Wildcats News
West Middle School
November Schedule
November 2 - Girls' Basketball @ SSC at 3:30
November 3 - 8th grade Honor Choir in Storm Lake
November 3 - Professional Development NO SCHOOL
November 4 - Girls' Basketball vs EMS @ WMS at 3:30
November 5- Girls' Basketball @ NMS at 3:30
November 5 - Boys' Wrestling @EHS at 3:30
November 7 - NWIBA Honor Band Festival @ Dordt University
November 10 - Boys' wrestling home meet @ WHS at 3:30
November 12 - Boys and Girls wrestling @ NMS at 3:30
November 17 - Girls' wrestling @ EHS at 3:30
November 17 - Picture Re-take day
November 19 - OPUS Honor Choir @ IA State University
November 19 - Student of the Month WMS library 8:00am
November 24 - Winter Choir Concert @ WHS 6th grade at 5:30, 7th grade at 6:30, 8th grade at 7:30
November 26 and 27 - Thanksgiving break NO SCHOOL
November may be the official month of gratitude, but at WMS, we like to think thankfulness is always in season! As we officially end Quarter 1 and move into Quarter 2, we are grateful to our families, staff, and students for a great start to the school year. Thank you for attending conferences and for your collaborative efforts to support our students and one another. As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. We appreciate your partnership.
As cooler weather approaches, please encourage your student to dress appropriately for the temperatures. We plan to head outside as much as we are able, so coats and layers will be important!
With gratitude,
-WMS Admin team
October Students of the Month
6th grade: Ruhama Adama, Jameson Blackmore, Mari-Anna Dillavou, Monty Craft, Alessandra Pappan Magana
7th grade: Lennon Schonrock, Jaylynn Marshall, Lyric Cortez, Sydney Marshall, Jose Hinojosa
8th grade: Kate Popeney, Kylan Keegan, Evandra Sheridan, Eduardo Luna Aguirre, Grace Mallin
October Staff Member of the Month: Whittney Carnahan is highly deserving of Staff Member of the Month for the enthusiasm, care, and teamwork she brings to WMS. She creates an engaging classroom where students build confidence, develop a love of math, and actively engage with ALEKS. Whittney is always cheering students on and celebrating their progress while balancing strong relationships with clear, consistent classroom expectations. She works collaboratively with her co-teacher to support student learning and readily steps up to help her team whenever needed. Her positive energy, supportive spirit, and dedication make a meaningful difference for students and colleagues alike.
Special Recognition
Congratulations to Yaneli Ayala Garcia and Addison Timblin! They auditioned at the NWIBA MS Honor Band Auditions and were accepted in the Red Band and will represent WMS at Dordt University in November!
West High's Food Pantry
Families interested in receiving food assistance can call West High (712-279-6772) and ask for Ms. Runyon. They can put together a box or two for you to pick up. Available items include:
Pre-cut frozen ham slices, 1 pound ground beef packages, frozen spicy breaded chicken bites, water bottles, 4 pound packages of frozen chicken drumsticks, frozen chicken leg quarters, applesauce cups, spaghetti noodles, Alfredo pasta helper, stroganoff pasta helper, beef noodle pasta helper, lasagna pasta helper, canned chicken and rice soup, canned chicken, canned tuna, tuna helper, frozen assorted breads, pancake mix, syrup, canned mixed vegetables, canned beans, canned green beans, canned carrots, canned mixed fruit, canned peaches, canned cream of mushroom soup, Frosted Flakes cereal, macaroni and cheese, instant coffee
As the temperatures cool and we begin to spend more time indoors, we need to pay special attention to indoor safety. Particularly, carbon monoxide safety. The National Safety Council refers to carbon monoxide as "The Hidden Hazard in Your Home".
The Hidden Hazard in Your Home
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, catching victims off guard or in their sleep. Hundreds of people in the U.S. die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 others are hospitalized.
This "invisible killer" is produced by burning fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, portable generators or furnaces. When the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals who breathe it can be poisoned. Ventilation does not guarantee safety.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Anyone can be at risk. The CDC says infants, the elderly, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are more prone to illness or death, but carbon monoxide doesn't discriminate.
Winter can be a prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning as people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm their cars in garages. As the weather turns colder, it is important to take extra precautions.
The National Safety Council recommends you install a battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detector in the hallway near each sleeping area in your home. Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall, and replace the detector every five years.
Safety+Health magazine offers these additional tips:
● Have your furnace, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year
● Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors
● Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished
● Never use a gas oven for heating your home
● Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage, or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes, even if doors and windows are open
● Never run a car in a garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open; always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when you run a car inside
The District’s new mobile app provides quick and convenient information at your fingertips. Download the mobile app to receive push notifications from the District about closings and cancellations and stay updated on today’s school lunch menu, upcoming events, and school news.
Download the Sioux City Community School District app today from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. (Please note: If you have an older version of the District mobile app, you will need to delete that app before downloading the new app.)