Kathy Chiaverotti,Mayor - Muskego

Fall 2014
MHS Band of 300+ members to march in the
New Orleans Parade in February 2015.
A COLLABORATIVE NEWSLETTER FROM THE CITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT.
Superintendent’s Message
Mayor’s Message
Muskego-Norway Schools is a place where we love what we
do, believe that it matters and strive to make a difference for
those we serve. We bring our mission of “Every student
learning, growing … succeeding” to life each
and every day across the system through the
efforts of many hard working, engaged staff
that cultivate a learning environment that
personalizes, nurtures, and holds students
to rigorous expectations. Students 4K –12th
grade engage in relevant learning experiences that stretch
their capacity, build their confidence, and help them realize
their dreams and aspirations.
We are a system committed to ensuring:
u A high-achieving student learning environment
u An environment that attracts, develops, and retains
high-impact staff
u A district worthy of strong community support
u A system-wide continuous improvement focus
u Long-term financial sustainability and resource stewardship.
What sets our district apart from others is the unique aspect
of the constant and positive involvement of our parents,
school board, and community stakeholders. Their
involvement coupled with a dynamic staff across all
workforce sectors provides a recipe for success for all of
the students in Muskego-Norway. Together, we will reach
our vision of being the district of choice.
Wishing all a wonderful 2014-15 school year,
Welcome Back to Fall!
As Muskego turns 50, and we invest in quality amenities that
have built the community, it’s apparent people are taking
notice! The following achievements point to the beautiful
city that Muskego has become.
2014 – 1st Safest City in Wisconsin and 5th Most Affordable
City in Wisconsin (MOVOTO)
2014 – 12th Best City in Wisconsin for Home Ownership
(Nerdwallet)
2013 – Best Town in Wisconsin for Young Families (Nerdwallet)
Of course, we are thrilled to have cut the ribbon on a newly
completed Janesville Road. As expected, this project has
spurred development and improvement along this vital
corridor for business and brought an expanded tax base.
We have been busy in the process for the 2015 budget.
The budget serves a number of functions and is extremely
important work on many levels. It allocates resources among
departments, reflecting the legislative body's priorities and
policies through long-term goals. The budget also conveys to
all of our residents what the elected officials’ vision is for the
future and assists in their communication to constituents
why they have allocated the resources in the manner that
they did.
Following are a few highlights of proposed broad
objectives and goals which promotes the preservation
of the community's fiscal health:
n Apply Net New Growth as Allowed per State Levy
Limit to Maintain and Enhance Services for a Growing
Community
n Maintain High Bond Rating
n Limit One-time Funding Sources
n Avoid Depletion of Special Revenue Funds & Utilize
for the Purpose Created
n Support Economic Drivers to Ensure Long-term
Viability, Including TID Creations and Incentives
n Strengthen Efficiencies
n Recognize and Respect the Expertise of Incumbent
Employees
I hope to see you at the City’s 50th Anniversary Pancake
Breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 9th. (details within)
Sincerely,
Kathy Chiaverotti, Mayor
Kelly Thompson, Ph.D.
Core Competencies and 2014-15
Key Performance Objectives
Student Goals
(What we want for all students)
(What we believe to be important)
Academic Literacy
n
Exemplary Teaching & Learning
n
Increase reading achievement
and growth for all students
Highly Effective Personnel
n
Integrate staff effectiveness
models to enhance proficiency
across our system
Continuous Improvement
n
Meaningful Engagement
n
Expand personalized learning
system-wide in order to maximize
the potential of all students being
college and career ready
Sound Stewardship of Resources
n
n
In
order
to
achieve...
Deploy innovative solutions to
wellness, compensation, and
facility needs
Student performance on state
assessments place MNS in the upper
third among Waukesha County districts
Students annually demonstrate at least
one year’s growth in reading
Student engagement levels are
above median benchmark
districts
College and Career Readiness
n
n
n
Student performance on the ACT
place MNS in the upper third among
Waukesha County districts
Students enroll in an educational program
post-high school
Students meet “Pathway” indicators of
college and career readiness
Every Student Learning, Growing … Succeeding
Treasure Yesterday, Celebrate Today, Embrace Tomorrow
Economic Development
Celebrate
Muskego’s 50th!
As predicted, the year 2014 is turning out to be a very
positive year for economic development in the City of
Muskego. Existing businesses are expanding and
redeveloping while new businesses are now calling
Muskego home. Further, many new city investments have
come to a close. These investments all aid in improving the
economic development climate in Muskego, which in turn
helps to make the city a better place to live, work and play
in. While this cliché is overused it is very true and the city
and businesses need to continue their investments in order
for us to meet our goal of improving the local commercial tax
base. Here is a look at some of the highlights of economic
development activities in 2014 to date:
All-You-Can-Eat
Pancake Breakfast!
Sunday, November 9, 2014
8 am – 11 am
The Suburban Bourbon
S76 W17745 Janesville Road
Tickets $5.50 in advance $6 at the door
Children under 5 years old – FREE
Advance tickets available at:
Muskego City Hall • Muskego Public Library
The Suburban Bourbon
Or by calling 414-427-6431
InPro Expansion: One of Muskego’s
largest employers is expanding further.
Recent approvals were received to
construct a 29,810 SF two-story new
corporate office facility for InPro
Corporation on the SE corner of Mercury
Proposed InPro
Drive and Janesville Road. It will be a
gem as well and a catalyst for more jobs in the Muskego area!
Janesville Road Reconstruction: The Janesville Road
reconstruction is now complete and not only aids
transportation but also has successfully defined Muskego’s
downtown and business districts, providing social
amenities to enhance economic development
Downtown Redevelopments: New downtown Janesville
Road redevelopments came to fruition as Delta Restaurant
(now Niko’s Café) has redeveloped extensively and John
Jewell began construction on the SW corner of Lannon/
Janesville on a new multi-tenant commercial building. Both
of these developments benefited from incentives from the
City. Look for more in that block as the city is looking to
offer incentives to the other buildings in the area to create
one large redevelopment block of the downtown!
Fast Food: In case you didn’t hear a
new Burger King is being erected on
Moorland Road across from the Walmart.
And yes, the rumor is true, after decades
of demand Muskego will see its very own Proposed Taco Bell
Taco Bell on Janesville Road near Moorland Road!
(Please make checks payable to “City of Muskego”)
A complimentary gift will given to all who attend!
Parks & Recreation
Department Happenings
Exciting things are happening this fall for Muskego
residents for recreation programs and in our parks! The
winter/spring program guide is scheduled to be available
to the public around November 12, and we’re offering the
following highlighted classes:
n School’s Out Activities – This structured program allows
parents to drop off their children at Old Town Hall for fun
activities while school is not in session. Dates are offered
in October through April. The program is for ages 5-12
and the cost for each class date is $15.
n Little Learners & Jump Start to Kindergarten – Our
preschool aged school-year programs are offered for
children ages 3 to Pre-K. Our winter session starts in
December and each 10-week session provides new and
exciting educational opportunities.
For a complete listing of all programs offered, please see our
fall program guide on-line (www.cityofmuskego.org) or call
262-679-4108. for more information/to register.
Badertscher Preserve
This year, the following parks projects were completed:
n The new recreation trail section
Fall is a great time to check out Badertscher Preserve, the
City’s newest conservation site. Hike on over four miles of
trails traversing rolling glacial topography with vistas of
woodlands in fall color. This site was purchased utilizing a
portion of the city’s landfill settlement funds
earmarked for conservation as well as a
Stewardship grant from the State of
Wisconsin. The Little Muskego Lake
Association also generously donated $50,000
toward acquisition and site development.
For more information on
this and other Muskego
conservation sites check
out the Conservation
page on the City’s website
(www.cityofmuskego.org)
under Community Development.
along Racine Avenue from Woods
Road to Janesville Road.
n A new ADA fishing pier and paved
trail was placed at Idle Isle Park,
with the assistance of a DNR grant.
n Three new, smaller lit Park Arthur
Racine Avenue trail
baseball fields came online, and
concessions were offered out
of the park pavilion.
n Fiber wood chips were placed
under all playgrounds.
n New garbage cans in all parks.
Park Arthur field
2
receiving college credit for successfully completing an
Advanced Placement course.
College and Career Ready
Muskego-Norway School District is committed to
having all students prepared for their post-secondary
plans. To this end, the district has developed
mathematics and reading benchmarks at several
grade levels, K –12. These benchmarks indicate ontrack progress along students’ educational journeys. These
benchmarks also help students, parents, teachers, and all
district staff know students are on a path to be prepared for
four-year college, two-year college, military, or career paths.
We are dedicated to preparing all students for success
beyond high school.
The combination of achieving the rating of
Significantly Exceeds Expectations on the 2014 School
Report Card, coupled with all-time high achievement
scores on key areas of ACT and AP testing, gives
Muskego High School students, staff, and parents
many reasons to be proud of their academic success.
First Cohort of Students Prepares
Better For College With AVID
Going to college is a choice, but being successful in college
takes a focused effort. According to US News and World
Report, as many as 1 in 3 college freshmen do not make it
back for their sophomore year. There are multiple reasons
contributing to this rate of attrition, but all of them are
expensive. This is all the more reason why a student needs to
develop sound academic study skills in the areas of writing,
inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading; not to
mention math. The newly begun Advancement
Via Individual Determination (AVID) college
preparatory system at Muskego High
School aims to provide students with that
foundation if they commit to it.
AVID builds on the time-tested process
of students taking Cornell Notes. The Cornell Way requires
students to truly learn the material they wrote down and be
able to apply it in activities and assessments. The Cornell
Way teaches students to color code their notes to create
meaning and develop questions that help them to learn a
deeper importance and test preparation along with
a summary writing component which helps students to
boil down the material into succinct statements. The AVID
curriculum develops the student’s skills utilizing the Cornell
Notes that were taken in the student’s classes.
MHS Achieves Significantly Exceeds Expectations
Rating and Increases ACT and AP Test Results
Muskego High School achieved the highest rating possible
on the 2014 School Report Card issued by the Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction. The rating of Significantly
Exceeds Expectations was awarded to MHS for achieving an
Overall Accountability Score of 83. 9. This score is calculated
as a weighted average of Priority Area Scores in four key
areas: Student Achievement, Student Growth, Closing Gaps,
and On-Track Postsecondary Readiness. Historically, less than
10% of Wisconsin schools annually achieve this rating.
The AVID Elective is based on the following components
which form the foundation of AVID, including its philosophy,
practices, and curriculum:
u A non-traditional classroom setting meeting the academic
and emotional needs of individual students
In addition, Muskego High School achieved all-time high scores
u
The teacher as advisor/counselor/student advocate
in several areas tested on the ACT. These accomplishments
include a score of 24.2 on the math test and a 77%
u An emphasis on objective data
participation rate. The percentage of MHS
u The student at the center of decisionstudents meeting College Readiness
Recognized for
making regarding educational goals
Benchmarks also achieved an all-time high
high-performing students…
u
A student contract outlining willingness
in science, math, and in meeting all four
“Significantly
Exceeds
Expectations”
to work and setting learning goals
benchmarks tested (English, math, reading,
to Muskego High School and
u Student support from teachers and
and science).
Lakeview Elementary by DPI
skilled, trained tutors
On a final note, Muskego High School
“AP Honor Roll” by the College
u
A curriculum emphasizing academic
students increased their participation and
Board
reading and writing
performance in several areas of Advanced
One
of
the
“Most
Challenging
High
u Reliance on the Socratic process.
Placement Testing (AP). For 2014, 393 MHS
Schools” by The Washington Post
students participated in taking 656 AP exams
with 304 students achieving scores of three
(3+) or above on these rigorous tests. A score of
Master Planning Committee
three (3+) or above is considered the standard for
Interested parents and community members are invited to be part of our Master
Planning Committee to study the possibility of a new elementary school, expansion
of our high school athletic facilities, and other facility needs. The first meeting is
scheduled for November 24, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. At this meeting we will
discuss the previous facility study and current/future facility needs. Additional
MHS
meetings will be held on Monday evenings beginning in January 2015. If you would
teachers
like to serve on this committee, please contact the superintendent’s office
([email protected]) with your name, email, and why you are
interested in serving on the committee. We have a limited number of seats available
~ diversity on the team will be considered when selecting members.
Every Student Learning, Growing … Succeeding
3
Treasure Yesterday, Celebrate Today, Embrace Tomorrow
From the Desk of the Chief...
Muskego PD. Tipsters can earn cash rewards for tips that
lead to arrests. This is a great way for people to get involved,
help their community, and still remain anonymous.
The Wheels on the Bus
Go Round and Round
It hardly seems fair, considering the type of summer
we have had, but fall is here, and winter is right
around the corner. However, I want to remind you that
school has started and the buses are again everywhere.
Last year we had no major accidents involving buses, and
for that I congratulate you! This year, however, there was an
accident involving a school bus in just the second week of
school. No students were injured, but the driver of the other
vehicle was. I have noticed that as the school year goes on,
people tend to pay less and less attention to the buses. Like
everything else, we get used to seeing them, we relax, and
don’t pay attention the way we should. As we continue into
the school year, please remember to stay alert and vigilant
around school buses.
Shop With a Cop
There are still many families out
there struggling to make ends
meet, and wondering how they
are going to give their children a
Merry Christmas. In an effort to
ease those struggles, the police
department is looking for
nominations for the “Shop with A Cop” program. This will be
our 4th year hosting this event. Officers volunteer their time to
take kids, aging from 4-16 years old and whose families may be
in need around the holidays, shopping and treat them to lunch!
Please submit their name to Community Resource Officer Gary
Leon at [email protected]. If you have more questions
about the program, you can call him at 262-679-5653.
New Program for Special Needs
Residents: M-S.N.A.P.
We are very proud to partner with Walmart of Muskego, and
provide $100 to each child for a holiday shopping spree for
them and their family. So please help us spread some holiday
cheer and nominate a deserving child today!
For the past several years, we at the police department have
noticed that more and more family members, young and old,
are being cared for in their homes by loved ones. Because each
person’s special needs are unique to that individual, it can lead
to special challenges for police officers and fire personnel who
are called on to assist them during times of crisis.
Our Renewed Focus on Drug
Abuse Prevention and Awareness
The Task Force on Heroin and Other Drugs represents a renewed
effort among the Mayor’s office, Muskego Police Department
and Muskego-Norway Schools. While we have identified
dozens of activities in the schools that target eight different
areas of pupil services, we know there is more to be done.
Looking ahead:
n The Muskego-Norway school board recently
approved random drug screening for any
student involved in co-curricular activities.
n We are also working with county resources
to bring services and resources more local,
placing staff on the Community and Family
Service Advisory Committee, and Drug Free
Communities/Addiction Resource Council. As the county’s
fifth largest community, our goal is to make drug abuse
prevention, intervention and recovery services more
accessible to our residents.
n MPD officers in the schools are reviewing programs that are
results and research-based to ensure that our efforts are
met with success.
n A 24 hour drug drop off site has been created at the
Muskego Police Department in its lobby
n Staff time for social workers in the schools has been increased.
n The City of Muskego is developing a web page to provide
links to resources for drug abuse and prevention awareness,
along with other Health and Human Services links.
In order to improve our ability to more effectively assist those
families, the Muskego Police is pleased to announce that this
fall we will be launching M-S.N.A.P. or the Muskego Special
Needs Awareness Program. A second component, M-S.N.A.P.
Silver is designed for those people over 65 with special needs.
The purpose of the program is to identify children and adults
in the community with special needs. Having prior knowledge
of a person’s special needs, such as autism, hearing impairment,
emotional or behavioral impairment, limited cognitive and
communicative abilities, dementia, etc. will assist police officers
and emergency personnel in resolving calls for assistance in a
more effective and safe manner for all those involved.
Participation in M-S.N.A.P. is completely voluntary. Family
members determine if their loved one and their family would
benefit by being a part of the M-S.N.A.P. program. The
information provided will be entered into the M-S.N.A.P.
database so if your family member is ever in need of
assistance, the police and fire departments will have crucial
information available to them before they ever arrive, and
will be better able to help and assist. For more information
on signing up for M-S.N.A.P. go to the police department
website at www.cityofmuskego.org/police. Click on the
“Community Enhancement Programs” link.
From everyone here at the police department, have a safe
and responsible fall and winter.
Crimestoppers
These efforts are coupled with our individual schools’
commitment to culture programs (‘Above the Line’ at
Country Meadows or ‘Warriors Way’ at MHS for example) and
ongoing programs for parents.
For many years, the Muskego Police Department has teamed
with Crime Stoppers of Waukesha County to provide our
citizens with a means to provide confidential information
on criminal activity within our schools and community.
We are proud to announce that, starting September 1, 2014,
Muskego will have our own Crime Stopper’s “Key Word.”
Muskego citizens can now text “MUSKEGO” plus their tip
to 274637 (CRIMES). You can also download our free app
TIPSUBMIT App. The tips will go directly to officers at
We remind parents that “Parents who host, lose the most.”
Please make homecoming and other events memorable AND
responsible by setting a standard of zero tolerance for drugs
or alcohol in your home or those in which your child is
attending a party.
4
Technology
Meaningfully Engaged
Year 2: District 1:1 Chromebook Initiative and
Google Apps for Education
Oh the Places WE will Go!
Lakeview Students and staff are off on a learning
adventure this year! Oh the Places We will Go, taken
from the title of a Dr. Seuss book, is this year’s annual
life skills theme. Students were greeted on the first day of
school with staff all brightly arrayed in neon colored spirit
wear t-shirts designed with this year’s theme in mind. Bulletin
boards throughout the school showcased this adventurous
theme, along with
mini-learning target
posters. Each month
the school focuses its
attention on a
specific life skill and
learning target
aligned to the State
of Wisconsin’s
Guidance Standards. In the month of September, students
are focused on the life skill responsibility with this
accompanying learning target: I can work with others to
solve problems and reach goals.
We are excited to announce
that our 1:1 rollout for the
2014-15 school year includes
a Chromebook for all students in grades 5-7 and 9-11. The
goal of the 1:1 initiative is to leverage the power of
technology to help students communicate, collaborate, think
critically, and express their creativity. The 4C’s are the
benchmarks of 21st century learning and the guiding force
behind our current technology work here in MuskegoNorway. Access to digital tools and curriculum will prepare
our students for 21st century success with an education
grounded in our core values.
For more information on this initiative and Google Apps
for Education, please visit the district website and click on:
1:1 Chromebook Initiative.
Best Buddy Chapter at MHS
The MuskegoNorway School
District is in the
process of
launching a Best
Buddies chapter
at our high
school. We are
excited and encouraged by the potential positive impact of
this program on our students.
Students will learn tips and approaches that help them to
apply the life skill in school in both social/academic settings
and at home. Over the morning announcements, a group
of students come prepared to share a practical life skill/
responsibility tip for the rest of the student body to hear. In
the classroom, teachers integrate life skills lessons and our
monthly focus through picture books that they are reading
aloud. All of these approaches build upon the character
development parents are already doing in the home,
solidifying our partnership in each child’s learning journey.
Best Buddies Wisconsin (BBWI) enhances the lives of people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by
fostering friendship and social inclusion. Our Best Buddies
high school chapter is a volunteer-based, student run
organization that pairs students with IDD in mutually
enriching, one-to-one friendships with students without IDD
from their school. Students with IDD learn valuable social
skills in Best Buddies that give them confidence; aiding in
their employability, self-advocacy, and self-sufficiency.
The students at Lakeview Elementary School are going
places….with their life skills!
Muskego Elementary Looking to
Increase Student Access to Books
As research would indicate, when children increase the
volume of what they read, there is greater likelihood they will
increase reading skills and achievement overall. Muskego
Elementary staff takes aim at increasing its school’s overall
reading achievement and are excited about a new
opportunity to get books into kids’ hands. Currently,
a work in progress, a Little Free Library is being
constructed and will soon be erected on the front
lawn of school. What is a Little Free Library? As
littlefreelibrary.org would explain, “It’s a take a
book, return a book gathering place where
neighbors share their favorite literature and stories.
In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box
full of books where anyone may stop by and pick
up a book (or two) and bring back another book
to share.” When most libraries are “closed for
business,” Muskego Elementary’s Little Free
Library will be open 24/7. Students and parents
can quite literally access books from the free library at
any time, day or night.
There are two Best Buddy meetings scheduled. On October
13th, the Best Buddies President and Vice President, Jocie
Zaja and Erin Leroy, along with other student leaders, Taylor
Politoski and Ashley Weber, will host a “Get to Know You”
event for students who are interested in participating in
Best Buddies. This event will be held at the high school in
room 243 from 2:40 –4:00 pm.
On October 27th, The Best Buddies Leaders will host
another event to pair students for mutually beneficial
friendships. This event will take place in the high school
library from 6:00 –8:00 pm. Parents are invited to attend
with their students.
We have
engaged students...
State Championships in Soccer, Boys Track,
Forensics, and Gymnastics
Sportsmanship Awards to Baseball, Boys/
Girls Basketball, Boys Golf, and Girls Tennis
98% of Kindergarten students met state
reading benchmarks
246 pounds of fresh vegetables were
harvested and donated to the Muskego
Food Pantry by Muskego Elementary
While the school community is waiting for the library
completion, staff continues to collect books that will be
placed in the “Little Library” at start-up. This fall, stop by
and visit Muskego Elementary’s Little Free Library. Be
sure though to bring a book to exchange so the collection
continues to turn over each day, week, and month. Help
our system continue to pursue growing literacy across
all grade levels!
Every Student Learning, Growing … Succeeding
5
Treasure Yesterday, Celebrate Today, Embrace Tomorrow
properties, especially if you have a private snow clearing
service.
n Artificial snow accumulations can create a traffic or
pedestrian hazard and violators may be ticketed.
City Leaf Collection Program
The City of Muskego Public Works Department will again
be picking up leaves starting October 27th, 2014, making
several passes to accommodate residents who may miss the
first pickup.
n The pickup will begin on the north side of the City, working
to the south.
n Residents should rake their leaves to the roadside as soon
as possible, since an early snowfall could disrupt the leaf
collection program completely.
n Leaves should be placed on the EDGE of the blacktop road
(NOT in the ditch) or if there is curb and gutter in front of your
home, please place leaves immediately BEHIND the curb.
n Leaves should NOT be bagged. ABSOLUTELY no tree
branches, garden plants, or vines may be mixed with the
leaves. City crews will stop leaf collection when a leaf pile
is contaminated with such items because it will cause
damage to the leaf collection machine.
n Final collection will occur during the week of November
24th. All leaves must be out for pickup no later than
November 24th. Return trips for leaf pickup will not be
made after the final pass thru is made.
n Property owners are responsible for leaf disposal after
collection is completed. There will be NO spring leaf collection.
Residents with any concerns regarding winter street
maintenance may call the Public Works Department at 262679-4128. Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Muskego Police Department also wants to remind
residents that winter parking restrictions begin on December
1st. That means that parking is not permitted on city streets
between 3:00 and 7:00 am. So make sure you avoid the pain of
a parking ticket, and keep it off the street. In the event that
the city would declare a snow emergency, no parking will be
permitted on any streets at any time, until the emergency
is lifted.
“Book it” at the Library!
Are you looking for a location to hold a Scout meeting? Would
you like to begin a book club, but you don’t have the space in
your home? Maybe you are wondering
where to hold a baby shower. The
Public
Muskego Public Library has four public
meeting rooms
meeting rooms available, with capacities
ranging from 25 to 100. The rooms may
available for:
be reserved at no cost for non-profit civic
• Scout meetings
and community organizations during
regular open hours for the library. (They
• Book clubs
may also be booked by individual,
• Baby showers
private, and commercial uses by
•
Special occasions
Muskego residents or businesses for a
fee.) Each room is equipped with tables
• And more!
and chairs. They also feature access to a
shared kitchen, and free wireless Internet.
There are two drop off sites
where your yard debris may be dropped off:
Advanced Disposal Service 262-679-0860
W143 S6400 College Court
Saturdays – 7 a.m. – Noon
Advanced Disposal ES Emerald Park Landfill 414-529-1360
W124 S10629 South 124th Street
Fridays – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Saturdays – 8 a.m. – Noon
Meeting room applications are available at the reference desk
and on the Library’s website.
If you have questions, please contact the Public Works
Department at 262-679-4128.
The completed application form may be returned to the
reference desk, emailed to [email protected],
faxed to 262-971-2115, or mailed to the Library. The rooms
are assigned by Library staff based on the size of the group
expected and room availability. Please call us with any
further questions at 262-971-2100.
If you are one of a number of people who prefer to
burn their leaves in the fall, be aware that while this is
legal in Muskego, there are some restrictions.
n Check that the wind speeds at Mitchell International are
below 15 mph and the wind direction is away from structures.
n Fire must be at least 20 feet from any water’s edge, water
way or ditch; and be at least 50 feet from any structure or
power line.
n Sufficient firefighting apparatus must be available (that
would be a hose).
n If the police department receives a complaint that the smoke
or smell is bothering someone, we will be asking you, very
nicely, to put the fire out. (Raking them to the curb and
having them picked up sounds better and better, doesn’t it?)
We’re Launching a
LEGO® Club!
Who doesn’t love LEGOs®? The Muskego Public
Library will launch a LEGO® Club beginning with a
LEGO® City program in November. Local architect
John Peine will bring his vast collection of LEGOs®
for hands-on experience with architecture,
design, and city planning. Children will have the
opportunity to build their own building and see the
whole city come together! This will be a drop-in program –
feel free to come and stay as long as you like. No registration
is required. Recommended for school aged children,
kindergarten and up. Sponsored by the Friends of the
Muskego Public Library. Check back with the library soon
for more details!
Snow Business
As the snow piles up during the upcoming winter, please
remember the following:
n City of Muskego prohibits any person from placing any
snow or ice on any public street, public place, or public
property.
n You may not deposit plowed snow in roadside ditches, or
public road right-of-way on your own or neighboring
LEGO® donations will be accepted for the LEGO® Club. For
more information, please contact Children’s Librarian Christi
Sommerfeldt at [email protected].
6
Academic Literacy
Sound Stewardship
We have
safe and efficient
facilities...
2014-15 Assessments
Financial Update
There are a number of significant changes
related to our state assessment system including:
u The addition of the Smarter-Balanced
Assessment in grades 3 –8 (spring administration). The
Smarter Balanced Assessment replaces WKCE as our state
assessment in the areas of reading and math. *WKCE
continues in 4th, 8th, and 10th as our state assessment
in Science and Social Studies (fall administration).
u The addition of the ACT (plus Writing) assessment and
ACT Workkeys assessment for all 11th grade students.
The ACT assessment measures: English, math, reading
comprehension, science, and writing. We encourage
students to take the ACT on their own prior to the state’s
March administration. ACT Workkeys measures: Applied
Math, Reading for Information, and Locating Information
(March administration).
u ACT Aspire replaces the PLAN and EXPLORE assessments
and is administered to all 9th and 10th grade students.
9th grade students take the ACT Aspire assessment in fall
and spring while 10th grade students take the ACT Aspire
in spring only.
u Dynamic Learning Maps replaces the WKCE alternative
assessment for students with disabilities (WKCE WAA SwD)
and is administered in spring.
$3.6 million in energy
The 2014 –15 Preliminary Budget was
savings since 2006
developed with the district’s mission,
100% of buildings are
vision, core competencies, and student
equipped with safe and
goals in mind. With a continued
secure entrances
commitment to being sound stewards
of community resources and through the
purposeful alignment of district resources with
academic programming and student need,
the district is happy to report that the 2014 –15
Preliminary Budget is being brought forward to
the Annual Meeting as a balanced budget with
a declining tax levy. The district’s budget will be
finalized once all of the factors that influence
the budget are received. Factors include the
Department of Revenue’s final equalized property valuations
of the district (finalized October 1), district-wide enrollment
(finalized October 8), and the state’s allocation of aid to the
district (finalized October 15). Once the district has these
figures, a final budget can be presented and the tax levy
can be certified (by November 10).
The chart below shows the history of the district’s school
tax levy. For 2014 –15, it is anticipated that the tax levy will
decrease by .49%. This is the fourth year in a row that the
district anticipates a tax levy decrease.
Local MNS assessments include:
PALS Assessment for K –2nd grades.
Discovery Education for 1st –8th grades.
STAR Assessment for high school students.
AIMS Web Assessment for students receiving intervention.
u
u
u
u
Muskego-Norway School District Tax Levy History
Focus on Reading at BL
There’s a buzz at Bay Lane Middle School … it’s the excitement
of reading! This year Bay Lane’s primary focus will be on
reaching and exceeding our reading goals. To accomplish this,
reading will be at the forefront
of learning and enjoyment
here at Bay Lane. There
are already several ideas,
programs, and events in the
works to promote reading,
including bulletin boards of
book recommendations, book
talks, reading competitions, book passes, read-ins, Bay Lane’s
#love2read campaign, weekly drawings for books, and a
partnership with PTO for students, parents, and staff to join
together for reading-related FUNctions.
Along with providing property tax relief, the board and
district also continue to find ways to reduce expenses,
increase revenues, and pay down debt by refinancing
outstanding bond issues. Lake Denoon’s debt and the
High School’s debt will be paid off in October 2018 and
April 2021, respectively, as shown in the graph below.
Reading is the one factor that affects success in every
domain, and the single most important
factor in college and career
readiness. We want our
Recognized for
students to be prepared for
high-performing
schools...
their best future. In addition
“District
Exceeds
Expectation”
to focusing on positive
by the WI Department of Public
attitudes toward reading,
Instruction
in support of the district’s
literacy focus, every Bay
“National Blue Ribbon Award”
Lane teacher has a literacy
to Country Meadows Elementary
by the US Department of Ed
goal for their SLO, teaching
literacy within all content
“Title I High-Achieving School”
areas.
to Lakeview Elementary by DPI
Stay tuned to see all
the reading excitement
unfold at Bay Lane
this year!
Join us
on Twitter
Check us out on the web!
muskegonorway.org
Friend us on
Facebook
Every Student Learning, Growing … Succeeding
7
This publication is published
in the interest of providing
information to Muskego-Norway
residents and businesses.
S87 W18763 Woods Road
Muskego, WI 53150
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 5
Muskego, WI 53150
Kathy Chiaverotti
City of Muskego Mayor
(262) 679-5675
Email: [email protected]
www.cityofmuskego.org
Dr. Kelly Thompson
Superintendent
(262) 971-1800, ext. 2108
[email protected]
www.muskegonorway.org
CAR – RT SORT
POSTAL CUSTOMER
MUSKEGO, WI 53150
Annual Asbestos Notification 2014-2015 School Year
Dates to Remember
2014 GENERAL ELECTION – NOV. 4TH
Polling hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
On the ballot: State Partisan offices including
Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of
State, State Treasurer, Representative in Congress
and Representative to the Assembly
In Person Absentee Voting: Registered voters may
cast an absentee ballot in person at the Clerk’s office
starting on Monday, October 20, 2014 – Friday,
October 31, 2014 during regular business hours:
8:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Additional Hours: October 30 and 31 – office open
until 5:00 pm.
Visit the City of Muskego Website
www.cityofmuskego.org, under the Government
Tab/Elections for the following election information:
n Voter Registration
n Polling Locations and Hours
n Voter Public Access n Absentee Voting
For other election related questions,
please contact the Clerk’s office
at 262-679-5628.
Friday, October 31 – City of
Muskego Trick or Treat, 6-8 pm
Sunday, November 9 – Muskego’s
50th Anniversary Pancake Breakfast
(see inside cover)
Wednesday, November 12 – Winter/Spring Parks
& Recreation Program Guide Distributed
Under AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act), all primary
and secondary schools are required to develop and implement a plan for
managing all building materials which contain asbestos. Included in the
AHERA Act is the requirement to annually notify all workers and building
occupants (or their guardians) of asbestos-related activities.
Beginning in 1988, all buildings owned, leased, or “under the control of”
the School District were inspected by EPA accredited inspectors, with
building material samples analyzed by an independent laboratory. Based
on the inspection, the School District prepared and the state approved a
comprehensive management plan for managing the asbestos.
Where the asbestos-containing materials are found, the District has in
place an Operations and Maintenance program.
The District has accomplished the following compliance mandates
regarding the administration of asbestos in school buildings:
· Environmental Management Consulting, Inc. ( EMC) was contracted to
be the school’s consultant for asbestos for the school year.
· The District is continuing with the Operations and Maintenance Program
as designed for the School District. This ensures that all asbestos
materials are kept in good condition.
· Periodic “surveillance” in each area containing asbestos has been
completed every six months by our consultant. Also, the buildings are
re-inspected by an accredited inspector every three years.
· In the past year the District did not conduct any asbestos removal activities.
All outside contractors shall contact the lead maintenance person before
commencing work. Our goal at the District is to be in full compliance with
asbestos regulations.
A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review by
contacting the District Office. Questions related to this plan or any other
asbestos concerns should be directed to the District’s designated person
Mr. Jeremiah Johnson.
Traveling Board Meetings
Annual Meeting
Mondays – 7:00 PM
November 10, 2014
December 1, 2014
December 15, 2014
January 12, 2015
February 2, 2015
February 16, 2015
March 2, 2015
Mon., Oct. 27, 2014
7:00 PM
Muskego High PAC
Lake Denoon Middle
Muskego Elementary
Lakeview Elementary
Country Meadows
Mill Valley
Tess Corners
Bay Lane Middle
2014-15 School Board
Rick Petfalski
Eric Schroeder
Lisa Warwick
Brett Hyde
Robert Bohmann
Chris Buckmaster
Dean Strom
President
Vice Pres.
Treasurer
Clerk
Member
Member
Member
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Every Student Learning, Growing … Succeeding