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SFMS Messenger – December 2016
December, 2016
Helping to Combat Child Labor
Service Learning supports students in Honduras

Each year our sixth grade Read 180 literacy class experiences a workshop entitled “Stolen Childhoods.”  This workshop focuses on the harsh reality of child labor around the world.  Our students discover that millions of children must work in order to help their families survive at the expense of an education.
Recently, we teamed up with the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Enactus Business Club that is currently working to support Linaca, Honduras in their efforts to produce sustainable agricultural methods using hydroponics. The Linaca Project was created to serve as an agricultural business program for young, Honduran men. This hydroponic pilot focuses on utilizing non-soil mediums, a greenhouse, and nutrient water to grow produce while allowing for the efficient and inexpensive growth of produce without the use of pesticides.  The hope is this will eliminate the need for young children to work in the fields to help support their family and instead allow them to attend school.
Our mission at the Sheboygan Falls School District is to challenge and support students on their own learning paths within and beyond the classroom as we are committed to innovating and supporting the whole student. This project made a connection in our own learning community and allowed us to support programs that looked to combat child labor. Our sixth graders made tea light snowmen tree decorations and cloth bracelets. We sold our crafts at the annual SFMS holiday craft fair scheduled for the first Saturday in December.  The students took pride in their efforts as many students gave up their lunch recesses to finish their cloth bracelet crafts. Students also attended the Saturday craft fair to communicate this effort to our community and to also sell their products.
The community was very impressed with the students’ knowledge and willingness to make lives better for children in Honduras as they advocated for their education. In the end, a profit of $276.28 was achieved and an impressive $93.28 of this total came from generous donations. Our learning community appreciated this experience and thank everyone for their encouragement and support.
Innovator’s Mindset
Greetings!

During the 2016-2017 school year, SFMS staff has been taking time to focus on fostering a

growth mindset with not only our students, but also ourselves as educators and individuals.
 On December 7th, several staff members attended a workshop on
growth mindset given by George Couros. Staff members learned about fostering a innovator’s mindset which is an extension of the growth mindset philosophy. According to Mr. Couros, “innovation is a not a skill; innovation is a mindset.” As educators, we continue everyday with our students to believe in their abilities and to develop a mindset that promotes resiliency and learns from our successes and failures.
Sincerely,

Meloney Markofski, Principal 

Sheboygan Falls Middle School
Middle School Building Construction Update

As you are aware, the voters of the School District of Sheboygan Falls
overwhelmingly approved the November 8 referendum question to  build a new middle school
on the site adjacent to the Sheboygan Falls Elementary School.
What’s next?
Work has begun to detail plans for the new middle school. At a very high level, the general timeline for building the new middle school is:
Now-April: Architectural design
May/June-August 2018: Groundbreaking and construction
August 2018: Open new school
What happens to the existing middle school?
While the existing middle school will continue in use until the new school is opened, a critical part of that plan includes repurposing the current middle school building. First, the Board intends to offer the building for sale. If the building does not sell, it will be demolished and converted into green space. We know neighbors of the existing middle school, staff and others in the community may have questions about this process.
Therefore a Community Conversation, open to all, will be:
January 23, 2017, 6:30 p.m., Middle School Library
Topic: Process and plans for the existing Middle School
At the Community Conversation, we will share more information about the process the Board of Education will follow for the disposition of the existing Middle School and answer questions.
Changes coming to lunch in January

ALA CARTE COMING TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LUNCH LINE
Coming in January to the MS, is the option for students to purchase ala carte items during lunch. All food items meet the Smart Snack criteria. Parents will be able to block the extra sales or limit the dollar amount that students can purchase. These items will be available for purhase on Tuesdays and Fridays for now.
Learning beyond the Book

ANCIENT DEVICES
The sixth graders had the opportunity to research the shaduf; an ancient device for moving water. They paired up
to create one of their own on a small scale. Afterward, they worked on their technical
writing skills by describing the steps one would follow to make a shaduf.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
A big shout out to Cleveland State Bank for sponsoring Mr. Uselding’s Falcon Time use of the Banzai website!  Thank you for helping our students learn important financial literacy concepts.
ENGINEERS VISIT
Gretchen Galstad and Tony Biddle, engineers from Kohler Co., recently visited with Ms. Huenink’s 8th grade science class. They talked about civil engineering and structure building with her science students.
Trip Back in Time

The 5th graders ventured to the Sheboygan Historical Museum to take a look at the beginnings of Wisconsin’s statehood.  Students learned about important jobs during the 1800’s that helped settlers survive and begin their livelihood. To further this learning, students were able to use engage in hands-on activities that focused on being blacksmiths, mill workers, carpenters, and farmers.  Students also took a tour of an 1800’s cheese factory and barn.  This trip brought to life our social studies curriculum and writing curriculum.  Students are working to expand their knowledge on Colonization and Westward Expansion.
Note from our School Nurses
Dear Falcon Parents,
The Sheboygan Falls School District Nurses have been notified by the Health Department that there has been an increase of Pertussis in Sheboygan County. Although we do not have a case in our community, this is a good opportunity to review your immunization records and your child’s immunization records. The Center for Disease Control recommends that children, ages 11 and up (6th grade) and adults, should receive a Tdap booster. It not only gives a tetanus booster but gives a booster of acellular Pertussis.
Please read more about pertussis here:
Thank You and Have a Healthy Holiday Season,
Jessica Mattia-Barry RN,BSN and Lisa Hackbarth RN,BSN
Upcoming Events
DECEMBER 2016
December 20
5th Grade Winter Program- 12:00pm – MS Aud.
December 23
Preview Concert for 8th Grade students- 8am- MS Aud.
December 26 – January 2, 2017
Winter Break: NO SCHOOL
JANUARY 2017
 
January 3
Classes Resume
January 10
7th Grade Girls Basketball @ Two Rivers
8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Two Rivers @ SFMS
January 12
7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball @ New Holstein
January 13
MS Talent Show- 6:30pm- MS Aud.
January 16
Spanish Placement Test-8th Grade
January 17
7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball – Bye
Spanish Placement Test-8th Grade
January 19
7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Plymouth @ SFES
8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Plymouth @ SFMS
Spanish Test make-ups or snowdate
January 20
Spanish Test make-ups or snowdate
January 23
NO SCHOOL for Students/Professional Development for Staff
January 24
7th Grade Girls Basketball @ Manitowoc Washington
8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Manitowoc Washington @ SFMS
January 26
7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Kiel @ SFES
8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Kiel @ SFMS
January 30
Freshman Curriculum Night @ HS 5:30pm
January 31
7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. Manitowoc Wilson @ SFMS
School District of Sheboygan Falls
Sheboygan Falls Middle School 
101 School Street, Sheboygan Falls, WI  53085  |  Phone: 920-467-7880