TRAEGER TALESFebruary 3, 2023: Issue 21

What’s in a Face?

The ability to understand how people feel by looking at their faces is an important skill. To see and know how someone feels can help children get along with other people and be successful learners. Parents and teachers can help children learn to look closely at a person’s body language and face to build on the important skill of understanding how others are feeling.

Body Language

Non-verbal communication where actions are used to show feelings.

What we know:

• Faces are important for communication and connection with other people.

• Children who struggle with this skill may need help to make and keep friends, get along with others, and behave properly.

• Kids who can identify feelings in faces are more likely to be good learners.

Try this:

Children as young as 6 years old can be good at looking at a person’s face and telling if they are happy, sad or angry. Watch a television show with the volume off. Ask your child to look at the actor’s faces and what they are doing without hearing their voices.  See if your child can tell you how the people in the show feel.

For fun:

Take the Emotional Intelligence Quiz from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center to test your own ability to understand emotions by only looking at faces.

~ Mrs. G. 😀 (Source UW Extension)

Traffic Safety

Several traffic safety concerns have been brought forward recently.  Please ensure that vehicles are parked in designated stalls only in the parking lot.  Vehicles should never be parked in the yellow striped areas as they are designated pedestrian areas.  Please ensure that you are extra vigilant when backing up as children can be difficult to see.  The concrete median between the parking lot and the driveway is not a sidewalk.  It was designed to be a barrier between the parking lot and the driveway.  It does not meet safety specifications for walking and should not be utilized as a sidewalk.  Lastly, when entering the parking lot from the driveway, please do not drive on the grass or walking path as we do have children that access that for walking to and from school. 

February 6th-10th is National School Counseling Week!

Each year the school counseling profession is celebrated during the first full week of February. The theme of the week is “School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big.” We will celebrate the way the school counseling role helps students achieve their dreams.

Kaelee Heideman is Carl Traeger Elementary’s school counselor and she loves her job! Her favorite part of being a school counselor is connecting with students and having conversations with both students and staff about equity. She loves teaching classroom lessons and creating video announcements while wearing matching costumes with her dog, Milo. Her favorite part about Traeger is all of the wonderful students and staff she gets to work with. Being a school counselor wouldn’t be nearly as fun without the great people! 

Ms. Heideman takes on many roles at Traeger. She teaches classroom counseling lessons, works with students in small groups, and meets with students individually. She helps support social emotional learning and the Traeger Way and is included on the school’s crisis response team. She coaches Girls on the Run and hosts social justice book clubs with several groups across the school. Last year she was named as one of five Wisconsin State Teachers of the Year and has had the opportunity to celebrate and advocate for public education since the announcement. 

A new addition to the school counseling program this year is Spartacus, our school therapy dog! The school district was able to use funds from the Herb Kohl Fellowship grant money Ms. Heideman received last school year. Although Sparty is still pretty new to our building, we can all see what a difference he is making for our school family already! 

If you have any concerns about your child or would like to get more information on Ms. Heideman’s comprehensive school counseling program, please feel free to contact her at kaelee.heideman@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or 920-424-0221 ext 1226. 

Winter Walk to School Day!

We will be participating in the annual state-wide Winter Walk to School Day on February 22 (weather date March 1). Students who walk to school that day will be eligible for prizes from the Safe Routes to School program! We will have a special Polar Bear Walk and Roll day to help cut down on the greenhouse gas emissions which are harmful to polar bears and the Arctic. Walking to school will help us accomplish this!

Do you live too far away from school for your child to walk? Consider dropping him/her a couple blocks away and letting him/her walk the rest of the way. We have many parents who use the path on Woodstock as a drop off point. Walking up the path does not really meet the concept of walking to school. However, if you drop your child off a block or two from the path that would count!

PSC Agenda/Volunteer Meetings- February 7, 2023 
5-6pm BINGO/ Golf/ Craft Fair Volunteer Meeting

1.BINGO Night - April   - Megan
Volunteers will needed from: 430pm-730pm

• Last Year Committee Chairs

  • Concessions- Erin 

    • Need volunteers for: Cashier, Pizza, Concessions 

  • Baskets - Katie and Kenlin 

  • Front Table/Registration - Jess 

  • Adult Baskets- Katie and Kenlin 

  • 50/50 Raffle- Dustin Montalvo

  • Prize Patrol - Liza 

• Kohls Cares & OWHS Student Volunteers & Boy Scouts

2. Craft Fair explanation- October 21st - Heather/Nichole

• Last Year Committee Chairs

  • Bake Sale - Sarah 

    • Set up Friday the 20th (night before) to bag up goodies. 

  • Concessions - Need Co-Chair. Heather 

  • Admissions-

  • Vendors - Nichole Casper

  • Setup - Megan 

    • Set up Friday the 20th (booths, tables, signs, etc) 

6. Setup Next Committee Meeting - April 11th, 2023. 5:00pm. 

7. Golf Outing- Sun May 21st, 2023

• Volunteers

  • Event planning

    • Mini-Golf will be in the fall - Date TBD

    • Lead Volunteers - Kelly, Mandy, Jess, and Paul 

  • Sponsorships 

  • Volunteers needed for

    • Raffles, Lunch, Prizes, Marketing, and Signage. 

PSC Business Meeting

2/7/2023, 6:00-7:00 p.m. 

Google Meet LINK
PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we? PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 
• Vice President: Megan Paulik
• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
• Communication & Outreach Coordinator: Kelly Zanders
• Co-Treasurers: Jolene Halbach & Nick Zanders
• Co-Secretaries: Mandy Stein & Heather Swenson
   

1. Introductions

2. Icebreaker -Valentine Day Cards

3. Volunteer Opportunities 

   1. Ice Cream Social

   2. Teacher Appreciation Week 

4. Fundraiser Updates

   1. Pizza

5. Treasurer Update

6. Upcoming Events 

   1. Funset Night (February 19th)

   2. Herd Game (March 4th)

      1. Traeger/Herd T-Shirt

   3. Ice Cream Socal (March 6th)

   4. Bingo Night (April)

   5. Sponsorships

7. Election Committee for VP, Treasurers and Communication & Outreach Coordinator, elections to be in March

8. Next Meeting: March 14th at 6:00pm in the Library Media Center (LMC)

SAVE THE DATE!

We will be having a K-5 family Stem Night from 5:30-7:00 on February 23.  There will be many family friendly activities.  New this year will be an owl pellet dissection station with a special guest, Fran, the rehabilitated Great Horned Owl!   In order to offset the cost of supplies, we are asking for $1 for each child attending.  You won't want to miss this great event!  Watch for information to come home soon!  

PSC HERD EVENT!

Our next PSC fundraiser is one for the books! Join us to cheer on our very own Wisconsin Herd as they take on the Windy City Bulls on Saturday, March 4th at 11:30am! All students will be invited to participate in several exclusive fan experience programs!  A portion of the ticket sales will be donated back to the PSC.  Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours early. You can purchase tickets at the LINK.  We look forward to seeing you there!

It's that time of year to order your yearbook for the 2022-2023 school year!  Orders can be completed online at CARL TRAEGER ELEMENTARY 22-23 YEARBOOK PREPAY LINK

Parents can also go to Network Photography website www.networkphoto.net  and select the FALL PREPAY tab.  Type in your school name.

ORDERS ARE DUE by March 1, 2023.

Creative Prizes Needed!  So far we have ZERO!

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our third quarter will be "Spring Into Creativity" and we are looking for prizes relating to being creative (art supplies, creating kits, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office by March 1st. Thank you for your support!

• February 7
  • PSC in LMC 6:00pm
• February 8
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 10
  • No School for Students
• February 14
  • Valentine's Day Classroom Celebrations
• February 15
• Walk to School Wednesday
• February 19
• PSC Funset Boulevard event! - watch for information!
• February 20
• No School for Students
• February 21
• K-Kids in LMC 6:00pm
• February 22
• Winter Walk to School Day
• Polar Bear Walk and Roll Theme Day - Wear White
• February 23
• STEM Night 5:30-7:00pm - watch for information!
• February 28
  • Grade 1 to Bubolz Nature Preserve
• March 1
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• March 4
  • PSC Herd Event 11:30am

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESJanuary 27, 2023: Issue 20
 

GLOBAL SCHOOL PLAY DAY

A day of promoting the importance of regular, unstructured play for the best development of children

In 2015, a small group of six educators took action and created Global School Play Day because of their concern that adults and technology were encroaching on playtime for children. Schools are eliminating recess. Teachers assigning more and more homework. Parents scheduled every waking minute for their kids. Young children becoming addicted to their devices. Skyrocketing anxiety and stress. Severe mental health issues and the highest suicide rates in younger and younger children in recorded history. The GSPD team were compelled to take action after seeing the effects in their schools and after hearing Dr. Peter Gray’s TEDx talk. In his talk, he argues the case that today's kids are losing much more than play time and from that the grassroots effort to bring awareness to this problem was born. On February 4, 2015, over 65,000 children participated in the first ever Global School Play Day after only four weeks of social media promotion from those six educators.

Since 2015, over a million students from 75 Nations were given the gift of unstructured play time. Can we reach 1,500,000 students in 2023? We think so! We hope schools from around the world stood together to say, “Unstructured play is a vital part of proper child development!”

Global School Play Day is for public schools, private schools and homeschool families! Even adults and businesses are starting to join in the movement. Many are helping to spread the word about the benefits of play. Why has this movement been so well-received? Because kids have started forgetting how to play and so many parents and educators are seeing the negative impacts. We need, want and will turn things around!  

Traeger will again be joining the Global School Play Day movement on February 1.  Our students will engage in unstructured play from 12:30-2:30pm.  Students will have the opportunity to bring non-electronic toys to school that day.  A permission slip went home this week.  Play isn’t all fun and games — it’s also an important teaching tool! Through play, kids learn how to interact with others and develop critical lifelong skills.  

~Mrs. G. 😃

Join Mrs. G.’s Book Club!

What is Mrs. G.'s Book Club?  

Mrs. G.’s Book Club gives adults in our school community an opportunity to come together and discuss a variety of topics through books. We will select books that are primarily focused on the complexities of raising children in the modern, digital age. Participants will read the book, then come together to discuss what they’ve read and share thoughts. It’s a great way to approach parenting challenges in a community setting!

How it Works:

Twice a year we will select a book that will be discussed at Mrs. G.’s Book Club meeting. Anyone interested in participating should complete the form at the LINK.  A discussion date will be set based on participant availability. 

What are we Reading?

Our first book is a New York Times Bestseller - The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey.  Participants are asked to provide their own copy.  The book is available on Amazon and through the Oshkosh Public Library in a variety of formats.  We hope to have great participation!  Sign up by January 31!

PSC HERD EVENT!

Our next PSC fundraiser is one for the books! Join us to cheer on our very own Wisconsin Herd as they take on the Windy City Bulls on Saturday, March 4th at 11:30am! All students will be invited to participate in several exclusive fan experience programs!  A portion of the ticket sales will be donated back to the PSC.  Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours early. You can purchase tickets at the LINK.  We look forward to seeing you there!

It's that time of year to order your yearbook for the 2022-2023 school year!  Orders can be completed online at CARL TRAEGER ELEMENTARY 22-23 YEARBOOK PREPAY LINK

Parents can also go to Network Photography website www.networkphoto.net  and select the FALL PREPAY tab.  Type in your school name.

ORDERS ARE DUE by March 1, 2023.

Creative  Prizes Needed!

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our third quarter will be "Spring Into Creativity" and we are looking for prizes relating to being creative (art supplies, creating kits, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office by March 1st. Thank you for your support!

• January 27
  • Lepper to Oshkosh Public Museum
• February 1
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 3
  • Grade 2 to Discovery World
• February 7
  • PSC in LMC 6:00pm
• February 8
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 10
  • No School for Students
• February 14
  • Valentine's Day Classroom Celebrations
• February 15
• Walk to School Wednesday
• February 19
• PSC Funset Boulevard event! - watch for information!
• February 20
• No School for Students
• February 21
• K-Kids in LMC 6:00pm
• February 22
• Walk to School Wednesday
• February 23
• STEM Night 5:30-7:00pm - watch for information!

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESJanuary 20, 2023: Issue 19
 

Discussing Your Child’s Report Card

A report card is one way teachers communicate with parents and students. The following tips may be helpful to parents in discussing a child’s report card with the child: 

Meet privately with your child, without distractions. 

o Be sure you have enough time. 

o Your child deserves your attention without interruptions. Be sure you allow enough time for a relaxed discussion. 

Focus on the Positive. 

o Regardless of the grades your child brings home, you must first focus on positive aspects of the report. This is not always an easy task. For some, this might mean highlighting a strong score in life and career skills, or praising an academic accomplishment or a perfect attendance record. Starting on a positive note shows your child that you truly care about the accomplishments, not only areas that need improvement. 

Review what your child has learned in each subject during the past grading period. 

o Ask your child to tell you about the activity in each subject. Talk about what the child has learned. 

o Ask your child to tell you how the report card grade was determined in each subject. Tests? Daily Assignments? Exit Slips? Reports? Special Projects? 

o Ask your child to tell you if he/she is satisfied with the grade. If not, what could the child do to improve the grade? Discuss concrete steps your child could take. How can parents help? 

o Review other indicators on the report card. Teacher’s comments, number of absences, marks for effort, conduct, and attitude. Listen to your child’s explanation of each indicator. 

Discuss your child’s goals for the next grading period. 

o Are the goals reasonable and challenging? 

Help your child plan his or her next steps. 

o Should your child talk with the teacher to discuss concerns, explain new goals, or ask for the teacher’s suggestions? 

o Are changes needed in your child’s study habits at home? Is your child interested in learning more about certain topics? 

Discuss your next steps. 

o If your child is to talk with the teacher, will you discuss the meeting with your child afterwards? 

o How will you help your child meet his/her goals? 

o If your child is interested in learning more about certain topics, what can you do to help? 

If you don’t understand something or have any questions about your child’s report card, please contact the teacher. It is important to us that parents are informed so we can work together as a team to help each child reach his/her potential. Thank you for all you do to support your child’s education!  ~Mrs. G.  😃

Join Mrs. G.’s Book Club!

What is Mrs. G.'s Book Club?  

Mrs. G.’s Book Club gives adults in our school community an opportunity to come together and discuss a variety of topics through books. We will select books that are primarily focused on the complexities of raising children in the modern, digital age. Participants will read the book, then come together to discuss what they’ve read and share thoughts. It’s a great way to approach parenting challenges in a community setting!

How it Works:

Twice a year we will select a book that will be discussed at Mrs. G.’s Book Club meeting. Anyone interested in participating should complete the form at the LINK.  A discussion date will be set based on participant availability. 

What are we Reading?

Our first book is a New York Times Bestseller - The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey.  Participants are asked to provide their own copy.  The book is available on Amazon and through the Oshkosh Public Library in a variety of formats.  We hope to have great participation!  Sign up by January 31!

WELCOME TO THE PACK

sarah bauer - math instructional support teacher

Hello! My name is Sarah Bauer and I am excited to join CTE as Instructional Support Teacher-Math for the second semester! I will be split between CTE and Lakeside. Having a school family is important to me and I am eager to partner with staff and families to help grow students even more this year. My teaching career began in downtown Milwaukee where I taught 4th grade for four years. I co-taught 5th grade with a special education teacher at Roosevelt for five years and then transferred to Oaklawn where I have taught 5th grade for the past five and a half years. My husband and I have two children (6 and 9) and we enjoy pizza/movie nights, playing games like Uno, mini-golf, traveling, and spending quality time with extended family and friends. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

WINTER WALK BINGOUse Winter Walk Bingo to compete against family or friends or against yourself. Try to complete a row a day, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. And, for an extra challenge see if you can complete the entire board. Turn your next nature walk or walk to school into a fun game with our winter Bingo card!

The PTBoard is a PSC hub filled with many helpful tools and resources for our Traeger families and staff. You can access information regarding our PSC events including how you can get involved and volunteer your time, sponsorship and partner opportunities, and where to donate to and pay for specific fundraisers and items. To learn more and create your account today, visit https://www.ptboard.com/nlg/register.

It's that time of year to order your yearbook for the 2022-2023 school year!  Orders can be completed online at CARL TRAEGER ELEMENTARY 22-23 YEARBOOK PREPAY LINK

Parents can also go to Network Photography website www.networkphoto.net  and select the FALL PREPAY tab.  Type in your school name.

ORDERS ARE DUE by March 1, 2023.

Creative  Prizes Needed!

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our third quarter will be "Spring Into Creativity" and we are looking for prizes relating to being creative (art supplies, creating kits, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office by March 1st. Thank you for your support!

Family Dinner Book Club invites you to share a great story, great art, great conversation, and great food each month.  This month's book is Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater

This story is about a house painter named Mr. Popper.  He is given a penguin as a gift from a polar explorer.  His house begins to fill with penguins and he has to figure out what to do!  Penguin upkeep is expensive and Mr. Popper decides to create a penguin show and take his brood on the road.  Will the lifestyle fit the penguins and Mr. Popper? You just have to read to find out.

Follow the LINK for conversation starters, craft ideas and recipes to go along with the book.

We hope you will join us!

• January 24
  • Branson to Oshkosh Public Museum
  • K-Kids mtg. 6:00pm
• January 25
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Treb to Oshkosh Pubic Museum
• January 26
  • Grades 4/5 to OWHS Musical
  • Gus to Oshkosh Public Museum
• January 27
  • Lepper to Oshkosh Public Museum
• February 1
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 3
  • Grade 2 to Discovery World
• February 7
  • PSC in LMC 6:00pm
• February 8
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 10
  • No School for Students
• February 14
  • Valentine's Day Classroom Celebrations
• February 15
• Walk to School Wednesday

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESJanuary 13, 2023: Issue 18

Teaching Children About Diversity

People have many different personality traits and physical features. So, it seems normal when we pick out the differences between ourselves and others. However, making judgments about these differences can interfere with our openness, our willingness to try new experiences, and our acceptance of others who are different from us. As adults, we have the ability to reflect on our own biases, expand our understanding of differences, and challenge our preconceptions about different groups of people. Children need examples of others who are open and accepting of differences because they are heavily influenced by the behaviors of adults. Parents can play an active role in shaping their children’s behaviors, helping them to be more accepting of and kind toward those who look different from them.

Children tend to base their stereotyping on physical traits, such as race, gender, or age. Children understand their environment through categorization, so they make sense of the world by grouping people together according to how they look. As a result, children will most likely identify with a group of people who have a similar appearance to them, and they will become disengaged from people who appear different from them. For example, if a Latina girl's family or classroom divides people by race or gender, she will most likely believe that someone who is physically dissimilar from her is very different from her. This experience of sub-grouping in her family or classroom will reinforce any differences and create negative judgments or behaviors toward the other group of people. Likewise, when parents or teachers talk about the differences among groups of people in a negative way, children learn to separate themselves from others who appear different.

Parents can help their children value and appreciate diversity in everyday experiences by modeling behaviors that are open and kind toward others.

• Practice Unity. Do not segregate yourselves from people based on gender, age, disability, race or ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Parents can provide their children with living examples of equality when interacting in a kind way with people who appear different from them.
• Use Kind Language. Refrain from using explicit remarks that categorize people. For example, there is a popular saying, “boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider, girls go to college to get more knowledge.” Even though this may seem harmless, it instills an idea in children that girls are smarter than boys, which could lead to segregation. As parents, it would be beneficial to be neutral or affirming of different groups.
• Be Kind in Action. Sometimes, we are not aware of our body language around others. For example, a white individual might act standoffish around an African American individual. By increasing our awareness of our nonverbal behaviors and treating everyone the same, we model for our children how to treat others with equality and kindness.
• Have Multicultural Experiences. As a family, becoming engaged in multicultural experiences could be a fun learning experience for everyone. Diversity experiences lead to fewer stereotypes. Introduce your children to diverse groups, such as a new religious setting or cultural community events. The whole family will discover new things about themselves and others through participation in new cultural experiences.
• Redirect Intolerant Behavior. If you witness your child acting or speaking out in judgment of diverse groups, speak with him about it. Talk with them about why it is important to treat everyone with kindness and equality.

It is important for children to have role models who motivate them to engage in multicultural activities. While children are in many different learning environments, parents have the greatest impact on how their children perceive and act toward others. These strategies for valuing diversity can also be shared with other family members, friends, or teachers. Through collaboration, caregivers can reduce stereotyping in children, leading to stronger relationships with all types of people. As children become more comfortable with diverse people, they will gain mutual acceptance of themselves and others. They will no longer think of themselves as different from others. Rather, they will feel more connected with their peers and become more accepting of peoples’ differences.

~Mrs. G. 😃

Source: Melissa M. Gericke, B.A. & Janet L. Muse-Burke, Ph.D., Marywood University

Congratulations, Ellen Volkening and Mason Beulen !!!  

Their artwork has been selected for the Oshkosh Area School District Central Office Student Art Exhibit. Their art will be prominently displayed at the central office building throughout the 2023 school year. Students that had their artwork chosen for this exhibit were recognized at an Oshkosh Area School District board meeting on Wednesday, January 11th. At the beginning of the board meeting a slideshow presentation featuring all of the artwork from the westside schools was shown and awards were presented to participating students. Congratulations on this significant achievement!

Ellen's Ice Cream

Mason's Ice Cream

Adult Crossing Guard Recognition Week

January 9-13

Each day, dedicated adult crossing guards across Wisconsin show up at their assigned crossings to assist students in their journeys to and from school.  Our crossing guard position at the corner of Oakwood and Newport is Pam Miller.  Please show your appreciation to her for keeping our children safe!

TREE-mendous Traeger Students!

Every month each class recognizes a student who consistently follows the Traeger Way!  Congratulations to our December students who are also featured on the bulletin board in the cafeteria!

Creative  Prizes Needed!

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our third quarter will be "Spring Into Creativity" and we are looking for prizes relating to being creative (art supplies, creating kits, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office by March 1st. Thank you for your support!

PSC Minutes
1/10/23, 6:00-7:00 p.m. 
Library Media Center 

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein

• Treasurer: Jolene Halbach & Nick Zanders

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Introductions

2. Ice breaker  

   1. Made a sign for our crossing guard, Pam, on Oakwood and Newport. Liza O. will give the card and poster to the crossing guard. They will take a picture to post on the school FB page. 

3. Volunteer opportunities

   1. Crossing Guard Gift (January 9-13th) - See Above

   2. Pizza Fundraiser (March) - HWY 44 Pizza

      1. Carissa will take over this year. Megan P. did this last year and will help her with contacts. 

4. Treasurer Update

   1. Amazon deposit. Next year - remind families to add Traeger to their Amazon Smile. It is listed in Traeger Tales regularly. 

   2. Brighten Someone’s Holiday - great job this year! There is $464.24 that will be set aside for next year. 

   3. Cedar Yard Sign Sales Fundraiser- $60 profit. 

   4. Ice Cream Social Funds for playground funds- we earned $668.80. 

   5. Family Paint Night - we earned $210.00 for this fundraiser

   6. Photo Fundraiser Funds earned - $750.00

5. Fundraiser Updates

   1. Brighten Someone’s Holiday (Katie Z.) - Way to go Katie & Crew! 

      1. They helped 27 families and 70 kids. Feedback on the new process this year using PTBoard. There were some technical glitches this year using your phone. We will put in a work ticket for PTBoard if there are issues next year. Another idea - possibly starting earlier next year to leave timing for shopping. 

   2. Family Paint Night- ($210) (Nichole)

6. Upcoming Events 

   1. Funset Night (Feb 19th) - (Mandy)  $6 wristbands. Information will go home 2 weeks before the event to families. 

   2. Herd Game (March 4th) - On sale now  —-> https://fevo.me/ctes23

   3. Concert (Grades 3-5) -  Ice Cream Social (March 6th)

   4. BINGO Night (April 14th) - (Megan) 

   5. Sponsorships

7. Next meeting date, time, and location: Feb 7th, 2023 at 6pm in library media center (LMC) 

8. Questions

9. Motion to Adjourn - Kelly Zanders. Second - Megan Paulik. 

• January 16
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School for Students
• January 18
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 20
  • 5th Grade Historical Fair 9:15am and 1:30pm
• January 24
  • Branson to Oshkosh Public Museum
  • K-Kids mtg. 6:00pm
• January 25
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Treb to Oshkosh Pubic Museum
• January 26
  • Grades 4/5 to OWHS Musical
  • Gus to Oshkosh Public Museum
• January 27
  • Lepper to Oshkosh Public Museum
• February 1
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 3
  • Grade 2 to Discovery World
• February 7
  • PSC in LMC 6:00pm
• February 8
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 10
  • No School for Students

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESJanuary 6, 2023: Issue 17

Happy New Year!

Many people use the passing of another year as a time to reflect on the past and set goals for the New Year. The end of the second quarter is approaching and report cards will be posted in Infinite Campus on January 18.  One area in which students will be receiving grades is Life and Career skills:

Flexibility and Adaptability - Applies problem solving skills in a changing environment.

Initiative and Self-Direction - Works towards goals with pride.

Social and Cross-Cultural Skills - Interacts effectively with others.

Productivity and Accountability – Accountable for group or individual tasks in a timely manner.

Leadership and Responsibility- Encourages others to contribute positively to school and/or larger community.

As a parent you can support your child in these areas by discussing and reinforcing these concepts with your child at home. You can also help by ensuring that your child has a nutritious breakfast each day. Studies show that kids who eat breakfast behave better than kids who don't. But what can a parent do when a child refuses to eat this most important meal of the day? If the child says he or she isn't hungry, be patient and allow him or her to begin slowly. Eventually, most children will get accustomed to eating early in the morning before school. They begin to understand that it helps improve their all-around performance and ward off hunger before lunch.

Many simple but healthy food choices are available. Just find a few that your child agrees upon and you will eliminate morning squabbles. Here are some suggestions on the types of foods to stock up on and other ways to get through the breakfast controversy:

• Cheese sticks or cubes, yogurt or fruit can be a great, fast start. It may not be a full breakfast in your mind, but at least your son or daughter is eating something nutritious.

• Get out the blender and make smoothies together. A varied combination of such things as bananas, strawberries, yogurt, frozen yogurt and fruit juices can give a child a great start to any day. There are also pre-packaged instant breakfast drinks that offer a lot of nutrients.

• Whole grain toast with peanut butter can be a healthy choice as well as instant oatmeal. The flavors of oatmeal available these days can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.

• Granola bars and healthy breakfast bars can also be a quick alternative. Make sure to read the labels to identify if the bars really do have any nutrients instead of just sugar and sodium.

• Frozen waffles, pancakes and French toast are fast and can be made even healthier with a helping of strawberries or blueberries on top.

• Don't turn on the television, computer or radio while you sit down with your child to eat breakfast.

• Have your child set his or her alarm 15 minutes early to allow for breakfast time.

As a busy parent, I know it can be challenging to prepare breakfast on top of all the other tasks necessary to get kids to school on time each day. At Traeger we are fortunate to have a school breakfast program.  All students have the opportunity to receive a nutritious breakfast right in their classroom. Whether your child has breakfast at home or school, we thank you for your support in helping each child start the day ready to learn!

~ Mrs. G 😀 

America’s Most Practical and Entertaining Parent Seminars

PARENTING THE LOVE AND LOGIC WAY® CURRICULUM

A SIX-week training program designed by the Love and Logic® Institute, Inc.

Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?

Would you like to have more fun parenting?

Would you like to feel more relaxed at the end of the day?

Answers to:

♥      “How do I get them out of bed in time to catch the school bus?”

♥      “How can I stop my children from bickering and fighting?”

♥      “How do I get my children to help with the chores without an argument?”

♥      “Is there a way to discipline my toddler in public without creating a scene?”

♥      “How can I get my teenage daughter to come home at the agreed-upon time?”

♥      “How do I get him to stop spitting his peas and whining at dinner?”

………and many other day-to-day parenting frustrations.

Parenting is the world’s most difficult job. Over 700 Oshkosh area parents have completed this non-judgmental course in a relaxed setting. They learned practical parenting skills and used them immediately. You can too!

Who:  Anyone who works with kids or has children of their own.  Join us!

Seminar is a total of 6 sessions:

Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at South Park Middle School:  2-7-23, 2-14-23, 2-21-23, 2-28-23, 3-07-23 and 3-14-23. 

Cost:  $10 for the cost of the manual

To register for sessions, please contact Jodi Gunckel at jodi.gunckel@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or leave a message at 424-0431 ext. 2720. 

Please e-mail the following information to register: name, address, phone number, names and ages of your children or the children you work with, what schools they attend and how you heard about the seminars.

We look forward to meeting you!

Children and Social NetworkingIt's all about hanging with friends -- online.   

Many students received new electronics during the holiday season.  Now is a good time to have a conversation with your child about social networking.  The following information may be helpful to families to guide discussions and for monitoring your child's online presence.

Posts, status updates, comments, instant messages, video uploads, tweets, and texts have become a regular part of our kids' lives. In today's 24/7 digital world, kids are logging on from everywhere, including smartphones, gaming devices, tablets, and laptops, and many parents simply don't know what their kids are up to, or much about the social media they're using.

The reality is that most kids start developing online relationships around the age of 8, usually through virtual worlds like Club Penguin. By age 10, they've progressed to multiplayer games and sharing their digital creations and homemade videos on sites like YouTube. By age 13, millions of kids have already created accounts on social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.

 There are many positives to social media. It's a fun way for kids to interact with friends. It can also be a great way to learn new things, collaborate with others, express creativity, and safely experiment with identity.

Why social networking matters

 The problem comes when kids share their private thoughts, photos, videos, and personal information. These revealing posts can become very public and last a long time. A post of a provocative photo or a picture with a beer bottle in hand could end up damaging a kid's reputation.

Even more troubling are the privacy and safety issues that come with social networking. Marketers collect data based on your kids' online activity and then target ads to them. And now with the ability to easily post your location, physical safety becomes a concern.

While no one knows what effect increased social networking has on kids' development, it's clear that young people do need some guidance regarding use. So how can you help your kids make good decisions as they navigate their virtual lives?

 Parent tips

 ·       Stick with age-appropriate sites.  For elementary age children, there are sites with strong safety features that help kids play without risking inappropriate content or contact.

·       Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all require children to be at least 13 years old to join.  That's because of the "Children's Online Privacy Protection Act," which limits companies from collecting personal information about kids under 13.  Some kids younger than 13 dodge those age limits by faking their birth date and setting up an account, whether their parents know it or not. "Parents need to ask their children on a regular basis, ‘Do you have a Facebook account? Do your friends?'" says Shawn Marie Edgington, author of The Parent's Guide to Texting, Facebook and Social Media.   She recommends that when you buy your child a cell phone, one of the conditions is that she can't get a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account until age 13 and you approve it.  If you’re tempted to make an exception for them, you might want to consider the message you're sending if you allow them to break the rules by lying, about whether they're mature enough to behave safely and responsibly, and about what you will do to monitor their activity (such as "friending" them).

·       Tell your kids to think before they post.  Remind them that everything can be seen by a vast, invisible audience (otherwise known as friends of friends of friends). Each family is different, but for middle school kids, it's a good idea for parents to have access to their kids' pages, at least at first, to be sure that what's being posted is appropriate. Parents can help keep their children from doing something they'll regret later.

·       Make sure kids set their privacy settings.  Privacy settings aren't foolproof, but they're important. Take the time to learn how privacy settings work on your kids' favorite sites, and teach your kids how to control their privacy.

·       Kindness counts.  Lots of sites have anonymous applications like "bathroom wall" or "honesty boxes" that allow users to tell their friends what they think of them. Rule of thumb: If your children wouldn't say it to someone's face, they shouldn't post it.

·       Go online.  If you don't have one already, get an account for yourself. See what kids can and can't do.

Sources: Common Sense Media, Web MD, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Winter Safety

Safety is important in the winter, especially on the playground at school! Please take some time to review with your child a few of our playground rules for winter:

• Boots and snow pants must be worn to play in the woodchip area or on the field. If children do not wear boots, they bring in water on their shoes with the snow. The classrooms then get wet and it is difficult to manage an orderly learning environment throughout the day. 

• Snow is NEVER to be thrown.  
• No sliding on the ice is allowed. The threat of injury is too great.
• The slide must be used one child at a time, feet first. Ice can accumulate on the slides, so children should always be careful when using them in winter.
• No tunnels or snow forts with roofs will be allowed on the playground. The danger of collapsing on top of children is too great. Please respect the
“creations” of other students and leave their forts and large snow “boulders” in tact. (This means do not knock over someone else’s fort.)
• No climbing on snow hills. The threat of injury is too great.

Thank you! We want our winter fun at school to be safe and enjoyable for everyone!

PSC Agenda
1/10/23, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  

Library Media Center or LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein

• Treasurer: Jolene Halbach & Nick Zanders

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Introductions

2. Ice breaker  

3. Volunteer opportunities

   1. Crossing Guard Gift (January 9-13th)

   2. Pizza Fundraiser

4. Treasurer Update

5. Fundraiser Updates

   1. Brighten Someone’s Holiday (Katie Z.)

   2. Family Paint Night- ($210) (Nichole)

6. Upcoming Events 

   1. Funset Night (Feb 19th)

   2. Herd Game (March 4th)

   3. BINGO Night (April)

   4. Sponsorships

7. Next meeting date, time, and location: Feb 7th, 2023 at 6pm in library media center (LMC) 

8. Questions

   ---

    

• January 10
  • 6:00 PSC in LMC
• January 11
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 13
  • End of First Semester!
• January 16
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School for Students
• January 18
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 20
  • 5th Grade Historical Fair 9:15am and 1:30pm
• January 24
  • Branson to Oshkosh Public Museum
• January 25
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Treb to Oshkosh Pubic Museum
• January 26
  • Grades 4/5 to OWHS Musical
  • Gus to Oshkosh Public Museum
• January 27
  • Lepper to Oshkosh Public Museum
• February 1
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 3
  • Grade 2 to Discovery World

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESDecember 22, 2022: Issue 16

BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH COMMUNICATION

From the beginning of life your child has been communicating with you. Communication with your child can be amazing. Do you remember seeing your child’s first smile or celebrating your child’s first word? Communication can be challenging, too. It doesn’t feel quite as amazing when a child communicates by having a temper tantrum, rolling his eyes or slamming a door. Naming emotions and showing your child examples of body language can help them understand how actions may express what someone is feeling or thinking.

Body language is a type of non-verbal communication where actions are used to show feelings.

What we know:

As kids get older it can still be really difficult for them to understand and express their feelings, thoughts and emotions. It may also be difficult for them to pick up on body language (non-verbal cues) from other people. Our job as a parent is to help them build strong and positive relationships by using good communication skills.

You might think, I can’t get them to put away their backpack, how will I get them to listen to a lesson on communication? Don’t worry. Communication can be taught by little everyday actions.

Try this:

• Describe Actions: You can help your child better understand how actions communicate. You can look at someone who is looking down with his arms crossed and ask your child, “What might he be feeling?” Or when your child communicates with actions you can describe it for them. For example, you can say to your child, “When you roll your eyes at me, you seem annoyed and I feel disrespected.”

• Start the Conversation: You can teach your child how to start a conversation. Talk to your child during car rides about where you are going and what you see. Talk during commercials about the TV show you are watching. Just as you taught your child new words as a toddler, you can show them how to start a conversation.

• Build on the Story: You can help your child learn to listen and build on someone else’s story. After your child has told you something, repeat some of it back and then follow up with a related question like, “it sounds like she was really excited about getting the award. How did other people around her act?”

For fun:

The Pixar short film For The Birds is a fun way to have a talk with your child about how body language and tone are used to communicate with others. Do you both agree on what the birds are saying?   ~ Mrs. G. 😀 (Source UW Extension)

Ring in the New Year with the Carl Traeger PSC January 10, 2023 at 6:00! It's our first meeting of the New Year and it's time to make some resolutions. Want to make a difference in your child's life? Start by attending a PSC meeting and become knowledgeable about all the great ways you can get involved or just find out what is going on at Carl Traeger! Never been to a meeting before? There is not a better time to start!

Winter Fun Prizes Needed!

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our second quarter will be "Winter Fun" and we are looking for prizes relating to having fun during winter (outdoor toys, supplies for winter activities, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

Traeger Way Snow Play

When we return from break we will be reviewing the Traeger Way with all classes.  Starting on Tuesday, January 3 classes will be recognized for following the Traeger Way.  As a way to review and practice our school-wide expectations, staff members will be naming and noticing classrooms that follow the Traeger Way by being respectful, responsible, safe and trustworthy.  Classes will receive snowballs to add to their class snow piles. Classes will receive an entry to win a cider and movie party for every 10 snowballs that they receive between January 9 and January 23.  There will be a cider and movie party awarded at the K/1, 2/3 and 4/5 grade levels. 

Brighten Someone’s Holiday

Thank you to all the generous staff, families and friends of Traeger who donated gifts and/or monetary donations to Brighten Someone’s Holiday.  This year $2956 was donated!  We were able to support 27 of our very own Traeger families which included 70 kids ranging from 3 months to 17 years old.  We are overwhelmed with the generosity of our school family!  Special thanks our volunteers Kenlin Grams, Jenny Huny and Samantha Rice and a huge shout out to Katie Zurawski and Kaelee Heideman for their leadership in making this possible!

WELCOME TO THE PACK

jennalynn waterstradt - Student Teacher

Hello Everyone! My name is Jennalynn Waterstradt (Ms. Waterstradt). I am Mrs. Walsh's student teacher, here at Treager Elementary. This is my first year teaching, however, I been teaching since I was 14. I taught hunter safety and environmental ethics as a volunteer in my home town, that experience sparked my passion to become a teacher. I am looking forward to learning from the staff and the wonderful students that make Karl Treager such a great family to be part of. I have three cats that live with me and my fiancee in Appleton. I enjoy reading, drawing and if I find the time playing music on my clarinet. I am impressed by how welcoming the Treager family is and the amount bright energy that goes around everyday. Thank you for welcoming me with kind smiles everyday!

Ashley hinz - paraprofessional

Hello! My name is Ashley Hinz and I am the new Autism Paraprofessional. I am new to Carl Traeger, however, I have been with the district for the past couple of years. I have also been a paraprofessional with other school districts as well. My husband Will and I have been married for 8 years and we have a 5 year old son, Gavin. We enjoy going up north and spending time outdoors. Thank you for welcoming me in and I look forward to working with all of you!

• December 23-January 2
  • Winter Break
• January 3
  • School Resumes
• January 4
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 10
  • 6:00 PSC in LMC
• January 11
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 13
  • End of First Semester!
• January 16
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School for Students
• January 18
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 20
  • 5th Grade Historical Fair 9:15am and 1:30pm
• January 24
  • Branson to Oshkosh Public Museum
• January 25
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Treb to Oshkosh Pubic Museum
• January 26
  • Grades 4/5 to OWHS Musical
  • Gus to Oshkosh Public Museum
• January 27
  • Lepper to Oshkosh Public Museum

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESDecember 16, 2022: Issue 15

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHILD'S READING STAMINA

Being able to read independently for long stretches helps your child make deeper connections with challenging text. That same focus also sets the stage for them to discover the true meaning of the story they’re reading.

“When you can read longer, you can ask better questions,” says Karen Burke, senior vice president of data analysis and academic planning at Scholastic Education. “You probe and then you discover the deeper essence of the text.”

Kids also begin to take ownership of learning when they have greater endurance for reading — and not only in literacy, but in other subjects and areas of life, as well. “That ‘stick-to-it-ness’ that we want to have students demonstrate is critical for tasks beyond reading and school,” says Burke.

When it comes to sports, video games, art projects, or other hands-on activities, you’ve probably noticed that your child has a seemingly endless supply of focus and energy. Here are a few tips and strategies to ensure they have that same level of stamina and perseverance when they open a book.

1. Set a Purpose

Whether it’s just for pleasure, to learn something new, or to find out what happens next in their favorite series, kids need a reason to read. Before your child picks up a book, encourage them to set a purpose for reading that day. This will inspire them to reflect upon what they’re reading, which in turn, will deepen learning and build reading stamina, says Burke.

After they’re done, set aside time to talk to them about what they’ve just read to promote even deeper reflection.

2. Make Reading a Special Family Activity

If your child has older siblings, Burke recommends inviting them to read the same books or different books on a similar topic. (Here’s why everyone wins when siblings read together.) Having someone reading alongside them may be just the encouragement they need to keep going.

Also build a general interest around reading: When your family gathers at the dinner table or is in the car together, have a conversation about what your kids are reading, while sharing information and thinking deeper about the stories. Your child will be more encouraged to finish a book when they have opportunities to share what they’ve learned.

3. Jump-Start Independent Reading With a Read-Aloud

To help get your child in the swing of reading for longer, start independent reading time with a read-aloud and then hand it off to your child to finish.

Burke also suggests reading every other chapter aloud with your child to get started, increasing the amount of reading they’re doing silently on their own. The goal is for them to be doing real reading, unsupervised, she says.

4. Create a Special Reading Area

Burke suggests talking to your child about where they like to read and work, and creating a special, comfy place where high-interest books they’ll enjoy are within easy reach.

“Once the mind grabs onto a story or text and finds it enjoyable, the muscle memory kicks in,” says Burke. Don’t forget to cut out distractions like TV, computers, and phones.

Looking for more tips? See all expert advice about establishing reading routines at home.

~Happy Reading! Mrs. G. 😀 (Source: Scholastic)

Morning Drop Off

As the weather gets colder we see more traffic at morning drop off.  In order to have a safe and efficient morning drop off, we ask people to pull forward as far as possible.  This allows us to maximize the number of people who can drop off at one time.   Please do not block the left hand lane in the drive as it makes traffic back up even more.  We have staff assisting with traffic direction from 7:30-7:40.  Please follow directions of the staff on duty so we can keep everyone safe.  At 7:40 the bell rings and staff are needed inside the building to assist with children.  The closer you come to the start of the school day you will experience more traffic due to middle school drop off.  Some ideas to make things go smoother include: consider dropping off near one of the trails that access our grounds or carpooling would reduce the number of vehicles altogether!  If everyone brought just one neighbor to school we could reduce traffic by half!  WOW!

Follow the LINK for more information!

Follow the media specialists’ Internet Safety Resources for Parents Facebook page for more info.

Winter Fun Prizes Needed!

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our second quarter will be "Winter Fun" and we are looking for prizes relating to having fun during winter (outdoor toys, supplies for winter activities, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

• December 14
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 21
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 23-January 2
  • Winter Break
• January 3
  • School Resumes
• January 4
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 10
  • 6:00 PSC in LMC
• January 11
  • Walk to School Wednesday

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESDecember 8, 2022: Issue 14

A LITTLE CARING GOES A LONG WAY

Empathy in children is linked to stronger relationship skills. Strong relationships help a person feel happy. Teaching children to care for others is a great way to help children be happy when they are older. There are a variety of strategies to build empathy in children.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings.

What we know:

• When children are asked to think about how other children feel, it can help them to better understand and share someone else’s feelings.

• Children who can see and know how someone else feels are more likely to get along with other people.

• When children consider how other people feel, they are more likely to reach out and help others.

Try this:

Many children believe that their parents value success more than being a caring person. You can show your child that it is important to you that they care about other people. Share age-appropriate news stories with your children and start a conversation. News sites for children like TIME for Kids allow you to filter news by age group and find news for your age child. Read stories like this TIME for Kids article about Hurricane Harvey with your child and talk about it together. Ask:

• How do you think those children felt during the storm? Why?

• How do you think you would feel if you lost your home and all your things?

• What can we do to help?

Try this too:

You can use your child’s life to help him think about how other people feel. When your child says that there is a new kid at school you can ask, “How do you think it feels to be in a new place?  How do you think it feels to not know anyone?”  By talking about other children’s problems, you build empathy and help your child begin to see how other people feel when things are new or difficult.  ~ Mrs. G. 😀 (Source UW Extension)

Family Dinner Book Club invites you to share a great story, great art, great conversation, and great food each month.  The theme for December is: Diverse Holidays and Celebrations. Our featured book for the month is Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind.

Jodie has created a book list and conversation starters, which you can get HERE.

Sarah has come up with a wonderful holiday menu for us HERE.

And make sure you’re signed up for the activity guide HERE.

We hope you will join us!

Be on the lookout for busses. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus that has a stop sign extended and lights on. This indicates that children are getting on or off the bus.

From unique, thoughtful gift ideas for every kid and teen reader on your shopping list to festive reads that light up the season, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the holidays.   Follow the LINK for more information!

TREE-mendous Traeger Students!

Every month each class recognizes a student who consistently follows the Traeger Way!  Congratulations to our November students who are also featured on the bulletin board in the cafeteria!

Winter Fun Prizes Needed!

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our second quarter will be "Winter Fun" and we are looking for prizes relating to having fun during winter (outdoor toys, supplies for winter activities, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

• December 13
  • Lepper/Branson to Paine
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• December 14
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 21
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 23-January 2
  • Winter Break
• January 3
  • School Resumes

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESDecember 2, 2022: Issue 13

THE GIFT OF TIME

Children love the gifts of the holidays! At school we hear all sorts of wishes for the gifts children will receive this Christmas.  While material gifts are fun, they break down over time. Children lose interest in them and move on to another toy they “have” to have.

One gift your child will never tire of is your undivided attention. Take time over the next few weeks to spend some quality time with your child. Invest in your child and watch the payback and returns for years to come.

THE GIFT OF TIME

Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day, allows you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day.

What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course! Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.

It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours.

There is no going back. There is no drawing against the “tomorrow”. You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success!

The clock is running. Make the most of today. ~Anonymous

I hope this holiday season is filled with many wonderful memories together with your children! ~ Mrs. G. 😀

Brighten Someone's Holiday

Tis the season of giving! Once again, the Carl Traeger Elementary community is coming together to support Traeger families during this holiday season, with the gift giving program, Brighten Someone’s Holiday.

How can you help and what do you need to do?

•  Select an item(s) from the Brighten Someone’s Holiday list on PTBoard LINK.

•  Purchase the item(s) listed.  Be sure to include the code with the item (ie TA:1).  This is necessary to make sure the requested gift(s) are given to the correct child.  

• Please do not wrap the gifts.

•  Please turn in the gift(s) to the office no later than Wednesday, December 7th. 

The families of Carl Traeger have been very generous in the past and we hope the spirit will continue this year.  Along with the gift requests, there are options to donate cash or on-line donations. This will be used to purchase any gifts that were not donated.

Please contact Kaelee Heideman (424-0221) or kaelee.heideman@oshkosh.k12.wi.us if you have any questions.

Holiday Shopping? Be sure to remember Carl Traeger Elementary!

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization.

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile.

On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select Carl Traeger PSC Carl Traeger Elementary School to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.

Winter Fun

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our second quarter will be "Winter Fun" and we are looking for prizes relating to having fun during winter (outdoor toys, supplies for winter activities, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

• December 2
  • PSC Family Paint Night 5-7pm
• December 7
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 8
  • Treb/Gus to Paine
• December 9
  • No School for Students
• December 13
  • Lepper/Branson to Paine
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• December 14
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 21
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 23-January 2
  • Winter Break
• January 3
  • School Resumes

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESNovember 18, 2022: Issue 12

Dear Traeger Families,

Carl Traeger Elementary K-Kids is partnering with the Mid-Morning Kiwanis Club in sponsoring a food drive to support the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Each year, Oshkosh Area School District elementary schools participate in this food drive to help families in the Oshkosh community, reaching 14,000 families, collecting between 4 to 5 tons of food each year. This is the 47th year of this partnership! We are excited to help once again, and we have a goal to collect 1,500 items.

We are pairing the grade levels for the competition!  The pairings are following the lunch period schedule: K & 2, 1 & 4, and 3 & 5 grades.  The K-Kids have also worked on incentives for the lunch period brings in the number of items:

• 100 items - PJ, Comfy Day
• 250 items - Creative Hair/Hat Day
• 400 items - Extra Recess
• Winning Grade Level Pairing - Sweet Treat courtesy of K-Kids!

4K - We have incentives for you too!

• 100 items - Stuffed Animal Day 
• 200 items - PJ/Comfy Day
• 300 items - Stuffed Animal Day

 What we collect for the food drive: Non-Perishable Food items only - please NO GLASS.

Easy donation opportunities: 

• November 21st Kick Off Night at K-2 Music Concert (boxes will be by the auditorium entrances).  
• December 2nd Family Night at Traeger (boxes will be in the entrance).
• School Days, please look for the labeled boxes for your grade level pairing in the cafeteria.
• Last day to bring in items is December 5th.

If you have any questions about the food drive, please contact Alicia Alsberg, K-Kids Advisor at abalsberg@gmail.com. 

Thank you for your support and your generous hearts,

K-Kids, Alicia Alsberg, and Mrs. G.

Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers. Please avoid absences as we head into the holiday seasons. ~Attendance Works

Traeger Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Concert

“Shine Bright Sunshine!”

Mark your calendars...MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21st!!!!

(6pm at Alberta Kimball Auditorium-West High School). 

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Fall Concert brought to you by the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. This concert is entitled “Shine Bright Sunshine” and will not only feature our Traeger students sharing their amazing voices but will also include a wide variety of talents such as dancing, solos, duets, baton twirling, rocking guitars and some super kids having a fantastic time on stage!

We cannot wait to perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature bright sunshine songs and the students are really going to be ROCKING the stage. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm. The concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm and will last approximately one hour. 

We sincerely hope you join us and enjoy this wonderful night of fun and great music!!! 

See you Monday, November 21, 2022

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Schmidt (Music Teacher)

Winter Fun

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our second quarter will be "Winter Fun" and we are looking for prizes relating to having fun during winter (outdoor toys, supplies for winter activities, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a prize for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

All About Family Dinner Book Club

Family Dinner Book Club invites you to share a great story, great art, great conversation, and great food each month. The theme for November is: Developing Empathy. Our featured book for the month is Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill.

Jodie has created a book list and conversation starters, which you can get here.

MENU IDEA AND COMMUNITY SERVICE IDEA: Have a dinner that comes from canned goods and boxed foods that would be commonly gotten from a food pantry. As you shop for these items, buy an extra set to donate to a food pantry. Need some ideas of which items are needed the most in food pantries? See ideas here.

We hope you will join us!

Have You Started Your Holiday Shopping?  Ordering something from Amazon? We have a great way you can start supporting our school while shopping on Amazon. Instead of going to amazon.com, simply go to Amazon Smile at www.smile.amazon.com and designate “Carl Traeger PSC Carl Traeger Elementary” as your charitable organization or go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1912920 and click on “Start Shopping.” Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Carl Traeger PSC Carl Traeger Elementary School whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.   If you shop on the mobile app, you need to set up your account on the Amazon website and then your app purchases will generate funds for Traeger.  AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

There will not be a new issue of Traeger Tales next week due to the short week.

• November 21
  • K-2 Concert 6:00pm
• November 23-25
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break
• November 30
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 2
  • PSC Family Paint Night 5-7pm
• December 7
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 8
  • Treb/Gus to Paine
• December 9
  • No School For Students
• December 13
  • Lepper/Branson to Paine
  • K-Kids 6:00pm

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESNovember 10, 2022: Issue 11

BEING GREEN AT HOME AND SCHOOL

Reducing the family's carbon footprint at home and school is easy, and can save you money at the same time.

Low-waste lunch tips

• Try doing a lunch box audit with your kids to see how much packaging you use such as plastic wrap, plastic throw-away spoons, straws and plastic bags, along with prepackaged foods.

• Lunch boxes with their special compartments for sandwiches, fruit, nuts and snacks are the best way to reduce wrapping or packaging of individual items.

• Chilled or frozen juice or water keeps lunch cool and fresh.

• Reusable drink containers reduce packaging waste even further.

Digital stuff

The family's music players, mobile phones and laptops all burn energy, adding to your household's carbon footprint. Simply by recharging the family's digital gadgets at night means your electricity bill will be less and it can reduce peak load on power stations.

Many of the smart ideas kids are learning at school about being energy efficient can be applied at home too. Ask your child to:

• Switch off appliances at the wall

• Look for high energy star ratings on appliances when you buy new ones

• Take shorter showers

• Use natural light during the day.

Getting to and from school

Safe walking or cycling or active travel (any journey which relies more on walking or cycling and less on the car) are great ways to reduce the family's carbon footprint. You can plan the route to school for your child with neighbors, friends, and their parents to share the supervision.

When driving the kids to school, planning journeys to combine trips to work, the shops or appointments also saves on fuel. Try parking a short distance from the school to reduce congestion in school zones at peak times and give you all a few minutes of extra exercise.

~Mrs. G. 😃

Follow the media specialists’ Internet Safety Resources for Parents Facebook page for more info.

WELCOME TO THE PACK

Makayla keefe - Student Teacher

My name is Makayla Keefe and I am a student teacher, majoring in art education. I went to UW Stevens Point for two years and then transferred to UW Oshkosh, and am currently in my last semester before graduating! I have worked with children for six years in a daycare setting and I have worked with children on the autism spectrum. I have always loved art and I have always loved kids, combining the two and becoming an art teacher was a no brainer and I am so excited to start my career! I look forward to not only getting children excited about art, but teaching them ways to express their many emotions through their art!

Traeger Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade Concert

“Shine Bright Sunshine!”

Mark your calendars...MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21st!!!!

(6pm at Alberta Kimball Auditorium-West High School). 

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Fall Concert brought to you by the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. This concert is entitled “Shine Bright Sunshine” and will not only feature our Traeger students sharing their amazing voices but will also include a wide variety of talents such as dancing, solos, duets, baton twirling, rocking guitars and some super kids having a fantastic time on stage!

We cannot wait to perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature bright sunshine songs and the students are really going to be ROCKING the stage. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm. The concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm and will last approximately one hour. 

We sincerely hope you join us and enjoy this wonderful night of fun and great music!!! 

See you Monday, November 21, 2022

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Schmidt (Music Teacher)

Our PSC is excited to host an ice cream social for our amazing K - 2nd grade students following their annual concert on Monday, November 21st at Oshkosh West. We’re looking for one or two people to chair this event. It’s the perfect opportunity for 3 - 5 grade families to get involved as we would like our K - 2 families watching their kids perform to enjoy time with them afterwards. So grab a friend and email carltpsc@gmail.com if you’re interested! We’re also in need of volunteers and supplies, so to learn more and signup, head to https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?signup=eYmYqEXKQUigXTBTOu7fcXN___6E7b7Zt3___oBs3c6P.

Cough Drops/Medication & Treatment Policies

Just a friendly reminder: over-the-counter medications (INCLUDING COUGH DROPS) intended for occasional use (10 consecutive days or less) will NOT be given to your child unless a Medication/Treatment Request form is signed by the parent and turned into the office.  The medication also needs to be in it's original packaging.  If the medication is to be given longer than 10 consecutive days, a healthcare provider’s signature is required.

Welcome to Traeger’s Green Corner!  A place to learn about anything and everything: Green & Healthy School!

Did you know Traeger Elementary takes advantage of TerraCycle, Tom’s of Maine and Colgate Recycling Programs? TerraCycle is a global leader in recycling the hard to recycle waste.  

The programs accept EMPTY oral hygiene products and deodorant tubes which includes:

• ANY BRAND of toothpaste tubes and caps 
• ANY BRAND of toothbrushes  (DO NOT INCLUDE ELECTRIC OR BATTERY OPERATED TOOTHBRUSHES or HEADS)
• ANY BRAND of toothpaste cartons
• ANY BRAND toothbrush packaging
• ANY BRAND of floss containers
• ANY BRAND of deodorant (no aerosol)

We have a convenient drop location just inside the main entrance across from the office (in the cafeteria).  Please collect items from your household and put them in a small plastic film bag (like the dentist bag or a bread bag) for your student to bring to drop in the box!  Traeger K-Kids earns $0.02 for every item collected.

To learn more please watch two of our Traeger’s students teaching us: YouTube - Terracycle Video

Every year, school absences spike in the weeks before and after winter break, as families squeeze a few more days of vacation into the holiday season. Let’s break that cycle. Make sure your child is in school every day. Because the best gift you can give your child is a good education. ~Attendance Works

PSC Minutes
10/11/22, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  

Library Media Center or LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein

• Treasurer: Jolene Halbach & Nick Zanders

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Introductions

2. Ice breaker - Make cards for teachers. Please bring supplies to create homemade cards

3. Volunteer Opportunities 

   1. Ice cream social (Fall Concert 11/21) - Unfilled Chair Position

      1. Money is for the playground fund, $2.50 per person

      2. Need both regular/gluten free ice cream

      3. Presales 

      4. Forms are ready and Megan Paulik will help prep, just need someone the night of to pick up ice cream from Festival and then setup and run event

   2. Funset - Unfilled Chair Position

      1. Presales only

      2. Sunday, February 19th

4. Treasurer Update

5. Fundraiser Updates

   1. Photography Fundraiser - Heather

      1. Received check this week for $750

   2. Craft Fair - Nichole

      1. Admissions $1676 (lower attendance than past years)

      2. Booth sales $4900

      3. Concessions $249 

      4. Food trucks $160 (feedback from trucks is that it was a little slow, but nice to get their name out - suggested having more food trucks to offer more variety)

      5. Bake sale $738

      6. Next year’s craft fair will be 10/21

      7. Consider vendor attendance confirmation so absent vendors can be filled

   3. Boo Fundraiser - Tina

      1. Ran for Traeger, Oakwood and Read and raised $240 - Traeger receive $60

   4. Trunk or Treat

      1. Less trunks this year but added Brews for Futures and fire department - good feedback and asking to come back (met minimum purchase amount for Brews)

      2. Successful candy donation box - specific on individually wrapped candy

   5. Herd Game - Nov 4th 

      1. Raised $210 

6. Upcoming Events/Fundraisers

   1. Herd Game - March 4th

      1. Oakwood had shirts and made over $1000 for shirts/ticket sales - do we consider for March game?

      2. K-Kids working on kindness shirts so need to consider timing conflict

   2. Brighten Someone's Holiday 

      1. Forms back to Mrs. Heidemann by 11/10 but buffer until 11/18

      2. Post gift board by 11/21 and gifts returned by 12/7

      3. We can use Sign Up Genius but have to include a link to PT Board to make a donation - or do we use PT Board for everything?

      4. Letter mentioned a book - pulled from birthday books

   3. Family Paint Night - Dec. 2nd

      1. Friday, 5-7pm

      2. Need two volunteers: 4:30-5:30 and 5:30-6:30 

      3. Adventure Games will not be there

   4. District Food Drive

      1. Kick off at concert and encourage bring food during paint night

      2. Move collection boxes to vestibule during paint night because Fire Escape will be setup where they are normally setup

      3. Add food drive information to family paint night flyer - first 50 people to bring 2 can goods will get a Traeger cup

   5. Script

      1. Buy gift cards and a percentage goes back to the school

   6. Pizza fundraiser - January

   7. Veterans day event - Nov 10th

7. Next meeting date, time, and location: January 10th, 6pm in library media center (LMC) 

8. Questions

   1. Sponsorships - email carltpsc@gmail.com to get sponsorship form

9. Motion to close: Kelly Zanders; Second: Megan Paulik

   ---

    

• November 15
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 16
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 17
  • Green Bay Packer Theme Day
• November 21
  • K-2 Concert 6:00pm
• November 23-25
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break
• November 30
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 2
  • PSC Family Paint Night 5-7pm
• December 7
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 8
  • Treb/Gus to Paine

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

TRAEGER TALESNovember 4, 2022: Issue 10

STUDENT SUCCESS STARTS AT HOME

As we reflect on all of our success from the first quarter, we are grateful for the fabulous partnerships we have with our Traeger families! You probably know that a student’s academic success is affected by many factors and this year caregivers have an even greater impact! When it comes to achievement, activities outside the virtual classroom, especially at home, can be just as influential as what happens inside the classroom.

The following are five important areas to emphasize to ensure the success of your children:

• Establish a daily routine by providing a quiet time and place for your children to study. Be firm about bedtimes so the child is well-rested and alert in the classroom. Having dinner together as a family is also important because it gives you an opportunity to talk about your children’s daily school activities, projects, and expectations. Encourage communications through conversation and questioning.

• Monitor your children’s extracurricular activities closely. Whenever possible, arrange specific after school activities or supervised care, always monitor television watching, and install computer software to block inappropriate websites. Also be mindful of video game content. If you can’t be home right after school, call or email frequently to check in with your children, or have a trusted neighbor, relative, or friend stop by. Search out after-school programs and association activities that could serve as alternatives for children going home alone after school.

• Reading books, magazines, and newspapers and talking about what is learned from them is another important aspect to pursue at home. Discussing current events and/or the day’s activities is a good habit to develop. Tell stories, share problems, and write letters, notes, and messages to one another. These types of communication bring families closer together, especially today, when everyone is busy with his or her own individual activities and commitments.

• Stay in touch with teachers and school staff, and express sincere interest in your children’s progress at school. Work together with your children’s teachers to set age-appropriate goals and standards, and to recognize and promote special talents. Compliment your children and share school success stories with family and friends.

• Be a positive role model. Demonstrate ways that achievement relates to hard work and dedication. Discuss the value of a good education to possible career options, and explore ways your children can turn their true interests into satisfying career possibilities.

We are looking forward to our parent teacher conferences on November 10 and 15 to further enhance our home-school partnerships!

~Mrs. G. 😃 

Prizes Needed!Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our first quarter will be "Building Success" and we are looking for prizes relating to building things (puzzles, Legos, building toys, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a building toy for the raffle, please send it to the office by November 18. Thank you for your support!

We can't educate kids who are not present!  Getting kids to attend school is one of the most important things parents can do!  Here are some points to ponder...

• Absences add up. Even if your child misses just a few days here and there, his/her grades, and most importantly learning, are likely to suffer.
• Elementary attendance impacts reading. Frequent absences in elementary school have been shown to significantly affect a student’s reading skills.
• Elementary attendance problems can negatively impact a student’s future. Research shows that by sixth grade, attendance problems become a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
• Attendance affects social growth. At school, students learn to interact with others, make friends, and build relationships with adults outside their family.

Tips to Improve Attendance

• Develop routines. Get everything your child needs for school ready the night before. Set out (or have your child set out) clothes, shoes, socks, coat, and backpack.
• Be informed. Know bus pick up times, parent drop off times, and school bell times. Determine what time your child needs to be “out the door” to get to school on time.
• Get support. If you have difficulty getting your child to and from school, or if your child doesn’t seem to want to go to school for any reason, talk to your child’s teacher, school counselor, or an administrator.

Thank you for all you are doing to help your child engage in learning!

Traeger celebrates each child’s birthday by wishing students a happy birthday over the morning announcements, and for students with summer birthdays, we announce half birthdays.  Each child receives a birthday book courtesy of the PSC and classrooms also have birthday traditions.  Per board of education guidelines, birthday treats are not allowed.  If you send a treat we will not be able to serve it.  Should you feel the need to send something, a gift to benefit the class is always welcome.  This could include a book with an inscription written by your child or perhaps a favorite game for indoor recess.  If you choose to celebrate your child’s birthday outside of school, the invitations may not be given out in the classroom, building or playground.  We do not want hurt feelings if a student does not receive an invite. 

Traeger Kindergarten-2nd Grade Concert

“Shine Bright Sunshine!”

Mark your calendars...MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21st!!!!

(6pm at Alberta Kimball Auditorium-West High School). 

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Fall Concert brought to you by the Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. This concert is entitled “Shine Bright Sunshine” and will not only feature our Traeger students sharing their amazing voices but will also include a wide variety of talents such as dancing, solos, duets, baton twirling, rocking guitars and some super kids having a fantastic time on stage!

We cannot wait to perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature bright sunshine songs and the students are really going to be ROCKING the stage. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm. The concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm and will last approximately one hour. 

We sincerely hope you join us and enjoy this wonderful night of fun and great music!!! 

See you Monday, November 21, 2022

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Schmidt (Music Teacher)

Our PSC is excited to host an ice cream social for our amazing K - 2nd grade students following their annual concert on Monday, November 21st at Oshkosh West. We’re looking for one or two people to chair this event. It’s the perfect opportunity for 3 - 5 grade families to get involved as we would like our K - 2 families watching their kids perform to enjoy time with them afterwards. So grab a friend and email carltpsc@gmail.com if you’re interested! We’re also in need of volunteers and supplies, so to learn more and signup, head to https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?signup=eYmYqEXKQUigXTBTOu7fcXN___6E7b7Zt3___oBs3c6P.

PSC Agenda
11/8/22, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  

Library Media Center or LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 
• Vice President: Megan Paulik
• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein
• Treasurer: Jolene Halbach & Nick Zanders
• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders
• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Introductions

2. Ice breaker- Make cards for teachers. Please bring supplies to create homemade cards

3. Volunteer opportunities 

   1. Ice cream social (Fall Concert 11/21) -  Unfilled Chair Position

      1. Money is for the playground fund, $2.50 per person

      2. Need both regular/gluten free ice cream

      3. Presales 

   2. Funset -Unfilled Chair Position

      1. Presales only

      2. January 16th

4. Treasurer Update

5. Fundraiser Updates

   1. Photography Fundraiser- Heather

   2. Craft Fair-Nichole

   3. Boo Fundraiser - Tina

   4. Trunk or Treat

6. Upcoming Events 

   1. Herd Game, November 4th-

   2. Brighten Someone's Holiday 

   3. Friday Dec. 2nd - Family Paint Night.  

7. Next meeting date, time, and location: January 10th, 6pm in library media center (LMC) 

8. Questions

Have You Started Your Holiday Shopping?  Ordering something from Amazon? We have a great way you can start supporting our school while shopping on Amazon. Instead of going to amazon.com, simply go to Amazon Smile at www.smile.amazon.com and designate “Carl Traeger PSC Carl Traeger Elementary” as your charitable organization or go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1912920 and click on “Start Shopping.” Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Carl Traeger PSC Carl Traeger Elementary School whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.   If you shop on the mobile app, you need to set up your account on the Amazon website and then your app purchases will generate funds for Traeger.  AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.

Building a Successful Start of the Year

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our first quarter will be "Building Success" and we are looking for prizes relating to building things (puzzles, Legos, building toys, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a building toy for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

• November 4
  • PSC Herd Night
• November 8
  • PSC Meeting in LMC 6:00pm
  • Grade 4 to Oshkosh Youth Symphony
• November 9
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 10
  • Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 11
  • No School for Students
• November 15
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 16
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 17
  • Green Bay Packer Theme Day
• November 21
  • K-2 Concert 6:00pm
• November 23-25
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break
• November 30
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 2
  • PSC Family Paint Night 5-7pm

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

October 27, 2022: Issue 9

Traeger Tales

Rude, Mean, or Bullying?

Signe Whitson, a child and adolescent therapist and author of 8 Keys to End Bullying and The 8 Keys to End Bullying Activity Book for Kids & Tweens, has a timely message for parents and educators: “there is a real need to draw a distinction between behavior that is rude, behavior that is mean and behavior that is characteristic of bullying.” In Psychology Today, she clarifies the way she identifies the difference and asks adults to remember that distinguishing between them allows “teachers, school administrators, police, youth workers, parents and kids all know what to pay attention to and when to intervene.”

Whitson’s article was prompted by an encounter with a parent, who told her, “Last week, my daughter was bullied really badly after school!" and then went on to describe what Whitson characterized as a benign encounter between playful children throwing leaves. She writes, “While I always want to be careful not to minimize anyone's experience... if kids and parents improperly classify rudeness and mean behavior as bullying — whether to simply make conversation or to bring attention to their short-term discomfort — we all run the risk of becoming so sick and tired of hearing the word that this actual life-and-death issue among young people loses its urgency as quickly as it rose to prominence."

So how does Whitson define the differences? Rude, she says, is “inadvertently saying or doing something that hurts someone else.” In children this takes the form of social errors like “burping in someone's face, jumping ahead in line, bragging about achieving the highest grade or even throwing a crushed up pile of leaves in someone's face.” The critical factor? “Incidents of rudeness are usually spontaneous, unplanned inconsideration, based on thoughtlessness, poor manners or narcissism, but not meant to actually hurt someone.”

Being mean involves “purposefully saying or doing something to hurt someone once (or maybe twice).” Unlike unthinking rudeness, “mean behavior very much aims to hurt or depreciate someone.... Very often, mean behavior in kids is motivated by angry feelings and/or the misguided goal of propping themselves up in comparison to the person they are putting down.” And while Whitson agrees that both rudeness and mean behavior require correction, they are “different from bullying in important ways that should be understood and differentiated when it comes to intervention.”

Bullying is “intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that involves an imbalance of power.... Kids who bully say or do something intentionally hurtful to others and they keep doing it, with no sense of regret or remorse — even when targets of bullying show or express their hurt or tell the aggressors to stop.” Whitson gives examples of multiple kinds of bullying, including physical and verbal aggression, relational aggression (like social exclusion, hazing, or rumor spreading), and cyberbullying. The key aspect to all of them is the ongoing nature of the behavior, which leaves the victims feeling powerless and fearful.

We often hear all of these behaviors referred to as bullying and there are important distinctions among them.  We coach children in problem solving strategies to address rude and mean behaviors.  Bullying behavior should be reported and frequently requires adult intervention.  ~Mrs. G. 😃

Building a Successful Start of the Year

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our first quarter will be "Building Success" and we are looking for prizes relating to building things (puzzles, Legos, building toys, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a building toy for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

Halloween/Fall Celebrations

Halloween/Fall Celebrations will take place in classrooms on October 31. Thank you for following our Halloween costume guidelines!

• No full face masks are allowed. Our younger students have been scared by many masks and we want to see the children’s faces as they parade.

• Students will only be given 5 minutes to get “dressed” in costumes and will not be excused to the bathroom. Please plan for easy items to add to their regular outfits.

•  Make up should not be worn all day as it is a disruption to the classroom.

• Violent themed costumes are not appropriate for school.

• Board policy clearly prohibits look alike weapons such as toy guns, knives, swords, or other threatening objects. These items are not allowed at school for any reason, and Halloween is no exception.

Each classroom will be notifying parents if they need any help with the celebration. Please remember that all fruit, vegetable, and cheese trays must be purchased already assembled from a grocery store. All dry items such as cookies, cupcakes and crackers must be store purchased.

Dear Traeger Families,

On November 10 and 15 we will be holding Parent-Teacher Conferences for Carl Traeger K-5 students.  The focus of this conference will be your child’s progress this year and how we can work together as a team to make your child's educational experiences successful.  Families will be given the choice to meet in person or virtually.  Teachers will be in touch to find out family preference for their conference.

Once again, this year you will be signing up for Parent Teacher Conferences Online.  Conference registration will open at 4:00pm on October 27.

Due to limited slots, one slot per family per child.  Dates available will be on a first come, first serve basis.  So, please sign-up early for a 15 minute conference slot for your child.

To pick a slot, enter this link in your internet browser:

http://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Carl_Traeger_Elementary

Registration Deadline:  November 3 at 3:00pm - Parents who do not sign up will be scheduled and sent an appointment.  

• K-4 Music Mrs. Schmidt <jennifer.schmidt@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• K-4 Art Ms. Moucha <teresa.moucha@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• K-4 PE Mrs. Wara <heidi.wara@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• Clark, Nyman, Purtell Music Mrs. Cibula <maria.cibula@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• Clark, Nyman, Purtell Art Ms. Larson <jenna.larson@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• Clark, Nyman, Purtell PE Mrs. Zerbe <traci.zerbe@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>

If you have any questions or need assistance scheduling your conference, please contact Carl Traeger Elementary at 920-424-0221.

DEVELOPING  SELF-CONTROL

Even though elementary-aged children may learn rules and understand the importance of following them, they often have trouble with self-control. They sometimes make choices that are disruptive, harmful, or disrespectful, even when they know they shouldn’t.

Here’s how you can help your child develop better self-control and make smarter choices.

Talk about it. Have your child verbalize what he/she should and shouldn’t do in a given situation. (“When I’m mad, I can’t throw things. I should sit down and count to ten.“)

Reward good self-control. When your child exhibits good self-control, compliment him/her. Be specific. (“I can tell you wanted to yell at your brother when he messed up your room, but you didn’t. I’m proud of you.”)

Model good behavior. Adults sometimes do things they know they shouldn’t. For ex- ample, if you’ve taught your child to always be kind to others and never yell, it can be confus- ing to see parents get angry while driving or yell at others when they’re frustrated.

Use the same calming strategies you teach your child (e.g., breathing, walking away, and counting to ten). 

Wear It Forward Traeger WearDo you have some gently used, clean Traeger school apparel that your child has outgrown?  We would love to have you contribute it to our Wear it Forward program!  Just send any gently used Traeger clothing to school and we will help it find a new home.  Currently we have requests for youth sizes small, medium and large.

PSC UPDATES

Trunk or Treat: Our Trunk or Treat is tomorrow in our CTE parking lot from 5:00pm - 6:30pm, so even though we don’t have school, be sure to stop by for the event! We still have some spots for decked out trunks, so signup at https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=jW9Q47QzTcShlWq00YYZkXN___5-C8el-3___n369pGn to be a part of this fun event! You can also get dressed up and trick or treat, plus Brewing Futures will be onsite, so you can grab a yummy beverage. We hope to see you there!

Boo Surprise: Cedar Yard Signs is offering all CTE families this fun boo package during the Halloween season. You can surprise family and friends with one of these spooky signs all while helping our school earn a kickback of the funds. Thank you, Cedar Yard Signs!

PSC Herd Night:   Family Night at the Herd: Next Friday is our first CTE Family Night! The Herd games are a blast and with this one kicking off the season, it’s sure to be a great time! There are still some tickets left, so be sure to grab yours today before they're gone!

K-2 Ice Cream Social: The K-2 concert and ice cream social is on the books for Monday, November 21st and we’re looking for your support. We need some ice cream toppings and supplies, which can be found at https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=eYmYqEXKQUigXTBTOu7fcXN___6E7b7Zt3___oBs3c6P. We’re also looking for one or two people to chair the event, which entails bringing the supplies from the school to Alberta Kimball and setting up, and working the social with other volunteers. This is the perfect event for 3-5 grade parents to get involved in as we want our K-2 families to be able to relax and enjoy this time with their loved ones (they will return the favor at the 3-5 concert in the Spring:)). Email us at carltpsc@gmail.com if you’re interested!

Veteran’s Day Breakfast: The PSC is proud to provide breakfast to our CTE veterans as a small thank you for their service. Signups are full, so for those who are contributing, just a note to have your items delivered to the CTE office before 8:00am on November 10th. Thank you! 

• October 28
  • No School for Students
  • Trunk or Treat 5:00-6:30pm
• October 31
  • Fall Fest Classroom Celebrations
• November 1
  • End of First Quarter! 
  • School Colors Day
• November 2
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 4
  • PSC Herd Night
• November 8
  • PSC Meeting in LMC 6:00pm
  • Grade 4 to Oshkosh Youth Symphony
• November 9
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 10
  • Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 11
  • No School for Students
• November 15
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 17
  • Green Bay Packer Theme Day
• November 21
  • K-2 Concert 6:00pm
• November 23-25
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

October 21, 2022: Issue 8

Traeger Tales

TRAIN THEIR BRAIN

You can make a difference in your child’s life by training your child’s brain so that your child will successfully function on social, emotional, and academic levels. Here is how:

1. Don’t be afraid to set the limits. Kids need limits to grow happy and healthy!

• Make a schedule for meal times, sleep times, technology time.

• Think of what is GOOD for them- not what they WANT/DON’T WANT. They are going to thank you for that later on in life. Parenting is a hard job. You need to be creative to make them do what is good for them because, most of the time, that is the exact opposite of what they want.

• Kids need breakfast and nutritious food. They need to spend time outdoors and go to bed at a consistent time in order to come to school available for learning the next day!

• Convert things that they don’t like doing/trying into fun, emotionally stimulating games.

2. Limit technology, and reconnect with your kids emotionally.

• Surprise them with flowers, share a smile, tickle them, put a love note in their backpack or under their pillow, surprise them by taking them out for lunch on a school day, dance together, crawl together, have pillow fights.

• Have family dinners, board game nights, go biking, go on outdoor walks with a flashlight in the evening.

3. Train delayed gratification.

• Make them wait! It is ok to have “I am bored“ time – this is the first step to creativity.

• Gradually increase the waiting time between “I want” and “I get.”

• Avoid technology use in cars and restaurants, and instead teach them waiting while talking and playing games.

• Limit constant snacking.

4. Teach your child to do monotonous work from early years as it is the foundation for future “workability.”

• Folding laundry, tidying up toys, hanging clothes, unpacking groceries, setting the table, making lunch, unpacking their lunch box, making their bed.

• Be creative. Initially make it stimulating and fun so that their brain associates it with something positive.

5. Teach social skills.

• Teach them turn taking, sharing, losing/winning, compromising, complimenting others, using “please and thank you.”

Help your kids succeed in life by training and strengthening their brain sooner rather than later!  This story was originally written by Victoria Prooday, a registered Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist, founder and clinical director of a multidisciplinary clinic for children and parents and was adapted by Deep Roots at Home.   ~Mrs. G. 😃

Halloween/Fall Celebrations

Halloween/Fall Celebrations will take place in classrooms on October 31. Thank you for following our Halloween costume guidelines!

• No full face masks are allowed. Our younger students have been scared by many masks and we want to see the children’s faces as they parade.

• Students will only be given 5 minutes to get “dressed” in costumes and will not be excused to the bathroom. Please plan for easy items to add to their regular outfits.

•  Make up should not be worn all day as it is a disruption to the classroom.

• Violent themed costumes are not appropriate for school.

• Board policy clearly prohibits look alike weapons such as toy guns, knives, swords, or other threatening objects. These items are not allowed at school for any reason, and Halloween is no exception.

Each classroom will be notifying parents if they need any help with the celebration. Please remember that all fruit, vegetable, and cheese trays must be purchased already assembled from a grocery store. All dry items such as cookies, cupcakes and crackers must be store purchased.

Dear Traeger Families,

On November 10 and 15 we will be holding Parent-Teacher Conferences for Carl Traeger K-5 students.  The focus of this conference will be your child’s progress this year and how we can work together as a team to make your child's educational experiences successful.  Families will be given the choice to meet in person or virtually.  Teachers will be in touch to find out family preference for their conference.

Once again, this year you will be signing up for Parent Teacher Conferences Online.  Conference registration will open at 4:00pm on October 27.

Due to limited slots, one slot per family per child.  Dates available will be on a first come, first serve basis.  So, please sign-up early for a 15 minute conference slot for your child.

To pick a slot, enter this link in your internet browser:

http://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Carl_Traeger_Elementary

Registration Deadline:  November 3 at 3:00pm - Parents who do not sign up will be scheduled and sent an appointment.  

• K-4 Music Mrs. Schmidt <jennifer.schmidt@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• K-4 Art Ms. Moucha <teresa.moucha@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• K-4 PE Mrs. Wara <heidi.wara@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• Clark, Nyman, Purtell Music Mrs. Cibula <maria.cibula@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• Clark, Nyman, Purtell Art Ms. Larson <jenna.larson@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>
• Clark, Nyman, Purtell PE Mrs. Zerbe <traci.zerbe@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>

If you have any questions or need assistance scheduling your conference, please contact Carl Traeger Elementary at 920-424-0221.

Building a Successful Start of the Year

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our first quarter will be "Building Success" and we are looking for prizes relating to building things (puzzles, Legos, building toys, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a building toy for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

Wear It Forward Traeger WearDo you have some gently used, clean Traeger school apparel that your child has outgrown?  We would love to have you contribute it to our Wear it Forward program!  Just send any gently used Traeger clothing to school and we will help it find a new home.  Currently we have requests for youth sizes small, medium and large.

• October 25
  • K-Kids 6-7pm in LMC
• October 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Student Council Gum Chew for Charity
• October 28
  • No School for Students
  • Trunk or Treat 5:00-6:30pm
• October 31
  • Fall Fest Classroom Celebrations
• November 1
  • End of First Quarter! 
  • School Colors Day
• November 2
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 4
  • PSC Herd Night
• November 8
  • Grade 4 to Oshkosh Youth Symphony
• November 9
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 10
  • Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 11
  • No School for Students
• November 15
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 17
  • Green Bay Packer Theme Day

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

October 13, 2022: Issue 7

Traeger Tales

HALLOWEEN IS ON THE WAY!

Halloween is fast approaching. The Halloween/Fall Fest Celebration will take place on Monday, October 31.

Your child’s teacher will communicate any needs for donations and volunteers that day. Students in grades K-5 should come to school in normal clothes on October 31. They are welcome to put on a simple costume for a student parade late in the afternoon. We do have some Halloween guidelines to keep the day educational and fun for all students, so please review them as your child selects a costume for the event.

• No full face masks are allowed. Our younger students have been scared by many masks and we want to see all the children’s faces as they parade.

• Students will only be given 5 minutes to get “dressed” in costumes and will not be excused to the bathroom. Please plan for easy items to add to their regular outfits.

• Makeup should not be worn all day as it is a disruption to the classroom.

• Violent themed costumes are not appropriate for school.

• Board policy clearly prohibits look alike weapons such as toy guns, knives, swords, or other threatening objects. These items are not allowed at school for any reason, and Halloween is no exception.

We look forward to a fun season of celebration. Enjoy the colors of autumn! 

~Mrs. G. 😃

Dear Traeger Families,

On November 10 and 15 we will be holding Parent-Teacher Conferences for Carl Traeger K-5 students.  The focus of this conference will be your child’s progress this year and how we can work together as a team to make your child's educational experiences successful.  Families will be given the choice to meet in person or virtually.  Teachers will be in touch to find out family preference for their conference.

Once again, this year you will be signing up for Parent Teacher Conferences Online.  Conference registration will open at 4:00pm on October 27.

Due to limited slots, one slot per family per child.  Dates available will be on a first come, first serve basis.  So, please sign-up early for a 15 minute conference slot for your child.

To pick a slot, enter this link in your internet browser:

http://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Carl_Traeger_Elementary

Registration Deadline:  November 3 at 3:00pm - Parents who do not sign up will be scheduled and sent an appointment.  

If you have any questions or need assistance scheduling your conference, please contact Carl Traeger Elementary at 920-424-0221.

Building a Successful Start of the Year

Students earn Pride Prints for following the Traeger Way each day. We would like to add more ways for students to spend their Pride Prints throughout the year at school. We would like to add a school-wide Pride Print raffle for a bigger prize each quarter. The theme of our first quarter will be "Building Success" and we are looking for prizes relating to building things (puzzles, Legos, building toys, etc) to give away to the raffle winners. If you are willing to donate a building toy for the raffle, please send it to the office. Thank you for your support!

Let's Do Lunch

Carl Traeger and Food Service invite you to have lunch with your child any school day.  If you want to have a school lunch, please call the office at least two days in advance so a lunch may be ordered for you.  We have a special table for parents who want to have lunch with their child.  This table is for parents and their own children.  We don't have the capacity for students to invite friends.

Picture Retakes

Picture retakes have been rescheduled for October 17.  If your child was not photographed at Get to Know You Conferences they will have their picture taken.  This is also an opportunity for a retake if you are not satisfied with your original picture.  Please let your child's teacher know if they need a retake,  More information from Network Photography can be found at the LINK.

WELCOME TO THE PACK

Nora martin - Student Teacher

Hello! My name is Nora Martin, and I am a student teacher in Mrs. Branson’s third grade classroom for the first quarter of the school year. I am currently enrolled at UW-Oshkosh and will be graduating in December. Working with students of all ages is a passion of mine, but I have a special place in my heart for third graders! In my free time, I enjoy taking my dogs for walks, crafting, and spending time with my family and friends. I love spending my time here at Carl Traeger and look forward to the upcoming adventures!

Raven STAMPS - counseling intern

My name is Miss Stamps and I am a counseling graduate student at UWO. I love to cook, watch movies with my son, and go on road trips. I like balloons, bubbles, and candy so I may have a treat here and there! Come say Hi!

Wendy Werch - Counseling Intern 

My name is Wendy Werch and I live in Berlin with my husband and three children. Two of my children are in college and my youngest is a freshman in high school.  During my spare time I enjoy walking, reading and biking.  I am very excited to spend time with your children, so we can learn together!

Wear It Forward Traeger WearDo you have some gently used, clean Traeger school apparel that your child has outgrown?  We would love to have you contribute it to our Wear it Forward program!  Just send any gently used Traeger clothing to school and we will help it find a new home.  If you are interested in receiving Traeger school apparel for your child fill out the form at the LINK.

PSC Minutes
10/11/22, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  

Library Media Center or LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 
• Vice President: Megan Paulik
• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein
• Treasurer: Jolene Halbach & Nick Zanders
• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders
• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Introductions

2. Ice breaker- What is a movie you watched with your family recently that you liked? 

3. Volunteer opportunities 

   1. Craft Fair Setup & Bake sale (Nichole) - 10/15 - We need volunteers for this Friday and Saturday. 

      1. Setup on Friday 4-7pm, 10/14 - no school that day 

      2. Craft fair day volunteers needed 6am-3pm 

      3. Bake sale drop off Thurs, 10/13 during Literacy Night 

   2. Trunk or Treat - Spots available, Please sign up online 

      1. Decorate Trunk 

      2. Candy collection - Drop off candy in the house located by the PSC Bulletin Board in the entryway. 

      3. Pumpkin contest 

   3. Conferences November 10th & November 15 - Unfilled Chair Position

      1.  Coordinate and provide food for teachers by 3pm

      2. Feed the teachers- $350 each day budget

      3. 40 Teachers

   4. Ice cream social (Fall Concert 11/21) -  Unfilled Chair Position

      1. Money is for the playground fund, $2.50 per person

      2. Need both regular/gluten free ice cream

      3. Presales 

   5. Concert flowers (corsage) November 21st - Megan Paulik Will Do

      1. Budget- $75

4. Treasurer Update

   1. New Treasures - Jolene Halbach and Nick Zanders as Co-Treasures. Motion by Heather Branson, 2nd by Megan Paulik 

   2. Vote on increasing Craft fair budget and increasing PSC Supplies budget  - Vote for Craft Fair Budget. Motion - Mandy Stein 2nd - Megan Hunt

5. Fundraiser Updates

   1. Mini Golf-Mandy  - $1800 approx. raised for mini-golf and pizza fundraisers. Discussed possible better attendance if done in May with Golf Outing?

   2. Book Fair- Kalin/Megan -$9700 approx. sold and $4247.40 in Scholastic Dollars raised. Bookfair Scholastic dollars were used for teachers and volunteers to use on books, books for raffles, and birthday books for each student on their birthday. Popcorn Social - went well. Leftovers went to teachers. $211 in credit card transactions. 

6. Upcoming Events 

   1. Herd Game - Nov. 4th. 52/98 tickets sold as of now. Tickets available. Next date is March 4th. 

   2. Veterans Day Assembly  - Provide food for Assembly on Nov. 10th. We are looking for danishes, hot dishes, and decaf coffee.

   3. Brighten Someone's Holiday - Early to mid- November sign ups to help will go up. Jenny H. and Kenlin will help Katie Z. this year. 

   4. Friday Dec. 2nd - Paint Night will happen this year. Adventure games will not be here.  

7. Next meeting date, time, and location: November 8th, 6pm in library media center (LMC) 

8. Questions

   1. Motion to Adjourn - Kelly, 2nd - Jenny 

• October 15 
  • PSC Fall Market and Food Fest 9am-2pm
• October 17
  • Picture Re-takes
• October 19
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• October 25
  • K-Kids 6-7pm in LMC
• October 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Student Council Gum Chew for Charity
• October 28
  • No School for Students
  • Trunk or Treat 5:00-6:30pm
• November 1
  • End of First Quarter! 
  • School Colors Day
• November 2
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 4
  • PSC Herd Night
• November 8
  • Grade 4 to Oshkosh Youth Symphony
• November 9
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 10
  • Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 11
  • No School for Students

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

October 7, 2022: Issue 6

Traeger Tales

PBIS Home-School Connection

Schools that implement PBIS utilize school-wide behavior expectations to communicate how students should behave in all areas of the building. When students demonstrate the expected behavior, they are recognized for “doing the right thing.” At Traeger we do this with our blue/pink Pride Prints that are given to individual students. When a whole class is following the Traeger Way they will receive a class Pride Print.

When students demonstrate inappropriate behavior, they are re-taught the behavior expected from them. For serious misbehavior, an office discipline referral is initiated. Each school’s behavior expectations are unique because the expectations are determined by the building staff.

Many parents have found that using the same expectations as their child’s school has also supported behavior at home. When home and school have the same behavior expectations and use the same language it is easier for children to make good decisions.

Working Together

Parents can support positive behavior for their child by:

1. Requesting a copy of the School and/or Classroom Expectations Matrix.

2. Placing a copy on the refrigerator for easy reference.

3. Discussing the expectations with their child.

4. When contacted regarding problem behavior, refer to the Matrix and discuss the correct choice their child could have made. 

Thank you for your support!  Mrs. G. 😃

WELCOME TO THE PACK

Katie radig - occupational therapist

Hello, my name is Katie Radig and I am the new Occupational Therapist at Carl Traeger Elementary school. I have been an OTR for 11 years, but this is my first time working in the school setting. My husband, Matt and I have been married for 5 years and have 2 children, Delaney (almost 3 years old) and Landon (1 year old). We have 1 cat and his name is Bentley. We live in Menasha near Heckrodt Wetland Reserve and enjoy exploring the wildlife and playing in their new playground. As a family, we love to go for bike rides, camping, going to the zoo, and swimming. Personally, I love arts and crafts and shopping. I am so excited to learn with all of you this year!

maline yang - esol teacher

Hello everyone! My name is Mailine Yang. The kids call me Ms. Yang. I am the new ESOL teacher here at Traeger Elementary. It is my first year teaching! I graduated from UW-Oshkosh majoring in Elementary Education and minor in English as a Second Language. I student taught at Emmeline Cook with the ESOL teacher there, and in a 5th grade classroom. I had a fantastic time! I learned so much during my time there and I cannot wait to utilize those skills and lessons with students and families here as well. I have been in Oshkosh for the past 4 years, but am originally from Sheboygan, WI. I am also bilingual in Hmong and English. In my free time I love spending time with my fiance, my two younger siblings that live with me, and my dogs. We love to play board games and explore Wisconsin together. Some days it is a crazy household, but never a dull day! That's what I love about teaching as well. Everyday is different, and I never know what my students and colleagues will surprise me with next. I love seeing students grow and thrive as they gain new skills and confidence in themselves. I am excited to make new memories with the Traeger family!

Feedback Wanted!

We know that County Highway K (20th Ave) is not the best it can be. Help us make it better!

The City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
(ECWRPC), and Traeger School have started a project to evaluate and improve County Highway K in front of Traeger School. We understand that congestion, comfort, and safety are concerns for people walking, biking, and driving along this stretch of road.

As students, families, and neighbors in the area, you have a unique perspective on and experiences with this area. We want to know more about how you use the area, what concerns you have, and what ideas you have for making it better. Take this 10-minute survey at http://tinyurl.com/CTH-K-Traeger and let us know your thoughts!

School Zone Safety EducationOn September 14th and 15th we had the pleasure of talking with K-3 students at Carl Traeger about the importance of school zone safety. Students listened to a presentation about what is found in school zones that help keep them safe. They learned about three different types of pedestrian signs as well as three different types of crosswalks. They also learned what rules cars have to follow such as stopping for flashing lights of a school bus. Most importantly students learned good walking habits such as crossing roads at crosswalks, looking left-right-left before crossing a road, and watching for white lights on the back of a vehicle which means they are backing up. 

On September 28th and 29th we had the joy of bringing our Project RADAR program to the 4th and 5th grade students. RADAR stands for Reminding All Drivers About Responsibility. We again presented and talked about safety in a school zone. To extend the learning, students were taken outside where they used radar guns to collect data on the speeds of passing vehicles on 20th Avenue. They then walked to a pedestrian crossing area to talk about how to make the area more visible to drivers. 

We hope this encourages all families to have more conversations about important walking, biking, and driving habits. Thank you for having us.  

The Safe Routes Team

Ms. Jennie, Ms. Katie, and Ms. Kim

We need your help to make this event possible!  Sign up to volunteer at https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?signup=jW9Q47QzTcShlWq00YYZkXN___5-C8el-3___nykeYXY

TREE-mendous Traeger Students!

Every month each class recognizes a student who consistently follows the Traeger Way!  Congratulations to our September students who are also featured on the bulletin board in the cafeteria!

Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  Children's literature is a great springboard for learning and talking about this important issue.  Below are great titles followed by conversation starters on the topic of bullying.

Books About Bullying for Children

-Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco

-Bully by Patricia Polacco

-I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët

-Chick-O-Saurus Rex by Lenore and Daniel Jennewein

-Arnie and the New Kid by Nancy Carlson

-Red by Jan De Kinder

-The Juice Box Bully by Maria Dismondy

-My Friend Maggie by Hannah E. Harrison

-First Day in Grapes by L. King Perez

-The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts

-Spirit Day by Joy Yang

-The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

-Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks 

Conversation Starters About Bullying

-Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? How did it make you feel? What did you do?

-How did the main character in the story deal with bullying? 

-What can you do to stop bullying?

-What do you want others to know about bullying?

-Why do you think some people choose to bully?

-Have you ever been bullied? 

Source: https://growingbookbybook.com

PSC Agenda
10/11/22, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  

Library Media Center or LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein

• Treasurer: Jolene Halbach & Nick Zanders

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Introductions

2. Ice breaker

3. Volunteer opportunities 

   1. Craft Fair Setup & Bake sale (Nichole) - 10/15

      1. Setup on Friday 4-7pm, 10/14 - no school that day

      2. Craft fair day volunteers needed 6am-3pm

      3. Bake sale drop off Thurs, 10/13 during Literacy Night

   2. Trunk or Treat

      1. Decorate Trunk

      2. Candy collection

      3. Pumpkin contest 

   3. Conferences November 10th & November 15 (coordinate and provide food for teachers by 3pm)

      1. Feed the teachers- $350 each day

      2. 40 Teachers

   4. Ice cream social

      1. Money is for the playground fund, $2.50 per person

      2. Need both regular/gluten free ice cream

      3. Presales 

   5. Concert flowers (corsage) November 21st

      1. Budget- $75

4. Treasurer Update

   1. New Treasures 

   2. Vote on Craft fair budget

   3. Vote on PSC supplies budget

5. Fundraiser Updates

   1. Mini Golf-Mandy

   2. Book Fair- Kalin/Megan

6. Upcoming Events 

   1. Herd Game

   2. Veterans Day Assembly

   3. Brighten Someone's Holiday

7. Next meeting date, time, and location: November 8th, 6pm in library media center (LMC)

8. Questions

   ---

    

• October 11
  • PSC 6:00 im LMC
• October 12
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• October 13
  • Family Literacy Night 5:30-7:00pm
• October 14
  • No School for Students
• October 15 
  • PSC Fall Market and Food Fest 9am-2pm
• October 17
  • Picture Re-takes
• October 19
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• October 25
  • K-Kids 6-7pm in LMC
• October 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Student Council Gum Chew for Charity
• October 28
  • No School for Students
  • Trunk or Treat 5:00-6:30pm
• November 1
  • End of First Quarter! 
  • School Colors Day
• November 2
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 4
  • PSC Herd Night

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

September 30, 2022: Issue 5

Traeger Tales

BOOK FAIR TONIGHT!

Join us at the Book Fair and Popcorn Social tonight! From 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Families can join us for book shopping at the fair and free popcorn and mix ins! 

By Friday I will have had the pleasure of visiting all classrooms this week and doing book talks. Ask your child about my visit! The book fair is a fundraiser to support the PSC birthday book program. Each Traeger student gets a free book in the month of their birthday or half birthday. Thank you for your support of reading and birthday books! We hope you can join us Friday night! Remember, all purchases benefit our school! Thank you for your support!

~Mrs G. 😃   

International Walk to School Day - October 5

Walking to school is an excellent way to incorporate regular activity into your child’s day. Each year Traeger celebrates International Walk to School day to promote an active, healthy lifestyle. Each year, our goal is to get as many children to walk to school as possible by participating in a school-wide walk to school using guided routes. We will have three routes that will travel through various neighborhoods in the Traeger area. Each route has several pick-up locations as well as approximate pick up times. We will have an adult with each group to ensure that the children will arrive at school safely. If possible, we encourage you to participate in the walk to school with your child. All you have to do to participate is have your child and/or yourself at the pick up spot at the designated time. If you do not live close to one of the nearby routes, feel free to drop your child off at one of the route stops before the designated time so he/she can join the walk. Click on the link to view the routes. Students who use non-motorized transportation will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes donated by Safe Routes to Schools.  Students will also receive a punch on their Frequent Walker/Cyclist card. Cards are available at the doors for students who do not have one.  Students who are not able to walk to school can walk during lunch recess to be eligible for the drawing. We will also have a fun theme day week designed to keep everyone active!  Mrs. Wara & Mrs. G. 😃

WELCOME TO THE PACK

Grace boogren - vision assistant

Hello! My name is Grace Boogren, and this is my first year at Carl Traeger. This will also be my first year in a school setting. I have recently moved to Wisconsin so this year brings many new beginnings for me. I have two children who I love spending all of my time with. We love going to amusements parks, going to the beach and all things Halloween! We also love to find and explore as many Zoos as we can. I am excited to be part of the Trager family and I am looking forward to learning and growing with all of you throughout the year.

Hailey Heidl - paraprofessional

Hi everyone! My name is Hailey I go by Ms. Heidl. I’m excited to have started my first year at Carl Traeger Elementary as a paraprofessional for the Empower Academy. I graduated high school in 2017 and then went on to receive 64 credits at Marian University for early childhood education. I’ve often been told a school setting would be a fitting job for me. After Marian, I worked at a daycare for 2 years and last year mid September decided I wanted to try working at an elementary school and instantly knew that I made the right decision. It is so rewarding seeing the progress students make throughout the school year. I plan on continuing my education eventually to become a teacher. Some things I like to do in my free time are work at my part time job at Wendt's on the Lake, I joined a summer slow pitch softball team, I workout at the gym and spend time with my family. I’m blessed to be a part of such a supportive and understanding team and can't wait to see what the school year holds. Thank you Traeger for being so welcoming.

CTE School Wide Book Project

You spent the month of September enjoying Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. Now your family has the opportunity to create a book project at home! The projects will be displayed in our school Media Center for all to see and enjoy at our upcoming Family Night on Oct. 13! Please be sure to label each project with the family or student name and grade level/s. Each child that turns in a project will get an extra ticket for our raffle drawing! Be creative and use whatever materials you have at home! We cannot wait to see your project! 

Here are some ideas:

• Create a Character Box-pick a character from the book and either draw or include items that are important or meaningful to that character. 
• Create a timeline that shows the major events of the book.
• Create a list of ways other kids can make or spread sunshine.
• Make a board game inspired by the book, the theme (making lemonade out of lemons) or any other idea you’d like.
• Write a book recommendation for Ways to Make Sunshine telling someone why they should read the book and what you thought of the book.
• Write a literary essay about the theme of the book*
• Write a literary essay about a characteristic of one of the characters*
• Draw a picture or write about what you learned from the book
• Create a Diorama showing a scene from the book.
• Create an advertisement for the book.
• Write the author a letter. Tell them what you thought of the book.
• Create and Illustrate a comic book/graphic novel based off the book.
• Make a crossword puzzle with questions and words from the book.
• Create a memory game with pictures and words from the book.
• Make a True or False Quiz about the book.
• Write a poem inspired by the book.
• Draw a picture of your favorite part and write why it’s your favorite.
• Draw a character from the story and write their characteristics around them.
• Create a 3D model of Ryan’s house.
• Create a list of things you can do when you’re feeling down.
• Be the author: write what would happen after this book ends.
• Your own idea!

* = 4th/5th grade idea

All projects are due Oct. 13 by 8am.

You can view them on Oct. 13 from 5:30-7:00 during our Literacy Family Night!

This fall all Oshkosh Area School District Elementary Schools will be reviewing and practicing ALICE Drills.  ALICE is a program used by school districts to enhance current best practices related to addressing crisis situations.  Each classroom will review the components of ALICE and practice scenarios that will include barricading, locking down or evacuating.  Each building principal will lead a drill for the entire school walking through a scenario that includes an unsafe person in the building and each classroom will decide what option to pursue.  Our drill will take place on October 6 and will include an evacuation to the YMCA.

All students will go through the ALICE training with their classmates. The focus of the training/presentation will be empowering our students to understand the options they have in order to make important decisions in a time of crisis.  Similar to doing fire drills, ALICE training is designed to take students and staff through situations and allow them to “drill” various scenarios and how they would respond.  If a student does not feel comfortable before, or any time during the training, that student should let his/her teacher know.   If you have any questions regarding ALICE and/or the training, please feel free to contact Mrs. G. at 920-424-0221.  The safety and security of our students is our top priority!

You can learn more about the ALICE framework by viewing the following 

podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8kwd0lZqGk

Pants Needed!  

Our office clothes closet is in need of some plain black or grey pants for emergency situations.  In the past we have had donations of fitted pants like jeans, but it has been difficult to match the sizes with children.  We would like to get a collection of unisex elastic top pants that will be more functional.  If you would like to help out, here is an Amazon link or your local store like Target or Walmart carries them too.  You can order and ship right to Traeger or send with your student to deliver to the office!  We are in need of all sizes.  Thank you for your support and to all those families who already donated!!

• October 3
  • Blue Shirt Day
• October 4
  • School Colors Day
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser 4:30-6:00pm
• October 5
  • International Walk to School Day
  • Be Bright, Be Bold, Be Seen Theme Day
• October 6
  • Work Out Wear Theme Day
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser 4:30-6:00pm
• October 7
  • Picture Retake Day (More info coming to your email soon!)
• October 11
  • PSC 6:00 im LMC
• October 12
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• October 13
  • Family Literacy Night 5:30-7:00pm
• October 14
  • No School for Students
• October 15 
  • PSC Fall Market and Food Fest 9am-2pm
• October 19
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• October 25
  • K-Kids 6-7pm in LMC
• October 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• October 28
  • No School for Students
  • Trunk or Treat 5:00-6:30pm

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

September 22, 2022: Issue 4

Traeger Tales

THE TRAEGER WAY

This week students reviewed our grade level policy talk videos featuring Ms. Heideman and me.  We shared that while we have many jobs at Traeger, our most important job is to ensure that school is safe. We also explained that as students, it is their job to help keep it safe. We reviewed several board policies as requested by the district and talked about how these rules are in place to keep students safe so they can learn.

Parents also received information about how the discipline process is used when a child struggles to make a good choice at school in the annual discipline letter.  In addition to this information, we also shared that on rare occasions, students making unsafe or highly disruptive choices can be suspended, which means they are not able to be in their classroom for a short time in order to keep everyone safe and learning. We feel it is important that children know what consequences can occur for poor choices at school.

Thank you for your continued focus on safety and learning at Traeger!

~Mrs G. 😃   

WELCOME TO THE PACK

julie hartwig - autism teacher

Hello! My name is Julie Hartwig, and I am an autism teacher for grades K-3 at Carl Traeger. I am very excited to be here! I graduated from UWO in August, 2021 with a degree in Early Childhood Education Special Education. I am starting my second year teaching this year, but have worked with children in many different roles for 15 years. In my spare time I like to walk my two dogs, Tessa and Sawyer. I also enjoy traveling and visiting state parks. I have a nephew who is 11, and a niece who is 8. I live in Montello, WI and commute to Oshkosh each day. I am excited to join the Carl Traeger Elementary family, and am looking forward to a great school year!

Angie Dodge - speech and language pathologist

Hi! My name is Angie Dodge and I am a Speech and Language Pathologist who will be providing communication services and support to the students in Ms. Hartwig's class (SUN room). In addition, I see the students at Oakwood School for speech services. I have been with the district for 8 years. Prior to working in the district I provided home based early intervention speech services to families in Fond du Lac County for 15 years. I enjoy building relationships with students with all abilities and helping families to support their student to become effective communicators. I have been married to my husband David for 24 years and we have 3 daughters (Sierra -21, Alaina-19, Geneva-14). We enjoy boating, going to concerts and playing pickleball! I look forward to working with the staff at CTE. Let's have a great year!

caitlin fox - Paraprofessional

Hello, my name is Cait Fox. I am an autism paraprofessional and will be working with k-3 students. This is my first year at Traeger, but I have worked in education and home care for over 10 years. Outside of school, I train and show horses and also do a lot of crafting.

mckenna gebhart - paraprofessional

Hi everyone! My name is McKenna Gebhart, the students call me Ms. McKenna and I am a para for Julie Hartwig in the K-3 autism room. This will be my first year at Carl Traeger but my second in the district and second year working with Julie. I am excited to continue to meet the rest of the very welcoming and friendly staff! I also can't wait to see all the kiddos and get to know them and their needs and also see how much the kiddos I worked with last year have grown and changed! In my free time, I love photography and taking pictures of anything nature related! I enjoy camping in the woods and just chilling out in a hammock by the fire, love swimming, climbing trees, snowmobiling, and being outdoors in general. However, I'd say my all time favorite thing to do is spend quality time with the ones I hold closest to me. I look forward to my first year at Traeger and can't wait to see it live up to the great expectations I have heard!

Kathy Schreve - Paraprofessional

Hi! My name is Kathy Shreve, an I am a new para in Ms. Hartwig's classroom. I have been a stay at home parent for the past 16 years, the last 5 years of that I was homeschooling my son. I love working with kiddos and am excited to be at Carl Traeger Elementary. My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 22 years. We have two teenagers, Kaylie (16) and Kaden (13), and three dogs. When school year sports or club events aren't keeping us busy, we like to just hangout as a family and watch movies or take drives to the middle of nowhere. I look forward to a great school year with the Traeger Family and all that is to come.

Orange shirt day celebration!

On September 30 we will wear orange to acknowledge the healing journey for those survivors of Indigenous residential schools across the United States and Canada. What is a federal holiday in Canada, is now celebrated by many first nation communities across the United states. "Wearing an orange shirt and promoting the slogan, Every Child Matters, is an affirmation of our commitment to raise awareness of the residential school experience and to ensure that every child matters as we focus on our hope for a better future in which children are empowered to help each other." (orangeshirtday.org).The date was chosen because it is the time of year that children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. (orangeshirtday.org)

BLUE SHIRT DAY-OCTOBER 3

Have you been bullied? Chances are you have.

According to Stomp Out Bullying, a national anti-bullying program website, one in every four children is bullied. Indeed, it is estimated that 160,000 students nationwide miss school each day because they fear a bully.

On October 3, the Carl Traeger Elementary Community would like to bring awareness to the issue of bullying by participating in a world day of bullying prevention known as “Blue Shirt Day”. On Monday, October 3, we invite all members of the Carl Traeger Elementary Staff, students, parents, and visitors to join us in wearing blue to bring awareness to the issue of bullying. We further invite you to discuss bullying in your homes with your children, as well as ways to maintain healthy friendships at home and at school. Only when children feel safe are they able to learn.

For more information about Blue Shirt Day, the world wide day of bullying prevention, please visit www.stompoutbullying.org.

We are looking for 3-4 volunteers to walk to school on October 5 for International Walk to School Day. Routes will be determined by the number of volunteers/location, but in the past, we have had locations a little further out so that students can join the group along the way. 

Let Mrs. Wara know no later than September 28 if you are able to help out with a route. Info with starting locations for our routes will go home in Traeger Tales on September 30. Since not all kids are able to walk, we will also offer a walking option at lunch recess. If any parents would like to volunteer to come in and walk with students during lunch recess (K/2nd: 10:35-10:55, 1st/4th: 11:00-11:20, 3rd/5th: 11:25-11:45), please let Mrs. Wara know by September 28.

heidi.wara@oshkosh.k12.wi.us 

All volunteers that are helping out with the walk to school routes and recess walking, will need to complete the district background check process. Please follow the link to complete the background check:  

https://docs.google.com/a/oshkosh.k12.wi.us/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjMQI4FVpujwmVjDfVCbb2wijeprivB9XTnuS29Z1eKoCwTA/viewform?c=0&w=1

Pants Needed!  

Our office clothes closet is in need of some plain black or grey pants for emergency situations.  In the past we have had donations of fitted pants like jeans, but it has been difficult to match the sizes with children.  We would like to get a collection of unisex elastic top pants that will be more functional.  If you would like to help out, here is an Amazon link or your local store like Target or Walmart carries them too.  You can order and ship right to Traeger or send with your student to deliver to the office!  We are in need of all sizes.  Thank you for your support!

• September 21
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 22
  • Amel/Aronson Sailing Field Trip
• September 23
  • No School for Students
• September 24
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser
• September 27
  • K-Kids Meeting 6:00pm
• September 26-30 
  • Book Fair Week!
• September 28
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 30
  • Orange Shirt Day - Raising awareness about Indigenous Residential Schools
  • Book Fair and Popcorn Social 5:30-7:00pm
• October 3
  • Blue Shirt Day
• October 4
  • School Colors Day
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser 4:30-6:00pm
• October 5
  • International Walk to School Day
  • Be Bright, Be Bold, Be Seen Theme Day
• October 6
  • Work Out Wear Theme Day
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser 4:30-6:00pm
• October 7
  • Picture Retake Day
• October 13
  • Family Literacy Night 5:30-7:00pm

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

September 16, 2022: Issue 3

Traeger Tales

IMPORTANCE OF MINDSET

WHAT IS MINDSET AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Mindset is a simple idea discovered by world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck in decades of research on achievement and success. Dr. Dweck identified two mindsets people can have: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like intelligence or talent, are fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them, and believe that talent alone creates success, which is wrong. In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all people who achieved top performance had these qualities. Research shows that people with this view reach higher levels of success than people with fixed mindset beliefs. Teaching a growth mindset creates motivation and productivity in the worlds of business, education, and sports. It enhances relationships, and increases achievement. 

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT A GROWTH MINDSET IN YOUR CHILDREN?

No parent thinks, “I wonder what I can do today to undermine my children, subvert their effort, turn them off of learning, and limit their achievement.” Of course not. We think, “I would do anything, give anything, to make my children successful.” Yet many of the things we do boomerang. Our best intentioned judgments and our motivational techniques often unintentionally send the wrong message. In fact, every word and action sends a message. It tells children – or students or athletes – how to think about themselves. It can be a fixed mindset message that says: “You have permanent traits and I’m judging them,” or it can be a growth mindset message that says: “You are a developing person and I’m interested in your development.” The most important thing you can do to help your child develop a growth mindset is to praise them for effort rather than for talent. Messages like “You learned that so quickly! You’re so smart!” teach the child that they either are or aren’t smart, and that effort is a sign of weakness. When they encounter difficulty in the future, they tend to then feel not smart and retreat. Instead, messages such as “I like the way you approached that problem”, or “Good job to hang in there and find a different strategy that did work,” or “Sorry, that seemed to be too easy for you, let’s do something more challenging,” teaches kids that effort is something we can all benefit from to reach our full potential, and that they need to be working purposefully and taking on challenges in order to grow. 

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? 

You can visit the Mindset Works website, www.mindsetworks.com, read Dr. Carol Dweck’s book Mindset, or visit the Mindset Works Parenting pages at www.mindsetworks.com/parents to learn about ways to infuse the growth mindset into your parenting. (Source: Mindset Works) ~Mrs G. 😃   

WELCOME TO THE PACK

Jackie Reichenberger - Speech Language Pathologist

Hello! My name is Jackie Reichenberger and I am a full time SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) at Traeger Elementary. I have been an SLP in the district since 2001. Prior to working in the district, I worked as an SLP at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Bethel Home. Traeger is a special school for me since my daughters (29 and 26) are both former Traeger students and still say that their favorite teachers are from Traeger. I personally think that I have the best job in the world because I get to spend the whole day teaching children how to communicate! You can find me in a room off the media center or outside on the playground after school. Since my husband Kevin and I also live in this neighborhood, you will probably see us walking our two dogs (Gus and Oatley) or riding around on our new electric bikes. I am very excited to be here and look forward to meeting or re-connecting with families!

Sarah Scheidell - Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Hi there! I'm Sarah Scheidell. I'm a new teacher to the building, but not to the OASD or the profession. This is my 12th year as a Special Education Teacher, and 7th year teaching in the OASD. I'll be co-teaching 4K in the afternoon with Mrs. Hellmer this year. When I'm not at Traeger you'll find me at community partner sights like UW Oshkosh or in other school buildings in our district. Aside from teaching, I was recently married (June 2021) to my husband Vinson and we welcomed our daughter Harper this past April. Finding the best work/home balance has been my latest challenge, but I am happy to be included in the Traeger school family.

Faye Wells - 4K Paraprofessional

Hello, my name is Faye Wells and I will be the 4K para working in Mrs Hellmer and Mrs. Scheidell’s classroom. I am very excited to be a part of this teaching team! My husband and I have two married daughters who have blessed us with 3 grandsons ages 8, 6, and 3 weeks old. Family time is what I cherish most, and with both daughters living on the same street, a mile and a half from our house, we often find ourselves enjoying each other's company. I also enjoy time out in nature hiking, biking, and kayaking. In the couple of weeks I have been at Carl Traeger, I have found the staff to be very welcoming and helpful. Looking forward to the 2022-2023 school year here at Carl Traeger!

Walk and Roll Wednesdays

Each Wednesday is Walk/Bike to School Day at Traeger! Students who use non-motorized transportation can receive a punch on their frequent walker/biker card. When a card is filled with ten punches it can be turned into the office for a prize drawing.  Staff will punch cards on Wednesdays when students enter the building.

Family Night Author Visit!

We are excited to have author Stephani Curran join us at our Family Night on October 13.  Stepheni is a speech-language pathologist (SLP), a children’s book author, and a mother of two elementary students. Stepheni completed her school-based speech therapy externship at Carl Traeger Elementary School during the fall of 2007.  Stephani will host two readings and a book signing.  Book order forms went home with students this week and are due on Monday, September 19.

Rock On, Kindness! Pass It On!

Summary: This story is about a 7-year-old girl named Ally whose favorite hobby is painting and hiding rocks to bring happiness to others. In the story, Ally creates opportunities for the reader to make predictions and learn new vocabulary as she introduces the reader to her five best friends who will be receiving her painted rocks. The five best friends include Ty, Katie, Noah, Latifa, and Max. Ally explains how she met every friend and notes their uniqueness as these friends differ in terms of race, physical appearance, preferred language, religion, etc. Despite these differences, Ally finds similarities between herself and every friend introduced. The theme of moving past differences to find common interests and create friendships is reiterated throughout the story. 

Rock On, Kindness! Even When Your Heart Hurts!

Summary: This story is the second children’s book in the Rock On, Kindness! series. The story is about a 9-year-old boy named Ty who wants to do something special for his grandpa’s birthday, as his grandpa has recently passed away. In the story, Ty takes the reader on an adventure by painting kindness rocks for four of his friends in celebration of his grandpa’s birthday. These four friends include Luke, Stacy, Zane, and Lily. Ty has chosen to paint kindness rocks for these friends as each friend is experiencing a personal challenge, such as moving to a new city, giving a class presentation while having a fear of public speaking, dealing with the deployment of a parent, and having a parent who is battling cancer. Ty teaches the reader about the importance of kindness, compassion for others, friendship, expressing emotions, positive coping strategies, diversity, and inclusion. This story takes difficult topics and embeds them into an engaging, interactive, and thought-provoking read for children 6 through 12, with opportunities for personal discussions along the way!

Did you know Traeger Elementary takes advantage of TerraCycle’s Tom’s of Maine and Colgate Recycling Programs? TerraCycle is a global leader in recycling the hard to recycle waste.  2021-2022 we saved 59 lbs of waste from going into the landfill.

The programs accept EMPTY oral hygiene products and deodorant tubes which includes:

• ANY BRAND of toothpaste tubes and caps 
• ANY BRAND of toothbrushes  (DO NOT INCLUDE ELECTRIC OR BATTERY OPERATED TOOTHBRUSHES or HEADS)
• ANY BRAND of toothpaste cartons
• ANY BRAND toothbrush packaging
• ANY BRAND of floss containers
• ANY BRAND of deodorant (no aerosol)

With a convenient drop location just inside the main entrance across from the office (in the cafeteria by the stage wall).  Please collect items from your household and drop them in a small plastic film bag (like the dentist bag or a bread bag), your student can drop in the box!  Traeger K-Kids earns $0.02 for every item collected.

To learn more please watch two of our Traeger’s students teaching us: YouTube - Terracycle Video

Traeger Elementary also participates in the BIC Recycling Program, recycling pens, markers, pen packaging, and glue sticks.  We saved 119 lbs from going to the landfill in the 2021-2022 school year!  Students are able to dispose of dried out writing utensils and glue sticks in the hallway pods.

Questions please contact: Alicia Alsberg, K-Kids Advisor, abalsberg@gmail.com

COME LEARN TO  CODE AND CHANGE THE WORLD...

JOIN A GIRLS WHO  CODE CLUB! 

WHAT IS A GIRLS WHO  CODE CLUB? Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where  girls can join our sisterhood of supportive  peers and use Computer Science to  change the world. When you join a Club, you will learn by reading excerpts from our  books Learn to Code and Change the  World and The Friendship Code, practice new skills by completing fun and simple online coding tutorials, and build community through interactive activities with the rest of your Club. 

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Our 3rd-5th Grade Clubs help build the foundational skills and understanding of computer science concepts and  sisterhood through a reading discussion and coding activities. In order to build the skills you need to make an impact, you will learn how to code from our fun online tutorials and activities that will help you build fun projects to share with friends and family. 

CAN I JOIN? Yes! Whether you’re a beginner or a computer master,  you’re invited to join the movement! Club membership will be limited to 20 members and it will be first come first served based on parent permission slips being returned. If interest is over 20 students, a waiting list will be created and a spring session will be considered. Permission slips will go home on Wednesday September 14th.

POINT OF CONTACT:  Mrs. Monigal

DATES: Mondays from October - December (approximately 12 sessions)

TIMES: 3:00 - 3:45 PM

HOW TO SIGN UP: Flyer and permission slip will go home to interested girls on September 14. Both the flyer and OASD permission slip MUST be returned for membership.

Pants Needed!  

Our office clothes closet is in need of some plain black or grey pants for emergency situations.  In the past we have had donations of fitted pants like jeans, but it has been difficult to match the sizes with children.  We would like to get a collection of unisex elastic top pants that will be more functional.  If you would like to help out, here is an Amazon link or your local store like Target or Walmart carries them too.  You can order and ship right to Traeger or send with your student to deliver to the office!  We are in need of all sizes.  Thank you for your support!

OASD Cybersecurity Update Impacting K-8 StudentsThe Oshkosh Area School District's commitment to student safety and student data privacy and security is on-going. With this understanding, please see below for an important email security update impacting K-8 students. 

The District has disabled outside email for students in grades K-8. 

• This change was made on September 9, 2022 based on the District's ongoing review of best practices and amid recent cybersecurity attacks targeting school districts. 

• Parents/guardians are no longer able to email K-8 students at their district email address and K-8 students cannot email non-OASD email addresses. 

• Parents/guardians who need to get information to their children during the school day should contact their school office. Additionally, parents/guardians are also able to email their child's school secretary and ask that information be shared/forwarded to their child if needed.

This information was initially shared with K-8 families on September 13, see OASD Technology Update 09.13.22: K-8 Email Access. Additional information explaining this decision is available below.

The OASD’s Technology Team was made aware of several districts in Wisconsin who were the victims of cyberattacks as school started (Elmbrook School District Article). These attacks resulted in student, family, and staff data being compromised as well as ransomware in some instances. The OASD is deeply committed to protecting student, family, and staff information and has put in several protective measures in recent years. What we realized is that our main area of risk centered on our youngest learners in grades K-8 and a data incident could easily come from those accounts. We worked with our teachers to learn what educational impact there would be from this change and realized that having outside email is not used for education purposes in those grade levels. 

What We Missed: What we missed were those instances where parents were using this email access to communicate with their children. In previous situations, and with the proliferation of students using cellphones, we observed that most communicated with their children via text.  We assumed that this would continue and in those instances where that was not possible, an email or call to the building secretary would provide that line of communication as it had in past years.

Resolution Going Forward: Cybersecurity is always a balance between protection and convenience.  We will continue to do everything in our power to protect students and our student, family, and staff data while at the same time trying to make things as easy and convenient as possible. We will continue monitoring the situation as it is unfolding in other districts to learn more about how the attacks occurred and what we can do to ensure it does not happen here. Unfortunately, it is not feasible to continually monitor and whitelist the emails of our 17,000 parents and guardians. We will, however, monitor the situation with our clerical staff to see what type of message volume they are relaying and at what grade levels. If there is any way to restore access without putting student, family, or staff information at risk, we will gladly do so. Until that time, please email or call your building secretary if you wish to have something relayed to your child.

CONTACT: If you have any questions related to this update or the District's commitment to data privacy and security, please contact Deputy Superitendent Dave Gundlach (david.gundlach@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or 920.424.0016).

All About Family Dinner Book Club

Family Dinner Book Club invites you to share a great story, great art, great conversation, and great food each month.  Time for a new Family Dinner Book Club.  This year we are focusing on social emotional learning and our next topic is- Friendship
  
This month's featured book is The Elephants Come Home by Kim Tomsic.
 

Jodie has created a book list and conversation starters, which you can get here:

https://growingbookbybook.com/books-about-making-friends/?fbclid=IwAR3FMWSdsjAY8A3uFqYfRNwEjqnUyDvB_9zl_DlDg3M8-raCcBVfwCN1-48

Laura has created an awesome guide that will set you up with all the activity ideas and links you need. Sign up for it here:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61d5c126b0306b55f06cb8e1?fbclid=IwAR0Wguev0wlbWgvZG_e94x8vfst-UqGDYf3Jy6pY7YlRlJPylffwy1m9LD4

Sarah may not have a menu for us this month. But, Jodie suggests inviting friends over for dinner and enjoying foods that go well together. Perhaps meatloaf and mashed potatoes with a side of peas and carrots. Round it out with a dessert of chocolate chip banana bread. Jodie likes this recipe:

https://www.browneyedbaker.com/chocolate-chip-walnut-banana-bread/?fbclid=IwAR2oTJjnaGe09uP0508aWouhMyfgdUy0vG_svu_nPrJgXLCHfYul-SP629U

We love to see pictures of your dinner.  Please share them on our Facebook page.--->Family Dinner Book Club Facebook Page  

PSC Minutes 
9/13/22, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  

Library Media Center or LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 
• Vice President: Megan Paulik
• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein
• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg
• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders
• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Introduction of PSC Officers

2. Introduction of administrators and staff

3. Explanation of what the PSC is, why it exists, its goals for the year, and what it supports

   1. Coordinates many fundraisers and family/school events

   2. PBIS support (aka “Traeger Way”) - purchase incentives for students/staff

   3. Playground maintenance - district builds initial playground but maintenance transfers to PTO

   4. 5th grade gift for the school

   5. SOAR and Veteran’s Day 

4. Ice breaker/introduction of attending members

5. Volunteer opportunities 

   1. Book Fair (Kenlin) - 9/26-9/30

      1. Setup on Mon, 9/26 from 8-10am - hoping to complete within an hour because first student preview at 10:35

      2. Jenny H and Katie Z will run during the day but looking for additional volunteers to help

      3. Evening volunteers are needed too

      4. Clean up on Fri, 9/30 at 7pm after popcorn social

      5. ALL VOLUNTEER SPOTS POSTED ON PT BOARD

      6. Baked goods for teacher preview - purchased in past but looking for someone to make and donate this year

      7. NEW - Scholastic fuel surcharge - decide if $75 cash deduction or $150 scholastic dollar deduction? Chose $75

   2. Popcorn Social (Sara J) - 9/30

      1. Will purchase popcorn

      2. Request donations for toppings

   3. Craft Fair Setup & Bake sale (Nichole) - 10/15

      1. Setup on Fri, 10/14 - no school that day

      2. Bake sale drop off Thurs, 10/13 during One Book One CommuniTE event

      3. Yard signs available to take home and place in yard - need to be returned after event

   4. Oshkosh West Homecoming Float (Nichole) - 9/30

      1. Traegar has not participated in past - same night as book fair/popcorn social

      2. Cash prizes available if anyone is interested in participating

      3. Parade starts at 5:30 - line up at 4:30 and judging at 5:15

6. Treasurer Update

   1. 2021-2022 Income Statement vs Budget Update

      1. PT Board 2021-2022 Update

   2. 2022-2023 Income Statement vs Budget Update

      1. PT Board 2022-2023 Update

   3. Proposal to move profits to playground restricted funds

      1. We can vote to move money if repairs are needed and funds don’t cover

      2. Prior fundraiser push was “catch up” from pandemic

      3. Propose cyber grants, McDonald’s fundraiser and/or wishing well to playground fund

      4. Suggestion to move extra money to enhancement fund instead - was eliminated during pandemic but has been bumped up this year

      5. Current playground issues: missing swings (maintenance has them but unclear if repairs are needed), cuss word on climbing wall, prairie sign in bad shape

      6. Playground needs may not be here now but consider using current fundraisers instead of introducing new ones because we have a lot scheduled this year

   4. Raffle licenses are set for this year

   5. Teriyaki Madness - accommodated tight budget to supply food for teachers during GTKY conferences

7. Fundraisers Updates  

   1. Rhapsodies - raised about $150

   2. Pollock Pool - minimal raised due to timing - consider changing date next year

   3. Rev Bowling - raised about $150

8. Treasurer Announcement

   1. Alicia has resigned as treasurer so appointing Jolene Halbach and Nick Zanders as new co-treasurers

   2. Vote will occur next year

9. Upcoming events 

   1. Mini Golf (Mandy) - 9/17

      1. Starts at 11am and costs $10 per person - no scheduled time to arrive this year and not limited to foursomes

      2. Traeger table with 50/50 raffle will be onsight until 2pm but fundraiser is open until course closes at 6pm

      3. Also having a pizza fundraiser with Pizza @Hwy 44 - runs all day - 10% of sales will be donated back

   2. Photography Fundraiser (Heather) - 9/25, 10/4 and 10/6

      1. No volunteers needed

   3. Cedar Yard Greetings (Tina)

      1. “You’ve Been Boo’d” - available the month of October

      2. Cost $50 and 20% goes back to Traeger - raised $75 last year

      3. Includes small Halloween display and goodie bag

   4. One Book One CommuniTE (Mrs. Runde/Mrs. Treb) - 10/13

      1. Books donated by PSC

      2. Amazon wish list - need to reshare link because doesn’t work

      3. Reading raffle baskets for students and parents - Sign up on PT Board to donate items

10. Next meeting date, time, and location: October 11th, 6pm in library media center (LMC)

11. Questions

    1. Directory

       1. No longer using directory within PT Board because allowed access to anyone who signed up

       2. Will work with Sarah B to reinstate directory used in the past - this isn’t posted anywhere but rather a link is included in IC and access is limited so cannot be downloaded

    2. Where to find the latest PSC Updates

       1. Access PT Board or PSC Facebook page to

       2. Repost “parent directions” to sign up for PT Board

12. Motion to end meeting - Kelly Z; Second - Liza O

• September 13
  • 6:00pm PSC mtg. in LMC
• September 14
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Kordus/Demeny Sailing Field Trip
• September 17
  • PSC Mini Golf Outing
• September 21
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 22
  • Amel/Aronson Sailing Field Trip
• September 23
  • No School for Students
• September 25
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser
• September 27
  • K-Kids Meeting 6:00pm
• September 26-30 
  • Book Fair Week!
• September 28
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 30
  • Orange Shirt Day - Raising awareness about Indigenous Residential Schools
  • Book Fair and Popcorn Social 5:30-7:00pm
• October 7
  • Picture Retake Day

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

September 9, 2022: Issue 2

Traeger Tales

Fulfilled, happy, confident, responsible, kind, and loving. We have learned that these are goals families want for their children, and as teachers, what we want for our students.

We recognize that as a family member, you are our students’ first teacher and we want to partner with you to help our children become tolerant, compassionate, and caring adults. To support achieving these goals and to help our students build their social and emotional skills, we are pleased to share that we are implementing Harmony SEL in our school community.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps children by promoting their health and emotional well-being and contributing to the prevention of violence, truancy, bullying, and substance abuse. In addition, SEL is associated with significant gains on academic achievement tests.

Harmony is designed to build healthy relationships among students by having them engage in activities that promote understanding and respect. Over the course of the five units listed below, students will enhance their abilities to learn, work, and spend time together.

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Peer Relationships

Information will be sent home periodically, sharing activities in each unit. You will find out more about Harmony Goals, Meet Up, Buddy Up, and other fun strategies being used in the classroom. We welcome your feedback. To learn more about Harmony please visit harmonysel.org.

Thank you for your support! ~Mrs. G. 😃

Safety and Security at Carl Traeger Elementary

The Oshkosh Area School District is deeply committed to keeping students, staff, and school communities safe, secure, and focused on teaching and learning. The District’s Emergency Preparedness Collaborative Operations Team (EPCOT) is continually reviewing current and past safety events, along with proactive strategies to address the ongoing and ever-changing needs of school safety. Additionally, each school has an extensive emergency management plan that is reviewed regularly. Please see below for a few important safety and security reminders specific to Carl Traeger Elementary.

Carl Traeger Elementary, along with all schools in the district, provides a secure entrance.  Upon arrival, visitors must ring the doorbell to gain access to the building.  Visitors who are dropping off items such as lunches, boots, etc. will be asked to leave the item on the table in the vestibule.  Office staff will retrieve the items and arrange for students to pick them up.  The door between the vestibule and the office will remain locked at all times.

If visitors need access beyond the vestibule, the door will be unlocked and visitors will enter the office.  All visitors who enter the building will need to be screened using our Raptor system.  Visitors will need a driver’s license or government issued identification the first time they access the building.  On subsequent visits we will be able to look up the information without an ID.  A visitor badge with photo identification will be printed and must be worn and visible while in the building.  Visitors must check out at the office when leaving.

IMPORTANT:  EVERY visitor must gain access to the vestibule via the office screening process.  Visitors should NOT let other people into the building who are behind them or when they are exiting the building.  

REMINDER: Review and update your Emergency Contact Settings in IC! In an emergency, District staff will work with school staff to notify families of the situation as quickly as possible. To ensure that you receive emergency communications from the District please check your Contact Preferences within Infinite Campus (IC). You can choose how you are notified in an emergency situation, and update your phone number(s) and email addresses if needed.

Instructions - Updating Emergency Notification Settings in IC

Communication with Staff

We are so fortunate to have a staff full of dedicated professionals at Carl Traeger Elementary who have chosen education for their careers. Although we know our staff are superheroes, they are not superhuman. Like all of us, they require downtime to dedicate to themselves and their loved ones in order to rest and recharge so they can be at their best for your children each day. 

In order to be mindful of their need for downtime, teachers are not expected to respond to contacts after their contract hours. In addition, we live in an age of instant access. However, our teachers are busy throughout the day providing our students with the love and attention they need to learn and grow. Therefore, it is not always possible to respond to communication immediately.

It IS an expectation that our staff:

1. Respond to all communication in a reasonable amount of time (24-48 hours).

2. Provide consistent communication and keep families informed 

3. Respect the privacy of all students and maintain professionalism in all communication

We also know that school is not our students’ whole lives. Your children need down time, play time and family time so they are able to come to school each day prepared to put forth their best. Therefore, any homework that is assigned is intended to reinforce the skills we are working on at school. 

We look forward to partnering with you as we support learning and growth this year!

Children may arrive at 7:30 and enter their assigned door to go to their classroom.  The staff work day begins at 7:30 therefore children should not be be at school prior to that time and should not play on the playground! All children should be entering school from the playground in the morning.  4K parents need to accompany their child to the their meeting spot. Please ensure that your child is dropped off in time to enter the building through their assigned door.  Should you need an earlier drop off time, the YMCA does offer before school childcare services.  More information can be found at the LINK.

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE DATES 2022-2023!! 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

November 10 and November 15 4:00-7:00 pm--This will be your opportunity to meet individually with your child’s teacher and discuss your child’s progress and goals.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day a written request is received.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

4. The right to know that school districts can disclose education records to each other without parent consent if student is enrolling or transferring to another district.

5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by a school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202

Note: for a review of additional details for each of the above items, please go to the following website:

http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/lea-officials.html

Do you know about our PSC? Our school’s PSC, which stands for Parents and Staff for Children, holds events throughout the year that help raise funds for Carl Traeger Elementary. Some events are the Craft Fair, Bingo Night, and Golf Outing in addition to so many more including the ones mentioned in this Traeger Tales. Funds from these events go to things like the One Book, One CommuniTE, classroom field trips, and playground maintenance. The PSC meets every second Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm - 7:00pm during the school year and welcomes all parents and staff to attend to listen in, support, and volunteer. We hope to see you at our next meeting on Tuesday, September 14th in the CTE Library! And don’t forget to check the PSC Facebook page and PTBoard for more information!  Learn more about our upcoming events below!

Mini Golf Outing & Pizza Fundraiser Saturday, September 17th - Golf isn't just for the pros and adults! Bring the whole family and show off your putt putt skills by joining in our mini golf event on Saturday, September 17th at Settlers Mill in Oshkosh. It's just $10 per person to get in on the fun! Come anytime during business hours (11:00am - 6:00pm) to golf and between 11:00am - 2:00pm to enter our raffle for a chance to play (and win!) our 50/50 raffle! We also have some sponsorship opportunities available including hole sponsors at only $36 per hole (family sponsors are welcome, too!). Huge thank you to our presenting sponsor, Aquire Restoration, Inc. and lunch sponsor, Arya Cares! To register or to be a sponsor, please visit https://traeger.ptboard.com/formvw/form?store=3016&form=1. And on the same day, you can stop at Pizza at Hwy 44 to grab some pizza for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! A portion of the proceeds from sales throughout the day will come back to our school!

Fall Photography Fundraiser September 24th, and October 5th & 6th - We’re excited to have Cattail Creek Photography offer 10 minute mini sessions for our Traeger families! For $125, you will receive five edited photos and 40% of the proceeds will go to the school! To check availability and signup for a time slot, please head to https://book.usesession.com/s/lNiEZLeMy.

Book Fair & Popcorn SocialSeptember 27th - 30th - Kickoff the school year with some new books to read! Update your at-home library with some new favorites, plus we will have teacher wishlists available, so you can purchase books for a classroom. Better yet, every purchase at the book fair fundraises Scholastic dollars that we can use to purchase books throughout the school year. The weeklong event will cap off with a build your own popcorn social on Friday, September 30th 5:30pm - 7:00pm, so you and your family can grab a snack and grab any last minute books on your list! Exact hours and volunteer signup information will be posted on PTBoard soon!

Recently, the Wisconsin RtI Center recognized our school in BEHAVIOR at the SILVER level for our work toward fully implementing a school-wide system that, according to national research, leads to improved student outcomes.

By establishing our equitable, multi-level system of supports, we increase consistency of effective instruction, build staff knowledge and skills to equitably support all learners, use data to proactively identify and provide support for students, and create a positive culture that nurtures relationships with students and their families, and communities. This strong foundation helps learners gain the skills needed to graduate ready for college or a career!

School Day Snacks

Carl Traeger Elementary will again be offering milk as a snack this year. With normal breakfast and lunch consumption, school age children should need nothing more than one mid-morning/mid- afternoon snack milk during the school day. Keep in mind, many children go home after school and have a snack. A good definition of a healthy snack is one that is low in added sugars and sodium, and provides important nutrients like fiber, protein, and heart healthy fats, such as those found in nuts. Parents may elect to send a snack to school with their child. Please consult the suggestions the Traeger Family Handbook. Snacks should be sent daily in single serving portions.

News From the Office

• Student hours for 2021-2022 are 7:45am-2:45pm.  All children should enter the building through their assigned door from the playground.  

• Sometimes parents are surprised to see their child has been marked tardy.  This can happen if children dilly dally in the hallway.  Please remind your child about the importance of being in the classroom when the bell rings.  You can access your child’s attendance information in Infinite Campus.

• When calling your child in for the day you can reach our voicemail 24 hours a day. It does ring several times before going to voicemail, so please stay on the line. 

• Reminder! There is no school on September 23.

PSC Agenda 
9/13/22, 6:00-7:00 p.m.  

Library Media Center or LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Mandy Stein

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik

1. An introduction of PSC officers

2. Introduction of attending members & administrators and staff

3. An explanation of what the PSC is, why it exists, its goals for the year, and what it supports. 

4. Ice breaker

5. Volunteer opportunities 

   1. Book Fair Sept. 26th-30th (Kenlin)

      1. Popcorn Social 30th (Sara J.)

   2. Craft Fair Setup & Bake sale

   3. Oshkosh West Homecoming Float

6. Treasurer Update

   1. 2021-2022 Income Statement vs Budget Update

      1. PT Board 2021-2022 Update

   2. 2022-2023 Income Statement vs Budget Update

      1. PT Board 2022-2023 Update

7. Fundraisers Update  

   1. Rhapsodies

   2. Pollock Pool

   3. Rev Bowling

8. Vote for new treasurers

9. Upcoming events 

   1. Mini Golf Sept 17th

   2. Photography Fundraiser Sept 25th, and October 6th and 8th (Heather)

   3.  Yard Greetings - Tina

   4. One Book One CommuniTE Oct 13th (Mrs.Runde/Mrs. Treb)

      1. Raffle basket

   5. Craft Fair October 15th (Nichole)

      1. Setup Friday October 14th-Liza

      2. Bake Sale- drop off at One Book One CommuniTE

10. Next meeting date, time, and location: October 11th, 6pm

11. Questions

COME LEARN TO  CODE AND CHANGE THE WORLD...

JOIN A GIRLS WHO  CODE CLUB! 

WHAT IS A GIRLS WHO  CODE CLUB? Girls Who Code Clubs are spaces where  girls can join our sisterhood of supportive  peers and use Computer Science to  change the world. When you join a Club,  you will learn by reading excerpts from our  books Learn to Code and Change the  World and The Friendship Code, practice  new skills by completing fun and simple  online coding tutorials, and build  community through interactive activities  with the rest of your Club. 

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Our 3rd-5th Grade Clubs help build the foundational skills  and understanding of computer science concepts and  sisterhood through a reading discussion and coding  activities. In order to build the skills you need to make  an impact, you will learn how to code from our fun  online tutorials and activities that will help you build  fun projects to share with friends and family. 

CAN I JOIN? Yes! Whether you’re a beginner or a computer master,  you’re invited to join the movement! Club membership will be limited to 20 members and it will be first come first served based on parent permission slips being returned. If interest is over 20 students, a waiting list will be created and a spring session will be considered. Permission slips will go home on Wednesday September 14th.

POINT OF CONTACT:  Mrs. Monigal

DATES: Mondays from October - December (approximately 12 sessions)

TIMES: 3:00 - 3:45 PM

HOW TO SIGN UP: Flyer and permission slip will go home to interested girls on September 14. Both the flyer and OASD permission slip MUST be returned for membership.

• September 13
  • 6:00pm PSC mtg. in LMC
• September 14
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Kordus/Demeny Sailing Field Trip
• September 17
  • PSC Mini Golf Outing
• September 21
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 22
  • Amel/Aronson Sailing Field Trip
• September 23
  • No School for Students
• September 25
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser
• September 27
  • K-Kids Meeting 6:00pm
• September 26-30 
  • Book Fair Week!
• September 28
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 30
  • Orange Shirt Day - Raising awareness about Indigenous Residential Schools
  • Book Fair and Popcorn Social 5:30-7:00pm
• October 7
  • Picture Retake Day

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

August 2022: Issue 1

Traeger Tales

ANOTHER GREAT YEAR BEGINS!

Carl Traeger Elementary is gearing up for the 2022-2023 school year!  Classroom and building preparations are underway as we anxiously await the arrival of students!  The first day of school is Thursday, September 1, and it will be here before you know it!  

Our K-5 Open House and Get to Know You Conferences will once again be held before the start of the school year.  Each grade K-5 family will schedule a 15 minute appointment on August 29 to bring in school supplies and meet the teacher.  We are excited to offer this one-on-one time before the school year starts.  Get to Know You Conference sign up begins August 17 at 8:00am.  https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Carl_Traeger_Elementary. Families will receive information about about class placement via email on August 15.

We are excited to be able to offer school pictures on August 29 as well.  Please have your child’s picture taken AFTER your conference so that we can stay on schedule.  You can prepay for your pictures at the LINK.  Yearbook sales will take place second semester.

Teachers are anxious to meet families and welcome students to their classrooms!  Everyone gets a little nervous before the first day of school, so hopefully this visit will help calm those nerves. 

The beginning of the year is a wonderful time to celebrate and reinforce the essential link between school and home.  Throughout the year please feel free to contact any of the Traeger staff, myself included, to make your child’s learning experience more positive and productive!   Welcome Back!  ~Brenna Garrison-Bruden 😃  (AKA Mrs. G.)

Meet Mrs. G.

This is my 23nd year as a member of the Oshkosh Area School District. I grew up in Fond du Lac and graduated from UW Oshkosh. I have a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Marian University. For nearly eight years I had the privilege of team teaching second and third grades at Webster Stanley Elementary. In February 2008 I began my three and one half year principalship at Webster. I am very excited to begin my twelfth year at Carl Traeger Elementary. Our school staff has a reputation for being on the cutting edge of teaching and learning and for doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of students and families. I look forward to reconnecting with children and families and welcoming new members to our school family.

My husband, Chris, and I  have been married 36 years.   Our son, CJ, is 33 and our daughter, Emma, is 31. It seems like just yesterday our children were starting their elementary careers. I can’t believe our kids are all grown up and living on their own.  Now that we are empty nesters, Chris and I enjoy doting on our “fur babies,” Ginger and Nutmeg.  In my free time I enjoy gardening, reading, traveling, decorating for the holidays, knitting, home projects, cooking and strumming my ukulele.  

Remember that I am here for you and your family. Sometimes just someone to listen, some words of advice or an extra pair of hands is just what you might need to help you through those challenges we all face as families in our society, today. Don't ever hesitate to call me here at school (424-0221) or at home (921-6322) - that is what I am here for - to help you and your child. Here's to a successful launching of another great school year!  Brenna 😃

Carl Traeger Elementary Classroom Teachers 2022-2023

4K

Mrs. Gorski & Mrs. Hellmer

Kindergarten

Mrs. Ballard, Mrs. Minten & Mrs. VanHeuklon

First Grade

Mrs. Cardinal, Mrs. Martin & Ms. Weiss

Second Grade

Ms. Moon, Mrs. Sopata & Mrs. Witt

Third Grade

Mrs. Branson, Mrs. Gustafson, Mrs. Lepper & Mrs. Trebiatowski

Fourth Grade

Mr. Amel, Ms. Aronson, Mr. Demeny, & Mrs. Kordus

Fifth Grade

Mr. Clark, Mrs. Nyman & Mrs. Purtell

Special Education

Ms. Hartwig, Mrs. Rost & Mrs. Walsh

Please welcome our new staff:   

• Mrs Boogren - Special Education Paraprofessional
• Ms. Fox - Special Education Paraprofessional
• Ms Gebhart - Special Education Paraprofessional
• Ms. Hartwig - Special Education Teacher
• Ms. Heidl - Special Education Paraprofessional
• Ms. Wells - 4K Paraprofessional
• Ms. Radig - Occupational Therapist
• Mrs. Reichenberger - Speech & Language Pathologist
• Mrs. Scheidell - 4K Special Ed Teacher
• Ms. Shreve - Special Education Paraprofessional
• Mrs. VanDeraa - Special Education Paraprofessional
• Ms. Yang - ESOL Teacher

Due to the number of sections this year, we again have additional support for art (Jenna Larson), music (Maria Cibula) and physical education (Traci Zerbe).  First hour each day will be taught to fifth graders by these traveling staff members.

News From the Office

• Watch for a separate communication with arrival and dismissal procedures.

• Student hours for 2022-2023 are 7:45-2:45.   If students arrive in the classroom after 7:45 they are marked tardy.

• In an effort to provide safety and security, the doors remain locked before, during and after the school day.  

• Breakfast will be served in the classroom.  We do NOT have early arrival time for breakfast.

• Students may arrive at 7:30am-no earlier.  The YMCA provides before school childcare for families who may need it.  Students should NOT be playing on the playground before school.  More specific information will be provided closer to the start of school.

• Carl Traeger and Food Service invite you to have lunch with your child any school day.  If you wish to order a school lunch, please call the office at least two days in advance so a lunch will be ready for you.

• Please read the attendance procedures in the Family Handbook.  Students are only allowed to miss part or all of 10 school days for any reason the entire year.  This includes illness, vacation, weddings, funerals, ...anything.

• Oshkosh Transit System provides service to Traeger.  The cost is FREE!  Maps and detailed information are in the school office and the Family Handbook.  Please contact Oshkosh Transit System at 232-5340 for more information on this service.

• If your child requires medication to be administered during the school day, please drop off completed Medication/Treatment Request forms and medications in the originally labeled containers to the school office, preferably before school starts.

• The YMCA offers child care at our school site before and after school hours.  Please contact them for more information, as the program fills up quickly!  More information about enrollment can be found at the LINK.

• As you review supply lists for the school year, please note teachers may have additional supplies requested in their teacher letter.  Teachers may also have additional requests of supplies for the classroom after school begins.

• Middle school students are dismissed almost an hour after elementary dismissal.  We are not able to provide supervision for students to wait for middle school siblings.  Please make alternative arrangements if this impacts your family.  The YMCA does provide after school child care.  Children age 8 and up are able to walk to the YMCA after school.

• Thanks to our custodial crew for all their hard work in preparing for another school year!  It is great to start the year with shiny floors, clean rooms and tidy hallways!

  ---

   

The Value of an After-School Conversation

Asking your kids about their school day is a good idea, according to Vanderbilt University researchers.

Why? The researchers say they already knew that children learned best with their mothers or a peer, but it wasn’t clear whether this was because the children were getting feedback and help, or merely because they were explaining their solutions to someone. In the study, the researchers had mothers simply listen to their children without providing any assistance.

 “The basic idea is that it is really effective to try to get kids to explain things themselves instead of just telling them the answer,” says Bethany Rittle-Johnson, professor of psychology at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education. “Explaining their reasoning, to a parent or perhaps to other people they know, will help them understand the problem and apply what they have learned to other situations.”

• August 29
  • 11:30am-6:30pm Get to Know You Conferences by appointment
• August 31
  • Chalk the Walk
  • Kindergarten Play Date 4:00-6:00pm
• September 1
  • First Day of School!
• September 5
  • Labor Day - No School
• September 7
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 13
  • 6:00pm PSC mtg. in LMC
• September 14
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 17
  • PSC Mini Golf Outing
• September 21
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 23
  • No School for Students
• September 25
  • PSC Photography Fundraiser
• September 27
• K-Kids Meeting 6:00pm
• September 26-30 
  • Book Fair Week!
• September 28
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• September 30
  • Book Fair and Popcorn Social 5:30-7:00pm
• October 7
  • Picture Retake Day

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Community Flyers and Events

The Oshkosh Area School District invites families to explore all that Oshkosh has to offer. A variety of community events, activities, and resources are available on the District's Community Links webpage. This listing is updated in real-time so please check back often to stay in the know!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

May 27, 2022: Issue 34

Traeger Tales 

A WONDERFUL YEAR!

Thank you for another wonderful year at Traeger Elementary! The children have done so much wonderful learning throughout the year.  It is hard to believe the year is coming to an end!

Thank you for sharing your children with us each day. Traeger has a community of families that is generous, giving, and supportive. We appreciate you all!

Thank you for ALL your support as we continued to navigate education during a pandemic.  Caregiver support is one of our greatest assets at Traeger. We appreciate your time and care!

Thank you for sharing your ideas, concerns, and successes with us throughout the year. The partnership with our families is so beneficial in educating the children, and we appreciate the feedback!

Thank you for continuing to encourage learning over the summer! Keep your child reading, writing, and computing throughout the summer. Children are curious and love to learn new things, and learning with their family over summer is a great extension to the classroom!

Thank you for sharing your children with us.  We will see you at Get to Know You Conferences August 29 and on the first day of school on September 1.  

 ~ Mrs. G. 🙂 

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2022-2023

While we wrap up one terrific school year, we are also preparing for the upcoming year. The district has reviewed the status of the budget and enrollment numbers. Staffing is based on district guidelines which include kindergarten through third grades at 24 students and grades four and five at 27 students.  We are excited that for the first time in many years, our grade level staffing configurations will remain the same.  This means that we don't have any classroom teachers that will be changing grades!

We do have a few staffing changes, however.  Mrs. VanderLoop is retiring-see her message below.  Ms. Hein and Mrs. Augustine from 4K are moving to new roles.  Ms. Hein will be teaching 4th grade at Merrill and Mrs. Augustine will be the 4K Teacher Associate.  Mrs. Chapman will be supporting 4K ESOL next year and we will welcome a new full time ESOL Teacher, Ms. Yang.  Mrs. Rojas will be spending more time on the middle school side.  We will be welcoming a special education program from Oakwood and their staff Ms. Hartwig, Ms. Fox and Ms. Gebhart will be joining us.  With our new program coming, we will be saying goodbye to some of the eAcademy staff who are moving to a new location-Mr. Kelley, Mrs. Schiek and Ms. Groth.  Mrs. Timm is moving to Sheboygan to be closer to family and we welcome back a former CTE speech therapist, Mrs. Reichenberger.  Watch for further updates next fall. 

We wish everyone well as they embark on new adventures and look forward to getting to know our new school family members!  We are looking forward to continuing the Traeger tradition of excellence in education for 2022-2023! 

Wishing Mrs. VanderLoop Well in Retirement!

After quite a few trips around the sun, 19 years worth to be exact, it is time to hang up my lanyard. :)

I have learned so much and greatly enjoyed my time with coworkers and students through the years. The many amazing and creative ways our connections with each other continued through our virtual covid time, really made us appreciate being back to school in person. This has reminded us to never take that for granted again! Being a part of magnificent teamwork is something I have cheered about during all of my years in the OASD. 

Something I am particularly proud of is being an “instigator” of the Traeger Elementary Green Team which is now combined with our school's K-Kids. The like-minded students and adults, both staff and parents involved, are a constant inspiration and great example of what can be accomplished to make the Earth a better, greener place when we work together! 

Joining my husband Steve, in the retired world, will include more traveling and the advantage of less crowded fall camping. When we’re home, we “enjoy” :) projects at the 4 fixer-upper homes in the family, including the cabin up north. The “home remodel teams” in our family include our sons Ben (planning a wedding with his fiancé Carlie :), Grayson, and his girlfriend Emily.  So far, the closest thing we have to a grandchild is their hysterical Corgi puppy, Harlow.  Our slightly demanding husky dog, Diesel, keeps us all busy and amused. We love every minute of it!

Retirement might teach me how to truly relax but I think there will always be something more fun to do in the yard or garden, houseplants to putter with or a resale shop to be explored. 

Thank you to all the amazing coworkers, students and their families that have made my time being a part of the Oshkosh Area School District so memorable. 

FIELD DAY will be on Tuesday, May 31. This year we are going to be celebrating field day ALL DAY!! We have some activities planned for the morning and we will be participating in our stations for the afternoon. In order to help your child come prepared, please send them with good shoes; sandals do not work great for all the activities we have planned. Make sure they bring a water bottle and sunscreen. You can apply sunscreen in the morning, but if they bring sunscreen with them, we can help reapply for the afternoon if they need assistance. 

Old PE shoes that you no longer have a need for? Mrs. Wara will have a shoe donation bucket outside the gym door for gently used gym shoes to be donated! 

Last Day of School Dismissal traffic on the last day of school is typically VERY heavy. It is often difficult to get in or out of the driveway on that day.  Please plan ahead and consider walking or biking to school next week.  If you do drive to school on the last day, please be prepared for long traffic lines upon departure. Thank you!

Traeger Family Book Club

It’s time to sign up for a summer edition of our Family Book Club! This summer, you will have the option of signing up for two different themes. The first theme will be “bravery”. Mrs. Runde has chosen a picture book and a chapter book that allows you to explore the topic of bravery through these fictional stories. The picture book, How to Be a Lion by Ed Vere, is intended for students at any grade level and the chapter book, First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez, is intended for students in grades 3 and up. Resources are created to support you with your family discussion. Materials will be limited to the first 20 families for the chapter book & 10 families for the picture book. Watch for information about an optional get together to discuss with other families at the beginning of July and for your opportunity to sign up for a 2nd book club this summer. Please complete the attached FORM by Monday, May 30 so materials can be put together and sent home.

Core Values of K-Kids: 

• Character Building: The ability to do the right thing, even when it might be the unpopular choice.

• Leadership: The ability to listen, communicate, serve, and guide others.

• Inclusiveness: Accepting and welcoming differences in other people.

• Caring: The act of being concerned about or interested in other people or situations.

*No sign-up required  *You can join at any time during the year 

Thank you to our 2021-2022 K-Kids Officers:

• President: Brooke Alsberg (4th Grade)
• Vice President: Leland Crane (5th Grade)
• Secretary: Lucy Abalan (3rd Grade)
• Treasurer: Ellen Volkening (2nd Grade)

At our May 19th meeting we voted in the officers for the 2022-2023 school year.  We heard five incredible speeches, and students voted for four officers.

Congratulations to our 2022-2023 K-Kids Officers:

• President: Lucy Abalan (3rd Grade)
• Vice President: Morgan Sparr (4th Grade)
• Secretary: Aisha Akinyele (2nd Grade)
• Treasurer: Jocelyn Lawsing (4th Grade)

2022-2023 is going to be an exciting year for K-Kids and Traeger.  We are going to start a few K-Kids committees to host during lunch recess/lunch.  Watch for more information about the committees and the K-Kids meeting schedule at the start of the next school year.  

Our first established committee, proud to announce the K-Kids Kindness Committee, led by Anna Alsberg (3rd Grade), runner up for president.

I am so proud of Carl Traeger Elementary’s K-Kids.  Students inspire me to be a better me, helping the environment, our community.  Thank you K-Kids ~ I am proud of each and every one of you!

Alicia Alsberg abalsberg@gmail.com

Tips to Make Summer Reading Happen

by Mrs. Runde

1. CHOICE: Let your kids choose the books that they read. Kids Need to Pick Out Books.

2. BOUNTY: Fill your house with lots of books. More books = more chances for your children to find a fantastic, amazing, very good book that they can’t put down.

Recently, we set a new money spent record at the bookstore. Gulp. I shouldn’t even tell you but it was well over $300. There’s something magical about mom taking you to the bookstore where you can pick all the books you want to read. (Magically expensive. But worth it.)

Of course, we do visit the library weekly, and it’s much more economical.

3. LIBRARY: Use your library. Let your kids go WILD and check out lots of books!

4. TIME: Kids need opportunities for reading. So, make sure they’re not filling all their time with TV, video games, and iPad time.

5. TECHNOLOGY: Don’t forget about audiobooks, Kindles, iPads, and Nook reading. Ebooks and audiobooks count as reading, too. (See: audiobooks for tweens & audiobooks for teens.)

6. READABILITY: Make sure your child is reading books that he or she can actually comprehend. When choosing a book, use the 5 finger test to decide if it’s a just-right book. During and after reading, ask your child to tell you a little bit about the story. If you haven’t read the story, read the back and ask questions pertaining to that summary. Make sure your child is understanding what he reads — and that he KNOWS IF HE DOESN’T. For more clarity about reading comprehension, visit this post.

7. COZY READING SPACE: Kids LOVE a Cozy Book Nook. It doesn’t have to be fancy but it does need to involve the kids. Find a corner – those work best. Let your child add pillows, lamps, books, stuffed animals, a headlamp or flashlight, and create a special space.

Read more tips on how to make an enticing book nook.

8. DOWNTIME: Kids Need Margins Just Like We Do. We all need unscheduled time to rest and relax. Kids especially. Remember to make time during the day for rest and reading.

Summer is quickly approaching and with calendars filling up, make sure to save the dates for our PSC summer events:

• June 2nd (The last day of school): Ice Cream @ Rhapsodies

• July 22nd: Pool Party @ Pollock Pool

• August 6th: Bowling @ Rev’s (NOT August 7 in the note that went home)

More details on our PSC Facebook page and PTBoard!

• What: 5th Grade Advancement/DARE Graduation
• Who: Parents and Family of 5th Grade Students
• When: Wednesday, June 1 at 1:30 PM (Gallery Walk at 1:15)
• Where: Carl Traeger Elementary School Gym

We hope you can join us as we celebrate elementary school and bid our 5th graders farewell!

The fifth grade celebration is Wednesday, June 1 at 1:30. Parents are invited to come watch their fifth graders be recognized for successful completion of the elementary years and the DARE curriculum!

This year students will be participating in one of many ways: greeting guests, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the school song, sharing a favorite memory, presenting the class gift, or participating in a gallery walk of their favorite projects. Students are encouraged to dress nicely for this event.

Parents will have the opportunity to enjoy the gallery walk from 1:15 to 1:30 or immediately after the ceremony.  The gallery walk will be set up in the elementary school gym.   After the ceremony we will have a reception in the cafeteria with with cookies and lemonade.  Students and families can mingle and reminisce about all the great times we have had together.

Join us in the elementary school gym as we honor our fifth grade students and send them off to middle school!

Hello Traeger Families!

Growing Oshkosh, a non-profit urban farm, has partnered with OASD to bring raised bed gardens to our schools.  This year our Empower Academy class will be planting our beds.

All families are welcome to enjoy and work with the school gardens throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The school gardens will require some watering and light weeding throughout the growing season. 

Families are encouraged to bring their children to the gardens throughout the summer to see how the plants are progressing and take home any produce that is ready. All the produce grown in the gardens is free and can be harvested by anyone at any time!

We invite families to sign up for one week over the summer months to water the gardens if needed. 

If you are interested, please click on this LINK and sign up for a week to water.

Note: A watering “key” is needed to turn on the outdoor watering spout.  The key will need to be passed from one family to another. Please include your contact info on the sign up document so you can plan how to hand off the key to the next person/family.

• May 30
  • No School - Memorial Day
• May 31
  • Field Day
• June 1
  • Grade 2 to Green Bay Botanical Gardens
  • Grade 3 to Bubolz Nature Center
  • Grade 5 to Barlow Planetarium
  • 5th Grade Advancement/Dare Graduation 1:30pm
• June 2
  • Last Day of School!
  • PSC Ice Cream Social at Rhapsodies after school!
• July 22
  • PSC Pool Party at Pollock Pool!
• August 6
  • PSC Bowling event at Rev's
• August 29
  • GTKY Conferences and School Pictures by appointment 11:30am-6:30pm

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

This is the final edition of Traeger Tales for 2021-2022!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

May 20, 2022: Issue 33

Traeger Tales 

COPING WITH ANXIETY 

It’s normal to get anxious in a new situation.  When your child has to face something new, here are some concrete steps you can take as a parent to help ease them in.

1. Validate, validate, validate.
Tell your child that what they’re feeling is normal. It is perfectly okay for a child to feel their feelings, even if those emotions aren’t comfortable. Gently commenting on those feelings won’t make them worse—it will actually help your child feel understood. Try something like, “It’s okay to feel worried,” or “It’s hard to try new things sometimes.”

2. Keep a “You can do it!” attitude.
Express full confidence in your child’s ability to manage the situation they are in. Let them know that you believe they can handle the new challenge (even if it is hard). You can say statements like, “You’ve got this,” or “I know you can handle this.”

This confidence will work really well with your validation to show your child that you understand what they’re going through but still know they can do it. It might sound like, “I know you’re worried about going to the birthday party, AND I know you can do it.”

3. Take small steps toward a goal.
Some situations are harder for kids than others. Before you put your child in a new environment, think about whether you believe they can handle it right now. If it is too difficult, set them up for success by breaking up the task beforehand. Then start with a mini-step instead. For example, instead of just dropping your child off at soccer practice, let them know you will stay and watch. For the next week, make a plan to stay for only half of practice and then build toward dropping off and leaving. Make sure to tell the truth — no sneaking off if they seem more comfortable than you expected!

4. Practice makes progress.
For some kids, it’s going to take more than one time to warm up to a new situation. Give your kids time and don’t give up on something just because the first time was a little rough. Most things take a couple tries to get good at. Think of a skill you’ve been working on for yourself and compare it to the first time you tried it. I’d imagine you’re better now than when you first started. Putting kids in a new environment is the same—the more they do it, the easier it will get. If they quit piano after just one lesson, they’re probably never going to learn that it gets easier with time. Set a specific number of practices or lessons in advance and stick to it so your child can learn what happens to their worries when they keep trying.

5. Praise goes a long way.
It feels great when someone tells you they notice your hard work, doesn’t it? Let your child know they are doing an awesome job just by trying something new. Say something like, “I’m so proud of you for going to a new school even though you were worried,” or “Awesome job walking to the bus stop by yourself. I know that was a hard one.” You can praise effort toward a goal, even if your child hasn’t fully gotten to the end goal yet.

6. Check yourself.
As caregivers, it can be tough to see a child worrying. Children are emotional sponges; they pick up on what the adults in their lives are feeling. Make a plan to manage your emotions so that you can help your child through a new situation. Remind yourself that your child is safe—you wouldn’t put them in a dangerous situation. We can’t protect children from their feelings because feelings are natural, but we can help them through their feelings by supporting, validating, and giving them confidence.

Mrs. G.  😃 ~Source Read Brightly

End-of-Year Celebration

The countdown to the last day of school has begun! 

To celebrate and say goodbye for the summer, all Traeger students, staff and parents are invited to attend the end-of-year celebration and dance. This will be held on the playground from 1:30-2:30 pm on Thursday, June 2.  Ed Eaton from Sound Sensations Entertainment will be our DJ and each student will receive a popsicle during the event.

At 2:30 pm all students must go back inside with their teachers for final wrap-up and goodbyes. Students will be dismissed at 2:45 pm.   

Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Please head to https://traeger.ptboard.com/ to see what volunteer opportunities are available and how you can help.

Summer is quickly approaching and with calendars filling up, make sure to save the dates for our PSC summer events:

• June 2nd (The last day of school): Ice Cream @ Rhapsodies

• July 22nd: Pool Party @ Pollock Pool

• August 6th: Bowling @ Rev’s

More details on our PSC Facebook page and PTBoard!

• What: 5th Grade Advancement/DARE Graduation
• Who: Parents and Family of 5th Grade Students
• When: Wednesday, June 1 at 1:30 PM (Gallery Walk at 1:15)
• Where: Carl Traeger Elementary School Gym

We hope you can join us as we celebrate elementary school and bid our 5th graders farewell!

The fifth grade celebration is Wednesday, June 1 at 1:30. Parents are invited to come watch their fifth graders be recognized for successful completion of the elementary years and the DARE curriculum!

This year students will be participating in one of many ways: greeting guests, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the school song, sharing a favorite memory, presenting the class gift, or participating in a gallery walk of their favorite projects. Students are encouraged to dress nicely for this event.

Parents will have the opportunity to enjoy the gallery walk from 1:15 to 1:30 or immediately after the ceremony.  The gallery walk will be set up in the elementary school gym.   After the ceremony we will have a reception in the cafeteria with with cookies and lemonade.  Students and families can mingle and reminisce about all the great times we have had together.

Join us in the elementary school gym as we honor our fifth grade students and send them off to middle school!

PSC Meeting: May 12th, 2022 5 pm 

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

Who are we?  PSC Officers

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

• Events & Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Paulik
   

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia 

2. 2022-2023 Budget Approval - Alicia

   1. 2022-2023 Budget for Approval - Google Drive

   2. 2022-2023 Budget for Approval - PT Board

   3. Green column is the fundraising totals. We are doing great compared to where we were at the beginning of the year! Way to go PSC! 

   4. Monthly Report Approval : motion Kelly, second Tina 

   5. 2023 Budget Approval Motion : motion Kelly Zanders, second Jenny   Approved 2022-2023 Budget  Approved 2022-2023 Budget - PT Board

   6. Alicia Alsberg gave verbal resignation for her Treasurer position effective September of next school year. 

3. 2022-2023 PSC Meeting Schedule/Magnets - Heather Swenson

   1. Will be done and ready for August. 

4. UPDATES 

   1. BINGO-Megan

      1. Success! Bingo Night was back to it’s original fundraising totals and was a great family night. Megan will give an update on the specific changes that she recommends for the 22-23 Bingo Night 

   2. Culvers- $300 raised 

   3. Teacher appreciation week-Nichole

   4. Cheesecake- Erin : No Update 

   5. Candy Bars- Jessica : Ordered as a simple fundraiser, no promotion to families 

   6. 5th Grade Gift- Jessica : May 20th Gum Day benefiting the 5th Grade Advancement gift  

   7. Photography Fundraiser- Heather Swenson

      1. We will move forward this year and see how it goes. New location is preferred. Heather will reach out to Cattail Creek Photography to arrange. 

5. Field Day-Nichole/Heidi

   1. Order mistake - white tshirts now coming from 4imprint, received a discount along with a 25% “oops” discount for the trouble 

   2. This means we have significant funds leftover for the 22-23 school year. Would still like to have t-shirts and sponsors and maybe just keep the funds rolled over 

6. 5th Grade Advancement/DARE- Jessica 

   1. Cookies + lemonade for all in attendance 

7. Volunteer Opportunities-Nichole

   1. Boohoo breakfast - switching to a Kindergarten play day. Invite families the day before to a specific time period on the school playground to meet other Traeger K families. Optional provide a photo opportunity, Chalk the Walk will also be happening 

   2. GTKY conferences

      1. Provide subs for teachers

   3. PSC Table at GTKY 

      1. Need volunteers to staff the table, hand out magnets and promote people joining the PSC 

8. UPCOMING EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS- 

   1. Golf Outing at Lake Breeze on May 22

   2. Last Day of school/dance party June 2nd

   3. Ice Cream Party, Rapsodies June 2nd

   4. Pool Night, Pollock Pool July 22nd

   5. Bowling, Rev August

9. Open Discussion

10. Adjourn - motion Liza, second Mary 

Out of this World!

Every month each class recognizes a student who consistently follows the Traeger Way!  Congratulations to our February students who are also featured on the bulletin board in the cafeteria!

Hello Traeger Families!

Growing Oshkosh, a non-profit urban farm, has partnered with OASD to bring raised bed gardens to our schools.  This year our Empower Academy class will be planting our beds.

All families are welcome to enjoy and work with the school gardens throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The school gardens will require some watering and light weeding throughout the growing season. 

Families are encouraged to bring their children to the gardens throughout the summer to see how the plants are progressing and take home any produce that is ready. All the produce grown in the gardens is free and can be harvested by anyone at any time!

We invite families to sign up for one week over the summer months to water the gardens if needed. 

If you are interested, please click on this LINK and sign up for a week to water.

Note: A watering “key” is needed to turn on the outdoor watering spout.  The key will need to be passed from one family to another. Please include your contact info on the sign up document so you can plan how to hand off the key to the next person/family.

Are you looking for a fun way to keep your child creatively engaged over the summer? Author and illustrator Jarrett Lerner has put together an online Creator Club! During this 6 week course, he will work with children to teach drawing and story creating through a variety of topics. Bonus: He offers courses for adults! You can learn alongside your child throughout the summer and hone your storytelling and creation skills!

For more information, check out his site:

jarrettlerner.com/creator-club

Fox Wolf Watershed Clean Up

• May 22
  • PSC Golf Outing
• May 23
  • Third Grade to YMCA
• May 24
  • Fifth Grade to YMCA
• May 27
  • Kindergarten to Westhaven Circle Park
• May 30
  • No School - Memorial Day
• May 31
  • Field Day
• June 1
  • Grade 2 to Green Bay Botanical Gardens
  • Grade 3 to Bubolz Nature Center
  • Grade 5 to Barlow Planetarium
  • 5th Grade Advancement/Dare Graduation 1:30pm
• June 2
  • Last Day of School!
  • PSC Ice Cream Social at Rhapsodies after school!
• July 22
  • PSC Pool Party at Pollock Pool!
• August 6
  • PSC Bowling event at Rev's
• August 29
  • GTKY Conferences and School Pictures by appointment 11:30am-6:30pm

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

May 13, 2022: Issue 32

Traeger Tales 

SMALL STEPS, BIG GOALS

How did Barack Obama become president? Why is Serena Williams such a good tennis player? We often look at the end of the story – the A+ or the star athlete – and think that success came without effort. Instead, success often takes great effort and planning. Parents and teachers build children’s goal setting and problem solving skills by talking about the little steps needed to reach large goals. Here’s how to do it.

Teach children how to think rather than what to think by asking questions and offering choices.

What We Know:

You can help your child move from “what do I want to be?” to “how can I be that?” by helping them identify simple steps that can lead to their long-term goal. Even young children are capable of thinking about the steps to solving a problem. As early as age 4, children can offer many solutions to a problem. And, by age 8, children can think of the steps needed to reach a goal and the problems they might have along the way.

Parents can teach children how to think rather than what to think by asking questions and offering choices. For very young children the questions are simple: “Would you like the door open or closed?” “Would you like one book or two books?” By elementary school, the questions can be more complicated: “What could you do differently?” “How did that make you feel?” “What can you try next?”

Try This:

Help your child set and achieve big personal goals by reading picture books that show how lots of little steps are needed to reach a goal. (The We Are Teachers website has a list of 12 books about reaching goals to check out from your library.) While you are reading, ask questions about how the character becomes successful like: “Was she always good at playing the violin?” “How did he become a better runner?” “What happened when she made a mistake?”

For Fun:

Watch Dr. Becky Bailey’s TedX Talk “Wiring the Brain for Success” for an entertaining look at the brain science behind how our mental state prepares us to reach goals.  (Source: UW Extension)

Mrs. G.  😃

Hello Traeger Families!

Growing Oshkosh, a non-profit urban farm, has partnered with OASD to bring raised bed gardens to our schools.  This year our Empower Academy class will be planting our beds.

All families are welcome to enjoy and work with the school gardens throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The school gardens will require some watering and light weeding throughout the growing season. 

Families are encouraged to bring their children to the gardens throughout the summer to see how the plants are progressing and take home any produce that is ready. All the produce grown in the gardens is free and can be harvested by anyone at any time!

We invite families to sign up for one week over the summer months to water the gardens if needed. 

If you are interested, please click on this LINK and sign up for a week to water.

Note: A watering “key” is needed to turn on the outdoor watering spout.  The key will need to be passed from one family to another. Please include your contact info on the sign up document so you can plan how to hand off the key to the next person/family.

Did you know we start every K-Kid meeting with a pledge?

• As a K-Kid, I promise to serve my neighborhood and my school.  I will show respect toward my environment and I will try to make the world a better place in which to live.

 2021-2022 K-Kids Officers

• President: Brooke Alsberg (4th Grade)
• Vice President: Leland Crane (5th Grade)
• Secretary: Lucy Abalan (3rd Grade)
• Treasurer: Ellen Volkening (2nd Grade)

Agenda for Thursday May 19th - 6 pm - Library 

• Day by Day and Hope Fridge Update

• Fall Fundraisers: eRecycle and Pasta

• Special Guest: Mr. Eric Sparr from Day by Day

• Officer Elections for 2022-2023 school year

  • Bring your speeches!

• Year End Celebration - Bring your favorite outdoor activity/game to share (weather permitting) 

• 2022-2023 K-Kids will be on Tuesdays once a month

Please reach out with any questions: 

Brooke Alsberg (President): 

alsbeb1248@oshkosh.k12.wi.us for student questions or 

Alicia Alsberg abalsberg@gmail.com or 

Mrs. Vanderloop mary.vanderloop@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

*No sign-up required  *You can join at any time during the year 

Bird Fest 2022

Congratulations!

These students had artwork selected for the Oshkosh Bird Fest Student Bird Art Exhibit. This is a wonderful achievement! Their work was displayed at the Oshkosh Masonic Center during the Downtown Oshkosh First Friday event. If you would like to learn more about Bird Fest check out their website! www.oshkoshbirdfest.com

Kindergarten

• Talia Baumgartner
• Matthew Cisewski
• Cami Delfosse
• Logan Finch
• Willow Fredrickson
• Aubrey Heimos
• Becca Mondragon
• Hannah Mullenbach
• Amelia Phelps
• Trevor Stein
• Lennon Stewer 
• Sawyer Stini
• Tessa VanDeraa

Grade 2

• Bennitt Neibauer
• MacKenzie Sanchez 
• Owen Yang 

Grade 3

• Tommy Hirsbrunner
• Tieran Hunt
• Addelyn Kennedy
• Aubrey Witt

Introducing to Carl Traeger Elementary is 

the Oshkosh Community Bike Program

Carl Traeger Elementary recently had the pleasure of working with Steve Sagmeister, retired police officer.  Steve started the Oshkosh Community Bike Program in 2010, he is the director.  Steve, along with help from other volunteers, repairs used bikes to be donated to those in need of a bike.

The program provides transportation to seek employment, get to employment, ride to school, and to accomplish daily activities that most of us take for granted.  They currently give out about 400 bikes a year.  The need is greater.

CTE joined forces with Steve to help provide ‘new to you’ bikes to students in need of a bike.  We were able to deliver 10 bikes to students and 6 helmets.  Special thank you to Oshkosh Police Department and Traeger K-Kids for donating helmets.

Families interested in helping the Community Bike Program can donate bikes to the Oshkosh Community Bike Program.  Drop off at Sadoff Recycling at 36 10th Ave, Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Thank you!

Alicia Alsberg

DONATIONS WANTED!

Each month our students have the opportunity to exchange their Pride Prints for a variety of incentives ranging from school supplies to books to time with staff.  After the last Pride Print Cart visit, we want to be able to provide motivation for students to continue to follow the Traeger Way.  We are looking for donations that can be used for drawings on the last day of school at the dance party.  Students can place their Pride Prints in the containers of the items they would love to win.  We are hoping parents can help out with donations.  Our theme is Summer Fun!  We can put smaller items together – all donations are appreciated!

SUMMER “SILENT” FUNDRAISING UPDATES

Box Tops for Education

Box tops for Education has gone digital!  No more clipping, saving and remembering to turn them in at school. All you do is scan your receipt after shopping and the rest is done for you. We currently have only 69 current supporters and we can do much better! 

To learn about the program and how easy it is to do, go to https://www.boxtops4education.com. Only shop on-line or do grocery pick up, you can participate too! There is a video at https://www.boxtops4education.com/emailgroceryreceipts. You can also sign in to https://www.boxtops4education.com to help our school by entering sweepstakes, clip coupons and keep up with the latest promotions.  

Loaves for Learning

We are registered to participate in a loyalty rewards program offered by the bakers of Country Hearth and Village Hearth breads.  Please continue to save UPC Proof-of-Purchases from any Country Hearth or Village Hearth product, each one is worth $.05 for the school. You can drop your UPCs in the school office. Visit Loaves4Learning.com for more information.

Coca-Cola Gives

Carl Traeger Elementary is registered with the Coca-Cola Gives program.  It is easy to donate.  Use your phone and go to coke.com/give, choose to donate to a school, select Carl Traeger Elementary, scan or enter the code under the cap of any participating coca cola product or enter the code found inside the cardboard packaging and we earn a minimum of $.10 per code.  Don’t feel like entering the code, please save your caps from any participating product and bring them to school in the fall.  For more information, please visit https://us.coca-cola.com/give/schools/

If you have an idea for other silent fundraisers please bring your ideas to the PSC meeting!  Thank you for your support.

• May 17
  • Kindergarten to YMCA
  • Fourth Grade to YMCA
  • First Grade to Library/Menominee Park
• May 18
  • Second Grade to YMCA
• May 19
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• May 22
  • PSC Golf Outing
• May 23
  • Third Grade to YMCA
• May 24
  • Fifth Grade to YMCA
• May 27
  • Kindergarten to Westhaven Circle Park
• May 30
  • No School - Memorial Day
• May 21
  • Field Day
• June 1
  • Grade 2 to Green Bay Botanical Gardens
  • Grade 3 to Bubolz Nature Center
  • Grade 5 to Barlow Planetarium
  • 5th Grade Advancement/Dare Graduation 1:30pm
• June 2
  • Last Day of School!

Questions, Concerns, Suggestions

At Carl Traeger Elementary, we are dedicated to providing the best educational program possible for our children. Should something occur that you have a question about or are unhappy with, please give your child's teacher a call first and then your child's principal so that they can work together with you to address your need. Brenna Garrison-Bruden can be reached at 424-0221.  If you have a concern that you have been unable to resolve with a staff member or the principal, you may call the district office at 424-0395 and they will help you address your concern and/or connect you with others who can help.

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

May 6, 2022: Issue 31

Traeger Tales 

BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK

Hey Traeger families!  In an effort to promote physical health and an active lifestyle, next week May 9-13, is Bike to School Week at Traeger.  All week long your kids will have a chance to earn tickets for prizes!  On Friday we will give away prizes donated by Safe Routes to School!  All kids have to do is get themselves to school by any means other than a motorized vehicle.  This could include walking, biking, scootering, or rip sticking.  It’s that easy!  Each day that they do this, they will earn a ticket to go into the prize drawings at the end of the week.  Wearing a helmet will earn them a ticket too!  We realize that these non-motorized means of transportation just aren’t realistic in some cases.  If this is the case, just send your child to school with a helmet to earn a ticket each day.

On Wednesday, May 11, we have some staff and local celebrities leading bike trains.  If your child would like to participate in this, check out the map.

Just to add to the excitement, we are going to be having some fun theme days next week:

• Monday:  Workout wear day
• Tuesday:  Traeger colors day
• Wednesday:  Be bold, be bright, be seen day
• Thursday:  Favorite hat day
• Friday:  Favorite sports team day

We hope to see lots of bikes and helmets at school next week! ~Mrs. Wara &  Mrs. G.  😃

END OF YEAR HEALTH INFORMATION

Medications at school

All medications are to be picked up​ by parent/guardian on or before the last day of ​school – June 2, 2022​. Our policy will not allow us to keep them for the next school year.

If you know your student will need medication next school year, we are asking you to obtain an order from your doctor/nurse practitioner before the start of the next​ school year. You can pick up this Medication/ Treatment Request form from your school secretary before the end of this​ school year. A physician/nurse practitioner signature must accompany all medications/treatments.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call the Health office at 424-0065 Ext 1483.

The medication/treatment form, when completed by you and your doctor, can be given to the school secretary along with the properly labeled container of medication at the start of the next school year.

Important Notice for Parents of all 5​th ​Grade Students

(2022-2023) Immunization Requirements

 The State of Wisconsin requires that all 5th grade students receive:

1.) TDAP

BEFORE the first day of 6th grade

Please send proof of dates to your child’s school when completed.

Requirements for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) went into effect at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. In Wisconsin, parents are required to have their children vaccinated, or must claim a medical, religious or personal conviction waiver.

If you have any questions please call: Health Services at 424-0065 ext. 1483.

DONATIONS WANTED!

Each month our students have the opportunity to exchange their Pride Prints for a variety of incentives ranging from school supplies to books to time with staff.  After the last Pride Print Cart visit, we want to be able to provide motivation for students to continue to follow the Traeger Way.  We are looking for donations that can be used for drawings on the last day of school at the dance party.  Students can place their Pride Prints in the containers of the items they would love to win.  We are hoping parents can help out with donations.  Our theme is Summer Fun!  We can put smaller items together – all donations are appreciated!

All About Family Dinner Book Club

Family Dinner Book Club invites you to share a great story, great art, great conversation, and great food each month.  TThe theme for April is: dealing with separation. Our featured book for the month is I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca.

Jodie has created a book list and conversation starters, which you can get here:

https://growingbookbybook.com/childrens-books-about.../

Laura has created an awesome guide that will set you up with all the activity ideas and links you need. Sign up for it here:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61d5c126b0306b55f06cb8e1...

And Sarah has created a mashup dinner menu.

https://chefsarahelizabeth.com/.../01/ill-go-and-come-back/

Also, follow along with us on our Facebook page!  We love to see pictures of your special dinner.  Plus, we share extra materials to support your book club each month.

PSC Meeting: Thursday, May 12, 2022 5:00pm in the Media Center

LINK to join virtually

PSC Mission Statement: The purpose of the Carl Traeger Elementary Parents and Staff for Children (PSC) organization is to serve in a voluntary, supportive and cooperative role bringing home, school and the community together; to make all children, parents and staff feel important, special, capable and a part of the community, to support Carl Traeger Elementary school by providing necessary resources for childrens’ educational benefit.

PSC Officers:

• President: Nichole Casper 
• Vice President: Megan Paulik
• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 
• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg
• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia 

2. 2022-2023 Budget Approval - Alicia

   1. 2022-2023 Budget for Approval - Google Drive

   2. 2022-2023 Budget for Approval - PT Board

3. 2022-2023 PSC Meeting Schedule/Magnets - Heather

4. UPDATES 

   1. BINGO-Megan

   2. Culvers- Jessica

   3. Teacher appreciation week-Nichole

   4. Cheesecake- Erin

   5. Candy Bars- Jessica 

   6. 5th Grade Gift- Jessica

   7. Photography Fundraiser- Heather

5. Field Day-Nichole/Heidi

6. 5th Grade Advancement/DARE- Jessica 

7. Volunteer Opportunities-Nichole

   1. Boohoo breakfast

   2. GTKY conferences

   3. PSC Table at GTKY 

8. UPCOMING EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS- 

   1. Golf Outing at Lake Breeze on May 22

   2. Last Day of school/dance party June 2nd

   3. Ice Cream Party, Rapsodie June 2nd

   4. Pool Night, Pollock Pool July 22nd

   5. Bowling, Rev August

9. Open Discussion