Author: hoferk

Purdy Elementary School
February 2014

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1
2	3 / Open Enrollment Applications Begins / Parent Only / Orientation for Incoming 6th Grade @ FAMS—6:30 PM / Day 7	4 / Day 8	5 / Market Day P/U / 4:30-5:30 PM / Day 9	6 / P/T Conferences / Day 10	7 / Purdy Pride Day / Kind. To Young Audit. 9-11:30 AM / 1st Gr. To Young Audit. 9:15-11:30 / 5th Gr. Band To Overture. Center / 8:45-2:40 / Day 1	8
9	10 / Day 2	11 / P/T Conferences / Purdy Science Fair / 4:00-7:00 PM / Day 3	12 / 5th Grade DARE Program Begins / Day 4	13 / Inclement Weather Make-Up Day / Day 5	14 / Inclement Weather Make-Up Day / Valentine’s Parties	15
16	17 / Day 6	18 / Dist. Wide Latino / Family Fitness Night at Purdy / 5:30—7:00 PM / PTO Meeting / 6:30 PM-IMC / Day 7	19 / Day 8	20 / Board of Education Meeting @ Luther / 7:00 PM / Day 9	21 / Regional Science Fair Set-Up / Day 10	22 / Regional / Science Fair
23 / Regional / Science Fair / POPS Concert / High School / 1:00 PM	24 / Day 1	25 / School Regional Science Fair / Viewing / Day 2	26 / Purdy School / Interpretive / Reading Contest / 8:15—11:30 AM / Day 3	27 / Day 4	28 / 3rd Gr. To UW Whitewater / 9:15-11:30 AM / Day 5

Future Dates
Mar. 2 Orchestra Dessert Concert @ H.S.—2:00 PM
Mar. 5 Market Day Pick-Up—4:30-5:30 PM
Mar. 7 Purdy Pride Day
Mar. 7 Purdy Family Fun Night-6:00-7:15 PM
March 12 PTO Fundraiser—Salamone’s (Dine In or Carry Out Only)
Mar. 18 PTO Meeting-6:30 PM-IMC
Mar. 21 Orchestra Field Trip to Madison-9:30 AM-2:45 PM
Mar. 24-28 Spring Break

Purdy Panthers
Purdy Elementary School Newsletter

February 2014

All these efforts takes modest levels of supplies and equipment to continue to provide quality learning for our students. Within the last two weeks purchases include art supplies, paint for the gym’s climbing walls, science supplies for our FOSS science program and science fair experiments, online software, 75 books for our IMC, 175,000 sheets of copy paper, a contract for our security alarm system and just yesterday, I initiated the purchase of 25 more Chromebook laptops for our students so they can keep pace with research, drafting written content and communicating with classmates and teachers using free Googledoc products.
I am sure by now readers are aware of our School Board approving a referendum to be presented to the voters on April 1. Basically our costs continue to increase faster than the normal amounts of tax money we get from the State. Passage of the referendum will help the School District so we do not have to cut as much as we would without it. The good news for taxpayers is the referendum will not result in any increases in property taxes due to good school business practices in recent years. Please take the time to look at more information on this important referendum and remember to vote on April 1st.
Looking ahead,
Rick Brietzke, Principal
Purdy Elementary School

From the Principal’s Office
Dear Parents:
We have hit the halfway point in the year and it seems like our school has accomplished a lot yet there is still so much more to do! I was remarking to someone recently how fast our days seem and how there is never enough time to get all our tasks done. I have never had a drag by in 35 plus years!
Much of my efforts have been devoted to keeping a sharp focus on our academics especially supporting efforts in the new Everyday Math program, our intensive Comprehensive Literacy Program and our writing program and at the same time ensuring all learners are challenged at an appropriate pace and levels of difficulty. This is all done while providing quality instruction in all other areas such as our hands-on FOSS science program. It is a balancing act made a lot easier with well trained, dedicated staff both at our school and district levels.
February is Science Fair month. We do require group projects in grade 3 and individual projects in grades 4 and 5. Thanks in advance for guiding your child on these projects and taking the time to enter them in the Fort Atkinson Area Science Fair. Your child’s 3-5 projects meets all the local requirements. I would also please urge all K-3 students to also enter your own project. The projects don’t need to be complicated just answer a question ex. How does salt affect snow at which temperatures? or How does adding various amounts of fertilizer affect lake or river water over time?

ATTEND THE
FORT ATKINSON
SCIENCE FAIR AT THE HOARD MUSEUM
OR PURDY ELEMENTARY
This year many Purdy students including all third, fourth and fifth graders are doing a science fair project and all are encouraged to enter the Fort Atkinson Science Fair at the Hoard Museum. All parents and students are invited to attend the Fort Atkinson Science Fair on Saturday, February 22, 2014. It’s an excellent opportunity to see our students’ talent and get ideas for next year’s Fair.
Prior to the Fort Atkinson Science Fair Purdy will hold its own fair. Displays will be set up at school from February 5th in the main hallway and in the IMC. Parents are invited to the Purdy School Science Fair Open House at 3:00 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, February 11th. Come anytime and view the projects. Teachers grade the projects based on classroom criteria and the District Science Curriculum. All entries will receive a participation ribbon.
Note: Purdy classroom projects meet all the requirements in the Fort Atkinson Science fair. Please enter the Fort Atkinson Science Fair.

2014—2015
KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION
Purdy’s kindergarten welcome orientation date has been set for May 16, 2014 in order to better accommodate current 4K students’ schedule (no 4K on Fridays). The orientation will feature four shortened sessions, an introduction to staff and tours of the classrooms. Please make a note of this date.

DEADLINES APPROACH FOR FAMILIES LIVING OUTSIDE THE PURDY OR DISTRICT ATTENDANCE AREAS
Families that have moved out or anticipate moving outside the School District of Fort Atkinson or Purdy Elementary attendance areas need to plan ahead if they have not applied to attend school in the District or Purdy.
Know someone who lives outside the Fort Atkinson School District? Encourage them to apply before the deadline and they can still make a final decision later.
Open Enrollment Application Window is February 3 — April 30, 2014 before 4:00 P.M. We want to make sure families are aware of the open enrollment window. For families now living in our District who may be considering moving out of our District but wish for their children to remain in the Fort Schools, or for parents from other districts wanting to enroll their students in our District, you may apply on line at http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/psctpc.html from February 3 to April 30. The District Office also has hard copy applications available. Please contact Debbie Kopps at 563-7807 for information on open enrollment.
Living outside the Purdy attendance area example; Rockwell, Luther, Barrie? If you have not filled out a form or been approved for such a transfer in the past, the deadline for applying is March 14, 2014 Forms are available in the Purdy Office.

GEOGRAPHY BEE
Purdy School’s Geography Bee was a great success again. Geography skills continue to rise and this was evident during the school competition.
Geography Bee participants are listed below.
Fourth Grade
Mason Brandl
Braeden Church
Triston Hanson
Tristin Pete
Sawyer Voss
Fifth Grade
Matthew Betanski
Tyler Betanski
Haley Clavey
Carlee Dittbenner
Zoie Hammer
Maddie Hansen
Camryn Jorgensen
Lewis Luciano
Sydney Maas
Emma Mitchell
Noah Rados
The winner for the Geography Bee is Matthew Betanski and the runner-up is Sawyer Voss. Congratulations to all participants.
The winner for the Geography Bee is Erin-Angelena O’Hearn and the runner-up is Tim Voelker. Congratulations to all participants!

PLAN AHEAD FOR
EARLY DISMISSALS
& RECORDS DAY
There are three early dismissal days left this school year. They are:
February 13, 2014
April 4, 2014 (Records Day)
May 4, 2014
On February 13, and May 4 teachers will be collaborating with other staff on effective teaching methods.
Students are dismissed at 11:50 PM on these days. Notes for early dismissal bag lunches will be arriving soon. Thanks for your cooperation.

MARKET DAY
NEWS
February pickup is the 5th; you have until February 1st to order online. Look for the Dessert Bonus Days coming in February. Be sure to check out the new Strawberry Patch Cake for $14.00. Once again we can earn extra profit from the sales with that money going directly to Purdy Elementary. This is a great time to purchase for your Easter and spring gatherings. Pickup for desserts will be March 5th. Thanks again for supporting Market Day!
Dawn Church & Mary Lynn Vaillancourt
Co-Chairpersons

PURDY PATROL
OF THE MONTH
On Friday, January 31, 2014 Lewis Luciano and Alice Van Haaften were treated to lunch at Culver’s. These two students were Patrol Members of the Month for January. Thanks go to these and many other students who make sure our students cross safely to and from school and help ensure student safety within our school.

COLD WEATHER REMINDER
DRESS WARMLY
BUNDLE UP! As the weather continues to be cold it is important to dress your child(ren) appropriately. Students will be expected to participate in outdoor recess on most days except when the temperature or wind-chill falls below zero. Outdoor activity provides a very healthy and needed break for our students. Once it snows, children who do not wear boots or snow pants will only be able to play on the blacktop area. So have your child(ren) bundle up.
REMINDERS!
Make sure your child(ren) wear warm clothes and the proper winter footwear.
Check for lost clothing items – it seems our Lost & Found (located at Exit # 5) grows considerably during the winter months.
Drive safely in the school zone if you are bringing children to school or picking up children at school. Slippery conditions and poor visibility are frequently present.

EARLY ENTRANCE TO KINDERGARTEN SCREENING
The Fort Atkinson School District will hold screening for possible Early Entrance to Kindergarten candidates on April 17th, 2014 at Luther Elementary School.
To be considered for early entrance, your child must reside within the School District of Fort Atkinson boundaries, be intellectually and academically advanced, and not turn five years old by September 1st of that year. School Board Policy requires parents to submit a written request for early entrance consideration on or before March 1st. Reasons for the request and descriptions of advanced intellectual and academic abilities should be included in the letter. The request for early entrance consideration should be mailed to Dr. Jeff Zaspel, Superintendent of the Schools, at the following address:
School District of Fort Atkinson
Attn: Dr. Jeff Zaspel
201 Park Street
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
If you have questions or concerns regarding early entrance to Kindergarten, please contact John Peterson, Director of Pupil Services, at (920) 563-7804 or Susan Henn, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, at (920) 568-4478.

SCIENCE FAIR DISPLAY
BOARDS AVAILABLE
Purdy School still has a good supply of 32” x 48” Science Fair display boards available. These are tri-fold, white on one side and corrugated on the other side. Purchase from the office for $5.00.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS DUE
TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Parents, please go over with your child(ren) the “plan” for these days. Students get anxious when the weather turns bad. It is helpful to everyone if we can have a clear understanding of what to do in these situations. Below is a list of radio and television stations to turn to for information regarding school closings. Please try to avoid calling school with last minute instructions for your child(ren). In addition the District will continue calling parents with its AlertNow Phone System. A number of calls have been made already. Not getting them? Call the office for an update.
WFAW/WSJY/WKCH
WSLD
WISC-TV-Ch. 3
WMTV-CH. 15
WIBA/WTSO/WMLI/WZEE/WMAD
Today’s TMJ4/WKTI/WTMJ
The Weather Channel

SUMMER SCHOOL 2014
We are beginning to prepare for Summer School 2014. Dates are posted on the district website (www.fortschools.org) under the Parents & Students tab and then click on Summer School link. More information about registration dates and details will be sent home closer to that date. For those planning ahead, there will be no school July 3rd & 4th for the holiday. If you have any questions, please call the Summer School Office at 920-563-7801 and Cindy Fairfield can assist you.

EMPLOYEE
RECOGNITION
Each year the School District of Fort Atkinson recognizes employees who have worked in the District for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years. Congratulations and thanks to the following staff who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years to our quality education.
10 Years 25 Years
Patty Brain Michelle Eames
Suzanne Deuster
Kathy Kutz
15 Years 35 Years
Dawn Church Bradley Schroedl
Debra Marchiafava

CARS AND BUSES
DO NOT MIX
Busses, cars and pedestrians don’t mix. The police department and school are taking steps to keep cars out of the bus drive through from 7:30-8:00 AM and from 2:45 to 3:15 PM. This eliminates the following problems:
It is dangerous for students. Presently some parents are telling their children to walk between or in front of parked cars and buses. Also anyone walking between cars is at risk for injury or death.
It is dangerous for occupants of cars and buses. When cars are parked in front of the building, buses must squeeze between them or wait on the street until they can enter the drive-through.
It is aggravating to cooperative parents that follow the rules and use the parking lot or side streets. When one car parks or uses the drive through others will follow. This a rule by which all can live.

SPRING Book Fair
“NEW DATES”
April 21st—23rd
You will notice something is missing this February during conferences. Because we were unable to locate a person willing to chair the Book Fair in time to get things arranged with Scholastic, we had to make a decision to move the Book Fair to April 21st—23rd, which coincides with our Spring Arts Festival, Hours to shop will be available before and after school each day, as well as the entirety of the Arts Festival. We have had one person step-up and offer to be a co-chair for the Spring Book Fair and would love someone to step-up and help her. This would then be shared with our Fall Book Fair Chairperson, Jill Draeger, If you would be interested in hearing more about this fantastic opportunity, please contact Maggie Messler or Jill Draeger through the main office. Many hands make light work!!

GET CONNECTED!!
Purdy PTO is now on Facebook. “Like” our page to be kept up to date on all of the exciting opportunities happening at our school. Look for us under Purdy Elementary PTO.

DISTRICT WIDE LATINO FAMILY
FITNESS NIGHT
PURDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014
5:30—7:00 PM
Jeff Jensen and Pattie Brain will assist the gym fitness stations/games. Jamie Hahn will run Zumba in the Multi-Purpose Room. ELL staff and volunteers will be split up to help out in both areas.
Schedule:
5:30 PM Welcome Families
5:30—6:00 PM Half the Families
Participates in
Zumba and other half
In Gym Activities.
6:00—6:30 PM Health Snack and
Nutrition Discussion
6:30—7:00 PM Families Switch
Activities
If you would like to help with this fun event , please call Megan Lazare, ELL at
920-563-7822 or lazarem@fortschools.org

DO YOU SHOP AT TARGET?
If you do, there’s an easy way to help raise money for our school and it doesn’t involve door-to-door selling, raffles or bake sales! If you have a Target Guest Card, Target will donate 1% of your Target store and target.com purchases made on the Target Guest Card to our school through their School Fundraising program.
It’s easy to participate. Just call the Target School Fundraising hotline at 1-800-316-6142 and give them your Target Guest Card account number and school name. Let your friends and family know. Anyone in the country who shops at Target can designate our school.
If you don’t have a Target Guest Card but would like to participate, you can pick up an application at the check out lanes at any Target store, or apply online at www.target.com.

NO KINDERGARTEN CLASS ON FRIDAY, MAY 17TH
There will not be classes for 2012-2013 Kindergarten students due to Kindergarten Orientation for 2013-2014 students.

Attention All 5th
Grade BAND Parents
WHAT: The POPS Concert
WHEN: Sunday, February 23rd
TIME: 1:00 pm
WHERE: High School Auditorium
WHO: ALL BAND Students in Grades 5 & 6
The 7-12 grade POPS Concert will begin at 3:00 PM .
This is your child's first “official” concert, so bring yourself, grandparents, aunts/uncles, your cameras and be prepared to hear some great music! See you all there!!
This concert is our only “fundraiser” concert; there is a small admission fee of $3.00 per person to attend. We also have a basket raffle and desserts for sale! This fundraiser provides invaluable funds to our band programs.
(All remaining concerts are free to attend).
There will be several EXTRA rehearsals for all students in preparation of this concert. Students will NEED their instruments on the following days:
Wednesday, February 12
Wednesday, February 19

PTO FLOWER SALE
Love Flowers? Want to help your child’s school?
It’s that time again. Think Spring
We will need lots of help the day the flowers come in to organize and pull orders. This is our third year of the flower sale. We will be selling flower baskets, potted plants and flats of flowers. Also, back by popular demand is the famous Purdy Panther flower coupon where you purchase a basket and go to Bennett’s Green House in For Atkinson and pick out your own flower basket. Patty Brain will be working with Michelle De Mott on this fundraiser.
If you have questions, comments or ideas please contact Patty Brain at brainp@fortschools.org or 920-563-7822.
Order forms and a letter will go out before Spring Break. Orders will be due around April 11th. Delivery to Purdy around
May 7th (week before Mother’s Day.

“RECYCLE THOSE
T-SHIRTS”
Our kids do keep growing bigger and pretty soon that nice t-shirt doesn’t fit! If you have a Purdy Panther shirt or perhaps a PBIS “Ready to Learn” shirt which is too small for a family member, why not recycle it by donating it back to Purdy? Purdy will in turn give it to students who don’t have a spirit wear shirt.
Interested? Just send any school related clothing in good, clean condition to school and the office will pass it along to another student.

NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK MARCH 3 - 7
“It’s National School Breakfast Week”—and the theme is “Take Time for School Breakfast”. Save time in the mornings by sending your kids off to school for a healthy breakfast! “Kids who eat school breakfast have higher attendance and perform better in math than those who don’t”, according to Share Our Strength.
In honor of National School Breakfast Week, we are serving some new items-and we want your opinions on them! Here is our menu: Monday-Chicken Sausage Biscuit; Tuesday-Build Your Own Yogurt Parfait; Wednesday-Hot or Cold Cereal with Muffins; Thursday-Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin; Friday-Mini Pancake Sausage Wraps. Join us for games, coloring contests and prizes!
Parents—come and enjoy breakfast with your child! Each school will have one parent day as listed below. See and taste our breakfast foods that will give your student the necessary energy they need for a day of learning and excitement. The cost is $1.85 for adults.
Parents Day:
Barrie Elementary March 4
Purdy Elementary March 5
Rockwell Elementary March 6
Luther Elementary March 7
Barbara Waara, School Nutrition Director

THE WILDERMUTH AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
The WILDERMUTH AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION was created to reward an educator in the School District of Fort Atkinson for exemplary work in the area of education. The recipient of the award may be a teacher, media specialist, guidance counselor, school social worker, school psychologist, or other certified staff member.
The Wildermuth Family, The School District of Fort Atkinson, and the Fort Atkinson Education Association sponsor this award that is given in memory of Ron Wildermuth, former Director of Instruction. This annual award is presented each fall at the teacher orientation program. Ron’s family requested this particular occasion because Ron was very involved with the orientation program every year.
Teachers, administrators, community members, parents, and students can make nominations which will be accepted through April 11, 2014. If you wish to nominate an educator for this award, please return your nomination paper to Paul Christiansen at Fort Atkinson Middle School by the April 11th deadline. Nomination forms are available in each school office and on the SDFA website.
Also see attached form.

WELCOME NEW STUDENTS
Student Name Grade
Alyssa Damm Early Childhood
The above student is new to Purdy Elementary. Welcome!

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS
We still have a ways to go before we officially recognize our volunteers in April, but I would like to say thanks at the halfway point in the school year. Volunteers provide so many positive additions to our school above what is offered by our staff many of who volunteer extra hours too. Below is a list of ways volunteer efforts are featured just in this Parent Newsletter:
Volunteer Tutoring in Classrooms
Book Fair
Band Boosters
Collecting & Organizing Box Tops, Labels and Cap Drives
Fifth Grade Breakfast
PTO Flower Sale
Scrip Orders
Target Credit Card Donors
Mini-Grant Sponsors
Room Parents for Parties
Autism Spectrum Family Network
Supporting PTO Funding to Provide Money for Extra Play Equipment and Supplies
Wow! That’s a lot! You Make a Difference for our boys and girls.
Appreciatively,
Rick Brietzke,
Principal

NO KINDERGARTEN
CLASS ON
FRIDAY, MAY 16TH
There will not be classes for 2013-2014
Kindergarten students due to Kindergarten Orientation for 2014 — 2015.

HOT LUNCH REMINDER
Thanks for remembering to replace your child’s hot lunch money before it runs out. Remind your child(ren) that the designated time to turn in their lunch money is at 8:05 to their homeroom teacher. Below is a list of ways to help you remember that your child needs to deposit money.
Mark it on your calendar at home. Visual reminders are a great help.
Deposit $47.00 at the beginning of the month. This lasts for 20 days – which should cover most of the month.
Place money in an envelope with his/her
name, grade and homeroom teacher.
Mark it on the calendar at work.
If your child eats occasionally, hang the hot lunch menu on the fridge and mark off ten days. Make a note on the menu when your child will need to add money to his/her account.
Check your child’s backpack, younger students should bring home a lunch account notice.
School Board Policy directs that a child may not charge more than two lunches ($4.70).

KEEP SAVING
Please keep on saving General Mills box tops. The next competition will be starting soon.

Character Counts
Honesty/ Integrity
JoEllen Arnett
School Counselor
“The fastest way to lose our good character is to lose our honesty.” ~Aesop
One of the most important character traits a person can develop is integrity. Integrity is a core quality necessary for leading a successful life. It means being honest and truthful in whatever you do. Oprah Winfrey once said, “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that no one is going to know whether you did or not.”
At this time of year, we make New Year’s resolutions, promising ourselves to make a change for the better. Integrity, honesty, self-trust - these are what New Year's resolutions are really about. Will you fulfill your promises ... even to yourself?
By demonstrating integrity and trustworthiness, we set a high standard of character for ourselves and our children.
A great book that is found at the Luther Elementary School Library to read to your child is The Empty Pot by Demi. It is the story of an Emperor in China who needed to select a successor to his throne. Since he loved flowers, he decided to call the children in the kingdom together and give each a seed. After one year the children were to return with their plant and the new Emperor would be chosen. The child Ping tries many methods to grow his seed but nothing happens so his father tells him to take the empty pot since he had done his best. When the Emperor sees the empty pot he selects Ping as the successor since all of the seeds were boiled and none should have grown. Ping was the only child honest enough to return with an empty pot.

After reading the story you can ask your child:
Why is it important to be honest?
Do you want friends to be honest with
you?
When does it take courage to be
honest?

FIFTH GRADE BREAKFAST
Dear Fifth Grade Parents and Guardians,
We are starting to put together the 5th Grade Breakfast. The 5th Grade Breakfast will take place the last day of school. There is a breakfast for the 5th grade students and a celebration for parents and teachers. More information will come home as we get closer to the actual date.
We are asking for each student to bring in 5-6 photos that they would like to share. These can be anything from their days at Purdy including group photo. Please try to refrain from baby pictures. We are hoping to capture special moments from their elementary school days.
Please put names on the back of the photos and place them in an envelope addressed to 5th grade breakfast. This will make it much easier to return photos. You can also send the photos digitally to Pam Gustin at gustinp@fortschools.org.
If you would like to have photos included in the slide show they NEED TO BE TURNED IN BY MARCH 14TH.
We are also looking for volunteers to help with the 5th Grade Breakfast. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pam Gustin at gustinp@fortschools.org
Although June seems far away, it will be here before you know it! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Fifth Grade Breakfast Chair-Persons
Pam Gustin & Leigh Ann Scheuerell

2014-2015 4K REGISTRATION
Registration for the School District of Fort Atkinson 4 Year Old Kindergarten (4K) opened on Tuesday, January 7th, 2014. Children that will be 4 years old before September 1, 2014 are eligible for 4K.
The 4K Registration Forms are available in all of the Elementary School Offices, the Dwight Foster Public Library, and all of the 4K sites; Beautiful Beginnings, Kids Konnection, Fort Atkinson Preschool and Day Care, Parents Cooperative Preschool, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Head Start at Purdy and Hebron Locations. The registration form can also be downloaded at www.fortschools.org/4k.
Forms should be completely filled out and returned to:
Barrie Elementary School
Attn: 4K
1000 Harriette Street
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
The Deadline to return 4K Registration Form is Friday, March 7, 2014.
The next step in the enrollment process will be the Fort 4K Registration Day. This will take place Wednesday, April 9th from 10:30 am - 6:00 pm at Luther Elementary School located at 205 Park Street. There will be a $15.00 registration fee, cash, or check made payable to School District of Fort Atkinson. No appointment is needed, but it is important that you attend. The process should take no longer than 15 minutes.
Please direct any questions to 4K Secretary, Carol Klein or 4K Administrator, Brent Torrenga at 920-563-7817 or email to: kleinc@fortschools.org, torrengab@fortschools.org.

DWIGHT FOSTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Dwight Foster Public Library is offering fun programs for students and families.
Baby Time
Toddler Time
Preschool Story Time
Lego Club
Play Chess!
Ticket to Ride Tournament
Paper Model Group
Bookmaking Workshop
Club Pokemon
READ Dogs
Information sheets are available in the Purdy IMC.

Early Childhood Screening

This screening is for children between the ages of 3 and 5 years that you may suspect may have a delay in speech, fine motor, gross motor, pre-academics, social, or cognitive skills.

Location: Purdy Elementary School
719 South Main Street
Date: Friday, March 7, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Please contact the Secretary to the Director of Pupil Services at (920) 563-7804 to make an appointment.

We look forward to speaking with you!

Professionals assisting in the process are:
Speech and Language Pathologists
School Psychologists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
School Health Professionals (for hearing and vision concerns)

Purdy Parent Teacher Organization Meeting Minutes Instructional Materials Center (IMC)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Present at Meeting: Rick Brietzke, Maggie Messler, Pam Gustin, Karen Behm, Mary Lynn Vaillancourt,
Tricia Tippelt, Beth Hesselbacher, Rachel Broadhead, Heather Hartwig, Michelle De Mott, Justin Luebke
Additions/Corrections to March Minutes: None
Treasurer’s Report: $5,529.42 Balance in Checking, $6,329.14 Savings
OLD BUSINESS
School Board Meeting Update: The board voted for $1.79 million dollar referendum to be put before the
taxpayers. This will be no tax increase for taxpayers from the last referendum if it passes. The referendum
will be April 1, 2014.
Market Day Update: We have met our budget goal of $3000.00 already. March is a dessert bonus days.
Breakfast with Santa/Concerts/Raffle/Scoopie Night: Everything went smoothly at Breakfast with Santa.
291 people attended. We had 16 local business sponsors and Kiwanis helping out. We had some
UWWhitewater volunteers, 5 high school volunteers, and several Purdy families. For next year we will
work on ways to increase attendance. We do not have the totals for Scoopie Night, but many Purdy
families were there after our Holiday Concert.
Others:
NEW BUSINESS
Book Fair: The Spring Book Fair has been moved to the Art Festival on April 21, 22, 23. There will be
before and after school hours all days with Tuesday being the late night with the Art Festival. Information
will go home in the February newsletter.
Teacher Appreciation Supper/Conferences: Toni Jorgenson is in charge of this. We will be getting out
information about donations.
Sal’s Fundraiser: Wednesday, March 12th will be Purdy night at Sal’s. Purdy PTO earns 10% of total sales
that night. It is dine in and carry out, not delivery.
Artists in Residence: We are looking at a couple different options, one of which is a local chef to work
with students teaching about cooking and nutrition. Mrs. Gomez may do a smaller grade level experience
with an artist.
Spring Fling: The dance will be held Friday, March 7th from 6:00 to 7:15.
Purdy Power Dollars: We are hoping to get a committee to help with this program so that it does not all
fall on one person. Cards will be kept in the office so families can pick them up. We are also talking about
having a volunteer to sell in the office certain days.
Flower Sale: Order forms will go out by March 14th and will be due April 11th. Flowers will be delivered for pickup on May 7th which is before Mother’s Day May 11th.
NEXT MEETING: FEBRUARY 18, 2014
6:30 PM IN THE IMC

Mini-Grants
During February, Library-Media Specialists will present information about Mini-Grants to students in 3rd – 5th grades.
What are Mini-Grants?
Mini-Grants, up to $50, are funded by community organizations (Blackhawk Chapter of Vietnam Veterans, Daily Jefferson Union/Hoard Co., Jr. Women’s Club, and the Garden Club of Fort Atkinson). These grants allow students to meet a need in their school or community. Students first look around their school or community to find a need they think they can help meet. Next, students design a plan to address that need. Grant monies may be used as seed money to raise additional funds for a cause or a project. Grant monies may also be used to purchase supplies for an improvement project or to cover costs to perform a service towards meeting that need. Students selected to receive grants are then able make their plan a reality.
Who should apply?
Any student in grades 3 – 12 may apply for mini-grants up to $50.00. Individual students or groups of students may apply. Applications may be picked up in the school library after the Library Media Specialist’s presentation. Applications are due March 7th.
Why should students consider applying for a Mini-Grant?
Mini-grants are designed to increase awareness, encourage creative thinking, and provide an opportunity to demonstrate task commitment by developing a self-selected project that benefits the school or community. Students practice creative thinking and leadership skills when working on Mini-Grant projects. Mini-Grants provide the resources that enable students to give back to their schools or community.
Who oversees the projects?
Although mini-grants are coordinated by the Fort Atkinson School District’s GATE program and directed by the Elementary Library-Media Specialist, each student or group of students who receives a grant needs a mentor. Parents, supervisors, specialists, teachers, or older students may be mentors as long as they are willing to provide consultation and support to the grant recipients.
How are the projects chosen?
Project selection is based on originality of thought, development of the project idea, understanding of school or community need, evidence of commitment by student(s), and budget completeness. Students will be notified before spring break if their project has been selected to receive a grant.
If you have questions, please contact your school’s Library-Media Specialist
Applications for Mini-Grants are due to the school library by March 7th.

STUDENT NUTRITION NEWS
STUDENT NUTRITION NEWS – Many parents have questions about the new school lunches and what it means for their students. Here are some answers to those questions.
Are school meals nutritious?
School meals are healthy meals that are required to meet science-based, federal nutrition standards limiting unhealthy fat and portion size and requiring that schools offer the right balance of fruits, vegetables, milk, grains and protein with every meal.
On July 1, 2012, new federal nutrition standards for school meals went into effect. Under these standards:
-No more than 10 percent of calories can come from saturated fat and schools must eliminate added trans-fat.
-School meals must meet age-appropriate calorie minimums and maximums.
-Schools must gradually reduce sodium levels in school meals.
-Cafeterias must offer larger servings of vegetables and fruit with every school lunch, and children must take at least one serving.
-Schools must offer a wide variety of vegetables, including at least a weekly serving of legumes, dark green and red or orange vegetables.
-Milk must be fat-free or 1% (flavored milk must be fat-free).
-Within two years, all grains offered must be whole-grain rich.
Are school meals safe?
School nutrition professionals care for the children they serve, and through strict food safety procedures and staff training, school nutrition professionals maintain a superior safety record while providing nutritious meals to millions of children each day. Some of the steps schools take to ensure their meals are safe include:
-Taking at least two internal temperatures from each batch of food being cooked
-Maintaining records of cooking, cooling, and reheating temperatures in the food preparation process – the basis for periodic reviews of the overall food safety program
-Prechilling all salad ingredients to help maintain cold food temperatures
-Preheating transfer carts before food is transported
Why should I encourage my children to eat school meals?
Providing students their choice of milk, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, school meals are a great value and a huge convenience for busy parents. School cafeterias offer students a variety of healthy choices and help children learn how to assemble a well-balanced meal. Parents can rest assured that there’s no super-sizing in school cafeterias because federal regulations require schools to serve age-appropriate portions.
Don’t school meals contain processed foods?
What have become known as “processed foods” are increasingly being prepared with healthier ingredients, as well as less fat, sodium and sugar.
-Pizzas are increasingly made with whole grain crusts, low-sodium sauce and reduced fat cheese.
-Chicken nuggets regularly use whole grain breading and are baked rather than fried.
-French fries are often without trans fat and baked instead of fried – and many schools are now serving baked sweet potato fries.
If you have more questions, please call the Student Nutrition Department at 920-563-7811 x1161 and speak with the Director, Barb Waara.

SHOP AT YOUR LOCAL
GROCERY STORES
Each of the area grocery stores supports Purdy Elementary School in a variety of ways. Sentry will donate or give steep discounts when asked. Pick ‘N Save does not provide discounts or donate items but has a shopper card donation program for customers provided their shopper card is registered with a nonprofit organization i.e. Purdy. So if you shop at Pick ’N Save, register Purdy’s name.

Last year’s inaugural winner was Barrie Elementary and the traveling trophy currently resides in the Barrie Bronco display case.
You are encouraged to come out and show your school spirit but more importantly come out and help your fellow schoolmates bring home the Spirit trophy to your respective school. Supervisors will be on site to help with the contests, cheers and games. Thank you in advance for your support and attendance.
Mike Hintz
F.A. High School Physical Education
Head Boys Basketball Coach
Office 920-563-7811 x 1591
Cell 608-395-5311

JEFFERSON County
HUMANE SOCIETY THANKS!
The Jefferson County Humane Society thanked Mrs. Weaver’s classroom for the $50.00 donation and the classrooms of Ms. James, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Vaillancourt and Mrs. Wegner for their classroom donations of shelter supplies.