parent teacher consultant newsletter (march)
DESCRIPTION
Parent Teacher Consultant Newsletter (March)TRANSCRIPT
Mim: “It’s March—in like a lion & out like a lamb!” Pat: “No, it’s in like a lamb & out like a lion.” Mim: “Whatever.”
From The Principal’s Desk…Dear Indianola Families,
Spring is almost here! We are nearing the end of the 3rd quarter and will have one quarter left. During the month of March we will continue to focus on academics and student achievement. Our teachers work hard to plan lessons and activities that make learning fun.
Parents and teachers working together can do wonderful things for our students. Students are frequently reminded that good behavior in school is the first important step towards outstanding scholarship.
Please feel free to stop in and visit anytime. We appreciate your continued support and help in the mission of Indianola K-8. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward on March 13th .
Mrs. Moore-TylerAssistant Principal
Congrats…Geography BeeCongratulations to Adrian Remnant (8th
grade) who finished 1st in the school geography bee and to Eva House (4th grade) who earned 2nd place!
The Columbus City School District does not discriminate because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap with regard to admission, access, treatment or
employment. This policy is applicable in all district programs and activities.
Announcements…School AttendancePlease notify Denise Holland, our attendance secretary, as soon as possible if your child is absent. You may call (365-5579) the day of the absence and send a note when your child returns to school. Or, better yet, email ([email protected]), or fax (365-8324). An email or fax will double as your excuse note.
Newsletter SubmissionsWe welcome submissions from parents, staff and students to the PC Newsletter. Please email your info to Pat Merkle:
Submit by Monday Distributed FridayApr. 4 Apr. 8May 2 May 6
Middle Grades News…Life Science:The 6th graders just finished a unit of study on genetics, single cell and multi-cell organisms. They created posters which highlight a type of cell in the human body, the tissue made up of those cells, an organ which contains that tissue, and the system that organ works within in the body. Students also explored their own genetic make-up and the effects of nature vs. nurture while studying the works of Gregor Mendel and George Washington Carver's work with genes, DNA and chromosomes. Students chose organs or organ systems that related to themselves or their families to increase relevancy and studied a disease or disorder that they had a connection to in some way. Given the freedom to use their own creative perspective, writing pieces take the form of many genres from expository definitions/scientific drawings to comical dialogues and illustrations. Come read their poems sharing their genetic past and read what they have learned about the human body as a complex multi-celled organism! Talent Show:The 2nd Annual Indy Talent Show was a fantastic success! We sold out the afternoon show and had around 150 at the evening show. Bill, Rachel and Lisa would like to thank the 20 students, family, and staff acts that made up this year's line-up. We had an even stronger 4th and 5th grade showing in this year's show
Parent Consultant NewsIndianola K-8 March, 2011
Mim Halterman Pat [email protected] [email protected] 262-2013
and a grand finale of original song lyrics about at day at Indy written by Lake Wilburn and performed by Lake and 8th grade friends. It was an amazing piece. Lisa is getting help from Jeff Clark to create a shortened version of the show on DVD and they will be available for sale for $5 in the near future! Thanks again for all the support & participation! “I Am From…”6th grade students shared their "I Am From...." poems at Columbus State Community College on Feb. 7th at a READ-IN which was part of the college's Black History Month Celebration. Four to five students were interspersed among presenters from the college, local storytellers, and college students who shared poems, specially created selections, and excerpts from speeches and narratives of famous African-American historic figures. The 20 students who shared did a marvelous job and received heartwarming applause from a very receptive audience. You may read their poems which are located on their cell posters in the hallway outside the library!--Lisa Seiberling, 6th grade teacher
Math Counts:Ian Eldridge-Allegra placed in the top 16 at the Math Counts competition held at Columbus State and will advance to the state level of competition. Only the top 10 students and top 6 teams get to advance. Ian placed 8th out of 380 contestants in the Math Counts Regional Competition. He is the only CCS student to move onto State Level competition! If you see Ian congratulate him on this extraordinary accomplishment. Good luck to Ian as he competes at the State Math Counts Competition on Sat., Mar. 12. Congratulations to the rest of the Math Counts team for their hard work and participation.
Breakfast of Science ChampionsSix 8th grade students participated in a science program at Ohio State Neurosciences Laboratory on Feb. 16. The students were engaged in brain activities and research.6th Grade Math ChallengeWyatt Crider, Emily Yoder-Tiedt, Rylan Mortensen, and Isabel Erickson will represent Indianola at the District Math Challenge Competition on Friday, March 4. The students participated in a school math challenge earning their places on the team. Good luck to the students.
District Power of the Pen:These students participated at the District POP at Gahanna South Middle School on Feb. 12: 8th grade: Amelia Koontz, Matisse Grootmyers, Emily Bennett, Miranda James, Emma Halterman; 7th grade: Emma Clark, Hannah Davey, Colleen Dearth, Bonnie Legg, Olivia Danner. The following students have advanced to the Regional POP to be held Sat., March 12 @ Dublin Henry Karrer Middle School: Emily Bennett, Emma Halterman; Olivia Danner, Colleen Dearth, Hannah Davey and Bonnie Legg. We wish these students good luck as they advance on to the regional.Middle grades spelling bee:7th grade student Anna Shapiro won the middle grades spelling bee on Feb. 18. Wyatt Crider, 6th grade student, was the runner-up. Congratulations to all the students who participated and did an excellent job. Good luck to Anna as she advances to the Regional Spelling Bee, Sat., March 5 at Centennial H.S.--Michelle Ballinger, middle grades G/T teacher
7th Grade Newsletter:Grace Hayes, Phoebe Griner, Rachel Schwerdtfeger, and Anna Shapiro have volunteered their services to manage and produce a weekly newsletter to keep families abreast of what is going on in the 7th grade. 7th
grade families should check their email Friday the 4th to view their debut issue!--Andrew and Jennifer, 7th grade teachers
Chris’ Corner…Spelling Bee
Elementary Spelling Bee winner Alia Coy-Smith will be representing Indianola Informal K-8 at the Columbus City Schools District Elementary Spelling Bee at Capital University on Thursday, March 3rd. Alia is a fifth grader in
Sylvia Jackson’s class. The runner-up in the spelling bee was Miles Fulmer, also a 5th
grader. Tied for 3rd place were Max Wissman (a 2nd grader) and Jack Jones (a 4th grader). We wish Alia the best in her competition.
Invention ConventionOn Wednesday, February 23rd, young inventors took the stage with their ingenious inventions. All the 4th graders, and some 2nd and 3rd graders brought their models, display boards and journals to school to showcase their creativity and ingenuity. Twelve students are going on to the District Invention Convention on March 23rd
at the Aladdin Shrine Center. Those students and the names of their inventions are:
Elise Coneglio: Coneglio Cord CaddyEva House: Theatre Minus OneTulia Spurgeon-Bieber: The Star Scooter TrailerEmma Crossman: The Ultimate Tailgate-Picnic BasketElla Eichorn: Measure MagicSophia Haffner: Sand SocksEmil Adams: Garage Open Indicator Light (G.O.I.L.) Heather Brooke: No Choke-O Cocoa SpoonTeague Kuhn: The Kid’s Cavity KillerRyley Boddeker-O’Connor: Retainer ReminderSam Kalyn: Bed-O-TalkerAnya Phillips: B-Anya Matsack
Honorable Mention went to these students: Matthew Seward, John Riley O’Toole, Gabriel Fish, Rain Juhl, Colin Ramsby, Carrie Legg, Lana Tleimat, Ben Heindrichs, Indira Arnold-Koehler, Kaia Long
Thanks to all the students for their hard work. Also a big thank-you to parents, student teachers and others for helping judge, not an easy job! Thanks to April for helping with scoring and for the entire custodial crew for helping set up! The creativity and imagination that were demonstrated through the Invention Convention were truly amazing.
A big thank you to Chris Hoell in orchestrating the Invention Convention and to Mim Halterman for finding judges and performing other logistical details. Thanks also to our great judges for volunteering and enjoying this opportunity: Jomika Sherrell, Emily Lenhart, Jennifer Scarbrough,Madison Cunningham, Taryn Schirtzinger, Heather
Jarvis, Megan Riley, Eric Wagner, Denise Jacobs, Alison Drelich, Erich WIlliams, Brue Hoyt, Mark Klingler, Megan Meuti, Kurt Mortensen and Karrie Mills. And much appreciation to April Repka who tallied all the judges’ results.
Health, Safety & Wellness…
Wellness InitiativeAbout fifteen people attended a meeting on February 8 to map out a course for the fledgling Indianola Wellness Initiative, an organization devoted to improving the health and well-being of the whole Indianola community. Representative of various areas related to wellness at Indianola spoke about activities that are happening now, and about plans for the future. (More details on this meeting, and the Wellness Initiative in general, will soon be posted on www.Indianolakids.org) Teresa Devitt spoke about physical activity for kids and adults at Indianola. She noted the existing resources, including Monday Morning Fitness, Nia on Wednesday mornings, and Mileage Club (soon to resume—watch for an announcement), among others. She also noted possible additions, such as open gym in the mornings, and bringing in other qualified fitness instructors. (Contact Teresa at [email protected].) Trish Dehnbostel of Local Matters appealed to the group to support the Food Matters (formerly Food is Elementary) program in the K-1 classrooms. Greater volunteer involvement, and grant money applied for by groups within the school, could help sustain this excellent program, which is at risk of being discontinued because of its high cost. (Local Matters currently provides the program at no cost to Indianola. Contact Trish at [email protected].)
Cass Freeland reported on traffic safety on the streets around the school--see article below. Cindy Gunn also briefed the group on the Outdoor Learning Center (garden)--see article following. Elizabeth Kraska introduced Simply Living’s Earth Institute courses that might be of interest to Indianola families. Many of the courses’ themes closely match the aims of the Wellness Initiative. Elizabeth mentioned “Healthy
Children – Healthy Planet” as one course that may be of particular interest to our school community. (Contact Elizabeth at [email protected].) Mark Klingler put forward ideas for an Environment and Conservation section of the Wellness Initiative. They include expanding the existing recycling program, exploring possibilities for reducing waste in the cafeteria (food, trays, plastic ware) and reducing energy consumption by keeping building doors closed and turning off lights. (Contact Mark at [email protected].) The Wellness Initiative plans to meet again in late March. Watch the Website calendar and Friday folders for announcement of a date. To learn more or to add your address to the Wellness Initiative mailing list send a message to Mark Klingler at [email protected].
Traffic and Safety UpdateWe have had several improvements in the Traffic and Safety area. At the beginning of February, the Columbus Police Department convened a meeting that included representatives from Columbus City Schools Traffic and Safety Division and the City of Columbus. As a result, the following improvements have been made:CCS will pay for crossing guards on Weber Rd. at arrival and dismissal times. They will use yellow cones and wear yellow jackets for visibility.The City of Columbus has added additional signs on Weber Rd. in both directions.The Columbus Police Department has assigned officers to do additional traffic enforcement in the mornings and afternoons. CCS will try to get certain buses to depart earlier, leaving the crosswalk more open for pedestrians. The City of Columbus will conduct a traffic study about the possibility of adding a crosswalk on Calumet at the Tibet intersection. We will continue to monitor progress on these issues. --Cass Freeland [email protected]
Healthy LunchThe Wellness Initiative at Indianola is looking at many things and among them is the food in our
cafeteria and in our classrooms. I was able to attend a conference held by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association at Granville High School on February 19-20th. Among the many wonderful sessions, there were two I attended that talked about school lunch programs. One of the sessions was held by the faculty leading the change of the food system at Granville schools. The second was a session led by two farmers from Johnstown that are helping change the food system at Northridge Schools. We are setting up meetings with them. If you are interested in being involved in these discussions please let me know. --Sara Gallaugher, Indianola parent [email protected]
Outdoor Learning Environment(Installing Sustainable Education at a wonderful place)
On February 18th Stephanie's 8th grade class began making the final plans for the installation of the edible garden. They observed the sun, soil of the proposed site, along with designing the beds for the edible garden. After the final measurements were taken we found that there are 2025 square feet to work with. The students designed a heart- shaped bed, a learning garden that will be planted with plants that will build and amend the soil, and some raised beds for food production. Thank you Liz Core, Heather Curtis, Jeff Eichhorn, and Mrs. Moore-Tyler for your volunteer time working with the students. The class will be meeting again during the month of March to determine the exact amounts of cardboard, straw and compost that will be needed to install the garden beds. Volunteers are needed to work with the 8th grade class on Fridays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. testing. Soil Science: the habitat beneath the plants. After some discussion about the health of the soil around the school, it has been decided to start an in depth look at what chemicals can be found in our soil and how students can create a healthy soil environment. This spring the 3rd and 7th grade classrooms will begin doing detailed soil tests and exploring what can be planted to help create a healthy environment. Instead of just one soil test these students will be testing the soil and ground water over the next few months and giving their recommendations about how to create a system to ensure the soil and water is clean for plants, animals and humans. Volunteers are
needed to work with students to collect soil and prepare it for testing.
Aren't available to work with students during the week but would still like to get involved? Never fear, there are several ways to help with the Outdoor Leaning Environment. We are currently looking for people who own trucks and are available to help haul materials. Volunteers are also needed to fill the trucks with materials. This will begin sometime in March depending on the weather. We are still in need of donations for the meadow project Melissa's 4th grade class will be installing. If you:
have seeds or plants you would like to donate;
have a truck we can use for hauling materials;
can help load materials; can work with students as they plan &
install beds or test soil;Contact Cindy Gunn - [email protected] . --Cindy Gunn, garden coordinator & Indianola parent
Sports and Fitness…Indianola TrackGo Coach Stephanie and the 7th & 8th Grade Knights! Track practice began March 1 to prepare for the upcoming meets. Mark your calendars!!
2011 MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK SCHEDULE Meets begin at 4:00 pm. Home team in BOLD.
3/28 Location: South Dominion, Hilltonia, Indianola K-8, Johnson Pk.
4/6 Location: MifflinIndianola K-8, Buckeye, Yorktown, Mifflin
4/11 Location: AfricentricAfricentric, Indianola K-8, Ridgeview, Yorktown
5/3 Location: AfricentricSherwood, Wedgewood, Berwick, Indianola K-8 5/9 Location: AfricentricAIMS, Indianola K-8, Monroe, Woodward Park 5/17 Location: Marion Franklin, Ridgeview, Starling, AIMS, Indianola K-8
Divisionals & Finals
Begin at 5:30 pm at Africentric
5/23 South Divisional5/24 North Divisional5/26 Finals
Exercise, Bollywood Style!A new Bollywood Dance Session started March 3!This class is open to students in grades 2-8, parents, staff, and alumni and meets Thursdays from 3:45-4:45. Only $36 for the 6-class session. Be there! You don't know what you're missing! I don't think I've ever taught such a FUN form of dance before. You've got to try it.--Sarah Morris
NiaA new session of Nia began March 2nd. Nia classes are held each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the gym and are led by Indianola parent Teresa Devitt. If you’d like more information, contact Teresa at [email protected]. REMEMBER - this is a Parent/Child class. Come and enjoy!!Room Rep News…Marie Boozer, PTO co-president, talked to our group at our February meeting about upcoming PTO events and PTO Board and committee chairperson nominations. Room Reps also were given a gentle reminder about planning a classroom or grade level event. Nudge, nudge! Our next meeting is Monday, April 11 at 9:15 a.m. in the Parent Room.
Teacher Room Rep(s)Mrs. M Patti O’Toole
Sarah DavisMichelle Erika Crawford
Tricia BrownElizaBeth Jessica Brown
Skye KennedyTracey Jennifer Nolte
Kelly ChellisJulie Catherine Bird
Lisa PfeiferAmy H Ginger RigsbeeEmilie Mark KlinglerTiffany Amy Cohen
Maria ConroyAmy P Karen Staley
Julie HughesShannon Amy StazSue Jackie WissmanDanielle & Nicole Cass FreelandMaree Paulene WilsonMelissa Sharone PutterRonda Mary BrownSylvia Heather Ziegler
Lisa Elizabeth Freeman-DaysTrina Susan BelairJennifer Emily AdesijiAndrew Denise JacobsStephanie Rachel McCloskey
Cindy EledathMonica Cat BaumgartnerFundraising & Donations…Indianola Art GalleryTired of looking at those same old boring walls? Need to brighten up the place for spring? You need some one-of-a-kind Indianola art! Check out the Indianola Art Gallery right outside the office. Pieces can be purchased for as little as $20 and all proceeds benefit our school.
Need a creative outlet? Artwork is currently being accepted and can be submitted by any current student, parent or staff member. Please contact Tracey McCarthy (K/1 teacher) at [email protected] with questions or to purchase or submit artwork.Summer Camp Info…Summer Opportunities Enrichment FairMonday April 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Downtown High School, 364 South Fourth St. The fair will offer information and resources for the students of the Columbus City Schools with a focus on the Gifted and Talented program. Virtual Summer Opportunities FairThe Parents for Academic Challenge and Enrichment (PACE) are pleased to announcethe 2011 Virtual Summer Opportunities Fair. Information can be found regardingmany vendors throughout Ohio offering residential and day camp experiences to yourchildren. For more information visithttp://www.columbuspace.org/2011/03/01/2011-p-a-c-e-virtual-summer-opportunities-fair.Middle school camp opportunitiesIf you are looking for summer camp ideas for your middle school-aged child, check the bulletin board outside the office. Please contact Michelle Ballinger, middle grades G/T teacher, at [email protected] if you are interested in camp scholarships—she has applications and can provide you with further info.Franklin Park ConservatoryFranklin Park Conservatory also offers a number of summer camps and special events. Go to www.fpconservatory.org for more information.
Freedom SchoolSummit United Methodist Church and Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church are partnering with the Children’s Defense Fund to sponsor the University District’s first Freedom School. It is a FREE 6-week summer curriculum for children in grades K-8 focused on nurturing:
a love of reading positive self image & character
development involvement in social action nutrition, health and mental health
More information can be found at http://summitumc.org/freedomschool/FREDOM_SCHOOLS.html. You can also contact April Blaine, co-pastor at Summit UMC at 291-3324 for more information.
Upcoming Indianola Events…Parenting AdolescentsTHE "PARENTING ADOLESCENTS" workshop has been rescheduled for this coming Tuesday (March 8) from 7:00-8:30 in the library. See attached flier for more information or contact Liz Core at [email protected] & Roll-A-ThonLook for more information coming SOON on the Walk & Roll-A-Thon Fundraiser during school. It's going to be fun, keep us fit and help support the 8th grade 4-day May trip to Colonial Williamsburg. T-shirts will be given to each person raising $20.00. Want to participate? Cost is $1.00 per person. Keep walkin' and rollin' !! You'll hear more soon!!
Vaccine Focus GroupColumbus Public Health would like to invite you to participate in a set of focus groups being held Wednesday, April 13 2011 from 6:30-9 pm in the Indianola K-8 library. We will be sharing the results of the vaccine safety engagement we held with parents on February 23rd and asking for your feedback on some proposed future applications of the information we have learned. At the February discussion session, we asked parents to share their thoughts and experiences regarding vaccine safety with the goal of improving communication between parents and doctors when making important
decisions about vaccination. Your fellow Indianola parents have been very open and helpful to us during this process, and we would like to thank all who have been a part of this important discussion! Please join us on April 13th to share your thoughts and contribute to the project.
We welcome any parent with a school-aged child, regardless of whether or not you attended the first session. Light refreshments will be provided, and you will receive a $20 Kroger gift card in appreciation of your time. Please RSVP no later than April 8 to Jim Baker via email at [email protected] or by calling 614-645-0178. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to your participation!--Jim Baker, RN, Immunization Program Manager Columbus Public Health
Coffee & Conversation Feeling out of the loop? Wish you knew more Indianola parents? Need to talk to some grown-ups for a change? Join us each Tuesday from 9-10 a.m. in the Parent Room for coffee, goodies and conversation. Recent conversation has run the gamut from updates on traffic & safety at Indianola; to S.B. 5 & the crowds gathering at the statehouse to voice their opinions; and upcoming events & volunteer opportunities at Indianola. Come and share your sparkling personality and perspective! Younger siblings are always welcome.
Upcoming Community Events…P.A.C.E. meetingJoin Parents for Academic Challenge & Enrichment (P.A.C.E.) at their next meeting:Monday March 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Shepard Center, 873 Walcutt Ave.
Compassionate Communication WorkshopWhat: “An Attitude of Gratitude”
Learn how to deepen your relationships, receive appreciation, create resilient relationships, and more. Beginner & Intermediate sessions available.
When: Friday, March 11 6:30-9:30 pmSaturday, March 12 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Where: Indianola Presbyterian Church1970 Waldeck Ave.
To register or for more information: email [email protected], call 558-1141, or register online at www.nvcohio.org. Fri. session is $40; Sat. session is $100; and both sessions are $120.
PTO PAGE…PTO Nominations and Recruitment beginningThe PTO is now taking nominations for board positions for the ‘11-'12 school year. Although some board members have agreed to return, all are willing to share or guide others in all positions. Therefore, we are seeking nominations for the following:
President/Co-president: Co - Beth RapachVice presidentSecretaryTreasurer: Co-Amy StazFundraising Chair: Co-Rob CohenVolunteer Coordinator(s)
In addition, we are also beginning to recruit committee chairs for school events such as the fall Ice Cream Social, the fall Book Fair, staff dinners on conference nights, Staff Appreciation Week, the spring Plant Sale, the spring Pot-luck/Carnival, and others. Please see the volunteer handbook at http://indianolakids.org/ for more information about these events.
To nominate someone or yourself, please send an email to Beth Rapach or Marie Boozer indicating nominee's name, position for which the person is being nominated and contact information. Elections will occur at the Spring Carnival on May 6.
For descriptions of volunteer positions, check out the Indianola Volunteer Handbook at http://indianolakids.org/volunteer/volunteer-handbook/.
Important Date
MARCH:Tues. 8th Parent Coffee
9-10 :00 amParent Room
Tues.. 8th “Parenting Adolescents”7-8:30 pmIndianola K-8 library
Thurs. 10th PTO Meeting“Compassionate Communication”6:45 pmLibrary
Tues. 15th Parent Coffee9-10:00 amParent Room
Tues. 22nd Parent Coffee9-10:00 amParent Coffee
Mon. 28th Track Meet4:00South High School
Tues. 29th Parent Coffee9-10:00 amParent Room
Weds. 30th Report Cards Home
APRIL:
Mon. 4th Newsletter submissions due
Weds. 6th Track meet 4:00Mifflin High School
m
PTO OfficersCo-Presidents:
Marie Boozer
[email protected] Rapach [email protected]
Vice President: Jorie [email protected]
Secretary:Heather [email protected]
Co-Treasurers: April Repka
[email protected] Staz [email protected]
Fundraising: Rob [email protected] [email protected]
Website Administrator: Ray [email protected]
Co-Volunteer Coordinators: Arin Blair & Tommy Goodfifisearthfriendlycleaning.com
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Spring is around the corner!