Ithaca School District

Ithaca Elementary had its first 3rd Grade Invention Fair on Friday, February 12. Participating were: Kashtyn Alt who created a new pasta salad recipe, Brynli Brady who created blankets and leg warmers for her toy horse collection, Kaila Layton who created the “Nail Markers” which are markers with a marker on one end and fingernail polish on the other, Aydin Kloehn who came up with a waterwheel tote that catches the water so there isn’t a mess, Lexi Brown who came up with a pencil case that attaches directly to your art sketchbook, and Zander Welch who created the “Spoontula” where he bolted 3 kinds of wooden spoons/spatulas together for ease of finding and multiple use. Kaila’s “Nail Markers” and Zander’s “Spoontula” represented Ithaca at the Mississippi Valley Gifted and Talented Network’s 3rd Grade Inventor’s Workshop where they were able to share their inventions with other 3rd graders in the area via Zoom on February 16.

We want your help! Ithaca is looking for your help in choosing a tagline. Our tagline should tell people who we are as a district and what we stand for in a few words. Please use this link to help us hear your voice. All our community, family, staff, and student members are welcome to complete the survey! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2p2x_3YB83QJfSxCLjHkebMV2wMoi83d6VZhUUX67P2JDNA/viewform

Ithaca elementary and middle school students recently experimented with robotic coding in the library! Using bee bot robots, students wrote code to make their robot navigate through a grid to arrive at designated squares. Students learned problem-solving, experimentation, and troubleshooting during the coding process. While students often visit the library to find information that is important to them in books or websites, coding lessons offer students an opportunity to create information by writing computer code their robots can read. Students and Mrs. Zorea are excited to continue experimenting with these robots, and learning to write computer code that is increasingly more complex!

Feb. 17, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Congratulations to 8th grader Sammy Clary for qualifying for the MathCounts Chapter Invitational contest which will take place on February 25. Good luck Sammy! Today is the third day of Ithaca’s FFA week. Tomorrow, Thursday, will be flannel day. We will have turkey bowling at lunch. If you participate in the dress up days and activities there will be ice cream treats on Friday. Thanks for participating in Ithaca’s FFA week! Softball players, the camp is coming up. The registration form is on the desk outside of the office or see Mrs. Boland as soon as possible. Don’t forget to order your yearbook before it is too late! This book will be a celebration of this memorable school year. ORDER TODAY! www.jostensyearbooks.com. or pick up an order form outside Ms. Sprecher door. Final order date for guaranteed copy is this Friday. We order a few extras but last year’s sold out. This is the last week to place an order for a letter jacket. Completed order forms and money must be turned in to Mrs. Thompson by this Friday the 19th. Both she and Landon have forms, and the forms are also on the website in the News tab. No late orders will be accepted. There will be a PTSO meeting today via Zoom starting at 4 PM. Hope to see you then! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83111432995 Word of the Day: Boorish boor-ish Boorish adj. Resembling or characteristic of a boor; rude and clumsy in behavior. “His boorish behavior was unacceptable to the directors.” Birthdays: Elementary— none H.S./M.S.— Kelsea Coleman

5th Graders in Mrs. Preuss' and Mrs. Pulvermacher's classes created Valentine's Day gifts to take to their families. The students created string art to show celebrate and share Valentine's Day.

Aspen Young and Abby Plonka did an excellent job representing Ithaca at the West Sectional virtual spelling bee on Wednesday, February 10. Both made it all the way to the 6th round where Abby placed 5th and Aspen placed 4th out of 18 participants. Nice job ladies -we are extremely proud of you!!!

Feb. 16, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Elementary Day 2 Today's schedule for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Band, 7th Grade - Choir, 8th Grade - Band. HS Band and Choir are on the Day 2 Schedule. Lunch for today: First choice-Philly Chicken, Second choice-Hamburger, Broccoli, Carrots & Dip, Peaches, Milk Choir Students: Remember that your Butter Braid orders and money are due back today. HS Band Students: A reminder that you have pep band tonight. Please be here by 6:30 pm. There is a H.S. boys basketball shoot around this afternoon after school until 4:30 in the gym. Softball players, the camp is coming up. The registration form is on the desk outside of the office or see Mrs. Boland as soon as possible. Don’t forget to order your yearbook before it is too late! This book will be a celebration of this memorable school year. ORDER TODAY! www.jostensyearbooks.com. or pick up an order form outside Ms. Sprecher door. Final order date for guaranteed copy is this Friday. We order a few extras but last years sold out. This is the last week to place an order for a letter jacket. Completed order forms and money must be turned in to Mrs. Thompson by this Friday the 19th. Both she and Landon have forms, and the forms are also on the website in the News tab. No late orders will be accepted. Attn Middle School Students: UW-LaCrosse is holding a virtual Science Fair and Math Expo. If you would like to present a science experiment, a research report on a scientific topic, or demonstrate a math game you created, talk to Mrs. Willis to get an information sheet. If you would like to participate, please let Mrs. Plonka know by Friday, March 5. There will be a PTSO meeting Wednesday, February 17 via Zoom starting at 4 PM. Hope to see you then! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83111432995 Word of the Day: Penitent pen-i-tuhnt Penitent n. Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant. “After the robbery, the thief was penitent and returned the property.” Birthdays: Elementary— Meili Dobson H.S./M.S.— none

Dear families, Due to the extreme cold, Ithaca schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 15, 2021. There will be no morning early childhood, all after school activities are canceled. 

Ithaca Students want to thank our amazing bus drivers!! This week students signed a "thank you" recognizing our bus drivers for the dedication, compassion, and hard work they show to students each and every day. For some students, our bus drivers are the very first face they see in the morning. Bus drivers carry our most prized treasures, and for all they do, we thank them.

Here is the Food Service survey for February 15-19th. Please complete the survey by this Sunday, February 14th at 5pm. Thank you for all your flexibility and understanding this week with the many challenges our food distribution faced. It is greatly appreciated! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdu5b8HVIT9NmHKZ6lY8TiycgMfW8S-qf7CSm5_TW9tqOppqg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Feb. 12, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Elementary Day 1 Today's schedule for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Choir, 7th Grade - Band, 8th Grade - Choir. HS Band and Choir are on the Day 1 Schedule. Lunch for today: First choice-Corn Dog, Second choice-BBQ Rib, Steamed Carrots, Pears, Dinner Roll, Sugar Cookie, Milk HS Students: A prom survey was emailed to you. Please take the survey by the end of today. HS Band Students going on the Florida Trip: Your Permission forms are due today. Forensics students who are filming today should meet right away after school in the LMC in professional dress. Even though you have finished filming after today, continue to practice at least once daily on your own and schedule to work with a coach weekly starting next week. Next week is FFA week. We will be doing dress up days and fun activities. If you participate, you will receive ice cream on Friday. Monday, February 15th, will be Ithaca Apparel and turkey bowling. Sign ups are posted in Mr, Favreau’s room. Seniors: Just a reminder that all Sports Booster Club Scholarships are due to Ms. Bevan by today. Stop in if you have questions or access them from the website under Additional Scholarship Opportunities. Choir Students: Remember that your Butter Braid orders and money are due back on next Tuesday, February 16th. Finish selling over the weekend and turn it in so that your order is included. Attn Middle School Students: UW-LaCrosse is holding a virtual Science Fair and Math Expo. If you would like to present a science experiment, a research report on a scientific topic, or demonstrate a math game you created, talk to Mrs. Willis to get an information sheet. If you would like to participate, please let Mrs. Plonka know by Friday, March 5. There will be a PTSO meeting next Wednesday, February 17 via Zoom starting at 4 PM. Hope to see you then! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83111432995 Elected president in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was commander-in-chief during the Civil War. In 1863, he signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves “shall be forever free.” Four months before his assassination, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery, was adopted. Word of the Day: Peckish pek-ish Peckish adj. Ill-tempered; irritable; Chiefly British feeling slightly hungry. “He felt rather peckish close to bedtime.” Birthdays: Elementary— none H.S./M.S.— none Staff—On Saturday, Sarah Stibbe

Wisconsin School Bus Driver Appreciation Week is February 8 – 12, 2021. EVERYDAY, but especially, this week Ithaca School District and community recognizes school transportation personnel who are involved in the highest standards of safe practices to assure the protection of their passengers, our most precious cargo. In Wisconsin, there are over 15,000 school buses that safely transport more than 600,000 students to and from school each school day and travel nearly 70 million miles a year. School Bus Driver Appreciation Week is an excellent opportunity for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join and discuss the importance of school bus safety. We proudly and loudly say THANK YOU to our bus drivers: Tammie Cayse-Fry, Bill Kloehn, Mike Hutchison, and Frank Schuh. We don't say it often enough, but we thank you!

Feb. 11, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Elementary Day 6 Today's schedule for Band and Choir is: 6th Grade - Band, 7th Grade - Choir, 8th Grade - Band. HS Band and Choir are on the Day 3 Schedule. Lunch for today: First choice-Chicken Parmesan, Second choice-Pizza Burger, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Dinner Roll, Milk We, the Celebration Committee and on behalf of Ithaca Staff and students we would like to give a shout out to our bus drivers for National Bus Drivers week. (which is this week) Bus driver's names are: Tammie Cayse-Fry, Bill Kloehn, Mike Hutchison, and Frank Schuh Forensics Students: Good job to all of you who made your videos yesterday! Those scheduled to record on Friday should continue to practice...see a coach today! HS Band Students: You have pep band tonight for the boy's game. Please be here at 6:30 pm. HS girls basketball will meet today during ATTACK in Mr. Klang's room. HS Students: A prom survey was emailed out to you yesterday. Please take the survey by the end of the day on Friday. Aspen Young and Abby Plonka did an excellent job representing Ithaca at the West Sectional virtual spelling bee yesterday. Both made it all the way to the 6th round where Abby placed 5th and Aspen placed 4th out of 18 participants. Nice job ladies -we are extremely proud of you!!! Seniors: Just a reminder that all Sports Booster Club Scholarships are due to Ms. Bevan by this Friday, February 12th. Stop in if you have questions or access them from the website under Additional Scholarship Opportunities. The Richland Center Junior Bowlers Share Night at Papa Murphy's will take place tonight from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Word of the Day: Hyperbole hahy-pur-buh-lee Hyperbole; Hyperbolic n. Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. “The company chairman may have been guilty of too much hyperbole during the shareholders meeting.” Birthdays: Elementary— none H.S./M.S.— none

Good morning. Ithaca Bus #19 - Tammies bus route - is running 45 minutes late this morning. Thanks for your understanding with this matter.

Feb. 10, 2021 Today is a Day 1 Forensics students! Today is show time! Those of you scheduled today for filming should arrive, professionally dressed, ready to go at 1pm. Please meet in Mr. Thome's room - the LMC is being used at 1pm for a meeting. All of you should be practicing on your own, out loud. Contact a coach for personal coaching time. Seniors: Just a reminder that all Sports Booster Club Scholarships are due to Ms. Bevan by this Friday, February 12th. Stop in if you have questions or access them from the website under Additional Scholarship Opportunities. The Richland Center Junior Bowlers Share Night at Papa Murphy's will take place on Thursday, February 18th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Word of the Day: Ghoulish goo-lish Ghoulish adj. Suggesting the horror of death and decay; morbid or disgusting. “The ghoulish mask was a scary Halloween favorite.” Birthdays: Elementary— McKailah Swenson H.S./M.S.— none

Ithaca is seeking excited and qualified coaches to lead our middle school track team. If you are interested in a head coaching position or assisting the head coach in our middle school track program, please complete the Application Form found on our website under the "Explore" tab and then "Employment". Forms should be returned to the district office, and any questions may be directed to Brooke Hackl or Zac Thome.

Middle School Boys Basketball families! There will still be Middle School Boys Basketball practice today from 3:30-5:30in the old gym.

Forensics students!! With the change in schedule, you must practice at least on your own. If you want to Zoom today, email one of the coaches to set up a time. Filming will go on as planned tomorrow! Check the schedule for your day.

Feb. 9, 2021 Today is a Day 2 Forensics Students: We will video your presentations THIS WEEK on Wednesday and Friday! Check the posted schedule and see your coach to be sure you are fully prepared. Don't forget to dress professionally! Good luck to Abby Plonka and Aspen Young who will represent Ithaca at the West Sectional Spelling Bee tomorrow! Seniors: Just a reminder that all Sports Booster Club Scholarships are due to Ms. Bevan by this Friday, February 12th. Stop in if you have questions or access them from the website under Additional Scholarship Opportunities. HS Band and Choir students: Please look at the new schedule on Schoology so you know what day you have rehearsals. The Richland Center Junior Bowlers Share Night at Papa Murphy's will take place on Thursday, February 18th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Word of the Day: Rapier rey-pee-er Rapier n. Quick and incisive. A sharp-pointed sword used for thrusting. “Rapier combat was not for the meek.” “Rapier wit.” Birthdays: Elementary—Owen Gillett H.S./M.S.— none Staff—Mr. Triphan

Ithaca is using the Wednesday schedule for virtual classes today, 2/9/21.