November Family Newsletter 2023
11.6.23
Principal's Update
AHS Families,
As we navigate the journey of educating and nurturing our students, I wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for your trust and partnership in their education. Every day, our students walk through our doors, and we are genuinely thankful for the privilege of being a part of their academic and personal growth. Your commitment to their education and the support you provide at home is an invaluable component of their success. Our collective efforts, as a school community and as families, have a profound impact on our students' well-being and achievements. It's a collaborative journey, and together, we can help them reach their full potential.
November is a month dedicated to gratitude, and as we reflect on the blessings in our lives, we want to express our deep appreciation for the opportunity to work together with you to support the success of our students. Let's continue to foster an environment where they feel inspired, motivated, and empowered to excel.
Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to your student's education. Wishing you and your families a wonderful month ahead!
Best,
Becky Bauer
Principal
Students of the Month
This month we continued our focus on having students get to class on time. We randomly drew a student from each grade level who had 2 or less tardies during the month of October. Read below to see what their teachers had to say about them.
Jayden Leis
Luke Hansen
Bellalynn Parrett
Kou Vang
OFFICE UPDATES
Yearbook
The deadline to order a yearbook at the discounted rate of $55 is November 10th. Order online through Jostens at the link here or scan the QR codes on the posters outside of school. Reach out to Ms. Meier with any questions at ameier@altoona.k12.wi.us
The Red Zone
The school store, recognized as The Red Zone, has experienced a remarkable transformation. The store now features a revitalized look, a diverse selection of new merchandise, and an active involvement opportunity for members of the student council in managing its operations. The Red Zone is located in the high school building. The store will initially operate with specific hours, which are available for viewing here: https://tinyurl.com/3284btpr and below.
Weekly Grade Communication
Veterans Day Assembly
Our annual Veterans Day assembly will take place in the Altoona High School gymnasium from 2:00-2:45pm today. The assembly will include a variety of songs, speeches, and performances honoring those who have served our country. Families, especially family members who are active service members or who have served, are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Should you choose to attend, please enter through the Altoona High School main entrance (H1) and check in at the office as you would for any other event during the school day.
Upcoming Events
November
20-25- No School
December
1- End of Trimester 1
4- Start of Trimester 2
12/25 - 1/1- Winter Break- No School
Meet our Departments
Science Department
L to R: Christine Coley, Rachel Haling, Todd Lenz and Melissa Calkins
Business Department
Jim Jahr and Jimmy Bremness
Special Education Department
L to R front row: Katelyn Adams, Amanda Mussehl, Gretchen Hanson and Kelly Voelker
L to R back row: Cassie Ruf, Lindsey Redetzke, Mark Spratte, Jill Garrison and Betsy Brenizer
Senior Info
Seniors - Yearbook Photo
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT
FALL SPORTS RECAP
Altoona Volleyball received well-deserved recognition in the Middle Border Conference, with three students earning All Conference honors. Congratulations to Breeley Gluch for making it to the 1st Team, Brayln Siverling for earning a spot on the 2nd Team, and Emma Lima for receiving Honorable Mention. The Altoona Girls Tennis Team has made a significant mark in Western Wisconsin with three Conference championships and two state-level appearances in the past two seasons. Special congratulations to Josie Rechek, who made it to the top 16 in 1 singles; Sofie Bach and Katelyn Beltz, reaching the top 8 in 2 doubles; and Bella Bauer and Josie Rondestvedt, securing the impressive 3rd position in 1 doubles at the 2023 WIAA Girls Tennis Individual Championship from October 12th-14th. In the 2023 Girls State Tennis Team Championships, held on October 20th at Nielsen Stadium in Madison, the #2 seeded Altoona team faced #3 Xavier.
Boys Soccer ended their season in regionals against Holmen on October 17th. Notable achievements this year include Dallen Robinson and Robbie Downie earning Middle Border Conference First Team All-Conference Honors, along with Levi Goebel receiving 2nd Team honors.
The Girls Golf team concluded their season on a positive note during regionals, achieving their best team score of the year at 361. This accomplishment lowered the season average score by 20 strokes. Despite missing advancement to Sectionals by only 2 strokes, they showcased remarkable improvement. Special congratulations to Karalyn Skinner, who competed in the State Tournament at University Ridge in Madison.
Football updates will be included in the December Family Newsletter.
DRAMA PERFORMANCE
Music Boosters
There is a Music Boosters fundraiser on Friday, November 10th at Panera from 4:00-8:00. Click on the link for more info!
We also have our silicone cup sale going on now as well. Please contact Justin Ranek if you would like to purchase one.
CHOIR CONCERT
The first choir concert of the year is on Monday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the AHS auditorium.
CLUBS/ACTIVITIES ELIGIBILITY UPDATE
Beginning Monday, November 6th, attendance checks for clubs and activities will be conducted by the A.D. office to ensure active participation in daily activities. These attendance records will be communicated to advisors, mirroring the process currently in place for athletics. Advisors will review a weekly grade report with their students to assist in addressing academic performance.
ATHLETICS- MIDTERM GRADE CHECK
The midterm grade check has been implemented, and students in athletics, as well as their parents and coaches, have been informed about the requirement for weekly grade checks conducted by the Athletic Director's office. Inquiries about this process can connect with Ms. Upward in the A.D. office.
Altoona Letterman Jacket
Dear Parents and Students,
I am writing to inform you about the upcoming opportunity to order your Altoona Letter jacket, which will be available on Monday, November 13th. The ordering process will take place in the Cafeteria from 11:40 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. During this time, a representative from Meca Sportswear will be present to assist with sizing and to address any inquiries you may have. Sizing samples will be provided to ensure a proper fit for each student.
The All School Jacket is priced at $230 and features a wool scarlet body, black leather sleeves, graduation year date with insert on the left sleeve, name on the front right, and Altoona with Railroaders on the back of the jacket. Please note that a shipping fee of $12 and a 5.5% tax will be added to your order.
Additionally, there are optional charges and features available, including sport or activity patches ordered with the jacket for $13.00 each (price includes patch and sew on charge), jersey number with sport insert for $13.00 each, bars/chevrons for $10.00 each, and lettering with bars/chevrons for $12.00 each. XXXL Jackets are available for an extra $20, while XXXXL jackets can be purchased for an additional $32. Sleeve and body alterations can be made for $6.00 each.
To place your order, a deposit of $150 is required on the day of the order. Payments can be made by checks payable to Meca Sportswear or by Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards, which are accepted for both the deposit and full payment at the time of the order.
Should you have any questions or require further information before the ordering day, please do not hesitate to contact me in advance at 563-568-8116.
Sincerely,
Tony Becker
Sales Representative
1120 Townline Road
Tomah, WI 54660
P-563-568-8116
Regis-Altoona Wrestling Team Raffle Winners
Raffle Winners Announcement 2023: The Regis-Altoona wrestling team extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket this year. We are thrilled to announce our winners and extend our warmest congratulations to them!
$50 Gas Card: Jeremiah Bowe
$100 Gift Card: Sam Jensen
Bike: Dave Cullinan
Electric Stihl Pole Saw: Dale Wood
Electric Stihl Tool: Tanner Van Meter
5 Practice Punch Card: Sean Shiltz
½ Day Guided Pheasant Hunt: Zach Wiesenberger
1 Annual Membership to WEGF (Woods and Wildlife Conservation Foundation): Duane Grube
1 Annual Membership to WEGF: Ryan Stearns
Solo Fire Pit Bonfire: Ian O’Connell
The Narrows Resort Stay: Brayden Delong
Floods Island Resort Stay: Nicole Polacek
Banks Hunting Blind: Josh Crass
Winter Sports Season Announcements
ETS
All Altoona athletes' grades 9-12 receive a FREE EVALUATION and 25% discount off any individual strength or speed membership.
The School District of Altoona sometimes permits the distribution of outside information when it is directly related to school curriculum or programming. Distribution of materials does not imply sponsorship, support, or vetting of the outside organization or activity by the school system. Any problems or questions related to the operation of the activity are to be directed to and resolved by the outside organization. The District assumes no liability for the outside organization, activity, or related persons.
COUNSELING CORNER
Reviewing Schedules for Trimester 2 & 3
During Rail Time on November 6th, students will be reviewing their trimester 2 and 3 schedules to ensure their classes are set for the rest of the year. Teachers will use this presentation to talk through what students should be looking for when they view their schedule for the rest of the year, if they can change their schedule, and when/where schedule changes need to be done. If you have questions related to scheduling, please contact Jay Mielke or Heather Burich Holle, school counselors.
Relevant documents:
CVTC Application
Seniors,
It is not too late to apply to CVTC!
CVTC will be hosting a FREE application workshop at Altoona High School on Thursday November 16th during Rail Time for current SENIORS. This is your chance to apply to CVTC without having to pay the $30.00 application fee. Bring your Social Security Number and be prepared to select a CVTC Program of Study. https://www.cvtc.edu/academics
The application will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
If you wish to attend the Application Workshop, complete this GOOGLE FORM
Luke will be available to answer any questions you may have re: CVTC during the lunch periods on November 16th
ASVB
Dear Students,
Altoona High School will be hosting:
ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY (ASVAB) TEST – Thursday, November 9th. – FREE
The ASVAB test will be administered at Altoona High School on Thursday, November 9th at 8:20 a.m. The ASVAB test will be optional for any junior or senior. Students considering any branch of the US military will be required to take the ASVAB test prior to enlistment. The ASVAB test is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes a multiple aptitude test battery, and interest inventory, and various career planning tools designed to help students explore the world of work. Results of the aptitude test and the interest inventory enable students to evaluate their skills, estimate performance in academic and vocational endeavors, and identify and prioritize possible career choices. Students are encouraged to consider their own work-related values and other important personal preferences as they explore the world of work and learn career exploration skills that will benefit them throughout their work lives.
If you would like to take the ASVAB test complete this ASVAB GOOGLE FORM contact Mr. Mielke, high school counselor, at 715-838-4378 or email jmielke@altoona.k12.wi.us prior to November 6th.
THE ASVAB TEST IS REQUIRED FOR ENLISTMENT TO ANY BRANCH OF THE US MILITARY
The eight ASVAB Test areas are:
General Science, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, Auto and Shop Information, Electronics Information, Arithmetic Reasoning, Paragraph Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension.
FAFSA
FAFSA- The 2024–25 FAFSA® form will be available in December 2023.
A representative from the UW-Eau Claire Financial Aid Office will present general information about Federal Financial Aid process and the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. All seniors and their parents should plan to attend. The meeting will take place on Thursday January 18th at 5:30 p.m. in the Altoona High School Auditorium.
Scholarship Information
All scholarship information received in the Counseling Office are posted on the Altoona High School Counseling webpage: https://sites.google.com/altoona.k12.wi.us/academiccareerplanning/high-school-counseling
Or for direct access to the Scholarship List you can bookmark this link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EUeu0bJ1SIhiwO63e_R56DadVSpa9XQBKCV3RuO_42c/edit#gid=0
Weekend Meals & Care Closet
Weekend Meals Grades 4K-12
Who is eligible to sign-up? Families of Altoona students 4K-12 who are facing financial difficulties and need some extra assistance.
How does this program work? Each week, meals will be packed and delivered to students to take home.
How to apply? Please fill out the attached form and send it to your child’s school counselor.
Forms are also available at
Weekend Food Program Application
Programa de Comidas de Fin de Semana
Care Closet
For more information, or to sign up, please contact your child's school counselor or access forms at
2023-2024 INFO
Parking Permits
Attendance
Please note that all attendance medical notes must be updated every 30 days per state statute listed below.
118.15(3)(a)- Any child who is excused by the school board because the child is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program but who can be expected to return to a school program upon termination or abatement of the illness or condition. The school attendance officer may request the parent or guardian of the child to obtain a written statement from a licensed physician, naturopathic doctor, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, psychologist, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, as defined in s. 255.06 (1) (d), or certified advanced practice nurse prescriber or Christian Science practitioner living and residing in this state, who is listed in the Christian Science Journal, as sufficient proof of the physical or mental condition of the child. An excuse under this paragraph shall be in writing and shall state the time period for which it is valid, not to exceed 30 days.
Skyward Family Access
Skyward is our student management system. This is where you can find all of your student's information regarding attendance, grades, schedule, etc... If you have not done so already, please log in and complete the registration process. This needs to be done each year to ensure we have the most up-to-date information.
#AltoonaRails Social Media
What: The School District of Altoona is growing our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.