October, 2008

FERGUS FALLS SECONDARY SCHOOL Parent Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk…

We have recently completed the first quarter of the school year here at the new Kennedy Secondary School, and we are very thankful for the new facilities and the students and staff that are housed in this building each school day. It is difficult for us to explain the feelings of openness and the relaxed atmosphere here, because we are able to spread out and enjoy this new school building. We want to offer a very special thank you to the entire community for providing the resources that made this new school possible. We have also recently completed our Fall round of Parent/Teacher Conferences and we want to thank those parents who were able to attend. These conferences are just one way for parents to keep informed about their student’s progress here at the Kennedy Secondary School. Parents are also encouraged to follow their student’s academic work through our student management system called Power School. You can access your student’s current grades and assignments on our School District website from your computer at home with a simple log in and password. If you need any help with this process, please call the high school main office and we can help you get started. Also all of our teachers have voice mail and e-mail, so please feel free to contact any teacher at any time and they will be pleased to inform you of your child’s progress.

The construction COMPLETION phase for the Fergus Falls Kennedy Secondary School continues! With well over 300,000 square feet of remodeled or new construction space involved in this project, the experts tell us that we will be continuously working on building issues for the next 14-16 months. We continue to finish flooring, paint, and electrical issues around the entire building. We also continue to work toward balancing our heating and cooling systems so that we can maintain consistent and comfortable temperatures throughout the building. In fact, this last week we had several areas of the building that were simply too warm and we are working very hard to correct those issues. In general, the Kennedy Secondary School is AMAZING, but it is far from perfect, and we offer our commitment that we will continue to work each and every day to address issues and complete every last detail of this project, so we have a school facility that will meet all the needs of our secondary students. Please feel free to call my office if you have any questions or concerns involving our new school.

The Senior High Academic Awards Program was held on Monday, November 15th. This is a very nice program that’s organized by some parents and community volunteers. Other recent events are the High School Fall Play and the Middle School Variety Show – both of these have students working very hard in preparation for these events. Please check this newsletter and future announcements for the exact dates and times for these events.

It is also Concert Season for our Secondary Music Department, so here are just a few of the upcoming concerts that involve our students. On Monday, Nov. 22nd, we have our MS Orchestra Concert happening at 7:00 pm at the Center For The Arts, and the very next day on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, we have our SH Band/Pops Concert at 7:30 pm in the new Kennedy Gold Gym. The public is more than encouraged to join us for any of our music events.

Our high school students have a tremendous opportunity coming their way with a Career Day Expo, which will take place the morning of Thursday, December 2nd, starting at 8:45 am. High School students in grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers representing numerous professions and businesses, along with the chance to visit with several area post-secondary colleges and universities. This will be a great chance for students to talk face-to-face with college admissions representatives and members from our local business community. This opportunity for our students is only possible through the cooperation of numerous community agencies and businesses that work together with the school on a Career Day Committee.

Please feel free to contact us at any time here at the Fergus Falls Kennedy Secondary School – “Where Excellence is Expected!”

Dean Monke, Principal

Mission Statement For Kennedy Secondary School: The mission of the Kennedy Secondary School is to provide a positive learning environment for the adolescent student, which promotes educational achievement within an atmosphere of mutual concern, respect, and accountability

KENNEDY SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENT NEWSLETTER

November, 2010

Secondary School Parent Newsletter

High School Student Council News by Shane Thielke, High School Assistant Principal The Sr. High Student Council has had a great start to the school year. New officers were elected in September and Jordan Rasmussen (12) was voted President, Reece Denzel (12) – Vice President, Mariah Monke (11) – Secretary, and Megan Fritz (11) – Treasurer. The big event for the Fall was Homecoming. This year the week of Homecoming provided beautiful weather for all of the activities that were planned. The week started off with the Coronation, which exhibited the spectacular talents of the students who participated and the evening culminated with the crowning of the Queen, Tami McDonald and King, Eden Beck. The week also featured Iron Man Volleyball (which the Sr. boys won) and Powder Puff Football (which the Jr. girls won), and the Homecoming Parade was a huge success and well attended thanks to the perfect weather. The week ended with a dance in the Maroon Gym where Livewire Entertainment provided DJ services and a fun end to a great week. As we look ahead, the Student Council has two initiatives to focus their efforts on as we move into the holiday rush. The Student Council will be sponsoring a holiday food drive from November 15th through November 23rd, which will feature a friendly competition between classes, as the winning class will earn budging rights in the lunch line the week before Winter Break! Also, the Student Council is planning to support a fundraising campaign in support of “Toy’s for Tots” in December, with hopes of generating funds to help support this great cause. We are looking forward to working on these projects as well as continuing to support the needs of the students at Kennedy Secondary School.

Middle School Student Council News by Jon Harris, Middle School Assistant Principal

The Middle School Student Council members were elected by their classmates,

and will be called upon at various times this school year to add to the positive

experiences for all middle school students. They participated in the Homecoming

Parade. They will be sponsoring a Canned Food Drive as well as Penny Wars in

December, with proceeds donated to benefit organizations in the Fergus Falls

community. The Student Council will be sponsoring three 7th/8th grade parties/dances

again this year. They are scheduled for October 29th, January 29th, and April 15th.

We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us out with chaperoning these

dances. Please call the school office if you are interested in helping with this fun

opportunity!! We will also be having a few hat/sunglasses days during the school year.

The money raised in the past has been used to purchase items for the Salvation Army

Toy Shop during the Christmas holidays.

2010-11 MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS; Grade 6: Justine

Hutchins, Caleb Stillwell, Caitlin Hexum, Kyra Loomer, Matthew Monke, Anna Norgard,

Adem Swanson Grade 7: Jonah Bergstrand, Tayler Thompson, Savana Backman,

Johnny Hermes, Alicia Niblock, Ally Ringquist Grade 8: Hayden Devorak, Mitchell

Cole, Nick Weaver, Mary Gettel, Jacob Haugmo, Jacob Ugstad, Noah Strom

Page 2 of 8

Senior High Student Council

OFFICERS:

Jordan Rasmussen President

Reece Denzel Vice President

Mariah Monke

Secretary

Megan Fritz Treasurer

SENIORS Reece Denzel Max Johnson

Jordan Rasmussen Kelley Hohman

Reid Cole Jake Hexum

JUNIORS Taylor Monk

Mariah Monke Matt Donoho

Andrew Eerdmans Megan Fritz Mitch Grugel

SOPHOMORES

Austin Hanson Mike Millard Ben Haugmo Josh Johnson

Taylor Johnson

FRESHMEN Nicole Anderson

Ashley Strube Anna Monke

Dane Ringquist Austin Rund

ALC

Dylan Rust Hannah Opatz

Kennedy Secondary School Parent Newsletter Page 3 of 8

Homework Help Gr. 6-9 All students in grades 6, 7, 8 & 9,

who need help with homework are welcome!

Kennedy Secondary School

Room 1418

Days & Times: Monday through Friday

7:30-8:15 a.m. 3:18-4:00 p.m.

Contact: Jane Graumann

998-0544 ext. 2054

Homework Help Gr. 9-12 All students in grades 10, 11 &12,

who need help with homework are welcome!

Kennedy Secondary School

Room 2715

Days & Times: Monday through Friday

7:15-8:00 a.m.

Contact: High School

Counseling Office 998-0544 ext. 2032

FFA Fruit Sales The Fergus Falls FFA Chapter will once again be conducting Fruit Sales

as their sole fundraiser for the year. In addition to oranges, apples,

grapefruit and pears, they will have meat and cheese selections, beef

sticks, pineapple, and chocolates available. We also have added Fuji

apples. Contact any FFA member to order fruit, or call 998-0544

x2524 to order. All fruit is guaranteed to meet your expectations or

you can choose replacement or refund of your purchase. This year we

are offering more varieties of mixed boxes, which are packaged in very

attractive boxes, perfect for Christmas giving. Orders are due by Nov.

29, and delivery will be around December 15th.

Homework Help is a program of

ISD #544 Community Education

Call it in!

Please call the school 998-0544 the morning your

child is absent to report

for attendance.

Lunch Money Deposit: A reminder that you can make a deposit to your child’s lunch account online at: www.isd544.org You then go to the School Store and create an account for your student, then make your deposit. Please remember that it sometimes takes more than a day for your transaction to be complete, so don’t count on it coming through immediately for credit.

Secondary School Parent Newsletter Page 4 of 8

Upcoming Community Education Classes for Youth: Attention All 6th, 7th, & 8th graders - 2nd Annual STLF Trip (Students Today, Leaders Forever) Parent & Student Information Meeting on Monday, November 15th - 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Kennedy Secondary School – Room 270 (Look for yellow signs). Learn about all the details for the 2011 “Pay It Forward Tour” to be held February 11-13, 2011, including costs, itinerary, fundraising, discussions and questions! More Questions? Contact: Claire Stich - 998-0544 ext 1604 or Mike Walls - 998-0544 ext 1605 DRIVER EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS - Open to students 14 to 18 years of age. Tuition covers the complete classroom and behind the wheel program. FFHS students receive one pass/fail elective credit upon program completion. (A student cannot course credit transfer into his or her FFHS transcript.) Class schedule and registration forms are available at the Community Education office. Instructor: Mary Rostedt. For additional information on any of the above classes, contact Community Education at 218-998-0544, ext. 1600; or visit our website at www.isd544.org to register on-line.

BABYSITTER TRAINING - You'll learn how to supervise children and infants, perform basic child-care skills such as diapering and feeding, choose safe, age-appropriate games and toys, handle bedtime and discipline issues, identify safety hazards and prevent injuries, care of common injuries and emergencies such as choking, burn, cuts and bee stings. Communicate effectively with parents. Find and interview for babysitting jobs. Fee: $40 Instructor: American Red Cross Location: American Red Cross Office 9:00am-3:30pm 10/15/10, 9:00am-3:30pm 10/21/10, 9:00am-3:30pm 12/28/10 SPORTS STACKING (Cup Stacking) - An exciting team sport that promotes eye-hand coordination, team work and positive self-esteem. The process involves stacking a set of 12 specially-designed cups into pre-determined sequences to form pyramids. For more information, visit www.speedstacks.com. Fee: $5.00 Instructor: Betty Jo Sisk Location: Cleveland School 3:45-5:00 pm Dates: Nov.8, 15, 22, 29, Dec.6, 13, 20 MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING in four-position shooting (prone, sitting, kneeling, off-hand). Practice shooting most evenings. Four-position matches, State Jr. Tournament, M-1 Carbine in Spring. NRA instructors on duty. Guns and equipment furnished. Indoor range. Ongoing. Fee: $10 per year + ammunition (approximately $6 per month) Instructor: FF Rifle & Pistol Club Location: Rifle & Pistol Club Time: 6:45-8:45 pm MAKE A DIFFERENCE - Make A Difference has proven to be a favorite among Middle School students this year, with over 85 students participating. This cohort of 6th-8th grade students meet every Tuesday during lunch to discuss ways to engage their community through service learning projects, talk about real life issues, and enjoy fun activities. This fall has already brought loads of excitement. Make A Difference students have enjoyed sitting in their own varsity football cheering section, Homecoming Parade float, volunteering at the Cleveland Carnival & Mall-O-Ween, in addition to activities during lunch, such as “Meal of Fortune.” Heading this program are two former Fergus Falls High School natives – Claire Stich ’05 & Mike Walls ‘06. Upon completing their undergraduate degrees in Secondary Education and Biology, respectively, they sought for their return home to serve their community through youth involvement. Under the coordination of Fergus Falls Community Education, they are currently serving as AmeriCorps Promise Fellows hosted by the Minnesota Alliance With Youth. Their mission is to promote academic success, increase civic engagement, and strengthen youth voice & youth engagement. If you are interested in what Make A Difference & ISD 544 can offer youth, please look in your Community Education brochure for many more exciting upcoming events this year.

Secondary School Parent Newsletter Page 5 of 8

Jr. Envirothon Twenty-two Middle School Students, grades 6-8 from Kennedy Secondary Schools participated in the Jr. Envirothon at the local Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. The event took place on Wednesday, October 6; the weather was very cooperative and the students all enjoyed the day. The Jr. Envirothon is an outdoor competition which challenges student's environmental knowledge and problem solving skills. It consists of five, 25 minute stations; all but one are outside. Each station is based on a different environmental topic: Wildlife, Forestry, Aquatics, Soils, and a current issue. This year's issue was "Protection of Groundwater through Urban, Agricultural and Environmental Planning." As each team traveled from station to station, they took an exam related to each of these subjects. After tests were completed, area resource professionals reviewed the exams with the students and answered any questions. The three teams with the highest scores were presented with first, second and third place trophies. Team members also received a medallion. Twenty three teams competed in this hands-on experience and were from Breckenridge, St. Mary's, Lake Park Audobon, Hillcrest and Fergus Falls KSS. This event is similar to the Senior Envirothon for high school students, which students are encouraged to participate in their future. The students prepared for the Jr. Envirothon by spending the last few weeks studying the various categories over their school lunch breaks. In addition, local volunteers, Jeff Grugel, State of MN Well Inspector, and Keith Stafford, City Forester , presented on soils, ground water and tree identification/diseases respectively. Their visuals and expertise were very helpful in the students gaining pertinent information. Others involved in the student's success are Fergus Falls elementary and middle school teachers. The students' accomplishments and efforts are commendable. They feel fortunate for all their support and are thankful to Prairie Wetlands Learning Center for their continued hosting of this event. The Jr. Envirothon is sponsored by the local Area I Soil & Water Districts.

2010-11

ACADEMIC CHALLENGE ACTIVITIES:

****************

Envirothon

History Day

Hot Topics

Knowledge Bowl

Math League

Music Composition

Spelling Bee

Quiz Bowl

Writer’s Club ****************

If you have any questions, contact

Vera Carlson

998-0544, ext.2051 or visit our school district website for more information!

HOMECOMING Royalty: Seniors: Aimee Magnusson, Eden Beck, Tami McDonald, Reid Cole, Brooke Solheim, Jacob Hexum Juniors: Amara Rodriguez, Harvey McMahon, Elise Viger, Dalton Skonseng, Haylie Zenner, Ryan Sorkness Sophomores: Taylor Bergren, Benjamin Haugmo, Rachael Heidorn, Joshua Johnson, Callie Ann Hoffbeck, Jesse Schneeberger Freshmen: Anna Monke, Samuel Rausch, Kristin Traiser, Dane Ringquist, Anna Soenksen, David Schneck Congratulations to Homecoming Queen & King: Tami McDonald & Eden Beck!!!

Secondary School Parent Newsletter Page 6 of 8

7th and 8th Grade State Honor Choir Members: Ean Goos, Katie Iverson, Jenni Klawitter, Emma Newton, Tyler Pyle, Luke Velde, Nick Weaver These students have been accepted into the ACDA Minnesota State 7th and 8th Grade Honor Choir. All students recorded an audition which was sent into a panel of judges who scored and ranked the singers. They will participate in a day of singing and fun on November 19th at St. Cloud State University. They are under the direction of Janel Trosvig.

Congratulations

2010-11 Adopt-A-Class

Sponsors Invision

Kaddatz Gallery Kenny’s Candy Company

MN Dept. of Natural Resources

Pizza Ranch Ringdahl Ambulance

West Tool & Design

Fundraising Efforts for 2008 - 09:

The Kennedy Secondary School thanks its ongoing business partners for the 2010- 11 school year. We have been fortunate to have participation from Service Food and SunMart with their Grocery Store Recei pt Programs, along with Target with TCOE ( “Take Charge of Education ”). Many field trips, class rewards, classroom supplies and equipment are funded through the proceeds from these programs. We are very grateful for your efforts, and look forward for more great things to happen!

Donations Benefit our School Thank you to the 544 Foundation for the following donations the Kennedy Secondary School has received:

- $500 for special education students at the high school to operate a dog biscuit business called “Otter Bites – Dog Cookie Delights.” The students will be involved in all aspects of the business, from handling the finances to making and packaging the dog biscuits.

- - $500 to purchase books for the Fergus Falls Reads Program.

- $500 to implement a program called “Family All Ways.” This program will help middle school students who have parents who are divorced or are in the process of getting divorced.

$1000 for the Close-Up Program’s trip to Washington, DC. The money will be used as

Thank you!

T H A N K S !!

Gracias TThhaannkk YYoouu THANKS!

KJ Country “Super Teacher of the Week” Each Friday morning at 7:40 am select some Super Teacher (or Principal) from nominations to get extra recognition and win some nice prizes. We give away a $20 gift certificate to Service Food in FF & Perham, a $10 gift certificate to Papa Murphy's Pizza in FF and a flower arrangement from Wild Rose Floral in FF. You can nominate any teacher you'd like and send it to us at P.O. Box 495 FF, MN 56537, Fax- 218-736-2836, or e-mail it to:

Page 7 of 8

SKATEBOARD PARK The Skateboard Park is ready for use in its new location at Roosevelt Park across from Kennedy Secondary School. The park is open non-school days from10:00 am-8:00 pm and from 3:30-7:00pm on school days. For more information, contact the City of Fergus Falls Park & Recreation Department at 739-3205 or visit the web site at www.ci.fergus-falls.mn.us. INDOOR OPEN SKATING (November to March) - Every Sunday 7-9 pm Monday through Thursday 2:00-3:30pm For additional Open Skating times, contact the Fergus Falls Ice Arena at 1812 Pebble Lake Rd. or call 736-2271. OUTDOOR ICE RINKS OPEN: Mid-December to mid-February • Cleveland Outdoor Hockey Rink & Pleasure Rink • Lake Alice Public Recreational Skating (based on ice conditions) • Channing Rink – No Supervision • Fairgrounds Hockey Rink (located behind Ice Arena Building For more information, contact the City of Fergus Falls Park & Rec. Department at 305 S. Peck St - or call the information line at 332-5800 or visit the web site at www.ci.fergus-falls.mn.us

2010 Middle School

Yearbooks

Will be going on sale in December.

You will be able to order one for $18.00

~~~~~~~~~~ Yearbook advisor

this year is Desiree Frie

A.R.E.

KSS 8th grade Leadership students – teach elementary kids about O.A.A.O.

(Otters ARE - Always Otters ) Renee Erickson, a teacher at the Kennedy Secondary School, could not have

been more proud of her "Leadership" elective kids, than she was last quarter. On two different occasions, her kids were able to go into both Adams and Cleveland Schools, to teach the younger kids about O.A.A.O.

They were first put into teaching groups and then assigned a classroom. They were given instruction time to prepare a 30 minute lesson on Otters ARE - Always Otters. Because this is a class on leadership, they were focusing on eye contact, voice-tone, introductions, conclusions and how to present a topic using enthusiasm. They explained the meaning of the words respectful and accountable. They handed out OAAO stickers, read a book about manners called "Do Unto Otters" and they even made Otter masks for the kids to wear. Here are some comments from the kids who taught:

- "I have never spoken in front of a group before. I think it helped my self-esteem." - "I feel better as a person, knowing I help to spread a positive message for the little kids." - "It was good because what we are teaching is important." - "I think the kids had fun and we were positive role-models and leaders" - “It was a great experience for all and we would like to thank those involved for having us."

Accountable Respectful Enthusiastic

Address Service Requested

November 10 First Quarter Reports Mailed Home November 11 Veteran’s Day Program – 10:00 am in Auditorium November 12-13 Senior High Fall Play at A Center for the Arts November 15 SH Academic Awards Program 7:30 pm in HS Gymnasium November 15 MS Variety Show Dress Rehearsal 3:30-6 pm in Auditorium November 16 MS Variety Show Parent Performance 7 pm in Auditorium November 17 MS Variety Show Student Performance 8:30 a.m. in Auditorium November 22 Wrestling Begins November 22 Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm at A Center for the Arts November 23 HS Pops Concert 7:30 pm November 25-26 Thanksgiving Vacation—NO CLASSES December 1 Boys Swimming Begins December 2 HS Career Day for Grades 9-12 in Gold Gym December 7 & 8 HS GRAD Math & Reading Retest December 9 MS Choir Concert 7:00 pm in Auditorium December 13 HS Choir Concert 7:30 in Auditorium December 20 6th Grade Ski Trip to Andes Tower Hills Dec.22-Jan.2 NO CLASSES—Winter Break January 3 School Resumes January 27 NAEP Testing for selected 8th graders January 17 No Classes – Staff Work Day (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) January 19 Senior High Band Concert (7:30 pm HS Gym) January 21 End of 1st Semester & 2nd Quarter January 24 No Classes – Staff Work Day January 28 7th & 8th Grade Party (7:30-10:00 p.m. Gym and Cafeteria) January 31 Sno-Ball Coronation 7:00 p.m. HS Gym February 5 Senior High Sno-Ball Dance February 7 MS Orchestra Concert 5:30 pm at A Center for the Arts February 18-21 NO CLASSES – President’s Day Holiday February 25 Early Out at 12:15 pm for Students – Staff Inservice in pm February 28 All School Concert Gr. 7-12 – 7:00 pm in Gold Gym

Kennedy Secondary School

601 Randolph Avenue

Fergus Falls, MN 56537

PHONE: (218) 998-0544

FAX:

(218) 998-3947

E-MAIL: dmonke@fergusfalls.k12.mn.us

We’re on the Web! See us at:

www.isd544.org

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #544 KENNEDY SECONDARY SCHOOL 601 Randolph Avenue Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 319 Fergus Falls, MN

56537

Kennedy Secondary School Newsletter

A.R.E. A.R.E.

Accountable, Responsible, Enthusiastic

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