Dear WDP Middle School Families,
Hard to believe, but this is the final newsletter of the year. These spring months always go by very quickly. Although the end of the school year is near, please be assured that we will finish the remaining weeks of school with the same enthusiasm, dedication, and high expectations that we started the year with. As always, I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. Information regarding a variety of pertinent topics is detailed below.
Year End Events
Please be sure to check the middle school master calendar for many year-end activities. The end of the school year typically includes numerous field trips and special events that parents may want to make note of.
Students of the Month
December January
Hallie Hanus – 6th grade Chelsea Carter – 6th grade
Jessica Huettl – 7th grade Nachiket Patil – 7th grade
Nathan Buseman – 8th grade Sarah Garrity – 8th grade
Abby Loritz – Encore Sarah Meiners – Encore
February March
Grace Skarlupka – 6th grade Nick Lemmer – 6th grade
Maddie Seifert – 7th grade Krysta Klatt – 7th grade
Bryn Hager – 8th grade Megan Mendolla – 8th grade
Alex Fiel – Encore Briton Durham – Encore
Parent Requests for Class Placement
The deadline for submission of parent requests for class placement is approaching. Parent requests regarding class placement will be given full consideration if all of the following conditions have been met:
1. Requests must be communicated in writing to the principal no later than June 1.
Requests must be based on a specific educational need.
Requests should not reference an individual teacher by name. Rather, the request could
reference a teaching style, a classroom environment, or some other special need.
Parent requests regarding class placement should be directed to the principal.
P.A.C.T.
THANK YOU to P.A.C.T. for all of their continued efforts and support this school year! Our P.A.C.T. group has raised funds to support a number of student-related initiatives, including the purchase of four new SmartBoards. We’re fortunate to have such a committed group of dedicated parents working for our children. Supportive parents + great teachers = A+ school. Please consider becoming involved in P.A.C.T. More contact information regarding P.A.C.T. can be obtained from the school office.
Best Wishes,
Jim Finley, Principal
Phantom Phundamentals Update
April - Responsibility
Students at West De Pere Middle School continue to impress the teachers and staff with their acts of character at school, in extra curricular programs, and at home. Here are a few recent examples of the way that our students are demonstrating strong character.
Elizabeth Gonzalez, Grade 6 – Demonstrated compassion by helping another classmate who was in need.
Briton Durham, Grade 7 – Briton has demonstrated responsibility and pride as an office runner this school year. She has gone above and beyond the job by helping teachers with projects, and is responsible enough to work independently.
Megan Hale, Grade 8 – Demonstrated honesty, after finding a $10 check in the hallway she turned it over to a teacher.
Emmaline Marks, Grade 8 May - Unity
“Respect” By Ms. Kupczyk
When a lady walks behind you, The sum of parts is greater
It is polite to open the door. Than one individual whole
Respect your parents, teachers, elders, This is evident
and friends a little bit more. When unity is the goal
But before you can respect others, By working together
you must respect yourself first. And each person doing what they should
Make sure all decisions and choices you make Triumph will loom
are very well planned and rehearsed. As success for the greater good
It could start with going along, Such collaboration
with what your mind tells you to. Allows synergy to abound
For respecting yourself is paying attention Questions can be answered
to everything you do. Solutions can be found
Now you can be respectful to others, As independent as
call people “Ms, Sir or Mam”. We like to think we are
When you meet someone for the first time, Without others
be sure that you shake their hand. We’ll never go far
Make eye-contact and be attentive, We are interdependent
do just what you’re told. Needing others and seeking accord
And remember, you must respect others, Warring with one another
whether you’re young or whether you’re old. Is something we just can’t afford
So let’s work to unify
In peace include all
For if we don’t
We’re sure to fall
IMPORTANT DATES
May 1 School Improvement Council Mtg. @ MS
5:30 P.M.
May 1 PACT Meeting @ MS, 6:30 P.M.
May 2 In-Service—Early Release @ 11:00 A.M.
May 8 6th Gr. Careers to Festival Foods
May 8 7th & 8th Gr. French Trip to Appleton
May 8 4th Gr. Band Parents Meeting in Commons
6:30 P.M.
May 9 Middle School Dance, 6:00—8:00 P.M.
May 13 8th Gr. FACE & Woodside Manor to Fox
River Trail Walk 11:15-2:30 P.M.
May 13 Stempa Tree Dedication 3:45 P.M. @ MS
May 14 Sizzling Summer Lunch
May 16 6th Gr. Band & Choir Clinic @ MS
May 20 7th Gr. FACE to Wal-Mart
May 20 Spring Choir Concert @ HS
6th Gr. at 6:30 P.M.
7th & 8th Gr. at 7:00 P.M.
May 22 School Improvement Council Mtg. @ MS
2:50 P.M.
May 26 No School (Memorial Day)
May 26 Memorial Day Parade—8th Grade Band
June 2 8th Gr. Incentive to Badger Sport in Appleton
June 4 8th Gr. Phy Ed Incentive Trip to Timber
Rattlers Game
June 5 School Improvement Council Mtg. @ MS
5:30 P.M.
June 5 PACT Meeting @ MS, 6:30 P.M.
June 5 Spring Band Concert @ HS
6th Gr. at 6:30 P.M.
7th & 8th Gr. at 7:00 P.M.
June 9 6th Gr. to Bay Beach
June 9 8th Gr. Promotion Ceremony at High School
Field House 7:00 P.M.
June 10 6th Gr. Kickball Tournament
June 10 Last Day of School
June16—July 3 Summer School Session I
July 7—July 25 Summer School Session II
2008-2009 Course Selection Forms
The 6th and 7th grade students will be given the 2008-2009 course selection forms to bring home to their parents. In order to speed the process of scheduling and to schedule more efficiently, we ask you to please go over the sign up sheets with your child and have your child bring them to their homeroom teacher without delay. Also remind your child that if they are signing up for band, they need to have the signature of the band instructor.
Summer School
Summer School packets were handed out in April. Registration and fees are due to the office by May 2. Class descriptions are also located on the web site (www.wdpsd.com, click on Westwood).
Chorus News
On Friday, May 16th, the students in 6th grade Chorus will participate in a Clinic session with Mrs. Karie Green. The students will then go to the Wildlife Sanctuary and to Happy Joe’s for pizza, soda and ice cream.
Tuesday, May 20th is the date for the Middle School Chorus Spring Concert. The concert will be held at the High School Auditorium (please note venue change) and will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the 6th grade Chorus. The 7th and 8th grade Choirs will perform consecutively.
There are several music camp opportunities available to students during the summer. Please see Ms. Dhein for additional information.
Tutoring
Parents who are interested in securing tutoring for their child during the summer months, please contact the school office for more information.
May 2008
To: All 5th – 8th Grade Parents / Guardians and Students
From: Jason Zielinski, Middle School Associate Principal / 5-8 Activities Director
Re: Athletic Information for 2008-09 School Year
In preparation for the 2008-09 school year, please be advised of the following information regarding participation in athletic activities in grades 5 – 8.
Sport Offerings:
5th – Winter — Girls and Boys Basketball
6th – Fall — Soccer, Cross Country; Winter: Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling; Spring – Track & Field
7th & 8th – Fall – Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross Country; Winter – Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling;
Spring – Track & Field
To participate in Athletics for the 2008-09 school year, all athletes (5-8) must complete the following before they can practice or participate:
CURRENT PHYSICAL (No less than every other year with April 1 as the earliest date) on or after April 1 of 2007
Completed Emergency Card including proof of medical insurance
Mandatory attendance (by athlete and a parent / legal guardian) at ONE of the Code and Rules Meetings, while a
student at Westwood, Hemlock Creek, or West De Pere Middle School.
NOTE: If you attended a Code and Rules meeting previously in our district, you do not need to attend again!
Choose from one of the following dates listed below. Meetings will take place in the Commons.
Signature by parent and athlete of the code agreement and assumption of risk form. This must be a new form each school year.
Please note the information regarding sports physicals provided through Bellin Health. One hundred percent of the funds go directly back to the West De Pere School District – please support your school by getting your required physical through this service!
Important Dates for the 2008-09 Athletic Year:
August 25– 2:00 pm – Football Equipment Handout 8th Graders - Gym
2:40 pm – Code and Rules Meeting in Middle School Cafeteria
3:00 pm – Football Equipment Handout 7th Graders – Gym
August 26-29 – 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. - Football Practice
August 27 – Code and Rules Meeting (@Middle School) – Time TBA
August 28 – Mandatory Weigh-In Date for all Football Players – 3:00 p.m.
September 2 – First Day of School
September 2 – Practice Begins – Cross Country 2:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Soccer & Volleyball – 2:45 – 5:00 p.m. / Football – 2:45 – 5:30 p.m.
October 22 – Code and Rules Meeting (@MS) – 5:00 p.m.
Date TBD: Parent Teacher Conference Night – Code and Rules Meeting (@MS) – 4:30 & 6:30 p.m.
October 27 – Boys’ Basketball Practice Begins – Times TBA
December 17 – Code and Rules Meeting (@MS) – 5:00 p.m.
January 5 – Girls’ Basketball Practice Begins – Times TBA
January 5 – Wrestling Practice Begins – 3:05 – 5:00 p.m.
Date TBD: Parent Teacher Conference Night (@MS) – By Appointment
March 25 – Code and Rules Meeting (@MS) – 5:00 p.m.
April 1 – Track Practice Begins – 2:45 – 4:30 p.m.
8th Grade Promotion
On Monday, June 9th West De Pere Middle School will honor our 2007/2008 8th grade students at a ceremony in the High School Field House at 7:00 p.m. In honor of the students, the West Pere Middle School PACT is sponsoring a social immediately following the ceremony for the 8th graders and their immediate family. A celebration dance will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the High School Commons.
Notes from the Nurse - Dawn Schaefer RN, BSN
Families on the Move:
1…2…3…Active!
Exercise is easy and fun for everyone! So get ready, set, and go with these moving ideas!
Participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day.
Everyday activities like yard work count towards your 30 minutes.
Decrease or limit TV, computer, and video game “screen” time.
Get the kids out and play in the yard or nearby park.
Break up your exercise in mini exercises like three 10-minute walks through the day.
Exercise with a friend or family member for support.
Start slow and work up to your own personal healthy goal!
Spring is finally here, now let’s have some fun.
Ready, set, go! Spring and summer in Wisconsin are easy times to be active. Not only is getting regular physical activity good for your body, it is also a great way to decrease stress, have fun, and feel great!
It is key to begin by setting realistic goals. A goal is something that you aim for. An example of an exercise goal could be to take your dog for a walk 15 minutes in the morning and play outside in the evening for 15 minutes about five days a week. Remember, set goals that you can reach – start out small and work your way up. You will be amazed what your mind and body can do! If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse at 337-1087 ext. 8031.
Counselor’s Corner
The end is coming nearer to another eventful school year. Thoughts are out there in student’s minds that vacation starts early. The weather sets the mood for summer activities. The students realize they will no longer see many of their friends on a daily basis, so important at this age. And the change in the summer lifestyle and routine causes some students to get anxious. Eighth graders realize they are about to begin the next step in their education and growing up. Some are already talking about getting a ‘real’ job and thinking about the responsibilities that come with that. Regardless, there is school through June 10. Encourage your child to keep up the effort. Some students are right on the fence of ending the year successfully or not successfully, and can’t afford the risk.
Along with our local Summer School program, NWTC and UWGB offer classes. NWTC is offering classes in dental hygiene, dental assistant, medical assistant, natural gas, electricity and green energy. Other classes include auto technology, prototype and design model building and auto collision. If you are interested in media technology, digital media, computers and photography are offered. These are all being held on the Green Bay campus. Check out their web site at: http://www.nwtc.edu/Middle_School.
UWGB is holding classes in variety of areas of music. Also included are classes in art and space. And then there is ‘Grandparents University’ which covers Furs, Feathers and Scales, Fibre Arts, Painting Fantasy Maps, Nutritional Science, Video Game Design and Creating a Family Webpage. Check out UWGB’s web site at: http://www.uwgb.edu/camps/.
Last but very important: I have met with all eighth grade students about the Wisconsin Covenant Scholars Program. This program is voluntary but provides a valuable service for those students who might have a difficult time getting into college. If your child didn’t bring home the information, you may go to www.wisconsincovenant.wi.gov to find answers to your questions and print the pledge.
Be busy, be safe, and have a fun summer!
French Gazette
Concours Oral 2008 ~ “French Forensics”
This year again, students enrolled in French at West De Pere Middle School were given the opportunity to participate in the French Forensic (Poetry and Theater) competition: LE CONCOURS ORAL. We offer our congratulations to all of the West De Pere Middle School French students who brilliantly competed in the French Forensics Regional competition on March 1st at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay! All received straight “A’s” from the judges, along with highly complimentary comments, and qualified for the State competition which will be held in Wisconsin Rapids, on May 10th. West De Pere Middle School was well represented this year! Twenty-one 8th grade students competed in the following categories:
POETRY: Jamie “Emilie”Gildernick (Pour ma mère)
Matthew “Simon” Goethe and Ashley “Audrey” Monson (Pour maman)
THEATER: “L’ANNONCE”
Cynthia “Janine” Belanger James “Lucas” Ebben
Hannah “Gabrielle” French Alyssa “Anna” Janco Natalya “Nathalie” Jensen Sarah “Sylviane” Garrity
THEATER: “LA NUIT DE CONTRE ECLIPSE”
Alicia “Marylène” Ahrens Kali “ Roxane” Boldt
Cody “Napoléon” Dupont Vayda “Edwige” Sakkinen
Shannon “Sèverine” Smith Lindsay “Noëlle” Vogels
READERS’ THEATER: “COCO LE PERROQUET”
Lauren “Honorine” Ambrosius Mackenzie “Claire” Dorow
Leah “Laura” Fronsee Megan “Cécile” Pichler
Molly “Monique” Tilque Michael “Igor” Van Rite
French forensic students, congratulations for your work, dedication, and talent! We wish you Good Luck at the State competition! Questions regarding this competition can be addressed to Madame Butler, nbutler@wdpsd.com, (920) 337-1099, ext. 2152.
Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Middle School French Poster Contest
Congratulations to the following students for participating in the AATF Middle School French Poster Contest: Ashley Monson, Kelly Romenesko, Layna Zahrt, and Brent Zey.
The posters were all outstanding and entries came from all over the United States. The West De Pere Middle School students all received a Certificate of Merit from the association. BRAVO!
Passez Le Fromage, S’IL-VOUS-PLAÎT!
Monsieur Alan from Nala Fromagerie came to French classes on April 7th with an assortment of French cheeses for 8th grade students to sample; Madame Butler brought French baguettes. Monsieur Alan talked about the origin, manufacturing methods, ingredients, and culinary strong points of each cheese. Although some of the “fromages” were not to everyone’s taste, students reported enjoying the discovery experience.
The cheeses brought to class included:
BRIE (cow milk): a soft-textured, fairly strong-tasting cheese
BRIE DE BREBIS (ewe’s milk): a softer and creamier cheese
CROTTIN (goat milk): a cheese shaped in the form of the “droppings” of the donkeys who transported them through
France hundreds of years ago
OSSAU-IRATI (ewe’s milk): a dry, semi-hard cheese from the Pyrénées region which became most students’ ultimate
favorite
ROQUEFORT (ewe’s milk): a fairly strong “blue” cheese that challenged most students’ sense of adventure!
It was an interesting day, and the students’ reactions were as varied as the kinds of cheeses they tasted. Thumbs up for “going where most of them had never gone before!” It must be reported that both Mr. Finley and Mr. Zielinski joined the students to take the “fromage” challenge... Mr. Finley is still trying to recover from the adventure!
French for Business? You Bet!
Mr. Kevin Keller, a Client Manager from IBM, was the guest speaker in 6th and 7th grade French classes on April 14th and 15th. He discussed the importance of knowing French in today’s business world. IBM, like many companies from our area conducting global business, is employing people proficient in French. Their skills are highly valued and, due to the relatively small number of people mastering this language, very marketable. Possessing these skills is instrumental for job security. Knowing French is of particular value today in the fields of information technology, engineering, health, insurance, art and in general, international business and marketing.
P.A.C.T. News
Eagle Scout project—5 tables are complete and will sand and paint the old tables. Thanks Nick Delaney!
Discussed Teacher/Support Staff Appreciation Week.
We are still looking for a new President and Vice President.
Magazine sale limo lunch will be taking place the week of May 18.
7th grade parents are still needed to help with the 8th grade promotion ceremony. Please call the school office if interested.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the June meeting may be changed. We will discuss and decide at the May 1st meeting and will post on the web page.
Family Fishing Tournament
We invite you to join the 13th Annual Our Lady of Lourdes “Family Fishing Tournament” on Saturday, June 7th! This is a quality family event geared for kids ages 1-100! It's a free DNR fishing day so no license is required. It will be at
Voyageur Park from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Rain or shine. Registration for tournament is $3.00 per person. Cash and merchandise prizes will be awarded in various categories! A raffle will be held! A selection of bait will be available. Come by land or by boat! A complete list of rules will be posted on the day of the event. Chicken booyah (bring a container for take out), food and beverages will be available during the entire event. All proceeds benefit Our Lady of Lourdes. For more information, please contact Brad McGinley at 337-0213.
Destination Imagination
6th grade DI Participants Compete at State Competition
Six talented 6th grade girls participated in the “DI’ve Got a Secret” challenge at the state Destination Imagination competition at UW-Stevens Point on April 19th, 2008. The team known as the “Dixie Chips” represented the Green Bay region and placed 7th out of 18 teams. Congratulations go to Hailey Herrscher, Carly Gillis, Morgan Bixby, Jaclyn Burney, Holly Schranz, and Allie Stoffel on their accomplishments!
Careers/Entrepreneur/Family & Consumer Sciences
The School District of West De Pere is honored to have received a $1,700 donation from Thilmany Nicolet Mill to help support the Stock Market Game Simulation for grades 6—12. The Wisconsin Stock Market Simulation is offered to Wisconsin students through EconomicsWisconsin. The Stock Market Simulation (SMS) is an exciting and challenging way for students and teachers to develop an understanding of "real world" investment strategies and market operations without the exposure of using real money. Students learn about business and the economy while they compete in managing hypothetical $100,000 investment portfolios for 10 weeks.
Students in Ms. DeVillers’ Careers/Entrepreneur/Family and Consumer Sciences classes are participating in the Junior Achievement Programs titled, “ Economics for Success(Gr. 6) and It’s My Business (Gr. 7).” Leaders for rotations four through six include the following individuals:
Anchor Bank: Greg Viotto, Erika Halley, Jim Siegrist
IBM: Kevin Keller
Humana Inc.: Jessi Graper
Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance: April Worm
Schneider National, Inc.: Jeff Jordan
JR Rodgers & Associates-Dale Carnegie Systems: Nicole Nohl
Students enrolled in grades 6, 7 and 8 Careers/Entrepreneur/Family and Consumer Sciences Program have eagerly participated in work site experiences. A special thank you goes out to the following businesses for providing the students with authentic work site opportunities during rotations four through six:
Broadway Chevrolet, Great Harvest Bread, Wal-Mart Super Center, Festival Foods and Woodside Manor
Art Corner
The Student Art Show was held on Tuesday, April 8th in the Middle School Commons. Over 100 parents and students attended this event with a surprise visit by Wisconsin State Senator, Robert Cowles. High School art teacher, Mr. Felchlin, was the judge for the event. Mr. Felchlin said, “This year was a tough decision. Everyone did very nice work.” He is looking forward to coming back next year. The winners are:
Painting: 3rd – Hayley Moody, 2nd – Allie Stoffel, 1st – Abbey Barnes
3-Dimensional: 3rd – Kelsey Norton, 2nd – Stephanie Beyer, 1st – Jacob Green
Drawing: 3rd – Marcus Smalls, 2nd – Liandra Skenadore, 1st – Coleman Stevens
Clay: 3rd – Ellie Grocholski, 2nd – Jaime Forrest, 1st – Mackenzie Kocken
Best Overall Artist: Carina Lasee
I want to thank Mrs. Dhein and Mr. Petersen for organizing student entertainment and to all the students who performed the night of the event. Thank to Mrs. Schneider and her Destination Imagination team who performed their skit. Last, I would like to thank all the volunteers that helped set-up, hand out cookies and punch, sold cookbooks and cleaned up. The Student Art Show would not have been such a success without everyone’s help. I look forward to having everyone come again next year! Thank you for the support of the Arts.
Art Club experimented with scratch art and is now working on Mother’s Day gifts. The Mother’s Day gifts are becoming beautiful pieces of art that you will love. Art Club is coming to an end on May 12th. We will have a pizza party and watch a movie. Students will have to bring $3 for pizza, juice and chips.
Paint the Stars Studio, located in East De Pere’s historical Olde-School Square Community, has many opportunities for art students this summer. Some Youth Camps offered are: handmade paper collages and mosaics, glass fusing and pottery glazing. Paint the Stars Studio also offers Friday night ‘teen night’. Art students can hangout and create art. Call (920) 347-3555 for more information or see Miss Lotto for a handout.
UWGB offers an Art Summer Camp for the week of June 16-20. There are many opportunities for students such as Fashion Design, Ceramics, Photography, Cartooning and Comic Book Illustration, Acrylic Painting and Jewelry. The fee is approximately $260 for the one week camp plus a lab fee on most classes. You can register online: www.uwgbsummercamps.com or see Miss Lotto for a handout.
“One can’t paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt.” ~ Georgia O’Keefe
May/June Lit Tips—Tips for Increasing Literacy in Your Home
By Lisa Hollihan-Allen, Reading Specialist
Intermediate
Continue reading aloud books that challenge your child’s listening vocabulary and thinking skills. Reading books that are above your child’s reading level will help him or her grow as a reader. Encourage independent writing. Provide paper, pens and pencils. Start a journal of summer plans and activities. Keep a list of books read by the family over the summer.
Secondary
Read the same young adult novel as your teen. You could get valuable insights into the concerns and pressures felt by teens. You may find that these books provide a neutral ground on which to talk about sensitive subjects. Celebrate the end of the school year with a book store gift certificate. Go to the bookstore together, but browse separately as a way to say “you choose!”
