FebMarch2016 Newsletter - Alcester-Hudson School District 61-1

ALCESTER-HUDSON SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
2016
ISSUE
Mr. Rhead, Superintendent
As I work on the February/March newsletter, I
can’t help but start thinking about spring. Soon the
days will be getting longer and the warmer weather will
return. Until that point, please make sure your children
are coming to school in appropriate clothing.
Although we spend some recesses inside, it is still our
goal to get outside as much as possible during recess.
Also, if your child rides a bus, it is a good idea to make
sure they have warm clothes. If the bus should run into
trouble, it doesn’t take long for it to cool off if the
engine isn’t running. Hopefully we will have an early
spring and put the worries of cold weather behind us.
The school year continues to go very quickly.
We have had a great year up to this point and I see
no reason for that to change. You, as parents, are a
huge part in making the year go well. Take time to talk
to your kids about school and encourage them to do
their best. A happy student makes our jobs much
easier. If you or your child has any concerns or
problems, please contact someone at the school so
we can work to resolve any issues that might arise
during the year.
A quick reminder primarily for the elementary
students and parents. If your son or daughter is having
a birthday party and you are inviting the whole class,
you can hand out the invitations at school. However,
if you are only inviting certain members of the class,
please hand out those invitations somewhere other
than the school. We have had a number of students
hurt this year when they have not been invited to a
party. I know it is easiest to hand then out at school,
but it often causes problems when not everyone
receives an invitation.
Please take time to read the articles in the
newsletter because it is a great way to stay informed.
Remember spring is just around the corner.
FEBRUARY, MARCH
Mrs. Merrick, Kindergarten
Happy 2016!
The kindergarteners were ready
to Ring in the New Year and are writing
and saying their telephone numbers.
Each time they say their number
correctly from memory, they get a
sticker. When they get five stickers they
get a prize.
Students are learning about short vowel
sounds. We played Build a Word with our
letter cards and spelled, read, and
wrote new words. We practiced reading
and matching our word cards by word
families. This has helped them to soundout words and to read stories
independently.
In Math we counted sets and
wrote numbers from 1-20. We learned
about the penny and played the Penny
Toss game. Students used tally marks to
keep track of how many times they
tossed heads and tails.
We practiced using a 100 chart and
counted by 1's, 2's, 5's, and 10's to
100. This month we will be
celebrating our 100th day of school and
will be counting 100 objects and writing
from 1-100. We are learning about
addition. Students listen to story
problems and use counters to join
groups. They then have to write and
solve an addition sentence for each
story.
The Kindergarteners love social
studies lessons and were excited to
learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We
made an art project and students had
to share a dream that they have to
make our world a better place.
Mrs. Gates and Ms. Mikkelson, First Grade
Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! We have been busy learning about animals and
their habitats in first grade. We started with ocean animals and are currently learning
about polar animals. We are going to end with animals of the rainforest. Students
researched an animal from each habitat and wrote a report. We also created these
habitats in our classroom. Upcoming science units include space, weather, and plants.
In math, we started addition time tests, which the students are really enjoying. They are
doing a great job getting their math facts down. We are also learning about place
value. The students really enjoy guessing number riddles and filling in number chart
puzzles.
In March, we are looking forward to our field trip to the Children’s Museum in Brookings.
There are many fun and educational exhibits for students to explore and play at
including a grocery store, farm, water room, art area, and music room.
Ms. Jenkins and Mrs. Johnson, Title I
Title I students have been working hard to practice basic math fact fluency across
all the grades. Students take a timed addition, subtraction, multiplication or
division timed test at the beginning of title math time. Students are working towards
a real gumball to fill their gumball machine or working to earn a karate belt for
each level passed on a timed test. The karate belts will be collected on a dog
tag necklace. Students can’t wait to earn a black belt to show they ‘kicked’ their
math facts.
In reading, students have been working on reading and decoding skills by doing
various phonics activities. Several groups have just started reading a novel. The
students are excited to start digging deeper into their reading skills.
We want to send out a large thank you to all the families that attended our Title I
Family Treasure Hunt. We enjoyed meeting all of the families. Remember to keep
encouraging your child to read or read with your child each night. Also, work on
those basic math facts to help your child have a strong math foundation. It has
been exciting to see the progress of each child as we progress through the year.
Feel free to contact us if you ever have any additional questions.
Contact information:
Ms. Jenkins - becky.jenkins@k12.sd.us
Mrs. Johnson – tiffany.johnson@k12.sd.us
DRIVER EDUCATION
January 15, 2016
To: Parents of Students at least 13 1/2 years old on June 1, 2016– Must turn 14 on or before
December 1, 2016
From: Tim Rhead, Superintendent
This letter is in regard to Driver Education. State Law does not require schools to offer Driver
Education and no credit is received towards graduation. However, the Alcester-Hudson School
Board has elected to continue offering this class and has set a fee of $225.00 per student to
cover some of the costs of Driver Education.
The fee must be paid in full before May 1, 2016 or students will not be able to complete the
class.
Classes will be held during regular school hours starting March 10th (beginning of 4th quarter).
Would you please indicate whether or not you wish to have your child enrolled in this course
and return the form below to school by Tuesday, February 16th. Thanks.
******************************************************
Please return to school by Tuesday, February 16th.
_____
I wish to have my child enrolled in Driver Education and will pay the fee of
$225.00 to the Alcester-Hudson School.
_____
I do not wish to have my child enroll in Driver Education.
_____
I would like my child to monitor the class but not do the actual driving.
_______________________________________ Parent's Name
_______________________________________ Student's Name
Daddy Daughter Date Night
Treat your princess to her first date!
Alcester –Hudson High School Auditorium
102 East 5th Street, Alcester, SD
April 23rd 6-8 P. M.
Here is your chance to show your little girl how “Special” she is to you. Treat her to a
night of dancing and fun memories, a night she will always remember!
All ages invited, suggested ages 5-12. Snacks, drinks, a 4 X 3 souvenir photo, and frame
are included. Grandpas, uncles, brothers, or even close friends are welcome to escort
the little girls.
$20 for Daddy and 1st Daughter,
$5 each additional Daddy and/or Daughter
Please pre-register by March 11th to guarantee a picture frame. Any registrations after
will not be guaranteed a picture frame but will still receive the picture to remember the
event.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Daddy______________________________________________________
Name of Daughter(s)__________________________________________________
Total amount due (please make checks to AHHS Cheer)______________________
Contact: Karla Pulscher at karla.pulscher@k12.sd.us or fill out the registration form and include it with your payment.
Send payment and slip to:
AHHS CHEER C/O Karla Pulscher
Alcester Hudson High School
Box 198
Alcester, SD 57001
Or
Deliver to the high school office at:
102 E 5th Street
Alcester, SD 57001
Ms. Koch, Third Grade
Happy New Year from the 3rd Grade! We have been very busy here. We have been learning
our multiplication facts and how to write word problems that can be solved by addition,
subtraction, or multiplication. We are preparing to take the Smarter Balance Assessment in
April. Everyone has been working super hard! We had a new student join us this semester which
brings our total to 26 students. We are also making a 3 rd grade recipe book. Each student was
asked to bring at least one recipe from home. We will be putting them together for each
student to take home and share with their family. In Social Studies, we are working on reading
a map and using the map skills we have learned to get from one place to another. This is the
first year the students have been able to participate in Prairie Pasque. The students are asked
to read books from a specific selection and then take a comprehension assessment on the
book. If they pass, their name goes into a drawing for a prize from the library. Many of the
students in our class have been recipients of those prizes. The students have also been
enjoying the snow by building snowmen and making forts!
Mrs. Cole and Mrs. Conner, Library
Author/illustrator Elise Parsley is
coming to the elementary school on
February 9 to share with students K-6
about her experiences in writing,
illustrating, and publishing her recent
book, If You Ever Want to Bring an
Alligator to School, Don't! She will also
give students a sneak peek into her
future books and lead them through
an art activity. Students who have
purchased her book can have her
autograph the book on that day. We
are very excited for her visit to our
school!
Mrs. Karla Pulscher will be hosting the first
Alcester-Hudson Elementary Band Festival
on March 10. At the time of publication, 6
other schools will be joining us all to learn
and experience music from Dr. Kevin Kessler
of SDSU and Mr. Kevin McLouth of Northeast
College. The evening concert will begin at
7:00 PM in the gym. There will be a $1 cost
for everyone attending the concert. The
high school and junior high band students
are helping Mrs. Pulscher with just about
every aspect of the day; from posters and
program design, to set up and tear down,
and much more.
Donations: For a $25 donation your
company name will be listed in the
program. For a $50 donation your
company name will be listed in the program
and on the shirt. For a $100 donation your
company name and logo will be printed size
approximately 3X2 inches. For a $200
donation your logo will be double the size
approximately 5X3 inches.
All proceeds of this event go towards the
Music Trip 2017.
Environmental Perspectives
This year AHHS offered a brand-new, STEM-based class that combines English & Science to
explore issues and crusade causes that affect our community and planet. Some highlights:

Big Sioux River Project
We’ve partnered with Dakota Water Watch and East Dakota Watershed Development
District to begin testing strategic sites along the Big Sioux (and its tributaries) to help
monitor bacteria and nitrate levels.

Samsung Grant
To that end, we also applied for the
national Samsung STEM grant--AHHS
placed in the top 5 finalists for the
state of South Dakota and received two
free Samsung Galaxy Tabs to support
our research and efforts to clean up the
Big Sioux.

City-Wide Recycling
To promote a city recycling option in Alcester that would reduce our waste and landfill
usage, the class researched the issue, presented at the November Farmers Market,
composed letters to the editor, held recycled art contests, trudged through winter snow
going door to door to obtain community input, compiled polling data, and finally
presented to the city council. The council has since met with Loren Fischer, who would
provide the recycling services, about a plan to make it all happen. The logistics are still
being worked out, but with enough support from the community we should soon have
curbside recycling services in our town.

Envirothon 2016
This nationwide competition focuses on the conservation and preservation of our
natural resources. The E.P. class has started the spring semester familiarizing ourselves
with the competition. Envirothon enables students to show their skills and knowledge
regarding forestry, wildlife management, aquatic ecology, and soil
conservation. Additionally, students prepare a presentation addressing one of the many
invasive species that threaten our state. The state competition is on March 11 at SDSU.

Lakeside Lab
On the shores of Lake Okoboji, this scientific research center houses enterprising young
scientists in their efforts to learn more about the ecology and environmental issues
facing our region. Students from Iowa universities and high schools have benefited from
the opportunities provided by this research facility. Now, students from AlcesterHudson have been invited to participate in this project. We will be joining with West
Sioux High School this May to research, explore, and enjoy a nice spring weekend on the
lake. We’re hoping to bring as many AHHS students as possible to participate in this
rare scientific opportunity.
February 2016 Lunch Menu
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Pepperoni Pizza
Carrots
Fruit
Veggie Bar
2
French Toast
Sausage Links
Fruit
Veggie Bar
3
Chili
Cinnamon Roll
Cheese Slice
Fruit
Veggie Bar
4
Hotdog w/Bun
Potato Chips
Baked Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
5
Chicken & Noodles
Mash Potatoes
Peas
Fruit
Veggie Bar
8
Italian Dunkers
w/Marinara Sauce
Corn
Fruit
Veggie Bar
9
Meatball Sub
Macaroni & Cheese
Green Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
11
Scalloped Potatoes
& Ham
Carrots
Fruit
Veggie Bar
12
NO SCHOOL
15
NO SCHOOL
16
Chicken Strips
Mash Potatoes
& Gravy
Peas
Fruit
Veggie Bar
10
Fish Sandwich
Tartar Sauce
Baked Beans
French Fries
Fruit
Veggie Bar
17
Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese
Fruit
Veggie Bar
18
Chicken Fajita
Rice Pilaf
Refried Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
19
Cheese Pizza
Green Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
22
Turkey & Gravy
Mash Potatoes
Peas
Fruit
Veggie Bar
23
Spaghetti
w/Meat Sauce
Breadstick
Corn
Fruit
Veggie Bar
24
BBQ Chicken w/Bun
Baked Beans
Coleslaw
Fruit
Veggie Bar
25
Cowboy Cavatini
Whole Wheat
Bread
Green Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
26
Mozzarella Sticks
w/Marinara Sauce
Carrots
Fruit
Veggie Bar
29
Crispitos
w/Cheese Sauce
Broccoli
Fruit
Veggie Bar
*Choice of Milk Offered Daily
6
9
11
11
12
12
12
15
18
19
27
February Dates to Ponder
8:00 am - 4th Grade BBB Tourney (After Prom Fundraiser)
6:20 pm – School Board Meeting
1:45 pm – Early Dismissal
2:00 – 8:00 pm – Parent Teacher Conferences at Elementary School
NO SCHOOL
5:00 pm – Tailgate Supper (After Prom Fundraiser)
Parents Night for Cheer, BBB, GBB & WR
NO SCHOOL
4:00 pm – Basket Silent Auction at EL New Commons
Elementary Club CHEER Performs at ½ time of BBB Game
8:00 am – 6th Grade BBB/GBB Tourney
March 2016 Lunch Menu
Monday
7
Chicken Nuggets
Tri Tators
Corn
Fruit
Veggie Bar
14
Hamburger w/Bun
French Fries
Coleslaw
Fruit
Veggie Bar
21
Chicken Patty
w/Bun
Potato Wedges
Baked Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
28
NO SCHOOL
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4
Fish Sandwich
Tartar Sauce
Smiles
Fruit
Veggie Bar
11
Italian Dunkers
w/Marinara Sauce
Carrots
Fruit
Veggie Bar
18
NO SCHOOL
1
Chili
Cinnamon Roll
Cheese Slice
Fruit
Veggie Bar
8
Turkey & Gravy
Mash Potatoes
Peas
Fruit
Veggie Bar
15
Spaghetti w/Meat
Sauce
Breadstick
Green Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
22
Super Nachos
Refried Beans
Apple Churros
Fruit
Veggie Bar
2
Soft Shell Taco
Refried Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
3
Chicken Rice Soup
Turkey Sandwich
Fruit
Veggie Bar
9
Pepperoni Pizza
Green Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
10
Taverns w/Bun
Potato Chips
Baked Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
17
NO SCHOOL
23
Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese
Pears in Jello
Fruit
Veggie Bar
24
Chicken Alfredo
Noodles
Peas
Fruit
Veggie Bar
29
Cheese Pizza
Carrots
Fruit
Veggie Bar
30
Lasagna
Breadstick
Green Beans
Fruit
Veggie Bar
31
Crispitos
w/Cheese Sauce
Broccoli
Fruit
Veggie Bar
16
Chicken Fajita
Rice Pilaf
Peas
Fruit
Veggie Bar
March Dates to Ponder
9
10
10
11
14
15
17
18
21
22
25
28
31
End of 3rd Quarter
EL Band Festival
7:00 pm – EL Band Festival CONCERT
Envirotron Competition at SDSU/Brookings
7:20 pm – School Board Meeting
1st Grade Field Trip to Brookings Children’s Museum
NO SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL
7:00 pm – Student Recognition Banquet
Pops Concert/Variety Show (Community & Music Students) at EL Gym
NO SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL
Spring Sport Pictures (Track & Golf)
25
NO SCHOOL
*Choice of Milk
Offered Daily
Alcester-Hudson Cheer
invite you to a
Wednesday, February 24th, 2016
Wednesday, March 30th, 2016
Money raised will be used for summer camp tuition and
practice wear.
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Pizza Ranch in Hawarden, IA
Miss McNamara, FCCLA
Alcester-Hudson
FCCLA has been busy in the past and current months. Our chapter is gearing up
Advisor
and ready to soar in preparation for the District 4 FCCLA meeting on January 25th in Harrisburg, SD.
We have 11 Illustrated Talk STAR Event teams competing, along with an FCCLA Knowledge Bowl
team. A total of 27 members will be taking part in this experience in hopes to qualify for the state
FCCLA conference in April. This spring we look forward to empowering and serving our school and
community by completing various community service and school projects, as well as preparing
various STAR events for State meeting.
National FCCLA Week:
Monday, February 8th: Media Monday
Tuesday, February 9th: Team Tuesday
Wednesday, February 10th: We Wear RED Wednesday
Thursday, February 11th: Thankful Thursday
Friday, February 12th: FACS Friday
Keep an eye out for special events and news posted on our Alcester-Hudson FCCLA Facebook
page!
Mr. Scalise, FFA
During the holiday season Alcester-Hudson FFA kept busy. The students got challenged to sell
$10,000 worth of fruit sales. Even though we did not quite get it we still did amazing. I received many
compliments on how well the students did selling and distributing fruit. I could barely tell we had fruit
in the shop as it came in so quick and left so fast. A huge Thank You goes out to Total Stop and their
staff for helping us with all the fruit. I would also like to thank all the parents that help the students sell
the fruit. I know most of this wouldn’t be complete without your help. Selling fruit helps us raise money
so we can live out the FFA motto “Learning to do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve”.
The money that was raised will go to help us in the upcoming spring CDE season. I have talked with
all the students about what CDE’s they would like to compete in and when we will meet for practice
times. With that being said, we will be traveling on the follow dates: March 3rd to Howard; March 16th
to Flandreau; March 21st to Tri Valley; and March 31st to Lennox. Our State convention will be April
10-12th. This is where we find out if we have what it takes to make it to the National Convention. We
invite you to help us to “Amplify, Boost Your Impact” and celebrate our theme during National FFA
week. National FFA week is February 20-26. Please keep your eyes peeled for signs and ways you
can help us celebrate. Thank you all for everything you do to help us!
Mrs. Solberg, 2nd Grade
January has been a chilly month, but full a fun activities. The students enjoyed
studying biographies while celebrating Black History month. We learned about
Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and Martin Luther King, Jr. We also filled
out timelines and are writing biographies about a friend in our classroom. We also
just started our fun penguin unit. We are learning about collecting and researching
facts about different types of penguins. We will be making life size penguins and
comparing/contrasting their characteristics.
In Math, we are working on
subtracting and measurement.
We are excited to have a USD student teacher, Marisa Myrabo, join us! She will be
with us until the end of the year. We are counting down the days until Valentine’s
Day and making our own boxes! We hope everyone is staying warm!
Mrs. Haisch, Principal’s Notes
Looking back on the first semester of the 2015-2016 school year, I can’t help but
think about what a great start to the year we have had. Our fall sports had great
seasons; our fall/winter concerts were excellent with very good attendance by
community and parents; our students had minimal missed hours from school and
tardies for class; and best of all, 59% of our 7-12 students made the academic
honors list for the first semester. We are fortunate to have the dedication of the
students and support of the parents in the academic progress of our students.
As the second semester begins, we know the stress of many activities,
standardized tests, and graduation time can be difficult. We ask your help in
keeping your sons and daughters organized, informed and prepared for this very
busy season. Not everything goes as we want in life, but being prepared for daily
expectations can help lessen these occurrences. May we all have a wonderful
2016!
Boys State
May 30 – June 3, 2016
ACT Test Dates
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Girls State
April 9, 2016
March 4, 2016
May 30 – June 4,
2016
June 11, 2016
May 6, 2016
*Please see Mrs. Doering if you are
interested in attending boys or girls
state.