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2011-2012 Teacher of Excellence |
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Newton CSD |
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The Cardinal Code
Be Responsible
Be Safe
Be Respectful |
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AH Sixth Grade Teacher Mrs. Nicky Lampe |
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Sixth Grade teacher Mrs. Lampe is the Aurora Heights Newton Community Education Foundation “Teacher of Excellence” for 2011-2012. Her nominators spoke of the way she encourages students and shows her enthusiasm for teaching and learning each day. Mrs. Lampe has been with the Newton School district and Aurora Heights since 2004. She first taught fourth grade before moving to sixth and older students in 2006. Mrs. Lampe was born in Ottosen, Iowa to Tom and Judy Jacobson. After graduating from high school in Bode, Iowa, she traveled to Asia for half a year. While there she lived in Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Bangladesh. While there she worked in churches, hospitals, taught conversational English to Thai college students and worked at Mother Theresa’s Orphanage. During this time, she decided she wanted to be a teacher. Nicky attended Wartburg College where she received her Bachelor’s degree and later Viterbo College for a Master’s degree. Nicky married Ben, a State Trooper out of Post 1 in Des Moines in 2003. He is on the Drug Interediction Team, a member of the Tact Team and Honor Guard. He is also in the Army Reserves and has served in Iraq. Ben and Nicky have three children. Nate, who is in kindergarten, Macy who attends preschool and little brother Josh who is two. Their family LOVES RAGBRAI. Ben and Nicky are certified scuba divers, love to travel. Mrs. Lampe notes, “I truly appreciate this award. I am surrounded by so many wonderful teachers who have been mentors and friends to me”. Congratulations Mrs. Lampe, from the students, staff and families of Aurora Heights! |
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Aurora Heights PTA in the news….. |
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AH PTA is in need of members to attend meetings. Please consider joining us for the next meeting on Monday, February 13th at 6:30 in the AH computer lab! YOU can help make a difference!
Reflections Projects have been judged and sent on to the State contest. We had some great entries. Stay tuned for the results. Thanks to Mrs. Saugstad and Daphne Davis for hosting the workshops for Reflections. Top picture Katelyn & Abby put on finishing touches to projects. Below, Madelyn’s project is designed to show the Reflections theme of “Diversity”.
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The Aurora Heights PTA will discuss fundraising during the February meeting. We are working toward electronic signage for the front of the school that would help communicate upcoming events. We’d love to have you join us!
Did you know the AH PTA is sponsoring an assembly called “Blues in the Schools” brought to us by the South Skunk Blues Organization? It will take place on February 24th in the afternoon. Thank you AH PTA!!!! |
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Winning design by: Lexi Vasseau “Wild 4 AH”
· T-shirts are available in long or short sleeves
· Sizes available: Youth medium—large; Adult small– XXL
· Shirts are gray with red/black logo letters
· Please pay by check or with exact change
· Check made out to AH PTA returned to AH office.
Orders will be filled AS SOON AS RECEIVED. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
AH PTA “Wild 4 AH” T-shirt Order Form
Student’s Name:_____________________________Teacher:_________________
Select desired shirt and note total amount due.
(Sizes: Youth Medium-Large; Adult Small-Adult 2X
1. Long Sleeve-$12.00 each: Size(s) ___________ Quantity__________
2. Short Sleeve-$10.00 each Size(s) ___________ Quantity__________
Total Amount Enclosed: ___________ Checks payable to AH PTA
Parent Name:_______________________________________Phone Number_______________
Thanks for supporting your AH PTA!
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WE HAVE A LOT OF SHIRTS FOR SALE….PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING YOUR AH PTA— BUY A SHIRT OR TWO OR THREE!
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© Remember the parent survey you took for iSpin about a month ago?
© Your iSPIN team is working on how to interpret and use those results.
© We want to keep everyone informed about what we are doing.
© Go to the AH webpage on the NCSD site and click on iSPIN to read our meeting minutes.
© Ask any team member to tell you about our work. Spread the word—iSPIN AH is working to make our school partnership the BEST it can be! Aurora Heights iSPIN By Mrs. Klosterboer Aurora Height Intermediate is always searching for ways to create successful students, and we know that parent involvement is critical in creating that success. We were excited when the Newton Community School District decided to work with the Iowa Parent Resource Center in their program called Iowa’s Sustaining Parental Involvement (iSPIN). iSPIN is a program that is designed to increase student achievement through parental involvement and family engagement. It provides resources and curriculum that will help the Aurora Heights Partnering for Student Success Action Team build a strong community consisting of parents, students, teachers, and school staff, all focused on student achievement. The Aurora Heights PSS Action Team meets on the second and fourth Tuesday each month and has already begun looking at the Aurora Heights student, parent, and teacher survey data collected during the first semester of this school year. Based on student data the team has decided to focus on two student centered goals. We want to (1) increase the amount of conversations students have with their families about their learning, and (2) improve students’ knowledge of how to manage their own learning. We will soon be looking at the teacher and parent surveys to determine what other work should be done. Please feel free to contact a PSS Action Team member with questions or concerns related to our work. Team members are: Paula Klosterboer – Facilitator Carol Farver – Principal Family Members - Josie Arguello, Brad Freese, Doug & Jennifer Sherwood, Katie & Todd Revell, Val & Nicholas Steinbach Teacher Members – Jayne Freese, Michelle Modlin, Vicki Miller and Kim Vanderlaan
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Counselor’s Corner
Greetings! I hope the start of the new semester has been as terrific for you as it has been for me as a counselor. I am constantly impressed by the attitude and enthusiasm of the students at Aurora Heights. I absolutely love every moment that I am able to observe them grow as young people and gain the knowledge that will enable them to be happy, healthy and successful. I am delighted to share the third “C” of resiliency this month:
Connections are the human relationships that help to provide a sense of support and security. Positive connections are important because they help to produce a strong sense of values and self worth that will prevent destructive behaviors and choices in the future.
A few ways to build connection include: · Provide a sense of physical and emotional safety in the home · Let your child know how much they are LOVED · Allow your child to express all emotions · Work through conflict openly to resolve problems · Create a “family space” or a time out of the day specifically for family time · Encourage them to take pride in who they are and where they come from Encourage them to develop healthy relationships with others that will support positivity Have a fantastic February! –Mrs. Jansen– |
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Don’t forget to SAVE your Box Tops for Education. AH Student Council organizes to send these in to Redeem for PTA projects for our school! Any time is a good time to send Box Tops to school! |
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Math Enrichment Groups Are Producing Mighty Mathematicians!
The 4th Grade Math Enrichment Group has been examining the Mayan Place-Value System. It is a base-20 system, which means instead of having 10, there’s really 20. Instead of 100, the Mayan number is twenty times that, which is 400, and so on. What makes learning this place value system even more difficult is that it is written using symbols, rather than numerals. Only three symbols are used. Students are learning to compute using the Mayan Place-Value System, and create their own problems using the Mayan symbols.
Participants of the 5th Grade Math Enrichment Group have each been given $1,000,000 to spend. As a group, they decided they wanted to work as a group toward a common goal: create economic opportunities for Newton to draw in businesses and entertainment. Each student is creating a business plan on what type of business they would like to start, and researching start-up costs, rent, and many aspects that come with being a business owner. One student even plans on ‘buying’ the strip mall south of Wal-Mart and finally developing it! Students are learning about taxes, payroll issues, and many other business-related items they had never thought about before. We have even consulted some local small-business owners on what things they didn’t realize would be part of their business plans when they opened their businesses!
Sixth Graders are eagerly awaiting their field trip to The Science Center of Iowa to see the Egyptian Exhibit. In the 6th grade Math Enrichment Group, we have been studying the Egyptian number system, which is using hieroglyphics. Students researched the symbols that correspond to numbers, and have been creating their own number stories using hieroglyphics. Check them out! They are hanging in the hallway by Mrs. Van Manen’s room. They will also be studying the mathematics that went into constructing pyramids, and will be creating their own pyramids. Students will soon find out that it isn’t as easy as it looks!
Mrs. Sara Van Manen Newton Talented and Gifted (NTAG) Berg Elementary and Aurora Heights
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. |
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Fourth Grade Happenings... |
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The fourth grade science students in Mrs. Baumgart’s and Mrs. Modlin’s classes spent a lot of quality time exploring the reaches of our solar system. After much research they displayed what they learned to the rest of the school through posters and models. As a culminating activity, we were all able to have an in-house field trip with the help of the Science Center of Iowa. We had a great time “seeing” the stars and planets in the darkness of the planetarium dome. The science center also provided an exciting assembly that introduced our new unit on electricity. It was a truly “hair-raising” experience! By Mrs. Baumgart |
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Science is OUT OF THIS
W O R L D |
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Newton CSD Non-Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Newton Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (Employment only), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (students/program only) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the District’s Equity Coordinator, Steve McDermott, 807 S 6th Ave W Newton, IA 50208, 641-792-5809, mcdermotts@newton.k12.ia.us. |
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Fifth Grade Happenings |
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The students in these pictures are learning about sound waves. Using a Slinky to visually see the wave action travel from one end to the other is shown in the first picture. A science student examined the change in pitch as the straw was shortened in the second picture. By Mr. Law |
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At left, Ethan takes advantage of “Crazy Hat” or shall we say “Hair” day in support of Student Council’s Open Your Heart Fund. Lookin’ good Ethan! |
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PBIS “MINUTE TO WIN IT” |
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The AH Positive Behavior Support team launched a reward for the end of the first semester called “AH Minute to Win It”. Students participated in such events as “Caddy Shack” at left in which Shaiden was one of few to master—stacking three golf balls. Other events included such as: Sharp Shooter; Junk in the Trunk; Hangnails; Floatations; Bucket Head; Defying Gravity and more. Students meeting the first semester behavior criteria were able to sign up for several events. The reward event took place on January 12th. Thanks to PBIS organizers: Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Baumgart, Mrs. Vanderlaan, Mrs. Keeton, Mr. Burger, Mrs. Jansen, Ms. Huggins, and Mrs. Portner. |
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Back Row: Helen-6L; Lane–6O; Tyler-6V, Collin-5PK; and President Kinzie-6H Front Row: Larkin-5LK, Sophie-5F; Christina-5L; Abbie-5B; Jacklyn-6S |
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Student Council representatives for second semester were recently elected in classrooms following an election campaign and persuasive speeches to classmates. Congratulations to the above elected representatives and to all students who ran in the elections. Alternates will be featured in the next newsletter. All positions are important to our school and allowing students to have a voice in their school. Mrs. Jansen, Guidance Counselor is the Student Council Leader. We appreciate the ideas and input Student Council offers our students. They are developing important leadership skills that are valuable life skills. Watch for updates to learn about projects Student Council undertakes.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams |
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More Random Around Aurora Heights |
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Thanks to local Scout Troup 354 for leading the pledge at the recent Board Meeting held at AH. AH students Matthew and Zach helped the group. |
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Fourth grade students held a “Famous Iowan’s” Wax museum in December. |
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Middle School Jazz Band students returned to AH to perform under the direction of Mr. Banwell. |
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More famous Iowans include Paul Beckwith founder of Fareway Food Stores as enacted by fourth grader Clayton. |
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Assembly Helpers! (Helen and Kinzie) |
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6th Graders and Parents: Coming up: March 29th—6th Grade Orientation At BERG MIDDLE SCHOOL 6:15– All last names A—L 7:45—All last names M-Z Mark your calendars now!! |
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February Principal’s Page
Dear Parents and Families of Aurora Heights School, What we wouldn’t do to make every child successful at school. We certainly hold out hope and work diligently to make that happen each day. At our February Kid of Character Assembly on January 27th, Izaak was the first student to earn the right to duct tape a teacher to the wall. He saved up 100 character cards to do so. Thinking my odds were decent, I agreed to enter into the drawing pool of those willing to be taped to the wall. Low and behold if my name wasn’t the first one drawn out! (That’s what they told me anyway. :) I love these kids and would do about anything for them. So, my first duct taped to the wall experience has now been added to my list of things experienced in life that might just possibly encourage a child to do his or her best. (Add to: becoming an ice-cream sundae, pie in the face, dunk tank, kissing a pig…) I know you as parents would also do anything to help make your child successful and happy at school. Join us in this awesome calling. We have GREAT kids and they want to be good students too. We need to set them up for success by having them here every day, on time, eating healthy, encouraging them, supporting their learning and just sticking together (pardon the pun) to create the best learning environment we can. Please consider attending a PTA meeting. The next one is February 13th at 6:30 in our computer lab. We have a small but mighty officer’s team who would love to have some company at our meetings as we make PTA decisions for the rest of the year. Also, please stay tuned to what the iSPIN team is doing to consider improvements to our school. Together we really can make a difference. February brings “Blues in the Schools” sponsored by our PTA and the South Skunk Blues Society. We have an opportunity to listen to musician B.F. Burt sing the blues, play the harmonica and share about Black History on February 24th. Have a great month and as always stop by any time.
Mrs. Farver |
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Published Monthly for the student families and staff of Aurora Heights Intermediate School Principal: Carol Farver, Ed. D. Administrative Assistant: Chris Dunsbergen Aurora Heights Intermediate School Phone: 641-792-7324 310 East 23rd Street South Fax: 641-792-7701 Newton, Iowa 50208 E-mail: farverc@newton.k12.ia.us
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Building FOCUS 2011-2012: 1. Nurturing a Culture of Literacy 2. Integrity of Everyday Math Implementation 3. PBIS – Teaching and Expecting Responsible/Safe/Respectful Behavior 4. Focused/timely Interventions -Doing “Whatever it Takes!” |
