Magician Mystifies Elementary

Tuesday, March 25^th an illusionist came to entertain the Kindergarten through 6^th grades. The students were amazed and entertained for the morning. Several students were asked to participate in the show.

Mrs. Simonsen’s class was very excited to tell all about the tricks that he performed. Christopher Turner said, “It was really cool!”

Rusty Ammerman and his Dimension of Illusion have been performing professionally since the age of 16. Since that time he has entertained in 41 states and 9 countries, including two over-seas tours to entertain our troops.

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FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT:

I would like to thank the entire staff and students for their efforts in creating the newsletter throughout the year.

The weather is acting like spring may be right around the corner. We know it can change quickly in our area, so continue to watch the local news stations for any cancellation, early dismissal or late starts.

It is critical for parents to encourage their children to finish off the school year strong. Explain to your child how important it is to have good attendance and improve on their academic skills. The end of the school year is not too far away. When students are absent or late to classes, it affects the education of the other students. Being in school daily and on time allows everyone the opportunity to receive a quality education and be prepared for their future endeavors.

You may see some track students running around the town after school. The track meets start in early April. I am excited to see so many students out for track. Some of our students are currently involved in music and speech contests.

We have a lot of events in the next two months. The Prom is scheduled for April 12. The Grand March will begin at 6:30 and the public is welcome to attend. The activities banquet will be May 6 at 6:30. Graduation will be on May 10 at 2:00. These events are very important in the lives of our students and we would like everyone to take the time to attend these special events.

May 15 is the last day of school. This is not very far away!!

I always want to remind everyone to take time to visit our website. The school website is http://walthweb.esu1.org/. We have a lot of students represented in some quality educational and recreational events.

Thanks for supporting the school throughout the school year. The community involvement in our school is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ed Stansberry

Spring is here! The 2007-2008 academic school year is on the downhill slide. There are numerous activities and major events scheduled so please take a close look at the calendar included in this newsletter.

In addition to the calendar events the following will be taking place:

· April 1^st the Health classes will be attending the 2^nd Annual Omaha Nation Youth Retreat, which is sponsored by the Carl T. Curtis Health Education Center and Omaha Nation Community Response Team.

· All school assessments will be conducted on April 2^nd and April 8^th for the high school and junior high.

· The student council will be having an exchange with Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation and Lyons-Decatur these dates are to be announced.

· Spring Concert will be held on April 30^th at 2:00.

· May 6^th we will have our Activities Banquet

· May 14^th is Eighth Grade Graduation.

Not yet scheduled but in the planning is an afternoon celebration for the students who successfully completed the first semester and third quarter with passing grades. For the month of April we are also planning incentives for positive attendance, grades, and behavior. This may serve as a pilot for the next school year to increase attendance and decrease tardies.

The month of April and May are loaded with activities. I am asking your assistance in getting your students to school each day. Expectations for the students to continue working and completing their classroom work is necessary in meeting the requirements in their current coursework.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your continued

support. With your support we are making a positive difference.

To: Parents/Guardians

Your student will be completing his/her standardized tests the week of

March 31 - April 4.

Our test scores need improvement.

· Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep.

· Provide a good breakfast or bring the student to school early to eat breakfast.

· Have your child dress in layers—kids do better on tests if they do not have to think about how hot or cold they are.

· Do not be too anxious. Say, “This test is important. I know you will try hard and do you best.” Your confidence will be contagious.

· Please have your child in school every day on time. It is much easier to take the test with the group instead of later.

Monday – “We’re Red-y’ -students wear red

Tuesday - “Putting on our Thinking Caps for Success”

students wear their favorite caps

Wednesday – “Blow the Top off the Tests” – gum may be chewed

Thursday – “Going crazy with good answers” – crazy hair or clothes day

Friday – “Positively glad testing is OVER” –?????

Thanks for your assistance. The Elementary Staff

Kindergarten Round-Up

At

Walthill Public Schools

For all children planning on attending

Walthill Public School next year.

April 16, 2008

Come have lunch with us at 11:00 a.m.

Parent/Guardian must attend with child

Meet in the Administration Building

Children are encouraged to participate in the Free Early Childhood Screening

If you choose not to participate in the Free Early Childhood Screening, you will be free to go after lunch

Please bring your child’s immunization Records

Questions or concerns??

Please call the school at (402) 846-5432 and ask for

Sandy Ostrand (Ext.125) of Jill Anderson (Ext. 154) or Marsha Rodasky (Ext. 153)

Walthill Public Schools

Is Sponsoring a

EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING

For Children ages 0-5 years of age reside in the

Walthill District.

April 16, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The screening will take place at Walthill Public School in the Administration Building.

The screening will include: health, speech/language,

motor, and other areas of development.

Parent/Guardian must attend with child

No appointment is necessary

Questions or concerns?

Please call the school at (402)846-5432 and ask for Shannon Burgett

(Ext. 120) or Sandy Ostrand (Ext. 125)

Spring Music Program ~ April 30 at 2:00PM

Ms. Spirk and Mrs. Ahlers

The date has been set for the upcoming spring musical, called Celebrate You and Me. It will be Wednesday, April 30 at 2:00 pm. The show will feature speakers, costumes, light flashing, steam blowing, and a talking “Esteem Machine”. The format will be a little different this year in that each grade level will be a team within the story of the play. Each team will perform one number plus the opening and closing.

Each team will have a costuming theme. You may go as simple or as all out as you want. If you can even add one piece that will go with the theme, that will be great.

Kindergarten – Pajama and slippers theme

1^st and 2^nd grades – red and blue theme with western bandanas

3^rd grade – fitness theme, so anything sporty looking, team uniforms, shorts, sweats, head band, wrist band, spandex, etc.

4^th grade – blue or white theme

5^th grade – dress up as you are able, like collar shirts for boys and skirts/dresses or nice pants for girls

6^th grade – This is going to take some imagination. The theme is “I’m Gonna Be”. Find something that might make you look like a certain profession. Accessories like hats, ties, glasses, suspenders, and tool belt. Professional sports, scrubs and glitz are some ideas. Be creative and have fun.

Thanks for your help!

We, the people of Walthill Public School District, are committed to generating a caring, respectful, and safe learning environment, which promotes positive self-realization and

high academic success.

Elementary Field Day Coming in MAY

Elementary News

4^th Grade

Mrs. Modlin’s

You’ll have to excuse us, but we are exhausted! We’ve been on a two-week trip to the far reaches of the Universe. Our travels took us to Mercury, Venus, Earth (of course), Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. We learned so many things about our Solar System during this time and have written quite the tales to tell about our adventures. Some of you may read them and think that they are purely fiction, but we are the only ones who know the truth. We would be glad to share them with you if at any time you would like to stop by our room. Just be prepared for some fascinating writing. To end our adventure in space, each student created a replica of the Solar System. This had to be made at home and then displayed at school. Wow! What awesome designs we had!

Spring is here and so it is time for spring-cleaning. The fourth grade class took a good look around and unanimously decided that what we saw was not pretty. We put on our gloves, got our bags, and went on a cleaning mission around the school. We were amazed at the amount of trash that we found just in our own little corner of the world. We also took a little walk to the city park for some fun, and then did some cleaning on our way

back up to the school. We left the area in much better shape than when we first arrived. Our hope is that you too will join in helping to keep Walthill a cleaner place. This is our home and our school. Let’s be proud of it.

5^th and 6^th Grade

Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Stark, Mrs. Ferris and Ms. Phillips

We are in our last 9 weeks of school and trying very hard to pass so we can go onto Junior High. In math we are multiplying and dividing fractions. Yes, we can even reduce fractions to their lowest terms. It’s been work, but we’ve got it. We have a field trip coming up, and at last is 6^th grade graduation on May 14^th. In 5^th grade math we are busy measuring, finding the perimeter and area, and changing of customary weight and measurement to another.

5^th and 6^th Grade Field Trip

Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Stark, Mrs. Ferris and Ms. Phillips

The Fifth and Sixth graders are anxiously awaiting the April 9^th field trip to Wayne State College. While at Wayne State the students will be quite busy. The first stop in their busy schedule will be to attend the 50^th Annual Children’s Show entitled The Magical Land of Oz. The next stops there after will be to attend a planetarium show, eat lunch at the student center and end their busy day by touring a one-room schoolhouse as well as the campus. This is going to be a great and exciting day!!

5^th and 6^th Grade Attend Aquafest

Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Stark, Mrs. Ferris and Ms. Phillips

The 5^th Graders enjoyed learning about water at Aquafest on March 4^th, 2008. Aquafest was held at Wayne State College. Students started the day by listening to keynote speaker Jenna Rehnstrom from KCAU T.V. Jenna’s presentation dealt with water in the news.

After the keynote speaker, students divided up to attend four, out of twelve, small group sessions. Sessions included information on: water supplies, demands for water, ground water quality, uses of water, the chemistry and physics of water, nutrition and water, as well as others. Students took an active role in their learning by participating in hands on activities during the sessions. Through these activities they learned about the many uses of water, water conservation, and water properties.

Jerry Richling, State of Nebraska Water Supply Specialist, met Walthill’s fifth graders at the event and attended sessions with them. Mr. Richling visited the school last fall and worked with 6^th graders on the water cycle, water pollution, and water wells (State Science Standard 8.5.1). This year’s fifth graders will work with Mr. Richling next year when he comes in to do similar presentations. Walthill Elementary is the pilot school for this program.

Lee Cline and Dathan Morris work on a water presentation, while Mr. Richling watches.

5^th Grade Tipi Projects

Pat Phillips

The 5^th graders recently completed tipi projects. The cultural lesson was based on a book: Storm Makers Tipi, by Paul Goble. Students talked about the different homes that the Umoⁿhoⁿ lived in. Then the class completed step-by-step instructions in order to complete the tipi. They measured, glued, painted, and tied the tipi poles together on top of a twelve-inch disk. After the tipi was put together, they painted decorations on their canvas, cut it out, and then wrapped it around their poles. The students displayed their finished products at the Art Show.

Alicia Olson paints her tipi.

Tasheena Tyndall finishes her tipi

5^th Grade Study the Umoⁿhoⁿ Tribe

Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Stark, Mrs. Ferris and Ms. Phillips

The fifth graders just finished reading the story, Oⁿmpa of the Umoⁿhoⁿ. The story is about an Umoⁿhoⁿ boy living in the 1800s. While reading the story students: learned Umoⁿhoⁿ words, discussed daily life, discussed clans and responsibilities, learned about relationships, discovered what happened on a buffalo hunt, talked about rites and ceremonies, learned about uses of the buffalo, taboos, and many other things. Students read and discussed the story while seated according to the Huthuga, which helped them visualize where their tipi would be located during a buffalo hunt. Students kept a journal of Umoⁿhoⁿ words, bell ringers, and pictures showing what happened during the story. At the end of the book students talked to their families about their clans and completed a poster using what they learned from their families and from the book The Omaha Volume I. Pat Phillips, 5^th grade’s student teacher, led one section of students through the book followed by Mrs. Wood leading the second section. Ms. Phillips also changed the spelling of some of the words in the book, making sure they were correct.

Oⁿmpa of the Umoⁿhoⁿ Drawing by Shani Parker

Check Out Our Website http://walthweb.esu1.org/

6^th Grade Learn about Ancient Cultures

Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Stark, Mrs. Ferris and Ms. Phillips

The 6^th grade class has been spending time learning about Ancient Cultures. After Christmas they learned about Ancient Rome. At the conclusion of the unit students chose a topic, wrote a research paper, created posters, and presented to the class. Ancient Rome Posters are on display in the Village Office.

Currently the class is learning about Ancient China. Students chose 8 topics from Ancient China and researched them on the Internet. The 6^th graders wrote down important facts about each topic and found pictures or symbols to go along with them. Popular topics are: food, religion, dragons, daily life, schools, medicine, inventions, families, games, economy, Dynasties, clothing, and monuments. Students are creating posters that include facts and pictures about their topics. Students will present their information on Friday, March 28^th.

Jonathon Olson and Shyvonne Tyndall work on their Ancient China posters.

May 14^th , 2008

6^th Grade Graduation @ 2:00pm

8^th Grade Graduation @ 5:00pm

Greetings from the Art Room!

Brenda Murphy

Lots of news to share -- We had nine pieces of art entered into the Lewis and Clark Art Conference submitted by six of our students. LeMar Neash took a third place medal and will be presented with it at the Activities/Awards Banquet on May 6^th at 6:30. Certificates will also be given to David Merrick, Alexa Tyndall, Carly Harlan, Shaq Moniz, and Henu Harrell.

We also had students enter the Thurston County Weed & Seed art contest. Three students took honorable mention: Shaq Moniz, Charity Harlan, and Alexa Tyndall. They will participate in an award ceremony to be held at Woodland Trails in Winnebago on Saturday March 29^th at 1:00. Their art will hang in the Chuck Raymond Memorial Gallery for a month. They have also been invited to attend a special presentation workshop titled, “How to present your art,” given by Jesse Clifford. The opening reception and awards ceremony will run from 1:00 – 2:00 this Saturday and is open to the public.

The Blujay’s Eye Gallery Show transformed the art room into a showcase of all kinds of different art from kindergarten through 12^th grade. The show was open to the public, and notices were placed around town. Over 140 people visited. It’s obvious there are many very talented students attending Walthill Public School!

Secondary News

7-12 grades

Mrs. Spoeneman

Health 1 - Freshmen just discovered that 1 in 4 teenagers has an STD and those that are viruses like HIV/AIDS, Herpes, Hepatitis B and HPV have no known cure. Students have completed the CPR/First-Aid segment of the class and have practiced CPR (2 breaths and 30 chest compressions) on mannequins until 100% were proficient. Our next unit on human anatomy will take us to the end of the year.

Health 2 - Last quarter our focus was drug and alcohol awareness and students were shocked to see what cirrhosis did to a healthy liver. The third quarter focus is mental health where we will deal with stress, relationships and abuse. On April 1, all health classes will attend the Omaha Nation Youth Retreat in South Sioux City at the Marina Inn. Topics covered will be Native American Traditions, Family Planning and STD’s, Traditional Uses of Tobacco, Career Choices, and Motivating Others.

Jr. High Health - This is a rotation class and 7th graders are learning about healthy foods and how proper nutrition can affect their well-being. Students are patiently learning about kitchen safety and equipment, but are anxious for the opportunity to cook. Recipes include smoothies, caramel corn, omelets in a bag, peanut butter cookies (with only 3 ingredients), monkey bread, pizza bubble ring, doughnuts, and popcorn balls.

FACS Survey – Star quilts and knitted scarves have been created in this class this quarter. The creativity, color and fabric choices, as well as precise sewing skills have resulted in outstanding creations. We have been fortunate to have Miss Holtgrew share her knitting expertise by teaching us new stitches.

Parenting – In this class, students observe at the early childhood center, adopt an elementary class, learn active parenting skills, discuss developmental stages and needs of infants and children, prepare for birth of a baby, discuss positive discipline and actually take a computer simulated infant home for two days. So far everyone who has taken a simulator home has brought it back early saying that they are not ready to take care of an infant!

American Indian Living Skills – This is a new class that we are piloting at Walthill Public Schools based on teaching skills that last a lifetime. We discuss how to build a community within the classroom, develop self-esteem, discuss emotions and stress, teach effective communication skills, stress positive problem solving, recognize self-destructive behavior and depression, look at ways to prevent suicide, and discuss hopes for the future.

Foods – Since this semester the class includes mostly male students, we are concentrating efforts on meat dishes. The students enjoy cooking at least 3 times a week, but also have learned to accept classroom work as essential to the learning process. We study manners, food preparation, time management, food costs, microwave cooking, baking of quick and yeast breads, and convenience foods, as well as good nutrition. One of the biggest hits is inviting guest cooks, like Mila Wolfe, to make Indian Tacos or Oriental food and “Raid Day” where all the leftovers are eaten and students use their imagination to put entrees and snacks together with supplies on hand.

Junior High Basketball

Mr. Randel

The Junior High Basketball teams season came to an end for the 2007-2008 year. The team finished with a 1-9 record with a 3^rd place finish in the Homer Tourney by defeating Wakefield 31-26. Brandon Charley made the All Tourney team at Bancroft-Rosalie.

The team members were Jerrell Lasley, Chantler Lovejoy, Eddie Ross, Kendall McCauley, Shaquille Moniz, Keene Parker, TaeRyan Parker, Maurice Grant, Brandon Charley, and Luke Lovejoy.

Walthill High School Represented at Alliance for a Healthier Generation Conference

Mr. Randel

On March 2^nd and March 3^rd Glen Randel represented Walthill High School at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. Schools from all over the United States were in attendance. Nebraska alone had over 10 schools at the conference. The goal of the school participating in the Alliance is to have an overall healthy schools program.

Four points of focus to become a healthy school are: improve the food and beverages during the regular and extended school days, increase physical activity, improve the quality of health and physical education programs, and establish wellness programs for school employees.

Some interesting facts brought to our attention at the conference were that the students with better nutrition have better attention spans, better class participation and higher test scores. In some cases improved nutrition seems to reduce behavioral problems. Also higher levels of physical activity are directly related to higher self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety and stress. All of which are associated with higher academic performance, as well as less health problems and decrease in school absences. The fact that caught my attention the most was that many experts believe that the children of today’s generation will be the first generation in American history to live shorter lives than their parents because of the lack of physical activity and poor nutritional habits.

April 2008

Miu’oⁿ thiⁿge ke

The moon in which nothing happens

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
		1	2	3 Varsity Track Hartington Invite @ 1:00pm Jr. High Track Wisner Early Bird Invite @ 3:00pm	4	5
6	7 Terra Nova Testing ~ 3^rd - 11^th Grade	8 Jr. High Track Wisner Invite @ 3:00pm	9	10 10:00 am Student Start Varsity Track Homer Invite @ 4:00pm	11	12 Prom Grand March @ 6:30pm
13	14	15 Jr. High Track Winnebago Invite @ 4:00pm Varsity Track Laurel Invite @ 2:00pm	16 NO KINDERGARTEN Kindergarten Round-Up Early Childhood Screening 11:00am – 3:00pm	17	18	19
20	21	22 Varsity Track Ponca Invite @ SSC @ 4:00pm	23	24	25	26 Varsity Track Lewis and Clark Meet @ Hartington @ 9:00am
27	28	29 Jr. High Track Homer Invite Track Meet @ 4:00pm	30 K-12 Music Concert @ 2:00pm

April 2008

Miu’oⁿ thiⁿ ge ke

Breakfast: Offered Daily Walthill Public School

Milk and Juice

Lunch: Offered Daily

Milk and Salad Bar 7-12 The USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
	1 Scrmbled. Eggs/Bacon.Toast Chicken Noodle Soup P.B. & Jelly Sandwich Fruit Cocktail	2 Biscuit/Sausage Gravy Crispitos w/ Cheese Sauce Corn Mandarin Oranges Rice Crispy Bar	3 Bagels/Cereal Ham in Au Gratin Potatoes Green Beans Pineapple Roll	4 Pancakes/Sausage Sausage Pizza Lettuce Salad Banana Pudding
7 Breakfast Box/Fruit Chicken Nuggets French Fries Baked Beans Orange Smiles	8 Breakfast Burrito Lasagna w/ Meat Sauce Garlic Bread Green Beans Diced Peaches	9 Biscuit/Sausage Gravy Chicken Strips Potatoes/Gravy Corn Apple Crisp Roll	10 LATE START/NO BREAKFAST Goulash w/Meat Sauce Peas Diced Pears Roll Cookie	11 French Toast/Bacon Popcorn Chicken Potato Wedges Lettuce Salad Jell-o Cups
14 Breakfast Bites Cheese Burger on Bun French Fries Corn/Pickle Spears Apple	15 Bacon/Egg/Cheese Sand. Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Sand. Carrots/Celery Jell-o Fruit Cup	16 Biscuit/Sausage Gravy Chicken Fajita Garnishes Spanish Rice White Cake Strawberries/Bananas	17 Yogurt/Cereal/Toast Hamburger Mac & Cheese Green Beans Diced Pears Roll	18 Waffle Sticks/Sausage Taco Salad Garnishes Corn Chips/Salsa Jell0o Fruit Cup
21 Breakfast Box/Fruit Chicken Tetrazzini California Blend Pineapple Roll	22 Scrambd. Egg/Bacon/Toast White Chili Corn Bread/Honey Veggies/Dip Rosie Applesauce Cookie	23 Biscuit/Sausage Gravy Chicken in Gravy Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Diced Peaches Roll	24 Muffin/Cereal Spaghetti & Meat Balls Garlic Bread Green Beans Diced Pears Chocolate Cake	25 French Toast/Bacon Fish/Cheese Sandwich French Fries Baked Beans Mandarin Oranges`
28 Breakfast Pizza Tavern on Bun Tater Tots Corn/Pickle Slices Diced Peaches	29 Sausage/Egg/Cheese Biscuit Chili/Crackers Cinnamon Roll Veggies/Dip Apricots	30 Biscuit/Sausage Gravy Pork Roast in Gravy Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Rosie Applesauce Cookie

May 2008

Mi Waa’ ike

The moon in which they plant

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1 Varsity Track Winside Invite @ Laurel @ 11:00am	2	3
4	5 Jr. High Track Homer Invite @ 4:00pm	6 Activities Banquet @ 6:30pm	7 Varsity Track District Track	8 10:00 am Student Start	9	10 Graduation @ 2:00 pm
11	12	13	14 6^th Grade Graduation @ 2:00pm 8^th Grade Graduation @ 5:00pm	15 Last Day of School 12:30pm Dismissal	16 Teacher Check-Out @ 1:30pm Varsity Track State Track @ Omaha Burke	17 Varsity Track State Track @ Omaha Burke
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

May 2008

Mi Waa’ ike

Breakfast: Offered Daily Walthill Public School

Milk and Juice

Lunch: Offered Daily

Milk and Salad Bar 7-12 The USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
			1 Cook’s Choice Chicken Salad Sandwich Doritos/Pickle Spears Carrots/Celery Jell-o Fruit Cup Cookie	2 Pancakes/Sausage Corn Dogs Mac & Cheese Peas & Carrots Mandarin Oranges
5 Cereal/Fruit/Toast Chicken Nuggets French Fries Baked Beans Apple	6 Breakfast Burrito Lasagna w Meat Sauce Garlic Bread Green Beans Diced Pears	7 Biscuit/Sausage Gravy Popcorn Chicken Lettuce Salad Rice Pilaf Diced Peaches	8 Yogurt/Cereal/Toast Beef Stroganoff Peas/Carrots Pineapple Brownie Roll	9 French Toast/Bacon Hamburger Pizza Lettuce Salad Banana Pudding
12 Breakfast Pizza Cheese Burger on Bun French Fries Corn/Pickle Slices Diced Pears Cookie	13 Egg/Bacon/Cheese Sand. Tater Tot Casserole Green Beans Diced Peaches Roll	14 Biscuit/Sausage Gravy Chicken Alfredo California Blend Tropical Fruit Roll	15 Breakfast Bites Taco Salad Garnishes Corn Chips/Salsa Jell-o Fruit Cup Cookies	School’s Out! Have a Good Summer!