Monday, August 26, 2019

August 25, 2019



WELCOME BACK!


Parents and Guardians,

School is just around the corner and we are excited to meet our new incoming 7th graders and see our now 8th graders again!  We have an excellent staff here at Karcher who are extremely dedicated to the academic growth and character development of all of our students.  We are eager to get back to school so we can continue making strides with all of our students throughout the 2019-2020 school year! 

During the year our way to keep Karcher parents/guardians in the loop is through the use of this blog and our Facebook page.  We will update this when new information needs to be shared and you will receive an email through Skyward informing you of each update.  It is also always accessible on the Karcher Middle School website.  Each one throughout the school year will be archived and can be accessed at the bottom of the most recent blog.  

On behalf of the staff at Karcher we look forward to working with each and every student so they all can achieve academic growth and have some fun along the way!

Go Demons!

Jill Oelslager, Ph.D
Proudly serving as Principal

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Reminders/Information
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Karcher Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/KarcherMiddleSchool/
  • Online Registration if you still need to register your student please log in to your Skyward account to register online.   
  • Karcher Open House:  August 28 from 7:00 - 8:00pm.
    • Students, parents, and/or guardians will have the opportunity to locate their classrooms and talk with staff.
    • Please bring a printed copy of your student's schedule.
    • Please do not bring any of your school supplies as locker combinations will be handed out during the school day on September 3.  
    • Other School's Open House dates:  
      • Elementary - August 28 from 5:00 - 6:00pm 
      • Dyer - August 28 from 6:00 - 7:00pm 
      • Burlington High School - September 10 from 5:30 - 7:15  
Once school starts: First day = September 3
  • Once school is in session the office is open from 6:45am - 3:45pm.  
  • The school day at Karcher is from 7:20 - 2:30.  
    • Morning information: 
      • Buses drop off on Wainwright Street (by the gym).
      • Students will be able to enter the building to access their lockers starting at 7:05am.  
      • All parent/guardian drop off should occur on Robert Street or Henry Street (by the circle drive).  
      • Parents/Guardians will not be able to drive through the circle drive once the barrier is in place (am & pm) due to the high traffic flow of students walking.
      • Students dropped off prior to 7:05am will be able to wait in the library until 7:05am.  
    • Afternoon information: 
      • Buses will be parked on Wainwright and Robert Street in the afternoon with departure at 2:36.   
      • Parents can park on Robert Street after 2:36.  If coming prior to 2:36 for pick up we suggest parking on Henry Street.  
  • Our first two days of the school year we will be running a modified bell schedule (we will still have a 7:20-2:30 day - just utilizing an atypical schedule)
    • Our character curriculum will be utilized to assist students with the transition to school and ensure all students are comfortable and ready for the school year.  
  • Click HERE for our regular daily bell schedule.  
  • All students at Karcher will have the ability to have a free breakfast prior to the start of class.  We will make sure all students are aware through our daily announcements in advisory.  
    • A cart will be in the 7th grade hallway for breakfast along with an additional cart in the 8th grade hallway.  
  • One to One - Chromebooks!
    • Every student will be given their BASD issued chromebook on the second day of school.  The chromebook given to them will be their BASD chromebook for the next 4 years.  
    • Students at Karcher are not allowed to bring their chromebooks home unless determined by our staff that a student needs to bring their chromebook home.  
    • We will assist the students with the structure for pick up and drop off of their chromebooks at the start and end of each school day.  
    • Students are responsible for their school issued chromebook and will need to follow the technology handbook guidelines.  Students may be charged for damage done to their chromebooks as the expectation is that students take good care of their individual device.  
  • Picture Day will be on September 10 throughout the school day.  
    • Order form information will be handed out to students prior to picture day.  
    • You can also visit https://inter-state.com/kiosk and sign up to receive helpful email reminders from Inter-State Studio.
  • Tuesday/Thursday school will start on September 17th.
    • Every Tuesday and Thursday the library will be open from 2:40 - 3:20 to provide a time for students to have access to their chromebooks and assistance from staff members with their academic work.  
    • This time may also be used by teachers if they feel a student needs to be assigned to Tuesday or Thursday school due to their academic progress.  Parents would be contacted in the event a teacher decides to utilizes this time.  
  • Health Office information:
    • Please remember that if your child requires medication for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year that a new medication administration consent form will be required before medications can be administered.  Prescription medications do require a MD, PA, or NPAP signature.  Forms can be downloaded and printed from the District's website or picked up in our Karcher office.  All morning medications should be administered to the child at home BEFORE they arrive at school.  This prevents the need for controlled substance delivery between school and home.  It also assures that any necessary benefit of the medication is in your child's system so they are ready to start their 1st hour class upon arrival. 
    • Please feel free to call Jill Sheeley RN, BSN, Director of Health Services for any questions on medication use in the school (262) 763-0214 ext. 203.
    Extra Curricular Activities starting in September:

    Note:  To participate in extra curricular activities all students must have a current physical on file at Karcher.  To register for athletics please go to our website and register online.  

    Fall Sports:  
      • Cross Country will start with an informational meeting on September 6 and run through mid-October with practices after school from 2:35-4:00.
        • Coach contact:  Alyssa Riggs (ariggs@basd.k12.wi.us) and Briana Varnes (bvarnes@basd.k12.wi.us) 
        • Click HERE for the Cross-Country Practice/Meet Schedule.

      • Girls Basketball will start on September 9 and run through through October 23 with practices held at the following times: 
        • Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday:  2:45-4:15.
        • Wednesdays:  3:20 - 4:45
        • Coach contact:  
          • Kurt Rummler (8th grade) krummler@basd.k12.wi.us
          • Brad Ferstenou (7th grade)  bferstenou@basd.k12.wi.us
        • See the below image for the game schedule.  
      • Flag Football will start practice on September 10.  
        • Meeting every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for six weeks from 2:30 - 4:00 
        • Coach contact:  
          • Hans Block (hblock@basd.k12.wi.us)
          • Jon Nelson (jnelson@basd.k12.wi.us)
        • Click HERE for the flag football letter.  
        • Click HERE for the schedule.

    Sunday, May 19, 2019

    May 19th Parent Blog


      Visit our Facebook Page for pictures and updates!  
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      Upcoming Events/ Reminders:
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    • May 20th: Yearbook Distribution in Advisory. If your child wants one, there are a few extra. The yearbooks will be sold first come first serve. They are $25, and check s can be made out to Karcher Middle School
      • If you have questions, please email Mrs. Berezowitz (bberezowitz@basd.k12.wi.us).
    • BHS Poms Tryouts for next year
      • May 21st and May 30th in Karcher Gym 3:00-5:30 PM 
      • May 28th and June 4th in BHS Gym 3:00-5:30 PM
    • May 22nd: 8th Grade Holocaust Museum Field Trip
      • Contact Jack Schmidt (jschmidt@basd.k12.wi.us) or Steph Rummler (srummler@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions. 
    • May 23rd: 7th Grade Zoo Field Trip
      • Contact Barb Berezowitz (bberezowitz@basd.k12.wi.us) or Andrea Hancock (ahancock@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions!
    • May 24th: NO SCHOOL - Happy Memorial Day!
    • May 28th - May 29th: Karcher Way Character Assemblies
    • May 30th: NJHS UW-Madison Field Trip
      • Contact Steph Rummler (srummler@basd.k12.wi.us) or Mike Jones (mjones@ basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions!
    • May 31st: Cooper/ Waller Elementary Buddy Visit Day
    • May 31st: 8th Grade Dance 7:00-9:00 PM @ Karcher Library
    • June 4th: Karcher Choir's 20th Annual Pops Concert @ 7:00 PM in the Karcher Gym
      • Students should arrive by 6:30 PM, dressed in their black and white choir outfit
      • Vocal Jazz students need to be at sound check at 6:00 PM
      • Doors will open to the public at 6:30 PM, and pre-concert music will start @ 6:40 PM. 
    • June 6th: Field Day
    • June 7th: 8th Grade Recognition @ 10:00 AM in Karcher Gym
      • Early Dismissal @ 12:00 PM
    • The 2020 8th Grade trip to Washington, D.C. already has 70 students signed up! 
      • If you need any further information on this great opportunity, or have any questions, please contact Kurt Rummler (Krummler@basd.k12.wi.us)
    • Congratulations to Our Karcher Middle School Kiwanis Art Show Participants and Winners:
      • Winners:
        • Sarah Hartlage: Judges Choice: Food Truck Unit (Orthographic View, Menu & 3D Model)
        • Clare Freeburn: Pen & Ink Stippling
        • Corrine Graham: 1 Point Perspective Room Drawing
        • Alaina Avila: 1 Point Perspective Room Drawing
      • Participants
        • Patrick Savaglia: 1 Point Perspective Room Drawing
        • Food Truck Unit (Menu & 3D Model)
        • Sarah Hartlage: 1 Point Perspective Room Drawing; Movie Poster
        • Jessica Luxem: Mixed Media Exploration
        • Clare Freeburn: 1 Point Perspective Room Drawing; Tessellated Self Portrait
        • Corrine Graham: Colored Pen Texture Drawing; Stippling; Mixed Media Exploration; Clay Night Cat Hightop 
        • Laney Mangold: Mixed Media Exploration
        • Alex Ament: Pencil Hand Drawing
        • Gregg Pavlik: 1 Point Perspective Room Drawing
        • Michael Phillips: 1 Point Perspective Room Drawing
        • Kendall Kafar: Clay Rainbow Hightop
        • Isabella Dober: Clay Rainbow Shoe
        • Genevieve Hauser: Clay Unicorn Shoe



















    From The Health Room:
    • Please see the attachment regarding Athletic Sports Physicals through Aurora Sports Health and mark the dates on your calendar. Sport physicals through Aurora Sports Health on these dates are only $15.00.
    • As the school year wraps up, please be aware that any medications in the health office must be picked up by a parent or guardian by June 7th.  After June 7th, the medication will be available for pick up at the District Office through the District Nurse.  After June 21st, all medications will be disposed of in accordance with health safety guidelines.  Medications will not be sent home with a student. Emergency medications (inhalers, epi-pens & glucagon) will be the only exception to this rule. The Karcher Health Office Hours are: 7:00am – 300pm.
    • Please remember that if your child requires medication for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year, that a new medication administration consent form will be required before medications can be administered.  This is for both over-the-counter and prescription medication. Prescription medication and alternative/complementary forms of treatment do require a MD / PA / NPAP signature. Forms can be downloaded from the District website or picked up in your child’s school office.  All morning medications should be administered to the child at home BEFORE they arrive to school. This prevents the need for controlled substance delivery between school and home and ensures that any necessary benefit of the medication is in your child’s system so they are ready to start their 1st hour class upon arrival.  Please feel free to contact Jessica Polcyn, Director of Health Services for any questions on medication use in the school (262) 763-0214 ext: 203

      Thursday, March 7, 2019

      Parent Blog 3/7


        Visit our Facebook Page for pictures and updates!  
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        Upcoming Events/ Reminders:
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      • March 8th: Friday Night Live 5:30-7:30 PM @ Karcher. Cost is $2, 2 Karcher Character Bucks, or 4 canned goods - Permission Slip should be turned in at the event. 
        • Please remember that all students must be in attendance for at least half the school day during on the date of the event in order to attend or participate in any after school activities.
      • March 11th: National Junior Honors Society Induction in the Karcher Auditorium @ 6:30 PM
        • Contact Mike Jones (mjones@basd.k12.wi.us) or Stephanie Rummler (srummler@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions!
      • March 12th: Sing-a-bration Choir Concert @ BHS 7:00 PM
        • Please contact Rod Stoughton (rstoughton@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions!
      • March 12th and 13th: Track and Field Sign Ups at lunch: Track season will begin on April 1! All students will be given schedules and necessary paperwork at that time. They must have a physical on file with the health office before they can participate in any of the practices or meets. Please contact Kurt Rummler (krummler@basd.k12.wi.us) or Mike Jones (mjones@basd.k12.wi.us) if you have any questions.
        • Each student must have a completed WIAA Sports Physical on file in the Health Office in order to participate. If your student had a physical prior to April 1st, 2017, they will be required to have another physical. Only physicals after April 1st, 2017 are valid. Please note that a Physician signature is required on the physical form attached below:
      • March 15th: Academic Bowl Competition @ Washington Caldewell
        • Participants will be leaving from Karcher @ 8:15, the competition is at 9:00 AM and will be returning to Karcher at 1:30 PM. 
        • Contact Wendy Zeman (wzeman@basd.k12.wi.us) or Grace Jorgenson (gjorgenson@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions or concerns! 
      • March 18th: Student Council Fundraiser @ Culver's: 5:00-8:00 PM
        • Contact Stephanie Rummler (srummler@basd.k12.wi.us) or Brad Ferstenou (bferstenou@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions!
      • March 20th: Yearbook orders are due, and the cost is $25.  Checks can be made out to Karcher Middle School
        • Contact Barb Berezowitz (bberezowitz@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions!
      • March 25th-March 29th: Spring Break! School Resumes April 1st. 
      • April 3rd: End of Quarter 3
      • April 12th: Rube Goldberg Competition @ WCTC
        • Contact Eric Sulik (esulik@basd.k12.wi.us) with any questions!
      • April 15th: Start of State Required Forward Exam
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        Updates/ Information:
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      • Community State Bank has a display of KMS Art Students' Mixed Media Exploration Unit: Students designed a flipped stencil, created a pattern with Warm/Cool colors & experimented with 7 art media. Great work to Mrs. Pelnar and our art students! 
      • This past month, KMS hosted a Vaping and Tobacco Use student presentation by Racine County Public Health. Please see the parent resources below:
      • Please note that all Community Happenings are listed on the BASD website at the following link:
      • April 9th: Your Choice Prevention Education Parent Presentation: Stairway to Heroin @ BHS 6:00-8:30 PM - Flyer

      Monday, January 28, 2019

      1/28 Parent Blog


      Visit our Facebook Page for pictures and updates!  
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      Reminders/Information:
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      • KMS 2018-2019 Yearbooks are for sale for $25. 
        • Please make checks out to Karcher Middle School, and include your students advisory teachers name on the envelope. 
      • As a reminder... Tuesday/Thursday School is available to all students after school in Ms. Jorgenson's room. 
        • Tuesday/Thursday School provides students with an opportunity to work on any school work needs they may have from 2:40-3:20. 
        • Arrangements can be made ahead of time or on a need to need basis.  
      • Please review this slideshow of pictures of our current Lost and Found items at Karcher. 
        • All unclaimed items will be donated to Love, Inc. at the end of February. 
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        Upcoming Events:
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        • Course selection information for the 2018-2019 school year!
          • Current 8th graders will be receiving their BHS course selection booklets on January 29th. They will be working through their course selections with Mr. Berezowitz during the next few weeks to help with the scheduling process.
          • Current 7th grade students will get their elective course selection information on February 11th with the return date to their advisory teachers by February 18th. 
        • Character Assembly Days are 2/7 for 8th Grade, and 2/8 for 7th Grade. 
          • These are an opportunity for students to reflect on their Character Development, and for teachers to recognize students for following the Karcher Way!
        • The week of 2/4 is a KMS Spirit Week! Below are the themes for each day. Please help to ensure your students are still within compliance of the dress code.
          • Monday: Jammies
          • Tuesday: Twin Day
          • Wednesday: America Day - Red, White, & Blue
          • Thursday: Jersey/ Sports Day
          • Friday: Black Out of White Out Day
        • Students currently in 8th grade should plan to attend the Burlington High School OPEN HOUSE on Monday, February 4th for tours, and to learn about organizations and schedules. 
          • Last Names A-M at 5:30 PM, and N-Z at 6:15 PM. 
        • SNOCO Night will be on Friday, February 8th 6:00-8:00 PM in the Karcher Library/ U-Lab 
          • This event is open to 7th and 8th graders, and will include a bags tournament and music/ dancing. 
          • Purchase tickets the week of February 4th during lunch for $2 or 2 Karcher Character Bucks (Awarded to students by staff members as a positive behavior reinforcement!)
        • NO SCHOOL for Students February 15th!
        • Racine County Public Health will be providing a presentation on the dangers of tobacco use/ vaping at Karcher during Advisory on February 18th. 
          • Students will only be able to attend this event with parent request and permission. 
          • If you would like your student to attend, please contact Mr. Heft (Rheft@basd.k12.wi.us) or (262) 763-0190. 
        • Burlington HS DRIVEN students will be coming to Karcher on February 22nd to lead activities centered around tolerance, integrity, and anti-bullying. 
          • This connects with Karcher's Character Education and Social Emotional Learning focus of Respect, Self-Regulation, Problem Solving, and Conflict Resolution over the next 2 months. Character Ed. takes place during Extended Advisory (7:20-8:04 on Mondays each week). 
        • Student Led Conferences will be on February 28th and March 5th 4:00-8:00 PM. 
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            Extra-Curricular Activities:
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        • Karcher Middle School Strength and Conditioning Club begins January 28th, and is open to any 7th or 8th grade, male or female student that attends Karcher Middle School. 
          • The club is centered building foundational strength and power through age appropriate weight training exercises. Students will work with a partner and the exercises will be closely monitored by a supervisor. Sessions will be held in the Karcher Middle School weight room, wrestling room, and other areas inside and outside of the buildings. 
          • All participants need to complete and return this permission slip prior to joining the club. 
          • Contact Eric Sulik (esulik@basd.k12.wi.us) or Hans Block (hblock@basd.k12.wi.us) with questions!
        • Come Support our KMS Girls Volleyball players! Below is a schedule of all HOME Games:
        • The BHS Varsity Dance's Annual Dance Clinic 2019 for K-8 students will be held Saturday, February 16th in the Burlington HS Gym. 
          • Check in is at 9:15-9:30 AM, Clinic is 9:30-12:15 PM, and the Parent Performance is 12:15-12:30 PM. Participants will also be able to perform with the BHS Varsity Dance Team February 22nd at the Boys Basketball game. Matching T-Shirts are also included with registration. 
          • Visit THIS LINK to register online by February 11th.
        • The 2019 Demon Baseball Camp will be held on March 30th 9:30 AM-12 PM.
          • Sharpen your skills for spring and summer baseball! Batters will learn proper hitting fundamentals, grip, stance, bat, and hand positions, while fielders will work on footwork fundamentals, fielding ground balls, and how to make a good throw. Batting tees, soft toss, and pitching machines will be utilized to give all players plenty of opportunities. Bring your own glove, bat and batting helmet, if you have one. 
          • Check-in will begin at 9:15 AM. Camp will be instructed by BHS Head Baseball Coach, Scott Staude, and his coaching staff and players. 
          • Register online at THIS LINK.