Montello School District

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF
MONTELLO
DECEMBER 2014 NEWSLETTER
December 2014 Dear Montello Community Members: Can you believe the holidays are fast approaching? Many of you are already in the midst of preparations. Yesterday, I told my sister-‐in-‐law, “Let me know when the first trees go up for sale.” Traditions, connections, family – their critical importance to our humanity manifests itself during this season like no other. Celebrate every moment you have with loved ones. Hug them, breathe in their spirit. Let each individual know beyond any shadow of doubt, “I love you; you are a gift to me.” The Montello staff is fully committed to the education of your children, our children. We strive to become better teachers with a clear action plan, to be highly effective. This is a process and we will continue to grow as professionals. That is my pledge to you. The great basketball coach, John Wooden, said, “Did I win? Did I lose?” Those are the wrong questions. The correct question is: “Did I make my best effort? If so, you may be outscored but you will never lose.” Please, lock hands with us, the staff and children; join us in our commitment to excellence. Renowned educator, Marva Collins, challenges us at our core, “…. you must help me to help you. If you don’t give anything, don’t expect anything. Success is not coming to you, you must come to it.” Thank you for the privilege to serve you, to help shape the destiny we all desire for our children. I wish you the most blessed of holidays! Lynn Brown, District Administrator BOARD OF EDUCATION
Duane Moseley - President
Andy Zellmer - Vice-President
Lisa Smith - Clerk
Kyle Hunter - Treasurer
Jon Sheller - Board Member
Sara McNamara - Board Member
Danelle Schmidt - Board Member
This newsletter is published on the District
Website in August, December & March and is
the official newsletter of the School District of
Montello. It is intended to keep the residents of
the district informed on the happenings of their
school and to publish mandated notices and
information for the public.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Montello School District, an
evolving educational community, is to inspire
children to be life-long learners. The community
will provide our students with the tools to fulfill their
unique potential in a safe and positive environment
in a fiscally responsible manner.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 2
ANNUAL NOTICES *** ANNUAL NOTICES *** ANNUAL NOTICES
ATTENTION PARENTS:
ANNUAL
NOTICE
OF
SPECIAL
EDUCATION
REFERRAL
AND
EVALUATION
PROCEDURES:
Upon request, the Montello School District is required to
evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services.
A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the
district receives a referral, the district will appoint an
Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine
if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special
education services. The district locates, identifies, and
evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled
by their parents in private (including religious) schools,
elementary schools and secondary schools located in the
school district.
A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or
administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes
a child brought to him or her for services is a child with
a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a
homeless child, to the school district in which the child
resides. Before referring the child, the person making the
referral must inform the child’s parent that the referral will
be made.
Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a
child is a child with a disability may also refer the child,
including a homeless child, to the school district in which
the child resides.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why
the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A
referral may be made by contacting Laura Jackson, Director
of Pupil Services, Montello School District, at (608) 2977617, or by writing her at 222 Forest Lane, Montello, WI
53949.
MARQUETTE COUNTY TRUANCY ORDINANCE:
Wisconsin has a compulsory school attendance law for those
students between 6 and 18 years of age. The law provides
for the adoption of truancy ordinances to enforce compulsory
attendance.
With the cooperation of the Westfield and Montello School
Districts, Marquette County has adopted a truancy ordinance.
The ordinance uses the attendance guidelines of the school
district and will be enforced for those students attending school
within Marquette County.
Any student who is absent from school for part or all of any
day on which school is scheduled without an acceptable excuse
as determined by district attendance policies is subject to fines
and other penalties.
The ordinance also allows for fines and other penalties for
parents who allow their children to be truant. A copy of the
ordinance is available in both the high school and Forest Lane
offices, as well as both of the staff lounges.
If you have any questions you may call: Montello High School
Principal Chuck Harsh at 608-297-2126, ext. 455.
TITLE I PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW POLICY:
The Montello School District receives Title I funds under the
federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known
as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. These funds are to be
used to provide additional support for students at Montello
Schools who struggle in reading and math. Parents have the
right, under federal law, to request the following information
about the qualifications of their child(ren)’s teachers:
• Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and has
a license for the grade level and the subject area he/she
teaches;
• Whether the teacher has an emergency of provisional
license;
• What degrees the teacher holds and the field of discipline
of his/her certification or degree;
• Or whether the child is being provided services by
paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.
All requests should be made in writing and sent to Dr. B. Lynn
Brown, District Administrator, 222 Forest Lane, Montello,
WI 53949, who will respond within 10 days of receipt of the
request.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of the Montello School District that no person
may be denied admission to any public school in this district,
be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
discriminated against in any curricular, extra-curricular, pupil
service, recreational, or other program or activity because of
the person’s sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed,
pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or
disability as required by S.118.13 Wis. Statutes and Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex), Title VI of the Civil
Rights Acts of 1964 (Race, Color, and National origin), section
504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the ADA of
1990 (disability).
All career and technical education classes and programs are
offered without discrimination. The school counseling office
will ensure that the Montello School District program offerings
are made available annually in print and via the school web
page to students, parents, employees, and the general public.
The school counseling office will ensure that the name address
and phone number of the district Title IX, Section 504, Title II
designee is listed
The District encourages informal resolution of complaints under
this policy. A formal complaint resolution procedure is available
to address allegations of violations of the policy of the Montello
School District. Any questions concerning this policy or requests
for educational or employment accommodations should be
directed to: Dr. B. Lynn Brown, District Administrator/Equity
Coordinator, at [email protected] or Laura Jackson,
Dir. of Pupil Services/Title II and Section 504 Coordinator, at
[email protected] or at 222 Forest Lane, Montello, WI
53949, phone 608-297-7617.
(Notice Statement Revised 9-14-12)
NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS
REGARDING
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
According to the Board of Education Policy #8330, the
following items involving students are considered directory
information: a student’s name, address, telephone number,
date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in
officially-recognized activities and sports, height and weight,
if a member of an athletic team, dates of attendance, date of
graduation, or awards received.
Parents and eligible students may refuse to allow the Board
to disclose any or all of such “directory information” upon
written notification to the Board within fourteen (14) days
after receipt of the District Administrator’s annual public
notice.
If there is any question concerning directory information,
please call the district office at 608-297-7617. State Statute
(S.118.125(1)(b) and S.118.125(2)(j).
Shop with a Cop!!
As we enjoy the beginning
of winter in Wisconsin, I
would like to ask you to take
a brief moment to look ahead
to the Holiday season. In
coordination with Forest Lane
Community School and Forest
Lane Student Council, the
Montello Police Department is
currently making preparations
to coordinate their third annual
“Shop With A Cop” program,
which will take place midDecember.
The Montello “Shop With A
Cop” program involves the
city police and school officials
donating their time to take a
group of students on a Holiday
shopping spree. Children are
selected by referrals from the
school staff and are based on
need.
In order to provide a successful
program, “Shop With A Cop”
needs sponsorship. Due to our
generous donors, last year we
were able to take 46 students
shopping. I am asking that you
consider making a donation
to the “Shop With A Cop”
program to help the Montello
Police Department make the
Holidays a little more special
for these children and their
families.
To help sponsor our program,
please make checks payable to
Montello Schools and mail to
John Graf, 222 Forest Lane,
Montello WI 53949. For nonmonetary donations or further
information, please contact
Chief Olson at the Montello
Police Department, 608-2972345.
Thank you and have a safe and
happy holiday! :)
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 3
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD
ELECTION
MONTELLO SCHOOL DISTRICT
April 7, 2015
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that at an election
to be held in the School District of Montello,
WI, on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, the following
offices are to be elected to succeed the present
incumbents listed. The term of office for school
board member is three years beginning on
Monday, April 27, 2015.
Office Incumbent
Board Member
Jon Sheller
Board Member
Duane Moseley
Board Member
Lisa Smith
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a Campaign
Registration Statement and a Declaration of
Candidacy, must be filed no later than 5:00
p.m., on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, in the office
of the school district clerk, 222 Forest Lane,
Montello, WI 53949
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that if a primary
is necessary, the primary will be held on
Tuesday, February 17, 2015.
A description of the school district boundaries
can be obtained from the school district office,
222 Forest Lane, Montello, WI 53949.
Done in the city of Montello on
November 25, 2014
/s/ Lisa Smith, Clerk
Lisa Smith, Clerk
TYPE A NOTICE
Date: December 18, 2014
Time: 7pm
Place: Community Room
MONTELLO SCHOOL
DISTRICT WEBSITE
VISIT US AT
www.montello.k12.wi.us
This site contains links to the most current School
Performance Report, weekly lunch menus, school
newsletters, athletic schedules, staff directory, Board of
Education meeting agendas/minutes, upcoming events
schedules and various announcements, etc.
We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Please feel free to contact us at:
[email protected].
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 4
Upcoming Events…………… DATE EVENT 12/6/14 12/7/14 12/16/14 Madrigal Winter Band & Choir 12/18/14 12/22 – 1/4/15 1/5/15 3/12, 13 & 14 3/13/14 WHERE Community Room Community Room Winter Concert Winter Break School Resumes Musical Community Room NO SCHOOL Community Room WHEN 6:00 PM 2:00 PM 6-‐8 grade – 6:00 PM 9-‐12 grade – 7:30 PM K-‐3 6:00 PM 8:00 AM 7:00 PM 2:00 PM BE WEATHER READY!!! The winter season has arrived and bad weather may make it necessary to close school, delay starting time, or dismiss school early. This action is taken to ensure the safety of our students. When bad weather threatens, and administration has consulted weather radio stations, the highway department, and sometimes the sheriff’s department, a decision is made and called in to several radio stations, TV stations, cooks, bus drivers and other key personnel. Should it become necessary to close school, delay the starting time, or dismiss school early, announcements will be made by the following radio and TV stations: Radio Stations: TV Stations: WCWC/WRPN – Ripon 1600 AM WISC TV 3 – Madison WISS – Berlin 1090 AM WKOW TV 27 – Madison WZEE-‐Z104 – Madison 104 FM WMTV TV15 – Madison WPKR – Oshkosh 99.5 FM WBAY TV 2 – Green Bay WOLX – Madison 94.9 FM WLUK TV 11 – Green Bay WNNO – Wis. Dells 106.9 FM WFRV TV 5 – Green Bay WPDR/WDDC – Portage 100.1 FM WAUH – Wautoma 102.3 FM WBEV – Beaver Dam 1430 AM WXRO – Beaver Dam 95.3 FM School cancellation or delay announcements will be made as early as possible, usually no later that 6:00 a.m., although sometimes getting through to all of the stations takes a bit longer. Please listen to your radio, watch your TV, or check our website at www.montello.k12.wi.us. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OR THE TV/RADIO STATIONS as all of their and our lines are necessary to make and communicate the decision. Your call may delay that process for everyone and many calls may make the announcement very late. Also, please make sure that your child(ren) know where they are to go if school is dismissed early during bad weather. Early dismissal will be announced by the radio stations above. Please make sure your children are properly dressed for cold weather. Although buses are heated, there is still the possibility of exposure to cold if a bus experiences mechanical problems. Children at the grade school are also required to go out for recess daily unless the chill factor is below zero or they have a note from their physician. Your cooperation is GREATLY APPRECIATED! Please be
Reminded
That the Use
of
Tobacco
at MONTELLO SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Is Strictly Prohibited
(and enforced)
In All School Buildings
and
On All School Property
At All Times
THIS INCLUDES:
Athletic Fields &
at all Athletic Events
Parking Lots
(also in vehicles)
Buildings, etc.
Thank you for helping us p
romote a healthy and safe
environment for our children!!
Trailways
North
Honors
Band
This year we had 7 participants
in the Trailways North
Conference Honors band. The
students traveled to the Heidel
House in Green Lake for a
day filled with rehearsal. The
students worked with Jason
Sebranek from Plymouth High
School all day and performed a
concert that evening. Students
from 10 conference schools
attended to make a 140
member ensemble. Montello
students participating include:
Caitlin Elliott, Jonah Williams,
Bret Reuter, Rebecca Thill,
Sarah Faltz, Anna Krivanek,
and Mackenzie Troost. sTATE
Honors
Band
On Thursday, October 30th
Sarah Faltz played with
the State Honors Band
at the Overture Center in
Madison. Sarah was one of
400 students selected from
1600 auditions to be a part
of the state honors band
experience. Four Montello
students went to Madison
to hear her perform. The
students, her coach, and the
director said she did a great
job! Congratulate Sarah if
you see her.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 5
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 6
ONE-ACT PLAY GOES TO STATE
One-Act play, “Selfie,” has moved from Sectional onto the State level.
The Montello High School Drama Club performed the play “Selfie” this
year, successfully advancing through regional and sectional performances
in order to perform at the State One Act event, held at Viterbo College in
LaCrosse on November 22nd.
“Selfie” is written by Bradley Howard. It is a piece about a group of high
school students going through a challenge in each of their lives. They deal
with issues like bullying, sickness, teenage mistakes and social conformity
throughout one year in school.
Congratulations!
The All-State award is given to state qualifying performances. After the
3 judges see the performance, they can give acting awards to individuals
and entire casts. This year’s performance won both an ensemble acting
award for the entire cast and an individual acting award for Laker Thrasher. Montello has received only 1 ensemble acting award in the past 15 years. The last individual acting award was in 1999. These awards were only
given to a small number of schools and actors this year, and Montello was
given two!
The MHS team was directed by Deb Helwig, Mary Ott and Savanna
Meadows.
Front row (L to R): Micia McChesney, Juniper Anderson, Laker Thrasher,
Rebecca Thill, Back Row (L to R): Jonah Williams, Samantha Topel, Chase
Barthel, Noah Williams. Crew members: Front row (L-R) Max Bond, Kitara Harsh. Back row: Aleicia
Gannon, Sarah Faltz, Drake Konietzko, Hannah Arbeiter, Tiara Gannon.
Learning to Tie
I used to do it all the time and then it got so I didn’t do much else. I tried different
techniques and strategies, tried to stay positive, taught how, took class time to discuss. I would joke
with the kids telling them it would cost a quarter each time I did it (some actually tried to pay). I
told them to find someone in the classroom who could help them, but that meant there were two
students sitting out. In the end, it seemed as though all my attempts led nowhere and I was doing
it more and more each day, until I became frustrated. Ultimately, I came to realize I was teaching
them to rely on me which does them no good, so I just stopped.
Oh! They still ask, and after they do, I tell them that I forgot how to tie my shoes and that
my wife and daughter tie them before I leave the house each morning. Of course, they know I
am not telling the truth. So, I now find myself asking, “How can I help you help them, outside of
school?” One way is to let the parents know the benefits, how empowering it is for your child to
learn the skill, and they can be confident doing it. How in Physical Education (PE) it keeps them
safe, no more tripping over laces or falling because their shoes won’t stay on. How participation
is important in PE and how kids cannot improve their agility, and fundamental skill level, if their
shoes are not on correctly. The impact it has in the classroom when their fine motor skills improve
and they are able to read and write better.
Another way is to give you some resources which make it easier. One resource I found
made me think twice about the way I tie my own shoes. If you have access to the internet go
YouTube and type in teach your child to tie their shoes in five minutes. This is an interesting take on
how to tie and do so very quickly. Another YouTube example can be found at Learn to tie you shoes
from lots to learn. This is the more traditional method of using bunny ears and telling a story. While
effective, it takes longer and uses the strategy of coloring one of the laces black while keeping one
white. This helps them keep the laces separate.
No YouTube? No problem! I found another example of how to tie and this time there is
some scientific reasoning on how and why we have all been tying our shoes the wrong way. The
gentlemen has a dry sense of humor so it is entertaining and really informative- simply Google
search Terry Moore: how to tie your shoes and enjoy. If you do not have internet access, let me
know and I will send home a print out of the information.
I really hope you will use this helpful information and your child will learn how
to tie his/her shoes. Even if they can already tie, the Terry Moore sample will help
them become advanced. If nothing else, they will be safe in PE.
Andrew Stoehr
Elementary PE Teacher
[email protected]
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 7
From the Technology and
Engineering Education
Department
The Advanced Woods students have moved out of the furniture
and cabinet-making realm and into light construction this semester.
Students built kiosks at the County C boat landing, the Tuttle Lake
boat landing, and will soon be constructing one at the Buffalo Lake
boat landing near City Hall (as of when I write this. It may be finished
by the time you read it!). Students have had the great opportunity
to complete these projects and learn new skills through donations
provided by the City of Montello, the Buffalo Lake P & R District, the
Tuttle Lake P & R District, the Lotus Foundation, Pat Kilbey with the
Marquette County Land & Water Conservation, and a great deal of
time spent by Rich Brefeld to orchestrate these projects for Montello.
The students have had to develop skills to read plans and plan
their work, plumb posts, cut rafters, and well I could go on but
lists are kind of boring. These young men have put in a lot of hard
work, have had to work out in the cold and rain, and are a group of
students I am very proud to have taught this semester.
Students that are in the class are Jon Anderson, David Cridelich,
Stephen Gottschalk, Devin Nelson, and Isaiah Weiss.
With the few remaining weeks, the Advanced Woods students
will be working on the Buffalo Lake Kiosk, as well as build a picnic
table (we’ll keep our fingers crossed for two) for the Packwaukee
Historical Society with materials donated by Jody Bowman of BBC
Carpentry in Packwaukee, WI. The Advanced Woods students
and I would like to thank all of the people involved to give us the
opportunity for this kind of learning.
If you would like to see more pictures of the building process,
or see just what the students have been doing, follow this link the
Montello TEE Department Facebook page.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 8
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 9
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 10
Collages by Jake,
Zia and Talor
News from
the
Jr/Sr High Art
and Graphics
Department
Jared and Dawson
8th Grade Drawing Narrative
It was a beautiful, bright day in early October as I hiked along a tree-lined
path. The wooded area had a nice mix of long needle green pine trees
with low swooping branches, tall regal oaks with just a hint of yellow and
orange autumn leaves among the green summer leaves, and sugar maples
whose leaves have already turned a bright red.
The path led me to a sunlit clearing in the woods where, to my surprise,
I saw a little log cabin about the size of a one car garage. There was one
window on each wall that I could see and a purple painted door with a
window next to it. The roof had a thick, one foot layer of grass on top of it
for a natural insulation.
A campfire was burning a few yards away from the cabin and a coffee pot
sat on a flat-topped rock next to the fire. Beyond the cabin I could see the
edge of a small pond that reflected the white billowy clouds in the blue
sky. “The perfect fishing hole”, I thought. But there was no one around
except for the gray squirrel watching me from the tree branch and the
birds flying overhead.
To this day, I don’t know who lives there. Each time I visit that sunlit
clearing, it is always the same as the first time I saw it. And then I go
home, looking forward to my next visit.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 11
NEWS FROM THE Jr./Sr. HIGH ART & GRAPHICS DEPARTMENT…
Hello Montello Residents,
Teachers have been extremely busy this fall learning the process layed
out by the Department of Public Instruction to document our teaching
practices and comply with their mandates. We are submitting proof that
we have the ability to increase student knowledge. Our principal can now
use these documents (termed “artifacts” by DPI) when preparing our
summative evaluations.
In addition to complying with DPI mandates, we have been (and
continue to) including writing components in our lessons. When students
finish an art or graphics assignment, they are to reflect on the process
they followed to complete the assignment. For my most recent Studio
Art classes, students wrote artist statements for their completed collage
project.
The 8th grade students make a faux stained glass window design. They
learn about the early uses of stained glass in cathedrals and understand
how art designs can convey a message. In addition, to help strengthen
student’s literacy comprehension, they read a descriptive narrative and
hear the same narrative read by the teacher and then they are to draw a
picture from that descriptive narrative. This practice encourages them to
refer back to the reading for information and convert the printed words
into visual images, which helps comprehension.
The 2015 Trailways All-Conference Art Show will be hosted right here
in Montello during the Fish n’ Fun. Be sure to stop by the high school on
Saturday, May 2nd to view the wonderful artwork.
I also now teach Audio /Visual Media and am the Yearbook advisor. A/V
students are learning Adobe Premier Pro and Audition. I’ve submitted an
example of a student’s photomontage for the history of Nasa.
Click on this link to view a video on Space created by Kristina: http://
youtu.be/GPboWYU2rFw
Last summer, I stopped at a garage sale and found a pair of scissors for
25 cents. Of course I bought it since we can always use scissors in class
and a half-way decent pair of scissors for an art room can cost at least $4 $5.00 retail. That brought to mind a list of other items we always have uses
for, and if you are cleaning out or paring down, please think of us if you
come across:
scissors
rulers/yardsticks
staplers
tape measures
pliers/hammers
pencils
crayons
paint brushes
hobby paint
aprons
glue sticks/glue
hand pencil sharpeners
misc. tools
paper clips
clamps
colored pencils
Brandon’s Faux Stained Glass
You have our thanks for supporting our school in so many ways.
Dawson’s Drawing
Diane Sagunsky
Jr./Sr. High Art and Graphics
A/V Media and Yearbook
Elijah’s Drawing
Gia and Brook
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 12
6th Grade
Flag
Projects
As an annual tradition each 6th
Grade student makes a flag to display on
Veterans Day. A wide variety of materials
were used again this year and their efforts
were much appreciated, especially by the
Veterans.
We would like to thank all of the
parents and grandparents for all of the
extra help!
Jessica Barton
Sue Kozlowski
6th Grade Teachers
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 13
6th GRADE
ORAL
HISTORY
PROJECT
6th Graders at Forest
Lane interviewed area
veterans for an oral history
project called “Through
Your Eyes”. Each
student interviewed the
veterans using a series
of questions developed
by the class. They then
turned the questions
into
a
memoir/book
for each veteran. The
students presented the
books on the afternoon
of Veterans Day. At the
book presentation they
enjoyed snacks with the
veterans and were able
to talk with and see some
of the veterans primary
source
documents
such as pictures, maps,
uniforms, and helmets. The kids really enjoyed
getting to know the
veterans and appreciated
the time that was spent
with them. Montello School District Newsletter - Page 14
Eric Kenneth Coddington
Named National Winner in the
2014 National FFA
Grain Production – Placement
Proficiency Award Program
Eric Kenneth Coddington , 19, of the Montello FFA Chapter,
in Wisconsin was named the national winner of the Grain
Production – Placement Proficiency award program at the 87th
National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2014, in
Louisville, KY.
Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excelled as
agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or
volunteers while they gained hands-on career experience.
Grain Production – Placement is one of 49 FFA proficiency
award categories offered at local, state and national levels.
Grain Production – Placement proficiency award program is
sponsored by CF Industries, Inc., as a special project of the
National FFA Foundation.
Eric Kenneth Coddington of the Montello FFA Chapter in
Wisconsin began operating machinery on his
family’s farm when he turned 12 and was able to take the
Tractor Safety Course. He has been keeping records of his
hours, financial information, and work duties since 7th grade.
Now he works as a farm manager and helps his father raise
corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. He has developed an interest in
corn research and completed a test plot studying the effect of
a split-application of nitrogen, which increased yields from 5-25
bushels per acre. Coddington was an active member of the
Montello FFA Chapter all through High School and continues
his participation in college, competing in the Iowa State Crops
Judging Team. Coddington is excited to obtain a degree in
agronomy at Iowa State and use his education to apply new
practices on his family’s farm. He is supported by his parents
Brian and Mary Coddington and FFA advisor Mrs. Hannah
Wolsdorf.
###
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization
of 579,678 student members as part of 7,570 local FFA
chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of
students by developing their potential for premier leadership,
personal growth and career success through agricultural
education. The National FFA Organization operates under a
federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress
and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and
helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local
agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National
FFA Organization online at FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and
the official National FFA Organization
blog.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry,
education, government, other foundations and individuals
to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member
achievements, develop student leaders and support the future
of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of
trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual
donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separatelyregistered nonprofit organization.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 15
Eric Mateske awarded
National American FFA Degree
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, August 14, 2014/National FFA Organization) – Each year, the
National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the
organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal
growth and career success through agricultural education.
The American FFA Degree is bestowed up on a select group of students in recognition of their
years of academic and professional excellence. This year, 3,765 American Degrees will be
awarded. Eric Mateske, a member of the Montello FFA chapter in Montello, WI, will be awarded
the American FFA Degree at the 2014 National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in
Louisville, Ky.
Sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, DuPont Pioneer, Elanco, Farm Credit
and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, the award recognizes
demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production,
processing or service programs.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $7,500 through a
supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional
position in an existing agriculture enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community
service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement. Each recipient of
the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate after being
recognized on stage at that national convention.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success
training through agricultural education to 579,678 student members in grades seven through 12
who belong to one of 7,570 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands.
Wildlife class visits new dam
construction
The Montello wildlife
agriculture class was able
to get a firsthand tour
of the newly renovated
dam and dredge bank
area. James Tomasko
and David Bartz took
the students down
the newly constructed
road and explained the
construction process.
The class was also able
to get a firsthand look at
the fish ladder and new
piers, which are beautiful
additions to the park. Students
Complete
Tractor Safety
The following Montello
and
Westfield
students
completed their Tractor Safety
Certification course over the
summer. We would like to
thank Riesterer & Schnell for
allowing us to use their tractor.
Students attending the
week long course include
(L to R): Catelin Krueger,
Carter Krueger Shane Turner,
Mathew
Peschel,
Chase
Kufahl, Logan Janke, Bryce
Lind, Mike Goodhue, Isaiah
Berthon, Samantha Corso,
Patrick
Leitsle,
Benjamin
Berthon,
Cody
Steege,
Keegan Fitzsimmons, and
Killian Fitzsimmons.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 16
Montello
Students Attend
FFA Workshop
10 Montello FFA Students traveled to
Wisconsin Heights High School for the
Sectional Leadership Workshop. Workshop
attendees include Thomas Wojtalewicz,
Gavin Kearns, Samantha Corso, Kahlen
Harju, Mackenzie Troost, Calista Cadigan,
Leah Glunn, Brianna Dunning, Autumn
Welke, and Brooke Walker. The Wisconsin FFA Sectional Leadership Workshop is designed to prepare local FFA
chapter officers and members both in high school and middle school for leadership roles in their
school district for the upcoming year. It also informs each chapter of the new programs available to
all FFA members and allows the officers to exchange ideas with other FFA chapters in their area. The 2014-2015 State FFA Officer Team planned and conducted this workshop to encourage the
participants to develop their leadership potential, to challenge them to set personal and chapter
goals for the year and to motivate the students to take advantage of the many opportunities
available to them through the FFA. The 2014 theme was “3-2-1 ACTION!!!”. Members left ready to
promote FFA, agricultural education and agriculture in their schools and communities. FFA advisors
also participated in a workshop that helped inform them about FFA opportunities for the school
year.
“This workshop is a great way to prepare FFA members for their role as an active
member in their local chapter as well as those that serve as chapter officers,” says Cheryl
Zimmerman, Wisconsin FFA Executive Director. “These sessions get students excited about
leadership and all the opportunities that they can participate in through the FFA organization. It
helps them discover their potential in their local FFA chapters and how they can put their leadership
into action.” There are ten Sectional Leadership Workshops held throughout Wisconsin. Over 2,000
FFA members and advisors from 250 FFA chapters will participate in these workshops. The
workshops are sponsored through the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Leadership Partner Program.
The Wisconsin Association of FFA is comprised of over 250 local chapters with
over 19,000 members. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agriculture
education by giving students practical experience in the application of agricultural skills and
knowledge gained in classes. FFA’s mission is to develop its members potential for premier
leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Wildlife Class Finds
Endangered Animal
The Montello High School Wildlife
Agriculture Class was assigned a
challenge. They were put into groups
to analyze the habitat at the school
forest and place a wildlife observation
camera where they thought they could
get pictures of not just deer, but capture
as much wildlife as possible. In the week
the cameras were out, the students were
able to film deer, squirrels, coyotes, and
raccoons.
The best part was while picking up
the cameras, they were able to sight
a Slender Glass Lizard. High Marq
students also found this endangered
species on their school property last
year. The Wildlife class along with
High Marq hopes to do some further
investigations about the Glass Lizards on
the properties that may lead to projects
benefiting the species in the future.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 17
Montello FFA Officer team has their Retreat
Montello FFA Officers began getting ready for the 2014-15 school year during their summer
retreat. Montello FFA Officers traveled to Tomah, WI to participate in different leadership activities
and explore agriculture in southwest Wisconsin. They toured the Cranberry Museum where
they experienced the history of the crop and were able to test cranberry products, played in a
waterpark and practiced team building on a 3-hour canoe trip on the Kickapoo River. It was a
great experience to come together as a team and set plans for an amazing school year. The
Montello Officer team is looking forward to working with the school and the community during the
2014-2015 school year!
Hannah Wolsdorf
Agri-Science Instructor/FFA Advisor
Montello Jr/Sr High
222 Forest Lane
Montello, WI 53949
608-297-2126 ext 266
Montello FFA
Attends 212/360
Leadership
Workshop Calista Cadigan, Kahlen Harju, Leah Glunn,
and Brianna Dunning traveled to Green
Bay, WI on November 14 & 15 to participate
in FFA’s 21/360 Leadership workshop.
212 is focused on preparing freshman and
sophomore FFA members for planning their
futures and showing them how they can
get the most out of FFA. 360 is focused on
junior and senior members to grow their
leadership skills, help them get involved in
the community and reiterate how to set smart
goals. We look forward to the ideas these
girls will bring back to our chapter!
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 18
NEWS
FROM HIGH MARQ
High Marq has had a busy start to its 5th year! Students began the year
by collecting produce from the garden they planned and built and helping
build/fix trail sections at the Aldo Leopold Foundation near Baraboo. They
have also planned and begun work to improve the entrance sign at the
MacKenzie Center in Poynette. Most recently, the students prepared a
new trail near the boat landing on Highway C along Buffalo Lake and have
begun plans to build a new bird park in Packwaukee. With the addition this year of a full-time Field Biologist/Teacher
Assistant, High Marq has been able to reach out to the local community
more than ever, establishing new relationships with several area
conservation groups. On top of all of this, students just wrapped up their
first Presentation Night of the year where they showcased the projects
they have been working hard on. Please make plans to join us for our
Winter Presentation Night, which is scheduled for January 28th from 5:30
pm to 8:00 pm at the school (383 East Montello Street).
If you are interested in learning more about High Marq Environmental
Charter School, please call 608-297-2499 or email (sprimm@
montelloschools.org) to schedule a visit. Brochures are available in the
district office and the high school office, or you can visit our website
at highmarq.org.
Adam Brandt
Field Biologist/Teacher Assistant
(Above)
Noah Tredinnick
shares his Upcycling
project at the Fall
Presentation Night.
Austin Love presents his
project on suicide causes
and prevention at the Fall
Presentation Night.
Students weed their garden and collect fresh produce.
Students and staff take time to read from A Sand County Almanac
while visiting Leopold’s Shack.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 19
Students make a new trail section at the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
Students work together to seine fish in the Montello River.
Students learn about identifying fish to prepare for the state Envirothon
competition.
Students and staff take time to journal while visiting Leopold’s Shack on a trip to the
Aldo Leopold Foundation.
The cold and rain didn’t stop the students from canoeing down the Fox River.
Students take measurements to help in creating a new design for the MacKenzie Center’s
main entrance sign.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 20
Students spread out across
a prairie to collect seeds
at Goose Pond Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Steven Anderson and David
Conger work together to
collect Stiff Gentian seeds
while at Goose Pond
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Emmett Wiegel, Joseph Dedrick, Noah Tredinnick, Tessa Bloss and Tabitha Fiedler present their design for the
MacKenzie Center’s new entrance sign to DNR staff and fellow classmates.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 21
Students start preparing the MacKenzie Center’s entrance sign for a landscaping face lift.
Students work to haul and spread wood chips on a new trail by the
Highway C boat landing.
Aletha Hefko and Tylor Shaw spread wood chips along a new trail by the
Highway C boat landing.
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 22
READING EVENT
WITH USHER!!!
The 4th and 5th grade students
recently participated in scholastic’s
“Open a World of Possible Through
Reading” event. The famous
singer Usher talked to us about the
importance of reading, he read a
book to us and performed for us! It
was truly an extraordinary event that
we will not forget.
December 2014 Breakfast
Monday
1
Bagelful
Juice & Fruit
Tuesday
2
Ultimate Round bar
Juice & Fruit
8
Muffin
Juice & Fruit
15
Bagelful
Juice & Fruit
9
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Sandwich
Juice & Fruit
16
Ultimate Round bar
Juice & Fruit
22
No School
23
No School
Wednesday
3
Cereal
String Cheese
Juice & Fruit
10
Cereal
String Cheese
Juice & Fruit
17
Cereal
String Cheese
Juice & Fruit
24
No School
29
No School
30
No School
31
No School
Thursday
4
Flavored Bread
Juice & Fruit
Friday
5
Cracker
Yogurt
Juice & Fruit
12
Cinnamon Roll
Juice & Fruit
11
Cinnamania Graham
Juice & Fruit
18
Flavored Bread
Juice & Fruit
19
Cracker
Yogurt
Juice & Fruit
26
No School
25
No School
Menus are
subject to
Change.
Assorted Milk
served Daily
Friday
5
Chicken Fajita
Lettuce, Salsa, Cheese
Steamed Carrots
December 2014 Lunch Menu
Monday
1
Popcorn Chicken
Sweet Mashed Potato
Tuesday
2
Lasagna
Crisp Romaine Salad
Wednesday
3
Pizza
Crisp Spinach Salad
Thursday
4
Hamburger w/bun
Oven Baked Tator Tots
Steamed Broccoli
Corn
Green Beans
Baked Beans
Peaches
Bread
8
Chicken Nuggets
Mashed Sweet Potato
Mandarin Oranges
Pears
Mixed Fruit
9
Taco Salad w/soft shell
Lettuce, Salsa, Cheese
10
Beef Stew
Crisp Romaine Salad
11
Mini Corn Dogs
Sun Chips
Steamed Broccoli
Peaches
Dinner Roll
15
Toasted Cheese
Tomato Soup
Spinach Salad
Pears
Corn
Refried beans
Pineapple
16
Turkey w/ gravy
Mashed Potato
Steamed Broccoli
Mixed Fruit & Roll
Peas
Mixed Fruit
Bread
17
Rotini w/Meatsauce
Crisp Romaine Salad
Steamed Carrots
Pineapple
Carrots & Broccoli
Green Beans
Mandarin Oranges
18
Chicken Patty w/bun
Oven Baked Tator Tots
Baked Beans
Peaches
22
23
No School
24
No School
25
26
No School
No School
30
No School
No School
No School
29
No School
Celery Sticks
Applesauce
12
Quesadilla
Crisp Spinach Salad
Steamed Carrots
Pears
19
Pizza Sticks w/sauce
Crisp Spinach Salad
Green Beans
Pears
31
PBJ
Hamburger w/bun
Chicken Patty w/bun
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
*Menus are subject
to Change.
*Fresh Fruit Daily
*Assorted Milk daily
Meat & Cheese w/bun
PBJ
Montello School District Newsletter - Page 23
STATEWIDE
TRANSITION ACADEMY
Students from the Montello High School
were able to start planning for their
futures by attending the 2014 Statewide
Transition Academy on Oct 17th. The
conference was held at the Wilderness
Resort in Wisconsin Dells where Stevie
Hopkins, co-founder of 3E Love, was the
keynote speaker and numerous breakout
sessions were available for students,
parents and educators. Students were
able to collaborate with students from
around the state while participating in
various transition activities specifically
planned to assist with career exploration
and choosing colleges. Students were
encouraged to work on independence and
self-reliance skills. Students attending
were Daniel Dugenske, Christopher
Dillman, Amber Wilson, Jessica
Mason, Destiny Szczesniak and Abigail
Cervantes.
January 2015 Breakfast
Monday
Menus are
subject to
Change.
Tuesday
Assorted Milk
served Daily
Wednesday
Thursday
1
No School
Friday
2
No School
5
Muffin
Juice & Fruit
6
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Sandwich
Juice & Fruit
13
Ultimate Round bar
Juice & Fruit
7
Cereal
String Cheese
Juice & Fruit
14
Cereal
String Cheese
Juice & Fruit
21
Cereal
String Cheese
Juice & Fruit
28
Cereal
String Cheese
Juice & Fruit
8
Cinnamania Graham
Juice & Fruit
9
Cinnamon Roll
Juice & Fruit
15
Flavored Bread
Juice & Fruit
16
Cracker
Yogurt
Juice & Fruit
23
Cinnamon Roll
Juice & Fruit
12
Bagelful
Juice & Fruit
19
Muffin
Juice & Fruit
26
Bagelful
Juice & Fruit
20
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Sandwich
Juice & Fruit
27
Ultimate Round bar
Juice & Fruit
22
Cinnamania Graham
Juice & Fruit
29
Flavored Bread
Juice & Fruit
30
Cracker
Yogurt
Juice & Fruit
January 2015 Lunch Menu
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
No School
Friday
2
No School
6
Lasanga
Crisp Romaine Salad
7
Pizza
Crisp Spinach Salad
8
Hamburger w/bun
Sweet Potato Bites
9
Chicken Fajita
Corn
Mandarin Oranges
Green Beans
Pears
Baked Beans
Mixed Fruit
13
Taco Salad w/soft shell
Lettuce, Salsa, Cheese
Corn
Refried beans
Pineapple
20
Turkey w/ gravy
14
Beef Stew
Crisp Romaine Salad
Peas
Mixed Fruit
Bread
21
Rotini w/Meatsauce
15
Mini Corn Dogs
Sun Chips
Carrots & Broccoli
Green Beans
Mandarin Oranges
22
Mashed Potato
Steamed Broccoli
Mixed Fruit & Roll
27
Taco Salad w/Chips
Crisp Romaine Salad
Steamed Carrots
Pineapple
28
*Menus are subject
to Change.
*Fresh Fruit Daily
*Assorted Milk daily
Bread
5
Popcorn Chicken
Mashed Potato w/gravy
Steamed Broccoli
Peaches
Bread
12
Chicken Nuggets
Mashed Sweet Potato
Steamed Broccoli
Peaches
Dinner Roll
19
Toasted Cheese
Tomato Soup
Spinach Salad
Pears
26
French Toast w/Syrup
Lettuce, Salsa, Cheese
Egg Patty
Green Beans
Roasted Sweet Potato
Refried beans
Vegetable Juice
Pineapple
Warm Apple Slices
PBJ
Hamburger w/bun
Chicken Patty w/bun
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
Hot Dog w/bun
Tator Tots
Carrots & Tomatoes
Peaches
Lettuce, Salsa, Cheese
Steamed Carrots
Celery Sticks
Applesauce
16
Quesadilla
Crisp Spinach Salad
Steamed Carrots
Pears
23
Chicken Patty w/bun
Oven Baked Tator Tots
Baked Beans
Peaches
29
Chili w/corn bread
Pizza Sticks w/sauce
Crisp Spinach Salad
Green Beans
Pears
30
Chicken Strips
Crisp Romaine Salad
Cucumber Slices
Pears
Mashed Potato
Steamed Broccoli
Mandarin Oranges
Meat & Cheese w/bun
PBJ

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