October Family Newsletter 2024
10.8.24
Principal's Update
October
Dear AHS Students and Families,
I hope this message finds you well! I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of being at school each day. Consistent attendance is not just about showing up—it’s about fully engaging in the learning process and building the habits that will set students up for long-term success.
As parents and guardians, your support in ensuring your child is present and on time is essential. Below, we’d like to highlight some key ways that regular attendance positively impacts learning and prepares students for their future.
Why Regular Attendance is Key to Future Success:
Maximizing Learning: Being present at school allows students to participate fully in classroom activities, discussions, and hands-on learning. Each day provides opportunities to ask questions, engage with the material, and build knowledge that cannot be replicated outside of the classroom.
Building Strong Study Habits: Consistently attending school helps students develop strong study habits and routines. These habits, like managing time and staying organized, are essential not only for high school success but also for college and career readiness.
Responsibility and Accountability: Attending school every day teaches students the importance of responsibility. It shows they can be trusted to meet their commitments, which is a trait highly valued by colleges and future employers.
Preparedness for the Future: Regular attendance prepares students for the expectations they will face in their careers. Just as attendance is important for school, it is equally critical in the workplace, where being present and engaged is a foundation of professionalism.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment: When students are present consistently, they contribute to a collaborative learning environment. This fosters relationships with peers and teachers, which enhances their overall educational experience.
Reducing Stress: Students who attend school regularly are less likely to feel overwhelmed or fall behind. They are more prepared for exams and assignments, leading to reduced stress and a more positive attitude toward learning.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in helping our students succeed both academically and personally. Together, we can ensure they are prepared to meet the opportunities that lie ahead.
Best regards,
Becky Bauer
Principal
OFFICE UPDATES
Family Conferences
Family Conferences are on Thursday, October 17th. Please see the schedule below.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - By appointment only. Please reach out to teachers directly to set up a time to meet with them.
3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Open house format and appointments
We look forward to meeting with you to discuss how we can work collaboratively to ensure your student is successful!
Picture Retakes- October 15th
Picture retakes will occur during the morning of October 15th.
Please use the following link to order photos: https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/clients/altoona-high-school/fall-retake-pictures-10-15-2024-11/optIn When entering student information, please be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.
Please note that ALL students need to have a picture taken for our student information system and for student badges. There is no charge incurred when having a picture taken for these purposes.
Weekly Grade Communication- 9th grade
Each Monday, your student should be sending their parent/guardian a weekly grade update. Additionally, guardians can sign into Skyward and access this information at any time.
Purchase a Yearbook
Please see the flyer below for information about yearbooks. Simply click on the image and it will take you to a page to purchase a yearbook. The price increases after 9/20/24 so buy your yearbook now!
Olson's Ice Cream Fundraiser
Olson’s Ice Cream & Altoona High School are teaming up on Thursday, October 17th from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. for Share Night! Visit Olson’s Ice Cream in Eau Claire October 17th and purchase a tasty treat to show support. 10 % of the proceeds will be donated back to Altoona High School!
Upcoming Events
10/10 - Jostens Rep will be in to talk to students (12th - Graduation & 10th - Class rings)
10/15 - Picture Retakes
10/17 - Early Release at 12:35 p.m.
10/17 - Family Conferences ( 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. appointment only and 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. open house format)
10/18 - No School
MEET OUR DEPARTMENTS
Art
Ms. Haley & Ms. Youngberg
Business Education
Mr. Jahr and Ms. Vetsch
COUNSELING CORNER
Character Strong - To Be Challenge
At AHS, we place significant emphasis on the development of both individual and collective character within our community. As part of this commitment, we are excited to introduce the To Be Challenge. The To Be Challenge is like a workout for our hearts and enables us to actively practice and enhance skills such as kindness, patience, and respect. Often we focus on what we need “To Do,” but identifying who we want “To Be” along the way is also important.
We will be presented with many different To Be Challenges throughout the school year. We will ensure that you are kept informed of each when they happen, providing you with the opportunity to engage with your students about their experiences and progress.
We would also like to extend an invitation to all families to join us in taking up these challenges whenever possible. We are excited to discover the positive impact that these shared challenges can have on our students, families, and community.
Warm regards,
Heather Burich Holle
School Counselor
PSAT Test- National Merit Scholarship Opportunity (Juniors)
The PSAT Test will be offered at Altoona High School on Wednesday, October 23rd during periods 1-3. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills. A sign-up sheet is available in the counseling office for students who wish to take the PSAT. A Study Guide is also available in the Counseling office. The test will be administered at Altoona High School and will cost $18.00.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. NMSC conducts two annual competitions for recognition and scholarships – the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program. The PSAT/NMSQT is the screening test for current high school juniors who wish to participate in NMSC programs. More information can be found at www.collegeboard.com . Students that want to take the PSAT need to sign up in the Counseling office on or before October 11th.
SENIORS
Seniors - Yearbook Photo
Seniors may start sending in their senior picture for the yearbook to ahsyearbook@altoona.k12.wi.us! Pictures are due by 12/20/24.
They should make sure that this is a high-quality image and in a jpeg format.
Information about senior quotes will be sent out at a later date.
Any questions should be sent to ameier@altoona.k12.wi.us
Graduation Information
While it may still be a few months away, we believe that being prepared for this momentous occasion of graduation requires some early planning and action. Here are some essential details regarding the preparations for graduation attire and other important information:
Cost: The total cost for cap, stole, gown, and tassel is $50 per student. The cap and gown will be black and the stole will be red. This fee covers the purchase of the graduation attire, ensuring that all graduates can participate in this special event in a uniform and dignified manner. We want to emphasize that these items are required to participate in graduation, but they can be used by younger siblings in the future.
Ordering Process: To streamline the ordering process, we have partnered with Jostens, a reputable provider of graduation attire. All orders will be placed directly through Jostens, and they have made it convenient for families to order online or by mail. Please stay tuned for detailed ordering instructions.
Order now: Click here!
Student Informational Session with Jostens: Jostens representatives will be visiting our school on October 10th to provide students with all the necessary forms and information to place your order. They will be available during school hours to answer any questions you may have regarding sizing, payment options, and more. This meeting is only for students at this time. Ordering information will be communicated with families in a timely manner. Orders need to be placed by October 24th.
We understand that financial constraints may affect some families. If you find it challenging to cover the cost of graduation attire, please do not hesitate to reach out to our school office. Ms. Bauer or Mr. Hanson will be available to discuss alternative arrangements and support options, ensuring that no student misses out on this important day due to financial concerns.
We are committed to making this graduation ceremony a memorable and inclusive event for all students and their families. Your support and cooperation in preparing for this day are greatly appreciated!
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT
National Honor Society
If your child is a junior or senior with a current GPA of 3.65 or above, he or she qualifies to apply to the Altoona chapter of the National Honor Society. The membership criteria includes strong leadership experience, outstanding service to the school and/or community and exemplary character. If your child has applied before, we welcome him/her to apply with an updated application emphasizing his/her areas of improvement.
Eligible students are invited to submit an application to show how they fulfill these criteria. Application materials can be accessed by emailing Ms. Jentzsch at ljentzsch@altoona.k12.wi.us or Ms. Calkins at mcalkins@altoona.k12.wi.us. After applications have been collected, an anonymous five member faculty council will then review the applications and vote on each student. All students will be notified of membership status by late-October.
Please feel free to reach out to either one of us with any questions you might have regarding NHS.
Winter Athletic Seasons
Register at Altoona High School (rschooltoday.com)
Registration and a valid physical must be submitted to be cleared for practice.
Girls Basketball Starts November 11
Head Coach: Michelle Peplinski
Boys Hockey Starts November 11
Head Coach: Travis Obrycki
Girls Hockey Starts November 11
Eau Claire North Coop
Contact Andrew Caudill
Boys Basketball Starts November 18
Head Coach: Paul Henrichs
Boys/Girls Wrestling Starts November 18
Regis Coop
Contact Andrew Caudill
Upcoming Events/ News/ Highlights
Please visit gorails.net and follow Altoona Railroaders Athletics & Activities on Facebook!
Event Workers Needed
Please consider working an upcoming winter athletic event! Click the 2024-2025 Event Worker Schedule for more information and to sign up. Please direct any questions to Mrs. Brooks or Mr. Caudill in the A.D. Office!
Ticket Sales for the 24/25 School Year
Athletics Tickets: Multiple options are available to get tickets to Altoona athletic events this season
- Group Packages & Sport Season Tickets are available online via GoFan
Individual event tickets are available online via GoFan and will also be available at the gate using cash
Individual event tickets on the road within the MBC are also available online via GoFan
To review all ticket options, you can visit https://gofan.co/app/school/WI18279?utm_campaign=vnn_global&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=vnn&referrer_name=vnn
GOLD CARDS are available to senior citizens (62+) to gain free entry into all regular season athletic events. Please stop by the high school to pick one up.
Altoona high school students will be provided a free pass to all home regular season athletic events.
Please note: Passes sold during the regular season do not cover WIAA tournament events.
2024-2025 INFO
Need a Locker?
If your student is in grades 10th, 11th or 12th and they would like a locker for this school year, please have them fill out the “Locker Request ” form. This information has been shared with student on daily announcements for the past week so they can also check their email for more information.
Parking Permits
#AltoonaRails Social Media
What: The School District of Altoona is growing our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.