Cowboy Chronicles October 2011

Clarion-Goldfieldand Dows

Community School Districts

ConnectionsC-G After School Program

Shannon Brooks, Director

Connections, the Clarion-Goldfield after school program, provides our youth and families with extended after school opportunities that promote academic success and healthy development with the support and involvement of parents, schools and community. I am proud to announce that Connections After School Program is up and running for the 2011-2012 school year. I would like to WELCOME our new Connections Staff for the year. Diana Guido will have the Pre-K, Kindergarten and first grade. The classroom that Diana will be using is Mrs. Thompson’s Art room. Abby Urness will have the second and third grade. The classroom that Abby will be using is an open fourth grade room on the second floor. Audrey Olson will have the fourth thru eighth grade. The room that Audrey will be using is the Connections room in the Middle School across from the middle school office.Connections HoursMondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - 3: 30-6:00Wednesdays - 3:30-5:00All EARLY OUTS Connections is done at 5:00.I am excited that Connections is up and running now. If you have any questions, please call me at #515-851-1130, Elementary office#515-532-2873 or Middle School #515-532-2412

Technology Warning Technology is a wonderful tool. It assists instruction, accesses information, improves communications and helps make complex tasks simpler. In the hands of a skilled individual, technology cannot only be used for good, but also evil. Smart phones and their capacity to do what was once limited to computers, is nothing short of amazing. Smart phones are a computer, camera, GPS, calendar, address book, and yes – a phone. Did you know that most pictures taken with smart phones, “Geo-Tag” the location of pictures taken? The same technology used for GPS positioning is used to “Tag” the exact location where the picture was taken. This isn’t dangerous, until a “Tagged” picture is placed in a social-networking media, like FaceBook. There is a “must see” video on youtube that describes the dangers of sharing pictures on the Internet, where anyone can see them. With a “Geo-Tagged” picture on the Internet, ANYONE can determine where the picture was taken. What could an individual do with information like this? What if the pictures were taken in a child’s bedroom, favorite restaurant, school, daycare provider, playground, etc? Please take the time to view the following news report on this subject. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vARzvWxwY

Connections Monthly FeeMonthly Fee 2 Children 3 Children 4 Children

Full Monthly Fee $25.00 $50.00 $75.00 $100.00Reduced Monthly Fee

$20.00 $40.00 $60.00 $80.00

Free Monthly Fee $15.00 $30.00 $45.00 $60.00

Congratulations Mrs. Sanders

Tanja Sanders, a Clarion-Goldfield 5th grade teacher, was chosen as the 2011 CDI State Conservation Teacher of the Year. She was recently presented a plaque for the award at the CDI (Conservation Districts of Iowa) Annual Conference in Des Moines on September 8th. Tanja has been teaching in the Clarion-Goldfield school system for 14 years and 8 of those years she has taught 5th grade. She teaches science to all the sections. Presenting the award to Tanja was Angi Reid, a representa-tive of the Iowa Conservation Education Coalitiion.

Elementary EnlightenerBy Tricia Rosendahl

We are soaring into another great year at the Elementary School. Our students and staff are back in full swing and off to another unbelievable start. It is fun to see all the smiling faces entering the building each morning. You wouldn’t believe the number of hugs and high fives I get each day. Our students are the best! I am excited to share with you that we have added two new faces to our team and some prior team players have moved to new positions. Please help me welcome Corey Rutherford as a special education associate and Audrey Olson as an associate in Preschool/Prep-Kindergarten. Thank you Audrey and Corey for joining our team! Those team members moving to new positions are Annette Keller as preschool associate, Natalie Tegtmeyer as library associate, Pam Simmons-Bailey helping with some 1st grade classes, Joyce Keeling helping with some Title I, Rhonda Benton is teaching Title I full-time and Miss Rosendahl will be helping with some reading enrichment classes. We are well into the swing of our 4-year-old preschool schedule. It is exciting to have four different sections taught by Brenda Carpenter and Diana Kreitlow. Joan Voigts, Annette Keller and Corey Rutherford help out in the classrooms each day as well. We are excited this year to be providing bussing for our 4-year-olds. They are thrilled to ride the bus and come with all smiles each day. We want to say thank you to the high school students and coaches for remembering us during homecoming week. It is always fun to see the cheerleaders, homecoming court in their fancy dresses/clothes, the football players, the volleyball players and the cross-country runners. Thank you also to the football players that give high fives to us as you run through our tunnels at the home football games. We look up to you more than you know! I am looking forward to another great year! Remember to stop by, email or call at any time. The key to a successful education for your child is TEAMWORK! It is going to be a great year!

TAP Is Off To A Great Start!By Erica Lindaman, President

It's time to thank all our volunteers from our Back to School social, Marys & Marthas, school board representatives, & TAP members, our volunteers at homecoming, selling our spirit items, and a huge thank you to all our Adopt a Classroom donors this year. Our deadline was Sept 15th and a full list of donors will be printed in the November newsletter. Thank you again. TAP will be participating in the MADDay (Make a Difference Day) October 22. Elementary students, Peer Helpers, Staff & other students will be wearing their Make a Difference Day buttons. We hope to partner with some projects in the com-munity, along with just recognizing the little things that make a difference in a persons life, helping a neighbor, being kind to a friend, reading a story with a someone. If you would have a project or need help with something the month of October please contact the committee for consid-eration. We do not promise that we have enough volunteers to complete each job, but will certainly try.MADDay Name__________________________Project______________________Contact info____________________________

Please send to: TAP, 319 - 3rd Avenue N.E., Clarion 50525 or City of Clarion, Attn:MADDay- Clarion, IA 50525

change from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. When all three butterflies were strong enough to fly, we released them. It was so exciting to see them fly away to start the cycle all over again! We have three more caterpillars waiting to complete their metamorphosis!

ButterfliesBy Mrs. Thurn and

Miss Kruger

The first graders have been studying the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly in science. We have watched three caterpillars make the

Elementary Students Try To HelpBreak World Record

Karla Thompson The Prep K-5th graders from Clarion-Goldfield will participate in the Healthiest State Initiative on October 7, beginning at 2:30 from the Elementary playground area. Organizers of the Iowa Start Somewhere walk have announced a goal of breaking a world record by having 250,000 Iowans participate in simultaneous one-kilometer walks on Friday, October 7. The current world record is claimed by Canada, who had 231,635 participants in simultaneous one-kilometer walks throughout that country in 2007. The Start Somewhere walk is a start to Iowa becoming the Healthiest State and all Iowans are encouraged to take part on Friday, October 7. The Healthiest State Initiative was announced by Governor Terry Branstad in late August to help try to make Iowa the Healthiest State in the United States. Iowa is currently ranked 19th in the Gallop Polls. Come join the students and their teachers at 2:30 as we state the pledge to make Iowa the Healthiest state in the United States before 2016.

“Fill A Bucket”Elementary Guidance

Sarah Kakacek, School Counselor

The idea of Bucket Fillers is based on Dr. Donald O. Clifton’s metaphor of the bucket and the dipper. The first person to bring this idea to a school setting was “The Bucket Man”, Merrill Lundgren. Several books have been written about bucket fillers. Carol McCloud wrote a book called “Have You Filled A Bucket Today? (A Guide to Daily Happiness For Kids)” that our elementary classes have read. The premise of the book is the idea that we all carry an invisible bucket that contains our feelings. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When our bucket is empty, we feel sad. A bucket filler is someone who says or does nice things for other people. By doing this, they are filling other people’s buckets and filling their own bucket at the same time. On the other hand, a bucket dipper says or does things to cause other people to feel bad. A bucket dipper empties their bucket when they say and do mean things. In K-5 Guidance classes, we are doing several activities that are tied in with the book and bucket filling. Fifth graders are creating and illustrating a book, “ From A-Z, We are Bucket Fillers” to be read to the preschool classes. Fourth graders are learning about “protecting their bucket lids” through role-playing and problem-solving. This involves guarding and protecting the good thoughts and feelings inside your bucket, even when your bucket is dipped into. Third graders are writing positive bucket notes to their classmates. First and second graders are learning about ways to fill buckets in their class and on the playground. Kindergarten students are learning about what happy thoughts and feelings are through their drawings of who or what makes them smile. Using the language of bucket filling throughout the school has encouraged everyone to have empathy for others. To strengthen communication at home with your child, ask your son or daughter, “Who’s bucket did you fill today?” The cool thing about it is, when you make others feel good, you feel good yourself in return. It’s a win-win situation!

Great Energy Rock Performances Solar Energy

By Tanja Sanders, 5th grade Science Instructor

The 5th grade science classes are currently studying solar energy. The students had a great time presenting a great energy rock performance based on a solar energy song and information. The groups included celebrities such as “Pauly Power”, “Sol”, “Sunny”, ”Ray Don” and “Ray Donna”. The props were amazing!! We had tin foil solar panels, cardboard trees, homemade CD’s, and unbelievable hats!

“HOW TO” DIRECTIONSBy Tanja Sanders, 5th grade Science Instructor

The 5th grade science students recently integrated a part of their reading program into the science classroom. The students discussed the importance of “how to” directions, and used the reading curriculum directions as a model. They then took these directions and modified them in the science classroom and wrote directions on how to plant seeds. They then planted their seeds and watched to see whose would grow. They then discussed the importance of the sun as part of their solar unit.

Free Dental Sealants Offered to Second Graders

By, Katie Stecher RN, MSN We have been informed that the i-smile program will be offering free dental sealants to second grade students in our district the week of Oct. 17th. Dental sealants are a clear coating that is put on the molars to help prevent cavities. This is a very generous offering that we hope many students will participate in. Parents who want their second grade student to have the sealants applied need to fill out the consent form that was sent home. An experienced dental hygienist will come to the school with portable equipment to apply the sealants. Please call me if you have any questions.

Welcome to the class of 2024!Can you believe the current Kindergarten

students will graduate as the class of 2024?

Kindergarten C-O-W-B-O-Y-S ! ! ! There’s nothing quite like Homecoming Week to get our attention focused on who we are! We’re the Clarion-Goldfield Cowboys! We practiced our school’s loyalty song, read about what cowboys are like, colored pictures with our school’s colors (red and black), and even practiced one of the most familiar cheers: C-O-W-B-O-Y-S , Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys ! The seniors from our football, volleyball, and cross country teams, plus the cheerleaders, held a Pep Rally for us, in our Elementary Gym! It was fun to see each team member, as they were introduced, and to also hear about the Homecoming Court candidates’ favorite school activities! In keeping with the Cowboy theme, the football players even pretended to be horses, and gave rides to a few lucky wranglers!!! All of this was topped off with a curbside view of the Homecoming Parade, which passed right in front of our Elementary Campus! So, here’s to a year filled with excitement, as we continue to cheer for our Cowboys and Cowgirls, no matter which sport they participate in! Goooooooo Cowboys!

Kids are singing and Bells are ringing!By Mrs. McGlynn

It’s been a terrific start to elementary music. Students are singing better…listening better…and doing the right thing! I have a poster in my room…”You’ll never regret doing the right thing.” It’s become the saying everyone knows in the music room! We are trying out instruments, writing rhythms, reviewing or learning treble clef notes, and are singing so many fun songs….all while learning. The fifth graders are very excited about starting band. From what they tell me, they are off to a fantastic start. I happen to know also, that Mr. Wesselink agrees with them. They are also looking forward to their FIRST Performing Day in October. I want to let you know that we will be having THREE music programs in the elementary gym this year. We are trying something new and different! Please write the following dates down on your calendar today:

December 8th, Thursday 4th and 5th Grades @ Clarion Elem. 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. April 17th, Tuesday 2nd and 3rd Grades @ Clarion Elem. 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. April 19th, Thursday Kdg and 1st Grade @ Clarion Elem. 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Music and subjects in the regular classroom go together quite often. Music and Math, Music and Science, Music and History, Music and Spelling, Music and Reading, Music and Science and so on…….so your children are learning many new things in both the regular classroom and the music room that go together. How cool is that!

S’more Fun in Second GradeMrs. Cramer, Mrs. Dodds, and Mrs. Middleton

The second graders have been exploring the world around them through their new reading series. In the past weeks they have been learning about communities, space, the desert, and nature while reading a variety of genres.We learned about text features such as following directions. This enabled us to make delicious S’mores and have fun, as you can see in the pictures.

Principal PointsBy Steve Haberman

We are off to a fantastic start at the Dows Elementary School. Our enrollment is up, staff and students are excited about our new reading series and the incorporation of new technology is making a positive impact in how we deliver and receive instruction. A big thank you to Barb and Dawn who have been in charge of preparing our healthy fruit and vegetable snacks. This grant is allowing us to provide a healthy snack every morning after recess. Please stay involved in your child’s education by asking questions daily and taking time to read with them each day. It is imperative that they know how much you value their activities and education.

Dows Mileage Clubby Emily State, Nurse

The Dows Mileage Club is off and running again this year. We meet each day at 10:00am recess on the sport court. We have made a few changes to our program this year and have seen a lot more kids participating. Most days we have 20 or more kids on the sport court. Through the Campbell’s Labels for Education program, we received pedometers for the kids to use. It has been fun for the kids to see how many steps they can take in our 20 minutes of walking. Some of the kids can get in more than 1,500 steps. And, it’s not just walking we do; some kids run a few laps, some kids jump rope around the sport court, some kids toss a football to each other as they are walking. Each day the kids walk, they earn a punch on their Mileage Club card. Every five punches, they earn a token to wear on a neck-lace. After they earn their first 20 punches, they will earn a water bottle. We also hold drawings every week for prizes, such as jump ropes and balls. The prizes for Mileage Club participants are made possible by donations from Wright Medical Center in Clarion and the Dows Pharmacy. The Mileage Club was started several years ago to encourage kids to get moving during their recess time.

Preschool is a time for new experi-ences. We would love to have you visit our classroom and share your in-terests, hobbies, and fields of expertise, (job). Please call the school at 515-852-4162 if you would like to come and visit or if you have any questions.

Dows Preschool

Veteran’s Day is Friday, November 11th

Plan to attend the program at Dows Elementary

Healthy School NewsBy Mr. Haberman

We were notified by the Bureau of Nutrition, that Dows Elementary School has been selected as a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) school! The FFVP provides all children in participating schools a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. The goal of the FFVP is to create a healthier school environment by providing healthier food choices. These fresh foods must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal. The selection criteria for this program requires that schools with the highest free and reduced price enrollment be given priority for participation. The program benefits low-income children that generally have fewer opportunities to consume fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. We are all very excited about this opportunity and enjoying the nutritious treat each day after the morning recess. Last spring, the staff helped the students plant their very own cabbage, tomato and pepper plants and they were able to watch them grow in the greenhouse in anticipation of taking them home and planting them themselves to enjoy the “fruits of their labor.” When the first graders were asked what their favorite snack was they all shouted, “frozen grapes”, Cain said that he only likes the fruits and most of them didn’t care for the radishes, saying they were sour, hot and spicy. Then Emma shared that she didn’t like the sugar peas, but she quickly decided she would like them if they were cooked!

For all the latest information log on to

www.clargold.org

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The Choices We Make in Middle SchoolBy Margaret Askelsen

All of us know that the choices we make in life influence the outcomes! Clarion-Goldfield Middle School data proves this point concerning important choices students make, like doing homework, participating in extra-curricular activities, participation in music and coming to school each day. Data was used from the 2010-2011 school year. All data reflects CGMS students currently in 7th and 8th grade. Our data proves that positive choices influence scores. Students who attended school the most days had the highest grade point averages. We all agree that students who are truly sick should not attend school and spread disease to others. We also agree that washing hands frequently is the best way to prevent the spread of organisms that cause illness. Nevertheless, regularly attending school is the best way to insure your child’s future. Students live busy lives today and the controversy of homework remains, but our data is conclusive. Students who complete homework on a regular basis have the highest ITBS scores and the highest grade point averages. Homework is simply an important extension of in-school opportunities to learn and it makes a difference in the success of students. Research continues to be done on the effects of music on learning. Perhaps music simply helps students relieve stress, which can affect learning, or maybe it helps a child develop more confidence, or helps sharpen a child’s memory. We don’t know the reason but, once again, students involved in music scored higher on core total national percentile ranking on Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. To determine if participation in activities, including Peer Helper, 4-H, scouts, and sports made a difference in grade point and Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, a questionnaire was given to all current 8th grade students. Results showed that participation in more activities improved academic performance on both grade point averages and Iowa Tests of Basic Skills scores. This information can guide and direct us as parents and teachers. As parents and teachers we can make sure our students are getting homework completed each day and that adequate support, such as the Connections program, is being utilized. We can make sure students are in school and are not missing school for things that can be done at some other time. We can encourage music in our students’ lives and provide students with opportunities to play instruments by looking in our closets and pulling out old instruments and donating them to our school so that everyone has equal opportunity to learn to play instruments. We can encourage our children to participate and get active in life. Not everyone wants to be an athlete but many other opportunities await students, such as 4- H, scouts, Peer Helper, as well as numerous other religion based activities. Our students and our children’s choices do make a difference. Let’s all help them to be the best they can be!!!

This is the theme for the middle staff and students this year. We are in the middle of reading the book “Finish Strong” by Dan Green. Please take a moment and ask your son/daughter about the inspirational movie clips and stories that they have been exposed to during Homebase. You will not be disappointed. Please stay in contact with your child’s Homebase teacher. This is an excellent way to stay involved with their education. Every Monday students are checking their agenda planner usage as well homework completion for each fifteen day cycle. Do not hesitate to call or e-mail if you any questions or concerns pertaining to their education. Working together we can make this a wonderful year for every student at CGMS!!!

Agriculture is the cornerstone of all complex civilization. The sixth grades recently went on a field trip that toured different styles of agriculture in Iowa. They toured an organic vegetable farm along with a traditional corn and soybean operation near Kanawha. The students saw how these two types of agriculture are different, and also how they both contribute to society. The field trip relates to the development of agriculture the sixth graders has been studying in world history.

Mr. McGurk’s Sixth Grade Class Explores

Agriculture

Spend time with your children making memories

Are YouGoing To FinishStrong?Mr. Haberman

The 8th grade Apps class created the home recipes for refrigerator pickles. The students were provided with cucumbers and pickling solution along with a variety of spices. They then created their recipe for pickles. The students diligently came in each day to shake the jars to make sure all the spices were moving around. Celebrity judges were then called on to evaluate the pickle. This elite group included Jane Martin, Steve Haberman, Pat O’Brien, and Steve Nelson. After careful deliberation it was decided that the winners were Brittany’s Pickles. The winning group consisted of Brittany Boeset, Madison Boll, Rachel Tagge, and Jeremy Gangestad.

Brittany’s Pickles8th Grade Apps

AgDiscovery Program

by Matthew Magee

This past summer I spent two weeks on the ISU campus at AgDiscovery sponsored by USDA. AgDiscovery has 13 universities through the US focusing on different agri-cultural areas. The ISU AgDiscovery emphasized animal science. I heard about it from my guidance counselor Mrs. Askelson. I thought it would be fun to apply. I had to type a two page essay paper explaining why I was interested in going and what I plan on doing when I grow up. I also

had to get three reference letters and a document from the school stating I was a student. I was 1 of 16 applicants (aged 14-17) accepted out of 88 from several different states. They had a huge opening ceremony/meal so we could get to know each other. Most of the families attended unless the kids flew in. Over the next two weeks we did all kinds of things. We worked in the ISU labs, the ISU farms/ barns, an equine rehab center, zoo, USDA center, animal rescue center, and a wildlife refuge. I stayed at Eaton Hall and my roommate was from Miami. I met kids from Puerto Rico, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Mexico, Kentucky, Florida, Illinois, and Iowa. At the end of the two weeks there was a clos-ing ceremony/meal with all the families where each of us had to do our own power point presentation on one area we learned about. I did mine on necropsy. I think it was a great way to learn more about animal sciences and a great way to meet new people from all over the U.S. and Puerto Rico!

Peer Helper Hours Donated to Service Continues to Grow The 90 plus students who started Peer Helper in the fall of the 2010-2011 school year were able to document a total of 2,247 hours of family, community, and school hours during the school year. Some of the student activities of the year included: Heidi Frias who volunteered a total of 300 hours to the Connections program, Megan Zwiefel who volunteered 50 hours of her time to helping at Wendy’s Daycare on early out days, Celeste Swanson, who organized a trip to the Miracle League in Des Moines, Taylor and Brandon Hagie, who volunteered many hours at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Claire Davis, who volunteered at every school activity we had. The Peer Helper group is an example for all to follow. These students give of their time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return. As we begin the 2011-2012 school year, groups and organizations are asked to remember to call the school (515-532-2412) if you are in need of volunteers to help with your activities. We want to give the students many opportunities to serve others.

CGHS Vocal Music Departmentproudly presents“OKLAHOMA”

the musical written byRichard Rogers & Oscar Hammerstein II

Friday, November 4Saturday, November 5

7:00 P.M.CGHS Gym

Adults $6 Students $4Passes cannot be honored for this event.

Vocal Students to Audition for the All-State ChorusOn Saturday, October 22, the following CGHS vocal students plan to audition for the All-State Chorus in Hampton: Elizabeth Lockwood (soprano), Mikaela Livengood (soprano), Abby Urness (alto), Shanice Lloyd (alto), and Laura Franzmeier (alto). In preparation for the audition, each student must learn 9 songs, including “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “America the Beautiful.” All songs need to be sung a cappella, meaning no accompaniment. Approximately 17% of students are selected for the All-State Chorus. “Students gain so much knowledge from the audition process. Yes, it’s an honor to be selected for All-State, but those who audition are always winners in my book,” remarked Mr. David Ackerman, 6-12 vocal music instructor. Good luck girls!!!

7th/8th Grade Honor ChoirOn Monday, November 7, the North Central District of Iowa will host its honor choir at NIACC in Mason City. Approximately 500 students from north central Iowa will participate in this activity. Clarion-Goldfield may send 8 girls and 8 boys to this honor choir. The girls’ choir uses SSA music while the boys’ choir uses TTBB music. If your child is interested in this activity, they need to let Mr. Ackerman know. If we have more than 8 students interested, we will have auditions. Rehearsals will begin Monday, October 24, running from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

9th/10th Grade Honor ChoirOn Monday, November 7, the North Central District of Iowa will host its honor choir at NIACC in Mason City. Approximately 500 students from north central Iowa will participate in this activity. Clarion-Goldfield may send any 9th or 10th grader who knows the music. There is no limit for this choir. The choir uses SATB music. If your child is interested in this activity, they need to let Mr. Ackerman know. Rehearsal will begin on Monday, October 24, running from 7:30-8:15 on Monday through Friday.

FFA Fruit Sales Begin in October

Mrs. Charlson

The FFA members will again be selling fruit, meat and cheese for their fundraiser. During the month of October contact your FFA member or Mrs. Charlson at acharlson@clargold.org or 532-2895 to place your order. Some of the items include apples, oranges, pears, grapefruit, pineapple, clementines, meat sticks, cheese bricks, cheese spreads and mixed nuts. Choose a mixed box of fruit or ask to customize your order. Delivery will be the first full week of December.

Spanish Club Ready for Another Year

Mrs. Funnell

The Clarion-Goldfield Spanish Club is gearing up for another busy and productive year.

Our first big event for the year is our annual fall fund-raiser, But-ter Braid Rolls & Cookie Dough. These items will be delivered on Oct. 13 and will be delivered to community members by the students who sold them shortly after. Flavors available in the Butter Braid Rolls are: Blueberry w/blueberry icing, Caramel w/caramel glaze, Cinnamon w/ cream cheese icing, Maple Walnut w/ maple glaze, and Orange w/ orange icing. The cookie dough selections are: Candy (M & M), Chocolate Chip, Double Choco-late, White Chocolate Chunk w/Macadamia nuts, and Snicker-doodle. All Items cost $12 and come frozen, ready to thaw, let rise, and bake. And they’re YUMMY!!! Sales in the community by students end Sept. 30, but you can call in orders to the high school, 532-2895, to Mrs. Funnell, 825-3730, or to any mem-ber for the week after that date. We generally purchase a few “extras” for those who have not been contacted, or decide they wish they had ordered more, so check after the delivery date if either of those applies to you.

We use the proceeds of our fund-raising to continue with ongo-ing service projects, like the support of two students through Compassion International. We have a girl in Uganda, and a boy in Ecuador, who we send support money to on a monthly basis, plus birthday and Christmas donations. We have been doing this service project for the last 14 years or so. Our support helps the students and their families with school expenses, food, and medical needs.

Further ongoing service projects include an annual donation to the U.S. O. and purchase of malaria nets, which are sent to Africa to help alleviate malaria. The annual Make a Difference days are supported by volunteer labor. Spanish Club has an Adopt-a-Highway 2 mile stretch of Highway 3, which we are responsible for cleaning twice a year.

Students are anticipating the Day of the Dead projects and party, which will take place at the end of October or early in November, and attending the Festival of Nations in St. Paul, Minnesota in the spring. Another event we have participated in the last 3 years is packing meals for Feed My Starving Children in Waterloo. Spanish Club members have really enjoyed this event, and we have contributed financially as well so the pro-gram can keep purchasing supplies for the next year’s event. We plan to have movie nights and several other monthly get-togethers featuring cooking, music, and games which represent Hispanic cultures.

With a membership of over 90 once again, this should be a very active year for all who choose to participate.

Pick A Better Snack Program

Ever wondered how to get your kids interested in eating healthier foods? This year, Wright Medical Center volunteers along with Annette Snyder, Registered Dietitian, are teaming up with C-G Elementary to offer kids samples of good-for-you fruits and vegetables. We had such a fun time last year with kiwi fruit, melon, blueberries and red bell peppers. This year, we will continue the “Pick a Better Snack” program developed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. This program gets kids (and hopefully adults!) excited about trying new things. We are going to try things that often get overlooked…like kohlrabi, fresh pineapple, zucchini and so on. On the second Tuesday of each month WMC will be there to offer the kids a taste, as well as give handouts with ideas for healthy recipes and activity. We will also give out a BINGO card that kids can fill out for a prize. In September, parents received a letter, further explaining the program. Be sure to ask what your kids tried and if they liked it. We promise it will be fun and delicious!

OCTOBERPick a better snack & Act with your family.

MOM-TO-MOMI have two young kids and I’m busy at work. My kids learned one simple rule at school that has helped all of us eat healthier: the rule of the colorful plate. When we are putting together our meals we think about how we can make our plates more colorful by adding fruits and vegetables. We can add peppers to our pizza, broccoli to our macaroni, or frozen berries to our oatmeal. Now that we all follow the colorful plate rule, it’s easy for us to make even the simplest meals healthy ones. ~ Natoshia, a mother of two in Iowa

Eat well and your kids will too.

COsT COMPARisOnLooking for a low-cost snack? You can’t beat carrots. A 2 pound bag of whole big carrots costs about $2.00. There are about 10 servings in a 2 pound bag. That means one snack of carrots costs only 20 cents. All it takes is a few minutes to wash and cut the carrots. Put a handful of carrots in individual bags or containers for a quick snack.

gET REAl!Take a family walk after dinner. It’s a win-win: everyone gets moving and it’s time to connect as a family. It doesn’t matter how far you start walking. Just stick with it and keep going further each time. If the weather is bad, head to the nearest mall and power walk with your family.

why iT MATTERsIs there a certain time of day when you are tired and dragging? Choosing healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods instead of less healthy chips, soda, or candy, will give you energy that lasts throughout the day. Physical activity, like walking, also makes you feel energized!

Visit our website at www.idph.state.ia.us/pickabettersnack Funded by USDA’s Snap-Ed Program, an equal opportunity provider and employer, in collaboration with the Iowa Dept. of Public Health. Iowa’s Food Assistance Program provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. Go to www.yesfood.iowa.gov for more information.

Dr. Robert Olson, Superintendent (515)532-3423Dennis March, H.S. Principal (515)532-2895Steve Haberman, M.S. Principal (515)532-2412Tricia Rosendahl Elem. Principal (515)532-2873Steve Haberman Dows Elem. Principal (515)852-4163

The Clarion Board of Directors meet at 7:00 p.m. on the secondMonday of the month in the Clarion Board Room.

The Dows Board of Directors meet at 7:00 p.m. on the thirdMonday of the month in the Dows Board Room

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONCARRIER ROUTE PRESORT

US POSTAGE PAIDCLARION, IOWA 50525

PERMIT NO.99

CLARION-GOLDFIELD CSD319 THIRD AVENUE NECLARION, IOWA 50525-1113

GOFIGHT

WIN

Cowboys defeat Cadets at Homecoming 2011