Cheney USD 268 Patron Newsletter

April/May

School news is sounding like a broken record with all the conversations being centered on budget cuts and the overhaul of the Kansas employee’s retirement system. As most of you are aware, we are in a crisis in the State, and schools have to take a lot of the hit on finances this year to help balance the budget. Cheney schools are no different. You will undoubtedly see several changes in our system for the next school year that can not be helped unless the funding changes for education. Despite all of the changes, we are still looking at ways to keep kids safe and give them a quality education. While the finances will have a direct impact on this, we continue to strive to find ways to maintain the quality of our educational system. Currently we are working with the City of Cheney on a Safe Routes to School Grant. In this grant we are trying to get finances for more sidewalks put in place so that we can encourage more students to walk or ride their bicycles to school. In a time when health and fitness of commu-nities are having such a huge impact on insurance rates and medical costs, the City and Cheney Schools are working on encouraging more opportunities for healthy lifestyles in the community. As part of the grant the school will have to do more trainings with students as it pertains to walking and riding bicycles to school. We are already doing much of the train-ing in the elementary school as it relates to personal fitness and will not have to change a lot to meet the grant guidelines.

Part of the push for the grants comes from the healthy lifestyles side of educa-tion and part of the emphasis is put on the transportation issues we have around the school with parents dropping off students. We are hoping that by providing safer ways for kids to get to school we can in turn lower the transportation congestion around the elementary school in the mornings and after school with parents dropping off and picking up their students. This will take educating the students and parents as to the options available and benefits of choosing a healthier approach to getting to school. We would like to thank those who took the safe routes to school survey as it will help the City in the grant preparation. I would also like to encourage patrons to contact their legislators concerning the issues on school funding. The legislators contact information can be found on our school web page at www.cheney268.com and look at the left side for the legislators names. Last but not least is the upcoming school board election this coming Tuesday, April 5th. There are four positions open with two incumbents running in a field of seven candidates. Take the time to visit with the candidates to see who you would like to have on the board of your school system. The candidates are: Marcia Kampling (incumbent), Greg Giefer (incumbent), Chris Winkler, Toyia Harbour, Tonia Stoehr, Jason Gregory, Matt Voth.

“It will be a great day when education gets all the money it needs, and the Air Force has to hold a bake sell to buy bombers.”

~Author Unknown

Inside This Issue

From the Superintendent, Thomas J. Alstrom

Cheney USD 268 Board of

Education

Don Albers Van Dewey Greg Giefer Mark Graf

Marcia Kampling Terry Kohler Amy Scheer

Cheney USD 268 Educating Minds...Connecting Hearts…

Touching Lives… Welcome to Our Family

Wellness Corner

Counselor’s Corner

CHS News

Music Notes

CMS News

CES News

Physical Education is Awesome!

Artist’s Corner

PALS News

Parents As Teachers

Pre-School Info

After Prom Info

Wellness Corner

By Jennifer Bartlett and Jessa Albers, District Nurses

Free Dental Screening at Cheney Schools

On Friday April 15th, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Oral Health and Dr. Becky Twietmeyer D.D.S., Cheney schools will be offering a free dental screening to all students grades prek-12. Screenings will be conducted during the school day by Dr. Becky Twietmeyer and her staff. Students who participate will have their lips, cheeks, teeth, tongue, palate and gums examined. Screeners will be looking for any signs of bleeding, decay, infection, redness,

swelling, sores and/or lesions. A form with the results of the dental screening will be sent home with the child. The KDHE Bureau of Oral Health States that:

♦ Oral health care is a critical component of good health. ♦ Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, five times more common

than asthma. Untreated tooth decay can lead to pain and suffering; affecting a child’s ability to eat, speak, and focus in school, resulting in absenteeism and affecting the ability to learn.

♦ One in four Kansas children has untreated dental decay. School screenings provide parents with information about their children’s oral health and the importance of regular dental treatment.

Those that choose not to participate must have a form signed by a parent/guardian, opting them out of the dental screening. This form is below and must be returned if parent/guardian does NOT want him/her to be included in the dental screening. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school nurses at 542-3137 or email us at jalbers@cheney268.com or jbartlett@cheney268.com . I do not wish to have my child participate in the free dental screening. Student Grade Parent/Guardian

Cheney Counselor’s Corner Jeanine Long, CES Linda Patterson, CMS Debbie Hillman, CHS By Debbie Hillman, CHS Counselor-dhillman@cheney268.com or 316-542-3113 As I sit here writing this final newsletter article, I look outside and wish I could say spring has sprung, but winter seems to continue to linger. Regardless of the weather, this school year is about to come to a screeching halt. It again has been a year where our students have excelled and accomplished many wonderful things. Class of 2011 – The end is near, which means your plans for life after high school should be finalized, or close to being done. Make sure you have filled out, signed, paid for, or whatever needs to be done in order to be ready to hit the ground running in August. The local scholarship information has been posted on the website, and the deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 11 no later than 3:20 p.m. Students who have taken college coursework will be given papers requesting their grades be sent to the next institution soon. If things are still in limbo, stop by and see me. If you need anything, please ask. Please don’t lose sight of the fact there is still a little time left at CHS so finish strong and do remarkable things. 2012, 2013 and incoming 2014 – The time has once again arrived to start planning for the 2011-2012 school year. Pre-enrollment is quickly approaching so please spend time thinking about the courses you would like to request. Keep in mind the courses you need to graduate and your electives. A definite pre-enrollment date has not been set, but it is not too early to start thinking. Start preparing now so the process goes smoother. Juniors- just a reminder you have two college/career days you can use in the spring. You need to fill out the cards and give them to Mrs. Hillman at least two weeks in advance. Also, juniors remember the college credit opportunities available next year. We offer English Composition I and II, Public Speaking, and Sociology through Pratt Community College via ITV. You must have a certain ACT score in order to enroll. We also offer College Algebra in the spring semester through Newman University and Calculus all year through Newman. Mrs. Simmons offers English Composition I through Wichita State University during the spring semester. Many online classes are offered through various institutions as well. Juniors, you might also want to look into taking an online class this summer. I am aware that Kingman High School has two classes available in June through Pratt Com-munity College. They are offering Public Speaking and College Algebra. May the summer of 2011 be a great one for all students and staff at CHS. Final events: *ACT Test Prep – April 3rd and April 4th (This is done in time for the April 9th test date.) *8th grade (class of 2014) pre-enrollment meeting for parents and students, Tuesday, April 5th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. *Registration for the June 11 ACT test date is May 6. Happy Easter to everyone!

Counselor’s Corner, cont’d… By Debbie Hillman, CHS Counselor-dhillman@cheney268.com or 316-542-3113 Career information First of all, we held the bi-annual CHS Career Fair this year. It appeared to be a success as it left kids thinking and questioning others about possible future careers. We hope that we challenge students to think about what they want to do with their future and what opportunities are out there waiting for them to conquer. We had 32 speakers from various career paths, and we were fortunate that so many agreed to give of their time and expertise. Since I am on the subject of careers, it was brought to my attention some information that would be useful to parents and students. I have taken from the March 2011 Family Circle magazine some interesting information that I thought would be beneficial. I always tell students that college is not the only option when choosing a career. However, I do promote they do something to better educate themselves in order to be more employable. I offer suggestions of apprenticeships, military, vo-techs, etc. I want students to understand the options available to them. According to the article in Family Circle, here are the 10 fields for the future (no bachelor’s degree required) that will be the fastest-growing professions ♦ Dental Hygienist $67,000 Associate’s Degree ♦ Registered Nurse $62,000 Associate’s Degree ♦ Physical Therapist Asst. $46,000 Associate’s Degree ♦ Administrative Asst. $40,000 On-the-job-training (OJT) ♦ Truck Driver $37,000 OJT ♦ Self-Enrichment Education Teacher $36,000 OJT ♦ Bookkeeping Clerk $33,000 OJT ♦ Veterinary Technician $29,000 OJT ♦ Medical Assistant $28,000 OJT ♦ Physical Therapist Aide $24,000 OJT “Ultimately, parents must observe their kids closely and talk to them about their dreams, goals and capabilities. Together they can devise a smart, workable plan for the future. The key is to encourage kids to reach their fullest potential-seize the day-without railroading them into situations that may not serve their strengths. If college isn’t the right fit, at least for now, consider alternatives. Keep doors open for your teen. Remember that all kids are a bit different.” (Richard Vedder)

“ If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.”

~William Arthur Ward

By Linda Patterson, CMS Counselor – lpatterson@cheney268.com or 542-0060 CMS PARENTS It is hard to believe that another year is nearing the end. It seems like yesterday we were full of anticipa-tion on the first day with our 6th grade students trying to figure out how to open their lockers, the 7th graders getting acquainted with new teachers, and our 8th graders walking the halls excited to finally take over as “top dog”. Each year I reflect back on the wonderful experiences I have had working with your son/daughter. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity! I cherish all the hugs, laughs, office visits, candy seekers, morning greeters, and smiles that have been given to me throughout the year! I feel so blessed! It truly is a joy to come to school every day! CLASSROOM COUNSELING Classroom counseling lessons have focused on how we can have a positive or negative impact on others by the way we treat each other and the importance of showing kindness and respect. Students participated in fun teaming activities as well as brainstormed ways to help those who are less fortunate making a positive difference in the lives of others. During lessons, we continue to discuss the three persons of Bullying: the Bully, the Victim, and the Bystander. Time was spent talking with students about the impor-tance of treating each other with respect. Our students understand the importance of bully prevention and know if they are ever a victim or witness bully-like behavior to always tell an adult. Parents, I want to encourage you to report all bullying incidences that your child may come home with. We take bullying serious and want to address all situations. It is also very important to monitor all forms of technology used by our children since cyberbullying is on the rise. April is also a great time to talk with your child about the use of Alcohol. April is Alcohol Awareness Month so counseling lessons will be geared toward educating our students about the effects and consequences of alcohol use and how to make positive choices. The month of May will be used to start preparing students for next year by discussing the importance of being involved in school activities by running for a class office, Ambassador Position, or getting involved in our newly formed SODA organization. 8th GRADE COUNSELING During the 4th nine weeks, 8th grade students will continue to explore numerous career interests using the Kansas Career Pipeline internet website. Students will work together to examine the results of their interest and skill inventories; make a possible career choice to prepare a display and information for the 2nd grade class who will come to CMS to attend our Career Fair. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about high school course planning as it relates to educa-tional and career goals. Time will be given to explain the high school enrollment process and answer any questions the students might have. They will learn about the Kansas Regents Curriculum and College Quali-fied Admissions. A “Senior Visit Day” is being scheduled so older students can share their knowledge to help the 8th grade class begin their transition to start high school on a positive note. **Kansas Career Pipeline website can be accessed at home by logging on to www.kansascareerpipeline.org. This is a great tool for both student and parents! CMS ORGANIZATIONS S.O.D.A S.O.D.A (Students Opposing Drugs and Alcohol) is a new peer leadership group dedicated to promoting positive peer pressure, being positive role models, and developing strategies to prevent destructive decisions. At the end of February, S.O.D.A sponsored a school dance to let students know that they can have fun, enjoy life, and nurture positive personal relationships without the distraction and distortion of alcohol and drugs. They are hoping to have a Movie Night during the month of April to bring students together again in a positive environment. If you would like more information on S.O.D.A. please contact me at lpatterson@cheney268.com or 542-0060. SODA members attended a leadership workshop in Norwich.

Counselor’s Corner, cont’d...

Counselor’s Corner, cont’d… By Linda Patterson, CMS Counselor – lpatterson@cheney268.com or 542-0060 STUCO Students had an opportunity to send their Sweetheart or Special Friend a Valentine this year when Student Council sold Valentine Candy Grams for Valentine’s Day. Members sold Valentine’s before school and during lunch for a dollar and delivered the messages the Friday before Valentine’s Day. “It was a huge success! Students interested in running for Student Council need to see Mrs. Patterson for an election application. Elections will take place the end of April or early May. AMBASSADORS The application process to become an Ambassador for the 2011-2012 school year will take place in late April-early May. If you want to….act as a mentor to help new students integrate themselves into our school and community, help organize activities to increase student involvement, represent our school in a helpful fashion by being a host for other schools who come to compete, and act as a positive role model, this job’s for you! Information about the application process will be shared during classroom counseling during the month of April. If you have any questions please stop by the Counseling office and visit with Mrs. Patterson. MOVE UP DAY As we come to the end of another great year, CMS Ambassadors will begin focusing on our new class of 6th grade students who will enter our building come August. Ambassadors are planning a day in May when the 5th grade class will venture over for a “Move up Day” to experience “a day in the life of a 6th grader”. The students will have an opportunity to ask questions, eat lunch, participate in fun activities, and follow students to class as we help them make the transition from elementary to middle school students. In August, parents and students will have an opportunity to learn more about 6th grade when they attend an Open House just for them. Information and details will be sent later. We look forward to the new class while sending best wishes to our 8th grade students as they journey to high school. RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES During the year, unexpected events happen where families may need extra support. If you are experiencing a hard-ship in your family, please ask your school counselor what resources are available to you. We are here to help provide assistance. Grace Place and our Community Emergency Group are just two community organizations established to aid our Cheney families.

By Jeanine Long, CES Counselor – jlong@cheney268.com or 542-3137 This has been a great school year and it amazes me we are already writing our last newsletter of the year. I truly appreciate your support of the programs we’ve had in the guidance department this year. I look forward to continuing with and improving them during the upcoming school year. There are some new things to look for during the 11-12 school year. We look forward to seeing Rachel’s Challenge grow next year. We will be doing activities and lessons throughout the year that focus on Rachel Scott, her life and how she chose to live it. We will also continue to “grow” chains of kindness. In addition, we will continue with a number of programs we’ve had this year. We will continue to offer the Love and Logic Parent training. This program has been a wonderful addition to what we can offer the parents in our community and we appreciate the support we’ve received for this training. We will again offer classes in the fall and another in the spring. We will also continue What’s the Issue book club in grades K-2 and YouthFriends book club in grades 4 and 5. I would like to offer a book club for the 3rd grade students as well. If you would be interested in facilitating this group, please let me know. The YouthFriends volunteer program continues to grow and I look forward to continuing with another component of this program next year. We added a career mentoring program done via email with a section of the 8th grade class. If you are interested in volunteering or would like me to speak to a group or organization you belong to about this program, please don’t hesitate to call. We will continue focus on bullying prevention next year. We have worked very hard as whole groups, small groups and individuals to address this issue during the current year. Debbie Hillman, Linda Patterson and I plan to really focus on family engagement during next school year. I’m excited about the events we are planning. Be watching the fall newsletter for more information. As always, my goal as a school counselor is to work with parents and students to make this school year a positive one. Please allow me to be a resource for you and your child in any way. I invite you to access my page on the school website and to call or email me at any time.

Principally Speaking…..Ron Traxson Congratulations are in order for the Girls Basketball Team; 2011 4A State Runner-Up! This program has seen a 3 year run that has recorded a 74-4 record, a 52 game winning streak, and a 2010 4A State Championship, a 2011 4A State Runner-Up, and a 2009 4A State 3rd Place finish. What you might not be aware of is that Cheney High School has qualified for the sportsmanship award at the KSHSAA 4A State Basketball Tournament for the THIRD year in a row. The school will receive a KSHSAA State Sportsmanship Plaque and the cheerleaders will receive State Medals. This recognition is defined as follows;

The Kansas State High School Activities Association, through its member schools, defines sportsmanship as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Further, an awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others.

The excitement of a basketball game can create concerns for fans, students and official. Citizenship/ Sportsmanship Rule 52 addresses this challenge by stating: “Win with character and lose with dignity.”

Outstanding sportsmanship is acknowledged each year by presenting sportsmanship certificates, plaques and medals. All ninety-six high school teams participating in KSHSAA State Basketball Tournaments may qualify for an award. A “rating” system is used allowing schools to compete against a “standard of excellence”, rather than competing against one another.

Schools whose teams did not advance to the semifinal rounds were eligible to receive a certificate if they met the qualifying standards of sportsmanship. Schools participating in all three days of the tournament were eligible to receive a plaque for their school and medals for cheerleaders.

A special sportsmanship committee appointed by the KSHSAA evaluated and rated the cheerleaders, school cheering section, adult and non-high school followers, team and coach of each school.

Congratulations to the Cheerleaders, the Students, and the Fans in attendance at the games for being recognized for the Sportsmanship qualities we strive for at Cheney High School.

Drivers Education Information

It’s that time of year again when incoming freshmen’ and those freshmen who have not taken Driver Ed. anxiously await the first of June and the beginning of Driver Ed. classes. Sign-Up sheets are located in the middle and high school offices. Enrollment fees are $200 for those students residing in USD 268 during the 2010-2011 school year. Non-District students wanting to take drivers education will be charged $400. Classes will be held on May 31, June 1-4 & 6-10. These ten classroom dates will be the only time classroom instruction is given. Students will need to be in attendance each day with no absences or they will have to take driver education next year. With the law changes as of last January, parents and patrons may have various questions surrounding the laws as it pertains to first time drivers. The current laws are explained as follows; Instruction permit. The law requires the adult who has a valid driver’s license and is accompanying the holder of an instruction permit to be at least 21 years old. The law change adds that an instruction permit could be sus-pended or revoked like any other driver’s license. The minimum age for application would continue to be 14.

Continued…..

Cheney High School-Ron Traxson, Principal

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve always imagined.” ~Henry David Thoreau

CHS Driver’s Education Information Continued... Farm permit. A farm permit is available from age14 until age 17. The law continues to allow farm permit holders to drive in connection with any farm work and to drive to and from school. It allows permit holders who are 16 or older also to drive at any time from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and while going to or from authorized school activities. Restricted license. An applicant for a restricted license must have held an instruction permit for at least one year instead of the current six months. If the applicant is younger than 16, the applicant must have completed driver’s education. The law now requires a 16-yearold applicant to have completed at least 50 hours of adult supervised driving, with 10 of those hours at night; a 15-year-old applicant would continue to be subject to a requirement for 25 hours of adult-supervised driving. Licensed drivers who are 16 or older also to drive at any time from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and while going to or from authorized school activities. Restrictions on non-sibling passengers. The law continues to ban non-sibling minor passengers if the holder of the restricted license or farm permit is younger than 16. It would allow the holder of a farm permit or a restricted license who is at least 16 years old to have one passenger younger than 18 who is not a member of the permit holder’s or licensee’s immediate family. Restrictions on use of wireless devices. The law bans those with instruction permits, farm permits, or restricted licenses from operating wireless communication devices while driving except to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help. The law defines “wireless communication device” as “any wireless electronic communication device that provides for voice or data communication between two or more parties.” Lifting of restrictions. The law lifts restrictions such as limits on non-sibling passengers and time of day when driving would be allowed on holders of farm permits and restricted licenses who are at least 16 years old and who have not violated any of the restrictions for at least six months. The permit or restricted license would continue to be considered a permit or restricted license for purposes of imposing penalties. Full licensure. Under the law, a first-time applicant has to be at least 17 years old (previous law allowed full licensure at 16). The applicant for a full license who is younger than 18 must have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of those hours at night, as in current law. Penalties. The penalties for violations of driving restrictions: 1. Suspension of a farm permit or restricted license for any violation of restrictions or if the holder has two or

more accidents chargeable to the holder. 2. Suspended restricted licenses’ or farm permits can not be reinstated for one year if two or more accidents

are charged to the holder. 3. The holder who is younger than 16 and convicted of two moving violations committed on separate

occasions is not eligible to receive an unrestricted license until age 17. Also, if the holder of a farm permit or restricted license is 16 and convicted of two or more moving violations committed on separate occasions, the holder may not receive a driver’s license that is not restricted until age 18.

4. There is also an added required suspension of driving privileges for those guilty of violating permit or license restrictions: 30 days for a first conviction, 90 days for a second conviction, and one year for a third or subsequent conviction.

MUSIC NOTES

By Layton Nance, 6-12 Vocal Music Director

As part of the Kansas Ambassadors of Music, Braden Wulf, Brent Wilson, Shane O’Brien, Teresa Fry, Kevin Downey, Micah Dehning, Shannon Davis, Mr. Layton Nance and 6 other adults from Cheney will join more than 260 students and staff members from Kansas to visit and perform in 7 countries from June 12th through the 27th. The countries to be visited are England, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Lichtenstein and Germany. Several students and adults will also travel an extended optional trip to Greece. The trip is always well received by patrons from all over Europe and all who have the chance to participate learn about the regions and culture.

Cheney Middle School-Amy Wallace, Principal

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

State Assessment Dates By the time you read this, many of our Kansas State Assessments will be taken. However, this year some of the tests are taking place in April; those tests that are still coming up are listed below. These assessments are very important and it is critical that your children be in school on test days. We ask for your help in scheduling appointments, etc. around these dates if possible. CMS testing dates are:

End of the Year Plans It may seem early to be thinking about the end of the year, but it will be here before we know it. Below is the schedule of our end-of-year awards ceremonies. The public is invited and encouraged to attend all awards programs and promotion exercises.

♦ Monday, May 23 at 8:30 AM we will have the 6th grade awards in the HS Auditorium. ♦ Tuesday, May 24 at 8:30 AM we will have the 8th grade awards. Immediately following the awards

ceremony, we will have promotion practice. At the completion of practice, 8th graders will be dis-missed for the day. I would estimate that this will be no later than 11:15 am.

◊ 8th grade Promotion is today at 7 p.m. in the HS Gymnasium.

Today is the last day of school for 8th graders.

♦ Wednesday, May 25 at 8:30 AM we will have 7th grade award, and it is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! CMS ALL NIGHT LOCK IN!! This is the year for the lock-in!! It will be held Thursday April 21 from 9 PM-6 AM on Friday, April 22. We need help from parents! Please call the office if you can help for a 3 hour shift that night. There is NO SCHOOL Friday, April 22 due to Good Friday. CMS ANNUAL 6TH GRADE CAMPOUT It is almost time for our annual 6th grade campout. Our trip to Camp Mennoscah will be on May 12th and 13th. We will be doing all sorts of great activities like fishing, hiking, tree classification, arts and crafts, archery, and many more. Remember we are funding this trip through recycled cans. 6th Graders need to continue to collect these! Parents will be getting letters soon asking for volunteers to come out and supervise some of the activities. The campout has always been a highlight of our 6th grade year. We hope everyone is looking forward to it as much as we are!! 8th GRADE COMMUNITY SERVICE The 8th graders will be doing their annual community service this Spring. We are looking for projects! Please call Amy Wallace at CMS 542-0060 if you have anything we can do for you! We can do clean up, painting, yard work, you name it! Please call and ask for help.

8th Math April 4 and 8

7th Math April 11 and 13

6th Math April 18 and 20 7th Science April 21 and 27

The Cheney Middle School Battle of the Books team had a great season! The season started in October with students reading fifteen books. Throughout the fall, the students wrote practice questions and began working with the buzzer system in January to increase their speed in answering questions about the books. All their hard work paid off as the team went undefeated through their matches held in February. In the final tournament against Anthony, Harper and the Norwich teams, the Cardinals took first place. Team members are pictured below with their first place ribbons and certificates.

Back row: Haley Albers, Kailey Walker, Emma Hays. Front row: Matthew Slusser, Renee Sturchio, Kaleigh Black, Addie Dewey, and Logan Nuessen. The team was coached by Mary Butel

Battle of the Books

Scholar’s Bowl Teams

The CMS Seventh and Eighth Grade Scholar’s Bowl Teams had a good season. The teams started preparing in October and began their competitive season January 20, 2011. The teams faced a total of seven other teams: Belle Plaine, Bluestem, Chaparral, Conway Springs, Douglass, Garden Plain, and Wichita Independent stretched over a five-week season. The seventh grade team had two second-place finishes during pool play and the eighth grade team finished first in one pool play and had two third-place finishes. The league tournament winners were Douglass for the seventh grade and Wichita Independent for the eighth grade. Team members are pictured below.

Seventh grade team members: Trevor Lies, Sabrina Rich, Sydney Dalton, Kristina Zerger and Sierra Lutz.

Eighth grade team members: Ethan Teague, Covey Becker, Chase McCormick, Ryley Dewey and Samantha Montgomery

Scholar’s Bowl

In my last newsletter I mentioned teaching leadership to kids. I had great reception and feedback from some parents on this topic. Although our district doesn’t have specific curriculum that targets leadership by itself, I’ve come across some ideas that both parents and the school can do to encourage positive leadership and behaviors in our kids. We’ll continue to work on ways to promote lead-ership in our school and will hopefully have some programs in place soon, but at home I’d encourage you to check out the following websites:

Brent Peintner, Cheney Rec Director, referred these websites to me. He has encouraged his youth coaches to them, but they are about more than youth coaching. There is advice on how to handle difficult situations with your children, ideas for things to do with our family, perspective on what kids go through, and even advice for building strong relationships with your spouse. You can even sign up for a daily email. Cheney Elementary will be hosting our annual Grandparent Luncheon on Friday, April 8th. This luncheon is for students in grades 3-5 only. We rearrange the lunch schedule, assign hosts, and give our 3-5 students the chance to invite grandparents who don’t get to come to school too often. As always, if a grandparent cannot make it, we have community people who offer to sit in as a grandparent for kids on this day. If your child is in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, look for more information coming home soon. Michaeline Kohler, Cheney Elementary/Middle School Art Teacher, will hold her annual Art Show on April 18th at 6:30 in the multi-purpose room. You don’t want to miss this! All K-5 students will choose a few of their art pieces from throughout the year to showcase at the Art Show. Attendees will get the opportunity to vote for the Artist of the Year 2011 as they leave the art show, and CES will display the winner’s piece in the commons area outside of the multi-purpose room for all to see. Encourage neighbors and friends to attend with you! We’d love to show off the students’ talents to everyone in Cheney! Spring is such an exciting time of year! The kids are back from spring break, the weather is mostly warming up, and kids get the opportunity to play outside at recess and after school. I encourage all parents to get their kids outside to ride bicycles, play catch, explore, or any other activities you can think of. Take advantage of this time, especially after being cooped up with all of the cold tempera-tures the last few months 

Cheney Elementary School - Jamie Rumford, Principal “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” ~ Unknown

www.allprodad.com www.imom.com www.familyminute.com

CES Continued…. Physical Education is Awesome! By Melanie Tolar, CES PE Teacher Here’s to summer drawing closer! We are all looking forward to warmer weather and the chance to get outside and exercise or get together with neighbors and family! We have a busy time ahead with the end of school approaching us. Check out the upcoming events! Some dates to remember:

♦ Kansas Kids’ Fitness Day (for 3rd graders of CES and surrounding towns) Friday, May 6th from 10am to 11:30am. If any parents would like to volunteer to help run a fitness station during that time, please call me at 542-3137 or email me: mtolar@cheney268.com . Thanks so much! The kids LOVE this day and look forward to it each year! (You don’t have to have a student in 3rd grade to volunteer!!)

♦ Track and Field Day is on Thursday, May 12th. The Kindergarten, First and Second grades will start the day off at 8:30 AM and end around 11:30 AM. The Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades will start at 12:30 PM and end at 3:00 PM. We are getting ready to work on events after Spring Break and will be signing up for events in the upcoming weeks. We appreciate all volunteers to help run a station/event on this day. If you would like to help, please just catch me the day of Track and Field Day and we’ll get you to an event. Thanks in advance!

At the end of January, I was able to attend a conference called “K-Fit” in Wichita. It is sponsored by KSDE through a grant. After receiving this training, we received a kit of over $500 for free. This will allow me to put each child’s fitness level on a web-based system that I can add to each year during our physical fitness testing. The state will also have access to this information. Your child’s name will not be shown, only a number will be assigned to each student. With this information, the state of Kansas will be able to access the information and have data for tracking obesity, exercise patterns, etc. The KSDE is a leader in this area, as they are the first state to do this. It is a great tool for us to use. We will also be able to print off your child’s information and send it in the report cards. The report will show your child’s level of fitness and also give suggestions on how to improve any areas, if needed! We just finished our Power Panther Pals Healthy Eating/Exercise Classes right before Spring Break. This is a course that is paid for through a grant from the Kansas Department of Education. Our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders have participated in this for the past 12 years and have learned lots of simple tools for eating healthy, exercising to keep their bodies in tip-top shape as well as getting to eat some pretty good food! The food that is consumed is healthy for the students and all of the recipes are included in the back of their Power Panther Pals booklet that they brought home after our classes were over. Try some of the snacks, they really are good! We will also be working on our spring physical fitness testing, I hope to have the fitness testing from the fall and spring on the final report card. Look for our new format! Healthy Facts:

♦ It’s OK to drink juice! According to Health magazine, lots of people have banned OJ from their diets because of the calories. But it turns out that people that drink it (and other 100% fruit juices) are actually more likely than non-juice drinkers to meet their daily requirements for key nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, and potassium.

♦ The single best Fat-Burning Secret: Work out before breakfast!! Exercising before break-fast (on an empty stomach) prevents weight gain. Best time to snack: Early afternoon, can prevent us from overeating at supper.

Artists Corner By Michaeline Kohler, K-8 Art Teacher

Cheney Elementary School... Preparation begins for the annual “Elementary Art Show” on MONDAY, APRIL 18. The show will be held in the

elementary multi-purpose room from 6:30-7:45p.m. Each child, from Kindergarten to 5th grade will have 2 pieces of art in the show. The show will be set up in the areas of the artists we have studied this year. Look for your child’s work in the Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet or Seurat area. While there, be sure and vote for your favorite artwork. The piece of work that receives the most votes becomes part of our elementary art gallery. The student artist receives a trophy for their work. I always need help to hang the show on that day starting at 1:30 p.m. It takes many hands to hang 600 pieces of art in an afternoon! Please

contact me or your child’s teacher if you are available for any amount of time to help. I appreciate your help to make this event happen. I will look forward to seeing you at the show on April 18. Our new “artists of the month” are Clay Robinson and Brianna Lorenz. Their Monet works are on display in the elementary school office. Maddy Amsink, a 3rd grader, had her artwork on display at Topeka in the State Capitol as part of Youth Art Month. Congratulations to all of our talented artists. Cheney Middle School Central Plains Middle School League Academic Day was Feb. 15. League schools are allowed to bring 25 pieces of artwork in 12 categories to compete for medals and ribbons. In addition, there is an “Art Challenge”. Each school has 2 hours to complete a reproduction of an artist famous painting. We use chalk pastels and finish a 4 foot by 5 foot panel before it is judged. Our students represent us very well. The results were as follows: Best of Show---Daleen Turner : her mask was judged best piece of work in the entire show! Black/white drawing: Sarah Montano –1st place Kara Dewey-------2nd place Color drawing: Caitlin Greiving-3rd place Ceramics: Kelsey Reida-----1st place Caitlin Molyneaux-3rd place Daleen Turner-Honorable Mention Paper: Kara Dewey-----1st place Logan Mason---2nd place 2/D mixed media: Cameron Hill----2nd place Kristina Zerger-Honorable Mention 3/D Mixed media: Daleen Turner-----1st place Oakley Kauffman-2nd place Pastels: Veronica Lueras—3rd place Painting: Dottie Felton-------3rd place Austin Wheelock-Honorable Mention 3-D Sculpture Aaron Andrews—1st place Wade McGuffy-----2nd place Madison Schneider-Honorable Mention These students will be going on a field trip on Friday, March 18 to the Wichita Art Museum. They will have a tour of the permanent collection and then use a scavenger hunt to explore one of the traveling exhibits. They will also view the public sculptures in downtown Wichita. Thanks to these artists and all the students enrolled in art for the excellent work they do.

P.A.L.S. (Parents Assisting Local Schools) By Ann Sigwing

Once again, P.A.L.S. has chosen to lessen the burden on our CES families during this difficult eco-nomic time by restraining from door-to-door sales. Instead, we are once again hosting a Spaghetti Supper & Raffle on April 2nd from 4:00p.m. – 6:30p.m. It will be located in the CES multi-purpose room and will be a Free-will donation. Everyone is invited, so please bring your entire family and tell your friends. Raffle tickets will also be sold for $1.00 each or seven for $5.00. Over $1000 worth of prizes for all ages will be raffled, including a Wii package. Thanks to the new reward program, the P.A.L.S. organization has begun to show an increase in Box Tops for Education donations this school year. Students who bring a completed Box Tops collection form, zipper bag or envelope of Box Tops will receive a reward for their fundraising efforts. Box Top logos must have a valid expiration date. Please send what you have in a zipper bag or envelope with their name on it. It’s that easy and the students always enjoy prizes! P.A.L.S. receives $.10 for each Box Top logo. Logos can be found on various products you currently purchase. Collection boxes can now be found at Jim’s Food Liner and Clip & Curl in Cheney. Please continue saving over the summer months. The website www.boxtops4education.com is another way to fund-raise for Cheney Elementary. If you shop online, please remember by following the link on this website, CES could benefit from each dollar you spend. The Save-A-Label program through Jim’s Food Liner is another way to help Cheney Elementary. Please save Best Choice upc’s and send them to CES with your student. Upcoming Events: (*Volunteers Needed) ♦ CES Art Show (April 18, 2011)* ♦ P.A.L.S. Meeting (April 19, 2011)* ♦ Kansas Kids Fitness Day (May 6, 2011)* ♦ CES Track & Field Day (May 12, 2011) * ♦ P.A.L.S. Meeting (May 17, 2011)* ♦ 4th Grade Awards (May 23, 2011)* ♦ 5th Grade Awards (May 24, 2011)* ♦ CES Staff Appreciation Luncheon (May 26, 2011)* CES P.A.L.S. (Parents Assisting Local Schools) can also be found on Facebook. We now have 101 fans. Check us out! The P.A.L.S. organization needs more volunteers. Cheney Elementary will need our help more than ever now, and in the upcoming school year. Please come to a meeting and find out how you can help. Our Children are Our Future ~ Their Future is in Our Hands!

Parents As Teachers (P.A.T.) Angie Overlees, PAT Coordinator

“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation”

~C. Everett Koop The P.A.T. program is designed to provide parents with practical and effective information on growth and development of infants and toddlers. Studies show that families who have been involved in this program have children that are more advanced in language development, have better social skills, and enter Kindergarten ready to learn. Participation in P.A.T. is free and is open to all families who live in Cheney USD 268 with a child, birth to 36 months of age. To enroll, contact the P.A.T. office at 542-3137 ext. 2732 or stop by our room at Cheney Elementary School.

After Prom Update Carolyn Riedel, Coordinator

Prom is fast approaching! It is just a couple of weeks away, April 16, and the push for After Prom is now on. We will be needing parents to help with several different committees. All parents are encouraged and welcome to come and enjoy the fun night with us. If you will be able to help with After Prom, please give me a call at 316-540-0244.

Cheney USD 268 is now accepting applications and enrollment

for the 2011-2012 school year. As your children are growing, so is our program!

Cheney USD 268 is committed to providing an early Childhood Education program for all children ages 4 & 5. For more Information, please call Christy Tackett at Cheney Elementary School, 316-542-3137