The WINTER BREAK begins with the conclusion of school next Friday.  Students return to school on JANUARY 6th.  Enjoy your time with family and friends!!

PROGRESS REPORTS will be sent home with students next Wednesday in the take home.  If you cannot locate your child's progress reports please contact the main office and we will provide an additional copy.

WINTER IS HERE!!

The cold weather is upon us.  Parents, please remind your students to have their weather appropriate clothing available.  Coats, hats, mittens, gloves, snow pants and boots are essential to stay warm and healthy during times outside before and after school and at recess.  The decision for inside or outside activities is made daily based on the weather reports (temperature and wind chill) so it is better to have an not need!

The reviews are in for the Standing Room Only Deer Creek Band and Choir concert held last evening in the Deer Creek Gym!  The critics rate is as a "must see event for the whole community!"

Thanks to Ms. Lewis and our Saint Francis Music Staff.  Thanks to all of the students who worked so hard to put on an excellent performance.  Thanks to Ms. Tupy, Mr. Piper, and the Deer Creek staff members who assisted with the event.  Thanks to all of the parents, families, and district staff and community members for assisting and  attending.  Extra Special Thanks to the many who may have been forgotten in these thank yous!

An interesting read about the Common Core State Standards....

The Common Core State Standards and Parents and Guardians

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) provide a practical way to prepare children for the challenges of a constantly changing world – by learning step-by-step the real-world skills they need for career and college.

Wisconsin continues to move forward now so that all children – no matter where they come from or where they live – receive a world-class education that’s consistent from school to school, and graduate ready to contribute to the future of our state and our country.

Wisconsin is putting these standards to work, using them as the foundation for remodeling our education system. The standards keep the best of what we have, and placing a clear focus on the key knowledge and skills students need, and provide teachers the time to teach them well .With the clear goals of career and college readiness for all, the Common Core State Standards will help us to better prepare our students to succeed on pace with their school aged peers across the state and the nation.

Preparing Students for Career and College

Goal – all students graduating from our public school system as life- long learners will have the skills and knowledge necessary to assume their positions in the 21st century global economy.

§  The new standards are designed to be relevant in the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills students need for success in both higher education and career.

§  Our communities will be stronger if students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed in today’s job market.

Will There Be New Tests for the New Standards?

Yes, Wisconsin will be implementing the SMARTER Balanced Assessment protocol). The SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is developing new tests that will measure student progress toward career and college readiness.

Transitioning to the CCSS: What Parents and Guardians Can Do Now

Parents and guardians are crucial partners in laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to the new standards. Parents and guardians can:

§  Learn about the CCSS and how your school district is implementing.

§  Talk to the principal about the school’s CCSS plan to learn what is different about these new standards and what remains the same for children.

§  Attend a board and/or community meeting to discuss district goals.

§  Meet with your child’s teacher to discuss what your child will be learning over the coming year and how classroom instruction aligns to the CCSS.

§  Play an active role in your child’s education at home. If you notice your child is struggling in a certain area, consult with his or her teacher to identify strategies and resources that might be helpful.

§  Educate other parents about the transition to the CCSS.

§  Explore opportunities to become actively involved in the Common Core transition through your state and local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Welcome back!  I hope that all had an enjoyable and relaxing break.  As we return to the swing of things please take a look at some important dates and times:

Thursday, December 5th: Band and Choir Concert at Deer Creek - 7 pm.

Monday, December 9th:  Progress reports will be completed by teachers.  Look for Progress Reports with the Wednesday TAKE HOME.

Wednesday, December 11th: STUDENT HALF DAY - all levels.

Friday, December 20th is the last day of classes before the Winter Holiday.

Thanks to all of the parents, students, and staff who worked collectively yesterday to work through a matter with our shuttle bus.  Our shuttle was detained for an extended period of time and staff and students worked together to maintain a safe and secure environment, contact as many parents as possible, and facilitate parent and student re-unification.  We apologize for any inconvenience or concern this caused our families and continue our work to ensure safe and timely travel on the shuttle bus.

As our Thanksgiving Break draws near I want to thank all of our DC students for their focus on our character trait for November-Thankfulness.  The kids did an outstanding job with their classmates expressing what they were thankful for through projects and works of art proudly displayed in our hallways and classrooms.

When we return from our short break we will begin December focusing on Caring-Showing understanding of others by treating them with kindness, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness.

The Student of the Week candidates are nominated by their grade level teams for following the CHARGER WAY-TAKE Responsibility, GIVE Respect, and SHARE Leadership.  Our Student of the Week Nominees for Quarter One and Early Quarter Two are:

Kaiya Harris
Abigayle Rasmussen
Aiyana DeAngelis
Alex Beltran
Angelina Fowler
Annabelle Polinske
Augustyn Kasta
Austin Buechner
Ava Schassler
Benny Draeger
Brady Raether
Brianna Korber
Cameron Byrd
Carter Senda
Christian Reynosa
Denise Morales
Devin Zolinski
Devin Zolinski.
Emma Mraz
Gabriella Garcia
Henry Bub
Isabel Dixon
Isabel Santiago
Jeremy Caughell
Jonah Herrera
Josh Wendlick
Leanna Blanchard
Lily DeMarinis
Lily DeMarinis
Megan Clayton
Michaela Midrano
Miquel Quezada Perez
Nicole Morales
Nicole Morales
Olesia Gavrilova
Rosa Czarnecki
Ryan Putnam
Rylee Smith
Sarah Nabih
Tishara Morehouse
Zach Henner
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH SPECIALS (ART, MUSIC, PE)
Abby Heitman
Anna Keefe
Austin Bender
Ayana DeAngelis
Ella Bontempo
Emanuel Nater
Greylyn Adisek
Henry Bub
Jeremy Ninham
Jessica Johns
Joleigh Martinez
Marta Kowalik
Natalie Esparza
Orion Budzien
Paige Maudie
Perrion Oliphant
Peter Grant
Scot Nadolinski
Wesley Fisher
William Noble

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES II

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held  TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19th (correction from yesterday) from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm. 

PTO MEETING

The Deer Creek/Willow Glen PTO will meet Wednesday, November 20th at 6:00 pm in the

Willow Glen Library

THANKSGIVING BREAK

There is NO SCHOOL on November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving Break.

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

The first DC Parent Advisory Council took place on October 29th.  Thanks to all of the parents who attended!  We will meet again on Tuesday, January 14th at 5:30 in the DC library.

 Please CHECK the BLOG on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20th to see our STUDENT of The WEEK candidates from QUARTER 1!

If you missed this week's take home or it is lost forever in the bottom of a backpack this is what was inside!!

TAKE HOMES 2 TIMES PER MONTH

As the school year moves along I will be sending a newsletter home 2 times per month for the remainder of the school year.  My plan is to send a newsletter on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

If you can’t find the take home in a folder or backpack it is available on our homepage on the right hand side under the link principal’s note-the date will be included.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held next Wednesday, November 13th from 12 noon to 3:30 pm and from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm.  All students will have a 1/2 day  of school.

2ND QUARTER HAS BEGUN

Quarter 1 ended officially on November 5th.  Your students have begun the second quarter marking period for classes and grading.

THANKSGIVING BREAK

There is NO SCHOOL on November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving Break.

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

The first DC Parent Advisory Council took place on October 29th.  Thanks to all of the parents who attended!  We will meet again on Tuesday, January 14th at 5:30 in the DC library.

Thank you to all the parents who participated in our Deer Creek Parent Advisory Council last night!  Parents shared the many good things happening at Deer Creek as well as discussing some action steps we can utilize moving forward to improve and expand upon our home/school communication, preparing our kids for the transition to high school, and possibilities for additional community activities and involvement.

Our Parent Advisory Council will meet again on January 14th in the DC library at 5:30 pm.  I look forward to continuing our work and hope to see more parents as we grow in our efforts to make DC the destination school for our kids!

This week at DC:

• There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 25th for our fall break
• Next Tuesday, October 29th at 5:30 is our first Parent Advisory Council in the school library.
• If you ever miss the weekly take home, it is posted on the Deer Creek website on the main page underneath the monthly calendar.  Also, I will be entering the information on the blog each week beginning this week.
• This week with the take home, student MAP scores will be sent home with your child(ren).  Please dig in those backpacks for this VERY important information!

OCTOBER IS A BUSY MONTH!

There is a lot happening at DC in the month of October.  Along with our Bullying Awareness activities we have the following events happening:

OCTOBER 15:  8th graders will be taking the EXPLORE test which assists them in their planning for high school and career, college, and life readiness.

OCTOBER 25: DANCE, DANCE, DANCE:  St. Francis Poms is hosting a Dance in the Deer Creek Gym

OCTOBER 29th: Parent Advisory Council in the DC library @ 5:30 pm

If you have any questions regarding these or any events taking place at DC please feel free to call us at 482-8400.

OCTOBER IS BULLYING AWARENESS MONTH!

At DC, we emphasize family values.  We work daily on building community and making sure all voices in our building are heard.  October is Bullying Awareness Month and we are building the anti-bullying message through our monthly character trait of RESPONSIBILITY as well as special events in the building including the October 7th World Day of Bullying Prevention where we will all wear blue in recognition as well as the October 9th UNITY Day which we will recognize by wearing orange and making unity ribbons and chains.  Stay tuned for more details.

New offering from our Recreation Department: BEYOND THE BELL

The St. Francis Recreation Department is offering a new program, available to Deer Creek Intermediate students for the 2013 - 2014 school year.

Are you looking for something fun to do during those 1/2 days of school?  If so, we have the answer.  Beyond the Bell, where students can enjoy structured activities such as sports in the gym, arts and crafts, board games, movies and much, much more.  Lunch will be provided.  The program is offered from 11:35 am to 3:35 pm.  The cost is $35.00 for first semester, $45.00 for second semester or $70.00 for the entire year.  Contact Peggy Pfeffer (482-8484) or John Kloppenburg (482-8486) for more information.

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Thanks to all the parents who have called and emailed showing interest in our DC Parent Advisory Council (PAC).  The first meeting of the PAC will be Tuesday, October 29th at 5:30 pm.  An informational letter will go home in the Wednesday take home over the next few weeks and I will be sending our a voice message as the meeting time draws near.  Thanks again for your help in making DC a great place for our kids!!

SHUTTLE NEWS

The departure time for the shuttle will be 3:05 each day rather than 3:00.  This time schedule will begin Monday, September 16th. Kids are missing out on teaching and learning time when they leave class early to catch the shuttle (up to 15 hours added up over the course of the year!).  The schedule for departure and pickup will be set back by 5 minutes.

1st PTO meeting last night!  Great food, great conversation!!  Thanks to all of our PTO members!  Families, please support our PTO anyway you can, they assistance they provide our schools in invaluable!

GREAT KICKOFF!!

The 4th through 8th graders gathered in the gym this morning for an all school assembly introducing the new principal, discussing our family values, and showing what it looks like to be respectful of our house, our teachers and staff, and of each other.  We also kicked off our anti-bullying message of STOP MEANS STOP.  The kids were great (even during technical difficulties)! We are going to have a great year!!

Thanks to all of the friends and family who joined us last night for the back to school picnic.  It was great to meet you and to see so many of our students excited to come back to school.  It's almost that time, remember-school starts on September 3rd and the Deer Creek Open House is on September 4th.  I look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Summer is fading fast!  It's already August and we're getting ready to roll.  Parents and families are reminded that registration for Deer Creek is August 13th from Noon to 6 pm and August 14th from 8 am to to Noon.

Save the date for our Welcome Back Picnic August 20th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  Meet, Greet, and EAT!!!

Kids Doing Great Things at Deer Creek Summer School

Our summer school drama program is presenting their performance of "The Little Mermaid" at 12:30 and 3:30 on Tuesday, July 16th.  Tickets are $2.00 and the performance is air conditioned!  Get out of the heat and come "under the sea" to check out our future stars in this sure to be award winning performance!

Our core values include:

GIVE Respect
TAKE Responsibility
SHARE Leadership

Success in anything requires give and take, leadership that is shared includes everyone.  Quiet voices can be heard, leadership emerges, and together we build a community.