On the Ballot: - Mukwonago Area School District

Students, Staff, Community... Building Better Schools Together!
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TheTRIAD
Community
Feb. 2016
Volume 2, No. 2
Newsletter of the Mukwonago Area School District
WHAT’S INSIDE?
• Referendum Resources��������������������������2
• Rolling Hills’ SCRIBE Success����������������2
• Park View’s Program Review����������������2
• Clarendon’s Cougar Choir���������������������3
• “Kids Only” Newspaper at Section������3
• Community Connections�������������������4-5
• Eagleville Adds 5K, STEM Focus����������6
• New K-6 Science Lessons ���������������������6
• Prairie View Student Heroes�����������������7
• Kudos Corner �������������������������������������������7
• Big Bend Teacher Fosters Youth����������7
Referendum Vote
• Alumni Spotlight��������������������������������������8
APRIL 5, 2016
District Offers Taxpayers Ways
to Learn about MHS Renovation
INSIDE: To assist area residents in learning about the needs, proposed solutions, and
costs associated with the referendum to renovate Mukwonago High School, the school
district is offering a wide variety of informational resources. | see page 2
PUBLIC INVITED TO TOUR Mukwonago High School: Taxpayers are
invited to meet inside the MHS front visitors’ entrance on February 29th, March 8th,
or March 15th to take a 10 AM or 6:30 PM tour. | no registration necessary
:
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QUESTION 1: Initial resolution authorizing general obligation bonds in
an amount not to exceed $49,500,000.
QUESTION 2: Resolution authorizing the school district budget to exceed
revenue limit by $350,000 for twenty years for non-recurring purposes.
Did You Know? If the referendum passes, MASD will still have second lowest cost-per-pupil in Waukesha Co.
Ways to Learn More about the Referendum
WEBSITE: Visit www.masd.k12.wi.us > District menu >
Referendum Planning link.
PRINTED RESOURCES: The Triad is mailed to all district
residents. The previous two Triad issues contained detailed
referendum articles. Additionally, a four-page informational
brochure was mailed to all district homes at the end of
January. Referendum information will continue to appear
in local newspapers. Copies of all printed materials are
available via the district website or upon request.
OPEN HOUSES / SCHOOL EVENTS: The public is invited
to tour Mukwonago High School at 10 AM or 6:30 PM on
2/29, 3/8, and 3/15. Flyers and poster boards will also be
displayed at parent/teacher conferences and other school
events through April 5th.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us online for key referendum
updates! Facebook: facebook.com/masdschools; Twitter:
@masdschools; Instagram: #masdschools; Google+:
+MukwonagoSchools
STREAMED BOARD MEETINGS: As of December 2015, all
school board meetings are streamed on the web. Live and
archived recordings are available on the district’s YouTube
channel: http://tinyurl.com/masdyoutube.
LIVE PRESENTATIONS: District administrators continue to
present to civic group meetings including Kiwanis, Rotary,
Lions, and area Village/Town boards.
Local Seniors Form Bonds with Rolling Hills Writers
Rolling Hills and Linden Ridge are celebrating the tenth year of
their reading and writing collaboration known as Shared Composition
and Reading: an Intergenerational Bookmaking Experience (SCRIBE).
The school district’s motto, “Staff, Students, Community; Building
Better Schools Together,” mirrors this partnership between fourth
graders and seniors living at “The Ridge.”
The mission of SCRIBE is to foster relationships between children
and seniors through literature and the writing process. Originally a
research project funded in large part by the Mukwonago Education
Foundation, it has become a treasured memory for former fourth
grade students of Mrs. Gina Neist, the program’s coordinator.
MHS graduate Nick Shortreed said, “A buzz fills the room at Linden
Ridge because a special fourth grade class is coming to visit. I have
not forgotten the times spent there conversing with seniors, making crafts, and writing together.”
The students visit their senior friends once a month for a reading/writing workshop. Mrs. Neist reads a book to the entire group,
and the children eagerly rush to their special friends. The participants read their essays from the previous month and participate in
a project related to the theme of the book. Warm intergenerational
relationships develop naturally, based on their shared experiences.
After serving their seniors home-baked goodies provided by parents, the teacher wraps up the meeting by explaining the new writing assignment, and the students hug their friends goodbye with
the promise to return soon to share another essay!
Special thanks are offered to Lisa Deppe, the graphic artist who
has designed the covers of the anthologies, Leanne Hengel, the
director of activities at Linden Ridge, and all the former and current parents who assist by chaperoning, typing, and baking treats!
The students and seniors appreciate all contributions!
-Contributed by Gina Neist
Teacher, Rolling Hills Elementary
Park View Moving Forward with Program Review
Park View Middle School has been conducting a comprehensive
program review with three goals driving their efforts. First, staff aim
to identify similarities, differences, and trends in reading and math
achievement. Secondly, the school will review services, programs,
and elective opportunities in comparison to area and other high
performing Wisconsin middle schools. Finally, teachers and adminstrators wish to review the scheduling structure and organization
of the middle school day.
This past summer, thirteen staff members collected and categorized information from other districts relative to literacy, math,
and RtI programming. A committee then spent the fall months analyzing the information. The committee’s findings addressed areas
such as daily literacy time, reading and math curriculum and pedagogy, teacher professional development, exploratory/elective
2
The TRIAD: Welcome to the Mukwonago School District
course offerings, personalized learning, the House system and its
role in the elementary-to-secondary transition, the academic calendar, the daily schedule, and more. All middle school teachers
participated in small group meetings in December to review and
discuss the findings.
Park View will continue to share findings with all stakeholders
including parents, district leadership, the Mukwonago Area School
District Learning Committee, and the full school board. Any recommended changes will be brought to the school board for adoption. Curriculum planning, professional development, and schedule
structure development will continue through the summer of 2017,
and full implementation will occur in the 2017-2018 school year.
-Contributed by Mark Doome
Principal, Park View Middle School
Did You Know? 76% of community survey takers advised the school board to pursue a referendum.
Cheering for Clarendon’s Cougar Choir
“It’s just absolutely amazing!” said Clarendon Avenue Elementary sixth grader Jacob Kulovany with a smile. The “amazing” in this case
is the opportunity to perform with the Clarendon Cougar Choir.
Started three years ago by general music teacher Caryn Ruesch and about twenty students, the Cougar Choir has grown steadily and
now features over fifty Clarendon Avenue Elementary fifth and sixth grade students. Students give up their lunch and recess once per
week to practice and rehearse a repertoire of songs outside the regular general music curriculum.
“I want a place where kids who really love singing can have an outlet,” said Ruesch. The choir focuses on the techniques of singing
that cannot always be addressed during a regular class, giving students an extra opportunity to learn and enjoy music. Ruesch gives
up her lunch period once a week to lead the choir, which has performed at winter concerts, band and orchestra concerts, and occasionally at assemblies.
Beyond the music, children receive an opportunity to connect
with a passion.
“We have something in common we can talk about,” said sixth
grader Layla Nowak. “In choir, everyone loves music, so it’s really
fun. We get to do our own concerts doing music we know.” Some
of that music includes songs like “Roar” by Katy Perry with the
words changed to reflect Clarendon’s Cougar Character and “Best
Day of My Life” by American Authors.
Now that the group is established, the sky is the limit.
Jacob said, “I would love to do a play with a lot of singing and
dancing. It’s everything I love to do!”
Added Layla, “Maybe we could sing something really big in front
of tons of people!”
-Contributed by Ben Kossow
Principal, Clarendon Elementary School
Section’s Elementary’s “Kids Only” Newspaper Inspires
Students and Volunteers
The “Kids Only Newspaper” at Section Elementary turned sixteen years old this year! The long-honored tradition began in
November 2000 as an after school club for students interested
in writing. Sixteen years later, the commitment is still strong with
a staff of eighteen students who converge on the Section computer lab for an hour twice each month to create the publication.
This club provides an opportunity for students to research
topics, write, and publish a newspaper with information appropriate for and of interest to elementary-age students at Section
Elementary. With approximately seven issues printed each year,
the recognizable tan periodical finds its way into the hands of 475
students and their family members.
Students write about
scho ol news and
events; review books,
movies, and games;
create puzzles; discuss travel and holiday plans; and author
non-f ic tion prose.
Word searches, puzzles, and games such as
“Mystery Teacher” are
also popular features.
Students work solo or
in teams to create articles of interest to all.
Parent volunteers give of their time each year to lead the “Kids
Only Newspaper Club.” They help students brainstorm ideas, assist
with proofing, and coordinate the layout and production of the
newspaper. Parent coordinator Angela Risser mused about the
buzz of activity in the room as students conduct interviews, snap
pictures, and click away at computer keys to produce stories. “It’s
exciting to watch the process for these kids to develop their stories. The atmosphere is fun and creative!”
Surviving the test of time, Section’s “Kids Only Newspaper”
stands as a testament to the dedication and writing skills of the
school’s young learners throughout the years.
-Contributed by Robert Slane
Principal, Section Elementary School
The TRIAD: Welcome to the Mukwonago School District
3
Did You Know? Nearly 95% of MHS graduates pursue two- or four-year college or technical school degrees.
Each year,
Big Bend
Elementary hosts
an Expanding
Horizons Workshop
in which community
members give presentations explaining their careers
and businesses
to elementary
students.
A n n u a l l y,
MHS junior and
se ni or st ud ents
gain internships at
local businesses in
the fields of autom ot i ve re p a i r,
welding, and
machine tool.
District PTO, PTG,
and PTAG parent groups
support events at all
MASD schools.
Each December,
MASD student choirs
sing at Linden Ridge
and at the Midnight
Magic celebration for
the public’s enjoyment.
the
For those in ave
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cancer patie
The Archery
Club has received
donations for archery
equipment from the Big
Bend Lions Club and
Bubbs Barbeque in
Big Bend.
f
a variety o
Every fall, o l g ro u p s
o
M A S D s c h od for the
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M uk wo na g
Pantr y.
RHES second and
fifth grade groups made
placemats at Thanksgiving to
thank the Lioness associations
in the surrounding areas.
In Spring, this same group
makes encouraging posters
for the Mukwonago Athletic
Club riders who participate in a six-hour spin
ride for children
with Juvenile
Diabetes.
Eve r y
holiday season,
vari ous scho ol
groups help ring the bells
for the local
Salvation Army.
Ever y
year, many
groups from
MASD schools
work with the
Waukesha Christmas
Clearing Council to collect toys, purchase gift
certificates, fundraise via
movie ticket sales, set up a toy
shop, or buy presents for
children.
Ev er y
other
y e a r ,
Eagleville
students host
a supply drive
e
to help out th
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Wild
Center.
4
Each year,
special education students
in the MHS Key
Club make cards
for soldiers and
help volunteer at
Life Connections.
The TRIAD: Welcome to the Mukwonago School District
Every
Augus t ,
middle
school VEX
Robotics has
businesses donate
to, sponsor, and
help with tournaments.
Mukwo
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Every winter,
the Mukwonago
boys basketball and
Junior Indians programs
raise over $10,000 to donate to
Make-a-Wish Wisconsin. These
funds help fulfill the dreams of
a Wisconsin child afflicted with
a life-threatening medical
condition.
The MHS International Club annually
works withAFS to sponsor international students
to
to to come to MHS and
help MHS students go
to school internationally.
l
p
U
Con
Since
the 1999-2000
school year, MH
has partnered with
Mukwonago Rotary
the Mukwonago Edu
Foundation, and local bus
to build houses. This part
helps equip students with
try-based knowledge and s
a smooth transition from
school into adult appren
ships, technical colleges
four-year colleges.
Did You Know? MHS was built in 1972 to serve approximately 900 students. Today, it has 1,600 students!
Ever y year, Mukwonago
Dentistry funds a field trip for a
number of district kindergarten classes to show them
more about the dental
experience.
onago nd
lubs a ther
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School
ar t programs
annually display student work and donate
their own collaborative
pieces of art to be auctioned for the Education
Foundation. They also
display student ar t
at Brooklife Church
and donate art to the
Chamber of Commerce’s
Midnight Magic
Festival. Also, students
create pottery for the
Linden Ridge residents during the
holidays.
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ntices, or
This past year, the
MHS Health Occupations
Student Association team
helped fundraise for the
Wisconsin Special Olympics
and Leukemia Lymphoma
Society.
This past fall,
the MHS Histor y
Club held a flag
display fundraiser
to raise money
fo r th e St ar s
an d St ri pe s
Honor Flight.
High school Co-op
and IT Academy’s business and community partners are the foundation of
these programs, including the creation of internships and jobs for students,
providing job shadow and
field trip experiences,
mentoring, guest speakers, and guidance.
of
r i e t y oups
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local c tive milit nk you’s
a
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t
bers eir ser vice
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r
fo
The MHS Varsit y
Dance Team cheers on
the walkers and runners for both the Field
Park Survivor Lap at the
American Cancer Society
Relay for Life and for
the Muk wonago
Village Run.
Via
Children
are the Hope,
Inc., RHES sixth
gra d er s cre ate art messages
to send to global
peers, spreading the
message of being good
stewards of the earth with
the common interest of
helping endangered
cranes.
Every year, MHS
DECA students participate in the Mukwonago
Jack-O-Lantern Jaunt
and partner with MDA
and the Becky Werner
Meningitis Foundation.
This year, MASD
FCCLA youth
helpe d out at
Depot Days with
food and children’s craft activities to raise money
for displaced families
in Waukesha County.
PKAT-T V
at Prairie
View broadcas ts sho r t
videos of
everyday
heroes in the
community.
... and
SO
many
more!
The TRIAD: Welcome to the Mukwonago School District
5
Did You Know? The eleven municipalities that comprise MASD cover ninety square miles.
Eagleville Charter Renewed; 5K and STEM Focus Added
On January 25, 2016, the MASD School Board renewed the charter for Eagleville Elementary. Eagleville’s new programming will
include five-year-old kindergarten and a growing focus on STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum.
Located in Eagle near the corner of Highways E and LO, Eagleville
Elementary is adjacent to Jericho Creek and the Mukwonago School
District School Forest and is within walking distance to Eagle Springs
Lake. Starting in Fall 2016, new STEM activities will join current
enhancements such as multi-grade level classes, Spanish Language
lessons, and conservation.
“In addition to a new STEM focus, we are excited to begin offering 5K as an option for parents,” stated Principal Ron Schlicht.
“Families can now enroll all of their elementary children at Eagleville
if they wish, rather than having to drive to multiple schools.”
Eagleville prides itself on being a small, family-oriented, student-centered school. The quaint, country-charm atmosphere distinguishes Eagleville from some other schools in that every teacher
knows every student in the building. Inside the multi-grade level
classrooms, children learn to encourage their peers and get along
with others while striving to recognize and utilize their own talents. Parents of Eagleville alumni often describe the school’s family-like environment as beneficial to their children’s educational
and social-emotional growth.
Eagleville students easily develop pride in the school’s 166-year
history and are taught to respect their community to make a difference on a local and global level. Students and families also promote compassion for others as demonstrated through toy drives,
food drives, clothing drives, donations to Eagleville’s sister school
in Pueblo Modelo, Guatemala, and environmental clean-up days.
All district and non-district residents are encouraged to visit and
apply for enrollment or request to be placed on the waiting list.
-Contributed by Ron Schlicht
Principal, Eagleville Elementary Charter School
New Elementary Science Lessons
Promote Active Investigation
Elementary students are using a new science program, Full Option Science System
(FOSS), for the first time this school year. In this program, students learn about
earth, life, and physical science through active investigation, reading, vocabulary study, recording their findings, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. They
extend their learning through outdoor studies, the use of technology, and engineering challenges.
For example, third grade students study physical science by investigating forces,
interactions, and patterns through the use of magnets, axles, and rotating tops. In a
recent lesson on magnets, one of Mrs. Krista Christiansen’s students at Rolling Hills
Elementary demonstrated his understanding by saying, “My magnet has the ability
to pick things up even when
gravity is pulling it down.” In addition to the great learning, third grade students
seem to enjoy the program as well. One girl said, “Science has always been my
favorite, but today was the best day ever!”
Sixth grade students study nutrient systems, transport systems, and sensory
systems in both plants and animals. During one recent class, students pumped
water through a circulatory system built out of clear squeezable containers, plastic tubing, and one-way valves to gain an understanding of how blood circulates
through the heart, lungs, and body. Students in Mrs. Pat Falk’s class at Rolling Hills proudly stated, “Our teacher
didn’t give us directions about how to build the heart model right away. She let us
try to build it first because she knows we are problem-solvers. After a little while,
she gave us drawing of the heart and directions so we could check ours to make
sure we were building it right.” Another student said, “Science this year makes a
lot more sense. If I don’t get it by seeing a visual, I get a chance to do an experiment and then I understand it.”
Building understanding through active investigation, reading, and writing is an
important foundation to students’ learning in science. The new FOSS science program is helping Mukwonago students build that foundation.
-Contributed by Mary Koski, Ed.D.
Director of Student Learning
6
The TRIAD: Welcome to the Mukwonago School District
Did You Know? The WI Department of Public Instruction ranks MASD as “Exceeds Expectations.”
Prairie View Students
Honor Heroes
It’s a “super” year at
Prairie View Elementary!
Students and staff have
taken the school theme
of superheroes to heart
and are incorporating it
throughout their day. The
school’s building leadership team started by organizing its school climate
initiative around a “superpower” (character trait)
a month. PKAT-TV broadcasts feature commercials
highlighting the superpower, and the Pawsitively
Prairie View team of students instructs the school
on how to employ the superpower in daily life.
In addition to the trait-a-month superpowers, students are also producing segments for PKAT-TV titled,
“Everyday Superheroes.” A team of fifth graders introduces the school to ordinary people doing extraordinary deeds. The first segment featured Clarendon
Avenue student Kaden Stark and his efforts to help the
Make-a-Wish Foundation grant wishes to children with
life-threatening medical conditions. Future segments
will include individuals throughout the Mukwonago
area who are making a difference in our community.
Families have also partnered with the school in this
super study. An August email proclaimed, “We would
like to begin the year honoring some special everyday
superheroes, the men and women who serve our country. We are asking for your help in sending photos of
civil servants - firefighters, police officers, and military
personnel - who have dedicated their lives to our safety,
our democracy, and our freedom.” Families submitted over seventy “Heroes without Capes” honoring all
branches of service.
All-school events have been tailored to fit the theme
as well. Future activities will carry out the theme,
including the school’s One School-One Book program
that is currently taking place. The Prairie View super
students are in action!
-Contributed by Tracy Stockwell
Principal, Prairie View Elementary
Kudos corner
The Mukwonago Chamber of Commerce honored Prairie View
Principal Tracy Stockwell with the Special Executive Director Award.
The award is given to an individual who has devoted time, energy,
and support to the Chamber in an outstanding capacity in the past
year. Mrs. Stockwell (pictured right) was recognized for building
District-Chamber connections as the official Representative for the
Mukwonago Area School District, and for spending many hours on
the Chamber’s Midnight
Magic Committee. She
helped the Midnight Magic
Marketplace succeed and
encouraged Mukwonago
schools’ participation in the
Midnight Magic Poster and
Parade of Sleds contests.
Chamber Director April
Reszka thanked Mrs.
Stockwell, stating, “She has
spent countless hours generously giving her time and
talent for the betterment of
our community.”
-Contributed by Shawn McNulty
Superintendent
Big Bend Teacher Fosters
Success, Hope
Betsy Dukatz, BBES sixth
grade teacher, was recognized in Washington D.C.
by the U.S. Department
of Health and Human
Services for the Adoption
Excellence Award. The
award recognizes outstanding accomplishments
in achieving permanency
for America’s children
waiting in foster care.
Being a foster parent has positively influenced Mrs. Dukatz’s work
with students and families. A parent of one of her special needs students said, “Of all the amazing qualities Mrs. Dukatz has, such as her
compassion, humor, and kindness, her ability to remain positive and
energetic amazes me the most.”
“I want my families to know how much I love their kids and that I
understand that each child and family has unique situations,” said
Dukatz. “You can cram a square peg into a round hole, but at the end
of the year all you have done is wreck the peg. I now approach parents with three questions: ‘What worked? What didn’t work? What
do you need from me this year?’”
Of the effect fostering has on her teaching, Dukatz said, “Being a
parent of children with special needs, I understand when you are so
close to the situation, you miss seeing things. That’s where an understanding, unconventional teacher can come alongside of you, and
together we can work on solutions.”
-Contributed by Shawn Waller
Principal, Big Bend Elementary
The TRIAD: Welcome to the Mukwonago School District
7
Have a story idea for THE TRIAD?
Please let us know!
Email [email protected]
Mukwonago Area
School District
Open Enrollment available
now through April 29th!
385 County Road NN East
Mukwonago, WI 53149
www.masd.k12.wi.us
Time Warner Channels 13 / 15.13
Superintendent: Shawn McNulty
Board President: Mary D’Amour
Edited by:
Julie Hanisch
Nick Reichhoff
Lee Bromberger
Comments/Questions:
(262) 363-6300 or
[email protected]
Printer: United Press & Graphics, Hartland, WI
Postal Customer
Thoughts about THE TRIAD?
Scan the QR Code or go online to visit
http://goo.gl/forms/9z76MbLdQ1
You could win two tickets to a district sporting
event or fine arts performance of your choice!
REGISTERED NURSES! MASD is seeking part-time school nursing assistance. Candidates must hold current licensure
as a registered nurse in WI. Associate degree with course(s) in public or community health nursing required; completion
of BSN preferred. Contact Laura Heidelmaier, District Nurse at 262-363-6292, x27515 or email [email protected].
Alumni Spotlight
Bret Achtenhagen
Class of 1983
President
Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services
Favorite Teacher(s):
Keith Hensler
Memorable MASD Class(es):
Pam Kainz
Class of 1988
Ph.D. Neurobiology
UW-LaCrosse/Medical College of Wisconsin
Former Research Associate, Harvard University
Favorite Teacher:
Lee Bromberger
Memorable MASD Class(es):
It was in drafting and woodworking that I discovered that I
Playing sports is how I learned how to connect with people.
enjoyed designing and building things. Football revealed to me
the benefits of hard work, integrity, leadership, and determina- Secondly, I’m grateful for all the science laboratories, computer
tion. I learned a beautiful lesson: Many people working towards classes, and industrial art classes. The hands-on experience I
gained in those classes was very stimulating to me and helped
a common goal can accomplish great things.
shape my love of learning and collaborating.
Advice to current students:
Advice to current students:
8
The world is desperate for inspirational, effective leaders.
You’ll cross paths with many poor leaders, even more average
leaders, and only a few great leaders. Emulate the great ones
and aspire to be a truly effective leader!
8
The TRIAD: Welcome to the Mukwonago School District
Learn how to work hard, but don’t forget to be yourself and
have fun!
We are proud to recognize our alumni! Please send
candidate nominations to [email protected].
Paul Cervenansky
Class of 2004
Project Manager
Clair Global Broadcast Division
Favorite Teacher(s):
Julie Miller, Ted Mainella, Mike Schaefer
Memorable MASD Class(es):
My time spent in Mass Media / AV relates directly to what I
do on a daily basis technically, and it prepared me to be organized, to communicate clearly, and to always have a plan. My
time in all of the technical education classes prepared me for a
hands-on job in a skilled trade.
Advice to current students:
Stay focused and continue to chisel away at goals, but don’t
forget to slow down once in awhile, look around, and enjoy life!