September 2011 Tri-Center Newsletter

High School 485-2257 Middle School 485-2211 www.tri-center.k12.ia.us Elementary 485-2271

NOTE: We will continue to provide copies of our newsletters in local businesses (i.e. banks, grocery stores in Neola, Minden and Persia) in order to cut back on our cost of mailing. You can also view the monthly newsletter on our school website: www.tricenter.k12.ia.us. We will mail copies to out of town/state residents who do not have access to the internet if requested.

Superintendents News and Comments

Brett Nanninga Tri- Center Community SchoolsWelcome Back! On behalf of the Board of Education, Administration, Faculty and Staff, I would like to welcome those students and families coming to TriCenter Community Schools for the first time, and welcome back those who are returning for more of the educational experiences and opportunities that Tri-Center has to offer during the 2011-2012 school year. The school years are an exciting combination of times in the life of a youngster (years that we often cherish and look back upon when we get older). Our hope is that this year is full of learning, growth, maturity, and more good times than tough times. Tri-Center Community Schools ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT for the 2010-11 school year (last year) can be accessed on the Tri-Center Community Schools website at www.tri-center.k12.ia.us. **Available anytime after September 15th.

ENROLLMENT is holding steady according to preliminary figures; and we still have people moving in or open enrolling into the TriCenter School District. I would ask that you please do your part in marketing the T-C school system and encouraging families to come out to school anytime for a tour of the facilities and/or to visit with staff and students. Remind them also of our website at www.tri-center.k12.ia.us. Should you encounter folks on weekends that are interested in seeing the campus or learning more about the school please call me at home and let me know. If you are living near the boundaries of our district, please talk with your neighbors to find out where their kids (if they have any) are attending school. With the increasing number of housing developments and acreages, we must continue to make parents aware of Tri-Center Community Schools and what it has to offer their children and entire family. VACATIONS, IN-SERVICES, and EARLY DISMISSALS (ALL 1:30) will occur from time to time throughout this school year. Once again we have magnet calendars for each family in the district that indicate all vacation days, early outs, in-services, and quarter/semester finishes. If you didnt get a magnet calendar during registration, please stop by any one of the three offices on campus and pick one up. NOTE: Early outs for teacher in-service will be published in the newsletter, sent home via notes to parents, and featured on the T-C website. OPEN ENROLLMENT is an option that is available to parents wishing to enroll their child or children in another public school district in Iowa. The last day for regular open enrollment requests for 2012-2013 is March 1, 2012. The last day for open enrollment requests pertaining to Kindergarten students is September 1, 2012. A parent/guardian
1

may apply for open enrollment after the filing deadline of March 1st if the student is entering kindergarten or if good cause provisions apply. If good cause has been met (according to Iowa Code), the parent/guardian shall be permitted to apply for open enrollment in the same manner as if the deadline had been met. Parents/Guardians of open enrolled children that have an income below 160% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for transportation assistance, which may be in the form of transportation or a cash stipend. Open enrollment may result in loss of eligibility in activities. FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH applications are available to all families that meet the income guidelines set forth by the State of Iowa, Department of Education, Bureau of Food and Nutrition. If any doubts exist concerning eligibility, please contact the superintendents secretary at TriCenter Community Schools. Families are strongly encouraged to complete an application for either category, as the total number of free/reduced applications that are approved constitute the percentage that much of the federal and state aid supplements are based upon for school funding. A full or partial student waiver does not transfer from one year to the nextthis form must be filled out annually. TRI-CENTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS does not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, race, national origin, creed, age, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices, or as otherwise prohibited by statute or regulation. Inquiries and grievances may be directed to the Affirmative Action Coordinator, Tri-Center Community Schools, 33980 310th Street, Neola IA 51559, (712) 485-2257. VISITORS at Tri-Center Community Schools must buzz in on the intercom (near the main entrance to each building) and report immediately to the office area, sign in, and receive a visitors sticker. Those who do not follow this procedure will be asked to leave immediately or the law enforcement agency will be called to handle the situation. Students are asked not to bring guests to

school without receiving advance approval from the building principal. Parents are welcome visit the school at any time but must also check in with the office area upon entering the building. These procedures are implemented for the sole purpose of the safety of our students and staff. HARASSMENT/BULLYING is prohibited by the Tri-Center Community School District. It is the policy of the school district to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment and bullying. The Board of Education prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization of students or staff. ANNUAL NOTICE (FERPA Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the students education record. They are: 1) The right to inspect and review the students education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access. 2) The right to request the amendment of the students education record that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the students privacy rights. 3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the students education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 4) The right to inform the school district that the parent does not want directory information, as defined, to be released. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make objection in writing by the first day of school to the building principal. The objection needs to be renewed annually. 5) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of that office may be obtained at the school. **The specifics of the ANNUAL NOTICE can be referenced through Tri-Center Community
2

Schools Board Policy 506.1E9. Copies of the board policy can be obtained at the school. No Child Left Behind (Federal Legislation) Notification to Parents Concerning Highly Qualified Teachers Parents/Guardians Rights Notification Parents/Guardians in the Tri-Center Community School District have the right to learn about the following qualifications of their childs teacher: State Licensure Requirements for the grade level and content areas that are taught Current Licensing Status of your childs teacher Baccalaureate/Graduate Certification or Degree Parents/Guardians may request this information from the Office of the Superintendent by calling 485-2257, or by sending a letter of request to: Office of the Superintendent Tri-Center Community Schools 33980 310th Street Neola, IA 51559 INTERNET USAGE APPROPRIATE USE OF COMPUTERS, COMPUTER NETWORK SYSTEMS, AND THE INTERNET

use of its computers, computer network, and/or internet connection. Access to the Districts computers, computer network systems, and the internet shall be available to all students and staff within the District. However, access is a privilege, not a right. Each student and staff member must have a signed acceptable use agreement on file prior to having access to and using the Districts computers, computer network systems, and the internet. The amount of time and type of access available for each student and staff member may be limited by the Districts technology and the demands for the use of the Districts technology. Even if students have not been given access to and/or use of the Districts computers, computer network systems, and the internet, they may still be exposed to information from the Districts computers, computer network systems, and/or the internet in guided curricular activities at the discretion of their teachers. Every computer in the District having internet access shall not be operated unless internet access from the computer is subject to a technology protection measure (i.e. filtering software). The technology protection measure employed by the District shall be designed and operated with the intent to ensure that students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are otherwise harmful to minors. The technology protection measure may only be disabled for an adults use if such use is for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Students and staff members shall only engage in appropriate, ethical, and legal utilization of the Districts computers, computer network systems, and internet access. Students and staff members use of the Districts computers, computer network systems, and internet access shall also comply with all District policies and regulations. Inappropriate use and/or access will result in the restriction and/or termination of this privilege and may result in further discipline for students up to and including expulsion and/or other legal action and may result in further discipline for staff members up to and including termination of employment and/or other legal action. The Districts administration will determine what constitutes inappropriate use and
3

The Board of Directors of the TriCenter Community School District is committed to making available to students and staff members access to a wide range of electronic learning facilities, equipment, and software, including computers, computer network systems, and the internet. The goal in providing this technology and access is to support the educational objectives and mission of the Tri-Center Community School District and to promote resource sharing, innovation, problem solving, and communication. The Districts computers, computer network, and/or internet connection is not a public access service or a public forum. The District has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material accessed and/or posted through the

their decision will be final. The technology coordinator may close a user account at any time as required and administrators, faculty, and staff may request the technology coordinator to deny, revoke or suspend user accounts. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with computer systems may be denied access to the Districts computers, the Districts computer network systems, and the internet. Students and staff members will be instructed by the Districts technology coordinator or other appropriate personnel on the appropriate use of the Districts computers, computer network systems, and the internet. INTERNET-APPROPRIATE USE Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum and the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means. Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual students accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students. If a student already has an electronic mail address, the student (may, with the permission of the supervising teacher,) be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school. The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network, which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information that may not be of educational value. Student Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. (The school district will use technology

protection measure to protect students from inappropriate access.) Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy or regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations and understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations. TOWN ROUTE BUS STOPS are located in each of our communities in the district. For information on a particular bus stop, pick up or drop off time, please call the school office where your child attends. Parents and students are responsible for being to the bus stops on time. Students are expected to be at the bus stop nearest their home unless otherwise instructed by a building principal. **Please note that the sites are subject to change depending upon the location and number of students riding the bus. Thank you for your cooperation. STUDENT AUTOMOBILE SEARCHES may be conducted on school premises at any time if the school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the vehicle contains illegal, unauthorized, or contraband items. Parking on school property is a privilege and NOT a right. The school retains complete authority to have vehicles towed at the owners cost, conduct routine patrols of the parking areas, and revoke a students privilege to park on school property for any length of time that is deemed appropriate. Furthermore, RECKLESS DRIVING can result in being reported to the law authorities and the revocation of driving or parking privileges on school property. LOCKER SEARCHES (in accordance with Iowa Law) can be conducted at any time as long as the student is present for inspection. There is no 24-hour notice necessary when probable cause exists.

RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION to the public as necessary will include: Name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, previous school or institution attended by the student, and similar information. Any student, parent, or guardian not wanting this information released to the public must make objections in writing to the building principal. It is recommended that this objection be renewed at the start of each school year.

Getting Ready for a Great Year in the High School

Angela Huseman

Give your teen as much responsibility as you can. Teens need lots of growing room. Whenever you can give your teen a chance to make a decision for himself, do so. Help your teen think about consequences. Teens tend to jump in without thinking. Encourage your teen to think about the results of an action before taking it. Make a plan. At the beginning of the year, help your teen figure out a schedule. When is the best time to study? Can he play a sport and still hold a job? Let your teen learn from experience. Experience is a good teacher. But teens cant learn the lessons they need if their parents are always there to bail them out. If your teen doesnt get his paper written on time, let him deal with the teacher and suffer the consequences.

Mankind owes to the child the best it has to give.

--United Nations Declaration

Attendance is important!, Helping Students Learn, 2004

Its tempting to let your teen stay out of school. Your family wants to travel on a school day. Your teens science project needs a little more work, or hes tired from after school activities. But attendance (including being on time) is essential. Heres why: Its linked to success. Missing a few classes can lead to lower grades. Its a habit. Teens who value promptness carry this attitude to adulthood. **If your child HAS to miss school, please call the high school office (485-2257) by 9:00 a.m. Have teens spend at least ten hours a week on homework, High School Parent, 2004 If your teen spends less than 10 hours a week studying, it may not be enough. Most experts say two hours per school night is about the right amount of homework for high school students. Does 10 hours sound like a lot? Think about the other ways teens spend their time. Some spend twice that much time at a job or in front of the T.V. There may be nothing due tomorrow, but once a teen gets to high school, there is ALWAYS
5

Welcome to a brand new school year. Following is advice I have offered in the past, but a good review for both parents and students is always helpful. Urge your child to make this school year a good one by forming good habits early. Help Your Teen Become More Responsible this School Year, High School Parents, 2004 He forgot his homework, so he wants you to drive it to school. He hasnt completed his English paperwill you let him stay home from school until he finishes it? Sound familiar? Teens arent always responsible. But some havent ever had to be. Whenever those kids face a problem, their parents try to fix it. That may solve some problems today. But it will create even bigger problems in the future. Starting this year, you can help your teen develop the responsibility hell need for the rest of his life. Here are some tips:

something she can do to get ahead on her assignments or study for an upcoming quiz or test. For some weeks, 10 hours is not enough. If it is test time or your teen has a project or paper due, the right amount of time could be 15 hours or more. Swallow the frog quickly, Helping Students Learn, 2004 Mark Twain said it best: If you have to swallow a frog, dont look at it too long. In other words if you have an unpleasant task ahead, do it quickly. That applies to homework, too. Encourage your teen to get the toughest subjects out of the way first. About Sportsmanship

7. I will respect the coaches and officials and their authority during games and will not question, discuss, or confront coaches at a game site. 8. If I have concerns to discuss, I will take time to speak with the coach at an agreed upon time and place. 9. I will do my best to ensure that the sport is enjoyable for my child and remember that the game is for the athletes and not the adults. The Girls and Boys Athletic Unions, and the Music and Speech Unions have gotten together to establish guidelines for conduct at all sanctioned high school events. I have shared these with the students, and they will apply to all spectators: Conduct Counts

The following was something I found in a legal alert that I believe is appropriate to include at the beginning of the new school year. I hope you will take a few minutes and read this over. I expect all the Tri-Center students to display good sportsmanship and class at all our many events. This is a much easier job when you parents provide them with good role models. PARENT SPORTSMANSHIP PLEDGE 1. I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating support for all athletes, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or athletic event. 2. I will place the emotional and physical wellbeing of children ahead of any personal desire to win. 3. I will support coaches and officials working with my child to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all. 4. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of athletes. 5. I will treat other players, parents, coaches, fans and officials with respect and refrain from verbal digs. 6. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

The following behaviors will result in ejection: 1. Disrespectful conduct, including profanity, obscene gestures or comments, offensive remarks of a sexual nature, or other actions that demean individuals or the event. 2. Throwing articles onto the contest area. 3. Entering the contest area in protest or celebration. 4. Physical confrontation involving contest officials, coaches/directors, contestants or spectators. 5. Spectator interference with the event. These behaviors may result in a warning or an ejection: 6. Jumping up and down on bleachers. 7. Use of artificial noisemakers, signs or banners. 8. Chants or cheers directed at opponents. I know I expect this year to be a great one. I, for one, will be greatly surprised if it isnt. We have great kids at Tri-Center. We all want the best for them. Remember the doors and phone lines are always open if you have ideas to make the experience for students here even better. We are good, but we can and will continue to get better. If you have to swallow a frog, dont look at it too long. Mark Twain

High School Comments

by Tami Harman

Counseling

son/daughter will find the time to attend. I know there will be useful information provided to assist you in preparing for college The sophomores will be taking the PLAN test this fall. This test is a component to the ACT test and will only assist in preparing for the ACT test. All sophomores will be taking the PLAN test in November. Some Juniors will be taking the PSAT/NMSQT on October 12, 2011th at Tri-Center. ITED testing will take place on November 7th 1th, 2011. Listed below are the college reps that are scheduled to visit Tri-Center.
Sept. 13 Iowa Western Community College 10:30 a.m. Sept. 21 Missouri Western University 10:00 a.m. Sept. 29 Upper Iowa University 10:30 a.m. Oct. 13 Northwest Missouri State University 11:00 am Oct. 19 Iowa State University 10:30 a.m. Oct. 19 Buena Vista 10:00 p.m.

Juniors and Seniors need to be aware of the ACT test dates for 2011-2012.
Test Date Oct. 22, 2011 Dec. 10, 2011 Feb. 11, 2012 April 14, 2012 June 9, 2012 Registration Deadline Sept. 16, 2011 Nov. 4, 2011 Jan. 13, 2012 March 9, 2012 May 4, 2012 Late Fee Deadline Sept. 17-Sept. 30, 2011 Nov. 5 -18, 2011 Jan. 14-20, 2012 March 10-23, 2012 May 5-18, 2012

If you daughter/son has not taken the ACT yet they need to strongly look at their career interest and visit the counseling office to determine their need for the ACT test. There are a few registration packets available in the Guidance Office, they are encouraging online registration. We will again be offering the John Baylor ACT Test Prep course for the October test date and the February test date. The October Prep is for seniors and the February Prep is for the juniors. More information is available from the Guidance Counselor. I will be sending out letters to senior parents to set up meeting times to discuss information pertaining to their daughter/son post-secondary plans. We will review graduation requirements and do a credit update as well as inform you of scholarship procedures, college visits, and college application procedures. If you did not get a letter please call the school to set up an appointment. I will be providing a College Planning Night, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafetorium at Tri-Center High School for current juniors and seniors and there parents. Topics to be discussed will include: Preparing for College What to consider when choosing a college How to compare colleges What to look for and ask during campus visits Overview of the financial aid process The presentation is being provided by the Iowa College Access Network. I hope you and your

Tri-Center Middle School

Brian Wedemeyer What everyone should know about Middle School. Middle school is a chance to meet new people, develop new skills and think about your goals and the future. Middle School is different from elementary school because students can take different classes, we have different rules, like any student who fails a class for the semester must retake that class next year or make it up at summer school. Students also have busier schedules and will have their own lockers. Middle School also will let students experience more teachers, more choices and more homework. One of the best ways to succeed is to use an assignment book, make sure you understand your assignments, keep your locker clean so you can find things, make time for your
7

homework and prepare for school the night before, it will save you time in the morning. Getting organized takes practice, but it is worth the effort. Starting a new year is always exciting, I often talk to parents and they have become discouraged or frustrated due to various reasons. I try to convince them that their students are in a new environment, or have new teachers and that just because they have had a bad experience in the past, that doesnt mean they will continue to have bad experiences in the future. I encourage people to talk to the teachers and get their side of the story. Communication is a very difficult item and one that needs constant attention and work by all sides involved. The middle school takes students on an end of the year field trip. The criteria for going are: They cannot received an F grade on the D/F list They can only be on the D/F list once with a D They can only receive one detention or discipline referral. They can never be suspended or have an In-School suspension. The date and activities for the end of the year trip have not been decided but our goal is to have everyone be eligible to attend. Tri-Center sport schedules are available for viewing at www.westerniowaconference.org This website will allow you to view the school calendar daily or by the specific sport season.

When is bedtime? What time do we need to get up? What about breakfast? Home or at school? Where do we put notes we get from school? What do I do after school? Where does my bookbag go at home? What do we do in an emergency? Where do I do my homework? It doesn't take very long to go through all the answers and it's a good time to get started on the right foot. Setting up the boundaries for a child helps them be responsible and learn to be independent. It's going to be a great school year this year! Let's make it one that is filled with learning, love, and lots of memories.

Elementary Art News

Liz Lyons HELP!! WE NEED PANTYHOSE!! We also need scraps of wood to use for a base: like 4-5 inch pieces of 2x4s . Pleas call Mrs. Lyons if you can help!!! We will once again participate in the Art to Remember Fundraiser for elementary students this year. The students will make an original piece of artwork that will be made into a magnet. Magnets will be sent home at the end of October. Parents will have a choice to buy the magnet, order additional items, or return the magnet. These items make great Christmas gift ideas! If you do not want your child to participate, please send a note to Mrs. Lyons and I will pull your childs artwork. All proceeds from this fundraiser are used to benefit elementary art students. Kindergarten kids are drawing family portraits in marker. Soon we will practice our cutting and gluing skills. First graders are designing symmetrical butterflies. Second grade students are using oil pastels to create fireworks. Third graders are using chalk and torn paper to create a landscape. Fourth grade students are looking at the work of Georgia OKeefe to design an abstract
8

From the Principal

...Diane White

Elementary

Welcome Back!
Its time to get back into a routine with our kids. Take some time to outline with your child the routine you will be following in your home. Use the following checklist:

composition that will be painted with water based pastels. Fifth graders reviewed the color wheel and learned about George Suerat to create a landscape in pointillism with oil pastels. Please feel free to stop by the art room to visit any time! You are welcome to watch, participate, or volunteer to work! This is a fun learning environment to experience! I (Mrs. Lyons) am at Tri-Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday afternoons. HELP OUT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Making a difference has never been easier! Here's a list of easy things you can do to help us at the elementary school: 1. Save Campbell Soup UPC Codes--Collect UPC Codes now instead of labels Campbell soup UPC Codes and also other Campbell products UPC Codes are collected in our building. You can send the UPC Codes with a student or drop them off in the office. We receive points to purchase a variety of things for our students. 2. Save Box Tops for Education General Mills will give us $.10 for each box top we collect this year. The box tops have the Box Tops for Education symbol on them. We have a collection sack in the office. 3. Save Your Empty Ink Jet Cartridges Please put empty cartridges in a plastic bag to send them to school. We have a collection box in the office.

Go Green and Help Support the Ronald McDonald House

Tri-Center Schools are sponsoring an aluminum pop tab drive for the Ronald McDonald House. Why pop tabs and not the whole can? Pop tabs are smaller and easier to store. Tabs are also paint free and pure aluminum which increases their value. Students and community members are encouraged to turn in their tabs into the TC offices. Collection containers will also be available at some local businesses. Once collected, student volunteers will then count them. After we count them we will turn them into the Ronald McDonald House. They will recycle the tabs and use the proceeds to assist families who have a child receiving treatments at our local health care faculties. Last year we collected over 136,000 tabs! Track our progress on the Tri-Center Website!

ELEMENTARY YEARBOOKS 4. Office Depots 5% Back to School Program To earn free supplies for the school: Every time you shop at Office Depot (in the store, on-line or by phone) give the store our Schools ID Number: 70028645 and the school will receive 5% of qualified purchases in the form of a Merchandise Card. Mrs. Thomas has 2009-2010 Elementary Yearbooks available for $10 each and 2010-2011 Elementary Yearbooks available for $25 each. First Come, first serve!

Environmental Programs at Hitchcock Sydney Hiatt, Environmental Educator Pottawattamie County Conservation Monarch Tagging September 10, 2011 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Hitchcock Nature CenterHow in the world do you tag a butterfly? Find out at our annual Monarch Tagging event at Hitchcock Nature Center. Discover more about monarch butterflies, their unusual lifestyle and life cycle, and miraculous migration to Mexico. Learn how to catch and handle monarchs, determine gender, and properly tag them in the wild as part of a national research project. All monarchs will be released after they are tagged. Bring a butterfly net if you have one, or share a park net if you dont. Tags and refreshments provided. Pre-registration is required by September 7th. Cost for preregistered individuals: $4.00 per adult & $3.00 per child ages 6-18. Children 5 and under admitted free. Cost day of event: $6.00 per person, if space available. Please call 712-328-5834 to register for either the 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. event. Weather permitting. Hitch Hike September 20, 2011 6:00 p.m. Hitchcock Nature CenterJoin us for the conclusion of this summer series. This hike is a challenging one that includes exploring parts of more remote areas of the preserve and the Loess Hills up close. We will walk through Hidden Valley out west to reach our destination a scenic overlook of the Missouri River Valley. Cost is $2.00 per person and includes ontrail refreshments. Please call 712-545-3283 for more information. Weather permitting. HawkWatch Festival September 24, 2011 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hitchcock Nature CenterJoin Hawkwatchers and keep your eyes on the skies for migrating raptors. This event will include live hawk demonstrations by Raptor Recovery NE, hikes in the Loess Hills, childrens bird activities, and refreshments. Come

out and view magnificent raptors on their journey south! Cost: $3.00 per person, children 5 and under admitted free. Weather permitting. Chili Fest October 15, 2011 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Arrowhead Park(I-80 exit #23) Neola, IA. Come out and enjoy a warm bowl of chili in the crisp fall air. The chili fest will include children's games and activities, pumpkin painting, and hayrack rides. All ages are welcome to attend the event. Please meet at Breezee Lodge. Cost: age 14 and over $5.00; ages 6-13 $2.00; children 5 and under admitted free. Call 712-485-2295 for more information. Enchanted Forest October 23, 2011 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Hitchcock Nature CenterMay the force be with you! Wear your costumes and bring little ones for an out-of-this-world Star Wars themed trail at Hitchcock. Event will include pumpkin painting and carving, modern day apple bobbing, and refreshments. Please meet at the Trailhead. Cost: $5.00 per family. Weather permitting. Visit us at www.pottcoconservation.com Hitchcock Nature Center 27792 Ski Hill Loop Honey Creek, IA 51542 712-545-3283 712-328-5834

10