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.The ISD 423 Board of Education will conduct a special meeting on Monday, July 29, 2019 beginning at 5:30 pm in the Media Center at West Elementary.
Tutors
July 2, 2019 By
The District does not endorse or recommend specific tutors; however, a list of people providing tutoring services is available.
For Sale – $35,000
July 1, 2019 By
2018-2019 HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENT BUILT TINY HOME FOR SALE
Hutchinson Public Schools is selling its tiny home built by the Construction Trades students during the 2018-2019 school year for $35,000.
Interested parties should contact Rebecca Boll, Finance Director, at 320-234-2615, for specifications, showings, and sale criteria.
Buyer responsible for removal. Certified checks only. Sales tax is the buyer’s responsibility. All sales final and home sold “as is.”
Pathways
June 24, 2019 By
HHS Encourages all Pathways for Future Graduates
By Jennifer Telecky, Assistant Principal, Hutchinson High School
On June 7th, over 200 Hutchinson High School students earned their high school diploma during the first graduation ceremony in the newly remodeled Whalen Gymnasium. Three weeks before this commencement took place, I had a conversation with a parent regarding her child’s plans for the future. She explained that her son would be attending a two-year school for a technical career. I thought this sounded perfect for him and told her so. In continuing our conversation I found out that reactions received from others were less enthusiastic – something closer to, “oh, ya, that’s okay” but sounding more like it was not okay or there was something wrong with his choice. At some point in time, it became a common belief that in order to be successful, students needed to attend a four-year college. This is far from the truth.
While pursuing a four-year degree is perfect for some, others follow this path because it is what they think are supposed to do. Recent data shows that fewer than 40% of students who start a four-year degree finish in four years and 58.3% of students who start a four-year degree finish in six years. While there are many reasons why a student does not complete a degree, one is definitely that a four-year degree was not the right path for that student. Sometimes the change is due to interest and other times it is because they find that what they want to do does not require four years of education. They may have also discovered that two-thirds of all jobs in our current economy require a two-year degree or less.
Hutchinson is very fortunate to have a high school that has offerings to support and encourage the exploration of many pathways. Our Tigerpath Academies are designed to provide students with individualized academic and career exploration based on their interests and aptitude. Of course every high school has the required coursework, but beyond that, our classes support those who go straight to the workforce, complete certification programs, technical programs and four-year colleges. All four of our TigerPaths (STREAM, SciHi, Business, and Human Services) do this.
Recently our TigerPath coordinator, Andrea Moore, created a job board for our students. Local businesses/employers can post opportunities and students can pursue jobs (summer or post high school employment), internships and job shadowing opportunities. This is another way HHS encourages post-secondary pathway success and exploration before deciding on a career.
Before leaving school for the summer, all 9th-12th grade students submitted or updated a four-year plan for high school. Students create this plan based on graduation requirements, interests, what they are good at and their chosen Tigerpath. This plan will guide them through their high school years. Some students will stick to one plan, while others will make changes as their interests change. Parents are encouraged to talk to their students about their chosen Tigerpath. They are also encouraged to learn more about our TigerPath Academies through our website at www.hutchtigerpath.com. This website informs, encourages, and honors all pathways that a graduate may choose.
Kids Eat Free
June 14, 2019 By
KIDS EAT FREE THIS SUMMER
By Lesli Mueller, Director of Child Nutrition
Hutchinson Public Schools, Common Cup and Hunger Free McLeod are partnering up again to make the Summer Food Service Program possible in our community. In 2018, the USDA program provided more than 1.5 million nutritious meals and snacks to children during the summer when school was not in session. Park Elementary and Hutchinson Middle School serving sites served 6,371 of those meals.
Ever since 2012, when the first summer feeding program started here in Hutchinson, the number of meals served to kids has increased year after year and there continues to be a need. Children this time of year look forward to school getting out to enjoy what summer has to offer them, but it can be a hardship to families who do not have access to school meals. That is why the summer feeding program is so important to the Hutchinson area. A child’s need for good nutrition plays a valuable role in helping them to learn, grow, and stay healthy. The Summer Food Service Program provides free lunch to any child up to 18 years of age. There is no income requirements or registration. Children can eat as many days as the summer feeding program is in service.
All delicious meals are served by the food service staff at Park Elementary and Hutchinson Middle School, Monday–Friday. Park Elementary serves lunch June 17–August 16, 2019 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm in the Cafeteria. Hutchinson Middle School serves their lunch June 17-August 2, 2019 from 11:15 am-12:45 pm in the Commons area. Both serving sites will be closed July 3-5 for the 4th of July holiday week and Park Elementary will be closed August 5-7 due to training conference for food service staff. Parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to eat with their children as another opportunity for family time. An adult lunch is at the affordable price of $4.25 for a well balanced meal. Parents, community groups, businesses and anyone in the community we welcome you to volunteer and show your support of this wonderful program by assisting school food service with some small duties in the cafeteria around the serving times. Without the support of volunteers the summer food program would not run as smooth towards being successful in serving kids and families. For more information on volunteering please contact Jennifer Wicklund at jenwicklund@gmail.com or 320.583.9929.
Kids, teens and adults will all enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables daily. A copy of the menu is shown below filled with some of the favorites from the school year. These well nourished menus give kids energy to play and learn throughout their summer. By participating in the summer feeding program working parents can be assured their children are enjoying a well-rounded meal that is not filled with empty calories. Children, their friends and families gathering to either feeding site can benefit from the program in a variety of ways that adds to a strong community in Hutchinson.
Summer Menus
Tiger of the Week: Alex Hantge
June 4, 2019 By
Congrats to Alex, Girls Golf, our TIGER of the Week.
Alex Hantge – Girls Golf
Alex placed 3rd in the section golf meet and qualified for the state meet. Alex has worked hard throughout this season to become more accurate and confident while playing, using her own time to improve her golf game. This dedication and tenacity has been beneficial in competition when she has overcome challenges or bounced back from a bad shot. Golf is a game of respect, honor, and integrity, which she displays in every round. Her focus and drive has rewarded her and serves as a great example for our younger players.
Activities: June 3 – 8, 2019
June 3, 2019 By
Click Here for this Week’s Activity Schedule
Click Here for more information about Hutch Tiger Activities
Activities Director – Thayne Johnson, CAA
Phone: 320-234-2698
Email: thayne.johnson@isd423.org
Administrative Assistant – Amber Larson
Phone: 320-234-2647
Email: amber.larson@isd423.org
Parent Involvement & the Middle School Years
May 28, 2019 By
The Importance of Parent Involvement During the Middle School Years
By Todd Grina, Middle School Principal
Many parents who are actively involved in the education of their children at the elementary school level typically become less involved when their children reach middle school. However, parent involvement in a child’s education during the middle school years is just as important in a child’s success at school as it is in earlier grades. During a child’s adolescent years, they experience the second largest growth period in their lives. As children grow, they begin to experience physical, intellectual, emotional and social changes. These are confusing times for the adolescent learner. These changes, along with the added demands of increased academic rigor and expectations of school, activities and peer pressure, create conflicts and tension in the adolescent, which can lead to increased mental health issues and conflict in school and at home.
The participation of all parents is important to the academic achievement and mental well-being of their children. Such participation has many positive consequences for the family, the school, and especially for the young adolescent: the family better understands school expectations and operations. The student receives support from adults, at home and at school, in order to confront and to help them navigate the issues of the ever evolving adolescent. Adult support is particularly important where these problems are accentuated by the conflicting cultures of home, friends, and school. The school can become the natural extension of the home, aiding in the preservation of families’ cultures, morals and values. When parents become involved and team with the school, both students and school benefit. We see higher academic achievement, students’ attitudes and behaviors are more positive, less mental health issues, academic programs are more successful; and the schools, as a whole, are more effective.
There are many ways that parents can demonstrate to their adolescent children that they are interested in academic success and that they are available to offer support and protection when there are problems. Here are some suggestions:
- Talk with your child about daily happenings at school. Both academically and socially.
- Find ways to spend some stress free time with your child. Share a meal or a snack. Make sure they know the positive attributes you like about them.
- Listen to and share their concerns. Support what you believe to be good about the school and offer your help to change practices that you believe could enhance your child’s educational experience.
- Avoid scoldings and arguments when your teenagers bring bad news home. It’s better to be a listener and suggest ways to improve the situation.
- Show that you value education by encouraging homework completion and reading. Establishing a consistent time and place for them to do their homework that is void of distraction
- Establish a positive relationship with teachers early in the year. This makes it easier to have constructive conversations in times of difficulty.
- Avoid comparing sibling experiences as each child’s experience is unique to them.
- Get to know the guidance counselors. They can keep you informed regarding the progress and behavior of your child as well as a good resource for added supports you may need.
- Read the student/parent handbook carefully and stay updated with the day to day happenings at the school through the daily announcements and Campus Messenger.
- Keep informed about your child’s grades and test results, especially in any subjects in which he or she struggles, though the parent portal.
The results of recent research are very clear: when parents are actively involved in their children’s education, they do better in school. It is essential for parents to have a positive attitude regarding education, and to demonstrate trust that their children can do well.
