NOVEMBER 6, 2008

FROM THE DESK OF ANNE M. KREUL

Dear Parents,

DATES TO REMEMBER - NOVEMBER

 CHILD CARE FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

Attention parents! 

Are you looking for a quiet night to yourself? Do you have holiday shopping to do?  Drop your children off at Kids' Night at Brookfield East High School, hosted by Brookfield East's Student Council.  We'll provide a complimentary babysitting service! The night is filled with fun activities for your children to engage in such as decorating cookies, a movie, games, coloring, and much more!   The event is free, but donations will be accepted at the door and will go to a children's charity in the area.

Where: Brookfield East High School Cafeteria

When: December 5^th from 6:30-9 PM

Who: Preschool – 5^th graders

Why: So your kids can enjoy a night filled with fun activities!

Since the night is very busy with all of the activities that are taking place, we ask that the children being registered are potty trained.

Red

Orange

Cobalt blue

Aqua blue

Bright yellow

Golden yellow (orange yellow)

Light green (lime green)

Student Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders

Morning Arrival:
For all parents who drive their children to school in the morning.  Please do not drop off your child prior to 8:35 a.m.  There is no adult supervision for them until after 8:35 a.m.  Also, when you drop your child off, please be sure to pull up as far south as possible in order to avoid back ups on to Calhoun Rd.

Afternoon Dismissal:
Students receiving a ride home must have a written note that is received by the teacher in the morning and signed in the office.  Do not report to the gym, lobby, halls, or classroom to pick up your child. Please drive up to Parent Pick up, display sign with your last name in the window.  Parent pick-up students will be notified to report to the cafeteria at dismissal for supervised pick-up.  Please pick up your child on time (3:40pm.) EXCEPT EARLY RELEASE THURSDAYS WHEN DISMISSAL WILL BE AT 1:27 P.M.

LATE ARRIVALS TO SCHOOL:

Please note that students, who arrive to school AFTER 8:50, must be signed in at the Health Room.  For safety reasons, it is NOT permissible to drop them off without coming in to school and signing them in.

 FUNDRAISER WINNERS & REMINDERs

Swanson PTO Fall Fundraiser Raises $5,938!
Thank you to all who participated in the Swanson Fall Fundraiser!
Your efforts raised $5, 938 which will be used towards the purchase of new playground equipment.

Congratulations to the following students:
Top School Seller - Conner Diestelhorst (K-Digman) – awarded an IPod Shuffle
Top Kindergarten Seller - Conner Diestelhorst – awarded a stuffed Panda
Top First Grade Seller – Nicholas Blando – awarded a stuffed Panda
Top Second Grade Seller – Holden Dull – awarded a stuffed Panda
Top Third Grade Seller – Coker Lucas – awarded a stuffed Panda
Top Fourth Grade Seller – Matthew Rosario – awarded a stuffed Panda
Top Fifth Grade Seller – Brigitte Schmit – awarded a stuffed Panda
Danny Harrison (1-Thaney) awarded a digital camera in a random selection from all students selling more than 5 items.
Kayla Blaschke (2-Hardie) awarded a fiber optic lava lamp in a random selection from all students selling more than 25 items.
Great job Swanson!.

If you still have any fundraiser items you ordered but have not picked up, please come by the office to pick them up as soon as possible. THANK YOU!!

Election Day

For the past week, the 5th graders at Swanson Elementary have been doing numerous things to contribute to the 2008 election. This included organizing an all-school election in which each and every child got to vote, designing posters, making picture books to share with younger classes, skits encouraging young people to vote and making announcements on the loudspeaker. November 4, the day of the election, students performed a number of different things to entertain people coming in to vote, including a chorus performance (courtesy of Mrs. Lavender), and numerous band and orchestra performances. The results of the all-school election were Obama 48% McCain 52%.

 Everyday Mathematics: A Curriculum for the 21st Century

The philosophy of the EM program is based on extensive research about how students learn mathematics and how mathematics is taught. Students need a rigorous and balanced mathematics curriculum.

 Question:  How does Everyday Mathematics prepare children for standardized tests?

 Answer:  Everyday Mathematics prepares children for standardized tests through activities that strengthen the skills needed for success on these tests and familiarizes them with the standardized test format.  Children play games that reinforce basic facts; frequently discuss and analyze problem-solving strategies; and learn ways to check the reasonableness of an answer.  Throughout the program, children explain their thinking and reasoning in writing, which prepares them for the extended response questions that are becoming increasingly significant on state tests.  And because the program distributes instruction among all the mathematics strands and continually revisits topics, children approach standardized tests without gaps in their basic knowledge.

 
Linda Polulach
Instructional Resource Teacher

Gifted and Talented Newsletter

PARA-PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES!

If you are interested in joining our para team at Swanson...we have openings.  Our para-professionals work over the lunch hour (11:15-12:45) on the playground and in the hallways, supervising students and getting them to lunch.  We presently have Wednesday and Friday openings.  Please contact Wendy Ruhland (ruhlandw@elmbrookschools.org) if you are interested.

 1-2-3 MAGIC 

Dear Elmbrook Parents:

We are again offering the parent program 1-2-3 Magic for Elmbrook District parents. 
1-2-3 Magic will teach you practical, precise, and effective ways to manage children ages 2-12 years of age.  You can learn more about how to handle difficult behavior, encourage good behavior, and manage the predictable sidetrack of testing and manipulation.  1-2-3 Magic is based on scientific research with children and parents like you.  The program was developed by Thomas Phelan, Ph.D.  Sessions will be held on:

Tuesdays, January 20, 27 and February 3, 2009, from 9:15 - 10:45 AM
At Swanson Elementary School, 305 N. Calhoun Road

OR

Tuesdays, January 20, 27 and February 3, 2009, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
At Burleigh Elementary School, 16185 Burleigh Place

Childcare will be provided for both sessions with advance registration.

To register for 1-2-3 Magic, please call 262-781-3030, Ext. 1238 by November 21, 2008.

In your message, please be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and the sessions you will be attending (either Tuesday mornings or evenings).  Also, please state the ages of your children if you require childcare.  We will contact you to confirm your registration.

There is no cost for 1-2-3 Magic, though we encourage parents to purchase the book of the same name.  The book is available at local bookstores for approximately $14.95.  If the book is not currently on the shelves it can be ordered and available at the bookstore within a few days.  Another option is purchasing online at www.amazon.com or www.parentmagicstore.com. 

SHOO THE FLU

What is the Flu?
The flu is a respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. It is spread when someone with the flu sneezes, coughs, or talks causing droplets with the virus to be in the air. The droplets infect the nose and throat of others. People get sick 1-3 days after exposure. The flu causes:
                                   -Fever                       -Headache
                                   -Sore throat               -Cough
                                   -Chills                       -Muscle aches

Who is at High Risk For Complications from the Flu?
Persons in the high risk categories listed below are most likely to have a serious case of the flu which may result in hospitalization and/or death.
     -Persons 65 years of age or older.
     -Children and Adults with chronic health conditions including: heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, women who will be at least 3 months pregnant during flu season, and children age 6 months to 18 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
     -Children age 6 to 23 months  

How can the Flu be prevented?
A yearly flu shot is the most important way to prevent the flu. It is recommended for persons age 65 and older and individuals over the age of 2 with certain medical conditions. Taking anti-flu medication is not a substitute for vaccination.

What else can be done to prevent the Flu?
There are several important step everyone should follow to prevent the flu:

     -Keep hands away from the face
     -Wash hands regularly
     -Cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of it properly
     -Keep infants away from crowds
     -If ill avoid exposing others, especially young children, the elderly, and people with debilitating illnesses
     -If sick with the flu, STAY HOME. Do not go to work or school.

Note: Don't give aspirin to children with the flu; it may cause Reye Syndrome

 For further information, Call the Public Health Center at (262)896-8430 

 Time for recess!

Each day, unless it is raining, our students will be going outside for recess.  Please make sure your child is coming to school with appropriate footwear and outerwear for the cooler temperatures we will be seeing regularly!  Students will not be allowed to stay inside just because they forgot their jacket at home!

 WEATHER RELATED– SCHOOL CLOSING

We are always faced with the possibility in extremely bad weather of not opening our schools in the morning, or closing the schools during the day due to emergencies.  The problem of getting each student home safely could be a serious one, unless plans for each youngster are carefully worked out in advance.

If a storm occurs during the night or early morning and the Elmbrook Schools are to be closed, the announcement will be made periodically starting at about 6:00 A.M., over local radio/TV stations.  In addition, a Parentlink call will be sent out to all households informing you of the school closing.  

You will be notified if school days need to be "made up" or rescheduled.

When schools are closed after the start of the school day, the goal is to make the decision as soon as possible.  Information about the closing of schools will be communicated via Parentlink, District website, broadcast on local radio, TV stations and TV websites.  Upon emergency dismissal, the procedure will be to place your child on his/her assigned bus.  On-site after-school childcare (YMCA) will not be operational when schools close.

KIDS' NEWS FROM THE BROOKFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

TWILIGHT TALES
Every Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.  Come for a family storytime with songs and stories.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Tuesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m., join us for a sing-along with Miss Vicki.  Sing and clap together with all your favorite songs.

CRAFT SATURDAY
Saturday, November 15, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Join us for a seasonal craft. 
We provide all the supplies, just bring your imagination. 

Library Hours
Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
1900 N. Calhoun Road, 262-782-4140, option 2
www.brookfieldlibrary.com
Where to go when you want to know!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR 

Help!
 
Book Fair Volunteers Are Still Needed—if you love books you can volunteer to assist at the Book Fair. We need help to set up the fair,  support children in their selections, and take down the fair. If you are interested in helping at the book fair please contact Dawn Alderton (262) 641-2677 e-mail dawnk@hkmech.com

ELMBROOK EDUCATION FOUNDATION

 On Tuesday, December 2, the Elmbrook Education Foundation is hosting its annual "Ladies Night" event at the Westmoor Country Club from 7-11 p.m..  The evening features a rare opportunity to enjoy Westmoor's mouthwatering h'ors d'oerves and delictable desserts while getting to know other women from across the District.  Please consider joining the fun by attending the event.  All proceeds benefit the Foundation's Educational Grant Program (approx. $30,000 annually) and Continuing Education Scholarship Program (approx. $25,000 annually).  Your support of this event truly supports the children across our Elmbrook schools and is greatly appreciated.  Advanced registration prior to 11/15 is strongly recommended to reserve a seat/table.  Registration forms have been sent home but are also available on the Foundation's web site at www.elmbrookeducationfoundation.com. 

SCRIP NEWS

 SCRIP is a great way to say THANKS!

Who wouldn't like to receive a Scrip gift card as a thank you?  And there are SO MANY to choose from … just pick one that matches your gift recipient!  And Swanson also benefits!  Look what's NEW with SCRIP this month:

NEW RETAILERS added to our list:
 Overstock.com, $25 with an 8% benefit to Swanson
 American Express Gift Card $100 – 1.25%
 REI $25 – 8%
 Jiffy Lube $30 -- 8%
 $5.60 holiday sampler (16pc) Gift Card Wrappers – 20%

CHANGES:
 Home Depot has raised its benefit to 4%

CURRENT BONUS CONTRIBUTIONS:
 Eddie Bauer -- 15% benefit (6% bonus)
 Bath & Body Works – 18% (5% bonus)
 BedandBreakfast.com – 5% (5% bonus)
 Cabela's – 14% (3% bonus)
 L.L. Bean – 17% (2% bonus)
 Gap/Old Navy – 11% (2% bonus)
 T.G.I. Fridays – 10% (1% bonus)
 JCPenney – 6% (1% bonus)

Plus, for every $25 in JCPenney SCRIP ordered this month, Swanson gets a chance to win $500, $1000, or $1500.

See your Thursday folder or go to the Swanson web site to print your order form and waiver at http://www.elmbrookschools.org/display/Swanson_SCRIP.nws

TALENT DAY!

Would you like to catch Swanson talent in-the-making?  Please consider
this an invitation to attend our General Music Talent Days during the
Wed, Nov. 5 - Thurs, Nov. 13.  Talent Day is an opportunity for children
to share with others how music is meaningful in their lives.  Scheduled
during their General Music classes, you will catch children sharing
songs, dances, instruments, reports and more while learning poise and
self-confidence!  Talent Day is not a concert.  Talent Day is not a
recital.  Talent Day is all about children developing and expressing the
joy of music in their lives.  Bring your smiles and applause!  See you
there!  - Mrs. Lavender and Mrs. Misfeldt


DATES/ROOMS/TIMES:

GRADE 5 (Lavender Rm 109 – Two days):
Geers: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 11:30
          W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 11:30
Lautens: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 11:00
            W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 11:00
Marinello: W, 11/5 (RED) @ 11:00
      T, 11/11 (YELLOW) @ 11:30
Mikulecky: W, 11/5 (RED) @ 11:30        
               Th, 11/13 (BLUE) @ 11:30


GRADE 4 (Lavender Rm 109 – Two days):
Ebert: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 10:00
        W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 10:30
Gebauer: W, 11/5 (RED) @ 10:00
              T, 11/11 (YELLOW) @ 11:00
Kania: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 10:30
         Th, 11/13 (BLUE) @ 10:00
Sommerville: W, 11/5 (RED) @ 10:30
 Th, 11/13 (BLUE) @ 11:00


GRADE 3 (Lavender Rm 109 – Two days):
Graettinger: W, 11/5 (RED) @ 2:00
W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 2:30
Hessler: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 2:00
            T, 11/11 (YELLOW) @ 2:00
Schneider: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 3:00
               W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 3:00
Slonac: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 2:30
          Th, 11/13 (BLUE) @2:30
Traudt: W, 11/5 (RED) @ 2:30
           Th, 11/13 (BLUE) @ 3:00

GRADE 2 (Lavender Rm 109 – Two days):
Gardiner: W, 11/5 (RED) @ 9:00
              W, 11/12 (GREEN) @1:30
Hardie: M, 11/10 (ORANGE) @ 9:00
          W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 1:00
Hebein: T, 11/11 (YELLOW) @10:00
           W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 9:00
Vicenik: T, 11/11 (YELLOW) @ 9:30
           Th, 11/13 (BLUE) @ 9:30
Wolosek: T, 11/11 (YELLOW) @ 9:00
             Th, 11/13 (BLUE) @ 9:00


GRADE 1 (Misfeldt Rm 112 – One day):
Buban: W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 1:00
Davis: W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 3:00
Defnet: W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 1:30
Jentsch: W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 12:30
Thaney: W, 11/12 (GREEN) @ 2:30


Cheryl Lavender
Swanson General Music/Super Singers/ACE

MARKET DAY

We would like to thank everyone who bought desserts for our school fundraiser. We sold 262 desserts.  The winner of the $50 BP gas card was the Schmit family, the winner of the $25 marcus movie gift card is the Wu-McGuire family, and the winner of the $25 Uno's gift card was the Debbink family.
The classes that won the popcorn party (date to be determined) are for K- Mrs. Schubert's class, for 1st` - Mrs. Thaney, for 2nd- Mrs. Vicenik, for 3rd- Mrs. Slonac, for 4th- Mrs. Ebert, and for 5th – Mrs. Lautenschlager.
We would also like to thank the awesome group of volunteers that came Monday afternoon to help unload the truck, inventory and get orders ready for distribution: Ellen Vandenberg, Sunmi Lee, Kim Bednar, Carla Fermann, Kim Debbink, Lisa Thomsen, Lisa Hemani, and Jill Crivello.
Thanks again to all the families for you Market Day support! Next month's market day will feature cookie dough, just in time for your holiday baking!

                                        Cathy Rayburn and Denise Friestedt

MAKE EVERY CAN COUNT!!!

Swanson Elementary School will be participating in a student council sponsored All-School Food Drive during the month of November.  From November 10th - 25th, please bring in any non-perishable food items to the school lobby.  You can place your items right into the marked collection barrels on your way to class!  Since this is an all-school collection, there is no need to hunt for a specific classroom box.  Rather, we will all work together to reach our goal of collecting 1,000 items!  The student council members will keep track of our items and will then "Stuff the Bus" with radio station 99.1 FM on Wednesday, November 26th.  All items will go to the Second Harvest of Wisconsin. 

Remember, all items will be accepted November 10th - November 25th.  Let's work together to help make a difference in our community!

PAJAMA DAY!!!

Swanson Elementary School will be quite comfy on Tuesday, November 25th.  All students, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to wear pajamas to school!  As long as the jammies are comfortable and warm enough, you are welcome to wear them to school.  Pajama pants must be worn under any nightgowns, stuffed animals must stay at home, and sleep hats should catch some zzzz's of their own while we are at school.  All participants should wear appropriate footwear (especially gym shoes for phy. ed. class!), but slippers are okay for in the building.  If slippers are the slip-on type, please think about all of the stairs we travel on each day and consider if the slippers are a safe option for the school day. 

Don't worry about choosing an outfit for Tuesday, November 25th.  Just come in your favorite PJ's and enjoy a cozy-comfy day, the Swanson spirit way!

*sponsored by the Swanson Student Council