Friday, March 27, 2015

Middle and High School Announcements

As we work toward a 1:1 student device initiative and integrating technology into instruction, we will be modeling this with our students. The photo below shows Mrs. Schultz broadcasting the weekly Wildcat Pride Chip drawing to a 7th grade class through Google Hangouts "On Air." The School District of Belleville will continue to pursue ways to incorporate technology into classrooms to effectively engage our students.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Rube Goldberg Machines

Mrs. Smith's Physical Science classes have recently been creating Rube Goldberg machines. Rube Goldberg machines are complicated devices designed to complete simple tasks, usually through a chain reaction. In the example below, Evan Reifert and and Owen Benash display their creation.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Belleville High School Youth Apprentice of the Month (Submitted by Mrs. Gartley)

Senior Elizabeth Erb has been excited about science since middle school, recognizing her teachers for opening her mind to vast career opportunities. Elizabeth is participating in the Youth Apprenticeship Biotechnology Program at Belleville High School. She is enrolled in a college level Biotechnology course one night each week and interviewed for and accepted a paid position as a Research Assistant at UW-Madison's School of Civil/Environmental Engineering. Elizabeth is mentored by PhD candidate Pamela Camejo and master's candidate Natalie Keene of the Noguera Research Group. Their lab studies ways to make water treatment plants more efficient.

Elizabeth, the daughter of Steve and Connie Erb, plans to attend UW-Madison in the fall to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering. One day, she would enjoy working as a lab researcher on studies to improve others' quality of life. Elizabeth will tell you that this program has expanded her knowledge, developed and refined technical skills, enlarged her professional network, built her savings account, and reassured her that science is her passion! For more information or to apply for this program, contact Teresa Gartley, School to Career Coordinator.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Desktop Publishing Guest Speaker (Submitted by Mr. Farrar)

On Wednesday, March 18, Mr. Farrar's Desktop Publishing class was visited by the owner of the New Glarus Culver's, Travis Ring, and the Art Director for Adams Outdoor, Evan Schultz. The students were able to witness a Creative Brief, led by Mr. Schultz, to develop ideas for Culver's next billboard. The students were challenged to develop the ideas utilizing the computer programs they have been learning about during the semester. Students will "pitch" their images to Mr. Ring in the weeks ahead. They were able to gain real life experience with an actual client. Not only was this opportunity educational, but the students enjoyed having the ability to put their creativity to work.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Chemistry Show Update!

Nicole Sanders and Lukas Diaz assisted Mrs.Smith in hosting the 2015 Chemistry Science Show. Twelve AP Chemistry students participated in the show with experiments ranging from "Ice and Fire" to "Elephant Toothpaste." The footage below shows Owen Medenwald performing his "Genie in a Bottle" experiment.

Middle School Stunts and Challenges PE Unit

Mr. Pamperin's middle school students recently concluded a unit involving stilts, unicycles, rope climbing, and juggling. These are the types of activities that make the experience in Belleville a unique one for students!

Monday, March 16, 2015

Whitney Brown: FFA Award Winner (Submitted by Mrs. Knudson)

On Monday (3-16), FFA members Clarice Loeffelholz, Whitney Brown, Rachel Elsing, and Adam Laufenberg attended a meeting of the Downtown Madison Kiwanis at The Madison Club. At this luncheon, Whitney Brown received the Louis M. Sasman award from the organization. One member from each FFA chapter in Dane County is chosen for this award based on their dedication and interest in the area of agriculture. Whitney will be graduating in June with plans to attend UW-River Falls to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine and is well-deserving of this award.  Congratulations Whitney!

Yahara River Writers' Contest Winners

Six Belleville Middle School students will have their work published in an upcoming edition for the Yahara River Writers' Contest. Jenna Shrader (7th Grade) and Dakota Benton (8th Grade) will have their short stories published. Jenna's is entitled "A Home for Christmas," while Dakota's is entitled "Shifting Trails." Emma Veeneman (7th Grade), Michelle Ayala (8th Grade), and) Abby Winterburn (8th Grade) will have their cartoons published. In addition, Hansi Bartle (7th Grade) will have her "Global Warming" editorial published as well. Congratulations to our talented Middle School writers!
From left to right: Michelle Ayala, Jenna Shrader, Dakota Benton, Hansi Bartle, Abby Winterburn, and Emma Veeneman

Thursday, March 12, 2015

"Cinderella" the Musical at the High School

The high school students put on their first formal performance of the musical "Cinderella" this afternoon for the Intermediate School students. The production will run Friday night at 7pm, Saturday night at 7pm, and Sunday afternoon at 2pm in the high school auditorium. Tickets are still available for all shows in the Main Office. Join us for this wonderful production!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

High School Forensics

The 2015 Belleville High School Forensics Team is the largest team assembled at BHS in over 20 years! This year's schedule of events includes:
  • Capitol Conference Meet on February 2nd
  • Sub-districts at Madison East on February 19th
  • Districts at Madison La Follette on March 19th
  • State at UW-Madison on April 17th
  • Fine Arts Night on April 15th

Monday, March 9, 2015

Construction Career Fair

Parents and determined students planning on a pursuing a career in the trades are invited to attend a Career Fair hosted by JP Cullen on April 30th in Janesville. The day is broken into morning and afternoon sessions with lunch served in between. Please refer to the flyer below for more detailed information. Contact Mrs. Gartley, the School-to-Career Coordinator, to reserve a spot on the bus.

February Students-of-the-Month

Congratulations to our Students-of the-Month for February! At the monthly pizza luncheon, students receive a certificate from their nominating teacher and movie tickets donated by Marcus Theaters. These students are role models for the Wildcat Way!
Front Row (from left to right):
Dana Zimmerman, Joey Sokol, Denise Rankin, Mikaela Steckelis, Anna Nolden, and Marissa Pindilli
Back Row (from left to right):
Brad DeShon, Jacob Hackman, Ryan Arbuckle, Cassidy York, and Jacob Shrader
Not Pictured:
Cole Myers and Zoey Whitehouse

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Students' Use of Social Media

As a parent of three (and soon to be four) girls, I see the use of social media as both an educator and as a parent. I frequently hear from my oldest daughter about the "drama" caused by a photo or comment made on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or Instagram. I remind her that nothing she posts should be something she wouldn't want to her grandma (Nana) to see or read. This keeps her interactions on social media safe and appropriate. If you have not had similar conversations with your middle and high school students (or it has been a while since the last discussion on this topic), please re-visit it. Once any kind of post is made, it allows others to screen-shot it. It is then out of their control forever, with repercussions and effects that may haunt them in the future.

For more information on this topic, start with:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/social-media/age/teens

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Capitol Conference Math Meet (Submitted by Mr. DeLorme)

The Junior Varsity Math Team came out on top at Monday's Capitol Conference Math Meet in Cambridge. Riley Medenwald had a perfect score of 30/30 and was the overall top individual competitor.
The Varsity Team took fourth place, missing second place by a minus sign. Chantel Roberts and Joey Sokol were in the top 8 individual competitors. The plaque that the varsity team is holding is from the fall meet. Mr. DeLorme says, "Our kids are special (and smart)!"

Monday, March 2, 2015

Second Youth Apprenticeship Program Student & Parent Meeting

Students & Parents

Reserve your spot to learn about the

Youth Apprenticeship Program
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
5:00-6:00 pm- Belleville High School, Room 507
( Family Consumer/Health Science Classroom) RSVP to gartleyt@belleville.k12.wi.us

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If you are unable to attend and want to familiarize yourself with Youth Apprenticeship visit the Dane County School Consortium Website http://www.dcsc.org/yap/  
  • You will find programs available, requirements to participate, testimonial videos from students who took part in youth apprenticeship, and all the needed forms to apply for the program.
  • Mrs. Gartley, school to career coordinator  is meeting with students by appointment during AA/RTI. See her if you can not make this meeting.

Many programs start at the beginning of the school year,  Students with job placements can begin gathering required hours over the summer. For the best opportunities, students wishing to be selected for this program will want to get their applications in to Mrs. Gartley no later than Monday, March 16th.

Youth Apprenticeship Programs to be Highlighted:
Engineering, Biotechnology,  Manufacturing, Auto Technician, Agriculture, Architecture, Graphic Arts, Construction, Finance and Accounting, Health Services, Hospitality/Tourism, Information Technology, Pharmacy Technician, Veterinary Technician