For Hub City Times

Students study, model Zika virus protein

MARSHFIELD — Marshfield High School’s Students Modeling a Research Topic (SMART) Team, focusing on molecular biosciences, recently presented its research at the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Experimental Biology Conference in Chicago.

The SMART team worked with a mentor to research the structure and function of a protein, modeled the protein based on the crystal structure, and then the Milwaukee School of Engineering Center for Molecular Modeling printed a 3-D model of the protein the students designed. The final phase of the project included developing a poster and presenting to other researchers.

The students explored the envelope protein of Zika virus as a target for antiviral treatment. The team also studied the origin and spread of the outbreak as well as current research on methods for combating the spread of Zika.

Junior Ayush Shukla stated, “SMART teams allows me to apply and expand the science I learn in the classroom. I can understand how science can transform society.”

Marshfield High School’s 2017 SMART team consists of Shukla, junior Haania Khan, junior Roma Shah, and sophomore Kyle Schultz. The team is coached by Amy Fassler, science teacher at Marshfield High School.

MHS seniors attend sexual assault prevention program

Sexual assault is recognized as a significant concern nationwide. Young adults, ages 15 to 25, are currently the most at-risk group for sexual assault.

Marshfield High School, along with The Personal Development Center, Marshfield Police Department, and Ki Nagare Dojo, recently presented Safety After High School, a sexual assault prevention program targeted for seniors. The program was scheduled purposefully just before prom, graduation, and students then moving on to postsecondary institutions and employment.

The program consisted of three primary sections: a large group presentation and discussion regarding facts and risks related to sexual assault, a small group discussion and activities designed to help students develop strategies to reduce their risk or get out of difficult situations, and a basic self-defense/personal safety techniques class.

Overwhelmingly, the students rated the program as useful, interesting, and worth their time. Students stated they felt more prepared and safe as they leave high school to help themselves and their friends.

For more information on Safety After High School, contact Joanne Greenlee at 715-384-4747 or Krystal Salzmann at 715-387-8464.

Free summer meal schedule finalized

Stressing the importance of offering nutritious meals to children during the summer months, the Marshfield School District recently announced the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program.

The Summer Food Service Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, provides nutritious meals to children during the summer when free and reduced-price school meals are typically unavailable.

Free meals will be made available to children 18 years of age and under. Persons over 18 years of age who are determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled and who also participate in a public or private nonprofit school program during the regular school year may receive free meals as well.

The following locations will serve the free meals this summer:

Madison Elementary School (510 N. Palmetto Ave.) June 5-9.

—Lunch: 11:30-11:50 a.m.

Grant Elementary School (425 W. Upham St.) June 12 – July 21.

—Lunch: 12:05-12:20 p.m.

Marshfield High School (1401 E. Becker Road) June 12-21.

—Breakfast: 7-8 a.m.

—Lunch: 11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.

Marshfield Middle School (900 E. Fourth St.) July 10-21.

—Breakfast: 7:45-8 a.m.

—Lunch: 11:15-11:30 a.m.

Meals are provided to eligible children regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.