2009 High School Bell ringers  raised $1,302.84. Thank you to all the community members that donated to the cause.

2008-2009 School Year Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response  Notification

As a result of recent federal legislation (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act – AHERA), each primary and secondary school in the nation is required to complete a stringent new inspection for asbestos and to develop a plan of management for all asbestos-containing building materials. Tri-County Area 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, the Tri-County Area 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 district prepared and the state approved a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its buildings safely and responsibly.

Furthermore, the Tri-County Area School District has completed its AHERA 3-Year Re-inspection requirement each three years.

The six-month periodic surveillance inspections were done on schedule.

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 re-inspected three years after a management plan is in effect.

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.

The Tri-County Area School District has a list of the location(s), type(s) of asbestos-containing materials found in the 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¢ per page. Questions related to the plan should be directed to the district office, who will establish contact with our Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds and Designated Asbestos Coordinator, Wayne Tess.

Annual Notice Regarding Homeless Children

Homeless children and youth (twenty-one years of age and younger) are defined as:

 * Children and youth who lack a fixed, and adequate nighttime residence, and includes children and youth who are:

* Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

* Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

* Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

If you are personally aware of or are acquainted with any children who may qualify according to the above criteria, the Tri-County Schools provides the following assurance to parents of homeless children:

* There shall be immediate enrollment and school participation, even if educational and medical records and proof of residency are not available.

* All educational opportunities and related opportunities for homeless students (preschool to age 21), including unaccompanied youth, shall be the same as for the general student population.

* Enrollment and transportation rights, including transportation to the school of origin shall be possible. “School of origin” is defined as the school the child attended when permanently housed or when last enrolled.

* Written explanation of why a homeless child is placed other than in a school of origin or school requested by the parent, with the right to appeal within the local dispute resolution process.

* Meaningful opportunities for parents to participate in the education of their children. These shall include: special notices of events, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and access to student records.

 Please contact Anthony Marinack, homeless liaison for the Tri-County Area School District for additional information about homeless issues. Mr. Marinack can be reached at (715) 335-6366 Extension 27.

Tri-County After-School News   By Mrs. Fletcher

The 5-8 graders that are involved in the After School Program have been busy in the past month.  Not only do these students spend the first hour of the night working on homework completion but then dedicate the next hour to exploring other avenues of enrichment.  Some of those experiences may involve food preparation, community service activities, science experiments, taste testing and cost comparisons, physical fitness activities, building character skills, along with social activities like good old board games.   In early December, the students sent Holiday cards to the troops which gave them an opportunity to express appreciation for those that are not present but contribute to our lives daily.  The students also are making “crystal” formations using a mixture of Epsom salts and water.  The crystals were left to form during the Christmas break so we are anxious to see the results.  This goes with the Science unit Mr. Weir was recently doing with the 8^th graders on crystals. 

The After School Program had its first Family Night in December and it was a big success with over 70 people attending! We shared a great meal, learned a bit about each other, played bingo and had a chance to socialize.  Thank you to all the families that attended.   The next Family Night is scheduled for Monday, January 25.  Remember, all families in the Tri-County School district are invited.  Hope to see many of you there again!

Just a reminder – the After School Program is open for all students in grades 5-12.  A healthy snack is provided with a drink.  Homework help is available for the first hour then followed by an enrichment activity.  Any questions or if you wish to have your student attend, feel free to call.

A HUGE thank you is extended to Mrs. Gloria Kjer, the Family and Consumer Education teacher.  Mrs. Kjer has donated a variety of kitchen supplies to the After School program.  These items are used when the students are involved in food preparation.  Thank you for your generosity, Mrs. Kjer.

NEW FACES!  We have some new faces that are working in the After School rooms to make the afternoons more productive for the students.  Andrea Newby has joined us and is currently working in the high school area.  Andrea is working on her master’s degree at UW-Stevens Point in community education and will be instrumental in developing activities for the students.  Many of you may recognize Andrea as the JV Soccer Coach here at Tri-County.  Amanda Detlor has also become part of the staff in the middle school area.  Amanda is a senior at Tri-County.  She not only works with the students with their homework but is also a great role model for them.  Donna Marinack works in the middle school rooms on Tuesdays.  Her creative ideas and sincere interest in the students are an asset to the program. These ladies join the existing staff of Amy Eppinger, Callyn Woyak and Nancy Fletcher.

Starting December 15, Mr. Scott Sommerfeldt, the 7-12 counselor will be starting as the After School Coordinator.  We look forward to his addition to the staff. Remember, we are here to help your student - please contact us if you feel we can be of assistance to your family.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP AT SCHOOL? HOW ABOUT VOLUNTEERING??

The After School Program would welcome anyone that would like to offer their time to work with students.  There are many opportunities available.  Individuals could assist students with their studies during tutoring, or share a talent such as teach a woodworking skill, show us how to prepare a food item, make jewelry, put together a scrapbook page,  or whatever you do and would be willing to share with us.  Remember, the length is up to you, it maybe a one time session for an hour or you may commit to coming once a week or whatever you feel comfortable with.  This is a great chance for college students to get the experience or “hours” needed for graduation and also help in our school.  Plus it is a great chance for members of our community to become involved with our school.  Please consider becoming a volunteer, we would love to have you!!

Close up views of Cafeteria Mural now available

A new mural was created and installed in the High School Cafeteria over the summer of 2008. We now are able to put the mural online to zoom in and view the individual pictures that make up the large mural.  Please click on the picture below to view the website of the designer, zoom in and navigate on the mural..