4-02-04

Spring Greetings,

If fourth quarter is anything like the first three, the school year will be over before we know it! Because I did not do a mid-quarter letter, there is a lot of information and news to pass on.

The weather is getting warmer and with it comes the issue of appropriate attire with our students. Please read through pages six and seven of the Parent Handbook in your child’s Daily Planner and make sure that they come to school dressed accordingly.

A big “thanks” goes out to the Parent Advisory Committee for volunteering to package ink jet cartridges for a recycling fundraiser. Their efforts helped us save over $600 from our supply budget. They have also volunteered numerous hours for our staff in recording survey data, helping at book fairs, and serving on the Site Council. Some of those committee members and volunteers include Kathleen Chesness, Lorna Mix, Patty Twite, Lynn Jobe, Raelene Jarvi, Cindy Gilbertson, Janet Anderson, Karen Walker, Kathy Safe, Mary Donnellan, Marlene Mixa, Carrie Fowler, and Carolyn Liebe.

For those parents with computers at home, or for those who have access to one at work, the Parent Portal, or Parent Connection, is going well and being used by a number of parents. It is a great communication tool and a nice way to get the status on your child’s grades and homework with each of their teachers. The Parent Advisory Committee has asked that we offer some training for those who need assistance in setting up your password and portal account. The following dates have been set up for interested parents.

• April 20 RJE Middle School Media Center computer lab from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• April 29 RJE Middle School Media Center computer lab from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Third quarter saw two special events in our school with Community Classmates and Diversity Day.

• Community Classmates is a program where Chamber of Commerce members can shadow Youth Council members for part of a day to see how school life has changed since they were students. They can also meet with the building Principal to discuss curriculum and ask questions about the school. Fourteen chamber members attended the program and had a great day.
• Diversity Day went well. The students and their Pods did an excellent job in participating. The theme for this year was “Taking Steps Toward Understanding” and the students did just that. This was our fourth year with the program and this was probably the best one yet! The program and week involved poster, essay and poem contests, as well as skits and lots of talent.

Some upcoming dates that you should make note of include...

• Band Concerts at the Reif at 7:30 p.m. for Gr. 6 & 7 on April 26, and Gr. 8 on April 27.
• Choir Concerts at the Reif at 7:30 p.m. for Gr. 6 & 7 on May 4, and Gr. 8 on May 6.
• The Counselors will begin the orientation process with Gr. 5 students the week of April 12.
• We are having a Book Fair April 19 - 22 where students can buy one book and get one free.
• The Grade 6 Track and Field Day is scheduled for May 27.
• Exploration Day is scheduled for May 28 - look for information to come home in May.

Miscellaneous news items...

• The Food & Nutrition Dept. has asked us to inform all students and parents that have negative accounts that any meals purchased after the Spring break must be done with cash until the account balances are cleared.
• Your child should have brought home a pamphlet on MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing which the sixth and seventh graders will be taking in mid-April. This is our third year as a District in using this test. The results are used by our staff in placing students in reading and math classes and as a tool for assessment and special education placement. If you have questions please call your child’s Counselor.
• Also included in this mailing for a number of parents is a letter from the school nurse for those families that have not completed their immunization shots. State law requires these immunizations.
• Mr. Jerome and Ms. Clark have 36 students signed up for their trip to Washington D.C. The trip is April 3 - 6.
• Congratulations go out to a number of our middle school students. Mr. Johnson’s 8th graders raised over $1,400 in Hoops for Heart and the American Heart Association. The Youth Council had a dance and donated items to the Food Shelf. And YAC, our Youth Activities Council, which schedules after-school activities through the YMCA, also raised $87 for the Food Shelf. The students are doing well with their community service projects, and we are proud of them.

Finally, the ongoing, after-school saga with our parking lot continues with the key word being “patience.” Remember, that between the final bell at 3:12 p.m. and 3:22 p.m. when the buses leave, we move 850 students out of the building in just 10 minutes of time. With 30 buses and over 100 parent vehicles picking students up, this makes for a lot of traffic. We are also bringing in students for athletics from the high school, we have elementary music lessons going on, and host other after-school events that are scheduled throughout the year. Things have improved, but your continued cooperation is needed. Remember to use the center crosswalk, do not stop to pick up students in the main thoroughfare, use your blinkers when turning (it’s amazing how many don’t signal), and come after 3:25 p.m. whenever possible! Numerous plans for improvement will take place this summer.

Have a great Spring and please do not ever hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns.

With kids in mind,

Len Rothlisberger