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Thomas Jefferson Middle School
JEFFERSON JABBER
“Jabber”: talk rapidly, chatter
A bi-monthly source of communication for parents, students and staff
December 14, 2007
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
VOLUME TWO, NUMBER SIX
John Burmaster, 663-6425
As we head into the seemingly endless
Wisconsin winter, it is important for parents to
know that even in middle school, students are
required to go outside for at least 10 minutes a
day right after lunch. We go outside every day
(me too!) unless the temperature reaches -10
with wind chill. Please remind your kids to wear
appropriate outerwear so that they are adequately protected
from the winter elements.
While I’m on the topic of clothing, there have been some issues
surrounding what can be perceived as an inappropriate amount
of skin that some students are showing due to their clothing
choices. Our handbook states that “student clothing must
adequately cover a student’s back, midriff, undergarments, and
chest.” While I realize that the word “adequate” may be open
to interpretation, and I also realize that fashion changes as fast
as the weather, it is important to remember that we are a school
full of 11-14 year olds who are experiencing wildly different rates
of physical and emotional development. We try very hard to
break down barriers to student self-esteem, and one of the ways
we can do that is by ensuring that student clothing doesn’t draw
undue attention to various body parts. I’m asking that parents
be sure and check what their students are wearing to school in
the morning and make sure it provides “adequate” coverage.
Many thanks to Don Becker of Becker Law Offices for his
generous monetary contribution to Jefferson that will help us
continue our anti-bullying activities and posters as well as many
other initiatives that are outside the general budget. Don’s
children went through Muir, Jefferson, and Memorial, and he
continues to support our schools and community in many ways.
Thanks Don!
I hope parents have had the chance to attend the concerts in
which Jefferson students have performed recently. The 6th, 7th,
and 8th grade Orchestra Concert held in late November was the
best yet! It is always a joy to see the growth that takes place in
our young artists as they challenge themselves musically
throughout the year. The Choral and Band concerts are also
wonderful opportunities to catch our students displaying their
talents. Preparing for these concerts is an immense job for
students and teachers. Many thanks to all the students who
performed and also to Ms. Selbee, Ms. Jaeger, and Ms. O’Dell!
Thanks and a Round of Applause_________________
The Jefferson Staff would like to thank the PTO for
furnishing us with delicious birthday treats every
month. We all look forward to walking into the
staff lounge on the first Friday of the month to see
a beautiful table filled with a variety of cookies,
muffing, fruit, freshly made bread and much
more. Thank you so much, the Jefferson Staff
appreciates our great PTO
ATTENTION ALL PARENTS OF 8TH GRADERS
1. All families considering enrollment at Memorial High
School for the 2008-2009 school year are invited to
attend either of the two identical informational
meetings, entitled “How to Register for Grade 9”. Ninth
grade counselors will go through the course-selection
process and answer questions. Meetings will be held
on:
Thursday, January 24, 2008 – 7 p.m. Memorial
Auditorium or,
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 – 7 p.m. Toki All Purpose
Room.
2.
If your student is currently attending a private or
parochial school you will also need to pick up an
enrollment packet. It includes the necessary
enrollment papers, a Memorial Curriculum Guide, and
a 9th grade course-section card. This packet will be
available at either of the informational meetings.
Families picking up the packet at either meeting will
have enough time to make course selections and
return the materials to Memorial by the deadline, which
is February 15, 2008.
3. Private and parochial school parents may also stop
into the Memorial Student Services Office after January
24th to pick up an enrollment packet. However, a ninth
grade counselor may not necessarily be available to
talk with them. Parents and students are strongly
advised to attend one of the evening informational
meetings.
Important Dates
*Thursday, 1-24-08, 7 PM – Informational meeting in
Memorial High School Auditorium
-Tuesday, 1-29-08, 7 PM – Repeat of Informational mtg
in Toki Middle School All-Purpose Room
*Tuesday, 2-05-08, 7 – 9 PM Curriculum Specifics
meeting by Memorial teachers, at Memorial
*Friday, 2 -15-08, 8 AM – Course selection cards due
to Memorial
QUESTIONS? Call or email:
Counselor: MS. Stacy Eslick
seslick@madison.k12.wi.us
663-6061
Counselor: Mr. John Evenson
jevenson@madison.k12.wi.us
663-6064
ESL Counselor: Mr.Ying Vang
Yvang2@madison.k12.wi.us
663-6062
Registrar: MS. Terri Kleist
tkleist@madisonn.k12.wi.u
663-6054
FUNDRAISING_____________________________________
Jefferson Book Fair a Great Success!
A big thank you to all the Jefferson students
and families who helped make our book fair
a big success. Thanks also to all of the
volunteers who helped out in so many ways.
We were able to share with all Jefferson students information
about new and interesting books through the preview DVD and
the students' visits to the Library to look at the books available for
purchase. In addition, we also made a significant amount of
money. The Library was able to acquire $1500 worth of new
books. Gift certificates of $5.00 each were given to 27 students
chosen through a drawing; this money was taken from the
profits. Just under $275 in cash profit will be used to purchase
equipment and supplies for the Library.
Even more fantastic are the wonderful contributions made to
staff through the Wish List. Generous families purchased 77
books with a value of $683 that will enrich the Library and the
classrooms of seventeen teachers and will contribute toward to
the literary and academic success of Jefferson students.
Thank you to all who participated and to the staff for their
cooperation in this successful event.
Amazon.com Easy and Fun Fundraiser
Shopping for Christmas, birthdays, electronics, or books? Please
visit our school website www.madison.k12.wi.us/jefferson and
access our Amazon link. When you access our link you will be
directed to the normal shopping site of amazon.com. Jefferson
receives a referral fee of at least 4% for the total purchases you
make when you utilize our link. Fundraising, supporting your
school and shopping has never been so easy!
**And while you are shopping online, be sure to visit the website
www.goodsearch.com and consider changing your default
search engine to Goodsearch (which is powered by Yahoo!)
and select Jefferson Middle School – Madison as the non-profit
that will benefit each time you do a search online.
TARGET Credit Card
Obtain a credit card from Target and designate Jefferson as
your school to receive 1% kickback on all purchases you make
at Target and ½% on all non-Target shopping. Just shop and we
profit. Don’t forget you can designate your school of choice
online if you already have a card.
SCRIPT Cards
The nice thing about obtaining SCRIP cards is they have so many
local businesses, (Noodles & Co., PDQ, Woodman’s, Copps,
Culvers) as well as national chains (ITunes, Subway, Gap, Chili’s)
and you can order them online at www.simplifiedscrip.com or
print off the form and send to their Middleton Office. These
make great gifts for the middle school age group.
Box tops For Education
Collection continues, so far this year
we have earned $108. We have
begun to collect Campbell’s Soup
labels as well. Please turn them in
regularly
to
Colleen
Stillson,
Computer Tech teacher.
HONORS AND ACCOLADES
Spotlight Awards
Students are recognized for excellent effort,
regular/prompt attendance, good classroom
behavior, average or above average grades,
respect, caring, sympathy, random acts of
kindness, participation and improvement. Students can be
nominated only once a year and receive an invitation to a pizza
party as a means to celebrate. Congratulations to the October
winners listed below.
6thgrade
Jose Alcorta (Shahrani), Saivenkatesh K. Bathula (Covarrubias)
Maya Caravan (Hinahara), Joe Clark (Shahrani)
Bryce Danielson (Buchanan), Paula Disch (Covarrubias)
Mason Rather (Covarrubias), Natalie Riopelle (Shaharani)
Morgan Seaton (Evans), Meghan Silbernagel (Buchanan)
Pa Nou Thao (Shaharani), Isaac Treves (Hinahara)
7th grade
Anthony Frederick (Whiting), Nick Hanauer (Schultz)
Rajeshwari Jakkan (Schultz), Casey Jordan (J. Olsen)
Daniel Li (Gronko and Schultz), Matt Overby (Banks)
Ashley Roloff (Bergen)
8th grade
Collin Haas (Gants), Eli Petersen (Ball)
Teacher Recognition
Mrs. Covarrubias receives special award!
On Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 Maria
Covarrubias received a special award at The
Partners in Education Program hosted by the
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of
Education.
Mrs. Covarrubias was honored with The Lois Gadd Nemec
Distinguished Elementary Education Award. The award is made
possible by a gift from the Nemec family and is given to
graduates of the school’s elementary education program who
have distinguished themselves as classroom teachers, university
professors, or educational administrators.
Mrs. Covarrubias has made her mark in the classroom by writing
and creating elementary and middle school curriculum, working
as an ESL teacher, teaching Spanish and elementary and middle
school academics.
This honor also included a $1000 award. Congratulations Mrs.
Covarrubias!! Jefferson salutes your hard work and dedication!
High Honors 1st Quarter
GPA 4.0
Grade 8
Benjamin Anderson; Maxwell S. Butler; Marco
Jose C Dela Cruz; Laura E. Deneckere; Trevor W.
Fisher; Miho A. Frankowski; Suman Gunasekaran;
Anna C. Houden; Christopher J. Morgan; Colleen
M.
Moser;
Keerthana
Pittala;
Abhilash
Sandireddy; Michael D. Schnarr; Annie Shao; Erika A. Shepard;
Ric-Teanny S. Thit; Katherine A. Tredinnick; Tejaswini L.
Vemuganti; Jenna L. Walsh; Kevin E. Wilke-Nadler; Charles J. Xu;
Laura M. Xu.
Grade 7
Anupama Bhattacharya; Dakota N. Borenstein; Willa Cai; Kevin
Y. Cao; Cora M. Collins; Alexander D. Francis; Ogden R. Greene;
Nicholas J. Hanauer; Charles Z. He; Claire J. Hornacek; Allison A.
Hunter; Rajeshwari M. Jakkam; Casey J. Jordan; Peter T. Lang;
Daniel L. Li; Phuoc T Luu; Mariel G. Ma; Juan P. Martinez;
Michael D. Meyer; Isaiah P. Mitchell; Roberto C. Perez Arroyo;
Kelly Shen; Jamie L. Sheskey; Shray Singh; Madeline R. UdvariSolner; Anthony J. Walker; Sarah F. Wang; Xiaoming Wang;
Edwin Y. Wu.
Grade 6
Lorence Daniel B. Ayag; Hanna J. Barton; Chloe H. Bertera;
Prativa S. Bhagwandin; William C. Blanchard; Idris Boukahil;
Tommy B. Brazelton; Bryce M. Danielson; Alyssa L. Diaczun; Ava
M. Dresen; Gizelle A. Edinger-Turoff; Angelina N. Flynn; Luke R.
Gangler; Bradley M. Gillman; Madeline C. Goode; Jeremy A.
Gottlieb; Bryce A. Hefty; Allison L. Holmes; Eva T Hummel;
Jonathan P. Jacobsen; Amitoj K. Mavi; Kate L. McClenahan;
Nicole K. Moehring; Mason E. Rather; Griffin S. Riddler; Natalie J.
Riopelle; Hailey C. Rogers; Rutvi B. Shah; Ellen D. Sheskey;
Sedona S. Shutter; Meghan P. Silbernagel; Nicholas A. Smith;
Emily R. Stangel; Asiana M. Tharpe; Elizabeth M. Tredinnick;
Isaac N. Treves; Kathleen E. Wall; Caroline G. Werner; Matthew
W. Wiedholz
GPA 3.5 – 3.99
Grade 8
Hannah A. Aeschlimann;
Trent F. Andrews;
Satyamedha
Bathula; Aigail A. Cash; Jaquelyn L. Chagnon; Caleb T. Cole;
Isaias J. Colegial; Julia S. Cullen; Robert J. Eckerle; Spencer C.
Eckerty; Erin J. Edinger-Turoff; Patrick T. Franken; Taylor J.
Ginther; Marie A. Grand-Clement; Lucas A. Haugen; Zeasong
Hong; Brian Jun; Jie Yoon Kang; Eric W. Larson; Daniel H. Lee;
Malina M. Martiny; Madeline A. Mcguffin; Lily J. Morrison-Philli;
John R. Mount; Susan B. Murray; Azucena Perez; Eli J. Petersen;
Tyler S. Ridel; Caitlin E. Rinehardt; Andrew Rodgers, Annel A.
San Luis;
Grace H. Schneck;
Seungwon Shin;
A. Kenji
Shoemaker; Ngijol R. Songolo; Pa Houa Chou Thao; Tra L. Tran;
Hallie S. Turnbull; Mary L. Van Leuven; Mai Kha Vang; Lara C.
Winkler
Grade 7
Chaitannya (Chet) K. Agni; Aliyah S. Bolles; Angela Chien;
Sungyeon Chung; Joel G. Cryer; Harini Desikan; Christopher J.
Diaczun; Jared M. Eichorst; Ryan T. Fallon; Marisa A. Figueroa;
Eli A. Gomez; Katrina B. Gonzales; Robin C. Hartung; Nathan W.
Heinrich; Alice R. Herman; David Ho; Brianna M. Hoover;
Marissa L. Hoyer; Raquel E. Hung; Insun C. Jeon; Marlene E.
Jones; Gowtha Karri; Matthew J. Lee; Sarah M. Lehman;
Joshua D. Lin; Miriam Lopez Alejo; Liana C. McGregor; Julia
Perez; Nicholas J. Shepard; Jeremy J. Temprano; Leigh A.
Whisenant; Shane T. Wood
Grade 6
Kayley Marie J. Alioto; Rebecca L. Anderson; Saivenkatesh K.
Bathula; Adam Bihun; Annelise S. Bohn; Shelley C. Bretl;
Christelle F. Cayton; Joseph R. Clark; Coleman S. Davis; Paula S.
Disch; Joshua L. Falkos; Amelia G. Fass; Michelle Gaytan;
Logan L. Ginther; Jeung Bok R Holmquisst; John M. Hornacek;
Rachel S. Jefferds; Jose’ A. Jiminez; Byungkyu Kang; Lindsey H.
Kemgard; John P. Kink; Isabel L. Laufenberg; Abigail C.
Levenick; Wilson Lu; Ashley M. Mannel; John Paul C. Martinez;
Christina R. McFeeley; Jason M. Mohoney; Jaden M. Nolden;
Oscar J. Osorto Rivera; Lucas A. Pankratz; Jennifer L. Percy;
Brady M. Pierick; Sadhana Pittala; Sarah C. Pophal; Kellen
R.Rice; Mariana D.Rivera; Morgan R. Seaton; Jordan B. Shea;
Samuel M. Shovers; Caroline E. Smith; Evan F. Stang; Pa Nou Chi
Thao; Tri (Erik) L. Tran; Houa Vang; Sophia J. Willer; James J.
Winkler; Viktor A. Yegorov
Lego League Teams Advance to State
Two Jefferson Lego League teams participated in the first Lego
League competition and advanced to State Tournament held in
Appleton on December 9th.
have this great experience. Thank you to Ms. Whiting for making
the effort to write the grant and thanks to all the staff and
families that help support the Jefferson Individual Endowment.
With the funds raised with our End of the Year Endowment
Fundraiser we will have close to $1000 for next year’s grants.
Show Your Appreciation
Jefferson’s staff appreciation committee is a group of parents
who provide tasty treats for the staff once a month. If you or your
middle school student enjoy baking, or would like to show your
appreciation by purchasing or preparing a treat, join us!
Most months we bring in cookies, muffins, cakes, fruit, quick
breads, etc., on the first Friday of the month to celebrate staff
birthdays for that month. In January, we’ll provide a soup
luncheon on Monday, Jan. 14. If you’d like to donate food items
regularly--or once or twice during the school year--please
contact Jennifer Mitchell at holstmitchell@sbcglobal.net or 2383630; or Debra Greene at debra_greene@sbcglobal.net or 2385542. Thank you!
Food Fest Extravaganza
A big thank you to all parents who supported the Food Fest
during parent teacher conferences this year. The Food Fest
generated $618.40 which will be put towards updating
technology at Jefferson Middle School. Thanks to all of the
teachers who took time to make baked goods and sell our
delicious treats.
Generous donations from the following
businesses were greatly appreciated:
Jacobson Bros. Meat's and Deli, Brennan's, Panera Bread
Company, Copp's, Woodman's, Bagel's Forever, Starbucks
Coffee, Victor Allen's Coffee and Tea
What is it Contest
The LMC ran a contest from early November till
before Thanksgiving break. Thirty items were on
display for students to identify. The answers are
now posted next to each item in the display
case in the LMC. Thanks to all who entered.
The winners are as follows:
1st place: 24 out of 30 correct: Luke Gangler, Gr. 6, Haagensen
homeroom
2nd place: 19 out of 30: Joel Cryer, Gr. 7, Olsen homeroom
3rd place tie: 18 out of 30: Leigh Whisenant, Gr. 7 Whiting and
Derrick Ransey, Gr. 8 Ball
4th place tie: Rheilly Cole, 7th, Whiting and Emily Hutton, 7th
Whiting
5th place: Meghan Silbernagel, 6th Buchanan
6th place: Ryan Fallon, 7th Olsen
Please come and collect your prize from either Ms McGlynn or
Mrs. Penshorn in the LMC.
Annual Art Department Holiday Sale
Congratulations to The Killer Watts: Joel Cryer, Myles Delgado,
Kieran Valley, Suman Gunasekaran, Bryce Hefty, Joe Clark. And
to The Plasma Dragons: Isaiah Mitchell, Willa Cai, Joshua Falkos,
and Isaac Treves.
The James Madison Memorial High School Art Department is
hosting their annual Holiday sale with Handcrafted gifts created
by community artists and local students The Majority of the
items will be $ 20.00 or less. Proceeds will go toward upgrading
the JMM Art Department. Shop for Unique handcrafted art,
Ceramics, Textiles, Photography, Glass Art, Jewelry & More!
There will also be a Silent Auction
SCHOOL NEWS ___________________________________
Jefferson Endowment Grant Committee
Thursday December 20th from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday December 21st from 8:00 am - 3:35 pm
The Jefferson Endowment Grant Committee is
pleased to announce our first grant of $540 has
been awarded to Ms. Kristina Whiting to help
support the 7th grade Mad City Challenge Field
Trip which has been an ongoing tradition at
Jefferson. Mad City was developed at Jefferson and has been
replicated by many schools. With increase cost, however this
project needed extra funds and Ms. Whiting submitted a grant
proposal that will benefit the entire 7th grade and allow them to
PERFORMANCES/EVENTS___________________________
Winter Concerts
Congratulations to the 7th and 6th Grade
Bands on their performances this winter.
Please join us for the 8th Grade’s
performance this Wednesday, December 19th, which will include
our 8th Grade Jazz Band as well. Happy Holidays!
Upcoming Concerts/Events
2/27/08 6th and 7th Grade Band and 6-7th Jazz Band
4/5/08 Solo and Ensemble Festival
4/18/08 Large Group Festival
5/21/08 6th Grade Band
5/28/08 7th Grade Band and Jazz Band
6/4/08 8th Grade Band and Jazz Band
Fundraising Efforts for Band
A huge thank you again to all that helped contribute to our
fundraising success last year. Your efforts provided our kids with
new music, a few new instruments and percussion equipment,
and much needed repairs to get our current instruments in good
shape.
We are currently raising money this year for new Wenger
“Playright” Posture chairs for our band kids. These chairs are
designed to help young musicians play more easily with less
discomfort. We currently have been given $1,500 from the PTO to
contribute to this cost, but still need to raise close to $3,000 to be
able to purchase 50 chairs and two storage racks. I will be
sending out our annual donation letter in early February, and the
kids and I thank you for your support!
CLUBS____________________________________________
Jefferson Youth Resource Center
News & Events
Hey parents! Greetings from the Jefferson YRC!
We’re having a great year so far and would like
to let you know about some of the fun activities
available to your kids.
Current Clubs:
Homework Club
--Monday-Thurs 2:40 -3:20 p m --Grades 6-8
--6th Grade 209, 7tht Grade - 213C, 8th Grade - 213E
Yoga
--Tues from 3:30-4:20pm
--Grades 6-8
Girls Group
--Tues & Thurs from 3:30-4:30
--Grades 6-8
Climbing Club
--Weds --Starts Oct 24-Dec12
--Grades 6-8
Open Rec
-- To participate in Rec students must attend Homework Club,
another club offered, or a sports practice
--Monday-Thurs 3:20-4:45pm
--Grades 6-8
Anime Club
--Thurs from 2:40-3:30 --Room 206B --Grades 6-8
Spanish Club
--Fridays starting at 2:40 --Room 200 --8th Grade
Jazz Band
--Mondays starting at 2:40 --Band Room --7th Grade
Ski Club
--Trips on Thurs & Fridays--Grades 6-8
Computer Club
--Monday-Thurs from 3:20-4:45 --Jaguar Learning Center
--Grades 6-8
Yearbook Club
--Thurs from 2:40-3:30 --Computer Lab--Grades 6-8
Jefferson Youth Service Club
--Tuesdays from 2:40-3:15 --Lecture Hall
--Grades 6-8
Chess Club
--Mondays & Weds starting at 2:40 --Library --Grades 6-8
Boys Basketball
--Monday-Thurs from 2:40-4:20
--Grades 7 & 8
-- 7th grade games Tues
--8th grade games on Weds
Girls Basketball
--Starts beginning of January
--Grades 7 & 8
--7th grade games on Mondays
--8th grade games on Weds
Card Club
--Tuesdays (time TBA)
--Room TBA
--Grades 6-8
Math Olympiads
--Mondays starting at 2:40 --Room TBA
--Grades 6-8
Skateboarding Club
--Day TBA
--Starts Jan
--Grades 6-8
Jooi Club
-- Tuesdays 2:35 – 3:15, Room 209A The club will meet every
Tuesday. As a member of this club you will find and complete
community service projects. The club will also be working with
students from the Memorial Spartan Youth Service Team.
Contact: Rick Thomas, 212-7582
Boy Scouts
-- If you are interested in joining Scouts see Ryan Fallon or call
833-1718.
Open to ALL grades.
Upcoming Clubs still in need of leaders:
Bowling, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Drill/Dance Team,
Scrabble Club
Whew! That’s quite the line-up! Of course, we can always use
ideas for new and interesting programming for the kids here at
Jefferson. If you would like to contribute your talents and time to
an after-school program, we’d love to have you as a volunteer
club leader! You can also volunteer during the day as a tutor!
Give KC Gilbertson a call at 663-6427 or email her at
kgilbertson@madison.k12.wi.us for more information.
Calling All Scientists!
The science club will be starting after the winter break. We will
meet on Thursdays right after school until 3:35. We will meet in
room 213B. The first meeting is on Jan 10th. We have lined up
scientists from the university to do some fun science experiments
with us. If any parents want to be involved come to the meeting
or contact either
Carolyn Heinrich (cheinrich@Lafollette.wisc.edu) or
Jennifer Mitchell (holstmitchell@sbcglobal.net).
Spanish Club News
In October Entre Amigos made sugar skulls, papel picado
(intricate tissue paper cut outs), paper flowers and calaveras
(decorated skull masks) in order to adorn the Day of Dead Alter
that they made to honor Johnny Cash, Go Figure!
In early November Entre Amigos was busy painting a mural of
Pablo Picasso’s famous Don Quixote. You are invited to come
by the Spanish room to see their great artwork.
great artwork.
On Friday November 30th twenty members of Entre Amigos
attended a concert at the Overture Center’s Capitol Theater to
see Sones de México. The group is based in Chicago and was
recently nominated for a Grammy for their new CD Esta Tierra Es
Tuya (This Land Is Your land). Sones de México Ensemble
specializes in Mexican Son, a centuries-old tradition of regional
styles of folk music and dance, proudly rooted in their rich local
culture. My favorites were their Mexican renditions of the
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major and a Buck Owens
tune. Before the concert the students had dinner at Casa de
Lara.
Entre Amigos is planning another outing in February to see either
the musical Evita or The Ballet Folklórico México at the Overture
Center. They also plan on dining at Frida’s Mexican Grill.
On Dec. 7th we will be making flour tortillas from scratch. The
following week we plan on making Breakfast Burritos with chorizo
(Mexican sausage) and nopales (cactus). Wish us luck!
Sr. Sáenz
STUDENT COUNCIL________________________________
Student Council met on Tuesday, November
27 during second period. All homerooms
were represented.
Treasurer’s Report: Isaac Treves reported a
deposit of $70 was entered from popcorn
sales.
Old Business: Schedule for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade popcorn sales
was finalized through December.
New Business: There was a discussion about possibly replacing
some of Jefferson’s old light bulbs with newer “green” bulbs that
are environmentally friendly and might save money too. Mr.
Burmaster will investigate with our custodian and report to
Student Council President. Plans were made, and a committee
formed to sell holiday candy canes in the next few weeks as a
fundraiser. Plans were made and a committee formed to have
a holiday food drive. Food collected will be donated to a local
food pantry to be determined later.
Submitted by: Nicole Moehring
Follies Dates to Remember:
Week of December 17
January 8 -11, 2008
January 22-25, 2008
January 28 – February 1
January 30 – 31
February 3
February 4
February 6
February 9
FOLLIES___________________________________________
JEFFERSON MIDDLE
SCHOOL PROUDLY PRESENTS
“FACEBOOK FOLLIES”
The Jefferson school staff is fabulous and incredibly
supportive and enthusiastic. But we need YOU, too!
Please volunteer today to help with this amazing, fun
project by contacting Mary Schmelzer at 274-5306 or at
billgrout@tds.net. We guarantee that you'll have a great
time being a part of a remarkable, rewarding show that
brings the entire "Jefferson Family" together. Thank you
very much.
The theme for this year's show will be "Facebook Follies",
celebrating how technology is an integral part of kids' lives. But
your auditioning acts can be COMPLETELY UNRELATED to the
theme. We, as your directors, will simply use the theme for set
design, Opening Number music, and as a means to hold the
show together. Let your own interests, talent and imagination
take you in any direction!
Here are the RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR AUDITIONS:
1. Each act must have a 3-MINUTE TIME LIMIT
2. NO LIPSYNCHING
3. Material must be strictly suitable for a middle school
show. A COPY OF ALL LYRICS/SCRIPTED MATERIAL
MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE JUDGES At THE TIME OF
AUDITIONS.
4. Performers may not be in more than 2 "INDIVIDUAL"
ACTS that are not school sponsored(such as
homeroom. acts, foreign language acts, 8th grade
chorus, school club acts, jazz band, Opening Act,
Mid-Show Production Number, etc.
5. Singing, dancing, skits, instrumental performance
comedy, magic. Gymnastics, juggling, drama---wherever your imagination takes you!
6. Bring all necessary DCs, musical props or equipment,
We will provide a piano, DC player and gymnastics
Mats. COSTUMES ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR AUDITIONS.
HAVE YOUR ACT(S) AS POLISHED AND COMPLETE AS POSSIBLE.
EVALUATION AND FINAL SELECTIONS WILL BE BASED ON THE
QUALITY AND COMMITMENT SHOWN AT AUDITIONS. We really
want EVERYONE to get involved in this year's 28th consecutive
production of the Jefferson Follies. This is your year to shine! We
are so excited to work with you all, and look forward to> making
this the best, most fun, most successful extravaganza EVER!!!
So, get ready for Auditions and . . .ON WITH THE SHOW!!!
Julie Crow and Kathy Hinderaker, Directors
March 3 & March 6
April 6
April 7
April 8
April 10-11
Pre Holiday “Follies Rally” (TBA)
Classroom Follies Meetings (TBA)
Auditions signup sheets posted
Audition schedule posted
Opening Act(mandatory rehearsals
every Saturday morning, 9-10:30 a.m.
beginning Feb.9th)
Mid-Show Production Number sign
ups posted (mandatory rehearsals
each Wednesday evening, 7-8:30
p.m. beginning Feb. 6th)
Auditions (after school, location TBA)
Dad’s Act Rehearsals begin
(7:00 – 8:30 PM location TBA)
Audition results posted
Mid Show Production Number
Rehearsals begin (7:00–8:30 PM
Memorial Dance Studio)
Opening Number Rehearsals begin
(9:00 – 10:30 AM, Memorial Dance
Studio)
Mom’s Act Rehearsals begin
(10:30 – 12:00, Memorial Dance
Studio)
Review of Acts
(After school, location, TBA)
Technical Rehearsal (12:00 PM
tentative, Memorial Auditorium)
Dress Rehearsal
(3:30 PM, Memorial Auditorium)
Dress Rehearsal
(3:30 PM, Friday only acts)
FACEBOOK FOLLIES show 7:00 PM
For more information, please visit our website:
www.jeffersonfollies.com
DISTRICT UPDATE__________________________________
Staphylococcus
Community acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
Aureus (CA MRSA) infections are caused by bacteria that have
developed resistance to the antibiotics usually used to treat
persons with staph infections. CA MRSA is normally carried in the
nose or on the skin of about 1% of the population. CA MRSA
usually cause mild skin infections such as abscesses or boils but
occasionally may cause more serious skin and soft tissue
infections. Serious infections are rare in healthy individuals.
An infection caused by CA MRSA usually looks like an abscess or
boil and can worsen to include redness, warmth, swelling, pain,
and discharge. It can be mistaken for a spider or insect bite. CA
MRSA infections can be treated with several commonly used
antibiotics and in some cases, may be treated without the use of
antibiotics.
CA MRSA is spread by direct person to person (skin to skin)
contact or contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment or
personal items such as razors, soap, clothing, and towels.
The following guidelines help reduce the transmission of CA
MRSA in the school setting. You can reduce your risk by
practicing these guidelines and encouraging your students to do
the same:
• Wash your hands often. Wash with soap and warm water for
at least 15-20 seconds. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are as
effective as soap and water. MMSD has liquid soap dispensers in
all student and staff bathrooms and in areas used by athletes.
Additionally, at this time, all elementary school classrooms have
disinfectant hand wipes (green top canisters) available for
student and staff use.
• Wash and cover cuts and scrapes.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sports equipment
or uniforms, razors, soap bars, water bottles, etc.
• Contact your health care provider promptly if a sore or cut
becomes red, oozes fluid, causes pain or is not healing.
• Shower after physical activity or sports.
• Routinely clean surfaces, sports equipment and gear as
recommended. MMSD athletic facilities are cleaned regularly
using appropriate disinfectants. Special attention is given to
mats and other surfaces that come into contact with athlete’s
skin. Athletic uniforms are laundered according to guidelines.
• Talk to your health care provider about what precautions are
necessary to prevent spread at home or at school if you have or
had an MRSA infection.
Early treatment of suspected CA MRSA is important. If you are
concerned about a wound or sore on yourself, consult your
health care provider. The MMSD website
(www.madison.k12.wi.us) has links to additional resources with
information about MRSA in the Hot Topics section. The Wisconsin
Division of Public Health Disease Fact Sheet on CA MRSA can be
accessed at
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/factsheets/Community
AssociatedMRSA.htm
A Message from the Madison Police Department
Traffic safety is important for all our children
attending school and we would like to ask for
your help with these efforts.
Our biggest
concern at this time is traffic safety at or near
the schools. We need to increase our traffic
safety awareness by obeying the following
traffic laws:
1. **SLOW DOWN**. Check your speedometer to see how
fast you are really going. Slow down to 20 miles per hour
when passing a school at those times when children are
going to or from school or are playing with the sidewalk
area at or around the school. Slow down to 20 miles per
hour when passing an intersection monitored by an adult
crossing guard. If there are no posted 20 MPH signs, the
school zone speed is 15 MPH. Failure to comply with the
posted school zone speed limits could result in the issuance
of a traffic citation I the amount of $146.80 - $550.00.
2.**OBSERVE THE SIGNALS OF THE ADULT CROSSING GUARD*
Every driver approaching a school crossing which is
controlled by an adult school crossing guard must follow the
directions of the school crossing guard. If directed to stop,
you must stop the vehicle not less than 10 feet or more than
30 feet from the school crossing guard. You must remain
stopped until the children AND the crossing guard has
returned to the curb. Failure to stop or remain stopped at
that time could result in the issuance of a traffic citation in
the amount of $77.20.
Young children have a difficult time judging the speed and
distance of an approaching vehicle. Remind your children
to use the marked crosswalk and to follow the directions of
the crossing guard. Remember to set a good example for
your children, and, if you cross with them, please use the
designated crosswalk and adhere to the directions of the
crossing guard.
3**PARK ONLY IN AREAS WHERE IT IS LEGAL**
Please observe and adhere to the posted parking signs.
Congestion in front of and around the school reduces
visibility and increases driver distractions. To help alleviate
the traffic congestion at or around schools, consider
dropping your children off a block or two from school and
walk. It is illegal to drop off students in the areas that are
marked “No Stopping, Standing, or Parking”. Failure to
adhere to this posting may result in a $40.00 ticket.
Do not stop on, (or block) a painted crosswalk when
dropping your children off at school. You many not park
closer than 15 feet of a crosswalk, and you may not block a
private driveway when unloading or loading passengers,
nor block driveways.
4**U-TURNS
ARE
PROHIBITED
IN
SCHOOL
ZONES**Mid-block turns to proceed in the opposite direction
are illegal in school zones. This increases the congestion and
traffic hazards in school zones. Completion of a mid-block
turn/U-Turn in a school zone may result in a traffic ticket.
THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR
CHILDREN.
MMSD Severe Weather Policy
When the weather is bad, the Madison Metropolitan School
District follows a set of guidelines for deciding if
school will be open or closed. With the winter
season here, I’d like to review these guidelines
with you.
The District must make one decision that is the
best for 25,000 students. This decision may not fit with your
individual circumstances. Therefore, we encourage and strongly
support you in making the decision that is best for your child.
You are always the best judge of your child’s health and safety.
The process for deciding when schools are open or closed due
to snow and/or ice
District staff members review the weather conditions beginning
early in the morning. They talk with weather forecasters, the City
Streets Department, Madison Police and Dane County Sheriff’s
Departments, and school district staff to see if all buildings are
accessible for students and staff.
We also consult with bus companies to see if buses will be able
to travel safely to and from school. This is the primary factor in
making our decision. We make the decision whether to close
schools by 6:30 a.m. or earlier, and then communicate this
decision to all local news outlets.
How you can find out if schools are closed
On days when the weather is bad, listen to any local radio or
television station for information about school closing. You can
also check our web site (www.mmsd.org) or MMSD-TV (Cable
Channel 10 or 19.)
When schools are closed because of extreme cold;
Our policy is to close Madison schools if the National Weather
Service issues a wind chill warning for Dane County for the time
just before the school day begins. Schools will not necessarily be
closed if there is a wind chill advisory for the county.
When schools are closed, all activities there are canceled
When Madison schools are closed for the day, it also means that
all activities scheduled in school buildings for that day are
canceled. This includes all MSCR programs and all after school
programs.
Why schools are not dismissed early on days when the weather is
bad
In many of our families, adults work outside the home and they
have no child care arrangements available before the end of
the school day. However, if your schedule allows and if you feel
your child(ren) will be safer at home, you can pick your
child(ren) up before the end of the school day. If you do, go to
the school office and request that your child(ren) be dismissed to
you.
We try to keep schools open
When schools close, many families have issues with child care.
As a result, we try to keep schools open if it’s safe to do so.
However, as we stated at the top of this letter, parents can
always make the decision to keep their child(ren) at home in
bad weather.
Why school starts are not delayed on days when the weather is
bad but will improve during the day
In many of our families, adults working outside the home are not
able to adjust their work schedules or find child care to
accommodate a later start. If your family transports your
child(ren) to school, we appreciate the extra effort it takes on
severe weather days and acknowledge that the students’ arrival
might be somewhat delayed.
When schools are closed for other reasons
If you have a question about whether schools or a particular
school will be closed for reasons other than severe weather,
please listen to local radio or television stations, go to our web
site or watch MMSD-TV.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation
For every family that is happy school is in session on days when
the weather is bad, there is another family that feels schools
should be closed. In over 40 years in education, I find that the
decision to open or close schools during inclement weather
brings out some of the strongest community reactions – no
matter which way we go.
We appreciate your understanding of the difficulties in making
this decision, and your support in helping your child get to school
safely on winter days.
2008 Chess Championship
Eligibility: Open to all Madison area students,
Kindergarten through 12th grade
Date:
Saturday, March 1
Location: UW Union South (see event listing for
room) 227 North Randall Avenue, Madison
Cost:
Free
Prizes:
1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophy to top individual finishers
1st place trophy to the top individual at each grade
level (K-8) 1st and 2nd place trophy to top elementary
and middle school teams (ties for individual trophies
are resolved with 5-minute blitz games)
Games: 5 games per player guaranteed
Schedule, Saturday March 1
Registration
8:15-9:00 am (limited to the first 125 players)
Game
Round 1 begins at 9:15 am
Schedule
Rounds 2-5 at approximately 10:30, 11:45, 1:15
and 2:30
Lunch
(food and ice cream on premises)
I will continue to chair the Communications Committee and will
be helping out with the Jabber as necessary. Thanks for all of
you support over the past few months as we rolled out this new
communication vehicle. I have enjoyed being a part of it.
Cathy Wall
HELP WANTED_____________________________________
Jooi Club Facilitator
"We are STILL looking for enthusiastic person who
would be willing to help run an after school club
at Jefferson Middle School that would
concentrate on instilling a sense of community
service in our students. The club meets one day per week for
about 45 minutes. You would be working with the students to
help them find and complete community service projects. You
may become inspired to help with the projects outside of the
regular meeting times. This is a student centered club, and you
would be working with students from the Memorial Spartan
Youth Service Team along with the students from Jefferson. No
experience
required,
just
a
willingness
to
serve."
For More information contact Rick Thomas 212-7582
Ski Club Chaperones
Ski club will be starting soon, with many fun outings planned.
Please consider being a chaperone on these trips. Give KC
Gilbertson
a
call
at
663-6427
or
email
her
at
kgilbertson@madison.k12.wi.us for more information.
Tutor or Volunteer
Do you have an hour or two to spare during the day? Are you
Looking for a way to contribute to the academic and afterschool success of Jefferson students? If your answer to both of
these is “yes”, then you can be a tutor or volunteer! The
Jefferson Youth Resource Center is looking for an adult like you
to help a student with school work or lead a club after school.
Additionally, Jefferson needs volunteers to assist during first
period on Fridays (7:30 – 8:30 AM) and Wednesdays during lunch
(11:15 – 11:40 AM). All it takes is a desire to help and a little extra
time; you can do this!
Trophies awarded beginning at 4:00 pm
Details
Time control
Rules
Pairings
Equipment
each player gets 30 minutes to complete all
moves
touch move
Accelerated Swiss System, designed
to pair opponents of similar ages and strength
boards, sets and score sheets will be provided
please bring a chess clock, if possible
Questions?
Neil
Gleason,
ngleason@charter.net,
Ian
Hannah,
ihannah@madison.k12.wi.us
238-4312
204-3052
or
or
Letter from the Editor______________________________
As 2007 winds down and we gear up for the start of a new year,
a change is taking place for the Jabber. I am pleased to share
the fact that we now have a TJMS staff member taking over as
Editor of the Jabber. Please welcome, Nancy Towne, both to
the Jefferson staff and to the Jabber.
Nancy will be our contact person for article submission and
other information regarding the newsletter. The Jabber will still
be published on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, but the
deadlines for submissions will change based on Nancy's work
schedule.
Please feel free to contact her via e-mail at
ntowne@madison.k12.wi.us with any questions or information you
wish to share.
TJMS CALENDAR
December
12…..………………….6th Grade Choral/Band Concert – 7:30 PM
19…..………………….8th Grade Choral/Band Concert – 7:30 PM
12/24-1/4…………………………....Winter Break – School Closed
January
7….……………………………………………………..School Reopens
9………………………………………………..PTO Meeting – 7:00 PM
14……………………Staff Development – Early Release 11:40 AM
21……………………..Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – School Closed
24………..…8th Grade Classroom Presentations for High School
(tentative)
25…………………………………………….Early Release – 11:40 AM
End of 2nd Quarter/End of 1st Semester
February
8…………….…… School Closed – Parent/Teacher Conferences
13.…………….5th Grade Parent Orientation Meeting – 6:00 PM
PTO Meeting – 7:00 PM
14…………………………………………….Valentine’s Day Dance
20………………………………..PTO Spaghetti Dinner (Tentative)
22……………………………… School Closed – SWEIO Convention
25………………..7th Grade Overture Center – Peking Acrobats
27………………….…6th and 7th Grade Band Concert – 7:30 PM
March
4………….Orchestra Concert – Memorial Auditorium – 7:30 PM
5……………6th & 7th Grade Band Concert – 7:30 PM (tentative)
12……………………………. Chorus Concert – 7:30 PM (tentative)
17-24………………………………….Spring Break – School Closed
25………………………………………………………School Reopens
April
2….PTO Meeting – 7:00 PM – (new board nominations/vote)
8 ……………………………………………..Follies Week – 4/8 – 4/12
9 ……………………………………………………End of 3rd Quarter
16 ……………..6th Grade Overture Center – Mystery of King Tut
Mary Kay Battaglia
827-7993
marybattaglia@tds.net
Susan Ridel
833-3390
gardener56@gmail.com
Mark Cash
mjcash01@charter.net
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Principal:
Teacher Rep:
Sixth Grade Rep:
Seventh Grade Rep:
John Burmaster
663-6425
jdurmaster@madison.k12.wi.usl
Cindy La Point
663-7349
clapoint@madison.k12.wi.us
Jody Ginther
203-5457
jginther@brunsinc.com
Tami Markgraf
827-5272
tsmarkgraf@yahoo.com
Eight Grade Rep:
Alison Gierach
230-5247
alisongierach@yahoo.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
The Jefferson Community invites you to volunteer in any way you
can. If you are interested in helping out with a committee please
contact the chairperson. The more hands that help, the lighter
the load!
Student Council Chair:
Cathy Wall
Volunteer Coordinator:
Sarah Mackesey
Public Relations Chair:
Eileen Goode
833-8804
egoode@northernloon.com
Lego League Chair:
Cathy Cryer
833-9373
ckcryer@worldnet.att.net
PTO News
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE Jefferson families that participated,
volunteered, and supported the fall magazine drive and the
book fair. Both were successful and raised much needed funds
for our staff, school, and library. Due to our successful fall
fundraisers our PTO budget is in good shape and we were able
to provide funds to help provide needed supplies for staff and
funds for each department. Please see the attached budget
approved by our PTO Board, to better understand where all the
funds raised will be spent. While our major fundraisers are done
for the year, we have four easy, painless, and ongoing ways A
big thank you to the Jefferson families that participated,
volunteered, and supported the fall magazine drive and the you
can help support Jefferson.
TJMS PTO/COMMUNITY INFORMATION
PTO BOARD
President:
sebmackeeesey@charter.net
827-7229
wall7309@tds.net
Communications Chair: Cathy Wall
827-7229
wall7309@tds.net
Fundraising Chair:
Linda Wilkins
829-2672
lmw@athletics.wisc.edu
Book Fair Chair:
Mary Kay Battaglia
827-7993
marybattaglia@tds.net
Foundation for Public Schools Chairs:
Beth Moss
833-3166
Mary Kay Battaglia
827-7993
marybattaglia@tds.net
Popcorn Chair:
Darcy McCann
833-0144
shdm@earthlink.net
Staff Appreciation Chairs:
Debra Greene
238-5542
Debra_greene@sbcglobal.net
Jennifer Mitchell
238-3630
holtsmitchell@sbcglobal.net
Follies Directors:
Kathy Hinderaker
hinderaker@gmail.com
Julie Crow
Jcrow@centurytel.net
Follies Chair:
Mary Schmelzer
274-5306
billgrout@tds.net
Advertising Chair**
Alisa Smith
848-5144
831-3148
.
The Student Directory is Here!
Check your
student’s backpack for a bright green student
directory.
PTO Budget
07/08
Approved
Budget
Total Beginning Cash
18,253
Less Unpaid Prior Year Bills
Net Cash Carried Over from Prior Year
18,253
Income
6122 · Band
500
6124 · Chorus
500
6126 · Orchestra
500
6127 General Music
500
Total 6120 · Music
2,000
6130 · Special Education
500
6140 · ESL
300
6150 · Achievement Clubs
500
Total 4000 · Magazine Drive
25,000
6160 · FANS
1,000
Total 4100 · Follies Income
10,000
6165 · Clubs
300
4200 · 8th Grade Festivities Income
1,200
6170 · Guidance/Nurse
4250 · FANS Donations
150
6175 · Endowment Fund
4275 · Scripts Income
350
4300 · Interest & Dividend Income
50
4325 · Miscellaneous Income
Total Income
1,000
6180 · Reoccurring Expenses
36,750
Cost of Fund Raising Events
6182 · Directory
200
6186 · Staff Appreciation
300
6188 · Mail Supplies
150
Total 6180 · Reoccurring Expenses
650
5000 · Cost of Magazines
14,000
6190 · One-Time Expenses
4,000
5100 · Follies Expenses
9,000
6195 · Special Events/Competitions
500
5200 · 8th Grade Dance Costs
1,400
Total School Donations
16,200
Total Cost of Fundraising Events
24,400
Sub-Total Remaining Funds
(3,850)
Gross Income available for Donation
12,350
Other Income/Expense
Other Expense
School Donations
6010 · Foreign Language
6011 · French
6014 · Spanish
350
6010 · Foreign Language - Other
-
Total 6010 · Foreign Language
350
6020 · Language Arts
500
6030 · Mathematics
500
6040 · Reading
850
6050 · Science
500
6060 · Social Studies
500
6070 · Art
500
6080 · Computer Applications
500
6090 · Family & Consumer Education
500
6100 · LMC
500
6110 · Physical Education
250
6120 · Music
6200 · Bank Charges
20
Total Other Expense
20
Net Other Income/(Expense)
(20)
Total Excess/(Shortage) of Funds
(3,870)
Total Projected Ending Cash Year-End
14,383