Photos and Stories - January 2010

Huegel attempts Guinness World Record of continuous snow angels

The six inches of fluffy snow that fell the first week after winter break sparked an idea for Karen Raymond, an SEA at Huegel.  Karen presented an idea to Principal Bray of attempting to make the Guinness Book of World Records on the largest continuous snow angel.   So on Jan. 13th Huegel students all gathered in the gym and walked in a line to make a huge circle around the playground and field. 

Principal Bray blew the whistle to signal students should drop to the ground and make snow angels. 

Total count for the event was 444 angels (students and staff)!  It was a great community building activity that everyone enjoyed.   To the best of their knowledge, this has never been attempted before so hopefully it set a world record.

Lindbergh students help Pakistani children

Students and staff at Lindbergh Elementary finished a 6 week cross curricular fundraiser for Pennies For Peace.

They held an assembly, sang Three Cups of Tea, other peace songs and decorated the halls with collage artwork in the style of the illustrations in Greg Mortenson's book Listen To The Wind. Lindbergh students cheered with pride when they learned $718.35 had been raised. That pays for one Pakistani teacher's salary and provides school supplies for 6 students!

Sennett 8th grader wins "Where in Wisconsin Is Jessica Doyle" contest

Congratulations to Tyler Turnbill, a House 3 8th grader who won the grand prize in the "Where In Wisconsin Is Jessica Doyle" contest. First Lady Doyle herself presented this honor to him in front of all of House 3. Tyler was entered into a drawing of Wisconsin students who submitted the most correct answers surrounding 'finding' which state location Mrs. Doyle was visiting at the time. The contest begins again each semester so encourage your students to participate...the prizes for his family were fantastic!  (Pictured l-r: House 3 Teacher Caryl Hodgman, First Lady Jessica Doyle, Tyler and Principal Colleen Lodholz.)

An Elvis sighting at Hamilton

Was that none other than "The King" singing at the Hamilton Middle School 6th Grade Band Concert on December 10?   

Hamilton Band teacher and concert conductor Jim Kyle mysteriously disappeared after one number in the midst of the concert.  Learning Coordinator Deb Struble stepped in to lead the Band in its playing of Aura Lee (which is the same melody as Love Me Tender ) when "Elvis" appeared to provide vocals in his usual inimitable style - to the delight of families and friends in attendance.

"Elvis" has made occasional appearances at Hamilton over the years and perhaps he will do so again in the future.

 

 

 

Friends of Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) Announces Grants

Friends of Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR), a local non-profit, is pleased to announce grants made to MSCR totaling more than $11,000. 

Two of the grants were awarded to MSCR's Meadowood Neighborhood Center, 5734 Raymond Rd, to offer a resume writing workshop and an English as a Second Language class.  Many people in the Meadowood neighborhood face transportation issues and the center serves as a local and accessible resource for community outreach programs. 

The resume writing class assists people with job searches and computer skills.   Those who attend the program are eligible for free bus tickets for travel to interviews. The program will be offered on Wednesday mornings, one of the Center's busiest days.

The new English as a Second Language class was developed in response to local resident requests. The class will focus on elementary competency, basic grammar and writing skills.

Harvey Wendel, Friends of MSCR president says, "We are pleased to fund additional community programs that meet an important need."

In addition to the Meadowood grants, Friends of MSCR awarded:

• $850 for staff training
• $2,000 towards the purchase of a new pontoon boat
• $1,170 equipment for middle school after school programs

Friends of MSCR supports Madison School & Community Recreation programs through fundraising.  The majority of funds are raised through the Annual Fore Friends Golf Outing.   The 2010 Golf Outing will be held on Friday, July 16 at Yahara Golf Course.    For more information, please call 204-3015 or go to www.mscr.org.   

Gompers Elementary Makes Connections with Local Assisted Living Community

The second and third grade students at Gompers Elementary continue to visit Legacy Gardens Assisted Living Community this school year.  The children took a short walk over to Legacy to spend time with the residents. 

 They read stories they wrote to the residents.  The children chatted with the residents.  Then they put on a singing performance. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Vander Woude's second and third grade class also visited the assisted living home in November.  The children created a mural with Ms. Walsh in art class and walked the mural over to Legacy Gardens.  They unrolled the mural and revealed it to the residents.  The residents always look forward to the visits.  The young children touch the hearts of these people.

Lakeview and Sherman M.S. Choirs perform at the Governor's Mansion

On Thursday, December 17th, Lakeview and Sherman M.S. Choirs took a trip to the governor's mansion to sing for hundreds of touring visitors.  The students prepared songs of the season.  Students were able to take a tour of the mansion and visit with First Lady Jessica Doyle, a former teacher in the Madison school district.  The experience was an amazing opportunity for the students.  A special thank you to the staff at the Governor's mansion, the chaperones, accompanist Anthony Cao, and principal Mike Hernandez for their help organizing the trip.

The choir from Sherman performs at the Governor's mansion.

A "Thrilling" Staff vs. Student Basketball Game!

On Friday, January 22nd, Sennett held its annual "Staff vs. Students" basketball game as part of the school's positive behavior incentive program. The event began with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, though our pep band also pumped up the crowd with familiar sports tunes throughout the event. After the first quarter the spirited cheerleaders performed and -- after the third quarter -- selected students had an opportunity to win prizes for free throw shots and a school raffle.

However, the half-time event was definitely an event to witness. Dressed in wig and sparkling glove, as the result of a book fair dare, our courageous Assistant Principal Jim Pliner danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller accompanied by Sennett's Dance Team! In addition to that close competition, the basketball game itself resulted in a mere two point win by the students.