December 15, 2014

Dear Parents,

Happy 3rd week of Advent!  Can you believe that Christmas is a little over a week away?  I hope your Advent has gone really well and that your anticipation of the birth of Christ has been a focus of your holiday season!

This week will go so quick, I have a feeling!  :)  So, hold on and let's enjoy the ride!

Monday: Our Advent prayer service is at 8:45 in church.  Feel free to join us in the celebration of Gaudete Sunday!

Tuesday: Don't forget the last minute SCRIP orders!  They must be in by 10am.

Wednesday:  Mass is at 8:45 in church.  We hope you can join us in our last school mass of 2014!

Thursday:  We have a "regular" morning, but a dress rehearsal in the afternoon.  I am looking forward to hearing and seeing all the hard work the students have made to help set the tone for the holiday season.

Friday:  Lunch is early today.  I am unsure of the timing.  Please look at the Wednesday envelope information on the website for up-to-date information.  The program begins at noon in the church.  It should be over by 1:15 or so.

Be sure your child is developing an idea for the upcoming science fair.  He/she is more than welcome to turn in the entry form prior to break.  Doing this allows the student to work on the project over break because he/she knows that the idea has been ok'd by me.

Thank you all for such a wonderful year thus far!  I am truly blessed by each and everyone of you!
Many blessings,
Kim

December 8, 2014

Hello Parents,

THANK YOU for all your help on another successful Craft Day!  The kids did a great job! (couple hiccups, but those were taken care of by some great moms)  So thank you for the continued support of such a wonderful day!

This week we start out with mass to celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary.  I hope you are able to join us at 8:45 in the church.  The students are supposed to wear their uniforms on both Monday and Wednesday this week.

Thursday, the 7th graders are signed up to visit the 8th grade Santa's shop.  They are more than welcome to bring money and "go shopping".  We are signed up to go first thing in the morning.

Friday, we welcome Mayor Soglin to our careers class.  Last week, Noble Wray was supposed to come and talk with us, but unfortunately was unable to make it.  Instead, Ms. Pitz and Mr. Pothof told us their stories of the jobs they've held during their lives.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!  Know that you have mine, as well!

Kim

December 1, 2014

Dear Parents...

I'm back... (said in my most eery voice possible!)  Happy 1st week of Advent!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFT OF SCRIP!!!  You all sure take great care of me!  I have missed being at school so much and am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, albeit a little slower than normal.  Mrs. Turk did such a great job of keeping up my crazy schedule and I am so grateful to her!

This week...

Monday:  Advent prayer service at the beginning of the day in the church(feel free to join us if you would like)

Tuesday: Normal day; SCRIP orders due by 10am

Wednesday:  Mass at 8:45 (join us if you are able); I will be handing out science fair information packets during class today. Reconciliation is at 1:15 in the church.

Thursday:  Normal day; BINGO in the evening (heard many of you were there for turkey bingo...)

Friday:  Careers visitor is former chief of police, Noble Wray.  He is currently the interim Urban League president.  We have Craft Day in the afternoon.  This is always a time of great fun!  If you plan to help, thank you in advance for your time and effort!

These next few weeks are going to fly by.  While I was gone there were MANY, MANY missing assignments that occurred.  PLEASE help me help your child stay caught up by checking the mystudentsprogress account frequently.  Thank you!

Many blessings and know I am so thankful for each of your families!
Kim

November 17, 2014

Dear Parents

How beautiful to wake up to our first blanket of snow... the Badgers winning and the Packers winning, too......  We won't talk about "my" boys (OSU lost last night at home AND on National TV) or the Vikings...  There is always next week, right Jacob!  (Gotta give him credit for staying a true fan!)

Surgery went well.  I am healing slowly but surely.  Didn't realize how much it would take out of me.  The thyroid plays such a HUGE role in so much of your body's functions!

Mrs. Turk is still with the kids much of this week.  I am truly blest that she has stepped right in and leaves me nothing to worry about.

I hope everyone is happy and healthy!  Please know you can email with questions or comments anytime!

*Food Drive is still happening.
*Get the RSVP back for next Tuesday's meal.
*Order SCRIP by Tuesday at 10am.
*FRIDAY is the Kalahari trip and Chuckie Cheese trip for the magazine sale people.
*Genetics projects are due on Thursday.  (includes self assessment)

Missing my kiddos!  Give them a hug for me!
Many blessings,
Kim

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you so much to all those who have served in the Armed Forces!  We are truly blessed by you!  We are also blessed by the families of our Veterans!  Thank you for giving up important family time to serve and protect us!  Know we love you all very much!

-Diane Neal (and family)
-Josh Jenkins (and family)
-Brent Keegstra (and family)
-Meaghan Lingis (and family)
-Mark Rodwell (and family)
-Jonna Bennett (and family)
-Troy Bennett (and family)
-Kevin Philpot (and family)
-Joni Mathews (and family)
-Ric Mathews (and family)
-and many of our former students of St. Dennis School (too numerous to list!)

If I forgot anyone, PLEASE let me know so I can add them to our list!

November 10, 2014

Dear Parents,

So far we've avoided the wintery weather, but I know it is coming...  Maybe we will wake up to a white carpet on Monday morning!  :)

The 7th graders are working on their genetic projects in science.  They sure are creative.  I told them they were given many days to complete this project, so I was looking for some great stuff, INCLUDING their self assessments.  All of it is due next Thursday, November 20th at the end of class.

We start collecting food for the food pantry on Monday.  We are hoping to collect 3000 items to help supply the food bank with a surplus of food for the holidays.  Please send those items in asap!

I am having surgery to remove my thyroid on Wednesday.  Please keep me in your prayers.  It is my goal to get back to school by next Wednesday.  My mom is here to help me around the house until I am back on my feet.  Please know if you need to touch base with me I am available by email, for sure.  ms.maxson@st-dennisschool.org   Mrs. Turk is teaching for me and I know the kids are in great hands!  (Hopefully she won't have them so spoiled they will be sad to see me back next week!) ;)

Many blessings for all,
Kim

November 3, 2014

Dear Parents

Happy Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls day all in one fell swoop!  I hope everyone had a great Friday off and enjoyed the Halloween Dance on Saturday night.

Busy, busy week ahead!  Hold on to your britches and let's get this thing going!

Monday:
*Mission in the church from 6:30-7:30... lots of praise and worship songs and a talk about busyness

Tuesday:
*SCRIP order due by 10am
*The accreditation team arrives in the evening

Wednesday:
*mass at 8:45 (hope to see you)
*Jessie Vetter assembly from 10:30-11:30
*Genetics Project begins and is due on Nov 20th
*Accreditation team is here and in school all day
*Food Drive begins today and runs until the 21st

Thursday:
*Accreditation team is here throughout the day and meets with faculty at 3:20
*BINGO at 5:30 in Parish Center

Friday:
*Families in the morning
*Prize fest from 4k-4th from 12:30-1:15
*Prize fest from 5th-8th from 1:30-2:15
*Pig Race at 2:30

Hope this covers it!  :)  Pray that the accreditation goes well!

Many blessings
Kim

October 27, 2014

Dear Parents,

Short and sweet this week, because I anticipate seeing most of you at conferences!  :)

Monday and Tuesday are "normal" days.  We will be working on some genetic activities to gain more practice in preparation for our next project.  (It is an individual project, fyi.)

Wednesday:  Students MUST wear their uniform to school.  They will have mass at 8:45.  Remember you are always welcome to join us as we celebrate together.  Anyway, students may change into their costumes after mass, if they want.  NO hairspray color or costume make up allowed.  Ms. Polzer graciously offered to organize a bit of a Halloween afternoon for the middle school.  I will be showing Goonies in my room, while Mr. Pothof's and Ms. Polzer's rooms will have games and activities.  We hope to start this around 1:20 or so.  Thank you to Ms. Polzer for organizing this activity for us!

Conferences are Wednesday beginning at 4pm and ending sharply at 8pm.  We will be back at school on Thursday from 9am until 6pm.  ALL middle school teachers and "specials" teachers will be in the gym.  We have found this format to work quite well.  I hope I get a chance to visit with most of you.  IF you are unable to meet, PLEASE let me know.  We will be waiting (patiently, of course) for your arrival until a little past 6pm on Thursday, so PLEASE let me know so we don't feel like we need to linger around just in case you may show.  I will gladly meet with you sometime the next week to give you the report card and have a brief conference with you and your child.

I hope you are all able to enjoy a day off on Friday!
Many blessings!
Kim

Cell Division a la 7th graders

Cell division a la Ashley, Faye, Jacob, Julia and Celia

Cell division a la Caleb and Austin

Cell division a la Nikki, Olivia, Liv and Bella

Cell division a la Payton, Ben, Ethan, Ben and Gabe

Cell division a la Trent, Ethan, Peter, Max and Eric  (I hope this one works... I'm unsure if it will.)

Cell division a la Joniah and Brandon (I hope this one works... I'm unsure if it will.)

Derrick's did not load correctly.

I hope these work for you.  I set them all to private, meaning they can only be viewed IF you have the link, so I believe these are only able to be seen by our class.  If you want the video removed, please let me know and I will take care of it immediately.

Kim

October 20. 2014

Dear Parents,

Congratulations go out to Liv Seymour who was selected as September's Student-of-the-Month!  She has truly joined this class and fits in so well with our school.  We are glad to have her at St. Dennis.  Congratulations!

The cell division projects were awesome!  I am in the process of trying to load them here so that you can view them.  There are a couple that will not be there due to the way they were saved and sent to me.  I think I had the biggest smile on my face while these were being shown!  Great job, 7th graders!

This week, 7 news articles are due on the 21st.  If you are curious if your child has turned in articles, feel free to email me and I can fill you in on how many he/she might owe me before Tuesday.  If these are not done, the overall science grade will be effected.

We have morning prayer this week.  I enjoy listening to the students pray on the intercom.  To know that we are all praying at the same time is so powerful.

There is an 8th grade bake sale on Friday.  Everything is between .25 and .50 cents.

It is truly difficult for me to believe that next week are 1st quarter conferences.  I am in amazement that our class is 1/4 of the way done with their 7th grade year!  This has been by far one of my easiest years thus far.  I look forward to seeing you either next Wednesday or Thursday.  The middle school teachers and the specials teachers will all be in the gym.  In order to receive his/her report card, the student must attend, if at all possible. Wednesday times are from 4pm - 8pm.  Thursdays times are from 9am - 6pm.

The annual Halloween gathering is on November 1st this year.  It will be held in the gym.

I think that is all for now!
Many blessings on the upcoming week!
Kim

October 13, 2014

Dear Parents,

The tests are done and all are HAPPY!  :)  I was really proud of their focus and determination to complete them well.

We have a couple more days to polish off the mitosis project.  I have heard some of these groups practice and I am getting very excited to see the final project.  The project and self assessments are due on Wednesday at the end of the class.  The kids will present them on Thursday during class (be it live or recorded).

Picture re-take is scheduled for Thursday.  If your child wants re-takes, I would check with the office.

7th grade news articles are due by next Tuesday, October 21st.  There are many students who have not turned in any of the 7, yet.  If you are interested in knowing how many your child still needs to complete feel free to email me.

I hope you all have a great week!
Many blessings,
Kim

October 6, 2014

Dear Parents,

Update:  Jacob is still in the hospital.  Hopefully, he will be coming home early in the week.  Please keep those prayers coming!

Emily, our school counselor, will be starting back this coming week.  She has been out on maternity leave.  We are really excited to have her back!

ITBS testing this week.  Hopefully it will not be too painful for us!  :)  If at all possible, please reschedule any appointments that might interfere with the times below.  We will complete them all this week.  If you want to send in a simple HEALTHY snack for ONLY your child you may do so.   We will have some stretch breaks and I promise to pull them through in one piece.

Monday:  testing from 8:30-10:30 (reading two 30 minute tests)

Tuesday:  testing from 8:30-10:30 (all mathematics tests)

Wednesday:  mass; testing from 9:30-11:30 (science, ss, vocab, and spelling)

Thursday: testing 8:30-10:30 (written expression, punctuation and capitalization); NO HOMEWORK CLUB after school

Friday: NO SCHOOL!

Enjoy a long weekend!

Many blessings,
Kim

Standing strong for Jacob! :)

We knew that most of the 7th graders couldn't stand to put on yellow and purple today in honor of Jacob, so we put on ribbons instead!  :)

We love you Jacob!  We miss you bunches!!!

September 29, 2014

Dear Parents,

What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL weekend!  I hope that everyone found a reason to get out and enjoy it because it sounds like things will change this week.  I love fall in Wisconsin!

Prayer request:  Jacob was taken to the hospital with symptoms of appendicitis early on Sunday.  Please keep him in your prayers.  They are keeping him over night for observations.  I will keep you posted if they decide if and when surgery will be.

Don't forget to order SCRIP by Tuesday morning at 10am.  Koats for Kids coats are due by Friday.  I think the 4K is a long way from their goal.  Any donations you might have they sure would appreciate it.

The 7th graders have their next project assigned as of Monday morning.  They have seen MANY examples and I have talked them through the expectations.  We are studying mitosis.  Guarantee there will be some pretty great projects coming from this class!

I think that is about it for this week!  I hope all is going really well for you and your families!  I pray for each of you every day!

Many blessings,
Kim  

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Dear Parents,

I have had the best "beginning of the year" this year than I have had in a LONG time!  With that said, the 7th graders and I are experiencing some growing pains.  I wanted to take a second and explain a couple things to you.

iPad Homework app:  This app is to be used as an assignment notebook.  This is the students' responsibility to input all the information.  Some teachers do put in some assignments, but the students should NOT rely on that as a way to remember what they must do.  I was telling the kids today, I never wrote work in their assignment notebooks and this is the same idea.  I will post major assignments / projects, but day-to-day work just depends on the amount of time I have during the day, which honestly is slim to none.

Email reminders:  I have received at least 10 emails asking me to remind a student of something they need to remember to do.  I just have too much on my plate to be responsible to remember to be a reliable person to guarantee they will receive the message.   So, IF you want to send me an email, please feel free.  I will be printing it and posting it to the front board with their name so they can read it themselves.  I will keep it folded and no one else will read the reminder.  I just can't be responsible to remember, for that, I am sorry. (Guess I am getting old!)

Oldest child:  I knew from the beginning days of 1st grade that this class had many "oldest in the family".  I am the oldest, myself, so I know where these kids are coming from and better yet, remember all too well some of the struggles associated with being the oldest.  I promise to help walk these kiddos through this year the best I can.  I am MORE THAN happy to be their biggest advocate, but I am also very determined to make them more responsible for their business.  You are all raising wonderful kids and I am truly blessed to have the honor of directing them through this time in their lives.  Please contact me with concerns or ways that you think might help the students.  I have already met with 3 families to develop a plan of action to help their child.

Mystudentsprogress.com:  Mr. Beisser has strongly recommended the middle school teachers keep up the posting of grades on a regular basis.  From what I can tell and what I know I do, the weekend tends to be the opportunity to update.  Sometimes things just get away from us or other issues arise that take precedence over posting and it might be a bit delayed.  If you are ever concerned sending an email to the teacher to check in is a great idea.  Please know that we try our best to keep grades as up-to-date as possible.

I think that is all for now.  I hope that this makes sense and helps to clear up some "unknowns".  The bottom line is a love your kids and want to do what is best for them as much as I possible can.  Thank you for letting me be apart of your child's education!  :)

Many blessings!
Kim

September 22, 2014

Dear Parents,

The students created some incredibly creative cells.  I am so impressed with the overall quality of their work.  Students do need to pay attention to details in the directions.  Many students only followed some of the directions which caused a loss of points.  I read the directions, I wrote the directions, talked through the directions and even showed examples of past projects that were completed well; as well as one that looked good, but wasn't done according to the directions.  I have posted the grades on mystudentsprogress.

We start talking about mitosis this week.  Mitosis is the process of cell reproduction.  Students will work in small groups to demonstrate the process.  We will discuss this upcoming project on Thursday and the project will be assigned on the following Monday.  Past students have found some fun ways to demonstrate the process: cheerleading, play acting, and rapping are a few of the ideas.

You may have heard from your child that we have a visiting priest, Fr. Moises, from Belize.  He will be here until November 11th.  He is here to help give him confidence in speaking English.  The kids immediately took to him and already have invited him to soccer games at recess and gym classes.  If your family would like to have him for dinner, go to the apple orchard, hay ride, pumpkin carving, a game or whatever you may find to do, PLEASE let me know.  I am in charge of all his calendaring and would love to have him visit with your family.  Most of the time he will be staying with Fr. Randy, so we are just looking for things for him to do in the evenings.

There are no special activities this week.  Be sure to order SCRIP by Tuesday at 10am.  Be sure to send in any winter coats you can donate to Koats for Kids.  That collection ends next Friday, October 3rd.

Have a wonderful week!  Many blessings,
Kim

September 15, 2014

Dear Parents,

What a beautiful fall weekend!  I hope everyone had the opportunity to get out and enjoy!  Congrats to the Pritchard family!  We are all so glad that you are finally back into your own home!  Prayers that settling back in goes well.

This week:

Monday:  looks to be a normal day for us

Tuesday:  SCRIP due by 10am; cell projects due (cell, connections, key and self-assessment)

Wednesday:  mass;  don't forget your uniforms

Thursday:  looks to be a normal day for us

Friday:  families this week

Other reminders:
Koats 4 Kids runs through October 3rd.  Please be sure to go through and clean out those closets.  We are looking for heavy coats, in gently warn conditions.

7 science news articles are due on October 21st.

Have a wonderful week!  Many blessings,
Kim

September 9, 2014

I sent this out to parents today via email...

Hello 7th grade parents,

Well, we are into our 3 week of school and things are starting to fall apart for some 7th grade students.  There are many students who have already been "invited" to homework club for missing three assignments.  It is not a good sign when 14 out of the 24 already have at least one missing/late assignment.  7th grade is a big step into the  "real" world and it is time for each of them to take the initiative to achieve at his/her highest potential.  I have watched most of these kids grow up and I know their capabilities.  We (as teachers) are not asking too much of your child, but our expectations are high that when the work is assigned it will be done well and in on time.

You can help by checking for homework...  There should almost always be math homework, spelling each week, 7 science articles are due by mid-October, often there is religion journaling and possible SS homework.  

Please let me know if you are having concerns, questions or comments.  We are here to help your child learn the responsibility of taking care of his/her job.  

Take care, 

Kim

Forgot a couple important pieces of reminders

Tomorrow (Tuesday), order your SCRIP by 10am.

Friday is the end of the magazine sale.  Please help support our school by trying to sell as many as possible.  (Thank you in advance!)

Koats 4 Kids...  the 4K kids are collecting this year for this worthy cause.  Please have your gently used, any size and gender coats to school by October 3rd.

I hope all is well!  Have a great week!

September 8, 2014

Dear Parents,

It is the first FULL week of school!  Hold on to your britches and let's get -r dun!  :)

The 7th graders are busy working on their cell creations.  I am looking forward to seeing the final products.  So far, some of the ideas are really creative and unique!  The due date will be determined at the end of the week.  It will be due next week at some point, for sure.

This is a short but sweet note, as there really isn't any news to share.  Looks like it will be chillier by the end of the week, so be sure your child is dressing appropriately.  Wednesday looks like it might have some interesting weather...  rain, wind, etc...

Many blessings!
Kim

September 2, 2014

Dear Parents,

HELLO!

Can I just say it again....  the first week of school was FANTASTIC!  The kids settled right in and fell into the routine so quickly.  They have grown up so much since last spring... and not just inches!  :)

The kids should have brought home their magazine sales packets.  Mr. Beisser challenged everyone to sell 10 items, good luck!

SCRIP is also back in the swing of things, so be sure to order those cards, if you have a chance.  Quick easy way for the school to earn money and you to subtract from your tuition!  :)

This week:

Tuesday:  Students will receive their 1st project for science.  It is a project on the structures inside of a cell.  I will let them know a due date, but there is in class time to work, so I expect most of the work to be done in school.  I can't wait to see how they incorporate their own creativity into the project.

Wednesday:  This is our first mass day.  Mass is at 8:45 in church and the doors are ALWAYS open for you to join us.  The kids also need to wear their uniforms on Wednesday for the first time.

Thursday:  BINGO!!!!!  The doors open at 5:30 upstairs in the Parish Center.  The 1st session begins at 6:30!  This class of 7th graders has had great luck at winning in the past!  I hope to see you all there!  :)  (Ms. Pitz and I man the table where the cards are sold!)

Friday:  Our very first "Families" happens this morning right after Friday Fitness.  So, from 9:00-9:30, you might say a little prayer for your 7th grader.  They step into the roll of 2nd in charge (and 1st if their leader is gone).  This is always a great year for the 7th graders to shine and it is an awesome way for them to really build some friendships with the 8th graders.

I think that is all for this week.  Be sure to check out the Wednesday envelope on the school website!

Many blessings!

Kim

August 25

Today was an absolutely awesome day!  I couldn't have asked for a better one!  The kids were prepared and ready to go!

It is going to be a great, great year!  :)

August 25, 2014

August 25

Dear Parents,

Welcome!  I am so happy to get this year started.  Hopefully your child will feel settled after having been to school on Monday.  We will start out on Tuesday hitting the schedule as normal and getting the school year underway!  :)

It was great to see most of you on Gear Up day.  I hope that you understand that I am here to listen and help your child to continue to grow in their education.  If you ever have anything you need to share with me, please always feel free to call (608)334-0198 or email me ms.maxson@st-dennisschool.org.  I will always do my best to help to work through and solve any issue that may arise.  Please don't hesitate to contact me!

I hope you have a wonderful week!  Don't forget there is no school on Friday or next Monday!  Then we are on a roll until the middle of October!

Many blessings,
Kim

Welcome to 2014-2015

Hello Parents!

Welcome to the beginning of our year!  We have lots in store for this exciting year.  I can't wait to dive in and get to work.  This will be a place you can come Monday mornings to find out what is going on during the week.  I try my best to update it Sunday morning and post a reminder on my scienceteacherkm facebook page.  If you aren't my "friend" there, feel free to "ask" to be my friend.  I am trying to use as many venues to communicate as possible.

Let's make it an AWESOMELY, JOY-FILLED year!  :)

Kim