April 2016

O’Keeffe MONTHLY PORTRAIT

April 2016

Georgia O’Keeffe Middle School Tony Dugas, Principal

510 S. Thornton Avenue Telephone: 608/204-6820

Madison, WI 53703 Attendance: 608/204-6821

Fax: 608/204-0561

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Look Inside: A Message from Principal Tony Dugas

1 Message from Hello O’Keeffe Families,
Principal Dugas

2 School The year is quickly going by as we enter the final marking period. Our students and staff have really
Calendar: been busy on leaving their mark on the 2015-2016 academic year. A big part of our staff’s work to
Spotlight on
April make instruction more effective has been in the area of collaboration and constructive conversations.
Our School Improvement Plan’s (SIP) instructional focus has centered around creating effective
3 Top Chef models of practice for collaboration. Current rigorous learning standards emphasize student’s ability

to engage in high levels of student-to-student discourse. This means students need to be able to engage

in understanding the reasoning of others as well as engage in meaningful conversations using evidence

to back up their claims.

4-5 Parents as At O’Keeffe we have developed a framework to help students enter this type of learning. We call that
Partners framework Tiger Talk. Tiger Talk is a collection of sentence starters that are developmentally

arranged so that when students are working together, they have the language to help them enter the

6-7 Take Your learning. Our leadership team has provided professional development over the course of the year.

Child to Work Students have been instructed on how to use the Tiger Talk approach. In addition we have a range of

Day visuals that students carry with them and are posted in every classroom. We are constantly assessing

8-9 Mount the use and quality of Tiger Talk, and our goal is to continue making comprehensive improvements.
Olympus There are a lot of things that schools are doing to improve student outcomes. At O’Keeffe we want to
Permission &
do a few things really well, and Tiger Talk is one of those.

Fundraiser In addition to instruction, the foundation of our success is the relationships we have with our students
and families. This is especially critical as it relates to families. With you as partners, we can’t go
10- Important
13 Upcoming wrong. Please look for opportunities to take part in school/community events. We have the Parents as
Partners event on April 6th with a range of breakout sessions aimed at increasing family awareness
Events and

Announcements (more info is located on the following pages). We also have our Annual Fundraising event called the
first Annual O’Keeffe Top Chef Experience. The goal of this Parent Teacher Group (PTG) event is to

14 S.O.S.! raise money to increase our resources for learning. Teams of students are working with five executive
15 O’Keeffe chefs and will compete at the Goodman Center on April 21st (more info located on following pages).

Community and There are so many things to celebrate at O’Keeffe, including the initial stages of welcoming our new
Upcoming 6th graders in the upcoming weeks!
Events

16 April MSCR Thank you for making our school a great place to be!
Clubs Tony Dugas, your pricipal

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2015-16 School Calendar: Spotlight on March

April 4 Early Release Monday (1:47 p.m.)
April 5
April 6 Election Day – PTG Bake Sale Fundraiser
April 6 & 7
April 8 Parent as Partners Night, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
April 13 8th Grade Biopharmaceutical Field Trips
April 14 Beginning of 4th Quarter
April 15
April 18 PTG Meeting, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
April 20
April 21 National Day of Silence
April 22
April 25 No School – Professional Development Day
April 26, 28, 29
April 27 & 28 Early Release
May 2 6th Grade Parent Orientation, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
May 9
May 16 Top Chef Competition at Goodman, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
May 23
May 30 MSCR Family Fun Night at East High, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
June 9
June 20 Early Release
July 29 7th Grade Aldo Leopold Nature Center Field Trips

Syrian Refugee Documentary Screening, 7 p.m.

Early Release

Early Release

Early Release

Early Release

No School – Memorial Day

Last Day of School – dismissal at 2:47 p.m.

First Day of Summer School (Tentative)

Last Day of Summer School (Tentative)

YEARBOOKS

Yearbooks have been ordered but a limited
supply will be available. This is your chance
to guarantee a yearbook! Cost for this memory
book is $15.00. Checks should be made payable
to O’Keeffe Middle School and turned in to the
office. Thank you.

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What: The First Annual O’Keeffe Top Chef Experience
An Annual Fundraising Event

When: Thursday, April 21, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Goodman Community Center
Teams of O’Keeffe students have been meeting with five local Madison chefs
to develop their culinary skills and plan a feature dish to compete in the Top
Chef Experience Fundraiser. The featured chefs are from Bunky’s Café,
Cooper’s Tavern, Pig in a Fur Coat, Sardine, and Weary Traveler Freehouse.
The final competition is open to all, with a suggested donation. We hope to
raise $10,000 to buy technology for our classrooms!

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Parents as Partners

O’Keeffe Middle School

APRIL 6, 2016

O’Keeffe Families Invited You are invited to participate in our
April 6, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm 510 evening of parent education sessions
South Thornton Ave. created because you asked for this
opportunity to network and learn
Breakout Sessions Listed Below more about partnering with
O’Keeffe to serve your
Math Homework Help for Parents: students.
Learn how to help your student with math
homework Refreshments and childcare will be
provided. Interpretation will be
Gender/Sexuality: Explore students’ available in Spanish.
journeys through identity development and
increased confidence If you have any questions or need
assistance with transportation to
Race in Education: Explore the impact of this event, please call Learning
race on your child’s education Coordinator, Christy Fay,
at 204-6835
Internet Safety: Learn about cyber bullying
and how to ensure students are safe online

Parent Advocacy for parents of English
Language Learners: Build partnerships with
school to advocate for your child’s education

Behavior Education: Learn about core
practices in behavior education at O’Keeffe

Parent Advocacy for parents of
Students with Special Educational
Needs: Build partnerships with school to
advocate for your child’s education

Sponsored in Partnership with UW Partner School Network, MMSD, and YWCA

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Padres como Compañeros
O’Keeffe Middle School

APRIL 6, 2016

Las familias de O’Keeffe Están invitados a participar en nuestra
están invitadas noche de sesiones de Educación de los
padres porque Uds. pidieron esta
April 6, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm 510 oportunidad y aprender más acerca de
South Thornton Ave. asociarse con O'Keeffe para atender y
ayudar a sus hijos.
Lista de las sesiones
Habrá refrescos y cuidado para
Ayuda para los padres en la tarea de niños. Habrá interpretación
matemáticas: Aprendan como ayudar a su disponible en español.

hijo/hija con la tarea de matemáticas

Género/Sexualidad: Explore el desarrollo de la

identidad de los adolescentes para aumentar la
confianza en si mismos

La raza en la educación: Apoye a sus hijos Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o
necesita ayuda con el transporte a
explorando el impacto de la raza en su educación este evento, por favor llame a la
Coordinadora, Christy Fay, al 204-
Internet & Seguridad: Conozca los problemas 6835, o a Magdalena 345-6672

causados por el acoso (bullying) en internet para que
sus hijos no tengan problemas

Apoyo a los padres de estudiantes del idioma
inglés: establecer alianzas con la escuela para

abogar por la educación de sus hijos

Educación de la conducta: Conozca las

prácticas de la educación de la conducta en
O’Keeffe

Apoyo a los padres de estudiantes con
necesidades educativas especiales: establecer
alianzas con la escuela para abogar por la
educación de su hijo/hija

Sponsored in Partnership with UW Partner School Network, MMSD, and YWCA

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Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Thursday, April 28, 2015

Parents, please take note . . . a permission slip is required.

Thursday April 28th has been designated “Take Our Daughters and Sons to
Work Day” to create an opportunity for girls and boys to learn about their
parents’ place of work. If, as a parent, you desire to have your student
participate in this national event, we would appreciate your support to make it
a meaningful day.

If your student is to miss school this day, please have your student complete
the permission form provided here in the newsletter. Check over what your
child has written, and sign the bottom of the form. To be excused from
classes on the 28rd, your student will need to return the form to the
O’Keeffe School Office no later than Tuesday, April 26st.

Our school policy is to require a signed permission slip prior to this event. If
a student fails to turn in the “Take Your Daughter/Son to Work Day”
application by April 26st, the student will not be excused from classes. The
School Office cannot accept permission over the telephone. Students who
miss classes to “go to work” without a signed permission slip; will receive
an unexcused absence.

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Georgia O’Keeffe Middle School Signed forms are due in office

Take Your Child to Work Day - Tuesday, April 26
Thursday, April 28

(Note to parents, please ask your student to fill out this form and then sign below.)

Student Name ___________________________________________Grade ______

Name and Address of Business: _________________________________________

Adult that you will be accompanying: ________________________________

What Career Cluster* is related to the work that you will be observing? (check one or more boxes)

*For more information about Career Clusters, visit http://www.wicareerpathways.org/Students

___ Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources ___ Finance ___ Law, Public Safety, Corrections
___ Architecture & Construction ___ Government & Public & Security
___ Arts, A/V Technology & ___ Administration
___ Health Science ___ Manufacturing
Communications ___ Hospitality & Tourism ___ Marketing
___ Business Management & ___ Human Services ___ Science, Technology, Engin-
___ Administration ___ Information Technology
___ Education & Training eering & Mathematics
___ Transportation, Distribution

& Logistics

What is something important that you already know about this Think About…
business?
 How long has this business
List two specific questions you would like answered about this
business or possible career. been in existence?
 What are its goals/objectives?
1.___________________________________________________________  How is the business organized?
____________________________________________________________  How many employees?
 What types of jobs are available
2.___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________ in this business?
 What are the educational

requirements for this job?
 What special training is

required?
 Would you consider a job with

this business?

________________________________________________ _____________
Parent /Guardian Signature
Date

I give permission for my student to miss classes for “Take Your Daughter/Son to Work Day.
My student will be gone  AM  PM  All Day

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

On June 7th, students will be taking a field trip to Mount Olympus in the Wisconsin Dells. The field trip is a
fun day away to build community and celebrate our successful academic school year.

The cost of the trip is $25, which includes the Mount Olympus fee, a lunch, and the bus. The $25 and the
signed permission slip must be turned into your child’s homeroom teacher by May 6 to ensure your child
gets a wristband to access Mount Olympus. All wristbands need to be preordered for this field trip.

At O’Keeffe, 50% of our community qualifies for free/reduced lunch, but 100% of our community deserves to
celebrate their success! Over the next few months, there will be several O’Keeffe fundraisers to ensure we
have 100% attendance.

On June 7th, we will leave O’Keeffe at 8:30 for Mount Olympus. All students must ride the bus and no
private transportation should be arranged. Students will need to bring appropriate attire for indoor and
outdoor water parks, as well as, indoor and outdoor theme parks. There is food available to be purchased at
additional cost. Lockers can be rented for $10 plus tax. We will arrive back at O’Keeffe at 3:30 and
students can ride the late bus home.

Students must demonstrate daily respectful behaviors to attend the trip. This includes no out of school
suspensions for 4th quarter.

If you have questions regarding the trip, please contact Tracy Warnacke at [email protected]
or Katie Magyera at [email protected].

Return money and permission slip to your Homeroom teacher no later than May 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_________________________ has my permission to attend the end of the year field trip to Mount
Olympus in the Wisconsin Dells on Tuesday, June 7.

_____ I have enclosed $25 to cover the cost of the bus, lunch, and Mount Olympus fees. (Make checks
payable to O’Keeffe Middle School)

_____ I have enclosed an additional $_____ donation to help another student celebrate their academic
success this school year at Mount Olympus.

In case of emergency, I can be reached at _________________________.

___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

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Penny Wars

April 18-22

Let’s raise funds for our end of the year field trip!!
Each grade competes to get the most change in their jar.

A penny into your grade’s jar is positive.

Anything other than a penny into another grade level’s jar is negative for that grade.

Add your change at lunch each day all week long!
The winning grade will get to tape Mr. Dugas to a wall!!

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National Day Of Silence
Thursday, April 14, 2016

The Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) will be offering O'Keeffe students the opportunity to participate in the National
Day of Silence on April 14th. The National Day of Silence is "a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-
LGBTQ+ name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Students from middle school to college take a vow of silence in an
effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBTQ+ behavior by illustrating the silencing effect
of bullying and harassment," according to GLSEN, the national organization which sponsors this event. Students will be able
to choose to wear a black ribbon to take a pledge of silence for the day, a rainbow ribbon to show support for the cause, or no
ribbon. All choices will be respected equally.

3rd Annual MSCR K-12 Family Fun Night: Be the Best You!

What? Dinner! Family Activities! Performances! Door Prizes! Community Resources! FREE!
Where? East High School
When? April 22, 2016; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Salam Neighbor: Documentary Screening for O’Keeffe Families

Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
7:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room
Students will be studying the Syrian Refugee Crisis in class, including watching the documentary Salam
Neighbor. Below is a description of the film. We want to offer families the opportunity to screen the film as well.
In an effort to better understand refugee life, we spent one month this winter living alongside displaced families in
the Za’atari refugee camp. As the first filmmakers ever allowed by the United Nations to be given a tent and
registered inside a refugee camp, we were able to get a never before seen look into the world’s most pressing
crisis.
Our experience uncovered overwhelming trauma but also the untapped potential our uprooted neighbors poses.
With the right programs we can support healing, ease the burden on host countries and even empower the
disenfranchised by unleashing people’s creativity. http://livingonone.org/salamneighbor/

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Get Moving!
Upcoming Events from the Physical Education Department

Archery: April 4th - 14th
Canoeing: May 6th – 20th
We need Parent Volunteers to help out and supervise.
Please contact the PE Dept. if you would like to help. 204-6853
8th Grade East Side Track Meet: May 11th.
All City Track Meet: May 25th.
8th Grade Walk Around the Lake: June 3rd.
We need Parent Volunteers to help out and supervise.
Please contact the PE Dept. if you would like to help. 204-6853

The Wisconsin Forward Exam

The new Wisconsin Forward Exam will be taken this spring for the first time. All students will
take the English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics sections of the test. The ELA portion of
the test contains a section of Reading, one of Writing, and one of Listening. The mathematics
portion of the test contains two sections. Students in Grades 4 and 8 will also take Science and
Social Studies portions of the test. To see sample questions, visit mmsd.org/forwardtest and
click on the “online demo” link in the Online Test Demonstration section. Questions can be sent
to Tim Peterson, Director of Assessment at [email protected].

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O’Keeffe Battle of the Books

O'Keeffe had a phenomenal showing at this year's all-city Battle of the Books competitions. The 7th
grade team dominated the competition and to took first place. Both the 6th and 8th grade teams narrowly
missed winning, with both teams finishing in second place.

6th Grade Team - Aidan Simkin, Bela Braddock, Ben Alexander, Benjy Haber-Fawcett
7th Grade Team - Nadja Nordstrom and Tessa Schoenecker
8th Grade Team - Sofie Schachter, Marion Elbow, Olivia Siebert, Zoey Yandell

Incoming 6th Graders: Welcome to O’Keeffe Middle School!

O’Keeffe Middle School is pleased to welcome incoming 6th graders and their parents for the 2016-2017 school
year. Please plan to attend our 6th grade parent information night, which will be held on Wednesday, April
20th at 7:00 p.m. in the O’Keeffe/Marquette Cafeteria. Parents and students will have the opportunity to meet
school staff, view an orientation slide presentation, learn about classes and extracurricular activities, and ask
questions.

After the parent meeting, we will have additional orientation activities that are more student centered. On the
morning of Tuesday, May 17, 5th graders from Marquette will visit O’Keeffe. Students from Lowell and
Hawthorne will visit on the morning of Thursday, May 19. As part of the student orientation, all 5th graders
will be given a tour of O’Keeffe , view an orientation slide presentation, and have the opportunity to ask
questions to a panel of current students.

Starting Middle School is a big step. The staff at O’Keeffe is committed to helping new students and parents as
they make this important transition. If you have questions, please call the O’Keeffe School Counselor, Paul
Chotlos 204-6828 or [email protected]. If you would prefer to communicate questions in Spanish,
call Magda Coll- Palombi at 204-6868.

Save the Date: O’Keeffe Talent Show and Lip Sync Extravaganza!

When: Thursday, May 5
5:00 p.m. – performers arrive
5:30 p.m. – doors open
6:30 p.m. – show begins!

Where: Barrymore Theater
Cost: Tickets will be $5, but money will not keep any family from attending

May 5, 2016 is the date for the O'Keeffe Middle School Talent Show at the Barrymore Theater. Not only will this event
showcase student talent, it will also be a Lip Sync Extravaganza! Homeroom groups are currently signing up to prepare
a lip sync performance for the show. We’re hoping it will be a fun way for students to get together with friends and
prepare an act for a small or large group. We are hoping to have a “lip sync sing-off” at 1:45 on Monday, April 11. We
will have space for 12-15 lip sync acts at the show in May.

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Madison Metropolitan School District Dress Code

Generally, students may dress in any style they desire as long as their chosen attire does not cause a disruption or
distraction in the school environment, reveal intimate body parts or pose a safety risk to the student or others. The
following examples are intended to represent these limitations:

 Students may not wear hats during the school day.
 Students may not wear multi-fingered rings, large metal chains or other jewelry that may be used as a

weapon.
 Students must wear their pants at a level that does not expose undergarments. Boxers, thong underwear and

athletic shorts may not show over the waist band.
 Students may not wear clothing with vulgar or obscene statements or statements or pictures promoting illegal

drugs, alcohol, sex, violence or gang activities.
 Students may not wear clothing with words, pictures or caricatures based on negative stereotypes of a specific

gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Students may not wear shirts,
hats or other attire with Native American team names, logos or mascots that depict negative stereotypes. A
list of team names, logos and mascots prohibited under this provision is available at all schools and on the
District website.
 Students may not wear skirts or shorts that expose undergarments or the buttocks.
 See-through clothing items are not permitted. Tops should be sufficient so as not to expose a student’s bra
 Students must wear shoes or footwear.

Students who are dressed in a manner that does not fit within these guidelines may be asked by school staff to change
their clothing or address the dress code violation. Students are expected to follow staff direction regarding dress code
violations.

Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice is a different way of looking at wrongdoing. Rather than viewing behaviors as a
violation of rules and regulations, a restorative approach recognizes how these behaviors cause harm to
relationships and communities. Restorative Justice gives everyone a voice and involves them in a
community-based process to hold people accountable by understanding the root of the issue and
providing opportunities to repair harm and restore relationships. At O’Keeffe Middle School we will be
holding a Restorative Justice Meet and Greet for potential students to become Circle Keepers. Students
nominated are able to become Circle Keepers by participating and completing a 10 lesson class
successfully. These classes will be a max of 20 students, 6th and 7th graders, and we are looking for a
diverse group. Teachers and parents please nominate your student(s) if you believe this would be a great
opportunity for them! Students, nominate yourselves or a friend! We are looking for two main qualities
in a Circle Keeper: leadership potential and a good compassionate heart. Please stay tuned as we will be
sending out more information about the Restorative Justice Circle Keeper classes after Spring Break!!

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S.O.S: SUPPORT O’KEEFFE SCHOOL!

Dear O’Keeffe Families,

Thank you for supporting our wonderful school in so many ways – attending music
concerts, PTG meetings, sending in snacks for Teacher Appreciation Week, scooping ice
cream, contributing to the silent auction, volunteering in the classroom, or (most
importantly) doing your best to support your child at home.

This year the PTG is struggling to cover the costs of all the community- building events
and initiatives it supports. We are asking for any financial support you can give.

SHOW YOUR TIGER PRIDE

Make a tax-deductible gift now

Please consider:
o A gift of $10 for classroom materials or art supplies
o A gift of $20 for school supplies for children in need
o A gift of $50 to purchase new library books
o A gift of $75 to pay for needed repairs to musical
instruments
o A gift of $100 to help children who cannot afford the cost of enriching field trips.
o A gift of any amount to show you care!

YES, I’ll make a year-end gift to help improve our school!

Enclosed is a tax-deductible gift of:

$100_____ $75_____ $50_____ $20_____ $10_____ Other $_______

Please make checks out to O’Keeffe PTG and return to the O’Keeffe Office or mail to
O’Keeffe PTG, 510 S. Thornton Ave., Madison, WI 53703

Thank you for your continued support

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Okeeffe – Community

O’Keeffe Connect
Stay in touch with the your students’ O’Keeffe experiences!

Like O’Keeffe’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/MMSDOKeeffe

Explore O’Keeffe Official Website:
https://okeeffeweb.madison.k12.wi.us/

View the O’Keeffe Google Calendar:
https://okeeffe.madison.k12.wi.us/calendar

The PTG collects Box Tops for Education O’Keeffe Spirit Wear Web Store!

throughout the year as one of its fundraising Order a wide variety of O’Keeffe spirit apparel
projects. You can be an important “donor” to this online:
okeeffemiddleschool.ilchq1.com
effort simply by clipping those bright pink box tops

from General Mills products and dropping them off
in the gold-foiled “Box Tops for Education” box in
the O’Keeffe main office. Thanks for your help! If

you have any questions or want us to stop by and

pick up your Box Tops, just contact Sheila Lenius at

[email protected].

O’Keeffe Community: Upcoming Events!

Thursday, May 5: Talent Show & Lip Sync Extravaganza at Barrymore Theater; performers arrive at
5:00 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show begins at 6:30 p.m.; tickets are $5.

Tuesday, May 17: Visit from incoming Marquette 6th graders, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 19: Visit from incoming Hawthorne & Lowell 6th graders, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, May 25: “Project: Inspire” All-School Assembly, Field House, 10 - 11 a.m., Russell Joel
Brown (Mufasa in The Lion King at The Overture)

Wednesday, May 4th O’Keeffe Music Program
Wednesday, May 11th Upcoming May Concerts – 7:00 p.m. in the Fieldhouse
Wednesday, May 18th
Wednesday, May 25th 6th Grade Band Concert
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Choir Concert
7th and 8th Grade Band Concert
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Strings Concert

Dress Code: white on the top, black on the bottom, black shoes.

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April MSCR After-School Clubs

Weekday Clubs

Mondays ● Youth Recreation Center: Open Gym
Tuesdays ● Soccer Practice
● Gear Up (April 4)
Wednesdays
● Homework Club
Thursdays ● Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
● Art Homework Club
Fridays ● Dungeons and Dragons
● DJ Club
● Debate Club
● Softball Practice
● Soccer Practice
● Running Club

● Homework Club
● Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
● Art Homework Club
● Project Unify
● Chess Club
● Science Club
● Softball Practice
● Soccer Practice

● Homework Club
● Art Homework Club
● Dungeons and Dragons
● Pop Choir
● Jazz Band
● Super Smash Bros. Club
● Baking Club
● Softball Practice

● Marquette/O’Keeffe Unicycling Open Gym

Go O’Keeffe Tigers!

Softball Team Soccer Games (Weds @ 3:30)

Games will be Thursdays, starting the 4/7 Whitehorse @ O’Keeffe
21st of April. 5/4 O’Keeffe @ Sherman
5/11 Blackhawk @ O’Keeffe
5/18 O’Keeffe @ Sennett

The after-school bus picks up at 3:45. Students staying later will need other transportation.
Questions or concerns? Call Divya Kamath at 608-204-6863.

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