Mar - Sergeant Bluff

From The Office of Superintendent Earleywine:
It is hard to believe that winter activity seasons are winding down. Thanks to the students that have
chosen to participate in these activities and represent our school in a positive way. These student
athletes provide several nights of entertainment for our community. I would also like to thank the
coaches for all the hours they have committed to working with our students at SBL.
The board of education approved moving from our current trimester configuration to a more traditional
semester format beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. As you know, we presently divide our
school year into three equal parts (trimesters) and report cards are sent home with all students, K-12, at
the end of each trimester. Trimesters were first implemented at the high school in early 1990's in order
to more effectively share traveling teachers and allow for more class offerings at the high school without
adding staff. Due to the addition of staff in certain curricular areas, fewer teachers are now shared
within the district. Recently, the state has increased the number of core content graduation
requirements. This now limits the number of elective classes that students can take in their four years of
high school.
In order for the schools within our district to remain on the same schedule, all of our buildings will move
to a semester schedule. As a result of this change, parent teacher conferences will be held at the end of
the first and third nine weeks; during the conference a progress report will be shared. At the end of
each semester students and parents will receive a report card, and those grades will become part of the
students’ permanent record.
There will be a public hearing on Wednesday, March 17 beginning at 6:00 PM in which I will present the
proposed budget for fiscal year 2010-2011. Iowa law mandates a public hearing to allow community
patrons a chance to view, ask questions and comment on next year’s budget and tax rates. All interested
community members are welcome to attend this meeting.
Iowa law also mandates the certification of school budgets by April 15 of each year. This is a difficult
thing to do this year as the state legislature is still trying to figure out how much money they will
allocate to schools for the 2010-2011 school year (fiscal year 2011). Since state funding of schools is an
unknown at this time, schools across the state, including Sgt. Bluff-Luton are looking at ways to reduce
their expenditures for 2010 2011. I have been working with the staff, board and administrative team to
identify areas in which we can reduce expenditures. I will be presenting this information to the board of
education on Wednesday, March 17.
Snow Day Make-Up Plan Begins on Monday, March 8, 2010
The Sergeant Bluff-Luton School Board approved the following Snow Day Make-Up Plan
beginning Monday, March 8. The board approved making up the 6 days missed in the
following manner:
 Beginning Monday, March 8, 30 minutes will be added to the school day
 15 minutes will be added to start the day; all PK-12 students in each
building will report at 8:20
 15 minutes will be added to the end of the day; at the Primary and
Elementary Schools dismissal will be 3:35 and at the Middle and High School
it will be 3:45.
 This plan adds 30 minutes to each school day until the end of the school
year. Adding minutes will build back 5 days of school. Snow day 6 will be
added to the end of the school year making May 27 as the last student day.
Additional impact areas:
•
Breakfast will be served from 8:00 until 8:15 in all attendance centers.
•
Bus route times will be adjusted to pick up students 15 minutes earlier each
morning and after school bus routes will be 15 minutes later dropping off students.
•
Preschoolers will NOT add time to their school day, but will use the current
schedule.
•
All extracurricular practices will begin at 4:00.
How will the extra minutes be used?
*High School and Middle School schedules will be adjusted to increase the amount of time
in each class period. The 3-5 Elementary and the Primary School will add additional
minutes for reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.
If we have more snow days the following plan will be used:
•
Tuesday, April 6 (currently scheduled as a teacher in-service day) will be
used as a snow make up day for students. The last day of school for students
will remain May 27.
•
The School Board and Administration recognize that some
parents/guardians may have already made plans for April 6 and may have
commitments which cannot be changed. IF April 6 is used as a snow make
up day and your child will not be in attendance, please communicate with
your building principal and your child’s teacher(s).
•
Any additional snow days will be added to the end of the school year.
Last day for students is May 27; dismissal is at 2:00 that day.
Primary School March Newsletter
KINDERGARTEN PARENT NIGHT
March 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Call now to let us know that you will be attending, 712-943-5564. Parents only at this meeting as
students will be coming for a visit either March 11th or 12th.
DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC)
March 3 at 4:15 p.m.
The District Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Education on the school
calendar for 2010-2011. Mr. Earleywine will discuss budget information. Mrs. Adams will present the
proposed 2010-11 calendar. This meeting begins at 4:15 p.m. and is held in the High School lecture hall.
REPORT CARDS…Look for 2nd Trimester Report Cards in backpacks on this day
March 8
CASUAL PICTURES
All students had their pictures taken on February 9. Picture packets will be sent home and you may
purchase the entire packet, any individual pages, or none of the packet. Please return to the
classroom teacher, money for pictures purchased as well as any pictures not purchased by April 1.
KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP
March 11 & 12 from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Parents will sign up their child for one of these round-up days during the Kindergarten Parent Night.
There will be NO Kindergarten, Preschool, or Pre-Kindergarten classes on these dates.
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)
March 11 at 7:00 p.m.
FUN DAY
Saturday, March 20
PTO, which is like the national PTA group, will meet in the Primary Art room on Thursday, March 11 at
7:00 p.m. Plans for Fun Day on Saturday, March 20 will be finalized at this meeting. Numerous parent
volunteers are necessary for Fun Day to be held. Talk with other parents about helping. Fun Day is
enjoyable and the morning zips by quickly. NO late registrations will be accepted. All registration forms,
along with the money, are due on or before Friday, March 5. FUN DAY is held on Saturday, March 20
from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
March 16 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16 at 6:00 pm at
the High School library. Visitors/parents are always invited to attend these monthly meetings.
CONFERENCES
EARLY OUT
NO SCHOOL
March 23& 25
March 25 at 1:20 p.m.
March 26
Parents/Guardians are invited to attend conferences on March 23 and 25. On Tuesday, March 23
conferences begin at 4:30 and end at 8:00 p.m. On Thursday, March 25 conferences begin at 2:00 and
end at 8:30 with a supper break for teachers from 4:00 until 5:00. Students will be dismissed at 1:20 on
Thursday, March 25 and students do not have school on Friday, March 26. Recovery of a ‘snow day’ is
slated for the 26th so please be advised that this ‘no school’ day may change.
Ice Cream for Books
The ice cream cones in the lunchroom are growing with good reader scoops! Students may turn
in their signed ice cream cone reading sheets any time during the month. Parents/guardians,
thanks for your at-home reading support! Outside reading translates into school success for
our students!
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION: A huge thank you is extended to Shari Kiple and her Box Top
Crew for trimming, counting and sending off the labels! Box Top money of over $3000 was
distributed to teachers in the Primary and Elementary schools to buy games and materials for their
classrooms. Parents, please continue to save box tops throughout the rest of the year and into the summer
for redeeming next school year!
3-5 Elementary March Newsletter
DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC)
March 3 at 4:15 p.m.
The District Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Education on the school
calendar for 2010-2011. Mr. Earleywine will discuss budget information. Mrs. Adams will present the
proposed 2010-2011 calendar. This meeting begins at 4:15 p.m. and is held in the High School lecture
hall.
CASUAL PICTURES
View during conferences
All students had their pictures taken on February 9. Picture packets will be available in the office for
viewing and purchase. You may buy the entire packet, any individual pages, or none of the packet
during conference hours.
SNOW MAKE-UP PLAN
Students will begin school 15 minutes earlier in the morning and will be dismissed 15 minutes later in
the afternoon to make up 5 of the missed days of school. This will begin on Monday, March 8. The
other snow day will be added on May 27. Students will be tardy at 8:20. Bus students will be
dismissed at 3:30 and all other students at 3:35. Breakfast will be served at 8:00. Any additional
snow days will also be added to the end of the school year.
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)
March 11 at 7:00 p.m.
FUN DAY
Saturday, March 20
PTO, which is like the national PTA group, will meet in the Primary Art room on Thursday, March 11 at
7:00 p.m. Plans for Fun Day on Saturday, March 20 will be finalized at this meeting. Numerous parent
volunteers are necessary for Fun Day to be held, so encourage other parents to help. Fun Day is
enjoyable and the morning zips by quickly. NO late registrations will be accepted. All registration
forms, along with the money, are due on or before Friday, March 5. FUN DAY is held on Saturday,
March 20 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
March 16 at 6:00 p.m.
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16 at 6:00 pm at
the High School library. Visitors/parents are always invited to attend these monthly meetings.
CONFERENCES
EARLY OUT
NO SCHOOL
March 23& 25
March 25 at 1:20 p.m.
March 26
Parents/Guardians are invited to attend conferences on March 23 and 25. On Tuesday, March 23
conferences begin at 4:30 and end at 8:00 p.m. On Thursday, March 25 conferences begin at 2:00 and
end at 8:30 with a supper break for teachers from 4:00 - 5:00. Students will be dismissed at 1:20 on
Thursday, March 25 and students do not have school on Friday, March 26.
THIRD GRADE PROGRAM
March 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Join the 3rd Grade students for their annual vocal music concert on Friday, March 19 at 2:00 pm. All 4th
and 5th grade students will see the program on Thursday, so please allow them to stay in class during the
concert. All 3rd grade students and any 3-5 siblings are free to leave at the conclusion of the concert on
Friday.
OLYMPIC READERS
The March goal for Olympic Readers is 120 minutes of reading at home. The March reward is
Olympic activities in the gym on Friday, April 9. Students may turn in their signed reading minutes
until the morning of Wednesday, March 31. Parents/guardians, thanks for your at-home reading
support! Outside reading translates into school success for our students!
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION: A huge thank you is extended to Shari Kiple and her Box Top
Crew for trimming, counting and sending off the labels! Box top money of over $3000 was distributed
to teachers in the Primary and Elementary schools to buy games and materials for their classrooms.
Parents, please continue to save box tops throughout the rest of the year and into the summer for
redeeming next school year!
From the Middle School Principal’s Office
by Joe Trotzig
Iowa Tests of Basic Skills Information - SB-L Middle School students took the Iowa Tests of
Basic Skills during the week of February 15th. Students were gathered in the gymnasium before
testing and heard a message from Principal Joe Trotzig about the importance of good effort on
these tests. Proficiency rates were explained to students and they were told that our building is
a team that must perform at a high level in order to remain in good standing with the state.
Teachers felt the students used good effort on the tests. Results from the tests should be back
by the end of March or early April and summary sheets will be sent home with students at that
time.
Cell Phone Policy Reminder - Cell phones are considered electronic devices and are not allowed
to be used during the school day inside the building (see p. 9 of the middle school handbook)
IF a phone is taken by a staff member during the school day, it is returned to the student at the
end of the day and a letter is sent home notifying parents. IF a phone is taken for a second
time, parents are required to come to school and retrieve it in the office. IF a phone is taken for
a third time, the student may come and pick up the phone one week after it is taken. Remind
your child that responsibilities come with the use of a cell phone. They are responsible for
turning it off before they walk into the building. This includes time before when students are in
the commons due to cold weather. It is not to be seen or heard during the school day once
they enter the building in the morning. Once the bell rings at the end of the day, they may turn
the phone on to communicate with parents or arrange transportation.
New Email Addresses for Staff - Middle School staff have all been assigned new email
addresses within the Gmail domain. Those changes can be found on the district website for
those who may have saved addresses in home accounts and communicate frequently with
teachers or staff.
Parent-Teacher Conferences – Please plan to attend our parent-teacher conferences on either
Tuesday, March 23rd or Thursday, March 25th. Exact conference times will be posted on the
district web page and we will be sending notes home with students as reminders.
Student Council Dance – Our last “dance” of the year will be on Friday, March 5th from 6:30
until 8:00 p.m. During this event, the gym is open for middle school students to play basketball
or hit volleyballs. Chaperones are always welcome. Please contact Chris Pottebaum at 9434235 if you are interested in assisting as a chaperone. We do appreciate transportation
following the dance that is prompt. It is disappointing to see students waiting for parent rides
30 to 40 minutes following the dance, which also requires supervision from staff. Thanks in
advance for your cooperation on this.
Middle School Vocal News: Mark Your Calendars!
Recital Night in the HS auditorium is Thursday, April 15th. Please mark your calendars!! We will
begin after school around 4:30 with the 5th grade band members performing solos and ensembles. Mr.
Pritchard, Heelan High School Band Director, will adjudicate the students. There will be refreshments for
the students after they are done performing. The school is providing cookies and punch in the
concessions area. Mrs. Nothdurft is looking for some parents to volunteer with serving the cookies and
punch to the students. The evening will feature the 6-8 grade students performing solos and
ensembles. The Junior High Recital will begin around 6:45. Mrs. Diana Wooley, Lamb Productions, will be
working with the Junior High students. We have planned this night instead of going to the Heelan band
Olympics and our Choir Festival day. Mrs. Nothdurft is also interested in getting a few more accompanist
for the band and choir students. If you play the piano and would like to help out please contact Mrs.
Nothdurft at 490-9629 or during school hours at 943-8603.
Mark your calendars now and come and support our music students at SBL!!
7th Grade News:
7th Grade English Update
by Jennifer Drees
February has drawn to a close in the English classroom with the conclusion of a punctuation unit
and the completion of ITBS tests. Additionally, students have recently written some exceptional fiction
stories with a survival/adventure theme. There are some budding authors in the 7th grade!
The end of February also marks the end of second trimester. The beginning of March brings new
opportunities for learning and success as our third trimester gets underway. This month in English, 7th
grade students will return to a grammar focus, with adverb and preposition objectives covered. We are
working our way through the course objectives, and often take time to “check off” those that we’ve
covered. The students should feel proud of their accomplishments!
7th Grade Science Update
By John Hensley
The 7th graders are currently exploring motion and forces in science. In February, we began constructing
labs to calculate the speed, velocity, acceleration and momentum of objects. Since then we have
factored in the effects of friction, gravity and other forces on these objects and how Newton’s Laws
have helped our understanding of motion and forces. The highlight for the unit is constructing a
rollercoaster using “Rollercoaster Tycoon.” We are then able to look at how a rollercoaster uses many
of the same concepts discussed in this unit.
In light of recent events and the untimely death of a staff member as well as a
student, we as a school district feel it is important to address the issues
surrounding suicide. Below you will find the warning signs as well as resources
to use, should you need to...
Warning Signs of Suicide
It is extremely important you take all threats of suicide seriously and seek immediate treatment for your
child or teenager. If you are a child or teen and have these feelings, talk with your parents, an adult
friend or school personnel right away to get some help.
Problems that increase the chances of suicidal thoughts include:
•
•
•
•
Depression or other mental health or substance abuse issues.
(Such as sadness and crying, change in eating and sleeping habits, difficulty
concentrating or making decisions. Complaints of constant headaches, stomach aches or
fatigue, expression of guilt, sense of worthlessness and/or low self esteem).
A parent with depression or substance abuse issues.
A friend, peer, family member or hero (such as a sports figure or musician) who recently
attempted or committed suicide.
A disruptive or abusive family situation.
Problems that may trigger a suicide attempt in children and teens include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Drug or alcohol use.
Witnessing the suicide of a family member.
Problems at school, such as failing grades, harassment, discipline issues or frequent absences.
Loss of a parent, close family member or significant relationship.
Difficulty communicating with parents or family disruption (loss of job, divorce).
Stress caused by physical changes related to puberty, chronic or physical illness.
Some common warning signs for suicide include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Making statements like “I want to die” or “I don’t want to live anymore”. Indirect statements
such as “I want to go to sleep and never wake up”, “They will be sorry when I am gone” or
“Soon this will all be over”.
Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing or drawing.
Giving away belongings or lack of plans for the future.
Suddenly becoming cheerful after a prolonged state of depression- the final decision has been
made, which is a relief in itself.
Withdrawal from friends and family. Withdrawal from normal activities.
Aggressive or hostile behavior, anger.
•
•
Running away from home or risk-taking behaviors (reckless driving, promiscuous, drugs and
alcohol).
Neglect of personal hygiene and appearance.
National and local resources to assist with suicide and/or depression:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
National Prevention of Suicide Hotline
National Crisis Line
Suicide Prevention
Red Cross Crisis Line
Youth Crisis Hotline
Information and Referral Center
Siouxland Mental Health
1-800-273-8255
1-800-448-3000
1-800-799-4889
1-800-244-7431
1-800-448-4663
Dial 2-1-1 (local resource)
712-252-3871 (local resource)
Also you will find on the school’s webpage a link that we have built for grief support
at www.sergeant-bluff.k12.ia.us
For more information please contact:
Wendy Schumacher, District Social Worker
943-8793
Cynthia Goetz, High School Guidance Counselor
943-8704
Chris Olsen, Middle School Guidance Counselor
943-8743
Dated 2-10
High School Student – Led Conferences
March 23 4:30-8:00 & March 25 2:00-4:00
Open Conferences in the Commons Thursday 5:00-7:00 PM
A meeting with the student/parent and Advisory teacher will be set up for all students grades 9-12. The focus this
spring will be on reviewing current progress, past success, and planning for the future for students.
You will have a designated scheduled time to meet with your son/daughter’s Advisory teacher. The meeting will
be 15-20 minutes in length.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THIS CONFERENCE?
Grades are going to be reviewed, but they are not the beginning and end of what you need to know about your
child’s progress in school! Your child and his or her advisor have been working to organize information in these
additional areas:
•
•
•
Schedule for next year
Transcripts and check of credits
ITED progress
The student will review this information in the conference, giving everyone the opportunity for some good
conversations about setting and reaching goals.
HOW WILL WE SCHEDULE THE CONFERENCE?
Please return the bottom portion of this letter or e-mail or phone your son/daughter’s Advisory teacher. Advisors
will contact you as a follow up for a specific scheduled time. If you need more time, or would like to speak to
specific teachers individually, your child’s advisor will be happy to assist you in making those arrangements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Student’s Name _______________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name ___________________
Parents/Guardian Email/Daytime Phone________________
Best time frame to meet:
Tuesday March 23
Thursday March 25
4:30–5:30
______
2:00-3:00
_______
5:30-6:30
______
3:00-4:00
_______
6:30-7:30
______
**Please have your son/daughter return this form or make contact with the Advisor by Wednesday, March 17. Email contact
information for advisors can be found on the SB-L website (www.sergeant-bluff.k12.ia.us) by clicking on High School tab and
pulling down the menu to Staff.
High School Graduation Credits Change for the
New Semester Schedule
After careful research, the SB-L school board has approved the movement to
semesters for the 2010-2011 school year. The high school has adopted new graduation
requirements for the incoming freshmen and has accommodated the requirements for
the upperclassmen. The new incoming freshmen will be required to have 46 credits to
graduate in 2014. They will still need 4 years of language arts, 3 years of math, 3 years
of science, and 3.5 years of social studies (only one semester of geography). For the
2014 graduation, students will continue to need health, computer education, fine arts,
physical education, and new for the freshmen is Money Management. Money
Management was added to meet the requirements of the new Iowa Core Curriculum’s
21st Century Skills.
As for next year’s 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, all credits will be transferred over.
Their requirements that they were given as a 9th grader will not change, except that
speech is no longer required. Speech will be infused into the language arts’ courses.
Due to the conversion, the upper classmen will graduate with more elective credits than
required. They will still be required to have 4 years of language arts, 3 years of math, 3
years of science and 4 years of social studies. For graduation upperclassmen will still
be required to take health, computer education, fine arts, and physical education. No
credits will be lost in the conversion. During the conferences in March, students,
parents, and advisors will be checking credits and scheduling classes for next year.
Any questions or concerns will be addressed. The high school teachers are looking
forward to the new semester schedule.
A Trio of Trophies for SBL Quiz Bowl
~Coach Deb Collins
SBL’s Quiz Bowl Warriors proved themselves quite adept at bashing, quiz bowl-style, in the first
annual South Sioux City – Sgt. Bluff-Luton Quiz Bowl Bash on February 20 as they captured three of the
four tournament trophies.
With multiple SBL entries in the junior varsity bracket, Lukas Brenden served as captain of SBLJV3 and led his team to a perfect record in regulation play. Brenden and teammates Brett Adams, Korey
Bruene, and Rachel Karleskint jumped out to a fast start with a 185-35 rout of South Sioux City-JV2,
followed by a 195-60 thrashing of Maple Valley –Anthon Oto. The group cruised to a third victory over
SSC-JV1 (210-85) and closed with a 150-70 win over West Monona. Zach Murrell took the helm for SBLJV2 and steered Connor Adams, Alicia O’Donnell, and Micah Rook to a 2-2 regulation record as they
outscored West Monona (140-70) and MV-AO (175-95); Murrell’s team dropped matches to LeMars
(115-225) and SSC-JV1 (80-115.) SBL-JV1 was led by Jake Zahner and showcased the skills of Nick
Becker, Corey Erickson, and Jaci Dahl. This squad took no prisoners as they demolished MV-AO (21075), SSC-JV1 (155-75), West Monona (175-90), and LeMars (205-160) in regulation.
Thanks to these strong performances, all three JV Warrior teams qualified for the tournament
semifinals. There SBL JV-3 bowed out to SBL-JV1 by a narrow margin, 130-160, while SBL-JV2 eked out a
win over LeMars, 190-150, to advance to the unprecedented all-SBL championship match. Experience
prevailed as Zahner and company edged their younger teammates (135-115) to claim the championship
trophy, while Murrell’s squad earned runner-up honors.
SBL’s varsity team of Devon Schuler, John Aguirre, Davis Huffman, and Reed Saunders set a
personal goal of 2000 points for this tournament. Although they fell short by 15, the team proved
themselves the powerhouse of the SSC-SBL Quiz Bowl Bash as they steamrolled Woodbury Central (255175), West Monona (330-30), LeMars V2 (380-140) and Dakota Valley (340-55) in regulation. Seeded
first for the semifinals, the varsity Warriors dispatched Woodbury Central (410-165) to earn a
championship berth against co-host South Sioux City. It was the Warriors over the Cardinals as Schuler’s
scoring machine toppled SSC, 270-190.
Devon Schuler took varsity scoring honors with 41 solo answers, followed by Saunders (28),
Aguirre (19), and Huffman (18). In the JV bracket, Lukas Brenden led all scorers with 45 answers for
points; also scoring were Murrell (31), Zahner (18), Dahl (16), Erickson and C. Adams (10), Becker (9), B.
Adams (7), Rook (5), and Bruene (1). Karleskint and O’Donnell contributed to group responses.
The Quiz Bowl Warriors would like to thank many volunteers who made this tournament so
successful: Michael Aguirre, Kristi Huffman, Rodney and Linda Schuler, Di Haindfield, Kris Erickson, Amy
Murrell, Sid Seward, Luke Saunders, Bill and Patty Saunders, Chris Olsen, Bill McKelvey, Shannon Dahl,
Connie Nolan, Jen Hazel, Jeanna Click and the concession stand workers, and Bruce Mathers and the SBL
high school custodial staff. The support of family and friends throughout the day was also appreciated!
Junior Varsity Quiz Bowl Champions-Jaci Dahl, Jake Zahner, Nick Becker, Corey Erickson, Coach Collins
Junior Varsity Runner-Up—Micah Rook, Zach Murrell, Alicia O’Donnell, Connor Adams
& Alex Schaben
Varsity Champions—Reed Saunders, Devon Schuler
John Aguirre & Davis Huffman
Help Wanted—
The Sergeant Bluff-Luton CSD needs substitute kitchen help! If you have a
flexible schedule and could work on a substitute basis as a cook or server,
please fill out an application and bring it to the administrative offices,
located in the Elementary Building. The application can be found under the
employment opportunities tab on the school website or you
can stop in and pick one up.
Proms From The Past
The sergeant bluff museum will be displaying prom
dresses, men’s attire, shoes, and prom pictures from
the past during the months of april and may. If you
have any prom items from your past to share, the
museum would love to display them during these
months.
Please contact judy monson at 943-5285.
Remember, the museum is open every Saturday morning
from 9am-1pm.
Sgt. Bluff Public Library
Book Club Meetings
708 Warrior Road
7:00 PM Thursday, March 18th
The Zookeeper’s Wife
By Diane Ackerman
This is a true story in which the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo saved
hundreds of people from Nazi hands.
When Germany invaded Poland, Stuka bombers devastated Warsaw—
and the city's zoo along with it. With most of their animals dead,
zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski began smuggling Jews into
empty cages. Another dozen "guests" hid inside the Zabinskis' villa,
emerging after dark for dinner, socializing, and, during rare moments of
calm, piano concerts. Jan, active in the Polish resistance, kept
ammunition buried in the elephant enclosure and stashed explosives in
the animal hospital. Meanwhile, Antonina kept her unusual household
afloat, caring for both its human and its animal inhabitants.
Author, Diane Ackerman, shows us how the Zabinskis refused to give in
to the penetrating fear of discovery, keeping alive an atmosphere of play
and innocence even as Europe crumbled around them.
These books are available for check out at our library!
7:00 PM Thursday, April 22nd
Prayers for Sale
By Sandra Dallas
On a cold, snowy evening, a young woman lingers in front of a house
pondering a sign that reads, “Prayers for Sale.” Inside, an elderly widow,
Hennie Comfort, watches and wonders before stepping outside to greet
her reluctant visitor. So begins this engrossing tale of a wise older
woman with a lifetime of stories to tell, and a 17-year-old with prayers
that need answers. Set in 1930s Colorado, it’s a novel in which the
drama, humor, and passions of one very full life are stitched, with love
and understanding, into the fabric of another.
Sandra Dallas takes us back to a time when we knew and cared about the
ones around us, and reminds us of what community really means.
Read more about our featured books at www.barnesandnoble.com
MARCH
Public Library
Calendar
The Elementary and Primary Libraries are open to the public
on alternating Saturdays from
9:00 am to 11:30 am, with story time beginning
at 10:00 am in the Primary Library.
March 6th - Elementary
March 13th – Primary
March 20th – Elementary
March 27th – Primary
The High School/Adult Library is open to the public on
Thursday evenings from 4:00 pm
to 8:00 pm and on Saturday mornings
from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.
Public Library Card Applications are available at these
libraries and at Sergeant Bluff City Hall. Public Library Cards
are FREE and may also be used at all Sioux City Public
Libraries.
Primary School March Menu
Monday
Cereal, Tst, Jce
Hot Dog
Sun Chips
Corn
Pears
Pudding
Churro, Ham, Jce
Crispito
Tatar Tots
Baked Beans
Applesauce
Crunch Bar
Bkfst Pizza, Frt, Jce
Sausage Pizza
Green Beans
Mandarin Oranges
Cool Tube
Tuesday
1
8
Waffle, Ham, Jce
Mr Rib
Curly Fries
Mandarin Oranges
Peach Crisp
Bisq &Gravy, Jce
Hot Ham & Cheese
Wedges
Mandarin Oranges
Blueberry Crisp
15 Fr Tst, Saus, Jce
Chili & Crackers
Cinnamon Roll
Carrot Sticks
Peaches
Cereal, Tst, Jce
Chicken Patty
French Fries
Orange
Pudding
22 Ham, Egg Bisq, Jce
Cereal, Tst, Jce
Turkey & Cheese Sub
Sunchips
Corn
Pears
Dream Bar
29 Tastrie, Saus, Jce
Fiestada Pizza
Corn
Applesauce
Chocolate Chip Bar
Hamburger
Tator Tots
Mixed Fruit
Sugar Cookie
Wednesday
2
9
Thursday
Friday
Scramb Eggs, tst, jce
3
Hot Turkey Sandwich
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Apple
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Bagel, Cr Chse, Bac.
Chicken Fajita
Peas
Pineapple
Peanut Butter Bar
4
Oatmeal, Tst, Jce
10
Chicken Nuggets
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Pears
Oatmeal Cookie
Bkfst Burr, Frt, Jce
BBQ Pork Sandwich
Fries
Peaches
Sunshine Bar
11
16 Cinn Roll, Bac, Jce
17 Pancake, Ham, Jce
Corndog
Wedges
Apple
Pudding
23 Omelet, Tst, Jce
30 Cooks Choice
18 Cereal, Tst, Jce
Turkey Tatar Tot Cass.
Garlic Toast
Mixed Fruit
Peanut Butter Cookie
24 Saus Bites, Frt, Jce
Tavern
Tatar Tots
Pineapple
M&M Cookie
Pepperoni Sub
Fritos
Glazed Carrots
Mandarin Oranges
Chocolate Cake
31
Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Bread & Butter
Pineapple
Carrot Cake
Egg, Bisq, Jce
5
Fish Sandwich
Fritos
Mixed Fruit
Green Beans
Miscellaneous Cookies
Cereal, Tst, Jce
12
Grilled Cheese
Tomato Soup
Mixed Fruit
Monster Cookie
25
Macaroni & Cheese
Bread & Butter
Celery Sticks
Peaches
Snicker Doodle
No School
19
26
Notes:
Milk is offered
everyday.
PTO news
Parent Teacher Organization of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District • FEB/MARCH 2010
DATES TO
REMEMBER
PTO Meetings
7 p.m., Primary
Building Art Room
Tuesday, March 9
Tuesday, Apr. 29
Chick-Fil-A
Spirit Nights
Southern Hills Mall
5:30-7:30 p.m.
(SB-L RECEIVES 10% OF
THE NIGHT’s PROFITS!)
March 9
April 13
Teacher Inservice
CAN YOU BRING TREATS?
Contact Shari Kiple:
kiplecomm@cableone.net
Apr. 6
Skating Parties
Rollerama, Sioux City
Apr. 12
Fun Day
Saturday, March 20
Pound the
Pavement
5K Run &
Kids’ Fun Run
Saturday, May 1
(Kickoff Pep Rally
on Thursday, Apr. 1)
PTO takes more steps toward
new playground equipment
As PTO works diligently to raise the
money needed to finalize new playground
equipment for the K-5 students at SB-L, we
have had to make some adjustments to
some of the events we’ll offer this spring.
For this year only, we are postponing
“Donuts with Dads” and “A Morning with
Mom”—two events we have typically held
each spring.
Instead, this year we will combine our
efforts to invite moms, dads, and entire
families to join PTO for its first annual
Pound the Pavement 5K Run and
Kids’ Fun Run on Saturday, May 1, and
for
Fun Day,
a longstanding
spring
event, on
Saturday,
March 20.
Let’s have some fun!
PTO’s Fun Day is just around the
corner! Held on Saturday, March 20, at
the SB-L Primary Building, Fun Day
has become a great day for families to
spend quality time together at the
school, doing fun activities and crafts.
Preregistration and $5 payment is required!
If you haven’t signed up for Fun
Day yet (as a participant or volunteer),
please register by March 5.
PTO’s first annual Pound the
Pavement 5K Run and Kids’
Fun Run on Saturday, May 1, in
Sergeant Bluff. Race festivities will begin
at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the races.
PTO’s Pound the Pavement runs are
designed to promote physical fitness and
fundraising efforts for our new
playground equipment.
On Thursday, April 1, we’ll host a
kick-off/pep rally for all K-5 students at
Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Jackie from KPTH
will be on hand to get students fired up
about the fun run and all that goes with it
(new playground equipment we
hope will be ready for summer
installation).
For more information or to
register, contact Melisa Schager at
sblgirlygirl1@yahoo.com or 712-4907923. You may also register online at
www.allsportcentral.com.
CAP COLLECTION CONTINUES
Students and families have done a great
job of collecting Land O Lakes milk caps
to help our schools! One favor: If you
could please wash and dry caps before
bringing them in, it would be appreciated.
So far we have collected over 4,000 caps
between both buildings. Wow! We earn 5
cents for each cap, so that means
$200 for our school! We will
collect caps through the end of
the year. Eligible caps come from
gallons of Land O Lakes white &
chocolate milk, and orange juice. Thanks!
by Melissa Zimmerman, Land O Lakes chair
Feast on “All You Can Read”
at upcoming book fair
UPDATE
PTO will hold a spring book fair in conjunction with parent-
Bring in Box Tops in
March and your class
could enjoy a Lucky
Charms cereal party
in honor of St. Pat’s
Day! The deadline for
our March contest
will be March 23, with
winning classes to
have their parties on
April 1. (No foolin’!)
Watch next month’s
issue for Box Tops
news. Keep saving!
by Shari Kiple, Box Tops chair
teacher conferences on Tuesday, March 23, and Thursday,
March 25. This spring’s book fair theme is “Book Fair
Diner—All You Can Read.”
Along with a fantastic selection of books, we’ll have a
coloring contest for our Primary students and a guessing jar
contest for Elementary students. Winners in each building
will earn a $5 gift certificate toward book fair purchases.
We’ll also offer the Teacher Wish List program for anyone
wishing to donate books to the classrooms. And, as always,
we’ll need volunteers to help work at the book fairs.
Watch your child’s backpack for information on the spring
book fair and plan now to feast on “All You Can Read” at the
Book Fair Diner!
by Shannon Maier and Jennifer Harsma, Book Fair Committee co-chairs
on Facebook
now: SB-L PTO
HyVee receipts can
really add up!!!
PTOfficers Please continue to save HyVee receipts!
President
Curt Schnee
hockeycms@
longlines.com
Vice President
Melisa Schager
sblgirlygirl1@
yahoo.com
Treasurer
Shelly Ackerman
sonfest05@aol.com
Secretary
Amber Bliss
blissbna@yahoo.com
Newsletter
contributions
Send to: Shari Kiple,
writer / editor, at
kiplecomm@
cableone.net
by Mar. 20 for the
next issue. Questions?
Call 712-276-5175 (h) or
712-281-0641 (c).
OFFICER POSITIONS OPEN
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to
get involved in PTO, it’s right now! Even as
we’re still under piles of snow, we’re
looking toward April. That’s when we’ll
have our officer elections and choose PTO
leadership for the 2010-11 school year. All
positions will be open to a vote, so please
consider throwing your name into the mix.
Our PTO relies on parents like you to get
involved and make a difference. For job
descriptions of each officer position, please
email Amber Bliss or contact any current
officer (information at left).
We can earn up to $500 for our each of our
schools through this great program. Here
are a few reminders:
NO GAS, PLEASE. Fuel receipts can’t
be counted.
AREA STORES ONLY. Receipts from
Sioux City and South Sioux City HyVees
are eligible for this program. Receipts from
other stores earn nothing.
CHECK THE DATE. Only receipts from
this school year (Aug. 1, 2009 through May
4, 2010) will qualify for this promotion.
Older receipts don’t count.
ASK AROUND. Encourage your friends,
family, and neighbors to help you collect
local HyVee receipts, too. Every bit helps!
I can accept receipts until April 30.
Right now, we are not anywhere NEAR the
amount we need to earn $500—so please
turn in your receipts. If you have questions,
email me at smlonneman@longlines.com.
Thanks for your help!
spirit
night
update
February’s“Spirit Night” earned $83.55
from receipts and another $74.50 in
Plinko—for a grand total of $158.05.
Remaining SB-L “Spirit Nights” will be
March 9 and April 13 from 5:30-7:30
p.m. at Chick-Fil-A in Southern Hills Mall.
Hope to see you there!
by Mary Lonneman, HyVee Receipts chair
by Kristine Schrad, Chick-Fil-A marketing director