October Elementary News

As we transition from September to October, it feels like the school year is settling into a good rhythm. When we started the year, it still felt a lot like summer, but as the weather begins to change and familiar fall traditions return to the community, we are seeing that same transition in our school. Students are settling into routines, classrooms are finding their rhythms, and everyone is getting more comfortable in our updated spaces.

We are off to a strong start, and it has been encouraging to see students coming to school ready to learn, reconnect with friends, and take on the year. We will continue to focus on the routines and expectations that help our school day run smoothly and keep building on the momentum we have established this fall.

Mr. Dan Murtha

Elementary Principal

Only about half of our families have completed their 2026–27 registration in JMC. If you have not yet completed registration, please take a few minutes to log in and finish the process.

Keeping registration information current helps us have accurate contact, emergency, health, and student information throughout the school year.

👉 Complete Registration: https://w-k.onlinejmc.com/Parent/Login.aspx

Registration must be completed each school year, even if your information has not changed.

You may have heard that our cell phone and personal electronic device policy was extended through 8th grade this year. That means students in grades K–8 are expected to keep cell phones and other personal electronic devices secured in their assigned locker throughout the school day.

While cell phones have not been an issue at the elementary level, we do want to clarify that the policy also includes smart watches and similar devices. Smart watches should not be used for texting, calling, messaging, or other communication during the school day.

If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, please continue to contact Missy in the elementary office and we will make sure the message is relayed to your child, as we have done in the past. Thank you for helping us keep the focus on learning and the school day running smoothly.

At Wabasha-Kellogg Elementary, we are committed to teaching and reinforcing the expectations of being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible throughout the building. On Friday, September 4, we held our first assembly of the year, bringing all students and staff together to launch the Falcon Way. Staff participated in a fun activity where Mr. Murtha and Missy raced to see who could name the teacher speaking first. Students enjoyed trying to recognize each teacher’s voice and were introduced to all of the elementary teachers as each voice was identified. It was a fun way to get to know the staff and bring some energy to the day!

🔴 Red Falcon Way Tickets
Students earn a red ticket when they are “caught” living the Falcon Way. Half of the ticket goes home to share the reason for recognition, while the other half goes into a weekly drawing. Each week, six students are randomly selected to choose a prize 🎉 such as a special lunch table, a temporary tattoo, or a Falcon t-shirt.

🟢 Green Falcon Way Tickets
Green tickets recognize an entire classroom for demonstrating the Falcon Way. For example, a class may earn a ticket for lining up quietly in the hallway or showing great teamwork in Phy. Ed. Once a month, green tickets are entered into a drawing where a classroom can win prizes like popcorn or a freezer treat.

🌟 Monthly Character Traits
Each month, we highlight a character trait connected to the Falcon Way. In September, students focused on Friendship and what it means to be a good friend and classmate.

In October, we’re focusing on Accepting. Students will learn about the importance of accepting others, appreciating differences, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. At the end of the month, teachers will recognize students who best exemplify this trait.

Extra red ticket winners: Aurora Averback, Anabelle Deck, Stevie Burke, Wren Craw, Preston Russell-Braun, George Heaser

Green Ticket Winners: Mrs. Metcalf’s class, Mrs. Sedlmayr’s class, Mrs. Baab’s class

Golden Awards:
PE - racket - Mrs. Peterson’s class
Lunch - spatula - Mrs. Day’s class
Music - record - Mrs. Langin’s class
Art - paint brush - Mrs. Sedlmayr’s class
Classroom - broom - Mrs. Jungwirth’s class

STEM/media - bottle rocket - Mrs. Baab’s class

Our 4th through 6th graders are "sparking" their inventive imaginations in STEM this year with an electronic invention kit that lets you turn everyday conductive objects into computer keys and mouse clicks. The gadget is called a Makey Makey, and it has the students begging to come to class!

Makey Makey connects to a computer via USB without needing any special software or programming skills. It uses alligator clips to link the Makey Makey board to an object that is conductible. Touching the object completes an electrical circuit through your body, tricking the computer into thinking a regular keyboard key or mouse button was pressed.

So students began their experience learning about and creating a simple circuit with an LED light, a coin cell battery, and some foil. They were then introduced to the Makey Makey and tested out a few apps before creating a conductivity board and testing random items to see if they're conductors or insulators.

The next step will be experiencing the many apps and utilities the Makey Makey offers before teaming up to design a product and market it to their classmates.

Our first round of Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place on Thursday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 13 from 3:30-7:15 p.m. These meetings are a great opportunity to discuss your child's progress and any areas of concern. More details on scheduling will follow soon.

Did your student miss Picture Day or would they like a retake? Retake Day is coming up!

Students who missed the original Picture Day will have the opportunity to have their photo taken. If your student would like a retake of their original photo, simply complete the Cahill Studios retake request form.

There is no need to purchase photos before requesting a retake.

📅 Retake Day: Wednesday, October 21
👉 Retake Request Form: https://cahillphotostudio.com/retake-request

Questions? Contact Cahill Studios at 715-268-9363 or service@cahillphotostudio.com.

September 30- Early Release (dismissal at 12:15 p.m.)

October 8 & 13- Parent/Teacher Conferences (3:30-7:15 p.m.)

October 15-16 - MEA/No School

October 21 - Picture Retake Day