Start your engines!  Technology for Tomorrow, an 8^th Grade Tech Ed Elective Class, each quarter takes their turn at learning about automotive technology.  Students learn about basic concepts that are involved with cars, such as aerodynamics, spoilers, the 4-stroke engine cycle, and fuel sources of the future, among many other topics.  Students are then tasked to design a CO2 Car using ‘SketchUp’ (a free 3D design software), and then to turn that virtual model into an actual race car made from Basswood.  After all of the construction is complete, each student competes with each other to see who has the fastest car in class through a series of drag races.

During the 4^th Quarter this year, two special guests from Robert Maynor Racing were invited to come to Central Middle School during this unit to speak to the students from Technology for Tomorrow about their stock car.  Students listened to the owner and driver of the vehicle, Robert Maynor, as he discussed the technology behind how the car was built and the differences between a typical street car, and one built to run on a race track.  Dave Serchuk, the crew chief, and Robert also answered questions from students.  Students were able to make connections from the classroom and their own projects, to real-world applications as they looked around the vehicle; some students were even allowed to take a seat behind the steering wheel.  A big thanks goes out to them for taking the time to make a pit stop at Central.

Submitted by:  Mr. Patrick Gaetzke

As a way to raise money for a Central student who was recently diagnosed with leukemia, many staff members and one student grew beards for a week or two.  Then students were allowed to pay money to vote for a "weird beard" design for each participant.  The design that got the most votes for each participant is the beard that participant came to school with on Friday.  Over $560 was raised.  Here are the results:  Mr. Flynn, Monkey Tail; Mr. Gaetzke, Super Mario; Mr. Huckstep, Dum Dum; Mr. Kieckhefer, I Mustache You a Question; Mr. Navarre, Who Wants Pi?; Mr. Nelson, Chin Strap; Mr. Radschlag, Dum Dum; Mr. Rau, The Joker; Mr. Resch, Chin Strap; Mr. Ruff, Monkey Tail; Dr. Smits, Monkey Tail; Mr. Thuecks, Dum Dum; Zach Stanley (student), Weed Whacker Accident. 

Submitted by:  Mr. Robert Rau

Over the winter Hartford Jt. 1 School District had the opportunity to be included in a Hartford area schools art show at the Schauer Center. The show was hanging in the Suckow Family Art Gallery from mid-January until the end of February. Several students from Central, Lincoln, and Rossman had art included in the show.

On Friday, February 17^th there was an artist reception for the family and friends of the artists, as well as anyone in the community who wanted to attend. A wonderful evening was had by all!

Submitted by:  Mrs. Pam Brandt

On Wed. April 25th Central Middle School students and staff participated in the annual CAPS for a Cure Day.  Students and staff donated money to wear a hat and/or jeans for the day.  In the past, money was collected and sent to the American Children's Hospital in Madison.  This year, it was decided that the money would be donated to the family of a Central student.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Jenny Meyer

On Friday, April 27, 27 teams made up of 96 students enjoyed an ice cream party to celebrate their participation in this year’s  Battle of the Books program at Central Middle School.   Students were given a list of 20 titles to read from December to April. Each team received points if they answered questions posted in the LMC and also competed against each other.  Scores were tallied and at the end of February the Campfire Woodchucks had the highest scores and represented Central Middle School at the state level where they competed online to answer questions about the books with other schools around the state.   To keep the students reading, BOB March Madness began at Central and each team participated in a single elimination tournament.  Once again the Campfire Woodchucks achieved the highest scores and were the 1^st place champions at Central.  Members of the Campfire Woodchucks were Andrew W., Adam C., Nathan M., and Brady P.  2^nd Place winners were the Purple Sparkly Bookworms and the members on their team were Lauren M., Melannie M., Leyla T., and Sierra S.  In 3^rd place was the P.C.F.W.A.T.E.T.I.A.K.  and  members of that team were Derritt D., Liz E., Carlie D., and Stephanie L.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in this program!

Submitted by:  Mrs. Laura Marusinec

It looked like the scene of a university scientific symposium rather than the Lincoln Elementary School gym and cafeteria, as more than 150 students competed in the Hartford Jt. 1 annual science fair.  Kindergarten through middle school budding scientists had an opportunity to show off their talents in the fields of Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science and the field of Engineering on Tuesday, April 24^th.

Projects included everything from hands – on demonstrations with pulley systems to displays of animals and plants, human anatomy/physiology and techniques of modeling the theory of plate tectonics.  The science fair combined learning, family engagement and a tangible connection to the scientific community.

The crowd and students were engaged, and the excitement lasted the entire evening.  We could not be more proud of our students for their creativity, enthusiasm and innovation.  The event could not have come together without the district faculty, parents and community members.  In all, 21 awards were given to 31 students

Submitted by:  Mrs. Lynn Reuter

This years Forensics season flew by quickly. Over 55 students participated in 4 different meets. Many earned blue ribbons and some even medaled or earned trophies for their performances. The season concluded with the 15 team members qualifying for the state meet that was held on March 24th in Neenah, WI.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Amy Rettler

"Dip - Duck - Dive - Dodge" 

Hartford Jt 1 - Central School's TAG (Teen Action Group) sponsored a "Dodgeball Tournament".  The tournament was a huge success.  Students and teachers joined together to enjoy this fun activity.  The students and teachers enjoyed the playful banter shared by all. 

Submitted by:  Susan Detaege

The 8th grade science classes have been studying the systems of the human body.  As a culminating experience, the students dissected frogs.  The students took five class periods to complete the dissection, fill in diagrams, and answer questions about the various systems.
Although some parts are different, frogs are amazingly similar to humans.  The systems the students observed were the muscular, skeletal, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and excretory.  It was a fun experience for most and an educational experience for all.

Submitted by:  Mr. Robert Rau

Students in Mrs. Rogers math class celebrated Pi Day 3/14 (signifying 3.14 for π) by doing activities involving the use of π.   Students worked in pairs to measure a variety of circle items around the room.  They then had to use the formula to find the area and circumference of the objects.  Students that matched the most correct answers won a roll of Life Savors (circles).  They all ended up celebrating by eating what else?  Pie.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Cindy Rogers

Four students from Central Middle School - Hartford were asked by their Jazz Band teacher, Mr. Nelson, if they would like to form a band so that they may perform at a Drop In - Open Mic opportunity.  The four friends did indeed grab this new adventure with so much gusto that they formed the group "Jazz in Black".  They practiced during study halls, after school and days off.  On March 9th, the group "Jazz in Black", were able to show off their talents by performing at a Concert/Open Mic in Hartford.  After performing "Shuffle Time" they were encouraged to perform another song.  They are now learning more songs so that they can play at the next Open Mic night j- which is held every 2nd and 4th Friday's of the month.  All bands and solo's are welcomed and encouraged to come, perform and enjoy a night of music.

Submitted by:  Susan Detaege

Read Across America activity information to follow...

BOSS Week is March 5th-9th.  During BRING OUT SCHOOL SPIRIT week students participate in various activities that encourge school spirit.  Tuesday is Clash Day, Wednesday is Prince and Princess Day, Thursday is Twin Day and Friday is School Colors Day with 8th Grade in Black, 7th Grade in White and 6th Grade in Yellow.  A Pep Rally is planned for Friday, March 9th, followed by boys and girls basketball games.  Special thanks to Mrs. Marusinec for taking so many great pictures of BOSS Week activities!

Sixth graders in Mrs. Reuter’s science class anchor a fishing line taut as classmates prepares to release their balloon rocket made of a balloon, straw, paper clips and tape.  Students were testing out their designs of balloon rockets.  The goal of the science lab was to design and build a balloon rocket to travel across the room.  Students tested different things out and it’s amazing to see their minds working as they develop a new plan or tweet an existing model.  The balloon rocket was just one of several lab activities the 6^th graders completed as part of their Nature of Science and Inquiry Unit.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Lynn Reuter

On Tuesday, February 21, 137 Hartford Jt. 1 students gathered in the Central Cafeteria to share their History Fair projects.  The participants ranged in grade level from Kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.  Elementary students showcased topics that showed continuity and change throughout history.  Our middle school contestants took that a step farther creating projects that fit the National History Day theme of "Revolution, Reaction, & Reform".  Prizes were awarded in three age categories and the kids were able to become judges themselves by casting their votes for the prestigious "Kid's Choice Award".  Thank you to all who participated or volunteered their time to help make this year's Hartford Jt. 1 District History Fair a huge success!

Submitted by:  Mrs. Heather Kiefer

Sixteen Central Middle School students had artwork chosen for an Art Contest and Winter Arts Festival at the UW – Washington County extension in West Bend on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.  Their work will be on display along with over 400 pieces of artwork by other students from twenty six middle and high schools in Washington County. These students are:  Jasmine A., Cheylyn B., Jordan B., Sydney C., Allison D., Sebastion D.,Grace G., Abbey J., Lilly K., Amanda K., Kayley L., Aly L., Melannie M., Sadie S., Nasiba T., Tehya W.  Congratulations to Nasiba for first place in 3-D work and Kayley for second place in single media.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Pam Brandt

Art Students from all three schools had artwork selected to be a part of the Hartford Area Youth Art Exhibit at the Schauer Arts Center.  The exhibit will be on display at the Suckow Family Art Gallery from January 15 through February 26, 2012.  A special Gallery Reception will be held in conjunction with the exhibit on Friday, February 17, 6:00 – 7:00pm. Students with artwork in the exhibit are:  From Central Middle School, Pam Brandt, Art Teacher--April A.-“Contour Hands”-Marker, Lauren M.-“Initials in Sign Language”-Pencil/Marker, Katie S.-“Symbol Self-Portrait”-Marker, Lauren S.-“Cultural Self-Portrait”-Colored Pencil,  Albijona O.-“Baby Portrait”-Pastels, Charleen S.-“Sunset”-Oil Pastels

Submitted by:  Mrs. Pam Brandt

45 Central Middle School students ages 11-13 participated in Lions International Peace Poster contest sponsored by the Hartford-Kettle Moraine Lions Club. Students had to create a poster to display their understanding of the theme, “Children Know Peace”.  6^th grade student Brianna L. had her poster selected based on the criteria of originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme. Her poster was sent on to the District Governor for the next level of competition.  Her poster did not get selected to go on past the district level.  The following students received honorable mention at the local level for their posters: Spencer C., AJ D., Kaitlyn F., Collin F., Kayley L., Lauren M., Jayme M., Sadie S.
 

 Submitted by:  Mrs. Pam Brandt

Eight Central Middle School 8th grade students had their artwork selected to be entered in the 2012 International Aviation Art Contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics.  Their work was mailed in January 11, 2012 so we will have to wait to see if any of their work is selected as a winner.  These students are:  Intermediate Level-Jordan B.,Nick H., Morgan K.--Senior Level-Dana B., Chris F., Morgan H., Lilly K., Gabriel W.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Pam Brandt

The first Minute-To-Win-It dance was held on Friday, Feb. 3.  Tons of 6th, 7th and 8th graders descended on the school in hopes of winning some games for the chance to hear their name drawn to win an iPod Touch or $20 gift cards!  Students had a blast playing the games and dancing the night away!

Submitted by:  Mrs. Jenny Meyer

 On Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Hartford JT1 celebrated Digital Learning Day.  As part of this national celebration, schools throughout the country highlighted and explored digital learning practices in their schools.

Throughout Central students were busy in the computer labs or with their laptop computers. Students in Technology Education used Google SketchUp to create 3D objects; in a 6th grade Reading class, students presented video book reports using Animoto; students in 7th and 8th students did research using online resources in the computer labs or used word processing programs to write their reports.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Laura Marusinec

On Friday, January 27th, over 150 students from 6th, 7th and 8th grades got to participate in the Mr. Z's Fundraiser Reward party.  Students selling 10 items or more were invited to attend.  Some students who sold higher amounts of items got to partake in extra games in hopes of winning cash!  The kids had fun running, jumping, jousting, climbing and dancing during the party!  Thank you to everyone who participated in the fall fundraiser!
 

Submitted by:  Mrs. Jenny Meyer

On Saturday January 14^th, the Central Middle School Jazz Ensemble attended the Slinger Jazz Festival.  The students had a 1-hour clinic with Laura Caviani. Laura is a professional pianist, composer and educator who lives in Minneapolis.  She has taught from the college down through the middle school level.   The clinic session was in the morning and the concert was during the evening.  Congratulations to Andrew S., Matt B. and Meghan B. for standing up front and playing wonderful improvised solos during the clinic and the concert.  Students that participated include; Amy H., Connor K., Trace L., Josh S., Sarah Marie D., Meredith H., Alyssia G., Serena H., Hannah H., Matt M., Noah K., Jordan D.,  Katie B., Stephanie L., Matt M., James F., Brandon D., Andy J. 

Submitted by:  Mr. Greg Nelson

Mrs. Kim Wagner getting ready for "outside duty" on a freezing January day.

“Be the Change” Day

On December 22, 2011, eighth grade students at Central Middle School in the Hartford Jt. 1 School District took part in a “Be the Change” day. Prior to this day many students expressed a desire to promote a more unified community of respect.   Therefore, the focus of the day was centered around creating a more respectful environment.

The students participated in a variety of activities throughout the afternoon. The activities focused on respect for themselves, each other, and their education. Students took part in teambuilding activities, silk-screening “Be the Change” t-shirts, pledging to be the change, student-led discussions, and a visual display of the action they will take to be the change.

Thank you to Camp Minikani, Straight-up Inc., and Hartford Ponderosa for helping to make this day such a success. 

Submitted by:  Mrs. Chelsea Fyksen

Students and staff really got into the season's spirit by dressing up in their "Ugly Christmas Sweaters" or by donning their "Red & Green" outfits.

Central Student Council hosted their annual Senior Citizen Luncheon on Wed. Dec. 7th.  Approximately 95 area seniors came to Central for a holiday concert provided by the 8th grade band, orchestra and chorus.  Following the concert, seniors enjoyed a free turkey dinner served up by 6th, 7th and 8th grade Student Council members.   The luncheon was a great way for the seniors to kick off the holiday season by enjoying food, friends, music and prizes! 
 

Submitted by:  Mrs. Jenny Meyer

On November 11, 2011, Central Middle School’s Fine Arts Department (Band, Choir and Orchestra), presented our first annual  Veterans Day Tribute to honor those who fought for our country and honor those who gave their lives, to protect the freedoms that we hold dear today.   Several veterans came to show their support along with the entire student body from Central Middle School.  The program started with the presentation of the Colors by CMS students involved in their local Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.  This was followed by a warm patriotic welcome by Hartford Joint 1 District Administrator, Dr. Mark Smits.   Patriotic music was then played by the 8^th grade band and orchestra and sung by the 8^th grade choir to pay tribute to our Hartford Veterans.  Our guest speaker was Wisconsin State Representative Don Pridemore, who is an Air Force veteran that served in Thailand during the Vietnam War.  Linda McAlpine of the West Bend Daily News wrote, “At one point the Veterans in the audience were asked to stand to be honored.  It started with a round of polite applause, but swelled into cheers and finally the entire audience was on its feet in a standing ovation for those who had served their country.”  Taps was performed by 8^th grade trumpet student Tyler Bogart at the end of the program.  The Fine Arts Department of CMS would like to thank the Student Council officers who served as emcees for the program.  We would also like to thank Hartford Joint 1 District Administrator, Dr. Mark Smits, CMS Dean of Students Mr. Bob Kieckhefer and Wisconsin State Representative Don Pridemore for speaking during the presentation.  Finally we would like to thank teachers, students and veterans for supporting this Veterans Day Tribute.

Submitted by:  Mr. Eric Huckstep

Wednesday, November 23, 2011, was an exciting day at Central Middle School for the 6th graders.  For the first time, they were able to bring home their laptop computers.  Earlier this year, the School Board and the Administration decided to have our 6th grade students become a part of this initiative that provides a laptop computer for each of these students. 

During their homeroom period over the course of two weeks students learned about laptop care, acceptable use, file management and email etiquette. Sixth graders will be taking their laptops to class and using them for their course work.   The staff and students are very excited to be part of this technology initiative.

Submitted by:  Mrs. Laura Maruinec

 Student Council is once again collecting the PINK Yoplait Yogurt lids again this year.  Each lid collected is worth $0.10 that goes toward breast cancer awareness and research.  Last year students brought in close to $175 worth of lids in to school for this cause.  We hope to increase that amount with a goal of $200!!  Please help us by sending in any clean PINK lids you may have at home!  There are collection buckets at both Lincoln & Rossman, as well as at Central.  Thanks for your continued support of this important cause!!

Submitted by:  Jenny Meyer

Central Middle School sent 51 Student Council members to the annual Region IV JAM Conference, sponsored by the Wisconsin Association of School Councils on Thur. Nov. 17th.  The students gather together with other councils from around our region to share ideas and gain valuable leadership skills throughout the day.  Of course there is a little fun thrown in as well. Students get to sing songs, listen to motivational speakers and meet students from other schools as well.

Submitted by Jenny Meyer

During the Hartford Christmas Parade some students from Central Middle School's - District of Hartford's "Student Council" showed the "SPIRIT OF GIVING" by:  Volunteering to walk in the parade collecting New and Lightly Used Winter Jackets that will be generously given to a child or adult that could use it.

Submitted by:  Susan Detaege   

A Spooktacular time was had by all at our Halloween Dance.  The Pictures below show how CMS students went ALL OUT to fit the creepy Halloween scene.

Mrs. Rose's 6th grade students dissected Owl Pellets as a culminating activity to their Ecology Unit.  The 6th graders dissected the pellets to discover what an owl eats and learn more about an owl's digestive system.  The students were also required to make inferences about the nature of the community in which the owl lives. The 6th graders used scientific inquiry skills to help them make connections to how the source of energy is needed between all organisms to stay alive and grow by what they identified in their pellet from producers, to exoskeletons, to insects, and more.....

Submitted by:  Mr. Andrea Rose, 6/7 Grade Science 

What is this person suppose to be?   Hint...she is covered in a Bazooka Bubble Gum wrapper (complete with comic)

and she seems to be attached to the bottom of that gray sneaker.  Could she be a piece of gum stuck to the bottom

of a shoe?  

Over the days of October 5-7 and October 10-12, 6th grade students participated in the 6th grade camp experience. While back at Central Middle School, students worked through sessions that taught them skills they will be utilizing when they receive their laptops, teambuilding activities, and how to identify their unique learning styles and multiple intelligences. Sixth grade students also participated in their first Community Outreach Service Activity (COSA) involving park clean up and the donation of their time, talent, and treasure at both Rossman Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School. Some of the service activities that sixth graders participated in while at the elementary schools were; reading in small groups with elementary students, helping them practice counting change, reviewing on the smartboard for upcoming tests, helping younger students paint in art class, organizing classroom materials, putting upcoming units together, and practicing spelling words with students. Sixth grade students assigned to park clean up 'tackled' the trash at Woodlawn Park and Independence Park; some students getting a bit dirty in the process! The weather was beautiful, allowing for students to fill several bags full of garbage. During the 'wrap up' session after each COSA, students were asked why they complete service for others and how that service impacts their community. We were impressed with how insightful and meaningful their answers were! Through this activity, our 6th grade students not only helped to make someone's day a bit easer but they represented CMS extremely well by showing our younger students what great role models they ARE! All of which, makes a positive impact on our home community!

Submitted by:  Mrs. Amy Rettler

Indian Summer had arrived at Central for our six days of environmental camp for 6th graders.  We traveled to Camp Minikani in Hubertus from Oct. 5-7 and Oct 10-12.  Students explored the natural wonders of forest, pond and lake ecosystems through seven classes.  These included:  ecology, wildlife, plants, GPS, nature photography, fishing and canoeing.

One hundred students chose to take part in an optional overnight experience.  It was during this adventure that students looked at the night sky, found their night vision and enjoyed the campfire with friends.

The focus of understanding man and his relationship with his environment was put into practice using a food waste challenge.  Each session was allowed four pounds of total food waste for their five meals.  Each session started out doing a fabulous job.  The first session ended their three days with 15.52 lbs. of waste!  Their last lunch tipped the scale way over.  The second session ended their three days with 1.3 lbs of waste.  This meant Eli, camp naturalist, went into the lake-fully clothed, with the help of a teacher.

Knowledge gained and photos taken are being used in many of the students' classes back at school. 

For the Waste Challenge Minikani Camp Blog

Submitted by:  Mrs. Pam Brandt and Mrs. Lynn Reuter

Sixth Grade Camp is a wonderful experience for all new sixth grade students.   See above 6th Grade Session 2 for complete camp write-up.

Students, Parents & School Staff enjoyed Centrals "Open House" once again. Old friends together again - New friends to be made.  Everyone coming together to bring Centrals hallways & classrooms to LIFE once more for another exciting year of "LEARNING". 

Submitted by:  Susan Detaege