February 2015 - West Salem School District

West Salem School District
February 2015
Newsletter
School Board Decides on
April Referendum
The proposed renovations to a number of our
outdoor facilities include updates to the swimming
pool and pool-house, upgrades to the parking
areas and electrical service at our bus garage,
reconstruction of our running track, additional
seating at our stadium, relocation of our tennis
facility, and construction of a new softball complex.
By Troy M. Gunderson, Superintendent
On Monday, January 26th, the West Salem school
board elected to move forward with the process
of holding a referendum on April 7, 2015. The
referendum will contain only one question and will
seek voter approval to borrow up to $31,200,000
for the purpose of constructing a new 5-8 middle
school, renovating the current middle school, and
improving and/or repairing a number of outdoor
facilities including the bus garage, swimming pool,
running track, stadium, tennis courts and ball
diamonds.
The tax impact of the proposed project is estimated
to result in an approximate increase of $.11 per
thousand over the current school tax levy rate.
The total school district tax levy rate in 2014 was
$10.20 per thousand. Of that total, $2.93 went to
long-term debt payments and the one-time project
at our elementary school. If voters approve of the
referendum in April, the new tax levy rate for debt
payment will be approximately $3.04 per thousand
- an increase of $.11. In other words, with voter
approval, the owner of a $150,000 home can
expect an approximate increase of $17.00 in school
property taxes when compared to their 2014 school
tax bill.
The proposed new middle school is to be located
just to the north of the current soccer complex. The
120,000 square foot facility will serve students in
grades 5 through 8. The site will include a road and
walkway providing access directly from Garland
Street near Lakeview Health Center along with
a large parking area for loading and unloading
school buses. In addition, the site will include a
playground, a softball complex and land designated
for lease to the local hockey association.
Questions
What is different from last time? By addressing
the issues identified in a recent district survey,
the current proposal differs significantly from what
was considered in April of 2014. First, the current
proposal offers a new school serving children in
grades 5-8 while the previous proposal included a
school for grades 4-8. This change reduced the
size of the new building by 25% and reduced the
cost by $6 million. Second, the current proposal
includes sharing in the cost of renovating the
present middle school with the Boys and Girls
Club to accommodate the district 4k program
and to provide space for lease to the Boys and
Girls Club. The previous proposal included no
such investment in the present middle school in
hopes of repurposing the building for other uses.
The proposed renovations to the current middle
school include updates to the building’s mechanical,
electrical and structural systems. The cost for
these infrastructure upgrades will be shared with
the Boys and Girls Club who plan to lease a portion
of this building to create a permanent club in West
Salem. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, work
on the current middle school will include remodeling
the first floor academic area to accommodate
district programming for 4-year-old kindergarten.
This will allow the school district, local daycare
providers and parents the opportunity to work
cooperatively to serve our youngest students in a
central location with fewer needs for transportation.
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Third, the current proposal includes updates for
a number of outdoor facilities not included in the
previous proposal. Fourth, the current proposal
is less expensive than the previous proposal and
will result in a smaller tax impact.
since made the final payment on the elementary
school, made an another payment on the high
school project, made an additional principal
payment on the remaining high school debt and
can now re-finance the remaining high school
debt at a lower rate. The combination of these
factors results in projecting the new long-term
debt tax levy at approximately $.11 more than the
current long-term debt and one-time construction
tax levy combined. That said, voter approval in
April means the district will assume an additional
$31.2 million in new debt and therefore the new
long-term debt payment schedule will continue for
the next 21 years, whereas the current long-term
debt could be retired in as little as 4 years without
additional debt.
What is similar to last time? Both the current
and previous proposals included a new access
road and bus loading site to address the traffic
and safety issues involved in our campus. Both
the current and previous proposals reduced
congestion in our elementary school by relocating
students to new or different spaces.
What are the specific proposals for the present
middle school? The school district and the
Boys and Girls Club plan to share in the cost of
updating this facility. The Boys and Girls Club
plans to lease the gym, locker rooms, music
areas and two classrooms to create a permanent
club. The school district plans to renovate the
remaining first floor classrooms to create a new
center for 4-year-old kindergarten. The school
district will retain ownership and continue using
the present middle school building.
How will the Hockey Association be involved?
The site plan for the new 5-8 middle school
will include a building lot designated for future
lease to the hockey association to allow for the
eventual construction of an arena/sports center.
The opportunity to lease a building lot on the
district campus will allow the hockey association
access to roads, parking and utilities. Providing
a building lot to the association will in turn allow
the school district access to an on-campus
sports facility built, funded and maintained by the
association.
Why is the tax impact so much less than last
time? The anticipated tax impact of the proposed
referendum is less than was estimated for the
previous referendum because the district has
April 7, 2015 - Spring Election
You will have the opportunity to vote
for school board members
and a school referendum.
For more information on the
referendum, please visit
www.wsalem.k12.wi.us
Be sure to check back as information
becomes available, it will be posted.
Substitute Health Assistant
The School District of West Salem seeks
individuals with basic first aid knowledge
interested in working in our school health offices.
Pay range $9.75 - $12.50 per hour depending on
experience. Direct inquiries to Eric Jensen,
608-786-1064; [email protected]
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NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION OF SCHOOL
BOARD MEMBERS
§120.06(8)(C), Wis. Stats.
Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of the
West Salem School District that on Tuesday, April 7,
2015, Spring election of school board members will be
held. Candidates for the school board are as follows:
Ken Schlimgen
Jane Halverson
Tom Grosskopf
Fred Perri
Electors will vote in their regular polling places.
Polls will be open and time may be obtained by
contacting appropriate town and village clerks.
Or by visiting the following website. http://www.
co.la-crosse.wi.us/countyclerk/docs/PollingPlaces.pdf
Check out what the Gearbox Heroes are up to.
More information on the district’s website
under News & Announcements.
Dated this 26th day of January, 2015.
Solo/Ensemble Volunteers Needed!
If you are interested and are available to help at this
year’s Solo/Ensemble Festival on Saturday, March
28, 2015, please contact Kelli Martin at
[email protected]
Jane Halverson
District Clerk
Mathcounts…
The Congratulations to following students made the
2015 Mathcounts Team:
Andrew Murphy Laura Burdick
Ian Knudson
Kendra Ames
Trygve Lebakken Garrett Lord
Aaron Bahr
Ashlyn Arneson
Dani Miller
Ryan Schlimgen
2015 WS 3-Year-Old
Child Development Days
The Regional Competition will be held in LaCrosse
on Friday, February 6th. The State Competition is in
Madison on Saturday, March 7th.
Tuesday, February 17 -- 3:30-5:30 p.m.
OR
Friday, February 20 -- 9:00-11:00 a.m.
If you have a child who will be three by September
1, 2015 please plan on bringing your child to one of
the free developmental screening clinics at the West
Salem Elementary School. Early childhood staff and
a speech therapist will be available to interact with
your child while looking for specific developmental
milestones. They will have you fill out a questionnaire regarding your child’s development and take the
time to discuss all of this with you. Please plan on the
whole process taking approximately 45 minutes.
Please call the school office at 786-1662 to let us
know which date works for you.
The West Salem School District prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed,
national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex,
marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual
orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal,
or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived
from any public assistance program. Persons with disabilities
who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should
contact the Pupil Services Director at (608)786-0700. To file a
complaint of discrimination write to: Pupil Services Director at 405 East Hamlin Street, West Salem, WI 54669 or call
608-786-0700. The West Salem School District is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
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Chef’s Salads A Big Hit
WSES is in need of “Tooth Bags”
A big win for the kiddos at the Elementary School and
the Nutrition Services Department.... January Twentyfirst's menu featured two choices, Chicken Nuggets and a
new item, Chef's Salads. The Elementary School served
up 547 lunches total.
Elementary students use “tooth bags” to safely
take home any teeth that may come out during the
school day. They come in all shapes, sizes and
colors. Pictured are samples of bags. The elementary goes through 2-3 bags daily. If you have
questions regarding “tooth bags,” please contact
Kathy or Jane at the elementary school office at
786-1662.
The nuggets are made from whole muscle and whole
grain breading; and as always, they are baked, not fried.
The Chef's salads were made with a Romaine Lettuce
mix, cheddar cheese and grilled chicken. After meal service Wednesday, Lynn Strong, Kitchen Manager, shared
that 106 KIDDOS TOOK SALAD!
This only proves that the students of West Salem have
embraced healthy habits! Please continue to encourage
these behaviors at home and while dining out. You have
amazing children, and it is my extraordinary pleasure to
serve them!
Kerri Feyen
Director of Nutrition Services
Call for Artists
10th Annual Mayfair Arts Festival
Sunday, May 3, 2015 — 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The 2015-2016 School Year
Student Calendar is available on the
District’s website.
Artists interested in participating in the art fair
can call Jane at 786-2388 or e-mail
[email protected].
Applications are also available at the
Heider Center Box Office.
www.wsalem.k12.wi.us
Calendars - PDF District Calendar
West Central Youth
Art On Display
The West Salem Art Department
is proud to host the 2015 West
Central Youth Art Month Exhibit.
K-12 Art teachers in the CESA 4
and CESA 10 regions can select
5 works of art to be displayed as
a precursor to Youth Art Month.
From this show, selected works
will be taken to the Capitol
Rotunda in March. We invite you
to enjoy the student artwork in the
gallery reception Thursday,
February 19th from
6:00-7:30 p.m.
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DECA Has Successful Competition!
Sphero is an app-controlled ball that is controlled by your
tablet or iPad. Besides being a lot of fun, it helps teach
programming, technology, and robotics through play.
It’s amazing how much a difference two years can make.
In 2013, West Salem DECA brought eleven students to
the District One CDC at UW Stout. This year fifty-four
students, three teachers, several parents fought through subzero temperatures and to make the trip to Stout. The results
made the early morning suffering worth the trip.
Below is a picture of West Salem Elementary students
are using their iPads to control the Sphero ball. For more
information: www.gosphero.com
Twenty-six of the students that competed made it to the
stage in their event in a variety of ways. Some of them it
was because of a superior role-play. Some made it by an
excellent business and marketing test that they took in the
morning.
In the end, West Salem DECA had an incredible twentyone students that were a series finalist. This means that the
combined score of their role play and test put them in the
top-5 of their event.
3rd Place finishers included Ben Pierce and Taylor
Wiedemann in their first time out, as well as freshmen
Nate Krien and Tayler Jones, 3rd year junior Kyrsten
Stockus.
2nd Place finishers that qualified for State were juniors
Audra Gaikowski and Brennan Bahr, Senior Josh
Maliszewski, as well as freshmen Aleshia Furlano and
Kaylee Mulholland.
1st Place finishers were juniors Jinal Patel and
Allison Rigotti, as well as senior Erin Faella.
West Salem High School was well represented by these
students and we look forward to moving on to the State
Conference in Lake Geneva this March. Congratulations
everybody!
The annual Middle School/Lions
Club Christmas Basket Food Drive
The staff challenged the students to fill 40
baskets. If the students met the challenge,
staff members would either get a “buzz” cut or
dye their hair. Due to a great effort, the students
collected 43 baskets of food, which exceeded
their goal of 35 baskets. The donations to local
families were made before the holiday break.
A special thank you goes to Sue Kolve and
the salon professionals for participating in the
buzzing and dying
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Heider Center Events
A cool way for people with warm hearts to
support the Special Olympics.
Marie W. Heider Center for the Arts
Gallery:
March
7th
2015 •
Pettibone
Beach
West Central Youth Art Show
February 1- 28, 2015
Reception: Thursday, February 19
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Performance:
For more information, call (608) 789-7596.
check website for more information
The Diamonds
http://sowi.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1123048
Kerry Gloede - [email protected]
Sunday, February 8, 2015
2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20/$18
English 9 students had the opportunity to perform on the Heider
Center stage in January. After reading and studying Romeo and
Juliet, students used their creativity to put their own spin on a
scene from the play.
They put together
promptbooks and
performances that include costumes, sound,
lighting, and blocking
as well as memorizing
their lines. The English
9 classes have been doing these performances
for the last twelve
years, and have been
fortunate to be able to
utilize the auditorium
since its construction.
Laura Deal, Language
Arts Instructor
The Diamonds are one of the heartiest groups from the
50s to outlast their era in the sense that they still maintain their original sound and have some long standing
members. With hit songs like: “Why Do Fools Fall
in Love”, “Little Darlin”, “Church Bells May Ring”,
“Silhouettes”; are just a small taste of the flavorful
“Doo Wop” offerings.
Box Office (608)786-2550
Monday: Noon to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: Noon to 4:00 p.m.
www.heidercenter.org
Winter Walking School Bus
We may be having a special walking school bus a few times this winter. Dates are still to be determined and will
be sent home with your child(ren). Our walking school bus meets in front of St Leo's Chruch at 7:25am. Each
student will receive a charm for their backpack and have the chance to win a prize that day!
If you have any questions, please contact Erin Ellerbach at [email protected].
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ALUMINUM FOR ATHLETICS
The Open Enrollment Application Season for the
2015-16 School Year is
February 2, 2015 - April 30, 2015.
When cleaning up around the garage, etc., you are encouraged to bring all aluminum cans to the can pen in
the southwest corner of the Heider Center parking lot for
recycling. West Salem Athletics will gain full benefit of this
collection project. Also, if you have any car or truck batteries for recycling, please drop them off at West Salem Auto
Repair at 513 Brickl Road, West Salem. Dave Eckelberg
and the guys there have graciously offered their services to
be our collection point for those recyclable batteries.
If you have any questions, please contact the DPI at
[email protected]
or Toll-free: 888-245-2732
Check out the Open Enrollment Parents’ Page
http://oe.dpi.wi.gov/parents-main
Important open enrollment dates
February 2 – April 30, 2015 – Parents must submit applications online or directly to the nonresident school district.
June 5, 2015 – Nonresident school districts must mail
notices of approval or denial. If the application is approved,
the school district must notify the parents of the specific
school or program to which the pupil is assigned. If the application is denied, parents have 30 days to file an appeal.
June 12, 2015 – Resident districts must notify applicants
if the application is denied. If the application is denied,
parents have 30 days to file an appeal.
June 26, 2015 – Parents of accepted applicants must notify
the nonresident district if the pupil will attend the nonresident district in the 2015-16 school year. If the parent fails to
make this notification, the nonresident district may refuse to
allow the pupil to attend the district.
NE
ED
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DE
Substitute Teachers
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Substitute Paraprofessionals (aides)
D
EE
If interested, go to <www.wsalem.k12.wi.us>
under Employment Opportunities for a substitute
application or stop at the District Office
at 405 East Hamlin Street, West Salem
OR call 608-786-0700.
School Board Members
Scott Scafe~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-0969
Thomas Helgeson~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 612-0018
Syl Clements~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-1491
Jane Halverson~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-1067
Ken Schlimgen~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-4382
Catherine Griffin~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 769-1714
Fred Perri~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 786-1275
Board meetings are held the second and fourth
Monday of each month.
“La Crosse Area’s Growing Experience”
Our area’s urban agriculture & local food
system – past, present & future
Hillview Urban Agriculture Center (Hillview) is creating a
commemorative publication that will include information
about the La Crosse area’s urban agriculture and local
food system. Part of the publication will contain information on the Coulee Region Farm2School program and the
West Salem School District will be one of the featured The
publication will be available for sale in early December at
the People’s Food Co-op and also online at Hillviewuac.
org.
$10 – soft cover
$50 – hard cover
For Nutrition & Fun
TURNIPS Facts,
check out our website:
www.wsalem.k12.wi.us
Hillview Urban Agriculture Center, formed in 2010, is a
non-profit organization located in La Crosse. The publication is a fundraiser that will help Hillview continue its
mission in “creating a healthy community through a local,
sustainable, and accessible food system.”
Click or Mouse over
-Our District
-District Incformation
-School Nutrition
Check News & Announcements on the district website for
an order form.
-Harvest of the Month
7
School District of West Salem
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2014
Marie Heider Meeting Room – 7:00 p.m.
food donations for the local food pantry and
performing at rotary lights. Also, the jazz band has
sent a group of brass players and saxophones to play
at nursing homes around town throughout the week.
5.In a survey of high school students last year, it was
found that more students wanted time to get together
as a school and make memories. This year, on each of
the three early release days, the high school has had
different events go on for the last hour of the day.
Convene
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President
Thomas Helgeson. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee
News, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW
TV-19, WKBT-TV, WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First
Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River
Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post Office, Village of West
Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district
office on December 11, 2014.
Mariah Arneson reported on:
1.The high school Dance Team participated in their first
competition on Saturday, December 13 at Wausau,
WI. Twelve dancers competed and the team took 2nd
place.
2.High school student, Baily Williams, scored his
1,000th point throughout his high school career in
basketball. Baily was a varsity team member every
year and is the fourth boys’ basketball player to
achieve this mark in West Salem history.
3.The high school December Art Student of the Month
is Carter Mulder. Carter’s work includes photography
of Wisconsin and Costa Rica trip with the Spanish
students. He is working with a photographer for his
SEP and an a reception will be held in the Heider
Center on December 18.
4.High school DECA members attended a DECA
Leadership Conference. Teams from the Midwest
region attended, approximately 2,500 kids. Jinal
Patel and Erin Faella competed and were awarded
for placing in the top 5%. The team enjoyed an
entrepreneur seminar with a co-founder and CEO of a
large organic popcorn company.
5.Members from the high school NHS went to
Lakeview Health Center to assist in decorating the
facility for the holidays. The NHS also organized
for gifts to be given to students in the district that
are financially unstable. The students raised money,
shopped, wrapped, and delivered gifts for the
students.
6.Six students from the high school Skills USA team
competed in Holmen on December 9. All six of them
placed: 1st — Jared Novak, 2nd — Chase Aleckson,
Logan Aleckson, and Olivia Aleckson, 3rd — Hunter
Young, and Spencer Wilhelm.
7.Most of the male teachers at the middle school are
agreeing to shave their heads and some females are
agreeing to dye their hair if the students are able to
collect 40 boxes of food for the food pantry.
8.The middle school student council has planned seven
dress-up days for the holiday season.
9.At the middle school next Tuesday, the students and
staff will hold their talent show, class spelling bees
and class geo bees.
Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag
Syl Clements led everyone in the recitation of the Pledge of
Allegiance and Dean Buchanan recited the District Mission
Statement.
Roll Call
Present: Syl Clements, Jane Halverson, Thomas Helgeson,
Scott Scafe, Ken Schlimgen, Fred Perri, and Catherine
Griffin. Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy
Gunderson, Dean Buchanan, Eric Jensen, Mark Carlson,
Mike Malott, John Smalley, Michael St. Pierre, and Lisa
Gerke; Student representatives: Mariah Arneson and
Cameron Robaczewski. Recording secretary: Patrick
Bahr. Excused: Davita Molling.
Approval of Agenda
Mrs. Halverson moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to approve the
agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Connection with the Community
Cameron Robaczewski reported on:
1.On Saturday, December 6th, our high school sent
two quiz bowl teams to compete at a statewide
competition in Madison. One team placed fourth,
missing out on a trip to nationals by only 5 points.
The other team handily won the consolation bracket.
2.The high school gymnastics co-op had their first
competition last weekend. They competed on
Saturday in Baraboo and the varsity team placed first
in a tough field of seven teams.
3.This last Saturday, the high school interact club,
created by Kayla Adams’ for her SEP in order to
volunteer in and around our community, went to La
Crosse to help out. 30 people made 2,000 fruit baskets
to sell. Also this week, the club is holding an ugly
sweater contest throughout school. All the money
earned will be given to the Salvation Army.
4.The high school music department has had a busy
couple of weeks with holiday concerts, collecting
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Correspondence
A proclamation from the Wisconsin Department of Public
Instruction State Superintendent Tony Evers, announcing
Adult School Crossing Guard Recognition Week as January
12-16, 2015 was read.
Mr. Helgeson announced the school board member
positions that are up for election and the dates when to
submit candidate forms.
High school teachers Chris Milne, Jason Holter, Quenten
Brown, James Klos, Kathy Hilby, and Brian Baker were
present answered questions regarding new high school
course offerings. Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Scafe
seconded to approve the 2015-16 high school course
offerings and new course proposals as presented. Motion
carried.
Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to
approve the 2015-16 school calendar as presented. Motion
carried.
Public comments – None.
Written and Oral Reports
Policy Committee – Mrs. Halverson reported that the
committee met and will have more policies for first reading
in January. There are also policies for first reading later in
tonight’s agenda.
Mrs. Halverson moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to
authorize Mrs. Griffin to vote her conscience on the
delegate assembly proposals. Board members should
forward their comments to her. Motion carried.
Mr. Gunderson reviewed the campus and facilities
discussion from the November 24, 2014 board meeting and
provided a summary.
CESA #4 Board of Control – Mrs. Halverson reported that
the board met and held their holiday drawing, approved a
policy, approved a pricing increase for the 2015-16 school
year, discussed cooperative health insurance and the
WIRSA Conference.
Mr. Gunderson reviewed possible dates for a future
referendum and possible costs. Mr. Gunderson presented
the district’s current long-term debt and possible solutions
for payment on the debt. Mr. Perri moved, Mr. Clements
seconded to proceed with an April 2015 referendum
with one question to include: maintenance to the current
middle school, a new 5-8 middle school, repair on the
swimming pool, bus garage project, tennis courts, and
track. Mr. Schlimgen moved to amend the motion to only
include maintenance items for an April 2015 referendum.
The amendment failed due to lack of a second. A vote
on the original motion to proceed with an April 2015
referendum with one question to include: maintenance to
the current middle school, a new 5-8 middle school, repair
on the swimming pool, bus garage project, tennis courts,
and track. A roll vote was taken: Mr. Scafe, Aye; Mr.
Helgeson, Aye; Mr. Clements, Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Aye;
Mrs. Griffin, Aye; Mr. Perri, Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Nay.
Motion carried. (6-Aye, 1-Nay)
District Performance Initiative updates by administrators
Dean Buchanan, Eric Jensen, John Smalley and Lisa Gerke,
Mark Carlson and Mike Malott, Michael St. Pierre, and
Troy Gunderson were reviewed.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Scafe moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to approve the
Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 24, 2014;
the Special Board Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2014;
and the invoices to be paid. Motion carried.
Discussion/Action Items:
Mrs. Halverson moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to accept the
following donations:
1.from the Wisconsin Beef Council for the high school
Family & Consumer Science class;
2.from the West Salem Area Community Foundation for
the high school scholarship fund;
3.from John & Sylvia Cullmann for the Angela Labus
Memorial Scholarship Fund;
4.from the Tools for Schools Program, Brenengen Auto,
SSE Music, the La Crosse Area Autism Foundation for
middle school Tina Thompson’s class;
5.from Beth and JJ Jacobson, Cheryl and Brian Gentry,
Judy and Phil Gilbert, and Rahn and Judy Pischke for the
Nutrition Services Program “Jane Doe Fund;”
6.from Leithold Music for the Middle School Music
Department.
Motion carried.
Mr. Scafe moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to accept the
administrations co-curricular recommendations: volunteer
high school girls’ basketball, Mitch Berfeind; volunteer
high school boys’ basketball, Bill Jensen and Ryan Storm;
Odyssey of the Mind coach, Jenny Perz, Carrie Johnson
and Angie Hemker. Motion carried.
Mr. Scafe moved, Mr. Schlimgen seconded to go into
closed session to discuss and consider pursuant to Wis.
Stats §19.85(1) (f) “Considering financial, medical, social
or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons,
preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems
or the investigation of charges against specific persons
Note: Celebrate West Salem - March 22, 2015
9
except where par. (b) applies which, if discussed in public,
would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon
the reputation of any person referred to in such histories
or data, or involved in such problems or investigations”
regarding medical and personal histories of student(s)
at 9:08 p.m. A roll vote was taken: Mr. Scafe, Aye; Mr.
Helgeson, Aye; Mr. Clements, Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Aye;
Mrs. Griffin, Aye; Mr. Perri, Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Aye.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Helgeson welcomed the motion for closed session:
The Board will discuss, consider and, if appropriate, take
action pursuant to Wis. Stats §19.85(1) (c) “Considering
employment, promotion, compensation or performance
evaluation data of any public employee over which
the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises
responsibility” regarding the superintendent’s evaluation
and contracts for specific administrative personnel.
Mr. Perri moved, Mr. Clements seconded that the Board
convene in closed session at 10:03 p.m. A roll vote was
taken: Mr. Scafe, Aye; Mr. Helgeson, Aye; Mr. Clements,
Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Aye; Mrs. Griffin, Aye; Mr. Perri,
Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Aye. Motion carried.
Closed Session
Mr. Scafe moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to return to
open at 9:40 p.m. Motion carried.
Open Session
Closed Session
Mr. Scafe moved, Mr. Perri seconded to approve the
requested paraprofessional hours at the elementary and the
middle school. Motion carried.
Adjournment
Mr. Perri moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to adjourn at 10:15
p.m. Motion carried.
Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to approve for
a first reading of policies: #452 Wellness, #731 Buildings
and Grounds Security, #731.2 Key Control, #732 Buildings
and Grounds Maintenance, #734 Staff Personal Items
Utilized in School, #735 Integrated Pest Management, #736
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Management Plan,
#751 Student Transportation Services, #751.1 Bus Routing
and Scheduling, #751.5 Use of Video Monitoring Systems
on School Buses, #753 School Vehicles. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Halverson, Clerk
School District of West Salem
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2015
Marie Heider Meeting Room – 7:00 p.m.
Convene
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President
Thomas Helgeson. The meeting was noticed to the Coulee
News, La Crosse Tribune, WLSU Radio 89 FM, WXOW
TV-19, WKBT-TV, WKTY, WIZM, Union State Bank, First
Community Credit Union, St. Joe’s Country Market, River
Bank-Barre Mills, West Salem Post Office, Village of West
Salem, posted at each school, district web site, and district
office on January 8, 2015.
Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to eliminate the
following board policies: #735-Rule West Salem School
District Grounds Maintenance Program, #751-Rule Student
Transportation Guidelines, #751.1-Rule Bus Routing
and Scheduling Guidelines, #751.3 –Rule Guidelines for
Special Transportation. Motion carried.
Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Clements seconded to accept
the resignation of High School Science Teacher Jessica
Vick based upon the terms of the agreement signed when
hired effective January 22, 2015. After much discussion,
Mr. Schlimgen called for the question. A roll call vote was
taken: Mr. Scafe, Nay; Mr. Helgeson, Nay; Mr. Clements,
Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Nay; Mrs. Griffin, Nay; Mr. Perri,
Nay; and Mr. Schlimgen, Aye. Motion failed. (2-Aye,
5-Nay) Mr. Scafe moved, Mr. Perri seconded to accept the
resignation of High School Science Teacher Jessica Vick
and waive the liquidated damages. A roll call vote was
taken: Mr. Scafe, Aye; Mr. Helgeson, Aye; Mr. Clements,
Nay; Mrs. Halverson, Aye; Mrs. Griffin, Aye; Mr. Perri,
Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Nay. Motion carried (5-Aye,
2-Nay)
Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag
Cameron Robaczewski led everyone in the recitation of the
Pledge of Allegiance and John Smalley recited the District
Mission Statement.
Roll Call
Present: Syl Clements, Jane Halverson, Thomas Helgeson,
Scott Scafe, Ken Schlimgen, Fred Perri, and Catherine
Griffin. Also in attendance – Administrators: Troy
Gunderson, Dean Buchanan, Eric Jensen, Mark Carlson
(7:45), Mike Malott (7:45), John Smalley, and Michael
St. Pierre; Student representatives: Mariah Arneson and
Cameron Robaczewski. Finance Director: Davita Molling,
Recording secretary: Patrick Bahr. Excused: Lisa Gerke.
For a full-color version of this and past newsletters, check out the
West Salem School District Website at <www.wsalem.k12.wi.us>
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Approval of Agenda
Mrs. Halverson moved, Mrs. Griffin seconded to approve
the agenda as amended by adding a Buildings and Grounds
Committee Report to the II. d. Reports section on the
agenda. Motion carried.
band and answered questions on a wide variety of
topics. A group of band students will be traveling over
the middle school to talk with band students about
staying in band through high school.
Correspondence – None.
Connection with the Community
Mariah Arneson reported on:
1.There was a DECA Competition on Saturday, January
10 at UW-Stout. West Salem had 58 students attend,
which was the second largest team at the competition.
27 students medaled; 22 of them placed in the top
5; 7 students placed in the top 2 which means they
automatically go to state. West Salem will take 8
additional students to state based on their performance
at the competition.
2.There was a show choir competition on Saturday,
January 10 at Viterbo University. The JV placed 2nd
out of 4 teams. The show choirs will have 3 more
shows and then their Extravaganza performance yet
this year.
3.As part of Maria Otto’s SEP, a dance was held on
Saturday, January 10 at the American Legion in La
Crosse. The dance was to raise money for a little girl
with Downs Syndrome who has cancer to help make
her wish of going to Disney World come true. Maria
was able to raise about $500.
4.Middle School Activities include: Spelling Bee and
Geo Bee last week, the beginning of Mathcounts
and 7th & 8th grade girls basketball, the 8th grade
attended a career fair at the La Crosse Center, and 10
7th grade students at Trees for Tomorrow.
Public comments
Chase Miller spoke about concerns with the high school
gymnastics program.
Written and Oral Reports
Buildings and Grounds Committee – Mr. Clements reported
that the committee met in December, and discussed the
Boys and Girls Club and Hockey.
CESA #4 Board of Control – Mrs. Halverson reported
that the Board met and accepted the resignation of Guy
Leavitt, hired a search consultant and posted the position,
the 1st reading of a policy, provided input on Education
Convention resolutions, and offered a contract for an
audiologist.
District Performance Initiatives updates by administrators
Dean Buchanan, Eric Jensen, John Smalley and Lisa Gerke,
Mark Carlson and Mike Malott, Michael St. Pierre, and
Troy Gunderson were reviewed.
Consent Agenda
Mrs. Halverson moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to approve the
Regular Board Meeting Minutes of December 15, 2014,
and invoices to be paid. Motion carried.
Discussion/Action Items:
Mrs. Griffin moved, Mr. Clements seconded to accept
donations from Stephen and Deborah Kraus for the Horace
Moran Memorial Fund, from the Class of 2014 for the
Outdoor Education Center, and from the Elementary PTO
for the elementary school. Motion carried.
Cameron Robaczewski reported on:
1.On Saturday, January 17, the high school dance team
has a competition in Sparta. This is one of their last
competitions before the state tournament series start
up, with their regional competition coming up at the
end of the month.
2.Also on Saturday, the mock trial team will be
competing against an area team in a scrimmage. Their
first competition in La Crosse is on February 14th.
The mock trial team has enough people for two teams
this year. If they place at the February competition,
they go to the state competition in March.
3.This weekend, a group of West Salem students,
teachers, alumni, and members from surrounding
communities are putting on Shrek the Musical, Jr.
Performances will be on Thursday night, Saturday
afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon.
4.Earlier today a jazz group out of New York came and
played with the high school jazz band and concert
bands. The jazz band gave tips about the music that
they were playing. They performed for the concert
Mr. Gunderson reviewed a proposed agreement with the
Boys and Girls Club to use the middle school cafeteria
for after school programming. Mr. Schlimgen moved and
Mr. Perri seconded to approve an agreement with the Boys
and Girls Club to use the middle school cafeteria for after
school programming. Motion carried.
Discussion was held on campus, facility planning and
referendum preparation. Mr. Clements moved, Mrs.
Halverson seconded to approve an agreement with the
West Salem Hockey Association for property for a hockey
facility; the location and size to be determined. Motion
carried.
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Mr. Smalley gave a review of the elementary school safety
and security project.
Mr. Scafe moved, Mrs. Halverson seconded to accept the
administration’s co-curricular recommendation for Ryan
Waldhart, middle school band and jazz band; Mardeana
Glasel, assistant middle school band; and Elle Nimm,
middle school vocal. Motion carried.
Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to approve
for a first reading of policies: #211 Professional School
Administrator Code of Ethics as amended, #720 School
Safety Program, #723 Crisis Plan, #723.3 School Closing
Due to Weather or Other Emergencies, #723.7 School
Closing Due to Infectious Disease, #724 Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS), #751.2 School Bus Safety Program,
#754 Replacement of School Buses, #751 Food Service
Accounts, and #780 Insurance Management. Motion
carried.
Mrs. Halverson moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to approve
for a second reading of policies: #452 Wellness, #731
Buildings and Grounds Security, #731.2 Key Control,
#732 Buildings and Grounds Maintenance, #734 Staff
Personal Items Utilized in School, #735 Integrated Pest
Management, #736 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Management Plan, #751 Student Transportation Services,
#751.1 Bus Routing and Scheduling, #751.5 Use of
Video Monitoring Systems on School Buses, #753 School
Vehicles. Motion carried.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
West Salem Blood Drive
Thursday, April 9, 2015
12:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church Gym
500 Park Street, West Salem, WI
Appointments call Ruth at 786-1665 or Joann at 786-0465.
Walk-ins are Welcome.
Blood donor card or driver’s license or two
other forms of ID required at check-in.
Mrs. Halverson moved, Mr. Scafe seconded to eliminate
policy #762 Collection of Food Service Related Charges.
Motion carried.
Mr. Helgeson welcomed the motion for closed session:
The Board will discuss, consider and, if appropriate, take
action pursuant to Wis. Stats §19.85(1) (c) “Considering
employment, promotion, compensation or performance
evaluation data of any public employee over which
the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises
responsibility” regarding the superintendent’s evaluation,
contracts for specific administrative personnel, and
compensation for a supervisor.
Mrs. Griffin moved, Mr. Scafe seconded that the Board
convene in closed session at 8:46 p.m. A roll vote was
taken: Mr. Scafe, Aye; Mr. Helgeson, Aye; Mr. Clements,
Aye; Mrs. Halverson, Aye; Mrs. Griffin, Aye; Mr. Perri,
Aye; and Mr. Schlimgen, Aye. Motion carried.
Closed Session
Adjournment
Mr. Schlimgen moved, Mr. Perri seconded to adjourn at
9:35 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Halverson, Clerk
School Closings
When inclement weather arises, please check:
www.wsalem.k12.wi.us
WKBT-TV 8 - www.news8000.com
WXOW-TV 19 - www.wxow.com
Please discuss with your children what to do if
school is unexpectedly dismissed early.
Any preparations made in advance will make a
hectic time run a little smoother.
Your cooperation is much appreciated.
American Red Cross
The West Salem Elementary School is participating in Boxtops For
Education. You can either send (bagged or enveloped) with an
elementary student or drop off at the elementary school office. There
are classroom incentives for the class who has the most boxtops at the
end of each month. For more information about Boxtops for Education:
http://www.boxtops4education.com/
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Calendar of Events
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5
6
7
10
12
13
14
17
18
19
20
6
8th Grade Concert Band, WI State Art
Convention, Madison
Boys Basketball Regionals
6-7 Gymnastics State
Wrestling Team State
7
Tri-State Honors Band Festival, Decorah, IA
- selected WSMS students
Boys Basketball Regionals
Girls Basketball Sectionals
9
WSHS Spring Sports Meeting - 6:00
10 Grade 1 concert - 6:15
Grade 3 concert - 7:15
11
WSMA Piano Solo & Ensemble at Ona. Luther
12 Kindergarten concert - 6:15
Grade 2 concert - 7:15
Boys Basketball Sectionals
12-14 Girls Basketball State
14 Boys Basketball Sectionals
16 WSMS Band Extravagaza - 7:00 Heider Center
18 Early Release - Students dismissed at 12:20,
Buses leave at 12:30
19-21 Boys Basketball-State
FEBRUARY
Boys Basketball-C/JV/V (H) La Crescent - 6:00/7:30
Girls Basketball-C/JV/V at Arcadia - 6:00/7:30
PE Night: Grade 1 - 6:30
Gymnastics-JV/V at Viroqua - 6:30
Hockey-V vs. Onalaska at Omni Center
Girls Basketball-C/JV/V (H) Luther - 6:00/7:30
Hockey-JV vs. Onalaska at Omni Center - 5:00
Boys Basketball-V vs. Waseca at Cretin-Derham
Hall H.S - 12:45 p.m.
Gymnastics-JV/V at GET Invite
Wrestling at GET Conference
Boys Basketball-C/JV/V (H) Arcadia - 6:00/7:30
Hockey-V vs. Altoona at Hobbs Ice Arena - 7:00
Girls Basketball-C/JV/V (H) Westby - 6:00/7:30
Grades K-5: Jump Rope for Heart
Boys Basketball-C/JV/V at Luther - 6:00/7:30
Hockey-JV/V (H) DC Everest - 5:30/7:30
Girls Basketball-C/JV/V (H) Holmen - 1:30/3:00
Wrestling Regionals
Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences
Hockey Regionals
Wrestling Team Sectionals
Early Release - Students dismissed at 12:20,
Buses leave at 12:30
Boys Basketball-C/JV/V at Westby - 6:00/7:30
Hockey Regionals
WSHS Spring Sports Meeting
The West Salem High School pre-season sports meeting
for all spring sports will be held on Monday, March
9, 2015 in the Second Floor Conference Room of the
high school beginning at 6:00 P.M. This meeting is for
those athletes interested in participating in boys’ or girls’
track, girls’ soccer, softball, golf and baseball, and their
parents/guardians. The 6:00–6:30 P.M. general session
is only for those parents and athletes who did not fulfill
this obligation at the fall or winter pre-season meetings.
At 6:35 P.M. all athletes and parents are expected to
attend the break-out session with the coach(es) of their
respective sport. From 5:30–7:30 P.M., there will be a
station set up in the high school commons to check the
necessary paperwork requirements of each athlete. All
paperwork must be completed before beginning practice. If there are any questions, contact athletic director
Jordan Gilge at 786-1220, Ext. 2353 or by email at gilge.
[email protected].
No School
Girls Basketball-C/JV/V (H) GET - 6:00/7:30
Gymnastics-JV/V at GET Conference Tourney 6:00
Hockey Regionals
21 Wrestling Sectionals
24 Girls Basketball Regionals
Hockey Sectionals
26 Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences
Boys Basketball-C/JV/V (H) GET - 6:00/7:30
Gymnastics Sectionals
26-28 Wrestling State
27 Girls Basketball Regionals
Gymnastics Sectionals
Hockey Sectionals
28 WSMA Solo & Ensemble at Mel-Min.
Girls Basketball Regionals
Gymnastics Sectionals
2
3
3-5
5
Mark Your Calendars...
West Salem Booster Club
Bowling Fun Day
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Save the Date
Start forming your teams
Contact Adam at 608-385-6375 to form teams
Like on Facebook - West Salem Booster Club
MARCH
WSHS Parent/Teacher Conferences - 3:30-7:00
Boys Basketball Regionals
Hockey State
Girls Basketball Sectionals
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Check out our website for
News & Announcements
Each school may have something different.
From the Superintendent
Substitutes Needed
Coffee with the Superintendent
Open Enrollment
DECA
School Projects
In
Child Development Evening
This
Art Gallery Display
Issue
A Call for Artists
Sports Parent Meeting
Heider Center Events & Gallery Display
Polar Plunge
School Board Election Notice
Calendar of Events
School Board Minutes
Booster Club Bowling Fun Day
B-A-O-AB?
Donate Blood
It takes all blood types,
all generations…Especially Yours
West Salem Blood Drive
American
Red Cross
Monday, February 9, 2015
Monday, June 5, 2015
12:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Presbyterian Church
625 West Franklin Street, West Salem, WI
Blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of
ID required at check-in.
Appointments call 786-0684. Walk-ins are Welcome.
April 7, 2015 - Spring Election
You will have the opportunity to vote for school board members and a school referendum.
For more information on the referendum, please visit www.wsalem.k12.wi.us
Be sure to check back as information becomes available, it will be posted.
You will have the opportunity to vote for
school board members and a school referendum.
For more information on the referendum, please visit www.wsalem.k12.wi.us
Be sure to check back as information becomes available, it will be posted.
April 7, 2015 - Spring Election
School District of West Salem
405 East Hamlin Street
West Salem, WI 54669
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