IOWA-GRANT'S PANTHER PRESS

Dear Panther Community,

November is a wonderful time to practice gratitude. We are thankful for a terrific first quarter and it is hard to believe that our school year is already 1/4 over. We are thankful that when students walk through our doors each day, we are able to provide a safe, stable learning environment that is fun and engaging. We are thankful for supportive families who help us encourage education, perseverance, acceptance and respect. We want to invite all parents to meet with our teachers this week, either virtually or in-person for parent/teacher conferences. Please click on the PTC Fast links you received to view when your student's teachers are available. We are thankful for your involvement in our school district.

Our professional development focus for November is school improvement and we will be exploring ways to make Iowa-Grant even better. We are thankful for two awards of recognition last quarter. Our high school was awarded the Silver Dual Credit Award from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and our middle school received recognition from US News & World Report for being in the Top 30% of Middle Schools in Wisconsin. Our students and staff are doing great things and we are very proud of our district and its accomplishments! As we focus on school improvement this month, one planning team will focus on building connections with our communities and fostering school pride. Our school system is the pathway to connect our communities and we are excited to begin new opportunities and stir new ideas. I would like to invite our community leaders, business leaders, and families to begin thinking of HOW and WHAT we can do to promote our Iowa-Grant Community. We will start several topics and discussions in November and we hope to share ideas with the community in December. In my new role, I have a few goals of my own and I will need your help and support along the way.

One goal is to encourage school pride and establish a new Homecoming Parade that is shared by the communities. Each year, a community will host our school's Homecoming Parade, starting with Cobb next fall and rotating in alphabetical order: Cobb, Linden, Livingston, Montfort, and Rewey. We want to form a Homecoming Parade Committee that will work with community leaders to obtain parade permits and parade leadership. If you are interested in the idea, want to join the planning team, or have suggestions, please let me know.

Second, we want to join the School Board's initiative to strive for excellence. We want our students and staff to feel a sense of pride, knowing that our school and communities are supporting academics, life skills, trade skills, athletics, and organizations at every level. One way to build school pride is to share our Panther stories since high school. We would like to hear from our former students. Please take a moment to share your story or other Panthers' stories:

Attention All Alumni: Please send a message via email or Facebook with these items:

1.) Name

2.) Class of _____ (please include school if you graduated prior to Iowa-Grant consolidation)

3.) Describe your post-IG experiences

4.) Where are you now?

5.) What do you do?

Send to roberfoell@igs.k12.wi.us or find our post on the Iowa-Grant School District Facebook page.

Finally, our last goal is to stay connected. Please visit the Iowa-Grant Area Community Connections Facebook page! Please share community events, information, and items to this page for a quick, one-stop peek at what's happening in our area. Please "follow" and share with your friends. If you are interested in managing this community page, please let me know.

Have a Happy & Thankful November,

Robyn Oberfoell

U.S. News & World Report recently published the first-ever rankings of public middle schools and Iowa-Grant placed among the top 30% of middle schools in the state of Wisconsin, making it a U.S. News Best Middle School. Congratulations Panthers and Staff!

Hello Parents and Students! I am so excited to be joining you as the 2-8 Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle School principal and a fellow Panther! I look forward to getting to know and working with your children. I also am looking forward to getting to know you and becoming active in your communities.

I have 11 years of teaching experience and 8 years of administrative experience as a high school assistant principal, PK-8 principal, and special education director. My husband, Nate, is a detective with the Grant County Sheriff’s Department and musician. We reside in Lancaster with our two children, Jack (9th gr.) and Katie (8th gr.). I am also a pianist myself and in my free time, I have taught piano lessons and directed the Cassville St. Charles Church choir.

The last few years have been challenging for our communities. I look forward to working with our communities to provide the best support for our students, parents, school staff and continue the tremendous academic achievements of Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle School.

Jennifer Gallagher

Happy November Iowa-Grant Families,

November is a time to think of all the things we are thankful for. Iowa-Grant Food Service is thankful for all the students who participate in the USDA Seamless Summer Option during the 2021-2022 school year. We like to support our families any way we can. The gratitude and kindness shown by our Iowa-Grant families is extra special! Thank you for supporting Iowa-Grant Food Service.

All meals (breakfast and lunch) are free. Super meals, ala carte items and milk for sack lunches are charged a fee. If your student enjoys super meals or purchases milk to go with their sack lunch, you may want to put money in their account to prevent negative balances.

Please contact me with any questions at (608) 943-6311, extension 3013 or email me at bhugill@igs.k12.wi.us.

Sincerely,

Barb Hugill

Iowa-Grant Food Service Supervisor

Hello All IG Parents & Students!
I have enjoyed my first few weeks as District Nurse. I am excited to work with the students, families, and staff in our great schools.
My husband, Jason, and I live in Cobb, we have three children that attend Iowa-Grant schools. I love to travel, read, and spend time with our animals on our farm.
I have most recently been a nurse in the home care setting, however, in the past, I have spent time in the clinic, emergency room, and nursing home. I am a member of the Cobb Fire Department and Highland Ambulance Service. I look forward to using all my past experience to benefit our students.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns,

Nurse Amanda

Ideas for Prevention of Head Lice in Schools -

Head lice are spread from person to person through close body contact, or through sharing combs, brushes, hats, and other headgear. Lice do not infest classrooms, carpets, and chairs.

Person-to-person spread can be minimized in the school environment by doing the following: (1) Space desks and chairs apart so that children are not sitting shoulder-to-shoulder.

(2) Have children hang coats and hats separately. Do not pile them on top of each other.

(3) Space children apart when standing or walking in lines.

(4) During head lice outbreaks, minimize close contact games and sports, such as wrestling.

(5) During outbreaks, minimize the use of shared head-gear (such as earphones, helmets, etc.) and clothing (such as hats and costumes in drama classes). Always hand-vacuum head-gear between users.

(6) Provide head louse prevention education to children, such as not sharing combs, brushes, hats, headbands, or clothing.

Celebrate the season of giving by sharing your new or gently used toys (please no stuffed animals!) and books with the families of the Iowa-Grant School District! If your child has outgrown a toy or that toy they had to have last year has been sitting on the shelf for the last 6 months, now is the time to send it to a new home where it can be loved by another child! Toys and books can be dropped off at IGEMS from November 29th through December 10th. We will also be accepting monetary donations to fill wish lists for our families. If you are interested in sending in a monetary donation please make checks out to the Iowa-Grant School District and mark the envelope Toy Drive.

Any toys and books collected will be made available to families in the district who struggle financially to provide for their families during the holiday season.

Families who are in need of a Santa Sack can contact Darcy Breuer at dbreuer@igs.k12.wi.us to sign up your family. Please include the following things in the email: your name and the best way to contact you, child(ren)’s age and gender, and a wish list of 2-3 items for each child.

Staff members will make up a “Santa sack” for your family and you will be notified when your sack is ready to pick up at the school.

If you have any questions please contact Darcy Breuer at dbreuer@igs.k12.wi.us

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us bring the Christmas spirit to our community!

Please send a message via email or Facebook with these items:

1.) Name

2.) Class of _____ (please include school)

3.) Describe your post-IG experiences

4.) Where are you now?

5.) What do you do?

Send to roberfoell@igs.k12.wi.us or find our post on the Iowa-Grant School District Facebook page!

11/4 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Parent/Teacher Conferences

11/5 NO SCHOOL -Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

11/8 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM IGHS Blood Drive - Gymnasium

11/8 6:30 PM Board Meeting

11/12 7:00 PM IGHS Play - IMC

11/13 10:00 AM Basketball: Girls JV Scrimmage vs Multiple School (IGEMS)

11/13 10:00 AM Basketball: Girls Varsity Scrimmage vs Multiple Schools (IGHS)

11/13 7:00 PM IGHS Play - IMC

11/14 2:00 PM IGHS Play - IMC

11/15 6:00 PM Music Parents' Meeting

11/16 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Pecatonica (Home)

11/16 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Pecatonica (Home)

11/18 5:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV Scrimmage vs Multiple Schools (Away)

11/18 5:00 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity Scrimmage vs Multiple Schools (North Crawford HS)

11/19 5:30 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Parkview (Away)

11/19 7:00 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Parkview (Away)

11/23 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Argyle/Pecatonica (Away)

11/23 6:00 PM Basketball: Girls JV vs Shullsburg (Home)

11/23 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Argyle/Pecatonica (Away)

11/23 7:30 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity vs Shullsburg (Home)

11/24 NO SCHOOL - Vacation Day

11/25 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Day

11/26 NO SCHOOL -Vacation Day

11/30 6:00 PM Basketball: Boys JV vs Highland (Home)

11/30 7:00 PM Wrestling: Varsity Dual vs Darlington/BlackHawk (Home) (Highland)

11/30 7:30 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity vs Highland (Home)

Eight Iowa-Grant FFA Members and Mrs. Hammerly attended the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this past week. The students who attended were Julia S., Bekka S., Elizabeth V., Alexis TB., Skyler A., Kaycee L., Elyse L., and Jalyssa C.

On Tuesday, Oct. 26, these students loaded a coach bus with several other schools and stopped for a tour at Epiphany Farms in Downs, Illinois. The organic farm makes up 75 acres and they practice the true farm to fork operation. They grow and harvest a wide variety of nuts, fruits, and vegetables along with rabbits, swine, and chickens. Everything on their farm is harvested and delivered to their local restaurants, and they also offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which provides community members with a weekly subscription to fresh produce throughout the growing season.

On Wednesday, Oct. 27, FFA members toured the Indianapolis Zoo. They learned about everything from dolphins, elephants, and sloths to chimpanzees, sea otters, and lions. They attended the National FFA Convention and Expo and got to meet with agricultural companies and universities and attend the Opening Session with Keynote Speaker Courtnenay DeHoff. That evening FFA members from across the Nation came together at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse and attended a country concert with Alex Miller and Brett Young sponsored by Culver’s.

On Thursday, Oct. 28, they visited Beasley’s Orchard and met with the owner, Calvin Beasley, who shared the history, story, and future vision of Beasley’s Orchard and answered questions from FFA members. Students received a hayride tour that explained the different varieties of apples grown, demonstrated the harvesting procedures, and explained the agritourism business at Beasley’s. They stopped at the pumpkin patch and were encouraged to pick a pie pumpkin. Students also learned about and saw the apple processing equipment, apple cider press, and market. After the tour at Beasley’s, they attended the Second General Session where they heard the retiring address of National FFA Officer Paxton Dehmer. They also announced National Chapter and Career and Leadership Development (CDE/LDE) Awards.

On Friday, Oct. 29, FFA members toured the Dull Christmas Tree Farm and learned all about the history of the farm and what it takes to run a farm in the Agritourism Sector. Students attended the Fifth General Session and got to hear the retiring address of David Lopez, Western Region National FFA Vice-President. They had more time to explore the FFA Career and Expo talking with various vendors, ag companies, and colleges. They had a fun night of bowling while mixing and mingling with other FFA members on our bus and getting to make new friendships.

Saturday morning, they woke up bright and early and attended the American FFA Degree Ceremony in the Lucas Oil Stadium, and departed back home to Wisconsin. Overall, it was a fast-paced, jampacked week full of new opportunities, friendships, career exploration, and personal growth!

Coach, teacher, mentor, and friend Ms. Lois Peart was chosen by the Wisconsin Athletic Director Association (WADA) as the District 5- "Distinguished Service Award" winner.

District 5 is the entire southwest Wisconsin, including Madison areas.

The "Distinguished Service Award" recognizes Lois as someone who makes a significant impact on the lives of students and uses athletics as a catalyst to achieve high progress in the financial, social, and cultural environment in Iowa-Grant and our communities.

This "Distinguished Service Award" is one of the highest honors someone can receive.

Ms. Peart will be recognized at the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association on November 7th at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

Congratulations Coach Lois Peart!

Congratulations to Coach Marla Simon on receiving 250 wins in her varsity volleyball coaching career.

In past weeks, Coach Simon received her 250th win vs. Boscobel.

Thanks Coach Simon for all your commitment, dedication, and hard work to I-G Athletics.

Mason A. - 2nd Place

Caden P. - 8th Place

Bret C. 15th Place

Hope C. - 7th Place

Way to go!!

On Saturday, the Iowa-Grant Boys and Girls Cross Country teams traveled to Albany for the WIAA Division 3 Sectional Meet.

For the boy's team, Junior Mason A. placed 5th with a time of 17:32, earning a trip to the State meet! He was the 4th individual qualifier. This is Mason's second trip to State, having qualified with our boy's team in 2019. Despite two key injuries, the boy's team placed 7th out of 15 teams.

For the girl's team, Junior Hope C. placed 7th with a time of 20:53, qualifying for the State meet! She was the 3rd individual qualifier. She is one of three girls in Iowa-Grant Cross Country history to qualify for State, and the first since 1999! The girls team was incomplete on Saturday, but showed great resolve throughout the season.

Both Mason and Hope have had incredible seasons, each having medaled in every invitational, in the SWAL Conference Meet, and now the Sectional Meet.

Mason will run at 1:10 pm, and Hope at 3:05 pm on Saturday at Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. Admission for the meet is $9, and must be purchased online. Plan on arriving early in order to secure parking and a shuttle to the course.

The Iowa-Grant FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Team took FIRST place out of 81 teams at the 2021 World Dairy Expo FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest on September 28th. The team consisted of Julia S., Alexis T-B., and Evie W. Out of 250+ contestants, Julia placed 3rd individually, Alexis placed 16th individually, and Evie placed 38th individually. These young ladies have a passion for the dairy industry, and we are so proud of their accomplishments!

Iowa-Grant High School received the SILVER Dual Credit Award from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College! We are honored to receive this award for enrolling over 35% or more high school students last year in the following dual credit programs: CollEDGE Up, Start College Now, Transcripted Credit, or 38.14 Contracted Courses. Once again, we are PANTHER PROUD! #GoPanthers

Reminder: The temperatures are starting to get colder. Please make sure your students have the proper outside clothing including coats, hats, and gloves. We want to make sure our little panthers are toasty warm for their outside time.

Please help us celebrate the holidays. PTC is asking parents and groups in the community to help build the Gingerbread Village in the Main Hallway of IGEMS. Please check out the PTC page on the school website to sign up. Village Construction will start on Nov. 23rd after school. The students will see a fun surprise the first day back after Thanksgiving. We ask that volunteers have an idea in mind when they come. Please bring decorations and supplies for your creation. If you need supplies please let PTC know and we can try and help you.

Masks must be worn properly and for the entire duration for all students, staff, and WARCO employees on any school buses or school vehicles. Please continue to have your students bring a mask from home with them if they are a bus passenger.

The IGEMS first graders will once again be sponsoring a CHRISTMAS STORE. This store allows all elementary students to buy two gifts for only 25 cents each. If you have any gently used items that you would like to donate to our store, we would gladly accept your donations. We will need gift donations to be no bigger than 8X4 inches. Donations can be dropped off in the IGEMS office. The Christmas Store will be open the week of December 6th.

We will be placing our gifts into homemade gift bags made by our students.

We will not need volunteers to gift wrap, but we appreciate all of you that have been so helpful in the past.

Thank you for your generosity!

Britany Lynch, Molly Leibfried & Brenda Wasley

Thank you to parents and families who think of our school community with donations of gently loved books and supplies that make our days bright and fun. We appreciate you and your generosity.

The 4th grade team

Mrs. Sporle, Mrs. Sperfslage, Mrs. Liddicoat

During the month of November, upper elementary and middle school students work with the Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Curriculum during their library visits. Fifth grade students learn to be good citizens online with Google’s Be Internet Awesome curriculum and practice with its corresponding games.

Learning to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly is important for our students. Some of the key skills students are taught include: how to create and save strong passwords, how to address cyberbullying and be kind online, how to protect oneself from identity theft, how to have healthy media balance in their lives, how to find reliable information online, and how to be responsible users of media and avoid plagiarism.

For more information about internet safety for your children at home, I recommend exploring the “privacy and internet safety” page for parents on commonsensemedia.org. There are many helpful articles and resources broken down by the age of the child or by topic.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Keep reading, everyone!

Mrs. Bast

Montfort firefighters, Paul and Derek visited Kindergarten. They showed us their fire gear, gave us a tour of the fire truck, and talked about fire safety. Thank you Montfort Fire Department!

Mr. Ross Leix brought a Case tractor to show us how a tractor works. There is nothing better than hands-on learning, especially when you get to sit in the cab of a tractor!

Kindergarten traveled to the Black Earth Children's Museum and Munchkey's Apple Orchard in early October. Thank you to IGEF and IGEMS PTC for funding the trip!!

The LEOs held their annual IGEMS Homecoming Poster Contest and presented prizes to the winning class! This year's winner.....Mrs. Allen's Class! Congrats to all.

In 3rd grade, students learned about the 3 branches of government. Next, they learned about the election process. We will be holding a Candy Election on November 2nd. Students are busy making posters and campaigning for their favorite candy. The candy candidates include Sour Patch Kids, M&Ms, and Skittles. The incumbent from last year is Skittles. I wonder which candy will be elected as the 3rd-grade favorite this year?

Email: roberfoell@igs.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.igs.k12.wi.us/
Location: 498 Iowa Grant Road, Livingston, WI, USA
Phone: 608-943-6311
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IowaGrantPanthers/