Clarendon Avenue Elementary School

Hi Families!

The month of October was PACKED with learning and fun at Clarendon! We worked very hard on showing the Cougar Code (respectful, responsible, and safe) behaviors so that we can focus on learning and also added the skill and learning around friendship.

A HUGE amount of gratitude to all of you for supporting our PTG's GLOW RUN fundraiser! The event today was AMAZING, and the support from you has been just as amazing! We set a goal to raise $20,000, reached all of our building rewards and surpassed our goal! We are currently over $27,000!! I'm overwhelmed and inspired by the community support and incredibly thankful! THANK YOU!

As we look ahead to November, we will be talking about gratitude as a skill to support the Cougar Code. Sometimes we have so much, it's important to take time and show gratitude to those around you. I hope you will hear some of this gratitude come home as well.

On behalf of myself and everyone here at Clarendon, we are honored to work with you and your children!

Brandy Hart, Principal

On November 5, a referendum for a mix of new construction and renovation of the 1993 section of Park View Middle School will appear on the ballot. The new plan would create 210,000 square feet of new construction and renovate 32,400 square feet of space. In total, 87% of the facility would be new construction.

The plan would create space to serve 1,200 6th-8th grade students, classrooms and labs for science, technology, engineering, and math courses, a flexible space for student performances, and a gymnasium and fitness area for students and community use.

The tax impact of the plan is $24 for every $100,000 of property value. This is a reduced impact from the April referendum question due to borrowing $13.2 million less, a downward trend in interest rates for public bonds/loans, and prepaying referendum debt for Mukwonago High School, putting the district on pace to have it paid off seven years ahead of schedule.

Click here to learn more about the district’s proposal, including conceptual renderings of classroom space and more. Or, click here to learn about how to vote in the November election, including how to vote early or the location of your polling place. And don’t forget to turn over your ballot when you vote as the PVMS referendum question could be on the back!

My name is Brittany Sadorf and I have had the pleasure of being the school psychologist at Clarendon Avenue Elementary for the past 11 years. November 11th through November 18th is National School Psychology Week and this year's theme is Spark Discovery!

As caregivers and educators, we share the goal of helping children thrive in school, at home, and in life. This includes exploring new ideas, celebrating their strengths, and encouraging them to persevere when things get tough. Working together, we can support students’ sense of learning and discovery through these formative years.

School psychologists are members of the school team that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. We apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. As school psychologists, we provide support and interventions to students, such as learning assessments, academic and behavioral interventions, counseling, and social skills training. We also consult with families, teachers, and other educators to improve school-wide practices and policies.

Join us by taking this week to embark on a journey of discovery and explore how each person can join us in our mission of helping children thrive in school, at home, and in life. There are many ways caregivers can help children take on new challenges, learn new skills, and feel safe and valued. You can:

● Encourage your child to pursue new ideas and to map out a plan. As a parent, you can help them see what the small steps are and how overcoming obstacles is a part of their journey.

● Help them work through setbacks or lack of confidence by helping them identify negative thoughts that may suggest concerns about their ability to be successful.

● Praise attempts, as well as success, and make sure that you focus on the effort put in to boost their strengths.

● Demonstrate ways to explore new opportunities and learn about a variety of topics, letting them know that you, too, are learning new things and expanding your universe.

● Celebrate diversity and model how to accept others as they are. Take steps with your child to actively learn about others who are different from you.

Partner with me and we can help your child Spark Discovery! I am your school psychologist, and I look forward to working with you at Clarendon Avenue Elementary to encourage all children, whether at home or at school, to pursue new ideas, explore their connections, and boost their strengths.

All birthday treats sent to school must be pre-packaged. All treats must be “nut free” and

sensitive to any allergies within the classroom. The treats should not require refrigeration or

freezing. The teacher will determine an appropriate time and manner for items to be distributed

so as not to disrupt the classroom learning

If you want to come to school to eat lunch with your student you will need to check in at the

main office. Food from an outside vendor is prohibited. We are able to accommodate any adult

who would like to enjoy a school lunch with their student. Please let the office know before 9:00

a.m. the choice of lunch you will be having with your child

Gifts, balloons and decorations should be kept at home to celebrate with your family. Deliveries

to the classroom will not be allowed. It is not acceptable for parents to bring in balloons, flowers

or deliveries.

While the weather is still nice, we know that some of our families enjoy taking the opportunity to walk their children to or from school. If you choose to walk to and from school with your children, please leave your pets at home. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on school grounds without prior approval from the school principal.

November, 2024

Dear Families,

One of my most favorite topics to teach about is kindness and empathy. Throughout the year, we will discuss how to be kind in school with our friends, classmates, and teachers in our classroom, in the hallways, and on the playground.

Across all grades, we discuss empathy as learning to identify and understand our own and others’ feelings. We understand others by noticing their face, body, and thinking about the situation. Students learn to use the statement, “I feel _____.” to communicate how they are feeling when someone doesn’t understand them. Students also learn how to take another’s perspective by listening and talking with them. Showing compassion includes saying kind words, helping, and other things that will make someone feel better.

Empathy and kindness helps to build stronger friendships, resolve conflicts more effectively, and exhibit positive behaviors. Notice and praise your child when they talk about how someone else might be feeling. Talk about kind things friends can do for eachother. And look for opportunities for your child to show kindness. If you hear your child mention that a friend is going through a tough time, encourage them to think of something they could do to show they care.

Please let me know if you ever have questions regarding this topic or if you would like more information to be able to practice these skills at home.

Mrs. Megan Johnson
Clarendon School Counselor

johnsmeg@masd.k12.wi.us

Each month, the Mukwonago School District seeks out and recognizes staff that have gone above and beyond in serving the districts mission and vision. We call these awards, The Vision Keepers!

In the month of October, 18 vision keepers were recognized throughout the district.... Clarendon had TWO of those 18 recipients! Congrats to Tammy Mertens and Cheyenne Therkildsen for showing excellence. We are all thankful and and grateful to have you on our team!

We're excited to announce a meaningful partnership to make recess safer and more enjoyable for all Clarendon students. This year, we're collaborating with Playworks Wisconsin, an organization To improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. [Learn More About Playworks Wisconsin]

This partnership aims to create a recess environment where safety is a priority, and students can actively participate in creative and energetic activities. With the support of our staff, we'll introduce new and engaging games every month, ensuring students understand the rules of games before new ones are incorporated while still allowing the space for kids to be kids.

To facilitate these activities, we've acquired new, high-quality playground equipment. To maintain a safe and consistent environment, we ask that students refrain from bringing personal items to the playground. If your child recommends additional playground equipment, we're open to suggestions.

Why Choose Playworks? Our Cougar Code expectations of “Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe” closely aligns with Playworks' mission: to enhance the health and well-being of children by providing more opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

We have launched at CES! We have selected 30 students to serve as our Jr. Coaches. Jr. Coaches have a leadership role in the building and especially at recess!

Sunday November 3rd

***Remember to turn back those clocks.

Please use this link - Bingo sign up

Reservations Required and are due by November 12th.

Please find information for the VIP Lunch here.

Don't forget to visit the book fair during the VIP Lunch!

Please find information for the Scholastic Book Fair here.

Join Clarendon's Ski and Snowboard Club

Interested in getting outside this winter as a family?

Join our Club and SAVE

when skiing or snowboarding at Alpine Valley!

Ski Club is open to students ages 7 and up.

Here's How our club works:

• The club card is $30(checks payable to "Marnie Phillips"). It is a coupon or discount card. With the card, the student receives one free lesson on a club night, $30 lift tickets on our club nights(and after 3pm Sun-Fri), $30 rentals, $30 additional lessons on club nights, and $15 helmet rentals.
• On our club dates (tentatively 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24 Daytime), parents and friends can also purchase lift tickets and rentals at the same discounted price. More dates may be added.
• Once you pay for the card and fill out the form, you get an envelope with the students’ card in it. Students should always have that card with them. Each week you’d like to go skiing or snowboarding, you simply put the money in the envelope for lift tickets/rentals, etc. (payable to ‘Marnie Phillips’), and get it to the Art Room by Thursday afternoon. Lift Tickets/Rental Contracts go home with the student on the club date.
• CLICK HERE FOR FORMS AND FAQs.
• Email Ms. Phillips if you have any more questions: phillma@masd.k12.wi.us

You can check online to see which library books your student has checked out! Go to our school website, www.masd.k12.wi.us and if you scroll down there is a “Family & Student Login” button (yellow computer icon button). Use the “Destiny” icon for library software. Then choose your child’s home school and log in on the top right corner.

Your student should login with Google (their username is their network log in name, 4 letters of their last name and 4 of their first - ex: John Smith would be smitjohn@stu.masd.k12.wi.us) Students in Grades K-3 have their password set by their teacher and by students grades 4 and up set their own password. Your child is very versed on using this login information on websites on Chromebooks at school so you can ask them!

Once logged into Destiny, you can go to the tab on the top labeled “MY INFO” and it will show the items checked out, date, and due date. Please let your child’s LTS (Library Technology Specialist) know if you have any questions. Thank you!

Students should not arrive at school before 8:20 am. Supervision begins at 8:20 am.

Please discuss safety measures and appropriate behaviors with your child before they walk or ride their bicycle to and from school. Students who ride their bikes to school must park them in the bike rack located on the south side of Clarendon near the swings.

Students who walk or ride their bicycle must go directly home after school to check in with parents.

Bus Route Information

Transportation information will be available before Open House. Your student's transportation information will be updated in Infinite Campus. You can login to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal by clicking here. Once in the Portal, please click "More" on the left hand side, and then on "Transportation."

Your student's transportation information includes their bus route number, time of pick up, and location of the bus stop. Drop off information is also included.

Concerns with Transportation

If you have a concern with your student's transportation, please go to our transportation website and follow the information under "Bus Transportation Concerns".

Apply for Transportation

If you are not currently receiving bus transportation but would like to, please go to our transportation website and follow the information under "Apply for Bus Transportation Service". Please note that seating will be limited based on availability for open enrolled students who reside in other school districts but would like to ride MASD routes.

At the bus stop, each child is the responsibility of his or her own parents/guardians. Sending children to a bus stop unsupervised may lead to problems. Speaking with your neighbors and developing some type of rotation system for regular and consistent supervision is strongly recommended.

• Nov 3 - Daylight Savings Day Ends
• Nov 12 - VIP Lunch Reservation Slips are due
• Nov 12 - CES PTG Meeting in the Library 6:30 pm
• Nov 15 - Bingo Night
• Nov 18-21 - VIP Lunch & Scholastic Book Fair Week
• Nov 26 - Paint with Bob Ross Impersonator reservations due

Please note there is NO SCHOOL Tuesday, November 5th and Wednesday, November 27-Friday, November 29.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Please send your children to school prepared for the ever changing weather we experience. It is a great time of year to layer clothing. Please mark all sweatshirts, jackets, hats, gloves, and boots with their names. Students will be going out to recess every day unless the overall temperature (including wind chill) is -1 or lower.

A Message from the Phy Ed Teacher-Mrs. Portz

Please remember to send appropriate shoes for P.E. class.

Magnetic Calendars are available in the main office while they last.

Clarendon Avenue Elementary School teachers and staff would like to Thank the PTG and volunteers who helped make the Conference Dinner so wonderful. Shoutout to the Martinez Family for providing the delicious food. Thank you.

Items that are found without identification will be placed in the Lost & Found located in hallway outside the gym. Please mark your child's name in all outerwear, lunch boxes, and personal sports equipment brought for recess, etc. If your child has come home without all his/her possessions, please have your child check the lost and found located in the hallway outside the gym for sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves, etc. Small items (jewelry, keys, etc.) will be located in the office. Items in the Lost & Found at the end of the school year will be donated.

• Elementary Hot lunch (including milk) is available daily for $3.20. The cost of ala carte milk is $.50. Funds should be deposited to your child's Infinite Campus food service account. You may check the balance at any time by accessing the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. You will receive an automatic low balance or negative balance phone call when your child needs money added to his/her account. Payments may be made online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, or paid by check made out to MASD and sent to the school office. Our free/reduced-price lunch application is also available in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal for families wishing to apply for assistance. The food service department has several part-time job openings available throughout MASD. If you are interested in joining our school nutrition staff, please contact Christina Oswald at 262-363-6200 ext 25601 or oswalch@masd.k12.wi.us.

The free/reduced-price lunch application is available through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. The primary household has the option to share the permissions (waiver) with other fees issued districtwide when completing the annual update. This option is selected yes/no on the household tab in the annual update, if this is not selected, no fees will be waived. Secondary households can apply for meal benefits, however only the primary household can apply for the fee waiver.

The lunch menu may be found on the district website under Families - Lunch Menu - Elementary "Refrigerator Menu". You may also click button below to see the lunch menu.

Please note that due to availability and/or staff shortages, some menu items may change throughout the month (rare, but could occur). Please use the online version for the most up to date information.

New Food Service Menu!

The Food Service Department is pleased to introduce My School Menus by Health-e Pro - a mobile app with interactive menus. My School Menus allows easy access to complete nutrition information for the school meal--anytime, anywhere.

You can download My School Menus Mobile App in the iTunes Store or the Google Play store. The Food Service Department is excited to offer My School Menus Mobile App as a valuable nutrition resource. You can access the web version by visiting the district website at https://www.myschoolmenus.com/organizations/2534.

As part of our district's website revision, the old version of the app will no longer be updated. Users are asked to delete the old app. A new version of the MASD app is in the works and more information will be shared when it is ready for use!

The Wisconsin Student Immunization Law recently changed. New vaccine requirements for Varicella and MenACWY (meningitis) were added which may affect your child's compliance with the law.

Please see the following summary of changes to the Wisconsin school immunization requirements linked below for the 2024-2025 school year for schools. The summary explains the differences between the prior requirements and the newly updated requirements. For summary of changes please visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p03370.pdf

In Wisconsin, if a parent does not wish to have their child vaccinated, they may seek either a religious waiver or personal conviction waiver. This is noted in step 4 of the Child Care Immunization Record attached here.

For immunization requirements, please visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/reqs.htm

Technology information for families can be found at this link: Family Technology Resources

Internet Safety

Mukwonago Area School District has various options available to Parents/Guardians related to Internet Safety and monitoring student activity. For more information on how parents/guardians can take advantage of available options, please click this link.

November 4, 2024 from 8:15a-6:00p

Brooklife Church (857 S Rochester St, Mukwonago)

Gina Berka at 262-363-6300 x24201 or by email at berkagi@masd.k12.wi.us

• MASD is proud to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Justice to use the new Speak Up, Speak Out (SUSO) confidential reporting system. SUSO allows students and parents to report weapons, threats of violence, bullying, sexual harassment, threat of suicide, drugs, and any other activity that could potentially endanger students, staff, and property. By using SUSO, students and parents can help keep schools safe, and it’s completely confidential.

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that ensures the right of students to go to school even when they are homeless or don’t have a permanent address. The Act aims to reduce barriers that have prevented many homeless youth from enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. The Mukwonago Area School District is committed to building and creating a supportive community for all families and students.

Visit Resources for Homeless Students and Families

Parents struggling financially may apply now to receive 2024 Christmas gift assistance.

Visit https://www.christmasclearingcouncil.org/application for program information and application links.

Deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

To qualify, a family must:

• Live in Waukesha County, WI or be caring for a Waukesha County foster child.
• Have custody of the children they are applying for.
• Provide proof of financial hardship (such as qualifying for free/reduced lunch).
• Have children ages 0-18 (will accept older if still enrolled in high school.)

Did you know that public entities in Wisconsin can auction off surplus items online? The Mukwonago Area School District has items live right now!

Click here to view our items or click here to visit the main Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction website.

As a service to our community, don't forget that MASD hosts a virtual Community Bulletin Board that is regularly updated with information from organizations providing services or activities. Be sure to bookmark the page and watch Key News for Families all year long for updates!

Parents, this is a great opportunity to:

• Be involved in your child’s education and help out in your local schools

• Turn your volunteer hours into extra income

• Maintain a flexible schedule—work when and where you want

• Get paid weekly and take advantage of bonus opportunities

Please check out these links to learn more!

Information on substitute opportunity for parents.

Find work that matters. Become a substitute.

School Hours

8:30 am - 3:35 pm Monday through Friday

Website: Clarendon Avenue Elementary School
Location: 915 Clarendon Avenue, Mukwonago, WI, USA
Phone: 262-363-6286
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masdclarendon