GRAND AVENUE NEWSLETTER

Principal - Craig Trautsch

craig.trautsch@saukprairieschools.org

Dean of Students- Erin Smith

erin.smith@saukprairieschools.org

Website: www.saukprairieschools.org
Location: 225 Grand Ave, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
Phone: (608) 643-1900

Spanish Instrucciones de traducción para boletines informativos S’more

1. Mire a la derecha del boletín.

2. Busque un cuadro negro en la esquina superior derecha y haga clic en ""Traducir boletín informativo"".

3. En el cuadro que aparece, selecciona el idioma que desea.

4. Su boletín está ahora traducido.

October:

Monday, October 6- PDS Fire Department visits Grand Avenue

Wednesday, October 8- Gr. 3 Field Trip- Country Bumpkin

Thursday, October 9- DPI Observance Day- Leif Erikson

Monday, October 13- DPI Observance Day- Columbus Day

Monday, October 13- School Board Meeting -7:00 PM @ Grand Avenue

Monday, October 13- Open House at Grand Avenue- 9:15-10:30 AM & 5:00-6:15 PM

Wednesday, October 15- Early Release 1:30

Thursday, October 16- Picture retakes at Grand Avenue

Tuesday, October 21- GSPie Meeting- 6:30 PM @ Grand Avenue

Friday, October 24-Grade 5 to RAC for MS Musical Performance

October 27-31- Red Ribbon Week

Monday, October 27- School Board Meeting- 7:00 PM @ RAC

Tuesday, October 28- Prediction Run- weather permitting

Wednesday, October 29- Vision Screening- grades 3 & 5

Thursday, October 30 & Friday, October 31- No School

You can place your orders online at mylifetouch.com

Grand Avenue Elementary School’s Listening Club is looking for adult volunteers. The Listening Club was designed to give extra support to struggling 3rd grade readers who do not qualify for formal intervention help. Adults who volunteer for the Listening Club donate 20-30 minutes of their time, one day per week, to listen to students read (between 10:00 and 10:30, any day of the week that works for the volunteer). “Listeners” are paired with a student and meet weekly with him/her starting in November and ending in May. This is the perfect opportunity for retired community members who are looking to donate their time to youth, or family members who are looking to get more involved in our school. If you or someone you know are interested in volunteering for the Listening Club, please contact Grand Avenue’s Dean of Students, Erin Smith, at (608) 643-1980 or erin.smith@saukprairieschools.org Thank you for considering!

1. WHAT IS THE PREDICTION RUN?

The actual name of the Prediction Run is The Great Grand Avenue Cross Country

Halloween Prediction Run and it is NOT a race. Each runner predicts how long it

will take him/her to complete the course.

2. HOW DID THE PREDICTION RUN COME ABOUT?

Forty-seven years ago, with Dr. John McAuliffe’s help, a plan was developed for a

physical fitness and wellness activity. Training is done during each student's

recess using our run/walk course.

3. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Every Grand Avenue Student

4. AWARDS

- Shirts for the two boys and two girls in each classroom who come closest to

their predicted time.

- Increased health, pride in their accomplishments, and building community are some of the other benefits/awards of this event.

When: Tuesday, October 28 (weather permitting)

Times:

Grade 3

10:30- Classes of Nachreiner, Swanson, Smith

10:45- Classes of Lenerz, Cichanowicz, Udulutch

Grade 4

1:15- Classes of Coy, Schell, Trachsler

1:30- Classes of Ruhland, Markley, Backeberg

Grade 5

2:00- Classes of Liedtke, Nolden, Sauer

2:15- Classes of Hutchins, Luetscher, Sherman

Where: Outdoors -Behind Grand Avenue School

Thank you to the Prairie du Sac Fire Department for all the volunteer work they do and for visiting our school on Monday, October 6th for Fire Prevention Week. Remember to discuss with your family your fire safety plans and meeting location. It is also a great time to practice address and phone numbers with your children.

In September, all classrooms started their first few Guidance lessons. Each week, classrooms also view a recorded video announcement to introduce the week’s topic in the Character Strong (Social-Emotional Learning) curriculum. This allows each classroom the opportunity to participate in a 45 minute Guidance lesson weekly to practice those skills, as well as other important skills for success.

Third grade was practicing ways to show kindness and respect for others and their things, by perspective taking. They will discuss flexible thinking in terms of responsibility in their choices during the month of October. One way guardians can help is by modeling perspective taking and flexible thinking in their problem solving, especially in regard to people problems/conflict.

Fourth grade was practicing ways to show kindness and respect through peaceful/positive problem solving. They will discuss responsibility in October with organization being the main focus. We will practice being organized with our things, time and tasks, especially when it comes to goal setting. Guardians can help by allowing them to independently problem solve and experience natural consequences for their choices, especially when it involves mistakes that are made from lack of organization.

Fifth grade was practicing ways to show kindness and respect in their decision making so that they can be positive role models for others. They will discuss goal setting and how the TOP (Target, Obstacles, Plan) model can help them be responsible for their own success in many areas of their lives. Guardians can help by holding them accountable for their actions and offering suggestions, without doing it for them.

Here is an article that focuses on another important skill that other adults (besides teachers) can help students practice that leads to success - self-reliance (independence). “What Have I Been Doing for My Students That They Could Do for Themselves?” by Katerina Watson in Edutopia, August 13, 2021

We appreciate everyone’s assistance in preparing our students for their future! If you’d like to discuss your child’s transition to a new school year emotionally or socially, please reach out to me directly via email at sadie.sutter@saukprairieschools.org or telephone at (608) 643-1969. It has been a GRAND beginning to the year!

Miss Sadie

School Counselor

The School Break Meal Program (SBMP)

In coordination with the Sauk Prairie Area Food Pantry, the School Break Meal Program aims to help families who may experience a shortage of food over school breaks, such as Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks. The SBMP food boxes include shelf-safe food, produce, and frozen food options.

Please fill out the attached form if you would like to participate:

Thanksgiving School Break Meal Program 25-26 Form

Please contact Amanda Boatwright, Grand Avenue and Tower Rock School Social Worker, if you have any questions!

Email: amanda.boatwright@saukprairieschools.org

GA Landline: (608) 643-1968

TR Landline: (608) 643-1997 (ext. 5914)

The Caring Tree Program provides toys, clothing, and food to children, families, and older adults living in the Sauk Prairie School District attendance area!

To participate in the program, you need to fill out and return a Caring Tree Application.

Applications are available in the following ways:

In-Person

St. Vincent Store: 815 19th Street, Prairie du Sac

and

Resource Center: 1906 North Street, Prairie du Sac

Online

Download and Print: www.stvdpsaukprairie.com/caring-tree

From your child’s school

Please email or call me (Amanda Boatwright), and I’ll be happy to send the application home with your child!

• amanda.boatwright@saukprairieschools.org

• Grand Avenue: (608) 643-1968

• Tower Rock: (608) 643-1997 (ext. 5914)

Applications are due by Saturday, November 1st!

Applications can be dropped off at the St. Vincent Store or Resource Center (see above for address). Or feel free to send them back to school with your child, and I can make sure it’s returned to St. Vincent!

The September Above The Line theme at Grand Avenue School was “Respect.” The students listed below received awards on Monday, September 29th from their classroom teacher or staff member who felt that they showed respect toward others this past month. Congratulations to these students!

Bottom Row (L-R): Cooper Lewis, Jordy Patterson, Malena Coldstad, Ella Herbrand, Kinsley Getgen, Hazel Baker, Lily Gresens, Hadley Schoepp, Hudson Moore, Beau Keller, Easton Breunig, William Yngsdal

Middle Row (L-R): Mallory Tredinnick, Olive Rennicke, Roman Judd, Brooks Mitchell, Ivy Liegel, Ivy Schwichtenberg, Max Eisele, Sam Ramthun, Elston Kelter, Tenley Breunig, Eralyn Greene, Ivy Jensen, Evelyn Studnicka

Top Row (L-R): Skylar Meinholz, Khloe Perry, Juniper Franciskovich, Flora Perez, Mason Pusel, Lincoln Ott, Dennis Ballweg, Landon Keiser, Levi Castillo, Vivianne Herbrand, Adalyn Swed

Not Pictured: Ellis Arndt

On Wednesday, October 8, the third grade class visited Country Bumpkin and had a great time! The weather was beautiful and the students were able to take home corn and a pumpkin! See photos below.

Thank you for continuing to support your children and our schools!

GSPie (said G - S - Pie)

Your Parent-Caregiver Organization

The PTO/PTA at Bridges and Grand Ave

Grand Gallop

Thank you to all our runners, families who came to support our runners and of course, everyone who donated to another successful Grand Gallop! Thank you to our volunteers for their hard work and our corporate sponsors for their generosity!

Great Wolf Lodge Getaway

Great Wolf is offering a discounted pass weekend for our fall break at the end of the month. $5 of each pass sold goes directly back to GSPie and our schools. Snag your pass and plan your getaway via the QR code in this newsletter!

GSPie Movie Day Social Event

Save the date: Monday, December 1 will be our first GSPie family social of the year! We will be showing a kid-friendly movie (title TBD) at Bonham Theater for FREE! Look for the link to reserve your tickets in next month's newsletter!

Get Involved - Your Way!

Join us for our upcoming GSPie meeting and see how you can be part of our amazing school community! Whether you have a little time or a lot, there’s a place for you. Come learn what we’re about—no pressure, just connection! Our first meeting of the school year is Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30pm at Grand Avenue. We would love to see you there!

The Grand Gallop took place on Friday, September 26th. We had a beautiful day and a lot of wonderful volunteers and sponsors. We want to thank all who helped out and made donations! Also, a shout-out to the students and all of the laps they did! They received a treat from Culvers. We also hit our goal which means our students will receive an additional treat and will be able to participate in bowling at the Riv! Congratulations!

THANK YOU to EVERYONE who made the Gallop a HUGE success!!!

Thanks for supporting our schools!

GSPie

Said "G - S - Pie"

The Parent/Caregiver/Staff Organization for Bridges and Grand in Sauk Prairie, WI

According to Prevent Blindness of Wisconsin, October 9th World Sight Day. It is a day to help bring awareness to the importance of vision screenings and general eye health.

Vision screenings are a great basic first step to help identify which kids are struggling with vision issues and assist them in seeking further care. Kids don't always understand what is normal vision and what is not. Check in with your child to ask them if they are having any trouble seeing the board at school or if you notice them putting the book closer to their face. These may be signs of vision issues.

Here is some additional information from Prevent Blindness to help you identify vision issues in your child. Look for the "ABC's":

A-Appearance: Do your child's eyes appear clear? Or are they red, watery, or cloudy. Do you notice if their eyes line up or look straight ahead or if they have drooping in one or both eyes?

B- Behaviors: As mentioned above, does your child squint or tilt their head when trying to look at something far away or hold a book close to their face?

C- Complaints: Does your child mention light sensitivity or headaches? Blurry or double vision or a feeling of "tired eyes"?

Frequent screen use can significantly impact our children's vision as well as an adult's vision. Prevent Blindness recommends the 20-20-20 rule.

Encourage regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This habit helps the eyes reset and allows our distance eye muscles to be used more regularly.

The nurses will be performing vision screenings on our 3rd and 5th grade students on October 29th. If your child needs further vision care based on their results, you will receive a letter in their backpack on that day or shortly thereafter. If your student wears glasses, please make sure that they have their glasses with them on that day.

Laura Cody RN, BSN

School Nurse for Bridges, Grand Ave, Tower Rock and SPNC

laura.cody@saukprairieschools.org

OFFICE: 608-643-1835

FAX: 608-643-1849

Grand Avenue 3rd grade students were gifted a dictionary from the Baraboo Elks Club. The students were very excited to receive them. Thank you very much to the Elks Club for distributing these dictionaries each year to our 3rd grade students.

Grand Avenue is full of amazing readers! In just the first five weeks of school, friends at Grand Avenue have checked out over 2,600 books! Besides books, students always have access to e-books via Tumblebooks. Our school has a subscription to TumbleBookLibrary, and your family can access it from home! TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of e-books for children in grades K-6. This is a great way to encourage and foster a love of reading with your kids!

There are two ways you can enjoy Tumblebooks.

1. Visit the Elementary Library webpage, scroll down and click on the Tumblebook tile/link.

2. Simply download the Tumblebook app to your personal device and use the following login.

• Username: sauk

• Password: books

If your child is ill, going to an appointment, or will be late to school, please call the attendance line before 8:15 am (608-643-1991). This phone line is available 24 hours a day. If you e-mail or call the teacher, you still need to contact the office. It is essential that the school is aware of your child's absence. If a child misses more than an hour in the morning or afternoon, they will be marked absent for half a day. Students leaving early will be marked with a Q code, which is similar to a tardy.

If you call your child in with an illness, we would like you to, please let us know the symptoms, i.e., a fever, sore throat, headache, cough, etc., that your child may have.

In addition, if your child usually rides the bus, please call Lamers to let them know if your child will not be riding the bus. They can be contacted at 608-460-7050.

To ensure the safety of students and allow for adjustments in bus routes, a parent/guardian must complete this form prior to their child riding a bus route that is different from the child's regular dismissal plan documented in Skyward.

The district strongly encourages all requests to be submitted prior to 11:00 AM on the day the change is needed. This form applies to all students in all grades (4K - Grade 12).

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE FORM​​​​​​​

When dropping off or picking up students, please be sure to use the Grand Avenue main entrance doors that face Grand Avenue. Please do not use the parking lot as this is for busses and staff only. In addition, to improve the traffic flow, please pull up toward Marion Park instead of stopping directly in front of the main entrance. This will help prevent traffic issues at the stop signs. You can also drop your child off near the crossing guards who can assist with crossing the street. Additionally, please have your child exit the vehicle closest to the sidewalk rather than onto the street.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep everyone safe.

​We want to remind parents that the 30-day grace period for last year's free and reduced meal benefits is ending soon. These benefits will expire on October 14, 2025.

If your family received free or reduced meals last school year, you must submit a new application for the current school year to avoid a disruption in benefits.

What you need to know:

• If you have already received a letter of direct certification, or have already completed and submitted a new application for this school year, you are all set. No further action is required.

• If you have not yet applied for this school year, please visit our website for more information and to fill out an application.

You can find the application and more details here.

If you have questions please contact Tammy Smith at 608-643-5983 or tammy.smith@saukprairieschools.org

We invite all parents and guardians to explore the exciting catalog of enrichment and lifelong learning opportunities offered through a collaboration between Sauk Prairie Schools Community Education and the Sauk Prairie Recreation Department. From youth programs to older adults there’s something for every age and interest. Whether you and/or your child are eager to try something new or you're looking for ways to engage in the community, we encourage you to browse the catalog and discover all the ways to learn, grow, and connect in Sauk Prairie.

• Are you looking to purchase tickets for high school events this year? See this link:25/26 TICKET INFORMATION

As a reminder- staff and their school aged immediate family have free admission when the family members arrive at the gate together. The employee just needs to show their ID badge. If family members (school aged students) do not come with their parents, they need to purchase a pass. (The exception is if the school employee is currently working the event or coaching). Contact the athletic office if you have questions.

• If you are in need of some new Eagle apparel, here is the link to our school store: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/wisconsin/prairiedusac/sauk-prairie-high-school

• I am sharing the stadium expectations for spectators: STADIUM EXPECTATIONS. If you have questions, please reach out to the Athletic office.

The Sauk Prairie School District wants to make sure your child/family is included in mailing lists and communications once your child is old enough to register for 4K or Kindergarten classes. If you have a child who is age 5 or under and have not previously completed a SPSD Future Student Form, please complete one today! Use the link below to access the form or pick up a form at the SPSD District Office (440 13th Street, Prairie du Sac). If you have any questions, please email Stephanie Tarnutzer, the District Registrar, or call 608-643-5984. Thank you!

Future SPSD Student Form - English

Future SPSD Student Form - Spanish