November 25, 2024

Dear Country Dale Families,

The upcoming time off of school offers us the perfect opportunity to reflect on what matters most—family, friendship, and the shared experiences that enrich our lives.

Here at Country Dale, we value:

• Our students, who inspire us daily with their curiosity, creativity, and determination.

• Our families, whose partnership and support make it possible for every child to succeed.

• Our dedicated staff and teachers, whose commitment to excellence and care creates a nurturing environment for all.

I encourage you and your family to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality moments with loved ones. Whether it’s sharing a meal or simply pausing to reflect, these moments remind us of the connections that truly matter.

Thank you for your continued trust and collaboration. I am grateful for the privilege of being part of this vibrant community.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Nickel

Programming Note: Due to the shortened week this week with the Thanksgiving break, we will not run a building bulletin newsletter next week after Thanksgiving. You can expect our next building bulletin newsletter on Monday, December 9th!

As a reminder, the 2024-25 District Calendar can be found in PDF format here and linked into our district calendars on our website here. All of our calendars are able to be subscribed to! Follow the steps at the top of the District Calendar webpage for how to subscribe.

On Tuesday, November 19th, the Wisconsin Department of Instruction released the 2023-24 State Report Cards for all public schools and districts, publicly funded charter schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program.

Of note for this year: There have been scoring changes made by the State to better reflect student performance. These scoring adjustments will allow for student achievement to be comparable to last year. This one year scoring change only applies to the 2023-24 Report Cards. DPI has shared this “What’s New for the 2023-2024 Report Cards” resource to support understanding of the latest updates.

We are very proud of the work across the district to help Franklin Public Schools to be recognized as “Exceeds Expectations”!

The report card for Country Dale School is here

For more details and to view the FPS district and school report cards, please visit this page here. Thank you to our students, staff and family/community members for their support of student learning in Franklin Public Schools.

Thank you,

Dr. Jessica Moe, Assistant Superintendent for Continuous Improvement

Franklin Public Schools

Now that we have officially had our first snowfall of the season, we want to review basic bus safety rules and winter safety tips and we encourage you to review these with your children.

• Be at stop on time: Students are expected to be at their assigned stop 5 minutes prior to their assigned time. We do ask for a 5 minute window both before the student’s assigned time and after the assigned time for transportation to arrive. If we are notified that a bus will be late 10 minutes or more we will do our best to notify all families that this will affect.

• Allow enough time: When roads, walkways and driveways are slippery or snow covered, rushing to get to your stop on time can actually slow you down. Encourage your children to leave a few minutes earlier than usual and take their time to get to their stop. This can help to avoid falls on the slick pavement.

• Bundle Up: Students need to keep warm while at their stop. But they also need to be able to hear and see their surroundings. Be sure that their vision or hearing is not impeded by winter or other accessories.

• Electronic Devices, Put Away: Not looking where you are walking is dangerous whether there is snow and ice or not. Watch your step and take it slow.

In the event we have inclement weather, the information below is helpful for parents and students to understand in regards to FPS School closures. This information is also housed on our website here

How are closures determined?
When inclement weather is approaching or evident, we work to make a school closure determination and communicate this to families by 6 am at the latest. When our local weather authorities begin discussing the possibility of severe weather, FPS District Administrator Annalee Bennin will consult with various sources about the impact potential weather may have on the ability to hold school. These sources include National Weather Service updates (Milwaukee/Sullivan Office), road condition reports, and conversations with other area superintendents.

If schools are closed, all after-school activities, including athletic competitions, practices and FPS Community Education & Recreation activities, will be canceled unless otherwise communicated. Please know that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will always make decisions out of caution and, at the same time, communicate with you as early as possible.

How can families and staff expect to receive information about closures?
The following are the ways we communicate the closing and where you can expect to see information:

• Parents and Staff will be sent an email, phone call and text message alert.

• Students will be sent an email at their @franklinsabers.org account (4K, 5K, & up through 12th grade)

• Closing information will be posted to our district and school webpages (in the “News” feeds).

• Closing information will be posted to our district social media channels (be sure to like or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram if you don’t already!).

• Closing information will be shared with local media outlets so that our information is included in the weather updates that occur via local news online and on TV (CBS58, FOX6, TMJ4, WISN12)

How do closures impact school days?
The state of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires a minimum number of instructional minutes during the school year. Our current school calendar allows for one School Closure day across the district. If we were to see subsequent closure days, FHS will need to adjust scheduling for the remainder of the school year in order to meet DPI requirements. If we experience more than three school closures at the elementary and middle school level we will communicate around further adjustments that may need to be made. Outlined below is what families can expect:

• Closure #1 - 4K-12 no school, no virtual learning

• Closure #2-3 - 4K-8th - No school, no virtual learning
  9-12th grade - HS will communicate adjustments to accommodate instructional minutes per DPI

From time to time, all of us (including adults) find it hard to manage strong feelings such as worry, anger, fear, or tiredness, and this stops us from getting on with our day effectively. When children feel these strong emotions, they can find it hard to learn and concentrate in school. The Zones of Regulation is an intervention that helps children to recognize and manage difficult emotions.

When we are able to manage our emotions and return to a state of calm and focus, it is known as self-regulation. Self-regulation can go by many names such as emotional regulation, self-control, impulse management, and self-management. Self-regulation is the ability to maintain a well regulated emotional state to cope with everyday stress and to be most available for learning and interacting. When we practice self-regulation we are better able to control our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and impulses.

Using the Zones of Regulation, we aim to help children:

• Recognize when they are in the different Zones and learn how to change or stay in the Zone they are in.

• Increase their emotional vocabulary so they can explain how they are feeling.

• Recognize when other people are in different Zones, thus developing better empathy.

• Develop an insight into what might make them move into the different Zones.

• Understand that emotions, experiences (such as lack of sleep or hunger), and their environment might influence which Zone they are in.

• Develop problem-solving skills and resilience.

• Identify a range of calming and alerting strategies that support them (known as their personal ‘toolkit’).

So what are the zones?: (link)

There are 4 colored zones to categorize states of alertness and emotional states:

✓ The Blue Zone – used to describe low states of energy and alertness (such as feeling sad, tired, sick or bored).

✓ The Green Zone – used to describe a regulated state of alertness (such as feeling calm, happy, focussed or content). This zone is generally needed for school work, being social, and being ready to learn–it shows control!

✓ The Yellow Zone – used to describe a heightened state of alertness, but still with some control (such as when experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, nervousness, confusion - slightly elevated emotions. Bodies may be fidgety, wiggly, squirmy or sensory seeking). The person is starting to lose control.

Important note - No zone is ‘bad’ or ‘good’, and we all experience them at one time or

another. It is important to avoid reinforcing the idea that red = bad. It is important to

validate all emotions, help our students identify these emotions, and help them make a safe choice to calm their body.

How can you help your child start to use The Zones of Regulation at home?:

✓ Model and identify your own feelings using Zones language in front of your child (ie. “I’m

frustrated. I think I am in the Yellow Zone.”)

✓ Occasionally ask your child what Zone they are in. Or, discuss which Zone a character in a film/show/book might be in. (ie. “You look sleepy. Are you in the Blue Zone?”)

✓ Praise and encourage your child when they share which Zone they are in.

(If you would like a copy of the ZoR resource at home, please reach out to Erin Clancy, erin.clancy@franklin.k12.wi.us)

**Stay tuned for future bulletin segments as we dive deeper into the Zones of Regulation! We’ll share creative ideas, resources, and practical ways to incorporate the ZoR into daily life.

The FHS FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club is sponsoring its THIRD annual WINTER ACTIVITY DAY for any Franklin Public Schools students in grades 4K-5th grade. The event will take place on Saturday, December 14th from 2pm-4pm in the FHS Main Commons. Need some extra time to shop? Let the kids enjoy snacks, crafts, activities and fun while you use the afternoon time to get ready for the holidays! The costs will be $15 for your first child, $10 if you have a second child and $5 for any additional children. If you are planning to have your children attend, please complete this REGISTRATION FORM before Friday, December 13th at noon. Payment (cash, check or card) will be accepted when you drop off your child(ren). If you have any questions, please reach out to student leader Kaitlyn Klinkowitz kaitlyn.klinkowitz@franklinsabers.org or advisor Lauren Zomboracz at lauren.zomboracz@franklin.k12.wi.us

Wisconsin weather is upon us! Please make sure your son/daughter is dressed appropriately for the cold weather with hats, gloves, scarves, boots and snow pants. Snow pants and boots are required to be worn in order for students to play in the snow. However, this being Wisconsin, it can become warm and sunny by noontime. Please remind your child if they choose to remove their jacket during recess they are to be tied around their waist and not left on the playground.

The decision to have an outdoor or indoor recess is based on both the wind speed and temperature at 11:30 am. All students are required to go outside for recess daily unless the windchill is below zero or it is raining. If it is an outside recess day, all students must go outdoors. Please label your child's coat, hat, boots, & mittens with their name.

We still have a few spots available in the Franklin High School Child Development II student sponsored “Saber Pre-school” for children ages 3 to 5 on various days in December!

Saber Pre-school is designed for children ages 3 to 5 who are toilet trained and ready to experience a supportive and enriching pre-school environment. The student teachers prepare daily lesson plans that not only provide opportunities for the Little Sabers to develop socially, but also to enhance their kindergarten readiness skills. The Saber Pre-school program offers a truly excellent experience for both our big and small students.

Class time will be from 9:00 to 10:15 am and tuition is $20 to cover the cost of materials and snacks for the entire 3 weeks. Saber Pre-school will include story time, large and small group activities, free time, songs and other fun activities. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes when we hit 25 participants or by THIS Wednesday, November 27th at the latest. If you know someone who has a child ages 3-5, please help us by sharing this message to them!

CLICK HERE for the Informational Flyer | CLICK HERE to register

Stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at Country Dale! Like and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to see our students hard at work inside the classroom and highlights from special events and field trips. Let’s connect and grow together!

Our first PTO Movie Night of the year is Friday, December 6th at 6:30pm.

Thank you to all of the students who participated in the Stu Cru Coin War! The coins are counted, and the results are in. The winner is…

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON with a winning total of $244.25!

We are in need of a few volunteers to help with concessions, set-up and clean-up. If you’re already planning on attending, and would like to help out, here’s the Movie Night Sign-Up.

When: Monday, November 25th - Wednesday, November 27th

Monday, December 2nd - Thursday, December 5th

Monday, December 9th - Thursday, December 12th

Where: Jellystone Park, 8425 WI-38 in Caledonia

What: Country Dale PTO Fundraiser

Use code: CDLIGHTS24

‘Tis the season for a drive-through light show of 2 million lights! Check out the Carnival of Lights at Jellystone Park in Caledonia while benefiting the Country Dale PTO. Our PTO will earn 25% of the total sales for every Car Pass or Golf Cart Holiday Train Pass purchased with our unique promo code during the specified fundraising dates (see above).

More information can be found in the Carnival of Lights flier.

When: Thursday, December 12th, ALL day

Where: 7730 S Lovers Lane Road in Franklin

What: Country Dale PTO Fundraiser

Stop by the new Dairy Queen in Franklin for lunch, dinner, or even just a sweet treat. Country Dale PTO will receive 20% of ALL sales ALL day long! Let’s support this new restaurant in Franklin while they support Country Dale.

The Forest Park Middle School Drama Club presents the madcap mystery-comedy “Who Killed Elvis?”

When the Verelli family holds an Elvis impersonation contest for their newly renamed business, the “Elvis Ate Here” Inn, a host of star-struck Elvis fanatics shows up with the media in tow. Just what they needed to boost profits! Unfortunately, the Verellis get more than they bargained for. Order up for one “Heartbreak Hoagie,” some “Love Me Chicken Tenders” and an “All Shook Up Shake,” but who asked for two murders?!

Friday, December 6 @ 7:00 p.m.

Saber Center for the Performing Arts

Adults $8 | Student/Child $6

Get tickets here!

Join Character Kids for our fun-filled After School Theater Classes at Country Dale! The Winter Session runs Wednesdays, 4-5 pm, December 11 - March 5 (11 weeks, no class 12/25 or 1/1). Students will explore new stage skills, theater games and performance material at each session; so new and returning students are welcome! Parents are invited to a special performance on the last day of class. Focus is put on developing imagination, social skills and a positive self-image through the performing arts. Visit our website for more info or to register.

Email: terese.tubbs@franklin.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.franklin.k12.wi.us/country-dale-elementary-school
Location: 7380 South North Cape Road, Franklin, Wisconsin 53132, USA
Phone: 414-529-8240
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CountryDaleElementary

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CountryDaleFPS