December 2011
Transcription
December 2011
FRENCHTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT #40 NEWSLETTER From The Desk of the Superintendent, Mr. Randy Cline FHS HEAD COACHES AND SPONSORS At the November School Board meeting the Board revised the schedule for the hiring of FHS head coaches and sponsors. Previously, FHS head coaches were hired two times a year. Now FHS head coaches and sponsors will be hired three times a year. Hiring Schedule: Fall FHS Head Coaches in December. This includes the football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and golf head coaches. Winter FHS Head Coaches/Sponsors in May. This includes the basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, and speech/drama head coaches and sponsors for all music and student activity extra -curricular organizations. Spring Head Coaches in June. This includes the track and softball head coaches. This schedule is not a change of when the district hires Winter or Spring Head Coaches/ Sponsors. JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS WILL LEARN THE BASICS OF CPR In a program launched by the American Heart Association and to be implemented in Frenchtown Public Schools, every seventh- and eighth-grade will learn basic CPR - especially the most critical first step, which is to compress the heart through the sternum. Before the school year is completed students at Frenchtown Junior High will go through the training, and receive a kit containing a DVD and a "Mini Annie," a truncated version of the full "Resusci Annie" used to certify people in CPR. The goal is to not only help students learn how to save a DECEMBER 2011 life, but to have them train their own families and friends in the skills. The trademark name HandsOnly CPR stems from recent medical studies that show giving compressions - and at a particular rate of 100 per minute - is the first and most important skill a would-be lifesaver should have. MCPS seventh- and eighth-graders are currently training in the program - called CPR Anytime and it will also be taught to hundreds of other middle-school students in Frenchtown, Lolo, Clinton, Hellgate Elementary, Valley Christian and other places. Inside this issue: Montana Approves More Specific Education Standards 2 Public Library in the High School 3 December Music Happenings & Holiday Performances 4 Grades K-4 News 4-6 Grades 5-6 News 7-10 Grades 7-8 News 10-13 December School Board Meeting Agenda 13 REVTRAK Online School Meal Payments 14 FRENCHTOWN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER IS PRESIDENT ELECT OF THE MONTANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION 2012 School Board Elections Calendar 15 Four School Board Trustee Positions Open 16 A new president, president elect and vice president for the Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) were elected on October 21, 2011. Grades 9-12 News 16-17 H.S. Student Council Clothing Drive 18 Shakespeare in the Schools Event 19 Frenchtown Adult Education Classes 20 High School Counseling Center News 20 The kits are $25 apiece, but not one dollar will come out of the FTSD budget or any other district's budget. The MCPS kits were purchased by Community Medical Center through its foundation. Additional funding for kits outside of MCPS comes from St. Patrick Hospital, the Missoula Federal Credit Union, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and a host of local businesses. Dianne Burke will serve as president elect. Burke has lived in Frenchtown for nearly 20 years. She owns a computer consulting business and is a faculty member at the University of Montana. She has been on the Frenchtown School Board since 2004 and held leadership positions there since 2005. She has served as both the Chair and the Vice Chair on the Board and served on several committees, including the Negotiations and Build(Continued on page 2) 1 JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOL- 21 OR DREAMCOAT West Valley Community Council December Agenda 24 PTSA CRAFT FAIR 26-27 (Continued from page 1) including such things as vocabulary words in science and being able to solve story problems. everyone there. ing Committees. The standards were developed through an initiative sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governor's Association. The process involved teachers, principals, parents and other experts using the best education practices of the United States and other countries. "This is a national movement, driven by the states, rather than the federal government”, Juneau said. Schools will now begin aligning their curriculum to the new standards and some have already begun that work, Juneau said. FRENCHTOWN KEY CLUB IS BUSY MTSBA represents the interests of elected school boards governing K-12 public education throughout Montana and their membership encompasses virtually every school board in the state, from east to west, large to small and between. MTSBA has been a leader in public education advocacy since its inception in 1926. MONTANA APPROVES MORE SPECIFIC EDUCATION STANDARDS The Montana Board of Education approved the adoption of the Common Core standards on November 4th, 2011. The Common Core Standards are intended to provide a clear set of shared goals and expectations for student learning across the nation. Montana has joined 45 other states and the District of Columbia in adopting education standards that proponents say are more specific and prepare students to graduate from high school ready for college or a career. The state Board of Public Education adopted the Common Core State Standards for English language arts and math, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau said. "These new standards have the potential to fundamentally transform learning in the classroom," Juneau said. "They give every student, no matter where they live, the opportunity to receive an education that will prepare them for college or to enter the workforce." The new standards list specific skills students are supposed to learn in each grade, while the previous standards listed, in general, what students should know by fourth and eighth grades and at graduation, she said. They also require literacy in history, science, social studies and technical subjects. "Literacy has to be a part of their duties as well — reading across the curriculum," Juneau said, Schools are expected to implement the new standards starting with the 2013-14 school year, but may begin earlier. The first tests that will be able to compare Montana students with students across the country being taught under the same standards will take place during the 2014-15 school year. HAPPY HOLIDAYS As the holiday season approaches, our students are busy preparing their holiday programs for family and community members. Don’t forget to check the calendar of events for all of our Winter Programs scheduled for this month (they are also listed below). Our students and their music teachers are working hard to bring to you an event to remember. Winter Programs start during the second week of December. Tickets are on sale now for the FTSD school musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” It’s a really fun show that’s great for all ages. Lots of different kinds of music, a fun story, and a great cast… it’s really entertaining. We want to invite you all to come see it on December 1, 2, or 3 at 7:00 p.m., with an additional matinee on the 3rd at 3:00 p.m. Everyone must have a ticket to enter; FHS student, district, or senior citizen activity passes are not valid for this event. Hope to see 2 The Frenchtown KEY club has had a busy fall. They started the year by completing the highway clean-up project. This project involves picking up trash around the Frenchtown interchange and then continuing west for two miles to the pond. The Key Club and the Jr. High Builders club also completed the Thanksgiving food drive. 19 families were provided with boxes of food, a turkey, potatoes and rolls. The potatoes and rolls were provided by the KEY club and the turkeys were provided by the Frenchtown Valley Kiwanis. The can goods were collected through the classroom food drive at the school. The Key Club is currently working with the Kiwanis and the Clark Fork Valley Bank on the Christmas Star Program. The stars will be placed on the Christmas tree at the bank starting December first. The KEY will wrap the gifts and distribute them before Christmas. The Key club would like to thank all the adult volunteers who make it possible for us to complete our community service projects. AS WINTER APPROACHES Winter is here now, as the snow falls and we have snow packed or icy roads we always have to look at the driving hazards for our buses. We try to keep our buses running and school open as much as possible. Please stay tuned to the local radio and television stations for information on whether the buses will be running or school will be open. If you are in a location that does not allow for safe passage to school or to the bus stop, then as a parent, you are the best person to determine if your child/ children should attend school on a day when the weather is bad. If a student is absent because you could not get them to the bus stop or school, please notify the school and your child (Continued on page 3) (Continued from page 2) will be marked as an excused absence for that day. As superintendent, I consult with our transportation supervisor in the early morning to determine whether it is safe to have the buses out, and in some cases individual routes or parts of routes will be cancelled or delayed. Listen for messages on the radio or television as that will be the first place that we contact on any school closures. If you don’t hear Frenchtown mentioned in a listing of school closures, then know we are holding school. The weather across the county can be very different from one end to the other and so the description of school closures in Missoula, or Clinton, may not be at all like our weather for the morning. COATS, HATS, GLOVES, BOOTS Please be sure that your child leaves for school with everything they need to stay warm at recess and lunch recess as well as the trip to and from school. But even more importantly check to make sure they get it all home again. Our Lost and Found departments at elementary and junior high are always overflowing. It seems that as the weather warms up during the day, students take their coats, hats and gloves off which never make it back home again. We can only keep the clothes for a limited amount of time, until we have no more room, then we donate to charity, so if you are missing some outerwear, check the school Lost and Found and see if it is there. WINTER VACATION On December 21, 2011 students will have an early release to begin their winter break. School will be dismissed at 1:30 PM (K6) and 1:37 PM (7-12). The winter break will run from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1 with school resuming on Monday, January 2, 2012. ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM There is information included about specific Adult Education offerings in this newsletter. Look for more information about the local Adult Education offerings in the Frenchtown section of the Missoula Lifelong Learning Center’s Adult Education booklet to be sent out soon for the winter session. The Adult Education Coordinator is Julie Kieckbusch Jones. Her contact info: Email - Julie@TheLifelongLearningCenter.com Phone number - 406-880-5358 Please contact Julie with any questions about the Frenchtown Adult Education program. She would also like to hear from you about what kind of adult ed classes you want to see in Frenchtown and if you are interested in instructing an adult ed class (if so what class). PUBLIC LIBRARY OPEN IN THE HIGH SCHOOL The Frenchtown School and Community Library is located in the High School Library. Its hours of operation are: Saturday, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM Tuesday, 4:30-8:30 PM Wednesday, 4:30-8:30 PM Thursday, 4:30-8:30 PM Heather Tone (the public librarian) leads kids’ programming, has established a book club for adults, and has setup an adult reading program. For more information or any questions about the Frenchtown School and Community Library (High School Library), please contact Steve White, FHS librarian, at 626-2683. PUBLIC MEETINGS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT There will be public meetings with the superintendent once a month during the school year. Interested parents, students, and community members are invited to participate. There 3 will be a specific school topic at each meeting to discuss, along with any general school topics of interest to the participants. Each meeting will be held at 6:30 PM on the fourth Monday of the month and will be used to explain, discuss, and answer questions about school issues. The next scheduled public meetings of the 2011-2012 year will be on Monday, November 28, and December 19, 2011 in the Frenchtown Junior High shared project area. The December meeting will be held on the third Monday as school is out for winter break during the fourth Monday. The topic of each will be “school improvement.” Refreshments will be provided. FRENCHTOWN FACILITY IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE Our current track (used by junior high, high school, and the community) was constructed thirty years ago. The engineers said it would last about twenty years, but we have been able to nurture it along for the extra ten. Even with repairs, we are currently looking at cracks and fissures in the asphalt that may go down to the sub-surface. In addition, much of the rubber has fallen off. Part of the problem with the track has been created by our use of irrigation pipes to water the football field. The force of the water hitting the track has knocked off rubber and helped to undermine the asphalt’s integrity. That is why an important part of our capital campaign is to put in an underground sprinkler system on the football field. In addition to making our new track last even longer, an underground sprinkler system will save the district money by eliminating manhours, and at the same time conserve water. The school district has committed nearly $50,000 toward Phase 1 (new track and underground sprinkler system), and we have a corporation that recently contributed $8,000 to the project. The cost for Phase 1 is approximately $200,000. We have not established a cost for (Continued on page 4) (Continued from page 3) Phase 2 of our facility improvements (concessions and bathrooms for the softball/ soccer complex, upgrades of our practice fields, and improving the perimeter walking path) because our immediate need is for the track and football field sprinkler system. If you are interested in donating for this outdoor facility improvement, you can “purchase” a meter or more of the new track for $20 per meter. When you “purchase” one or more meters your name will be added to a signboard showing the meter or meters you purchased. (Keep in mind that the meter purchase also means you are donating for the football field sprinkler system as well!) This board will proudly be displayed at the school once Phase 1 has been completed. Any donation you offer is tax deductible! Once you have contributed we will send you confirmation with our tax exempt number. If you have ever thought about “giving back” to your school and community, this may be the give-back that is lasting and appreciated by students and community alike! We thank you for any support you can offer! SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 23 Early Release – School dismissed at 1:30 (K-6) and 1:37 (7-12) Nov. 24-25 Thanksgiving Vacation Dec. 20 School Board Meeting Dec. 21 Early Release – School dismissed at 1:30 (K-6) and 1:37 (7-12) Dec. 22-Jan. 1 Jan. 2 Friday, Dec.2 o Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ 7:00 - HS Auditorium Saturday, Dec. 3 o Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ 3:00 - HS Auditorium o Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ 8:00- HS Auditorium ************************************************ Friday, Dec. 9 o Shakespeare experts in our school - classes all day o Madrigal dinner @ 5:30 - HS Commons o As You Like It @ 7:00 - HS Auditorium Holiday Performances Mon, Dec. 12 o 5th Grade Band and General Music @ 7:00.- Intermediate School gym Tues, Dec. 13 o 3rd & 4th general music program and Kids in Motion @ 6:30- Intermediate School gym From The Desk of the Grades K-4 Principal, Mrs. Cindy Worrall Mrs. Dorian has worked with our students for a number of years now, and she has always been an influential factor in our students’ lives. Not only that, she has continually showed support to the fourth grade teachers and to the school itself. Bev is dedicated to working with our students. She loves making a difference in our students’ lives, and makes every effort to be at the school every day. She has a kind and caring personality that students really respond to. The students love to work with her on a one-on-one basis, and she really makes a difference in their academic and personal life. Bev works with our students primarily in reading and math, but is willing to help the teachers out in any way that she can. She goes out of her way to bring in special crafts for the kids to work on during the holidays, and will stick around to help students or teachers if needed. Wed, Dec.14 o K-2 general music program @ 1:00 pm.Intermediate School gym Thurs, Dec.15 o 6/7/8 Band - 6:00 in the HS Auditorium o 6th Grade Percussion Ensemble o 7/8 Honor Choir - 7:00 in the JH Gym Mon, Dec. 19 o HS Bands and Percussion Ens - 6:00 in Auditorium o HS Choirs and Percussion Ens - 7:30 in Auditorium Winter Break School Resumes after Winter Break Grandma Bev Dorian earns Senior Volunteer award. DECEMBER MUSIC HAPPENINGS Thursday, Dec. 1 o Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ 7:00 - HS Auditorium (Continued on page 5) 4 (Continued from page 4) Kindergarten News Fire Safety Our Frenchtown Kindergartens want to thank the Missoula Rural Fire Department for a great presentation on fire safety week. The firefighters put on a wonderful and educational puppet show. These are some of the things we learned: Stop, Drop, and Roll Stay Low, Crawl Out Never Play With Matches Family Meeting Place Check Smoke Detectors family members were invited to come and enjoy this special time with their child. First graders shared information they learned about Native Americans: how they lived , where they lived, what kind of housing they used and why, important facts about the important buffalo. All items have been created by the students and after the Pow-Wow they got to take home all of their projects. Colorful totem poles and dream catchers seem to be favorites. It is fun and interesting to learn about the Native Americans and their respect for all. family and animals.” Besides making gifts, wrapping paper, and holiday cards, Mrs. Unsworth’s First Graders will be comparing different holiday traditions. They will also explore the different traditions within their own class. Math time is being filled with data collection and graphing. Watching and recording how fast an amaryllis grows can be quite exciting. In science, students will be rolling – rolling wheels, rolling cups, and rolling spheres. For a grand finale, they will create a marble runway around the room. They would also like to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday!! Lexus says,” Honesty is most important to me because, I don’t lie to my friends or Mom and Dad.” During our weekly class meeting, Mrs. Hedrick’s class discussed the hidden treasures of the heart. The treasures identified in our bully prevention program are; Friendship, Honesty, Integrity, Kindness, Love, Forgiveness and Inner beauty. Each one of us felt there was one especially important treasure. Here are the results of our discussions: Story loves her bunny which is real and alive. Jack said, “Friendship is important when friends leave and they’re still in your heart.” Beau said, “Honesty gets you things, not being honest gets people mad at you.” Adam says, “Honesty means you don’t lie.” Elizabeth says, “Love is the most important treasure because I play with Jack every recess.” Cody likes friendship the most because, “I like to play outside with my friends.” Nathan likes friendship the most because he” likes to have lots of friends.” Madison says, My friends are super nice so friendship is the most important.” Braxton thinks love is most valuable because he loves his family. Friendship is most important to Nate, “So when somebody doesn’t have a friend and you ask them to be your friend.” Thatcher loves his dog and cat. Nadia wants people to remember her for being a good person so integrity is important to her. Princess says,” If you want a friend, you have to go find a friend.” Rylee loves her cats and family and friends. Kaynen loves his Mom, sisters and dogs. Arianna thinks all of the hidden treasures of the heart are important because, “ My family needs all of them.” Happy Holidays to all of you and we hope you have all of the hidden treasures of the heart! Mateo says he wants to have more friends. First Grade Mrs. Richardson’s first graders are very excited about their Pow-Wow. It will took place on November the 21st at 2:20. Parents and Forgiveness is most important to Olivia “So when you are mad at somebody , they still want to be your friend.” Caden says, “I love important people like 5 (Continued on page 6) (Continued from page 5) Second Grade News Parks. We were intrigued by the swim bladder we found inside the fish. We found out that it is like a balloon that inflates to help the fish float in the water. In language we have been working on writing “How to” paragraphs. When we wrote “How to Make a Peanut-butter and Jelly Sandwich”, we learned it is important to be very specific and get things in the right order. We are also excited to be pen pals with a 3rd grade class in Pennsylvania. Fourth Grade News Mrs. Undem’s students enjoying the first snowfall. Third Grade News There was something fishy going on in Mrs. Normand’s room this month. We learned the characteristics of fish by dissecting trout provided fish by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Mr. Anderson’s class is working on their writing skills a lot during the month of December. They are practicing paragraph writing, but also using stronger words in their writing to make their stories more descriptive. In math class, they have really excelled at how to multiply larger two and three digit numbers. Mr. Anderson would still like to encourage parents to help their child know their basic multiplication facts quicker and more accurately. We are continuing to study “matter” in science, and we have been learning our states and capitals in social studies class. Last, in reading class, we should be finishing up “The War with Grandpa” before our winter break. We are well into the 2nd quarter. This school year is certainly rushing along! Mrs. Gaul’s class has been learning about the Native American boarding schools and one of their most famous graduates – Jim Thorpe. We will also study the first Thanksgiving and the Wampanoag tribe of Indians. The class has also been reading a lot and piling up the AR points. We have finished studying mode, median, and range in Math and started working on multiplication. Mrs. Whaley’s 4th grade, by reporters, Kiya Shelton and Alyssa Szwedkowcz The first quarter has gone by so fast. In math, we have been learning about multiples, 6 factors, adding fractions, money, and patterns. We have also been learning how to do perimeter, area, and volume. We have been hitting multiplication tables hard! In English, we have been doing compound, complex, and simple sentences. Every once and a while we throw cause and effects in there too. For reading, we have been reading poems and novels. We just finished a book called Ramona. It has Mrs. Whaley’s name in it. Science is fun too, we are doing states of matter, and lots of experiments! Just for fun, we have been counting how many days left of school there are. We do our class meetings once a week. We do spelling every week too. In music we are having so much fun learning how to play recorders with Mrs. Blass! Music In 2nd grade music, we are preparing for our winter holiday program, “Twas the Night Before….” It will feature all of our second grade students singing, playing instruments, and telling stories about all of the holidays that happen during this time of year: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Our program is on December 14 at 1:00 p.m. in the Intermediate Elementary Gym. See you there! From The Desk of the Grades 5-6 Intermediate Principal, Mrs. Judy The students have been very involved in projects this month. The halls are full of art that demonstrates academic understanding and the vivid colors of the fall season. Math, science and social studies projects are abundant. Students are reflecting on Thanksgiving and are preparing for the upcoming holiday concerts. I extend an embracing thank you to all of the students, teachers, parents and support staff for a great fall of learning. Looking for your child’s coat or gloves? The Lost and Found table is full. 5th Grade Mrs. Fry: Ms. Bruse: November flew by faster than ever. I am happy to announce that we are right on track with covering skills in our math books. We have now started the section on Algebra. The class did very well on the division chapter. We are on to the third unit in Reading and the third unit in Social Studies. Along with the third Social Studies unit we are starting our colonial jobs project. Your child will be reporting on a certain occupation found in the original 13 colonies. They are making a model of their building and will also be asked to construct a product that would be sold in their business. I will be giving them the directions of what to make but they do the constructing at home. These will be due by Dec. 14th. AR is well underway. All the goals have been redone and each person knows their new goal. If you haven’t seen much reading going on, I encourage you to remind them to read at least 20 minutes each night. Last Quarter many were scrambling to finish at the end and had to spend quite a few recesses inside. I hate to have to put them through that again this quarter. They should have half of their points earned by December 5th. Hope to see you all at the holiday programs! It is so hard to believe we are in the 2nd quarter already! We have had new AR goals set for the 2nd quarter. Please see that your child is reading 20-30 minutes every night at home. In math we have just finished up our chapter on division and are starting in on expressions in math. It should be fun! In science we are learning about the Earth’s cycles. It is fascinating to learn why things happen the way they do on Earth. In art we have been doing drawing lessons. This can be challenging, but we find that we are better at drawing than we thought we were. In language we are currently writing our own personal narratives and learning about the whole process that someone must go through to be a good writer. We didn’t realize it was so much work! We look forward to seeing you at our holiday concert on December 12th. (Continued on page 8) 7 (Continued from page 7) Mrs. Eustance: Happy Holidays to all! Thanks so much for the opportunity to teach your kids! I have a unique and special job! Hope to see all of you at the Christmas programs. Please watch for your child’s agenda at night. I think being responsible for filling out and checking an agenda helps them get ready for 6th grade and the future. Please refresh your child’s supply of glue, pencils, colored pencils, scissors, etc. in their Christmas stocking if possible. These items seem to disappear quickly. Thanks again for all you do!! in Math. We’ve just finished the novel, American Tall Tales, in Reading. In Science we are learning about the biomes of the world and the ecosystems in each of them. The students are creating an energy pyramid that shows where the energy is transferred in each of the biomes. We are looking forward to our winter program and all the fun we have during this winter holiday season. Remember it is still very important to practice math facts, read every night and keep those agendas up to date every day. cated in the hallway by the library! We had our first “Bingo” on the Colt’s Corral board! Students are given a ticket if they do good deeds and follow the rules. The tickets are placed on a board located near the office. When enough tickets are turned in and a row is filled, that row wins the Colt Corral drawing. This past week, 15 students won water bottles (made in the U.S.A.) filled with treats. Without exception, every student politely said “Thank you!” Counselor’s Corner Carol Flint Intermediate Elementary Counselor Whew! First quarter flew by pretty rapidly. Ms. O’Sullivan: Ms. O’Sullivan’s class is busy learning long division and multiple step word problems Our school-wide anti-bullying program is in full swing. Each month we will have a different theme that classrooms will emphasize. Each of these themes is considered a hidden treasure of the heart. You may have noticed your child wearing an orange bracelet with Hidden Treasures engraved on it. These were distributed after the anti-bullying assembly. Classroom meetings will center around the specific theme, and November’s theme is FRIENDSHIP. When you visit the school next, please take a look at “Bullying Prevention” bulletin board lo8 If you have pink Yoplait yogurt lids that have a breast cancer ribbon on them, please wash them and deliver them to the school. We have an S.O.S. job entitled Save Lids to Save Lives because Yoplait Yogurt donates ten cents for every lid collected to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. We will be sending them off before the break in December. There have been surprise spot checks with agendas in grades 4, 5, and 6. Students need to have their agenda with them and it has to be filled out neatly and completely. If it is, they are awarded with a treat. An agenda really (Continued on page 9) with nature and himself. (Continued from page 8) helps a student’s organizational skills and we really appreciate all of you parents who check your child’s agenda! Sentence diagramming will also be part of the game plan over the next few weeks. In Social Studies we will be wrapping up the chapter on Ancient Israelites, and moving on to Ancient Greece. The students are learning how this part of the world changed through the ancient years, and how one empire would be established for a certain amount of time, only to Enjoy the holidays and be safe! Ms. Flint be overthrown by a different leader who would establish his own empire for a time. It was a world in flux for sure. We are working on baskets for the Thanksgiving week, so be looking for those little beauties to be coming home soon! Happy Thanksgiving to all! 6th Grade Ms. Hritsco: In Ms. Hritsco’s Social Studies classes, the sixth grade students recently left Egypt. Mrs. Keane: We have now arrived in Canaan to study the ancient Israelites. The students have been comparing and contrasting the Israelites to the Egyptian and Mesopotamian Civilizations. The classes also created a woven reed basket similar to those used by the Israelites. The sixth-grade reading classes have been exploring various avenues in which people or animals react to one another in time crisis. We have met Old Yeller and his friend Travis, Sir Ernest Shackelton and his crew, as well as Anne Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen. Each story is centered on the interactions the characters have in crisis. The students are now beginning the novel Hatchet, a story of a boy in crisis Mr. Marquis: I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I also hope all of you maintain your sanity during the upcoming holiday season!! With the weather getting colder, please make sure your child has appropriate outdoor clothing. We have had a lot of absences due to illness, and hopefully it will pass soon, but please take all necessary steps to keep your child healthy. We just put nouns to bed in English, and now we are getting into the action with verbs. 9 Happy winter! Please send your child with winter clothing now that the cold and snow has arrived. 6th grade is keeping warm reading Number the Stars, a novel about a young Danish Jewish girl in WWII, dealing with the relocation of her parents. Your child should continue to read nightly from their AR books. I have assigned a biography and fantasy genre as 2 reports for 2nd quarter. My English classes should now be experts on nouns, plurals, and possessives. Next we’ll be trying our hand at animal reports for our expository writing. Look forward to some beautiful gifts to come your way for the holidays. Your children are working hard. Thanks for supporting me as their teach(Continued on page 10) The program will include a Latin piece called “Festival Sanctus,” an arrangement of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and many other great choral pieces and holiday songs. This concert will also feature the 7th & 8th grade honor choir and the 6th grade percussion ensemble. The concert is on December 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Junior High Gym. (Continued from page 9) er! Happy Thanksgiving to all! Insects! From The Desk of the Jr. High School Principal, Mr. Jon Fimmel Mr. Fegan: Science: Plate tectonics, the students are learning about the structure of the Earth and the forces that continually reshape the crust of the planet. Math: Mrs. Paskey: The students are amazed at how fast this year is going by, so am I! We are nearing the midterm of 2nd quarter which leads us to Plate Tectonics in science. The students are enjoying learning and drawing the layers of the Earth and its surface. We completed a lab test on the identification of petrified fossils from kits from the library. For Veteran’s Day we wrote paragraphs about relatives who were veterans and shared them. In math we are working on changing fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. These are introductory skills for 6th grade and will lead us into percent's. We will be weaving baskets soon, which is always fun and challenging. The showcases and library are full of our pumpkin globes, leaf and insect collections. The kids did a fantastic job! Converting fractions to decimals, decimals to fractions, and the relationship of all to percent's. HOLIDAY SEASON VACATION STARTS ON DECEMBER 21ST A really exciting bell will ring for students at 1:27 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21st. That will signify the beginning of the holiday season vacation that will last for an elevenday holiday break. Classes will resume at the regular time on Monday, January 2nd, 2012. . MOCK POLITICAL ACTIVITIES WAS MOST SUCCESSFUL AT JHS In 5th grade music, we are preparing for our winter holiday program, “Holiday Memories” – written and performed by fifth grade students! It will feature all of our fifth grade students singing, playing instruments, and telling the audience about their favorite holiday traditions and memories. Our program is combined with the 5th grade band concert and 5th grade percussion ensemble on Monday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Intermediate Elementary Gym. The 6th, 7th & 8th grade choir students are preparing for their December choir concert. 10 Thanks to veteran high school educator, Mr. Merle Johnston, and his high school students… November 8th turned out to be an unforgettable day for junior high school students. Shortly after the first bell rang… students were treated to a rotation of high school speakers who represented themselves as political candidates (liberal and conservative). The students then went to the gymnasium and listened as the political candidates stood stately at their lecterns and vigorously debated their “points of view.” Election polls were set up in the JHS Commons area… complete with a nearby ballot box. Snack treats were given to those who “cast their ballots.” The day is not far off when these students will vote for the “real” deal. (Continued on page 11) (Continued from page 10) IT’S TIME TO LOOK AT THE NUMBERS The junior high school population is currently 185 students. The boys’ outnumber the girls by five (we have 90 young ladies in our school). Ninety-four students are eighth graders and there are four fewer seventh graders to round out the total population. The population of Frenchtown Junior High School is truly diversified as our membership includes Asian, African American, Hispanic, and American Indian students. We are truly blessed by what all of this brings to our fine school. THERE WAS NO ENGINES’ ROAR… INSTEAD… “A BLUR…” Sixteen student designed/manufactured cars were parked on the glass shelves of the school’s trophy case. The “big” day came on November 1st, when …. The races began! The students enrolled in Mr. Kuroski’s eighth grade industrial arts classes moved their cars to the starting line on a specially wired race course in the JHS gym. Carbon dioxide cartridge powered cars flew at sub-bullet speeds in pairs with the winners being paired against the winners of other paired racing competitions. It was a multi-day event that maintained its excitement and momentum until the final race. 18th after school. There was a strong turnout, ample refreshments, good music… and it cannot go without mentioning… our parent (and teacher) chaperones were great, too! This dance was sponsored by the Student Council with strong support from their faculty advisor, Ms. Cindy Babon. THANK YOU BOOSTER CLUB! The JHS now has its own water coolers and water bottle sets! The booster club purchased two water containers complete with bottles and carriers. The larger container holds ten gallons and the other seven gallons. This will make a huge difference for our student athletes; and would not have been possible without the generosity of the Frenchtown Booster Club. FRENCHTOWN JHS HARRIERS WRAP UP SEASON Improvement was the battle cry of your Frenchtown Broncs Junior High Cross Country Team, and improve they did. Our runners have worked hard over the last several weeks to shave seconds and even minutes from their times, and the results of their efforts came to fruition as the Broncs wrapped up their season with meets in Thompson Falls, Whitefish, and Missoula, our runners had ample opportunities to evince the results of that hard work. DANCES RETURN TO THE JHS I must say that Coach Dennis Lackner and I were not only pleased with the number of runners who participated, but were also enthused by the effort awarded us at each and every practice and meet. The junior high program is vibrant and strong, and Coach Normand can look forward to copious talented runners joining his high school program for years to come. Students eagerly awaited the start of the first dance that took place on November With the gorgeous Clark Fork River as a backdrop, our runners assayed their progress There are other students that can’t wait to take this class during one of the three 9-week course periods that remain in the current school year. There’s no doubt that the races will continue! 11 on the two mile course at River’s Bend Golf Course in Thompson Falls. Although this was a longer course than previously experienced by our athletes, they rose to the task and performed magnificently. The day was highlighted by Hunter Cruz breaking the tape first in the boy’s competition. Sixth grader, Meggie Delaney, led a steadfast girl’s team, and came across the line in a very respectable 8th place. Results are as follows: Boys: Hunter Cuz (12:29) 1st, Frank Dean (13:33) 3rd, Jake Oman (13:41) 4th, Jake Lackner (14:00) 8th, Tanner Field (14:16) 10th, Anders Holquist (16:04) 14th, Erik Marquis (17:03) 15th, Noah Workman (17:46) 17th, and Jon Patrick (19:24) 18th. Girls: Meggie Delaney (16:00) 8th, Grace Schwenk (16:15) 9th, Maddy Boller (16:38) 10th, Kiana Snyder (16:58) 11th, Cheyenne Gillespie (19:03) 12th, Amber Bremer (19:37) 13th, Hannah Mikesell (20:12) 14th, Kaia Roberge (20:26) 15th, Allie Sawyer (20:34) 16th, Katia Rigler (22:12), 17th, Brookelynn Sewell (22:15) 18th, and Lindy Kolb (26:06) 19th. A limited number of runners joined us for the meet in Whitefish, as this was a late addition to the schedule. The course was a bit wet, but overall this was a very nice day for competition. This two-mile course found our runners winding around the Whitefish Sports Complex, and the athletes that made the trip came to run. Frank led the boy’s effort with a time of 13:07, followed by Tanner crossing the line in 13:53. Tanner was quickly followed by Jake Oman with a time of 14:02, Jake Lackner in 14:23, and Anders, 15:16, to win the meet! On the girls side, Meggie carved 17 seconds off of her Thompson Falls’ time, finishing in 15:43, and Amber acquiesced, shaving 46 seconds off of her time to finish with a time of 18:51. The final meet of the season found us again at the University of Montana Golf Course (Continued on page 12) (Continued from page 11) to enjoy a beautiful day navigating the 1.35 mile course. As always, our athletes came ready to run, and the fact that they had stiff competition from the Missoula city runners did not hinder them a bit. There were 60 participants on the boy’s side and 49 on the girls. The results are as follows: Boys: Hunter (7:46) 8th, Frank (8:09) 17th, Jake O, (8:28) 20th, Tanner (8:57) 31st, Jake L. (9:01) 32nd, Anders (9:06) 34th, Erik (9:53) 45th, Noah (10:49) 53rd, Jon (11:10) 55th. Girls: Grace (9:45) 18th, Meggie (9:50) 20th, Maddy (10:09) 22nd, Kaia (11:03) 33rd, Calli Bagnell (11:07) 34th, Amber (11:15) 35th, Hanah (11:21) 38th, Christine Johnson (12:19) 45th, Brooke (12:26) 46th, Allie (12:26) 47th, Katia (13:06) 48th, Lindy (15:18) 49th. 8TH GRADE TOP SCIENCE HONORS (1st Qtr.) Math 8 Algebra I 3rd Period: Dawson Jones Laci Willet, The top science students for 8th grade Physical Science for 1st quarter are: Math 7 Course #3 4th Period: ardson, Jake Oman Adeline Rich- 1st period – Zack Palmer 5th period – Brandon Lark MR. BOTSFORD LISTS TOP FIRST QUARTER 8TH GRADE ENGLISH STUDENTS 6th period – Austin Ross 7th period – Dawson Jones 7th Grade Honors English: Madison Botsford and Adeline Richardson MS. CHAPMAN RECOGNIZES FIRST QUARTER MATH-LETES The following students were recognized by Ms. Chapman in the classroom on November 21st: 8th Grade English: Jessop Lee, Maeylnn Merrill, Kaitlyn Marcure and Rebecca Hasenyager Math Class Top Student Awards 8th Grade Honors English: Brianna Daniels and Macey Newbary Period 1: Brendan Hartry: 97% Period 5: Kaitlyn Marcure: 94% Period 6: Sarah Streeter: 89% Thank you to all of the parents who allowed their athletes to test their mettle against the rigors of cross country, as well as the formidable competition that abounds in this area. It is not easy, so thank you. Also, mucho gracias to Dennis Lackner, Dennis Normand, and the administration and board of Frenchtown Schools for their support in this effort. Period 7: Dani Flynn 97% The students listed below also were recognized for PERFECT attendance in Ms. Chapman’s math classes: Period 1: Rene’ Schwenk Period 5: Taylor Birgenheier Keith Clarke Jessop Lee Elise Martyn Xao Light Vang MATHCOUNTS ACTIONS MULTIPLY MATHCOUNTS will meet every Tuesday morning before school at 7:30 in Junior High School Room 218. Students enrolled in grades 6-8 are encouraged to participate. Mathletes will be meeting with Ms. Crouch to prepare for the upcoming school-wide competition that is scheduled to be held in January, and qualifying students will travel to the chapter competition to be held at the University of Montana. Anyone with questions should contact Ms. Crouch for additional information. 7th Grade English: Jamie Knight and Jada Smith Shea Westre Period 6: Brittnee Robert Period 7; Dani Flynn Cade Giffin Jada Smith MS. CROUCH RECOGNIZES FIRST QTR STUDENT MATH EXCELLENCE Top two students in each class: Math 8 Course #3 1st Period: Cora Jo Boultinghouse Austin Kominek, 8th Grade Honors Reading/Literature: Ali Moe and Jackson Rigler Students in Mr. Botsford’s classes have been working on synonyms and antonyms. Their final assignment was to print off two appropriate song lyrics and change 15 words using synonyms and then change 15 words using antonyms. The students realized the importance of word choice and how they can change the context of their writings. Students read them in class and everyone agreed that their songs with the changes would not appear on I-tunes any time soon. The 8th Grade Honors Reading/ Literature students in Mr. Botsford’s class have just completed the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Prior to this, the students completed and studied the novels, The Pigman by Paul Zindel and Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. The class has been doing a great job at looking in depth of the various stories, vocabulary and writing styles of these authors. The students will be introduced to other genres throughout the year as well as writing papers on various topics regarding these novels (Continued on page 13) 12 (Continued from page 12) in their Honors English Class. UPCOMING WASHINGTON, FIELD TRIP INFORMATION D.C. Plans are being made for the continuing the tradition Mr. Fred had established by going to Washington D.C. and New York in the Fall of 2012. Any student who will be enrolled at the Frenchtown Junior High School next year is eligible to attend. If you have any interest in going or needing more information about this trip, please free to contact Mr. Botsford at the Junior High School about this educational trip. Numerous students and their parents have already signed up for this trip. It is important to note that this trip is not sponsored by the Frenchtown School District. MS DANSIE TAKES A GLIMPSE AT PROMISING YOUNG ARTISTS (FIRST QUARTER) 8th grade – Recognition for Artwork – Lorenzo Camac, Hunter Cruz, and Alex Martyn Most Improved – Cody Warner, Skyler Siegle 7th grade – Recognition for Artwork – Theresa Rehebein and Wyatt Gordon Most Improved – Jaden Haberlock, John Kuka Board minutes for October 2011 (October 25, 2011 and October 28, 2011) are not included in this month’s newsletter. Approval of the minutes was tabled for action until the next regular board meeting on December 20, 2011. 13 REVTRAK Online School Meal Payment System and Other Miscellaneous Fees Frenchtown School District provides parents an easy and convenient way to add money to their student’s school meal account and pay for miscellaneous school items online from their home or work computer. Our Web Store accepts payments over the internet 24/7. By contracting with RevTrak, a national credit card payment processor, we provide you a secure site for making payments using Discover, VISA or MasterCard credit or debit cards. To make online payments follow these steps: Visit our school website at http://www.ftsd.org. Click on the RevTrak Online Payment link in the lower left hand corner. You will be directed to the District’s TWO online payment areas. The School Meals and Other Fees website provides the opportunity to pay for School Meals, Driver’s Education Fees, Field Trip fees, Lock payments, Lost/damaged Library and Instruction Book fees, Lost Uniform fees, Wood/metals shop supplies and fees, Discretionary Out-of-District Student Application Fees and Track/Outdoor Facilities Improvement donations. To make payments to you student’s school meals account, contact the school lunch cashier and get your child’s meal identification number. This number is required to utilize in order to make lunch payments. Elementary (406) 626-2645 JH/HS (406) 626-2726 To make other types of payments review the Help Documents at the bottom of the main website. The Extra-curricular Athletics and Activities Fee website provides the opportunity to pay for Activity fees, Activity Passes, Spirit Packets and Club Participation Fees. Instructions on how to use the website are included on the websites. DO NOT USE THE OLD PAYSCHOOLS WEBSITE. ***** Board minutes for October 2011 (October 25, 2011 and October 28, 2011) are not included in this month’s newsletter. Approval of the minutes was tabled for action until the next regular board meeting on December 20, 2011. 14 2012 SCHOOL ELECTIONS CALENDAR FOR THE TRUSTEE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MAY 8, 2012 Between December 25, 2011 and by 5:00 p.m. March 29, 2012 TRUSTEE CANDIDATES FILE FOR ELECTION. Nomination petition and Oath of Candidacy must be filed with election administrator. No person signing a petition may sign more nomination petitions than there are trustee positions open. Candidates must file a form C-1-A, and if desired, a form C-3 with the district clerk and Montana Commissioner of Political Practices within 5 days of filing for office. (13-10-201(6), 13-37-201, 20-3-305 and 20-3-344, MCA) NO CANDIDATE MAY APPEAR ON THE BALLOT UNLESS HE OR SHE MEETS THIS DEADLINE. February 23, 2012 First day elector can request an absentee ballot (note additional information below). Voters who wish to vote absentee may request an absentee ballot in writing or in person starting at this date until noon the day before the election. Since Frenchtown School District #40 contracts with the Missoula County Elections Office, these absentee ballots must be requested from the Missoula County Elections Office. Additional note: The Missoula County Elections Office has the right to run a mail ballot election. By March 29, 2012 LAST DAY FOR TRUSTEES TO CALL FOR AN ELECTION. March 31, 2012 April 8, 2012 Last day trustee candidate can withdraw from the election. Any candidate that has already filed for election, but wishes to withdraw their name, may do so not less than 38 day before the school election by sending a statement of withdrawal to the election administrator. Otherwise, their name must appear on the ballot. (13-10-325, MCA as amended by HB327 (2011 session). VOTER REGISTRATION CLOSES. A voter must register by this deadline to vote in the school election. April 12, 2012 (by 5 p.m.) DEADLINE FOR WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR A TRUSTEE POSITION ON A SCHOOL BOARD TO FILE DECLARATION OF INTENT. (13-10-211(3), MCA) April 12, 2012 (after 5 p.m.) ELECTION BY ACCLAMATION AND CANCELLATION OF ELECTION – NOTICE. If the number of candidates filing a nomination petition or filing a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate is equal to or less than the number of open trustee positions to be elected, the trustees cancel the trustee election. (20-3-313, MCA as amended by HB 327 (2011 session). April 18, 2012 ABSENTEE BALLOTS AVAILABLE. April 26May 28, 2012 May 7, 2012 (by 5:00 p.m.) May 8, 2012 By May 23, 2012 Within 15 days after receipt of certificate of election) Candidates who marked Box “C” on their form C-1-A must file form C-5 with the district clerk and Montana Commission of Political Practices. (13-37-226 (4), MCA) ABSOLUTE LAST DAY FOR WRITE IN CANDIDATE TO FILE A DECLARATION OF INTENT (13-10-211, MCA). A declaration of intent may be filed after the deadline and until 5 pm the day before the election only if a candidate for the office that the write in candidate is seeking: dies, withdraws from the election or is charged with a felony offense. ELECTION DAY! TRUSTEES CANVASS VOTES, ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION AND PUBLISH RESULTS. Candidate completes oath of office and files with the County Superintendent. New elected trustees may not be seated until the oath is filed. (20-3-307, 20-1-202, 1-6-101, 20-20-416, MCA) 15 FOUR SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE POSITIONS OPEN BECOME A SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD’S LIFE There will be four (4) School Board Trustee positions open on Frenchtown School District’s Board of Trustees during the May 8, 2012 School Election. You may pick up a nomination petition to be a trustee candidate between December 25, 2011 and March 29, 2012 at the Frenchtown School District Administration Office, 17620 Frontage Road, Frenchtown, Montana. You must file the completed nomination petition with the District Clerk of Frenchtown School District at the Frenchtown School District Administrative Office or the Missoula Elections Office at 200 W. Broadway, Missoula, Montana prior to: March 29, 2012 (Thursday 5:00 pm) There are three (3) - three (3) year trustee positions open There is one (1) - two (2) year trustee position open NOTES: No candidate may appear on the ballot unless he or she meets these deadlines. (13 -10-201(6), 20-3-305, & 20-3-344, Montana Code Annotated) In addition, candidates for first-class Districts must file a form C-1-A, and if desired, a form C-3 with the district clerk and Montana Commissioner of Political Practices within 5 days of filing for office. (13-10-201(6), 13-37-201, 20-3-305 & 20-3-344, MCA) If these candidates mark box “C” on form C-1-A, they must file form C-5 with the district clerk and the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices by April 26, 2012 and again by May 28, 2012. From the Desk of the High School Principal, Dr. Rory Weishaar, Ed.D. Time” link. Congratulations, Mr. Henderson, we are proud of you! Accolades Congratulations to the following Elks’ Students of the Month! October: Eamon Thomasson and Allison Klocke November: Brady Baughman and Michaela Delaney Congratulations --- Bob Henderson On November 3, 2011, high school Ecology /Biology teacher Bob Henderson was awarded a $250 Allegiance Benefits / KPAX “One Class at a Time” grant. He was presented with a check, interviewed, and filmed by Robin O’Day from KPAX news. The students in Mr. Henderson’s 1A ecology class were working on a lab experiment when KPAX showed up. The students enjoyed seeing the process of news reporting as well as learning about water densities. Mr. Henderson was nominated for this award because of his tireless effort to introduce the juniors of Frenchtown High School to the joys of water ecology. Every fall in October and November, often in the rain or snow, he takes bus loads of students to Kreis Pond and Nine Mile Creek to test water quality, collect plant and insect samples, and use compass bearings to reproduce a map of the study area. The students then study these samples and compile the data into a report. Mr. Henderson will use his grant money to purchase water test kits and supplies so he may continue to provide his students with these exciting outdoor learning experiences. You may see the story by going to KPAX.com and clicking on the “One Class at a 16 2011-2012 Yearbooks 2011-2012 yearbooks are now for sale on the district website. Simply click the Josten’s link and go from there! If you would rather pay yearbook directly, send your child with a check (or cash) for $45 made out to Frenchtown High School. Mrs. Martin will collect money and record the sale. If you are still interested in a 20102011 yearbook, there are a few still available. If you have any questions regarding yearbook, you may call the high school office or email Erika Martin at martine@ftsd.org. Drug Sniffing Dog We recently had Jetta, from Interquest Detection Canines, sniff all the lockers in the school (gymnasium as well). Jetta did not detect any inappropriate substances, and Dennis Jones, from Interquest, said the school is very clean. He also said that out of the 130 Montana schools he goes to, this one is the “tops” for having a nice atmosphere and a real feeling of warmth when he comes in with the dog. Mr. Jones and Jetta will be back several more times to “sweep” the school. If you have any questions about the program please contact the school. Academic Team Update On Halloween weekend, 5 Frenchtown Academic team members endured a long, winding, exhausting road to attend the Boise State University Invitational Academic tournament. We were the defending champions (Continued on page 17) (Continued from page 16) from last year’s tournament by going 9-0. We were disappointed to learn that only 5 teams were entered, however one of those teams was Treasure Valley Math and Science charter school, which was nationally ranked. We were 6-2 at the tournament, losing twice to Treasure Valley. I learned afterward that other Boise area high schools did not want to compete against Treasure Valley because they were so good. The meet was a good start for the year for us. Twenty teams representing 9 schools competed in the 2nd Annual Fall Academic Tournament on Tuesday Nov. 15. We entered 4 teams, and 3 of the 4 made it into the playoffs after 9 rounds of competition. Other schools entered were Deer Lodge, Dillon, Stevensville, Browning, Billings Skyview, Sentinel, Loyola, and St. Ignatius. The results: 1st place Frenchtown, 2nd place Loyola, 3rd place Sentinel, 4th place Billings Skyview. Frenchtown team #1 was 13-0 in the tournament. Two Frenchtown students made the all -star team by accumulating so many points in answering questions. Eamon Thomasson and Michael Rebarchik were outstanding as captains of 2 of the Frenchtown teams. By capturing 1st place in this very competitive tournament, Frenchtown qualified for the national tournament to be held in St. Louis on June 9, 2012. So after two tournaments, Frenchtown Academic team record is 19-2. There will be no other tournaments until our own 5th Annual BRAIN FREEZE tournament on February 14. This tournament will again draw 20 or more teams and again our chief competitors will be Loyola, Billings Skyview, and Sentinel. Other schools who have attended and all indications are they will be here on February 14 are Columbia Falls, St. Ignatius, Polson, Hamilton, Seely-Swan, Browning, Stevensville, Dillon, and Deer lodge. On December 3, there will be an Arts and Crafts Fair on the campus of the junior high and high school. The Frenchtown Academic team members and parents will be handling the concessions and assisting in the fair. Proceeds from concessions will go to the academic teams. Presently the teams are selling raffle tickets for a drawing to be held on December 22 at the half time of a basketball game. This raffle has incredible prizes in 15 different packages, so one has an opportunity to win a number of times. Please contact Merle Johnston at the high school, or Carol Brooks at 218-9822 for tickets. This raffle will play a major role in helping to finance a team to attend the national competition in June. Our last fund raiser will be a HUGE dessert auction to be held the evening of February 13. This gala affair is great fun and with the assistance of Carl Saunders as auctioneer, this promises to be a real kick in the pants. This will be a great social gathering and fun time to celebrate the academic teams’ successes and not only honor the kids, but praise the efforts of so many parents, community businesses, and school personnel in helping to send 5 of the 20 kids to a national tournament for the 4th time. More information will be forthcoming on this event. I personally want to thank all of those volunteers who gave up their personal time to help at our tournament Nov. 15. Honestly, I find this very humbling to see this fantastic support for the academic teams. Thank you to the many readers at the tournament who spent hours practicing the questions. A special thanks to Lisa Fall, Carol and David Brooks, Jennifer Finney, and Sherry Hunter for organizing the registration and the lunch for the participants. If 17 I left out anyone, please forgive me. I’m sure there were others and I really appreciate your help. Thank you ……………..Merle Johnston FHS Student Council Clothing Drive Thank you Frenchtown community for the immense generosity displayed through the student council clothing drive! Amid economic and employment woes, our community rallied together to help one another. Throughout the weeks of November 1st through 16th, teachers and staff in each building collected hundreds of bags and boxes of items. The student council members then sorted all the items, which overloaded every table in the high school commons. Because of your thoughtful giving, many local families benefited from the distribution night held on November 16th. The remaining items were delivered to the Poverello Center, the Watson’s Children Center, and various other non-profit organizations in Missoula. Countless others will benefit from your kindness. Again, thank you to all who contributed. Sincerely, FHS Student Council Members “Student Council Clothing Drive for the Needy” 18 MISSOULA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE WILL SPONSOR SHAKESPEARE IN THE SCHOOLS EVENT (TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILBLE) Doug Bardwell, District 7 and Tom Alsaker, District 2 directors representing Missoula Electric Cooperative, have agreed to sponsor the 2nd annual Shakespeare in the Schools. Last year’s professional performance (Twelfth Night) and student workshop was part of the Montana State University ‘Shakespeare in the Parks’ and was well received by both teachers and students. On December 9th, Shakespeare in the Schools will return with a performance of ‘As You Like It’ followed by an afternoon workshop for sophomore students. This year Missoula Electric Cooperative will also sponsor an evening performance of the same play preceded by a Madrigal Dinner/Fundraiser. The dinner/performance will take place at the Frenchtown High School Commons and Auditorium and will allow community members to eat a Renaissance dinner and enjoy the Shakespeare comedy, ‘As you Like It’. The Missoula Public Library Foundation will sponsor the Madrigal dinner. The money raised will be used to sponsor future Madrigal dinners and Shakespeare in the Schools events. Tickets go on sale, November 1, 2011 and may be purchased by check or cash only. (Checks payable to Frenchtown High School) To Reserve Tickets, Call Frenchtown School & Community Library 406.626.2730 or write to: Frenchtown High School Dinner/Play Dinner only $10 Attn: Steve White Box 117 Play only Frenchtown, MT 59834 $10 Dinner/Play $20 19 DECEMBER NEWSLETTER: HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING Happy Holidays! A chill is in the air but we are keeping warm by staying busy in the Counseling Center. Second semester is approaching and that means grades are being finalized. Please check the PASS system regularly to see how your child is progressing and contact your counselor if we can be of any assistance (Ms. Gibson 626-2718, Mr. Haynes 626-2719). All of the sophomores and juniors who took the PSAT in October, we should receive your score reports soon (listen for announcements). Again it is our recommendation that all juniors who are considering post-secondary education should take the ACT or SAT test(s) the end of their junior year. This allows them to have enough time early on in their senior year to retake the tests if they are unhappy with their scores. ASVAB: (for juniors) Military Placement test will take place at Frenchtown High School December 7th. If you do not want your child to participate, please send a note with them to the office and they will be excused from the test. Parents of seniors: The University of Montana will be hosting two Financial Aid Nights (more in-depth information of the process of financial aid than our webinar) on December 13th and January 18th. They will both start at 7pm at the University Center Ballroom (3rd floor of UC). FINANCIAL AID NIGHT: College Goal Montana is coming to Frenchtown High School on January 25th from 6-8pm. Be there to receive FREE, oneon-one help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from trained financial aid professionals. The FAFSA is the key to securing federal financial (Continued on page 21) 20 (Continued from page 20) aid, along with some state and institutional assistance. Don’t delay. Frenchtown School District presents… Be sure to bring: FAFSA PIN (log on to www.pin.ed.gov) Social Security numbers 2010 federal tax returns (2009 tax returns if 2010 isn’t complete) W-2s, tribal income, other aid information (TANF, child support, other benefits) Additional asset information (money market funds, stocks, other investments) Also, enter your name for a chance to win a $500 scholarship to use at any accredited college or program in the nation. We’re giving away at least one scholarship for each College Goal Montana site! A musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice Featuring Frenchtown students grades 4-12 A fun, entertaining show for all ages! For more information, contact Student Assistance Foundation at 877-COLG4ME, visit SmartAboutCollege.org, or text Montana to 41411. FHS Auditorium December 1 – 7:00 p.m. Or, contact the College Goal Montana coordinator in your community: (Vanessa Gibson, 626-2718) December 2 – 7:00 p.m. See you there! December 3 – 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Tickets - $7 for adults, $5 for kids (18 & under) and seniors (55 & up) SENIORS: If your child is planning on attending a college or university after high school, many application deadlines are approaching. Regularly check in with your child to assess their progress. Seniors have been thinking about their plans beyond high school and what they need to be successful their senior year. All seniors are expected to meet with Ms. Gibson and go over their graduation requirements and discuss their plans after completing high school. SAT: $45 Basic fee+$23 Test Date Registration Deadline Late Deadline • January 28 December 30 January 13 • March 10 February 10 February 24 • May 5 April 6 • June 2 May 8 Sorry, no activity passes accepted. Email tickets@ftsd.org to order advance tickets, or see Judy Everett. Tickets also available for sale at the door. ACT: $32 ($47ACT +writing) Basic fee +$21 Test Date Registration Deadline Late Deadline • February 11 January 13 January 20 April 20 • April 14 March 9 March 23 May 22 • June 9 May 4 May 18 Packets available in the counseling center or register online at www.collegeboard.com Packets available in counseling center or register online at www.actstudent.org 21 SIGN-UPS 6 YEARS OLD (AS OF 1/1/12)-EIGHTH GRADE 6 YEAR OLDS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND FINAL TOURNAMENTS! FRENCHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20th-6 PM THURSDAY, JANUARY 12th-6 PM THURSDAY, JANUARY 26th-6 PM ADMISSIONS TO THE HS MEETS ARE FREE IF SIGNING UP! CHEER ON THE HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM AND SUPPORT THEIR CHRISTMAS COOKIE FUNDRAISER ON 12/20!! $25/FIRST WRESTLER-$20/2nd FAMILY MEMBER $60 UNIFORM DEPOSIT REQUIRED (SEPARATE CHECK PLEASE) WRESTLERS WILL BE WEIGHED AT SIGN-UPS MANDATORY PARENT MEETING-WEDNESDAY, 2/8-HS COMMONS FIRST PRACTICE-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH BEGINNER STATE-ARLEE MARCH 23RD STATE-KALISPELL-MARCH 24TH QUESTIONS?? PLEASE CALL DAVE CLARKE 207-2502 22 6:30 Olweus Kick-off assembly in Oct. The theme for the month of December is “Kindness”. Not only is it the month of giving, but it is also for showing compassion and kindness towards others. “In findings sure to gladden the heart of anyone who’s ever wondered whether tiny acts of kindness have larger consequences, researchers have shown that generosity is contagious. Goodness spurs goodness, they found: A single act can influence dozens more.” One component of the Olweus program that was mentioned in the last newsletter is class meetings. The Frenchtown Elem./Intermediate schools are conducting class meetings. These meetings are designed to: to help students learn about themselves and their feelings and reactions to build a sense of community and belonging and to help develop a set of norms about bullying and other important issues to provide a forum for dealing with bullying problems in the classroom and provide discussion opportunities to teach students what bullying is, the meaning of the four anti-bullying rules, and different ways of reacting when bullying occurs These rules are as follows: We will not bully others We will try to help students who are bullied We will try to include students who are left out If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and home Here are a couple of examples of acts of “kindness” that has happened at our school. A 2nd grader from Mrs. Undem’s class went over to another student from a 3rd grade class and complemented them on their performance in the Olweus Kickoff assembly. A 3rd grader at recess came up to the staff member on duty and stated, “I have no one to play with today”. Overhearing this, another 3rd grade student offered to play with this student the whole recess and did it! Way to go Frenchtown students!! 23 Second Thursday of Each Month, 6:00 PM Frenchtown Fire Station, 16875 Marion Street Future Agenda Discussions December 8, 2011 Public Input Session – Improvements to the Frenchtown Frontage Road from Huson to Highway 93 North – Shane Stack, Montana Department of Transportation Approximately $11.3 million is available to redesign, purchase right-of-way, and widen the Frenchtown Frontage Road from Huson to Highway 93. The Montana Department of Transportation wants the ideas of local citizens regarding the optimal design of this project. If you have ideas as to how wide a new shoulder should be, or other concerns, be sure to attend this meeting. Construction is anticipated for the summer of 2015. January 12, 2012 Economic Development in the Frenchtown Area – Tom Dauenhauer, Site Manager of M2 Green Redevelopment (Smurfit Stone Industrial Site) and Jim Bowman, Missoula Economic Partnership The West Valley Community Council acts as an information liaison between the Missoula County Commissioners and the citizens of Frenchtown, Six Mile Valley, Huson and the Nine Mile Valley. WVCC meetings are scheduled for 6:00 pm, the second Thursday of each month at the Frenchtown Fire Station. If you have an item of interest or importance to the community, please plan to attend a meeting and request the matter be added as an agenda item, or call a Council member: Jeri Delys (626-5336) Colbert Howell (728-2216) Jimmie McKay (203-4538) Caryn Miske (626-5789) Betty Oleson (626-0071) West Valley Community Council tours the M2 Green Redevelopment Site As publicly noticed, the West Valley Community Council and several local citizens met with Tom Dauenhauer at the M2 Green Redevelopment Site, located at the pulp mill, Wednesday, November 9. Mr. Dauenhauer also provided information regarding activities at the (Continued on page 25) 24 (Continued from page 24) mill at the November 10 WVCC meeting. Approximately 45 people are currently working at the mill (primarily as contractors). Some demolition is occurring, especially of obsolete work areas and equipment deemed to have no commercially feasible future use at the site. Other efforts involve ensuring valuable assets are protected; for example one building was reroofed. The machine shop is intact and an invaluable inventory of parts is under lock and key. Buildings, electrical fittings, and the plumbing infrastructure are being cleaned up for potential use as light industry production facilities. Asbestos abatement has been underway for months. The EPA recently completed intensive testing of the site and a report is expected in January. The principals at M2 Green Redevelopment are willing to consider any and all ideas for future use of the 3,200 acre site and buildings. Conversations are underway with an alternative energy company with hoped for startup efforts beginning the first quarter of 2012. Groups interested in preserving the ponds and wetlands for migratory birds have contacted the new owners; public access to the river and ponds is a definite possibility. Development of athletic fields has also been mentioned. PARENTS…….If you have recently changed your phone number, either cell phone or land line, would you please notify the school secretaries in the building your child is attending of that new number There are times we are unable to reach a parent because of this issue... Thanks for helping us by updating this information. Frenchtown school health/wellness department. Please bring your ideas to the WVCC’s January 12 meeting! RevTrak Is Our New Online Lunch Deposit Program The PaySchools online lunch payment service has been discontinued due to problems with the vendor. They have been unreliable and have provided such poor support for our parents and staff we have decided to switch to a different vendor. RevTrak Lunch Deposit Program is our new online lunch payment service. 25 Save the Date! If you are a vendor, The annual PTSA Craft Fair will be held and would like to reserve a booth, please contact a PTSA officer. Saturday, December 3, 2011 Further information and registration forms will follow. 9 am-3 pm Tricia Hansen, President 241-5306 Frenchtown High School Commons Teresa Teagle, Treasurer 626-2493 Susan Brown, Secretary 274-0672 ATTENTION CRAFTERS: Welcome crafters to another craft fair season. My name is Susan Brown & I am coordinating the Frenchtown PTA Craft Fair this year. The craft fair will be Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Again, we will be using the high school commons area, as well as, the junior high commons. You are welcome to request a specific location & we will do the best we can to accommodate you; however, we can NOT guarantee it. The spots that do have electrical outlets, are limited, so please return your registration ASAP if you need one. Set up will be Friday, December 2, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. (All set up needs to be done by 8:30 a.m. Saturday) There will be a concession stand available GENERAL SCHOOL RULES: NO SMOKING inside or outside the building ANYWHERE. Frenchtown is a tobacco FREE campus. NO pins or tacks are allowed on the walls, etc. If anything needs to be hung, please use ONLY blue tape, or bring your own backdrop/lattice, etc. GENERAL CRAFT FAIR RULES: Please do not tear down your booth before 2:00 p.m. We will provide chairs from the music department, but feel free to bring your own chair for comfort. We cannot control the temperature in the building, so please plan accordingly. NO REFUNDS after November 1, 2011. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact one of us. Registration Form on Next Page Thank you, Susan Brown – 274-0672 – yellowpassion74@live.com Tricia Hanson – 241-5906 – tricia.hanson33@gmail.com Teresa Teagle – 626-2493 – tteagle@accessmtwildblue.com REGISTRATION FORM ON NEXT PAGE 26 Schoolmaster Parental Access and Support System (PASS) Get the current information about your child’s progress directly from the grade book of the teacher. Call the school office to get your login name and PIN number then go to ftsd.org. Chose the link for the appropriate school on the right side of the page and it will open a world of current information about your child’s progress. 27 Frenchtown School District P.O. Box 117 FRENCHTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT #40 17620 Frenchtown Frontage Rd. NEWSLETTER Frenchtown, MT 59834 Administration Office: 406-626-2600 Elementary Office: 406-626-2620 TO: CURRENT RESIDENT Intermediate Office: 406-626-2622 AND/OR Jr. High Office: 406-626-2650 We’re on the Web! High School Office: 406-626-2670 BOX HOLDER Transportation Office: 406-626-2610 Ftsd.org December 2011 Hot Lunch Menu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 Chicken Nuggets Cooked Carrots Pears Milk 2 Weiner Wraps Fries Mandarin Oranges Milk 9 Chicken Sandwich Salad Peaches Milk 5 Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Normandy Roll Milk 6 Corn Dogs Green Beans Fries Milk 7 Chili Corn Roll Milk 8 Waffles Sausage Omelet Strawberries 12 Turkey & Gravy Mashed Potatoes Corn Roll Milk 13 Spaghetti Salad Roll Milk 14 Cheeseburger Sweet Potato Fries Mandarin Oranges Milk 15 Burrito Jello with Fruit Corn Milk 16 Chicken Fried Steak 19 Chicken Noodle Soup 21 Early Release Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich Applesauce Milk 20 Chicken Strips Very Berry Salad Celery & Carrot Sticks Roll 22 No School Winter Break 23 No School Winter Break 26 No School Winter Break 27 No School Winter Break 28 No School Winter Break 29 No School Winter Break 30 No School Winter Break (1:20) Pizza Tossed Salad Pineapple Sugar Cookie Milk 28 Milk Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Green Beans Roll Milk
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