NEWS FROM THE CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
SPRING 2015
the cardinal
From the
Superintendent
Dr. Brad Saron
Dr. Saron (left) at the CVTC
Manufacturing Show in 2014
This is a super exciting issue of the Cardinal Line! It highlights Career and
Technical Education (CTE) and focuses on our students and their awesome
stories! Kurt (the student to the left) is a fantastic example of the wonderful
students who attend the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. Kurt is
involved in soccer and track and field. He has taken a wide variety of classes, ranging
from AP Psychology to Accounting to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD).
In order to support students like Kurt, we’ve been working very hard on a strategic plan.
The arrangement of this Cardinal Line is designed to be a student-centered expression of the
School Board’s mega result and that plan!
Of note for this issue, we are partnering with the community to respond to local needs by
preparing all students to be college and career ready (mega result) and retain these talents in
Chippewa Falls. We do this through a broad selection of challenging, relevant and rigorous courses
that integrate technology to improve student-learning, producing creators and critics rather than just
consumers. We are building relationships that promote belonging and nurture personal and social
responsibility. We stress the importance of hands on, problem-based learning that support inquiry and
student engagement. We promote an environment where all staff and students care about the quality
of their work and where innovation and creativity are fostered!
In addition to these courses, we offer a diverse selection of activities where students can
collaborate and draw from their individual backgrounds, interests, and academic strengths.
As always, if you ever have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!
MEGA RESULT
Students will graduate prepared to
succeed in post-secondary education
and careers, having the knowledge,
skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary
to achieve their personal goals and
CTE provides quality workbased learning programs,
relevant academic skills, and
workforce skills and behaviors
necessary for successful postsecondary careers.
contribute to the common good.
STUDENT
ACHIEVEMENT
SERVICE
EXCELLENCE
GROWTH
OUR
PEOPLE
➧ INSPIRING TODAY’S STUDENTS TO BECOME TOMORROW’S INNOVATORS ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
FINANCE
AND
OPERATIONS
Student Achievement
Promoting high achievement through a variety of rigorous courses
“
Chippewa Falls High School pushes
you to meet the goals you set for yourself.
Through athletics, I have become a
“
We are graduating students
2 Cardinal Line
better runner. Through a variety of hard
to pursue careers that have not yet
classes, I have been preparing for college.
been created, and which will require
Through Orchestra and Wire Choir, I
innovations in technology that our
have built my self-confidence. Being FFA
students will design to solve problems
(agricultural program) president has
that will enrich our community”
helped me build my leadership skills.”
– Angela Stokes, Career and Technical
Education Coordinator
– Molly McIlquham, senior
SPRING 2015
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BAC KGR OUND : EL LI DA NI EL S A ND HA NNA H COWA N, FOR ENSIC S C AT EG ORY, SC IENCE OLYMPIAD COMPE TITION
Chippewa Falls offers a wide variety of rigorous and relevant classes to challenge students and to prepare
them for post-secondary education and careers. We applaud our teachers for the extra effort they put into
teaching, guiding, and challenging our students in a caring environment. We commend our students who
embrace the challenge to achieve new academic heights as they prepare for post-secondary work.
Shelby Lanners | JUNIOR
Shelby was part of the Chippewa Falls High School team that won the
Eau Claire and Chippewa County soil contest at Fiddy Farms in October.
Shelby learned how to judge soil from her Agricultural Science teacher,
an experience that was complicated, but fun, she said. The skills Shelby
learned in class will be useful if she pursues her goal of becoming a
game warden. They will be good memories if she decides to be a video
game designer. “My Outdoor Education teacher made the
learning fun and really cares about me as a person.”
Dustin Schuh | SENIOR
Wyatt Hubin | SENIOR
Wyatt recently earned a merit scholarship and is planning
on attending UW-Platteville to pursue a degree in
mechanical engineering. Wyatt has taken a wide variety
of coursework from AP Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus
to CADD (Computer-Aided Drafting & Design) and the
ABCs of Engineering. Wyatt balances sports with other
extracurricular activities and a job. A member of the school’s
Baseball Team and Auto Club, he is currently making the
metal patches for restoring a Ford Mustang. “The best
thing about Chippewa Falls High School is the
options you get with so many different classes in so
many different subjects that are open to anybody.”
Dustin’s counselor helped him choose classes that would best prepare
him for post-secondary education as well as for life after high school.
As a result of the three Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD)
classes he’s taken, which utilize the same software used at CVTC, he
feels well prepared to pursue a degree there in Architectural Structural
Design. He’s also taken Physics, four years of mathematics, and
Personal Finance. Dustin is part of the Senior Leadership Team and the
National Honor Society, and he volunteers at the Eau Claire Humane Society, Chippewa Falls Boys and
Girls Club, Pure Water Days activities for kids, the RCU Christmas parade, and many other community
events. He operates an all-season yard maintenance business and works as a Real Estate Sales
Assistant for Edina Reality. “My math teacher goes out of her way to help me be
successful. I can come in early for help – at lunch or during her prep time.”
Megan Moucha | SOPHOMORE
Megan has taken a variety of different technical education
and AP classes including Woods II (Shaping and Refinishing
and Cabinet Making), courses on rebuilding engines,
Welding I, Small Animals, and Fish and Wildlife Management.
Next year she plans to take Human Anatomy and Physiology
and AP Chemistry, in preparation for attending Point University
in Georgia where she will pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.
Megan is a member of FFA and 4H, and she recently joined
Junior Holsteins. She enjoys going on mission trips with her
church and working with her dad to rebuild their Mustang
STUDENT
ACHIEVEMENT
Fastback. “We have a really great teaching staff who
love what they do and know how to teach really well.”
Equestrian Team
Won the State
Championship
Noah Mutter-Schultz | SENIOR
Noah is an elected state leader of HOSA (Health
Occupation Students of America), who helps to plan state
leadership conferences, and has attended several national
conferences. Noah loves volunteering. After logging
nearly 300 hours of community service in a variety of
volunteer activities, he recently won the Barbara James
Service Award. Noah’s high school coursework in Health
Science Occupations, Medical Terminology, and Human
Anatomy and Physiology has prepared him to pursue a
major in nursing with a minor in Spanish. “Because of
all of the unique opportunities in my coursework
in high school and through HOSA, I plan to start
out as a traveling nurse and would eventually
like to work in pediatric oncology.”
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Molly McIlquham | SENIOR
Molly has taken a number of Agricultural Science courses as well as
AP Psychology and four years of mathematics. She participates in the
Orchestra and is a member of the school’s Wire Choir, the Equestrian
Team, Athena (a community service club for girls), and the National
Honor Society. Molly recently placed 2nd in the FFA Job Interview
Competition, qualifying her to move on to Sectionals. She logs many
hours volunteering in and outside of school.
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 3
“
There are enough classes that I can take art all four
years. The art instructors are really engaging and ready
to help support our interests.” Alicia Thomas | SOPHOMORE
Alicia is taking Advanced Computer Imagery and Animation. She
has taken a number of art classes, including Ceramics, Sculpture,
Animation, and Drawing. Alicia wants to pursue a career in drawing.
“
I love everything about my Animation class. The teacher
is my favorite and takes time to really explain and genuinely
cares about our learning.” Andrea Barile | JUNIOR
s
Andrea wants to create her own television show.
She has taken Animation classes and Drawing
Studio. Andrea particularly likes perspective work.
She plans on taking Advanced Animation, Ceramics
and Sculpture.
“
Our program has already started to grow technologically, so that
we can have students not only create quality artwork but also photograph,
document, and share their artwork as a professional artist would. We are
striving to get more quality work out of our students.”
– Harry Kellogg, art teacher
STUDENT
ACHIEVEMENT
s
“
My goal is to create experiences for students that broaden their
skills and intelligence in many categories: social/cooperative, global
vision, visual literacy, media literacy, technical art, creativity, problem solving,
analysis, self-assessment, emotional intelligence/expression, time management,
work ethic, and a path to personal success and happiness.”
– Jennifer Handrick has been working in the district since 1999. Jennifer was the 2013 Outstanding Art Educator – Secondary Division, for the State of Wisconsin
“
My art teacher is great because she teaches technique
and allows us to be creative and expand our imagination.
There is something in the art department for everyone.”
Danica Leos | SOPHOMORE
Danica wants to study computer animation and imagery after high school. For the last
two summers, Danica attended an art camp at UW-Stout where she stayed in the
dorm, studied different types of art, and learned about how to look for colleges,
registration, and funding. She hopes to attend UW-Stout after graduation. She has
taken a number of art electives and participates in fall and
spring theater productions at Chippewa Falls High School.
“
Our art teachers are very
talented and model what they want
us to do. They offer suggestions but
really let us pursue what we want.
There are requirements, but we can
really personalize our work.”
Clara Johnson | SENIOR
4 Cardinal Line
SPRING 2015
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CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
+
CVTC grants help Chippewa Falls High School students
prepare for college
Fourteen of our Chippewa Falls High School juniors and seniors had the
option this year to take Intermediate Algebra for free on the Chippewa
Valley Technical College (CVTC) campus thanks to a grant CVTC received
from the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation.
Career and Technical Education
(CTE) subject areas:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Business
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC)
has been awarded a $75,476 College Ready
Grant from the Great Lakes Higher Education
Guaranty Corporation. In keeping with Great
Lakes’ goal of improving graduation rates
for students from traditionally underserved
backgrounds – students who have the most to
gain from higher education – the grant will be
used for CVTC’s Collaboration for Achieving
Post-secondary Success (CAPS) program.
Information Technology
college instructor, attend two sections of an
Intermediate Algebra course at the Business
Education Center on CVTC’s Eau Claire
campus. They also receive peer-to-peer
support from CVTC students to help them
navigate their way on campus and adjust to
the college experience. Upon successfully
completing the program, students earn both
high school and transferable college credits.
Family and Consumer Science
Health Science
Marketing, Management,
and Entrepreneurship
Technology and Engineering
“
CTE is dynamic, flexible, and
responsive to changes and
advances in technology, education,
the workforce, and the economy.
It incorporates methods, ideas,
and resources to remain relevant
and contemporary.
The CAPS program provides extra
mathematics instruction for eligible juniors
and seniors from Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls,
and Altoona public high schools to better
prepare them for success in college. (Eligible
students are identified by each school
district.) “We know,” says Kristen Raney,
CVTC’s Dean of Academic Development
and Services, “that if we can help
students prepare for college before they
are out of high school, their chances of
college success greatly improve.”
Adapted from:
celebratecareers.com/documents/CTEImportance.pdf
PHOTOS BY MARK GUNDERMAN, CVTC
Students in the CAPS program, which is
team-taught by a high school teacher and a
“
The students are not only learning
Intermediate Algebra but also experiencing
many of the services that CVTC offers, such as
how to use E360, CVTC’s learning management
system. They are advocating for themselves
and managing their time.”
Working with Kennedy Schultze is Joy Wachwitz,
Chippewa Falls High School teacher and CVTC instructor.
BOTTOM: Working with Cheyenne Wood is CVTC instructor
Ruth Carlson.
TOP:
– Joy Wachwitz, Intermediate Algebra and CVTC teacher
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
”
CHIPPEWA FALLS GRADUATES
[ DIRECTLY OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL ]
Top Four Institutions
of Enrollment
CVTC 34%
UW-Stout 12%
UW-Eau Claire 24%
UW-Madison 7%
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 5
Service Excellence
Ensuring a positive and caring environment
“
What makes success is different
people with different abilities and
interests, all working together.”
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District provides
a safe, positive, and caring environment where
everyone works together for the common good.
We work on existing and new partnerships with
parents, local businesses, service clubs, and nonprofit organizations.
“
The biggest piece of our
success is that the students know
we genuinely care about them.
Kyle Hinke is a greeter in the library.
Community Conversation,
1-Year Anniversary,
February 2015
We have created relationships that
support and nurture academic
growth, as well as life in general.”
– Rebecca Davis, high school principal
6 Cardinal Line
SPRING 2015
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
“
My favorite thing about school is
working in the library because I get to
talk to other kids.”
Maddy Martin enjoys working with Kyle
and watching how all of the students in
the high school support one another.
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BACKG R OUND PHOTO (L TO R ): TEC HNOLOG Y COAC HES C A R A SCHUE LLER AND SAR AH R ADCLIFFE WITH STUDENT ISAAC WISTI
– Dr. Jim Madsen, UW-River Falls
Physics Department Chair
}
Coming to
Chippewa Falls High School
in the Fall of 2015
To better prepare students to pursue degrees in engineering-related
fields, Chippewa Falls High School will be offering Introduction to
“I’m excited about the
Engineering and Design (IED), a pre-engineering course that will allow
opportunities PLTW offers
students to use sophisticated three-dimensional modeling software to
students planning careers
improve existing products, invent new ones, and communicate product
in engineering. It allows
details to others. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students
to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication
for ‘dipping of toes’ in
methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and
the waters for the entire
technical documentation. Qualifying students can earn undergraduate
engineering field.”
credit at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). The University
of Wisconsin Board of Regents also has adopted a policy for accepting
– Kathy Strecker, parent. Her son
is signed up for Introduction to
approved Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses for Advanced-Standing
Engineering and Design next year.
Credit. IED is the first in series of engineering courses that will build on
one another. A number of Wisconsin higher, education institutions have
partnered with PLTW to provide students with such benefits as college
For more information
credit, scholarships, and more.
on PLTW, visit the
website at pltw.org
“
I am extremely excited about PLTW because it will add
design elements we currently don’t have. We have strong
drawing aspects, but now we can add the design piece and
kids can apply their drawing techniques to their designs.”
– Tim Pomietlo, teacher trained to teach IED
Hannah Faris | SENIOR
Hannah is planning to attend Columbia
College in Chicago next year to pursue a
double major in Cinema Art and Science and
Television Production, with a concentration
in Writing. She was accepted to the school
after submitting a portfolio of her work,
including a short film that she made during
an independent study opportunity in
cinematography with a teacher who helped
her with post-production and editing
work. Hannah’s wide range of coursework
and participation in extracurricular
activities will serve her well next year. She
is interested in pursuing a career in film, in
part, because of the video presentations
she completed for her Spanish class.
“Being the president of the Spanish
Club honed my leadership skills
and, in my opinion, contributed
to my receiving a scholarship for
next year. Taking AP English helped
provide discipline and perseverance
in writing. My participation in Wire
Choir and touring Wisconsin to play
for hundreds of people has been
unique and has helped
me step outside my
comfort zone.”
Students have several opportunities to earn college credit
while at Chippewa Falls High School. Our District partners with CVTC to provide transcripted credit
classes, grant-funded classes, and Youth Options classes. We currently have seven transcripted CVTC
classes that our teachers are certified to teach directly to our students in our classrooms. We look to add
more opportunities next year. Some of our students are going to CVTC for a class designed to specifically
teach our students Intermediate Algebra. In addition, we continue to have students participate in the
Youth Options program, where they take classes directly from CVTC.
Joe Krause | SENIOR
TECHNOLOGY – Integration and Innovation
The Student Technology Innovation and Integration course at Chippewa Falls
High School is a hands-on study of technology integration in an educational
context. Students have opportunities to assess problem sets throughout the
day and define the best approach to address or solve the problems. Students
also work on several running projects that address problems or solutions in
educational technology integration. Pursuing an independent learning pathway
in one of four areas – innovation, design, entrepreneurship, or applications
that students develop a project that positively impacts their school or
community. We are working on creating opportunities for students
to collaborate with outside businesses and organizations as well.
Students will be heavily involved in working at a student help
desk in the high school library to help students troubleshoot
problems with their Chromebooks and learn to make simple
hardware repairs.
Steve Herriges, Human Resources
Business Partner, JAMF Software
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INVESTIGATING
courses in
computer coding
and programming
Joe was accepted by UW-Eau Claire’s music
department after a rigorous audition
process, and he plans to pursue a degree
in Music Education. A flute/piano duet and
a song that Joe recently composed for the
Orchestra was played, with Joe conducting,
for the winter concert and the spring break
tour in Dallas, Texas. Joe has also taken AP
coursework in Music Theory, Physics and
Calculus. He is a member of the school’s
Tennis Team and played Prince Charming in
the school’s musical, Cinderella.
“Chippewa Falls High School allows
you to have a lot of influence over what
you do and to create from your own
ideas,” says Joe. “I composed a piece for
the Orchestra, and they played it. That
was not really listed as an option in the
course catalogue, but I did it!”
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 7
Our People
“
If my time helps the students develop a clearer
vision of their future and take advantage of the
opportunities before them, my invested time will have
produced returns.”
Tim Wolter, MD
Tim has been a volunteer
teaching the Robotics class
(Voyagers after-school program
for middle schoolers) for the
past fourteen years.
– Gale Sorum, volunteer
Engaging and empowering
Our employees and volunteers choose the district and remain here
because they feel engaged and empowered to grow and make valued
contributions to our mission. We provide access to necessary tools and
resources, opportunities for shared leadership, and focus on process
improvement to support efficiency and innovation.
“
Nick Gagnon
(high school) and
Angela Southworth
(middle school) were
named as Herb Kohl
Educational Foundation
2015 Fellows.
The Physics teachers
at Chi Hi let us voice
our opinions, they are
patient, and they make
real-world connections
Nick Gagnon
AP Physics Teacher
and know their content
really well.”
– Physics student at
Chippewa Falls High School
Dr. Joe Hupy
UW-Eau Claire
Geography and
Anthropology
Department
8 Cardinal Line
SPRING 2015
Dr. Jim Madsen
UW-River Falls Physics Department
Chair and Director of Education and
Outreach for the Wisconsin IceCube
Particle Astrophysics Center
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
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Donna Goodman | Instructional Coach
Gale Sorum | Balloon Launch Volunteer
Gale became involved with the Chippewa Falls High School Altitude Balloon group in January
of 2014. He is a retired Computer Engineer and now extends those technical skills for the
balloon club projects. He enjoys being able to help the students define tasks and problems,
Donna’s favorite part of coaching is supporting staff
through problem-solving, power planning, and
providing information about professional development
propose solutions, and convert those proposed solutions into physical things. “Technology
opportunities. “The District’s greatest strength
is the commitment to its
stakeholders (school, community,
parents, teachers, businesses,
board), its community-driven
vision for education, and the
dedication of its educators to
preparing students for careers
and college. Everyone I have
worked with in this District works
hard and believes in students.”
changes very fast, therefore one of the priority things I think people interested
in it must master is the ability to truly study and learn. If you stop studying in the
technology field, you will quickly be left behind. An understanding of theoretical
and applied mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology all provide the
knowledge base that technology careers are based on.”
Allison Fisher | Transition Coordinator
Allison works directly with students with identified
disabilities to help them reach their post-secondary
employment, education, and independent living
goals. Her primary role is to develop experiences (job
shadows, work experiences, volunteering, business
tours, college tours, etc.) for students to build job skills
and awareness of post-secondary opportunities, and
to connect with helpful community
organizations like Workforce
Resource. She recently coordinated
the Job Olympics for the entire
county. “I receive incredible
support from community
members, families, teachers
and administration.”
Ruth Buchner | Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher
OUR
PEOPLE
Nick Gagnon | AP Physics Teacher
Nick feels lucky to be surrounded by students at
Chippewa Falls High School who love learning, want
to advance their education, and are supported at
home: “I’m teaching future engineers, doctors,
lawyers, etc. I have it easy!” His favorite thing about
teaching is when he knows that he has challenged his
students and pushed them to become better, and when
he hears from them after they have graduated. “Our
school has close relationships with businesses,
technical schools, and universities in the area
with whom we can connect our students
before they graduate. We also offer many
AP Science classes to our students: Physics
and C, Mechanics, Biology, Chemistry, and
Environmental Sciences.”
population. “When I was hired at the high school almost
22 years ago there wasn’t a Health Science pathway.
I am so glad that we now have the opportunity to give
our students the background
to make a decision if health
care is the field they should
go into and provide ways for
them to prepare for whatever
career they choose.”
Dr. Melanie Graham | 1995 Graduate
Melanie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of
Minnesota. She shared that for most high school students it is somewhat difficult
to predict what the future holds, but exposure to unique professional experiences
and challenging coursework, can help form a foundation from which they can
explore, follow their intuition, accept new responsibilities, and inspire their
imagination. “As a researcher and professor, it is easy for me to ‘connect
Lauri Malnory | Family Service
the dots’ between the experiences I had at Chippewa Falls High School
and where I sit today. Besides offering an advanced science curriculum
that prepared me for rigorous college and graduate coursework, the
CTE (Career and Technical Education) program offered opportunities to
explore medicine and a ‘culture of care.” Melanie feels that the only way to do
Lauri provides support and resources to families of
students who have preschool through high school
children with special health care needs and/or
disabilities. Lauri loves working with families and
supporting them as they navigate the systems of
education, health, community, and employment.
She finds Chippewa Falls to be a wonderful community.
truly great work is to love what you do, and these experiences led her to do what
she loves – ground-breaking medical research that changes the lives of patients
suffering from disease while also improving and protecting the welfare of the
animals that make the research possible.
“When you’re here, you’re family” is a motto that
sums up her experiences of working with the school
system and the community.
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
Ruth has the opportunity to teach Health Sciences, which offers
many courses and has evolved to meet the needs of our changing
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NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 9
PARKVIEW ELEMENTARY
Trama and Loss in Children
The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in
Children (TLC) is an international authority on
trauma-related behavior and treatment in children.
The programs and resources of TLC help K-12 school
and agency counselors, social workers, teachers,
and psychologists better understand the effects of
childhood trauma, while providing tools to guide
children through critical times. It was established in
Michigan by Dr. William Steele in 1990. The premise
of the program and its resources is: “It’s NOT what’s
WRONG with you, rather it’s what HAPPENED
to you.”
Julie Petersen, School Counselor from the Chippewa
Falls Area Unified School District, is a Certified Trainer
for TLC as well as a Level 2 Consultant. She attended
five years of training, during the summer in Detroit.
Because Julie is a Certified Trainer, she has trained all
of the district school counselors and social workers,
most school district’s psychologists and K-12 teachers
from all schools in the research and procedures to
help children of trauma through the use of sensory
techniques.
STUDENTS ATTEND Job Olympics
Counselors at Parkview Elementary School and the
Middle School 5th-Grade Summer School have also
used TLC resources to establish a sense of safety for
students in our schools.
10 Cardinal Line
SPRING 2015
Students work on the
announcements (general
school happenings, weather,
Pledge of Allegiance, etc.)
before school, during lunch
recess, and whenever else they
can find time. Announcements
are pre-recorded and made
available to the staff and for
students to play at a time that
is convenient in their schedule.
The Counseling Department uses TLC materials
to support students in developing the characterdevelopment skill of resiliency, teaching all students to
become survivors in the world.
Concerned parents who feel their child may be a
victim of a circumstance that is interfering with school
performance are encouraged to contact their school
counselor for support.
More resources for parents on a
variety of topics can be found at
starrtraining.org.
Chippewa County recently held a Job Olympics, coordinated by Allison
Fisher, Transition Coordinator for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified
School District. Students from five school districts participated in
this competitive event at Horizons (in Tilden), which was designed
to build job skills, raise self-esteem and confidence, and simulate
realistic job situations. Local business leaders and agency volunteers
Charlie Walker (right), President/CEO of the Chippewa
County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC),
participates in a practice interview at Horizons.
Fifth-grade students from
Parkview Elementary can
choose to be part of WPVW.
Lori Hebert, Instructional Coach,
with fifth-grade student from
Parkview Elementary School
served as judges. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR),
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Career Development
Center, ContinuUs, Workforce Resource, Chippewa River Industries
(CRI), Center for Independent Living, United Cerebral Palsy, and the
Chippewa County Economic Development Center all participated.
Students participate in practice interviews with Brenda Swododa
(from the Wisconsin Transition Improvement Grant TIG).
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
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A student participates in ‘job readiness’ with
a volunteer from the Chippewa Falls Area
Unified School District.
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
PHOTOS BY ANGELA STOKES, CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Last November, the staff
of Parkview Elementary
School received training
on how trauma affects
children and ways to
move children from
being victims to being
survivors.
“I Feel Better”
groups, an eightweek Children of
Trauma group, is
offered in many
of our Elementary
Schools as well as
Julie Petersen and Bill Grimes,
at the Chippewa
School Guidance Counselors
Falls Middle School.
Students work through a series of sensory activities to
transition from being a victim, which gets in the way
of their schooling, to being a survivor. Through the
school counseling process of small-group instruction,
students are referred to groups by parents, teachers,
and counselors using the premise that a barrier exists
that doesn’t allow them to achieve their full potential.
Morning
announcements
produced by
WPVW Channel 7
News Crew
INSPIRING TODAY’S STUDENTS
TO BECOME TOMORROW’S INNOVATORS
ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
“
Our philosophy for technology
education at the Chippewa Falls
High School is to show students
the vocational opportunities
available to them after graduation
and then to prepare them to
succeed in whatever avenue they
choose. We believe in providing students
a range of educational opportunities, from
traditional hands-on technology to the latest
in high-tech engineering and design.”
– Brian Hefty, Department Head for Technical Education
AUGUST –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
August 25 – 27 Teachers back to school
SEPTEMBER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
September 1 September 7 September 25 School starts
Labor Day – No School
Early Release – Teacher collaboration
OCTOBER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
October 23 Early Release – Teacher collaboration
NOVEMBER –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
November 23 – 24 Secondary PD – No School
November 23 Elementary PD – No School
November 24 Elementary Work Day – No School
November 25 – 27 Thanksgiving Break – No School
DECEMBER –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
December 23 Early Release
December 24 – 31 Winter Break – No School
JANUARY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
January 1 January 21 January 22 New Year’s Day – No School
Early Release – Teacher collaboration
Elementary PD and Secondary Work Day – No School
FEBRUARY –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Students from Scott Sikkink’s Yearbook
Class videotape Jerry Jacobson
(President, Northwestern Bank) for an
Augmented Reality ‘Aura’ (electronic
advertisement) for the Chippewa Falls
High School yearbook, Monocle.
Employees volunteer at
Agnes’ Table
February 11 February 12 Early Release – Teacher collaboration
Elementary PT Conferences
Secondary PD / Curriculum Work – No School
MARCH ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
March 21 – 25 Spring break – No School
March 28 Elementary PD and Secondary PT Conferences
– No School
APRIL ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
April 13 Early Release – Teacher collaboration
MAY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
May 30 Memorial Day – No School
JUNE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
June 3 June 4 Last day of school
High school graduation
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PD = Professional Development
PT = Parent-Teacher
Elementary = Kindergarten – Grade 5
Secondary = Grades 6 – 12
Visit our website for the school calendar.
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 11
a local welding company over the summer,
led me to pursue a career in welding. It
Growth
really builds a work ethic because you have
to be there at 6 a.m. and often don’t get
done until 4 p.m. You learn communication
skills and how to work with others.”
– Preston Kromrey, senior
The Automotive
Technology program
qualified to compete at
the Ford / AAA State
competition in May.
Competing will be
Wyatt Hubin and
Ryan Dick.
2
Schools
Skills
On December 12, 2014, eighth grade students who demonstrated an
interest and aptitude for manufacturing were invited, along with their
parents, to participate in our Schools2Skills program. By partnering with
the Chamber of Commerce, we were able to take thirty-five students to
W.S Darley and Company and to Nordson EDI for tours to gain a better
understanding of the scope and sequence of career opportunities in the
manufacturing industry in the Chippewa area. After the tours, students
headed to CVTC in Eau Claire for hands-on demonstrations of some of the
post-secondary training and skills needed to pursue manufacturing careers.
Students shared that, “seeing the machines in action, learning about
Known as the premier
PreK-12 school district
We foster innovation in our
staff and students by nurturing
critical thinking, problem solving,
and creativity. We build these
skills by promoting community
collaboration, valuing challengeseeking learning, and cultivating
a culture of excellence.
“
The future success of Chippewa Falls area
businesses relies on the education of the students
in our schools. The partnership between our
schools and the Chippewa Falls Chamber helps
to create a positive foundation for future
employment and growth in our community.”
– Mike Jordon, Chippewa Falls Chamber President
the salaries in manufacturing jobs, talking to actual employees,
learning about robots, and seeing the different classes at CVTC”
was very helpful in building their understanding of post-high school
opportunities. Our District, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce,
will take tours focused on Health Care and Information Technology in the
Spring of 2015.
12 Cardinal Line
SPRING 2015
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
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BACKG R OUND P HOTO: T R AV IS TAI NTE R (R I GHT ) , AUTOMOTIV E TE CHNOLOG Y TEACHER, WITH STUDENTS (L TO R) PRESTON KR OMRE Y, DYLAN WATERS, AN D RYAN DICK
“
My hands-on work experience, with
Cheyenne Wood | JUNIOR
Isaac Wisti | SOPHOMORE
Cheyenne currently takes a college-level Math class for free at
CVTC two evenings a week as part of a grant written last year
by the Chippewa Falls School District in conjunction with CVTC.
In addition to her Math class, Cheyenne is taking a wide variety
of art and design electives at the high school: Photography,
Painting, Graphics, Ceramics and courses that utilize Adobe
Photoshop software. She is considering taking her general
coursework in a smaller setting and eventually transferring to
a four-year university so she can participate in a study-abroad
program. Cheyenne is considering utilizing Youth Options to
pursue more college-level courses on the CVTC campus next year.
Isaac hopes to take the new Technology Integration class next year because of the real-world
application it makes between technology and customer service. Isaac has taken Electronics
and Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) electives, as well as some online courses. He
has also taken Personal Business and Law because he might
want to start his own business. In fact, he has already created
his own website: Not So Headline News. Isaac enjoys the time
he spends as a member of the school’s Science Olympiad Team
and looks forward to taking Physics. He hopes to see courses in
Java Script, the main programming language on the web, and
he would like to see the formation of a computer club. “I like
computers – the way they work is very intriguing.”
Ryan Dick | SENIOR
Ryan plans to attend UWPlatteville to study mechanical
engineering. He is currently
the president of the school’s
Auto Club and works locally
for Hudson Electric, where he
started in the shop scrubbing
rust off the floor and said he
learns new things every day. “The things you learn on the
job aren’t really taught in school. I have really built
up my communication skills and have had to learn
how to be professional.” Related courses like Electronics I
Dylan Waters | SENIOR
and II have given Ryan the theoretical knowledge necessary
to make practical connections and to do more at work. He
balances full-time summer work with part-time work during
the school year while playing both golf and hockey.
GROWTH
Dawn Paukner | SENIOR
Dawn plans to attend UW-Eau
Claire next year to pursue a
biology degree that will prepare
her for medical school. Dawn
balances a diverse course load
while working a part-time job.
She has taken a variety of courses
to prepare her to study medicine, from AP Biology
to Anatomy and Physiology to Medical Terminology.
Dawn started out her education being home schooled.
Dylan plans to study architecture at either
UW-Stout or CVTC (depending on the outcome of this
spring’s baseball season). Dylan has taken four years
of Math, Woodworking, Auto Tech, and ComputerAided Drafting & Design (CADD). His CADD classes
complemented his interest in architecture, and
“hands-on Career and Technical Education
(CTE) classes allowed me to create my own
projects and designs and to make learning
my own.” Dylan works long hours in the summer for
Country Jam and for his family’s catering business, and
he appreciates the value of working hard while carrying
a rigorous course load.
“I’ve learned to work collaboratively in public
school. There is a lot you can be involved in
here that I would not have had if I were home
schooled, like Band, the musicals and taking AP
lab courses.” This year, she played the stepmother in
the school’s production of Cinderella.
Kennedy Schultze | SENIOR
Preston Kromrey | SENIOR
Preston plans to pursue a career in underwater
welding. After high school, he plans to complete
a certification program for commercial diving in
Jacksonville, Florida. He has taken a wide range of courses
to prepare him for his future career: Welding, Machine
Shop, Auto Shop, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design
(CADD), Woodworking, and four years of mathematics.
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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Kennedy plans on attending UW-Barron and then transferring to UW-Stout
to complete a degree in social work. Kennedy, who takes Intermediate
Algebra at CVTC, feels prepared for college-level coursework. “The
opportunity at CVTC has helped me a lot. Being on a college
campus and getting a feel for what it is like has made me feel
more confident about going to college next year. I don’t think I
would feel this way if I had not had this opportunity.”
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 13
: Where innovation happens every day!
OPEN ENROLLMENT
➧
If you are interested in experiencing a positive and caring environment, rigorous and relevant courses that engage and
empower students, and a wide variety of unique activities we would love to provide your educational foundation!
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
1:1 Technology Initiative
We call our 1:1 program the Cardinal MILE (Mobile, Integrated Learning Environment). The purpose of
the Cardinal MILE is to implement technology that enables all students to speed up the acquisition of
knowledge, to enhance and expand their ability to interact and collaborate, and to eliminate place and
time as limitations on education. Our goal is to provide access to technology so that each student’s ability
to learn is enhanced by his or her selection of appropriate technology tools for the learning task at hand.
The Cardinal MILE helps students to search for, access, and assess information capably so that they
are prepared for our highly technological society and its workplace opportunities. Similarly, the
Cardinal MILE focuses on the development of the lifelong ability to utilize technology as a tool to
enhance future learning experiences.
Chippewa Falls Unified School District
What makes this experience unique in Chippewa Falls is our dedication to making the technology
as invisible as possible, with a robust wireless network to support online
work. Troubleshooting support is available on the spot, and backup devices
are readily available so students can return to the classroom as soon as
possible after experiencing difficulties with their device. In addition,
teachers have unique opportunities to participate in professional
development to continue to learn how to integrate technology into
the classroom to support curricular learning targets.
“
Computers allow me to talk to people around the world, look up information,
create new things. I love that we have Chromebooks in school because it helps
with Writing, Chemistry and History.” – Isaac Wisti, sophomore
Cardinal MILE :
GRANT FOR TEACHERS
GOAL: To support successful technology integration in the classroom
that enables high levels of student achievement by fostering the
development of 21st-Century Skills (e.g., critical-thinking and problemsolving skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, creativity and
innovation), engagement, and authentic learning.
Creating
Emma Burlingame competes
in Code Busters at the
Regional Science Olympiad.
Makerspace
Emma chose to open enroll in the Chippewa Falls School District
to take advantage of the wide range of rigorous coursework
offered. She is currently taking three AP courses: English,
Government, and U.S. History. Next year, she plans to take
four more: English, Psychology, Environmental Science, and
Biology.
”Taking tough classes in high school helps me learn better. I
have someone to help if I need it.”
Chippewa Falls High School also offers Emma better language
choices. She currently takes Spanish and hopes to add French next
year. Emma enjoys participating in the Science Olympiad Team.
Her categories are Code Busters and Astronomy and Astrophysics.
She is still deciding where she would like to attend college.
14 Cardinal Line
SPRING 2015
@
“
Emma Burlingame | JUNIOR
Hillcrest Elementary
Chippewa Falls library media specialists, in
conjunction with our technology coaches, are
working to create Makerspaces. “Makerspace” is a
space for students to create, design, experiment, and
tinker. Our goal is to support students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
and foster creativity and innovation. These spaces are being designed to offer
diverse activities in which students can collaborate and draw from their individual
backgrounds, interests, and academic strengths.
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
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STEAM education prepares students
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics)
STEAM education prepares students:
■
for successful employment, post-secondary
education, or both, that require different and more
technically sophisticated skills, including the
application of mathematics and science skills and
concepts
■
to be competent, capable citizens in our
technology-dependent, democratic society
STEAM education in high school:
■
provides a challenging and rigorous program of
study focusing on the application of STEAM subjects
■
offers courses and pathways for preparation in
STEAM fields and occupations
■
bridges and connects in-school and out-of-school
learning opportunities
■
provides opportunities for student exploration
of STEAM-related fields and careers, especially for
underrepresented populations
■
prepares students for successful post-secondary
employment, education, or both
STEAM Night
The goal of STEAM night is to promote the high
school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and
Mathematics areas that enhance post-secondary
readiness and promote related career clusters. This
is an opportunity for businesses and organizations
to showcase STEAM-related post-secondary options
and careers in the Chippewa Valley and to connect
students with local professionals.
Balloon Launch: Design, build,
track, recover, and analyze
In January, the Chippewa Falls High School High
Altitude Balloon Club launched it’s third payload
from the TTM facility in Chippewa Falls. The balloon
was tracked using the APRS network along with
a SPOT tracking device to a location North East of
Antigo, Wisconsin. The balloon covered over 140
miles, traveling 125+ miles/hour at times and burst at
85,000 feet. This was a multi-disciplinary project. The
payload box was drawn in 3D CADD and machined
with the CNC.
We partnered with TTM and had Gale Sorum,
retired Computer Engineer, mentoring the students.
The goal is to have students
work with actual data and
apply what they are learning in class (torques and
rotational motion) to solve real problems.
Wisconsin IceCube Particle
Astrophysics Center – Dr. Jim Madsen
Dr. Madsen, Professor from UW-River Falls came to
Chippewa Falls High school in January. Our students
Skyped with students from India, St. Louis, and
Puerto Rico and connected to the Nehru Science
Center, at the South Pole, where they were able to
ask scientists questions about their work studying
neutrinos. Students asked a wide variety of questions
from what life is like in the South Pole to whether
energy from neutrinos can be harnessed and why
the research was being
undertaken.
Dr. Madsen gave Physics students a history of his
work and his education and career path.
Geospatial Technology – Dr. Joe Hupy
Dr. Hupy, from UW-Eau Claire’s Department of
Geography, recently came to talk with high school
physics students about geospatial technology.
He shared his career path, including education
and current research. The goal is to have students
collaborate with UW-Eau Claire students to do
original research. Our collaboration with UWEC’s
Material Science Lab currently includes remotely
accessing the Scanning
Electron Microscope.
Engineering EXPO 2015
In April, students will have the
opportunity to join 10,000 other
students at the Engineering
EXPO 2015 on UW-Madison’s campus. Students
will interact with Fortune 500 industry leaders and
with engineering student organizations on campus,
and will see all of the engineering project and idea
displays of current students. For more information,
visit engineeringexpo.wisc.edu.
Eighth-grade students to attend
UWEC Blugold Beginnings
In May, eighth-grade students from the Chippewa
Falls Middle School will participate in
a wide variety of hands-on activities
in science, math, engineering and
technology while exploring career
options at UW-Eau Claire. In the past,
students built rockets and explored
answers to such questions as, Can we
walk on a liquid?
Educators from our School District are working as part of a collaborative team of
representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, other post-secondary institutions,
businesses, and industries. This team will create a pipeline between schools, communities,
businesses, and industries to build the future for the Northern Wisconsin STEM workforce.
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ART MATHEMATICS
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
STEAM LOGO: drpineda.ca/classroom/lettingoffsteam.html
See Facebook
for more STEAM pictures
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 15
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Administrative Office
Challenging businesses to become partners with the Chippewa Falls Area Unified
School District to support, teach, and encourage students to seek technical careers.
For more information, contact Angela Stokes, Career and
Technical Education Coordinator, at 715.738.2669, ext. 3016
or [email protected].
1130 Miles Street
n
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
EAU CLAIRE, WI
PERMIT #1557
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
**ECRWSS**
POSTAL CUSTOMER
SCAN THE CODE TO VIEW
THE ONLINE BROCHURE
THE CARDINAL LINE published by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District n DISTRICT OFFICE 715.726.2417
n
SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Brad Saron
HUMAN RESOURCES & PUBLIC RELATIONS Michelle Golden
CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
E-MAIL [email protected]
n
n
n
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
LAYOUT/DESIGN Des Sikowski-Nelson
Coffee with the Board
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
4:30 AM Coffeehouse
Chippewa Falls
DAT E
Coffee with
May 12, 2015
the Board
Jim Dimock
President
Amy Mason
Vice President
Staish Buchner
Clerk
Pat Allen
Jerry Smith
Peter Lehmann
Treasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Melanie
Sinclair-Schaller
Board Member
WE’RE LISTENING
How to contact us
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
Spring Extravaganza –
Booster Club Fundraiser
1130 Miles Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-1923
Phone: 715.726.2417 Toll Free: 866.701.5864
Fax: 715.726.2781
Teen Mental Health Summit
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
April 18, 2015
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Chippewa Falls Middle School
Doors open @ 5:00 p.m.
Dinner 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
For information on OPEN ENROLLMENT
or REGISTRATION, contact
Peggy McKillip at 715.720.1850 or
at [email protected].
Registration for this event will begin on
April 13, 2015 on the district website
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Open Enrollment for 2015 – 2016
SUPERINTENDENT
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
[email protected]
715.726.2417, ext. 1808
[email protected]
715.726.2785, ext. 3000
BUSINESS SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
[email protected]
715.726.2417, ext. 1806
[email protected]
715.720.3753, ext. 3753
HUMAN RESOURCES
& PUBLIC RELATIONS
ASSESSMENT, QUALITY, AND BB4C
February 2 – April 30, 2015
Dr. Brad Saron
Summer School
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
High School Graduation
June 5, 2015 @ 7:30 p.m.
Chippewa Falls High School Gymnasium
June 15 – July 2, 2015
July 13 – July 31, 2015
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
July 15 – July 2, 2015
July 13 – July 24, 2015
VISIT THE DISTRICT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
Chad Trowbridge
Michelle Golden
[email protected]
715.726.2417, ext. 1910
PUPIL SERVICES &
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Christine McMasters
SPRING 2015
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
Scott Kowalski
Dana Sommerfeld
[email protected]
715.726.2785, ext. 3004
BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, & SAFETY
Randy Knowlton
[email protected]
715.726.2417, ext. 1904
[email protected]
715.726.2785, ext. 3003
FOOD SERVICE
Susan Lang
[email protected]
715.726.2400, ext. 2790
Tons of opportunities. . . more things to love!
16 Cardinal Line
Jenny Starck
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cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us