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Gopher Gazette
Chafield Public Schools
Newsletter
U.S.Postage Paid
Chatfield, MN
Permit No. 22
Non-Profit
Web Site: www.chatfieldpublicschools.net
(507) 867-4210
ECRWSS
BOXHOLDER
CHATFIELD,MN
Issue 2
Volume 33
From the Desk of the Superintendent
Greetings from Gopher Country! This is a great time of year for an update
because we are now getting information back about the prior year in terms
of student performance and budget outcomes. It is this type of information
that we will now be using to further predict what the upcoming needs of the
District are in the short term and what they could be in the long term.
Student Achievement
According to how the State of Minnesota now measures school performance
(Multiple Measure Rating), our kids and staff gave us a lot to be proud of
last year. While the high school succeeded in increasing by over 10 percentage points what was already a strong rating from the year before, the elementary completely blew away their modest score from the prior year by
over 48 percentage points! This rating is based upon the Math and Reading
state test results (MCA) and how much students have improved from one
year to the next and if we are closing any achievement gaps present for atrisk student groups. The teachers and principals in both building should be
commended. Last year was a “watershed moment” so to speak where new
insights were realized and plans were developed that should support teacher
development, training, and use of student data in a way that sets new standards for how our teachers teach and how our students learn. However, it is
fair to say that one year of great scores across the District does not constitute
a trend, but, we like what we have seen so far and are going to do all we can
to continue it.
Budget and Enrollment
There is mixed news on this subject. Current financial and enrollment projections indicate impeding budget shortfalls in the next couple of years (i.e.
expenses increasing at a faster rate than revenues). The good news is that
this is pretty close to what we were forecasting when the operating levy was
passed/renewed in 2011. Since then, there have been some increases in state
funding which we have used to expand programming. To slow the advance
of the shortfall, the operational budget for this year was cut by about
$200,000. After this year’s cuts, future reductions (if needed) will likely
begin to impact programs. We may be looking at another reduction for 2015
-2016 depending upon what happens in the state legislature next spring and
if our enrollment trends continue. As of now, our enrollment growth appears to be stalling and gently receding. After 2 big classes in the last 4
years, (2nd and 4th grade) this year’s kindergarten is smaller than projected
with next year’s set to be smaller yet. This is somewhat concerning as our
revenue is directly tied to student enrollment. We have been slightly over
900 students for several years, but are projected to dip down below that next
year. In the coming weeks, the school board and administration will be discussing this and determining proactive measures to address it.
Nov./Dec./Jan. 2014-15
11th Annual Veteran’s Day Concert
Tuesday, November 11th, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Chatfield High School Gym
7th-12th Grade Band and 9th-12th Choir
19th Annual Molly-Jake Alumni
Basketball Tournament
Fundraiser
When: Saturday, January 17th, 2015
Where: Chatfield High School
All former Chatfield High School Grads are welcomed and
encouraged to play! If you choose not to play, we would love
to have you join us. The main concept is to see each other.
This is a community event and hope to see you there!!!
If interested, contact Brian Baum 867-0027 or
Mike Urban 507-259-4495 or Al Neis 507-251-6609 or
Allison Allen 867-9233.
Facilities
When the school board and administration address the operational budget
concern noted above, there will also be discussions related to long term facility needs. Specifically, larger/longer term maintenance and capital projects which are needed and/or desired but cannot be funded through annual
budgets will be identified, prioritized, and estimated for cost (most of which
are at the high school site). At that point, further discussion will ensue regarding next steps.
Strategic Planning
It has been several years since the District has engaged in a strategic planning exercise where such things as vision, mission, and school district goals
were reviewed. At the last school board meeting, I suggested that we consider a process that would assist us in reviewing how we want the District to
function and what the priorities should be to guide decision making and program management. At the next meeting I intend to share with them some
ideas on how this may be actuated and what types of outcomes they could
expect.
I continue to be honored to serve this fine school district. Our students and
staff enjoy strong support from the community and perform in so many exemplary ways every day that it is often humbling.
Honorary Class of 1980
On May 31, 2015, the Class of 1980 will be the 35 year honorary class
at the 2015 Graduation ceremony. Graduates of 1980 please mark
your calendar and plan on attending and being recognized during this
very special day.
If you were a 1980 senior class officer please contact Sharon Manahan, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, at (507)867-4210 or
[email protected].
EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING
Go Gophers!!
Edward J. Harris
Fall Screening—Wednesday, November 5th, 2014
Spring Screening—Thursday, February 5th, 2015
Call Eb Allen to schedule an appointment 507-867-4521,
ext. 4211.
Page 2
District News
Page 2
Chatfield Youth Wrestling Registration
2014-2015 Season
Lions Club Senior Citizen
Christmas Dinner
www.chatfieldwrestling.com
All senior citizens and former residents of
the Chatfield High School District, 70 years
of age or older, and their spouses, are invited to attend the Annual Senior Citizen
Christmas Dinner.
Chatfield Youth Wrestling will begin on Tuesday December 2nd, 2014. ALL
parents are encouraged to attend an informational meeting on Thursday November 20th at 7 PM in the high school multi-purpose room. Meeting is to
provide information and have an opportunity to ask questions about the
youth wrestling program, meet the coaches, receive packets and to sign up
their wrestler.
When: Saturday, December 13th, 2014
Time: 12noon
Where: Chatfield Elementary School
Menu: Turkey, Dressing, Potatoes, Vegetables,
and Dessert
Cost: NONE
REFS NEEDED!
Anyone interested in reffing 7th, 8th, or 9th
Grade Basketball (girls and/or boys) this winter and 7th & 8th Grade Softball and Baseball
this Spring, contact Terri Dudek at 507-867-4210 or
[email protected].
Interested wrestlers will begin their practice December 2nd.
Practices will be held every Tuesday and Thursday
6:00-7:00 pm for Pre-K to 2nd grade &
7:00-8:30 pm for 3rd-6th grade.
Children should be at least 4 years old and going to kindergarten fall of 2014
to participate in wrestling.
Please register at the meeting on November 20 th or send forms and payment to:
Chatfield Wrestling Booster Club
C/O Ellen House
106 Avenue A NE
Chatfield, MN 55923
Name: _______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
Senior Class Raffle Winners
September, 2014
September 1
Bryan Bicknese
September 2
Paul Musolf
September 3
Diane Vogen
September 4
Morgan Tuohy
September 5
Patty Kammer
September 6
Dan Conway
September 7
Jim Grant
September 8
Dan Hurley
September 9
Kelly Nosbisch
September 10
Jim Stevens
September 11
Julie Seurer
September 12
Pauline Kappers
September 13
Heath Mensink
September 14
Kari Wilcox
September 15
Pam Bluhm
September 16
Todd Kruegel
September 17
Sue McKenzie
September 18
Lisa Clarke
September 19
Jerry Clemens
September 20
Ryan Demorest
September 21
Anne Oakley
September 22
Bruce Bluhm
September 23
Dough Iverson
September 24
Robert Nelson
September 25
Todd Kruegel
September 26
Lucas Schott
September 27
Joel Young
September 28
Kayla Swee
September 29
Mary Fredrickson
September 30
Eric Kammer
October, 2014
October 1
October 2
October 3
October 4
October 5
October 6
October 7
October 8
October 9
October 10
October 11
October 12
October 13
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
October 18
October 19
October 20
October 21
October 22
October 23
October 24
October 25
October 26
October 27
October 28
October 29
October 30
October 31
Home Phone: ________________________Birthdate: _________________
Age: _______________________ Grade: ___________________________
Mike Viker
Brian Baum
Jean Hackman
Stacy Steele
Trina McDonald
Jodi Erding
Tom Jeffers
Jeff Littrell
Darcie Derouin
Amy Hines
Gladys Karver
Dan Keefe
Rocky Burnett
Cindy Morrison
Ben Yost
Chris Blees
Dave Eagle
Jeff Littrell
Jill Wright
Alex Haffner
Rick Bell
Konnie Bicknese
Karolyn Jacobs
Beth Clarke
Dan Goldsmith
Conrad Fingerson
Tom Judd
Jan Nelson
Brent Tweten
Kristi Voller
Mark Welch
NEW for 2014-2015
SENIOR CITIZENS PASSES
At the July 21st, 2014 school board meeting
the board approved that ALL SENIOR CITIZENS, 62 and over, will be allowed to gain entry into local athletic events FREE OF
CHARGE. This applies to all seniors who
would be attending the sports event not just
Chatfield School District residents. However,
for all section sporting events, the seniors
will be charged the section fee rate.
Parent/Guardian Names: _________________________________________
Emergency Contact Number: _____________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________
Registration Fees:
Season Fee……………………………………
$25.00………………$ ____________
(Starts December 4, 2014)
Family Cap Fee ………………………………
$40.00………………$ ____________
(For families with more than 1 wrestler)
TOTAL: $ ____________
I give permission for _____________________________ to participate in
Chatfield youth wrestling season 2014-2015. I accept full responsibility
for obedience and good sportsmanship. I agree not to hold the Chatfield
Youth Wrestling Club, the Wrestling Booster Club, the Chatfield Public
School District and its property responsible for injury or accident to my
child traveling to, during and from practice or tournaments and further
state that I have adequate health insurance to cover any injuries or sickness incurred during practice or tournaments.
SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN__________________________________
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY
ATTENDANCE POLICY
STUDENTS IN KINDERGARTEN-SIXTH GRADE
Beginning with indoor sports (volleyball, girls and boys
basketball and wrestling), students in grades K-6 MUST
be accompanied by their parents or another responsible
adult.
The adult MUST be with them at the time they are
purchasing a ticket.
Page 3
High School News
Page 3
RANDY PAULSON
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
7TH-12TH GRADES
(507) 867-4210, ext. 5053
Important Dates
November 3
No School, Teachers Workshop
3 Rivers Conference Music Event at
high school
November 11
12th Annual Veteran’s Day Concert
CHS Gym, 7-12 Band and 9-12
Choir, 7:00 p.m.
November 26
Early Out 1:00 pm, Staff Development
Day
November 27 & 28
No School, Thanksgiving Break
December 18
Holiday 7-12 choir/9-12 Band
Concert, CHS Gym, 7:00 p.m.
December 23
Early Out 1:00 pm, Staff
Development Day
Dec. 24 – Jan. 2
Winter Break
January 5, 2015
School resumes
ATTENTION PARENTS OF 7-12 GRADE
STUDENTS:
Teachers are required to keep a website up to date with assignments for the
week and a syllabus for the course. If your child misses school, we would ask
you or your student to utilize these webpages to obtain missing coursework to
make-up. If you do not have internet we will look up the information for you
and let you know or help you look them up using the terminal that is available
to the public in our main office.
Teachers are also required to have your child’s grades up-to-date on Family
Access within one week after the posted deadline. This deadline is extended
to two weeks for large projects and long papers that take more time to correct
than typical assignments, quizzes, and tests. If the time goes beyond one
week please contact your teacher for an update.
Chatfield High School’s
Late Work
Procedures & Guidelines
1.
2.
3.
No student shall receive a zero unless they fail to either complete the
assignment at all, or do not complete the assignment by the teacher’s
deadline.
If the student completes the assignment by the deadline, they shall receive no lower than 50% for the completed assignment.
Deadlines set by teachers must be a minimum of two weeks from the
time the assignment deadline is posted, but may continue until the end of
the quarter, at the teacher’s discretion. Teachers are required to post their
assignment deadlines on their school website.
CHS Receives Donation from Target
Chatfield High School received just under $800 from the “Take
Charge of Education” program. “Take Charge of Education” is one of
the ways Target supports education in our community. When parents,
teachers, and other school supporters use the REDcard Target donates
up to 1% of their purchases to our school. In order to designate our
school on your REDcard or for more information on how to get a
REDcard go to Target.com/TCOE or call
1-800-316-6142. This is a great way for relatives nationwide to donate
to our school to help support education by selecting Chatfield High
School when registering their Target REDcard. This year’s donation
will help support new programs and supplies for students. Thanks to
parents, teachers and other supporters Chatfield High School is able to
benefit from this program.
Chatfield High School
Dress code
Students are required to meet certain standards when it comes to being
properly dressed when they come to school. There are usually two main
categories that are violated; too much exposure and inappropriate messages written on clothing.
Students need to be properly covered when they attend school. Short shorts,
and skirts, (all shorts and skirts need to go down just past the students finger
tips and no holes that expose underwear or skin above the finger tips),
“skimpy” tops (tube tops, halter tops, and spaghetti straps must be at least
one inch wide), tops, pants, or shorts that expose the midriff (no midriff is
allowed to be shown), visible undergarments (no underwear or bras are allowed to be shown) and other clothing that is not in keeping with community standards. Students should not have any cleavage, underwear, belly (mid
section), upper part of their leg showing.
Students need to wear clothing that does not offend other students or staff.
Inappropriate or lewd slogans, vulgar language, obscene drawings or pictures are not appropriate for school. Any type of slogans or apparel that
promotes products and/or activities that are illegal or ethically wrong for
minors are not allowed to be worn.
Students can be required not to wear items that violate the above code. Students can also have the following consequences:
1.
2.
3.
Warning – Change of clothing
1 hour detention – change of clothing
One day of ISS, MSHSL violation and no after school activities.
Severe violations may start with ISS or Suspension
The best way to resolve dress code issues is at home before the student
comes to school. Administration, faculty and staff appreciate the support of
our parents with dress code issues. Also, please ask for our support too. It
is not uncommon for parents to call and ask school officials for their advice
with dress code issues.
Goodies From the Kitchen
Happy Fall Ya’ll!!
Another school year is under way. We’ve had some challenges and triumphs. The challenges have been the new federal school lunch guidelines.
One change is that all our grains must be whole grain. This has been a considerable challenge because the products available to us has been limited and
sometimes in many cases they are just not the same quality as items made
with regular flour. We are learning new cooking techniques and trying to
adjust to make our lunches top quality. The second biggest change has been
the limits set on a la carte items. Some of our items could not be brought
back, some the packaging sizes got smaller and our list of available and acceptable items got shorter. We recognize that all these changes are for the
better health and wellness of our students so we all need to adjust and work
toward a better, healthier tomorrow.
The triumphs this year has been in the staff. We have 3 new staff members,
2 at the elementary and 1 at the high school. I was able to hire some qualified individuals. They are working out great and working well with the dedicated, hardworking staff we already have. I am so looking forward to a fun
and successful year.
When you get this newsletter we will have celebrated National School Lunch
Week, “Score More with School Lunch” is the theme this year. By eating
healthy and being active students can improve themselves not only in the
game but in the classroom. We plan music and decorations, activities and all
around fun to help get the message across.
Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon be upon us and with these holidays
food plays a big part of the celebrations. This year try to be conscious of the
amounts and quality of the foods you use to celebrate. Incorporate more
fruits and vegetables, lean meats and less fatty items. There are many alternatives and substitutes out there to try. Make the holidays about family and
friends and less about the feasts. Have a healthier holiday, you’ll feel better
physically and you’ll actually enjoy it more.
See ya in the lunch line!
Gwen McCaulley
Food Service Director
Page 4
High School News
Counselor’s Corner
Lindsey Olson
Happy winter! It is a busy season for seniors and I am here to help if
you have any questions on college applications, the ACT, financial
aid, and scholarships! However, I will be out on maternity leave from
approximately December – February. Chelsie Hinrichs, a counseling
intern from Winona State University who has been with me all year
will be filling in during my absence. Her contact information is [email protected] or 507-867-4210, extension 5054. She
will be here to help students finish their college applications, apply
for scholarships/financial aid, register/change second semester classes, and provide counseling services for students that need to talk
about any academic, social, or college/career concerns. I will be back
in the office by March 1st to finish out the school year!
Seniors: For this fall, Seniors should be working on getting their applications in to colleges, and keeping up with their classes. If any
Seniors are struggling in their classes this year, they should make sure
to keep on top of what their grade is, talk to their teachers, and ask for
additional help if they need it. I will be checking in with any Seniors
who are struggling in some classes to make sure we are doing all we
can to get them to graduation! In addition to keeping up in their classes, Seniors should be working on college applications! All seniors
interested in attending a 4-year college should have taken the
ACT, and should apply to their colleges by December 15th! After
students apply to their colleges, they should drop in and let me know
where they applied, and I will make sure to get their transcripts sent
out to their respective colleges. This applies to all two and four year
colleges!
Juniors: Juniors should also be keeping up with course work, and
making sure that they are meeting all graduation requirements. They
should also be thinking about visiting college campuses, and taking
the ACT in the spring. To graduate, ALL JUNIORS MUST TAKE
THE ACT ON APRIL 28th THIS YEAR AT CHATFIELD HIGH
SCHOOL during the school day. If they miss this test, they
MUST make it up on May 12th to be able to graduate the following year. This applies to ALL juniors, regardless if they are in
PSEO, or are sick on one of the test days. Please plan ahead to be
here one of those two days! The in-school test date is free. However,
it is still recommended that Juniors take the ACT at least twice during
the Spring/Summer of their Junior year. So, other than the April 28th
date, Juniors should plan to test on February 7th, April 18th, or June
13th.
Scholarships: All Juniors and Seniors should also think about signing
up for Fastweb, a free scholarship search engine. The address is
www.fastweb.com. Students go on and create a profile by answering
questions about themselves and their family members. Then, Fastweb
matches them with scholarships that they are eligible for. I also have a
file folder of scholarships for national programs on my table in my
office for students to go through. Remember, you should NEVER pay
for a scholarship search service – there are many great free services
out there! For local scholarships, Seniors will receive a packet of all
local scholarships before Christmas break, and these applications will
be due by March 1st. Seniors should also be checking with their possible colleges to see if there are applications for college-specific
scholarships.
Financial Aid: After January 1st, all parents of seniors should try to
file their taxes as soon as possible. This way, Seniors and their families can begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid, available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is for ALL students attending college to fill out, and will award students federal grants, loans,
and work study monies. Do not go to fafsa.com – it is a false site that
charges money to apply and the FAFSA is always free!
Page 4
A Review of Our Weapons Policy
Below is a copy of our Weapons Policy. Students are at no time permitted to
have or have access to any type of weapon or explosive while on school
grounds. Too often students are found in schools in possession of a weapon
without realizing that they are in violation of the school’s Weapons Policy
and the state’s Zero Tolerance Weapon Law.
Pocket knives are one of the most common violations of our policy. Students need to remember to take their pocket knives out of their coats or pants
before coming to school. Hunting time causes other violations as well. Students must make sure that they do not leave any gun, ammunition, bows &
arrows in their vehicle (including the trunk) and then drive the car on the
school grounds. This is also considered a violation of our weapons policy.
Parents and students should review the policy below. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Randy Paulson, High School Principal, at (507)
867-4210.
WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES, ASSAULTS AND
DANGEROUS OBJECTS
Weapons means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, any device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use, capable of threatening or
producing great bodily harm or death. Examples include, but are not limited
to: guns, included pellet guns, look-alike guns, or non-functioning guns,
knives, clubs, metal knuckles, num-chucks, throwing stars, explosives, stunguns, and ammunition. A student who finds a weapon, or inadvertently
brings a weapon on to school property or in the school building, is required
to bring the weapon to the principal’s office immediately. No disciplinary
action will be taken toward the student in this circumstance.
Possession of a weapon: Possession of a weapon is defined as having a
weapon on one’s person or in an area subject to one’s control on school property or at a school function.
Possession of any weapon will result in:
1. Confiscation of the weapon,
2. Suspension up to 10 days, pending expulsion recommendation
and hearing,
3. Notification of legal authorities,
4. Recommendation to the superintendent of expulsion from
school.
Assault: Assault is a threat of bodily harm or death to another person without physical contact. A threat will result in one of the following consequences.
1. Parent, student/principal conference
2. Suspension from school
3. Recommendation to superintendent for expulsion from
school.
Students making a threat of bodily harm with a weapon will receive consequences according to the weapons section of the handbook.
HOLIDAY 7-12
CHOIR/9-12 BAND
CONCERT
CHS Gym
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 18th , 2014
Page 5
Community Education
Chatfield Community Education
LuAnn Klevan, Director
Patti A. Obey, Coordinator
(507)867-3265
[email protected]
[email protected]
CHATFIELD COMMUNITY EDUCATION REGISTRATION FORM
Name_________________________________________________________
Phone(H)_________________________(W)__________________________
Address________________________________________________________
Email Address__________________________________________________
Class Name_____________________________________________________
Waiver for Personal Injury: I release and hold harmless the staff, together
with its agents from any or all liability, claim of suit, known or unknown arising out of my participation.
Page 5
Chatfield Community Education is offering....
Home Alone
For kids currently in grades 4th, 5th, 6th.
When: Thursday, November 13th, 2014
Time: 3:00p.m.—5:00 p.m.
Where: Chatfield Elementary School, Art Room
Cost: $25.00 (make check out to Chatfield Community Education)
Instructor: Lori Hameister, Little Bit of Guidance: Early Childhood Training & Mentoring
Just mention the words “Home Alone,” and children think of the
excitement depicted in the movies of the same name. The reality of being
home alone can evoke fear and anxiety in many children. Whether left alone
for an hour after school or several hours a day during the summer, children
should feel comfortable being alone.
This workshop for children will address several topics to relating to
being “Home Alone”. Topics include personal safety, dealing with loneliness and boredom, storm safety, dealing with siblings as well as trust and
honest.
**You may bring a healthy snack!!!
Deadline for Registration: Friday, November 7th, 2014
Maximum number of kids in each class is 20!
2014 Home Alone
Name__________________________________ Grade/Teacher_________________
Parent/Adult Signature____________________________________________
Mail to: Chatfield Community Education Office, 205 Union Street NE,
Chatfield, MN 55923
Make checks payable to Chatfield Community Education, UNLESS
OTHERWISE NOTED.
Address______________________________________________________________
Email________________________________________________________________
Phone#_____________________________________Cell#_____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature_______________________________________________
Send this half of registration form along with registration fee to Chatfield Community
Education Office, 205 Union Street, NE, Chatfield, MN 55923.
C.E. HALLWALKING
Locations: Chatfield High School– 5:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
(NO PM WALKING at High School) &
Chatfield Elementary School—3:30-7:30 p.m.
Start Date: November 10th, 2014—March 31st, 2015
NO COST!
When arriving at elementary school, enter
door #3. When arriving at high school, enter
main or pool door.
No outdoor shoes will be allowed in school
while walking.
To register, fill out registration form on page 5 and send to
Chatfield Community Education Office, 205 Union Street NE,
Chatfield, MN 55923. OR email [email protected].
THANK YOU, TARGET!
Community Education received a $2000 grant from Target.
The funds will be used to purchase tubs of Action 100 books
for preschool. Preschool classrooms will have more book tubs
to rotate, providing a larger selection for our littlest readers.
Chatfield Community Education is offering....
Basic First Aid & Safety for Children
For kids currently in grades 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
When: Tuesday, December 16th, 2014
Time: 3:00p.m.—5:00 p.m.
Where: Chatfield Elementary School, Art Room
Cost: $25.00 (make check out to Chatfield Community Education)
Instructor: Lori Hameister, Little Bit of Guidance: Early Childhood
Training & Mentoring.
Have you ever seen someone fall over and hurt their leg? Or
perhaps you know someone who’s been very ill? Have you ever been near
an accident? Imagine being able to help out in each of these situations—
that’s what First Aid is all about. Children can make a difference in an
emergency situation. The most important thing is for them to know the
simple Basic First Aid steps to follow in different situations.
Please bring your favorite teddy bear with you to class.
**You may bring a healthy snack!!!
Deadline for Registration: Tuesday, December 9th, 2014
Maximum number of kids in each class is 20!
2014 Basic First Aid & Safety for Children
Name______________________________________ Grade/Teacher___________________
Address____________________________________________________________________
Email_____________________________________________________________________
TIPPI TOES DANCE
Instruction by Tara Cassman
Mondays at the Elementary School
Ballet/Tap/Jazz for 3-7 Year Olds – 3:00-3:45 p.m.
Hip Hop/Jazz for 6-12 Year Olds – 4:00-4:45 p.m.
$30 Registration Fee / $45 per month tuition
Enroll Online – www.TippiToesDance.com or call
Tara at 327-8950.
Classes are specifically designed to develop motor
skills and body awareness while enhancing each
child’s self-esteem. The classes fuel and develop the
imagination, critical thinking, and sharpen both cognitive and creative skills.
Phone#_______________________________Cell#_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________________________________
Send this half of registration form along with registration fee to Chatfield Community Education Office, 205 Union Street, NE, Chatfield, MN 55923.
WANTED:
District resident to serve on the Community
Education Advisory Council beginning in November. Share your
thoughts & ideas regarding the direction of Community Education.
The council meets four times per year.
If you are interested, contact LuAnn Klevan at 867-4210, ext. 5022 or
[email protected].
Registration Flyers for Boys and
Girls Elementary Basketball—
Kindergarten-2nd Grade will be
coming home end of November
first part of December.
Page 6
Community Ed Activities
PAINTING BASICS: Shapes & Values
(An Adult Enrichment Opportunity)
Page 6
Snowshoe Rental Policy
Saturday, Nov. 15
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Chatfield Art Center – Old Music Room
Instructor – Linda Gunderson
$34 Registration Fee
Register by Nov. 5th
$15 Materials Fee (Pay directly to the instructor)
Chatfield Community Education rents snowshoes to
the public for the promotion of healthy activity during the winter months. A nominal rental fee is
charged for each pair rented, and a security
deposit for each rental is required.
Join Linda for this basic painting class for beginners. Learn how to
see color values and shapes that bring a painted scene to life. Primary
focus will be on landscapes. Weather permitting time will be spent
outdoors. Class will include informal lecture and hands on practice.
Bring a sack lunch!
Rental Procedure: A person wishing to rent snowshoes should contact the Community Education Office to request a rental for the desired date(s) and to obtain a rental form. By phone: 507-867-3265
by Email: [email protected] In person: Chatfield Community Education Office, located in the high school building-Office
hours Monday-Friday 8:30-3:30 p.m. Renter will receive a confirmation from the Community Education Office with confirmed rental
dates and pick-up time/location.
HORIZONS – Enrichment Opportunities for
Adults with Disabilities
The Chatfield School District, Fillmore-Central, Kingsland, and
Rushford-Peterson form a consortium which provides enrichment
classes and special events for adults with disabilities. Activities are
held in various locations in Fillmore County. If you have a family
member or friend that would enjoy participating in Horizons, we
would love to add his or her name to our mailing list. Simply call
Community Education at 867-4210 x. 5022, or send the name and
mailing address to [email protected]. If there is interest in the Chatfield area, Community Education will work with
the Horizons Coordinator to offer classes in our community.
LEARN TO SKATE:
Beginning in January adults and children of
all ages (4 yrs. And older) will have the opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals of
ice skating.
Fee schedule is as follows: $5 per weekend/per pair (SaturdaySunday). A $15 deposit is required for EACH pair rented. Payments
need to be cash or check. (The District does not accept credit cards).
The deposit needs to be a separate payment from the equipment payment. Deposits are returned when the equipment is returned the next
business day.
Special arrangements may be made for rental on week days, if the
equipment is available. Contact Community Education at 867-3265.
Renters are responsible for equipment that is lost or damaged.
Replacement cost for snowshoes is $75/pair. Repair fees for damaged
equipment are the responsibility of the renter, up to the full replacement cost of $75/pair.
Instructions for use of the snowshoes will be included with each rental. Community Education will offer an introduction to snowshoeing
class annually.
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Initial funding for the Snowshoe Equipment was provided
through a SHIP Grant.
Snowshoe Equipment rental and instruction are made possible
through a collaboration with the Lost Creek Trail Committee.
Instructor Aaron Miliander will incorporate
drills to teach balance, stride, stopping, starting, turning and cross-overs.
Skating sessions will take place on the new Chatfield Outdoor
Ice Rink on Sundays, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Details will be available
on the school website, beginning in November. Flyers will be
distributed through the school, as well.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION NEEDS YOUR
HELP!!!
We are looking for instructors for our adult and youth
enrichment programs. Classes may be offered in one
session, or more. Whichever works best for you. Instructors are paid for instruction and prep time. Possible topics: Cooking, baking, photography, quilting,
gardening, crafts, etc . If you have a talent to share –
please contact LuAnn Klevan at 867-4210 x. 5022 or
[email protected].
CHATFIELD EARLY CHILDHOOD
CENSUS INFORMATION
Thank you for providing information for the school district’s Early Childhood Census. Information is used to
keep families informed about opportunities for families
with young children and information for school readiness. The information also assists the district in planning for the upcoming school years.
Parent(s)____________________________________________
Address____________________________________________
Email______________________________________________
Home Phone #_______________________________________
Children not yet in Kindergarten:
Name
Date of Birth
Gender
_______________________ ________________
________
_______________________ ________________
________
_______________________ ________________
________
_______________________ ________________
________
Please cut out and send to Chatfield Community Education, 205
Union Street NE, Chatfield, MN 55923. Attn: LuAnn Klevan
Page 7
Elementary News
Page 7
News from Craig Ihrke
Pre-Kindergarten—6th, Principal
(507) 867-4521
Upcoming Dates
10/21
10/23
10/23
10/31
10/31
11/3
11/5
11/11
11/26
11/27-28
Vision and Hearing
Picture retakes
Elementary Staff Meeting
End of 1st quarter
Halloween Parade (2:15 p.m.)
No school—3 Rivers Conference Music
Preschool screening
Veterans Day Program (10:00 a.m.)
Early Out at 1:00 p.m.
No School—Thanksgiving Break
Bully Prevention Month
We had a Three Screens Production in October entitled “Action Hero” the program was designed to show students that anyone can be an
action hero simply by taking action in something they believe in.
There were many inspirational stories within the presentation.
Fire Prevention Week
Also, on October 9th, we had a program called Bulldoze the Bully.
We also had dress up week October 6-10.
Some of our first graders were treated to a visit by volunteers from the Chatfield Fire Department. Thank you to fire fighters Dan Jaquith, Leif Erickson
and Keith Bradt for coming to school to visit.
We also conducted one of our five required fire drills during Fire Prevention
Week and many students participated in the poster contest where the theme
was… “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives, Test yours every month!”
Monday: Stomp out Bullying-wear mismatched shoes
Tuesday: Hats off to Being Bully Free-wear hats
Wednesday: I’m a “Jean-ius” I’m Bully Free- wear jeans
Thursday: Catch the wave of a Bully Free Life-wear Hawaiian
Clothing
Friday: Team up Against Bullying- Wear Team Jerseys
EARLY CHILDHOOD NEWS AND NOTES:
Play changes as your child develops
Your child's social and emotional development changes rapidly between the ages of three and
five.
At three, your child:
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May engage in mostly parallel play (playing alongside, but not really with, another child).
Becomes very possessive and has trouble sharing.
Starts to play house and other imaginative games.
At four, your child:
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Begins to play cooperatively with others.
Learns to share and take turns, with more success on some days than on others.
Learns to be a real friend.
At five, your child:
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Are you helping your child have great
attendance?
Being in school every day--and on time--will help your child do well. Are
you supporting your child's attendance habit? Answer the following questions
yes or no to find out:
___1. Have you told your child that you expect him to go to school every
day? If you tell him it's important to you, it will become important to him.
___2. Do you ignore weak excuses? Not feeling like getting out of bed isn't a
good reason to stay home.
___3. Do you keep your child home if he's sick? Reducing the spread of illness can help others avoid missing school.
___4. Do you try to make medical and dental appointments outside of school
hours?
___5. Do you help your child set the alarm clock earlier if he has trouble getting to school on time?
How well are you doing?
Each yes means you are supporting your child's attendance. For each no answer, try that idea.
Reprinted with permission from the November 2014 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary
School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2014 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.
Has friends--and perhaps a best friend.
Learns to play games, including some sports, with others.
May surprise you with the level of detail and thought in her creative play.
Reprinted with permission from the November 2014 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter.
Copyright © 2014 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: "Social and Emotional Development," Public Broadcasting System, niswc.com/develop.
Questions & Answers
Q: I've read articles about critical thinking and that many children grow up lacking this skill. I'd
like to help my child with this but it sounds so complicated. I'm not sure I'm qualified.
A: Of course you are! Critical thinking does sound like a fancy term, but much of it has to do
with imagining, figuring and questioning. Most children do these every day, naturally. All you
have to do is encourage your child a bit.
Here are some ideas for you:

Don't rush in to fix everything for your child. For example, your child has put her shirt
on inside-out. Put her in front of the mirror and say, "Uh-oh. Isn't there supposed to be a picture of a flower on your shirt?" Give her a chance to realize
what went wrong and take care of it.

Take a few extra minutes with story time. After reading, ask your child questions
about the story and the characters. Questions that inspire critical thinking start with
phrases like, "How do you know that ..." or "What would happen if ... ."
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Ask questions about your child's work. Ask, "What is the girl doing in your picture?" or "Why does she have a dog instead of a cat?"

Give your child time each day to play alone with simple toys such as wooden
blocks. This play gives your child the chance to be creative. It also lets her experiment
with new approaches. For example, if her block tower falls down, she can think about
and find a new way to build it.
Reprinted with permission from the November 2014 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter.
Copyright © 2014 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.
Page 8
ELEMENTARY NEWS
MCA Results:
Last year at this time, we were putting a group in place to analyze student
data and formulate a plan of action to improve MCA results. Some of the
components of the plan were as follows:
 We altered our test administration a great deal. We took only portions
of each test each day in an attempt to minimize test fatigue. (This
seemed to be very beneficial.)
 Teachers allowed students to engage in “Productive Struggle”.
 We began to focus on common rigorous assessments that matched the
rigor of the MCA test questions.
 We taught students successful test taking strategies. (Pinpointing and
Math Tips).
 We took our tests closer to the front end of the testing window. (The
previous year we took the tests at the end of the testing window and
experienced some test fatigue.)
Our staff and students were very successful with the MCA testing last
spring. The elementary staff did an excellent job preparing the students to
take the assessments.
We will be putting a group in place to analyze student data and formulate a
plan of action to improve MCA results. The manner in which the tests are
administered is one thing that we feel made a big difference in our scores.
We will also discuss ways to prepare students for the test and sustain
growth from year to year. Below are graphs of the 2014 State Assessment
Results and the two year combined scores from 2013 and 2014. The combined scores from 2013 and 2014 make Chatfield Elementary School
“Celebration Eligible”. We have completed our application for this designation and will be submitting it to the state soon.
Page 8
2014 Designation (Combination of 2014 and
2013 Results)
Multiple Measurements Rating (MMR) is 68.93%.
Domain
Proficiency
45.82 points
Weighted percentage of student groups reaching
targets
31.94 points
Growth
Average Growth Z-Score
Achievement Gap Reduction
2014 Mixed Measurement Results
Score
Achievement Gap Reduction Score
TOTAL POINTS
Possible points
25.63 points
103.4 points
150 points
Student Growth from 2013-2014:
Multiple Measurements Rating (MMR) is 93.11%.
Domain
Proficiency
Score
25 points
Weighted percentage of student groups reaching 100.0%
targets
25 points
Growth
0.5726
Average Growth Z-Score
19.83 points
Achievement Gap Reduction
-0.1978
Achievement Gap Reduction Score
69.83 points
TOTAL POINTS
75 points
Possible points
OTHER ACHIEVEMENT MEASURES:
NWEA Growth Measures: Statistically speaking if more than 50% of your
students are achieving their growth goals, your school is improving. We have
a goal to have 65-70% of our students reach their growth goal. In recent
years, our reading scores have not been adequate which is what prompted our
big move to the Action 100 program.
READING
2010
47 % of students met their growth goal
2011
60% of students met their growth goal
2012
55% of students met their growth goal
2013
65 % of students met their growth goal
*2014 74% of students met their growth goal
MATH
2010
66% of students met their growth goal
2011
68% of students met their growth goal
2012
65% of students met their growth goal
2013
65% of students met their growth goal
*2014 77% of students met their growth goal
This was fall to winter growth…we did not take spring NWEA tests in the
spring of 2014 in an effort to avoid test fatigue.
Independent Reading Level Assessments:
In our first year of implementation our students averaged 1.97 years of
growth.
Snapshot in time of percentages of students in each category…
October 16, 2012
Emergency
At-Risk
Proficient or Above
16.8%
39.6%
43.5%
October 16, 2013
Emergency
At-Risk
Proficient or Above
8.2%
26.2%
65.6%
October 16, 2014
Emergency
At-Risk
Proficient or Above
6.2%
29.7%
64.1%