connecting chippewa falls middle school with families and...

CFMS • Principal Sue Kern • Grade 8/Grade 7 Trek Assistant Principal Jerim DesJarlais • Grade 6/7 Endeavor-Rising Stars Assistant Principal Derrick Kunsman

“Tons of opportunities, more things to love” 1

Dear Cardinal Parents and Guardians:

This has been a wonderful and exciting year thus far at Chippewa Falls Middle School! Our students are working hard in their classes and enjoying the many activities we have had this school year. My staff and I thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s life. We never take for granted the opportunity and responsibility to help them in their growth towards adulthood; it is the most precious gift we could ever receive. Yet, what warms our hearts the most is when we see our students smiling, laughing and clearly enjoying themselves in this safe and caring school environment.

At this time of year with the holiday season upon us, may we be reminded that this is the time of year for rejoicing, reflection, and rededication. I rejoice at the learning that occurs

here each day and the growth that our students are making in all areas. I reflect on the amazing work that our staff and students engage in and the continuous improvement we make as a learning community through their dedication and efforts. As we move into a new trimester and new year, I rededicate myself to providing supportive, positive, student centered leadership. I feel privileged and honored to be the principal of this wonderful school.

My warmest thoughts and best wishes to you for a splendid holiday and a Happy New Year!

Susan Kern Principal

We request that parents utilize the attendance mailbox to request dismissal passes if/when their student needs to be released during the school day. By doing so, your student will be ready and waiting for you to pick them up. Waiting until the last minute to call or simply stopping in to pick them up can cause a significant delay, especially if the student is in physical education, which can impact your departure time from the middle school.

Students must exit via entrance two during the school day, thus you must park outside by the flagpole in order for your student to see you. When your child sees you arrive, they are then permitted to leave the building. If your student is being picked up by someone other than a parent/guardian, please state that in your recorded message AND if your child is to walk home or ride their bike, please leave that information as well!

To report an absence/request a pass:

Call the middle school number: 715-726-2400

Press: 1 (Absences/Passes)…this will bring you to another recording to route you to the correct line

Press: 1 for 6th or 7th grade students

Press: 2 for 8th grade students

You do NOT need to call both lines if you have a student in 6th or 7th grade AND one in 8th grade. The clerical staff member retrieving your message will take care of your request for all grade levels!

NEW email option to report full day absences: To provide added convenience for parents/guardians, you may now report absences via email. Please do NOT use this address to request passes, this is strictly for reporting absences. Send your email to: [email protected]

Connecting Chippewa Falls Middle School with Families and the Community

Chippewa Falls Middle School • 750 Tropicana Blvd • Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 (Phone) 715.726.2400 • (Fax) 715.726.2789 December 2017

2 CFMS • Principal Sue Kern • Grade 8/Grade 7 Trek Assistant Principal Jerim DesJarlais • Grade 6/7 Endeavor-Rising Stars Assistant Principal Derrick Kunsman

“We are the Mighty Cardinals”

The Whole Child

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Audri Ellis Nate Mason

Jack Bowe Lily Bresina

Landon Brunke Evelyn Kelly

Emma Erickson Jack Krista

Dejae Hamilton Kendra Shaurette

Neveah Hawkinson Jake Jividen

Ethan Berg Mykle Buhrow

Aiva Dahlby Benjamin Westaby

Jeff Dvoracek Sophie Koehler

Creative Engaged & Outstanding

Congratulations to the following students who earned the title of CEO by the unified arts department for their outstanding effort in the classroom this past month.

Ms. Finger

This month’s Agriscience CEO is Hannah Raber. Hannah is a self-motivated student who always tries her best and is a very respectful and pleasant student. It has been a pleasure to have Hannah in class! Congratulations, Hannah!

Mrs. Van Den Heuvel

For November, I would like to recognize Caleb Wiener as the Art Department CEO. Caleb has very creative ideas, meticulous craftsmanship, and is personally motivated to always do his best. He puts in extra time outside of class and always seeks to fully understand all the techniques and concepts. Congratulations Caleb…you have truly earned this recognition!

Mrs. Forster

The Business Department CEO is Tony Pikulski from the Mapping My Future class. Tony is engaged in his tasks even if he is not getting the results he would like in the Real Game. He asks questions when he needs help or is thinking about how his career choice will apply to his future. He is also respectful and pleasant to have in class. Congratulations Tony!

Mrs. Parker

I nominate Arianna Welker for the CEO this month. Arianna had a stellar teaching lesson at the YMCA this past week. It was not only fun, but educational for the preschoolers. I am so proud of you! Keep up the good work.



Mr.Bobb

Audri Ellis has been an outstanding student; therefore, she is the CEO for Technology Education this month. She is also pleasant and gets along with other students. Audri demonstrates character and work qualities beyond most students. She has shown excellent knowledge of all content areas. She took on assembly and construction of many boxes without help. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have her in class and commend her for taking on challenges.

Sydney “Catalina” Goss is Señora Arendt’s selection for November’s Spanish Student of the Month in the World Language Department. Catalina always enters the class with a smile on her face and is ready to use the target language! She volunteers for any opportunity to further use her Spanish skills. She is a natural leader and the

students are motivated by her positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning Spanish. Catalina will be attending Concordia Languages Villages in the spring where she will be a great representation of CFMS. ¡Excelente, Catalina!

Mason “Fabio” Goettl is Señora Arendt’s selection for November’s Spanish Student of the Month in the World Language Department. Fabio is always asking how to say new words in Spanish and then uses them throughout class. He has been a key part to some of the best cultural and grammatical conversations I have had in my years of teaching. He impresses me every day with his dedication to using the target language as much as possible. Fabio is a natural leader! ¡Eres fenomenal, Fabio!

Gabe ‘Gabriel’ Laus is Mademoiselle Hemauer’s selection for November’s French Student of the Month in the World Language Department. Gabriel is a student who comes to class every day with a positive attitude. He is always ready and focused on learning as much as he can within a class period. Additionally, he is also very helpful in class and goes above and beyond to sign up for class jobs. He is one of the hardest working students in the French program and strives to perform his best. It is so great to have him as part of the French program and to watch him grow with the language. Incroyable, Gabriel !

Cameron ‘Camille’ Hagen is Mademoiselle Hemauer’s selection for November’s French Student of the Month in the World Language Department. Camille is a dedicated French student who is determined to learn as much as possible about the language and culture. She is highly motivated and has a passion for learning French. She comes to class being prepared and willing to volunteer her thoughts and ideas. She also is very helpful in class and goes out of her way to answer her peer’s questions. It is clear that her year in French will be full of success. Bravo, Camille !

Joseph “Alfonso” Luther is Señorita Rathsack’s selection for November’s Spanish Student of the Month in the World Language Department. Alfonso always comes to class ready to learn and practice his Spanish, including asking to get a drink of water IN SPANISH at the door everyday! He constantly asks questions about the culture and language that show his dedication for learning. He is always smiling in class and has a positive attitude. Not to mention, he laughs at my horrible jokes and shares his Spanish puns too. ¡Maravilloso, Alfonso!

Ayva “Carmen” Peterson is Señorita Rathsack’s selection for November’s Spanish Student of the Month in the World Language Department. She is always curious about the language and culture and is eager to learn more. Carmen consistently does an incredible job asking her classmates the password at the door, and never complains. She is very helpful, dedicated, and passionate for learning Spanish. ¡Genial, Carmen!



Vocal Music Band Orchestra

Serena Peterson Tess Pitsch

Emily Schwetz

Anna Bauer Ella Gehl

Lilly Krenz Hailey Rykal

Ethan Barney Logan Hansman

Carter Langel Landon Prokopinski

Keagan Dawson KD Davis

Megan Dohms Alison Eggen Ethan Krause James Martell Paige O’Kelly

Reid Sommerfeld

Karissa Dachel Beth Jackowski

Conrad Ledebuhr Haley Mason

Kayla Pabich Grace Rapier

Brock Rurup-Boiteau Emma Stephenson

Preston Alger Liam Dewitz Adia Hardt

Elle Kenney Brayden Petz

Katlyn Schneider Bailey Small

Eli Wahlin

Ryan Beranek Bryce Dachel Mason Goettl Gavin Greene Riley Sweeney

Emma Cooley Ava Finn

Emma Koehler Jayda Shutter

Emalee Brisky Isabella Duenas-Johnson

Bradley Gunther Nolan Pesola

Trista Thorson Pyper Welker

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as Physical Education/Health Students of the Month based on the following criteria: 1) Effort and Participation, 2) Great Attitude, 3) Respectful to Teachers and

Classmates, and 4) Leadership Qualities.

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Sophie Christensen Drezden Green Maddie Hunt

Zander Jackson Mason Johnson Alaina Kempen Lucas McIntyre

Morgan Ramharter Adeline Reitan Bailey Small

David Terhark

Braxton Bowe Jack Bowe

Davis Bromeisl Emma Bruder Olivia Dennis Addy Frenette

Adalyn Geissler Sam Jarosz

Alex Klawiter Dylan Knuth

Samantha Perlberg Faith Rapier Caleb Wiener

Ryan Beranek Abigail Crotty

Zackary Dulian Evan Eslinger Evelyn Kelly

Joseph Luther Rylee Marks

Abbigail Nelson Bryant Petska

Mallorie Tanzer Landon Thies Gabe Vargas Kaleb Xiong



● A parent/guardian/designated adult must bring prescription medication to school as needed for their student and subsequently pick it up at the end of the school year.

● To prevent the potential risk of medication ending up in the wrong hands or from being lost/misplaced during transit to and from school, do NOT send prescription medication with your student.

● Medication MUST be in a properly labeled container (do NOT send medication in ziplock bags).

● Prescription medication requires both a medical professional’s signature and a parent/guardian signature to meet requirements for administration.

● Non-prescription medication only requires a parent/guardian signature. ● Should a medication or dosage change at any time during the school year, a new

order is required by the medical professional along with a parent/guardian signature.

● If a medication or dosage change occurs for an existing medication, a new properly labeled container is required.

Link to the district medication form for parental permission to administer medication: http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/nurses/ParentalPermissionToAdministerMedication.pdf Check out the “Nursing Services” page on the CFAUSD district website for helpful information and links to forms you may need to access throughout the school year!

Forms Found on the Nursing Services page: State Shot Requirements 2014 – Present; Pre-school Medical Examination; Kindergarten Eye Exam Form; Immunization Card; Parental Permission to Administer Medication.

http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/nurses/ParentalPermissionToAdministerMedication.pdf



Grace Johnson, UW-Stout Dietetic Intern

The holiday season is in full swing and, unfortunately, so is cold and flu season. Enjoy your holiday this year with these tips on keeping your family’s immune systems healthy.

1. Stay Hydrated-Inside & Out. Cold and flu viruses thrive in dry environments, and dry scratching skin can introduce germs into your body. Drink plenty of fluids, use moisturizing lotion, and try a humidifier while you sleep to combat the dry winter air.

2. Wash Your Hands. The holidays are a time for shopping, which involves handling cash, using key pads, shopping carts, and opening store doors. Wash your hands for 20 seconds using warm soapy water often to eliminate the spread of germs.

3. Catch Some Zzz’s. Adequate sleep can help reduce stress, and can strengthen your immune system. The holiday season is often a time for traveling or social events. Try your best to stick to a routine by scheduling around your family’s sleep schedule, when possible.

4. Be Mindful. If you are sick, try to stay home to prevent the spread of germs to others. Use your elbow to cover your cough and sneeze, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.

5. Be Active. Staying active is difficult in the cold weather, but it can help strengthen your immune system. Make it fun with the family by building a snowman, going ice-skating, or going sledding (and walking back up the hill!).

6. Eat Well. You’ve probably heard hundreds of special remedies proven to fight colds, and maybe some work for your family. But eating a well-balanced diet year round is all you really need to allow your body to get all the vitamins and minerals it needs to fight cold and flu season!

Oranges are not the only natural cold remedy! Oranges contain Vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to help strengthen your immune system, and are found abundantly in most fruits and vegetables.

How do antioxidants work? Antioxidants help stop damage to healthy cells. Consuming antioxidants in the form of food can strengthen your immune system, therefore preventing or reducing the duration of infections like the common cold. They are found in certain foods that contain vitamins A, C and E, and minerals copper, zinc, and selenium.

Where do I find those vitamins and minerals in food? Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, and eggs Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, and vegetable oils Copper: Seafood, lean meat, milk and nuts Zinc: Red meat, poultry, and oysters Selenium: Seafood, lean meat, whole grains

As we enter into the second trimester, please be reminded that your child has the opportunity to receive additional academic support and enrichment here at Chippewa Falls Middle School. Academic support in math and reading as well as homework assistance is available through the Voyagers Program Homework Central, on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Students who

have participated in the past indicated that Homework Central helped them with their grades. Students also reported that they felt less stress at home because of homework and feel better about school as a result of their participation in Homework Central!

Voyagers also provides enrichment opportunities that include opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, provide community service, explore a new interest and make new friends. Efforts are made to provide “something for everyone” each trimester.



Students in the Voyagers After School Program Robotics class participated in the Machines Behaving Badly Competition. The competition was Saturday, November 11 at the Chippewa Falls Middle School Cafeteria. Students in the class battled each other until there was one robot left standing. We are proud to announce that Jonathan Fischer won the competition. We would like to thank Dr. Tim Wolter for his dedication

to our After School Program. Dr. Wolter is a volunteer (this is his 17th year!) and many of our middle school students go on to the high school robotics team and end up competing all around the state and beyond. We would also like to thank the adult helpers and the High School Robotics team members who assisted all day long!

The Chippewa Area Mentor Program is looking for mentors! Time is one of the most valuable gifts we can give a child. Become a mentor and spend 30-minutes per week having fun and building a relationship with a young person.

Mentoring Involves: * being matched with a student, grade K-12 * meet with him/her one day a week at school * spend 30-minutes talking, play games, read a book, toss a ball, take a walk, you name it!

Interested? Contact us TODAY at [email protected] or visit our website: http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/community/camp.cfm

mailto:[email protected]

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us%2Fcommunity%2Fcamp.cfm&h=ATOiF6_-C58DYwKsv01EEClXQ31TCdoFDcWmLSM6HrTDoCKOzHVnUpz9At_SXHx8geb4T6YgNpwIEL9hC5LMb_NHB7AD5QriQ0ywu4YEDpFWFlDUl1kKrv6s6Jtbt4QcBz5UaqL2tQ30CqAZ1MJ7PI1bQY5_P-yszq_SrclBBNh5xZW2ZVKgemLRAq-NwOVnyVauex7TAF1_hgeO4X-ltixdjiC6KsodVI3ekFPwQ37oEYwNnCQ7hGWM6SV2PAYw0YT_4uOUjGJfyaMfkT-sp82phDuuH5AiCMhH3Cp9



We need your help! The WEB Leader program is an organization designed to help the students of CFMS and their staff members make the school successful and fun. We also participate in community service activities to help the people of the Chippewa Valley who are in need. But, in order to do all these things, we need to have a budget so we can pay to provide for the events that we host. One way everyone can help is to bring in your box tops! What is a box top you may ask?

This is a Box Top. You can find these things on many household items like cereal boxes, ziploc bags, cleaning supplies, and paper products. Box Tops are worth 10 cents each but if everyone brought in a small bag full, it could make a huge difference. But, before your child turns them in, make sure that they have these two requirements. They must have a visible product acronym and an expiration date. Expired Box Tops are not accepted by the program. Another way you can submit Box Tops is by downloading the easy-to-use Box Top App on your smartphone or Android device. We would really appreciate the help. Help us support our school and our community!

Sincerely, Karson B. WEB Leader Acronym Expiration Date

The Chippewa Falls Middle School Weekend Meals program is offered through Feed My People Food Bank. The purpose of the program is to provide food for your child during the weekend when school breakfast and lunch are not available. There are no income guidelines or requirements. Anyone is welcome to participate in this program. The food is at NO COST to you or your child. If you choose to enroll your

child, he/she will receive a plastic bag each Friday with enough food for breakfast and lunch for him/her for Saturday and Sunday, plus snacks and fresh fruit.

The meals have not been screened for different allergies; therefore, parents are responsible for determining if this program meets their student’s dietary and health needs. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Derrick Kunsman, Assistant Principal at [email protected] or 715.726.2400, ext. 1144.

All Social Studies classes will be competing in the school-wide National Geography Bee on January 2, 2018. Good luck to all our students!



Educational Excellence

Students Teaching Lessons

Here are some pictures of students putting their learning to work. Teaching lessons reaching the four domains of child development. Everyone involved had fun during this engaging simulation!

Kidz Junction Classes at YMCA The week of November 27, the 8th grade Kidz Junction classes went to the Chippewa Falls YMCA Daycare Center to teach lessons to 4 year olds. The students did a fantastic job utilizing the information they learned from the child development unit to educate the 4 year olds about circles. This teaching opportunity not only gave students a hands-on experience working with children, but also allowed them to try working in a child-related career.



Kidz Junction students working with 4-year olds at the YMCA

Our attitudes (and maybe frustrations) color our perceptions and can influence the perceptions of those we interact with. For example, many people have the idea that math ability is a fixed trait. They believe that math abilities are set in stone; either you have them or you don’t. They may even go so far as to say that they were never good in math, and therefore are not surprised if their children struggle in math. This is called a “fixed mindset” and it can do harm, whether math comes easily or not.

Take for example the person who seems to be good at everything. If they were always told how smart they are and were led to believe that they had an innate ability to do things, then what would happen when presented with something they couldn’t do? How would they approach a challenge? Conversely, we probably have all experienced

how a negative attitude can really get in the way of reaching goals. Thinking we were not born with the talent or ability to do something knocks us down before we even have the chance to try. These are examples of fixed mindset and it is something we are working hard to avoid at CFMS.

Research tells us that mindsets and persistence are linked to academic success. For that reason, we want all students to have a “growth mindset” in math. We teach our students that talents can be developed and abilities can be built, no matter what their starting point is. We want our students to persevere and understand that mistakes are great opportunities to stretch and develop the brain. The focus must always be on effort and growth. Effort creates success and growth is how we measure that success.

Help us to help your children by avoiding negative math talk. Look for opportunities to praise them for any math growth they demonstrate, even when (especially when) there

is more room for improvement. Encourage your children to look for challenges that strengthen their brain whenever appropriate. Praise them for persevering when problem solving, planning how to solve a problem (rather than jumping to a solution), and being able to justify their answers and explain their thinking to others. Reinforce positive talk such as, “This is challenging for me, but I am better now than I was before,” or, “I am not proficient now, but I know with time and effort I will be.” Finally, be sure to ask your child regularly about how they are growing in math class and how growth mindset is fostered in his/her math classroom.



2017-2018 Music Department Dates to Remember

Date Day Ensemble Time Place

December 14, 2017 Thurs Middle School Orchestra Concerts 6th@6pm, 7th@7pm, 8th@8pm 6, 7, & 8pm MS Auditorium

December 21, 2017 Thurs Middle School Band Concerts 6th@6pm, 7th@7pm, 8th@8pm 6, 7, & 8pm MS Auditorium

January 16, 2018 Tues Instrument Open House Incoming 6th Grade 6:00-8:00 pm MS Commons

February 1, 2018 Thurs Show Choir Pops Concert 7:00pm MS Auditorium

March 10, 2018 Sat Solo and Ensemble 8am - 4pm MS Music Dept.

March 12, 2018 Mon Band-O-Rama All Bands 6th Grade – 12th Grade 7:00pm HS Gymnasium

April 21, 2018 Sat Jazz Ensemble at Jazz Fest TBA UW-Eau Claire

April 27, 2018 Fri Show Choir Concert 7:00pm HS Auditorium

May 15, 2018 Tues Middle School Band Concerts 6th@6pm, 7th@7pm, 8th@8pm 6, 7, & 8pm MS Auditorium

May 22, 2018 Tues Middle School Orchestra Concerts 6th@6pm, 7th@7pm, 8th@8pm 6, 7, & 8pm MS Auditorium

May 24, 2018 Thurs Middle School Choir Concerts

6th Mixed & 7/8th Boys @ 6:00pm 7th Girls & 8th Girls @ 7:30pm

6:00pm 7:30pm MS Auditorium

May 28, 2018 Mon Memorial Day Parade All 8th Grade Band 9:00-11:30am Downtown Chippewa

We would like to provide you with some reading tips to help your middle school children become stronger readers. You might find that you enjoy some of these ideas as a family time over the upcoming break. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call your child’s reading teacher. As your child’s first and most important teacher, you can be a powerful force in your child’s efforts to become a skillful reader. Whether your child is already a proficient reader, or is a struggling or reluctant reader, your positive encouragement can help them make continuous strides toward success. Here are some suggestions on how you can support reading at home.

1. Create a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read. 2. Keep books and reading materials readily available. 3. Help your child see that reading is important. 4. Set a good example for your child by reading books, newspapers, and magazines. 5. Talk about what you are reading. 6. Be attentive to your child’s interests and developing skills. 7. Remember to be somewhat non-judgmental about the text your child chooses: cartoons, instructions for video

games, fantasy, sports, or fashion magazines can be the key to unlocking a lifetime of reading pleasure. 8. Allow your child to subscribe to magazines based on his/her interests to encourage frequent reading. 9. Read and discuss newspaper and magazine articles.

10. An article beside the breakfast bowl can provide a great alternative to the usual, routine conversations! 11. Visit bookstores, public and school libraries regularly to find materials for pleasure reading. 12. Turn the television off at least once a week and read as a family. 13. Discuss what everyone is reading. 14. Remind your child that sometimes adults have “homework” to do as well (i.e. reading reports, doing performance

appraisals, research, etc.). This will allow your child to see the connection of reading to real life. 15. Create a family “word wall” on a bulletin board or the refrigerator.

Helpful Web Sites: Lexile Reading Measures: http://www.lexile.com/ Scholastic: http://www.scholastic.com/home/

http://www.lexile.com/

http://www.scholastic.com/home/



December 2017

6th Grade

Sixth grade has been busy learning all about the phases of the moon and developing ideas on why the moon changes from night to night. Some students even researched what the moon looked like on the day they were born! Was it a full moon? New moon? Crescent or Gibbous? In the next unit, students will be discovering how eclipses occur and what effects they can cause on the Earth.

7th Grade

Seventh grade just wrapped up our CSI unit. During the CSI unit, students worked collaboratively to develop a way to test evidence collected from a “crime scene.” They then used that test to determine whether a suspect was innocent or guilty of the crime. Next up, we head into our magnetism and electricity unit!

8th Grade

Over the past month, 8th grade students have been learning about why oxygen is so important for living things – to get energy from the food we eat! In December, the focus will switch to how living things can bring necessary materials into their bodies so the organism can continue to function. The main focus will be on how the human body brings in nutrients through our digestive system and how the respiratory system brings oxygen into our body and releases carbon dioxide into the environment through the air we breathe. These two units will supplement the content learned in Unit 3, the importance of our food and oxygen from the air around us.

Parent Corner

“A little progress each day adds up to BIG results!” Satya In order to continue increasing student achievement for all students at Chippewa Falls Middle School, we examine school performance data, aggregated classroom observation and assessment data, as well as regular staff, student, and parent feedback in order to make decisions about continuous school improvement and targeted professional development needs for staff. We also continue to prioritize opportunities for our staff to have common meeting times during the school day to collaborate around school and individual student data to guide instructional plans and to create immediate, necessary instructional responses on a regular basis for our kids. Those students identified as needing additional support, are provided that support through our robust intervention system. On November 20 and 21, the staff at Chippewa Falls Middle School engaged in a two day data teams training to continue the focused professional development on research based instructional processes and strategies. The continued focus on



implementing systems for academic improvement for our students will undoubtedly continue to have a positive impact on our school-wide student achievement and growth scores on our school report card.

In November, the State of Wisconsin released our school and district report cards. The report card is calculated based on student performance on the Wisconsin State Assessment. The assessments used by the state have changed over the past three years, however, using statistical analysis, student performance can be compared year to year. Each school is measured on four priority areas: Student Achievement, Growth, Gap Closing, and On-Track for Post-Secondary Readiness. For those interested in learning more about how each of these areas is calculated, detailed information is available through the WI Department of Public Instruction at: http://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/reportcards.

This year, our Report Card score placed Chippewa Falls Middle School in the ‘Meets Expectations’ category for the second year. This rating represents one snapshot of our school. The rating can and does change from year to year depending on many factors. We celebrate the fact the overall middle school score increased a full point this past year from 64.3 to 65.3.

We will continue to use this metric, in combination with other measures, to work on areas needing improvement to reach our school’s student achievement goals. Most significantly, we are striving as a staff to engage our students in meaningful, rigorous learning. We seek to help our children grow in their character, and nurture their social and emotional development. We strive to build learning experiences in which students can explore their interests and the world around them, while acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to be successful now and in the future.

http://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/reportcards



We are making great progress in a number of areas and will continue to focus on ways to improve our outcomes.

Listed below are some of the system and support changes that have been implemented this year: 1. Change in our overall building schedule to better accommodate student needs. 2. School-wide, classroom, and individual academic achievement goal setting and monitoring. 3. Addition of writing supports for students and classroom teachers. 4. Repurposing of staffing to add our Social Emotional Interventionist, Carly Rubenzer. 5. Participation in Trauma Sensitive School Project. 6. Implementation of our middle school, mobile, integrated, learning environment. 7. Addition of targeted enrichment opportunities in math and English language arts during teacher advisory. 8. Addition of parent partnership organization. Cardinal CIA (Community in Action)



Parents/Guardians: Are you looking for an opportunity to stay more closely connected to Chippewa Falls Middle School? We are happy to announce that CFMS now has a parent advocacy and support network; the Cardinal CIA (Community In Action) To learn more about this awesome parent organization, please click on their website link found here and on the Middle School main webpage! https://cardinalcia.wixsite.com/cardinalcia

You are invited to join the upcoming meetings. The meetings will be in our LMC from 6:00-7:00

pm. On the following dates: January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10.

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District has contracted with RevTrak, a national credit card company payment processor, to provide a secure site for families to make online payments for student fees. (This does not include lunch payments as they are payable on the Infinite Campus Portal). In RevTrak, you may make payment using VISA, Discover, and Mastercard credit or debit cards. A 3.61% convenience fee is charged.

REVTRAK PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS / STUDENT FEES ONLINE

To pay student fees online, please click on the following link: https://chipfalls.revtrak.net/

Create a new account OR login to the Rev Trak webstore using the email/password you created

Click on Student Fees

To log in, you will use your Infinite Campus Parent Portal username and your child's birthdate. If you do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account setup or you have forgotten your username / password, please contact the help desk at 715–726–2413.

Go to the section for Infinite Campus Student Fees

Complete the amount to pay field(s)

Click “Next Page”

Click “Go to Checkout”

o A 3.61% convenience fee is charged at checkout.

You will now be walked through the steps to create a user account

When your order is complete, you will be able to view and print a receipt.

INFINITE CAMPUS PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS / LUNCH PAYMENTS

To make a LUNCH PAYMENT, please log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal There is no convenience fee when making a food service payment through your Infinite Campus Portal.

If you do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account set up or you have forgotten your username / password, please contact the help desk at 715–726–2413.

Choose Parent / Guardian

Choose Payments, Enter Payment Amount, Continue

Choose Payment Method, Continue, Make Payment

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

7:00 pm Public Session

Administration Building (1130 Miles Street)

https://cardinalcia.wixsite.com/cardinalcia

https://chipfalls.revtrak.net/

https://chipfalls.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/chippewa_falls.jsp



After logging into your portal account, click onto the tab at the top: “Switch Students”. In doing so, you will see a dropdown of all students for whom you are guardian. By selecting their name, you will get a new screen showing the index of information available to you. Based on the grade level of your student, access to the following information may be available on the Parent Portal:

The Schedule will give you a grid of your child’s classes Attendance offers calendars with specific attendance information Reports contains a list of printable reports for grades, missing assignments, schedules, and assessments

including AIMS testing results Fees tab will show any monetary amount due The Calendar will notate any significant date for which your student has an assignment due or test scheduled Messages lists all school notices for each of your children’s schools Under User Account, you will be able to change your password, check the access log, and change the way we

contact you – including a section for checking/changing your email address

If you wish to view specific assignments, the dates they are due, or points earned on an assignment, go to “Schedule” – then click onto the class name. Scroll down to the grids. The grids are set up in the order of oldest first – you may have to scroll down to locate the most current.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT If you have not yet created a parent portal account, feel free to call or email your child’s school and request information. We will email you instructions and a 32-character code required to activate your account.

You will then select a personal username and password. Your parent portal may be accessed through our website at http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us and clicking on the Infinite Campus logo at

the top of the screen. Clicking onto Infinite Campus Portal will open the login screen for you. If you have further questions, feel free to call the school district’s help desk at 715.726.2413.

Mobile Device Portal Setup This mobile app is for parents wanting the convenience of monitoring their child’s progress away from home. Check real-time information from any mobile device. To access, download the free Infinite Campus app from your device's app store and search for the city Chippewa Falls and state Wisconsin. Select Chippewa Falls Area Unified and enter your username and password.

Breakfast and lunch menus for all schools are posted monthly at http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us//foodServices.cfm.

Breakfast is available at all schools. The cost of breakfast at the Middle School is $0.85. Additional items can be purchased separately and will be charged individually. Lunch price is $2.50 per meal, which includes one milk. Milk can be purchased separately for $0.35. If you send a lunch from home, you may want to consider sending a beverage if you do not want to incur a milk charge on your account. Additional items can be purchased individually. Students on free or reduced meals will also be charged for items purchased in addition to the meal. Limiting Meal Purchases/Expense: At the middle and high school levels, students are allowed to purchase additional items along with their traditional lunch and/or breakfast meal. Restrictions can be placed on an individual student’s account to prohibit excessive a la carte purchases. It does not mean the student cannot have it, but rather they must provide cash at the time of purchase. Additionally, a dollar limit can be set per student. Free and Reduced Price School Meals: All students on free or reduced meals are entitled to ONE breakfast and ONE lunch per day. Milk only or extra items are charged at full price. Meal applications are accepted any time throughout the school year. Thus, if your financial situation changes, please complete an online application on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Paper applications are also available in the front office at the middle school and at the Administration Office. Please direct all meal account inquiries/questions to Jill at 715.726.2581, x1903.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/foodServices.cfm



Please remind your student to check the Lost and Found areas on a regular basis for lost items. He/she can check in the laundry room down in the phy-ed area AND the front office. That lost item you or your student has been looking for may be there!

Staff Spotlight

It is quite an honor to work with such awesome students on the Dolphin Team! At the beginning of November, I agreed that if students raised money for the Hope Lodge, I would participate in No Shave November. The Hope Lodge is a truly amazing resource the American Cancer Society is able to provide to cancer patients and their families. It provides a free “home away from home” for cancer patients who have to travel for their treatment. The amazing students on the Dolphin Team raised over $225, and now, to my wife's dismay, students voted for No Shave November becoming Don't Shave December. I'm happy to do this for these great students whose donations will make a difference. A special thanks goes out to the anonymous donor who snuck $50 in to the collection container. I'm sure looking forward to the rest of this school year!

Parent/Guardian Resources

Regular School Day EARLY RELEASE Days NO SCHOOL – Full Days

Breakfast Bell: 8:05am Drop Off: 8:15am Start Time: 8:30am Dismissal: 3:44pm

September 22 October 26 January 18 February 16 April 13

Same Drop Off and Start Time as regular school day

Dismissal: 1pm June 5 dismissal

is at NOON!

October 27 November 20-24 December 25-January 1 January 19 (Staff Inservice) March 19-23 (Spring Break) March 30 (Easter Break) May 28 (Memorial Day)

The Chippewa Falls Middle School utilizes an automated attendant to ensure your calls are routed quickly and efficiently. Please call 715-726-2400 to reach the middle school and select from the following menu options:

Reporting Absences/Request Passes: Press 1 (listen for prompt to be routed to a specific grade level mailbox)

Nurse’s Office: Press 2 School Counselors: Press 3 (listen for prompt to select the school counselor you wish to speak with)

Athletic Directors: Press 4 (listen for prompt to direct you to either Mr. Britton or Mrs. Fjelstad) Grade Level Office: Press 5 (listen for prompt to be connected to the grade level office you need)

Main Office: Press 0



Parents/guardians are required to notify the school when their child is absent from school. The attendance line is for reporting absences AND requesting passes to leave or return from an appointment. Please be assured that messages left on the attendance line or the grade level office line are retrieved in a timely manner. Office staff are alerted when voicemail messages are recorded. The handset lights up and an envelope blinks on the phone screen. If you need your child to be released during the school day, PLEASE call the attendance line to request a pass for your child. By calling the attendance line in advance, your student will receive a pass to be released early from class, ensuring they’ll be ready to be picked up at the time you need them!

If your child has an appointment, have them bring the appointment slip/medical note from the appointment, which will help us clearly document the absence in attendance. If we do not receive a phone call from a parent/guardian for a child who is absent from school, an electronic message will be sent home after 4:00 p.m. on the day of the absence. If you receive an automated call, please call the attendance line to report your child’s absence.

NEW email option to report full day absences: To provide added convenience for parents/guardians, you may now report absences via email. Please do NOT use this address to request passes, this is strictly for reporting absences. Send your email to: [email protected]

The district mobile app has all of our district information, including our website and Facebook Page. The district has a mobile app that can be downloaded from iTunes/Google Play.

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District Facebook page offers regular updates on events, student activities, school closings, pertinent up-to-date information about our district, and adult education opportunities. The Facebook page is accessible through the district website or by searching for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District.

Follow items of interest—share your insights. We are tweeting such things as updates on projects in our school and great things students and staff are doing. Find the Middle School’s Twitter account @CFMSCardinals #CFMSRocks and the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District’s Twitter account @ChippewaFallsSD #MightyCardinals.

Be sure to access our Daily Announcements online to get the latest information about what’s happening in our building. On the middle school website, click on the “About Our School” tab and select “Daily Announcements”.

For all bus related questions, please contact: Chippewa Yellow Bus Company at 715.726.2454. Their office is located at 510 E. South Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us. If a parent/guardian needs an alternative pick-up/drop-off location or their child is riding home with a friend, a completed bus deviation signed by the parent/guardian must be turned into the front office for approval. Bus Deviation forms are available in the school office.



The district shall make reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format as necessary for a disabled person to participate in a scheduled activity. Please submit your request to a building administrator at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled event.

We invite you to visit our school web page for all of the pertinent school information. The link is provided here for your convenience: http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/middle/

Access Lesson Plans here!

Click on the teacher’s name in

the “Academics” tab to view the current

lesson plans!

http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/middle/

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