Winter 2010 - Chetek-Weyerhaeuser School District

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF CHETEK
US Postage Paid
Non-Profit Organization
Permit #22
Chetek, WI 54728
ERCWSS
Postal Patron
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION FROM YOUR SCHOOL
School District of Chetek
P.O. Box 6, Chetek, WI 54728
715-924-2226
Volume XX1V, Winter 2009
www.chetek.k12.wi.us
Board Members: David Peters, president; Jan Witthuhn, vice president; Barb Reisner, treasurer; Natalie Springer, clerk; Earl Grover, Michael Bilodeau and Ken Jost, members.
IMPORTANT
DATES
Feb. 2
HS/MS parent/teacher
conferences 3:45 - 8 p.m.
Feb. 28
Dorian Honors Band
March 3
Beginning of 3rd trimester
March 11, 16
Roselawn parent/teacher
conferences
Meals on Wheels
National Honor Society
students contribute
One of the prerequisites prior to joining National Honor Society (NHS) is service to both
school and community. It is not surprising, then,
to see how many community activities they are
involved in once they become members.
By delivering Meals on Wheels to Chetek residents, sponsoring blood drives for the American
Red Cross, bowling to raise money for Kinship
of Chetek, bell-ringing for the Salvation Army,
and selling daffodils for the American Cancer
Society, this commitment to community service
March 15
March 16
NHS Blood Drive at the MS
gym 12 - 6 p.m.
March 25
MS Memorial Concert
April 15
Roselawn Spring Concert
Grades K, 2, 4
HS/MS parent/teacher
conferences 3:45 - 8 p.m.
heels to
NHS delivering Meals on W
rs.
Chetek community membe
May 29
Graduation
.
Feb.
May
Leadership
Future Business Leaders of
America clean up the ditches
HS Memorial Concert
April 26
FBLA members organizing their task
of cleaning up the ditches.
continues throughout each student’s membership.
These students are dedicated to becoming even
better members of the Chetek community and
are always willing to give their time and efforts
to support these causes.
Students from the Chetek Chapter FBLA not
only fundraise to attend field trips and participate in competitions, but they participate
in community events such as Christmas for Kids,
donate to the local food shelf and participate
in highway cleanup.
FBLA members, during resource or after
school, travel to CTH. D east of town to pick
up garbage off the highways to help keep
our community clean. Highway cleanup is done
during the fall month and spring where much
of the snow has washed away from the ditches
and the garbage peeks through. While participating in our community activities, students
feel privileged to be able to improve Chetek
and its citizens.
Visit us on the web at www.chetek.k12.wi.us
2
New Technology
Bryan Johnson,
Network Coordinator
With our students living in a multimediadriven world, the technology that students
enjoy in their lives outside of the school
makes it more difficult for teachers to capture their attention in the classroom with
“old-fashioned” tools, such as chalkboards
and overhead projectors.
students in an electronic format.
The district is using SMART Notebook,
which is a software application that allows the teacher to design lessons, share
lessons amongst each other and use and
modify existing lessons which can be found
on the Internet (example: http://exchange.
smarttech.com). Lessons, lesson reviews and
notes can be shared with students so they
can view it at anytime. This would help if a
student is absent or a staff member is
teaching an online class.
The district will be adding more multimedia classroom
environments in
the future.
w interactive
ers use the ne
Kindergarten
Catching and keeping the students’ attention while improving student learning in
the process, our district has invested in 19
more interactive whiteboards (IWB) to be
used in the classroom.
What is an interactive whiteboard you
ask? An IWB is a large interactive display
that connects to a computer and projector.
The projector projects the computer’s desktop onto the IWB’s surface, where users
control the computer applications using a
pen, finger or other devices. The IWB can
also act as a whiteboard with an added
benefit of saving the information written on
it as a file, allowing the information to be
used for future use or to be shared with
whiteboards.
Drama Club
Nicole DeYarman
Laughter echoes throughout the gym as
the stage lights glow around the lead actor.
Gasps of astonishment and disbelief are
heard as the climax of the play is revealed.
Thunderous applause fills the air as the actors step forward and bow, one by one.
This is what every actor, every director is
hoping for: the audience to be utterly immersed in the performance of a play. To
not only be entertained, but to be filled
with a sense of wonder and enjoyment at
watching the actors and actresses bring life
to characters that are only on paper. The
Chetek High School Drama Club is no exception to this.
What began as a small idea in Rachel
Westberg’s mind is beginning to blossom
into a full-blown organization in the high
school. Rachel approached me last fall with
her idea. Having had a small amount of
directing experience, I had to really think
about moving on to a bigger venue. Her
excitement hooked me and as I enjoy working with teens, I began to look forward to
beginning the drama club.
Rachel and I began working with a group
of students who had expressed interest in
(Continued on page 3)
FBLA, Student Council and Spanish Club taking time to
shop for the Christmas for Kids program.
Visit us on the web at www.chetek.k12.wi.us
Drama Club
3
(Continued from page 3)
about a play for the fall.
And, as fall moved into winter, the play
we chose was “A Country Style Murder,”
which was performed for the student body
Dec. 3 and for the community Dec. 4. It was
a dinner mystery theater about a countywestern family singing group. Threats and
assassination
attempts abounded
during the performance. There were
prizes for the top
three “clue hunters,” and dinner
was provided by
Chetek’s own Kirk
Petterson and Kirkwood’s Market.
During this trimester play, Rachel and
I have seen growth
in our students. We
have seen a natural
leader come out of
“A Country Style Murder” actors strike a pose.
his shell and take
charge, a quiet
freshman belt out lines that made us roll
is a Test” for our fellow students and the
with laughter, and a young woman who is
Chetek community. The play was simple,
normally the lead, learn to share and enbut it helped Rachel and me forge relacourage others in the spotlight. Rachel and
tionships with the students and it showed us
I have grown through this experience, and
the talent capabilities of each student. As
we have become a closely knit group.
we noticed the talent, we began to whisper
drama. Many wanted the glory and
fame of acting, but there were others who
were interested in the technical aspects of
light and sound, as well as other behindthe- scenes work. We made room for all
who were interested. Practices came and
went. In May we proudly performed “This
The Drama Club has become much more
than drama. Rachel and I encourage students to step out in other areas of their
lives. We want the club to be a safe haven
for our students. There are students who
aren’t gifted in sports or other academic
clubs, yet they fit in the Drama Club. We
have found the talent in Chetek is amazing for this small of a community. We also
encourage students to respect and care for
one another - a family of sorts. Wonderful
things have happened with this encouragement. I have seen students upset and angry
with each other, yelling and arguing, only
to be found later hugging and asking for
forgiveness. Students who aren’t normally
friends reach out to help one another. Some
have become mentors to younger students.
As the Drama Club grows, Rachel and
I hope this continues. Teamwork adds to
our performances and enhances the whole
atmosphere. We are excited to add the
Weyerhaeuser students to our family next
year. The possibilities are endless as we
continue to grow!
If you were unable to attend this play,
come see our spring performance of “Pride
and Prejudice.” It’ll be a performance to
lose yourself in.
Mike Steiner • 8th Grade Science
Named Outstanding Earth Science Teacher by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers:
Mike Steiner graduated from the University of Wisconsin and has been teaching eighth-grade science for five years
at Chetek Middle School. He emphasizes “learning to understand” and engages students in discussion so that they
discover answers for themselves through collective learning. He uses a variety of hands-on classroom techniques as
well as authentic field activities at local quarries and outcrops. Steiner started a water-quality testing program,
and with the help of the social studies teacher, has expanded that effort to involve students in GPS and GIS mapping and landscape
analysis. The eighth-grade science curriculum has been modified to emphasize Earth science and align better with high school physical
science. Steiner’s innovative teaching includes nighttime activities, both outdoors and indoors, and he has initiated an after-school science program for younger students. He is currently involved in developing a charter school based around an understanding of Earth
systems and the environment.
SHAPING YOUR EDUCATION ...
Staff at Chetek
4
It’s not too soon to talk to your child about alcohol
Do you know what your high
school student is doing?
Parents of middle schoolers should be
talking sooner–rather than later–with their
children about alcohol, tobacco and other
drug use:
• The 2008 Barron County student survey shows that 17.5 percent of eighthgraders have had at least one drink, other than a few sips, in the past 30 days.
By high school that number jumps to 35
percent.
• A 2008 survey of Barron County jail
inmates showed that the average age of
initiation for alcohol is 13, and marijuana,
age 12.
• Youths who begin drinking before age
15 are four times more likely to develop
alcohol dependence and are 2-½ times
more likely to become abusers of alcohol than those who begin drinking at age
21.
• Exposing the brain to alcohol during
adolescence may interrupt key processes
of the brain, leading to mild learning impairment and affecting academic and occupational achievement.
School Closings
In case of inclement weather, school closing information can
be found through the following radio and TV stations. See the
school district Web site for activity cancellations.
WJMC AM 1240
FM 96.1
WAQE AM 1090
FM 97.7
WKFX FM 99.1 CLASSIC ROCK
104.5 FM WAXX
790 AM WAYY
94.1 FM I-94
92.9 FM Classic Rock
99.9 FM The Carp
1150 AM ESPN Radio
95.1 FM B95
100.7 FM Z100
106.7 FM MOOSE COUNTRY
92.1 FM ROCK 92.1
880 AM NEWS TALK
1400 WBIZ FM SPORTS
98.1 FM The Mix
WEAU-TV Channel 13
WQOW-TV
WLDY WJBL AM 1340
FM 93.1
It’s never too late to talk with your student about underage drinking. Research
shows that parent disapproval is the strongest way to reduce underage drinking for
your child. Did you know:
• The 2008 Barron County student survey
shows that 35 percent of Barron County
high school students had at least one drink
of alcohol during the last 30 days.
• 1 in 5 Barron County high school students reported binge drinking (five or more
drinks in a row) in the last 30 days.
• Parents who host an underage drinking
party can be fined up to $500 per underage drinker!
OPEN GYM
We have open gym on Sunday evenings
for everyone who would like to get out with
their kids and burn energy. The high school
gym will be open from 6-8 p.m. on most
Sundays. Please check the Chetek School
Web site for specific dates.
FOX 9 NEWS (KMSP-TV) and my29
(WFTC-TV)
KARE 11 TV
KSTP TV channel 5
45 KSTC-TV
KSAS-TV
KRWF-TV
Mrs. Gustum’s class.
Upcoming Events for Kids
5
Youth Wrestling will start in January for 2-5th graders.
Grades K-1 will start in February.
Youth Basketball will start in January for grades 1-4.
Basic Tumbling starting January 4.
Fun Games with Mr. Proft now until the end of the school year on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Two sessions available
each night. 3:45-4:30 p.m. and 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Look for more information on each of the above activities to be sent out through the school.
Community Education Spring Classes
There are lots of interesting classes and
events planned for the school year. We offer both online classes through Education to
Go and various classes through WITC.
If you are interested in taking a class, do
not wait to register. Classes have maximum
number limits and will be cancelled if we do
not have enough students registered ahead
of time. If you would like to teach a class
or have a suggestion, please contact Lisa
at (715) 924-3137, ext. 2011, or e-mail
[email protected].
Zumba
Zumba® is a fun and exciting dance workout set to Latin-inspired music. The routines
and dance steps are basic and easy to
learn. On average, burn anywhere between
600-800 calories doing Zumba®. Bring water and a small towel to class and wear comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes with
a smoother sole like court or dance shoes. As
always, consult with your physician before
starting this or any other exercise program.
Dates: Thursdays Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 5:45-6:45 p.m. or 7-8 p.m.
Location: Chetek HS
Fee: $14.14/$4
Class # 25783 or 25504
Catalog # 42-807-408
Watercolor - Intermediate
Intermediate Watercolor-some experience
with this wonderful medium very helpful. Emphasis will be on colors, saving whites, and
exploring the mystery of “negative painting.” Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Class size limited to 12 so register early! For class content
questions, call Leni at (715) 458-0085.
Dates: Tuesdays
Jan. 26, Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Chetek HS
Fee: $44.56/$4
Class # 25426
Catalog # 42-815-408
Computer for Beginners
Community Education Watercolor class.
This course introduces students to basic
computer tasks using Windows, typing with
a word processor, and navigating the Web.
Students will work with Word Pad, and use
copy, paste and other features. They will
also learn to open, move, copy, delete, make
folders and organize files.
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Woodworking:
Adirondack Chairs
Dates: Tuesday and Thursdays
Feb. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
Time: 8:30-11 a.m.
Location: Chetek Senior Center
Fee: $49.63/$4
Class # 25794
Catalog # 42-103-470
Facebook, blogs and wikis
Are you new to the social networks everyone is talking about? Do you feel you are
being left behind when your friends talk
about Facebook, the blogosphere and wikis? Do you want to get with it, but aren’t
sure how to start? Join this short class and
learn what they are, how to use them and
become a participant in the digital revolution! Social networking sites used will be:
Facebook, WordPress and PBWorks. A short
overview on the pros and cons of each will
be presented. You decide which works for
you and then get started creating your own
page on the site of your choice. Having a
working e-mail account is required.
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 9
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Chetek HS
Fee: $14.14/$4
Class #25424
Catalog #42-103-481
In this intermediate class we will be making our own adirondack chair. There is a
material fee that is due when you decide
what material you will be using. The price
listing is available by calling the community
supervisor-Lisa Ippolite at (715) 924-3137,
ext. 2010.
Date and Times:
March 8, 5-9 p.m.
March 11, 5-9 p.m.
March 13, 8 am-5 p.m.
Location: Chetek HS
Fee: $47.06/$6.50
Class # 25793
Catalog # 47-410-430
Art: Anything Goes
Anything Goes. Watercolor, inks, pencils,
colored pencils ... unfinished projects bugging you? Do you have ideas in your head
but are stuck? As a class, we can work on
anything and help solve problems and be
our creative best. Tuesday, 6-8:30. Class
limited to 12 so register early! For class content questions, call Leni at (715) 458-0085.
To register, call WITC at (715) 234-7082
ext. 5477, or online at witc.edu/search
Dates: Tuesdays
March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27
Computers:
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Chetek HS
Internet/E-mail
Students will learn how to safely navigate Fee: $44.56/$4
the Internet, use search engine tools to locate Class # 25506
information and learn how to move through Catalog # 42-815-408
Web site pages. They will also learn how to
send and receive e-mail messages. Basic eComputers: Beginning
mail settings and safety will be discussed.
Digital Camera Editing
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Beginning Digital Photo Editing Using
March 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
Adobe Photoshop Elements. Learn how to do
Time: 8:30-11a.m.
basic photo improvements after they have
Location: Chetek Senior Center
been taken, including improve lighting/
Fee: $49.63/$4
contrast, remove red eye and perform other
Class # 25795
basic digital enhancements. Prior computer
Catalog # 42-103-481
experience is required. Optional: bring your
own photos on flash drive or disk.
Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Chetek HS
Fee: $14.14/$4
Class # 25533
Catalog # 42-103-493
Straw Bale Gardening
Straw Bale Gardening – Breaking New
Ground! If you thought the only place to
grow healthy crops was in black dirt, you
must attend this new class. You will learn
how to grow a bountiful garden without using herbicides, insecticides or fungicides,
and without weeding. Learn how to plant a
wide variety of vegetables, root crops, vine
crops, fruit crops and even beautiful flower
gardens, directly into your “conditioned”
straw bales. You will never do the “heavy
lifting” or bending over that is required with
normal soil-based gardens again. Learn this
revolutionary and easy gardening method
to create a beautiful and productive garden, without lifting a shovel and without using dirt.
Date: April 17
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Chetek HS
Fee: $14.14/$4
Class # 25796
Catalog# 42-001-405
The above classes are through the WITC. You must register with WITC
by calling (715) 234-7082 ext. 5477, or online at witc.edu/search.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER EARLY AS CLASSES WILL BE CANCELED DUE TO LOW CLASS NUMBERS.
Visit us on the web at www.chetek.k12.wi.us
Student Council
cil
Student Coun
The Chetek High School
Student Council is in full
swing and geared up
for another great year
of leadership! On Nov.
18, 21 student council
members attended the
Region I Fall Conference held at the Plaza
Hotel in Eau Claire.
In honor of the 75th
birthday of Wisconsin
Association of School
Councils, the theme
for the conference
7
was “Our futures are so bright, we have to
wear shades! Seventy-five years of leading and still shining.” The day began with
a speaker, whose message focused on embracing life’s challenges and leading authentic, significant lives. This was followed
by sectional presentations where students
from area schools were able to meet, collaborate and share ideas from one student
council to another. The students returned
to Chetek with a newfound enthusiasm for
implementing many new ideas that will facilitate a positive school climate at our high
school.
Registration and screening for the
2010-11 Bright Beginnings Pre-Kindergarten
Starting school is a very exciting time for
a 4-year-old and their family. The Chetek
Bright Beginnings staff is dedicated to
making this first introduction to school a fun
one for children.
Registration and screening will be conducted for the Bright Beginnings pre-kindergarten program at Roselawn Elementary on March 12, 2010. The registration
and screening is for all district children
who will be four years old on or before
Sept. 1, 2010. In addition, the registration
and screening is for 5-year-olds who are
eligible for kindergarten in fall 2010, did
not participate in a previous screening and
are not currently students in the district.
During the screening and registration
process, parents will be able to meet
with Jill Koenitzer, building principal,
and Chelsi Mindykowski, elementary
guidance counselor, and learn about
the Bright Beginnings program, busing,
breakfast and lunch program, and other
areas of interest. They will also be able
to talk with teachers about their child’s
development and learn more about the
preschool program.
Children will complete developmental
screening in a very nonthreatening, facilitated play model. They will also have the
opportunity to meet with teachers, play
in one of the Bright Beginnings classrooms, and learn about what it is like to
ride a school bus. The second half of the
screening is facilitated by school nurse
Trisha August. The health screening includes vision, hearing and general health
screening. The entire process takes ap-
proximately 60 minutes.
Registration and screening is by
appointment only. Persons wishing to make an appointment may
contact Shelly Bowlyou at (715)
924-2244 (ext. 2080) between
the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00
p.m. daily.
Ms. Schommer’s class.
Visit us on the web at www.chetek.k12.wi.us
8
Is a College Education Worth the Cost?
Janis O’Hara, High School Counselor
There are so many benefits to an education, but many students see the yearly
tuition costs and think it is way too expensive, that they will just “get a job” instead.
But what job? Will this job create the opportunity for promotion? Will it be enough
to live on now and in the future with a
possible family to support? What about
benefits?
An education creates opportunities and
it is one of the few things we invest in that
does not lose value over time. Once acquired, an education is personally fulfilling, creates many more career opportunities, and provides an increased income.
Over a lifetime, this can add to hundreds
of thousands of dollars. It is clear that an
education is very valuable and worthwhile
and there are many resources available
to help with the costs. When thinking about
college, it is important to plan ahead, prepare and be proactive.
Plan
Very few students enter college on a full
scholarship or have the ability to write a
check for the full amount of their tuition,
housing, meals and books. Most students
need significant financial help and most
students work at least part-time while in
school to help support themselves.
Planning early is important and if families have the ability to start a college fund,
every dollar saved will help. Researching
occupational interests, post-secondary
options and required high school course
work early is essential.
Prepare
There is no better money than free money! Financial aid can come in the form of
grants (free money), scholarships (free
money) and loans. Students should work
hard at earning scholarships and pursuing
grants they are eligible for.
Preparing for scholarships begins very
early by developing strong academic
skills, getting good grades, having great
school attendance and being active in
school and community organizations.
Much of the federal and state aid is
based on income and ability to pay for
college costs, but ALL students should
complete the FAFSA (Free Application for
Federal Student Aid) their senior year.
The FAFSA is completed online at www.
fafsa.gov and may be submitted after
January 1. It is the only way to become
eligible for federal and state aid and no
family should assume they won’t qualify,
everyone should try and it is absolutely
free to apply.
The high school guidance office has
scholarships available for seniors and a
list is posted in the office for students to
view at any time. The complete list, with
links to electronic applications, is also
available on the school Web site at www.
chetek.k12.wi.us. Click on the “Scholarship Opportunities” link.
Be Proactive
Students need to advocate for themselves and seek out resources available at
school from their school counselor and the
guidance office. Keep asking questions
until you are satisfied, attend informational workshops and meetings at school and
read the information that is sent home.
The guidance office is dedicated to serving the needs of students and families and
welcome any and all questions.
FAFSA completion workshops for seniors
and parents
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010
(Parent/Teacher Conferences)
4:30-5:15 p.m. Bulldog Lab
Or
6:30-7:15 p.m. Bulldog Lab
Source: Learn More Earn More, available from http://www.uwrf.edu/admissions/Degree_to_Income.pdf; Internet; accessed December 15, 2009.
Visit us on the web at www.chetek.k12.wi.us
Kinship Needs Volunteers
January is National Mentoring Month.
Kinship of Chetek is currently looking for
volunteers for two boys and two girls. Giving
back to our community is a wonderful New
Year’s resolution, and Kinship has a perfect
opportunity for you.
It only takes an hour a week to make a
difference in the life of a child. Adult volunteers are encouraged to invite the child
to join your normal routine or activities you
already enjoy. Walking the dog, building
a snowman, playing board games or baking are simple, no-cost fun. Research by
the Search Institute shows mentoring really
does work, as simple as it is. It’s as simple
as welcoming a child into your life for that
one hour a week. If time allows, adults can
spend a couple hours with the child, but Kinship only asks for one hour.
Right now Kinship has four children waiting. Kinship is looking for either men, or a
husband-wife together for the boys. One
boy enjoys sports: hockey, football, basketball. The other boy enjoys four-wheeling
and building things. One girl likes to sing.
The other girl likes roller skating. Both girls
love animals.
Please call (715) 925-2488 or e-mail
[email protected] for more information. If you cannot commit to an hour
a week but know someone who would be
great, please encourage them to give Kinship a call.
9
10
News and Views Al Brown, superintendent
This month’s article will be a recap of the
many events since the last edition of the
“Focus.” There has been a great deal of
activity in the School District of Chetek, so
much so, that it is time to sit back and take
stock of the situation.
The first item is obvious: consolidation. I
would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support. It is a good feeling to
know there is significant public support for
our future work. This also puts additional
pressure on the district to produce a highquality result. We are up for the challenge,
and I am confident we will emerge from
the consolidation a better school district. All
of the work for the consolidation has encompassed many people, and it truly has
been a team effort. I would like to specially thank the community task force for
their work and leadership.
You may be wondering, “What is the next
step(s)?” The interim board of education
(joint Chetek and Weyerhaeuser boards)
will appoint six committees. These committees will be given specific responsibilities
to make recommendations regarding combining the two school districts. The committees are: finance, facility, transportation,
curriculum and staffing, transition planning
and mascot/logo/school colors. The interim board or the Chetek/Weyerhaeuser
board will act upon the recommendations
from each of the committees. The committee work will take place in the next six
months with one or two of the committees
possibly functioning after the consolidation
takes place in July 2010.
Information and minutes of the various
committees will be recorded on the school
district’s Web site. A special page has been
developed to record the work of the various groups, committee, board or administrative action. This URL address is http://
www.chetek.k12.wi.us/consolidation.
The second item of emphasis is communication. I am updating our office list of
key communicators. There is no obligation
or strings attached to be on this list. What
you will get is a periodic communication
from my office updating the public on local
educational concerns. I would ask that you
share this information with your friends and
other interested parties. To be on the key
communicator list, contact me at albrown@
chetek.k12.wi.us and we will put you on the
list. (If you would prefer a mailed copy of
the communication, please send me your
address.)
The third item of reflection is the school
improvement process. The work of educating our children and improving our school
district continues even as we work toward
consolidation. The Chetek Middle School
has received an award for their student
performance. Our middle school was one
of a handful of middle schools recognized
by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Association of Wisconsin
School Administrators (AWASA). This award
highlights the hard work and constant effort to improve by our staff. Congratulations to the students and staff of Chetek
Middle School.
Mike Steiner, eighth-grade science teacher, has been recognized as an Outstanding
Earth Science Teacher from the National
Association of Geoscience Teachers. This
award recognizes his efforts in providing
high-quality instruction in the field of science and more specifically the area of
earth science. Congratulations to Mr. Steiner for his outstanding efforts in the field of
science education.
All of the items that I have written about
in this article are a part of the broader
effort to improve our school district, educational offerings and student performance.
Consolidation is but one component of
school improvement. It is important to remember this so we do not lose sight of what
is important. Our children and their education well-being is the central theme in this
improvement process. In the next six months
we will have the opportunity to create a
new beginning. We can set aside those
routines and practices that no longer serve
our educational system or communities and
develop new relationships and actions that
will serve our children well into the future.
We are limited only by what we can
imagine. There is a great deal of work to
be done. It will include the efforts of community members, parents, students and
staff. We will be developing new relationships and educational opportunities. It is
exciting, challenging and rewarding. I am
confident the staff and community of both
Weyerhaeuser and Chetek are up for the
challenge.
SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER
Local scholarships will be posted on the Chetek School
Web site starting in January. All scholarships are in fillable form. Please encourage your student to apply.
~ GRAPHIC LAYOUT, SOME PHOTOS AND PRINTING OF THIS “FOCUS” PUBLICATION WERE PROVIDED BY The
Chetek Alert ~