Our mission is to provide each learner with appropriate educational opportunities to reach his or her potential.

In this issue...Letter from the Superintendent In the Community

From the HS Principal’s Desk Community Education

Counselor’s Corner General Information It's Elementary Early Childhood News

Notes from Nurse Judi

For additional information call the Early Childhood Program at 358-3635

Non-ProfitOrganization

US Postage PAIDRush City, MN 55069

Permit No. 104Postal PatronCarrier Route PresortOr Current Resident

Rush City SchoolsPO Box 566Rush City, MN 55069

TIGERSwww.rushcity.k12.mn.us

Open Play Time

Birth to KindergartenCost: $2/child, $4/family or punchcard available for $20Dates: Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9Time: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Turn those harried or boring mornings into pleasurable times with your children by attending Open Playtime. Have fun playing and doing special activities with your child. Parents can also discuss issues with a family educator and/or orther parents. Staff will have special activities available each week. No pre-registration. Stay as long as you wish.

Eagles Nest Indoor Playground Field Trip

Day: Friday, March 8th (no school this day)9:00 a.m. Leave Rush City Elementary10:00-12:00 p.m. Play at Eagles Nest1:00 p.m. Return to Rush City ElementaryEagles Nest Cost: Children $5.00Adults - No ChargeBus Fee: $5.00 per personRegister by: February 26th

Imaginations will run wild as children leap into the ball pit, scale the 8 ft. climbing wall, zoom down the triple slide, and find their way through the wiggle waggles and the foam forest. Socks must be worn in the Eagles Nest, wear your own or pur-chase for $2.00A minumum of 40 people must register or bus transportation will not be provided

Early Childhoood Screening

In Minnesota, all children are required to com-plete Early childhood Screening before they en-ter kindergarten. Screening should be done once your child is 3 years old. This is an opportunity for you to review your child's growth and develop-ment and to follow up on any concerns. It includes a developmental assessment, vision and hearing testing, height and weight measurement, immuni-zation and health history review and is to identify conditions which might interfere with yours child's ability to learn. Appointment letters will be sent to all families with age eligible children who are on the Rush City School District Census. Please call rush City Early Childhoood at 320-358-3635 if you are not sure if your child is on the census.

Hearts of Love 2-5 Year Olds

Date: Friday, February 8thTime 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.Cost: $5 per personRegister by: February 1st

Bring your child for a fun-filled hour of Valentine art and other heart-themed activities. Before we’re finished we’ll decorate and enjoy a cookie, listen to a story, and do a little dance. Your child will love it!

2012 National Honor Society InducteesFront Row: Alissa Mell, Linzy Potter, Samantha Oscarson, Kiawana Forcier, Joey Mitchell, Josie Kent

Back Row: Chase Grant, Edward Luttrell, Garret Pearson, Mawell Maher, Caleb Swanson, Garrett Larson

District #139

NewsletterEarly Childhood News

Rush City

January 2013

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Letter from the Superintendent V. Koepp

Rush City School District #139 PO Box 566

Rush City, MN 55069District Office 358-4855Superintendent Vern Koepp

High School 358-4795High School Principal Brent Stavig

Jacobson Elementary 358-4724Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff Rush City Schools websitewww.rushcity.k12.mn.us

School BoardChairperson Scott Tryon Vice-Chair Carol CookClerk Brian AndersonTreasurer Channa TastsidesDirector Brenda NesselDirector Stefanie Folkema

School Closings ReminderAll Rush City closing or late start announcements will be made on the following radio and television stations. Closings in the Rush City School District will include the Early Childhood Program and the

St. Croix River Education District.AM 830 WCCO

AM 1350 WCMPWCCO television Channel 4

www.rushcity.k12.mn.us

Dear District Resident,

I hope you were able to enjoy the company of family and friends during the holiday season and that you find 2013 interesting and rewarding! The articles and calendars within this newsletter will highlight a number of performances, contests, and activities during the winter months. I hope you will be able to attend and enjoy many of them!

School SafetyThe tragic events that occurred December 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut are very disturbing. Unfortunately, on Monday, December 17 a High School student made very inappropriate threatening comments in a class-room setting. The student was promptly removed from the room and, after an investigation, which included the Chisago County Sheriff’s Department, the student was arrested. School administration and the Sheriff’s department fairly quickly determined

that there was no further threat to student or staff safety.

Later on Monday, social media dramatized the Monday incident, creating fear and apprehension among parents and students. The school district attempted to respond using the district web site, but that was inadequate. Many students were absent Tuesday because of safety concerns, but attendance was back to normal Wednes-day.

At the regular monthly School Board Meeting on De-cember 20, a number of community members discussed their concerns about school safety and communication with parents. These recent events have prompted us to review our safety procedures and those conversations will continue with appropriate committees, and with the School Board. I welcome those discussions and I anticipate we will identify areas to improve or change.

I’m proud of our staff and their ability to maintain a good learning environment during very challenging circumstances. I would like to reassure our parents and community members that student safety is our first priority. In an effort to maintain a safe learning enviro-ment, we have well-researched plans in place at each of our schools to address emergencies, and students and staff practice at least 5 lockdown drills each year. While no amount of planning will guarantee immunity from a Newtown, Connecticut tragedy, we take these matters seriously, and we work through safety concerns carefully.

Continue on Page 11

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Letter from the Superintendent (continued)

Financial Update At the November 15, 2012 School Board Meeting, Aaron Nielson of Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich & Co. reviewed the 2011-12 Financial Audit for Rush City Schools ISD #139 and issued an unqualified (clean) opinion through the audited financial statements and management letters.

Due to increased enrollment last year and careful monitoring of the budget, revenues came in better than projected and expenditures came in less than projected, producing an increase in the General Fund balance of $149,138. This gain includes transfers out of the General Fund to the Commu-nity Service Fund to cover deficits of $20,576 for the early childhood program and $1,852 for the Recreation Center. The Community Service Fund balance increased $12,849 and the Food Service Fund balance increased $26,934.

Enrollment is up 12-15 students again this year, a welcome change from declining enrollment we experienced several years ago. The enrollment increase has allowed us to carefully add staff in several areas and complete some delayed projects that enhance learning or protect taxpayer invest-ments in facilities.

Staff RecognitionFifth grade teacher, Susan Williams, was recog-nized as a TIES Exceptional Teacher at the TIES 2012 Education Technology Conference at the Minneapolis Hyatt Regency on December 11. She was among 82 teachers from 43 districts. The teachers were selected by their superinten-dents for the TIES Exceptional Teacher award, which recognizes teachers who model the best practices in using technology in their classroom and engaging students in learning.

Ms. Williams is a Smart Classroom certified trainer

and she has a Masters Degree in integrating tech-nology into instruction. She continually challenges herself to integrate technology into her instruction, and she has become a great resource to other teach-ers who wish to use technology more effectively. Congratulations Sue!

Sincerely,Vern Koepp

Continued from Page 2

PTO UPCOMING EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, VALENTINE HUGS AND KISSES

DELIVERED TO STUDENTS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, ANNUAL ELEMENTARY CARNIVAL

5:00-8:00 PM

PTO MEETINGS HELD FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH AT

THE ELEMENTARY

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From the High School Principals Desk B. StavigSchool Safety There is nothing more important than the safety and security of our students and staff. This is a huge responsibility that has not, cannot, and will not be overlooked. The horrifying events that took place in Sandy Hook Elementary shocked and saddened us all. We had a moment of silence the following Monday morning and I said a few brief words, however my belief was that the best thing we could do was provide a sense of normalcy and routine for our students. Unfortunately, later that day an incident oc-curred that fueled alarming exaggerations and rumors via social media. I felt terrible as we worked to inform and calm parents. As an educator, veteran, and parent, I fully understand how scary this must have been. I am confident we will improve our com-munication capabilities and parents will be better informed in the future.

As I should, I feel responsible for the safety of everyone in our building. Ultimately the security of the building is a team ef-fort; we conduct a minimum of five lockdown drills each year, emergency plans are posted in each room, and for now we are keeping our doors locked and discussing long term security plans. Please ask if you have questions or concerns regarding our emergency procedures.

FOR Club The FOR club meets a couple of times each week and is work-ing to create opportunities and activities that will continue to promote compassion and kindness in our school and community. Please watch for and support their activities, they’re off to a great start!

Student PerformancesWe have some amazing talent here at Rush City High School. The cast and crew of the Little Shop of Horrors and the perform-ers at the winter high school concert amazed their audiences! I’m very proud of their efforts and talents!

Cribbage Club I would like to thank Julie Risland and East Central Energy for making the cribbage club possible. Julie put together a proposal and East Central Energy’s Operation Roundup donated $600 to get things going. Mr. Olson’s students made a several cribbage boards in the wood shop. Snacks and materials were purchased and they were ready. After school on Mondays and Wednesdays students gather in the media center to compete against their piers and even the occasional staff member. Cribbage, a game of numbers and strategy (no joystick required) is capturing the attention of our kids, awesome! Thank you Julie, Mr. Olson, and East Central Energy!

RemindersWith School View you can view your student’s grades, atten-dance information, schedule, transcript, testing history, basic student information, health information, behavior information and even lunch account information and alerts with Fee Pay. For

questions, please call Wendy in the main office.

As many of us are enjoying hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowboarding we want to remind you to be safe! These activities are a great deal of fun but all too often we hear of tragic accidents.

Minnesota Student Survey NotificationFederal law requires us to notify parents of our intent to con-duct the Minnesota Student Survey. This survey is conducted in schools across our state every three years. The survey is given to obtain useful information from students about how things are go-ing at school, with their peers, and about health-related thoughts and behaviors. There are frank questions on the survey about many topics relating to young people’s lives. These include the use of alcohol or other drugs, safety in and around the school, physical activity and nutrition, mental or emotional health (stress, feeling bad), illegal or anti-social behavior (theft, chemical use, fighting) and if religious beliefs affect personal decisions. Ques-tions are asked only of 9th and 11th grade students regarding sexual behavior and attitudes. The survey is anonymous and con-fidential. The survey is voluntary, opt out forms have were sent home in December. You are welcome to review a copy of the sur-vey. The survey will be administered in the later half of January so “opt out” forms must be returned by January 15, 2013. If you have questions about the survey or if you wish to review the survey contact Brent Stavig, High School Principal at (320) 358-4795 or Melody Tenhoff, Elementary Principal at (320) 358-4724.

I hope everyone had a joyful and relaxing holiday break. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at (320) 358-4795 if you have ques-tions or concerns!

Rush City High School Music Department

Ten of our district’s music students will be participating in the annual Two Rivers Conference Honors Band and Choir. This all conference music festival takes the most talented and dedicated musicians from our conference member schools and brings them together for two days, a rehearsal day on December 19th, and then the festival day on Satur-day, January 12th.

The festivities are being hosted at Braham High School this year. Our top band and choir students will spend January 12th rehearsing with guest conductors brought in from around the state of Minnesota. The day will conclude with a concert at 6:00 p.m. at Braham High School. Admission is open to the public and will be $5.00 per person, not to exceed $20 per family.

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Valorie We ‘R’ Able (320) 358-1210

ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAMActivities, classes and events are open to everyone. Involves persons with special challenges or needs.

Focuses on: People-1st..Abilities-2nd..Disabilities-last.Invites volunteers to assist and adults with disabilities to volunteer.

Encourages Adults with Disabilities to attend Community Education classes.Focuses on persons 14 years & older. Provides information, referral and advocacy.

ST. CROIX RIVER EDUCATION DISTRICT P.O. BOX 637, 425 DANA AVE. RUSH CITY, MN 55069

Support Group Focus on AbilityPersons with a variety of health challenges from communities in East Central Minnesota come to the meetings. These folks share stories, listen, meet new friends and offer encourage-ment to one another. Meetings may include an educational or entertaining program, and always include refreshments and time for participants to visit. A donation of $1.00 per meeting is encouraged. For transportation needs, contact Heartland Express at 763-689-8131 or 1-800-234-7840 (toll free).For information call Valorie or Dana 320-358-1210 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each Month $1.00 donation per meeting is encouragedChisago County Sr. Center, 38790 6th Ave., North Branch

Popcorn Pop and a MovieYou may choose from the 7 movies at the theater. Af-ternoon movies during summer and school breaks may prevent choices of long movies, call the theater at 651-674-2291.1st Thursday of the month. Cinema 7 North Branch Outlet MallMovie starts at 9:45 AM *** Note new start time & price changes***$5.00 Movie Only $7.50 Movie, popcorn, pop and refillsTicket office open 9:30 AMIndividuals accompanying participants must also pay. No pre-registration required. Pay at theater.Celebrate National Snack Food Month

Kelly Appleton will teach about healthy snacks at the Pine City High School FACS room. You will make a variety of good snacks using basic ingredients. Kelly is a Community Nutrition Educator for Pine County and works for the Univer-sity of Minnesota Extension Simply Good Eating Program. She provides nutrition education all around the community and in her classes participants make food that is fun, healthy and easy.

Monday, Februry 46:30-8:00 PMCost: $6Pre-register by 1/28/13Pine City High School, 1400 Main St. S. Pine City

Let's go BowlingHave fun with friends & get some good exercise too. Adapta-tions such as ramps and bumpers are available, so everyone can participate. Register early----space is limited! Volunteers are needed too.

Thursdays, January 10, 24, February 7, 21, March 7, 214:00 PMCost: $40.00 for games, shoesPre-register by January 5.JJ's Bowl, North Branch6427 Ash St., North Branch, 55056 - 651-674-8371

Pie Crafts with Sue DeLuney, in honor of National Pie Day

Teacher Sue DeLuney has plenty of creative ideas for mak-ing crafts. Join her to celebrate National Pie Day (on January 23rd), and make a decoration for your home.

Tuesday, January 22, 20136:30 - 8:30 PMCost: $6Pre-register by 1/15/13.Chisago County Sr. Center, 38790 6th Ave., North Branch

Drawing and Painting ClassHave you ever wanted to paint a beautiful picture, but aren't sure where to start? In this class, you will learn a unique draw-ing and painting technique that will produce amazing results, regardless of your skill level. Sue Wehrenberg is the instruc-tor. This is a very popular class so register early. Volunteers needed to assist. The location is the Chisago Lakes Middle School Art Room in Lindstrom.

Mondays, February 25, March 4, 18, 25 April 8, 156:00 - 8:00 PMCost: $30 Pre-register by 3/11/13Chisago Lakes Middle School Art Room

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Counselor's Corner H. Larson Class of 2013 - Information and UpdatesIt’s hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the 2012-2013 school year. The first few months have been very busy for the senior class as they are working on post-high school plans. During the week of November 12-16, Rush City High School once again participated in Minnesota College Application Week, a program sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education. During the event, seniors learned about their post-secondary options and had an opportunity to complete online college applications. The seniors took ad-vantage of the opportunity to ask questions and get assistance in making plans for the future as over 160 applications were submitted during the week.

In addition to finalizing post-secondary plans, most seniors and their families will also be looking at what types of finan-cial aid is available to them. Financial aid can include govern-ment grants, student loans, and scholarships. The availability of financial aid can help to ease the sometimes overwhelming cost of college tuition. Financial aid programs, both need-based and merit-based are now available to help cover costs at post-secondary institutions. Rush City High School will be hosting a Financial Aid Night for Seniors and their parents on Wednesday, Jan 30th at 6:00pm. The presentation will take place in the Rush City High School auditorium. Please mark this on your calendar and plan to attend.

Critical to receiving any financial aid from a college is completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information submitted in this form is used by all colleges to determine financial aid eligibility. To find out more about the FAFSA and financial aid, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. However, before completing a financial aid applica-tion, parents must be sure to complete and return their current tax information. Colleges will typically only use current and updated tax information before reviewing and awarding finan-cial aid monies.

As mentioned above, scholarships are also available to reduce the cost of college tuition. Information about local scholar-ship opportunities is available to Seniors in the Guidance Office. Rush City and surrounding community organizations, businesses, and individuals are extremely generous in their support of the education efforts of our students. The deadline for most local scholarships is March 1, 2013, unless otherwise noted. The announcement of scholarship winners takes place at graduation. If any organization or individual would like to contribute to our scholarship program and has not been noti-fied, please feel free to call me at 358-1267.

RegistrationWhile seniors are focusing on college and scholarships, 6th - 11th grade students will be looking at registration for the 2013-2014 school year. In early February, I will be reviewing class selections and credit requirements with all middle and high school students. At that time, students and families can take a look at the require-ments and electives for class schedules for next year. If students and parents would like to meet with me regard-ing their course schedule for the 2013-2014 school year, please contact me for an appointment.

ACTThe ACT is an admissions exam that is required by most colleges and universities. I encourage every current Junior to take the ACT during the spring and then again in the fall of their Senior year. The ACT will be offered at Rush City High School on February 9 and April 13. Students can also register for the June 8 test at another location. For students that receive free/reduced lunch, there is a fee waiver available to take the ACT at no charge. Students must obtain the fee waiver from the Guidance Office. Additional information and registra-tion is available at www.actstudent.org.

8th Hour Homework HelpStudents may access additional help during 8th Hour Homework Help. This program takes place Monday – Thursday, 3:10pm – 4:00pm. Students may attend any number of sessions, depending on their needs. This is truly a beneficial program for students to catch up on their homework or ask teachers questions about home-work problems and assignments. Transportation is the responsibility of the student and/or parent. Each session will be located in the classroom of the teacher provid-ing the help for the day or in the Media Center. The 8th Hour Homework Help schedule is posted in academic classrooms as well as in the daily announcements. Please call me or have your child stop by and pick up a permission form if they would like to participate. This is a great opportunity for your child to get some extra, supervised study time with help from a teacher.

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Community EducationDrivers Education

In partnership with CE and Rush City High School

A+ Driving School is proud to be partnering with Rush City High School. We offer drivers education classes right at the High School.

Total Cost: $295Payment Option: Class Portion $95 Behind-The-Wheel $200

Class Dates for 2013March 4-15 Time: 3:15-6:15pmJune 17-28 Time: 9-12 noon (after DC trip)

REGISTRATION PROCESS:Go ONLINE: www.APLUSDRIVINGSCHOOL.NET

or call our office at 651-653-3959We offer Payment Plans! Easy Make-Up Classes!

Early Bird SpecialThe Rush City Aquatic Center is offering an early bird special now through April 1st, 2013.Treat the whole family or maybe your grandkids to a “Summer of Fun” at the aquatic center. Right now we are offering 20% off all season passes.

Family passes are marked down from $250 to only $200 for the season. Individual passes for ages 9-61 originally $150 are now only $120 and individual passes for ages 62 and up were $85 now they are only $65 for the season. If you would like to take advantage of this great deal, 2013 season passes can be purchased at the Rush City High School.

CD-BasedYouth Snowmobile Course

Date: Saturday, January 26, 2013Time: 8:30AM - 1:00PMCost: $5.00Location: Rush City - Chucker’s Bowl, 1270 W 3rd St.

To optain the Snowmobile Safety Training CD, or for gener-al information, please call 1-888-646-6347, 651-296-6157, or 1-800-366-8917, email at info.dnr@state.mn.us, call Deb Dahlberg at 320-358-3675.

Adult EducationDid you leave school without your Diploma? Do you need to brush up your basic skills to get back in the work force or post secondary training? Adult Basic Education/GED classes are available. We offer classes in Willow River, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, North Branch and Chisago Lakes. Call 320-358-3616 for more information.

Have you been involved in an accident ?

Monday, Jan 146:00 – 7:30pm

Whether it is a slip and fall, auto accident or work accident Per-reault Chiropractic can help! Learn how to protect yourself from severe and ongoing prob-lems including head, neck and back pain, shoulder, knee, arm, leg and wrist problems. Arm yourself with the knowledge to regain health should you or a loved one ever be the victim of an accident. Class fee $10.

Acupuncture Promotes Natural Healing!

Monday, Jan 28 6:00 – 7:30pm

Are you suffering from aller-gies or sinus troubles, asthma, arthritis, constipation or diar-rhea, headaches, pain, tingling or numbness in joints and extremi-ties, high or low blood pressure, depression or anxiety? Acupunc-ture is a safe, effective and drug free treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Learn how Per-reault Chiropractic uses acu-puncture to enhance your bodies’ innate ability to improve body function and well being. Also, discover a natural and compre-hensive facial rejuvenation tech-nique, is designed to restore, in-vigorate and relax. Class fee $10.

Age Gracefully!

Monday, Feb 46:00 – 7:30pm

It is not difficult for our body to get to 60 years of age no mat-ter how much we abuse it, but in this day in age we are living to ages 85 and 90! Learn how to gracefully get from age 60 to age 90 by doing good things for our body today at age 20, 30, 40 and 50. This Discover how chiropractic care will help you enjoy your golden years of 61 to 90!! You can not change your age, but you can change how your body functions. Any ages welcome. Class fee $10.

Get rid of that nagging headache!

Monday, Feb 116:00 – 7:30pm

There are many types and causes of headaches. Regardless of the cause, if you have a headache, you want it to end fast. Headaches are com-mon, but they’re not normal. Learn why Perreault Chiropractic has such a high success rate with patients who get headaches. You will also learn how chiropractic can help with wrist, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle pain. Chiropractic works by restor-ing proper motion of all the joints in your body, thus decreasing the pain. Discover how chiropractic care can help you!! Class fee $10.

The following informational classes will be held at Rush City High School in the Media Center by our local Perreault Chiropractic Clinic. Call 320-358-3441 for more information.

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It’s Elementary! M. TenhoffConnecticut TragedyAs I write this for the District’s Winter Newsletter, it is the first school day after the Connecticut tragedy. There simply are not words to express overwhelming emotions that all of us who work with children are experiencing. Our hearts go out to all parents who are dealing with this tragic news. Administrators have met to discuss our safety procedures and will continue the discussion to assure that we are providing a learning environment that is safe, reflective of our com-munity needs, reasonable, and appropriate for Rush City Schools. As parents talking with your children regarding such a sensitive issue can be difficult. Following is a web site recommended to me by the Minnesota Elementary School Princi-pal Association. Perhaps it will help you as parents as you guide your children.http://www.mespa.net/Talking_to_Children_About_Violence.html

Parent/Teacher ConferencesAs usual, we had a very successful turnout for Parent/Teacher Conferences in mid-November. I am always so pleased with the high percentage of parents who make the effort to come to school and visit with their child’s teacher. Following are the numbers of all the families who visited the school for conferences (you will notice that we had even more confer-ences this year): • Number of conferences scheduled -- 775• Number of scheduled conferences not held --54• Number of unscheduled “extra” conferences -- 28• Number of female parent/guardians -- 647• Number of male parent/guardians -- 389• Number of students attending -- 360

School Web SiteI’d like to remind everyone that parents can check their child’s progress in grades 3 – 6 off of our school website. All parents have been given log-on information. If you didn’t receive notification, or are having problems, please contact the school. In addition, parents can check their child’s lunch account balance (and can make a lunch payment) as well as view the most current Friday Folder newsletter. If you haven’t bookmarked the site, our district can be found at: www.rushcity.k12.mn.us.

Targeted ServicesDuring the middle of November, we started Targeted Services. This is the second year of the program and is provided to support students who could use some extra help. Selected students stay after school twice a week for two hours and work on areas of reading and math. I’m happy to report that the program has started out very well and while the students work very hard during this time, the teachers also lead fun activities as part of Targeted Services.

Family Reading NightWe are busy planning our annual Family Reading Night that will be held on Tuesday, January 29th. It is always a fun night and every child that participates is able to walk away with at least one free book. Come join us on January 29th for an evening to celebrate reading! January is always a good month to settle down with a good book anyway! Look for more information in the Friday Folder.

Youth First ClubThis fall we began another year of the Youth First Club, which is an after-school program for students in grades 4-6. They meet weekly throughout most of the year with fun activities that focus on making smart choices. This program is brought to us by the Community Partnership program.

TIES Exceptional Teacher AwardOne of the organizations that we work closely with is TIES, a technology support group. Every year they have a confer-ence and for the past eight years, they have acknowledged teachers who model best practices in using technology in the classroom that engage students in learning. Sue Williams, fifth grade teacher, was awarded this honor from Rush City Public Schools. Congratulations Mrs. Williams!

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In the Community

The District would also like to extend appreciation to community, alumni, and school district members who have con-tributed to school fundraisers and local organizations. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

The Rush City School District would like to thank these organizations and individuals for their contributions to the following programs:

Donations from October 7, 2012 through December 14, 2012

American Legion Post 93American Red Cross Education ScholarshipBob Froelke AwardBurnett DairyCargill Community ScholarshipC.E. Jacobson MemorialChisago County Chapter-Pheasants ForeverClass of '75Class of '85Coldwell Banker-Pro IV RealtyDiers Memorial ScholarshipDollars for Scholars-Rush CityEast Central EnergyEast Central SanitationFairview Leah Hillesheim ScholarshipFederated Co-opsGladys L. Johnson ScholarshipHermann InsuranceJan and Floyd May ScholarshipKnights of ColumbusLake State Federal Credit UnionMatson Dunwoody ScholarshipP.E.O. Womans Scholarship

Richard M. Markham Family ScholarshipRock Creek LionsRush City Eastern Star OES/Jasper Lodge No. 28Masonic CharitiesRush City Education AssociationRush City FoodsRush City Garden ClubRush City Masonic LodgeGrand LodgeRush City Sno-BugsRush City Student Council ScholarshipRush City Women's ClubRush City Youth SportsRush Lake Improvement AssociationSoft DentalTozer FoundationUnity Bank, Rush CityVallely Will FundWayne Peshia Memorial Math ScholarshipWilliam Kieper ScholarshipWilliam West Memorial

Summer Recreation

Rush City Eastern Star OES/Jasper Chapter No. 28

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Notes from Nurse JudiIn light of the turmoil around us, I pray for peace, for renewed hope and resiliency in our youth and adults, for joy and delight in the little things as we walk through this season and look forward to 2013.

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO GET A FLU SHOT!

Center for Disease Control (CDC) has predicted that influenza will peak early this year and be much like the bad flu sea-son of 2003/2004. The good news is that this year’s flu vaccine is a better match (90%) and that there is no shortage of it this year. However, CDC reports that 60% of Americans have not been vaccinated. The good news is that the percentage of children ages 5-12 vaccinated is 6% higher than in 03/04. In Rush City elementary school this is the first year of the past thirteen that I have done the Influenza Report to the Minnesota Health Department in December. Over the past years the report for doubled absenteeism has been sent in March. We have had a confirmed case of influenza.

We need your help in monitoring the influenza season. When you call in please report if your child has a sudden onset of fever of 100F or more, cough and sore throat. With any fever PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FOR 24 HOURS AFTER TEMPERATURE HAS RETURNED TO NORMAL WITHOUT MEDICATION IN HIS/HER SYSTEM. CDC printed a screening list a few years ago to help individuals identify the difference between the common cold and influenza. See the following check list to help you decide how to treat:SYMPTOM COLD INFLUENZAONSET Gradual SuddenFEVER Rare ProminentBODY ACHES Slight Usual, often severe, can last 2-3weeksWEAKNESS & FATIGUE Sometimes very mild Usual last 2-3 weeks EXTREME EXHAUSTION Never Usual at beginningSTUFFY NOSE Common SometimesSNEEZING Usual SometimesSORETHROAT Common SometimesCHEST, DISCOMFORT, COUGH Mild-moderate Common, non-productive, can be severe hacking cough TREATMENT Antihistimines, Antiviral medications Decongestants Anti inflammatoryPREVENTION Wash hands often, Flu vaccine Avoid close contact Cover your cough Cover your cough Wash hands Avoid close contactCOMPLICATIONS Sinus congestion, Bronchitis Middle ear infection Pneumonia Asthma flare-up Can be life threatening

The good news is the amount of new cases of whooping cough in Minnesota is decreasing.CDC has issued a statement that hand sanitizers do a better job of killing germs than routine hand washing. You will need to monitor hands for dry and/or cracking skin.

Be safe! Stay healthy! Find time to reconnect and renew with friends and family! Remember to:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into your sleeve. • Stay home if you are sick. • Do not return to school or work until your fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever- reducing medication (acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)

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It’s Elementary!

Elementary Dates to RememberJanuary 7 PTO MeetingJanuary 14 Gr. 6 - 9 Band ConcertJanuary 16 All School ProbesJanuary 17 Gr. 5 Play - HS TheaterJanuary 18 Early Release 12:10 pmJanuary 18 End of Second QuarterJanuary 21 Staff Workday - No ClassesJanuary 25 Reoport Cards go homeJanuary 28-31 Pennies for Patients

February I Love to Read MonthFebruary 1-15 Pennies for PatientsFebruary 4 PTO MeetingFebruary 14 Gr. 5 & 6 Music ProgramFebruary 18 Presidents’ Day - No ClassesFebruary 26 Mid-term

March 4 PTO MeetingMarch 8 Elementary CarnivalMarch 8 Staff Workday - No ClassesMarch 12 Kindergarten RegistrationMarch 13 MAP Testing BeginsMarch 19-21 MCA’sScience, Gr. 5March 21 Gr. 3 & 4 Music ProgramMarch 22 Inventor’s FairMarch 28 Early Release 12:10pmMarch 28 End of Third QuatersMar. 29-Apr. 1 Spring Break - No Classes

PTOOur local PTO has been extremely active this year and has already offered several events for students and families. We are always looking for new families to get involved! We meet normally the first Monday of the month at 6:30pm, in the elementary office. Join us on January 7th!

Tiger ClubDon’t forget that we have an after-school childcare pro-gram available called Tiger Club. In addition, we just started morning care for those who need to drop off students before the school day. Childcare is provided as needed – your child can attend fulltime, or just on the days needed. Should you have any questions, please call our coordinator, Colleen Schumacher at 358-1348 and she will provide you with all the details. There is always something fun going on in Tiger Club!

Music Program DatesThree more Music Programs are yet to come this year. We have really enjoyed our first one and I know that the other grade levels will have a great time performing as well.

February 14th 5th and 6th grade 7:00 p.m. HS TheaterMarch 21st 3rd and 4th grade 7:00 p.m. HS TheaterApril 9th 1st grade 7:00 p.m. Elementary Gym

Don’t Forget to SaveI wish to share with you another reminder to keep saving the Land O’ Lakes milk caps and General Mills’ box tops. (Kemps has eliminated their program.) We thank you for taking the time to see that these items get to school. In this day and age of tight school budgets, this additional income truly helps us in providing materials that we would not be able to justify out of the regular school budget.

Also, many of you have designated your Target charge card so that we receive a donation from Target. These funds are used for school-wide programs and special events as well as to help offset the cost of the Foster Grandparent Pro-gram.

Last year we put into place an electronic recycling program in addition to what we are already doing. We are accepting old cell phones, print cartridges, electronic games, etc. As a community support, we do also collect the pop can tabs for the McDonald House and all plastic caps that Aveda recycles. Simply have your child bring them to the container in the cafeteria to help support both of these programs.

2nd Grade Art