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Hands on learning….. |
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Newton CSD |
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The Cardinal Code
Be Responsible
Be Safe
Be Respectful |
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Fourth Graders shown at left with Mrs. Sheeks have been focused on Iowa’s corn industry during Social Studies. Students experimented with a variety of corn products including corn starch as shown to be just a little messy. |
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Mr. Bartello held a month long wrestling camp after school for 4th-6th grade students interested in learning more about the sport. Mr. Bartello is an experienced wrestler who now coaches for the NCSD. A sideline—he is getting married on December 10th! Best wishes to Mr. Bartello and Jessica Senn. |
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McTeacher Night for AH raised a little over $700. to be use for our PBIS Rewards Store. |
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Duct Tape Day revealed a lot of creativity. Did you know duct tape comes in a variety of colors and patterns in addition to the standard grey. |
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A PBIS positive group reward culminated in a “Tailgate” party on the gym floor. PBIS is our school’s positive behavior expectations program. |
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Jungle Reader Mr. Oleson |
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By Mrs. Sheeks The fourth graders in social studies extension class have been learning about agriculture in IOWA. They have learned that CORN is used in over 4,000 products. Fourth graders have touched, smelled, eaten, and experimented with corn products. The importance of AGRICULTURE has been stressed showing how it plays a MAJOR role in our state’s economy and the rest of the world. Students have brought in corn stalks, field corn, husks, models of tractors, combines, disks, planters, and any other farm equipment that would help us visualize what we are talking about.
Mrs. Baumgart even helped out her son-in-law with harvesting to join in our experience. The kids LOVED seeing and experiencing the harvest through her perspective. Students also had an opportunity to make ‘corn’ plastic and ‘corn’ putty! Their next project will be creating a wax museum of famous Iowans in agriculture.
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4th Grade is a Little Corn-Crazed! |
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A day of harvest with Mrs. Baumgart and her son-in-law is chronicled below. Fourth graders have learned to appreciate the importance of corn to Iowa’s economy. |
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Family Math Night Highlights |
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Many families took advantage of the November 8th Family Math Night offering an opportunity to play both board and online math games. Mr. Crandell also held a session highlighting various mathematical methods used in Every Day Math.
On December 15th, math coach Mr. Crandell will be available from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for any parents/families who would like to preview upcoming EDM math concepts. Mr. Crandell will be in the AH computer lab. Come join in the math experience. |
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crandellj@newton.k12.ia.us
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Student Council Prepares Box Tops Student Council members spent part of a recent meeting cutting out and preparing Box Tops for packaging to eventually send in for cash. Remember to save your Box Tops and send them to school any time! |
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Stupendous Student Council! In Student Council this month we have been working on a variety of activities. First, we have been helping the 4th grade with the Manners Matter cookie sale over lunch. We have also been planning our spirit days. Color Day is on November 30th and Jersey Day is on December 22nd. We have also been busy bagging Box Tops for Education and have bagged around $1700 so far. We adopted the Open Your Heart project. The project ends on November 30th. Open Your Heart is to help kids here at Aurora Heights who need warm winter clothing. The class with the most new donations wins a PIZZA PARTY! This is everything that has been going on in Student Council this month.
By Student Council Member Rachel Rhoads |
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“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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Counselor’s Corner
Happy December! This time of the year provides me with constant reminders about why I am thankful. I am so thankful to be able to work with your children. It is a privilege to be able to see them grow emotionally and academically throughout the year and I could not ask for a better group of young people to see every day! As we march onward and bring a close to 2011, I want to share the second “C” of resiliency and a few tips that you can use to build this skill at home!
Confidence is the unwavering belief in one’s ability to accomplish something. Confidence blooms from the seeds of competence. A few ways to build confidence include: · Truly look for the best in your child so that they can see the best in themselves. · Clearly express their best personal qualities (focus on their character!). · Help them recognize when they have done well. · Praise them honestly and often. · Catch them when they are being good and making good choices. · Encourage them to reach for a challenge. · Keep yourself in check—do you unintentionally push them to take on more than they can handle? Avoid shaming—remind them that they have the ability to accomplish greatness! Have a wonderful December! –Mrs. Jansen– |
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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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AH PTA officers—Missy Simmons, VP on the left and Leslie Nehring, President, on the right, are pictured with student council alternate Ali Bestell. Ali attended the November meeting. She was able to represent student ideas to the PTA group. Thanks Ali and to our awesome Aurora Heights PTA! We appreciate all our PTA does for our school. |
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Aurora Heights PTA |
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PTA Reflections Workshops at Aurora Heights Intermediate Reflections is a program which promotes creativity in music, dance, literature, photography, film and visual arts. If students would like time to work on this years theme: “DIVERSITY MEANS…”, parents may contact Mrs. Saugstad to sign up for the following workshop event via e-mail at saugstadj@newton.k12.ia.us or by calling the school office at 792-7324. |
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December 7th 2:15-3:30 or December 8th 3:15-4:30
Detailed information available at: http://www.ptareflections.org/cs/about_reflections |
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PTA Reflections Chair Daphne Davis will assist Mrs. Saugstad with Reflections Workshops! |
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Just in time for the holidays…. Aurora Heights PTA presents new t-shirts for sale Winning design by: Lexi Vasseau “Wild 4 AH”
· T-shirts are available in long or short sleeves
· Sizes available: Youth large to Adult XL (no XXL’s)
· 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 out on Fridays – Dec. 2nd, 9th, and 16th before Christmas and will continue after the holidays as well. _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
AH PTA “Wild 4 AH” T-shirt Order Form (We have a limited supply of shirts available until all sold, then we will order more.)
Student’s Name:__________________________________Teacher:_________________
Select desired shirt and note total amount due.
(Sizes: Youth Large; Adult Small; Adult Medium; Adult Large; Adult Extra Large)
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! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Survey Input Needed by Aurora Heights Family Engagement Team
If you have not completed the Parent Survey for our Family Engagement Team, please do so before December 9th. It is important that we have strong representation from all families as we move forward with making decisions regarding great family and school relationships in support of student learning. Here is the link one more time: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HCWV7SY The survey is also available in Spanish. If you need an interpreter, or a copy in Spanish, please contact the school. Thanks for helping us by completing the survey! |
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NEWTON COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Excellence in Education Award Purpose To recognize teaching excellence Selection Process Each school will select one teacher annually to be recognized for teaching excellence. Criteria 1. The candidate should be an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled faculty member, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve, who is planning to remain active as a professional educator. 2. The candidate should inspire students to learn. 3. The candidate should have the respect, admiration, and support of students, parents, and colleagues. 4. The candidate should play an active and useful role in the Newton community as well as in the school. 5. The candidate should be poised, articulate, and enthusiastic. 6. Prior recipients of the Excellence in Education Awards are not eligible for this award.
Prior winners of the Excellence in Education Award who are not eligible for awards:
Schools 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Aurora Heights – Paula Klosterboer Jack Crandell Susan Sheeks Jane Cibula Karen Shump Berg Elementary – JoAnn Bringolf Rose Evans Jayne Freese Neala Veenstra Jill Bartello Emerson Hough – JoAnne Price Eloise Anthony Kayla Simonson Wendy Turner Mary Bartels Thomas Jefferson – Darcy Soule Shelly Fitzgerald Diane Babcock Donna Sogard Andrew Stone Woodrow Wilson – Rick Miller Leanne Linn Susan Hawk Barb Burnett Barbara Hackworth Berg Middle School – Tom Tisdale Dennis Brostrom Brenda Hodnett Melissa Travis Deborah Rose Newton High School – George Wilkening Tina Stammeyer Sarah Patterson John Williams Jim Marter Basics & Beyond HS- Jackie Farrier
Schools 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Aurora Heights – Teri Selbher Julie Francisco Julie Saugstad Jessica Cole Matt Oleson Berg Elementary – Betsy Kessler Sara VanManen Nikki Barr Lori Hildebrand Tara Roberts Emerson Hough – Marla Cory Amy Weaver Mike Castings Miranda Bratland Thomas Jefferson – Barb Wesson Melissa Bennett Marcy Milburn Sandy Stephens Heidi Holley Woodrow Wilson – June Clute Kristi Peters Kris Baker Kelly Murley Scott Enyart Berg Middle School – Lisa Barnett Lynn Keller Mark Pollastrini Darren Hurt Tara Peska Newton High School – Chris Forsyth Karen Clark Andrea Hogeland Jill Stanton Karla Cazett Basics & Beyond HS- Judy Nissly Phil Calvin Robyn Naberhaus Charlet Daft Kathy Ventling
NEWTON COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Excellence in Education Award Nomination Form for NCEF Excellence in Education Award
Nominee: ___________________________ Nominator: _______________________________
School building: ________________________________________________________________
Nominee’s current position (grade level/subject area): ___________________________________
Please write a paragraph giving evidence why/how this candidate meets the criteria for the NCEF Excellence in Education Award.
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Nominations are due by December 12, 2011
Due Date: Monday, December 12, 2011
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Please submit your entry by December 12th to Mrs. Farver at farverc@newton.k12.ia.us |
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December/January Principal’s Page
Dear Parents and Families of Aurora Heights School, Here’s wishing a happy holiday season to each Aurora Heights family and friend. This newsletter will be the last of 2011 and because of the Christmas break, we will not do another newsletter until the February news! That sounds so far off and yet it is closer than we think. Each year a teacher from every school in Newton is selected as the Teacher of Excellence to be recognized. This Newton Community Education Foundation program is one way we can honor and show appreciation to our teachers. If you haven’t already done so, please consider submitting a nomination by a quick email to me stating why your choice would be deserving of this honor. We have an outstanding group of teachers and I thank them all for what they do, Each month when I put the newsletter together, I can’t help but think about what a committed group of educators we have working to find ways to make learning real life experiences. Please make note of the PTA opportunities highlighted in this newsletter. The Reflections Program and workshops are featured in December with the help of Mrs. Saugstad and Daphne Davis. A student designed t-shirt by Lexi Vasseau would make a great holiday gift and support the many projects of our PTA. That order form is included. January will bring another round of progress testing in reading and math using the DIBELS assessment. The reading assessment will show us words per minute, accuracy of reading and comprehension indicators for each child. We are using a new online math assessment called easyCBM Math which also compares us nationally in several areas of mathematics through the University of Oregon DIBELS website. Our purpose in using these assessments is to continue to analyze which students need additional intervention in order to meet grade level benchmarks. You can help through your support in promoting good attendance and encouraging good work habits for your child. Finally, if you have not completed the Parent Survey for our Family Engagement Team, please do so before December 9th. It is important that we have strong representation from all families as we move forward with making decisions regarding great family and school relationships in support of student learning. Here is the link one more time: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HCWV7SY The survey is also available in Spanish. If you need an interpreter, please contact the school. Thanks for helping us by completing the survey!
Enjoy this special season and each other. May the blessings of the season bring joy to you and yours!
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!” |
