August 12, 2015 at 2:47 p.m.
Open houses scheduled at local schools as new term nears
Open houses scheduled at local schools as new term nears
Several Rhinelander schools are experiencing a changing of the guard at the administration level this year.
Timothy Howell will retire next year so Paul Johnson, formerly the principal at James Williams Middle School, will take the reins at Central where Howell was principal.
Richard Gretzinger, former associate principal at Rhinelander High School, will assume the principalship of James Williams Middle School. Howell will be co-principal. Howell will also be principal at Northwoods Community Elementary School.
Shane Dornfield of Waupaca has been hired as the new associate principal at RHS.
Here is a school-by-school look at upcoming events as educators prepare to welcome students back to class.
NCSS
"We're excited about the upcoming school year at NCSS," said lead advisor Kristin Higgins. "We look forward to some formal math classes as well as a (physical education) class twice a week." Higgins continued. "Our enrollment is around 70 at this point, and we hope to be in the mid 80s, so we have some room for anyone interested in exploring doing school differently. Anyone interested in this possibility should email [email protected]."
Policies have been updated this year, as of July's Governing Council meeting.
"We have some updated policies that we're excited about too. Our Middle School Advancement Policy and our Truancy Policy are two examples. The Governing Council will meet in August to discuss our graduation paths. Our open house is Thursday, Aug. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m." Higgins said.
Students are already excited about upcoming projects.
"I have already been communicating with a few students about upcoming projects they're planning and they're excited about those. National History Day is one of them. I think the students are always excited to dive back into their project work...of course, that's because I am!" Higgins said.
"We start the school year with our first day out at CAVOC to do some team building activities and bonding so we can start the school year on a positive note...I would say that's the main special event ... we include families for lunch that day too. I guess you could say the open house is a big special event too." Higgins said.
The next Governing Council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 26, 2015 at 4 p.m. in room 107.
Pelican Elementary School
Martha Knutdson, principal of Pelican Elementary, said Pelican is hosting an open house Thursday, Aug. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Pelican families are invited to school to meet the teaching staff and visit classrooms. A free meal will be provided.
James Williams
Middle School
James Williams Middle School will
host a parent information night Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Children will receive class schedules, meet administration and staff, tour the school, and participate in informational sessions about Infinite Campus, Chromebooks, activities, and more.
Students will be provided a free meal during the evening, and parents can purchase a meal if they choose.
Central Intermediate School
Central will host an open house Aug. 27 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Crescent Elementary School
Crescent will host an open house from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27.
Rhinelander High School
Rhinelander High School has a new associate principal. Shane Dornfield comes to Rhinelander from Waupaca High School, where he served as an at-risk teacher and Dean of Students.
Also new this year is the Infinite Campus program, replacing PowerSchool.
There is much more information available through the program, according to a letter from Principal Dave Ditzler. "I am excited about how it will serve our community better," he wrote.
Also new this year, students will be expected to store their backpacks in their lockers during the school day, for classroom safety and student health.
According to Ditzler's letter, almost all health professionals caution against young people carrying such a heavy pack.
Backpacks are a hazard in classrooms, as teachers and students may trip over them, the letter said.
Students and parents can come to RHS on Aug. 20 from 1 to 6 p.m. or Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to take care of paperwork, handle athletic information, and get student schedules.
Katie Perttunen may be reached at kpert
tunen@rivernews
online.com.
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