All families qualify for FREE Breakfast/Lunch regardless of your families financial situation. Please complete the following form (also found on our website and app under Live Feed or our Facebook page). The survey will be used to request FREE Breakfast/Lunch meals the week of April 6-10, 2020, for ANY child UNDER the age of 18 in your home, whether or not your family receives free or reduced lunches, during Ithaca School's closure. Requests MUST be submitted by Friday, April 3th. Any questions can be directed to Kathleen Schoen at 583-2622. Pick up is daily from 4-6pm. If you are unable to pick up during that time, arrangements may be made prior to pick up to allow someone else to pick up for you. If you like, you may indicate this on the survey form. (Edited to correct the link and update dates/times) https://forms.gle/FkRtPVTorYKW74Mq7
Today's Throwback Thursday spotlight is on last year's 6th graders when they looked back on their reading throughout the year in Mrs. Zorea's class. What has been your favorite book this year?
https://youtu.be/myPYyx8M-vE
Please read the letter in this link from Mr. Lechnir and Mrs. Schoen regarding learning as we move ahead in this closure. Do not hesitate to reach out to either Mr. Lechnir or Mrs. Schoen with any concerns.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fPX_u_G-5sOYiGssGqQl9NvmUrwLmcZ0RWek2Jbgu24/edit?usp=sharing
So much fun seeing all the reading and fun going on with it. Curtis and his family built a fort, and he read to his sister in it. Elise found a cozy spot by the fireplace with her cat. Keep the pictures coming! And keep on reading!
Ms. Durkin is teaching the colors of the rainbow - ROY G BIV - and the order they are in. One student, Alex Toussaint, took his assignment outside to spread some cheer and color. A perfect picture to share today!
We have made a couple of additions to our https://www.ithaca.k12.wi.us website. Here is a YOUTUBE video explaining what we have done. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sLtbznUDcg
The upcoming Policy, Curriculum and Instruction, and Buildings and Grounds Committee meetings have been cancelled. Please refer to the school "Events" tab or calendar to view any changes, cancellations, or rescheduled events. They will be as up-to-date as possible.
No Foolin'!! There's reading going on! Thanks to the Neefe's and Ihm's for sharing their reading pictures with us. Sutton and Lennon took advantage of a sunny day to read on the steps together. Dyson found a comfy spot in a beanbag chair to read a little Dog Man. Keep reading! Keep sharing pictures!
Parents of Ithaca Students: We need your input. If you have not yet completed the Parent Tech Survey, please do so ASAP as we are making plans for student learning in the weeks to come. We want your input!! Thank you, Mr. Lechnir and Ms Schoen
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAKHUu_Wb9XroQdq8Rz945rzXucV-uj5lV1VEh78BRrgFZEg/viewform
Remember to pick up sack breakfast and lunches at Ithaca School today from 4pm until 6pm. If you forgot yesterday, we have you covered! Pull in on the elementary side, and let us serve you with a smile! Look for a survey for next week's distribution soon.
Mrs. Pluemer wants to remind everyone not to neglect your mental health. Managing stress and applying simple coping strategies can greatly improve mental health. Check out the link for suggestions. It specifically lists the importance of recognizing the different ways children deal with stress versus adults. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html
"Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:
-Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
-Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
-Excessive worry or sadness
-Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
-Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
-Poor school performance or avoiding school
-Difficulty with attention and concentration
-Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
-Unexplained headaches or body pain
-Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
There are many things you can do to support your child:
-Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
-Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
-Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
-Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
-Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members."
We know how challenging this new learning environment is. Remember that sometimes the simplest forms of learning are the most valuable and even stress-reducing. Mrs. Newkirk and Mrs. Zorea challenge you all to read everyday. Send us your pictures of reading going on at home! Email to juli.thompson@ithaca.k12.wi.us or send via FB Messenger through the school's page.
The Newkirks found some obvious and creative ways to enjoy reading at home. Where do you like to read?
A reminder to families who signed up for breakfast/lunch pick up this week: Swing in NOW until 6pm. Quite a few haven’t picked up yet.
Welcome back to School (at Home)! Staff are hoping all families are getting settled into their new routine. If you have questions, concerns, need resources, or just want to talk, reach out to a staff member. Staff will be trying to reach you and your students at home. If you notice a blocked or unknown number, it may be them.
Mrs. Prouty hopes families were able to enjoy a little fun during Spring Break. School resumes in it's new way on Monday! Staff are "looking" forward to "seeing" students soon. Got your classroom ready at home? Take a look at Mrs. Prouty's new office.
Could you or someone you know benefit from a Pop-Up Pantry food tote? Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program is making a Pop-Up Pantry stop in Ithaca on Wed. Apr. 1 from 12:30-1:30 in the Twp Garage parking lot. Call or visit their website for more info. Spread the word!
Ithaca Staff hope all are doing as well as can be expected during this time! As we prepare to make some decisions regarding home-based learning, we are asking at least one member of each family completes this survey regarding internet access, hotspot possibility, and devices for students in your homes. Please feel welcome to add comments at the end of the survey if your situation doesn't fit the questions asked. Any additional questions may be referred to Mrs. Schoen at 583-2622.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAKHUu_Wb9XroQdq8Rz945rzXucV-uj5lV1VEh78BRrgFZEg/viewform
Ithaca Seniors! Updates to some scholarships have been added to the school's website under the Counselor's Corner. Please note that Southwest Technical College Foundation and Lenz Family Scholarship deadlines have been extended to April 15, 2020, and the UW-Plattevillel-Richland Campus Foundation scholarship has been extended to April 17, 2020.
https://www.ithaca.k12.wi.us/o/ithaca-school-district/page/scholarship-info--4
It’s not the kind of Spring Break you thought you’d have. You might be feeling frustrated, stressed out, scared. You’re not alone. Your Ithaca family is going through this with you. When there are so many uncertainties, this is absolutely certain: One team, One School, One Family. If you need something – anything – reach out to a staff member. We are never far away. Even if it’s just to talk. We are here to support you and each other always. And know this, we miss you.
Congratulations to the 2020 Ithaca School District Delta Kappa Gamma Winners.
Delta Kappa Gamma is hosted by the Lambda Chapter and offered to all students 3rd-12th grade. Students must write, illustrate, and publish their own story. Our elementary teachers have championed this contest and writing within the classroom for over ten years, and the accomplishments of our writers shows it! Congratulations, and job well done, students!
