Red Ribbon Week Next Week, But Wear Red This Friday!

Although Red Ribbon Week starts next week, at Carlisle we like to "kick" it off a little early. Red Ribbon Week has a tradition of wearing red on Friday, but we do not have school next Friday. So we are asking our students, faculty, parents, and community to wear red THIS Friday, October 19th to get us off to a good start. Since we are playing our rival Norwalk in the regular season football finale, this is another great reason to wear red on Friday. If you are wondering what Red Ribbon Week is, here is a little blurb we put in the Wildcat Weekly this week:




KICKOFF RED RIBBON WEEK
Red Ribbon Week is being celebrated October 23rd– October 31st. As a kickoff to Red Ribbon Week we would like all students, teachers, and community members to WEAR RED on Friday, October 19th. The Carlisle High School Students Taking Action Not Drugs (STAND) group will be conducting activities throughout the week to spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance use to students in the district. This year’s theme is “PAWS-itively Drug Free.”



Red Ribbon Week was originally created to honor the memory of U.S. Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who gave his life in the fight against drugs. He was killed after discovering a multibillion dollar drug ring in Mexico that slipped drugs over the border and had a history of violent encounters. The week has since evolved into a country-wide week dedicated to preventing drug use and showing the pledge that many 
students have taken to stay drug free. 


Red Ribbon Week Website for more information

Stomp Out Bullying Day: Monday, October 1st

     We are asking staff, students, and community to wear blue on Monday, October 1st, to show our united effort to stomp out bullying in our schools and community. In fact, we will use the whole week to raise awareness about the problem of bullying and the long term and possibly deadly effects bullying can have on a young person. Our district counseling staff has been and will continue to get data from students, staff, and parents by using surveys. This data will not only include questions about bullying, but questions about a wide-range of needs a student, staff member, or family member may have. As a team, we then review this data and fine tune our plan to address these needs. With a problem like bullying, counselors and teachers cannot solve it on their own. We need the help of students and families as well. Mr. Barry and Ms. Flagor went to a special showing of the much-talked about documentary "Bully" this summer and participated in an hour-long post-movie conversation. The last statement, made by a high school, student really drove home the issue and solution of bullying. She said "Teachers can try all they can. Parents can try all they can. People can make laws and rules and hang up signs and have special days. But in the end, the solution to bullying is with the students. Students must step up and say this isn't right and bullying is a terrible thing. Students listen to students. So when students start sticking up for each other, only then can we truly solve the issue of bullying." I believe she is right. We can all make a difference, but we all need to plant the seed in a child's head about how terrible bullying can be and teach them strategies to avoid being bullied and how to stick up for others who are being bullied. And then we just hope that seed grows and spreads among all students. So, please wear blue on Monday, October 1st and show your support for our efforts in Stomping Out Bullying. Please see the websites below for more information.

 Stomp Out Bullying website

Stop Bullying.gov

Resource Night for Families This Thursday at the Elementary!

 Just a quick heads up that the elementary is hosting a Resource Fair on Thursday from 5:00-6:30 in the Elementary Multi-purpose room. There is also a Book Fair going on in the Media Center and tons of elementary student artwork hung up around the Multi-purpose room, so 3 great reasons to come on Thursday night. Many local groups who support and help families will be at the Resource Fair. Thank you to Hy-Vee for providing cookies and be sure to get your name in for some great door prizes as well. Click on the link below to see a screenshot of the Event's main details.

http://www.webpagescreenshot.info/img/310952-416201263808PM

Carlisle High School Does Amazing "Every 15 Minutes" 2-Day Event!

  I cannot begin to explain how amazing and how affecting Carlisle's recent "Every 15 Minute" 2-day event was. Congrats and thank you to our 2 high school counselors, the STAND (Students Taking Action, Not Drugs) group, local law enforcement, and the community for putting this event on for our students to see. And with Simpson students filming and documenting the whole event and creating the video you see below, even more will see the powerful message: Drinking and driving kills people, kills students, alters lives, and changes the course of a student's life forever. I could go on and on about the many pieces that made these 2 days so realistic and so important, but I think I will just let you watch the video. As you watch the video, please remember that everyone in the video is just acting, but they acted so well, it feels real. Even the parents got into their parts. Many of the participants said they didn't have to act as the emotion of the situation made their emotions really occur. Also, when you see students with painted white faces, those are students the Grim Reeper found during the day every 15 minutes and painted their faces. At that point, they were "dead" and could no longer speak to anyone...not even by text or cell phone! This was to represent the life of a person lost every 15 minutes due to drinking and/or texting while driving. To learn more about this campaign, click on this link: Every 15 minutes

**The video is make-believe, but is graphic at time. I would preview video before deciding to use it with young kids if you are wanting to educate them on the dangers of drinking/texting while driving.**

Middle School Social this Friday, April 20th. And Parent Volunteers are Wanted and Needed!

  This Friday is the Spring Middle School student social from 7-9 p.m. and theme is "Dress Your Sunday Best". So no one has to go out and by a Prom dress or rent a tuxedo, but wearing their nicest clothes is encouraged. We always get pretty good attendance at these socials, so that means a lot of kids. And when we have a lot of kids, we hope to have a lot of adults to help with crowd control. I have been to almost every social and enjoy watching the kids, they really have a great time and it makes for a great night. And if you are a parent of an 8th grader, this is their last social before their middle school career is done. It is a "Can't Miss" event. So, if you can spare a little over 2 hours on your Friday night this week, please consider volunteering your time and helping out at the social. We would love to get 6-8 parents to help us. Please email Mrs. Wilshusen, the student council sponsor, if you can help out. Her email: megan.wilshusen@carlisle.k12.ia.us
Hope to see you Friday night!

Duck Derby to Benefit the Youth Emergency Shelter and Services of Iowa on May 5th

 

 I haven't done this before, but I think our family will be doing this event this year. The event is completely free family fun, but if you want a duck in the derby, it costs you a $5 donation. The good news is that the donation goes to a great cause: YESS (Youth Emergency Shelter and Services of Iowa). This organization helps kids and families when they are in times of  uncertainty or crisis. They take kids in on a short term basis and work with kids and parents to work through the crisis. I have known several families to use this service and it has helped them when they needed it most. So, if you are looking to donate, there is plenty of time to buy your ducks (and you could win amazing prizes if your duck is a lucky duck and wins!). But if you simply want good family fun on a wonderful May afternoon, come on our to Jordan Creek on May 5th for inflatables, balloon animals, crafts, food, etc. See you there!

Info about the Duck Derby click here!

Duck Derby Facebook Page click here!

Click here to learn more about what YESS does!

FREE Dinner and FREE show at Carlisle Middle School on November 1st. (Did you see it said "FREE"!!)

A great FREE opportunity is coming up. The National Theatre for Children is coming to Carlisle Middle School on November 1st for 2 shows. First, they will perform for our entire 7th grade in the afternoon. Next, they will stick around to put on a show for the entire community after a FREE dinner that night. So, what is their show about? Well, their show is titled "Mad About Money II" and teaches financially literacy to young people. But guess what? Adults can learn from this presentation too and that is why we are hoping the entire family comes to the night dinner and show on November 1st. Lots of information about this event will be posted around the community and sent home with students, so keep an eye out for more information. For now, please see the following information and make sure to RSVP soon!

Who: National Theatre for Children performance for Parents, families, and students

What: A free, fun, family-friendly theatre performance. Dinner provided for everyone thanks to the Iowa Insurance Division

Where: Carlise Middle School

When: Tuesday November 1st at 6:00 p.m.

Why: To teach the importance of financial literacy through a fun experience.

Please RSVP to ben.barry@carlisle.k12.ia.us . Please note how many in your family will be enjoying the free dinner and show. Also, if you are need of child care during the show (show will last 45 minutes MAX), please note that in your RSVP as well. Childcare activities will be provided free of charge as well.

You can also visit the National Theatre for Children website to learn more. Click here!!

Carlisle Middle School Students and Staff Move! (and Dance!!)

Well, here it is, the "dance". A little background to why well over 400 students and staff went outside for about 10 minutes and danced last week. Well, we didn't do it just because the weather was wonderful, but that was a nice plus. Being National Fitness Month, First Lady Michelle Obama and Beyonce worked together to motivate middle school students across the country to drop their study materials and stand up and move at precisely 12:42 p.m. central time on May 3rd. Our school did just that and we have the video to prove it. Enjoy!!

HOPE Drama Troupe is Looking for Teens to be in their Performances

I have personally seen this group perform and the performance is very powerful. They performed for a conference/workshop I attended last summer and I can still remember the material they presented. At times, it was almost tough to hear or watch, but it was needed information and good for us to hear it. Children everywhere are being abused in a variety of ways and counselors, adults, peers....anyone, need to help stop the abuse. If any students from Carlisle are interested in acting, performing, or getting involved, they can speak to Mr. Barry or call the number listed below. Their is definitely a time commitment involved and a student has to be dedicated to learning their role in the performance. I would also advise both the student and the parents to review the material because it is very powerful, but is graphic in nature at times. It is pretty real when listening and watching, so I assume the performers are also very affected by the material they are presenting. This is a good opportunity any interested students, but it is not for everyone. If interested, let Mr. Barry know!

AUDITIONS

FOR

HOPE! DRAMA TROUPE

Tuesday May 10, 2011

4:00 p.m.

Central Campus

1800 Grand, Des Moines

PERFORMERS WANTED

Des Moines Area Teens (Grades 8-12) who like to perform and who care about social issues for the 10/11 season.

HOPE! Troupe is looking for members to perform a 30-minute play about child abuse prevention for middle and high schools in Polk County. The script deals with the prevention of child abuse, neglect, and other forms of violence. The troupe is under the guidance of professional directors, therapists and the Child Abuse Prevention Council. Troupe members will be expected to attend weekly rehearsals and a summer retreat scheduled for August. Troupe members will also help to write the play as well as perform. HOPE! Drama Troupe performs one day each month from November through May with a few after school performances.

Questions? Call the Child Abuse Prevention Council at 725-2682

Parent Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Middle School Social!

Parents....we are in need of several parent volunteers for our upcoming Middle School Social. This social is on April 15th from 7-9 p.m. and the theme is "Dress to Impress", so you will have the chance to see our middle school students dressed nicely and enjoying a spring social with lots of great music, food, and pop. We need parents to walk around and help us monitor the middle school students in the various areas of our social event. We would need you from about 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. and promise you the night will go quickly and you will enjoy your time with our middle schoolers. If you can help us out for a few hours next Friday, please contact Megan Wilshusen at megan.wilshusen@carlisle.k12.ia.us

Thank you!

Teen Trials Event: If you are a Parent, This Event is a Must!

Carlisle is hosting a very important night for our community, our families, our community, and most importantly our teens. It is called Today's Teen Trials and will give parents and students the latest information on drug and alcohol use, strategies to avoid these and help others avoid these, and give all of us a chance to hear from a powerful group of panelists. And it gets better! Everyone in attendance can come a little early and get a free meal from FISS. Plus, if you have small children, they can take advantage of our free day care that our own FCS teacher Katie Petty, her students, and the JEL/SADD group will be helping to provide. This is a night that is perfect for families and will be well worth your time. I cannot stress the importance of this event enough. As a counselor, I get scared seeing how quickly times are changing and how counselors, teachers, and parents are struggling to keep up with it all, let alone know how to help our students and children get through it all. We all need a little help or at least some accurate information. This one-night session will do just that. Please join me for this night where we begin to work together to help our kids grow up to be role models and help others fight off bad decisions.

Here are the details you need:

When: March 3, 2011. 5:30-6:30 is a free dinner, 6:30-8:00 is the speaker, panels, etc.

Where: Carlisle High School Commons/Auditorium. Some local vendors who have an interest in the topics will also have some informational booths set up.

What: 90 minutes of some powerful information to help our teens avoid bad drug and alcohol decisions. Some great guest speakers and panelists will be there to answer your questions and help you with your concerns.

Extras: Free dinner! Free childcare!!

How to register:

Go to this site by clicking here!!

Register!

If this doesn't work, email Jen Yates at jen.yates@carlisle.k12.ia.us

February: Biztown, Snack-N-Study Thursdays, Conferences, Oh My!

Parents of 6th graders....heads up! February is very busy for us and possibly for you as well. Here is a rundown of some things going on.

Parent/Teacher (and students?) conferences: Conferences start this week at the middle school. They are from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 17th. We will have a 2nd night of conferences on Monday, February 21st from 4-8 p.m. as well. We invite you to bring your child along as they can learn a lot from listening to what the teachers have to say. I will use my conference time to give you some JA Biztown updates.

Snack-N-Study Thursdays: Back by popular demand is Snack-N-Study Thursdays for 6th graders. This is geared for students who struggle to keep up with the homework, have low grades, or have failed a subject in a prior quarter. We began last week with 2 students and will not have it this week because of conferences. But starting Feb. 24th, we will meet every Thursday after school from 3:15-3:45 for the rest of the year. What is it? Well, it is an after school study hall run by me where I help students get organized, do their homework, and plan to raise their grades. We do some grade goal setting as well. We call it Snack-N-Study because I provide a snack and drink each and every Thursday. If interested, you can contact me by email or phone to learn more. I limit the numbers as I want to keep it as a good study atmosphere, but I am willing to take any student that has high interest in this idea, might be looking to get more involved, and/or has low grades or missing assignments. I also take teacher recommendations.

JA Biztown: The trip is still on for April 7th and 8th, but we need many more volunteers for April 8th. We are full for April 7th. If you want to know which day your child goes, just ask them...they should know. If they are going on April 8th, we could use your help as a parent volunteer. You will go the same day as your child but work in a different business. This is a great experience for kids and parents and I usually here more excitement from parents after the trip when compared to the kids...and that is saying a lot. Contact me if interested.

By the way....congratulations to our 2 Mayors and 2 Judges elected by their classmates for the JA Biztown field trip. Travis Johnston will be Mayor and Kaleb Reed will be Judge for our April 7th field trip. JJ Orput will be Mayor and Tif Piper will be Judge for our April 8th field trip. We also have over 25 students who applied for a CEO position and received it and are now managing their own business and employees everyday in class. These current and future leaders are doing great and having lots of fun!