SCHOOL CONNECTION - Greendale School District

SCHOOL CONNECTION
VOLUME 19 ISSUE 3| WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US|
SUMMER 2015
QUICK
CONNECT
GREENDALE
SCHOOLS
BUDGET
UPDATE
The restoration of
the $150 per pupil
categorical aid to
the State Budget
means a little over
$300,000 in state aid
is returned to the
Greendale Schools’
budget. This
restoring of funds will
eliminate the deficit
of $174,000 in Fund
10, and fund some
very immediate and
real needs in the
District. Additional
information
regarding the
budget is available
on the Greendale
Schools’ website at
www.greendale.k12.
wi.us on the home
page and on the
Board of Education
Agendas, Reports
and Minutes page.
SEE WEEKLY
HIGHLIGHTS
from the schools
by checking out
the “SPOTLIGHT”
section under the
news tab of the
GSD website at
www.greendale.
k12.wi.us
GREENDALE
ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
The Spring of 2015 Every 15 Minutes assembly was organized and funded in part by GAP.
Greendale Assistance Program Supports
Youth With Programs and Opportunities
By John Weiss, Principal, Greendale Middle School
The Greendale Assistance Program (GAP) is designed to promote a positive
and healthy environment for youth through the collaborative efforts of school,
family, and community.
The main goal of the program is to provide support
to our youth through a variety of methods, including
prevention, intervention, education, family and community programs, and by providing opportunities for
students to get involved in alternative activities. The
support provided helps our students face the many
issues that challenge today’s youth and offers them
opportunities to be involved in activities and be part of
organizations that promote healthy lifestyles. Student
voice is an important part of this process and allows
all to become actively involved in helping to educate
their peers.
includes high school students who attend the yearly
Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute (CGTI), a summer
leadership program designed to create a partnership
of youth and adults. CGTI helps to train and empower
high school leaders on how to educate their peers about
the prevention of substance abuse and other addictive
behaviors. It provides information on how to lead by
example by accepting individual differences and advocating for healthy decision-making in the community.
Students who attend the CGTI program are members of
the GHS Teens With Impact group, and work together
to plan and host events during the year.
Our GAP committee, made up of administrators,
pupil services, teachers, and health personnel, meets
monthly to coordinate the activities and programs that
take place throughout the year at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The GAP committee also
One event held yearly is “Eggspress Yourself”. Attended
by over one hundred 7th and 8th grade middle school
students, “Eggspress Yourself” addresses the issues of
peer pressure and risky behaviors like alcohol, tobacco,
and drug use. The evening consists of guest speakers,
Continued on page 8
DISTRICT MESSAGES
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
By Joe Crapitto, School Board President
Now that summer is upon us, it is appropriate to reflect on this
past school year. There is much to be proud of in Greendale
Schools. Our students excel both inside and outside of the classroom. The graduating class of 2015 has earned nearly $2.7 million
in scholarships, which reflects the fact that they are well-prepared
for their future beyond Greendale High School.
Once again, GHS was named by the Washington Post as one of
America’s most challenging high schools. We continue to expand
our course offerings at the high school so that our students leave
GHS with experience in taking a college-level class while still in
Greendale. Our students have multiple pathways to challenge themselves with advanced placement classes, youth options at MATC,
Project Lead the Way classes that earn them credit from MSOE, and
a partnership program (referred to as CAPP) with the UW-Oshkosh
that allows high school students to earn college credit.
Canterbury Elementary School celebrated its 50th anniversary this
year. During its celebration, each classroom displayed student
research projects on the decades Canterbury has been open and
the hallways featured a “Canterbury Timeline” for parents, family
members and community guests to see as they walked through the
school. The timeline featured class photos, newspaper clippings
and other mementos from the last half-century.
The GHS Model UN Delegation performed well and took a school-record nine awards for Best Delegate and Best Research Position Papers,
out of more than 400 students from schools around the region. Students from the GHS Theatre Department were recognized at the sixth
annual Tommy Awards at the Overture Center in Madison. Greendale
Biomedical students in the Project Lead the Way program were recognized for completing this four-year program. During their White
Coat Ceremony, students presented a summary of their findings after
having completed extensive independent research projects.
The Greendale High School Marching Band has been invited to
participate in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They
have been selected out of hundreds of nationwide applicants to
be one of 10 marching bands in the 2016 Parade.
District-wide, Greendale received a Green Ribbon Sustainability
Award from the US Department of Education, in recognition of
our energy-saving efforts, our staff and student wellness programs, and our use of school gardens and forests as an extension
of the classroom.
These are a few highlights of what our students and teachers have
accomplished this past year. And rather than be complacent and
take the summer off, our students and staff will be busy planning
and preparing for the upcoming school year.
Continued on page 3
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GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT | WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US | V.19 IS.3 SUMMER 2015
DISTRICT MESSAGES
Our high school German program will take a group of high school
students to Germany this summer, extending their learning of the
language and culture. Several students from our orchestra program
will travel to Vienna and Budapest as part of the Milwaukee Youth
Symphony Orchestra, giving them the opportunity to perform to a
European audience.
Our building and grounds teams will be working to maintain the
facilities at our schools. Our elementary schools will receive new
windows and our middle school will have work completed on its
HVAC system. The result of these investments will be lower energy
costs in the future.
Students will continue to come through the doors this summer, taking
advantage of our summer school program offerings for enrichment
and credit. Greendale staff will continue their professional development through a variety of classes and cohorts this summer.
In the District Office, the finance team will be preparing for the annual meeting on September 21. The residents of Greendale are invited
to attend this important meeting to hear about the proposed budget
that will be finalized in the late fall. Check out the district website for
additional information regarding the current proposed budget.
The school board will be engaged in a superintendent search to find
a replacement for Dr. Tharp whose resignation was accepted at its
June board meeting. We thank Dr. Tharp for his service to Greendale
schools, and wish him well in his future endeavors.
While it is great to receive accolades and recognition, it is important
to understand and appreciate the hard work and planning involved
both during the school year and the summer months. This way,
Greendale Schools will continue to be a high performing district that
attracts families and continues the tradition of high achievement for
its students.
Congratulations
& Thanks...
to our longtime Business Manager Erin Green on her
retirement. Erin has served in this role for more than 14 years,
leading our District’s financial management team with creativity
and efficiency. We are grateful for her service and wish her all
the best in the future!
Board of Education Accepts
Superintendent’s Resignation
Search for New Superintendent is Underway
At its June 15 Board Meeting, the Greendale Board of Education accepted the resignation of Dr. John Tharp from his
position as superintendent of Greendale Schools. The resignation is effective June 30, 2015.
“We thank Dr. Tharp for his years of service to Greendale
Schools and its students,” said Joe Crapitto, president of the
Greendale Board of Education. “We wish him all the best in
his future endeavors.”
The Board of Education will develop a search process in the
coming weeks. During the interim, the District will be led by
Kim Amidzich, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, who
will work closely with other District administrators and the
building principals. The District administrators will work
collaboratively during this transition.
Tharp was hired as superintendent of Greendale Schools in
August 2012, following the departure of former superintendent Dr. William Hughes.
BOARD OF EDUCATION 2014–15
Joe Crapitto, President
[email protected]
Thomas Slota, M.D., Vice President
[email protected]
Victoria McCormick, Secretary
[email protected]
Melanie Kuzmanovic, Treasurer
[email protected]
John Comiskey, Member
[email protected]
Jacob Malinowski, Student Member
Lea Lassoued, Student Member
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING SCHEDULE
❑ July 20, 2015
❑ October 5, 2015
❑ December 7, 2015
❑ February 1, 2016
❑ April 11, 2016
❑ June 6, 2016
❑ August 3, 2015
❑ October 26, 2015
❑ December 21, 2015
❑ February 15, 2016
❑ April 25, 2016
❑ June 20, 2016
❑ N
ext Annual
Meeting: Sept.
21, 2015
❑ November 2, 2015
❑ January 4, 2016
❑ March 7, 2016
❑ May 2, 2016
❑ November 16, 2015
❑ January 18, 2016
❑ March 21, 2016
❑ May 16, 2016
Greendale’s Board of Education meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted
on the District’s website prior to each meeting as well as at the Public Library.
(Scheduled dates are subject to change and may be confirmed by
calling the District Office at 414-423-2700.)
GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT | WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US | V.19 IS.3 SUMMER 2015
3
DISTRICT NEWS
EDUCATOR EFFECTIVENESS
as Part of Greendale Schools’ Teacher Learning
By Kim Amidzich, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Professional learning is necessary for our teachers to provide the
best possible instruction for students and to support Greendale
Schools in achieving its strategic goals. Over the past five years,
professional learning in Greendale has been evolving and the
recent implementation of the state-required educator effectiveness
evaluation system, The Effectiveness Project, is another way the
District is working with teachers to grow their classroom practices.
In 2012, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
applied for a waiver from the Federal No Child Left Behind requirements. As part of that waiver, the State of Wisconsin is required to
develop teacher evaluations tied to student outcomes. In support
of that initiative, DPI and CESA (Cooperative Educational Service
Agency) 6 developed educator effectiveness evaluation systems
for statewide implementation this school year. After evaluating
both models, Greendale Schools selected the CESA 6 Effectiveness
Project as its evaluating tool.
Introducing the CESA 6 Effectiveness Project
Greendale Schools launched the CESA 6 Effectiveness Project in the
2014-15 school year. Both teachers and administrators are evaluated
using this program. Through its process, teachers are evaluated
in the areas of Practice and Outcomes. Teacher Practice is scored
using these six standards:
1. Professional Knowledge
2. Instructional Planning
3. Instructional Delivery
4. Assessment For & Of Learning
5. Learning Environment
6.Professionalism
Building and district office administrators observe classroom practice,
and review samples or “artifacts” identified by the teacher and goals
set as part of student assessments. The teacher and administrator
meet throughout this process to discuss the goals, progress to date,
as well as opportunities for continued professional development and
growth. The overarching goal is to provide a reliable and fair process
ABOVE IMAGE: Teachers created SLOs that provided a wide range of opportunities to personalized learning for students.
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GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT | WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US | V.19 IS.3 SUMMER 2015
DISTRICT NEWS
Educator Effectiveness Continued
to promote teachers’ professional growth
and improve student learning.
Reporting Outcomes
In June, the first evaluation cycle using
the new evaluation system was completed, and evaluation scores will be
reported to the State of Wisconsin for
all new teachers and teachers in the
third year of the evaluation cycle. The
State will receive a score on a four-point
scale for each of the six standards and
an overall practice score. In addition, an
outcome score will be reported based
on the Student Learning Outcome goal
set by the teacher. These scores will be
accessible to the teacher, and district of
employment, through a secure portal as
part of the WISEdash system. The scores
are not available to the public.
The outcome score is eventually intended to include growth on standardized
test performance. However, the change
to the statewide assessment system
has put this component on hold. For
the 2014–15 school year, the outcome
score will be based on the results of the
Student Learning Outcome (SLO) goal
set by the educator in October using
baseline assessment data and identifying
a growth target for student performance
and comparing it with data collected at
the end of the timeline.
Training the Evaluators
Significant training and certification
was required of all Greendale administrators to ensure they are qualified to
evaluate teachers using the model. All
have participated in continued learning
through calibration sessions and met
throughout the school year to confirm
that all evaluation components and tools
were consistently applied. In addition,
as Greendale’s Effectiveness Project Implementation Coach, Kim Amidzich has
worked with CESA 6 and other districts’
implementation coaches each month
to discuss the evaluation process on an
area-wide basis.
INTRODUCING READY ACCESS
By Ryan Jonas, Technology Manager
This fall, Greendale Schools will launch Ready Access to Technology, a plan to provide all
students in grades 5 through 12 with access to the same digital learning tool. Each Greendale
Schools’ student in these grades will be assigned a Dell Chromebook computer and case.
Fifth grade students will keep their computers in the classroom initially and teachers will
phase into allowing students to take the device home. Students in grades 6 through 12 will
take their devices to and from school. More information regarding the distribution of devices
will be sent to parents in the affected grades this summer.
Ensuring every student has access guarantees that opportunities are universal for students in
Greendale Schools. In the 2008 and the 2012 Strategic Plans, the District set a goal to ensure
students have access to technology to fully engage in the curriculum. Many curricular materials and opportunities to share learning occur in a digital environment in classrooms today.
Student Engagement
Students in Greendale Schools already have access to technology allowing some of these
instructional shifts to occur in pockets. The move to one-to-one access will complete this
process. Benefits include full student engagement, additional support for organization of
classwork, and ownership of learning. It also allows students to become creators and to
communicate and collaborate with peers and their teachers about learning anytime and
anywhere. Students interact with the content in a different way, shifting the focus of the
learning to deeper levels of thinking about the subject matter.
Costs Within Current Technology Budget
There is no initial investment required for the Ready Access initiative as Greendale Schools
has already invested in the infrastructure. The annual cost will be approximately $115,000,
which is less than the current cost to maintain computer labs throughout the District. We will
continue to use the remaining funds in the computer replacement budget to ensure computer
labs at the elementary level and devices required for specialty classes are maintained to meet
classroom instructional needs. Devices will be updated every four years.
Teachers have been preparing for this sort of one-to-one student access for many years. Teachers have a strong understanding of how to use technology to support learning and instruction.
Since there will be additional shifts when every student has access to the same learning tool,
Greendale is offering its teachers multiple workshop opportunities throughout the summer
prior to students receiving the Chromebooks, with additional training and resources available
throughout the year based on needs.
Please visit https://goo.gl/O1epFL for more information.
2015 Alumni Reunions
YOU
DID
KNOW?
Information on the planned reunions for the Greendale High School Classes
of 1965 and 1995 is available on our website at www.hs.greendale.k12.
wi.us/alumni.html.
GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT | WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US | V.19 IS.3 SUMMER 2015
5
SCHOOL NEWS
OFF TO A “PAW-SITIVE” START –
Highland View’s New Positive Behavior
Framework Has a Successful First Year
By Tracy Flater, Principal, Highland View Elementary
As part of the efforts to grow and develop its learning community, Highland View
began implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. Highland View students are encouraged, as well as expected, to make positive behavior choices. Students are then
celebrated and recognized both as individuals and as a collective community for
the great decisions they make.
PBIS is a positive approach that teaches
expected behaviors, and
supports the needs of all
students in demonstrating
these behaviors. When
it comes to behavior,
teaching expectations/
rules and appropriate
behaviors effectively is
as important as teaching
academic skills. This
year, students and staff
have worked together to
learn the expected behaviors of how to be safe, respectful, and responsible while eating in the cafeteria
and playing outside on the playground. Through mini-lessons, which included
opportunities to model and practice positive behaviors, students were able to
gain first-hand experience with being safe, respectful, and responsible in these
areas of our school.
Staff members with Panther Pride tickets recognize students who demonstrate
positive behavior throughout the day. Students then place their earned tickets
into a classroom bin for a chance at weekly and monthly classroom and schoolwide drawings and incentives. Each Friday, classrooms recognize and celebrate
a student during our Weekly Ticket Pull. Students who have their ticket drawn
have their photograph taken with the Panther Paw. Their photo is then posted
on one of the Panther Pride “Walls of Fame” located throughout the school.
Students who have their ticket drawn during one of our monthly ticket pulls
choose from a menu of options to acknowledge their positive choices. Examples
of possible incentives include bringing a stuffed animal to school for the day,
taking a “behind the scenes tour” of Highland View, “fine dining” in the cafeteria
during lunch, extra recess, or lunch with a staff member of the student’s choice.
As a result of implementing PBIS at Highland View, students and staff have a
common and consistent language to use when it comes to behavioral expectations. We look forward to building on our current framework in the upcoming
school year as we continue to support Highland View students on their journey
of becoming safe, respectful, and responsible citizens.
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GREENDALE
MARCHING BAND
SHOWCASES
TALENTS ON NEW
STAGES
While Fall is typically the marching band
season in Greendale, spring 2015 proved to be
an exciting time for the GHS Band. A surprise
announcement was made to band members
on April 29, when the creative staff of Macy’s
visited GHS to invite the marching band to
perform in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
Parade in New York City! The team will begin
fundraising soon for this first-ever opportunity
to perform in the parade. Additionally, the
Marching Band recently welcomed crews from
Colder’s Furniture and Appliance to Greendale
to record the band for a TV commercial airing
sometime this summer! Check the website to
preview the ads from your computer in July.
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GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT | WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US | V.19 IS.3 SUMMER 2015
FINANCIAL UPDATE
A FINAL REPORT:
ALL FUNDS BUDGET
Leaving Greendale
With Strong Financials
DOWN
1.4%
UP
.44%
$33,917,507
By Erin Green
This is my last article for this publication. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you for 14 years as your school business official/
CFO for Greendale Schools. On my watch much has changed but a
lot remains the same! We have seen changes and growth all for the
better, including:
STATE AID
MILL RATE w/
ENERGY PROJECTS
DOWN
3.36%
$12,652,310
TAX LEVY
DOWN
1.8%
$14,431,448
$11.50
• remodeling of the elementary schools
and high school,
• implementing sustainability and energy-saving
projects all over the District (operationally and
in classrooms),
• selling the Ambruster School property,
ENROLLMENT FALL 2014
• building of the District’s fund balance from
$700,000 to $6.7 million today to benefit our
bond rating, eliminate short-term borrowing,
and provide fiscal stability,
ELEMENTARY . . . . . . . . . . . 1,107
MIDDLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
HIGH SCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . 934
• creating and maintaining long-term maintenance
plans (our 25-year roofing plan is on track),
• resolving some long-standing financial issues
(Wisconsin Retirement System funds, elimination
of the referendum to exceed the revenue cap,
elimination of the local retirement benefit),
• implementing Act 10 and realizing its impacts,
• establishing school gardens and school forests for
curricular use,
• following new regulations for school lunch in
healthier directions…the list goes on!
None of these things could have happened without the community
coming together and supporting our schools.
I am happy to report that the state of the District is very sound,
despite the meager resources that are proposed for K-12 schools for
the 2015-2017 state budget. Our thoughtful and attentive approach
to our financial status for the last 14 years, has helped us to manage
in what could be a dire situation. The careful attention to our largest
single cost, health insurance for staff, has paid off in the form of
some of the lowest costs in the region. We have not hesitated to
change carriers or plan design to help us contain costs. We believe in
and support student and staff wellness, including social, emotional,
mental, and physical health. Our programming and offerings reflect it.
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,644
We are one of only a handful of districts to implement a sound
professional teacher career ladder, lowering stress and increasing
collaboration among our educators. Greendale did not hesitate in
implementing the needed changes following Act 10 and our culture
is upbeat and positive despite the high demands on teachers and
all staff.
Greendale continues to be a district of destination for students enrolling from other districts. This helps to strengthen our finances. There
will be some changes for next year due to budget restructuring across
the District using the projected state budget for K-12, however, our
goal continues to be to shield the classroom and our students from
the harmful effects. After all, that is why we exist.
We have tried over the years to balance the needs of the District
with taxpayer ability to pay. The needs of the District are increasing,
with over 30% poverty rates at our three elementaries, and 24% District-wide. Despite this, we continue to be one of the higher achieving
suburban districts.
The fact that Greendale continues to attract new families at a high
rate shows its desirability. With a wonderful Village and outstanding
school system, it is no wonder!
In closing, I can only say…Thanks for the memories!
GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT | WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US | V.19 IS.3 SUMMER 2015
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SCHOOL NEWS
SCHOOLS’ SNAPSHOT
GALLERY NIGHT SUCCESS!
Greendale students, parents, and community members enjoyed a wonderful evening
at the First Annual Greendale Middle School “Gallery Night of the Arts”. Student art
displays, live music by the String Squad Music Mob, button making, and a community painting project were among the highlights of the evening. In addition, Greendale
High School artists challenged their counterparts from Greenfield High School to
Canvas Wars (live painting) during the event. Students created artwork “on the spot”
in both 2-D and painting categories. GMS student artists have been working all school
year and creating artwork with the intention of choosing one piece to enter in the
show. At the end of each quarter, students had a critique day where they selected
the best piece they created during the quarter. From those pieces, each art student
selected which item of his or her work would be shown at Gallery Night.
HIGH INTEREST DAY A HIT FOR 3RD
THROUGH 5TH GRADE STUDENTS
Sunny skies and bright smiles welcomed Highland View’s annual “High Interest
Day” for the 3rd through 5th grades. Students tried and learned about many different
areas of interest through fun and informative sessions lead by a crew of parents,
teachers, Greendale High School students, coaches, and community members who
donated their time and energy with these enthusiastic learners. Sessions included
acting, cooking, cheerleading, “a day in the life of a police officer”, football, pet care,
paleontology, pillow making, sign language, soccer, yoga and hand-massage, hockey,
Zumba, journal making, and “be a fireman”.
DISTRICT OFFICE
LIKE AND FOLLOW US
6815 Southway Greendale, WI 53129
Phone: 414-423-2700 Fax: 414-423-2723
www.greendale.k12.wi.us
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GREENDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT | WWW.GREENDALE.K12.WI.US | V.19 IS.3 SUMMER 2015
Cover story continued
“Eggspress Yourself” brings GHS & GMS students
together for discussion of high school-related issues.
games, activities, and discussions to
address these topics. Last year the Teens
With Impact group hosted an all-school
assembly at Greendale High School entitled “Every 15 Minutes”. This assembly,
held over two days, was an emotional
look at real-life concerns of driving impaired, texting and driving, and those
behaviors’ potential impacts on students
and families. The goal was to challenge
students to think about drinking and
driving, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature/safe decisions
as well as developing an understanding
of how personal decisions impact family
and friends, as well as themselves.
Each year, the GAP committee reviews
its work and the many programs it has
implemented throughout the course of
the year and our efforts to help students
make healthy lifestyle choices. This
work is designed to assist in prevention,
intervention, and education at the
elementary, middle, and high school
levels. Members of the GAP committee
collaborate and design programs that
involve not only the students and the
staff, but also the families and the communities. These efforts include sessions
at the Parents as Partners Conference,
all-school assemblies with a focus on
a specific topic, and addressing needs
within the school curriculum. This has
led to increased opportunities to work
with our parents and community to
address issues that challenge today’s
youth other than just alcohol, tobacco,
and other drugs.
More information on the program can
be found on the website:
www.greendale.k12.wi.us/GAP