December 2012 School Newsletter

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December 2012 Tri-Center Newsletter
High School 485-2257 Middle School 485-2211 www.tri-center.k12.ia.us Elementary 485-2271

Superintendent’s News and Comments
…Brett Nanninga

WINTER WEATHER---POWER ANNOUNCEMENTS Rapid Notification *Part of POWERSCHOOL
**Please fill in or update your phone, cell phone, or e-mail address via the Powerschool Link if you have not already done so.

Tri-Center Community Schools Wishes You
and Yours A Merry Christmas 2012 & A Happy New Year 2013!!

**PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES FOR SCHOOL**
School Dismisses at 1:30 on Friday, December 7th for Professional Development School Dismisses at 1:30 on Friday, December 21st for Christmas Vacation NO SCHOOL December 24th through 31st NO SCHOOL on Tuesday or Wednesday, January 1st and 2nd NO SCHOOL on Thursday or Friday, January 3rd and 4th Due to Professional Development **School Resumes on MONDAY, January 7th (FULL DAY)** NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 21st due to Professional Development School Dismisses at 1:30 on Friday, February 1st for Professional Development School Dismisses at 1:30 on Wednesday, February 13th and Thursday, February 14th for P-T Conferences NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 15th

(Radio or Television) **Please listen to T.V. or Radio before calling the school**
With the arrival of another Midwest winter, the possibilities of late starts, early dismissals, and calling school off are upon us once again. Please be assured that the school has a calling system in place and decisions regarding these items will be made in a timely manner so that families can adjust their plans accordingly. With upwards of 15 buses/vans on daily routes in our district of 200 square miles, the reality that everyone either drives or rides to school tells us that we have a lot at risk everyday. Please keep in mind that we do live in the Midwest where weather can be severe at times and yet isolated in terms of area. It may be that part of our district is in worse condition than another, so please take this into consideration. If school is not cancelled and conditions in your area are such that travel is too risky, then please contact the school and indicate that your kids will not be able to attend on that day. The media does an excellent job of keeping us informed of pending weather advisories, and we have access to several satellite websites via the Internet. Tri-Center Community Schools will act in a responsible manner, but we will try not overreact. Although we live in a region where people should know how to deal with snow, ice, and windchill, we must still do our best to proceed with caution. By all means, please slow down and

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encourage the members of your family to do the same. The POWER ANNOUNCEMENT Rapid Notification (via the phone) will be used in the event that school is cancelled, started late, or dismissed early; so please be mindful of this means of communication. Also, please turn on the television (KMTV, WOW, KETV, FOX 42) or the radio (WOW 94.1 FM, KNOD 105.3 FM, KMA 960 AM, KFAB 1100 AM) and watch or listen for the announcement as a backup. Make sure that your kids are ready for cold weather—especially if they are exposed to the elements while waiting for the bus. If a situation exists whereby you cannot dress your child appropriately, then call the school and we will be glad to help. It especially hurts to see little kids that are underdressed during the winter months. Hats, gloves, boots, coats are a must---please send your kids out of the house ready for winter.

• •

Why is it so much easier to allow emotions rather than reason to control our decisions? Why does a person with the least to say usually take the longest to say it?

5 More of Life’s Puzzlers . . .(Same
source as above) • • • • • Why is it so difficult to realize that others are more likely to listen to us if first we listen to them? Why is it so much easier to be negative than positive? Why is it so difficult to motivate ourselves when we know that results come only through motivation? Why is it so difficult to say thank you to someone when those are two of our own favorite words to hear? Why do we dread adversity when we know that facing it is the only way to become stronger, smarter, and better?

BUNDLE KIDS UPPLEASE SEMD THEM TO SCHOOL PREPARED FOR COLD WEATHER

Have a Blessed Holiday Season! Enjoy your Family, Friends, and the Festivities!

6 of Life’s Puzzlers
book,

. . . excerpts from the

“WOODEN, A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections . . .” • • • • Why is it easier to criticize than to compliment? Why is it easier to give others blame than to give them credit? Why is it that so many who are quick to make suggestions find it so difficult to make decisions? Why can’t we realize that it only weakens those we want to help when we do things for them that they should do for themselves?

From the Principal’s Desk
… Angie Huseman “Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.” --John Dewey Perhaps it is appropriate that I begin this newsletter, the last one of the year and the last one before semester tests, with a reminder of good intentions. We all have them; the end of the year, however, seems to be the time when we think more
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about what we have not done, but wish we had. Obviously, the point I am hoping you all will make with your children, is that it is never too late to rededicate yourself to school. Now is not the time to simply say, “It’s too late to make a change.” Semester tests will be the week of December 17th, and I would appreciate your help in letting your children know that the holiday break does not start until their last class is finished on the 17th. Additionally, I hope you will find the following article by Michael Josephson from his April 6, 2006 CHARACTER COUNTS Commentary a good conversation starter for you and your child. Strategies for Teenhood One of the toughest jobs in the world is being a teenager. Everything is in transition. Everything is intense—even apathy. Kids on the brink of adulthood have to cope with inconsistencies and conflicts. A desire to be special and different clashes with the need to belong and fit in. The desire for independence collides with an aversion to self-reliance and personal responsibility. I want to suggest five strategies that can make the journey through adolescence less painful and more enjoyable: One: Don’t run from responsibility; run toward it. The sooner you become visibly responsible, the sooner you will be authentically independent and free to do what you want and be what you want. Two: Be yourself. You don’t need orange hair, a nose ring or tattoos to be special. Dressing or behaving in extreme ways to stand out or blend in can seem like a desperate demand for attention. Discover your talents and build your character, and you will be no only noticed by respected. Three: Resist the seduction of selfishness and short-sightedness. People who think only of their wants and needs sentence themselves to a dark and lonely dungeon. Don’t confuse pleasure with happiness. Just because it feels good doesn’t make it good. Don’t trade all your tomorrows for today. Four: Don’t expect too much or settle for too little. No one can make you happy, but you can be happy. Hang out with people who bring out the best in you, and be the kind of person who brings out the best in others.

Five: Control your attitudes and you will control your life. You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can always control what happens in you. Remember, pain is inevitable but suffering is a choice. So is happiness. --Michael Josephson

“The will to win is worth nothing unless you have the will to prepare.” -Inscription at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Counseling Comments
…Tami Harman

Senior Information: I have met with about half of the seniors and parent(s) to discuss post-secondary plans. Most of them are off to a great start in planning and implementing the necessary components to getting ready for their son/daughters next step after graduation. I still have quite a few that I have not heard from and would like to extend another invitation to please call the high school and arrange a time to meet with me in regards to your son/daughter. These meetings let me know what their plans are and I then can help students look for scholarships that pertain to their career pathway. The number her at the high school is 712-485-2257. Junior Information: Juniors should be making a plan for when they are going to take the ACT test. There are 3 test dates offered second semester. Tri-Center will be offering a John Baylor Test Prep before the February test. This would be a great time for your son/daughter to take the ACT. Please call if you have any questions about ACT testing. Sophomores and Freshmen: Second semester schedules are being finalized and should be turned in to me by the 1st of December. I have gone into the classroom and talked with
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students about second semester schedules so the students know what they need for them to complete their schedule. Happy Holiday!

Yearbook News and Information
…Sarah Elliott

Music Department
…Kandy Kunzman and Paul Hart

Come to our… CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA! Sunday, December 16 @ 2:00 pm High School Gym
6th – 12th Grade Bands and Choirs

2012-2013 Publications Staff Members: Seniors: Cady Glaser, CyaNet Co-Editor Jensen McElmeel, Yearbook Editor Meredith Raine, and CyaNet Co-Editor Justine Sturtz; Juniors: Yearbook Co-Assistant Editor Elise Christenson, Lia Grover, Dakota Horn, Yearbook Co-Assistant Editor Sam Raine, and CyaNet Assistant Editor Christian Severn; and Sophomores: Zach Denning, Brandon Jensen, Brooke Pigman, and Megan Ryan. 2012 YEARBOOKS! The 2012 Trojan Yearbooks are NOT in yet. All the proofing is complete and submitted , so now it should be just before Christmas Break. We are so sorry and appreciate your patience with both the Publications staff doing proofs and the publisher (Walsworth Publishing) printing it. We will have a handful of extras which may be purchased for $50 each while supplies last. At the time see or call Adviser Mrs. Sarah Elliott at the high school at 485-2257, ext. 100. 2013 YEARBOOK SALES!!! The 2013 Trojan Yearbook sells will begin once the 2012 Trojan is in, and we will also be doing on-line sales this year. Some specials and discounts will be offered to those purchasing their books at events throughout the year and at conferences in the spring. BUY EARLY AND SAVE! Also, we do except a $20 deposit if you wish to make payments. A yearbook could make A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT. SENIOR PICTURES: Seniors and senior parents, pictures are due to the yearbook by Wednesday, December 19, 2012. These may be in color or black and white, but they should be wallet-sized, and head and shoulder shots work or look best. Don’t assume your photographer will send them in to us. If the photo is not received by December 19, it may be difficult to include it. GET PICTURES IN EARLY TO BE SAFE!
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…Julie Theulen

On Saturday, November 17th Alanna Haubrich and Matthew Killpack competed in Special Olympics Bowling in Des Moines. Alanna came home with a Silver medal placing 2nd in her division. Matthew placed 5th in his division. Great job!

PARENT AND PERSONAL ADS: Support the yearbook and honor your son/daughter, grandson/daughter, sibling, friend, or others at the same time. Parent and personal ads are $30 and include the honored person’s name, a small photo, and a message limited to 20 words. Senior parents can expect to receive a letter in December or early next semester. Parent and personal ads can be purchased from Publications Adviser Sarah Elliott at 485-2257, ext. 100. PICTURES ARE ACCEPTED: The Publications staff is in need of and will accept pictures for possible use in the yearbook and/or the CyaNet Site (tri-centerspirit.com). Pictures can be submitted by email (selliott@tri-center,k12.ia.us) or brought in to be scanned and returned ASAP. The staff is currently in need of Homecoming, fall sports, and candid pictures for all grades. AD CAMPAIGN: We will be starting our ad/sponsor campaign. If you are or know of a business owner or anyone else who may want to advertise/sponsor, contact Adviser Sarah Elliott at 485-2257, ext. 100. Advertisers/sponsors not only help fund a yearbook of which the district and surrounding communities can be proud, but have the opportunity to support an educational program that teaches students valuable skills in writing, design, photography, computer use, and business.

MS students completed the Iowa Assessments in November. We should have the results back in late January or early February. The JH girls basketball team and boys wrestling team will start practicing in January. All students need to have a current physical to participate. The girls basketball teams will be coached by Mike Larsen and Chris Hamilton and the JH WR team will be coached by Mark Hazen. *We have activity calendars in each office with the winter sport schedules on them, if anyone would like one you may pick one up in any office. You can also check the schedules online at: www.westerniowaconference.org Rules that can work, taken from Fathers and Mothers Improving the Lives of Young Children Newsletter Discipline is more than punishment for misbehavior. It is the means by which we teach our children good conduct now and for the future. Every mistake a child makes can become an opportunity for new learning. Here are four rules that can guide you: Accentuate the positive Minimize the negative Explain your expectations Be consistent

Tri-Center Middle School
…Brian Wedemeyer

The last day of the first semester is scheduled to be Dec. 21st. 2nd Semester starts Jan. 7th. Middle School students will receive their second semester schedules the first day of school on January 7th in their first semester homeroom.

Elementary Yearbooks ……..Becky Thomas
Thank you for your patience in the late delivery of the 2011-12 yearbook. After overcoming some technical difficulties it is in production. We look for the delivery to be late December. Students will get the book when they come back from Christmas break.
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From the Elementary Principal
…Diane White

School Nurse Notes …Jennifer McGee, R.N.

T-C Elementary December Highlights
Dec. 7 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 1:30 Dismissal for InService No PK today. Old Fashioned Christmas in Neola Christmas Program for Grade 2 & 3 at 2:00 and 7:00. Dec. 11-13 Visitors from the Dept. of Education Dec. 13 Student Council Mtg. 3:30-5:00 Dec. 14 No PK today. Dec. 16 MS/HS Christmas Extravaganza Dec. 18 Student Council Mtg. 3:30-5:00 Dec. 21 1:30 Out for Christmas Vacation Dec. 24 thru Jan. 4 – No School for students Jan. 3 & 4 Teacher In Service Days th January 7 Welcome back to school! Happy Holidays to you and yours! Upcoming dates to mark on your calendar: No School – Teacher In Service 1:30 Dismissal for Teacher In Service Feb. 13 & 14 1:30 Dismissal for P/T conferences Feb. 15 No School Jan. 21 Feb. 1 Frostbite…….. With cold weather nearing it is time to pull out all the winter gear! Warm coats, hats, mittens, scarves, snow pants and boots will help decrease the chance of frostbite during the winter months. Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, you can reduce your risk of health issues. Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Signs of frostbite include redness or pain on the skin, a white or grayish-yellowish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. A person is often unaware of the frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen skin tissue is numb. If you notice someone with frostbite get them into a warm room right away. If frostbite is on the feet or toes, avoid walking-this increases the damage. Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water. Instead of immersing in water, you can warm the affected area using body heat. One can easily use the armpit to warm frostbitten fingers. Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, fireplace or heat of the stove for warming. Affected areas are usually always numb and can be easily burned.

TC Kids Wrestling – A Note from Coach White Please check your closets and drawers for TC Kids Singlets. If you find one, please drop it off in Mrs. White’s office. If you have shoes that you have borrowed or have shoes that you’d like to donate to our club, you can drop those off as well. Thanks for your wrestling support!!!

Elementary Art News …Liz Lyons
Kindergarten kids have finished creating zebras with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. We will soon be using patterns to decorate a Christmas stocking. First graders are printing poinsettias with sponges, then we will use glitter to give them some Christmas sparkle!!
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Second grade students are using symbols of December to decorate a Christmas Gift ornament. Third graders will learn about the monochromatic value scale before we begin showing expressive brush strokes to paint a Christmas tree, then a vase full of flowers inspired by several of our favorite artists including Vincent Van Gogh. Fourth grade students are drawing their final toucan compositions then will be using colored pencils to show value and blending skills. Fifth graders are finally getting a chance to print their Andy Warhol inspired prints! We will create a pattern print and an expressive print. Please feel free to stop by the art room to visit any time! You are welcome to watch, participate, or volunteer to work! This is a fun learning environment to experience! I (Mrs. Lyons) am at Tri-Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday afternoons.

be at 7:00pm in the Tri-Center High School Gymnasium. Students should be dropped off and picked up in the Cafetorium. Please make sure your students are dropped off between 6:15 pm and 6:30 pm. There will also be a matinee performance in the afternoon at 2:00 pm for those who are not able to attend the evening performance or if you simply want to see it twice. This is Iowa, and as you know, the weather can never be counted on. If the concert has to be cancelled due to weather on December 10th the performance will still go on, on December 17th, instead, at the same times. If you have any questions feel free to contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone at (712) 485-2271. I hope to see you all there.

T-C Dollars for Scholars
T-C Dollars for Scholars will host a Christmas Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 9, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in conjunction with Neola’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration. Homes on the tour this year are: Fred and Diane Rodenburg - 614 5th Street, Neola Aaron and Laura (Bahrke) Nickman104 2nd Street, Neola Bud and Sarah Johansen - 203 4th Street, Neola Cost will be $5.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased at any of the homes on the day of the tour.

Elementary Music Information
…..Jessica Blakesley Mark your Calendars! The 2nd and 3rd grades at Tri-Center Elementary Schools Present: Jolly Old Santa Claus December 10, 2012 T-C High School Gymnasium 2:00 pm matinee 7:00 pm evening performance The 2nd and 3rd grade classes at Tri-Center Elementary schools are hard at work preparing for the big Christmas concert Jolly Old Santa Claus based on the book by Alice Leedy Mason on December 10, 2012. The evening performance will

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