
Bluejay Bulletin
February 2024
A Message from the Principal:
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some exciting updates from Athens Middle & High School, showcasing the remarkable achievements of our students in recent events.
Firstly, a big congratulations to all the participants and volunteers who made the FFA District LDE Competition a resounding success. I expect the same will be true of the FBLA Regionals being held at the Athens High School tomorrow! Your support and involvement in these events are crucial in shaping a positive and enriching experience for our school community.
The month of February is a great reminder of the importance of being kind. Kindness not only benefits those who receive it but also contributes to our own well-being, promoting empathy and connection. Let's make a conscious effort to spread kindness in our daily lives, whether it's through a smile, a small gesture, or a thoughtful word. If you need a dose of inspiration, check out this link that provides random acts of kindness that you can incorporate into your life: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas
Looking ahead, I encourage parents to stay engaged by checking the upcoming events calendar. We have some important testing dates approaching, and your awareness and support are essential in ensuring a smooth process for our students.
Together, let's cultivate a world where kindness is not just a choice but a way of life!
Warm regards,
Juli Gauerke-Peter
Principal
Athens Middle & High School
Student Spotlight
Brooklyn Westfall shows her strength by competing in the US Army's weight lifting challenge!
Brinley Kornack takes her turn in competing in the US Army's weight lifting challenge!
Isaac Bingham steps up and competes in the US Army's weight lifting challenge!
The Middle School Quiz Bowl Team took 2nd place. The team consists of Adeline Markman, Lila Giese, Brody Tiffany, Madilynn Mayville, & Asher Guralski. The Quiz Bowl Team will be competing at Sectionals.
Bella Zastrow took 2nd place in Employment Skills during the FFA LDE event held at Athens High School. Bella will be competing at Sectionals.
Katelynn Osborn took 3rd in Discussion.
Mason Kuck & Stone Parkes display the house they built in Ms. Carpenter's classroom.
Middle School Math League works together to solve the problems at the competition in Edgar.
Athens Softball Welcomes a New Leader:
Mr. Matt Ellenbecker!
We are thrilled to introduce our new softball coach, Mr. Matt Ellenbecker, an Athens High School alum from the class of 2003. Mr. Ellenbecker brings a wealth of experience and passion for both education and sports to our beloved Athens softball program.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor's degree in English Education and a history minor, Mr. Ellenbecker spent 12 dedicated years teaching English at Merrill High School. During his tenure there, he made significant contributions as a freshman football coach for 12 years and as the head softball coach for an impressive 10 years.
Late this past summer, Mr. Ellenbecker took on a new role, embracing the opportunity to teach special education at AHS. In his short time here, he has not only demonstrated his commitment to education but also his genuine enjoyment in getting to know our students.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Ellenbecker is a devoted family man. He and his two children, Edison and Veda, are actively involved in various sports and activities, keeping their schedule filled with excitement. As a huge sports fan himself, Mr. Ellenbecker diligently follows the Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and Brewers, ensuring he never misses a game.
Mr. Ellenbecker's love for baseball and softball extends beyond the sidelines. He continues to play slowpitch softball in the summer, showcasing his dedication to the sport he's so passionate about.
Taking the helm of the Athens softball program, Mr. Ellenbecker is excited about the upcoming Spring season. He recognizes the program's rich history of success, dating back to his own high school days, and is determined to work hard to maintain that standard. His coaching philosophy revolves around the core values of hard work, continuous improvement, and the importance of hustling and competing every day.
One thing is for sure - under Mr. Ellenbecker's leadership, the Athens softball program is poised for an exciting and fun-filled season. As he aptly puts it, "If you're not having fun playing ball, you're doing it wrong."
Mark your calendars and join us in cheering on our athletes this spring!
2024 Pops Concert & Art Show:
January Students of the Month
Armoni Aguilar-Hernandez
Middle School Art
Delaney Beasley
High School Health 9
Cristopher Velazquez
Middle School Social Studies (December)
Leila Petrusczak
High School Art
Joe Servi
Middle School Phys. Ed.
Kalei Zarnke
Middle School Health
Jenna Handschke
High School Phys. Ed.
Vanessa Espinoza-Quiroz
High School Phys. Ed.
Drew Haines
High School Choir
John Schug
Middle School Phys. Ed.
Cheyenne Soens
Middle School Choir
Jacob Cleveland
6th Grade Music
Counselor's Corner
Notes From Our Nurse
DENTAL HYGIENE & ORAL HEALTH
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Good dental hygiene leads to good oral health. Good oral health is a huge part of our overall physical health! Poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke along with other chronic conditions. Here are some of the basics for keeping your mouth healthy.
Brush twice a day and take your time!
Use toothpaste with fluoride and a soft-bristled brush.
Keep your toothbrush clean- rinse it after use and store it upright. Don’t keep it covered- let it air dry to prevent growth of bacteria and molds.
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
Floss daily! It doesn’t matter if you floss before or after your brush. If you struggle with string floss, try the floss picks or interdental brushes.
Using mouthwash can help with killing germs in the mouth, keeping teeth protected from the acids caused by bacteria feasting on sugars. Mouthwash also helps keep your breath fresh and pleasant! Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride. Ask your dentist if that is something you should be using.
Avoid sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks. They are one of the biggest culprits in formation of cavities (sugar=food for bacteria=acid production=HOLES in teeth!).
GO SEE your dentist if you have any of these issues arise:
Red, tender or swollen gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Gums that begin pulling away from your teeth
Loose permanent teeth
Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth align with each other
Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold
Persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Mouth ulcers or sores that don't heal
Taken from the American Dental Association https://www.mouthhealthy.org/oral-health-recommendations and the NIH. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene
Important Dates
February 2: No School
February 2: HS Jazz Festival at UW-Stevens Point
February 3: FBLA Regionals at AHS; 7:00a-2:00p
February 5: 8th Grade Parents Night @ AHS; 6:30p
February 20 & 21: Gr. 8-11 HS Registration in ACP
February 25: Pops Concert; 1:00p
Looking Ahead....
March 1: Online Registration for 24-25 School Year Opens!
March 5 & 7: Parent Teacher Conferences; 3:30p-7:30p
March 8: No School
March 11: AMS/AHS Title Reading Night (Gr. 6-8); 6:00p-7:00p
March 11 & 25: "Parenting the Love & Logic Way" at AES; 5:00-7:00p
March 20: Testing Day (Gr. 6-11)
March 28-April 1: No School (Easter Break)
April 13: Athens Junior Prom
April 16-25: Forward Testing Window (Gr. 6-10)