Ithaca School District

September is Suicide Awareness Month. Approaching someone who is struggling can be difficult, but it's worth the discomfort to help save a life. Ask, listen, stay, secure, and call.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sept. 27th, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today: First Choice - Tater Tot Casserole, Second Choice - Ham Sub, Baby Carrots & Dip, Peaches Pineapple, Dinner Roll, Milk NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. Reapply by Oct. 1st Please release JV football at 2:20 for their game today. Bus leaves at 2:30. Congratulations to Kaylee Peterson for winning 1st place at the Cross Country meet in DeSoto on Saturday. There will be a representative from Southwest Technical College here today during Seminar time in the library. Please get a pass from Mrs. Kershner this morning if you are interested in visiting with her about opportunities at Southwest Tech. The rep from Southwest Tech. is Kaye Woodke and she should be able to meet with students in the library during Seminar time. Monica will be in on Monday, so could meet her and help with anything she may need. I will be available through email if anything comes up. Thank you! High School Choir Students: Remember to turn in your Fireside trip note and payment before Thurs., Sept.30th. High School Choir Students: Your next New York trip payment is due by Monday, October 4th. Look at the statements handed out and see Mrs. Willis if you have any questions as to what you need to pay. The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale is underway! Find an Ithaca student and order yours today! Order forms and money need to be turned into your elementary classroom teacher or to the office by Friday, October Thank you for your support! Attention Middle School Students: The VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "How Can I Be A Good American?" Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Attention High School Students: The VFW's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "America: Where do we go from here?" Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Breakfasts and lunches are free to all students this year! But we still need your help. We encourage EVERYONE to complete an application for the Free and Reduced Meals program. These forms create statistics the Department of Public Instruction uses to provide additional funding and resources to schools for educational programs, such as Title 1. Those statistics are also used for teachers and districts to apply for grants or scholarship opportunities. Taking five minutes to complete the fillable pdf or handwrite the application can result in huge opportunities for your students and our school. All information is kept confidential. Only one district employee sees the applications, and that is only to enter the data. Please send completed applications in a sealed envelope to school with your student or mail to Ithaca School District Attn: Free and Reduced Meals 24615 State Hwy 58 Richland Center, WI 53581. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/doc/free-reduced-meal-application.doc On September 27, 1939, 140,000 Polish troops were taken prisoner by the German invaders as Warsaw surrendered to Hitler’s army. The Poles fought bravely, but were able to hold on for only 26 days.On the heels of its victory, the Germans began a systematic program of terror, murder, and cruelty, executing members of Poland’s middle and upper classes: Doctors, teachers, priests, landowners, and businessmen were rounded up and killed. The Nazis had given this operation the benign-sounding name “Extraordinary Pacification Action.” Birthdays: Elementary—Cameron Beasley, James Layton H.S./M.S.— Magdalene Gschwind

Today is Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. We are sending this notification that 2 students and 1 staff have tested positive for covid. We are now at Yellow om the matrix. (masks suggested, still required on buses)

2021 Homecoming Dance Hometown Heroes will be in the HS Commons from 8pm-11pm with Grand March at 9:30. Admission is $5, but there is no charge for Grand March viewing. Spectators for the Grand March are welcome but will be asked to depart after pictures to allow students to enjoy their Homecoming Dance experience.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sept. 24th, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today: First Choice - BBQ Rib, Second Choice - Chicken Nuggets, Baked Beans, Pineapple, Dinner Roll, Milk NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. Reapply by Oct. 1st Junior Class: There will be a very quick class meeting at 12:30 today in the band room. High School Choir Students: Remember to turn in your Fireside trip note and payment before Thurs., Sept.30th. High School Choir Students: Your next New York trip payment is due by Monday, October 4th. Look at the statements handed out and see Mrs. Willis if you have any questions as to what you need to pay. Great job High School students on showing your school and homecoming spirit this week. Congratulations to the winners of the class games last night. The winners of the spirit award are the seniors with 89 points, 2nd juniors with 80 points, 3rd sophomores with 68 and 4th freshman with 50 points. The seniors won the pizza party!!! Stay tuned for details! The PTSO will be selling spirit items and apparel in the gym on Saturday from 8 AM - 1 PM. We have yard signs too! The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale is underway! Find an Ithaca student and order yours today! Order forms and money need to be turned into your elementary classroom teacher or to the office by Friday, October Thank you for your support! Attention Middle School Students: The VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "How Can I Be A Good American?" Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Attention High School Students: The VFW's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "America: Where do we go from here?" Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. You can help Ithaca Public Schools earn money and resources! It only takes 5 minutes! Did you know that completing an application for the Free and Reduced Meals program creates statistics that Ithaca may use to apply for grants and qualify for additional programs and resources? Only one district employee sees the applications, and that is only to enter the data. All information is kept confidential. Yes, breakfasts and lunches are free to all students this year, but we still need families to complete and submit the application forms. Use the fillable pdf application or handwrite to complete the forms. Place completed applications in an envelope if you’d prefer to send to school with your student or mail in completed applications to Ithaca School District Attn: Free and Reduced Meals 24615 State Hwy 58 Richland Center, WI 53581. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/doc/free-reduced-meal-application.doc Birthdays: Elementary—today: Oliver Ringelstetter, on Sunday: Briggs Maxwell, and John Weitzel H.S./M.S.— none Staff—Ms. Nugent

HOMECOMING FRIDAY IS HERE! Friday is an Early Release for all students. Friday, September 24: Dress Up day: School spirit – wear your bulldog/purple apparel 12:35 PM Early Release – Elementary pick up starting at 12:15 1-7 PM Pick up entry tags and bring in gym exhibits to commons Fair Day - Saturday, September 25: 7 AM Bulldog Block Challenge Run/Walk - meet at Town Garage 7 AM – 10 AM Breakfast burritos served in the Community Gym by the Ithaca Band Parents 7:30 AM Livestock should be in place 8 AM Livestock show and animal judging 8 AM - 10 AM Judging of gym exhibits 8 AM – 2 PM Viewing of gym exhibits 9 AM – 1 PM Pork sandwiches & baked potato bar served in the Commons by the Choir Boosters 9 AM – 12:30 PM Band Parents Pie Silent Auction in the Commons 10:30 AM Parade 11 AM/After parade Meat Animal/Cheese & Butter Auction 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM Bounce house, cotton candy/slushies, games Multi-Purpose room 1:00 PM Youth tractor pedal pull 1:30 PM Football game vs. Luther 8 PM – 11 PM Homecoming Dance – Grand March at 9:30 PM Sunday, October 3: 10:30 AM Horse Show at the Anderson Family Quarter Horse Farm at 27727 County Road BA, Concessions by Horse Club

The Eighth Grade Science classes are learning and practicing their measurement skills in a fun unit called Rubberband Cannons. After measuring, averaging, and graphing their data, they will work together to choose the best variable settings to hit a target and compete with their classmates for the longest launch.

Dress Up days aren't just for students! We caught some of our admin and front office staffers in their capes yesterday. Looking good!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sept. 23rd, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today: First Choice - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Second Choice - Salisbury Steak, Green Beans, Mandarin Oranges, Dinner Roll, Dessert, Milk NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. Reapply by Oct. 1st Parents of band students in grades 5 - 12: Help is still needed from 8 - 10:30 at the Band Parents homecoming breakfast and from 11:30 - 12:30 for the pie auction. Please use the following link to sign up or call Mrs. Behrens. www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4CABAB2DA2F49-ithaca1 Junior class: Great job working on your float yesterday!! Some great teamwork occurred. Thank you to Mr. Klang for helping the Juniors with their float yesterday. We appreciate it! Great job with super heros! Today's running totals are Seniors 13, Juniors 20, sophomore 11 and freshman 13. The competition continues tonight with class games starting at 5 pm with boys volleyball in the gym. We hope to see everyone there! Go Bulldogs! Attention all photographers: Yearbook's goal is to get a picture of everyone who is participating in class games tonight. We want students to be participating, making memories and having a great time, so we would appreciate your help capturing these moments. Please let Mrs. Burnley know if you are focusing on a specific grade. A link will be shared tomorrow to upload pictures. Thank you! High School Choir Students: Remember to turn in your Fireside trip note and payment before Thurs., Sept.30th. High School Choir Students: Your next New York trip payment is due by Monday, October 4th. Look at the statements handed out and see Mrs. Willis if you have any questions as to what you need to pay. The PTSO will be selling spirit items and apparel in the gym on Saturday from 8 AM - 1 PM. We have yard signs too! Ithaca Choir Parents: Please click the link below to sign up to work for the Choir Booster Homecoming Meal held on Saturday September 25. Please sign up by Friday September 18. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EAEAB2FA5FB6-ithaca Thanks in advance for all your help. The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale is underway! Find an Ithaca student and order yours today! Order forms and money need to be turned into your elementary classroom teacher or to the office by Friday, October Thank you for your support! Attention Middle School Students: The VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "How Can I Be A Good American?" Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Attention High School Students: The VFW's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "America: Where do we go from here?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Breakfasts and lunches are free to all students this year! But we still need your help. We encourage EVERYONE to complete an application for the Free and Reduced Meals program. These forms create statistics the Department of Public Instruction uses to provide additional funding and resources to schools for educational programs, such as Title 1. Those statistics are also used for teachers and districts to apply for grants or scholarship opportunities. Taking five minutes to complete the fillable pdf or handwrite the application can result in huge opportunities for your students and our school. All information is kept confidential. Only one district employee sees the applications, and that is only to enter the data. Please send completed applications in a sealed envelope to school with your student or mail to Ithaca School District Attn: Free and Reduced Meals 24615 State Hwy 58 Richland Center, WI 53581. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/doc/free-reduced-meal-application.doc Birthdays: Elementary—none H.S./M.S.— Holly King

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sept. 22nd, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today, First Choice, Turkey Wrap, Second Choice, Pizza Dippers, Spinach Salad, Peaches, Dinner Roll, Milk NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. Reapply by Oct. 1st High School Choir Students: Remember to turn in your Fireside trip note and payment before Thurs., Sept.30th. High School Choir Students: Your next New York trip payment is due by Monday, October 4th. Look at the statements handed out and see Mrs. Willis if you have any questions as to what you need to pay. The PTSO will be selling spirit items and apparel in the gym on Saturday from 8 AM - 1 PM. We have yard signs too! Great job on twin day everyone!!!! Keep up the good work and don't forget tomorrow is class color day. Seniors Black, Juniors Green, Sophomores Yellow, Freshman Orange; The point total is currently at Juniors at 15 points and a three way tie between the other three grades and 9 points. Keep showing us your school spirit! Great job dressing up everyone for Merica/country day. The current point standing is : Juniors in the lead with 8 points and the Freshman, Sophomores and Seniors in a three way tie with 4 points! Make sure if you are leaving before lunch and want to be counted towards your class totals to let Ms. Sprecher or a member of the student council know. We will be taking pictures again today at the end of lunch of the participants! Class games will be Thursday night starting at 5 pm in the Gym with boys playing volleyball. Powder puff football Seniors and Sophomores against the Juniors and Freshman will follow on the football field. See the posters around the high school for more details! Ithaca Band Parents: We need donations of food and workers for the breakfast that we are serving on Fair Day, September 25. Please click on the following link to sign up to help. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4CABAB2DA2F49-ithaca1 Ithaca Choir Parents: Please click the link below to sign up to work for the Choir Booster Homecoming Meal held on Saturday September 25. Please sign up by Friday September 18. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EAEAB2FA5FB6-ithaca Thanks in advance for all your help. The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale is underway! Find an Ithaca student and order yours today! Order forms and money need to be turned into your elementary classroom teacher or to the office by Friday, October Thank you for your support! Attention Middle School Students: The VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "How Can I Be A Good American?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Attention High School Students: The VFW's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "America: Where do we go from here?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. You can help Ithaca Public Schools earn money and resources! It only takes 5 minutes! Did you know that completing an application for the Free and Reduced Meals program creates statistics that Ithaca may use to apply for grants and qualify for additional programs and resources? Only one district employee sees the applications, and that is only to enter the data. All information is kept confidential. Yes, breakfasts and lunches are free to all students this year, but we still need families to complete and submit the application forms. Use the fillable pdf application or handwrite to complete the forms. Place completed applications in an envelope if you’d prefer to send to school with your student or mail in completed applications to Ithaca School District Attn: Free and Reduced Meals 24615 State Hwy 58 Richland Center, WI 53581. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/doc/free-reduced-meal-application.doc Birthdays: Elementary—Adam Clancy H.S./M.S.— Kayden Coleman

HOMECOMING FUN CONTINUES THE REST OF THE WEEK! Wednesday, September 22: Middle/HS Dress Up day: Who’s Your Hero Day Elementary Dress Up day: Who’s Your Hero Day 12:35 PM - 3:15 PM High School Float building 5 PM Deadline to enter parade floats Thursday, September 23: Dress Up day: Class Colors-- Seniors: Black Juniors: Green Sophomores: Yellow Freshman: Orange 8th grade: Red 7th grade: Blue 6th grade: Pink 5th: Yellow 4th: Orange 3rd: Gray or Camo 2nd: Green 1st: Blue K: Red 4K: Purple 5 PM Homecoming Games at school 8:30 PM (approx.) Pep Rally and Homecoming King & Queen announcement Friday, September 24: Dress Up day: School spirit – wear your bulldog/purple apparel 12:35 PM Early Release – Elementary pick up starting at 12:15 1-7 PM Pick up entry tags and bring in gym exhibits to commons Fair Day - Saturday, September 25: 7 AM Bulldog Block Challenge Run/Walk - meet at Town Garage 7 AM – 10 AM Breakfast burritos served in the Community Gym by the Ithaca Band Parents 7:30 AM Livestock should be in place 8 AM Livestock show and animal judging 8 AM - 10 AM Judging of gym exhibits 8 AM – 2 PM Viewing of gym exhibits 9 AM – 1 PM Pork sandwiches & baked potato bar served in the Commons by the Choir Boosters 9 AM – 12:30 PM Band Parents Pie Silent Auction in the Commons 10:30 AM Parade 11 AM/After parade Meat Animal/Cheese & Butter Auction 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM Bounce house, cotton candy/slushies, games Multi-Purpose room 1:00 PM Youth tractor pedal pull 1:30 PM Football game vs. Luther 8 PM – 11 PM Homecoming Dance – Grand March at 9:30 PM Sunday, October 3: 10:30 AM Horse Show at the Anderson Family Quarter Horse Farm at 27727 County Road BA, Concessions by Horse Club

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sept. 21st, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today, First Choice, Mac & Cheese, Second Choice, Hot Dog, Peas, Tropical Fruit, Bread Stick, Dessert, Milk NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. Reapply by Oct. 1st Ithaca Band Parents: We need donations of food and workers for the breakfast that we are serving on Fair Day, September 25. Please click on the following link to sign up to help. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4CABAB2DA2F49-ithaca1 Please release the Cross Country team at 1:00 today. HS Choir will have full group rehearsal today. The High school FFA will meet today in Ms. Sprecher's room during Seminar and lunch today. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sprecher Keep showing us your school spirit! Great job dressing up everyone for Merica/country day. The current point standing is : Juniors in the lead with 8 points and the Freshman, Sophomores and Seniors in a three way tie with 4 points! Make sure if you are leaving before lunch and want to be counted towards your class totals to let Ms. Sprecher or a member of the student council know. We will be taking pictures again today at the end of lunch of the participants! Class games will be Thursday night starting at 5 pm in the Gym with boys playing volleyball. Powder puff football Seniors and Sophomores against the Juniors and Freshman will follow on the football field. See the posters around the high school for more details! Ithaca Choir Parents: Please click the link below to sign up to work for the Choir Booster Homecoming Meal held on Saturday September 25. Please sign up by Friday September 18. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EAEAB2FA5FB6-ithaca Thanks in advance for all your help. The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale starts on September 17 and goes until October 1. All elementary students will receive sales forms and middle and high school students who wish to sell can pick up a form in the office. Proceeds go to the Ithaca PTSO for programs and supplies for our school. Thank you for your support! Attention Middle School Students: The VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "How Can I Be A Good American?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Attention High School Students: The VFW's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "America: Where do we go from here?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Breakfasts and lunches are free to all students this year! But we still need your help. We encourage EVERYONE to complete an application for the Free and Reduced Meals program. These forms create statistics the Department of Public Instruction uses to provide additional funding and resources to schools for educational programs, such as Title 1. Those statistics are also used for teachers and districts to apply for grants or scholarship opportunities. Taking five minutes to complete the fillable pdf or handwrite the application can result in huge opportunities for your students and our school. All information is kept confidential. Only one district employee sees the applications, and that is only to enter the data. Please send completed applications in a sealed envelope to school with your student or mail to Ithaca School District Attn: Free and Reduced Meals 24615 State Hwy 58 Richland Center, WI 53581. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/doc/free-reduced-meal-application.doc Birthdays: Elementary—none H.S./M.S.— none

HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES CONTINUES! Tuesday, September 21: Middle/HS Dress Up day: Twin Day Elementary Dress Up day: Pajama Day 5 PM MS Football vs. Royal at home 5 PM MS Volleyball at Kickapoo 6 PM HS Volleyball vs. N. Crawford at home Wednesday, September 22: Middle/HS Dress Up day: Who’s Your Hero Day Elementary Dress Up day: Who’s Your Hero Day 12:35 PM - 3:15 PM High School Float building 5 PM Deadline to enter parade floats Thursday, September 23: Dress Up day: Class Colors Seniors: Black Juniors: Green Sophomores: Yellow Freshman: Orange 8th grade: Red 7th grade: Blue 6th grade: Pink 5th: Yellow 4th: Orange 3rd: Gray or Camo 2nd: Green 1st: Blue K: Red 4K: Purple 5 PM Homecoming Games at school 8:30 PM (approx.) Pep Rally and Homecoming King & Queen announcement Friday, September 24: Dress Up day: School spirit – wear your bulldog/purple apparel 12:35 PM Early Release – Elementary pick up starting at 12:15 1-7 PM Pick up entry tags and bring in gym exhibits to commons Fair Day - Saturday, September 25: 7 AM Bulldog Block Challenge Run/Walk - meet at Town Garage 7 AM – 10 AM Breakfast burritos served in the Community Gym by the Ithaca Band Parents 7:30 AM Livestock should be in place 8 AM Livestock show and animal judging 8 AM - 10 AM Judging of gym exhibits 8 AM – 2 PM Viewing of gym exhibits 9 AM – 1 PM Pork sandwiches & baked potato bar served in the Commons by the Choir Boosters 9 AM – 12:30 PM Band Parents Pie Silent Auction in the Commons 10:30 AM Parade 11 AM/After parade Meat Animal/Cheese & Butter Auction 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM Bounce house, cotton candy/slushies, games Multi-Purpose room 1:00 PM Youth tractor pedal pull 1:30 PM Football game vs. Luther 8 PM – 11 PM Homecoming Dance – Grand March at 9:30 PM Sunday, October 3: 10:30 AM Horse Show at the Anderson Family Quarter Horse Farm at 27727 County Road BA, Concessions by Horse Club

September is Suicide Awareness month. Sources of Strength is the first suicide prevention program involving peer leaders to build and strengthen protective skills associated with reducing suicide at the school population level. Our trained High School Peer Leaders use their network of friends to: ~Have one-on-one conversations. ~Develop a Hope, Help, Strength message using local faces and voices. ~Present peer-to-peer presentations. https://sourcesofstrength.org/

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sept. 20th, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today: First Choice - Quesadilla, Second Choice - Fish Sandwich, Steamed Carrots, Pears, Dinner Rolls, Milk NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. Reapply by Oct. 1st Band students: Your fundraiser forms and money are due to Mrs. Behrens today. Good luck to the Freshmen volleyball team as they host Iowa-Grant tonight. The action starts at 5:00. Attention seniors! If you have not yet voted for Homecoming Representatives, you have until noon today to do so. Due to float building on Tuesday during attack, high school FFA will meet during seminar and lunch tomorrow. Please come to Ms. Sprecher room during that time We have spirit yes we do, we have spirit how about you! The Student Council Wants To See Your School Pride!! Show us your spirit by dressing up during Homecoming Week every day! Classes will get points for dress up days and class games. The more participation by your class, the more points you will get! The class with the most points after the class games will get a pizza party during an ATTACK. Student Council will be taking pictures of each class and counting how many students are dressed up during Seminar each day. Ithaca Band Parents: We need donations of food and workers for the breakfast that we are serving on Fair Day, September 25. Please click on the following link to sign up to help. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4CABAB2DA2F49-ithaca1 Ithaca Choir Parents: Please click the link below to sign up to work for the Choir Booster Homecoming Meal held on Saturday September 25. Please sign up by Friday September 18. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EAEAB2FA5FB6-ithaca Thanks in advance for all your help. The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale starts on September 17 and goes until October 1. All elementary students will receive sales forms and middle and high school students who wish to sell can pick up a form in the office. Proceeds go to the Ithaca PTSO for programs and supplies for our school. Thank you for your support! Attention Middle School Students: The VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "How Can I Be A Good American?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Attention High School Students: The VFW's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "America: Where do we go from here?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. You can help Ithaca Public Schools earn money and resources! It only takes 5 minutes! Did you know that completing an application for the Free and Reduced Meals program creates statistics that Ithaca may use to apply for grants and qualify for additional programs and resources? Only one district employee sees the applications, and that is only to enter the data. All information is kept confidential. Yes, breakfasts and lunches are free to all students this year, but we still need families to complete and submit the application forms. Use the fillable pdf application or handwrite to complete the forms. Place completed applications in an envelope if you’d prefer to send to school with your student or mail in completed applications to Ithaca School District Attn: Free and Reduced Meals 24615 State Hwy 58 Richland Center, WI 53581. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/doc/free-reduced-meal-application.doc Birthdays: Elementary—none H.S./M.S.— none

There's still time! You can still get your entries registered for the 99th Ithaca School Fair by Sunday, September 19th by midnight. Go to our "News" tab to find all needed information and links under the School Fair and Homecoming news article or go to the Ithaca Fair Facebook page for all you need to know. Even if you aren't submitting fair entries, get your calendar cleared for next week's fair! https://www.facebook.com/IthacaFairWI

Homecoming 2021 Dress Up Days kicks off on Monday! Elementary students may dress up in their Crazy Hair. High School and Middle School students may dress up in their best 'Merica/Country outfits. Let's have a great Homecoming week. Show your spirit!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sept. 17th, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today, First Choice, Brat, Second Choice, Chicken Patty Sandwich, Baked Beans, Applesauce, Milk NOTICE TO THOSE ON FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES LAST YEAR: You have through Oct. 1st to re-apply for the program. Reapply by Oct. 1st Beginning Monday, backpacks are not allowed in the classroom. Please use your lockers! We have spirit yes we do, we have spirit how about you! The Student Council Wants To See Your School Pride!! Show us your spirit by dressing up during Homecoming Week every day! Classes will get points for dress up days and class games. The more participation by your class, the more points you will get! The class with the most points after the class games will get a pizza party during an ATTACK. Student Council will be taking pictures of each class and counting how many students are dressed up during Seminar each day. Band students in grades 5 - 12 - Your fundraiser forms and money are due on Monday, September 20th. Ithaca Band Parents: We need donations of food and workers for the breakfast that we are serving on Fair Day, September 25. Please click on the following link to sign up to help. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4CABAB2DA2F49-ithaca1 Ithaca Choir Parents: Please click the link below to sign up to work for the Choir Booster Homecoming Meal held on Saturday September 25. Please sign up by Friday September 18. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4EAEAB2FA5FB6-ithaca Thanks in advance for all your help. Order your 2021-2022 Yearbook at jostensyearbooks.com for the lowest price of $37. If you purchase name personalization for your yearbook, you can get up to four icons on the cover for FREE. Make sure to order your yearbook by Sept. 17 to take advantage of this limited time offer. See Mrs. Burnley if you have questions. Due to shortages in production plant staffing, delivery company staffing, and overall product availability the Richland and Ithaca Food Service Departments may be experiencing needed, last-minute menus changes. When these changes occur, the Food Service Department's goal will be to keep menu items similar to the planned meal when possible. While we will notify schools about any changes as soon as possible, please understand that some changes may occur with little, to no, notice. Thank you for your patience and we are sorry for any inconveniences. If you have any questions, please contact Jodie Pretsch, Food Service Director, at 608-647-6063. The PTSO's Rural Route 1 popcorn sale starts on September 17 and goes until October 1. All elementary students will receive sales forms and middle and high school students who wish to sell can pick up a form in the office. Proceeds go to the Ithaca PTSO for programs and supplies for our school. Thank you for your support! Attention Middle School Students: The VFW's Patriot's Pen essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "How Can I Be A Good American?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. Attention High School Students: The VFW's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest is now open. The topic this year is "America: Where do we go from here?". Lots of cash prizes for winners! Essays are due October 15. For more information and the rules, contact Mrs. Plonka. The deadline to enter in the Ithaca Fair through FairEntry.com has been extended to Sunday, September 19 at midnight. Here is the link for FairEntry: https://www.fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/16011 Please have all paper copies of your Ithaca Fair entries into the school office by Friday, September 17 by 3:30. The 99th Annual Ithaca Fair will be held on Saturday, September 25. Fair books can be found on the school website, facebook page, Ithaca Fair facebook page and there are some printed copies in the school office. Parade entry forms can also be found in the office and online and are due to Rob Richards by Wednesday, Sept. 22. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Sprecher or Mrs. Plonka. Breakfasts and lunches are free to all students this year! But we still need your help. We encourage EVERYONE to complete an application for the Free and Reduced Meals program. These forms create statistics the Department of Public Instruction uses to provide additional funding and resources to schools for educational programs, such as Title 1. Those statistics are also used for teachers and districts to apply for grants or scholarship opportunities. Taking five minutes to complete the fillable pdf or handwrite the application can result in huge opportunities for your students and our school. All information is kept confidential. Only one district employee sees the applications, and that is only to enter the data. Please send completed applications in a sealed envelope to school with your student or mail to Ithaca School District Attn: Free and Reduced Meals 24615 State Hwy 58 Richland Center, WI 53581. https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/doc/free-reduced-meal-application.doc Birthdays: Elementary—Sunday, Tanner Swenink H.S./M.S.— none Staff—Gia Maestri on Saturday, Mrs. Pope

Class of 2022 Seniors & Parents @ Ithaca HS: Jostens is scheduled to meet with all Seniors on Tues., Sept. 21st @ 11:55 to explain and pass out ordering information for Graduation Cap/Gown & Announcement products, and measure seniors for cap/gowns. Please click on the link below to place your Graduation Order by Oct. 15, 2021 to avoid a late fee. Cap/Gown/Announcement packages are available to fill all your needs, or you may order an individual cap/gown/tassel unit (Paid for by school/class). Please add 2 inches to your height when ordering your cap & gown set. (Unopened Cap & Gown units may be returned if you do not participate in 2022 Ceremony). To order a graduation tassel only, please select the Souvenir Tassel. https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1116349/Ithaca-High-School/ Questions?-Please call 1-800-854-7464 OR EMAIL: www.jostens.com/contact.

Ithaca HS Class of 2025 & Parents: Jostens is scheduled to meet with the Freshmen Class on Tues., Sept. 21st @ 11:45 to explain and pass out Class Ring Ordering information. Please click on the link below to design your ring on the RING DESIGNER. Design & Order your ring by October 31, 2021 and receive $20 off your ring using promo code RING20. (P11,P12, P30, P31 not included). A ring sizer is included in the packet. Rings will ship home in approximately 6-8 weeks with payment programs available. https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1116349/Ithaca-High-School/ QUESTIONS? 1-800-854-7464 or EMAIL: www.jostens.com/contact