BE WARY OF ACADEMIC DISTRACTIONS

Some students become distracted during the deer hunting season and the looming holidays.  Sadly, in the past, we have had too many students fall behind in their assignments during deer hunting season and continue to lose their academic footing during the holidays.  Some students delude themselves believing they have sufficient time after the holidays to improve their academic performance and their grades.  In fact, after the holidays, we have just twelve days of classes before the start of semester exams on January 20.  This leaves precious little time for students to improve their grades making it important for all students to maintain a consistent effort during deer hunting season and the holidays.  If not, first semester grades suffer. Thus, it is critical for all students to maintain their academic focus during the holiday season. 

Semester grades alone determine if students earn credit in their courses.  Beyond credits, the semester grades are used to calculate the grade point average which, in turn, affects class rank.  Finally, semester grades are the permanent grades that appear on the permanent transcript which is viewed by colleges and potential employers alike.  Please remind and encourage your child to avoid the distractions they are likely to encounter in the coming weeks.  Use Family Access to stay current with your child’s progress in school, and stay in touch with teachers as necessary.  We don’t want students to have any regrets when final grades are posted in January.    

SEMESTER ONE EXAMS

The first semester exam schedule will follow the exam schedule for last year.  First semester exams will be held on January 20, 21, and 22.  Periods 1, 2, and 3 exams will be given on January 20; periods 4 & 6 on January 21; and periods 7 & 8 on January 22.  The exams will start each morning at 7:25 a.m.  Students will be dismissed after the final exam each day.  Students are required to take all semester exams regardless of the grade they are receiving in class because exam days count as school days.  Students do not have to be at school if they are scheduled for study hall during a given period.  If a student is unable to take the semester exams due to a preplanned absence, please send a note with your student addressed to Mr. Frinzi with the date(s) and reason for absence.  Students who miss any semester exams must arrange a time that is convenient to both the teacher and the student to makeup the missed exam.

HUHS GRADS & UW-WHITEWATER GRADS CLASS OF 2009

Frequently, we wonder how our students perform at the post secondary level.  This data is not readily available from most colleges and universities.  Many high schools boast of  the number of students who enroll  in colleges and universities , but rarely is that data accompanied by the success rate of those students in college.  We have received  some very favorable reports from UW-Whitewater regarding the performance of our grads who are now attending or have attended Whitewater. 

• Last spring, 18 HUHS graduates earned a diploma from UW-Whitewater. 
• Four HUHS grads graduated Cum Laude from UW-Whitewater in 2009. 
• Two HUHS grads graduated Magna Cum Laude from UW-Whitewater in 2009.
•  Two HUHS grads graduated  Summa Cum Laude from UW-Whitewater in 2009.  
• 8 of the 18 HUHS grads who earned a degree from Whitewater  in 2009 graduated with honors.

HUHS CLASS OF 2008 AS UW-WHITEWATER FRESHMEN, FALL 2008

Whitewater has also provided us with a profile of HUHS graduates who were freshmen in the fall of 2008.  Like the graduation data, this data is a very positive reflection of HUHS students. 

• 21 out of 22 UWW freshmen from HUHS completed the fall 2008 term.  One student withdrew.
• The 21 HUHS grads who completed the fall semester all registered for the spring term.
• 100% of the HUHS grads completed the fall semester in good standing.  This compares with 80% of all UWW freshmen who completed the fall term in good standing.  
• The average cumulative GPA for HUHS  grads was 3.20 compared to 2.75 for UWW freshmen.  
• 10 UWW freshmen from HUHS grads were ranked in the top quarter of the their high school class here, and their average  GPA at UWW was 3.23.
• 11 UWW freshmen from HUHS grads were ranked in the second quarter of their high school class here, and those students actually had a higher average GPA, 3.25, than those in the top quarter of their class at HUHS.   
• UWW freshmen from HUHS earned 36 A’s, 15 B’s, and 5 C’s.  

This data serves as testament to the quality of education offered at HUHS.  We  are certainly proud to call these students HUHS grads.  Their performance at UWW speaks for itself.

H1N1 VACCINATIONS AT HUHS CANCELLED

As you probably know the H1N1 vaccine distribution has not gone as planned.  The supply of vaccine is still uncertain.  To be equitable, all previously planned school based clinics have been canceled by the Washington County Health Department.  This means students will not be vaccinated at HUHS.  The Health Department is following state and federal public health guidelines for vaccine distribution.  Please check the Health Department website (www.co.washington.wi.us/chn) frequently for any changes in the distribution plans.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING H1N1 VACCINATIONS

• Children under 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign the Administration Form
• If you have an egg allergy you are NOT able to get the vaccine.
• If you have a fever over 100 degrees on the day of the clinic, you are NOT able to get the vaccine. Once your fever is gone you can be vaccinated.
• Those eligible for nasal mist will NOT be given injectable vaccine if nasal mist is available. Conservation of injectable vaccine is critical.
• Check the Health Department website for up to date vaccine clinic schedules as they are subject to change with short notice at www.co.washington.wi.us/chn

H1N1 VACCINATION PRIORITY TARGET GROUPS

• Pregnant women
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged 6 months and younger
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
• Children 6 months-4 years of age
• Children and adolescents aged 5-18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

TENTATIVE H1N1 VACCINATION DATES

Tuesday, December 1, from 1-7pm (or until vaccine gone)

Washington County Fair Park - Pavilion

Check the website after Monday November 30 for cancellation

Thursday & Monday, December 3 & 7, from 3-8pm at Health Department R1113 Monday, December 14, from 9am—7pm at Health Department R1113

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2010-1011 SCHOOL YEAR

Hartford Union High School will start the 2010-2011 school year on Wednesday, September 1, 2010.  Wisconsin State Statutes state that public schools cannot begin prior to the first day of September of any given school year.  With an early start, pending snow days or any other unexpected closure of school, we are hoping to end the school year on June 10, 2011.  Please keep this in mind as we approach the next school year.

OUTSIDE FOOD SERVICE FOR STUDENTS

Due to liability and contamination issues, parents and/or students are not allowed to bring in food for a group of students during lunch time.  This includes parent drop off, business drop off, or a student bringing the food to share with their friends.  Parents may drop off lunch for their student only.  Any questions, please contact your student’s Associate Principal.

FRENCH FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS         

I want to thank all those involved in the French Foreign Exchange Program.  Especially, the teachers involved in arranging the exchange, Ms. Loebel and Ms. Piittmann from HUHS; the families who hosted the students and teachers; and the HUHS staff who welcomed the students into their classrooms.  Thank you to all who participated in the exchange.

EARLY RELEASE DAY – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 @ 12 P.M.

Please note that Dr. Kremer writes a monthly article for the newspaper and it is posted on the WEB at www.huhs.org under Kremer’s Korner, rather than including in the INVOLVE newsletter.

PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

Please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook as a source of information throughout the school year.  There is a handy search feature to help you find the specific information you need in a timely manner.  The HUHS Parent & Student Handbook can be found on the HUHS website.

The handbook contains general information as well as attendance, disciplinary, and academic information.  HUHS does have a limited number of hard copies of the Parent/Student Handbook available in the Attendance Office.

SPECTATOR GUIDELINES AT CO-CURRICULAR EVENTS

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has issued some guidelines for spectators regarding the use of laser pointers, banners, confetti, tape decks, recorded music, amplifying equipment, and noisemakers at co-curricular events.  Hartford Union High School follows all WIAA rules at all of their home events.

• Laser pointers are not allowed at any HUHS event.  Any individual using a laser pointer will be ejected from the event.

• Banners, pom-pons, pennants, etc., are allowed at co-curricular events as long as such items are not derogatory, obscene, hazardous, block spectators’ views or pose a problem in terms of clean-up.  All banners must be stationary with the exception of ‘breakthroughs”.
• Paper confetti is prohibited.
• Recorded music – Lyrics may not be offensive or profane.  Recorded music is allowed before and after contests, during warm-ups, between periods or during time-outs.  It is not allowed during playing action or brief pauses during playing action (between pitches, plays, assessing penalties/fouls/infractions).  Tape decks and related amplifying equipment must be approved by the Director of Co-Curriculars, Mr. Schlitt, if they are to be used.
• Noisemakers - Airhorns, whistles, and devices which simulate gunfire (cannons, cap pistols, etc.) are not allowed. Noisemakers may not be used during play action time.  Noisemakers such as cow bells are not prohibited unless they interfere with the orderly progress of the event.  Game officials may request they be removed.  Game management may also remove noisemakers if they find them excessively loud.

Failure to comply with the above guidelines could result in removal from the co-curricular event.

HUHS EVENTS CALENDAR NOW ONLINE

This year, the HUHS Co-Curricular Office has a new website for all co-curricular/school events for the year.  The calendar includes sporting events, academic and musical events, and an up-to-date school calendar.  Go to the HUHS website, www.huhs.org, then Events Calendar on the left side of the website.  The events for the day are listed on the calendar.  You may select a specific co-curricular calendar, such as girls basketball or forensics, and see the entire season schedule for the activity or choose ‘Early Release Day’ which will list all of the Early Release Days this school year.  The cancellation of events will be posted on this website as soon as they are announced.  The posting is done by the ‘home’ team/school so Hartford is not always responsible for posting the event. 

You can subscribe to be notified of the events/cancellations by signing up on the website.  The calendar, both as a whole and individual teams, can be downloaded to your computer, iPod, etc.  Several choices are available in the advance view area of the events calendar.  Eventually, maps with directions will also be posted on this website. 

Printed pocket calendars of the sporting events will be available soon in the HUHS Main Office or Co-Curricular Office.

UW-MADISON FRESHMAN CLASS OF 2009 PROFILE

This year the Office of Admissions has once again built an extraordinary freshman class.  While all numbers are still unofficial, some points of interest from UW-Madison include:

• They received 24,855 applications and enrolled 5,700 talented students.  Their admit rate was 57 percent and their yield was 41 percent.
• Seventy-one of 72 Wisconsin counties are represented in this year’s freshman class, and they brought students from 44 states and D.C.
• They have continued to build a freshman class of high achievers:  57 percent are in the top ten percent of their graduating class, their class rank falls between the 86-96 percentile, and their mean ACT score is 28.
• The freshman class is made up of 60 percent Wisconsin residents, 53 percent women, 11 percent students of color, and 5 percent international students.  It also includes 1,177 first-generation college students.

smartSTART SESSIONS at MATC/MEQUON CAMPUS – RECEIVE $30 FEE WAIVER

(Information received from MATC Mequon Campus)

These fast-paced one hour introductory sessions are for people who are beginning to make decisions about college.  Learn about admissions, registration, counseling, financial aid, academic programs and classes including our many four year college transfer options.  Parents of prospective students are welcome.  You can apply for MATC degree/diploma program admission at these sessions.  No fee for admission application if you bring a copy of your official high school transcript.  If the program requires a Criminal Background Check, students must also submit either a $15.00 Money Order or personal check.  Students should call Ms. Dorothea Macon, MATC Recruitment specialist.

Reserve your spot today.  Sessions fill quickly.  Please let them know in advance which one you plan to attend.  Simply call 262-238-2446 and provide your name, phone number, date and the number of people attending.  The dates for the upcoming sessions are listed below.

FALL 2009 SESSION (held in room A202)

SPRING SESSION 2010 (held in room A131)

All applications (copy of on-line applications and hand written applications) should be forwarded to Ms. Dorothea Macon.  Files cannot be submitted without fees, the application or the transcripts.  If you have any questions, please call her at 414-297-MATC. 

TECHNICAL COLLEGE ….GET THE FACTS!

MYTH:  To be successful in today’s world, you need a four-year degree.

FACT:  Moraine Park and other technical colleges offer many technical diplomas and associate degrees with high-skilled, high-paying career outcomes.  Today, 50% of all jobs require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four year degree. 

TOP FIVE SALARIES OF MORAINE PARK GRADS

*Entry Level Salaries

Myth:  It doesn’t matter if I wait a year or two to go to college – I’d rather work full-time.

Fact:  On average, students who obtain an associate’s degree or technical diploma earn two to three times more in their lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma.  The longer you delay college, the longer you delay your real earning power.

Myth:  No one in my family has gone to college before.  I’m going to be one of the only students in this situation.

FACT:  Many students at Moraine Park are first-generation college students.  That doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage.  Moraine Park’s small class sizes along with exceptional support services and opportunities to get involved ensure student success.  Also, as the job market continues to change, many jobs that require a high school diploma may no longer exist in just a few short years.  Moraine Park can help you prepare for the job market of the future.

Myth:  Moraine Park doesn’t look at my high school grades or the classes I took to get admitted because it’s easier than a real college.

Fact:  Technical college courses are as rigorous as those at two or four year colleges.  The admission process may not require specific high school courses or have a minimum GPA; however, many majors require that a certain skill level be met in order to begin general college education courses or program-specific classes.  Take time to build these skills in high school to better prepare for college.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY TUTORS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS

National Honor Society will be providing tutors during study hall time.  Students can sign up in the Counseling Office to work with a tutor. 

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION CEREMONY

The National Honor Society held their Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m.  Dinner preceded the 7:30 p.m. ceremony.  Seniors and juniors need a cumulative 3.5 GPA to be considered.  The following students were inducted into the National Honor Society:

Congratulations to the above students for their academic achievement. Questions about NHS can be directed to Mr. Gehring at extension 219.

FRESHMAN INFO

FRESHMAN CONFERENCES CONTINUE

This is a reminder to freshman parents that conferences with counselors, freshman, and their parents will continue until December 21.  If you have not already done so, freshman parents are asked to please make it a priority to contact the Counseling Office at 262-670-3200, ext. 215, to set up an appointment.

Discussions during the meetings are helpful in gaining a clear understanding of academic expectations and career information.  Typically sessions last between 50-60 minutes.  Parent involvement is crucial in helping to ensure that all that freshman get off to a good start in high school.

SOPHOMORE INFO

PLAN (PRE-ACT TEST)

Sophomores who are considering attending college are strongly encouraged to take the optional PLAN (pre-ACT test) which will be given Thursday, December 10.  Materials will be distributed in Biology class.  If your sophomore does not have Biology, they can pick up materials in the Counseling Office.  The cost for the test is $15.00.

This test provides insights into college readiness, career assessment, and assists students with college planning and gives a projected score of the ACT test.  Counselors will interpret the results during 5th hour study halls in February.

JUNIOR INFO

P-SAT TEST

In October, over 100 juniors participated in the P-SAT Test.  The group displayed a commendable effort.  Counselors will offer test interpretations during 5th hour study halls once test results are returned.

SENIOR INFO

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

This is a reminder that seniors should have submitted college applications or be in the process of doing so.  Many colleges set priority deadlines for admissions for early December. Any students who need assistance can email their counselor with questions, or make an appointment for further support.  When applications are turned into Counseling, an official transcript is then sent in for the student.

POST HIGH SCHOOL PLANNING OPTIONS

Did you know that some four year colleges will accept all credits from the two year associate degree programs at Moraine Park.  Students will be able to transfer in to those four year schools as a junior.  Please refer to the website www.morainepark.edu/pages/1580.asp. for more information.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

The HUHS Counseling Office has financial aid information available for parents and students from the speaker at the financial aid session presented the night of Parent Teacher Conferences.  Please check in the Counseling Office for this information and scholarships as the applications become available.

CAREER SPEAKERS/COLLEGE REPS

This is a reminder for Juniors and Seniors to check announcements on line or on the bulletin boards and posters at school regarding information about career speakers and college reps.  Students need to sign up ahead of time for both career speakers and college reps.

TOP 5 THINGS THAT BOTHER KIDS THE MOST

By Gregory Ramey/printed in Milwaukee Journal

Here are the five things that seem to bother kids the most about how we treat them:

• Lack of attention – Kids of any age want to be noticed and, generally, attention from us is what they are after.  Teens are difficult to interpret, since they still need and want our engagement but on their terms, not ours.  Kids get bothered when we routinely place work, spouse, social commitments, hobbies, or anything else in front of them.  They want to be our top priority, even at times they shouldn’t.
• Inconsistency – Kids may say they don’t like or need our rules but they don’t really mean it.  What bothers them is when our expectations are ambiguous and applied in an unpredictable manner.  Youngsters complain that they don’t know what will get them in trouble, since their parents behave in ways that seem more impulsive than thoughtful.  This results in anxious kids who behave poorly.  Since they cannot reliably predict their parents’ responses, toddlers yell and scream and teens text while driving.
• Rules without reason – Perhaps as a backlash to the perceived permissiveness of previous generations, many parents are assuming a more authoritarian role with their children.  Kids find that approach very aggravating.  Parents shouldn’t confuse understanding with agreement.  It is not necessary for your child to concur with everything you do, but you should help them understand the rationale behind your thinking.  Have them restate back to you the reasoning behind your expectations.
• Personal parental problems – Many kids live in homes with parents who abuse drugs or alcohol, suffer from severe depression or other mental disorders., have serious financial problems or conduct secret extramarital affairs.  Kids don’t understand this stuff and parents make it worse by trying to shield their children from such issues.  Youngsters in such families live in an unstable and tumultuous world.  They have little understanding of why their parents are acting in hurtful and harmful ways.  Kids frequently try to protect parents from themselves, efforts that are inevitably unsuccessful.  Internet affairs have become the latest worry for kids, as teens become acutely aware of the parents’ marital infidelity.
• Over-protectiveness – Almost all kids feel they are capable of doing more things than their parents allow.  Fueled by the images of 24-hour cable bad-news reports, parental anxieties have produced a generation of indoor obese kids whose outdoor activities are under constant surveillance of GPS systems and parental text reminders.  While the facts indicate the American kids are growing up in the safest time in history, it just doesn’t feel that way to most parents.  Kids resent being oversupervised and underrespected.  They want their parents to lighten up and allow them to experience life and learn how to independently deal with problems. 

(Gregory Ramey is a child psychologist and vice president for outpatient services at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, Ohio)

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

Congratulations to Alaina Schaefer who was selected as the freshman class representative by her fellow freshmen on Student Council.

Hartford will be hosting the Student Council Regional Fall Conference November 19 in Brookfield.  Melissa Tweedale and Sarah Kangas will be co-chairs of the event.  The following Student Council members will be missing school that day to assist with the regional.

HOLIDAY GIVING TREE

A Holiday Giving Tree was placed in the hallway outside of the Counseling Office during Parent Teacher Conferences.  The tree contained 50 tags with ‘wish items’ for Christmas.  Forty of these tags were taken by parents that evening.  Thank you to those who are helping make this a brighter Christmas for needy families in the area.  Trees are located in the Counseling Office and the Main Office if any students/families are interested in obtaining a gift tag.  More tags have been added to the trees.

Gifts are to be brought in a bag, unwrapped, with the request tag attached, to the HUHS Counseling Office during school hours by December 10 or to the Hartford Town Hall on Saturday AM, December 12.

NETWORK SERVICE OUTAGE

In an effort to dispel any myths or rumors surrounding our recent network service outage, I'd like to share with you the details of this incident, along with it's very serious nature.

The root cause of the problem was a very complex piece of hardware called a SAN (Storage Area Network), which was purchased and installed over the summer months. It serves as a shared storage area for most of our District's servers. The SAN has been designed with several backup hard drives that serve as a fail-safe in the case that one or more hard drives would fail on our servers. Hard drive failure was not the problem.

The problem lies in the firmware (software) that controls the way the SAN interacts with data storage and transfer. The firmware unexpectedly, and at this time, unexplainably began corrupting data on numerous servers, the effects of which are still being felt. Firmware is not software that technical end-users would or should ever interact with. Manufacturers of high-end network hardware are usually the only stakeholder that would interact or modify the firmware. We are working closely with the network engineering partner that assisted in the installation of the SAN, along with HP, the manufacturer of the SAN to determine why the data corruption occurred.

Literally every server, except for two seldom-used servers and three servers that host Skyward applications were completely corrupted and needed to be rebuilt from scratch. All data from those servers was lost and needed to be restored from our most recent backups. Unfortunately, restoring entire servers from backups is not a simple or straightforward task. We've encountered numerous difficulties along the way, the most serious of which was the inability to recover student email accounts.

All HUHS students and staff have been notified of the of the loss of student email account information. If expected to submit work to a teacher through their email account, students were urged to discuss the issue with their teacher(s) directly as soon as possible.

We are aware of a couple of lingering issues from this very serious incident and will continue to work to remedy any additional issues that rear their ugly head. The integrity of our most critical systems is currently stable and we'll continue to ensure that the disruption of student learning is limited as much as possible.

We sincerely apologize for this incident and will do whatever we can to avoid a similar situation in the future,

Chad Behnke

Supervisor of Technology Services

ATTENDANCE PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS

Direct line to the Attendance Office:  262.673-8945

Fax number for Attendance & Main Office:  262.673-8943

DEER HUNTING ABSENCES/ANTICIPATED ABSENCES

HUHS students who plan to be absent from school to go deer hunting are advised to obtain an Anticipated Absence Form from the Attendance Office as soon as possible.  This form must be obtained from the Attendance Office at least 3 days prior to the absence and requires a note from a parent in order to obtain the form.  The form must be signed by the student’s teachers and returned to the Attendance Office prior to leaving for hunting.  Failure to return the form before leaving for deer hunting will result in the absence being considered one of the six regular absences allowed for the for the semester, each day that they are gone.

The Anticipated Absence form is not limited to deer hunting absences alone and can be used for any absence for which you can notify the Attendance Office three (3) or more school days in advance of the absence.  There is a limit of 10 Anticipated Absences for each period through the entire school year.

If you have any questions regarding attendance or wish to report an absence, please call the Attendance Office directly at (262) 673-8945.

WORLD LANGUAGE - FRENCH FOREIGN STUDENT EXCHANGE

From October 12 to 22, HUHS had the honor of hosting 17 students and 2 teachers from our sister school in southern France.  This pilot program, called the Memorandum of Understanding, was developed under the auspices of the Department of Public Instruction, World Language Department.  HUHS is one of twelve schools in the state of Wisconsin which was chosen to participate in this partnership program, and will hopefully be instrumental in helping to develop increased global awareness and collaboration between our two regions.  The unique nature of this program allows the students to interact and experience the culture of our partner region by allowing them to live with a host family and to attend the partner school.   As part of their stay here, our guests attended school and school functions such as Homecoming activities, as well as toured local businesses and establishments.  They also had the opportunity to visit areas of interest in Southeastern Wisconsin and Chicago.  Some of the highlights were carving pumpkins for the first time, visiting their first baseball stadium at Miller Park, touring the capitol in Madison and experiencing the Chicago skyline by water and Skydeck.  A singular opportunity for them was the Native American presentation given by Herb Heck, Moni Stillwater and friends.  Judging by the amount of tears and hugs at departure time, the exchange was an overwhelming success.  Plans are already in the works for our eagerly awaited return visit in the spring of 2010.

We would like to thank the following students and their families who for hosting these students:

Elizabeth Szczerbinski (Jeffrey & Christine Szczerbinski)

Jessica Olynick (Brent & Valerie Olynick)

Kenlei Cowell (Gilbert & Lora Cowell)

Justine Keller (Chuck & Vicki Keller)

Caitlin Conroy (Deborah Moss)

Amanda Brooks (David & Rebecca Brooks)

Dana Kornbeck (Jorgen & Barb Kornbeck)

Michael Burns (Pamela & Chris Burns)

Emily Gruber (Laura & Erick Gruber)

Nicholas Dubey (Christopher & Mary Dubey)

Hannah Roliff (Liz Gauper & Timothy Roliff)

Kayla Kraemer (Ken & Kelly Kraemer)

Molly Stapleton (Dan Stapleton)

Eli Jaskowiak (Sherry & Francis Jaskowiak)

Kristen Pionke (Ronald & Bonnie Pionke)

Polly Dalton (Steven & Kathryn Dalton)

Cassidy Tyrpak (Edward & Michele Tyrpak)

Thank you for opening your home to our French foreign exchange students.

WORLD-CLASS GUEST SPEAKER VISITS CULINARY & HOSPITLAITY CLASSES

The Family & Consumer Education department recently had the extreme privilege of learning from Executive Chef Nicolas Tshikis who currently works for Alto-Shaam in Menomonee Falls.  Chef Tshikis shared his humble beginnings and described how his hard work has made him into the person he is today.  Starting with a few hundred dollars, Chef Tshikis came to America with a background in engineering and very little knowledge of the English language.  He began working in a kitchen to earn a living and his passion for learning has kept him constantly diversifying his repertoire, which not only includes all aspects of culinary arts, but also sand, snow and ice carving and many other hobbies such as hunting and martial arts.  He has worked in medium to large hotels and at one point had nearly 400 people working underneath him in the kitchen of a 2,000 room hotel.  He has won many awards over the years and is also proud to have been chosen to prepare the birthday cake for Hubert H. Humphrey many years ago.  Currently, he speaks five languages fluently and bits and pieces of a few more languages that he has picked up over time.  He has traveled all over the world primarily training other Executive Chefs and helping companies such as Marriot open up hotels in new locations.  Although Chef Tshikis came to Hartford Union High School to share with our students knowledge of knife care and types of cutting used in food preparation, we learned so much more from him by listening to his stories.  Chef Tshikis strongly encouraged our students to keep learning, to keep asking questions and to keep developing ourselves as a person through education and trying new things.  Perhaps best of all, he has agreed to come back in the spring to work with our advanced Culinary students in the art of Garde Manger.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT/DISTRICT SOLOS & ENSEMBLES - HELP WANTED

The Hartford Union High School Music Dept. will host the District Solo and Ensemble Festival on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  Many adult volunteers will be needed to make this day a success.  Please mark your calendars and consider volunteering.  Contact Mr. Dave Vandermeuse or Mrs. Joyce Malloy for more information.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The school board took the step of increasing the graduation requirement to 3 credits last year to give our students the best chance to compete in an increasingly competitive world.  In addition, we eliminated the Freshman Science course and are requiring all Freshman to take Biology. Planning is being done to add courses for students in grades 10 through 12 which will fulfill the needs of students regardless of which pathway they choose. 

Science has a solid college prep and AP curriculum featuring AP Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Physics.  Former students frequently compliment the department regarding their preparation for college. 

With the increase in graduation credit requirements, the Science Department is now working to ensure students who are not going into a science career have interesting classes to take for their final 2 science credits.  With this in mind, a proposed new year long Applied Chemistry course (features thematic units and less math than the current Advanced Standing Chemistry course) is awaiting HUHS Board approval for the 2010-2011 school year.  A semester long Earth Science course has also been proposed and is awaiting Board approval for the 2010-2011 school year. 

As the world of science is always changing and growing the Hartford Union High School science department  tries to do the same.

AAUW/ROTARY STUDENTS FOR NOVEMBER

The American Association of University Women and the Rotarians collaborate to honor outstanding students from the senior class each month.  Criteria is based on scholarship, leadership, character, and co-curricular/volunteering.  Congratulations to the 2010 November AAUW/Rotary Students of the Month:

Olivia Algiers

Michael Burns

Joseph Cardamone

OCTOBER 2009 HUHS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Hannah Bessey – Hannah was selected for an HUHS Student of the Month Award by her World Language teacher, Ms. Piittmann.  Hannah is a hard worker and an enthusiastic learner.  She is a very kind young lady and always puts in her best effort.  Ms. Piittmann enjoys having Hannah in her class.  Congratulations Hannah!  We are proud to you were selected as an HUHS outstanding student!

Justin Schmidt – Justin was selected for an HUHS Student of the Month Award by his chemistry teacher, Mr. Zimmer.  Justin has made tremendous progress in Mr. Zimmer’s chemistry class.  He overcame initial struggles and increased his average dramatically during the most recent 2 chapters.  Congratulations Justin!  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Erika Danelski – Mr. Zimmer, Erika’s chemistry teacher, selected Erika for an HUHS Student of the Month Award.  Erika has consistently achieved excellence in chemistry last year and in Honors Chemistry II now.  She always has the highest level of understanding and comes to class with a positive attitude.  Congratulations Erika!  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Kyle Krebs – Kyle was selected for an HUHS Student of the Month Award by his Biology teacher, Ms. Francis.  Kyle completes outstanding work on projects, contributes great ideas to class discussion, and displays respect for everyone in the classroom.  Kyle strives for academic excellence which is reflected in the grade he has earned this quarter.  Ms. Francis stated he is “overall a great student to have in class.”  Congratulations Kyle!  We are proud you were selected as an HUHS outstanding student!

Kaitlin Morris – Ms. Geipel, Kaitlin’s AP Econ teacher, selected Kaitlin for an HUHS Student of the Month Award.  Katie took the AP Econ class as a recommendation from a previous AP student.  Her enthusiasm for the content and her achievements have soared the last three weeks as she learns the material connects with her learning style.  Katie is working diligently on keeping her high scores and she adds a bright spot to Ms. Geipel’s day.  Ms. Geipel really enjoys having Katie in class and so do her peers.  Congratulations – you are a World Class student!

Kelly Bates – The Counseling Office selected Kelly for a Student of the Month Award.  Kelly assists in the Counseling Office as a student helper and does an outstanding job.  She is conscientious and hardworking and is a pleasure to have around the office.  Congratulations – keep up the good work!

Amanda Abel – The Counseling Office selected Amanda for a Student of the Month Award.  Amanda does outstanding work assisting in the Counseling Office as a student helper.  Amanda is hardworking and very conscientious of her work.  She is a pleasure to have working in the office.  Congratulations – keep up the good work!

Erin Sullivan – Erin was selected for a Student of the Month Award by the Math Department.  Erin’s homework is extremely thorough and very well organized.  She asks very reflective questions and provides thoughtful solutions to problems.  She is earning an A+ in the course by scoring perfectly on all of the assessments.  Congratulations – keep up the good work Erin!

Caitlin Conroy – Caitlin was selected for a Student of the Month Award by her Creative Writing teacher, Ms. Oliver.  Caitlin is a very descriptive and imaginative writer.  Congratulations Caitlin!  Keep up the good work!

Heidi Krill – Ms. Weise, Heidi’s Advanced Creative Writing teacher, selected her for a Student of the Month Award.  Heidi displays a great sense of humor in her writing and uses tone well in her writing pieces.  Congratulations Heidi!  Keep up the good work!

Jacob Lind – Jacob was selected by Business Ed teachers Ms. Kutz and Ms. Danay.  Jacob has gone above and beyond  in the B.I.T. Department this year, helping out on his own time and being an awesome “Executive Assistant” to Ms. Kutz and Ms. Danay.  Jacob also volunteered to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Stephanie Higgins – Stephanie was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Samantha Goeller – Samantha was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Samantha Boyles – Samantha was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Polly Dalton – Polly was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Olivia Algiers - Olivia was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Nicole Kreutzer – Nicole was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Michael Burns – Michael was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Melanie Gerrits – Melanie was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Melanie Fair – Melanie was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Elizabeth Horning – Liz was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Kara Brenholt – Kara was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Joshua Peschek – Josh was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Joseph Cardamone – Joe was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Jeff Bartlein – Jeff was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Hans Hermann – Hans was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Eryn Augustin – Eryn was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Erika Comdohr – Erika was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Emmalee Bauer – Emmalee was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Ella Singh – Ella was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Danielle Wiedmeyer – Dani was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Cody Klink – Cody was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Carie Fantl – Carie was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Brian Klipstein – Brian was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Brandon Mantel – Brandon was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Rebecca Mader – Becca was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Ashley Tietgen – Ashley was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Anna Uecker – Anna was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Amanda Sternig – Amanda was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Alivia Fenney – Alivia was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Alexander Kraft – Alex was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Alex Gutschenritter – Alex was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Abby Dickerson – Abby was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Abigail Day – Abigail was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Alexander Wolf – Alexander was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Elizabeth Lang – Elizabeth was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Patrick Betts – Patrick was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

Kenlei Cowell – Kenlei was selected as a Student of the Month for volunteering to help with the ‘Freshman Mixers’ activities and workshops on the mornings of the WKCE testing.  Thank you for helping with this large project.  You are an outstanding HUHS student!

HUHS STUDENT SERVICE TO SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

We are proud of our HUHS Students who generously participate in many community/school service projects at HUHS and throughout our community and appreciate the work they do.  The State of Wisconsin requires HUHS to report “Service to School and Community” activities done by our students.  We will try to keep you informed of the school/community service work of our students, clubs, athletic teams, etc.  Should we miss an event, we apologize.  Our students are very busy!

BUILDING HOURS FOR NOVEMBER 26-29

Thursday 11/26/09 – Building Closed

Friday 11/27/09 – Building open 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Saturday 11/28/09 - Building open 7 a.m. to noon

Sunday 11/29/09 - Building closed

WEATHER RELATED SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYS

The following news medias will report weather closings or delays.

If the message reads “Hartford Area Schools”, this includes Hartford Union High School.  We hope to have any closings/delays posted on-line by 5:45 AM.  The medias listed above are the only medias chosen for accuracy and simplification.

Additional information is available at www.huhs.org under District News - Snow Closing Info.

HUHS HOTLINE

Students, parents, or community members can anonymously report suspected acts of violence or general information that could be beneficial as it relates to the high school and well being of the students and staff at HUHS by leaving a message at 262-670-3210.

TUITION WAIVER INFORMATION

Students who currently attend HUHS and are planning to move out of the HUHS District can continue to attend HUHS by filling out a Tuition Waiver Application.  These forms are available through Ms. JoBeth Kreuser-Hercules in the Student Records Department.  The form should be completed and turned in within two weeks after the move.  For further assistance or information, please contact Ms. JoBeth Kreuser-Hercules at HUHS.

SENIOR INFORMATION/GRADUATION

GRADUATION DATE FOR 2010 CLASS

The 2010 Graduation is scheduled for June 6, 2010.  The last day of classes for seniors will be June 3, 2010.  Semester exams for grades 9, 10, and 11 will be held on June 7, 8, and 9.  We ask families to plan accordingly so students do not miss any of the concluding days of the school year and semester exams.

SENIOR CLASS PHOTO

The senior class photo will take place on January 7, 2010, in the HUHS fieldhouse.  More information will be provided as the date comes closer. 

CAP, GOWN, GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jostens will be here on January 7, 2010, with information about purchasing graduation items such as the cap and gown, announcements, etc. 

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO SEE . . . . .

HOLIDAY CONCERTS AT HUHS

Children’s Concert/Wednesday, December 2 from 1:15-2:15 p.m.

This concert is performed once every two years for the Hartford Area school children, grades K-5 in the small gym at the high school.  Music groups from the HUHS music department that will perform include the choirs, orchestra, and marching band.

Orchestra Concert with the Central Middle School Select Strings Orchestra

The concert will be performed on Monday, December 14, in the small gym at 7:30 p.m.  There is no admission charge.

HUHS Bands Concert

The concert will be performed on Wednesday, December 16, in the small gym at 7:30 p.m.  There is no admission charge.

HUHS Choirs Concert

The concert will be performed on Monday, December 21, in the small gym at 7:30 p.m.  There is no admission charge.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Please check the HUHS Art Calendar and the HUHS website (www:huhs.org) for athletic events and other important dates.

OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION BY HUHS

2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR NOTIFICATION

As a result of federal legislation (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act –AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos-containing building materials.  Hartford Union High School District has a goal to be in full compliance with this law and is following the spirit, as well as the letter, of the law.  As a matter of policy, Hartford Union High School District shall continue to maintain a safe and healthful environment for our community’s youth and employees.

In keeping with this legislation, all buildings (including portables and support buildings) owned or leased by the school district were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors and samples were analyzed by an independent laboratory.  Based on the inspection, the school prepared and the state approved, a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its buildings safely and responsibly.

This past year, the Hartford Union High School District conducted the following with respect to its asbestos containing building materials:  Implemented our Operations and Maintenance Program.

Federal law requires a periodic walk-through (called “surveillance”) every six months of each area containing asbestos.  Also, the law requires for all buildings to be reinspected three years after a management plan is in effect.  MacNeil Environmental, Inc., will accomplish this under contract.  Areas where management issues are noted during inspections and surveillance have been, and will continue to be, dealt with promptly.

Short term workers (outside contractors – i.e., telephone repair workers, electricians and exterminators) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may come into contact.  All short-term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before commencing work to be given this information.

Hartford Union High School District has a list of the location(s), type(s) of asbestos-containing materials found in that school building and a description and time-table for their proper management.  A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review in the school office.  Copies are available at 25 cents per page.  Questions related to the plan should be directed to Michael Broll, Account Manager, MacNeil Environmental, Inc., Burnsville Minnesota, at 800-642-6730 or by contacting the Hartford Union High School District at 262-670-3200.