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Huskies Have HEART Newsletter
October 1, 2023
Greetings Central Heights Students and Families,
Tuesday, October 3rd is a B-day! Remember, there is no school on Monday, 10/2 because it is a staff PD day. Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter! If there is ever anything you would like to see in our newsletter or questions you have about school that may help other families learn more about school, please be sure to reach out and ask!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our fall family night! We love seeing students and families enjoying the activities, getting to know each other and our staff, and students exploring our clubs. Save the date for the next family night, which will be on: January 31st (held at Central Heights).
We are seeking your feedback and input about our school's communications efforts, please take two minutes to fill out this survey:
Check out some of our Staff Newsletters:
Elective Teachers’ September Electives Newsletter.
Save the date! Fall Parent/Caregiver Conferences are Thursday, October 19 from 4:00-8:00 pm and Friday, October 20 7:30am to 11:30am. You can meet in person or via google meet and you’ll be learning more about signing up from your student’s teachers soon!
“Please take a look through the links below for more information on some technology updates to our filter policy, our loaner chromebook procedures, and our new focused browsing tool called Securly Classroom.
Free Vaccine Clinic - October 10th - 3:00 to 7:00pm
Clínica de Vacunas Gratuita - 10 de Octubre - 3:00 a 7:00pm
Starting on Monday, 9/25, households can order free COVID tests at the link below:
COVID.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
Want to order some husky gear? Check out this shop: Online Huskies Merchandise
Thank you to everyone who supported our Burrachos Share night! They were so busy they ran out of chips!! We really appreciate you taking the time to get to Burrachos and support our SCO. Please save the date for the next share night:
October is Bullying Prevention month: Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm. Bullying may be repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. It includes, but is not necessarily limited to such behaviors as stalking, cyberbullying, intimidating, menacing, coercing, name-calling, taunting,making threats, and hazing. Bullying behavior can be:
1. Physical (e.g. assault, hitting or punching, kicking, theft, threatening behavior)
2. Verbal (e.g. threatening or intimidating language, teasing or name-calling,
racist remarks)
3. Indirect/Psychological (e.g. spreading cruel rumors, manipulating social relationships, intimidation, social exclusion, and cyberbullying)
Students can make a report several ways:
Verbally to any staff member
Completing and submitting the Bullying Report Form
Filling out an entry using the district’s Electronic Safety Tip Line & Speak Up Speak Out Tip Line
Central Heights Enrichment Opportunities: Students can join the Central Heights Enrichment Opportunities Google Classroom by using the code t4vqxm6. This Google Classroom contains information about weekly challenge problems, math meets, Math 24, online math challenges, enlarge an item project, NaNoWriMo (students writing their own novel), Greater Dane Anthology writing and art competition, and more! Reach out to Renea Boguszewski with any questions, rjbogus@sunprairieschools.org
We are reaching out to ask for your help recruiting AVID coaches/tutors to support our AVID elective classes!
Do you know someone who may be interested in becoming more involved in our school communities? We are currently looking for community members to serve as AVID academic coaches. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college and career readiness system for students in the academic middle and/or students part of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Academic coaches support our AVID students during the tutorial process, a designated time in which students bring points of confusion from their content classes and work through them with an academic coach and small group of their peers. This position pays $16/hr. For more information, please contact the AVID District Coordinator, Katie Janssen at kmjanss@sunprairieschools.org.
While there are some other shifts available, our greatest areas of need are
Central Heights Middle School:
Periods 1 (8:57 AM - 9:36 AM) on Tuesdays and Friday
Periods 8-9 (2:15 PM - 3:35 PM) on Tuesdays and Friday
Here is the PDF: AVID Academic Coach Flyer.pdf
Here is an image for social media:AVID Academic Coach Flyer.png
What does the Middle School Student/Family Handbook Say? This is a new segment of our CHMS newsletter to help familiarize students and families with what is in the Middle School Handbook. See Page 11 of the linked handbook to learn more about our 0-4 point grading scale that is used in middle school:
Middle school is a critical period in a child's development, including their brain development. Understanding some basics about brain science can help educators, parents/caregivers, and middle school students themselves make the most of this crucial time. Here are some key concepts and tips:
**Brain Development:** The brain undergoes significant changes during adolescence. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, planning, and impulse control, is still developing. This can lead to impulsive behavior and difficulty in foreseeing long-term consequences.
**Neuroplasticity:** The adolescent brain is highly plastic, meaning it can adapt and change. This is a great time for learning new skills and acquiring knowledge, so encourage students to explore various interests.
**Sleep:** Adolescents often need more sleep than adults, yet they may experience a shift in their sleep patterns. Encourage good sleep hygiene, which includes regular sleep schedules and adequate sleep duration, as it's crucial for memory consolidation and overall well-being.
**Stress and Emotions:** Adolescents may experience heightened emotions due to brain changes and hormonal shifts. Teaching stress management techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing can be beneficial.
**Social and Emotional Learning (SEL):** Middle school is a prime time for developing social and emotional skills. SEL programs can help students better understand their emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and make responsible decisions.
**Diet and Exercise:** Proper nutrition and regular physical activity are essential for brain development. Encourage a balanced diet rich in nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health. Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain and can enhance cognitive function.
**Limit Screen Time:** While technology can be a valuable educational tool, excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact cognitive development. Encourage screen time limits and promote offline activities like reading, sports, and hobbies.
**Critical Thinking:** Middle school is a time to develop critical thinking skills. Encourage students to ask questions, analyze information, and engage in discussions to promote cognitive growth.
**Positive Relationships:** Healthy relationships and social interactions are vital for brain development. Encourage positive peer relationships and provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively.
**Setting Goals:** Help students set realistic goals and create a plan to achieve them. Goal-setting activates the brain's reward system, motivating students to work toward their objectives.
**Challenges and Growth:** Emphasize that making mistakes and facing challenges are opportunities for growth. Encourage a growth mindset, where students believe they can improve their abilities through effort and perseverance.
By understanding these principles of brain science, educators and parents/caregivers can support middle school students in their cognitive, emotional, and social development, helping them reach their full potential. Which of the eleven are solid habits for you and your student? Which one(s) need more time and attention? Is there one in particular you would find beneficial to focus on for one week?
Free and Reduced Meals and Fee Waiver Information
If you would like to apply for Free or Reduced status, please fill out the application for free or reduced price school meals. Please see the links below for directions, the application, and frequently asked questions document. You only need to submit one application per household, even if your children attend more than one school in Sun Prairie. The application must be filled out completely to certify your children for free or reduced price school meals. Be sure to list each of your children on the application form. If at any time you are not sure what to do next, please contact the Sun Prairie School District, Nutrition Department, 501 S. Bird St., Sun Prairie WI 53590 or email nutritiondepartment@sunprairieschools.org or call (608) 834-6544.
If you want to share your Free and Reduced status with Central Heights in order to request fee waivers for things like athletic fees, activity and club fees, course fees, and or summer school fees, please contact our school social worker, Matt Jahnke at (608) 318-8009 or mtjahnk@sunprairieschools.org
Comidas gratis y a precio reducido e información sobre exención de tarifas
Si desea solicitar el estado Gratis o Reducido, complete la solicitud para comidas escolares gratuitas o de precio reducido. Consulte los enlaces a continuación para obtener instrucciones, la solicitud y el documento de preguntas frecuentes. Solo necesita presentar una solicitud por hogar, incluso si sus hijos asisten a más de una escuela en Sun Prairie. La solicitud debe completarse en su totalidad para certificar que sus hijos reciban comidas escolares gratuitas o de precio reducido. Asegúrese de incluir a cada uno de sus hijos en el formulario de solicitud. Si en algún momento no está seguro de qué hacer a continuación, comuníquese con el Departamento de Nutrición del Distrito Escolar de Sun Prairie, 501 S. Bird St., Sun Prairie WI 53590 o envíe un correo electrónico nutritiondepartment@sunprairieschools.org o llame al (608) 834-6544.
Calendar Check:
Monday, October 2nd: No School for Students; PD day for staff
Tuesday, October 17th: SCO meeting 5:00pm in our CHMS library
October 19 4-8 pm Fall Parent/Caregiver Conferences:
October 20 7:30 am to 11:30 am Fall Parent/Caregiver Conferences (no school for students)
Tuesday, October 24th: Picture retake day (last day for students to get school pictures taken!)
Tuesday, November 21st: SCO Meeting 5:00pm in our CHMS library
Wednesday, November 22nd: No School - Fall Break
Thursday, November 23rd: No School - Fall Break
Friday, November 24th: No School - Fall Break
In order to call your student out absent/excuse them from school, please call our attendance line: 608-318-8020.
Please keep your child home if they have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea. Let us know (by calling: 318-8020) if they test positive for any communicable disease, such as COVID, influenza, strep, or pertussis. Your school's health assistant can provide guidance on when your child can return to school after testing positive.
Take care and be well,
Sarah PrankeKlang, Principal
608-318-8001
Kyree Brooks, Associate Principal
608-318-8012
Cindy Wise, Special Education Coordinator
608-318-8002