Ithaca School District

While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard to know #WhereToStart when it comes to taking care of ourselves. 💚 Learn more with Mental Health America’s #MentalHealthMonth resources: mhanational.org/may

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Friday, May 17, 2024 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today - First Choice: Taco meat and chips, Second Choice: Chicken fajita, WG roll, Mixed vegetables, Applesauce, Salad Bar, Milk From the Ithaca Technology department: The technology department will NOT be loaning out ANY Chromebooks the final week of school (May 28 through May 31). We have finals that week, so make sure you bring YOUR assigned device with you as none will be available. Also, during the final week we will be turning in Chromebooks after all classes no longer have a need for students to have a device. Please remember, you were assigned a device, bag, and charger. When we run our device check-in, if any one of these are not present your family will be billed for a replacement. Seniors, we will be collecting your devices before graduation practice, so please be prepared to turn in devices at that time. Ithaca Lions helping our own: Sunday, May 19, from 7am-1pm, the Ithaca Lions will host a pancake breakfast benefit for Pat Crook from Sextonville. Youth and adults are encouraged to sign up to help. From the Business Office: ATTENTION ALL SENIORS please remember that all dues, fines, and food service account balances must be paid, in full, prior to receiving your diploma. If you have questions please contact the office. BIRTHDAYS: none

On Thursday of this week, Ithaca Elementary held a school "Fun Day", which included games, music, sports, sidewalk art, cake and ice cream, and MORE! The kids (and staff & volunteers) had a most excellent time! Even a little rain couldn't dampen the Bulldog Spirit. Thanks to Mrs. Schoen and the Ithaca staff for making this a reality! https://www.facebook.com/IthacaPublicSchoolsWI/posts/pfbid02jJsYEPF7L3E5v2B13CUqsDi8aJtdCodn9GNYNJbRfRGXM8CvtqXSGJFMaqb21JYMl

Dear Parents/Guardians, Over the next couple of weeks, we would LOVE for your student(s) to ride the bus—even if it’s just ONE time, and it can be just to OR from school. The transportation funding we receive from the state of Wisconsin depends on the number of addresses (stops) and students we have in our records. We are requesting that ALL students who reside at an address ride the bus at least once. You can help us provide improved transportation every day, by having your student(s) ride to OR from school just one time between now and the end of the school year. If you would like to assist the Ithaca District and have your student(s) ride the bus, please call the school office at 608-585-2311 and we can have a quick discussion on dates, times, and route information. (please see the attachments) Estimados Padres/Tutores: Durante las próximas dos semanas, nos ENCANTARÍA que su(s) estudiante(s) viajara(n) en el autobús, aunque sea SOLO UNA VEZ, ya sea para ir o regresar de la escuela. Los fondos de transporte que recibimos del estado de Wisconsin dependen de la cantidad de direcciones (paradas) y estudiantes que tengamos registrados. Estamos solicitando que TODOS los estudiantes que residan en una dirección viajen en el autobus al menos una vez. Pueden ayudarnos a mejorar el transporte diario haciendo que su(s) estudiante(s) viaje(n) hacia O desde la escuela solo una vez entre ahora y el final del año escolar. Si desea ayudar al Distrito de Ithaca y permitir que su(s) estudiante(s) viaje(n) en el autobús, llame a la oficina de la escuela al 608-585-2311 y podremos tener una breve conversación sobre fechas, horas e información de rutas. Además de los fondos de transporte, estas son algunas razones considerables para viajar en el transporte (por favor vea los archivos adjuntos)

Champions abound! 🥇🎉👏 Congratulations to the Ithaca/Weston High School Track and Field team on a successful showing at the John D. Young Ridge and Valley Conference Meet that was hosted by Kickapoo High School on Tuesday. All members of the team performed very well, helping the teams score competitively. Ithaca/Weston athletes that placed 1st in the conference in their events are: 🏃🏻Clayton Lee in the 3200m, 1600m and 800m runs 🏃‍♀️Kaylee Miller in the High Jump 🏃‍♀️Aubri Koch in the Triple Jump, 🏃‍♀️Tristen Peterson in the 100m hurdles 🏃‍♀Kaylee Peterson in the 100m dash, 800m and 1600 m runs Well done! The teams next compete on Monday, May 20th at River Ridge High School for the Regional Meet. Good luck! 📸Credits: Lisa Clary and Nate Beier (GX3 Media)

Yesterday, Wednesday 5/15 the 3rd grade class went to Baraboo for the Sauk County Rural Safety Days. They rotated through 9 different stations where they learned about a variety of things from electrical safety, water safety, farm safety & seatbelt safety. It was a long, beautiful and educational day!

Ithaca High School is proud of the accomplishments of our students. As we near graduation, we wish to celebrate the Ithaca High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to our graduates, their families, and all who helped them achieve this milestone! 🎓 🎉🎉🎓 Today we shine our spotlight on: 👩‍🎓Amanda Schmidt 👨‍🎓Taylor Johnson-Pickel "Chase your dreams, but always know the road that'll lead you home again" ~ Tim McGraw 💜🤍#LearnersTodayLeadersTomorrow #IthacaBulldogs #ClassOf2024 🤍💜

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today - First Choice: Spaghetti w/ground beef sauce, Second Choice: Chicken patty w/bun, Breadsticks, Green beans, Pears, Salad Bar, Milk From Ms. Sprecher: Middle School FFA will meet on Today, May 16 during ATTACK. Ithaca Lions helping our own: Sunday, May 19, from 7am-1pm, the Ithaca Lions will host a pancake breakfast benefit for Pat Crook from Sextonville. Youth and adults are encouraged to sign up to help. From Mrs. Kershner: The Big Brother/Big Sister RISE Program will gather one more time on Thursday, May 16. High School mentors please remember the time you meet. Our younger students really look forward to spending time with you! Thank you for making a difference and being a part of the RISE Program! Have a great end of the year meeting time together! From Ms Schmitt: Community Players of SW WI is producing a musical this summer and WE NEED YOU! “The Music Man” is a golden age musical that requires singers, dancers, and actors of all ages. The final auditions are tonight at 6:30 in the Richland Center City Auditorium. If being on stage isn’t your thing, we are also looking for musicians for the pit orchestra and a backstage crew. Contact Ms. Schmitt for more information, or check out the Community Player’s of SW WI Facebook page. See the poster with details at this link: https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ag1IWBRyQ_qngcF7QgbE-MVaIy1lhQ?e=4kJFkd Summer League Volleyball: There is a sign up for Summer League Volleyball at River Valley outside the office. Summer League is played on Monday Nights in June and July. Any 2024 players grades 9-12 that are intending to play Summer League need to sign up by Thursday, May 23, 2024. An informational volleyball meeting will be held on Friday, May 24 in the LMC during attack. If you are planning to play volleyball next Fall, please attend this meeting. BIRTHDAYS: Elementary - none Middle School - none High School - Adrian Ruthe, Emma Shannon Faculty & Staff - Julie Severance

Recently Monica Kersher, Ithaca School District Youth Apprenticeship Career Coach, was presented with an “Outstanding Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator” award from Chuck Keller, School to Work/Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator from CESA 3. Ithaca has the highest participation of students in the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Southwest Wisconsin! Thank you Monica!

One of the coolest things about living in a rural school district is "Drive your tractor to school day". From newer to classic and large to small, we have them ALL at Ithaca!

Ithaca High School is proud of the accomplishments of our students. As we near graduation, we wish to celebrate the Ithaca High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to our graduates, their families, and all who helped them achieve this milestone! 🎓 🎉🎉🎓 Today we shine our spotlight on: 👩‍🎓Violet Dilley 👨‍🎓Micah Salisbury "Chase your dreams, but always know the road that'll lead you home again" ~ Tim McGraw 💜🤍#LearnersTodayLeadersTomorrow #IthacaBulldogs #ClassOf2024 🤍💜

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Today is a Day 2 Lunch for today - First Choice: Quesadillas, Second Choice: Sloppy joe/bun, Potato wedges, Mandarin oranges, Salad Bar, Milk From Ms. Sprecher: There will be a HS FFA meeting during Attack today, Wednesday. Middle School FFA will meet on Thursday, May 16 during ATTACK. Ithaca Lions helping our own: Sunday, May 19, from 7am-1pm, the Ithaca Lions will host a pancake breakfast benefit for Pat Crook from Sextonville. Youth and adults are encouraged to sign up to help. Lions Benefit for Pat Crook From Coach Lorenz: Congratulations to the Ithaca/Weston High School Track & Field teams on a great meet last night at the Ridge and Valley Conference meet! Top results were Clayton Lee 1st in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m runs, boys 4X2 relay of Landon, Randy, Kerrick Thompson and Braysen placed 4th, boys 4X4 of Channing Wheaton, Conner Montes, Kerrick and Braysen placed 4th, 4X8 of Braysen, Kerrick, Conner and Sam placed 3rd. On the girls side, Kaylee Peterson was 1st in the 100m, 800m, 1600m and 5th in pole vault, Kaylee Miller placed 6th in the 100m dash, 4th in the 200m and 1st in high jump, Tristen Peterson placed 1st in the 100 hurdles, 2nd in the 300 hurdles and 2nd in long jump, Aubri Koch placed 1st in triple jump, Lia Puig placed 4th in pole vault the girls 4X1 of Bailey, Jasmine, Maggie and Aubri placed 4th, the 4X2 of Bailey, Lia, Maggie and Jasmine placed 4th, the 4X4 of Kaylee Miller, Lia, Aubri, and Tristen placed 3rd, and the 4X8 relay of Lia, Jasmine, Maggie, and Jadyn Boland placed 2nd. Phew! It was a great night of competition for all. Onto the post season! Regionals at River Ridge are on Monday, May 20th. From PTSO: Popcorn Wednesday will be TODAY, May 15. Elementary students, your classroom teacher will take your order and money. Middle School and High School students you will be able to purchase yours during breakfast at the end of your hallways. Cost is $0.50 per bag, limit 2 bags per person. Help support the 4K class! From the Ithaca Community: St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Willow Valley Methodist Church invite our seniors, families, staff, and community to join them as they celebrate the Ithaca Class of 2024 at Baccalaureate on TONIGHT, May 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church beginning at 7:00 p.m. There will be a reception in the parish hall following the program. St. Mary’s is located at 32605 Durst Lane Richland Center, WI 53581. All are welcome to this service to celebrate our seniors! From Mrs. Kershner: The Big Brother/Big Sister RISE Program will gather one more time on Thursday, May 16. High School mentors please remember the time you meet. Our younger students really look forward to spending time with you! Thank you for making a difference and being a part of the RISE Program! Have a great end of the year meeting time together! From Ms Schmitt: Community Players of SW WI is producing a musical this summer and WE NEED YOU! “The Music Man” is a golden age musical that requires singers, dancers, and actors of all ages. Auditions are May 15th and 16th at 6:30 in the Richland Center City Auditorium. If being on stage isn’t your thing, we are also looking for musicians for the pit orchestra and a backstage crew. Contact Ms. Schmitt for more information, or check out the Community Player’s of SW WI Facebook page. See the poster with details at this link: https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ag1IWBRyQ_qngcF7QgbE-MVaIy1lhQ?e=4kJFkd From Ms. Ernzen: Final Book Club meeting will be on Wednesday, May 15 during lunch in Ms. Ernzen’s room. Please bring your $6 to Ms. Ernzen today or at the meeting. Summer League Volleyball: There is a sign up for Summer League Volleyball at River Valley outside the office. Summer League is played on Monday Nights in June and July. Any 2024 players grades 9-12 that are intending to play Summer League need to sign up by Thursday, May 23, 2024. An informational volleyball meeting will be held on Friday, May 24 in the LMC during attack. If you are planning to play volleyball next Fall, please attend this meeting. WORD OF THE DAY: Wane: to become smaller or less, or in other words, to decrease in size, extent, or degree. // The national scandal caused her popularity to wane. ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On May 15, 1941, the jet-propelled Gloster-Whittle E 28/39 aircraft flies successfully over Cranwell, England, in the first test of an Allied aircraft using jet propulsion. The aircraft’s turbojet engine, which produced a powerful thrust of hot air, was devised by Frank Whittle, an English aviation engineer and pilot generally regarded as the father of the jet engine. BIRTHDAYS: Elementary - Clara Rose Middle School - none High School - Ethan Birkrem Faculty & Staff - none

Ithaca's 6th Grade Earth Scientists enjoyed a day at Frank Lloyd Wright's home, studio, and school Taliesin! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a hop, skip, and jump away in Spring Green. Students learned about how Wisconsin's premier architect worked with the ecology and geology on the estate in the Organic Architecture style. The students got to eat in one of Wright's dining rooms and hear a mini-performance in the newly renovated theatre! (And Ms. Schmitt got to dust off her tour guide hat!) Many thanks to the fantastic team at Taliesin Preservation, Inc. for letting Ithaca explore the estate and experience all of the cultural and scientific knowledge SW Wisconsin has to offer. Also, thanks to Ms. Chay Schmitt and Mrs. Samantha Hilby for supervising this wonderful opportunity for our students.

GREAT things happen at Ithaca (and in Ms. Chay Schmitt's Middle School Science classes) The results are in! The winning Rubber Band Racer is.... the Cottage Cheese Cruiser, designed by Ellie O, Herry C, Juana G, and Ashlynn F! Their design was BOTH the fastest and went the farthest distance. Congratulations to all of the teams for their fun, unique, and challenging designs.

Baccalaureate for the Ithaca Class of 2024 will be May 15th at 7:00 (tomorrow) at St Mary Catholic Church in Keyesville. All Seniors, Ithaca School Staff, family, friends, and community are invited to celebrate.

Remember the days when, if needing a work permit, you or your student would stop at a school and fill out the paperwork? Well, those days are gone and Ithaca (and all schools) no longer brings workers and the Department of Workforce Development together. The good news? You can now do it all right on line at the following web address: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/laborstandards/workpermit/

Ithaca is looking to hire it's next great team member. We need a Food Service Director. If you have interest in this position and can bring hard work AND teamwork to the table, we would love to talk with you. Here is what you need: Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major or concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field; OR Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with any academic major or area of concentration, and a State-recognized certificate for school nutrition directors. In Wisconsin this is the DPI School Nutrition GOALS Certificate; OR Bachelor’s degree in any academic major, and at least 1 year of relevant food service experience; OR Associate’s degree, or equivalent educational experience, with academic major or concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business, or a related field; and at least one year of relevant food service experience; OR High school diploma (or GED) and three (3) years of relevant food service experience. SFAs with an enrollment of 500 or less, the Wisconsin DPI allows a minimum of one year of relevant food service experience with this option. Here is what is required: • Integrity • Collaborative nature • Exceptional organizational skills and attention-to-detail. • Persuasive oral and written communication skills. • Mental acuity, including quantitative, spatial, verbal, and interpretive skills. • Capacity and willingness to learn computer programs and applications. • Judgement and sensitivity to the needs of students, co-workers, visitors, and outside contacts. • The ability to perform effectively under conditions of changing and competing priorities, short deadlines, and recurring multi-tasking activities and high-intensity interpersonal contacts. • A resolute belief in individual and collective efficacy. Here is what we would like to see: • Previous food service experience with demonstrable positive outcomes • Previously held positions of collaboration, particularly in a school environment To Apply: Contact Brooke Hackl at brooke.hackl@ithaca.k12.wi.us for an employment application or call 608-585-2512 to become part of the Ithaca Team!

Ithaca High School is proud of the accomplishments of our students. As we near graduation, we wish to celebrate the Ithaca High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to our graduates, their families, and all who helped them achieve this milestone! 🎓 🎉🎉🎓 Today we shine our spotlight on: 👩‍🎓Allison Durst 👩‍🎓Destiney Lindner-Ruiz "Chase your dreams, but always know the road that'll lead you home again" ~ Tim McGraw 💜🤍#LearnersTodayLeadersTomorrow #IthacaBulldogs #ClassOf2024 🤍💜

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow Announcements: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 Today is a Day 1 Lunch for today - First Choice: Chicken smackers, Second Choice: Brat/Bun, WG roll, Carrots, Strawberries, Salad Bar, Milk From the Art Department: Thank you so much to Frank Wastlick, Juli Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Newkirk, and the 8th hour art students for helping to set up yesterday’s Annual Ithaca Art Show. And a huge thank you to everyone who attended last night - it was a great success! Ithaca Lions helping our own: Sunday, May 19, from 7am-1pm, the Ithaca Lions will host a pancake breakfast benefit for Pat Crook from Sextonville. Youth and adults are encouraged to sign up to help. From Ms. Okus and Mr. Tobin: Congratulations to all of the performers at the Band and Choir Concert last night! Thank you for a successful spring concert. From Coach Lorenz: Good luck to the Ithaca/Weston High School Track & Field team as they compete for all the marbles tonight at the John D Young Ridge and Valley Track Meet at Kickapoo High School. Field events begin at 4:30 p.m. and running starts at 5:00 p.m. Keep up in person or online at AccuraceTiming.com. From PTSO: The final PTSO meeting for the year will be Tue, May 14 at 3:45 p.m. in the LMC. Voting for officers will take place at this meeting. We hope to see you there! From PTSO: Popcorn Wednesday will be TOMORROW, May 15. Elementary students, your classroom teacher will take your order and money. Middle School and High School students you will be able to purchase yours during breakfast at the end of your hallways. Cost is $0.50 per bag, limit 2 bags per person. Help support the 4K class! From the Ithaca Community: St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Willow Valley Methodist Church invite our seniors, families, staff, and community to join them as they celebrate the Ithaca Class of 2024 at Baccalaureate on TOMORROW, May 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church beginning at 7:00 p.m. There will be a reception in the parish hall following the program. St. Mary’s is located at 32605 Durst Lane Richland Center, WI 53581. Travel north from Ithaca on County Highway N to the top of the ridge, then turn right on Keyesville Ridge Dr. All are welcome to this service to celebrate our seniors! From Forensics Coaches: UPDATED: The end of the season awards will now be presented during the High School Awards Program on Fri, May 17 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Invite families to join you as we celebrate our successes and growth from the season. From Ms Schmitt: Community Players of SW WI is producing a musical this summer and WE NEED YOU! “The Music Man” is a golden age musical that requires singers, dancers, and actors of all ages. Auditions are May 14th, 15th, and 16th at 6:30 in the Richland Center City Auditorium. If being on stage isn’t your thing, we are also looking for musicians for the pit orchestra and a backstage crew. Contact Ms. Schmitt for more information, or check out the Community Player’s of SW WI Facebook page. See the poster with details at this link: https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ag1IWBRyQ_qngcF7QgbE-MVaIy1lhQ?e=4kJFkd From Ms. Ernzen: Final Book Club meeting will be on Wednesday, May 15 during lunch in Ms. Ernzen’s room. Please bring your $6 to Ms. Ernzen today or at the meeting. Summer League Volleyball: There is a sign up for Summer League Volleyball at River Valley outside the office. Summer League is played on Monday Nights in June and July. Any 2024 players grades 9-12 that are intending to play Summer League need to sign up by Thursday, May 23, 2024. An informational volleyball meeting will be held on Friday, May 24 in the LMC during attack. If you are planning to play volleyball next Fall, please attend this meeting. WORD OF THE DAY: Caveat: an explanation or warning that should be remembered when you are doing or thinking about something. All investment advice should come with a caveat: the stock market is impossible to predict with absolute accuracy. ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY: May 14, 1804: One year after the United States doubled its territory with the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition leaves St. Louis, Missouri, on a mission to explore the Northwest from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. BIRTHDAYS: Elementary - Parker Grassman, Ezekiel Welsh Middle School - none High School - none Faculty & Staff - none

Ithaca YouTube presentation - In the event you missed the 2024 All School Ithaca Spring Art Show, here is the fine art Ms Durkin’s Ithaca Department displayed! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPwsfoEXV2s&feature=youtu.be