receipt and get bonus box tops for our school! Eventually, the clipping will end and it'll just be scanning. But for now, we can do BOTH and earn lots of money for our PTSO! https://www.boxtops4education.com/sneakpeek
The phrase "student-athlete" is taken very seriously at Ithaca. Our athletes are students first! This balance is especially challenging at the collegiate level. A large Bulldog congratulations goes to Jacob Huebsch for being named to the 2019 NSIC Spring All-Academic Team. Jacob is the son of Mick and Carly Huebsch and on the baseball team at Winona State University in Minnesota.
https://winonastatewarriors.com/news/2019/5/16/s-a-services-forty-nine-warriors-named-to-2019-nsic-spring-all-academic-team.aspx?path=saservices&fbclid=IwAR0aVy_LhwVKrIBjqsrKj3WogQjtmjb45Z-KCjg5tUj7nC-FYHoj5Axvn64
The Richland Center High School SADD Club sponsored the 2019 Mock Crash on May 22nd. With the efforts of high school students, as well as the support of our local emergency response crews, the day was a huge success.
We would like to thank Brian Jones and Darin Steinmetz and the crew of The Richland Center Fire Department, Amber Burch and the EMS personnel, Chad Kanable, Rita McCarthy and the Richland County Sheriff's Department, Billy Jones and the Richland Center Police Department, UW Med Flight, Coroner Jim Rossing and his crew, Mark Jelinek and Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service, Bruce Wegner and Wegner Auto Service, Veronica Carpenter and Gabe Schmitt for their amazing makeup skills, Greg Perry and Jordan Keehn for videotaping the performance, and Ron Fruit and WRCO Radio for all the time and effort they have put in over the past few months planning as well as executing an amazing event for the community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCPfgpffxso&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1ZpPmHYkT-k2jslkqXDsONJG-7MP1UlcfpGNH7-3MERNZwjdHqcZZRnRU
Our spring co-curricular night will be held at 7:00 pm on June 14th. This recognition night will be held in the High School Commons.
The Boys JV Baseball Game vs Prairie du Chien for tonight has been cancelled.
4K families, we would like to remind you that your students will still have class as usual the week of June 3rd.
The Ithaca School board has been recognizing staff for their contributions to Ithaca. All of these staff have already been nominated by someone and recognized: Mrs. Willis, Mrs. Clary, Mrs. Alt, Mr. Wastlick (Frank) and Mrs. Newkirk. This month, they would like to recognize Mr. Hess, Mrs. Manning, and Mrs. Dickey. Thank you all for your positive attitudes and willingness to assist your peers.
Congratulations to the choir students competing at the make-up State Solo Ensemble Festival yesterday. Students earned seven 1st scores and four 2nd scores. Excellent work this year!
Our Young Entrepreneurs and Destination Imagination students were the feature of WRCO's Morning Show this morning. Catch their broadcast and listen to what they had to say about those programs.
http://www.wrco.com/images/mp3/20190522.mp3
Lots going on tomorrow!! Grades 3-5 celebrate their reading successes and the 6th grade has a class trip. Cheer on our varsity athletes compete at the track sectional in Bangor, softball regional championships in Highland, and baseball regional playoff here at home.
Congratulations to the High School Band! They have been selected by Disney Performing Arts to be part of the entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort on March 24th. The band submitted a recording as part of their application to audition for the chance to perform there. This will be the 7th time that the band has been selected to perform. Congratulations, Mrs. Behrens, and thank you for continuing our tradition of a strong music department at our district!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, May 24. Cost is 50 cents per bag limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week go to the Kindergarten class. High school, we will come around at Attack time.
The girls playoff softball game today in Ithaca has a time change. The game will now start at 4:00 PM.
Today’s Girls Varsity Softball Playoff game has been moved up to 4:00pm at Ithaca.
Due to youth baseball games tonight, there will be no weight room.
Elementary yearbooks have been sent home with students. If you didn’t order but still want one, there are a few copies left available on a first come first served basis. Contact Susan Bloczynski for details.
Middle School yearbooks have been delivered, and the contest to find mistakes is underway! A few more yearbooks are on order and will be here sometime next week. If you forgot to order but still want one, please contact Susan Bloczynski for details. First come first served!
Tomorrows JV baseball will be a double header with Hillsboro. We will play two five inning games starting at 5:00 pm.
Donuts! Yes! The FBLA will be selling donuts tomorrow during attack and after lunch! They will also be selling them to the elementary students after their spring choir concert. Don’t forget your dollar to buy a donut and help send our students to Nationals.
Parents and Guardians: If you are in active military service or in the reserves, please contact the school office at 585-2311. Thank You!
There is an NHS meeting in Mrs. Wontor's room during ATTACK time tomorrow. Please attend.
Seniors: Turn in your permission slip for the field trip to Devils Lake to Ms Durkin by Thursday. IF you still owe dues, you need to pay them before you can go on the trip.
The Spring Elementary Concert will be tomorrow, May 22nd at 1:30 PM in the old the gym. Grade levels Kindergarten through 5th grade will perform a variety of music. Hope to see you there!
The Ithaca 1st graders were challenged by Mrs. Schoen to read 2,000 books per classroom. They met their goal! See Mrs. Schoen kiss Oswald the pig on May 30th at 2:30 in the playground.
The Ithaca Lions would like you to know that they do not charge to use their facilities. Please call Dean Rinehart if you have any questions or would like to set up an event. 604-4692
Permission slips for the new summer check out program may still be turned in!! Sign the form and send it to school as soon as possible if you would like your student to participate. If all library books are turned in by Monday, students may check out twelve books to read over the summer. Simply bring the books back when school begins again in September. More information is available on our "News" tab of the school website or app.
The 3rd - 5th graders enjoying the school forest this morning.
Seniors! As you pave your way to the future, consider helping your school pave the new patio. Personalized bricks can be purchased to honor your transition from graduate to alumnus. Personalized bricks from That’s My Brick are once again being sold to help fund the student patio and beautify the school grounds. Anyone can purchase a brick, for just about any reason: Class spirit, as a memorial, groups, clubs, advertisement, family pride/heritage, etc. Patio construction will begin this summer. Orders can be placed at https://www.thatsmybrick.com/ithacawi. Order deadline date is May 31, 2019. Questions? Contact Jenna Wipperfurth at Ithaca Schools 585-2311 or jenna.wipperfurth@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
High School Band Students: Please be here at 6:15 am tomorrow for your trip to Mall of America.
Next week our upper (high school) gym will be a construction zone. Starting Monday, May 20 there will be a team here replacing lights. Please stay out of the gym. We want everyone to be safe.
All sophomores please return your permission slips to Ms. Sprecher by Friday, May 17 for the field trip on May 21.
Band students: Your summer band lesson forms are due on Friday, May 17.
There will be an informational meeting for high school students interested in playing football at lunch on Monday May 20 in Mr. Thome's room. All interested players should attend.
Attention Elementary students and teachers! The winner of the 2018-2019 Boxtops and Milkcaps collection is......the 5th grade with 5,410! You will receive a party of your choice from the PTSO. Coming in second place this year was the 1st grade with 3,601! Thank you to everyone in our community - we collected approximately 20,000 caps and labels this year raising about $1500 for our school! The Milk Moola program has ended, but keep saving Boxtops, Tyson, and Village Hearth labels this summer. Thank you for your support of the Ithaca PTSO.
Seniors: If you would like to help with the planning for your Baccalaureate Ceremony, please meet in Mrs. Wontor's room Tuesday, May 21st during lunch.
After learning about Wisconsin culture throughout the year, 4th graders took a trip to the Wisconsin Capital building and the Wisconsin Historical Museum. Students got a tour of the Capital complete with the Governor's Office, had their picture taken in the rotunda, and were shown what it may have been like to live in other times of our state's history while at the museum. Senator Marklein shared our photo with his constituents in his weekly update.
SUMMER FOOD - SUMMER FUN! Healthy meals for kids and teens. FREE! No need to sign up or apply - just show up and enjoy! Nearest Location is: Jefferson Elementary, 586 N. Main St., Richland Center, WI 53581 TIME: Breakfast will be served June 17th - 28th and August 5th - 16th from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Lunch will be served June 17th - August 16th, except the 4th of July from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Contact: Nellie Tyl, Richland SD Food Service Director, 608-647-6063 More Info: wisummerfood.org or call 211 Text: 'food' to 877-877 for meals near you. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
It is always great to recognize honor students, of any era. Today we go back in the archives of the Richland Observer for today's Throwback Thursday picture. In what year was this picture published? A. 1968, B. 1970, C. 1972 or D. 1974
Because of the construction in the High School gym, the Spring Elementary Concert will be held in the old gym on next Tuesday May 21st. Seating has already been discussed and accounted for. Students will perform on the stage and will sit near the stage. Extra seating will be provided along with the bleachers on both sides of the gym. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to Mr. Braatz.
It's still here! The Scholastic BOGO (Buy One-Get One) Book Fair is here until Friday in the LMC. Come shop from 7:30am-4:00pm. For every book you buy, you will get a book of equal or less value for FREE. Come stock up on books for summer reading at the BOGO Book Fair!
Do you have any library books at home? Search your room, book bag, book shelves for any that might belong to the school library. THEN..... If you have all your library books turned in and would like to check out twelve books to read over the summer, ask your parents to sign the permission form that the library sent home with your child. Bring the form back to the library (the form is available on the News tab of our website also) and check out your books for the summer. Simply return the books when school begins again in September. Happy reading!
Attn students in grades 3-12: The last PTSO game club night of the school year will be Thursday, May 16. Meet immediately after school in the commons for a healthy snack then we will go down to the multi-purpose room. Elementary students please return your permission slip to your teacher by next Tuesday, May 14.
All sophomores please return your permission slips to Ms. Sprecher by Friday, May 17 for the field trip on May 21.
Band students: Your summer band lesson forms are due on Friday, May 17.
All middle & high school students are welcome to join us for our end of the year FCA Huddle! Tomorrow morning- 7:00am. A hot breakfast is served, along with a devotion to get your day started. We also share a motivating message to encourage you. This is the final Huddle before summer break...we hope to see you Thursday morning in the FACE room! Bring a friend!
The final PTSO meeting for the year will be held today at 3:30 p.m. in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Band students in grades 8 - 11: Your Florida trip commitment forms and money are due by Wednesday, May 15th.
***Change this year for High School Awards Program***
The Grade 9-11 Awards Program will be held on Friday, May 24th at 1:00p.m. in the school gym. This Friday, May 17th is only for seniors with the rest of the high school attending regularly scheduled classes.
Mandatory senior class meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, the last 10 minutes of lunch in the art room.
SUMMER MEALS for KIDS & TEENS Being Served in Your Community OPEN to all children 18 and younger - NO Enrollment, NO COST! To find a nearby site: Call 1-866-348-6479, Go to www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks or Text FOOD to 877-877 operated by a USDA Partner.
It's here! The Scholastic BOGO (Buy One-Get One) Book Fair is here from May 7-17th in the LMC. Come shop from 7:30am-4:00pm. For every book you buy, you will get a book of equal or less value for FREE. Come stock up on books for summer reading at the BOGO Book Fair now, from May 7-17th.
Attn students in grades 3-12: The last PTSO game club night of the school year will be Thursday, May 16. Meet immediately after school in the commons for a healthy snack then we will go down to the multi-purpose room. Elementary students please return your permission slip to your teacher by next Tuesday, May 14.
All Seniors: Please stop by the office this week to let Mary Jo or Barb know how many guests will be joining you for the Celebrating Seniors Awards and Luncheon Program on May 17th.
The final PTSO meeting for the year will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 3:30 p.m. in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Just a reminder: Students in grades 8-11 will be scheduling for next year's classes on Tuesday, May 14th. Please remember to bring your folders with you. Your colored scheduling sheet should be completed and signed by a parent or guardian prior to scheduling and you will turn this sheet into Ms. Bevan after visiting with your teachers that morning. Seniors may arrive at 9:50a.m.that morning.
Band students in grades 8 - 11: Your Florida trip commitment forms and money are due by Wednesday, May 15th.
Due to the choir concert, there will no weight room Monday after school.
Tonight is the Spring Choral Concert. Grades 6-12 will perform a variety of styles of music. All are welcome!
Middle school tracksters! A reminder that the bus LEAVES tomorrow morning for Cashton at 8am.
The last day to check books out of the library is Friday, May 17th. Please check your lockers and home for library books. Not sure if you still have books out? Stop in at the library and ask. If you have all your books turned in, the librarian will give you tickets to win free books and candy. Thank you from Mrs. Zorea and Mrs. Thompson.
Do you suspect your child left his mud boots or sweatshirt at school? We've accumulated quite a collection since we last cleaned up. While you're enjoying a concert or awards program in the next couple of weeks, drop by the lost and found in the Commons or back hallway. You just might see that left shoe that was misplaced.
March of Dimes “Dimes For Babies” Fundraiser
Ithaca High Schools FBLA Chapter wants to sincerely thank the teachers and students for your great participation in our annual March of Dimes collection “Dimes for Babies”. Your generous contributions will help prevent premature babies, and take care of those babies that are born premature and their mothers.
We had a very close race in the elementary this year but Mrs. Huffars 4th class came out on top with raising over $245! A pizza party will be given to this class. Thank you!
In second place we are going to call it a tie because they were 12 cents apart. The Dilly Bars will go to Mr. Urbans class raised $200.84 and Mrs. Kitsembels class raised $200.96. Congratulations!
Mr. Hess is the winner of the Pie in the Face contest. We will be giving him his reward at lunch on Monday! Thank you to all the teachers that donated their face for this competition.
Thank you all very much for participating!!!! You did a great job!! As a school we raised $1,097.39
Just a reminder: Students in grades 8-11 will be scheduling for next year's classes on Tuesday, May 14th. Please remember to bring your folders with you. Your colored scheduling sheet should be completed and signed by a parent or guardian prior to scheduling and you will turn this sheet into Ms. Bevan after visiting with your teachers that morning. Seniors may arrive at 9:50a.m. that morning.
There will be no weight room after school today.
Attention Bulldog Campers entering K-8th Grade: Are you interested in coding programs or construction projects? Would you like to create your very own barn quilt? Do you enjoy science and nature? Would you like to visit an airport, Miller Park, a children's museum, or go kayaking? Then don't miss your chance to join Camp Bulldog this summer! Registration and $25 for a whole week with fun-filled activities ($50 maximum family fee) are due by this Friday, May 10.
All Seniors: Please stop by the office this week to let Mary Jo or Barb know how many guests will be joining you for the Celebrating Seniors Awards and Luncheon Program on May 17th.
Help Ithaca Schools Pave the Patio
Seniors! As you pave your way to the future, consider helping your school pave the new patio. Personalized bricks can be purchased to honor your transition from graduate to alumnus.
Personalized bricks from That’s My Brick are once again being sold to help fund the student patio and beautify the school grounds.
Anyone can purchase a brick, for just about any reason:
Class spirit, as a memorial, groups, clubs, advertisement, family pride/heritage, etc.
Patio construction will begin this summer. It will replace the original 4K playground.
Orders can be placed at https://www.thatsmybrick.com/ithacawi.
Order deadline date is May 31, 2019.
Questions? Contact Jenna Wipperfurth at Ithaca Schools 585-2311 or jenna.wipperfurth@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
Student Drivers: We once again need your help regards to the parking lot. Sophomore and Junior drivers--please park in the south lot--south of the community gym from now until the end of the year.
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, May 10. Cost is 50 cents per bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week go to the Kindergarten class. We will come around at Attack time to sell to MS and HS students with teacher permission. Thank you!
Attn Middle School Students: Anyone interested in attending an Improvisation workshop on Tuesday, May 21 from 9-11:30 AM should meet in the Library at Attack time on Friday, May 10 to sign up with Mrs. Plonka.
Today is the last day to "donate" to the March of Dimes jars in the office. Mr. Hess is leading with $37. Mr Lechnir is in second with $10. Let’s make this a competition. Who would you rather see with that pie in their face? Donate today!!!
The last day to check books out of the library is Friday, May 17th. Please check your lockers and home for library books. Not sure if you still have books out? Stop in at the library and ask. If you have all your books turned in, the librarian will give you tickets to win free books and candy. Thank you from Mrs. Zorea and Mrs. Thompson.
Congratulations to the band and choir students on their performances at Large group Contest held at Boscobel High School. The Middle School Band and High School Band both received 1sts. The Middle School Choir received a 1st and the High School Choir received a 2nd.
Grades 7 - 12 Band Students: A reminder that you have Large Group Contest tomorrow. Be ready to leave at 7:45 am. Middle school should wear black and white and High school should wear black pants and purple shirts. Make sure you have turned in your permission form.
Reminder: Thursday, May 9, 2019 is an early release at 1:00.
There will be old elementary and middle school yearbooks available for purchase for $5 at the book fair. See Mrs. Zorea or Mrs. Thompson to purchase one today!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, May 10. Cost is 50 cents per bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week go to the Kindergarten class. We will come around at Attack time to sell to MS and HS students with teacher permission. Thank you!
Attention Bulldog Campers entering K-8th Grade: Are you interested in coding programs or construction projects? Would you like to create your very own barn quilt? Do you enjoy science and nature? Would you like to visit an airport, Miller Park, a children's museum, or go kayaking? Then don't miss your chance to join Camp Bulldog this summer! Registration and $25 for a whole week with fun-filled activities ($50 maximum family fee) are due by this Friday, May 10.
Help Ithaca Schools Pave the Patio
Seniors! As you pave your way to the future, consider helping your school pave the new patio. Personalized bricks can be purchased to honor your transition from graduate to alumnus.
Personalized bricks from That’s My Brick are once again being sold to help fund the student patio and beautify the school grounds.
Anyone can purchase a brick, for just about any reason:
Class spirit, as a memorial, groups, clubs, advertisement, family pride/heritage, etc.
Patio construction will begin this summer. It will replace the original 4K playground.
Orders can be placed at https://www.thatsmybrick.com/ithacawi.
Order deadline date is May 31, 2019.
Questions? Contact Jenna Wipperfurth at Ithaca Schools 585-2311 or jenna.wipperfurth@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
Today FBLA began our March of Dimes, Dimes for Babies collection. Each elementary class is competing to see who can collect the most money for the March of Dimes from May 6- May 9. First place will win a pizza party and the second place class will receive dilly bars.
High School and Middle School students will be placing their dimes (or other forms of currency) in jars labeled with the faces of some of our admin/teacher/staff. These jars are available in the office or during lunch time. The teacher with the most money in their jar as of 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, will get a pie in the face at lunch on Friday. Thank you to Mr. Triphan, Mrs Moser, Mr. Mani, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs Schoen, Mr. Stettler, Mr. Favreau and Mr. Hess for volunteering your face!
Thank you all for your help with this worth while cause. (remember, staff can donate too!)
Congratulations to Erin Miller and Logan Clary on being named King and Queen of the 2019 Junior Prom. Thank you to the students for attending the dance and for your excellent behavior displayed that night. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Lechnir, Mr. Klang, Mrs. Moser, and Ms. Durkin for giving of your time to chaperone. Finally, thank you to the Junior Class for being such a great class to work with and putting on a very classy prom. Mrs. Behrens and Mrs. Jump
Is your 4K through 3rd grade girl interested in Girl Scouts? Check out what Girl Scouts is all about at information night next week! The event is next Thursday, May 16th at 6pm at the community center in Richland Center. See attached flyer for details.
The annual Ithaca Elementary Science Fair is Tuesday, May 7. Judging will be Tuesday morning and open house for parents and visitors is Tuesday after school until 4:30pm.
Middle and High School Band students: Please remember to turn in your field trip permission forms by Tuesday.
Spring has finally sprung in our courtyard!
Students from several area high schools recently were announced as the Black Hawk Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizens for 2019. Among the winners was our own Diego Ortiz, son of Kris Fry. Diego was one of nine winners. State Regent, Judy Mason, stated that receiving the Good Citizen Award is like getting a gold star. "It is an honor," she said. Congratulations, Diego!
The High School Yearbook staff will be distributing high school yearbooks during ATTACK time in the commons on Thursday, May 23. Any students who have not ordered one, please see Ms. Sprecher as we do have a limited number of extra copies.
The annual March of Dimes, dime collection is next week! Please bring your dimes. We will award prizes for the elementary class that collects the most money. High school and middle school, you will be competing to see which teacher gets a pie in the face. Look for the jars at lunch on Monday.
Junior Class: We will be taking all of the decorations over to the White House after school today and will start setting up. Those who can help right after school should come to the band room and help carry everything out to the vehicles. If you can come after sports practices, we will set up as much as we can tonight.
It's time for the LAST boxtops and labels pick up of the school year! Please send them to school with your elementary aged child by TOMORROW Friday, May 3 or drop off in the bin located outside the office. The PTSO would like to thank you all for your support of this program this year!
The Scholastic BOGO (Buy One-Get One) Book Fair will be here from May 7-17th in the LMC. Come shop from 7:30am-4:00pm. For every book you buy, you will get a book of equal or less value for FREE. Come stock up on books for summer reading at the BOGO Book Fair May 7-17th.
Do you like kayaking, airplanes, ice cream, and the Brewers? Then join the adventures that are waiting for students entering K-8th grade during Camp Bulldog 2019! Don't miss out on all the action, so be sure to return the registration form and field trip permission slip with registration fee ($25/student, maximum $50/family) by May 10.
Thanks to all attended and helped out with the Ithaca Art Show last night! A special thanks to Monica Kershner, Noelle, Andrew, Olivia, Alexis, and Bethany for helping set up. Thank you to Susan Bloczynski, Juli Thompson, and Tom Walker for helping me take it down. Your assistance was greatly appreciated!!
The Richland Area High School Art Exhibit was held last weekend at UW-Richland. Kayde Koch and Anna Durst had work entered. Congratulations to Kayde Koch for his pastel drawing as one of the 6 works of art for Best of Show! His work will be on displayed at the Red Door Gallery in Richland Center until May 19th if you would like to see his pastel drawing.
FBLA and Forensics students: You and your parents are invited to join us on Sunday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the commons. We'll celebrate your accomplishments this year with refreshments and the presentation of awards and medals. We hope you will plan to attend!
Tomorrow morning (Thursday) FCA Huddle! Join us at 7:00am for a pancake breakfast, encouraging devotion and fellowship. All middle school and high school students welcome! Bring a friend!
Baccalaureate celebrating our graduates has been set for Wednesday, May 29th at 7:30p.m. at the Willow Valley United Methodist Church.
It's time for the LAST boxtops and labels pick up of the school year! Please send them to school with your elementary aged child by Friday, May 3 or drop off in the bin located outside the office. The PTSO would like to thank you all for your support of this program this year!
Junior Class: Please pay your class dues so that you can attend the Prom. 14 students still owe dues. There is a list on Mrs. Behrens' door.
Due to the band concert, the weight room is cancelled for after school today.
So much artistic talent in our building! The annual Ithaca Art Show will be today in the commons from 3:30 until the time of the Ithaca High School Band Concert. Art work from all grades will be displayed in the commons that evening.
Congratulations to the 8th grade VEGG.E Entrepreneur team of Alana Nelson, Elise Newkirk, Talena Sprecher, and Erica Steinmetz for winning FIRST place at the CESA 3 Shark Tank in Potosi yesterday competing against 11 other teams from the area. For their outstanding presentation, they received $1000, a Branding and Design package worth up to a thousand dollars and an offer to be a guest on the Started Up Innovation podcast which is broadcast in 80 countries around the world. The winners are pictured with Don Wettrick, keynote speaker and one of the judges.
After much anticipation on when the HS Band's latest fundraiser would be delivered, it arrived today! Orders may be picked up at any day in the band room, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
The FFA Spring Blood Drive is just around the corner on Wednesday, May 1st, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Community Gym. All students 16 years old and older are eligible to donate. All successful donors will receive a T-shirt and a Pint of Culvers custard. Sign up in the Office or with Mr. Favreau. Don't forget, "Give a Pint, Get a pint"
UPDATE for TRACK! It was originally announced that today's Varsity Track meet had been cancelled. That meet has now been moved to Boscobel to be held as planned - now in BOSCOBEL!
At this time, no other Ithaca athletic events have been cancelled or changed.
HS Student Council will meet on Tuesday during ATTACK in Ms. Sprecher's room.
The annual Ithaca Art Show will be next Tuesday, April 30th in the commons from 3:30 until the time of the Ithaca High School Band Concert. Art work from all grades will be displayed in the commons that evening.
There will be a band concert on Tuesday, April 30th, at 7:00 pm. Band students in grades 5 - 12 will be featured.
Calling all crafters! And those who have rummage items to sell. Ithaca Horse Club is having a "Rent-A-Table" Event on Saturday, May 4, from 8am-1pm in the Community Gym. For $25, you can display your wares. Concessions by the Horse Club will be available. Set up will be Friday, May 3, from 6-8pm or Saturday beginning at 7AM. The vendor contract may be printed by using this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iFVEEsdlk03n6g8l8OigJUaZ192BLkYKihstnkzgyPM/edit?usp=sharing
Today is Saturday, April 27, 2019. Due to the incoming storm, the band and choir contest has been cancelled.
Parents, if you feel that the roads are unsafe, please do not drive to the band and choir performances Saturday. Your safety and our students' safety is very important.
An update on the JV Boys Baseball location for tonight is at ITHACA not Wis Heights as the event calendar stated.
Adventures await! Camp Bulldog 2019 is full of near and far adventures. Miller Park, Babcock Hall Dairy Store, Lone Rock Airport and MORE! Your student may have brought home a registration and informational form for the upcoming Camp Bulldog. To make sure your student doesn't miss out on all the action, be sure to complete the registration form and field trip permission slip as well as pay the registration fee ($25/student, maximum $50/family). ATTENTION: there is NO online registration this year! Print the forms below and turn in no later than May 10, 2019.
Any parents or students that take pictures from the State Solo and Ensemble this weekend and would be willing to share them for the yearbook, please email or message them to Ms. Sprecher. You can also upload them using the Replayit website or app.
Some area law enforcement offices, hospitals, and pharmacies are organizing drug take backs this week and weekend. But in Richland County, every day can be a Drug Take Back day! The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has MedReturn boxes located on the 2nd floor of the Courthouse in the Sheriff’s Department lobby.
https://sheriff.co.richland.wi.us/make-every-day-a-drug-take-back-day/
On the morning of Wednesday, May 8th, there will be a tour of Cardinal RT and Cardinal CG in Spring Green for anyone interested in a Manufacturing or Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Pathway Youth Apprenticeship. Let Ms. Bevan know if you are interested. This is the same day as the large group band/choir contest so if you are an interested band or choir student, your name would be passed onto the Career Education Cooperative Coordinators for future opportunities.
Middle School Student Council applications are available outside room 204. If you are currently a 6th or 7th grade student and interested in being on student council next year, please fill out an application. Applications are due to Mrs. Hilby by 3 p.m.on May 16.
On April 17, local author, Tim Fox visited the Ithaca School District. During the day, Tim met with our fourth and fifth grade students. Reading Specialist, Andrea Newkirk, also held an evening presentation for her Family Literacy Event. During this presentation, Tim taught our families about the three books he has written, his writing process and inspirations, and Wisconsin Ice Age animals and geographic features. He also highlighted his latest book which is titled, Journeys 2 An Ice Age Rescue. The grand finale of the evening presentation was when he created a life size mastodon. Thank you to all the families that attended the event, and a special thank you to the staff and administration that assisted with this event. Lastly, a huge thank you to the Ithaca PTSO for providing a meal before the evening presentation and purchasing one of Tim’s books for each family that attended the presentation.
Ithaca is running out of part-time bus drivers. During this "field trip" season we do not have enough drivers. Please consider becoming a substitute bus driver to supplement your income. We pay for all your training, after 6 months of successful driving. If you are interested, please contact Andrew Peterson, 585-2512.
Friday's varsity baseball game has been changed to a JV baseball game due to the pitch count and a lack of available players.
Mrs. Gabrielse demonstrated spinning to the second graders. She discussed the steps of how alpaca fiber becomes yarn to use for knitting and showed actual tools that are used for this process. Her visit was an excellent culmination for a second grade story about the weaving of a Navajo rug.
The FFA Spring Blood Drive is just around the corner on Wednesday, May 1st, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Community Gym. All students 16 years old and older are eligible to donate. All successful donors will receive a T-shirt and a Pint of Culvers custard. Sign up in the Office or with Mr. Favreau. Don't forget, "Give a Pint, Get a Pint!"
The Junior Class will be hosting their Prom at the White House on Saturday, May 4th, 8:00 - 11:30 pm. This year's Prom theme is Rustic Romance. The cost is $10 per person. Grand march will be held at 9:30 pm. Spectators will be able to enter the dance at 9:00 pm. The cost is $3 per spectator.
High School Students: If you are planning on bringing a guest to Prom, who is not an Ithaca student, you will need to sign this person up on the sheet in the office. All guests need to be signed up by Friday, May 3rd. If you don't do this, your guest will not be allowed into the dance.
There will be a band concert on Tuesday, April 30th , at 7:00 pm. Band students in grades 5 - 12 will be featured.
Seniors: There will be a brief mandatory class meeting Friday, the last 10 minutes of lunch in the art room.
There will be an Art Club meeting after school tomorrow until 5pm in the art room. All high school students are welcome to attend!
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, April 26. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week go towards the 2nd grade class.
Youth baseball/softball players and parents will have a mandatory meeting on Sunday, April 28th, at 6pm in the Commons. All players should attend with at least one of his/her parents.
Chelsea Wunnicke, our Extension Educator for Human Development & Relationships at the Richland County Extension Office, has shared an upcoming event that may be of interest to some of our community members and families.
Lunch n' Learn on the topic of "Child Savings Accounts Provided at Birth." Learn about the benefits for both child & family of universal child savings accounts for higher education and how can this be achieved in Richland County. Guest speakers include: DeAnna Caspers, The Richland Hospital Birth Center Manager; Chelsea Wunnicke, Extension Educator; and Terry Sebranek, representing the Richland Community Foundation. Research by the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs will be presented by graduate students who have been researching options for Richland County. All healthcare professionals and interested community members are invited to attend. When: Thursday, May 9th at noon Where: The Richland Hospital, Pippin 1, lower level. RSVP: not required, but appreciated for lunch. Please click here to RSVP: https://forms.gle/ghGfNhTSTgDFnFPZA
Attn Students in Grades 3-12: There will be a PTSO Game Club night on Thursday, April 25 from after school until 5 PM. We will meet in the commons for a healthy snack and then go to the Multi-Purpose room for games. See you then!
Just a reminder: 9th Grade: ACT Aspire Testing will take place for you Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon this week. 10th Grade: ACT Aspire Testing will take place for you Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. See Ms. Bevan if you have any questions.
Good Evening, Due to the Boscobel meet being postponed the North Crawford Varsity Track meet scheduled for April 23, 2019 has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
We are a Wisconsin Title 1 School of Recognition! State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor announced 114 Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition awards for 2019, an honor that recognizes success in educating students from families who are economically disadvantaged. "Students living in poverty often find themselves standing outside the dreams we hold for our youth," Stanford Taylor said. "To bring students back into the dream requires skill, knowledge, and commitment. Thank you, educators, support staff, families, partners – everyone who helped schools earn these awards. You are building a better future for your students and our state." The award-winning schools are among those receiving federal Title I funding to provide services to high numbers or high percentages of economically disadvantaged children. Data used to determine the awards is from the previous school year.
A sincere and whole-hearted thank you to all that attended the Culver's Share night. It was a VERY successful event and we can't thank you all enough. As always, good things are happening here at Ithaca!
Chess is seeing increased popularity at our school. Some 7th graders recently taught skills to Mrs. Huffar's 4th grade.
The April PTSO meeting will be held today at 3:30 p.m. in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Due to vacation, the weight room will be closed after school until the April 29th.
Please come and support the Ithaca School Grounds Improvement Committee at Culver's Share Night on TONIGHT from 4-8:00pm. A portion of tonight's profits will go to fund these great projects.
Tonight's JV baseball game against Seneca will start at 4:30 pm today. This game is at Ithaca.
FCA Huddle! Thursday 4/18/19 Breakfast, fellowship & a powerful FCA devotion on “The Eternal Purpose.” All middle school & high school students are welcome! 7:00am FACE room!
Congratulations to the following FFA members and teams at the recent UW Platteville Regional contest: For Horse Evaluation: Placing FIRST PLACE out of 169 contestants was Brianna Granger, The Team placed 20th out of 49 teams (the other team members were sister Brooklyn and Sara Jones) In Wildlife Management: Jonah Marchwick placed 3rd out of 146 contestants. The team also placed 7th out of 44 teams. Other team members were Caleb Scallon, Charlie Jones, & Jimmy Clary. The Livestock judging team placed 17th out of 44 teams. Team members were: Colton Clary, Logan Clary & Alexis Kast. In Farm Business Management Zach Nelson placed 9 out of 21 contestants And in Meat Evaluation: McKenna Muckler placed 16th out of 62 contestants.
In celebration of National Teach Children to Save Day, The Money Bunny from The Richland County Bank hopped over to Ithaca to visit the second graders. He and his assistant taught the students valuable lessons about saving and spending money. These economic lessons will be important life skills for the future.
Reminder: We will be doing the 9th/10th grade state required ACT Aspire Testing on Wednesday, April 24th and Thursday, April 25th. Students will be returning to classes if they are done early with tests. Thank you for your flexibility.
-A student patio
-A student ampitheater
-Additions and improvements to the playground
All ideas for upcoming outdoor improvements!! Please come and support the Ithaca School Grounds Improvement Committee at Culver's Share Night on Wednesday, April 17 from 4-8:00pm. A portion of the night's profits will go to fund these great projects.
Congratulations to our High School and Middle School Honor Roll students. Well done!
Congratulations to the 6th grade Destination Imagination Improv team - Ilana, Sammy, Maggie G., Holly, Tristen, Trista, and Xander S. - on a fantastic season! Though it ended at state on Saturday, I am proud of the improvement, grit, and teamwork you've shown over the past few months. It was an honor to be your manager and I'm looking forward to next year- Mrs. Plonka.
Congratulations to Ithaca speakers who participated in the state forensics meet this past weekend. Students are judged on a 25 point scale, with 25 points earning a gold medal, 23-24 silver, and 20-22 bronze. Categories and results are as follows:
Bronze: Carissa Willis, Informative Speech; Therese Honer, Moments in History; Hannah Durst, Prose Reading.
Silver: Olivia Duell, Farrago; Annabelle Durst, Cortney Crook, Ellie Crook, and Raelyn Lasse, Group Interpretation; Erin Louis, Erin Miller, Bethany Weldon, and Maddie Roh, Group Interpretation; Megan Burnley, Poetry Reading; Audrey Newkirk, Public Address.
Gold: Mallory Kershner, Demonstration; Diego Ortiz, Farrago; Brooklyn Granger, Informative Speech; Delaney Brown, Poetry Reading; Emma Schoen, Prose Reading; Megan Brisbois, Solo Acting; Julia Schoen, Special Occasion Speech
Attention all NHS members: There will be a meeting in Mrs. Wontor's room during ATTACK time on Tuesday, April 16. Please attend.
The April PTSO meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the LMC. Babysitting will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Calling all crafters! And those who have rummage items to sell. Ithaca Horse Club is having a "Rent-A-Table" Event on Saturday, May 4, from 8am-1pm in the Community Gym. For $25, you can display your wares. Concessions by the Horse Club will be available. Set up will be Friday, May 3, from 6-8pm or Saturday beginning at 7AM.
Reminder to Band Students and Parents: There will be an informational meeting about the 2020 Band Trip to Florida on Sunday, April 14th at 2:00 pm in the Commons. All band students going on the trip, including parents, should plan to attend.
Saturday Track Change! "Due to the current conditions at our track and the forecast for tonight/tomorrow, we will have to cancel our meet. We will not be able to reschedule due to how full the rest of our schedule is."
Due to wet grounds and cold conditions, the Ithaca baseball tournament has been cancelled. This tournament was scheduled for this Saturday April 13, 2019.
Melanie Lendosky is an area mom whose daughter found a great outlet that builds confidence and enhances strengths. Read her story, and watch their group tomorrow!
My daughter started playing wheelchair basketball this last fall/winter. She was born with Spina Bifida. The program has made such a difference in her self-confidence and also physically. Because of this, I am trying to get the word out to other families with disabled children and also to special ed directors/teachers etc. I hope it is ok that I went to the contacts that I have made at school districts because you know kids or at least special ed directors/teachers or maybe even families affected.
The team she is playing for is the Mad City Badgers. They put on demonstration by scrimmaging the varsity teams of school districts. As part of the demonstration, the coach also includes disability awareness. We are putting on a demonstration this Saturday from 4-8 pm at Hillsboro high school. You can also find out more information on their facebook page, Mad City Wheelchair sports.
April 7-13 is National Volunteer Week. At this time, we would like to take the opportunity to thank the many dedicated volunteers within the Ithaca Community who have served others, especially our children. We value the ideas, time, and effort you have put forth to make our school a wonderful place to learn and grow. You are valued and we are glad we can depend on you to answer the call to help whenever needed. Thank you all for your enthusiasm, your generosity, and for being an inspiration to the youth in our community. Sincerely, the Ithaca PTSO
Forensics Students: Good Luck at State tomorrow! Meet in the commons at 8:00 a.m. Dress for chilly weather and bring money for lunch on the way back. We will return at 2:30 or 3:00.
Good luck to Ilana Bloczynski, Maggie Gschwind, Holly King, Tristen Peterson, Trista Pluemer, and Xander Sorenson who will be participating at the state Destination Imagination competition tomorrow at UW-Green Bay.
Good luck to John Clary, Anna Dahlke, Lincoln Manning, and Kyla Pluemer who will be participating in the state "You Be the Chemist" competition tomorrow at UW-Madison.
Our JV game with Royall tomorrow has been postponed. We will try to reschedule the game.
Middle school track parents,
With the extra time added to the end of school we have determined that having practice from 3:40 – 5:00 does not allow us enough time to condition nor properly coach the athletes in their specific event(s). Starting Monday, April 15th, we are asking to extend practice an additional half hour. We will be done such that you may pick up your athlete at 5:30. Naturally, if this creates a conflict we will adjust for the individual family’s situation. If you have any questions you may either call me at 608-585-2512 or email me at tripdav@ithaca.k12.wi.us.
Thank you for your support
Coach Triphan
TONIGHT's baseball and softball games have been postponed. A makeup date has not been planned as of now.
Tomorrow's scheduled softball game at Seneca is postponed to May 7th at Seneca starting at 5:00pm.
If you are detail-oriented, can use basic computer programs and are organized, AND looking for a long-term job, stop in to Ms Schoen. Local company is looking for an individual with these skills/traits.
The deadline to order Middle School and Elementary yearbooks has been extended two days, Thurs, April 11th and Friday, April 12th. Last chance for Middle School Yearbooks. You can order two ways. Online at www.entourageyearbooks.com or pick up a form in the office.
Congratulations to McKenna Muckler on being accepted to UW-Platteville's Health Career Camp this summer! McKenna was one of the 30 people selected out of 80 applicants to attend this camp. Way to go McKenna!
Our Throwback Thursday photo goes back to a time when "Middle School" was known as "Junior High". And we focus on the often underrated Junior High Football team. In which yearbook was this photograph printed? A. 1976, B. 1978, C. 1980, D. 1982
The annual K-12 Ithaca Art Show will be Tuesday, April 30th in the Ithaca Commons from 3:30pm until the time of the band concert. Art work from all grades will be on display in the commons up until the time of the Spring Band Concert.
Junior Class: There will be a Jr. Class meeting on Friday during Attack time in the Band Room.
There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, April 12. Cost is 50 cents a bag limit 2 bags per student. Proceeds this week will go to the 1st grade class!
Ithaca's annual Camp Bulldog (summer enrichment program) is scheduled for the week of June 10, for students entering K-8th grade. This announcement form is simply general information to "save the date." Registration forms will be sent out later, after more details have been finalized.
Congratulations to the team of Julia Schoen and Diego Ortiz on receiving 4th place at State FBLA and the team of Aubrey Newkirk and Emma Schoen on receiving First place. Both teams have qualified for Nationals which will be held in San Antonio at the end of June. We are all so proud