WOOD NEWSLETTER
Wood Intermediate School

  

Fall 2003

NEWS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

             "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated."
--- William James

Did You Know?

.......Our All-school fundraiser brought $20,000 to our school last year?  Our goal this year is $30,000 to assist in additional technology purposes and activities/athletic equipment.  We do not ask students to solicit orders door-to-door, but encourage them to visit relatives and friends of the family.  Help support Wood Intermediate!

The team meeting time is an excellent opportunity for you to have all your students' core teachers in one place at the same time.  The following are meeting times for the teams:

Golden Bears
Green Giants
Nebulas
Super Novas
Green Goblins
Golden Ceckos

 

 9:24-10:00
10:13-10:57
1:!7-1:59
12:30-1:10
2:03-2:47
2:51-3:35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The staff and administration at Wood Intermediate would like to thank you for the smooth beginning to the 2003-3004 school year!  Your attendance at Open House was appreciated; as are the many comments you have provided us.  You will be receiving these newsletters each quarter and if you have a topic you would like to include, please contact Tim Wernentin, Principal or Sheri Schultz, Associate Principal at 391-6350.

The first two weeks of school the administrators met with every student to review procedures, rules, and changes in the District Proactive Discipline Policy.  We encourage you to take time to sit down with your student and review information found in the student planner.  Please remember if you have concerns in regard to your student's "Life At Wood" call his/her teacher advisor, counselor, or administrator.  Working together, we can provide a positive experience for all students. 

 

 

In order to better meet your needs and schedules, we have opted to have three evening sessions to conduct Parent/Teacher conferences.  Conferences will be conducted Thursday, September 25 from 4-8 PM, Monday, September 29 from 4-8 PM, and Wednesday, October 1 from 4-8 PM.  If you have not been contacted to arrange a conference time, please contact your student's counselor or team.

On months that the newsletter is not published, we will send home a monthly calendar of events with every student on the first of the month.  We have extra copies available in the office.  Also, we continue to sell Wood Intermediate attire!  If you are interested in purchasing t-shirts or sweatshirts, stop into the main office.

Thanks for the smooth beginning to 2003-3004!!

This is a piece that was given to me by a friend.  Some of you may have already read it.   It describes parenting a middle age student perfectly.  I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I did!

Tim Wernentin, Principal

 

The Cat Years
From the San Francisco Chronicle
Adair Lara

I just realized that while children are dogs - loyal and affectionate - teenagers are cats.  It's so easy to be a dog owner.  You feed it, train it, boss it around.  It puts its head on your knee and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting.  It bounds indoors with enthusiasm when you call it.

Then, around age 13, your adoring little puppy turns into a big old cat.  When you tell it to come inside, it looks amazed, as if wondering who died and made you emperor.  Instead of dogging your footsteps, it disappears.  You won't see it again until it gets hungry - then it passes on its spring through the kitchen long enough to turn its nose up at whatever you're serving.  When you reach out to ruffle its head in that old affectionate gesture, it twists away from you, then gives you a blank stare, as if trying to remember where it has seen you before.

You, not realizing that the dog is now a cat, think something must be desperately wrong with it.  It seems so antisocial, so distant, sort of depressed.  It won't go on family outings.

Since you're the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and stay and sit on command, you assume that you did something wrong. Flooded with guilt and fear, you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave. Only now you're dealing with a cat, so everything that worked before now produces the opposite of the desired result. Call it, and it runs away. Tell it to sit, and it jumps on the counter.  The more you go toward it, wringing your hands, the more it moves away.

Instead of continuing to act like a dog owner, you can learn to behave like a cat owner.  Put a dish of food near the door, and let it come to you.  But remember that a cat needs your help and affection too.  Sit still, and it will come, seeking that warm, comforting lap it has not entirely forgotten.

One day, your grown-up child will walk into the kitchen, give you a big kiss and say, "You've been on your feet all day. Let me get those dishes for you." Then you'll realize your cat is a dog again.

8th Grade Nebulas

From the Team:

Hello!  We are glad to share with you some very important information.  In our newsletter, you will be able to see what you students have worked on, or will be doing in their various classes.  We also will be giving you information on important events that pertain to your child.  This team of teachers is extremely committed to staying in contact with you whenever possible.

            Our first goal is and must be the welfare of your student.  For this to occur, we will be making phone calls to parents and are willing to set aside time for individual conferences whenever a concern arises.  If you wish to contact a teacher on this team, please feel free to call before school, after school, or during team time, which is from 1:15 to 1:50 in room 131.  We hope that you will not hesitate to call us at 391-6350 or contact us by email whenever the need arises. 

            Please be sure to view your child’s planner several times a week.  Also, please be sure to sign them on the Thursday slot at the bottom.  They should be recording their agendas and assignments every day.  This will help them to be better organized and allow you to see what your child is doing in school.  Together, we can give your child a great opportunity to be a Nebula (exploding star).  Thank you and have a great day!

bartellp@davenportschools.org                 butikofere@davenportschools.org              hayeker@davenportschools.org  humphriesj@davenportschools.org            proctork@davenportschools.org                schultza@davenportschools.org 

Mr. “Sub-Total” Proctor:  Algebra

            We have started in both new books for Algebraic Thinking and Algebra.  The AT classes are learning the routine and are starting on basic Algebra facts.  We have openers everyday to get us ready the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in February.  The Algebra students are learning their positive and negative numbers and will soon start equation solving.  If you have any questions or want a print out of your student’s grade (with assignments), please let me know.  The best way to contact me is through email and I will do my best to get back to you that same day. 

Ms. “Wacky Professor” Hayek:  Science

            Welcome to 8th grade Science with Ms. Hayek.  This is my first year teaching and I am having a great time with all of the students and staff.  We have only had four mishaps so far this year, but please keep that between you and me.  Don’t worry though, the doctors tell me that there is a great chance that I will one day regain my sense of smell and also the re-attachment of my toes on my right foot went very well.  My students just finished a lesson on the Scientific Method and are beginning to research an inventor.  Ask your child who their inventor is!  We try to have fun in my class and my only expectations are attentive listening, mutual respect, no put-downs, and the right to pass.  If any of these are broken, you can expect to hear from me!

Fernando de Jason Humphries-Cortez:  Estudios Americanos I

Como Estas?  Has sido tres anos des de he tenido contacto contigo.  Yo estrano Espano mucho.  He descubrido un lugar que I shall name California for our beloved Spain.  I do not believe that it will ever amount to anything though on account of all the mountains and the desert.   No one would ever want to live here.  I have some good news and also some bad.  You see, there was a shipwreck around the western coast of the new world.  To survive, I had to eat my own arm, three toes and one ear.  Half of the men perished, while the others survived by equally creative (or destructive) means.  Finally, after three months of being stranded, we found some natives to take us in and feed us.  Just like any situation in life, there is a silver lining to all situations and circumstances if you will just be patient and keep positive.  After I am completely done exploring, I am planning on starting my own colony and perhaps we can make something out of this most wretched land, but do not get your hopes up too much!  Well, until next time…..Adios!

                                                                                  Sinceridad,
                                                                                                            Fernando de Jason Humphries-Cortez  

Mr. “Pulitzer Prize” Butikofer:  Language Arts

We’re learning prepositions,                                        Proctor wears his glasses    
Like to and with and for.                                             When it’s 98 degrees. 
(If Brock keeps sitting on the desk,                                He does not forget to put 
I’ll show him to the door.)                                              His eyes before his ease.            

Jason made four touchdowns                                        We could describe these characters
And RJ sacked a guy                                                    With sight and sound and such,
But if they didn’t have a line                                           But when it comes to textures,
They could not get by.                                                   We are a little out of touch.

 Mika cheered for the whole team,                                If you do not understand  
 And wished them “victoreis”.                                       What all these verses mean.
 I guess that she forgot to put                                        You can always ask your kids
Her I’s before her E’s.                                                    ‘Cause teens know everything.                                     

 
7TH GRADE - Golden Bears

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Mrs.McGrath, Mrs. Frajmann, Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Hoeper, Mrs. Mickelson, Mr. DeBaene, Mrs. Swaggard

Conferences

This year we are faced with a very “fortunate” problem.  Conferences have been booked for all three days (September 25th, 29th, and October 1st).  Should you still want to have a conference with us, please feel free to contact us during our team time which is from 9:30 till 10:00.  We will gladly arrange a day of our team time to accommodate you.

Language Arts

     Welcome to seventh grade language arts.  I was pleased to see the high turn out we had for open house.  It was great to be able to meet so many of my student’s parents.  If I missed you during open house, please feel free to contact me here at school whenever convenient.
     Just recently we finished writing the first of our eight polished writing assignments, the friendly letter.  As I am going through the letters, I am becoming pleased with many of our writers.  These polished writing assignments will be given throughout the year and are an extremely important part of a student’s grade. 

Best of luck this year. 

Go Vikings!

Mr. DeBaene

Math

       This year I will be using a NEW math curriculum, “Algebraic Thinking.” At Open House a video about this program was shown, sorry if you didn’t have a chance to see it. It is a 3-year program which helps students understand and apply algebraic concepts.

      A major component is S O L V E, a 5-step problem solving process. Student use this method of thinking in approaching word problems as well as new concepts.
     I’m looking forward to a very challenging and rewarding year.
     Any questions or concerns about the new curriculum can be directed to Dr. Betsy Fair, Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator for Math, Science and World Languages at 563- 336-5024.               

  Mrs. E. Swaggard

 

 

Global Studies

     We are finishing a brief study of the United States with a project that is due on Sept. 29.  The project is called “The Top Ten Reasons I Love This State”.  To view the directions go to http://www.davenport.k12.ia.us/wood/globalstudies/ and click on United States and then the project.  Students may work individually or with a partner and will be presenting the projects to the class on Sept. 29.
     Wondering what your child’s grade is in Global Studies?  You may find out by going to www.teacherreports.com.  The user name is “3993first name of your child” and the password is their student ID number.  If you have any problems with accessing grades, please contact me.

Mrs. Hoeper  

 

 

 

 

Mexico’s Independence Day

September 16 was Dia de la Independencia de Mexico.  (Mexico's Independence Day) Mexican Independence Day is the day Mexicans celebrate gaining independence from 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.  As Fourth of July is to us, this day is to Mexicans.

Spanish II, Period 4, celebrate the holiday with a class luncheon featuring authentic Mexican food.  Mothers and grandmothers of students prepared homemade Mexican food for us to enjoy.  Tamales, chorizo and eggs, refried beans and rice, enchildas, and homemade salsa were items provided.  Muchas gracias to Shirley Chisholm, Teresa Castel and Mrs. Strouth, Kelly Eston and her mother, Mrs. Sotos, Mrs. Herrera, Mrs. Ridenhour, and Mrs. Mattke.

 

7th GRADE GREEN GIANTS

"Heads above the rest"

Welcome to the 2003-2004 school year at Wood! We’ve had a great start to the year, and are looking forward to continued success with our students. Mid-quarter ends on September 24th so be sure to look for a copy of your child’s mid-quarter report. Please discuss these grades with your child and return the report signed to their AP teacher. Our team has already recognized the following students as "Students of the Week" for their positive work habits and behaviors:

*** Congratulations! Keep up the great work! ***

In addition…

Conferences are being held September 25th, September 29th and October 1st from 4:00-8:00 pm. If you have not already set up a conference time, and are interested in scheduling conference please contact our team. Our team meets regularly M-F 10:15-10:45 am. Please call us at 391-6350, or e-mail us at the following addresses:

Ms. Weipert   weipertv@davenportschools.org
Miss Tarara   tararai@davenportschools.org
Mr. Sinksen    sinksena@davenportschools.org
Miss. Ehrecke ehreckeca@davenportschools.org
Ms. Nicholson nicholsonk@davenportschools.org
Ms. Awkerman awkermand@davenportschools.org
Ms. Reeder reeders@davenportschools.org

Also, a reminder that students should be bringing their planner and all necessary supplies with them to each class. This includes pencils, pens, and paper. Please check with your child to be sure they have these basic supplies, and replenish as necessary.

Green Goblins' News

                                                                                                                                                 September 2003

Math Highlights
From Mrs. DeSchinckel

We are currently working on problem solving in math.  You should practice the multiplication facts with your child to make sure they can recall them quickly.

Please be looking at planners daily to help your student be successful.  Many sixth-graders have a hard time making the transition to middle school and taking on new responsibilities.  If your child is having a problem turning in work or is getting a low grade, I will send home at note at the beginning of the week.  I expect the notes to be signed so I know that you are aware of your child's progress.  Also, remember that you can check grades at the beginning of each week on my website.

http://teacherweb.com/IA/Wood/MrsDeSchinckel/index.html


Science Update
From Mrs. Dembosky

  We are currently studying Astronomy and are enjoying many fun projects!  Keep studying notes on a nightly basis.  Also check the planner, parents for details!

 

 

 

6TH GRADE GOLDEN GECKOS

Congratulations!

These students were recognized for demonstrating the life skill of friendship.
They received a certificate and a snack from the cafeteria. 

Way to go!

Mrs. Duncan- Science

Flint Ridenhour, Eric Menes,
Marissa Gooden, Litsy Corrales

Mrs. Johannsen- Reading

Mrs. Moss-Farnan- Social Studies

The mummification project in Ms. Moss-Farnan's Social Studies classes was a great success. Many fish have moved on to the afterlife, the kingdom of the dead, ruled by the Egyptian god, Osiris. The Egyptians believed this to be a happy place, similar to Egypt.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the parents who so generously donated linen (toilet paper), natron (salt) and resin (oil) for our project. I also want to thank our Associate Principal, Mrs. Sheri Simpson-Schultz, for burying our mummies in her garden. We will dig them up in the spring to see how the mummification is progressing.

Mrs. Rapsilber- Math

Mrs. Sinksen- Language Arts 
Students worked hard on their writing process projects. Here is an excellent example. Great work girls!

Happenings in the Gifted and Talented Program at Wood  

It’s great being back at Wood with former TAG students and getting to know the new 6th grade students.  Returning 7th and 8th grade TAG students met in early September to find out what was available for this year in TAG.  Although my main responsibility is to collaborate with your child’s classroom teacher, students were stopping in early to see when Mock Trial began.  That’s wonderful!

Those 7th & 8th grade TAG students interested in Mock Trial were invited to take a copy of this year’s case, study it, and then they took a brief test about the case on the Tuesday after Labor Day.  The teams for this fall include: Koree Allinger, Holly Graap, Jordan Lohf, Matt Burmeister, Emily Hill, Sarah Mascher, Kyle Barton, Hilary Tanner, Sara Millard, Nicole Woodson, Tyler Wentworth, Anna Hernandez, Stephen Sorenson, Allen Gish, and Robin Evans.  They will attend the Regional Mock Trial Competition on Saturday, November 1st at the Scott County Courthouse.

6th grade TAG students began their first round of small groups focusing on the Stock Market, Creative Writing or Mini-Mock Trial.   These groups began the week of September 15, 2003.  If your child failed to return his/her form or just didn’t decided in time can join the groups when they start again in six weeks’ time.  These small groups give me the best opportunity to get to know your child.  

In early November, National History Day and Invent Iowa will start up.  Both have websites you can check out now with your student.  They have the web addresses.  NHD will give your student quite an extensive opportunity to do college level research. Check out the sites!

Schedules of current activities are posted in a display case next to the main library entrance at Wood.  Students also write their activities in their planners.  All students who miss a class for TAG know they are responsible for all make up work.

Chess Club, which requires higher level strategy skills, meets each Friday morning at 8.15 sharp in the Zoo, which is the new name for the TAG space in the back of the library.

Conferences will be held, as you know, Sept 25th, Sept 29th and October 1st from 4-8pm.  I will be available all three evenings in the library area to answer questions or concerns you may have about the TAG program at Wood.  You can also email me: davisma@davenportschools.org, or call Wood: 391-6350 anytime.

Mrs. Marci Davis,
TAG Facilitator at Wood

CHESS CLUB AT WOOD

8.15AM FRIDAYS

ALL ARE WELCOMED!

YEARBOOKS ON SALE !

The Wood Yearbook 2003-2004 
will be on sale outside the LMC during conferences 
on September 25, 29 and October 1st from 4-8pm .

Cost is $15.00, payable by cash, or by check made out to:
Wood Intermediate Yearbook.

They will also be on sale in Advisory Periods 
after conferences beginning in early October.

YEARBOOKS ON SALE !

THE GUIDANCE CORNER

The 2003-2004 school year got off to a great start, albeit a hot one!  New students to Wood are becoming more acclimated and all students seem to be enjoying their Wood experience.  Our school population has grown to approximately 776 students.  We welcomed several new teachers to our dedicated staff.  Open House on September fourth was a great success.  It was fun to talk with parents and share information.

The staff will be holding parent/teacher conferences from four until eight in the evening on the following dates:  September 25th, September 29th and October 1st. We hope everyone will be able to participate.  It is a great way to meet the teachers, principals and counselors who work with your child each and everyday.  You may schedule team conferences or individual teacher conferences.  The counselors are available for both types of conferences.  We look forward to visiting with you.

Mid-Quarter grades will be determined on September 24th and sent home by September 29th.  The mid-quarter grade report is not a final grade.  It simply informs students and parents where each student stands grade-wise midway through the grading period.   Students have the opportunity to improve each grade before the first quarter grade is given on October 24th.  First quarter report cards will go home on October 31st.

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills will take place during the time period of February second through February thirteenth. We are preparing students for this test by implementing many different strategies including the research based eight-step process.  This eight-step process involves formatting our instruction to resemble the type of material used on the ITBS.  This will enhance the abilities of our students to do their very best.

Stepping Stones will begin on October 6th.  This is a wonderful program to supplement your child’s learning.  Adults are available to assist students with their homework.  Stepping Stones will also be offering other exciting opportunities for our students.  Parents must have their authorization forms filled out and signed prior to September 29th in order to begin on the first day.  Please call Tasha Thames at 391-6350 for more information.


Judy Kendall
Ann McNamara


Orchestra Notes 

Mr. Henry  7th/8th Grade Orchestra
Mrs. Kendell 6th Grade Orchestra

            Welcome back to another great year in the Wood Intermediate Orchestra!    Mr. Henry will be rehearsing the 7th/8th Grade Orchestra and teaching lessons at Wood in addition to his duties with the North High School Orchestra.  Mrs. Kendell will be working with the 6th Grade Orchestra and teaching lessons at Wood, Fillmore, Harrison, and Truman schools. 

                Our first concert event will be the  All-City Intermediate String Festival on Saturday, October 11th at West High School .  All of the Intermediate school orchestras in Davenport combine to rehearse and present a concert under the direction of a guest conductor.  Rehearsals will occur in the afternoon with an evening performance at 7:00 p.m.   Everyone is welcome to attend!

                The Wood Orchestras will combine with the North Orchestra to present a concert onTuesday, October 21st, at North High School .  Details regarding both of these events will arrive home soon.

                We would like to thank Ali Miller and her family for the donation of her ¾ size violin to the school!  Thanks so much!  This instrument will be used by a student from Wood, Fillmore, Harrison, or Truman school.

                Any student interested in learning to play a string instrument should contact Mrs. Kendell or Mr. Henry in room 216.  Students starting an instrument in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade are encouraged to get private lessons as well as school lessons.

                Any questions regarding the Orchestra program at Wood can be directed to Mrs. Kendell or Mr. Henry at 391-6350.

BAND

Wood Bands are off to a great start this fall. The Advanced Band (7th & 8th grades) is working on music for the All-City Band Spectacular. This takes place at Brady Street Stadium on Tuesday, October 7 - features all Davenport Intermediate and High School Bands - Show time, 7 p.m. This is our first big marching band experience this fall. On Friday, Oct. 31, the Advanced Band will perform with the North High School Band at the North High Football game, also at Brady Street Stadium, 6 p.m. the Advanced Band is directed by Mrs. Karen Holtz and Mr. Michael McDermott. This band is 70 students strong this year!

The Wood Sixth Grade Band is meeting on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, beginning at 8:30 a.m., rehearsing through the AP period on those days. Fifty Four sixth graders are in the band. Our first big performance is December15. This concert will include not only the Wood 6th grade band, but the Advanced Band, 6th Grade Orchestra and the Advanced Orchestra. Some of our sixth grade banders have been nominated to play in the All-City Sixth Grade Honor Band which will rehearse and perform in November, date and location to be announced. Mrs. Holtz is the director of this band.

Mr. Michael McDermott is new to Davenport Schools. A recent graduate of Illinois State University, Normal, Il., Mr. McDermott is really enjoying his HUGE job in our Band Department. He assists Mr. McCartney at North High School, works with Mrs. Holtz at Wood, directs the Wood Area 5th Grade Band, has beginner lessons at Fillmore and Buchanan schools and directs the 7th Grade Band at Williams Intermediate School.

A schedule of events for the year is being mailed home this week - please mark the dates on your calendars

It's going to be a lot of fun!

Woo d Library Media Center  
http://webopac.davenportschools.org/webopac/main?siteid=wooLMC
Hours: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Mission Statement: The Mission of the Davenport Schools Library Media Program is to enable students and staff to use information efficiently, develop ideas effectively, and enjoy lifelong learning through diverse media.

Resources: A certified Library Media Specialist is available to help students with research, plan and co-teach with teachers, and provide technological support. The LMS also puts together materials and locates web sites for students and teachers. A para educator is available for general and technological assistance. More than 13,000 non-fiction and fiction books are available. There are also magazines available for educational and recreational purposes.  We have ten online databases and several websites that are available to patrons, both at school and at home.  Addresses are included below.

Library Policies:
Official LMC Hours:  8:00 –4:00.
Students will checkout books using their student ID number and we stamp the planners also.  A Maximum of three  (3) books may be checked out at any time.   
Books will be checked out on a two week borrowing basis.
Fines will accrue at $.05 per day with a maximum of $5.00, with a 5 day grace period before fines start adding up. 
Overdue notices will be sent to the AP teachers during the first and third weeks of each month.

Library Rules: 
The Library belongs to everyone who visits it.
The Library is a quiet place in the school.
Students should return Library chairs to their proper places before leaving.
All patrons should be able to come to the Library and use the services provided.
All patrons in the Library will be polite.    
No candy, gum, or pop will be allowed in the Library. 
Any teacher or class may sign-up to use the Library even for activities other than reading and checking out       books.  The notebook is open for your convenience.  
A reminder to all staff and students, no food, candy, or beverages is allowed in the Library during the school day.

  Websites:

Online Resources that are provided by the DCSD and AEA 9  

AccuNet/AP Multimedia Archive: This online database includes over 750,000 Associated Press photos that can be used to enhance curriculum and/or support multimedia productions. This subscription will give users access to the world’s largest collection of current and historical pictures from the Associated Press. Photos are added to the archive by the minute, so the most recent events and pictures are accessible to the user. Each photo includes an informative caption with photo details. Joining the text, the AP Multimedia Archive also features PDF graphics, tables, and diagrams. The AP Multimedia Archive recently launched another optical service featuring over 500,000 audio clips dating back to the 1920's. This subscription is a pooled access, allowing 64 concurrent users on at one time. To begin exploring the AccuNet/AP Multimedia Archive and follow the directions below:

Directions:

1.       Point your browser to http://ap.accuweather.com

2.       Click on “User’s Guides” and print the General User Guide. This will be most helpful in understanding the search fields.

3.       Click on the Back button of your browser.

4.       Click on “Enter the Archive”.

5.       Login and password script are: Login = 1611605 ;   Password = aea09

Keep this login and password handy for re-entry at a later date or at a remote site, and bookmark.

AccuWeather Premium:  http://premium.accuweather.com
Login = 1611605;           Password = aea09

Atomic Learning:  http://www.atomiclearning.com
Login = 1611605;           Password = aea09

Bettendorf Public Library:  http://www.rbls.lib.il.us/bpl     Bettendorf Public Library--see their online catalog, research books and magazines, and see their calendar of events. 

ClipArt.com:  http://schools.clipart.com
Login = 1611605;           Password = aea09

Davenport Public Library:  http://www.rbls.lib.il.us/dpl/   Davenport Public Library-- see their online catalog, research books and magazines, and see their calendar of events. 

EBSCO Publishing: The State of Iowa has teamed up with EBSCO Publishing to provide a suite of products that include: high school, middle school, primary magazines, professional journals, health sources, reference books, newspapers, maps, images, and more. Unique content also extends to key, children’s magazines in accordance with Lexiles (reading level indicators). The EBSCO online database package includes the following:

·                  MAS Ultra - Full text to over 450 popular high school magazines, 120 reference books, 1,000 maps, charts, graphs, and historical essays

·                  Health Source: Consumer Edition - Full text to over 260 medical journals and consumer health magazines providing information on food and nutrition, childcare, sports medicine, general health, etc.

·                  Middle Search Plus - Provides full text for nearly 120 magazines covering general topics for middle and jr. high students.

·                  Primary Search - Provides full text for over 50 children's magazines and over 100 children's pamphlets, designed for the elementary school student.

·                  Funk & Wagnall’s New World Encyclopedia - Provides over 25,000 encyclopedia entries.

·                  Professional Development Collection - Provides a highly specialized collection of  nearly 440 full text journals.

·                  ERIC -the U.S. Department of Education Educational Resources Information Center database, contains citations and abstracts from over 980 educational and educational-related journals, as well as full text of more than 2,200 digests. Many of these journals are directly link to the Professional Development Collection.

·                  TOPIC search- Explores social, political, and economic issues, scientific discoveries and other popular current events.

·                  To access EBSCO suite point your browser to http://search.epnet.com

Login = 1611605;           Password = aea09

Electric Library: Electric Library is a digital archive that aggregates over 500+ magazines, 97 newswires, thousands of photos, hundreds of maps, and 2000 classic books. The Electric Library currently contains 5,000,000 + newspaper articles, 758,000+ magazine articles, 1,500+ maps, 147,000+ television and radio transcripts, and 119,000+ photos and images!  This resource also features: The Washington Post, USA Today, and reference resources such as: Columbia Encyclopedia, Mosby Medical Encyclopedia, Her Heritage Biographical Encyclopedia, Colliers Encyclopedia, World Almanac Book of Facts, and more.

To use the web-based version, point your browser to: http://www.elibrary.bigchalk.com
Login = 1611605;           Password = aea09

WebOPAC:  http://webopac.davenportschools.org/webopac/main?siteid=wooimc  WebOPAC is our Wood IMC Card Catalog.  You will be able to see all the items we have in the IMC, as well as its location and whether it is available.

World Book Encylopedia:  http://worldbookonline.com 
Login = 1611605;           Password = aea09

Library Books and Magazines:  The library is busy with students and classes reading, studying, and checking out books.  The excitement in the Library in September is seeing and checking out one of the 315 new books that have arrived.  During the week of September 15-19, students had an opportunity to visit the Library and look at all the new books.  Starting Monday, September 22, the books were ready for checkout. 

The following new magazines titles have also arrived:  “Ebony”, “Jet”, “National Wildlife”, “National Geographic”, “National Geographic for Kids”, “Outdoor Life”, “Savoy”, “Smithsonian”, “Sports Illustrated”, “Time”, and “YM”.

eLockers:  Starting this school year, all students in the Davenport Middle and High Schools will be given a computer user name and password.  This will enable them to logon to any school computer and save their work in a personal folder.  Students are being given their user name and password on an individual basis as their classroom teacher schedule a computer time for Ms. Clayton to explain this new opportunity.  By second semester, all students in our school will have to logon the computer before using it.   

 

(Science, Engineering, Communications, Mathematics Enrichment)

SECME, which is held on Wednesday nights in conjunction with the Stepping Stones after school program, involves students in activities that increase their interest in the fields of math, science, and engineering. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8th after school. This will be an informational meeting for students and parents that are interested in the program. On Wednesday, October 15th there will be a district SECME kickoff. More information will be coming soon regarding this event. The following week we will begin doing activities to increase student’s interest in math, science and engineering. The main activity that the group participates in during the school year is the mousetrap car competition. This is a very timely activity that we usually start in December and finish around March. The students are responsible for building a mousetrap car and completing a technical report and drawing. This activity is completed in groups of three. We have a school competition at Wood and the winner goes on to the district competition. The winner of the district competition then competes in a national competition during the summer. Last year, Walcott School was the winner of the district competition and placed second in the national competition in Tennessee. There is also an essay and poster competition that students can become involved in and compete in at the school, district, and national levels. If you are interested in participating in the SECME program, please contact Miss Tarara at 391-6350 or Room 452. We are always looking for new students to participate in the program. Parents are also welcome and encouraged to attend all meetings. Please join us at anytime!

Wood is also hosting a SECME Saturday Academy which starts on October 11th. If you are interested in participating in the Saturday Academy please contact Tasha Thames at 391-6350 for more information.

 


 

DAVENPORT
COMMUNITY
SCHOOLS
www.davenportschools.org

Dr. Jim Blanche, Superintendent
Administration Service Center
1606 Brady Street
Davenport, Iowa, 52803
Voice: 563-336-5083
Fax: 563-336-5080
Email: blanchej@davenportschools.org

September 16,2003

Dear Parents:

I am pleased to announce a new Health Surveillance System, an innovative partnership between the Scott County Health Department, the Scott County Decategorization Program, and area school districts. This system is a new approach to meeting a state law that mandates all school nurses report the presence of any communicable disease in the student population to their respective County Health Departments. The County Health Departments in turn report this information to the Iowa State Department of Health. The reporting helps track the prevalence of communicable diseases among school age youth, and ultimately prevents the spread of these diseases at a local level.

In order to make reporting more accurate and uniform, school nurses in Scott County now report via an integrated computer database directly to the Scott County Health Department. This approach is the best way to catch and address serious illness at the earliest point in the disease process.

This system can only be successful with the cooperation and support of our parents. When calling in to report your child absent due to illness, please give the attendance person, secretary, or answering machine the nature of your child's illness, and be prepared to answer a handful of simple questions, such as:

• Has your child seen a doctor?
• If the doctor diagnosed the illness, what is the diagnosis?
• If there is no diagnosis by a doctor, what are two (2) symptoms of your child's illness?

This information will aid the nurse in classifying the illness for reporting purposes. If your child's illness, as diagnosed by your doctor, qualifies as one of fourteen diseases categorized as those that legally must be reported, your child's name will be released if requested by the Scott County Health Department. This should serve as a follow up to the reporting already completed by your physician's office. For all other illnesses or for symptoms yet undiagnosed by a doctor, nurses will only report the numbers of disease conditions, but will not report the names of students.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Health Surveillance System, please feel free to contact Roger Fuerstenberg, Coordinator of Health Services, at 563-391-9161, ext. 3, or Alma Bragg, Head Nurse, at 563-391-0903. Thank you for your cooperation. We are hopeful that Health Surveillance System will be helpful in keeping your child healthy and happy.