LENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEWSLETTER From the Desk of Mr. Pytleski November 30 th, 2018 New School Website is Live! Be sure to visit our new Lena Public School District website. It is the same web address at www.lena.k12.wi.us but has a great new look, many more user friendly features, and will be much more compatible with personal electronic and hand-held devices. 1 st Elementary Trimester Ends Friday, November 30 th marks the end of the 1 st Trimester for Elementary students and report cards will be sent home next week. This is the first year of switching to trimesters and it matches our progress monitoring schedule more effectively. Small Community, Great Opportunity! Holiday Concert Season Approaching We invite you to join us for our Holiday Concerts this Holiday Season. The Middle/High School will have a special Senior Citizen performance on Wednesday, December 12 th at 10:00am, but of course, all are welcome to join us. This will be followed by an evening concert on December 12 th at 7:30pm. Our Elementary School Concert will be on Friday, December 14 th at 1:30pm. New District Student-Transportation Vehicles The Lena Public School District recently upgraded our van fleet with these two new student-transportation vehicles. With our small sizes of student groups needing transportation, it is not very cost-effective to use large buses for small groups. These vans are a very safe and cost-effective alternative and they look great. - Ben J. Pytleski The Lena Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its educational program or activities or in employment.
In Driving, Smooth is Smart By John Knickerbocker, Driver Education Instructor A few years back, I had a new Wisconsin resident (formerly from Texas) ask me for advice on driving in the winter. I gave the same advice I do for all the Lena driver ed students, No sudden actions. Later that winter, that same person happened to see me and thanked me for my driving tip. But it happens every year. The first few snow falls, many drivers forget that one important strategy in driving is to do everything smooth. Smooth acceleration, braking, and steering are simply smart driving techniques. A heavy foot on the accelerator can not only cause issues on snow and ice, it can do it on dry pavement too. Getting your vehicle to move quickly means you gather speed faster leaving less time to react to potential hazards. You will also be more likely to have to brake hard. Of course, punching the gas pedal on slippery surfaces usually results in rear tire skidding and loss of steering control. Plus, in snow, it literally polishes the road s surface in that spot so the next time you are there, it will be even harder to take off. Try this. When you want to take off from a stop, smoothly press the pedal down only far enough to the same point you will have to keep your foot when you are cruising steadily at the maximum speed you want to travel. Waiting until the last moment to use your brakes, then braking hard causes issues in driving too. Often, it means over-shooting where you want to stop. Making a habit of hard braking also leaves you vulnerable to following vehicles. If they don t see your brake lights and have 3 to 4 seconds to react, they will more than likely hit your car from behind. Watch for situations like turns, stop signs, traffic lights, etc. Then decrease speed gradually. If there is someone behind you, tap the brake pedal a coupe of times to activate your brake lights so they know you are slowing. Sudden steering (swerving) can cause you to lose some, or all your ability to control your vehicle. After swerving, most often you will have to compensate to get back on you intended path of travel. Of course, if you add slippery conditions like snow, ice, frost, wet leaves, mud, etc., that means you will likely go into a skid. And contrary to what most folks think, 4-wheel drive on a slippery surface is no better than 2-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is mainly helpful in deep snow or off-road conditions. If you want to avoid running your vehicle into a ditch, colliding with a guardrail, or hitting another car, do yourself a favor. Use the brakes, accelerator, and steering wheel smoothly. Not only will you reduce your chances of a crash, you will also save money by using less fuel and putting much less wear and tear on your tires, brake parts, and suspension. That s why we say Smooth is Smart when it comes to driving. Drive careful out there!
13 Colonies Plays The fifth grade students are studying the 13 colonies in Mrs. Aubry s Social Studies class. They recently practiced and performed plays for some of the other classes in the elementary. They took the parts of some of the founders of these early colonies and acted out the events that led to these areas becoming part of the English colonies in North America. The students had fun making props and acting in these plays. It was a fun way to learn about our nation s start.
Lena Wildcat Youth Wrestling 2018-2019 If your child would like to participate in the youth wrestling program (k-5 th grade), we will be having our first practice on Monday, December 10 th in the multi-purpose room at 5:30-6:30. Before your child will be eligible to participate a parent or guardian must attend this practice. We will be discussing the upcoming season and expectations of the wrestlers and parents. As always, we are looking for more committee members, if you are interested in helping make this program a success, please join us!!! If you have a conflict with the first practice time, please contact Chad Misco 829-5244 to make alternative arrangements to receive all the information that is discussed and distributed at the parent meeting. Thank you for your participation in advance, The Wildcat Wrestling Committee
Upcoming Lunch Menu Dec 3 Dec 4 Dec 5 Dec 6 Dec 7 Oatmeal Bake Mixed Fruit Muffins Peaches Egg/Ham/Cheese Pineapple Yogurt Applesauce French Toast Sticks Strawberries Spaghetti Hamburger Garlic Toast Green Beans Lettuce Salad Fresh Veggie Tray Mixed Fruit Tacos Brat Nachos Refried Beans Corn Lettuce Peaches Orange Chicken Deli Ham Mashed Potatoes Rice Broccoli Cauliflower Pineapple Subs Scallop Potatoes Cream Corn Lettuce/Tomato Applesauce Tomato or Chicken Soup Toasted Cheese Hash Browns Veggie Beans Fresh Veggie Tray Strawberries Mixed Berries Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec 14 Bagels Peaches Muffins Pineapple Breakfast Squares Applesauce Yogurt Mandarin Oranges Ham/Egg/Cheese Pears Chicken Wrap Deli Ham Nachos Refried Beans Corn Lettuce Peaches Teriayki Chicken Stir Fry Breaded Pork Chop Seasoned Rice Breadsticks Stir Fry Vegetables Fresh Veggie Tray Pineapple Pizza Dippers Pulled Pork AuGratin Potatoes Fresh Veggie Tray Lettuce Salad Apple Sauce Chicken Nuggets Grilled Chicken Tri-Tators Baked Potatoes Cauliflower Mixed Vegetables Mandarin Oranges Hot Dog Hamburger Mac & Cheese Cabbage Salad Veggie Beans Fresh Veggie Tray Pears