SEPT 2024 Mnthly Nwslttr
August 2024
GATOR NEWS I Monthly Newsletter I September 2024
A Message from the Principal
Dear JRG Families,
Welcome to the official start of the 2024-2025 school year! It has been exciting to see our families and students back in the building again. I am filled with gratitude for all of you who were able to attend our ROCKS kick off event last week. Your participation speaks volumes about our shared commitment to keeping our students drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free. We look forward to working together as partners throughout the school year on this commitment.
As we look to the year ahead, our focus remains on students' growth and progress each and every day to help them reach their greatest potential. At JRG we will look to three key areas to help our students succeed:
Students as Problem Solvers: We're committed to fostering an environment where students develop critical thinking skills and learn to approach challenges creatively.
Encouraging Self-Advocacy: We believe in empowering our students to use their voice. We will guide them in recognizing their needs and expressing them effectively--an important skill for both their academic pathway and personal development.
Embracing Student Feedback: We're committed to actively listening to our students, valuing their insights, and using their feedback to guide our teaching. By paying close attention to their experiences and needs, we'll continually refine our methods to ensure each student gets what they need most to be successful.
By focusing on these areas, we hope to create learning experiences that adapt to our students' needs and prepare them for future success. We're looking forward to a year of growth, discovery, and achievement. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education.
Here's to a fantastic school year!
Yours in education,
Emily BehnkeMeet our new Dean of Students
I’m Austin Burmeister, and my family and I are excited to be part of the Kimberly community. We have lived in Appleton for the last eight years, but this will be my first year working in the district. Before becoming the dean of students at J.R. Gerritts and joining KASD, I was a middle school social studies teacher in Oshkosh and a paraprofessional in Menasha. I proudly served for four years in the Marine Corps before stepping into education as well. My wife, Samantha, is a nurse practitioner serving the Fox Valley area at ThedaCare, and our two children will eventually attend KASD in the coming years, which we are thrilled about. I firmly believe in the importance of continually bettering myself and being available to help those around me do the same. I am excited about this new opportunity at J.R. Gerritts and the district, as I feel my attitudes and values closely align with those here. I can’t wait to see what my first year at J.R. Gerritts brings.
Annual Public Notices 2024-25
Each year the Kimberly Area School District must inform all families and staff of certain information. The updated Public Notices document can be found on our website at: https://www.kimberly.k12.wi.us/departments/pupil-services/notices
If you need a printed copy, you can request one from any school office or
the District Administration Office.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Program (ATODA)
Please click or scan the QR code for additional resources that can help you talk to your child about drugs and alcohol.
Run for ROCKS Family Event
Wednesday, September 18th from 3:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Join ROCKS as we start your commitment to an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free lifestyle. JRG students and families are invited to participate in a 2-mile run/walk from JRG to Sunset Park. We will have a picnic celebration in the shelter at Sunset Park with burgers/hot dogs and water.
HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Grade 7 & 8
Dear Parent or Guardian:
It is important that our youth have knowledge about human growth and development to understand body changes, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and make healthy, responsible decisions which fit with their personal values and yours. It is important for you to be the primary source for information and education, and our schools will provide support to assist your efforts.
4 year-old-kindergarten through twelfth grade human growth and development objectives guide learning in our schools. These objectives were designed by a committee of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to be developmentally appropriate and were approved by the Board of Education. The objectives for your child’s grade level are printed here along with our philosophy for your review. Your child’s teachers will provide opportunities throughout the school year for your child to learn these objectives. To provide the best learning situations, we connect this information with other things about which the child is learning. Because of this, human growth and development learning may occur throughout the year when it is most appropriate, but there may be times when the learning is more focused.
Films related to the physical and emotional changes that occur with puberty are used in grades 4, 5, and 6. When the class is viewing one of these films, the teacher or counselor will notify you in advance so that you can have the opportunity to preview the film. We encourage you to take time with your child to discuss the film together after it is shown in class. This discussion provides another opportunity for you to share your values and expectations and to understand your child’s perspectives. We have additional resources to help parents connect and speak with their children about human growth and development issues. For more information about available resources, speak with your child’s teacher or counselor.
If you have any questions or concerns about what your child will be learning, please talk with your child’s teacher or counselor. If you prefer that your child not participate in human growth and development instruction, you need to make that request in writing to the teacher or school principal in advance and an alternative educational opportunity will be provided for your child during that time. Students whose parents exempt them from instruction related to human growth and development will still receive instruction on other health-related topics such as basic hygiene and sanitation, the effects of controlled substances and alcohol on the human body, symptoms of disease and the proper care of the body. Instruction is also provided for elementary students on effective means by which students may recognize, avoid, prevent and halt physically or psychologically abusive or intrusive situations, such as child abuse, child enticement and sexual abuse.
If you would like more information about the district’s health curriculum, including the complete human growth and development curriculum, or the instructional materials, please contact me at (920) 788-7900, Extension 4181.
Sincerely,
John Schultz
Director of Student Improvement
Philosophy
The Kimberly Area School District recognizes human growth and development as a lifelong educational process. The responsibility for this education belongs first and foremost to parents, church, and community. The district recognizes the obligation of the schools to support and supplement this aspect of education. Since students are in school for a large portion of their lives, it seems appropriate that the school offer to assist parents in these areas.
This human growth and development program has been planned with the active, constructive involvement of parents, teachers, students, community leaders, and administrators with approval by the School Board. The Kimberly School District is committed to provide human growth and development instruction as part of a comprehensive education program.
Human growth and development instruction refers to the process of growth in the intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social phases of individuals and their human relations. Human growth and development should not be an isolated special facet of education. Sequential, well-planned units appropriate for developmental needs will be integrated through the 4K-12 curriculum. Our goal is to provide accurate information in a non-threatening environment which includes dialogue between parents, students, and teachers. This accurate information will allow students and educators to use correct terminology when referring to human growth and development topics.
The Kimberly Area School District recognizes its responsibility to promote in our students positive self-concepts, healthy interpersonal relationships, and responsible decision making. This curriculum will help students examine their own attitudes and behavior in relation to the norms and values of parents, church, and community.
Objective Grade 7
- Apply the basic steps involved in the decision making process.
- Recognize the alcohol and drug use can affect decision making.
- Identify qualities/characteristics of a healthy relationship.
- Know that family structures vary, explain ways that families change and describe the responsibilities of all family members to create social, physical and mentally healthy family members.
- Explain the difference between acceptable, respectful physical contact and sexual harassment.
- Know how to respond to situations involving sexual harassment or abuse.
- Describe interrelationships of and disparities among physical, mental and social changes occurring at puberty.
- Identify abstinence as the only responsible choice for teens to protect their social, mental and physical health.
- Differentiate between gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.
- Communicate respectfully with and about people of all gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations.
Objective Grade 8
- Apply the basic steps involved in the decision making process.
- Explain qualities that make healthy relationships.
- Identify the influence of personal values and beliefs (as well as other outside influences such as the media) that impact a healthy relationship.
- Describe physical, mental, and social changes that occur as they mature physically and sexually through puberty.
- Identify and explain the structure and function of male and female reproduction system.
- Explain sexually transmitted infections, their potential impact on one’s health, and prevention and treatment options.
- Know why abstinence is the only responsible choice for teens to protect their social, mental and physical health.
- Identify reliable community resources, including parents or other trusted adults, that they can go to for information or if they are or someone they know is being harassed, abused or assaulted.
MAP Testing
September 9-10: MAP Testing
September 11-12: MAP Testing
September 16-20: Make-up MAP Testing
What to know about the JRG LMC
School Fees
Pay school fees today! School Fees are due by September 30th.
You have several options to pay school fees: Preferred Method: Pay online on your Infinite Campus parent portal page. The usual $1.75 credit card fee will be waived between August 1-September 31 for those paying fees online. Mail a check to the school office (545 S. John St, Kimberly, WI 54136).
Checks can be made payable to KASD.
If these options do not work for you at this time, please contact the main office at 920-788-7905.
"Optional" fees in Infinite Campus
How do I pay for a student agenda?
Student agendas are considered an optional fee. Here is a link to guide you through adding an "optional" fee to your student’s account. https://kb.infinitecampus.com/help/optional-payments
Breakfast $1.55
Lunch $2.90
Premium Meals $3.55
A la carte option: the a la carte option consist of individual sales of various sandwiches, pizza, fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, juice, milk and healthy snacks and beverages. Premium meals are available and include any entree from the Sono (Nacho/Taco) station, Deli Station, and occasionally the Create Station. Premium Meal options are indicated with signs at the point of service.
*For a full list of a la carte options with pricing or to restrict your child from purchasing a la carte options, use the following link.
http://chartwellsk12.compass-usa.com/KimberlyAreaSchoolDistrict/whats-cooking
How do I add money to my child's lunch account?
Free & Reduced
If you are approved for Free and Reduced lunch and would like to have fees waived,
you must also fill out the Sharing of Information form.
2024-2025 Free & Reduced Meal Application
Free & Reduced Meals Program Information
Free & Reduced Meals -Sharing Information with Other Programs
Chromebook Care
Empower your students to excel through proper care of their Chromebooks!
Remember, this valuable equipment belongs to the Kimberly Area School District and is entrusted to students solely for educational enrichment throughout the academic year.
Meet our Counselors
We’re All About Kids ... The Student Services office is a busy place, and we like it that way! We provide a comprehensive school counseling program which includes classroom lessons, small groups, high school planning conferences, and individual counseling. We also work together with teachers and parents to help students meet their goals. We take pride in getting to know all students, and our number one job is to help your child be the best version of themselves. It is only then that we see them learn with purpose and enthusiasm. This year, Andrea Diamond will serve as the 7th grade school counselor , and Brad Demmin will serve as the 8th grade school counselor. Both counselors will stay with their classes the full two years they are at JRG. Andrea will be out on maternity leave until December, but there will be a long-term counseling substitute, Heather LaFleur, to support students in the interim. Please contact her at hlafleur@kimberly.k12.wi.us.
Name: Brad Demmin, bdemmin@kimberly.k12.wi.us
Years at JRG: 8th Year
College: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Favorite Quote: “Mind is a flexible mirror, adjust it, to see a better world.”
Favorite Foods: Grilled Chicken Salad from Texas Roadhouse
Family: Wife: Aimee, Cat: Jordy
Hobbies: Fishing, boating, hiking, golfing, Packers, Badgers, Cubs
Little known fact about me: I’ve been to 70 different supper clubs and counting.
Goal: Run a half marathon (only have made it 6 miles so far)
Name: Andrea Diamond, adiamond@kimberly.k12.wi.us
Years at JRG: 5th Year
College: University of St. Thomas (undergrad). University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (graduate).
Favorite Quote: "Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change." - Bob Kerrey Favorite Foods: Indian food, sushi, and fish tacos
Family: My husband, (Stephen) and recent addition of our son, Luke!
Hobbies: Gardening, reading, cooking, baking, tending goats, listening to true crime podcasts, and traveling.
Little known fact about me: I love thrifting! My favorite pair of earrings cost $0.50.
Goal: To learn how to crochet
Career Planning
We have an exciting opportunity for you to get involved with our
Career Planning initiative at JR Gerritts!
Career Planning helps students better understand the world of work and begin to think about where their strengths and interests align to future education and career options. Middle school students typically know about a limited number of jobs (usually just what members of their family do, and a few others). You may think that what you do would not interest middle school students, but it does! What you have to share may have a lifelong impact on one of our students.
We are seeking parent volunteers to talk about their work to help our students gain a greater awareness of local occupations.
On January 24 and May 9, parents or other guest speakers will briefly present their occupation virtually to various classrooms. Within the 15 minute presentation, we would like speakers to:
Discuss your job description & responsibilities – what you do on a typical day or in a week
Talk about what makes your job interesting, challenging and fulfilling, and what skills and interests are important in your job.
Present props/visuals related to your job (optional)
Answer student questions
Our Career Planning program uses the concept of career clusters, which bundles jobs into 16 different categories. This year, we will be focusing on eight of those career clusters.
If you are interested in helping, please return this form to the JR Gerritts front office along with the career cluster and job that you wish to share. Please contact Brad Demmin at bdemmin@kimberly.k12.wi.us or (920) 423-4103 with questions or for more information. We’ll get in touch with you closer to the date of the presentation to confirm and finalize details.
REMINDER: Please help JRG become fragrance-free!
JRG is attempting to limit fragrances in our school. One of our teachers was recently diagnosed with Mast Cell Disease, similar to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. This is a rare disorder but one that has significant consequences to the person with the diagnosis. Mast cells are necessary for life and play a major role in our body’s immune system. When mast cells function normally, they keep a person healthy. With Mast Cell Disease, the body has too many mast cells and they are very reactive, which in turn causes an autoimmune reaction (essentially, the body is attacked by its own immune system). The disease is often misdiagnosed, and comes with a long list of possible triggers and symptoms.
In the case of our teacher, we need your help with a specific trigger that causes significant and at times debilitating symptoms - fragrances such as cologne, after shave lotion, perfume, perfumed lotion, fragranced hair products, and/or similar products. By reducing exposure to these triggers, symptoms will also be reduced. We are asking our families for any and all help they can provide in reducing fragrances coming into JRG. Your assistance in minimizing or eliminating fragrances can help not only this teacher, but also other students who have sensitivities and allergies related to fragrances by improving indoor air quality.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact our principal Emily Behnke.
Health Room Updates
JRG Athletics
Athletic Director: Mary Hammen
Phone: (920) 788-7905 ext. 4106
JRG Clubs & Activities
Discover exciting clubs and activities at JR Gerritts Middle School to connect with
fellow students and explore new interests!
Calendars
Additional Information
Attendance
Stay up-to-date with attendance matters! Discover important information and resources in our dedicated attendance section.
Health Room
Stay informed about your health room procedures and find answers to common questions!
School Handbook
Our student handbook outlines our school's policies, resources, and expectations to ensure a supportive academic environment.
Starfish
Mission: Project Starfish narrows the achievement gap by providing students in need with resources they otherwise would not be able to obtain on their own.
unFundraiser
Support our school without selling anything! Learn about our unique 'Unfundraiser' initiative where you can contribute directly to school programs.
Community Events
Explore our comprehensive list of community events. Ready to share an event?
Can't find the email for the JRG monthly newsletter?
Visit the Kimberly website and navigate to JR Gerritts Middle School under News and Announcements. There you will find all newsletters, special edition newsletters, the Calendar of Events, ROCKS events, and Athletics information.
Want to Volunteer?
Gator Apparel Store
Show your pride with our collection of spirit gear.
Contact Information
JRG Main Office: 788-7905
JRG Fax Number: 788-7914
Lamers Bus Lines: 832-8800
Email: jrg@kimberly.k12.wi.us
School Hours
School starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:58 p.m.
Bell Schedule
7:00 A.M. The front doors are unlocked, and students can enter.
7:17 A.M. Dismissal from the commons
7:27 A.M. Report to TLC
7:30 A.M. Start of TLC
2:58 P.M. Announcements
Lunch Times
7TH 11:26 a.m. to 12:06 p.m.
8TH 12:09 to 12:49 p.m.
If you are unable to access specific content within this newsletter, please call us at (920) 788-7905.
This newsletter may contain links to third party sites, which are not within our control. The District is not responsible for the content or accessibility of third party sites.
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J.R. Gerritts Middle School
Pupil Nondiscrimination Statement: The Kimberly Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student programs and activities.