News From the Administration

Wood
Intermediate
School		 Volume V, Issue 2

Second Quarter, 2004-2005

“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty to those for whom you work, and persistence.”

                             -General Colin Powell, U. S. Army (retired)


STRIVING FOR SUCCESS

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) will be conducted during the first two weeks of February.  Three days of morning testing will be set aside during those weeks and make-up testing will also be conducted during these weeks as well. 

As you are aware, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation requires standardized testing annually and ITBS testing fulfills these requirements.  In an attempt to increase test scores, staff and students at Wood have worked all year on instructional focus lessons based on last year’s ITBS results.  With your help, we hope to improve our results this year.  During testing week, it is important to see that your child  comes to school well-rested  and prepared to do their best.  Please take a moment to review with your child the importance of ITBS testing.


With the winter season upon us, sunshine and warmth are replaced with shorter daylight hours, cold weather, and occasional snow storms.  Please listen to your radios and tune in to the television stations to hear the latest on school closings due to weather conditions.  For your planning purposes, winter break will begin with a two hour early dismissal on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Classes will resume on Monday, January3rd.  Students will not attend school on Monday, January 17th, in honor of Martin Luther King Day, Tuesday, January 18th, and Monday, February 21.

             Thanks to all who made our fundraiser a success!  A reminder that all fundrasier money was due November 9th.  Students are responsible for the total order amount and must have turned in all money by December 8th to receive prizes or participate in incentive activities!  If you have any problems with your order, please contact the Geckler Fundraising representatives at 1-800-788-7461.

Check   it out!!

Check out the Davenport website and contact us at: www.davenportschools.org  You can find the Wood website through the district website or link directly to: www.davenportschools.org/wood/  All staff members can be contacted via email.  Our addresses are listed as: last name, first initial (no space, lower case) @davenportschools.org
Have you attended a Parent Principal Partnership meeting yet?  These meeting are new this year and have been held monthly (with the exception of December).  Meetings are held at various locations throughout the Wood Intermediate attendance boundaries and give parents a chance to meet the administrators and staff, learn more about the programs and offerings at Wood, and answer any questions or address concerns you may have.  2005 dates and locations will be advertised on the outdoor school sign and parents will be contacted by phone.  Plan now to attend.
 

Office telephone (563) 391-6350

Office Corner:

This is a reminder that service fees are now due. Service fees are $29 each semester ($58 per year). For those of you that have reduced fees, the cost is $17.40 per semester. If you have any questions regarding fees, please call and ask for Vivian.

Also various fines from all previous years need to be taken care of at this time. This will include library fines, gym locks, textbook damage or loss, delinquent service fees and fundraiser balances. These fees will show on your registration form as a "past balance due".

All students absent from school are required to have a parent/guardian call our office. You will be asked for their name, grade, symptoms or reason for absence and which parent is calling. Please read your child’s handbook located in the front of the planner to see the definition of an excused absence. You may address any questions regarding absences to Tara.

Lost & Found: Student’s will be called to the office to pick up identified items, after attempting to get students to do this twice, items will be displayed on a table next to the main office for one week. Items will be donated to Goodwill on Tuesdays. Please take only items that belong to you.

It is imperative that we have correct address and telephone numbers for each student at all times. The school district will be mailing information to parents at various times of the year and must have correct mailing addresses listed in their system. We are only as accurate as the information we receive from parents.

Secretary Office hours are 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and phone calls will be accepted during these times.

Students are reminded to make arrangements ahead of time for after school rides or plans. The office telephone may be used for emergencies only. Students should be leaving the building after school unless they have made arrangements to stay with a staff member or program.

Vivian, Tara and Jane

Sixth Grade Golden Cobras

News from Math Class

We can sigh a breath of relief as 1st quarter is over. The kids are settling in and doing well. For second quarter we will finish up order of operations and starting on the first part of geometry titled "points, lines, and planes… oh my"!

Special congrats to those of you who had everything in for first quarter…. WOW!

Parents remember that homework will go home on Mondays and is due that Friday. If they want to fix up any homework they missed, they are welcome to.

Please continue to check planners and contacting me with questions.

–Mrs. Rapsilber

Reading and Lang. Arts

Pizza Hut is sponsoring the Book It program.  Each of Mrs. Johannsen's students will need to read one book per month and pass a book report in order to receive a coupon for a free personal pan pizza.  This program is already in place and students should be reading their November book right now!!!  READ at home, READ at school!!! If you have any questions please contact me!!  We are also currently reading the novel Small Steps, by Peg Kehret.  This non-fiction novel takes us on the inspiring journey of the author's battle with polio as a young girl.

Mrs. Sinksen’s language arts room just finished writing a descriptive paragraph about their bedrooms. They will be starting to create a personal narrative paper soon.

At the beginning of November, Mrs. Sinksen left for maternity leave. She is having twin girls. Miss Timm has taken her place from now until the middle of February.

Social Studies News

Beginning November 18, students will be researching Christmas Around the World.    Was Christmas celebrated in ancient civilizations?   How have festivities changed over time?    Who are your ancestors and were their "stockings hung by the chimney with care?"     Students will compare and contrast cultures from around the world and hopefully, through this process, gain a better understanding of themselves. 

Science Happenings

Mrs. Duncan’s classes just finished a unit on "Star Gazing." During this unit the students completed a webquest activity entitled, "Let’s Build a City in our Solar System." During this unit the students worked cooperatively in small groups to research the planets in our solar system. Then they presented their findings to the class. They created a power point presentation to convince the class to build an imaginary city on their planet.

From now until winter break the students will be working on a new unit, "The Living Planet." During this unit the students will learn about species variations, life processes, and DNA.

Please look for science notes in planners and feel free to contact if there are any questions.

We also have a new student teacher in science class. My name is Miss Tray; I am a senior from the University of Northern Iowa. I will be here until the middle of December. I grew up in the Quad City Area, and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School.

Green Geckos' News

                                                                                                                                                  November 2004

Math News
Submitted by Mrs. Deschinckel

          As the winter break approaches, don't forget to work on math skills whenever you can.  Many 6th graders are not good at estimating.  Have your child estimate while you are out shopping or doing other things around town.  If you are taking a long trip, discuss mileage with them and have them do some math related to gas, expenses, and/or time.  We will also be starting fractions in January.  A simple way to practice with fractions is to help with baking and cooking.  Although it may just be easier to do it yourself, you will be teaching them a skill that will last for life.  Half of the students will have already had some training on cooking through the Career Basics course in their exploratory wheel.  Who knows, in a few months, they could be doing all the cooking for you!

                 

Science Success
Submitted by Mrs. Dembosky

                Students have completed their studies in Astronomy by creating a Power Point project.  Their task was to research the nine planets.  Then, they were to choose one planet that was best equipped to support life and have a city built on it.  Their projects were outstanding!
Jordan K and Sally A are creating a very unique Power Point.
Nathan T, Corey S, and Alysha S have fun with animation and slide transition options during a Power Point session.

7th Grade Golden Galaxies

November 2004

Red Ribbon Week

At the very end of October, Wood Intermediate students celebrated Red Ribbon Week.  The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to celebrate a life of being drug free.  There were several days designated to allow both students and teachers the chance to show their pride in living a drug free lifestyle.  Some of the theme days include wearing a team jersey to show that we are a team against drugs, and backwards day to show that we turn our back on drugs.

Deidra J shows her support of Red Ribbon Week

OUTSTANDING VIKINGS

(top row, left to right) Teresa S, Brandi B, Ngoc P, Adam Y, and Jake F
(bottom row, left to right) Breann A, Richelle M, Liz G, and Kelsey O

To Remember:

  • December 8th is mid-quarter

  • 1st quarter grades were sent home November 5th.  Please check with the office if you have not received them.

  • December 3rd is Donuts with Dad in the cafeteria.

  • Science cell projects are due the 1st week of December

  • Please check your student’s planner daily for assignments, notes, and events.

Golden Galaxies Hard at Work and Play

Miss-match Day

Spanish Class Fiesta

Science Lab

 

 

7th Grade Green Gators

First Quarter Celebration

These students received a 4.0 for first quarter.

Back row: Cleania Y, Kaitlyn S, Amanda G, Heather G, Nicholas K

Front row: Flint R, Kristy A, Cody P, Adi D

Midquarter reports will be sent home the week of December 13.  Please be sure to sign them and return them to the AP teacher.

We will be conducting test talks with the students on Dec. 8.  This will help prepare them for the ITBS testing in February.

Read—Read— Read!

Students should be reading at home.  This is another way to increase ITBS test scores.

Missing Work

Check planners on Monday to see if your child has any missing assignments. 

The 7th grade green team went above and beyond this quarter with an incredible 72 students achieving a 3.0 grade point or higher.  Nine of these students accomplished a perfect 4.0.  These 72 achievers gathered for a pizza, movie and games celebration during fourth period on November 12, 2004.  CONGATULATIONS!  KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Many students are not bring their required materials to class.  Check with them to make sure that they have pencils, notebooks, folders, and colored pencils.  They should bring their supplies with them daily.

 

 

 

 

 

Green Nebulas: The Great Escape
Hat Tricks:  Hats off to Jeremy “the Hat” Peel who won the checkered hat this weekend at the Wood Intermediate Speedway in Davenport , Iowa .  In other news, Kyle Ozfolk invented his own style of hat... the fishing derby.

Stop...  In the Name of the Law!

In language arts class, we are learning about the credibility of ideas... hypotheses, theories, laws, etc.  We’re also learning how to draw conclusions and make inferences.  Our next major assignment is a career paper.
Join the Academy! Don’t forget that the Nebulas team has Homework Club from 3:45 to 4:45 Mon-Wed.  Questions? Call the team between 1:15 and 1:45 daily.

Don’t Leave Home Without It.

If you were leaving a country to start a new colony in the uncharted wilderness, what would you take with you?  In American Studies, the students are asking themselves, “Self, how would I operate a colony if it were up to me?...  Why would I do that?... Who would I take with me?...  How would we survive?...etc.”
The Point of No Return
The study of decimals has really helped Mr. Kurt “Sub-Total” Proctor get to the “point” of his lesson. This is not to say that he is yet functioning at 100%, which is another topic being studied in math class. Don’t forget to sign the grade report every two weeks and return it for extra credit points! 

They Got A Weigh!

Do you know the differences between weight, mass, and density?  Well, your kids do... or should.

Caught in the  Crosshairs

TJ Huebbe is a model student.  I guess Officer  “Ponch” Pollmiller won’t have to pull  him over too soon.                    

Ricky Russell has almost mastered the parts of speech thanks to his time spent studying at the bike rack.

Have you herred ...  about the nice job Ashley Herr did on herr colony project for “Two-Liter” Humphries’ class?        

Mindy Sweetland has been doing an outstanding job in science.  Do you think I’m kidding?  No weigh!

Off the Cuff...

Q: What is the difference between 16 ounces and an angry piano player?

A: One weighs a pound,... and the other pounds away. 
Dedicated to the brave men and women of public education.

 

Guidance Corner

The first quarter at Wood Intermediate went very well.  It’s hard to believe that twenty-five percent of the school year has been completed.  The old adage “Time flies when you’re having fun.” certainly applies to the beginning of our school year.  Wood is fortunate to have great students and parents.  We appreciate your support.

Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be given in early February.  Our staff is working hard with all students to get them prepared for testing.  We hope to have awesome test results this year.  The teachers are using the eight-step process with our students.  Research has proven that by using this process, test results will show improvement.  Please encourage your child to do his/her best on all tests given.

First quarter report cards went home November fifth.  The next mid-quarter is December eighth.  Remember that first quarter and second quarter grades are averaged together to determine the semester grade which appears on the permanent record of each child.  Students, who did well first quarter, keep up the good work.  Students, who did not do as well, can still change the outcome of the semester grade by getting all work in and studying for tests. 

Our Stepping Stones Program would be one way to improve your grades.  Adults are available to assist students with their work.  Please contact Tasha Thames at 391-6350 for more information about Stepping Stones.

Parents, as you progress through this school year, a recurring thought may be that raising children in middle school presents challenging times.  There are no pat answers and no miracle cures for when children test the limits.  Consider the following basic guidelines when providing discipline for you child:

Look for the positive.

Be Consistent.

Learn to Avoid Problems.

Act Quickly!

Be Firm!

Remain calm.

Provide a good example.

·        If your child sees you exploding in anger, he or she will learn to respond in the same manner.

We hope these tips shared with us by Family Resources, Inc. will make discipline easier with your middle school student.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and winter holiday season. 

Judy Kendall
Ann McNamara

TAG at Wood Intermediate

Our two Mock Trial teams did very well at the regional Mock Trial competition at the Scott County Courthouse on Saturday, November 13, 2004. One team comprised of Emily Hill, Chris Bell, Hilary Tanner, Tyler Wentworth, Nicole Woodson, Megan Middleton, Sara Millard, Allison Redman and Katie Leach placed fifth out of 24 teams. Our other team, consisting of Nicholas Kendell, Kyle Barton, Allen Gish, Robin Evans, Isaak Sund, Kathy Jessen, and Cassie Schulz, placed in the middle of the competition. Additional awards given by the judges:

Outstanding Attorneys were: Robin Evans, Nicholas Kendell, Chris Bell, and Nicole Woodson.

Outstanding Witnesses were Sara Millard, Katie Leach, Tyler Wentworth and Kathy Jessen. The team and Mrs. Davis thank Ms. Sarah Pohlmann, their attorney coach for her tireless efforts working with the teams at Wood. Great team effort!

Your student may have introduced you to our next major activity, National History Day. Several Wood students will be participating for their third year. All 8th grade English Studies students are encouraged to participate in addition to other interested students. Check out www.nationalhistoryday.org and chat with your child about it. What an adventure awaits us!

Davenport Schools’ Talented and Gifted Association is meeting on November 29, th from 6.30-8.00pm, at Adams School This month the TAG Facilitators will participate in small parent group discussions that evening. Further information: Linda and Ted Neese, two Wood parents, at 388-7763, or Mrs. Davis at Wood.

Marci Davis/TAG Facilitator/Wood Intermediate 391-6350

Wood Intermediate School
Instrumental Music Department

Mrs. Kendell, 6th Grade Orchestra, Mr. Henry, 7th/8th Grade Orchestra
Ms. McMillen, Bands, Mr. McDermott, Band lessons

The Wood Instrumental Department has had a busy fall schedule with orchestra students participating in the All-City Intermediate String Festival at West High School on October 9th as well as the North/Wood Masquerade Concert held at North on October 19th. Band students performed in the Band Spectacular at Brady Street Stadium on October 5th and with the North High Marching Band at a football game half time show on October 21st.

Congratulations to the Wood instrumental students who auditioned for and/or were selected to the following groups: Iowa Junior Honors String Festival Orchestra to be held in Ames, Iowa on Saturday, November 19th: Sabrina Duley, Nicole Woodson, and Mitchell DeFauw. The Quad City String Ensemble: Sabrina Duley, Luke Duley, Nicole Woodson, Isaak Sund, and Nicholas Kendell. All District 6th Grade Honor Band which will rehearse and perform on November 18th at North High School: Jacob Beck, Kyle DeFauw, Alex Frye, Christina Hess, Ty Klenske, Nick Moellers, Shelby Perkins, Shawn Thomas, Erin Toohey, Jacob Wentworth, and Leah Windschitl.

Iowa Jr. Honors Quad City String Ensemble 6th Grade Honor Band

The new band and orchestra concert uniforms are here! Students need to pick them up before the Thanksgiving break. Cost for these uniforms is $35 for boys and $20 for girls. Please try them on as soon as possible. Any adjustments to pants and shirts will be made by Skeffington’s.

Two string groups will be representing Wood at various performances during November and December. The Wood Chamber String Ensemble consisting of members of the 7th grade NAIL string quartet (Nicholas Kendell, Aaron Dostart, Isaak Sund, and Luke Duley) and the 8th grade High Strung string quartet (Sabrina Duley, Nicole Woodson, Olivia Jones, and Mitchell DeFauw) with the addition of Steven Walsh on bass, will be performing at Wood for Donuts with Dad, and at the Davenport Country Club on Friday, December 3rd. This group will also be providing music for holiday sing-ins at Fillmore and Harrison Schools on Wednesday, December 22nd. The 6th Grade string quartet, Forte Foursome (Ben Knapper, Nathan Thiessen, Jessica Yackley, and Kelci Toliver), will be performing at Truman School on Friday, December 17th.

Wood String Chamber Ensemble Forte Foursome

Wood Jazz Band rehearsals are underway. Ms. McMillen and the jazz students rehearse weekly on Friday mornings.

During the months of November through January, orchestra students will be participating in a study conducted by Mrs. Kendell for the completion of her Master’s degree with Drake University. Please feel free to contact her if you are interested in the results of the study.

 

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, November 17  Visiting Artist Performance at Wood
Thursday, November 18  6th Grade Honor Band at North High
Friday, December 3 Wood String Chamber Ensemble
performances: Donuts with Dad, Davenport Country Club
Friday, December 17 Forte Foursome performance at Truman
Monday, December 20 Wood Area Winter String Showcase (Wood, Fillmore, Harrison, Truman)
Tuesday, December 21 Wood Bands Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 22 Wood String Chamber Ensemble performances at Fillmore and Harrison
Saturday, February 5 Davenport Solo Festival at North High

 

Wood Library Media Center
http://webopac.davenportschools.org/webopac/main?siteid=wooIMC
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:45 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.

  Library Policies:

            Official LMC Hours:  8:00 – 3:45.   This is a change.

            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.   Parents/Guardians, please ask you student if they have received an overdue notice.  With either and overdue book or a library fine, a student cannot checkout books.  We need your help with this. 

            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.

During the month of October, we celebrated the Month of the Adolescent.  Special books were displayed and students were encourage to visit the LMC. 

The Library new books for the student collection.  We saved three days for the teachers to bring their classes and see all the new books before any were checked out.  As you can imagine, it is hard to find many in the Library, circulation has been great.   

Mrs. Suzanne Felderman, Library para-educator, started working at Wood.  We are all welcoming her to our school. 

Children’s Book Week, November 17 – November 24.   If students came to the library and asked the library staff,  the fine was erased.  If they had an overdue book, it had to be returned before the fine was waived.