JANUARY 2015
Every Child…..Every Class…..Every Day
A Message from the District Administrator
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Greengs from the Wisconsin Heights School District
Message from the
District Administrator
1
Weather Delays and
Closings
1
Wisconsin Heights
Showcase
2
WHPTO Update
6
Heights Library News
7
Guidance Department
8
Music Department
9
Black Earth Library
10
Food Service
10
January Lunch Menu
11
January Athle*c Events
12
This month’s newsle3er primary message is to reﬂect on what makes Wisconsin
Heights a great place to live and learn. Our schools oﬀer a personalized educa*on
that many districts can only hope to provide. Next month’s issue will focus on the
overall mission and vision of the District. We have a lot to be proud about and should
celebrate. Happy Holidays!
Reminder on Weather Delays and Closings
If school is delayed or postponed, our goal is to make a decision by 5:30 a.m. In
making the decision, the District Administrator drives the roads and consults
with First Student, local snowplow drivers, and area District Administrators. We
will broadcast the decision on local television or radio sta*ons.
If the wind chill is sustained at -35 degrees Celsius, most school districts will
close (local decision).
Sincerely,
Mark Elworthy
Mark Elworthy
District Administrator
Page 2
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Wisconsin Heights Showcase—Wisconsin Heights Provides a
Personalized Education for Its Students by John Donaldson
It’s no secret the Wisconsin Heights School District
has been experiencing ﬁnancial duress due to declining
enrollment for the past 16 years. What is a secret to
many, however – especially folks who have not had
personal experience with the district, or live elsewhere
– is that Wisconsin Heights has managed in many ways
to ﬂourish despite the ﬁscal challenges resul*ng from a
state funding system that punishes “land-rich” school
districts with dwindling student popula*ons.
Recently the district reached out to parents and staﬀ
and found that by and large, the collec*ve assessment
of the state of elementary and secondary educa*on in
the district is not only posi*ve, it is oGen posi*vely
glowing. Wisconsin Heights is a small, rural school
district surrounded by larger, more urban districts, but
that doesn’t mean students here don’t enjoy much the
same access to knowledge students in those more
aﬄuent districts are aﬀorded. In fact, by virtue of
Wisconsin Heights’ smallness, one could argue students
here actually enjoy more accessibility. Its course
oﬀering, including a slate of courses that prepare
students to be college and career ready, is compe**ve,
and its technology is state-of-the-art. All of this has
been achieved as the district has con*nually trimmed
and streamlined.
Kindergarteners learned about historical Thanksgiving events
and enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast.
Math class allowed Kindergartners to learn geometric shapes.
“The beauty and advantage that everyone keeps
Triangles, rectangles and squares...Oh my!
speaking of in this district is the human contact, the
small town family feel…But we also maintain rigorous and compe**ve academic challenges and a wellrounded, progressive approach to educa*ng our students,” said middle school/high school principal Asta
Sepetys, a seven-year veteran of the district. “I compare it to my small car. Yes, it’s a small car, but it gets 40
miles to the gallon and has seven airbags. We’ve grown accustomed to what we are, but if you look at what
that is, and you look at other small, rural schools, we are really quite progressive.”
Second grade class displayed their balance and dexterity on the balance beams.
“I love that I can send my kids to school every
day knowing that the teachers and staﬀ know my
kids by name,” said a Mazomanie area mother
with children enrolled at both the elementary and
secondary levels. “I love that my kids are in an
environment where they are given regular
opportuni*es to learn, grow, explore and thrive
in their own individual ways.”
Popula*on-wise, Wisconsin Heights is one of the
smallest districts in the Greater Madison area.
Given its size, this has created ﬁscal issues
because of the way the state’s educa*on funds
have been distributed the past three decades.
Ironically, that small student popula*on has also
allowed Wisconsin Heights to be3er serve its
students – like the old sitcom “Cheers,” Wisconsin
Heights is a school district where everybody knows
your name. Historically the district has had a
commitment to small class sizes that result in
more individual a3en*on. In recent years, the
community has supported its school district
several *mes by approving opera*ng referenda
that have allowed Wisconsin Heights to con*nue
oﬀering high caliber educa*on. Another such
referendum will likely be oﬀered this spring, as the
school board, administra*on and staﬀ con*nue
to look at ways to save money while working to
improve its opera*on.
FiGh grade students worked on a science experiment extrac*ng DNA in
strawberries. This picture was taken in the MOO Room.
FiGh grade students collaborate and show teamwork on an academic
project.
Another district parent added, “We’ve all heard
the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ and
the Wisconsin Heights School District is a perfect
example of how this is true. We live in a small
community where almost everyone knows one
another. The teachers and administrators at
Wisconsin Heights are our friends and in some
cases, our rela*ves. The small class sizes allow
everyone to get to know one another in a way that
encourages collabora*on and accountability while
the curriculum challenges the students to pay
a3en*on and work hard.”
An elementary parent wrote, “We appreciate the
smaller class sizes and the care and a3en*on that
comes with it. You truly feel like your child is not
just a number, but someone whose educa*on and
well-being is a concern of every staﬀ member.
Second graders take a brain break during reading class.
Our children have had great teachers who have
con*nuously inspired them to excel.”
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Page 3
Page 4
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Wisconsin Heights Showcase—Wisconsin Heights Provides a
Personalized Education for Its Students (continued)
Yet another elementary parent said, “Several
of my children are quiet, and were too shy to
ask ques*ons when they weren’t sure about the
subject ma3er. Because the classes were small,
the teachers were able to take note that my
children may not have been grasping the
material and would work with them
individually to make sure they understood.”
This parent added, “My children have not
experienced the taun*ng, bullying and peer
pressure that many parents have to deal with
in the larger schools. I think this is because the
teachers can monitor what is going on and deal This DNA extrac*on exercise was done in collabora*on with Promega’s
Technical Services Department in an eﬀort to promote science educa*on.
with the situa*ons quickly so they do not
escalate out of control. I appreciate the hard
work, compassion and dedica*on the teachers
and staﬀ of the Wisconsin Heights elementary
schools exhibit.”
Elementary principal Dale Green oversees
the Black Earth (4K-2) and Mazomanie (3-5)
buildings. Like Sepetys, he emphasizes how the
district has taken what some consider a liability
– being small – and made it into an asset.
When he ﬁrst started with the district nine
years ago, the district had two K-5 programs,
one in each village. One year into his career
Fourth graders take in the World Dairy Expo in Madison.
here, the school board, in part looking to
decrease expenditures by being more eﬃcient
but also looking for a be3er way to educate
kids, voted to try the current conﬁgura*on of
Black Earth, grades 4K-2, and Mazomanie,
grades 3-5. In Green’s view, this has been a
successful experiment.
“It really solidiﬁed our curriculum, and the
expecta*ons that we have for students at
each grade level. Having the teachers (at
each grade level) together provides more
opportunity for collabora*on, more
consistency, and the obvious thing, just
sharing resources.”
Dave Purdy’s calculus class determines the height of the rocket with
trigonometry (advanced math).
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Page 5
The 2014 High School band winter concert, conducted by Aniela Haas, gets everyone in the holiday spirit.
Building strength through adversity….both administrators also noted the district’s proximity to a wealth of resources in Madison gives it a dis*nct advantage over most of Wisconsin’s other rural districts. A major
example is the Mazomanie Outreach Outpost (MOO), an arm of the University of Wisconsin’s Biotechnology
Center that has actually taken up residence in the Mazomanie building.
“That’s truly a hidden gem,” said Green. “Not only do we have an aGer-school science program, that group
has come in and taught science classes. That is a unique opportunity that we have. At the core of it is our
teachers’ willingness to take part.”
In addi*on, Green noted that being a half hour away from the state’s capitol city allows the district, with
generous help from the Wisconsin Heights Parent-Teacher Organiza*on (WHPTO), to take annual ﬁeld trips to
the capitol building, the World Dairy Expo, the UW-Biocore program and more. The district also has a strong
rela*onship with the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, which is headquartered in Monona and has a satellite
campus on Sutcliﬀe Road in the Town of Black Earth. Elementary students regularly visit both campuses.
Wisconsin Heights students, at all levels, oGen venture away from the school buildings into a school district that
is in many ways a natural laboratory. For decades, for instance, science students have been keeping tabs on the
Black Earth Creek, measuring dissolved oxygen and checking for cri3ers that serve as indicators of stream wellbeing.
Sepetys says the “extras” oﬀered
at the middle and high school oGen
exceed those oﬀered by larger, more
aﬄuent school districts. She lives
outside the district, and while her
daughter went to Madison West,
she has open enrolled her son at
Wisconsin Heights.
LeG: The small animal care class conducts
physical exams on a li3er of puppies.
Page 6
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
“He went to Washington, Kentucky, New Orleans in the spring, and he plans
to go to Yosemite next spring,” she explained. “That’s amazing…he’s a
sophomore. Our Spanish kids are going to Spain. Talk about worldly and
cultural experiences: My daughter took one trip to Chicago.”
Sepetys came to Wisconsin Heights from the McFarland School District,
where she was an assistant principal and one of a dozen or so administrators.
She says she has enjoyed working in this smaller-scale environment. “You’re a
li3le bit more barebones here,” she explained, “but what that has created is
this higher apprecia*on. Even though everyone has their opinions on how
things should be run, but even if I disagree with you, we’re all in the same boat,
we all love our kids and we’re going to do the best thing to hold hands and give
our kids the best educa*on. Every district has its posi*ves, but that’s one of
the things I no*ce: there’s a glue here, a unifying glue that a larger district
doesn’t always have.”
John Donaldson recently rered as the Editor of the News Sickle Arrow aer over 40 years of employment. John is
a long-me resident of the Wisconsin Heights School District.
WHPTO Update
Heather Schomber
Happy New Year from WHPTO! As the new year begins, we ﬁnd ourselves rejuvenated and looking forward
to what 2015 has to oﬀer. If you are looking for ways to be more involved in your child’s elementary school
experience, we encourage you to become involved with PTO.
Did you know that we collect Box Tops for Educa*on and use that money to help fund ac*vi*es and ﬁeld trips
for our students? Did you know that with our fundraising money we completely absorb the cost of ﬁeld trips
so all students are able to a3end? Did you know that we collect and send in Campbell’s Soup Labels (Labels
for Educa*on) and use this money to replenish our recess cart equipment and even add to our playground
ac*vi*es? Has anyone men*oned that we oﬀer each teacher $150, to spend on classroom supplies, annually?
All of these opportuni*es are available through your support of our fundraisers and a3ending various ac*vi*es
(Halloween Bash, Mazomanie Fun Night, Party in the Park, bake sales, etc.). Let us take a moment to thank YOU
for your con*nued support! Without you, none of this would be possible.
Take a moment to check us out. Our next mee*ng will be January 8, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Black Earth
Elementary School LMC. We would love to see you there!
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Page 7
Heights Library News
Dianne Roelke, High School Library Assistant
Winter Reading
Pictured right: McKenzie Hacker and Josie
McKenzie read by the “ﬁre” in the High School
LMC. (Josie’s reading To All the Boys I've Loved
Before by Jenny Han, and McKenzie’s pick is
Maximum Ride by James Pa3erson.)
Reading plays an important role in our
everyday life because reading is applied
to almost everything we do each day. As
readers we become more knowledgeable
about the things around us and what’s
happening in our environment.
As parents you are your child's ﬁrst
and most important teacher. The U.S.
Department of Educa*on reports that
the more reading materials there are in
the home, the higher
students are in reading proﬁciency. Do you have books, magazines, and newspapers in your home? Do
your children use the library oGen? Libraries have the most books and best books in the world--all for free.
Take some *me in January to curl up with a good book. Family reading is fun and one way of having
bonding *me with your family. Cuddle up with a good book, and you'll model how reading is a fun way
to pass the *me. Happy New Year and happy reading!
The Bale of the Books Is On
We’re gearing up for another exci*ng
Ba3le of the Books compe**on this
year. Fourteen teams at Mazomanie
Elementary and 11 Middle School teams
have signed up for the challenge. Team
members will divide the task of reading
20 books from now *ll the school-wide
compe**ons planned for February 4,
2015. The team from each school that
answers the most ques*ons about the
books correctly will proceed to the
online state-wide compe**on
sponsored by the Wisconsin Educa*onal
Media and Technology Associa*on
during the last week of February.
One of the Mazomanie teams: The Book Masters
Page 8
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
From the Guidance Department...
Kurt Wong, High School Counselor
**Course selecon sheets will be passed out on January 5 and will be due on January 8**
College Financial Aid Night for Juniors & Seniors
DON’T MISS, SAVE THE DATE **
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID ** DON’T MISS, SAVE THE DATE
Parents of juniors and seniors please set aside the evening of Wednesday, January 7, when Jennifer Young,
Financial Aid Advisor from Edgewood College, will be making a presenta*on and answering ques*ons regarding
post-secondary ﬁnancial aid. Remember, ﬁnancial aid is not just for four-year colleges, it is available for two-year
programs and tech schools as well. Please come armed with any ques*ons you may have - this is a great
opportunity to have them answered by an expert!
When:
Time:
Locaon:
January 7, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Step Room
Scholarship Opportunies
Please check the binder in the guidance oﬃce for scholarship opportuni*es and applica*on deadlines. Currently
we have perhaps a dozen random scholarships in the binder. The vast majority of local scholarships however
won’t be available to apply for un*l later in February.
College Goal Sunday (ﬁnancial aid help coming in February)
• Get free, on-site professional assistance ﬁlling out the FAFSA (Free Applica*on for
Federal Student Aid)
• Talk to ﬁnancial aid professionals about ﬁnancial aid resources and how to apply
• Get informa*on regarding state-wide student services, admission requirements, and more!
h3p://www.collegegoalwi.org/
MADISON - Two Locaons
Edgewood College - Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m.
1000 Edgewood College Ave
Main Entrance
Madison, WI 53711
UW-Baraboo - Saturday, February 28, 2:00 p.m.
1006 Connie Rd
Baraboo, WI 53913
Assistance available at all sites:
• Adult/Non-Tradi*onal Student Concerns
• FAFSA on the Web
• Grants/Scholarships
• Loans/Borrowing
• One-on-One Assistance
• Transfer and Con*nuing Educa*on Students
IMPORTANT ACT Informaon
***Due to new state requirements, the ACT with wri*ng exam will be given to all
juniors in the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Heights will be giving the exam on
Tuesday, March 3. There will be no cost for the exam. The results of this test may
also be used for college applica*ons. However students may s*ll sign up for
other ACT tests being oﬀered if they want to try to improve their scores.
NEW – FREE ACT and SAT test prepara*on materials are now available on-line to our students through this
website h3p://knowhow2gowisconsin.org/. Students should contact Mr. Wong if they have any ques*ons.
Online ACT applica*ons can be done at www.actstudent.org. Test dates and deadlines can also be found there.
Notes from the Music Department
Gina Ademino
This month we would like to highlight what makes the music program unique for a school district our size.
♦ Mazomanie Elementary School music students worked with “Opera for the Young” last fall. Students in
fourth and ﬁGh grade can par*cipate in choir. Band starts in the ﬁGh grade.
♦ We have a lessons program for vocal and instrumental music students. A lessons program is vital to the
success of any music program.
♦ Our summer band program includes beginning band lessons, middle/high school marching band, and
color guard.
♦ Jazz Band is oﬀered at both the middle and high school level.
♦ The High School music program has students involved in conference and state honors bands and choirs.
High School band members (a.k.a. “Bandguards”) play in the concert band, pep band, marching band and
various ensembles for the WSMA Solo & Ensemble Fes*val. They have members advance to the state
level each year. Bands and choirs par*cipate in the WSMA Large Group Fes*vals each spring.
♦ Both the middle and high school music groups travel. This year high school music students will visit
Memphis/New Orleans over spring break.
♦ The overwhelming support we receive from our Music Boosters group and the Black Earth/Mazomanie
community through fund raisers and dona*ons. Thank you!
♦ The Fine Arts opportuni*es in school include Forensics, Drama, Art and Music. The Drama program oﬀers
a play and a musical. The musical creates *es within the community as many community members are
involved in the produc*on from sets, to costumes, to the pit orchestra.
Upcoming Events:
*January 5: Music Boosters Mee*ng at 6:30 p.m. Band Ensemble Room
*January 6: Next trip payment due ($280)
*January 10: Musical Audi*ons at 9:00 a.m. in the Band Room
*Pep band dates: January 6, 16 (Pep Band Night for Gr. 7-12 Band members) and 27.
Looking to donate?
♦ Drop oﬀ your old ink jet cartridges (no toner tubes), cell phones and small electronics in the main oﬃce
(MS/HS), or drop boxes at both elementary schools for the Music Boosters.
♦ We will also take that used band instrument, acous*c guitar, keyboard and music stand oﬀ your hands and
put it into the hands of a music student.
♦ Consider dona*ng your *me and talent as an accompanist for band and choir students for Solo &
Ensemble. Contact Gina Ademino, Middle School Director, 767-2586 x3402.
Noteworthy Quote: (in the spirit of “Wisconsin Heights”)
“A human being is not a3aining his full heights un*l he is educated.” ~Horace Mann
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Page 9
Page 10
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Black Earth Library
Kristan Rogers, Youth Services
Early Release Wednesdays at the Black Earth Library
Wednesday, January 14, at 2 p.m.
Join us at the library on your aGernoon oﬀ of school for Wii Games, MinecraG & Playing with iPads!
Snacks and drinks will be provided, but children should have lunch before a3ending. All ages are welcome.
Spa Day at the Black Earth Library
Friday, January 23, at 2 p.m.
Treat yourself to a “day at the spa” in the library. Make lip gloss, bath salts,
sugar hand scrubs, and jewelry using nail polish. Plus enjoy snacking on mini
sandwiches and fruity teas. Prepare to be pampered! Best for students in
4th - 8th grade, but all ages are welcome.
Food Service
Amanda Griep
Here we are in December already, can you believe we are almost half way through the school year? Time
sure does go quickly. January menus will soon be available on our website for you to view over your winter
break.
Food of the Month
• Fruit of the Month - Clemen*nes
• Vegetable of the Month –Brussel sprouts
• Herb of the Month -Rosemary
Look for these “foods of the month” incorporated in our menus. January also has
some new recipes we haven’t tried yet, so that’s exci*ng!
Middle and High school—Chef Josh will be visi*ng once again and cooking up
something fantas*c as always!!! Look for posted ﬂyers around the school.
Reminders……Please put the payor name AND students name on your checks when deposi*ng lunch money.
Free and Reduced applica*ons are always available at the district oﬃce or high school oﬃce. You can request
that one be mailed to you as well. I am always here to answer ques*ons or take any sugges*ons you may
have.
I hope you all enjoy your winter break and have a wonderful holiday season making memories that are
unforge3able! Happy Holidays from your Foodservice Department and Taher Management, Inc.
Page 11
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NON-PROFIT PERMIT #15
BLACK EARTH, WI 53515
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS SCHOOL DISTRICT
10173 US Highway 14
Mazomanie, WI 53560
Phone: (608) 767-2595
Fax: (608) 767-3579
Email: [email protected]
Wisconsin Heights Community Member
Black Earth 53515—PO Box
“Every Child...Every Class...Every Day”
JANUARY ATHLETIC EVENTS
(AS OF 12/19/14)
Girls’ Basketball
Boys’ Basketball
6--JV/V
--JV/V vs. Waterloo 6:00/7:30 p.m.
5—9/JV/V vs. Wautoma 6:00/7:30 p.m.
9—JV/V @ Belleville 6:00/7:30 p.m.
8—9/JV/V vs. Marshall 6:00/7:30 p.m.
15—
15—JV/V vs. Marshall 6:00/7:30 p.m.
13—9/JV/V @ New Glarus 6:00/7:30 p.m.
16—JV/V @ Wautoma 6:00/7:30 p.m.
16—
16—9/JV/V vs. Waterloo 6:00/7:30 p.m.
20—JV/V @ Cambridge 6:00/7:30 p.m.
20-- 9/JV/V @ Dodgeville 6:00/7:30 p.m.
23—
23—JV/V vs. New Glarus 6:00/7:30 p.m.
22—9/JV/V @ Belleville 6:00/7:30 p.m.
27—9 @ Middleton 6:00 p.m.
7/8 Girls Basketball
15—7/8 @ Poynette 4:15 p.m.
22—7/8 @ Baraboo 4:15 p.m.
26—
26—7/8 vs. Sauk Prairie Middle 4:15 p.m.
V = Varsity
JV = Junior Varsity
7/8/9 = Indicates Grade
MS = Middle School
BOLD indicates a game played at home