current newsletter - School District of Milton

RED HAWK REPORT
Issue 4
JANUARY 2015
JANUARY 2015
NEWS YOU CAN USE...
RED HAWK
REPORT
January Calendar of Events:
Dec. 22nd—Jan. 2nd: No School—
Winter Break
Jan. 5th: School Resumes
9th: Parent Group Meeting—9 a.m.
12th: Late Start Day—9:30 a.m.
20th: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd hour exams
21st: 4th, 5th, & 6th hour exams
22nd: 7th & 8th hour exams—HS
Students Release at 11 a.m.
23rd: No School for all students
24th: Milton Show Choir Invitational
Family Access Mid-Term &
Report Card Release Dates:
Grading Period
Release Date
Qtr. 2/Sem. 1
Mid-Term 3
01/29/15
02/26/15
E-mail notification will be sent to
parents after grades have been
posted to Family Access.
Milton High School
114 W. High Street
Milton, WI 53563
Main Office: (608) 868-9300
Activities Office: (608) 868-9565
Attendance Line: (608) 868-9340
Counseling Office: (608) 868-9560
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Greetings,
I hope this last edition of the 2014 Red Hawk Report finds all the friends and families of MHS well. As we
go into our winter break, I have a few thoughts to share with you this month.
Updates to MHS over Winter Break
Over the two weeks of the Winter Break, the district Building and Grounds Department will be giving the
front lobby a small facelift along with painting a portion of the lockers. When students return, the front
lobby will have had repair work completed on the paneling as well as some much needed coats of
paint. Additionally, in what is the 'square' of halls around the technology department, the lockers and
walls will also get painted. Out with the old 'mauve' and in with a unified set of school colors. For this
part of the building, it will be the first major updates in over two decades. This is the first phase of
painting that will eventually bring the full building into a unified color scheme.
Some may ask why we are doing this over the winter break, and not wait until the summer. The fact is, the
two weeks of winter break is actually a better time for several reasons. With summer school, yearly
maintenance, and other capital projects - there was much better availability to get this portion of the
building painted now. Believe it or not, there are less people in the building now than in the summer.
Thanks to the students who are inconvenienced by being required to take all of their belongings out of
their locker over the break. When it is all done, however, it will be much, much better!
Helping your student prepare for Final Exams
January 20, 21, and 22 are the assigned days for the first semester final exams. (See the schedule on page
five.) Please have a conversation with your student regarding their finals. Be sure to have them take the
full two weeks after we return to school in January to prepare. Talk with your student about making sure
they know what to prepare for in each final. Also, please encourage them to use the FLEX periods during
finals to get additional help from their teachers. That is what those afternoons are designed for.
Finally, please be sure to be in contact with your student's teachers if you have concerns about any class.
Thanks to many parent volunteers
I am continually amazed by the amount of parent volunteer work and efforts that are put into Milton High
School and its many and varied programs. Each year, hundreds of parents donate thousands of hours and
tens of thousands of dollars to help create opportunities for our kids.
While the examples are too many to mention - I am compelled to acknowledge a group of parents who
truly gone above and beyond. I'd like to extend the gratitude of the Milton School District to the parents
of the brand new Milton High School Hockey program. I recently toured the new facilities at the Milton
Hockey Locker Room at the Ice Arena in Stoughton. Almost complete, the project represents hundreds of
hours spent by the parents and friends to create an amazing home away from home. Shower facilities and
custom lockers were all created by parent volunteers. Thank you, very, very much.
I hope all of you have a very Happy Holiday and that you can find time to enjoy some family time over the
next few weeks.
Take care,
J. Jeremiah Bilhorn
Principal, Milton High School
114 W. High St. Milton, WI 53563
Office: (608) 868-9300
Email: [email protected]
PAGE 1
RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Membership in NHS is an honor awarded to juniors and seniors who demonstrate outstanding scholarship,
character, leadership, and service. The selection process for each year begins in February after grade records
from the first semester are complete. Students with cumulative gradepoint averages of 3.5 are invited to apply for
National Honor Society, with new members being notified at the end of March. Any student who wants to work
toward earning NHS membership should be aware of the criteria for selection at MHS.
Scholarship: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50.
Character: Demonstrate these qualities: honesty, responsibility, courtesy, and respect for laws and
school rules.
Positive Leadership: Lead through actively inspiring others or through setting an example of
excellence.
Service: Be engaged in extracurricular activities at MHS and community activities.
While each faculty member and administrator has input in NHS selection, the Faculty Council directs the process
itself.
Mrs. Harvatine,
MHS English Department Chairperson
& NHS Selection Advisor
608-868-9300 ext. 1109
HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLE TEAM
Members of the High Mileage Vehicle team have been hard at work in the Tech Ed department this year.
The team has been working to swap engine parts to increase mileage, including adding a 2-speed variable
transmission to the car this year. Additional student projects have included a full snowmobile overhaul, lawn
mower repair, and motorcycle maintenance to name a few.
This year the group is looking for some additional small engine projects to work on, so if you have a broken
lawn mower or similar apparatus taking up space in the garage that you would like to donate, please contact
club advisor, Ben Fralick.
Mr. Fralick,
MHS Tech Ed Teacher
& High Mileage Vehicle Club Advisor
608-868-9300 ext. 1054
[email protected]
Students, Left to Right: Mitchell Wastak,
Darryk Hantke, Joe Castle, Alex Van
Brocklin, Dalton Kilian, Zach Bunker,
Trenton Schroeder, Tommy Wecker & Jeff
Greinert
Senior, Dalton Kilian
in action working on
the vehicle.
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RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
SKYPING WITH NAMUSABI
Written by Freshman Karly Drees, a captain of the Caritas for Children Club
On Thursday, December 11th, our club was able to Skype with Namusabi from Uganda, Africa. Namusabi is the
child that our club sponsors. We got to talk with her, hear about her life and we tell her about life here. While
skyping, I carried Mrs. Sroda’s iPad around and gave Namusabi a tour of our school. I showed her what our
classrooms look like and she got to meet some other MHS students. I also showed her the swimming pool. She
had never seen a pool before and she gave me a big “WOW” when she saw it. I took her to a gym class so she
could see what we do in there. She loved the tour because everything she saw was so different from her living
conditions and the way things are at the school she goes to that our club sponsorship pays for. At the end of our
skype, we were sad to say our good-byes but we decided to skype again. It is hard for us to Skype with her
because it isn’t easy for her to get to computers or the internet. So it will be a while before we get to see her
again. We both had tears in our eyes when we said good-bye. She was so grateful that we are giving her a
chance to go to school and help her to get away from the poverty she was living in. (Did you know she didn’t
even have running water where she was living?) I was grateful because I could feel her joy which made me so
happy to be a part of it.
Anyone who wants to join Caritas for Children Club should because it is a lot of fun and it feels so good to help
someone living such a different life in a part of the world far from us.
Talk to Mrs. Sroda or Mrs. Stoutenborough to find out how to get involved in the club and all of the things we do.
Mari Sroda,
Support for Success
Teacher &
Caritas Advisor
Karly Drees,
Freshman
PAGE 3
Michele
Stoutenborough,
Math Teacher &
Caritas Advisor
RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
MS LOCK-IN FUNDRAISER
Thank you for all of your support given to the Milton High School MS Lock-In Fundraiser. We had about 80
students attend the event and they seemed to have had a blast!
Our all-star staff (Paula Schmit, Jan Bue-Wells, Tom Stroinski, Sheryl Avery, Sarah Harvatine, Tracy Ehlers & Pat
Jauch) made sure the kids had a good time. Mrs. Schmit played dodgeball, indoor soccer, and basketball for 5
hours straight! Impressive!
Through donations and the Lock-In Registration dues, we grossed $3131.38! All of our proceeds will be going to
the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Wisconsin. The money will be used to financially assist Wisconsin patients who
have MS and toward research to help find ways to end this dreadful disease.
As many know, Sophomore, Marci Mitchell-Hallett came up with the fundraising idea and she did an outstanding
job of organizing the event!
Thank you to everyone that donated their time and money to support this great cause.
Sophomore,
Marci Mitchell-Hallett
Mr. Thies,
MHS Counselor &
Student Council Advisor
PAGE 4
RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
1ST SEMESTER FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
January 20, 21, & 22, 2015
Final Exam Schedule:
Tuesday, January 20
7:40 - 9:00
1st Period Exam
9:00 - 9:10
passing period
9:10 - 10:30
2nd Period Exam
10:30 - 10:40
passing period
10:40 -12:00
3rd Period Exam
12:00 - 12:45
Lunch
12:45 - 2:52
Flex Period
Wednesday, January 21
7:40 - 9:00
4th Period Exam
9:00 - 9:10
passing period
9:10 - 10:30
5th Period Exam
10:30 - 10:40
passing period
10:40 -12:00
6th Period Exam
12:00 - 12:45
Lunch
12:45 - 2:52
Flex Period
Thursday, January 22
7:40 – 7:54
7:58 – 9:18
9:22 – 9:36
9:40 – 11:00
7th Period Study Session
7th Period Exam
8th Period Study Session
8th Period Exam
Students must be in attendance from 7:40 until 12:00 on Tuesday & Wednesday
and from 7:40 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of afternoon flex periods for additional
studying and exam review.
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RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
CIVICS TAKES A FIELD TRIP
TO THE STATE CAPITOL
On Thursday, December 4th, senior Civics classes traveled to Madison to see our local and state governments in
action. First, students took a self-guided tour of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in which they looked at exhibits
of various wars and living memorials dedicated to veterans. Then we went across the street to our State Capitol
where we had a meeting with our state legislators.
Pictured above is Representative Andy Jorgensen, Representative Deb Kolste, and Senator Tim Cullen speaking
to students in the Hearing Room about the importance of the legislative branch as well as the daily tasks of a
legislator. They also answered many questions that the students asked.
After the meeting, we took a guided tour of the Capitol. Students were able to see the chambers of the Senate
and Assembly, the Rotunda of the Capitol, and the Governor’s Conference Room (pictured below).
After the tour, students went up to the Observation Deck of the Capitol and then had lunch on State Street. Before
returning to school, we made one last stop at the Governor’s Mansion. Students toured the various rooms of the
mansion that were all decorated with various Christmas trees. The day provided an up close and personal view of
our state government and how it works and operates.
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RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
FRENCH CLUB NEWS
Erin Swope, French Club Public Relations Officer
French Club once again hosted their annual babysitting night on December 12th from 5:30 to 9:30.
The babysitting night offers parents an opportunity to have a night to themselves while their
children are taken care of by French Club members. The children get to take part in a variety of
fun activities such as crafts, watching a movie, and playing games. The event is supervised by
Madame. Bratz,
the French Club advisers, Madame Bratz and Madame La Pean-Usher. This year 20 children,
MHS French Teacher
ages 3-11, attended and around eight French Club members took care of them. The cost was $20
& French Club
for one child and $10 for every additional sibling. The parents were very appreciative of the
Co-Advisor
night and plan on returning. French Club will host another babysitting night in February, around
Valentine’s Day, so that parents can enjoy a romantic evening out.
French Club is now getting ready for Concours Orals. Concours Orals is a competition for
students to demonstrate their French speaking skills; basically, it is French forensics. Students
compete in various categories such as poetry, extemporaneous prose and conversation, and
Reader’s Theatre. There is a regional and state competition. Students who receive an “A” from
two or more judges at regionals will advance to state. In previous years, Milton students have
done very well in judging and are hoping to repeat their successes. This year, regionals will be
held at East High School in Madison and state will be held at Arrowhead High School in Hartland.
Any students interested in participating should speak to Madame as soon as possible as students
will choose their pieces soon.
Erin Swope,
French Club Public
Relations Officer
NEWS FROM PHY ED 10
In Phy Ed 10 we have just finished up a swimming and bowling unit filled with fun and excitement. Students got
a taste of all types of Wisconsin weather has to offer walking to the bowling alley the past few weeks, but most
still had a blast.
In the pool, we learned the 4 basic competitive swim strokes as well as the rules and gameplay of water polo.
Just a general reminder: Check mid-term grades and begin preparing for the final exam. This will be worth 10%
of your student’s grade. A study guide will be coming out shortly after we return from break. In addition to
student finals, all students (athletes included) are required to take all their belongings home and clear out
lockers to make room for new students next semester. All belongings left in locker at the end of finals week will
be donated.
Ms. Ehlers,
MHS Phy Ed 10
Teacher
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RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
COUNSELING OFFICE NEWS
Counseling Staff
Students are assigned a counselor by the first letter of their last name:
Michelle Kurilla
A-G Counselor
Carrie Wineke
H-O Counselor
Dan Thies
P-Z Counselor
Joanne Jenner
Counseling/Psychologist/Scholarship
Secretary
Gina Deutscher
School Psychologist
Patty Nickel
Counseling Secretary
2015-2016 Course Selection – Grades 9, 10, 11
Course selection for the 2015-2016 school year is scheduled for the evenings of February 2nd and 4th. You and your
student will receive notice of your appointment after January 21st. Please clip and have your student return the
confirmation slip to the counseling office to confirm your appointment or call to reschedule if the time is
inconvenient for your family. Students will receive their new Program of Studies Guide and the forms to be
completed before attending their scheduled appointment. Please take time to discuss your student’s selections and
feel free to contact the counseling office or teachers with any questions you may have regarding this process.
Scholarships
Seniors, be sure to stop in the counseling office or check the MHS website to obtain information on the scholarships
that are available. Check the student announcements in your email regarding new additions to the list.
Seniors
Seniors who are college bound should be completing their applications. Transcripts must now be requested
through Parchment. Parchment is a secure transcript delivery service. The Parchment link can be found on the high
school web page. Seniors should also make sure their ACT scores have been sent to the college or if the college
accepts copies of the ACT report, they can request a copy be sent from the counseling office.
College Goal Sunday is a nationwide event that assists thousands of high school seniors and their families in
completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the essential first step to receiving financial aid
and going to college. College Goal Sunday will be held at Hedberg Library in Janesville on Saturday, February 21st
at 2:00pm. If you are unable to attend, you may visit the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov for answers to your
questions and information regarding the FAFSA application.
Juniors
Juniors should be in the process of getting a clearer vision of their post high school plans whether they are going
straight to work, joining the military, or going on to further their education through technical college or other
college/university.
Reminder – all juniors will be taking an official ACT at Milton High School on March 3, 2015. A ZAPS class (ACT
prep) will be offered February 23rd and 24th from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. There are also great practice materials on the ACT
website.
COUNSELING OFFICE NEWS CONTINUES ON PAGE 9...
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RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
...COUNSELING OFFICE NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
Sophomores
Each member of the class of 2017 will be asked to schedule an Individual Planning Conference with their parents/
guardians and counselor during the school day. The Individual Planning Conference (IPC) assists students in
planning, monitoring and managing their academic, career, and personal/social development by connecting the
student, parent and school. Topics covered will be:
Transcript Review
Graduation Requirements
Course Selections
WKCE test results
WISCareers Career and Education Website
The focus of the IPC is to strengthen communication between students, parents and school counselors; explore
academic and career options; and gain insight into students; personal/social growth. It will be very important for
planning the last two years of high school. Meetings, lasting 35-40 minutes, will be scheduled from mid-March to
May. The counseling department will send a letter in second semester to arrange a date and time for each student.
We look forward to meeting with the Class of 2017 and their parents in Individual Planning Conferences.
Freshmen
Our 9th graders are now close to completing one full semester and moving into the second. Hopefully their grades
will reflect their true ability. It is important for them to remember that a good start is important. Counselors are
finishing up their individual meetings with the freshmen. These meetings gives the students a chance to ask
questions and get to know their counselor.
MHS KEY CLUB
Milton Key Club would like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Teen Gift Drive a success. Many
families in the Milton community need help to provide a gift for their teen during the holidays. Milton Key Club
collected money from businesses, community members, faculty, and students to help purchase gifts that the
Milton Food Pantry will distribute.
The following people deserve special recognition for their support this year:
Milton High School students and staff
Milton Middle School students and staff
Project Unify
GSA
Air Products & Chemicals
Wal-Mart
Hesser Toyota
Girls’ Basketball Parents and Fans
Abitec Corporation
The Milton Key Club would also like to thank Jeanne Hergert for coordinating the efforts with the Milton Food
Pantry and purchasing the gifts.
Thank you to everyone for spreading the holiday spirit! Happy Holidays!
Ms. Ramsden,
MHS Math Department
Chairperson & Key Club
Advisor
PAGE 9
RED HAWK REPORT
JANUARY 2015
MHS DAILY BELL SCHEDULES
PLC Days - Mondays & Thursdays:
Period 1
7:40-8:22
Period 2
PLC
Time
Period 3
9:129:48
8:269:08
9:5210:34
Period 4
10:38-11:22
Period 5
Period 6
Lunch 1
5B
11:2211:52-12:34
11:48
6B
12:38-1:20
5A
11:26-12:08
Period 7 Period 8
Lunch 2
6B
1:24-2:06 2:10-2:52
12:0812:38-1:20
12:34
5A
11:26-12:08
6A
12:1212:54
Lunch 3
12:541:20
Non-PLC Days - Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays:
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Period 5
Lunch 1
11:0211:28
7:40-8:27
8:31-9:18 9:22-10:09
10:13-11:02
Period 6
5B
11:32-12:19
Period 7
Period 8
1:14-2:01
2:05-2:52
6B
12:23-1:10
5A
11:06-11:53
Lunch 2
11:5312:19
5A
11:06-11:53
6A
11:57-12:44
6B
12:23-1:10
Lunch 3
12:441:10
Late Start Days - 1/12, 2/16, 3/16, 4/20, & 5/18
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 5
Lunch 1
11:2011:44
9:30-10:04
10:0810:42
10:4611:20
5B
11:48-12:22
Period 6
Period 4
Period 7
Period 8
1:04-1:40
1:44-2:16
2:20-2:52
6B
12:26-1:00
5A
11:24-11:58
Lunch 2
11:5812:22
5A
11:24-11:58
6A
12:02-12:36
6B
12:26-1:00
Lunch 3
12:361:00
PAGE 10