Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

 

May 13, 2022: Issue 32

Traeger Tales 

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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.  😃

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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.

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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 

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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

 

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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

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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!

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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.

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• 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!

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

 

May 6, 2022: Issue 31

Traeger Tales 

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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.  😃

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd! 

 

Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd: Our golf outing is back and scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd as the perfect way to start wrapping up the school year! Join us for what’s sure to be a fun Sunday on the course at Lake Breeze in Winneconne. Grab your foursome and participate in the event, volunteer to help the day of, and/or be a sponsor! The sponsorship form can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1giPB2QAk5sP8hA5jgfwIuizCdcOXg8GQR3ExVYPcp74/edit and the registration form is located at https://traeger.ptboard.com/formvw?store=2434&form=2! We absolutely cannot wait for another great outing and hope to see you all there!

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• May 9
  • Workout Wear Theme Day
• May 10
  • School Colors Theme Day
• May 11
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • Bike to School Day
  • Be Bright Be Bold Be Seen Theme Day
• May 12
  • Favorite Hat Theme Day
  • PSC mtg. 5:00pm
• May 13
  • Favorite Team Shirt/Jersey Theme Day
• 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
• June 1
  • Grade 2 to Green Bay Botanical Gardens
  • Grade 3 to Bubolz Nature Center
  • Grade 5 to Barlow Planetarim
  • 5th Grade Advancement/Dare Graduation 1:30pm
• June 2
  • Last Day of School!

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

 

April 29, 2022: Issue 30

Traeger Tales 

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NATIONAL STAFF APPRECIATION NEXT WEEK

Next week is Staff Appreciation Week!  It is a time to thank the men and women who dedicate their days to educating and supporting your children each day.   We are especially grateful for all the extra efforts of our staff during the pandemic!  If your child/family would like to write a personal message to a staff member follow this LINK or this LINK for a template.  Children can bring completed notes to school any time next week.

The Traeger Staff is a dedicated team, focused on helping students achieve their fullest potential while engaging them in the learning process.  As a staff we also recognize the important role that parents and families play in a child’s education.  Thank you for your involvement with your child.  The partnership between home and school is important and we appreciate you!

 Thank you for sharing your children with us each day! 

~Mrs. G. 😃

A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light the way for others."

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I Am A Teacher

By John Wayne "Jack" Schlatter (Adapted from his book I Am A Teacher)

I was born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of a child.

Throughout the course of a day I am called upon to be an actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of lost articles, money lender, psychologist, substitute parent and a keeper of the faith.

I am the most fortunate of all who labor. I know that what I build with love and truth, will last forever. I am privileged to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas and friendships.

And who do I have to thank for this wonderful life I am so fortunate to experience? You, the public and the parents who entrust to me their greatest contribution to eternity, their children.

I have wept for joy at the weddings of former students, laughed with glee at the birth of their children and stood with head bowed in grief and confusion by graves dug too soon for bodies far too young.

I have a past that is rich in memories, I have a present that is challenging, and fun, because I am allowed to spend my days with the future.

I Am A Teacher And I Am Thankful For It Every Day.

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Bike to School WeekCarl Traeger Elementary will be celebrating Bike to School Week May 9-13!  We have lots of great activities planned!  On May 11 we would like to do a bike train.   We have some staff and celebrity riders that will be joining us.  Watch for more information about Bike to School Week next Friday in Traeger Tales!

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    It’s Tick Season!!  

I know, it’s not something to be excited about, but we can learn about ticks to make tick season more tolerable. The beautiful playground and woods surrounding our school are the exact type of area that ticks love to live in. So, what can our students do to prevent ticks from attaching to their skin? 

Students should watch for ticks on their clothes when entering the building in the morning and after any recess. If the tick is crawling on their skin or clothes they should remove the tick immediately and notify a teacher or recess supervisor. If a student finds a tick that is already attached to their skin they should come to the health office as soon as they notify their teacher. While we are unable to remove the attached tick at school, we will call and notify parents what we have found. Parents can then come to school and remove the tick or take the child home to remove the tick. Please remember that if you do remove an attached tick at home it is best to keep the tick in a clear baggie in case you later need to identify the type of tick. 

The CDC has great information on tick removal, bite prevention and when to contact a doctor after a tick bite. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at elizabeth.lynch@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

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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!

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Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd! 

 

Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd: Our golf outing is back and scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd as the perfect way to start wrapping up the school year! Join us for what’s sure to be a fun Sunday on the course at Lake Breeze in Winneconne. Grab your foursome and participate in the event, volunteer to help the day of, and/or be a sponsor! The sponsorship form can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1giPB2QAk5sP8hA5jgfwIuizCdcOXg8GQR3ExVYPcp74/edit and the registration form is located at https://traeger.ptboard.com/formvw?store=2434&form=2! We absolutely cannot wait for another great outing and hope to see you all there!

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• May 2
  • Pajama Theme Day
• May 3
• School Colors Them Day
• May 4
  • Star Wars/Space Theme Day
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• May 5
  • Dress Like a Rock Star Theme Day
• May 6
  • Wear Bright Colors/Sunglasses Theme Day
• May 11
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • Bike to School Day-Be Bright Be Bold Be Seen Theme Day
• May 12
  • PSC mtg. 5:00pm
• May 17
  • Kindergarten to YMCA
• May 19
  • K-Kids 6:00p
• May 22
  • PSC Golf Outing
• May 27
  • Kindergarten to Westhaven Circle Park
• May 30
  • No School - Memorial Day
• June 1
  • Grade 2 to Green Bay Botanical Gardens
  • Grade 3 to Bubolz Nature Center
  • 5th Grade Advancement/Dare Graduation 1:30pm
• June 2
  • Last Day of School!

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

 

 

April 22, 2022: Issue 29

Traeger Tales 

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How To Teach Your Kids To Care About Other People-Empathy is a skill parents can cultivate.

As deep-seated divisions, vitriol and disturbing news fill headlines, many people are wondering what happened to the qualities of empathy and kindness in our society.

In the same vein, many parents are wondering how to raise kids who will be a force for love and goodness in the face of bitterness and hate.

Huffington Post spoke to psychologists, parents and other experts about how to instill empathy in children.

Talk About Feelings

“The gateway to empathy is emotional literacy,” said Michele Borba, an educational psychologist and the author of numerous parenting books, including UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World.

A simple way to foster emotional literacy is by promoting face-to-face communication in the age of texting and smartphones. “Digital-driven kids aren’t necessarily learning emotions when they pick emojis,” Borba said. “Make it a rule in your house to always look at the color of the talker’s eyes because it will help your child tune in to the other person.”

Another key aspect is teaching kids to identify their own emotions early on. “Use emotional language with kids. Say things like, ‘I see you’re really frustrated,’ or, ‘I see you’re really mad,’” Laura Dell, an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Education, told HuffPost.

“Before children can identify and empathize with other people’s feelings, they need to understand how to process their own feelings,” she continued. “Once they can identify their own emotion, they’re better able to develop those self-regulation skills to control their own emotions ― and then take the next step to understand the emotions of others.”

Ravi Rao, a pediatric neurosurgeon turned children’s show host, believes parents should teach feelings as much as they teach things like colors and numbers.

“You’ll see parents walking through the park and taking every opportunity to ask, ‘What color is that man’s jacket?’ ‘What color is the bus?’ ‘How many trees are there?’” he explained. “You can also practice emotion by saying things like, ‘Do you see the woman over there? Does she look happy or does she look sad?’”

Rao also recommends playing a “guess what I’m feeling” game at home by making happy or sad faces and asking your children to identify the emotion. “You just get their brains in the habit of noticing the signals on other people’s faces.”

Once kids have a better sense of emotions and how things make them feel, you can ask them about the emotional perspectives of others. “You can ask things like, ‘How do you think it made Tommy feel when you took his toy?’ or, ‘That made Mommy really sad when you hit me,’” said Borba.

Use Media To Your Advantage

Watching TV or reading books together presents another great opportunity to cultivate empathy, according to Madeleine Sherak, a former educator and the author of Superheroes Club, a children’s book about the value of kindness.

“Discuss instances when characters are being kind and empathetic, and similarly, discuss instances when characters are being hurtful and mean,” she suggested. “Discuss how the characters are probably feeling and possible scenarios of how the situations may have been handled differently so as to ensure that all characters are treated kindly.”

Borba recommends engaging in emotionally charged films and literature like The Wednesday Surprise, Charlotte’s Web, Harry Potter and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Set An Example

Parents need to walk the walk and model empathy themselves, noted Rao.

“Kids will pick up on more things than just what you say. You can say, ‘Pay attention to other people’s feelings,’ but if the child doesn’t perceive or witness you paying attention to people’s feelings, it doesn’t necessarily work,” he explained.

Rao emphasized the importance of parents using language to convey their own emotional states by saying things like, “Today, I’m really frustrated,” or, “Today, I’m really disappointed.” They can practice empathy when role-playing with dolls or action figures or other games with kids as well.

It’s also necessary for parents to recognize and respect their children’s emotions, according to Dell.

“For kids to show empathy to us and others, we need to show empathy to them,” she explained. “Of course it’s tough as a parent trying to get multiple kids to put on their clothes and shoes and get out the door to go to school in the morning. But sometimes it makes a difference to take that pause and say, ‘I see it’s making you really sad that we can’t finish watching ‘Curious George’ this morning, but if we finished it, we wouldn’t be able to make it to school on time, and it’s really important to get to school on time.’”

“It doesn’t mean you have to give in to their wants all the time, but to recognize you understand how they feel in a situation,” she added.

Acknowledge Children’s Acts Of Kindness

“Parents are always praising children for what grades they got or how they did on a test. You can also boost their empathy by letting them know it matters to develop a caring mindset,” said Borba, noting that when children do things that are kind and caring, parents can stop for a moment to acknowledge that.

“Say, ‘Oh, that was so kind when you stopped to help that little boy. Did you see how happy it made him?’” explained Borba. “So your child realizes that caring matters, because you’re talking about it. They then begin to see themselves as caring people and their behavior will match it.”

Expose Them To Differences

“Parents have to help their children grow up and thrive in a diverse society through education about and exposure to others who are different, whether culturally, ethnically, religiously, in physical appearance and ability or disability,” Sherak said.

There are many ways to expose your children to the diversity of the world ― like reading books, watching certain movies and TV shows, eating at restaurants with different cuisines, visiting museums, volunteering in your community, and attending events hosted by various religious or ethnic groups.

“It is also important to follow up such visits and activities with open discussions and additional questions and concerns, if any,” said Sherak. “It is also valuable to discuss differences in the context of our children’s own environments and experiences in the family, at school, in their neighborhoods, and in the larger community.”

Parents can urge local schools to promote cross-cultural awareness in their curricula as well, said Rao.

“We also just have to eliminate jokes about race and culture from our homes,” he added. “Maybe back in the day making jokes about race like Archie Bunker seemed acceptable and part of what the family did when they got together on holidays. But that actually undermines empathy if the first thought a child learns about a race or group of people is something derogatory learned from humor. It can be very hard to then overcome that with other positive messages.”

Own Up To Your Mistakes

“If you make a mistake and behave rudely toward someone who messes up at a store checkout, for example, I think you should acknowledge that mistake to kids,” said Dell. After the bad moment, parents can say something like, “Wow I bet she had a lot on her hands. There were a lot of people at the store right then. I should’ve been a little kinder.”

Acknowledging and talking about your own lapses in empathy when your kids are there to witness them makes an impression. “Your child is right there watching, seeing everything,” Dell explained. “Own up to moments you could’ve made better choices to be kinder to the people around you.”

Make Kindness A Family Activity

Families can prioritize kindness with small routines like taking time at dinner every night to ask everyone to share two kind things they did, or writing down simple ways to be caring that they can all discuss together, said Borba. Playing board games is another way to learn to get along with everybody.

Borba also recommended volunteering together as a family or finding ways that your children enjoy giving back.

“If your kid is a sports guru, then helping him do arts and crafts with a less privileged kid might not be the best match, but you can find other opportunities for face-to-face giving that match their interests,” she explained. “Help them realize the life of giving is better than the life of getting.”

Families might also consider writing down their own mission statements, suggested Thomas Lickona, a developmental psychologist and author of How to Raise Kind Kids: And Get Respect, Gratitude, and a Happier Family in the Bargain.

“[It’s] a set of ‘we’ statements that express the values and virtues you commit to live by ― for example, ‘We show kindness through kind words and kind actions’; ‘We say we’re sorry when we’ve hurt someone’s feelings’; ‘We forgive and make up when we’ve had a fight,’” he explained.

Lickona also recommended holding everyone accountable to the family values at weekly family meetings centered around questions like, “How did we use kind words this week?” and, “What would help us not say unkind things even if we’re upset with somebody?”

“When kids slip into speaking unkindly ― as nearly all sometimes will ― gently ask for a ‘redo,’” he said. “‘What would be a kinder way to say that to your sister?’ Make it clear that you’re asking for a redo not to embarrass them, but to give them a chance to show that they know better. Then thank them for doing so.”

Another piece of advice from Lickona: Just look around.

“Even in today’s abrasive, angry, and often violent culture, there are acts of kindness all around us. We should point these out to our children,” he said. “We should explain how kind words and kind deeds, however small ― holding the door for someone, or saying ‘thank you’ to a person who does us a service ― make a big impact on the quality of our shared lives.”  ~Mrs. G. 😃

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PSC Culver's NightDon’t mess with the hassle of making dinner and go out to eat at Culver’s with the family. Stop by Culver’s on Westowne on Monday, April 25th between 4:30pm-7:00pm and a 10% of sales during that time will go to our school! Be sure to bring your flyer (your student will be bringing this home) with in order for us to receive the credit. Reach out to CarlTPSC@gmail.com with questions.Thank you!

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100 Reasons to Love Reading

In honor of Scholastic's 100th Anniversary, it asked a hundred of its authors and illustrators to answer the question: What's a reason you love reading?
 

Here is what Katherine Applegate, author of Animorphs, Remnants, Everworld, and other book series, had to say:

Reading gives you the power to understand

If you can read this sentence, congrats. You are in possession of the most amazing superpower on the planet.

Nothing as mundane as something you'd find in the MCU or the DC Universe, None of that invisibility or telekinesis stuff. No turning into animals after you acquire their DNA.

Nope. This is way better.

Reading gives you the power to understand.

 To understand others. Your family. Your friends. Your dog. To understand yourself. Your moods. Your fears. Your hopes. To understand the world. The present. The past. And most importantly, the future.

Maybe you're thinking, Meh. I'd rather be able to morph into, say, a red-tailed hawk. (And yeah, that would be pretty cool.)

But here's the thing. When you understand the world, you can change the world. And in case you haven't noticed, the world could really use some changing.

Superpowers evolve in strange ways. Maybe you're bitten by a radioactive spider. Maybe you travel to Earth from another planet. Maybe you touch a glowing blue cube.

Or maybe you simply open a book and begin to read.

How does your reading superpower work? Well, as you read, you become part of the story. You imagine. You empathize. You participate.

Participation. That's what separates reading a book from all other forms of entertainment. Movies and TV show you. Books need you.

Movies and TV show you the action, the setting, the characters. There it all is, right in front of you on the screen. Filmmakers lay it out for you, like a meal in a restaurant, all cooked and plated and garnished.

Books don't do that. The difference between a book and a screenplay is that the screenplay is a set of instructions for a whole bunch of other people: producers, directors, casting agents, cameramen, stunt coordinators, wardrobe folks, props guys, tech wizards ... on and on it goes.

When you read a book, all of those jobs are yours. You aren't just a bit player. The whole enterprise depends on you and your imagination.

Movies and TV are incredible. But let's face it, your pet cat can watch TV. It's not that it isn't involving, but you can sort of turn your brain down to a low setting and watch a TV show. You aren't contributing: you're just watching. Your name does not appear in the credits.

Ah, but with a book, you're necessary. You fill in the gaps, expand the ideas, make characters live. A screenplay cannot come alive without a whole crew of professionals.

A book needs just you.

Every time you read-every time you participate in a story-you understand the world just a little bit better. The more you read, the more your superpower grows, and the more you can change yourself and the world around you.

Now get to work. The universe needs you. No pressure

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SAVE THE DATE!!!

This year is going to be our best field day yet!! Field day is set for Tuesday, May 31. There will be opportunities to volunteer in the morning (with set up) or in the afternoon to help run stations. More info to come!!

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Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd! 

 

Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd: Our golf outing is back and scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd as the perfect way to start wrapping up the school year! Join us for what’s sure to be a fun Sunday on the course at Lake Breeze in Winneconne. Grab your foursome and participate in the event, volunteer to help the day of, and/or be a sponsor! The sponsorship form can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1giPB2QAk5sP8hA5jgfwIuizCdcOXg8GQR3ExVYPcp74/edit and the registration form is located at https://traeger.ptboard.com/formvw?store=2434&form=2! We absolutely cannot wait for another great outing and hope to see you all there!

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• April 25
  • PSC Culver's Night 4:30-7:00pm
• April 26
  • Aronson/Demeny Field Trip to Paine Art Center
• April 27
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• May 4
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• May 11
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • Bike to School Day-Be Bright Be Bold Be Seen Theme Day
• May 12
  • PSC mtg. 5:00pm
• May 19
  • K-Kids 6:00p
• May 22
  • PSC Golf Outing
• May 30
  • No School - Memorial Day
• June 1
  • Grade 2 to Green Bay Botanical Gardens
  • Grade 3 to Bubolz Nature Center
  • 5th Grade Advancement/Dare Graduation 1:30pm
• June 2
  • Last Day of School!

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

 

 

April 14, 2022: Issue 28

Traeger Tales 

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BINGO Returns!

Friday evening, April 22, the cries of “Bingo!” will echo through the school cafeterias as we gather for our annual Spring Bingo & Basket Raffle event! Join us for a fabulous evening of fun! Doors will open at 4:30 with concessions available and browsing of the popular classroom baskets, which will be given away at the end of the evening. Admission is $1 per person, and each child will receive 5 basket tickets as they enter. As we play BINGO from 5:30 to 7:00, the prizes will include additional basket tickets. At 7:00, we will stop playing BINGO and all tickets will be turned in for the basket drawings. The drawings will begin at about 7:10 and conclude around 7:30. There will also be adult raffle tickets on sale for $1 or 6 for $5. Back for another year! We will play "Heads or Tails" - free for the children, $1.00 for adults. We will also have tickets available for purchase for a 50/50 raffle and a chance to win one of our adult raffle baskets. Volunteer information can be found below. We need your help to make this wonderful event possible! Classroom theme basket information went home. Basket items are due back Tuesday, April 19.  Basket themes can be found at the LINK.  Join us for the fun! I look forward to seeing you at BINGO!  ~Mrs. G. 😃

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Bingo Night is one week away and we need YOU to help make it yet another success!

Head to https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=eYmYqEXKQUigXTBTOu7fcXN___6E7b7Zt3___oA9xfD6 to see what volunteer opportunities are available and how you can help!

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Flags for First Graders

Last week our first grade classes had some special guests from Voiture 751-40 & 8. The program includes a magic show that has the first graders putting red and white ribbons, 50 stars, and some thread into a magic container.

With the help of some magic dust and the kids providing the magic word “abracadabra” at the top of their lungs, a flag is magically formed. With the newly formed flag in place the students recite the Pledge Of Allegiance. The program also includes a little flag history, flag etiquette, the proper flag folding procedure, and a short question and answer period. The program concludes with the students receiving their own small flag on a wood base. The wood bases for the flags are made using wood donated by local businesses and are manufactured by local high school industrial arts classes.

This year’s schedule will visit every public and parochial school in Winnebago County and provide flags to over 2000 first graders. The 40 & 8 is an independent veteran's organization of men and women U.S. Veterans. The name originates from World War I when troops were transported to the front lines in French boxcars called voitures. On the side of each boxcar was stamped the numbers 40/8, meaning the boxcar could hold either forty men or eight horses. Thank you members of the 40 & 8 for your generosity!

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With the advent of warmer weather we have noticed kids arriving earlier to school.  Our staff work day begins at 7:30am so kids should not be arriving before that time.  Thank you for your help in ensuring that kids are safe and supervised!

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6th Grade Immunization Requirements

Your 5th grade child will need the Tdap immunization before entering 6th grade as required by Wisconsin State Law.

If  you choose to sign a waiver, please contact your school office or click on this link to obtain the paperwork.  You will need to fill out Step 1, Step 4, and Step 5, sign and and return to your school before the start of 6th grade.

Please inform your school office of the immunizations your child has received.

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PSC SOCK SALE!

Check out these fun new Traeger spirit socks! Kid + adult sizes available. Ordering is only available for one week. Make sure that your order forms make it to the office by Tuesday April 19th. Order forms went home with students this week, but you can print one at the LINK.

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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 April 21st - 6 pm - Library 

• Recycling Right Update

• Day by Day and Hope Fridge Update

• Teacher Appreciation May 2nd - May 6th Project

• Prepare for May Officer Elections 

• Our last Meeting is Thursday May 19th! 

 

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 

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Unnecessary vehicle idling is a contributor to air pollution and increased health risk in our community.
One of the areas where unnecessary idling occurs the most is at our school when children are being
dropped off or picked up. High concentrations of idling vehicles greatly increase the presence of toxic
chemicals such as; nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. By turning our
engines off in school zones, we can drastically decrease the amount of toxic chemicals that we release
near our children. Join us in creating a healthier environment for our children.

Facts about vehicle idling:
1. Children take in more air than adults per pound of body weight, therefore children near idling
take in more harmful emissions than adults.
2. Athletes take in even more air during practices and games.
3. Idling prolongs the cold start period for an engine, leading to increased amounts of emissions.
4. Stopping an engine for a short time ( from several seconds to a few minutes) reduces the fuel
consumption of gasoline vehicles, while idling vehicles continued to consume fuel during the
idling process.
5. The higher the concentration of idling cars, the higher the concentration of
pollutants/ particulates entering the air.
6. Emissions have shown an increased effect of asthma symptoms in 7- 8% of the population,
especially for young children ( American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
2005)

What you can do:
1. Reduce your idling in school zones and near children' s sporting events.
2. Talk with other parents about idling. Pass along the message to stop vehicle idling in school
zones.
3. Consider carpooling to reduce emissions.
4. Reduce your idling during other times of non-moving traffic (trains, open bridges, etc.)

Please join us as we seek to reduce the level of idling in the City of Oshkosh, and, in particular, at our
Oshkosh Area Schools. Thank you for taking steps to provide your child with a healthier school
environment.

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PSC Culver's NightDon’t mess with the hassle of making dinner and go out to eat at Culver’s with the family. Stop by Culver’s on Westowne on Monday, April 25th between 4:30pm-7:00pm and a 10% of sales during that time will go to our school! Be sure to bring your flyer (your student will be bringing this home) with in order for us to receive the credit. Reach out to CarlTPSC@gmail.com with questions.Thank you!

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Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd! 

 

Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd: Our golf outing is back and scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd as the perfect way to start wrapping up the school year! Join us for what’s sure to be a fun Sunday on the course at Lake Breeze in Winneconne. Grab your foursome and participate in the event, volunteer to help the day of, and/or be a sponsor! The sponsorship form can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1giPB2QAk5sP8hA5jgfwIuizCdcOXg8GQR3ExVYPcp74/edit and the registration form is located at https://traeger.ptboard.com/formvw?store=2434&form=2! We absolutely cannot wait for another great outing and hope to see you all there!

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Wisconsin Forward Exam testing has begun!  Please ensure that your child is in school on their scheduled testing days. Makeups are challenging to schedule and result in lost instructional time.

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OUT OF THIS WORLD STUDENTS!

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

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PSC Meeting: Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 

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

Meeting Highlights

Link to full meeting notes

 5:00-6:00 PM  BINGO & CRAFT FAIR Committee Meeting

1. BINGO update – Megan

   1. Pizza - pending delivery confirmation from Lil C’s Corporate 

   2. Registration - utilizing middle and elementary doors – split by alphabet

   3. Volunteers - need more for concessions – may shift from prize patrol

   4. Adult raffle - Need to track number of tickets sold

   5. Classroom baskets – Mary needs helpers next week M/T/W from 8-10:30 (come to elementary cafeteria)

2. CRAFT FAIR update – Nichole 

   1. Vendors - still looking to fill openings in hallway

   2. Concessions/Food Truck - working to secure Food Truck vendors – 

   3. Yard signs - use what we have and promote on social media

 

6:00-7:00 PM  Monthly PSC Meeting 

1. Treasurer update – Alicia

   1. Bracelets – sell at Bingo night – use remainder for staff appreciation

   2. Transfer budget for PT Board subscription to 5th grade gift

   3. Release any amount above what’s budgeted for Bingo to School Enhancement

   4. Move budget from monthly staff appreciation to weekly due to donations received

2. Teacher Appreciation Week – Nichole

   1.  Monday – donuts/coffee – Nichole/Jess

   2. Tuesday – snacks – Donna R.

   3. Wednesday – Fruit – Alicia

   4. Thursday – Taco bar – Melissa F.

   5. Friday – dessert – Heather

   6. K-Kids giving sunflower seeds and providing raffle baskets

3. SOAR Residency – Mrs. G

   1. Copper Box - May 4-6 - PSCS funded half of the residency

4. End of Year Dance – Mandy

   1. Secure volunteers to hand out popsicles and monitor doors

5. Bike to School week – Nichole

   1. May 9-13 - Tickets for bike to school and wearing helmets 

   2. Bike donation pending 

6. Field Day – Nichole/Heidi

   1. Secured 7 sponsors for bounce houses/t-shirts - looking for total of 15 

   2. Paper form for shirt sizes will go home on April 25th

   3. Need 20x20 tent because going to be outside all day

7. Tamaras – no update

8. Upcoming Fundraisers: 

   1. BINGO – April 22nd

   2. Culvers – April 25th – flyer going home on 4/14 

   3. Golf outing – May 22nd – registration is open – looking for sponsors

   4. Sock sale - $7/each – no minimum purchase

   5. 5th grade gift – gum/hat day to support donation to Makers Space - allocate dollar amount to each classroom

9. VOLUNTEER opportunities:

   1. BooHoo Wahoo Kindergarten Breakfast – outgoing kindergarten parent 

   2. Teacher meals for Get to Know You (GTKY) Conferences – August 29th

   3. PSC Table at Open House – shifts to hand out flyers/magnets

10. Summer events

    1. Ice cream party @ Rhapsodies – June 2nd

    2. Pool night @ Pollock Pool – July 22nd

    3. Bowling @ Rev’s – August 6th

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• April 20
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 21
  • K-Kids 6:00pm 
• April 22 
  • Amel/Kordus Field Trip to Paine Art Center
  • BINGO Night - 5:30-7:00pm
• April 25
  • PSC Culver's Night 4:30-7:00pm
• April 26
  • Aronson/Demeny Field Trip to Paine Art Center
• April 27
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• May 4
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• May 11
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • Bike to School Day-Be Bright Be Bold Be Seen Theme Day
• May 12
  • PSC mtg. 5:00pm
• May 19
  • K-Kids 6:00p
• May 22
  • PSC Golf Outing
• May 30
  • No School - Memorial Day
• June 1
  • Grade 2 to Green Bay Botanical Gardens
  • Grade 3 to Bubolz Nature Center
  • 5th Grade Advancement/Dare Graduation 1:30pm
• June 2
  • Last Day of School!

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

 

 

April 8, 2022: Issue 27

Traeger Tales 

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severe weather awareness week

This week was Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state of Wisconsin.  On April 7 we practiced a tornado watch followed by a drill as part of the state-wide observance. In this situation, students are asked to move to their safe area and take the safety “tuck” position.

 

Did you know...

• Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually? Last year Wisconsin had 40 confirmed tornadoes, but the state has had as many as 62 in one year!

• Peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August but can occur any time. Kenosha had tornadoes as part of the January 7, 2008 storms.

• Tornadoes are most frequent between 4 PM and 9 PM.

• About 80% of tornadoes that hit Wisconsin are relatively weak, with winds under 110 mph. Only 1% are violent with winds over 170 mph.

~Source: Wisconsin Department of Emergency Management

Our school tornado drill is a great reminder to families to be sure everyone knows the safest place at home to go in the event of a tornado. Wishing you a safe spring!  ~Mrs. G. 😃

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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 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.

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.

And Sarah has created a mashup dinner menu.

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.

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PLANNING FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEARThis annual enrollment process is required and secures a student’s place at school for the next
school year. The process is done through the Infinite Campus (IC) Parent Portal and includes
updating demographic and contact information. NOTE: Fees and payments for the 2022-2023
school year cannot be paid until mid-August, additional information will be provided at that time.

● Instructions: CLICK HERE for Step-by-Step Instructions | CLICK HERE for a Quick Guide (simplified instructions)
     ○ NOTE: This process should be completed on a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. It is not recommended to use a cell phone.
     ○ SUGGESTION: New! Follow these instructions to set up a recovery email to be able to use the IC username/password reset function so you always have immediate access to your IC Portal.

● Link: CLICK HERE to log in to your Infinite Campus (IC) Parent Portal and click on the “Online Registration” link (located on the bottom left side of the home screen)
     ○ HELP: If you do not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account OR need your password reset complete the following form: https://forms.gle/bEXT8Wd8t5c2dcTC8

● Contact: If you have any questions or need assistance during the online annual enrollment process you can contact your child’s school office OR the OASD Administration Office at 920.424.0395.

● In-person Support: If you need in-person assistance/access to a device or internet, a Central Registration Day will be held at Oshkosh North High School on August 9, 2022. More information will be provided in the coming months.

Additional information regarding the 2022-23 school year, including important dates, will be
provided to families by their child(ren)’s school.

Thank you for choosing the Oshkosh Area School District for your student’s educational
experience. We look forward to continuing to work with your family to meet your student’s
individual needs and provide them with the best education possible.

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Bingo Night is three weeks away and we need YOU to help make it yet another success!

Head to https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=eYmYqEXKQUigXTBTOu7fcXN___6E7b7Zt3___oA9xfD6 to see what volunteer opportunities are available and how you can help!

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PSC Culver's NightDon’t mess with the hassle of making dinner and go out to eat at Culver’s with the family. Stop by Culver’s on Westowne on Monday, April 25th between 4:30pm-7:00pm and a 10% of sales during that time will go to our school! Be sure to bring your flyer (your student will be bringing this home) with in order for us to receive the credit. Reach out to CarlTPSC@gmail.com with questions.Thank you!

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Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd! 

Our golf outing is back and scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd as the perfect way to start wrapping up the school year! Join us for what’s sure to be a fun Sunday on the course at Lake Breeze in Winneconne. Grab your foursome and participate in the event, volunteer to help the day of, and/or be a sponsor! The sponsorship form can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1giPB2QAk5sP8hA5jgfwIuizCdcOXg8GQR3ExVYPcp74/edit and the registration forms will open soon! We absolutely cannot wait for another great outing and hope to see you all there!

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PSC Meeting: April 12th, 2022 

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
   

5:00-6:00 PM    BINGO & CRAFT FAIR Committee Meeting 

1. BINGO update- Megan

   1. Raffle ticket reporting- Alicia

   2. Best method paying for pizzas- Alicia

2. Craft Fair update- Nichole

   1. Vendor Update

   2. How many similar products?

1. Concession Update

   1. Food license?

2. Reservation for Oct 14th setup & Oct 15th event for elementary and middle school side

3. Yard signs

6:00-7:00 Monthly PSC Meeting

LINK to join virtually

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg 

   1. Summer mail heads up

2. Teacher Appreciation Week - Nichole

   1. Monday- Donuts/Coffee-Nichole/Jessca

   2. Tuesday-Snacks- Donna R.

   3. Wednesday-Fruit-Alicia 

   4. Thursday-Taco Bar- Melissa F.

   5. Friday-Desert-Heather

   6. K-kids project-Alicia 

3. SOAR Residency - Copper Box May 4-6

4. End of year Dance Party- Mandy

5. Bike to school week-Nichole

6. Field Day-Nichole/Heidi

7. Tamara’s-Erin

8. UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS- 

   1. BINGO April 22nd

   2. Culvers-April 25th

   3. Golf Outing- May 22nd

   4. Fifth Grade Gift

9. Volunteering Opportunities

   1. Boo Wahoo Breakfast

   2. Teacher Meals-GTKY

   3. PSC table at Open House

10. Make thank you cards for all teachers

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Wisconsin Forward Exam testing has begun!  Please ensure that your child is in school on their scheduled testing days. Makeups are challenging to schedule and result in lost instructional time.

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• April 12
  • PSC 6:00pm
• April 13
  • Early Release 
  • No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 14
  • Grade 2 Field Trip to Discovery World
• April 15
  • No School
• April 20
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 21
  • K-Kids 6:00pm 
• April 22 
  • Amel/Kordus Field Trip to Paine Art Center
  • BINGO Night - 5:30-7:00pm
• April 25
  • PSC Culver's Night 4:30-7:00pm
• April 26
  • Aronson/Demeny Field Trip to Paine Art Center
• April 27
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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 

 

 

April 1, 2022: Issue 26

Traeger Tales 

How Hard Should You Push Your Child to Try New Things?

One of the many challenges of being a parent is knowing how hard to push your child into something new — or to stick with something they’re thinking of giving up on — and when to back off. I’m a mom of two and I often feel myself bouncing between being pushy and relaxed. Like: No, you don’t have to play sports if you don’t think it’s your thing. Sure, you can skip that camp you’re nervous about. But also, you need to be brave when things feel frightening and learn to seize new opportunities even when you feel unsure. And on it goes.

Of course, knowing when you’re pushing too hard, or not pushing enough, is an art, not a science, and a very specific one at that. No one can ever really say where that sweet spot is, and parents and kids might never see eye to eye. (Twenty years later, my own mom still sometimes laments that I gave up the trumpet, an instrument I was truly terrible at, in high school.)

Are you trying to figure out when to push your child to try something new, or empowering them to quit something they say they’re not into? Here’s some guidance to have in mind.

“Ask yourself: Am I doing this for me or for them?”

Again, no one can tell you whether you’re doing the right thing by pushing your child to try something that they’re not particularly excited about. But a quick gut check can help.

“Get clear about why you’re asking your child to do something new,” said Robbin McManne, founder of Parenting for Connection.

Ask yourself: Are they doing this for me? Or am I doing this for them?

As parents, we sometimes push kids into things that have more to do with ourselves for any number of reasons. We may be comparing them and ourselves to other kids and families, and are feeling worried about falling behind. Or maybe we were pushed into certain things when we were a child. Maybe we’re holding on to the idea that kids “should” do certain things, but we’re not even really clear where that idea comes from.

On the other hand, you might be pushing your kiddo because you really think this is an important experience, whatever it is, and one that will really help them in the long run. And there are benefits to pushing kids beyond their comfort zone — for the right reasons.

“We know that being able to tolerate discomfort is a wonderful life trait, and in addition to that, it makes [kids] grittier and more resilient,” said Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founding president of the Child Mind Institute, in a blog post on the group’s website.

So really ask yourself: “Are you meeting them where they’re at, or where you think they should be?” McManne said.

Get curious

In order to determine how hard you should push your child, it is essential to have a good understanding of why they’re resisting or putting up boundaries.

“Curiosity is everything,” McManne said. “Ask them why? How come?”

That might sound obvious, but when we’re busy parenting — and feeling frustrated that our kids aren’t just going along with our plans — it’s easy to stop taking that time to get to the root of children’s hesitancy. Maybe there’s a problem you can solve together. Or maybe your child is really showing you a personal boundary that you should respect.

“Ask yourself: Are they doing this for me? Or am I doing this for them?”

Helping children develop emotional intelligence, or EQ, from a young age can help with this process, because it helps them name what they’re feeling.

Sometimes when you probe why your child isn’t interested in something you think they should be, you might uncover a bigger underlying issue that you can help with.

“Sometimes when pushing kids you bump into a real limitation. It can be an anxiety disorder, or a learning disability,” Koplewicz explained on the CMI website. It’s not that they don’t want to do it; it’s that it’s genuinely too hard without additional and specific support.

Ease them in

When your child is really reluctant to try something new, it is important to be respectful of that, McManne said, and go slow. Just like you’d probably like someone to take their time and be gentle with you if you were learning a new skill or, say, starting a new job and trying to learn the ropes.

“You offer compromises,” she said. So say you have a toddler who is really reluctant to go into the pool at swim lessons. Model confidence, McManne said, and take it slow. Maybe they just put their feet in at first. Maybe you sit at the edge of the pool with them. Again, your goal is to meet them where they are — then nudge them forward.

McManne said she often talks to clients about an idea from the book “The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity and Resilience in Your Child,” which talks about how parents have to provide some “pushin’” while also acting as the “cushion.”

Encourage your child to try new things and work through discomfort, as that is a skill that will help them develop resilience and serve them well in life. But respect their boundaries and be empathetic.

“You need to be that soft place for your child to land,” McManne said. (Source: Huffington Post)

~Mrs G. 😃   

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March Madness of Books!

 During the month of March each year, we do a Sweet 16 competition of picture books. K-2nd grade classes read 8 books and vote on them to their final one and 3rd-5th read the other 8 books and vote on them to their final one. Now we need your help! We need you to help us decide which book should be our winner! Here were our brackets. Here are the final two books: Hardly Haunted and Norman Didn’t Do It. Please watch these with your family and vote here on your favorite. Thanks for your help!

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Please join me in celebrating art made by all our local elementary students. ArtFest is an exhibition of works by Oshkosh Area School District Kindergarten-5th Grade students. The exhibit is open for viewing in the Oshkosh Public Library Lower Level during regular hours from April 1-April 27. A very special shout out to these amazing artists from Carl Traeger Elementary! ~Ms. Moucha

Grade 4

• Aria Anonich (Ceramic Mask)
• Easton Belville (Ceramic Mask)
• Miles Ellis (Metal Facade)
• Devon Janke (Ceramic Mask)
• Oliver Praznik (Ceramic Mask)
• Morgan Sparr (Metal Facade)

Grade 3

• Briza Bryden (Rainbow Eagle)
• Evan Galica (Rainbow Frog)

Grade 2

• Owen Bettger (Rainbow Chalk Animal)
• Elliot Erdmann (3D Painting)
• June Moorhead (Rainbow Chalk Animal)
• Lucy Rahmlow (3D Painting)
• Simon Schiek (3D Painting)
• Vinny Yang (3D Painting)

Grade 1

• Luca Bolanos (Wild Thing)
• Charlotte Sander (Dancing Giraffe)

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Bingo Night is three weeks away and we need YOU to help make it yet another success!

Head to https://traeger.ptboard.com/sgnvw?group=&signup=eYmYqEXKQUigXTBTOu7fcXN___6E7b7Zt3___oA9xfD6 to see what volunteer opportunities are available and how you can help!

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Golf Outing Presented by Soper Companies on May 22nd! 

Our golf outing is back and scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd as the perfect way to start wrapping up the school year! Join us for what’s sure to be a fun Sunday on the course at Lake Breeze in Winneconne. Grab your foursome and participate in the event, volunteer to help the day of, and/or be a sponsor! The sponsorship form can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1giPB2QAk5sP8hA5jgfwIuizCdcOXg8GQR3ExVYPcp74/edit and the registration forms will open soon! We absolutely cannot wait for another great outing and hope to see you all there!

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Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup by Cora Volkening

Dear Traeger families,

Have you ever heard of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup?

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup is an event where volunteers pick up trash in and around the water.

This is a great opportunity because it has open slots with a whole variety of places and times.

The Cleanup provides plastic gloves and trash pickers so that participants do not have to handle the trash.  They also hand out two large garbage bags, one for trash and one for recycling

This program is a lot of fun because you get to explore and hunt for trash near rivers and in woodland areas. It is a great community service activity to do with young children because it is easy and fun.

K-Kids recommends the Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup as a way to help the environment by picking up trash.

Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup takes place May 7th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, follow the link to register  Fox-Wolf Registration  join Carl Traeger Elementary K-Kids team. Some families registered for Oshkosh - Menominee Park, but please register for any site you are feeling connected to.

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Help Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness

Every year, people from around the world join together in support of Autism Awareness Month by lighting up their communities or wearing blue. Join us on April 4 as we Light it Up Blue at Traeger!

---

 

Wisconsin Forward Exam testing has begun!  Please ensure that your child is in school on their scheduled testing days. Makeups are challenging to schedule and result in lost instructional time.

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• April 4
  • Light it Up Blue for Autism Theme Day
• April 6
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 7
  • Kindergarten Field Trip to Kelly's Farmstead
• April 12
  • PSC 6:00pm
• April 13
  • Early Release 
  • No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 14
  • Grade 2 Field Trip to Discovery World
• April 15
  • No School
• April 20
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 21
  • K-Kids 6:00pm 
• April 22 
  • Amel/Kordus Field Trip to Paine Art Center
  • BINGO Night - 5:30-7:00pm
• April 26
  • Aronson/Demeny Field Trip to Paine Art Center
• April 27
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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 

 

 

 

March 18, 2022: Issue 25

Traeger Tales 

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How to Really Love a Child

The end of March is near!! The longer days and warmer sunshine are pleasant reminders that spring is just around the corner. With the “dog days” of winter behind us, it is time to refocus on this opportunity for renewal. I have inserted a poem which I find inspirational, and most importantly, a great reminder of how simple it is to truly LOVE a child. Enjoy!!

How to Really Love a Child

Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Let them bang on pots and pans. If they’re crabby, put them in water. If they’re unlovable, love yourself. Realize how important it is to be a child. Go to a movie theatre in your pajamas. Read books out loud with joy. Invent pleasures together. Remember how really small they are. Giggle a lot.

Surprise them. Say no when necessary. Teach feelings. Heal your own inner child. Learn about parenting. Hug trees together. Make loving safe. Bake a cake and eat it with no hands. Go find elephants and kiss them. Plan to build a rocketship. Imagine yourself magic. Make lots of forts with blankets. Let your angel fly. Reveal your own dreams. Search out the positive. Keep the gleam in your eye. Encourage silly. Plant licorice in your garden. Open up. Stop yelling. Express your love. A lot. Speak kindly. Paint their tennis shoes. Handle with caring. Children are miraculous. By Sark

~Mrs. G. 😃

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Wisconsin Forward Exam testing will begin soon.  Please ensure that your child is in school on their scheduled testing days. Makeups are challenging to schedule and result in lost instructional time.

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PSC Cheesecake Fundraiser!Who doesn't love a good cheesecake?! Order your favorites from one of Oshkosh's favorites, Tamara's The Cake Guru! Head to https://www.cognitoforms.com/TamarasTheCakeGuru/_2022Cheesecake?fbclid=IwAR2U2EsR1hzdZOzMgDgWLQfsGM7n4fKUFDt1X_nzLWd3lOKjl9KTArPngDQ to purchase these for a loved one's birthday, your Easter get together, or just to have for dessert! You have until March 27th (or the last day of Spring Break) to place your orders and pickups will be available at their Westowne location April 1st - 2nd. So get your cheesecake all for a good cause!

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Help Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness

Every year, people from around the world join together in support of Autism Awareness Month by lighting up their communities or wearing blue. Join us on April 4 as we Light it Up Blue at Traeger!

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Online registration for the 2022 Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Summer School program is available through the Infinite Campus (IC) Parent/Student Portal. Online registration will remain open until March 25, 2022.  Detailed course information about all course options, including special camps and registration instructions are available on the OASD Summer School Webpage in the Summer School Course Guide. 

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Traeger Way Bucket Filling

Starting on Monday, March 28, classes will once again 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 rain drops to add to their class bucket which will be displayed in the cafeteria.  Classes will receive a rainbow and an entry to win an ice cream party for every 10 rain drops that they receive between March 28 and April 8.  There will be an ice cream party awarded at the K/1, 2/3, and 4/5 grade levels. 

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PSC Agenda/Minutes

March 10, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Who are we? PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper
• Vice President: Megan Paulik
• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf
• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg
• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

1.     Treasurer Update: Alicia Alsberg

a.     $300+ in account that can donated to Maker Space

b.     Had $200+ deposit in March from AmazonSmile

c.      PuraVida bracelet sales have been stale; bring to upcoming events including the Ice Cream Social to sell

d.     Received $1,635 in checks for the Craft Fair

e.     PTBoard subscription is good through 2024

f.      February Staff Appreciation Month was donated

g.     April 3^rd for Board only meeting to discuss budget

                                               i.     If anyone has anything to add, please let Alicia know before then

2.     Nominating Committee Report – Jessica Graf

a.     Jessica nominates Heather Swenson and Mandy Stein for Co-Secretaries

                                               i.     Motion: Kelly, Alicia

b.     Jessica nominates Nichole Casper for President

                                               i.     Motion: Nichole Casper

3.     President and Secretary Elections – Nichole Casper Included above

4.     Sock Fundraiser – Nichole Casper

a.     Hype reached out to Mrs. G about potential fundraiser:

                                               i.     We would sell socks for $15 per pair

                                              ii.     We would need to pre-order 30 pairs per design

b.     Jessica found a post regarding Sock Concepts for a lesser price

                                               i.     Jessica and Nichole will look into this route as an alternative option

5.     Hwy 44 Pizza – Megan Paulik

a.     We raised $300 both from sales and donations

b.     Is there a way Traeger families can help (similar to Culver’s) when we partner with them in the future?

6.     Herd Game Update – Nichole Casper

a.     Sold 160 tickets and received $322.  Herd has a $100 deposit we would like them to keep for first priority tickets next year

7.     Tamara’s Cheesecake – Erin Anderson

a.     Erin will receive order form link this week, so we can start selling next week. Cost is $20 and we can charge what we want

b.     Pickup is scheduled the first weekend in April

c.      Selected 10 different cheesecakes/combo packages for people to choose from

d.     Can look at having volunteers signup, so vehicles can drive up and volunteers can load their orders in their car. People can signup for timeslots

e.     Received cheesecake samples from Gourmets Delight Inc. (a non-local company) we can do at a later date if interested (they are a little cheaper)

8.     5^th Grade Gift / Maker Space – Jessica Graf

a.     Last year, we hosted a Gum/Hat Day where kids who want to chew gum/wear a hat have to pay $1; would like to do something similar this year

• Proceeds to go to Maker Space
• Jessica to coordinate (maybe on a Friday and do PJ Day)

9.     Venmo alternative meeting IRS regulations for 501c3 (currently have credit card option: Stripe through PTBoard) – Nichole Casper

a.     Remove Venmo; strictly use Stripe

10.  Teacher Appreciation Week May 2^nd – Nichole Casper

a.     Tina/Cedar Yard to have an outdoor sign up in front of the school

b.     Come up with fun-themed days throughout the week:

• Monday – Breakfast (Nichole)
• Tuesday – Snacks (Chips)
• Wednesday – Charcuterie?
• Thursday – Taco bar
• Friday – Treats (Heather)

11.  Golf Outing Update

a.     Sponsorship form is available; will be uploaded to PTBoard (along with registration)

b.     Looking for a Raffle/Games Coordinator

12.  Field Day – Heidi Wara

a.     PSC donates popsicles and a family donated an outdoor inflatable last year; Mrs. Wara would like to get similar donations again this year (money towards the inflatables)

b.     Can look at having proceeds from a fundraiser towards costs for inflatables in future years

13.  Look at Culver’s fundraiser – Jessica Graf

14.  Bingo Night – Katie Zurawski

a.     Winners of adult raffle baskets do not need to be present at the event; can pickup at a later date

b.     Looking for volunteers to help

15.  Summer Fundraisers – Jessica Graf

a.     Ice Cream @ Rhapsodies in June - Jessica

b.     Swimming @ Pollock Pool in July – Jessica

c.      Bowling @ Rev’s in August - Mandy

$25 Kwik Trip gift card winner: Nichole Casper

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A Message From Your School Nurse 

6th Grade Immunization Requirements

(First dose given at age 11, before entering 6th grade)

Your 5th grade child will need the Tdap immunization before entering 6th grade as required by Wisconsin State Law. 

Please inform your school of the immunizations your child has received by emailing the school nurse with your child’s name and date of immunization(s). 

Nurse’s Email: elizabeth.lynch@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

Phone:  920-424-0065 ext. 1324

If  you choose to sign a waiver, please contact your school office or click on this link Student Immunization Record  to obtain the paperwork. You will need to complete Step 1, Step 4 and Step 5, sign and return to your school before the start of 6th grade.

Additional resources: 

Vaccines Recommended at Ages 11-12: What parents should know.  

Tdap Fact Sheet for Parents

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• March 21-25
  • No School - Spring Break
• March 28
  • School Resumes
• March 30
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 4
  • Light it Up Blue for Autism Theme Day
• April 6
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 7
  • Kindergarten Field Trip to Kelly's Farmstead
• April 12
  • PSC 6:00pm
• April 13
  • Early Release 
  • No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 14
  • Grade 2 Field Trip to Discovery World
• April 15
  • No School
• April 20
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• April 21
  • K-Kids 6:00pm 
• April 22 
  • Amel/Kordus Field Trip to Paine Art Center
• April 26
  • Aronson Demeny Field Trip to Paine Art Center
• April 27
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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 

 

 

 

March 11, 2022: Issue 24

Traeger Tales 

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Planning for the 2022-2023 School Year

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Class lists are created with the belief that student needs are best met through heterogeneous/mixed groups that take into consideration such variables as student numbers, boy/girl ratios, student behaviors, and achievement levels. The services of our special education teachers and other academic specialists also impact a student’s placement. As a result, requests for classroom placements are usually not necessary.

The talents of our teachers at Traeger Elementary are diverse. Matching teaching and learning styles requires appropriate knowledge of both the learner and the teacher. In addition, OASD Board Policy charges us with the important task of creating balanced classes. It also includes this statement in the Rule:

“Parent/guardian request for assignment of students to specific teachers prior to receiving notice of placement will be carefully limited to assure an equal opportunity for all students.”

The staff at Traeger Elementary firmly believes in an equal opportunity for all students. We will again utilize the process that was used in the past for classroom placements, considering requests only after balanced classes are first constructed for the upcoming school year.

If parents still would like to submit a request, they must base the request upon a legitimate need of the student, not upon teacher popularity or rumor. Recommendations of other parents are not educational reasons for requesting a teacher. The teacher who may work well with your child’s needs does not necessarily possess the same instructional style that was important for your neighbor’s child or even a brother or sister.

If a parent has an educational reason to support a classroom placement, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Please submit a Request for Specific Teacher of Class Prior to Assignment form, stating the reasons why such a placement is important for your child's education. Forms are available in the office.

• All recommendations should be received in the office no later than Friday, April 8. No requests received after this date will be honored.

The staff at Traeger Elementary is charged with the significant task of creating balanced classes to contribute to the learning environment for ALL students. When parent requests conflict with that goal, honoring the request may not be possible. Due to the need to balance classes, distribute learning abilities, place students together in workable groups, and numerous other variables that must be considered, we are unable to guarantee that requests will be honored. All families will be notified of their child’s classroom placement in August, 2022.

We appreciate our parents as partners in their child’s education. Classroom placements are a very difficult task for our school each year. Thank you for your understanding of the magnitude of this task and its challenges.

~Mrs. G. 😃

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Welcoming Visitors in Our Schools

The Oshkosh Area School District is allowing visitors to return to school buildings. This change is being made based on the continued decrease in COVID cases in our community, as well as the widespread access to the COVID vaccine for those ages 5 and older and booster for those eligible. 

Visitors must follow any COVID mitigation strategies that are in place, including wearing a face covering if an elementary classroom or middle/high school is temporarily requiring face coverings due to COVID spread. 

Please read the following reminders specific to visiting OASD schools during the school day. 

• All OASD schools use a visitor management system (Raptor). Upon entering a school building, visitors are asked to show an ID. If a parent/guardian or visitor does not have an ID, the school staff member can use any form of identification and/or manually enter the person’s name and date of birth into the Raptor system.

• A volunteer application must be completed each year for those that wish to volunteer in one or multiple OASD schools. To learn more and complete the application visit oshkosh.k12.wi.us/families/volunteer. 

We are excited to once again welcome parents/guardians and other visitors into our school. Your involvement and engagement in your students’ education is critical and greatly appreciated! 

ESOL Resources (ESPAÑOL, HMONG, SWAHILI, ARABIC, KAREN, URDU)

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All About Family Dinner Book Club

Time for a new Family Dinner Book Club.  This year we are focusing on social emotional learning and our next topic is- Recognizing Feelings and Emotions,  This month's featured book is Henry at Home by Megan Maynor.

Jodie has compiled a book list of books to get your Family Book Club started. You can see/get the book list here.--->SEE THE BOOK LIST   Laura has created a handy guide that includes all the ideas, conversation starters, and links for you too.  If you would like to sign up for that and have it emailed to you, you can do so HERE. Sarah has a yummy breakfast for dinner menu.--->CHECK IT OUT

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.

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Online registration for the 2022 Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Summer School program is available through the Infinite Campus (IC) Parent/Student Portal. Online registration will remain open until March 25, 2022.  Detailed course information about all course options, including special camps and registration instructions are available on the OASD Summer School Webpage in the Summer School Course Guide. 

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Wisconsin Forward Exam testing will begin soon.  Please ensure that your child is in school on their scheduled testing days. Makeups are challenging to schedule and result in lost instructional time.

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Traeger 3-5 Concert

“Positively Prepared to Perform”

MONDAY, MARCH 14

• 6pm at Alberta Kimball Auditorium-West High School Doors open at 5:15
• Students need to stay with parents until teachers arrive at 5:45pm
• Check out the seating chart to see where the class is seated

 

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STUDENT ART SHOW

On March 5 we had an opening reception at ArtSpace Collective to celebrate Youth Art Month! All schools were represented from the Oshkosh Area School District. Congratulations to Charlie Mattice who has this beautiful rainbow turtle representing Carl Traeger Elementary.

You may also view your artwork throughout the month of March during regular gallery hours. Please note that masks are required in the gallery.

ArtSpace Collective Gallery Hours:

7 Merritt Avenue

Wednesday, Thursday 5:00-8:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm

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

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• March 13
  • Spring Forward - Daylight Savings Time Begins!
• March 14
  • Pi Theme Day - Wear a Shirt with a Number
  • Grade 3-5 Spring Concert 6:00pm
• March 15
  • Leap Into Spring Theme Day-Wear Comfy/Athletic Clothes
• March 16
  • Ready for Break Theme Day-Wear PJs
• March 17
  • Wearin' O'the Green Theme Day
  • 6:00pm K-Kids in LMC
• March 18
  • Dress Like Spring Theme Day-Wear Bright Colors
• March 21-25
  • No School - Spring Break

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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 

 

 

 

March 4, 2022: Issue 23

Traeger Tales 

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using values to guide good decisions

Children learn to tie their shoes, read and write, solve math problems, and remember science facts and events in history. Children can also learn to be good people. You can help children learn to be honest, to care about others, and to make good choices by talking about morals, values, and ethics together.

• Morals describe how to be a good person.
• Values guide decisions about what is right and what is wrong.  
• Ethics are rules about what is right or wrong.

what we know:

• Values, morals, and ethics guide decisions — now and in the future.
• Openly talking about family values can help children feel secure (especially if adults are willing to listen when children have different values).

try this:

When you see your child doing something that you value, notice it and tell your child what you saw that was good.  Be specific. Here are some examples:

• “I noticed how kind you were to Ben when you tried to cheer him up.”  (Value: caring)
• “I really appreciated that you were honest with me about what happened at school.”  (Value: honesty)
• “How generous of you to give one of your stuffed animals to Carmen!”  (Value: kind)
• “You figured out all by yourself how to get the homework assignment you missed. That’s what I call resourceful!” (Value: resourceful)

Positive values you might notice include:

• Hard-working
• Creative
• Caring
• Brave
• Kind
• Dependable
• Loyal
• Motivated
• Honest
• Respectful
• Helpful

For fun:

Talk about your family values. Start with the short list above. Then create a digital “family values” photo book with your child. For example, the next time your child works hard on an project for school, take a picture of her holding it and add the photo to your “family values” photo book. Add a label or hashtag to the photo and tell how the value of hard work played a role in finishing the project.

Talking about values helps children learn to feel, think, and act with respect for themselves and for other people.   Source: UW Extension ~Mrs. G. 😃

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It's not too late to sign up at the LINK!  The form will be open until 8:00am March 7!

This week was Read Across America Week. At the beginning of the year, all classes got a map of the United States. As teachers read a book in class, they would fill in the state that the author is from to show how they are reading across America. While we’ve been working on this all year, we found that a lot of authors are from the same state which had us feeling like we weren’t making progress! If any class finishes their map, though, they get to move on to a world map!

Yearbooks can be ordered at the LINK through March 11 (There was NOT an option to order yearbooks with student photos).  The cost for a yearbook is $14.00.  Yearbooks will be delivered to school in late May.

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Online registration for the 2022 Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Summer School program is be available through the Infinite Campus (IC) Parent/Student Portal. Online registration will open at 8:00am March 7 and will remain open until March 25, 2022.  Detailed course information about all course options, including special camps and registration instructions are available on the OASD Summer School Webpage in the Summer School Course Guide. 

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This year, we have been offering family book club opportunities for all students. Families who wish to participate get a copy of a book with a different theme each month, a discussion guide and thinking journal. This monthly book club allows for families to learn more about ourselves and others through stories and engage in important conversations that help us grow. Mrs. Runde has funding left to provide some family book club opportunities throughout the summer. We would like to gauge interest in order to plan accordingly. Please complete the LINKED SURVEY to express your interest in this opportunity by March 11 in order to allow time for purchasing materials and planning ahead. 

Watch for our next family book club opportunity in an upcoming Traeger Tales. The theme will be “celebrate differences”.

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PSC Agenda/Minutes  

March 10, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

LINK to join virtually

Who are we?  PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

 

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg

2. Nominating Committee Report

3. President and Secretary Elections - Nichole Casper

4. Sock Fundraiser-Nichole

5. Hwy 44 Pizza- Megan 

6. Herd Game Update-Nichole

7. Tamara’s Cheesecake- Erin

8. 5th Grade Gift / Maker Space- Jessica Graf

9. Venmo alternative meeting IRS regulations for 501c3 (currently have credit card option: Stripe through PT Board)

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Spring Reminders 

• Our playground is extremely wet and muddy this time of year! Please consider packing a spare set of clothes in your child’s backpack. This may help avoid a phone call to parents at work for dry clothes if a mud or rain puddle is encountered outside.

•  This is the time of year when Sawyer Creek can overflow and be very dangerous with rushing water. If your child uses the bridges and walking paths, please talk with them about not playing near the creek and being safe.

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Traeger 3-5 Concert

“Positively Prepared to Perform”

 

Mark your calendars...MONDAY, MARCH 14

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

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Spring Concert brought to you by the 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. This concert is entitled “Positively Prepared to Perform!” 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, dynamic drumming and some super kids having a really great time on stage!

We cannot wait to POSITIVELY perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature fun and positive songs and the students are really going to be ROCKING the stage that night. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm (doors will open at 5:15). The concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm. 

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

See you Monday, March 14, 2022

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Schmidt (Music Teacher for Grades 3 and 4)

and Mrs. Cibula (Music Teacher for Grade 5)

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Dear Caregiver,

Wisconsin state law requires schools to provide staff and students with basic awareness materials to prevent suicide. We are sharing this information with all families through the newsletter so that you are also informed of the suicide warning signs. Please contact me or our school counselor if you have any questions about the information or specific concerns regarding your child.

Sincerely,

Mrs. G.

 

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• March 8
  • STEM Night 6:00-7:30pm
• March 9
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• March 10
  • PSC 5:00pm
• March 13
  • Spring Forward - Daylight Savings Time Begins!
• March 14
  • Pi Theme Day - Wear a Shirt with a Number
  • Grade 3-5 Spring Concert 6:00pm
• March 17
  • Wearin' O'the Green Theme Day
  • 6:00pm K-Kids in LMC
• March 21-25
  • No School - Spring Break

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

 

February 25, 2022: Issue 22

Traeger Tales

NEWBERY AWARD WINNERS

This week we will take a look at the 2022 Newbery award winning books.  The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to literature for children. 

 

2022 Medal Winner

The Last Cuentista, written by Donna Barba Higuera, is the 2022 Newbery Medal winner.  There lived a girl named Petra Peña, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita.  But Petra's world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children – among them Petra and her family – have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race.

2022 Honor Books

Red, White, and Whole, written by Rajani LaRocca and published by Quill Tree Books.  Red, White, and Whole is the lyrical and poignant journey of a first generation Indian American girl growing up in the eighties. LaRocca weaves together a beautiful mix of themes– identity, belonging, love, devastating loss, and eighties pop music rendered in seamless verse.

A Snake Falls to Earth, written by Darcie Little Badger and published by Levine Querido.  He's found a new one on the banks of the bottomless lake. Nina and Oli have no idea the other exists. But a catastrophic event on Earth, and a strange sickness that befalls Oli's best friend, will drive their worlds together in ways they haven't been in centuries. And there are some who will kill to keep them apart.

Too Bright to See, written by Kyle Lukoff.  In the wake of his uncle's death, a boy on the cusp of middle school grapples with grief, friendship, and identity. Bug lives in a haunted house, but the ghosts of long ago never bothered him before this summer.

Watercress, written by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin.  Gathering watercress by the side of the road brings a girl closer to her family's Chinese Heritage. Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. ... Together, they make a new memory of watercress.

Happy New Readings! ~Mrs. G.  😃

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Kickstart the work week by making dinner an easy choice: Pizza from Pizza @ Hwy 44! When you order your favorite pizza from Pizza @ Hwy 44, 10% of all sales on Monday, February 28th between 5:00am and 8:00pm will support our school! How cool is that?! Thank you, Pizza @ Hwy 44 and to everyone who participates for this great (and delicious) cause!

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Reservation forms went home with youngest K-5 students this week!

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Yearbooks can be ordered at the LINK through March 11 (There was NOT an option to order yearbooks with student photos).  The cost for a yearbook is $14.00.  Yearbooks will be delivered to school in late May.

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February 28-March 4

It is time to celebrate Read Across America! Although this event was started to commemorate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, it has evolved into a celebration that encourages a love for reading. This year, we will be celebrating the power of books as we explore how books can act as mirrors (to see ourselves), windows (to peek into the lives of others) and sliding glass doors (step inside and experience life from a different perspective).

We encourage you to get involved in this celebration by checking out more books that go with each theme day and engage in conversations about what we can learn about others from the stories we read. Check out our theme days below and some great books that celebrate the diversity of the world!

• Monday: Let’s Celebrate You - Dress up day: Wear something that celebrates what makes you special. 

Find a book that acts just like a mirror for you. Can you see yourself in the characters or the storyline? What can you learn about yourself from the story?

• Tuesday: Look at Those Who Take Action! - Dress up day: Wear a kind message

Find a book that provides a window into the lives of those who take action to create change. How is your life or the lives of others better because of the action these heroes have taken? What action can you take to make a positive change?

• Wednesday: Celebrate Diverse Authors/Illustrators - Dress up day: Dress like your favorite book character or author

Being mindful of the authors of our children’s books helps us to take a step through that sliding glass door to learn more about the lives of others. What did you learn about the characters and their culture? 

• Thursday: Recognize Different Perspectives - Dress up day: Backwards day

Books provide us the opportunity to step through a sliding glass door to experience life in someone else’s shoes. How have books helped you to experience life from someone else’s perspective? How did that change you or your thinking?

• Friday: Learn about Influential Americans - Dress up day: Dress up like someone who inspires you

Wrap up your week by reading books to learn about influential Americans. What do those that influence you and others have in common? How do others inspire you? 

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Traeger 3-5 Concert

“Positively Prepared to Perform”

 

Mark your calendars...MONDAY, MARCH 14

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

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Spring Concert brought to you by the 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. This concert is entitled “Positively Prepared to Perform!” 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, dynamic drumming and some super kids having a really great time on stage!

We cannot wait to POSITIVELY perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature fun and positive songs and the students are really going to be ROCKING the stage that night. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm (doors will open at 5:15). The concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm. 

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

See you Monday, March 14, 2022

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Schmidt (Music Teacher for Grades 3 and 4)

and Mrs. Cibula (Music Teacher for Grade 5)

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• February 28
  • Wear something that celebrates what makes you special Theme Day
  • PSC Pizza Fundraiser - Pizza @ Hwy 44
• March 1
  • Wear a kind message Theme Day
• March 2
  • Dress like your favorite book character or author Theme Day
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• March 3
  • Backwards Theme Day
• March 4
  • Dress up like someone who inspires you Theme Day
  • PSC Herd Night
• March 8
  • STEM Night 6:00-7:30pm
• March 9
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• March 10
  • PSC 5:00pm
• March 13
  • Spring Forward - Daylight Savings Time Begins!
• March 14
  • Pi Theme Day - Wear a Shirt with a Number
  • Grade 3-5 Spring Concert 6:00pm
• March 17
  • Wearin' O'the Green Theme Day
  • 6:00pm K-Kids in LMC
• March 21-25
  • No School - Spring Break

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

February 11, 2022: Issue 21

Traeger Tales

CALDECOTT AWARD WINNERS

February is a great month to take a look at the newest award winning children's books! Recently the American Library Association (ALA) announced the Randolph Caldecott Medal and the John Newbery medal winners! This week I am sharing the Caldecott winners and next week we will look at the Newbery awards.  The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

The 2022 Caldecott Medal Winner is Watercress illustrated by Jason Chin and written by Andrea Wang.  Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents.

2021 Honor Books

Have You Ever Seen a Flower, illustrated and written by Shawn Harris. Have You Ever Seen a Flower? is an enchanting picture book exploring the relationship between childhood and nature. In this simple yet profound story, one child experiences a flower with all five senses—from its color to its fragrance to the entire universe it evokes—revealing how a single flower can expand one's perspective in incredible ways.

Mel Fell, illustrated and written by Corey R. Tabor. Readers will delight in turning their book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, written by Carole Boston.  A powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in our nation's history. The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa's Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community.

Wonder Walkers, illustrated and written by Micha Archer.  When two curious kids embark on a "wonder walk," they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. They have thought-provoking questions for everything they see: Is the sun the world's light bulb? Is dirt the world's skin? Are rivers the earth's veins? Is the wind the world breathing? I wonder . . .

Happy New Readings! ~Mrs. G.  😃

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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!

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Mission

• K-Kids in an international student-led organization providing members with opportunities to perform service, build character and develop leadership. 

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 Tuesday February 15th - 6 pm - Library 

• K-Kids discuss: donate to The Ocean Clean Up

• Special Guest Jessica Hanson: Communications & Program Development Specialist from Winnebago County Solid Waste

• Recycling Right at School - how to continue our efforts - bring your ideas - brainstorm

• March meeting Thursday the 17th

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 

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Fleece Blanket Update!

At the start of every K-Kids meeting we say a pledge “I promise to serve my neighborhood and my school…. I will try to make the world a better place in which to live.”

During the K-Kids December and January meetings we worked together to make 6 fleece blankets.  We elected to donate the blankets to Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Oshkosh Chapter is led by Kathy Marsh and Sandy DeYoung.  Their mission is to build beds for children who are sleeping on the floor.  K-Kids was inspired to help put blankets on the amazing beds Kathy and Sandy were working so hard to build.

“Delivered your blankets to 3 homes this evening.  By absolute chance, they matched perfectly to not only the color scheme, but what the kids loved.” Sandy shared,  “The family loved them!!”

K-Kids were successful in not only serving our neighborhood but also helping make the world a better place in which to live.  A lot to be proud of!

 

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Winter Walk to School Day!

We will be participating in the annual state-wide Winter Walk to School Day on February 23 (weather date March 2). 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!

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Pants Needed!  

Our office clothes closet is in need of some plain black 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 elastic top pants that will be more functional.  If you would like to help out, here is an Amazon link.  You can order and ship right to Traeger!  We are in need of small and medium sizes.  We have already received some direct shipments from Amazon!  Wow!  Thank you for your support!

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PSC HERD NIGHT!

Our next PSC fundraiser is one for the books! Join us to cheer on our very own Wisconsin Herd as they take on the Capital City Go-Go on Friday, March 4th! Plus, our Traeger families, friends, and staff get to enjoy a private VIP watch experience before the game! How cool is that?! Head to https://fevo.me/carltraeger to get your tickets today. Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours early. We look forward to seeing you there!

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PSC Agenda/Volunteer Meetings- February 10, 2022 
5-6pm BINGO/ Golf/ Craft Fair Volunteer Meeting

1.BINGO Night - April 22nd  - Megan
Volunteers will needed from: 430pm-730pm

• 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 

2. Craft Fair explanation- October 15th - Heather

• Committee Chairs

  • Bake Sale - Sarah & her girls :)

    • Set up Friday the 14th (night before) to bag up goodies. 

  • Concessions - Need Co-Chair. Heather will mentor the new chair with past years information. 

    • Planning menu for breakfast (vendors) and lunch (vendors and customers), signs, ordering food, picking up food. 

    • Optional - getting donations to pay for food/items. 

  • Admissions- K-Kids

    • Day of - 10/15

  • Vendors - Nichole Casper

  • Setup - Megan & Erin

    • Set up Friday the 14th (booths, tables, signs, etc) 

6. Setup Next Committee Meeting - April 22nd, 2022. 5:00pm. Please attend if you want to help out with any of our big fundraisers. More big fundraisers helps us so we don’t have so many fundraisers going on. 

7. Golf Outing- Sun May 22nd, 2022

• Volunteers

  • Event planning

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

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

  • Sponsorships - We are looking for sponsors for a whole, cart, lunch, etc. Different price options available. Reach out to carltpsc@gmail.com 

  • Volunteers needed for

    • Raffles, Lunch, Prizes, Marketing, and Signage. Reach out to carltpsc@gmail.com

2/10/2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m. 
Who are we?  PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders
   

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg

   1. We are completely moved over to Verve Credit Union for the PSC finances. 

   2. Venmo/Paypal/Stripe -We should look into an alternative for non-profits. We are a 501c3 and have to follow the IRS rules. We encourage everyone to bring ideas and research to the next meeting. We will vote at the next meeting on how to move forward. 

   3. Budget Updates - Releasing $500 to School enhancement. All attendees and board members voted yes. 

2. Maker Space - Amy Monigal

   1. Collaborative workspace for creating and inventing. Range of high-tech to low-tech options. Improves 21st century skills: construction, robotics, engineering, planning, developing, and revising. Students can experience what is in the real world instead of just learning it in a book. Can be built into the curriculum. 

   2. Mrs. Monigal would like us to share a Maker Space Material wanted poster to get materials for the area. Nichole C. will take care of this. 

   3. Jess Graf will set up the PTBoard donation site for Maker Space. 

3. Bingo Night/Golf Outing/Craft Fair Update - See Volunteer meeting notes. 

4. Rocky Rococo’s & Papa Murphy's - Megan Paulik will look into

5. Tamara’s Cheesecake - Erin will look into 

6. Herd Game Update - Nichole

   1. 38 - $12 tickets, 29 - $20 tickets available 

7. Events & Volunteer Coordinator Nominations - Nichole Casper

   1. Megan Paulik offered to take on this in addition to the VP position

      1. Jess nominates Megan. No other nominations. Mandy motioned. Alicia 2nd motion. All in favor. 

8. Election Committee for President and Secretary, elections to be in March

   1. Nomination Committee - Jess, Katie, Liza 

9. Future agenda items

   1. March Agenda

      1. Tamara’s - Cheesecake Fundraiser. - Erin

      2. Pizza Fundraisers - Megan 

      3. Discuss current fundraisers 

      4. Raise Craze & Zaronis - September Agenda

   2. April Agenda

      1. Easy Summer Fundraisers

10. Motion to adjourn - Katie, 2nd - Alicia Alsberg

Next Meeting March 10th at 5 pm

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• February 10
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • PSC Volunteer meeting 5:00pm
  • PSC Meeting 6:00pm
• February 14
  • Wear Red Theme Day
  • Classroom Friendship Celebrations 
• February 15
  • 6:00pm K-Kids in LMC 
• February 16
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 17-21
  • No School for Students
• February 22
  • Twos Day Theme Day
• February 23
  • Winter Walk to School Day
  • Polar Bear Walk and Roll Theme Day
• March 2
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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.

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There will not be a new issue of Traeger Tales next week due to the short week.  Enjoy the extra long weekend!

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

February 4, 2022: Issue 20

Traeger Tales

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.

On Feb.5, 2020, the Sixth-Annual Global School Play Day continued to spread around the world. Over 560,000 young people from 85  nations were registered by their administrators or teachers to participate. 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 be joining the Global School Play Day movement on February 9.  Our students will engage in unstructured play from 8:15-10:15am. 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. 😃

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February 7th-11th 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: Better Together.” We will celebrate the way teamwork strengthens the school counseling role.

Did you know that school counselors used to be called guidance counselors? This is because guidance counselors would “guide” students toward the right answer or the right way to do things. School counselors are no longer called guidance counselors because school counselors help give students the tools to decide what the right answer is for themselves, instead of doing the work for them. 

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 silly 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 is part of the school’s equity team and has been enjoying the staff social justice book club. This year Ms. Heideman has been grateful for the new fun that coaching Girls on the Run has brought! 

If you ever 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 920-471-3433 ext 1226. 
 

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Traeger Family Book Club

It’s time to sign up for our next book club now that we have wrapped up our school’s One Book One CommuniTE! This month’s theme is “Gratitude & Generosity”. Mrs. Runde has chosen a picture book and a chapter book that allows you to explore the topic of gratitude & generosity through these fictional stories. The picture book is intended for students at any grade level and the chapter book is intended for students in grades 3 and up. Resources are created to support you with your family discussion. If you are interested in receiving the resources to have your own family book club, please complete the attached FORM by Tuesday, February 8 at 3:00 and resources will be sent home as soon as they have arrived.

 

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PSC Agenda/Volunteer Meetings

February 10, 2022  

5-6pm BINGO/ Golf/ Craft Fair Volunteer Meeting

1.BINGO explanation-April 22nd 430pm-730pm -Megan

• Committee Chairs

  • Teacher Baskets/ Raffles-Mary Jo, Katie, ?

  • Volunteers

  • Prizes

  • Concessions/Pizza

  • Admissions- Jessica

• Presale

• Kohls Cares

2. Additional Ideas/ Task for BINGO 

3.. Craft Fair explanation- October 15th - Heather

• Committee Chairs

  • Bake Sale

  • Concessions

  • Admissions- K-Kids

  • Vendors

  • Setup

4. Signage (updating, needing additional)

5. Addition Ideas/ Task

6. Setup Next Committee Meeting

7. Golf Outing

• Volunteers

  • Event planning

  • Sponsorships

  • Raffles

  • Prizes

  • Marketing

  • Signage

2/10/2022, 6:00-7:00 p.m. PSC Meeting

Google Meet LINK

Who are we?  PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

 

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg

2. Maker Space - Amy Monigal

3. Raise Craze - Jessica Graf

4. Zaronies - Erin 

5. Bingo Night Update - Megan Paulik 

6. Golf Outing - Kelly Zanders

7. Herd Game Update - Nichole

8. Events & Volunteer Coordinator Nominations - Nichole Casper

9. Election Committee for President and Secretary, elections to be in March

10. Future agenda items

Next Meeting March 10th at 5 pm

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Winter Walk to School Day!

We will be participating in the annual state-wide Winter Walk to School Day on February 23 (weather date March 2). 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!

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Pants Needed!  

Our office clothes closet is in need of some plain black 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 elastic top pants that will be more functional.  If you would like to help out, here is an Amazon link.  You can order and ship right to Traeger!  We are in need of small and medium sizes.  Thank you in advance!

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PSC HERD NIGHT!

Our next PSC fundraiser is one for the books! Join us to cheer on our very own Wisconsin Herd as they take on the Capital City Go-Go on Friday, March 4th! Plus, our Traeger families, friends, and staff get to enjoy a private VIP watch experience before the game! How cool is that?! Head to https://fevo.me/carltraeger to get your tickets today. Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours early. We look forward to seeing you there!

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• February 9
  • Walk to School Wednesday 
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • School Colors Day 
• February 10
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • PSC Volunteer meeting 5:00pm
  • PSC Meeting 6:00pm
• February 14
  • Wear Red Theme Day
  • Classroom Friendship Celebrations 
• February 15
  • 6:00pm K-Kids in LMC 
• February 16
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 17-21
  • No School for Students
• February 22
  • Twos Day Theme Day
• February 23
  • Winter Walk to School Day
  • Polar Bear Walk and Roll Theme Day

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

January 28, 2022: Issue 19

Traeger Tales

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)

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Traeger is once again participating in the Kid's Heart Challenge. We will be doing our Kid's Heart Challenge event NEXT WEEK in your child's PE class on February 2, 3, or 4th. Donations/envelopes will need to be turned in by February 11th. 

Even if you don't donate...you can still help out! By just registering online...your child's classroom teacher could earn an Amazon gift card!

Click here to get started today!

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PSC UPDATE

Our February PSC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 10th and will be broken into two parts: 5:00pm - 6:00pm: Discuss volunteer needs for our upcoming events, Bingo Night in April, the Golf Outing in May, and the Craft Fair in October. We need volunteers like you in order to make these events happen. Without you and your support, we cannot hold these larger fundraisers, which means more smaller events will need to be planned to help make up the difference. 6:00pm - 7:00pm: Board meeting We will post the formal agenda and Google Meets link in our FB page event for those who cannot attend in person prior to the meeting.

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You can also sign up at the LINK!

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PSC HERD NIGHT!

Our next PSC fundraiser is one for the books! Join us to cheer on our very own Wisconsin Herd as they take on the Capital City Go-Go on Friday, March 4th! Plus, our Traeger families, friends, and staff get to enjoy a private VIP watch experience before the game! How cool is that?! Head to https://fevo.me/carltraeger to get your tickets today. Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours early. We look forward to seeing you there!

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• February 2
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 3
  • 5:30-7:00pm Family Night
• February 9
  • Walk to School Wednesday 
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • School Colors Day 
• February 10
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • PSC Volunteer meeting 5:00pm
  • PSC Meeting 6:00pm
• February 14
  • Wear Red Theme Day
  • Classroom Friendship Celebrations 
• February 15
  • 6:00pm K-Kids in LMC 
• February 16
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 17-21
  • No School for Students
• February 23
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

January 21, 2022: Issue 19

Traeger Tales

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.  😃

First semester report cards were posted to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal on Wednesday, January 19.   The office will be mailing report cards to families after that date.  If you need help setting up your Parent Portal access please contact the office for assistance.

 

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PSC HERD NIGHT!

Our next PSC fundraiser is one for the books! Join us to cheer on our very own Wisconsin Herd as they take on the Capital City Go-Go on Friday, March 4th! Plus, our Traeger families, friends, and staff get to enjoy a private VIP watch experience before the game! How cool is that?! Head to https://fevo.me/carltraeger to get your tickets today. Tickets are limited, so be sure to get yours early. We look forward to seeing you there!

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PSC UPDATE

Our February PSC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 10th and will be broken into two parts: 5:00pm - 6:00pm: Discuss volunteer needs for upcoming events, Bingo Night in April and the Craft Fair in October. We need volunteers like you in order to make these events happen. Without you and your support, we cannot hold these larger fundraisers, which means more smaller events will need to be planned to help make up the difference. 6:00pm - 7:00pm: PSC meeting- We will post the formal agenda and Google Meets link in our FB page event for those who cannot attend in person prior to the meeting.

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A Note From Mrs. Miller Media Specialist

January’s Digital Citizenship topic is: Your Digital Footprint

Digital Citizenship is teaching students how to be respectful, responsible, safe, and trustworthy when using technology.

As soon as you share the first photo of your kid, you're establishing their digital footprint. As kids get older and start creating their own content or engaging with others online, it's important for them to understand the tracks they're leaving behind and what those tracks might reveal. Parents can help guide kids toward creating the kind of footprint they can be proud of.

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

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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. Plus, you can reference class directories and contact information, which is a great way to connect with others in your child's classroom. To learn more and create your account today, visit https://www.ptboard.com/nlg/register.

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• January 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday 
• February 2
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 3
  • 5:30-7:00pm Family Night
• February 9
  • Walk to School Wednesday 
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • School Colors Day 
• February 10
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • PSC Volunteer meeting 5:00pm
  • PSC Meeting 6:00pm
• February 14
  • Classroom Friendship Celebrations 
• February 15
  • 6:00pm K-Kids in LMC 
• February 16
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 17-21
  • No School for Students
• February 23
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

January 14, 2022: Issue 18

Traeger Tales

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 him 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

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

 

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Objectives

• To provide opportunities for working together in service to school and community.

• To develop leadership potential.

• To foster the development of strong moral character.

• To encourage loyalty to school, community, and nation.

 

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 January 20th - 6 pm - Library 

• Recycling Video Committee Update

• Fleece blanket making

• Special Guest speaker: Ms. Heideman - Equity focus on diversity.

**February Meeting moved to Tuesday February 15th!

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 

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Adult Crossing Guard Recognition Week

January 10-14

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!

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PSC Minutes 
January 13, 2022, 5:00pm
 

Who are we?  PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg

• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders
   

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg 

   • Gift card for Crossing Guard Week completed. 

   • Playground Slide Repair will come out of Playground Expense Fund

   • Suckers purchased for end of quarter celebration will come out of PBIS Fund

   • New PSC Account will be with Verve Credit Union. 

2. Fundraiser Update - Jessica Graf

   • Raise Craze - Will start in March. The kids do acts of kindness and ask other people to pay it forward. Similar to Jump Rope for Heart with pledging money. Online account needs to be created. Will be added to Feb. agenda for what help is needed. 

3. Traeger Funset Night (1/16/22) Update - Sheri

   • 138 wristbands sold. We have 12 wristbands left. Event is this Sunday. 

4. Brighten Someone’s Holiday Update - Katie

   • Success. Everything was fulfilled and there is money leftover that can be used to shop for families next year. 

5. Zaroni’s

   • Nichole will look into this for a Feb. fundraiser.

6. Ice Cream Social (After 3-5 Concert) Chairs Needed

   • Kelly Zanders will chair. 

7. Craft Fair Committee Discussion- 15th or 22nd of October

   • First Volunteer Meeting for BINGO NIGHT and CRAFT FAIR will be February 10th 5:00pm, prior to the next PSC meeting. 

   • Positions for craft fair (October 2022) we need help with: Bake Sale/Volunteer, Concessions, Vendors/Placements, Admissions

   • Positions we need for Bingo (Event is April 22nd): Lead (Megan Paulik), Classroom Baskets, Volunteer Coordinator, Admissions, PreSale,  Adult Raffles, Concessions

   • Let’s get the Craft Fair going - we would need to do a lot LESS fundraisers if we get this going again. 

8. Events & Volunteer Coordinator Nominations - Nichole Casper

   • No nominations at this time. We will check again at the next meeting. 

9. Future agenda items

   • Building Reservation for April 22nd for Bingo Night and will check next months reservation to the library at 5:00 to accommodate volunteer meeting prior to next PSC Meeting - Megan Paulik

Motion to End - Sheri Schmidt, 2nd - Kelly Zanders

Next PSC Meeting will be 2/10/22. 

 

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• January 17
  • No School for Students
• January 19 
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 23
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

January 7, 2022: Issue 17

Traeger Tales

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 19.  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 😀 

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

Recently we have become aware of some very concerning online behavior involving some of our students that has been going on outside of school.  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

We have early release on Wednesday, January 12. Students will be dismissed at 12:30pm. Please ensure that your child is picked up on time so staff can get to their collaboration session!

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!

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Ring in the New Year with the Carl Traeger PSC January 13, 2022 at 5:00! 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!

PSC Agenda

January 13, 2022, 5:00pm

LINK to join virtually via Google Meet

Who are we?  PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper 
• Vice President: Megan Paulik
• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 
• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg
• Communication & Outreach: Kelly Zanders

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg 

2. Fundraiser Update - Jessica Graf

3. Traeger Funset Night (1/16/22) Update - Sheri

4. Brighten Someone’s Holiday Update - Katie

5. Zaroni’s?

6. Raise Craze - Jessica Graf

7. Ice Cream Social (After 3-5 Concert) Chairs Needed

8. Craft Fair Discussion

9. Events & Volunteer Coordinator Nominations - Nichole Casper

10. Future agenda items

Board Only meeting to follow 6:00pm

 

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• January 12
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release/No 4K Classes
• January 13
  • PSC 5:00pm in LMC
• January 14
  • End of First Semester
• January 16
  • PSC Funset Boulevard Event 3-8pm
• January 17
  • No School for Students
• January 19 
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 23
  • Walk to School Wednesday

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

December 17, 2021: Issue 16

Traeger Tales

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)

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TRAEGER FAMILY NIGHT AT FUNSET BOULEVARD

Mark your calendars!  The fun is returning!  Come join us for a fun filled evening with family and friends at Funset Boulevard in Appleton.

When:  Sunday, January 16, 2022 – open from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where:  Funset Boulevard, 3916 W. College Avenue, Appleton

Why:  Have some fun at Funset and support our school too!

Cost:  $6 per child (adults are free)

Please look for information to come home the first week in January when we return from holiday break.  The $$ and order will be due the end of the first week in January when we are back.

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Morning Drop Off

As the weather gets colder we see more traffic at morning drop off.  In order to have an 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!

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First Lego League

Congratulations to Traeger's First Lego League Team (FLL) Transportation Combiners on a successful season!  Team members are Traeger students in grades 3-5 and are sponsored by Oshkosh Corp.  This year they participated in a regional FLL competition mid November in Cleveland, WI. They also received an invitation to demo their robot and innovation project at Junior FLL Expo on Dec. 14th at Oshkosh North High School. 

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TRAEGER FAMILY RECIPE BOOK!

Here is the LINK to our Google site with Traeger family recipes!  We will continue to add recipes as they are received.  We look forward to expanding the collection!

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Brighten Someone’s Holiday

Thank you to all the generous staff and families who donated gifts and/or gift cards to Brighten Someone’s Holiday. We were able to support 25 of our very own Traeger families which included 64 kids ranging from 3 months to 17 years old. Every request for a jacket, snowpants, or boots was filled!  We are overwhelmed with the generosity of our school family!  Special thanks our volunteers Alicia Alsberg, Kenlin Grams and Jenny Hunt and a huge shout out to Katie Zurawski and Kaelee Heideman for their leadership in making this possible!

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Ring in the New Year with the Carl Traeger PSC January 13, 2022 at 5:00! 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!

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Traeger Way Snow Play

When we return from break we will be reviewing the Traeger Way with all classes.  Starting on Monday, 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 pizza party for every 10 snowballs that they receive between January 3 and January 14.  There will be a pizza party awarded at the K/1, 2/3 and 4/5 grade levels. 

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Follow the LINK for more information!

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

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• December 23-January 2
  • No School - Winter Break!
• January 3
  • School Resumes
• January 5
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• January 12
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release/No 4K Classes
• January 13
  • PSC 5:00pm in LMC
• January 14
  • End of First Semester
• January 16
  • PSC Funset Boulevard Event 3-8pm
• January 17
  • No School for Students

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

December 10, 2021: Issue 15

Traeger Tales

Supporting Staff Mental HealthThe 2020-2021 academic year was unlike any other. After nationwide school closures during the spring of 2020, schools reopened last fall using combinations of in-person, hybrid, and remote learning models. In Oshkosh, we experienced multiple versions of all three models throughout the year.  We ALL had to adapt and adjust to the unpredictable nature of the situation. However, our teachers had to be one step ahead throughout so our families could plan ahead and students would continue to learn and grow. Teachers went from long term planning to living and teaching day by day, no matter the impact on personal lives. They learned and implemented a whole new way of doing their job in front of a live audience of 20+ each day. The physical and emotional wellness of our students, along with new safety protocols were added to the mix when we came back to in-person education during the height of the pandemic. All of this, combined with our own personal lives being impacted in a multitude of ways have led to a tremendous amount of stress and burnout, raising concerns about staff mental health. This impacts physical health day to day and could have long term effects related to staff retention.  In response, the district has proposed two mental health days in February to help staff and students recharge.  Several Traeger families have reached out and shared their support. Our families want to know what can be done to support staff mental health.  I reached out and asked staff and here is a David Letterman style Top 10 List. 

Top 10 Ways YOU Can Help

10 -  Coordinate special activities such as chair massages, snacks, coffee and luncheons. 

9 - Volunteer or offer to help with special projects or donate supplies.

8 - Speak positively about our school and staff with your child.

7 - Assume positive intent when you receive a message from your child or staff member about an incident at school. Trust that we LOVE your child and have their best interest in mind.

6 - Support your child with developing independent work habits. Even keeping track of belongings can help!

5 - Sign up to be a substitute teacher, para or noon supervisor.

4 - Help your child become a problem solver. Talk through problems at home, model multiple ways to solve a problem and persistence when things aren’t easy. 

3 - If you see our district, school or a staff member get bashed on social media, please don’t join in. Stand up for them. Those comments hurt!

2 - Acknowledge the work teachers are doing every day to support the behavioral, emotional, physical, academic needs of every student in their classroom.  Quick notes at the end of emails saying "Thanks for all you do!" are so appreciated.

1 - Be kind. Take the time to think before you speak or email remembering that “teacher” is only part of who we are. Our teachers are fantastically amazing and resilient people, but they are also human. Words affect us, just like they affect you and your child. 

Lastly, here is a great short story to remind us of the impact of words - Words and Your Heart

Wishing you well~ Mrs. G. 😀

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Week of December 20 Theme Days

• Monday, December 20 – PJ Polar Express-Wear your favorite PJs!

• Tuesday, December 21 - Elf/ Reindeer Day-Need we say more?

• Wednesday, December 22 - Deck the Halls Day-Pile on your holiday accessories!

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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.  This month's featured book is The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper.

 

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

https://growingbookbybook.com/winter-books-for-preschoolers/

https://docs.google.com/.../1-PM0j5xSI4xnmZGZLfC9DgI.../edit

Laura has activities coming soon.

And Sarah shares a festive menu.

https://chefsarahelizabeth.com/2021/12/02/the-shortest-day/

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.

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

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TRAEGER FAMILY NIGHT AT FUNSET BOULEVARD

Mark your calendars!  The fun is returning!  Come join us for a fun filled evening with family and friends at Funset Boulevard in Appleton.

When:  Sunday, January 16, 2022 – open from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where:  Funset Boulevard, 3916 W. College Avenue, Appleton

Why:  Have some fun at Funset and support our school too!

Cost:  $6 per child (adults are free)

Please look for information to come home the first week in January when we return from holiday break.  The $$ and order will be due the end of the first week in January when we are back.

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TRAEGER FAMILY RECIPE BOOK!

We are excited to be curating a Traeger family cookbook!   Recipes are coming in and we want to include recipes from as many families as possible!  Don't miss out on this opportunity to share something yummy with our school family!  Follow the LINK to submit a favorite family recipe!

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• December 15
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 20
  • PJ/Polar Express Theme Day
• December 21
  • Reindeer/Elf Theme Day
• December 22
  • Deck the Halls Theme Day
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 23-January2
  • No School - Winter Break!
• January 3
  • School Resumes

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

December 3, 2021: Issue 14

Traeger Tales

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. 😀

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Core Values: 

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.

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 December 9th - 6 pm - Library 

• Food Drive Update 

• Brainstorm for our spring project to Serve Others

• Recycling Video Committee Update

• Fleece Blanket planning & making

  • Please bring a ruler and fabric scissors if able (put your name on your items)

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 

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OUT OF THIS WORLD 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!

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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.

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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 Sign Up Genius 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 Thursday, December 9th. 

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 Venmo 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.

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TRAEGER FAMILY RECIPE BOOK!

We are excited to be curating a Traeger family cookbook!   Recipes are coming in and we want to include recipes from as many families as possible!  Don't miss out on this opportunity to share something yummy with our school family!  Follow the LINK to submit a favorite family recipe!

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TRAEGER FAMILY NIGHT AT FUNSET BOULEVARD

Mark your calendars!  The fun is returning!  Come join us for a fun filled evening with family and friends at Funset Boulevard in Appleton.

When:  Sunday, January 16, 2022 – open from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where:  Funset Boulevard, 3916 W. College Avenue, Appleton

Why:  Have some fun at Funset and support our school too!

Cost:  $6 per child (adults are free)

Please look for information to come home the first week in January when we return from holiday break.  The $$ and order will be due the end of the first week in January when we are back.

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Food Drive Update

Thank you to everyone who donated to our food drive!  Congratulations to our 1st and 3rd graders who will receive an ice cream treat courtesy of K-Kids!

Our Final Totals: 

• 4K = 117 
• K&5 = 332 
• 2&4 = 337 
• 1&3 = 641 

bringing our grand total to 1,427 items!

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PSC Agenda/Minutes 
Nov 30, 2021
6:00-7:00 p.m.

Who are we?  PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg
   

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg

   1. Vote to close BMO Accounts due to tax id. Motion to close the BMO account - Mandy Stein, Second - Jenny Hunt. 

   2. Vote to open new checkings and savings either at BMO, the Verve, Old National Bank. Motion to open at Verve - Kelly , Second- Tina. All in favor.

2. Bylaws Amendment II Vote - Nichole Casper. Motion to adopt bylaws as written - Mandy Stein Second - Kelly. All in favor. 

3. Nominate and Vote Communication & Outreach - Nichole Casper. Jessica Graf will Nominate Kelly Zanders. Motion - Branson 2nd- Jenny Hunt. All in favor. Kelly has been elected as a Communication and Outreach Board Member. 

4. Nominate and Vote Events & Volunteer Coordinator - Nichole Casper. No nominations at this time. We will advertise this to find a nominee. 

5. Family Night Update - Jessica Graf.  $368 was made from painting for the fundraiser. Changes for the future - help flow between games and painting. 

6. Funset - Sheri. Date Sunday Jan. 16th Family Night from 3:00-8:00pm. Flyers will be handed out after break. We have to purchase 100 wristbands. We will charge $6. Sheri needs someone to work with her this year to take over next year. We will need a new chairperson for next year. Mandy Stein will take over and reach out to Sheri. 

7. Photography Fundraiser Update - Heather ($1311) Photography Fundraiser went great. The photographer will do this again next year. One change - it will be a Saturday one weekend and a Sunday the next weekend so it is not on the same weekend. 

8. Book Fair Update - Mary Geffers.  Mrs. Runde helped Mrs. G. order books. She maximized earnings and with sales we got over $2,000 more in books. Idea for the future- help run a fundraiser for a school in need or donate books to schools in need. New chairs for Book Fairs are Megan Paulik and Kenlin Grarus. 

9. Boo Fundraiser Update -Tina. We had 6 houses participate. Everyone that set up enjoyed it. We can do it again this year and see if we get more families involved. 

10. Trunk or Treat UPDATE - Nichole Casper. We had 18 cars participate. Next year ideas - National Guard Blow Up Slide, Food Truck or Hot Cocoa Sales, Porta Potty available, Verve Truck, name tags for volunteers, and more. We ended 40 minutes early. May shift time to ending earlier as it got cold and dark. 

11. Meals for Teachers UPDATE - November 11 and 16. Rocky’s downtown catered. Meal went good and they were great to work with. Chick Fil-A was used and that meal was a success. Both fundraisers kept us within budget. 

12. Ice Cream Social UPDATE - November 22. Jessica Graf headed this. We earned $782.50 for the Playground fund. Need chairs for Spring Concert. Added to January Agenda. 

13. Bracelet fundraiser- Nichole. We brought in $239. $6 for 1 or $15 for 3.

14. Brighten Someone’s Holiday - Katie. We have 31 spots still left unclaimed. Items need to be returned by the 9th. We encourage everyone to share the Brighten Someone’s Holiday posts to get more donations. 

15. Future Agenda Items. Craft Fair discussion added. IF you have any questions or want to add discussions to the next meeting please reach out to anyone on the PSC Board! :)

16. Next Meeting January 13, 2022 - 5 pm. Motion to adjourn - Jessica 2nd motion - Tina. 

 

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• December 8
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to school Wednesday
• December 9
  • Treb/Lepper Field Trip to Paine Art Center am
  • Branson/Gus Field Trip to Paine Art Center pm
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• December 15
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 22
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 23-January2
  • No School - Winter Break!

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

November 19, 2021: Issue 13

Traeger Tales

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 exceptions.)
• 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.
• Students should not be “borrowing” items such as hats and mittens from the lost and found just because their items are forgotten. The owners of the lost items come to retrieve them and the items have disappeared. If you need help in getting your child a hat or mittens, please notify the office.

Thank you! We want our winter fun at school to be safe and enjoyable for everyone! ~ Mrs. G. 😀

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TRAEGER FAMILY RECIPE BOOK!

We are excited to be curating a Traeger family cookbook!   Recipes are coming in and we want to include recipes from as many families as possible!  Don't miss out on this opportunity to share something yummy with our school family!  Follow the LINK to submit a favorite family recipe!

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Traeger K-2 Concert

“Positively Prepared to Perform”

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22

• 6pm at Alberta Kimball Auditorium-West High School Doors open at 5:15
• Students need to stay with parents until teachers arrive at 5:45pm
• Check out the seating chart to see where the class is seated

ALL STUDENTS AND AUDIENCE MEMBERS WILL NEED TO WEAR MASKS!

 

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The Wisconsin Herd is proud to unveil the BMO Art Contest jersey on Monday November 29th, 2021 @ 7:00 pm! 2,300 students across 15 schools in the Fox Valley including Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Kimberly, Neenah, and Oshkosh participated in this unique competition.

Students had the ability to show off their art skills for a chance to incorporate their design into an official NBA G League jersey during this home game. Check out the awesome jersey and game, and receive a Wisconsin Herd facemask presented by Visit Oshkosh.

Each family will also get to come onto the court following the game to take a photo with Pointer!

Follow the LINK to order your tickets!

Please contact Trevor Kroll at 920.744.0263 or tkroll@wisconsinherd.com with questions!

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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 Sign Up Genius 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 Thursday, December 9th. 

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 Venmo 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.

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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.

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

 

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• November 22
  • K-2 Concert 6:00 at Alberta Kimball
• November 23
  • Workout Wear Theme Day
• November 24-28
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break
• November 30
  • PSC 6:00
• December 1
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 8
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to school Wednesday
• December 9
  • Treb/Lepper Field Trip to Paine Art Center am
  • Branson/Gus Field Trip to Paine Art Center pm
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• December 15
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 22
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 23-January2
  • No School - Winter Break!

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

November 12, 2021: Issue 12

Traeger Tales

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. 😃

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TRAEGER FAMILY RECIPE BOOK!

We are excited to be curating a Traeger family cookbook!   Recipes are coming in and we want to include recipes from as many families as possible!  Don't miss out on this opportunity to share something yummy with our school family!  Follow the LINK to submit a favorite family recipe!

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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 along with the medication in package the medication was purchased in. If the medication is to be given longer than 10 consecutive days, a healthcare provider’s signature is required.

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OUT OF THIS WORLD 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!

 

Traeger K-2 Concert

“Positively Prepared to Perform”

Mark your calendars...MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22

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

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Winter Concert brought to you by the Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. This concert is entitled “Positively Prepared to Perform!” 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, guitar jams and some super kids having a really great time on stage!

 We cannot wait to POSITIVELY perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature all upbeat and positive songs and the students are really going to be ROCKING the stage that night.. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm. The concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm. 

ALL STUDENTS AND AUDIENCE MEMBERS WILL NEED TO WEAR MASKS!

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

See you Monday, November 22, 2021

Sincerely, Mrs. Schmidt (Music Director)

FYI-The Spring Spectacular Concert (Grades 3-5) will be Monday, March 14, 2022!

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Post Concert Ice Cream Social

Join us in the West Cafeteria for ice cream after the K-2 Winter Concert! This event is a fundraiser for the PSC. All proceeds are used to support our playground fund to make repairs and improvements to the Traeger Elementary playground. 

For ordering purposes and to get everyone their ice cream quickly, we ask that you order your ice cream. Forms will be sent home in student backpacks for ordering. At the concert, we will have the orders listed by students last name (no tickets will be sent home). Day of sales will be available while supplies last.

You can support the ice cream social by: 
• Ordering ice cream for you and your family
• Donating time to being ice cream scoopers or setting up  
• Donating toppings

You can send donations to school in advance of the social. If you sign up below, it helps us make sure we have a variety and ensures we have enough volunteers to cover all of the shifts. 
Non-perishable items can be dropped off at school anytime before the event (Please label it 'Ice Cream Social').

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4th & 5th Grade Families

We are trying something new this year. It is called Battle of the Books. This is only available for 4th & 5th grade students. Students get into teams of 3 or 4 students and between them, they have to read 20 books (the books have already been selected). In February we will have a school battle, district battle and our top school team gets to compete at the state battle!

Ask your child if he/she is participating. We have already met a few times and have teams formed. We can still form more teams if your child is interested in participating. Click here to read more information and see the list of books. You can help at home by reading the books with your child! The tricky part for the competitions is that students will need to remember either the title OR the author of the book. You can also help them practice remembering the authors of the books they have read.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to our media specialist, Mrs. Miller maggie.miller@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

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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

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• November 16
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 17
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • Pajama Theme Day
• November 22
  • K-2 Concert 6:00 at Alberta Kimball
• November 24-28
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break
• November 30
  • PSC 6:00
• December 1
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 8
  • Early Release - No 4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to school Wednesday
• December 9
  • Treb/Lepper Field Trip to Paine Art Center am
  • Branson/Gus Field Trip to Paine Art Center pm
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• December 15
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 22
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• December 23-January2
  • No School - Winter Break!

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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 

 

November 5, 2021: Issue 11

Traeger Tales

Food Drive November 11th - November 30th

Dear Traeger Families,

K-Kids will be 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 46th year of this partnership! We are excited to help once again, and we know that our awesome Traeger families can help us meet our goal.

2019 Traeger surpassed the goal of 1,500 items by collecting 1,747 items.  We were so proud to collect more donations than any other OASD school! Thank you for your generosity!  

This year we are challenging families to help Traeger collect 2,000 items!

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

• 250 items - Extra Recess 
• 500 items - PJ, Comfy, Stuffed Animal Day
• 750 items - Creative Hair/Hat Day
• Winning Grade Level Pairing - Ice Cream Treat courtesy of K-Kids!

4K - We have incentives for you too!

• 100 items - Extra Recess 
• 300 items - Stuffed Animal Day
• 500 items - PJ/Comfy Day

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

Easy donation opportunities: 

November 11th and 16th at Teacher Conferences at Traeger, November 12th Family Night at Traeger, and November 22nd at the K-2 Music Concert (boxes will be by the entrances).  Or drop off anytime.

Please look for the labeled boxes for your grade level pairing in the cafeteria.

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

Thank you for your support and your generous hearts,

K-Kids, Mrs. Alsberg, and Mrs. G. 😃 

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WELCOME TO THE PACK

Anne Nackers - 4/5 Special Education Teacher

Hi there. My name is Anne Nackers and I am the new 4/5 Special Education teacher at CTE. I graduated from UWGB in 1993 so I have been doing this for a long time. I've taught various combinations of 5th-8th grade students in the middle school setting for nearly my entire career. Moving to an elementary school so late in my career is a change that I am beyond excited about. I feel so fortunate that the next leg of my journey is at Traeger. I can already tell that it is a pretty special place. Outside of school, I have two puggles and their names are Maggie and Toby. They are my children and mean the world to me. Much of my free time is spent doing things that involve them. Much of my life has also been about playing and coaching sports a wide variety of sports. I played volleyball and softball at UWGB and even though my body doesn't agree, my head tells me that I'm still pretty competitive. Hopeful that I can still hang tough with 10/11 year olds at recess at a minimum. I am so grateful for the students and staff at Traeger for already making me feel so welcome. I look forward to doing some great things together in the very near future! Ms. Nackers

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Traeger K-2 Concert

“Positively Prepared to Perform”

Mark your calendars...MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22

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

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Winter Concert brought to you by the Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. This concert is entitled “Positively Prepared to Perform!” 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, guitar jams and some super kids having a really great time on stage!

 We cannot wait to POSITIVELY perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature all upbeat and positive songs and the students are really going to be ROCKING the stage that night.. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm. The concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm. 

ALL STUDENTS AND AUDIENCE MEMBERS WILL NEED TO WEAR MASKS!

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

See you Monday, November 22, 2021

Sincerely, Mrs. Schmidt (Music Director)

FYI-The Spring Spectacular Concert (Grades 3-5) will be Monday, March 14, 2022!

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Congratulations to the following students whose artwork has been selected for the Oshkosh Area School District Student Art Show at the Masonic Center. This exhibition will feature artwork created by students in kindergarten through twelfth grade currently in the Oshkosh Area School District Art Education Program. This exhibition is one the most extensive displays of student art the Oshkosh Area School District presents to the public. On Saturday, November 6th from 6-9 PM a reception will be held featuring these Carl Traeger Elementary students’ artwork at the Oshkosh Masonic Center, located at 204 Washington Avenue. Everyone is cordially invited to attend. When you arrive at the Masonic Center please use the entrance on Mt. Vernon Street. Masks are required for this event. This is a wonderful achievement as well as a great honor. 

Hope to see you there supporting the ARTS and our fabulous Traeger artists!

Grade 1

• Will Bauknecht
• Luca Bolano
• Calvin Wara
• Hadley Vickers

Grade 2

• Mason Beulen
• Leonnah Jack
• Claire Kumbier
• Michaela Vang
• Kylee Wachholz

Grade 3

• Lucy Abalan
• Owen Berg
• Joplyn Barforth
• Liam Crooks
• Hailey Peck
• Audrey Shaw
• Abby Tritt

Grade 4

• Noah Anfinson
• Brooke Alsberg
• Noah Aspenson
• Drew Bauknecht
• Isaac Burger
• Ava Ceman
• Brooklyn Delfosse
• Isabylla Griswold
• Camilla Hernandez
• Devon Janke
• Maggie Recker
• Haddie Wara

5th Grade

• Brooklynn Keas
• Brookelyn Kufel
• Tim Olson
• Mia Praznik
• Brielle Rost
• Yui Watanabe

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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. Mailing them or delivering them on your own are great options.  You can use the PSC directory to get this information.

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Motto: We build.

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 November 9th Meeting - 6 pm - Library 

• Installation of K-Kids Elected Officers
• Food Drive Planning 
• Jeopardy Style Recycle Game
• Recycling Video Committee Update

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 

National School Psychologist Week

Hi, I'm Ms. Berndt! It's National School Psychologist Week so I wanted to take a minute to reintroduce myself to our Traeger families. This is my second year serving as the school psychologist at Traeger. I support students academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. This could look like running a small group with students to focus on social/emotional well being, conducting an evaluation for special education, or consulting with teachers and families. My favorite part about my job is being able to connect with students whether it be through an intervention group, a fun lunch, or helping out in their classrooms. I'm looking forward to the rest of this school year!

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TRAEGER FAMILY RECIPE BOOK!

We are excited to be curating a Traeger family cookbook!   Recipes are coming in and we want to include recipes from as many families as possible!  Don't miss out on this opportunity to share something yummy with our school family!  Follow the LINK to submit a favorite family recipe!

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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.

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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.  This month's featured book is We Are Grateful by Traci Sorell.

Jodie has prepared conversation starters and compiled a book list of  books about thankfulness and gratitude to get your Family Book Club started. You can see/get the book list here. ---> LINK

Laura has some printable gratitude activities.--->LINK

 And, Sarah has a Cherokee inspired menu with seasonal ingredients.--->LINK

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.

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• November 9
  • K-Kids 6:00 in LMC
• November 10
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release/No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 11
  • Veterans Day-Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Food Drive Begins
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 12
  • PSC Family Paint/Game Night 5-7:30
• November 16
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 17
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 22
  • K-2 Concert 6:00 at Alberta Kimball
• November 24-28
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break
• November 30
  • PSC 6:00

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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 

 

October 30, 2021: Issue 10

Traeger Tales

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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 11 and 16 to further enhance our home-school partnerships!

~Mrs. G. 😃 

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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). 

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A message from Traeger’s Technology Coach:

Are you interested in viewing your child’s digital work and communicating with your children’s classroom teachers?  This year, all K-12 students are using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). As a parent or guardian, you can pair with your child as a Canvas Observer!  Observers in Canvas can view digital classroom materials and follow progress in active classrooms. An observer cannot change content, but may access classroom information! Grades are NOT found in Canvas for Elementary. You will continue to view grades through Infinite Campus. 

Monday November 1st, you will be receiving a paper copy from your child’s classroom teacher with your child’s unique pairing code. You only need to pair ONE time as a Canvas observer and you will be able to view activity for each Canvas course your child is enrolled in for all of their Oshkosh career. Pairing codes expire after 7 days. Should this occur, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.

How to Connect
If you already have a Canvas Parent Account for a middle school or high school child in Oshkosh, you simply need to use the pairing code provided by your child’s classroom teacher. If you do not have a Canvas Parent Account yet, you should set up an account either on your web browser or on the Canvas Parent App (or both)  and then follow the instructions.

Canvas Parent App - Mobile Directions  LINK
The app is free in the Apple Store and on Google Play. 

Canvas Parent Access - Web Browser Directions - LINK
Visit the OASD district website, and click on “QUICKLINKS” and Canvas Portal. Click in the upper right hand corner to start an account. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s classroom teacher, or myself, should you have any questions.

Amy Monigal - amy.monigal@oshkosh.k12.wi.us

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WELCOME TO THE PACK

Kimberly Groth - eAcademy Coach/Special Education Teacher

Hello Everyone! My name is Kimberly Groth and I am a coach/IST for eAcademy as well as a Special Education Teacher for students in eAcademy K - 8. eAcademy is our 100% fully virtual program here in the Oshkosh Area School District. This will be my 9th year teaching in the district. For 7 years I taught at Read Elementary as a special education teacher, then last year I joined the eAcademy team. I have loved being apart of this program and watching students and families thrive in a new learning environment. I am married to my very patient husband Derek as he is a over ruled by the girls in the house. We have two girls, Adoree who is going to turn two in January and Graycen who is just 4 months. We love spending our time outside, enjoying walks, and our favorite season fall! I am grateful to have a space at Traeger and be apart of the Traeger community - See you around!

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Motto: We build.

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 November 9th Meeting - 6 pm - Library 

• Installation of K-Kids Elected Officers
• Food Drive Planning 
• Jeopardy Style Recycle Game
• Recycling Video Committee Update

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 

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Dear Traeger Families,

On November 11 and 16 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 opened 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 4 at 3:00pm - Parents who do not sign up will be scheduled and sent an appointment.  

If you would like to schedule a conference with our art, music or physical education specialists please email them directly and they will reach out to you to set up a conference.

• 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 Mr. Walstrom (long term sub for Mrs. Zerbe <jay.walstrom@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>

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

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• November 3
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 9
  • K-Kids 6:00 in LMC
• November 10
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release/No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 11
  • Veterans Day-Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 12
  • PSC Family Paint/Game Night 5-7:30
• November 16
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 17
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 22
  • K-2 Concert 6:00 at Alberta Kimball
• November 24-28
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break

 

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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.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

October 21, 2021: Issue 9

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. 😃

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Traeger Family Book Club

It’s time to sign up for our next book club! This month’s theme is “kindness”. Mrs. Runde has chosen a picture book and a chapter book that allows you to explore the topic of kindness through these fictional stories. Resources are created to support you with your family discussion! This month, we will try out an electronic collaboration for interested families in order to learn and grow from each other, just like a real book club! If you are interested in receiving the resources to have your own family book club, please complete the attached FORM by Thursday, October 28 at 3:00 and resources will be sent home early in November.

 

           

 

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Halloween/Fall Celebrations

Halloween/Fall Celebrations will take place in classrooms on October 29. 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.

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Dear Traeger Families,

On November 11 and 16 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 4 at 3:00pm - Parents who do not sign up will be scheduled and sent an appointment.  

If you would like to schedule a conference with our art, music or physical education specialists please email them directly and they will reach out to you to set up a conference.

• 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 Mr. Walstrom (long term sub for Mrs. Zerbe <jay.walstrom@oshkosh.k12.wi.us>

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

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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.

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WELCOME TO THE PACK

Melissa Schiek - eAcademy Coach

Hello Everyone! My name is Melissa Schiek and I am a coach/IST for eAcademy which is our fully virtual program here in Oshkosh. I love technology and the doors of possibility it opens up for students - which is why I love being apart of the eAcademy team! I am so happy to have space at Traeger to work with teachers and students and see familiar faces again! Prior to eAcademy, I worked as a Behavior Intervention Consultant, and a classroom teacher (at Traeger and Smith) for many years. My husband JJ and I have two sons, Will and Simon who attend Traeger. We love to go on adventures together with our families - especially to Disney World! I love baking, documentaries, and Tiktok! Thank you all for welcoming me back into the Traeger community - I am glad to be back!

Danielle Roznowski - eAcademy Grades 3 & 4

Hi Everyone! I am Danielle Roznowski. This is my 8th year with OASD, my first year at Traeger and my 2nd year with eAcademy. My husband and I met the first day of college at UWGB, and we have a collection of furbabies, two cats, a hedgehog, and our latest, Turvy, a rescued Chihuahua. Working with Turvy has been a challenge and a joy and she has made a lot of growth in her behavior, her name really fits because she turns things upside-down. I also love reading, crafting, and cooking. I am looking forward to the challenge of supporting two grades in a completely virtual setting. I enjoy working with technology and I'm ready to rock this new year!

Nick Kelley - eAcademy Grades 5 & 6

Hello everyone! My name is Nick Kelley and I am teaching 5th/6th eAcademy this year. This will be my 9th year teaching. I was a 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary for 6 years and then moved to Roosevelt to teach 5th grade for two years. I really enjoy teaching eAcademy and watching many students thrive in a different setting. My wife, Jess and I have been married for 8 years and we have two sons, William and Callum. William is currently in Mrs. Helmer's 4k and Callum, who is 1, stays home with mom. In my free time I enjoy spending time outside around a camp fire with my family, making pudgy pies and s'mores. The last few summers I've spent some time woodworking with my dad and we have built an oak kitchen table, a cabinet for my fish tank and few other things.

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Great News!  K-Kids is fundraising with Fun Pasta Fundraising starting October 15th!

We are raising money to purchase fleece material for making blankets and for additional K-Kid projects and we need your help in reaching our fundraising goal!  We’ll earn 40% profit from every sale. Order is simple and fun!

What is Fun Pasta?  Fun Pasta is healthy fun pasta shaped like the holidays, sports, collegiate team logos, and more.  The colorful online catalog shows a wide variety of products that will appeal to everyone! 

How can you help? Purchase from and share our Fundraiser!

Go to our Carl Traeger Elementary shopping link: www.funpastafundraising.com/shop/carl-traeger-elementary    

Share our shopping link with family and friends in an email and Facebook.

There is FREE SHIPPING on orders over $55!  Fundraiser closes October 30th 

MANY THANKS FOR HELPING US REACH OUR GOAL!  

Sincerely, K-Kids

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

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• October 28
  • Green Bay Packer Theme Day
• October 29
  • Fall Fest Celebrations
• November 3
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 10
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release/No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 11
  • Veterans Day-Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 12
  • PSC Family Paint/Game Night 5-7:30
• November 16
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 17
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 22
  • K-2 Concert 6:00 at Alberta Kimball
• November 24-28
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break

 

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

October 15, 2021: Issue 8

Traeger Tales

HALLOWEEN IS ON THE WAY!

Halloween is fast approaching. The Halloween/Fall Fest Celebration will take place on Friday, October 29.

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 29. 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. 😃

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Digital Citizenship Week October 18-22

 

Digital Citizenship is teaching students how to be respectful, responsible, safe, and trustworthy when using technology.

During the week, classes will talk about media balance, keeping personal information private, communicating kindly and going to appropriate websites.

Tips for helping at home:

• Set time limits for using a device

• Have device-free areas

• Discuss with your child what information is safe to share online

• Set up privacy settings in apps that your child uses

• Occasionally narrate your texts to set an example for your child as to what is appropriate to say online

• Talk to your child about what websites are appropriate to use for his/her age

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Dear Traeger Families,

On November 11 and 16 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 4 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.

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Let’s have some school trunk or treat fun!!!

Here what you need to do…

1. Decorate your car in advance. Your signup number will be your parking number. Look for the numbers marked in the Traeger parking lot the day of event. 

2. Decorate you car to a theme! HAVE FUN!! Even dress up.

Things to know…

• Registration fee: FREE 

• Decorating contest: Families will be able to vote on their favorite trunk 

• Setup will start at 430, please be ready for trunk or treaters at 5pm.  Please don’t pack up & leave until 7pm.

• You will need to provide candy or other treat for the trunk or treaters.

• NO access to electricity will be provided

• Guidelines for how scary decorations can or can't be: Be mindful this event is for ALL ages.

We are also looking for a total of 8 volunteers to help with event, 2 shifts available. Please help us make this a great event and hopefully a new tradition for the Traeger families.

Trunk or Treat Theme Ideas

• Blast from the past ('50s, '60s, etc.)
• Christmas in October
• Dia de los Muertos
• Hawaiian luau
• Under the sea
• On a farm
• Western
• Pumpkin patch
• Bubble gum machine
• Camping
• Pirates
• Circus
• Mummy car
• Spiderweb car
• Emoji
• I Spy books
• Superheroes
• Football (or other sports)
• Specific professional or college sports teams
• Animals (dogs and frogs are popular choices)
• Dr. Seuss
• Children's books, like Harry Potter
• Cartoon characters, like Minions or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• Video games, like Pac-Man or Minecraft
• Popular movies, like Cars, Frozen, Star Wars, or Coco
• Halloween movies, like the Nightmare Before Christmas or Hocus Pocus

Time:   10/29/2021 5:00pm ~ 7:00pm

Sign up at https://traeger.ptboard.com/

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WELCOME TO THE PACK

Bryanna Muscia - Student Teacher

Hi, my name is Ms. Muscia and I am teaching third grade with Mrs. Lepper. I am currently studying Elementary Education at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Even though this is my first year teaching full time, I have previously taught part time in pre-k and a kindergarten. I always thought that I wanted to teach kindergartners, but I am loving teaching in a third grade classroom. I have already learned so much from my teacher and all my students and I can't wait to continue to learn more! When I'm not in school during the summer I am outside hiking or enjoying the beach. During the colder months I like to stay in and read, paint and make blankets. I am grateful for all the support and kindness that I have experienced at Traeger, and hope that I can eventually have my own classroom here!

 

Paige Rios - Student Teacher

Hello! My name is Paige Rios, and I am currently student teaching K-4th grade Art in Ms. Moucha’s art room. I’m graduating at the end of the fall semester from UW-Oshkosh. I have already learned so much and I can’t wait to have a classroom of my own. In my free time I enjoy crafts, being outside, traveling, and exercising. The Traeger School family has been so kind, and I want to thank you for welcoming me with open arms.

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Great News!  K-Kids is fundraising with Fun Pasta Fundraising starting October 15th!

We are raising money to purchase fleece material for making blankets and for additional K-Kid projects and we need your help in reaching our fundraising goal!  We’ll earn 40% profit from every sale. Order is simple and fun!

What is Fun Pasta?  Fun Pasta is healthy fun pasta shaped like the holidays, sports, collegiate team logos, and more.  The colorful online catalog shows a wide variety of products that will appeal to everyone! 

How can you help? Purchase from and share our Fundraiser!

Go to our Carl Traeger Elementary shopping link: www.funpastafundraising.com/shop/carl-traeger-elementary    

Share our shopping link with family and friends in an email and Facebook.

There is FREE SHIPPING on orders over $55!  Fundraiser closes October 30th 

MANY THANKS FOR HELPING US REACH OUR GOAL!  

Sincerely, K-Kids

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

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.

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• October 22
  • No School
• October 28
  • Green Bay Packer Theme Day
• October 29
  • Fall Fest Celebrations
• November 3
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 10
  • School Colors Day
  • Early Release/No 4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 11
  • Veterans Day-Red, White and Blue Theme Day
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 12
  • PSC Family Paint/Game Night 5-7:30
• November 16
  • Parent Teacher Conferences 4-7pm
• November 17
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• November 22
  • K-2 Concert 6:00 at Alberta Kimball
• November 24-28
  • No School - Thanksgiving Break

 

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Vision: To develop competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.

 

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)

 

Meeting Minutes: October 12th 

• Major James Mungai from the Salvation Army shared the importance of our work as a school community to collect food for those in need, serving 14,000 families in a year.

• Fun Pasta Fundraiser begins October 15th to October 30th, K-Kids uses the money raised to help purchase Fleece Blanket material and other future K-Kids projects.

• Elections: We heard amazing speeches from Morgan Sparr, Charlotte Bowers, Leland Crane for Vice President, Lucy Abalan for Secretary, and Ellen Volkening for Treasurer.  Close V.P. Election!  Congratulations to our newly elected K-Kids Officers!

• Next election for the 2022-2023 school year will be held at our last K-Kids meeting in May.

• Next meeting November 9th - watch for the agenda!  Will be a fun, active meeting!!

 

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 

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PSC Minutes 
10/14, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Who are we?  PSC Board Members

• President: Nichole Casper 

• Vice President: Megan Paulik 

• Co-Secretaries: Heather Swenson & Jessica Graf 

• Treasurer: Alicia Alsberg
   

1. Treasurer Update - Alicia Alsberg 

   1. Went over changes that impacted the budget. All e-gift cards have been sent to teachers. Raffle license taken care of. We are typically staying under budget for budget items and going over budget for profits. 

2. Proposed Bylaw Amendments - PSC Board

   1. Have not been updated since 2011. Going over changes to be approved at the next meeting.  Changes are posted on the PSC PT Board page. 

   2. Event and Volunteer Coordinator and Communications and Outreach Officer positions will be open for nominations after Bylaw Amendments have been approved next month (November). 

3. Trunk or Treat - Nichole Casper 

   1. This is our first year. If you want to participate and decorate your trunk you can sign up on the PSC PTBoard. Event is October 29th in the back half of the parking lot. 5-7pm. 

4. Craft Fair Committee for 2022 

   1. Concessions - Heather Swenson (Would like someone to shadow to take over in the next year or two)

   2. Bake Sale - Open

   3. Craft Fair Coordinator - Open 

5. Meals for Teachers Conferences - (coordinate and provide food for teachers by 3pm - can be reimbursed, $300 each day)

   1. Nov. 11th:  Open 

   2. Nov. 16th:  Open

6. K-2 Concert (corsage needed)/Ice Cream Social - November 22

   1. Money is for the playground fund. $2.50 each person. 

   2. Ice Cream Social: Jess Graf and Liza O.  will help. Alicia will get corsage. 

   3. Keep Gluten Free Ice Cream Option - parents liked this option. 

   4. Presale - to help estimate how much to buy. Parents can sign up and pay ahead. Last minute sales at the event will also be possible. 

7. Family Night-paint & game - Jessica Graf

   1. Nov 12th Family Night at Traeger.  5:00-7:30pm. Fire Escape will set up tables to buy pottery for painting on site in the cafeteria. Adventure Games will set up games in the gym to play that you can purchase/order. 

8. Raise Craze - Jessica Graf

   1. Will be moved to spring. Will add to January Agenda. 

9. Holiday Gift Board - Katie Zurwaski 

   1. Mrs. Heideman will reach out for potential candidates for families to participate in the Adopt A Family Holiday Gift Board. 

   2. Families can donate items or money to pay for items on wish lists. 

   3. Sign ups will be digital this year. 

10. Motion to close - Mandy S., 2nd -  Kelly N.

11. Next meeting November 30th! See you there! :)

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

 

October 8, 2021: Issue 7

Traeger Tales

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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. 😃

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