Ithaca School District

You may have noticed some new or familiar faces in the building but didn't know what roles they were filling. Ithaca welcomes Tina Ramsden and Amanda Waterman. Mrs. Ramsden has been a long-term sub this school year already, but now she is also our permanent sub to fill needs on a daily basis. Ms. Waterman is filling our After-School Program Director role. When you see them, welcome them to the district. Thank you both for all you do!

Good Luck! The Ithaca High School Forensics team travels to De Forest today to compete in the State Contest. We wish them and their coaches good luck! Pictured: Brooklynn Granger, Emma Schoen, Carissa Willis, Nick King (seniors), Holly King, Kyla Pluemer, Kaylee Peterson, Emma Coy, Talena Sprecher, Alana Nelson, Allison Durst, Brooklyn Freestone, Maggie Gschwind, Caleb Birkrem, Erica Steinmetz, Logan Anderson, Elise Newkirk, and Josie Laue. The team is coached by volunteer Mrs. Louise Murphey as well as Ms Chay Schmitt, Mrs. Juli Thompson, and Mrs. Emily Zorea.

Badger Girls State and Badger Boys State recognition! Every year, two students in the Junior class are nominated to represent Ithaca Schools as Badger Girl and Badger Boy. To be eligible, candidates must be enrolled in the Junior year, have an interest in government and citizenship, have outstanding qualities of leadership, good character, honor roll student and participate in extra-curricular activities. Badger Boys and Girls State are designed to train students in the science of government and to further develop their leadership skills. This program also educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin. This is a summer week program that will be held at UW-Oshkosh for Badger Girls and UW- Eau Claire for Badger Boys. These organizations are excited to be back after 2 years off due to COVID 19 precautions. We would like to recognize and congratulate this year’s delegates: Erica Steinmetz and David Fargen. Our alternate delegates are Kyla Pluemer and Evan Gomez. Congratulations students!

April 8th, 2022 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today, First Choice, Fish Sticks, Second Choice, Brat, Broccoli w/Cheese Sauce, Craisins, Mandarin Oranges, Milk The bus for the High School Track team will be leaving at 6:45 on Saturday. Students in grades 9-11, you will be receiving directions and your scheduling folders during ATTACK today. If you are leaving for state Forensics, please see Ms. Bevan this morning to get your folder. Junior Class: There will be a class meeting on Monday, April 11th, during Attack time. Good luck Forensics students! Today is the state contest at De Forest High School, and you'll all do so very well! Please release the forensics students at 2:35 today. The bus leaves at 2:45. Attention all Youth for Change members and others interested, come join us at the Community Center on Monday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. We will be supporting the idea of tobacco-free parks in Richland Center. No preparation is needed, and all who attend this meeting will receive a $15 Kwik Trip gift card! Hope to see you there! Our April PTSO meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 12 at 3:45 p.m. in the LMC. A zoom link will be available on the PTSO Facebook page. A babysitter will be provided. We hope to see you there! Middle school track will officially kick off on Monday, April 11th after school. Students should have all the necessary paperwork completed - Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct form, Physical/Alternate year form, Concussion form - and turned into the office by then or you will not be able to practice. The Ithaca FFA is holding their spring blood drive today in honor of Ben Huebsch. Plus, all donors receive 4 Mount Olympus tickets ! See Ms. Sprecher for details. Schedule an appointment to help patients like Ben: Call: 877-232-4376 Online: bit.ly/ithacacares There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, April 8. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 4th grade class. Middle school students we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast. New York Choir Students and Chaperones: You have until April 9th to include your New York photos on the App so that they are included in the keepsake video that is being made of your trip. Click on the following link, login, and upload your photos: www.grouptravelvideos.com Username: Behrens Password: pthdhs Did you know…you can raise funds for the Ithaca School Foundation just by purchasing the items that you normally buy online at Amazon? The program is called Amazon Smile – https://smile.amazon.com/ and 0.5% of your eligible purchases will automatically go to the Ithaca School Foundation when you sign up! There is no fee for the program. Sign up today! The PTSO is sponsoring a FREE Ithaca Family and Friends Swim day on Sunday, April 10 from 1-4 PM at Symons Recreation Complex at UW-Richland. This event is free for all Ithaca students, adults and their friends and family members even if they don't go to Ithaca. For more details, go to the Ithaca PTSO website www.IthacaPTSO.org or contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com. Hope to see you there! This Day in History: Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hits his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s legendary record of 714 homers. A crowd of 53,775 people, the largest in the history of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, was with Aaron that night to cheer when he hit a 4th inning pitch off the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Al Downing. Word of the Day: MET-ul-sum adjective Mettlesome means "full of vigor and strength of spirit or temperament. "The rider was experienced and had no trouble handling the mettlesome horse. Birthdays: Elementary—Easton Degenhardt H.S./M.S.—Liam Rowin

The Richland County and Community on Transition, (CCoT) will be presenting a virtual Transition Night on Wednesday, April 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Ithaca School District. This presentation is geared for parents and guardians who have a child with a disability age 12 and beyond, who would like to learn more about services available as their child transitions from school to post-secondary options. Are you asking questions such as, Will they get a job? Are they able to live on their own? What does transition mean? What housing options are there? What does long-term care mean for our family? What is Project Search? If so, join us for a time to answer these questions using the link, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85773737928?pwd=NGNYSTVoTUZpNDhwMkZwcHJaTUpTdz09#success Presenters will include Brian Kenney, CESA 2 and 3 Transition Coordinator, Alissa Taylor from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Nicole Hisel from Independent Living Resources, and Cassie Sanders from Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country’s Richland Center. These services include everything from living independently, to work experiences, to going to college, to going into the workforce. You may join us even if you live outside of Richland County, as these services are not exclusive. Feel free to join us at the Ithaca School District LMC if you do not have adequate internet access or a device. Five gift cards will be given out to those who can answer correct questions after the presentation (virtual or in person). Contact Cheri Jacobson at 608-585-2311 or cheri.jacobson@ithaca.k12.wi.us with any questions.

Tonight's track meet at Richland Center, involving the Ithaca / Weston track team, has been canceled.

Members of the Ithaca High School Choir traveled to New York over spring break. They had a very busy itinerary with seeing 2 Broadway shows - "Lion King" and "Aladdin", and an entertaining performance by Blue Man Group. They toured the Tenement Museum, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the 911 Museum. They saw many sites as they had a guided tour of New York and spent time shopping in Times Square. Mrs. Behrens is very proud of how the students represented Ithaca and would like to thank them and the chaperones for a wonderful and fun trip! Thank you, Mrs. Behrens and Mrs. Neimeyer for making this trip possible!

There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, April 8. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 4th grade class. Middle school students we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast.

A note from Ithaca Athletic Director Zachary Thome: The baseball and softball games at La Farge are cancelled tonight. The home JV baseball game versus Desoto is also cancelled tonight.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: April 7th, 2022 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today: First Choice- Beef Tips over Mashed Potatoes, Second Choice- Chicken Patty, Green Beans, Pineapple, Dinner Roll, Milk Please excuse the Baseball and Softball team at 2:50 today. Please excuse the High School Track team at 2:15 today. There will be an NHS meeting today during Attack. Elementary students--reminder that you are to follow the dress code. This includes no hats in the building, your midriff (belly) is covered, shorts/pants are long enough, body parts that should be covered are covered. I know you will choose your outfit well! Ms Schoen Congratulations to the FFA Career Development Event participants on their awesome performances at Regionals. All 6 teams qualified for State with 4 in the top 5 teams! In a normal year, they would be onto State in person, but due to UW Madison continued Covid restrictions and now will compete in a virtual contest tomorrow for their chance to compete in person. Good luck to all the teams! Forensics students let’s hit it hard this week! Lots of practice this week before we go to Deforest Friday. You must also meet with a coach. Mrs. Murphey is also available by appointment, but you must email her to arrange a time. Attention all Youth for Change members and others interested, come join us at the Community Center on Monday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. We will be supporting the idea of tobacco-free parks in Richland Center. No preparation is needed, and all who attend this meeting will receive a $15 Kwik Trip gift card! Hope to see you there! Our April PTSO meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 12 at 3:45 p.m. in the LMC. A zoom link will be available on the PTSO Facebook page. A babysitter will be provided. We hope to see you there! Middle school track will officially kick off on Monday, April 11th after school. Students should have all the necessary paperwork completed - Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct form, Physical/Alternate year form, Concussion form - and turned into the office by then or you will not be able to practice. The Ithaca FFA is holding their spring blood drive in honor of Ben Huebsch this Friday. Plus all donors receive 4 Mount Olympus tickets! See Ms. Sprecher for details. Schedule an appointment to help patients like Ben: Call: 877-232-4376 Online: bit.ly/ithacacares There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, April 8. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 4th grade class. Middle school students we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast. New York Choir Students and Chaperones: You have until April 9th to include your New York photos on the App so that they are included in the keepsake video that is being made of your trip. Click on the following link, login, and upload your photos: www.grouptravelvideos.com Username: Behrens Password: pthdhs Did you know…you can raise funds for the Ithaca School Foundation just by purchasing the items that you normally buy online at Amazon? The program is called Amazon Smile – https://smile.amazon.com/ and 0.5% of your eligible purchases will automatically go to the Ithaca School Foundation when you sign up! There is no fee for the program. Sign up today! The PTSO is sponsoring a FREE Ithaca Family and Friends Swim day on Sunday, April 10 from 1-4 PM at Symons Recreation Complex at UW-Richland. This event is free for all Ithaca students, adults and their friends and family members even if they don't go to Ithaca. For more details, go to the Ithaca PTSO website www.IthacaPTSO.org or contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com. Hope to see you there! This Day in History: Astros' Ken Forsch pitches no-hitter, matching feat by his brother On April 7, 1979, nearly a year after his brother Bob pitched a no-hitter, Houston Astros pitcher Ken Forsch tosses his first career no-hitter. Ken and Bob become the first—and only—brothers to pitch official no-hitters in Major League Baseball history. Word of the Day: Druthers DRUH-therz noun Druthers refers to "a free choice or preference." It is often used in the phrase if one had one's druthers. If I had my druthers, I'd be relaxing at the beach this weekend instead of remodeling my kitchen. Birthdays: Elementary—Kenneth Kypke H.S./M.S.—Zander Jones

Today, we travel back 20 years to the 2002 Ithaca Yearbook for our Throwback Thursday memory. Here is the JV Boys basketball team - recognize anyone? If so, tag them!

The PTSO is sponsoring a FREE Ithaca Family and Friends Swim Day on Sunday, April 10 from 1-4 PM at Symons Recreation Complex at UW-Richland. This event is free for all Ithaca students, adults and their friends and family members even if they don't go to Ithaca. For more details, go to the Ithaca PTSO website www.IthacaPTSO.org or contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

The Ithaca Softball apparel store is up and running. It closes on April 12th. The link to the page is: https://www.gardenhillgraphics.com/ihs-softball

There's still time to schedule a time! Donate blood this Friday, April 8th from 8;30am until 2:00pm during the FFA's Spring Blood Drive in honor of Ben Huebsch. Ben and recipients like him receive blood products for various reasons. Consider donating the gift of life! (And get a chance for up to 4 Mount Olympus tickets while supplies last.) Schedule an appointment to help patients like Ben: Call: 877-232-4376; Online: bit.ly/ithacacares

ANNOUNCEMENTS: April 6th, 2022 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today: First Choice- Chicken Taco Wrap, Second Choice- Corn Dog, Baked Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll/Dessert, Milk Attention Math Club members - the penultimate meeting of the year is today during Attack Time. We will be reviewing the Twin Conference results. Attention all Youth for Change members and others interested, come join us at the Community Center on Monday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. We will be supporting the idea of tobacco-free parks in Richland Center. No preparation is needed, and all who attend this meeting will receive a $15 Kwik Trip gift card! Hope to see you there! Our April PTSO meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 12 at 3:45 p.m. in the LMC. A zoom link will be available on the PTSO Facebook page. A babysitter will be provided. We hope to see you there! Middle school track will officially kick off on Monday, April 11th after school. Students should have all the necessary paperwork completed - Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct form, Physical/Alternate year form, Concussion form - and turned into the office by then or you will not be able to practice. Forensics students let’s hit it hard this week! Lots of practice this week before we go to Deforest Friday. You must also meet with a coach. Mrs. Murphey is also available by appointment, but you must email her to arrange a time. There will be an NHS meeting on Thursday, April 7th during Attack. The Ithaca FFA is holding their spring blood drive in honor of Ben Huebsch this Friday. Plus all donors receive 4 Mount Olympus tickets! See Ms. Sprecher for details. Schedule an appointment to help patients like Ben: Call: 877-232-4376 Online: bit.ly/ithacacares There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, April 8. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 4th grade class. Middle school students we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast. Good morning Students and welcome back from Spring Break! FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will meet this Thursday morning, April 7. Join us at 7:00 am for a big breakfast, an encouraging devotional and inspiring message! Our message title is: ’Influence with Integrity!’ Come join us and bring a friend! New York Choir Students and Chaperones: You have until April 9th to include your New York photos on the App so that they are included in the keepsake video that is being made of your trip. Click on the following link, login, and upload your photos:www.grouptravelvideos.com Username: Behrens Password: pthdhs Did you know…you can raise funds for the Ithaca School Foundation just by purchasing the items that you normally buy online at Amazon? The program is called Amazon Smile – https://smile.amazon.com/ and 0.5% of your eligible purchases will automatically go to the Ithaca School Foundation when you sign up! There is no fee for the program. Sign up today! The PTSO is sponsoring a FREE Ithaca Family and Friends Swim day on Sunday, April 10 from 1-4 PM at Symons Recreation Complex at UW-Richland. This event is free for all Ithaca students, adults and their friends and family members even if they don't go to Ithaca. For more details, go to the Ithaca PTSO website www.IthacaPTSO.org or contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com. Hope to see you there! This Day in History: The United States officially enters World War I April 6, 1917: Two days after the U.S. Senate voted 82 to 6 to declare war against Germany, the U.S. House of Representatives endorses the declaration by a vote of 373 to 50, and America formally enters World War I. Word of the Day: GRIFT verb Grift means "to obtain money illicitly." The email scammer grifted thousands of dollars. Birthdays: Elementary—None H.S./M.S.—None

Ithaca's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) advanced 11 of the students 16 participants from the Regional Leadership Conference to the State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Madison on March 28 and 29. Ithaca's FBLA students, like many students at small schools, have the opportunity and drive to actively participate in many wonderful organizations. Scheduling conflicts occasionally force students to make extremely difficult decisions. Unfortunately for many Ithaca FBLA members, the SLC took place while Ithaca High School was on Spring Break and the Ithaca Choir was exploring New York City. Students who attended the 2022 FBLA SLC were Will Burnley in Organizational Leadership and Emma Coy in Introduction to social media. This was the first in-person SLC since 2019, so it was an incredible experience for the attending students. A huge shot out to the Reedsburg FBLA students and their Advisor, Connie Jump, who were incredibly helpful and welcoming to our small group and made the conference even more fun. As a former chaperone of the Ithaca Choir Trip, Ithaca FLBA advisor, Katie Burnley, encouraged and fully supported the state qualifiers to go on the New York Trip and have a wonderful time. The traveling students were missed at the conference, but we know that they created memories that will last a lifetime, just like we did at the conference. Only one FBLA SLC Qualifiers /Choir Traveler was a senior, so hopefully, all the other students will qualify and attend next year. Students who didn't qualify for SLC in their event also gave up the opportunity to participate in the conference by attending workshops and award ceremonies. Ithaca FBLA SLC Qualifiers/Choir Travelers: Erica Steinmetz, Elise Newkirk, Kailey Newkirk, Alivya Young, Alana Nelson, Tristen Peterson, Carissa Willis, and Landon Thompson. Additional Ithaca FBLA members/Choir Travelers: Josie Laue, Lexi Stowell, David Fargen, Danny Feryance, Brooklyn Freestone, and Emma Schoen. Holly King also qualified for SLC but is not pictured.

If you need a dinner idea for Thursday this week or next week, please consider stopping by Richand Center's Papa Murphy's on April 7th and April 14th. 10% of the proceeds from 4-8pm will be donated to Ithaca's National Honor Society.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: April 5th, 2022 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today, First Choice, Pizza Burger, Second Choice, Scalloped Potatoes & Ham, Baby Carrots & Dip, Applesauce, Dinner Roll, Dessert, Milk Please release the Varsity Baseball and Softball teams at 2:30 today. The Math Team had their final competition of the school year on Thursday, March 24th. Ithaca fielded both a Varsity and Junior Varsity Team. The results of that competition were released yesterday. The JV team did well, with individual member Sammy Clary receiving First Team All-Conference and Allison Durst receiving Second Team All-Conference. The Varsity team also had individual success. Nick King, Caleb Marchwick, Emma Schoen, and Alana Nelson all earned First-Team All-Conference. The Varsity Team also won the competition with a resounding total of 178 points. For comparison, 2nd place North Crawford earned 104 points. Mr. Andresen is immensely proud of both teams and all the members. Everyone worked hard this season and those efforts were noticed and appreciated. There will be a meeting tomorrow during Attack to go over the team and individual results. Members should come down to help celebrate a challenging math competition season!! Attention Youth 4 Change Members: There will be a Youth 4 Change meeting TODAY during ATTACK in the LMC, Subway will be served. See you there! There will be a high school FFA meeting today during Seminar and Lunch in Ms. Sprecher’s room. Please plan to attend. Middle school track will officially kick off on Monday, April 11th after school. Students should have all the necessary paperwork completed - Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct form, Physical/Alternate year form, Concussion form - and turned into the office by then or you will not be able to practice. Forensics students let’s hit it hard this week! Lots of practice this week before we go to Deforest Friday. You must also meet with a coach. Mrs. Murphey will be available by appointment for anyone interested. There will be an NHS meeting on Thursday, April 7th during Attack. The Ithaca FFA is holding their spring blood drive in honor of Ben Heubch this Friday. Plus all donors receive 4 Mount Olympus tickets ! See Ms. Sprecher for details. Schedule an appointment to help patients like Ben: Call: 877-232-4376 Online: bit.ly/ithacacares There will be a popcorn sale this Friday, April 8. Cost is 50 cents a bag, limit 2 bags per student please. Proceeds this week will go to the 4th grade class. Middle school students we will sell in your hallway by the elementary doors during your breakfast. High school we will sell in the hallway by the vending machine during your breakfast. Good morning Students and welcome back from Spring Break! FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) will meet this Thursday morning, April 7. Join us at 7:00 am for a big breakfast, an encouraging devotional and inspiring message! Our message title is: ’Influence with Integrity!’ Come join us and bring a friend! New York Choir Students and Chaperones: You have until April 9th to include your New York photos on the App so that they are included in the keepsake video that is being made of your trip. Click on the following link, login, and upload your photos: www.grouptravelvideos.com Username: Behrens Password: pthdhs Did you know…you can raise funds for the Ithaca School Foundation just by purchasing the items that you normally buy online at Amazon? The program is called Amazon Smile – https://smile.amazon.com/ and 0.5% of your eligible purchases will automatically go to the Ithaca School Foundation when you sign up! There is no fee for the program. Sign up today! The PTSO is sponsoring a FREE Ithaca Family and Friends Swim day on Sunday, April 10 from 1-4 PM at Symons Recreation Complex at UW-Richland. This event is free for all Ithaca students, adults and their friends and family members even if they don't go to Ithaca. For more details, go to the Ithaca PTSO website www.IthacaPTSO.org or contact the PTSO at IthacaPTSO@gmail.com. Hope to see you there! This Day in History: FDR creates Civilian Conservation Corps On April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an innovative federally funded organization that put tens of thousands of Americans to work during the Great Depression on projects with environmental benefits. Word of the Day: Versity ad-VER-suh-tee noun versity is "a state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune."The movie is about a group of determined mountain climbers who triumph in the face of adversity. Birthdays: Elementary—None H.S./M.S.—Aubrey Wiedenfeld

On April 4th each year, National School Librarian Day recognizes the professionals who keep the school library in working order. School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized. They are also dedicated to helping our children (you) find the resources they need to keep learning. School librarians are the people who create an environment where students can learn every day of the year. Their work is an impressive accomplishment. The school librarians provide guidance and expose our youth not only to texts, print media, and literature but to digital resources and technology, too. These resources also connect them to libraries around the world. A school librarian’s ability to manage scores of media and a school full of students with numerous projects and schedules astounds us. A loud and proud shout out to our school librarian--Mrs. Emily Zorea. Mrs. Zorea is the epitome of a professional, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable librarian who knows and loves each of you and thoroughly enjoys sharing her knowledge of literary, informational and technological resources. Each student and adult is invited to stop by the library today and personally thank Mrs. Zorea for all she has and will continue to do for our school. Mrs. Zorea, we are so fortunate to have you at Ithaca!!

Middle School track families! Sorry for the confusion. There will NOT be practice tonight. But if you planned for your trackster to stay tonight, reach out to Mr. Mike Mani or Mrs. Juli Thompson. Middle School Track will officially begin on Monday, April 11th after school.