Off ice : 262 - 363-6318

Fax : 262 - 363-6343

March 2018 Newsletter

March 19 Trimester 2

Report Cards

Posted at 3:30 p.m.

March 30

NO SCHOOL

(Teacher Work Day)

MARCH FIELD TRIPS

22 Gr. 4 Camps Edwards

27 Gr. 5 ”Biz/Town Education

Roll ing Hi l l s Elementary W322 S9230 Beulah Road, Mukwonago, Wiscons in 53149

From the Principal Mr. Michael Marincic

March 5—9

NO SCHOOL

Spring Break

School Resumes 3/12/18

March 21

Student Council

Wacky Wednesday

Dear Families,

Events around the nation have heightened parents’ concern for the safety of their children at school. I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that the staff at Rolling Hills Elementary is prepared to keep your children safe in an emergency. Our teachers have been trained on how to respond to school emergencies and safety drills are practiced with our students through-out the school year. Office personnel are trained to ask visitors to identify themselves as well as give the reason for their visit. Visitors who do not have legitimate business at the school are denied access.

These events also remind us as a school to continue to review current safety practices as well as ways to improve procedures to make our building as safe as possible. As we reviewed our own practices, we worked to update our morning drop-off procedures to help eliminate the po-tential for any issues. Beginning after Spring Break, Monday, March 12th, the following updates will go into effect:

When the 8:20am bell rings, a staff member will open the front vestibule doors to allow students to head to their classrooms.

Parents will no longer be able to walk their child(ren) to classrooms.

This will help cut down on the number of visitors in our building during a busy time of the day.

Please communicate with your child’s classroom teacher ahead of time if you need to meet to discuss something.

An office staff member will contact the teacher if there is a special circumstance.

If you are volunteering in the classroom or visiting for a special event, please con-tinue to check-in with the Office.

The North entrance of the building is to be used for Kids Connection drop-off and student entrance only. All other visitors must enter through the main entrance of the building.

Students should not be arriving to school prior to 8:20am, unless they are accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian (this is a friendly reminder from the RHES Parent Handbook).

Families are reminded to utilize the morning “Stop and Drop” around the back of the build-ing and to not drop students off in the main parking lot without also walking them across to the main entrance.

Please take this opportunity to remind your children if they see or hear something concerning a threat of any type, to tell an adult immediately. Any threat to the safety of our students, whether verbal, written, or on social media will be taken seriously.

We want to continue to be a welcoming place for families, and appreciate your understanding as we implement these updated safety procedures.

Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us at Rolling Hills Elementary School. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Michael Marincic

2018 Forward Exam

Dear Families of 3rd - 6th Grade Students,

This year students in 3rd - 6th grade will take the Wisconsin Forward Exam. As you may recall, the Forward Exam replaced the Badger Exam which was given during the 2014-15 school year. Students will complete the Forward Exam in the areas of English/Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Additionally, 4th grade students will complete tests in the areas of Science and Social Studies.

The Forward Exam is designed to measure students’ cumulative yearly progress. The testing window, as determined by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, is March 19th through May 4th, 2017. Below are the testing dates for Rolling Hills. Working headphones are needed for the testing. 3rd Grade - ELA - Tuesday, April 10th and Thursday, April 12th Math - Tuesday April 17th and Wednesday, April 18th 4th Grade - ELA - Wednesday, March 28th and Thursday, March 29th Math - Tuesday, April 24th and Wednesday April 25th Science - Tuesday, March 27th Social Studies - Thursday, April 26th 5th Grade - ELA - Tuesday, April 3rd and Wednesday, April 4th Math - Thursday, April 5th 6th Grade - ELA - Tuesday, March 20th and Wednesday, March 21st Math - Thursday, March 22nd

To ensure the most reliable test scores possible, it is important your child be in attendance on the test dates for their grade. Make sure your child has a full breakfast on these mornings. Also, studies show that a good, long night’s sleep helps the child be alert for the tests.

Please encourage your child to take his/her time, be thorough, and have a positive experience on the tests. You can also help get your child ready for this testing by practicing sustained reading, solving math word problems, and by encouraging thoroughness and rechecking of homework. These good habits will help to reduce careless errors on tests and with other tasks.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the office.

Elementary schools will accept intra-district transfer requests for next school year January 1 through May 1. Parents desiring a transfer for their son or daughter must complete a form and submit it to the building principal of their cur-rent home school. Approval is contingent on the availability of space at the desired school.

Intra-district transfers are requests for a district resident student to attend a Mukwonago Area School District elemen-tary school other than the one assigned according to where he or she lives. Home school principals will notify the re-quested school’s principal of the request to transfer. Transportation to attend a school outside of the home area is the responsibility of the parent. Students who are already attending a school as intra-district transfer do not need to re-apply, however, new family members would need to do so.

Intra-District Transfers

2018-19 Classroom Environment Form

Each spring, in preparation for the following school year, teachers divide their classes into instructional groups designed to promote the most effective learning environment possible. These groups are based upon the teacher observation, cur-rent test results, curriculum grouping, student ability factors, the ratio of boys and girls, the individual ages of the stu-dents, other behavioral and social concerns, and exceptional educational needs.

If parents/guardians believe it is necessary to make the school aware of a justifiable educational need we should consider when placing your child, please complete a “Classroom Environment Request Form.” Consideration will be given to the classroom environment described that will benefit your child academically, socially, or emotionally. Please note that parent input is just one aspect of determining class placement. The most important factor in class placement is the make-up of the classroom as a whole so that a culture conducive to learning is created.

This form must be returned to the school office NO LATER THAN APRIL 30.

Forms will be available on the school website or in the school office. No other form will be accepted and there will be no exceptions to this deadline. All requests must go through the school office, not the current teacher. Letters are not accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. These letters do not automatically place your child in a particular classroom, but will be a factor in the decision.

Planned Vacations

School Board policy states “When at all possi-

ble, family trips should be planned so as not to

interfere with a student’s school attendance

and education. If this cannot be arranged and

students must be absent from school for the

purpose of a family trip, a student will only be

excused for a maximum of ten days per school

year.” Planned Absence Forms are availa-

ble from the office or on the school website.

They should be turned in at least one week

prior to the start of the absence.

Mark you calendars . . .

April 19 1st & 2nd Grade Vocal Concert

May 17 Track & Field Day @ MHS

May 21 Band & Orchestra Concert

May 24 Olympic & New Games Day

(raindate 5/29/18

June 1 Last School Day for Students

Upcoming Important Events

“Have a Heart” spirit day added to the overall kindness in the air as we celebrated our February spirit day on Wednesday, February 14th. Be on the lookout for information regarding our March spirit day, Wednesday, March 21st, “Wacky Wednesday”!

Our 2018 “Jump Rope For Heart” campaign ran February 12th-February 16th. Student Council coordinated the community service project along with Mr. Allen. Rolling Hills students and staff were treated to a kick-off assembly on Tuesday, January 16th during which we learned about the importance of healthy habits to support healthy hearts. The assembly was presented by MaryLee Flannigan from the American Heart Association. Led by Mr. Allen, students jumped their way through multiple “jump-roping” stations during several days of their gym classes. Thank you to all students, staff and families for supporting this worthwhile cause. Donations are being tabulated by the AHA and will be reported in next month’s newsletter. Remember, all donations support the American Heart Association, locally, and each donation is priceless!

Student Council News

Are you a 4th or 5th grader interested in learning a

Band instrument?

Are you a hard worker who loves music?

Do you like loud noises?

If these words describe you, we invite

you to come and join us at our upcoming

Band instrument fitting nights on Tues-

day, March 27th or Thursday, April

12th. More information on how to sign up for these

nights and what to expect will be sent home soon with

your child. In the mean time, you can contact Miss

Clements through email at clemeny@masd.k12.wi.us.

We can’t wait to make some wonderful music with

your child!

Our 4th grade recorder unit will begin on March 12th, the day back from spring break. Please re-member to bring your recorder with you, or if you recently purchased one, you will receive it during music class. Thank you. Miss Desk, Music Teacher

Band Information Attn: 4th Grade Students

March 2 End of Trimester 2

2 PBIS Assembly—2:50 p.m.

5-9 NO SCHOOL—”Spring” Break

12-16 Read Across America Week Activities

13 PTO Meeting—6:30 p.m, Library

15 Grade 3 Field Trip to Discovery World

16 4H Scribe Visit, LindenGrove

19 Trimester 2 Report Cards Posted at 3:30 p.m.

19—May 4 Wisconsin Forward Exam Testing Window

21 Student Council Spirit Day—”Wacky Wednesday”

22 Grade 4 Field Trip, Camp Edwards YMCA

23 PTO Movie Night—6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

26 Board of Education Meeting —MASD Building—7:00 p.m.

27 Grade 5 Field Trip, Biztown, Kohls Education Center

27 6th Grade Kiwanis Interviews

29 Student & Staff Basketball Game—2:15 p.m.

30 NO SCHOOL

We are celebrating READ ACROSS AMERICA Week!

Theme: Kind is Cool - - March 12-16

To celebrate reading, we will be having spirit days after break!

Moments of Kindness Monday: Share a book about kindness

Two Friends Tuesday: Dress like a friend

Warm Fuzzy Wednesday: Wear pajamas

Sprinkle Kindness Thursday: Wear many colors/confetti colors

Friendship Food Friday: Bring your favorite snack (no nuts)

Classrooms will also be doing other activities related to reading!

We had another successful Battle of the Books competition in the library this year! Battle of the Books is an optional chal-lenge for students who read 15 assigned chapter books in teams of 3-4. Then they come to the library to test what they know in a trivia game using the website Kahoot. In the school championship round, the Reading Wonders won! In addi-

tion, the Rebel Readers represented our school in an online state battle where they answered 28 of 30 questions correctly! Way to go RHES!

1st place- 4th grade: Reading Wonders: Bella B, Courtney P, Rayna J

Other 4th grade participants: Addie H, Clara C, Alex H, Jose R, Jack C, Luke T, Aaron L, Devin V, Carter L, Alex B, William S, Virginia S, Nora K, Jackson L, Zoe V, Lucy W, Faith K, Hannah G, Jacob S, Alayna L, Chloe W, Hailey R, Lily S, Julia C, Ashley

W, Presley D, Laela P, Carmen Q, Kylie M, Isabelle O, Abbey L, Julia S, Libby P

1st place- 5th grade: Shooting Stars- Abby G, Emily D, Claire R, Coraline F Other 5th grade participants: Nick M, Mason E, Will W, Addison B, Aryanna W, Federico B, Beckett K, Eli D, Matthew N, Sam F, Ben C, Lily R, Ella M, Ava C, Addison B, Jason H, Frank V, Mathias G, Hannah C, Brooklyn R, Brianna B, Dylan T, Cole K, Ty

D, Elizabeth V, Everett K, Kasey B, Carter A, Jack P, Brady A, Mateo R, Jack K, Keira S, Lily L

1st place- 6th grade: Rebel Readers- Gracie L, Katie K, Sam C, Kylie R

Other 6th grade participants: Evan F, Carter B, Easton T, Gabe W, Kyle L, Michael S, Zack S, Alyssa H, Cal I, Parker S, Ethan P, Mason K, Isaac O, Lucas H, Jon S, Addison S, Annelise R, Josey H, Gabby S, Kaitlyn W, Jenna S, Charlie Z, Sophia S, Olivia C,

Breanna A, Hailey B, Jordan A, Griffin C, Nola C, Kaitlin R, Ava S, Danni D, Lainey F, Alaina S, Maddy F

ROLLING HILLS PTO NEWS

NEXT MEETING Tues., March 13TH, 6:30 p.m., Rolling Hills Library

MOVIE NIGHT RESCHEDULED Hopefully, plans for our Movie Night, rescheduled for Friday, 3/22 (6:30-9:00 p.m.), won’t in-volve snow this time! Watch for info. to come home soon! And look for a Sign-up email for bak-ery and volunteers to help the event run smoothly.

BOOK FAIR & PARENT LUNCH WEEK It was a great week! The kids very much enjoyed having their family come visit them for lunch. And thank you, Karrie Henning, for one last year of a job well done, coordinating our Book Fairs. You have done a fantastic job, and we appreciate you. Good luck Erica Rauls and Haley Kraus as the new Coordinators for next year.

PLAYGROUND

Come to the March 13th PTO meeting to see the Play-ground options and vote on your favorite one.

ALL-SCHOOL DANCE DATE SET! Mark Sat., May 5th, on your calendar for a Cinco de Mayo Themed Celebration.

More info. to come as the date gets closer.

4th, 5th, and 6th grade families! An amazing opportunity for your RHES student...

The district is very excited to kick off the grand opening of our new Greenwald Foundation Performing Arts Cen-ter (PAC) with our ‘Advancing the Arts’ Gala Event, which will take place Saturday, April 7th 5:30-10 pm and Sunday, April 8th 1 pm- 4 pm. Times subject to change.

Saturday will be a formal event with ensemble performances, a showcase performance of a combined, commis-sioned work from all HS main ensembles, and a performance by the Wisconsin Singers. Tickets will be available, includ-ing hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, etc.

Sunday will be open to all other schools showcasing specific groups with performances throughout the day! Some of these include: Blue2 Indoor Percussion and Winterguard, Show Choir, and Alternative Strings. There will be cookies, instrument workshops, and amazing performances from all schools! It will be a day you do not want to miss!

Here is what Rolling Hills will be contributing to the Sunday event:

Please arrive in time for your event, but enjoy as much of the day as you can! The Sunday event goes from 1 pm-4 pm with every inch of the new High School areas filled for the full time! Times subject to change:

2:00-2:10--- 4th grade recorder ensemble in commons area (15-20 select students) 2:40-2:50--- 5th/6th grade Choir Fest students in the new PAC (those who already performed a few weeks ago)

All that needs to be done now is for students who are available that Sunday, April 8th between 1 pm and 4 pm to return the bottom permission form by Friday, March 16th.

4th graders: We will be starting our recorder unit after break, and the songs we will be learning will be put to-gether into a 10 min performance to do at the event Sunday.

5th/6th grade Choir Fest: We will be performing ‘You're My Best Friend’ and ‘Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel’ with all Choir Fest students.

We are very excited to have such a unique opportunity this year only! Please return the bottom of this form to Miss Deck by Fri, Mar 16th if available that day. More info to come if you are available to attend!

Miss Deck’s contact info: deckem@masd.k12.wi.us

----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------———————————————

Please return permission slip below to Miss Deck by Friday, March 16th.

My child is able to attend the Sunday event for the Gala on April 8th:

___________________________________________ _______________ Student name Class Code (4B, 5K, etc.)

______________________________________________________ Parent signature