March - Mosinee School District

Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012
FEBRUARY MOSINEE ELEMENTARY
TOP BANANA’S
Front Row: Noah Nechuta, Claire Kroening,
Avery Ahles and Vanessa Solinsky.
Back Row: Thomas Ruthe, Samantha Will,
Top Banana, Davin Liggitt and Annabella
Kennedy.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL OF
YOU
“TOP BANANAS”!
SPRING BREAK!
MARCH 26TH-30TH
5 Year Old
Kindergarten Registration
April 18th & April 19th, 2012
Call 693-2810
to schedule
an appointment
The Mosinee School District shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation,
handicap or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law in the educational programs or activities which it operates
or in employment practices.

2012-2013 Student Placement Request
Sometimes parents are able to provide the school with extra information as we determine the placement
of students for next year’s classes. We value your support and input. Should you wish to provide
the school with any information, please complete a Placement Parent Request Form which will be available
in the Elementary School Office on April 2, 2012. This form is due back in the office by
April 16, 2012. Requests will be considered as follows:
Kindergarten—Randomly honor five boys and five girls due to the fact that students register by appointment.
Preference for honoring first choices will be given to students who register during the
first registration period.
Grades 1-3—First choice requests will be considered first come first serve (as dated upon receipt of
the proper form by the office) with a limit of five boys and five girls per classroom. Requests must be
received within the request time window to be considered.
If you have not listed at least 2 teachers for consideration in the placement of your child, your
request will not be honored.*
Mosinee Elementary
Teacher and Support Staff Person
of the Year
The Mosinee Elementary School is in the process of selecting
our Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Person of
the year. Parents are invited to nominate teachers and
support staff for this honor. The selection criteria for
each category is different and is included on the nomination
form.
Nomination forms are included in this newsletter and need
to be returned to the Elementary School office by May 1,
2012.
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

FEBRUARY COMPLIMENT CRITTER
WINNERS
Front Row: Taylor Jones, Ethan Cihlar, Devin Grezinski, Cian
Jaeger, Chase McCullum and Wyatt Harris.
Row 2: Bekah Bouton, Lilian Check, Kade Boesl and Jake
Neumann.
Row 3: Jacob Flees, Jenna Placek, Jessica Maurer, Eliana
Kurzinski, Zaden Scheer, JoAnn Barriger and Waylon Sloan.
Back Row: Mackenzie Aldrich, Destiny Goretski, Makenna
Mankiewicz, Eryka Harrison and Brianna Unger.
Not Pictured: Demitri Alvarez-Drake, Abbigail Dhein, Braxton
Fields and Sierra LaBrie.
The Mosinee Elementary Students earned 1,404 compliments during the month of December!
The winners were randomly drawn from the compliments earned. Great job kids. Keep it up!
NEWS FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD:
It’s fun to have fun but you have to know how. Dr. Seuss teaches us many ways to have fun in all his books. Our
class has enjoyed doing many activities using the theme of Dr. Seuss. We made hats like the cat in the hat. We
learned so much about rhyming words. We found some fun games online. We even had a birthday cake or two decorated
by our own Ms. Audrey with the Lorax theme. We can’t wait to go see the movie.
Besides eating truffula trees, we made a picture with truffala trees made from pom poms and striped pipe cleaners. We
also tried on the Lorax’s mustache and busy eyebrows!
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

NEWS FROM KINDERGARTEN:
Spring has definitely sprung! The unusually warm weather has everyone wondering if this is
too good to be true. No more snow pants No more hat and mittens The children look
confused when we tell them to just head outside, no coats needed! Hopefully it will last.
We would, however, like the children to bring boots on rainy days. A second pair of tennis
shoes would also be helpful.
The kindergartners have been working on spring related activities, kites, rainbows and pots
of gold line the hallway bulletin boards. The mischievous Leprechaun visited a few of the
classrooms. He can leave quite a mess! Kindergarten teachers have been busy completing 3 rd
quarter assessments. The children will have a dictation and composition assessment along
with addition and math story components. Your child’s reading ability will also be noted on the
report card.
We wish everyone a safe and wonderful
Spring break!
NEWS FROM 1ST GRADE:
March has been a busy, exciting month. We started off with “Read Across
America Week” with our fun dress up days to honor Dr. Seuss and all the books he
wrote. All of the first grade classes emphasized the importance of reading the whole
week. Our shared reading times have reinforced the importance of reading and
friends with stories about getting along with others.
Math time has been about learning a variety of skills: doubles addition facts, fractions
(halves and fourths), shapes, circle graphs and probability, counting quarters, clocks
(hour and half hour) and reading calendars. Problem solving with all those skills has also
been emphasized.
As we start our last quarter of school we want to thank parents for
continuing to support their children by reading with them nightly and helping
with other homework. As the warm weather and longer nights approach we
know that it gets more difficult to continue with those habits. Thank you in
advance for your vigilance with making sure your child gets enough rest and
completes the nightly homework.
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

NEWS FROM 2ND GRADE:
March began with Read Across America Week and celebrating
Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Students had crazy dress up days
and read a variety of Dr. Seuss books. On Thursday, March 1 st ,
students participated in a Round Robin Reading activity where
they heard a story from each of the seven 2 nd grade teachers.
In reading, students are working toward their goal for each
month to attend the Rock-n-Bowl party in May. They have also
been working on different comprehension reading strategies
to help them understand what they are reading. At this
point in reading we are beginning to focus more on reading to
learn rather than learning how to read. Ask you child a variety
of questions during and after they read; this will help build
practice in the comprehension area.
In math, students practiced counting quarters and using a dollar sign.
They carried that skill over to their subtraction with ungrouping. Students
have been working hard at learning the ungrouping strategies and solving story
problems. Keep up the great work!
Due to our snow day in February, our meteorologist visit
was postponed to March. Students enjoyed learning about all
the different weather tools and asking questions to Channel
9’s Justin Loew and Rob Duns. Thank you for the great
presentations!
All the second graders had a fabulous time with the special people that
came and shared our morning with us during Breakfast and Books. It was a delightful
morning!
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

NEWS FROM 3RD GRADE:
The emphasis in Math for the third quarter is MULTIPLICATION and DIVISION! All
third graders are working hard on learning the concepts of multiplication and division, the
vocabulary associated with these processes, and strategies for memorizing the facts. Applying
these facts to everyday situations and problems is also being explored. Additional
practice and reinforcement at home are necessary for the mastery of these facts.
The first week of March was designated as Read Across America Week. The third grade classes celebrated with an
author study of Patricia Polacco. Each third grade teacher and Mrs. Eldredge selected one of their favorite books by
this author and the students were able to listen to a different story each day.
The March Birthday Lunch was celebrated on March 7. The following students were honored:
Eli B., Ryan W., Tucker S., Preston I., Latara D., Esteban C., Tyler J., Alex O., Casey P., Megan
H., Krista J., Brynn M., Chase K., Lucas S., Matthew D., Lydia E., David R., and Zoe G.
There was a great turn-out for the third grade concert on March 16.
The theme, “Americans All”, was explored through songs. Mrs. Westfall, the music teacher, did a
wonderful job preparing the students and conducting the musical. Mrs. Ford, the art teacher,
worked with the third graders to create beautiful heritage quilts that were displayed during the
concert.
We appreciate the fact that parents are taking the time to read individual class newsletters,
help their child complete homework, and sign planners daily.
March 23 is the end of the third quarter. Report cards will be coming home on Thursday,
April 5.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION UPDATE
from Mr. Mielke
Just a reminder with the warmer weather
approaching that students will still need to
bring proper shoes for physical education.
This is for your child's safety! Have a Great
Spring Break! Hopefully the weather will be
great to get outside and exercise!
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

SCHOOL NURSE NEWS FROM SUE POHLKAMP,RN:
Flip Flops: Helpful and Harmful
Fun for the beach and pool. Not good for school.
Adapted from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, July 2009
Foot specialists say there are two sides to the flip-flop. One on hand, they provide basic
protection to the bottom of the foot for walking around the pool and beach, and safeguard against athlete’s
foot and plantar warts in public showers.
The flip side, however, is that wearing them for extended period of time, or under the wrong circumstances,
can lead to pain and injury.
To wear flip-flops safely, and protect your children’s feet and ankles from pain and injury:
- Choose the right shoe for the occasion. Long walks require a supportive shoe,
so leave the flip-flop home if you’re going to be on your feet for an extensive period
of time. Opt for shoes or sandals that offer more support.
- Never run or play sports in flip-flops (including playing during PE and recess).
Orthopedic surgeons report sprained ankles, fractures and severe ligament injuries
in patients who have tried to run, jump, play Frisbee, and participate in other
sports while wearing flip-flops. Instead, choose a good athletic shoe.
- Don’t hike or walk through grass or brush in flip-flops. Because they are open, you are more prone to insect
stings, stubbed toes and cuts from unseen objects.
- Diabetics should avoid flip-flops altogether. Medical experts warn that any foot injury can become serious,
and flip-flops pose more of a risk than any other shoe. Diabetics should opt for a shoe that covers the
foot completely.
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

ART ROOM NEWS FROM MRS. FORD
The art show at the Mosinee Public Library will end April 2. Until then, artworks are hanging upstairs as well as in the
children’s section downstairs. Most students worked on group projects that you can find displayed there. After the
show, they will be displayed at the Elementary School for a couple weeks. Saige Johnson’s “Pumpkins” was selected
for the Principal’s award and will be displayed in the office after the show until the end of the year.
In March, Third grade got creative and technical using Kid Pix, a program in the computer labs. They viewed images
of Claude Monet’s water lilies and used the drawing, fill, and mixer tools in Kid Pix to create their own version. The
results looked much like Monet’s “smeary” paintings! You can see them on Artsonia.
Second grade has been learning all about sewing. First, they did a paper weaving in the style of Kente Cloth (a weaving
made in Ghana). Next, they learned to thread a needle, tie a knot, and do running stiches into foam trays. They
really took off with it, and were amazed that they had learned to sew!
First grade is learning about architecture. Students learned that an architect designs buildings and bridges after listening
to the book, Iggy Peck Architect. Then they designed their own buildings using popsicle sticks. Some students
made their buildings a home for “Roy G. Biv” (as they just finished learning about him in the previous lesson).
Kindergarten students made large pictures called “mini-murals”. Just like real murals are often made by groups of
people, they worked in teams to create their large pictures. First they had to work together with a partner or two to
choose a theme for their mural. Next, they discussed who would draw each part. Then, they discovered it isn’t always
easy to work together – but by the end of the project they came together and created a picture so huge, they had to
use teamwork to complete it!
If you are looking for something fun to do over spring break, why not take a trip to Wausau to the Woodson Art Museum
It’s free and currently has an exhibit called Dinotopia (until April 7). Inspired by archaeology, lost civilizations,
and the art of illustration, James Gurney’s Dinotopia series of best-selling books explores a lost island where dinosaurs
and shipwrecked travelers live harmoniously, side by side.
“Pumpkins “by Saige Johnson
By Allison, 3rd Grade
By J.J., 3rd Grade
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

GREETINGS FROM MRS. WESTFALL IN THE MUSIC ROOM
Happy Spring! I hope that you have been able to enjoy this beautiful weather we have been having. I know that I sure
have!
The 3 rd grade students just finished their concert ‘Americans All’ and did a FANTASTIC job! I am so proud of every
one of them and the hard work that they put into the concert. Thank you to all of you who helped the students practice
at home and create their homemade instruments. Thank you also for enduring those squeaky sounds that may have
come from their recorders in their early days of practicing. It was all worth it in the end.
This month we are learning about the composer Antonio Vivaldi and his famous concerto ‘The Four Seasons’. The students
created artwork to go with each of the seasons as they listened to the movements ‘Spring’, ‘Summer’, ‘Autumn’
and ‘Winter’. Please ask your child to share with you what they learned.
The kindergarten students will begin practicing for their concert after spring break. The concert will be held in the
Creske Center Auditorium on Friday, May 11 th at 1:30 p.m. and will feature songs about the ocean. We hope to see
many of you there!
UPCOMING CONCERT
Kindergarten Concert- Friday, May 11 th - 1:30 p.m. Creske Center Auditorium
Schools will be closed when inclement weather or road conditions might jeopardize the safety of our students.
School closing announcements will be made as near to 6:00 a.m. as possible on the following area stations:
WAOW-TV Channel 9
WDEZ 101.9 FM
WSAW-TV Channel 7 WIFC 95.5 FM
WSAU
WRIG
WOZZ
550 AM/99.9 FM
1390 AM
94.7 FM
Early dismissal announcements will be made on the same radio and TV
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

PERSONAL SAFETY LESSONS
A special series of lessons will be offered to your child over the next few
weeks as part
of the elementary guidance curriculum. This series is called PROTECTIVE
BEHAVIORS and is preventative information and brainstorming about situations
related to child abuse and abductions.
Children today face situations that require them to make decisions about
their own personal safety when they are very young. It is important to
give them the kind of information they need to recognize potential danger
so they can protect themselves when we cannot be with them. Some of
the lessons include topics on the importance of knowing your full name,
address and telephone number, that sometimes it is OK to say NO to an
adult, child lures, passwords, who do you tell and Good Touch/Bad Touch.
We encourage students to discuss these situations with their parents, and
to identify other grown-ups they feel comfortable talking with for times
when their parents are not available.
The following article may be helpful in talking with your child about the touching rules.
Teaching Touching Safety Rules
There are three things you can teach your children before you begin to teach them specific touching safety rules.
1. Teach children the correct names of all of their different body parts, including their private body parts.
Children often find it hard to tell about sexual abuse because they don’t know the words to use. Learning correct
words for private body parts gives children the words to use and helps them know that it is okay to talk about those
body parts. When teaching your young child the different body parts, consider using the correct words for private
body parts along with words such as “tummy” and “ears.” You can give older children more information because they
are able to understand more. You can also explain that the parts of their bodies covered by a swimsuit are their private
body parts.
2. Teach children that “You are the boss of your body.”
Let your children know that they are in control of who touches their bodies
and how. Model this for children: “I don’t want you to jump up and down on
me. Please stop.” Likewise, immediately respect their wishes not to be
touched in certain ways. “Looks like you don’t want me to pick you up right
now. Okay.” As you supervise your children’s interactions, make it clear that
they need to stop tickling or roughhousing if a sibling says “Stop!” In addition,
do not insist that your children give or receive hugs or kisses from
relatives if they do not wish to. This teaches children that it’s okay to say
no to touches from people in their family.
3. Explain to your child that there are three kinds of touches.
The three kinds of touches are:
• Safe touches. These are touches that keep children safe and are good for them, and that make children feel cared
for and important. Safe touches can include hugging, pats on the back, and an arm around the shoulder. Safe touches
can also include touches that might hurt, such as removing a splinter. Explain to children that when you remove a
splinter, you are doing so to keep them healthy, which makes it a safe touch.
ww.cfchildren.org
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012

Touching Safety Rules continued:
• Unsafe touches. These are touches that hurt children’s bodies or
feelings (for example, hitting, pushing, pinching, kicking). Teach children
that these kinds of touches are not okay.
• Unwanted touches. These are touches that might be safe but that
a child doesn’t want from that person or at that moment. It is okay
for a child to say “no” to an unwanted touch, even if it is from a familiar
person. Help your children practice saying “no” in a strong, yet
polite voice. This will help children learn to set personal boundaries.
Once children can name their private body parts and know about different
kinds of touches, you can teach them that there is another
kind of unsafe touch that is also not okay. This kind of touch is when
someone older or bigger touches their private body parts. How you
explain this will depend on the age of your child. For a young child
you might say, “Another kind of unsafe touch is when a bigger person
touches you on your private body parts and it is not to keep you clean
or healthy. So we have a family safety rule that it is never okay for a
bigger person to touch your private body parts except to keep you
clean and healthy.” Parents should understand that the “clean” part
of this rule applies to young children at an age when an adult might
help them with diaper changing, going to the toilet, or bathing. The
“healthy” part of this rule refers to doctor visits; for example, when
the doctor gives a child a shot. For an older child you might say,
“Another kind of unsafe touch is when someone touches you on your
private body parts and it is not to keep you healthy. So our family
safety rule about touching is that no one should touch your private
body parts except to keep you healthy.”
Teach your children the following safety rules:
• It is not okay to touch someone else’s private body parts.
• It is not okay for someone to touch his or her own private body parts in front of you.
• It is not okay for someone to ask you to touch his or her private body parts.
• It is not okay for someone to ask you to take your clothes off or to take photos or videos of you with your clothes
off.
• It is not okay for someone to show you photos or videos of people without their clothes on.
© 2011 Committee for Children
SPRING PICTURES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2012
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Mosinee Elementary News
Volume 15 Issue 8 March, 2012