Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

February 21, 2020: Issue 23

 

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Traeger Tales

Newbery Award Winners

This week we will take a look at the 2020 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.

The 2020 Newbery Medal Winner is New Kid, written and illustrated by Jerry Craft.  Jordan Banks can’t help seeing privilege when he transfers to Riverdale Academy Day School for seventh grade. As one of the few African American students in the school, he regularly deals with racism and microaggressions. Craft creates an intimate, relatable world inviting readers in, and holds them there.

2020 Newbery Honor Books

The Undefeated, written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The Undefeated “is for us.” Written in sparse poetic verse, the contributions of African Americans are celebrated and explored. The reader is invited on a journey of dreaming, of persevering, and of bravery. The past intersects with the present, leaving readers forging their own paths of discovery. America, this is for you.

Scary Stories for Young Foxes, written by Christian McKay Heidicker and  illustrated by Junyi Wu. Seven foxes, in the dark and twisted Antler Wood, want to hear scary stories. And, they will. Imagine a character with gooey eyes. Imagine trying to slink away from the Golgathursh’s grin. And imagine Beatrix Potter as a villain. Adventure, survival, and humor all celebrate the importance of story …even scary ones.

Other Words for Home, written by Jasmine Warga.  This book follows Jude and her mother, both Muslim, who flee war-torn Syria for a new life in America. This novel in verse is an inspiring story of resilience. It explores themes of family, prejudice, and what home truly means in a timely and honest manner.

Genesis Begins Again, written by Alicia D. Williams.  This book tells the story of 13-year-old Genesis, struggling with colorism and self-loathing. Her dark skin is just one of the 96 things she does not like about herself. This powerful novel deals with family struggles and internalized racism. A hopeful ending will leave both Genesis and readers seeing the possibility of self-worth.

Happy New Readings! ~Mrs. G.  😃 

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KINDNESS CLUB FUNDRAISER

The Traeger Kindness Club has chosen their first kindness community act!  The students are making and selling 8 oz containers of slime ($5 each)  to raise money to support the Oshkosh Humane Society.  If you would like to support a great cause, please complete an order form and return it to school, with cash, in an envelope marked: Traeger Kindness Club attn: Mrs. Terzynski.  Order form link. Slime will be on sale until Wednesday March 4th, 2020.   Slime will be delivered to your child as it is made. All profits will go to the Humane Society.  Any cash donation will be welcomed and appreciated. Thank you so much for considering our cause.  If you have any questions, please email: Ann.terzynski@oshkosh.k12.wi.us 

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February Social Skills - Compassion and Kindness

Every week, students at Carl Traeger Elementary learn about a pre-determined social skill as part of their morning meeting. This message is the same in each classroom but through discussion and real-life application, it is tailored to the needs of each group of students. These lessons are just one of the many ways that we are trying to promote unity at CTE. Throughout the year, students have learned about things like leadership, diversity, whole body listening, and conflict resolution. These social skill lessons help students mature socially and allow students to encourage one another to make more socially appropriate choices. During the month of February, our social skill lessons will be focused around these areas: kindness/compassion and teamwork/leadership. Encourage your child to share what activities and discussion their class has had around these topics. 

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Sleep: An essential part of a healthy lifestyle

Elementary aged children should get between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night. When children are consistently getting less sleep than they need we can see a decrease in attention span, poor school performance, tantrums/irritability/aggressive behavior, poor concentration, and difficulty falling asleep among other symptoms. 

How do you get your child to fall asleep faster and sleep well? Here is a list of 10 Healthy Sleep Habits:

1. Only use your bed for sleeping.

2. Avoid drinking caffeine in the afternoon and at night.

3. Avoid taking naps in the late afternoon and at night. 

4. No computer, TV, movies, videos, videogames or cell phone use for 30 minutes before bed each night. 

5. Develop a bedtime routine the helps your child relax. 

6. Go to bed at or near the same time every night. 

7. Keep bedrooms dark, cool and quiet (no TV or electronics). 

8. Don’t go to bed hungry; if needed, have a light snack such as a glass of milk or piece of fruit. 

9. Exercise daily. 

10. Discuss any ongoing sleep problems with your pediatrician or family doctor. 

Information taken from the Mayo Clinic (Sleep - An essential element of success for children) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (www.SleepEducation.org).

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Play Time Means No Time for Crime

The Oshkosh Area School District along with the Oshkosh Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department are pleased to announce the eighth year of the program called Play Time Means No Time for Crime! Each grade 3 classroom in the district will participate in relationship building activities with local law enforcement officers.  The program is focused on building positive community relationships with students and their school as well as getting students active.   Our Traeger students had the opportunity to participate in the program this past week.  Special thanks to our third grade families who donated snacks and water to our friends in law enforcement!

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Spring Spectacular

Mark your calendars...Monday, March 9, 2020-6pm at Alberta Kimball Auditorium (West High School). 

You are NOT going to want to miss this year’s Spring Spectacular Concert brought to you by the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students.  We have created an amazing show for you. The Spring Spectacular will not only feature our Traeger students sharing their amazing voices, but will also include a wide variety of talents such as drumming, ukulele playing, baton twirling, solos, duets, dance teams, and some super kids having a really great time on stage! Also, we will end our concert with an all school Grand Finale! 

We cannot wait to perform for everyone and we are again expecting a full auditorium.  We will feature all types of music as well. The 3rd and 4th Grade will be led by Mrs. Schmidt and then the 5th Grade students will be taking the stage with Mrs. Cibula. Students will meet their classroom teachers and sit with their class at 5:45 pm and the concert starts promptly at 6:00 pm. We sincerely hope you join us and enjoy the Traeger Spring Concert Spectacular!!! 

See you Monday, March 9th!

Sincerely, Mrs. Schmidt (3rd and 4th Grade) and Mrs. Cibula (5th Grade)

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After the Grades 3-5 Spring Concert on March 9 we invite your family to join us for an ice cream social in the Oshkosh West cafeteria. Order forms were sent home so we can serve everyone their ice cream quickly and order enough ice cream. You can buy ‘at the door’ while supplies last! Funds raised from the ice cream social are used for playground maintenance. If you are interested in volunteering with the PSC or have any questions please reach out: CarlTPSC@gmail.com

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Bingo Night Needs YOU!

This family FUNdrasier brings in over $4000 and at the last PSC meeting there was discussion about canceling it.  We need volunteers for the following roles: chairperson(s) for the event, pre-sales lead, concessions lead, adult raffles lead, and prize patrol lead. In addition to those roles, we need volunteers the night of.  

Please join us Monday, Feb. 24th at 6:15PM, at Traeger Middle School cafeteria for the planning meeting. Will the tradition continue? Or, is it the end of an era?  We need your help to decide.

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• February 24
  • Green Team 2:45pm
  • Site Council 3:00pm in LMC
  • Bingo Committee Planning 6:15pm Middle School Cafe
• February 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 27
  • 4/5 Family Game Night 5-6:30pm
• March 3
  • PSC 6:00pm
• March 4
  • Last Day for Kindness Club Slime orders
• March 5
  • 4K Gibson Playtime 8:15am & 12:40pm
• March 8
  • Daylight Savings Begins-Spring Forward!
• March 9
  • Grades 3-5 Spring Concert, 6:00pm Alberta Kimball Auditorium
• March 11
  • Early Release-No EC/4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • School Colors Day
• March 12
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• March 14
  • PSC Gymnastics Center Night 6-8pm
• March 16
  • Green Team 2:45pm
• March 18 
  • Grade 2 to Discovery World
  • Kordus/Amel to Paine Art Center
• March 19
  • Wolff to Paine Art Center
• March 23-27 Spring Break!

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

February 14, 2020: Issue 22

 

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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 2020 Caldecott Medal Winner is The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Kwame Alexander. Kadir Nelson’s rich illustrations amplify Kwame Alexander’s poetic tribute to the resiliency, strength, and perseverance of the historical and present-day Black experience. Gripping, realistic oil portraits use light and forward movement to portray the deep humanity and contributions of Black brilliance in America.

2020 Caldecott Honor Books

Bear Came Along, illustrated by LeUyen Pham and written by Richard T. Morris.  “Oh, what a ride!” After tumbling into a river, Bear is swept into an epic journey, collecting woodland companions along the way. The river comes to life with Pham’s energetic lines, gradual increase of vivid color, and surprising page turns to form a rollicking adventure and bonding connections.

Double Bass Blues, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez and written by Andrea J. Loney.  Ignited by an electrifying snap of the string bass, Nic navigates between the symphony of two worlds: music and community. Syncopated rhythms, musical harmony and familial love are vibrantly expressed through riotous color, dynamic lines, and kinetic movement. This inventive composition visually illuminates the auditory experience that is the blues.

Going Down Home with Daddy, illustrated by Daniel Minter and written by Kelly Starling Lyons. An African American family reunion gives a boy a chance to connect to his vibrant roots. Featuring a warm, rich color palette, every spread has multiple, complex layers. Earthy imagery and Adinkra symbols help tell a story of intergenerational love and ancestral memory.  

Happy New Readings! ~Mrs. G.  😃 

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The Importance of Attendance - Update!

We wanted to share an update on first semester attendance as a follow up to an article we shared in a prior edition of Traeger Tales about the importance of attendance.  Last year, Traeger students used 788.91 days for planned vacation as well as 233.32 days for unplanned events. This amounts to 398,668 instructional minutes that students missed out on, making it very difficult for classes to progress together.

During the first semester, Traeger students used 284.05 days for planned vacations and 120.97 days for unplanned events which puts us on track to beat last year’s numbers!  50% of the school year is complete and we have only used 39.6% of the vacation time as compared to last year. Thank you for considering planning your vacations during the scheduled school vacation times! 

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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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Congratulations to the following artists who will have art on display at Mercy Medical Center for the month of February! The first graders looked at birds of Wisconsin and artist Charley Harper and the third graders learned about form and made cups that looked 3D. Please take time to check out the art in the Galleria at Mercy and congratulate these hard working artists!

First Grade Bird Artists

• Lucy Abalan
• Kinley Anderson
• Owen Berg
• Ryleigh Bohn
• Eleanor Bongers
• Briza Bryden
• Jeremiah Butler
• Jaxon Frank
• Ariya Gardiner
• Quinn Johnson
• Harper Jungwirth
• Kaydance Mike
• Hailey Peck
• Cade Rego
• Audrey Reising 
• Harper Runde
• Trinity Stadler-Garrett
• Melody Stein
• Vivian Svetnicka
• Alice Tompkins
• Henry Toppins
• Lexie Trebiatowski
• Abby Tritt
• Aubrey Witt
• Olivia Zack

Grade 3 Cup Artists

• Natalie Booth
• Brandon DeVoe
• Eve Geffers
• Ava Gehrman-Thompson
• Madden Hotter
• Blake Julian
• Brooklynn Keas
• Carmyn Koehler
• Rin Koeppl
• Brookelyn Kufel
• Ryan Last
• Raluca Miron
• Alex Mowry
• Emily Mugerauer
• Tim Olson
• Xaylen Ruiz
• Kensie Schrage
• Isabella Spader
• Sophie Szesterniak
• Peyton Ubrig
• Lila Villeneuve
• Abby Wallace
• Yui Watanabe
• Tyler Wiebel
• Evekai Ziemba

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Winter Walk to School Day!

We will be participating in the fourth annual state-wide Winter Walk to School Day on February 19 (weather date February 26). 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!

Walk to School Wednesdays take place each week, weather permitting in the winter. Children who walk to school can receive a punch on their frequent walker cards. Once a child receives 10 punches the card can be turned in at the office to be entered into a drawing for prizes! As an added incentive in February, walkers will receive a surprise incentive.

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!

Has your child lost his/her frequent biker/walker card? Have him/her ask Mrs. Wara for a replacement!  Thank you!

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• February 17
  • No School for Students
• February 19
  • Walk to School Wednesday-Winter Walk to School Day!
• February 21
  • Grade 1 to Bubloz Nature Preserve
• February 24
  • Green Team 2:45pm
  • Site Council 3:00pm in LMC
  • Bingo Committee Planning 6:15pm Middle School Cafe
• February 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 27
  • 4/5 Family Game Night 5-6:30pm
• March 3
  • PSC 6:00pm
• March 5
  • 4K Gibson Playtime 8:15am & 12:40pm
• March 8
  • Daylight Savings Begins-Spring Forward!
• March 9
  • Grades 3-5 Spring Concert, 6:00pm Alberta Kimball Auditorium
• March 11
  • Early Release-No EC/4K Classes
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • School Colors Day
• March 12
  • K-Kids 6:00pm
• March 14
  • PSC Gymnastics Center Night 6-8pm

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A note from Mrs. Miller media specialist

February’s topic is: Cyberbullying

Most kids will encounter mean behavior at some point in their digital lives. For some kids, this experience is a blip that's easily forgotten, while for others it can have deep, long-lasting effects. For parents, the key is staying involved in kids' lives -- both online and off -- so they can step in and offer help if necessary. With guidance from parents and educators, kids can learn how to dodge the drama and stand up for others.

PSC Minutes  - Thursday 2/6/20, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Who are we?

PSC Board Members

President: Christina Hein

Vice President: Holly Emons
Co-Secretaries: Carrie Boettcher and Heather Swenson

Treasurer: Jen Sorensen

1. Budget Update  - Jen Sorensen: Updates handed out. Jen went through each line. 

   1. First - Mandy and 2nd - Jess 

2. Bingo chairs needed- Mary Geffers: 

   1. There are not enough volunteers to run Bingo. If people don’t come forward to volunteer, Bingo Night may be cancelled. Please contact the PSC at CarlTPSC@gmail.com if you are willing to volunteer. Final decision to be made at the next PSC meeting - March 3rd. 

3. Boosterthon- Stephanie: Boosterthon held during the day (rain or shine) at school. Similar platform to Jump Rope For Heart. Students raise funds for school. Every student gets a tshirt and gets to participate no matter what. Neenah schools made between $16-30,000. We can plan for next May (20/21 school year). Anyone interested - email PSC or check website for more information - https://www.boosterthon.com/. The PSC will vote on this at the March 3rd PSC meeting.

4. Spring Concert Ice Cream Fundraiser - Liza, Mandy, Jess - Concert March 9th

5. Funset Update- Sheri Absent, PSC Shared: We sold 171 tickets, this is the most ever, with a profit of $522.

6. Jess Fundraisers - Made lots of flyers, they will be going out and on Facebook. Google forms will be created for signing up to help with things. Golf outing for Carl Traeger Families on July 12th. Hoping to make a minimum of $2,000 on golf outing.  

7. Volunteers Needed - Contact PSC 

   1. Teacher Appreciation- Volunteers needed to help with this. 

   2. March Feed The Teachers - Potato Bar.  Run by Carol H. and Christina H. 

8. Nominating Committee for President and Secretary: Katie and Jess

9. SOAR Residencies

   1. Mark Powers April 29, 30 & May 1. Mark will be working with all of the students K-5 on African culture, music/ drumming patterns, musical composition writing and Community Drumming Circles.

   2. Wendy Strauch-Nelson in March for an Arts Integration lesson with the 4th graders. All 4th graders will read the First Rule of Punk in the classroom and then create Zines in the art room with Wendy and Ms. Moucha. In the story the lead character uses Zines to have a voice and the author herself is a longtime Zine maker. Wendy is the lead grant writer for ArtsCore and retired Arts Ed. professor from UWO. She created Zines for years for her students to tell stories and communicate through words and images in short edition books.

Adjourn- Katie, 2nd - Jess 

Upcoming Events/Any Questions?  Next meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd.

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

February 7, 2020: Issue 21

 

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Traeger Tales

What Am I Good At?

Parents play a huge role in helping children develop healthy self-esteem. Parents are the first positive voice children hear. To build your child’s self-esteem, help them see what skills or activities they do well.

Self-esteem is feeling good about yourself most of the time.

What we know:

Kids notice how they compare to other kids their age. Talk about what they may notice. For example, you may say  “Sometimes it seems like it’s hard for you to read aloud. I’m sure you see kids in school who read easily, even if you don’t think they’re any smarter than you.” This opens the door for your child to talk about it.  It may also encourage your child to talk about what he or she is “smart” at doing.

Kids need to talk about both what they are good at and what is hard for them. A nice way to talk about skills your child is not good at is to give examples from family members. For example, maybe Mom always loses the car keys. Or Grandpa isn’t patient. Talking about those types of family examples is a great way to talk about strengths and weaknesses.

Try this:

Download Fable Vision’s The North Star Smart Stars Survey app. The free app helps children see that there are many ways of learning and to identify their strengths. It also helps children see they can work on skills that are harder for them and get better over time.

For fun:

Read the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. This book is about a girl named Vashti who thinks she can’t draw. But, she overcomes her doubts and goes on to inspire others. It may take some time for kids to figure out what they are good at or what things they love to do. Help your child explore those strengths, and give them the time they need to do so. Finding and exploring their passion can build children’s self-esteem.

~Mrs. G.  😃 Source: UW Extension

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MLK Essay Contest Winners!

Traeger 5th graders Eavie Heffernan and Evan Danahy placed first and second respectively in  the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest.  Last week we are featured Eavie's essay and this week we feature Evan's essay.  We are so proud of all of our students who wrote about this very important topic!
 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

by Evan Danahy

Have you ever had the feeling that you were treated the worst you ever could? Well then you are wrong because back then blacks were not treated fairly at all, they had to ride in the backs of busses, they had to go to different schools, blacks and whites were pretty much separated. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed life in America by making the “I Have A Dream” speech, ending segregation , and telling people to use there words, not their fists.                              

I Have A Dream

“ I Have A Dream that one day little black boys and black girls will join hands with white boys and white girls. I Have A Dream Today!!!” The I Have A Dream speech changed the rules for black’s and white’s to have equal rights. The I Have A Dream speech was part of the March On Washington. Lots of white people also agreed with Kings words and wanted equal rights. King was not supposed to speak at the Lincoln Memorial but people convinced him to speak his memorable dream. I think that everybody should always remember this historic speech.

Ending Segregation

Dr. King really helped a lot with ending Segregation. Dr. King worked with Rosa Parks for not just them but all blacks equal rights. King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott which really took ending Segregation up a step. Lots of people did not like what Dr. King was trying to do and bombed his house. But King did not stop he prayed for the people who bombed him, and then kept going. King eventually did end segregation, and today I am happy that blacks, and whites have the same rights.

Using His Words Not His Fists

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. told many blacks to not fight back with their words, not their fists. Lots of people followed his words, but King did not say those words first he followed the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi who fought for Indian Independence from British rule. Martin has lots of strong words, but Using his words not his fists his one of the strongest ones. I think that if I was alive back then  I would not want to follow King’s words, but also I would because I would be able To trust Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because he was a really helpful person.

I think that I can keep King's dream alive by not judging people by the color of their skin but to judge by their personality. I can also keep his dream alive for example if someone says or does something mean me I will not fight back I will just tell them to stop, or to just walk away. One more way that I can keep King’s dream alive is by trying to be friends with everybody and speaking up when needed. If King did not end segregation I would not be able to play sports with everybody of every race, and I would not be able to talk to as many people as I do today. Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr!                

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Traeger Green Team

Traeger Green Team wants to challenge you!       Do you accept the challenge?  

Eliminating waste can be simple by making a few changes.  We would like to give each family at Traeger Elementary a chance at eliminating waste a little easier!

All your family has to do is accept the Challenge - 

• Eliminate paper napkins - Use reusable napkins
• Eliminate plastic produce bags - Use reusable produce bags
• Eliminate disposable straws - Use reusable straws
• Eliminate ziplock bags - Use reusable lunch containers

In your students take home folder this week is a Challenge Accepted form - please fill out and return in your students folder - - a chance to win with each Accepted Challenge entry.   We will draw winners at our March 16th Green Team meeting. Winners will receive either a set of cloth napkins, reusable produce bags, steel straws, or lunch containers.

Students are welcome to join the Green Team meeting February 24th after school in the media center from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm

Like the FB page Traeger Elementary, Green Nature-Ally for continued updates about our mission!

Questions or if any student is interested in joining the Green Team please contact Mary Jo Vanderloop mary.vanderloop@oshkosh.k12.wi.us  or Alicia Alsberg abalsberg@gmail.com

Traeger Elementary Green and Healthy School - Seedling School 

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Party Guests

Elementary schools in the Oshkosh Area School District observe three seasonal social traditions: Fall Fest/Halloween (October), Winter Holiday (December), and Friendship/Valentine’s Day (February). Students, families and staff look forward to these special celebrations. We are blessed to have many active parents and grandparents and would love to be able to include everyone in these celebrations, but unfortunately we do not have the capacity in our school to do so.

Teachers will solicit parent helpers for their parties, and only those parents who are assisting at the party should be in attendance. In the past we have had classrooms where there were as many visitors as students and it made it difficult for the class to engage in their celebration. Thank you for helping to ensure that access to these celebrations is equitable to all families and that students have the opportunity to fully participate in their celebrations with their classmates.

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SUPERHEROS

Each month our office staff, Ms. Cornell and Ms. Fitzpatrick, are recognizing two students who go above and beyond.  Staff have the opportunity to nominate students and the winners will be honored with the title of “Superhero of the Month” and have their picture on our Superhero Wall in the office!  Congratulations to our this month’s Superheros, Alex Kruger and Norah Fox!

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Traeger Traffic

Last week’s article sparked some requests from parents.  Please honor the no left turn sign in peak hours. Numerous people have affirmed that “it actually takes longer to sit in line to leave the school than it does to turn right and take an alternate route to our destination. I have timed my drop off several times and it has taken over 20 minutes to pull in and out on many occasions.”  One parent suggested having parent volunteers work in groups of 3-4 for several weeks to help guide cars.  If you would be interested in volunteering for or coordinating this type of effort please contact Mrs. G.

Our primary concern is student safety and we need everyone to follow the plan.  We know everyone is busy and has places to go, but nothing is more important than the safety of our children!  This is a great opportunity to set a good example for our children!

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Boxtops for Education

Boxtops for Education is going Digital!  However, there are still paper Boxtops on products that we can get credit for, so please check your cabinets for Boxtops and send them to school.  It’s getting more challenging to find Boxtops so we need everyone’s help to collect these last few paper Boxtops! 

As the paper Boxtops are going away, we will be relying on the digital scans for our Boxtops fundraising. Please help us out by downloading the Boxtops App, adding Carl Traeger Elementary
School as your charity, and scanning your receipts within two weeks of purchase.  For more information about Boxtops and how to download the APP, as well as find money saving coupons please go to http://www.boxtops4education.com 

Thank you for your help with our Box tops fundraisers!

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Wisconsin School Bus Driver Appreciation Week

Februrary 10-14

Thousands of dedicated men and women work every day to transport children to and from school. They become friends and protectors of their passengers, responsible for students’ safety in sometimes difficult conditions, and their work is respected and appreciated.

Transporting students over the millions of miles each school year, school bus drivers provide one of the safest ways to make sure students get to and from school.

Please take some time to thank these dedicated individuals that transport our students each day!

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Winter Walk to School Day!

We will be participating in the fourth annual state-wide Winter Walk to School Day on February 19 (weather date February 26). 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!

Walk to School Wednesdays take place each week, weather permitting in the winter. Children who walk to school can receive a punch on their frequent walker cards. Once a child receives 10 punches the card can be turned in at the office to be entered into a drawing for prizes! As an added incentive in February, walkers will receive a surprise incentive.

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!

Has your child lost his/her frequent biker/walker card? Have him/her ask Mrs. Wara for a replacement!  Thank you!

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• February 11
  • 4K Conferences 3:30-6pm
  • Grade 3 Family Engagement Night 5-6:30pm
• February 12
  • Early Release-No EC/4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • 4K Conferences 8am-4pm
• February 14
  • Valentine's Day Classroom Celebrations
• February 17
  • No School for Students
• February 19
  • Walk to School Wednesday-Winter Walk to School Day!
• February 21
  • Grade 1 to Bubloz Nature Preserve
• February 24
  • Green Team 2:45pm
  • Site Council 3:00pm in LMC
• February 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 27
  • 4/5 Family Game Night 5-6:30pm
• March 3
  • PSC 6:00pm
• March 5
  • 4K Gibson Playtime 8:15am & 1:25pm

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

January 31, 2020: Issue 20

 

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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.

Last year, on Feb.6, 2019, the Fifth-Annual Global School Play Day for students continued to spread around the world. Over 535,000 young people from 72 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 again joining the Global School Play Day movement for a full day on February 6.  Our students will engage in unstructured play throughout the day, taking a break for our lunch and recess schedules. Students will have the opportunity to bring non-electronic toys to school that day.  A permission slip went home last 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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MLK Essay Contest Winners!

Traeger 5th graders Eavie Heffernan and Evan Danahy placed first and second respectively in  the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest.  This week we are featuring Eavie's essay and next week we will feature Evan's essay.  We are so proud of all of our students who wrote about this very important topic!

Martin Luther King Jr.: America’s Hero

by Eavie Heffernan

Imagine that you are about to walk into a restaurant. As you reach for the door handle, someone behind you shouts, “Can’t you read? That sign says WHITES ONLY!” You turn around and come face to face with a white man. You mutter, “Oh, sorry.” and scoot out of his way as he storms in the door. As recent as the 1960s, WHITES ONLY signs were posted by restrooms, restaurants, schools, and even drinking fountains! Many Americans didn’t think this was right. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of them. He decided to stand up and do something about it. Dr. King shared inspiring speeches, protested peacefully, and encouraged equality. So how did he do this?

Dr. King didn’t want people just to listen to what he had to say; he wanted people to act. To treat everyone equally and love others – no matter the color of their skin. Dr. King saw how his father and grandfather, who were both pastors, inspired people through words and he wanted to do the same. Over his lifetime, Dr. King gave more than 2,500 speeches to millions of people. Dr. King didn’t just tell people that he didn’t like segregation; he showed why segregation was wrong. Think of how different things would be right now if he hadn’t told the world his dream!

Dr. King didn’t only share his dream, but he lived it too. In 1956, his house was bombed by someone who didn’t believe in his dream. Instead of showing anger, Dr. King prayed for the person who bombed his house. Instead of rioting, he told his supporters, “I want you to love our enemies. Be good to them, love them, and let them know you love them.” I imagine that loving someone who would do such an awful thing would be extremely hard. Dr. King showed that fighting peacefully was the right thing to do.

Dr. King wanted to encourage equality, but he wanted to do so using words, not fists. He didn’t want to make white people feel bad; he just wanted everyone to feel equal. If there were signs everywhere saying that I wasn’t welcome, I wouldn’t feel valued either! Dr. King loved everyone and wanted them all to feel the same. In 1957, Dr. King gave a sermon about loving your enemies. He said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” I think that the true message in what he said is that love and peace will win against hate and darkness. Maybe, if we can spread love, things will be better.

I think that Dr. King showed that he was an American hero by sharing inspiring speeches, encouraging equality, and fighting peacefully. I think that what we can learn from Dr. King is that if we believe in something, we should keep trying hard to achieve it. It took Dr. King a lot of hard work, and he had to overcome huge obstacles. He was arrested 29 times. He almost lost his wife and his child when his house was bombed. He was almost assassinated a decade before his actual death. But he never gave up fighting to end segregation.

So how can we keep Dr. King’s dream alive? He wanted everyone to feel loved and respected and didn’t stop marching, praying, and speaking until this was accomplished. Those were big things, but if we can all do small things together, we can change the world. If someone needs a friend to talk to, listen. If someone is lost, help them find their way. If someone looks lonely, talk to them. Think of how much we can accomplish if we all work together to do these small things. All of this would turn into a really big thing – and it could change our school, our city, our country, and eventually our world! If Dr. King were here today, he would realize that his dream is getting closer to reality. Now it’s up to us.   

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** Yearbook ordering for 2019/2020 is Online!**

 

1. Go to Network Photography’s website (www.networkphoto.net)

2. Click FALL PREPAY near the top, right hand corner

3. Type Carl Traeger in search box

4. Click on “Carl Traeger Elementary - YEARBOOK”

5. Click “Add to Cart”

6. Checkout!

Yearbooks will be delivered to Traeger and sent home at the end of April/early May.

If you have any questions, please call Network Photography at (262) 677-8662.

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PSC Culver's Night

Join us at Culver’s (Westowne Location) on Monday, February 3rd for dinner and ice-cream to raise money for the Carl Traeger PSC. From 4:30-7PM a portion of all sales will be donated to the PSC so invite family and friends to come along too! We are looking for a few parents who are willing to volunteer for an hour during the event. Elementary students are allowed to volunteer so it’s a great way to get involved with the whole family! Reach out to CarlTPSC@gmail.com if you are interested. 

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Access into the building

The safety and security of your children is our top priority and one of the most useful tools we utilize to help protect your children is our security camera.  All exterior doors remain locked throughout the day and the only way to gain access into the building is by ringing the buzzer on our security camera and speaking to our office staff in order to identify yourself.  This procedure remains in place at all times including before and after the school day. If you are waiting to pick up your child after school, we ask that you do not enter the building until the bell rings unless you were granted an exception from the principal. Please do not enter the building as someone else is exiting, every visitor must be given permission to enter by the office staff.  There are a variety of sensitive circumstances that require our staff to know who is in the building. Thank you for your cooperation.

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Winter Walk to School Day!

We will be participating in the fourth annual state-wide Winter Walk to School Day on February 19 (weather date February 26). 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!

Walk to School Wednesdays take place each week, weather permitting in the winter. Children who walk to school can receive a punch on their frequent walker cards. Once a child receives 10 punches the card can be turned in at the office to be entered into a drawing for prizes! As an added incentive in February, walkers will receive a surprise incentive.

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!

Has your child lost his/her frequent biker/walker card? Have him/her ask Mrs. Wara for a replacement!  Thank you!

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Kids Heart Challenge (Jump Rope for Heart)

Next week we will be celebrating healthy hearts and all the hard work our school has done for the American Heart Association with our Kids Heart Challenge during your child's PE class (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday).

All donations should be turned in by Friday, February 7th. You still have time to register online...we are only 50 students away from half of our school being registered online! When you register online, you don't need to send any emails or have any online donations! Our school can earn an extra $500 for PE/recess equipment!! Also the classroom that has the most students registered can earn an Amazon gift card!

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February 3rd-7th is National School Counseling Week!

Each year the school counseling profession is celebrated during the first week of February. The theme of the week is “School Counselors: Helping Build Better Humans.” We will celebrate the way the school counseling role helps students achieve success and plan for a career.

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 advocating for her students and bringing hope to kids when things get tough. Her diversity and self-regulations classroom counseling lessons are her favorite ones to teach! She is proud of how hard students work to learn new skills and loves when they have inspiring discussions during classroom counseling lessons. Ask your student what they’re learning in classroom counseling!

Ms. Heideman takes on many roles at Traeger. She teaches classroom counseling lessons in each classroom every other week, works with students in small groups, and meets with students individually. She helps support PBIS and the Traeger Way and is included on the school’s crisis response team. Ms. Heideman enjoys hosting lunch bunches with students and participating in her spa day and crafts/games staff prizes on the Pride Print Cart.

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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• February 3
  • PSC Culver's Night 4:30-7
• February 5
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 6
  • Playtime in Mrs. Gibson's 4K 8:15 & 12:30
  • PSC 6:00pm
• February 7
  • 5th Grade Historical Fair 9:30 & 1:30
• February 11
  • 4K Conferences 3:30-6pm
  • Grade 3 Family Engagement Night 5-6:30pm
• February 12
  • Early Release-No EC/4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • 4K Conferences 8am-4pm
• February 14
  • Valentine's Day Classroom Celebrations
• February 17
  • No School for Students
• February 19
  • Walk to School Wednesday-Winter Walk to School Day!
• February 21
  • Grade 1 to Bubloz Nature Preserve
• February 24
  • Green Team 2:45pm
  • Site Council 3:00pm in LMC
• February 26
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 27
  • 4/5 Family Game Night 5-6:30pm

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PSC Agenda 

Thursday 2/6/20, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Who are we?

PSC Board Members

President: Christina Hein

Vice President: Holly Emons

Co-Secretaries: Carrie Boettcher and Heather Swenson

Treasurer: Jen Sorensen

 

1. Budget Update  - Jen Sorensen

2. Bingo chairs needed

3. Spring Concert Ice Cream Fundraiser - Liza, Mandy, Jess

4. Funset Update

5. Nominating Committee for President and Secretary

6. Boosterthon

Upcoming Events/Any Questions?

Next meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd.

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

January 24, 2020: Issue 19

 

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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? 

Report cards were posted in Infinite Campus on Thursday and families should receive hard copies in the mail next week.  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.  😃

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Just a reminder to parents that there are several lost & found containers located at the back of the cafeteria.  Next time you are at the school, please check for any of your child’s items that have been lost (lunch bags, clothing, etc). 

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The Downside of Screen Time 

Children’s brains are much more sensitive to electronics use than most of us realize. In fact, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t take much electronic stimulation to throw a sensitive and still-developing brain off  track. Also, many parents mistakenly believe that interactive screen-time—Internet or social media use, texting, emailing, and gaming—isn’t harmful, especially compared to passive screen time like watching TV. 

In fact, interactive screen time is more likely to cause sleep, mood, and cognitive issues, because it’s more likely to cause hyperarousal and compulsive use. 

Screen time disrupts sleep and desynchronizes the body clock. Because light from screen devices mimics daytime, it suppresses melatonin, a sleep signal released by darkness. Just minutes of screen stimulation can delay melatonin release by several hours and desynchronize the body clock. Once the body clock is disrupted, all sorts of other unhealthy reactions occur, such as hormone imbalance and brain inflammation. Plus, high arousal doesn’t permit deep sleep, and deep sleep is how we heal. 

Screen time desensitizes the brain’s reward system. Many children are “hooked” on electronics, and in fact gaming releases so much dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical—that on a brain scan it looks the same as cocaine use. But when reward pathways are overused, they become less sensitive, and more and more stimulation is needed to experience pleasure. Meanwhile, dopamine is also critical for focus and motivation, so needless to say, even small changes in dopamine sensitivity can wreak havoc on how well a child feels and functions. 

~Reprinted from Psychology Today

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Handicapped Parking   The handicapped parking stalls are intended for people who are seeking access to the building.  We have many people with stickers who are parking in the stalls who do not leave their vehicles, while waiting for non-disabled children.  This has created a hardship for people who are not able to utilize the spaces and need to access the building, as well as disabled students. Parents, please let any grandparents who are picking up your children know that they should wait in the circle drive if they are not leaving their vehicle. Thank you!

Parking Lot Reminder

The yellow lines in the picture mark the area where cars are NOT allowed in the lot.  Even when there is snow we would expect that people know where the designated parking areas are.  Students should never be “dropped off” in the parking lot.  Cars should be parked in designated stalls. You may park and walk your child or use the drop off-lane in the circle drive.  Children may also be dropped off along Woodstock and then access one of the paths that connect to our school grounds. Avoid the traffic congestion and help your child get some daily steps by using the paths!

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Mash Up

At the end of January, we will be having another mash up. As a reminder, your child is assigned a mash up group that contains students from different grade levels. They will remain in this mash up group throughout their career at Carl Traeger Elementary. The focus of our January mash up will be a book by Peter Reynolds titled Say Something. Mash up groups will have discussions about standing up for each other no matter. They will then discuss how to show kindness and complete a group activity around this theme.

 

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** Yearbook ordering for 2019/2020 is Online!**

 

1. Go to Network Photography’s website (www.networkphoto.net)

2. Click FALL PREPAY near the top, right hand corner

3. Type Carl Traeger in search box

4. Click on “Carl Traeger Elementary - YEARBOOK”

5. Click “Add to Cart”

6. Checkout!

Yearbooks will be delivered to Traeger and sent home at the end of April/early May.

If you have any questions, please call Network Photography at (262) 677-8662.

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PSC Culver's Night

Join us at Culver’s (Westowne Location) on Monday, February 3rd for dinner and ice-cream to raise money for the Carl Traeger PSC. From 4:30-7PM a portion of all sales will be donated to the PSC so invite family and friends to come along too! We are looking for a few parents who are willing to volunteer for an hour during the event. Elementary students are allowed to volunteer so it’s a great way to get involved with the whole family! Reach out to CarlTPSC@gmail.com if you are interested. 

 

• January 27
  • 3:00pm Site Council in LMC
• January 29
  • Walk to school Wednesday
• February 3
  • PSC Culver's Night 4:30-7
• February 5
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 6
  • Playtime in Mrs. Gibson's 4K 8:15 & 12:30
  • PSC 6:00pm
• February 7
  • 5th Grade Historical Fair 9:30 & 1:30
• February 11
  • 4K Conferences 3:30-6pm
  • Grade 3 Family Engagement Night 5-6:30pm
• February 12
  • Early Release-No EC/4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • 4K Conferences 8am-4pm
• February 14
  • Valentine's Day Classroom Celebrations
• February 17
  • No School for Students
• February 19
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 21
  • Grade 1 to Bubloz Nature Preserve

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Top 20 Teacher Needs!

Our PSC – which all parents are welcome to be a part of! – is working on additional ways we can support our wonderful teachers. To start, we asked them for a list of supplies for their classrooms. Below are the top 20.

Feel free to drop these items off in the office, send them with your child, or order online and have them delivered to school. Let’s show our teachers just how much we appreciate their work by meeting these material needs!

1. Colored and black Expo Markers
2. Triple A Batteries
3. TAPE! Packaging Tape, scotch tape, blue painter’s tape, masking tape, and double-sided tape (and small tape dispensers)
4. Snacks in bulk
5. Velcro
6. Hand sanitizer
7. Notebooks
8. 1-Hole punch with rubber handle
9. Folders
10. Bottled Glue
11. Children’s socks and waterproof gloves
12. Page protectors
13. Felt
14. Colored sharpies
15. Colored pencils
16. Clear contact paper
17. White cardstock
18. Staplers (1 long and 3 regular)
19. Kids' scissors
20. Felt-tipped pens

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

January 17, 2020: Issue 18

 

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Traeger Tales

Respecting Differences Makes Us Stronger

A Person’s a Person, No Matter How Small – Dr. Seuss

The ability to respect others is a skill that will help your child forever. It is important to teach children to respect and stand up for people who may seem different from themselves. Children can learn that people are more alike than different, and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. They learn from the words they hear and what they see. You can help them learn by the way you talk about or react to what you see in the world.

Diversity is many different types of things, including different types of people, families, and communities.

What we know:

When children respect themselves and others, they

• feel good about who they are,
• value people who are different from themselves, and
• become adults ready to live peacefully in a diverse world.

Try this:

Teach your child about the value of diversity, and show them that differences in race, abilities, beliefs, and cultures can enrich their lives through new experiences and relationships.  Help them make friends with a new student that comes from a different country. Invite new neighbors to a cookout or picnic and share family stories. Visit museums that focus on other cultures and talk about differences and similarities.

Just for fun:

Watch this short film, The Present, with your child and talk about the characters in the story. How are they alike?  How are they different? Ask them why they think the little boy didn’t like his present at first and what might have changed his mind. (You may want to suggest to your child that he liked it once he got to know it better.) Help your child connect this story with people they know or situations they have experienced in their lives.

Mrs. G. 😀 (Source UW Extension)

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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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Peace Days Update

Students are continuing to work hard to earn Peace Day incentives. This picture was taken on 1/13. Look at all of those days without an office discipline referral! Every grade level has officially earned an extra recess (10 Peace Days), buddy partner switch (25 Peace Days) and game day switch (45 Peace Days). Great work, Traeger students! As they continue to make positive choices students can earn the following incentives: 

• 65 Days - Outdoor Fun
• 85 Days - PJ and Stuffed Animal Day
• 105 Days - Popcorn and Movie
• 120 Days - Field Trip to the YMCA (must earn 120 days prior to April 24th)
• 135 Days - Beach Day and popsicle
• 150 Days- Ice Cream Sundae Bar

​​​​​​​

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Theme Days

At Traeger we have a number of theme days throughout the year.  They help us build school community and awareness.  Sometimes they are centered around special themes like anti-bullying, Dr. Seuss week, Bike to School Week, etc.  Other times they are to rally around our favorite teams like Packer, Badger, Bucks, Brewer (insert your favorite team-yes even the Bears) Days.  Additionally, we use them to promote school spirit when we dress in a particular style or our school colors.   We also observe awareness days that represent members our school population like White Cane Day, Autism Awareness, and World Down Syndrome Day.  We want to be an inclusive school community.  Do you have an idea for a day you think should be celebrated at Traeger?   Please reach out to Mrs. G. with your idea!

 

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• January 19 - PSC Funset Blvd. 4-10 pm
• January 20 - No School
• January 21
  • Kindergarten Literacy Event 4-6pm
• January 22
  • Walk to school Wednesday
  • Fourth grade to West Musical
• January 23
  • Fifth grade to West Musical
• January 27
  • 3:00pm Site Council in LMC
• January 29
  • Walk to school Wednesday
• February 3
  • PSC Culver's Night 4:30-7
• February 5
  • Walk to School Wednesday
• February 6
  • Playtime in Mrs. Gibson's 4K 8:15 & 12:30
  • PSC 6:00pm
• February 7
  • 5th Grade Historical Fair 9:30 & 1:30
• February 11
  • 4K Conferences 3:30-6pm
  • Grade 3 Family Engagement Night 5-6:30pm
• February 12
  • Early Release-No EC/4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to School Wednesday
  • 4K Conferences 8am-4pm
• February 14
  • Valentine's Day Classroom Celebrations

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America’s Most Practical and Entertaining Parent Seminars

BECOMING A LOVE AND LOGIC PARENT® CURRICULUM

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

Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?

Would you like to have more fun parenting?

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

Answers to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seminar is a total of 6 sessions:

Monday from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Emmeline Cook Elementary School:  2-3-20, 2-10-20, 2-24-20, 3-02-20, 3-9-20 and 3-16-20.  (Daycare provided for these 6 sessions through community learning center)

Cost:  $10 for the cost of the manual

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

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

We look forward to meeting you!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School

January 10, 2020: Issue 17

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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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OASD Trivia Night

 

YOU’RE INVITED! Test your knowledge and help raise money for the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Education Foundation. The OASD Education Foundation is hosting its seventh annual Trivia Night Fundraiser on January 24, 2020. This event is open to the public, pre-registration preferred. 

7th Annual OASD Education Foundation Trivia Night

Friday, January 24, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Oshkosh Convention Center (2 North Main Street, Oshkosh, WI)

LEARN MORE: 

• 2020 OASD Trivia Night Flyer 

• 2020 OASD Trivia Night Rules and Registration Form 

• OASD Trivia Night Website

The evening will feature team trivia at 7 p.m., 50/50 and gift basket raffles, and other prizes, with the doors opening at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to participate, cost of trivia is $100 per team with an 8-person maximum. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Pre-registration is preferred by January 17, 2020.

All proceeds will be used to enhance the educational experience for students and staff in the OASD. The OASD Education Foundation is committed to providing resources for innovation, fine arts, athletics, scholarships, and other resources to enhance students' lives. To learn more visit www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/district/oshkosh-education-foundation. 
BECOME A SPONSOR: If your business or organization would like to become a sponsor for the event please contact Julie Dumke, OASD Education Foundation Director at julie.dumke@oshkosh.k12.wi.us. Additional information is also available in the following Sponsorship Flyer.

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SUPERHEROS

Each month our office staff, Ms. Cornell and Mrs. Weiland,  are recognizing two students who go above and beyond. Staff have the opportunity to nominate students and the winners will be honored with the title of “Superhero of the Month” and have their picture on our Superhero Wall in the office!  Congratulations to this month’s Superheros, Mackenzie Gruettner and Cade Rego!

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Wisconsin Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition Week January 13-17

Each day, dedicated adult crossing guards across Wisconsin show up at their assigned crossings to assist students in their journeys to or from school. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Kathy Tomasko, our crossing guard at the corner of Oakwood and Newport for what she does for students each and every day. Please show your appreciation to Ms. Tomasko during the recognition week and thank her for a job well done!

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• January 9
  • 4/5 Family Game Night 5-6:30pm
• January 15
• • Walk to school Wednesday
• January 19
  • PSC Night at Funset Blvd. 4-10pm
• January 20 - No School
• January 21
  • Kindergarten Literacy Event 4-6pm
• January 22
  • Walk to school Wednesday
  • Fourth grade to West Musical
• January 23
  • Fifth grade to West Musical
• January 27
  • 3:00pm Site Council in LMC
• January 29
  • Walk to school Wednesday

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PSC Meeting Notes - Tuesday 1/7/20, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Who are we?

PSC Board Members

President: Christina Hein

Vice President: Holly Emons
Co-Secretaries: Carrie Boettcher and Heather Swenson

Treasurer: Jen Sorensen

1. Budget Update  - Jen Sorensen

-Motion to approve- Jess Graf, 2nd - Sherri Schmidt

2. Culver’s Volunteer Night update - Jessica

-Feb. 3rd. 4:30-7pm. Need adult volunteers. Contact Jessica Graf. 

3. Gymnastics Center Fundraiser - March 14th - Open Gym Night 6-8pm - or tickets in advance. Jessica Graf will coordinate this event. 

4. Bingo Night Committee Volunteers Needed 

   1. Put together a Facebook blurb with positions needed. 

5. PR Update - Jessica Graf. New position is going well. Events and help wanted information is all posted through PSC Facebook. 

6. Funset Boulevard fundraiser - Sheri Schmidt. Tickets distributed Tuesday. Reminder will go out so parents know they are arriving. 

7. Holiday Giving Board Update - Katie Zurawski. Program serves 67 kids/27 families. Brighten Someone’s Holiday board. Not a fundraiser - this goes to families in need at Traeger. Suggestions welcome on process. Stephanie taking over for next year. 

8. School Crossing Guard Week January 13-17. Katie Z. will put together a mug and gift card. Motion to approve Sheri, Nichole seconds. Thank you card sent around to go with it. 

9. Education Foundation Trivia Night Basket January 24 - Motion to approve $50 for basket - Katie, 2nd - Jen S. 

10. How Can we help? - Christin Hein and Carol Heffernan

    1. Cards to PSC send around for us to look at. Cards going around for us to sign. 

    2. What needs to teachers have? We can get a list and find volunteers. Mrs. G. will reach out to teachers. Should this be on-going, possibly a google form. Need a parent to check document and match up needs. Carol Heffernan will do. 

11.  Cub Scouts(Mark Brzostowski)- Pinewood Derby January 31st at Carl Traeger at 6pm. They welcome everyone to check it out.  They thank us for Chartering them. 

12.  Motion to adjourn - Jessica
    2nd - Mandy Stein

Upcoming Events/Any Questions?  Next meeting is Thursday, February 6th. Come Join Us!

Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

December 20, 2019: Issue 16

 

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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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On Thursday the youngest child in each K-5 family brought home a wrapped book to launch our annual One Book One CommuniTE, a school wide reading opportunity.  There are six readings over break.  A family reading menu was included with the book.  Watch our Facebook page for special challenges over break!  We have some great prizes to give away!  We will also be having a family event on December 30 from 2-4pm in the cafeteria.  Sign up at the LINK to join the fun!

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Ring in the New Year with the Carl Traeger PSC January 7, 2020 at 6:00! It's our first meeting of the New Year and it's time to make some resolutions. Want to make a difference in your child's life? Start by attending a PSC meeting and become knowledgeable about all the great ways you can get involved or just find out what is going on at Carl Traeger! Never been to a meeting before? There is not a better time to start!

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Traeger Way Snow Play

Starting on Monday, January 6th 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 which will be displayed in the cafeteria. Classes will receive an entry to win a pizza party for every 10 snowballs that they receive between January 6th and January 17th.  There will be a pizza party awarded at the K/1, 2/3, and 4/5 grade levels. 

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Brighten Someone’s Holiday

Thank you to all the generous families who have donated gifts and/or gift cards to Brighten Someone’s Holiday. We were able to support our very own Traeger families and 67 kids will have a better holiday season because of you! We’d also like to thank Stephanie Bauknecht, Sarah Helmuth, Katie Zurawski, and Kaelee Heideman  for all their leadership in making this possible!

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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 19, 2020, 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

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

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

Cost:  $4 per child (adults are free)

Please look for information to come home the first week in January when we return from winter break.

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Traeger Elementary Green Team Mission Statement: 

To improve the environment and reduce our environmental impact at Traeger Elementary and in our community through education, reducing waste, recycling, minimizing our carbon footprint, and improving health & wellness.

December 16, 2019 Meeting:

• 2:45-2:50 - Sign In
• 2:50-3:15 - Water use - what's the big deal?
• 3:15-3:45 - How Much Water game!

Meeting Notes:

Green Team matched up wasted water, water saved:

> Earth's water can be used by people - Less than 1% of water on Earth can be used by people

> 74% of the 75% of water on Earth is salt water

> Grow a day's worth of food for a family of four - takes 6,800 gallons of water

> To make one soda can - 16.5 gallons of water

> To make one 12 oz bottle of water - 1.85 gallons of water

> A shower uses - 10 to 25 gallons of water

> A bath uses - 70 gallons of water

> Turning off the water while you brush your teeth - saves up to 8 gallons of water

> A small drip of water from the faucet - wastes 34 gallons a day

> A hose - wastes 6 gallons of water per minute

> To make one cotton t-shirt - takes 400 gallons of water

> To make one pair of jeans - takes 1,800 gallons of water

> A leaky toilet - waste 200 gallons a day

Future Meeting Brainstorm:

> Nature hunt around trail/prairie, turn findings into art

> Clean up around the trail/prairie

> Nature and trash

> Experiments

> Create no bake desserts, saving electricity

Water experiments:

> Talking about water this meeting we did a few fun experiments

> Making pepper run away

> Observing food coloring and oil slowly drop from the weight

> Watched food coloring melt off of skittles and m&m's and the letters floated to the top

Next Meeting January 13th, 2:45 to 3:45 in the media center!

• December 21-January 1 Winter Break
• December 30
  • One Book One CommuniTE Family Activity 2-4pm
• January 2 - School Resumes
  • Pajama Theme Day
  • Song's Class to Paine Art Center
• January 3
  • Work Out Wear Theme Day
  • Treb's Class to Paine Art Center
• January 7
  • PSC 6:00pm
• January 8 - Early Release
  • No EC/4K Classes
  • School Colors Day
  • Walk to school Wedensday
• January 9
  • 4/5 Family Game Night 5-6:30pm
• January 19
  • PSC Night at Funset Blvd. 4-10pm
• January 20 - No School
• January 21
  • Kindergarten Literacy Event 4-6pm

 

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Carl Traeger
Elementary School 

December 13, 2019: Issue 15

 

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Traeger Tales

A LITTLE CARING GOES A LONG WAY

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

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

What we know:

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

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

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

Try this:

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

• How do you think those children felt during the storm? Why?
• How do you think you would feel if you lost your home and all your things?
• What can we do to help?

Try this too:

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

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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!

A note from Mrs. Miller media specialist

Digital Citizenship is being responsible, respectful, safe, and trustworthy online.

December’s lesson is: Your Digital Footprint

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.

Welcome to the Traeger Green Team!

Green Team would like to share some simple ideas to Purchase with a Purpose.

As we enter the holiday shopping season, how do you find the perfect gift?  Focusing on packaging and the impact on the environment may leave you purchasing differently, Purchasing with a Purpose.

What can you do - 

• Support fundraisers
• Buy experiences to share with one another
• Share a home cooked meal together
• Support Small Businesses 
• Shop Farmers Market - Indoors and craft fairs 

So much stuff!  Better consumers can result in better ways to care for our environment.  What is the full circle of what you put in your cart. Time spent with one another, making memories is more valuable than any gift.  Purchase with a purpose.

Join the Green Team meeting December 16th after school in the media center from 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm

Like the FB page Traeger Elementary, Green Nature-Ally for continued updates about our mission!

Questions or if any student is interested in joining the Green Team please contact Mary Jo Vanderloop mary.vanderloop@oshkosh.k12.wi.us or Alicia Alsberg abalsberg@gmail.com

Traeger Elementary Green and Healthy School - Seedling School