Every Child ..Every Class ..Every Day - Wisconsin Heights School District
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MARCH 2019
Every Child…..Every Class…..Every Day
MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR / JORDAN SINZ
Dear Community,
Very exciting things are happening in the Wisconsin Heights School District. Perhaps most exhilarating, we have
had two consecutive weeks of school without a weather-related cancelation or delay! That is said part in jest, but it
also highlights the fact that our weather has been wild. Our school district appreciates the community support we
have received as we work through Mother Nature’s challenges. Despite these challenges, we are pushing forward
with the following improvements that increase student learning:
1. Our agriculture education and technology education classrooms at the middle/high school are undergoing a
facelift this spring. Financed by the district’s annual maintenance budget, the scope of the project involves
remodeling four spaces - the technology education classroom and lab area, the agriculture classroom, the
computer lab, and the study hall room. When the remodeling is complete:
a. The technical education lab area will be larger and contain different sections for construction and
manufacturing as well as space for a “clean room” for a design/fabrication laboratory. This results from
repurposing the former agriculture classroom.
b. The agriculture classroom will be housed in what is presently a computer lab. This remodeled space will
be significantly larger than our current agriculture classroom. Agriculture classes will now have both
instructional space as well as a larger animal laboratory. These upgrades allow more students to apply
their classroom learning.
c. Shifting the computer laboratory into the larger study hall space will allow for more digital learning,
particularly about design and technology. Adjacent to the technology education area and connected to
the art room, this lab will allow students to experiment with industry level technology in computer aided
drafting, digital photography and digital design. Art pushes technological advancement and technology
pushes artists to create; we want students to experience this reciprocal relationship.
Separate from this project, we are also remodeling three unoccupied classrooms to create a quiet study hall
adjacent to the science labs and the Library. Students in the Home Maintenance and Materials and Processing are
gaining experience with remodeling as part of this process.
2. The Wisconsin Heights School District Board of Education is in the midst of planning our one-year reunion for
the 2018 Future Search event. Please mark Thursday, April 18, 2019, on your calendar and stay tuned for more
details. The School District will be updating community members on our one-year progress and discussing our
future efforts to keep the continuous improvement spirit alive!
3. Our operational referendum question will appear on the ballot in just five weeks. Please vote on April 2nd.
Absentee Ballots are available at your Village/Township office. The Distr ict is r equesting $2,200,000 for
each of the next five years (2019-20 through 2023-24). The District is projecting the 2019-20 School District tax
rates will drop approximately 7 cents per $1,000 when compared to 2018-19 rates.
Informational sessions are scheduled for Monday, March 11th, at 6:30 PM at Black Earth Elementary School and
Monday, March 18th, at 6:30 PM at Mazomanie Elementary School. In addition, information is available on the
district website at www.wisheights.k12.wi.us.
District staff are available to provide an informational presentation for your neighborhood, community group, or
organization. Call the District Office at 608-767-2595 or email Jordan Sinz at jsinz@wisheights.k12.wi.us to
schedule a presentation.
Black Earth SCOTT MOORE, Black Ear th Pr incipal, March is here! March weather can be extreme and change drastically each day so make it a habit to look at the weather to see what your child will need to be dressed and comfortable for outside recess. In February, we wrapped up a very successful fundraiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and students definitely showed their generous side by quadrupling our school goal! Borrowed Clothes Be on the lookout for any clothing that may have come home with your child. Also, if you notice that your child has come home with outside apparel that is not yours send it back to the school as soon as you can so oth- ers in need can use them. You’d be surprised how many pairs of mittens and snow pants that are borrowed from the office on a daily basis. Lost and Found Items Our lost and found is located in the cafeteria. During the month of February, the volume of clothing has grown so if you think there might be something that belongs to your child, have them take a look. Yearbook If you are ordering a yearbook, please turn your form and money into the office by Friday, March 15th. If you need a new order form please call the office and we can get one to you. New Staff Member We have a new face at Black Earth Elementary! Joe Barsness was hired as a half-time Educational Assistant in early February. Joe is a graduate of WHSD. If you see Joe in our building please welcome him to our school! Elementary Dates to Remember—March Friday, March 1st - Make-up day for PreK-12th grade (previously a no school day) Friday, March 1st—Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 7th—Brighter Smiles Dental Visit | Mazomanie Elementary Thursday, March 7th - WHPTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM | Mazomanie Elementary Library Thursday, March 21sr - Preschool Pet Show (Kurtz) @ 8:30-9:15 AM | Black Earth Elementary Friday, March 22 nd- Preschool Pet Show (Updike) @ 8:30-9:15 AM & 12:45-1:30 PM | Black Earth Elementary Monday, March 25th - Friday, March 29th - Spring Break
Mazomanie Elementary News
DALE GREEN, Mazomanie Pr incipal
We appreciate everyone’s flexibility with the rescheduling of a number of Parent-Teacher Conferences due to
our make-up school day on March 1st. Report cards for the second trimester will be distributed during evening
conferences on February 28th or will be sent home in Tuesday folders on March 5th.
Just a reminder that our school day begins at 7:45 a.m. and morning activities are an important part of setting
the stage for the day. With hectic morning routines, it is easy for families to get in the habit of running a little
late. Missing out on the first part of the school day can have an impact, socially and academically on your
child. Thank you for making it a priority to get your children to school every day and on time. It makes a big
difference!
Mark your calendars, our Spring concert has been rescheduled to April 25th. Performances will be at 1:30 and
6:30 p.m. We had previously advertised the concert for April 11th, but due to our many snow days, we moved
back the date.
This winter has been a bit of a challenge with the extremely cold weather and frequent bouts of snow, but it has
been very busy and exciting at Mazomanie Elementary! We are “skating for American Heart Association” in
our Physical Education classes and we had tremendous participation and success with our Pennies for Patients
campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Thank you parents for your support for these two
fundraising activities. Academically our students are showing growth in their Reading and Math and our
teachers continue to collaborate and plan in providing opportunities and success to their students.
One of these days, spring will be here, but to help stay positive during these last days of winter, here is a
quotation by Mark Twain, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up!”
Elementary Music Programs
JANET DAHL
Black Earth Elementary
Kindergarten—
Ms. Crede’s class, Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 1:45 in the music room
Ms. Elliott’s class, Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 1:45 in the music room
Ms. Bernien’s class, Friday, May 3, 2019 at 1:45 in the music room
Mazomanie Elementary
All school—Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 1:30 and 6:30 in the gym
Middle/High School News
ELIZABETH DOSTAL, MS/HS Pr incipal
Have you ever looked at your tween or teenager and thought, “Who are you?” Adolescence has typically
been a period of turmoil. In fact, the psychologist G. Stanley Hall characterized it using the German term
Sturm und Drang, a period of emotional turmoil, as children move through the turbulent transition from
savagery to civilization (https://dictionary.apa.org/storm-and-stress-period ). With all the advances in brain
science, we now have more understanding of the adolescent brain. The article summary below is from the
Marshall Memo, which is curated collection of articles on education and research, edited by Kim Marshall, a
former principal. It has useful insights into your teenager’s brain and how, as a caring adult, you can work
with your child to take advantage of the malleability of his or her brain. And maybe prevent a meltdown or
two!
Insights on Teenage Behavior
In this Edutopia article, Stephen Merrill says that recent research has given us important new information on
the adolescent brain.
• The limbic system (the seat of primal instincts like fear, hunger, lust, and pleasure) is hyperactive
during adolescence, while the prefrontal cortex (the seat of self-control, planning, and self-
awareness) is still developing. “It’s not youthful irrationality or a flair for the dramatic at work,” says
Merrill; “teenagers actually experience things like music, drugs, and the thrill of speed more
powerfully than adults do.”
• The brain’s neuroplasticity at this stage of life makes kids sponges for learning. “The same
emerging circuitry that makes teenagers vulnerable to risky behavior and mood swings also confers
significant advantages on adolescent learners,” says Merrill.
• Being with peers increases risk-taking, most dangerously with automobiles and alcohol
consumption. “It’s never been a question of feeling invulnerable,” says Merrill; “for teenagers,
there’s just something about the presence of peers that is transfiguring. They understand the risks,
and take them anyway.”
• Kids at this age respond well to direct explanations. “Talking to teenagers frankly about their brain
development can provide useful context for their emotional worlds,” says Merrill, “and reset their
expectations about their potential for continued intellectual growth.” This includes explaining the
limbic system, the malleability of their brains, and the peer effect.
• Similarly, teens are receptive to learning about self-regulation, managing stress, and considering
the feelings of others. Instruction in these areas is more effective than trying to scare kids about
risky behaviors.
• Peer culture and teens’ keen sense of fairness and justice can be powerful levers. Preaching about
smoking’s health consequences is usually ineffective, but talking about bad breath, peer
disapproval, impact on younger children, and the way the tobacco industry hooks and exploits
people can change teens’ attitudes and behavior.
To read the original article, see here:
“Decoding the Teenage Brain (in 3 Charts)” by Stephen Merrill in Edutopia, January 31, 2019,
https://www.edutopia.org/article/decoding-teenage-brain-3-charts
Elementary Counseling Department AUBRIE PREMO, Elementar y Counselor Happy March! Hopefully we will begin to see some more Spring like weather! I wanted to start with saying THANK YOU to all our school families and students for showing amazing Vanguard Pride during our Pennies for Patients fundraiser to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our elementary schools raised $8,422.99 to donate to this cause that affects so many lives. Amazing job! This month we are wrapping up our first unit in our Second Step curriculum, which focused on Skills for learning. The four skills for learning that were introduced were: 1– Focusing Attention, 2– Listening, 3– Using Self-Talk, and 4– Being Assertive. Each grade level did a little different work with each skill. We will be moving onto Unit 2, which focused on Empathy. Empathy is feeling and understanding what someone else is feeling. Third and fifth grade Human Growth and Development unit will be held at the end of March. Fourth grade will take place in April. Look for a letter to come home in your students backpack about the exact date and topics of these lessons. Any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact myself or our school nurse, Katy Howe. Our 4K-2 students will also be having their protective behaviors lesson in March. Look for a letter to come home regarding this lesson as well. Notes from the Nurse KATY HOWE We just reached our 100th day of school and I’m already thinking ahead to next year! All 5th graders will be getting a letter home soon about immunization recommendations for next year. All students entering 6th grade will need a Tdap booster (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis). Tdap is the only required immunization by the State of Wisconsin, however, the Meningococcal and HPV vaccines are also recommended nationally at age 11 or 12. Any students entering Kindergarten will need to get their last set of shots for a few years, besides the recommended annual flu shot. If you are concerned that your child may not be up to date please see the list of required immunization listed on the school website under health information. If you have specific questions please do not hesitate to ask. You may have noticed a lot about measles in the news lately. There have been large measles outbreaks around the country with cases even making their way as close as Illinois. Luckily, we haven’t had any cases yet in Wisconsin. Measles is a serious infection that causes fever, cough, a rash, sore eyes, and occasionally, danger- ous complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, which can lead to death. Measles spreads very easily, so it is important to protect against infection. Being fully vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to have the best protection against measles. Most children receive the MMR vaccine at their 1 year check up and the 2nd dose between the ages of 4-6. If you are unsure if your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine feel free to ask me or your doctor. If your child has not got- ten both doses I highly recommend you get them to help protect your child and our school community. The more people we have vaccinated the better our herd immunity to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons. The MMR vaccine is completely safe and very effective. If you do have questions or con- cerns about the MMR vaccine please don’t hesitate to ask.
Note from the Student Services Department
KAT SWANSON, Distr ict Social Wor ker
Dear Families,
I hope this note finds you well.
The Humanities and Social Work departments are collaborating with the Black Earth Public Library to host a
book group for high-school students at Wisconsin Heights. The goal of the book group is to raise awareness
about mental health in youth. The book, Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman, is told through the perspective
of a young man suffering from schizophrenia.
March 7th at 3:30 in Kathy Haig’s room #3202, students may pick-up a copy of the book and learn more about
the group. Finally, the group discussion will be held on April 11th from 3:30-4:30, followed by a free creative
journaling workshop. There will also be food provided. If you have a high-school student interested in mental
health, or one who just loves to read, please let them know about this exciting opportunity.
Girls In Real Life Situations (G.I.R.L.S.) group is headed to middle school! Ms. Allison Grigg (English teacher)
and myself will be facilitating this 6 to 8 week social-emotional group, following spring break. I will be sending
letters home for select students, outlining the group and asking for parent signatures.
In case you missed the Facebook post, 4K has been spending time with the social worker, too! Through a
curriculum called Second Step, I am teaching our youngest students about empathy. W e are working on
identifying our own feelings, as well as the feelings of others. It is such a delight to watch them engage with the
lessons, especially when we sing, or practice our emotion faces! Try asking your 4K student how to tell if
someone is happy.
Self Care Corner
As the winter months drag on, it is common to feel a little blue. Here are a few helpful tips to lift your mood:
1. Pause and take a breath. Taking one big, intentional breath will help melt away the stress.
2. Take a walk. The weather kind of stinks, but getting outside for just a few minutes each day can really
lift your mood. Last weekend I took my kids out for a quick walk around the block. Although it took us
longer getting ready than the actual time we spent outside, those few minutes of fresh air and sunshine
changed everyone’s attitudes!
3. Do something creative. Creativity comes in all forms, and is a good way to give your brain a boost! A
few examples are: baking, drawing, practicing an instrument, or building a shelf.
Wishing you a happy March, Kat
Like us on Facebook Wisconsin Heights School District
Guidance Department
KURT WONG, Guidance Counselor
Seniors
The WHEF and Other Local Scholarship Booklet and information has gone out to the senior class. These
scholarship applications are due to the guidance office by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18th. Late
applications will not be accepted.
Please check the binder in the guidance office for other scholarship opportunities. We have a variety of
random scholarships in the binder.
Scholarships Received from Colleges or Other Outside Sources
On Scholarship Evening, we would like to recognize students who have been awarded scholarships from the
school they will be attending next year or from other outside sources. If you have received notification of a
scholarship from a college or group not included in our WHEF and Other Local Scholarship Booklet, please
see Ms. Shaffer for an Outside Scholarship Award form. All forms are due to the guidance department no later
than Monday, May 14th.
Taking the ACT or SAT
The ACT and the SAT are national tests which colleges use as part of the admission process. All of our juniors
have recently taken the ACT and these results may be used for college admissions. Later tests will be offered
outside the school in April, June, July, September, October and December. Many students will take a test more
than once, in an effort to improve their score. Most schools in the Midwest prefer the ACT. However, you
should check with any school you are considering applying to and find out which they would like you to take
and whether they require the writing portion of the test. All juniors interested in attending a four-year college
or a UW system school should take one or the other. Students are encouraged to take the practice tests to
familiarize themselves with the test (http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/Preparing-for-
the-ACT.pdf). Madison College (formerly known as MATC) does not require the ACT although it could be
helpful when applying for certain programs.
Registration information for the ACT and SAT tests is available at www.actstudent.org or
www.collegeboard.com.
ACT Test Dates
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Fee Required
April 13, 2019 March 8, 2019 March 25, 2019
June 8, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 20, 2019
Seniors should be working on their college applications.
Admissions officials look at:
High school rank in class and GPA (grade point average) and the strength of a student’s courses
over all four high school years.
ACT and/or SAT scores.
School and community activities.
Teacher recommendations, if required.
Student essays, if required.
Overall quality of student effort in preparing the application – following directions, proper spelling,
typing, or neat handwriting, etc.
Guidance Department continued
KURT WONG, Guidance Counselor
UW Universities/colleges—Application priority dates and deadlines vary from campus to campus and
sometimes among different programs at one campus. It is to your advantage to apply early! If you have any
questions, please contact Mr. Wong or the institution to which you are applying.
The UW System has an enrollment management policy that limits the number of students each campus can
accommodate. Specific programs may also have enrollment limits. Even applicants who meet minimum
admission requirements may not be admitted.
You may use the UW System Application for Undergraduate Admission to apply to any UW campus. Whether
you apply online or use the paper application, several items must be submitted to complete your application file.
A $50 application fee ($60 for UW Madison) must be paid to each campus to which you apply. In
cases of exceptional need, the application fee may be waived. Contact your counselor for details.
An official copy of your high school transcript. If you have completed any college course work, you
must also have an official transcript sent from each college or university attended.
ACT or SAT test scores. Some admission offices require an official score report directly from the
testing agency before evaluating an application.
Visit https://apply.wisconsin.edu and use the UW System online application for admission. Features of the
online eApplication include the ability to apply to multiple campuses and optional Visa or MasterCard
payment of the application fee.
The Admission Decision – High school seniors notified of admission before finishing their senior year are
expected to graduate, successfully complete course work in progress at the time they applied and maintain the
class rank required for admission. UW System institutions reserve the right to rescind admission if a student
fails to meet conditions on which admission was based.
Madison College (MATC) Registration
Madison College (MATC) will start processing applications as soon as they receive them. You will need to look
up the specific programs you are applying to because prerequisites vary. You will also be able to find out if
there is a waiting list or not. From the Madison College homepage http://madisoncollege.edu/ click on Apply
For Admission link.
Madison College’s online application is secure and easy to use:
Save your work and come back to it later.
Receive immediate notification of receipt via e-mail.
No delay – application processing starts right away.
Some programs may have unique admission requirements, such as assessment test scores, course
requirements, or early admission deadlines. From the Madison College homepage, click on the link to
“Programs of Study” and find your program to check for any additional requirements.
College Applications
Students must fill out a Transcript Request Form in order to have a transcript sent to any school they are
applying to. This form may be picked up in the Guidance Office. At the present time there is no charge to have
a transcript sent. Once the request is received, there will be a 3-4 day turnaround in getting the transcript out.
Get applications in as soon as possible.
Notes from the Music Department
ANIELA HAAS & GINA ADEMINO
Happy Music In Our Schools Month! We have a lot to celebrate: middle/high school band and choir members
had a successful Solo & Ensemble Festival on February 23rd, the Pep Band has been busy with tournament
games, high school band/choir/drama members are in Florida as you read this article, and next week we will
kick off the month with our annual concert and art show. If you come for the taco dinner before the concert,
you’ll get to hear some great music from our high school musicians (some of which are State Bound!). We
would also like to recognize our Music Booster Group parents who do so much in support of the music
program at Wisconsin Heights: Joanie Haugen-treasurer, Andy Szudy-secretary, Tammy Sander-concert
reception chair, Renee Lamberty, Koah Orth, Cathy Phillips, and Elizabeth King-fundraising aficionados.
Noteworthy Quote: “The arts are an essential part of human experience; they are not a frill. We recommend
that all students study the arts to discover how human beings communicate, not only with words, but through
music, dance, and visual arts. Now more than ever, all people need to see clearly, hear acutely, and feel
sensitively through the arts. These skills are no longer just desirable; they are essential if we are to survive with
civility and joy”; ERNEST BOYER, former President, Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching.
Saxophone Ensemble: Brennan Zander, Jaden
"Harmony in Marriage" quartet Stampfli, Nicole Sander, Mitchell Trager,
Luke Haugen
Les Berceaux Double Vocal Trio: Isy
Percussion Ensemble: Lane Adler, Emmaline Lamberty, Izzy Ripp, Jenna Ziegler,
Barsness, Edie Bollenbach, Braydan Cymbalak, Jenna Wendt, Kiley Beuthin, Kylie
Cassidy DeWitt and Emma Cassidy DeWitt, Dylan Gee, Emma Schaefer Bartel
Barsness with their mallet
duet.
Noteworthy Nine singing
Men’s Vocal Ensemble: Cody Amble,
"Three Spanish Ballads" Braydan Cymbalak, Connor Danz, Karsten
Flogel, Jack Haugen, Luke Haugen, Gibson
Isy Lamberty-vocal solo Heathcote, Dayne Louis, Christian Patzka,
Jaden Stampfli, Matthew Trager,
Sawyer Williams
Pictures from Solo Ensemble—2019
Black Earth Library Spring Break Programs
2019 Spring Break Programs at the Black Earth Public Library
1210 Mills St., 608-767-4905
Tuesday, 03-26-19, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
LEGOS at the Library (all ages)
Wednesday, 03-27-19, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Spring Cookie Decorating (all ages)
Thursday, 03-28-19, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Wii Games & Minecraft (all ages)
Spring Break Quilting Days
Monday, March 25 - 10am - 5pm
Friday, March 29 - 10am - 5pm
Join us for either or both days. Stay an hour or stay all day! On both days, beginner sewing projects will be
available. But for more experienced quilters, we will have supplies on hand for starting our next Quilt of Val-
or for a local veteran.
Sewing machines and supplies are provided. Lunch is not. So bring a sack lunch if you plan on making a day
of it! This activity is appropriate for teens and adults only. Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by an
adult.
News
A big THANK YOU to all community members that have submitted Milk Moola Caps over the
years. As of March 1, Kwik Trip is ending this fundraiser program.
JOIN US! The WHPTO is dedicated to connect school and community through events throughout the
school year. In order to continue these fun filled opportunities, we are looking to continue to grow our
organization with members. The WHPTO meets the first Thursday of every month at 6:30pm. Our next
meeting will be held at Mazomanie Elementary - Thursday, March 7th.
It is that time of year! YEARBOOKS! A flyer was sent home with each elementary student to have
the opportunity to order a yearbook for the 2018-2019 school year. Deadline to submit these is March
15th. You can also order online at ybpay.lifetouch.com. The Wisconsin Heights yearbook ID code is
12485119.
Mark your calendar! The Heights Hustle date has been set for Friday, May 3. Look for more infor-
mation regarding this event to come home soon!
PARTY IN THE PARK! Join us again this year for a fun, family filled evening for Party in the Park-
May 31st! More information to come soon!Like us on Facebook Wisconsin Heights School District
This year's guest band is: All That Jazz Big Band You can pre-order tickets through April 2nd from Gina Ademino or Aniela Haas.
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS SCHOOL DISTRICT
10173 US Highway 14
Mazomanie, WI 53560
Phone: (608) 767-2595
Fax: (608) 767-3579
Email: jsinz@wisheights.k12.wi.us
“Every Child...Every Class...Every Day”
March Athletic Events—ANDREW PICKETT, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL & ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Activity Day Date Time Versus Location
Spring Sports
Track and Field: Varsity Thursday 03/28/2019 5:00pm Lancaster UW Platteville
Baseball: Boys Varsity Friday 03/29/2019 5:00pm Westfield - WI Westfield High School
Softball: Girls Varsity Saturday 03/23/2019 10:00am Neillsville, Platteville, Sauk Prairie Lions Park
Softball: Girls Varsity Friday 03/29/2019 5:00pm Westfield - WI Wisconsin Heights MS
State Tournament Information
Boys Basketball Regionals Friday 3/1/2019 7:00 PM
Boys Basketball Regionals Final Saturday 3/2/2019 7:00 PM
Boys Basketball Sectionals Thursday 3/7/2019 7:00 PM
Boys Basketball Sectional Final Saturday 3/9/2019 7:00 PM
State Tournament March 14 -March 16th Kohl Center - Madison
Girls Basketball Sectional Final Saturday 3/2/2019 7:00 PM
State Tournament March 7 - March 9 Resch Center - Green Bay
For current up to date information go to http://www.capitolconferencesouth.org/public/genie/487/school/1/You can also read
