1. education
2. school

MARCH 2015
Every Child…..Every Class…..Every Day
A Message from the District Administrator
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Greetings from the Wisconsin Heights School District
Message from the
District Administrator
1
Referendum
2-3
Wisconsin Heights
Showcase
4-9
Student Arcles
10-12
Elementary News
13
Naonal Bee’s/
Ba!le of the Books
14-16
Middle/High School News
17
Child Find/
Mazo Fun Night
18
Guidance Counselor Notes
19
Music Department Notes
20-21
Lunch Menu
22
Tips for taking the ACT
23
March Athlec Schedule
24
The March Newsletter contains two showcase articles on the April 2015 Referendum
and the special relationship between our community and schools. There are also two
student articles published recently in the student newspaper: Our Award Winning
Students who won a Fox 47 Public Service Announcement and an article on the Wolf
Run Trail connecting the middle/high school with Mazomanie.
As I have shared before, one of our District’s strengths is the strong and supportive
relationship between the community and schools. Our successes are a result of the direct
support we provide for each other with the understanding that we depend on each other.
The informational April 2015 Referendum flyer summarizes the future needs for the
district and what past referendums have allowed the Wisconsin Heights School District
to accomplish. The passage of the past three referendums have strengthened our
curricula and allowed us to make improvements to the educational setting. The article,
Our Community/School Relationship sets us Apart, characterizes our connections. The
referendums have let us focus on what matters the most, the success of our students.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Mark Elworthy
District Administrator
Mark Elworthy
District Administrator
WH
ISCONSIN
EIGHTS
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS SCHOOL DISTRICT
REFERENDUM 2015
VOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 7TH!
Every Child… Every Class… Every Day...
REFERENDUM FACT SHEET
- SAMPLE BALLOT -
REFERENDUM HISTORY
•
Two years ago the electorate approved a two year referendum for
$1.875 million. The 2013 Referendum ends in June 2015.
•
The District is now asking the electorate to approve another two year
referendum as state funding has been reduced from $3.9 million (2009) to a
projected $1.47 million (2015).
•
This will be the fourth operational referendum proposed since 2009 to address
the decrease in state funding. Referendums were passed in 2009, 2011, and
2013. Yearly reductions of the District budget occurred from 2004-2012
totaling $3.973 million. All employee groups were reduced by 40% in size
which paralleled the declining enrollment.
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
BUDGET TO EXCEED
REVENUE LIMIT
FOR NON-RECURRING
PURPOSES
WHY ARE WE PROPOSING
THIS REFERENDUM?
Quality Educational Programs
•
Commitment to a quality 21st
century curriculum
•
Variety of curricular and
co-curricular options available
to all students with a no-cut
policy
•
Collaboration with community
educational organizations
•
Personalized educational
experience with a family
atmosphere and a low
student-to-teacher ratio
•
Award winning staff
Financial Stability
•
Referendum dollars address
yearly state aid reductions
•
Allows the facilities to be safe
and maintained
•
Provides the District financial
stability to meet the needs of
the community
•
Allows the District to implement
several cost savings initiatives
(energy conservation, deferred
maintenance, and safety
programs)
•
Sustains a stable environment
that will allow the District to
better plan for the future
Shall the Wisconsin Heights
School District, Dane and Iowa
Counties, Wisconsin, be
authorized to exceed the
revenue limit specified in
Section 121.91, Wisconsin
Statutes, by $1,425,000 for the
2015-2016 school year and by
$1,825,000 for the 2016-2017
school year, for
non-recurring purposes.
YES
NO
WHAT WILL THE REFERENDUM ACCOMPLISH?
1.
2.
3.
4.
The $3,250,000 referendum increases revenue for two years
Demonstrates a commitment to a relationship with the community
Maintains current curricula and course offerings
Maintains educational support and technology
WHAT IS THE COST TO TAXPAYERS?
Year
2015-2016
Referendum Dollars
$1,425,000
Projected referendum tax
increase based on a $200k home
$1,825,000
2016-2017
Total Referendum………………….……...…$3,250,000
2015-16: $90
2016-17: $88
MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION
For more information:
•
Visit our district website at www.wisheights.k12.wi.us
•
Schedule an informational presentation for your neighborhood, community group, or
organization by calling the district office at 767-2595
•
Attend a board meeting for more referendum information:
Monday, March 9 at 7:30 PM
Monday, March 23 at 7:30 PM
Black Earth Elementary LMC
Mazomanie Elementary LMC
ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE AT YOUR VILLAGE/TOWNSHIP OFFICE
Page 4
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Our Community/School Relationship sets us Apart
JOHN DONALDSON
We often take our schools for granted. But what does a school mean to its community? A lot. A school building
is often the most imposing structure in a community, but it is more than bricks and mortar. It is a place where
people begin to become part of the community in which they have chosen to live.
And it is often the school system that is the deciding factor for
people considering where to settle down and raise a family. Furthermore, the quality of a student’s education can impact where
he or she goes to college. But perhaps most importantly, schools
are places where people come together, where they find common ground. People of all ages, creeds and colors come together
at a school because of what they have in common: their children
and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and
friends and neighbors.
Each year at Wisconsin Heights, a graduation ceremony is held
in the school gymnasium, a cavernous room filled with people coming to celebrate one of
the most significant landmarks a young person can pass. At Heights,
there might be just 60 or so students graduating – as opposed to nearly
600 at some neighboring schools – but by the time the ceremony and
the subsequent parties are over, Heights’ three-score students will be
celebrated by thousands. Schools put the “commune” in community.
“We’re all in the same boat,” said superintendent Mark Elworthy of
the Wisconsin Heights School District, an area that includes nine municipalities and covers over 100 square miles. “At graduation you have
people who are more than just parents. It’s the extended community.
People are there because their next-door neighbor is graduating. I think
that sets us apart.”
But graduation, as important as it is, is just the culmination of 14 years
of schooling (Pre-K through 12). That’s a major chunk of a person’s
life, so it’s best to choose wisely. Earlier this year, the district asked
parents why they chose Wisconsin Heights, and they consistently said
that smaller class sizes and a competent, caring staff were on top of the
list.
“The best thing about the Wisconsin Heights School District is the teachers, hands down,” wrote one elementary
parent last fall. “The classroom sizes are not too big and
there is a high amount of personal attention to the students. The teachers really get to know the kids and will
cater to skills and personalities of the students when instructing and providing course materials. Additionally,
when we see the teachers outside of the classroom, there
is a relationship that has been created that is very personal. I just saw a teacher that both my kids had several
What a great feeling to be a Wisconsin
Heights Graduate
Black Earth Elementary
Our Community/School Relationship sets us Apart
CONTINUED
years ago in a local store and she gave me a hug. It was great to see her and catch up for a few minutes.”
Nine-year veteran elementary Principal Dale Green, a resident of Mazomanie who has a child enrolled in the
school system, added, “I’m part of the fabric here. I’m on a first-name basis with our families, I know the kids, I
know their siblings. That in itself is a strength of this district.”
High School parent Jenny Bailey said that when
she and her husband were looking for a place to
settle over two decades ago, they were both working in Middleton. They decided the schools there
were too large and opted to look for a house in
the Heights district.
“Absolutely no regrets,” said Bailey. She too cited small class sizes and the quality of the teaching staff as positive factors, as well as the no-cut
policy in the athletic program.
“As the kids get older, they then see they are part
of something larger and can find their place within the community. And not just the school – the
communities that encompass the school and on up to society as a whole. As a society, we cannot raise kids that
won’t get involved or help someone besides themselves; seeing their parents involved with others, I hope, will
set a good example,” said Bailey.
When middle/high school school principal Asta Sepetys open-enrolled her son into Wisconsin Heights Middle/
High School, she did it so he could take advantage of a small-school setting that also has a lot to offer in terms
of courses and extracurricular activities. And who would know better? After all, she is the principal.
“We have the things that Middleton and Madison don’t have,” said Sepetys in a recent interview. “We know our
kids. If there’s a troubled kid, there’s always an adult that they feel comfortable with. This is an amazing place.
It’s what education should be.”
The Wisconsin Heights School District, which last September celebrated its first half-century since the Black
Earth and Mazomanie School Districts consolidated, in recent years has had to join forces with the community at
large and work hard to maintain educational quality in the face of a steadily declining enrollment. Changing demographics and a state education funding formula that provides state aid on a per-student basis has challenged
the district’s ability to maintain its high level of educational quality. Simply put, people for the most part aren’t
having as many kids as they used to. A half century ago, there were a lot more working dairy farms, and often a
farm was home to anywhere from six to ten or more children. As the local economy and society in general have
changed, families of that size are now the exception, not the rule.
So far the school board, administration and staff have in part been able to deal with budgetary challenges by
finding new ways to increase efficiency, trimming where possible and sometimes cutting, when demand for a
particular course lags. A number of long-term teachers retired, which allowed the district to reduce its payroll.
School Board President Tom Turk notes that since the precipitous drop in student population and state aid commenced, the local board has made 40 percent reductions in both faculty and administration. The lion’s share of a
local school district’s expenditures is payroll.
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Our Community/School Relationship sets us Apart
CONTINUED
Through all of the turmoil, however, test scores and parent satisfaction remain high, and in some disciplines, like
reading and math, Wisconsin Heights remains a leader in the Capitol Conference and when compared to other
school districts around Dane County. It’s State Report Card ranks with the best in the county and state.
Turk credits Elworthy and his fellow board members with keeping a district struggling against what amounts to a
punitive state funding formula on target with its primary goal: educating its students.
“We’ve shifted the area of focus,” said Turk. “We’ve focused in the areas where we need to concentrate in order
to have growth.”
The efforts of the board, administration and staff in finding these new efficiencies have been instrumental in
keeping the program vibrant. But at least some of these efforts would not have been possible without the consent
and commitment of the community at large. Wisconsin Heights School District voters have stepped up three
times since 2008, approving three two-year operating referenda that allowed the district to exceed its stateimposed revenue limit enough to maintain and where possible to build on the status quo. School officials
acknowledge that without this commitment, it would not have been possible to maintain the schools’ high marks,
or maintain its facilities. On April 7, 2015 the district is asking district voters to commit again.
State law says school districts in Heights’ position can go to their communities and ask for help in order to maintain educational programs when they are squeezed by the state education funding formula. Statewide, there are a
number of districts that are in Heights’ position, most of them rural, which have been compelled to resort to this
option. As 2015 got underway, the Wisconsin Heights School Board approved offering another two-year, operating referendum that will go before the voters in April. The district is again seeking permission from the voters to
exceed its revenue limit, this time by $1.425 million in 2015-16 and $1.825 million in 2016-17. The projected
impact on the owner of a $200,000 property will be $90 in 2015-16 and $88 in 2016-17.
This past September’s “Third Friday Count” indicated enrollment this school year has gone up by nearly 40 students than projected: this was only the second time this has happened since 1998. The other time was in 2007,
when the district decided to add a grade level by creating a Pre-Kindergarten program. The hope is that this
year’s increase represents a trend toward rising enrollment, but in any case, the district will not realize the full
state aid benefit of the increase for two to three years because its previous declines meant it was eligible for “hold
harmless” aid from the state. Meanwhile, the governor’s latest budget proposal, if approved by the legislature as
proposed, would cut even deeper into Wisconsin Heights’ state revenue.
School board member Kim Sears-Hacker opposed a $5.6 million operating referendum proposed nearly ten years ago by a previous administration, saying it was too large an amount, and that the district hadn’t done
enough to reduce its expenditures. Since then, however, she has supported
the more modest referenda put forth by Elworthy’s administration and
approved by the board.
“Now that I’ve seen more from a different angle, I think that our school is
doing the best that we possibly can at this time. At this point I feel a lot
more confident with our financial managers,” Sears-Hacker stated.
THE THREE Rs
Traditionally, the “Three Rs” phrase has referred to “Readin’, “Ritin’ and
‘Rithmatic,” a century-plus old folksy reference to what schools should
Our Community/School Relationship sets us Apart
CONTINUED
teach their students. In the September 2014 edition of this newsletter, Elworthy provided a different take on the
Three Rs: Resourceful, Resilient and Remarkable.
“Resourceful is a result of the many leaders and future leaders who have called Wisconsin Heights home,” wrote
Elworthy. “Our community…has the can-do attitude and the belief a little more elbow grease will get the job
done.”
With respect to Resilient, he added, “Recently the school district faced challenges with funding and declining
enrollment. Our community has supported the district and the support has directly benefited students. Our students’ academic performance and achievements after they leave Wisconsin Heights speak for themselves.”
The district is Remarkable, Elworthy concluded, because the school system, bolstered by a supportive community, has been able to turn its smallness into an advantage.
“We are able to provide a personalized education that large school districts dream of offering their students. Our
students are given multiple opportunities throughout their education careers…to explore future passions. It is the
closely-knit fabric of the schools that ensures success for our students.”
Sepetys, who was an assistant principal at the McFarland School
District for 12 years before coming to Wisconsin Heights seven
years ago, knows what it’s like to work in a larger district. She
was one of a dozen or so administrators in a school district located in what she describes as “a little bit more stable” in terms of
school funding and local economy.
“That was the most noticeable thing,” she admits, contrasting the
two districts. “But on the flip side, you’re a little bit more barebones here, and what that has created is a higher appreciation…
There are some strong people here.”
A school system is kind of like a computer: to make it work, there is hardware, and there is software. The hardware – the school buildings and other facilities – needs to be kept up to snuff so the software, the people that
work and learn within those facilities, can function properly. Since 2008, Wisconsin Heights could not have kept
it’s “computer” functioning as it had been without additional input from its owner/operator, the residents of the
district. The combination of declining enrollment and the state-imposed revenue limit meant the district could do
so only if the voters of the district agreed to dig a bit deeper.
With the approval of the previous three referenda, the district has been able to embark on a roof maintenance
program, upgrade educational technology, and make improvements to the HVAC facilities that have resulted in
significant energy savings that will pay off over time. Because of HVAC upgrades made early on, the district in
2009-10 realized net reductions of 28 percent in electrical usage and a whopping 41 percent in natural gas. Water usage was reduced by about ten percent. Also that year, the district had reduced its expenditures by about
$3.973 million since 2002-03. Over the summer
of 2010, the district installed a new telephone
system that reduced phone communication costs
by nearly 60 percent.
In 2012-13 the board approved additional energy
conservation projects, including improvements to
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Our Community/School Relationship sets us Apart
CONTINUED
the middle/high school lighting. It also developed a process to
identify the most critical facilities needs and addressed those
needs. The energy conservation work continued with the installation of LED fixtures on the exteriors of buildings and the high
school’s Learning Materials Center.
The district also worked with state, county and local officials on
making the entrance to the MS/HS from Highway 14 safer, and
with the various groups involved with bringing the Wolf Run segment of the Good Neighbor Trail to the school’s doorstep. These
projects required minimal financial input from the district, since
they were for the most part funded by other agencies. The highway project, in particular, came after significant lobbying by the
local school officials.
Likewise, thanks to the generosity of a local couple, the district
was the recipient of a large greenhouse facility that has allowed
the science and agriculture departments to expand what they have
to offer. According to Mark Elworthy, “We regularly receive donations from community organizations. Our community is exceptional in giving of their time and money.”
On the “software” side, the board, administration and staff have
continued to move forward with the district curriculum in virtual- Students and new computers
ly every study area, from Pre-K through graduation. The district
officially joined the “Global Academy,” a consortium of area school districts that are collaborating to offer courses in science and engineering for students seeking a head start in these fields. In addition, the district made use of
space left unused in Mazomanie because of declining enrollment. The second floor of the Mazomanie school’s
classroom wing now hosts the Mazomanie Outreach Outpost (MOO), which brings University of Wisconsin instructors and graduate students to the district to work with students and staffers alike.
Bubble Wrap—Not just for packing
Wisconsin Heights has
been able to respond to
student needs with a
number of new course
offerings. The district
has implemented an upgraded language arts and
reading program, as well
as revamping the high
school’s
publications
course into a genuine
journalism course. New
K-12 math and science
programs seek out students who are achievement “tweeners” with
courses like Algebra 1.5
and Geometry 1.5, and
Our Community/School Relationship sets us Apart
CONTINUED
an English “support class”. The Family and Consumer Education program was completely revamped. “Our students have access to a variety of vocational classes, advanced classes, and AP classes,” shared Mark Elworthy.
Wisconsin Heights offers five AP classes on a regular basis as well as advanced course in agriculture education,
art, family and consumer science, and technology education.
School board member Isaiah Crowe is an educator who works for the Sun Prairie School District. He chooses to
live in Wisconsin Heights, however, where his children attend. He too supports the referendum, as do the rest of
the board members.
Photo taken from a rocket in Physics class
With the district’s approval, he
said, “We can continue to offer a
real solid, first rate education for
our children. With the way the
state funding formula is right
now, we’re always taking a double hit with declining enrollment….but we’ve been finding
efficiencies in ways you would
never imagine. We’re not robbing Peter to pay Paul. We’re
finding ways to be smarter. I
can’t say enough about some of
the changes the administration
has made out there.”
Crowe added, “As an educator, I
can say that the Heights staff has some of the hardest-working teachers I’ve ever met.
“I’m behind this referendum,” added Sears-Hacker. “The biggest thing that I have learned…is that we are asking
the electorate for permission. The school district is the community, and the community will make this decision.
The people in the community will drive the outcome. That’s the whole idea behind going to referendum. This is
about you and how we will commit to our school.
John Donaldson recently retired as the Editor of the News Sickle Arrow after 40 years of employment. John is a
long-time resident of the Wisconsin Heights School District.
4th Grade Field Trip
KATHY EVERT, 4th Grade Teacher
In February fourth graders went on a field trip to the
State Capitol to enrich their study of Wisconsin's
government. After touring the capitol with our representative, assembly member Dave Considine, the
students participated in docent led tours of the Native people floor of the State Historical Society Museum. Forward!
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Heights Underdogs Send a MSG2TEENS
JOSIE McKENZIE, Senior WHHS Student
“I’m kind of surprised we actually made it to the finals,” Cristian Ayala-Carpintero said. He and his partner Alex
Danz were hoping to earn at least a B+ for their story board project in David Haas’ marketing class, but the video
it inspired about texting and driving has been chosen over four other finalists as the winner of Fox 47’s
MSG2TEENS public service announcement competition. They are the first WHHS students in school history to
make it to the final round and win the competition.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WDOT) and Monarch Media Designs annually sponsor the Fox 47
MSG2TEENS contest to inform teens about dangerous driving habits like texting or being under the influence
while driving. Teams submit story ideas and film and edit their videos before they are posted on Fox 47’s website where viewers vote for a final winner to be determined on January 26.
Participants who earn a spot in the top five win a series of gift cards worth over $150 and two Marcus Point Movie Passes. The top three vote getters receive cash prizes; Ayala’s and Danz’s award-winning project earned them
each a $500 cash prize and a $1500 grant for the school.
Ayala and Danz were the last ones in the class to finish the two day project after rushing the idea together at the
last minute. The assignment required them to make a storyboard for a message aimed specifically at teens about
safe driving. “Our story is about texting and driving, mainly distractions,” Ayala said.
“We used our imagination,” Danz said.
In the 30 second ad, Ayala is shown driving his car with his cell phone lying in the passenger seat. The cell phone
buzzes and an animated face appears with Danz’s voice enticing Ayala to pick up the phone because “it could be
that hot girl from science class.” Danz’s voice also reveals that “only” nine out of ten drivers who text and drive
end up in a car crash. Ayala hurriedly pulls over to the side of the road and tosses his phone out the window as
the words “It’s Not Worth It” appear on the screen.
Other area districts like Middleton High School, which had two entries in the top five, have classes specifically
designed to help students create an ad for the contest. “For us to be competitive after just a mini unit on it is really nice,” Haas said. “The reason their group got selected was because they had a really creative idea that was
geared toward teenagers. They were definitely different than any of the other entries.”
“I just felt like we weren’t going to win against two entries from Middleton,” Ayala said, “because they’re such a
big school. It just makes winning feel a lot better.”
“They prepared for this for an entire month,” Danz said, “and we only did it for two days.” Both team members
are grateful for the classmates, especially the ones in Haas’s classes, who voted for them.
What set Ayala and Danz’s entry apart from the others? “We had humor in our story; humor gets across to teens
better,” Ayala said.
Ayala and Danz both plan to reserve their newly won prize money. “I’m going to put it right in my savings account and save it up for college,” Ayala said. “If I do get more money from my job, I might put some of it towards a car.”
Ayala has no interest of pursuing a career in the film industry, but Danz said, “If it shows up, and if I’m good at
it, I think so. We’ll see…”
“It’s nice that their commercial is on TV because people can see what we’re doing in our school and it’s relevant
Heights Underdogs Send a MSG2TEENS
CONTINUED
to what’s going to happen when kids leave here,” Haas
said. “For years I used to call up and ask Fox 47 what
they were looking for, and now that these students have
been through it, it’ll help for future years and maybe
get somebody else in there.”
Seniors Alex Danz and Cristian Ayala-Carpintero, the first students in Wisconsin Heights’ history to become finalists in Fox 47’s
MSG2TEENS competition, put the finishing touches on their public service announcement.
Trailing Behind Wisconsin Heights High School
EMILY WOLF, Senior WHHS Student
Unofficially referred to as the Wolf Run Trail, construction on the
1.7 mile path from the village of Mazomanie to Wisconsin Heights
High School was completed in November. The trail originates
across from the Mazomanie Fire Department on Crescent Street
and follows the flow of the Black Earth Creek beneath the Highway 14 overpass to the high school.
The primary goals of the project are to preserve the natural landscape and give students, community members and potential tourists the opportunity to enjoy interacting with nature. With help
from the National Heritage Land Trust, Trout Unlimited and other
local and state government organizations, projects to preserve and
restore the creek have already been completed. Natural buffer
zones between the trail and the stream have been established to
reduce erosion, protect the creek from runoff, and preserve its water quality. Development of the trail was even halted to accommodate the seasonal breeding cycles of migrating bird species.
A primary obstacle that had to be overcome was the belief that it
could happen. “No one could see [the finished trail]; they only
knew what it could be,” Wisconsin Heights superintendent Mark
Elworthy said. “Once you could see phase one, phase two became
a little easier because people saw phase one. Once phase one was
finished, people were disappointed when it didn’t come all the way
out [to the school].”
Scott Stokes, president of the Wolf Run Association, helped fund
the project by securing a grant from a Partners in Creation and
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Trailing Behind Wisconsin Heights High School
CONTINUED
Conservation. Landowner Fred Wolf has granted
public access to land on his property, which features
a mile of the trail that runs parallel to the Black
Earth Creek.
“It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to this
farm,” Wolf said. “The Wolf family is really proud
of what we’ve been able to do to restore this beautiful creek and make it available to the public. This
land doesn’t belong to me. I might hold the title, but
this place should be here for everyone to enjoy.”
There are many ways for students to use the trail.
Options during the summer time include leisurely
walking, running, bicycling, pet walking. The trail
will also provide a safe way for Mazomanie students
to walk or bike to school. During spring, summer
and fall no motorized vehicles are allowed on the
trail.
During the winter, signs are posted for snowmobilers, and the school endorses students utilizing the
trail on snowy days when traditional driving may be
hazardous.
“Snowmobiling will be faster and safer than taking
Highway 14 alongside the road,” senior Curtis Johnson said. “It was a good idea to put it in so there will
be fewer accidents.”
There are many ways to enjoy the new, recreational trail including
pedestrian activities, cycling, inline and roller skating, skateboarding and human-powered scooters, walking of leashed pets, fishing,
cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during winter
months, if snow cover is suitable
WHHS’s growing cross country program also envisions another potential use for the trail. “I definitely
can see us using the trail for cross country and track.
I love that it is so easily accessible- it will add new
dimensions to our practices,” cross country and
track coach Ryanne Bell said. “Hopefully, in the
future, we could use part of the trail to build a home
cross country course.”
“Wolf Run Association is working on plans to add
trail signage in 2015 and to create access to the Conservancy land across from the Wolf family farm, between Black Earth Creek and the railroad tracks at Lake Marion, in the not too distant future,” said Christopher
Long, project manager of the Wolf Run Association. “The association is also actively supporting the local initiative to build the next link of the trail from WHHS to the Village of Black Earth.”
Additional plans for the trail also include eventually paving the trail and potential extension of a Good Neighbor
Trail from Mazomanie to Middleton and from Sauk City all the way to La Crosse.
Elementary News
DALE GREEN, Elementary Principal
Thank you for attending Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 26th & 27th! Our 2nd trimester report cards
will be coming home in backpacks on March 19th.
Mazomanie elementary music students are exploring traditional songs, games and dances in their music classes.
These songs and games have been loved and passed down through generations and are ideal for teaching music.
The students in grades 3-5 will present some of these folk songs, games and dances in their spring concert
on Thursday, March 12th at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the Mazomanie gym.
Just a reminder that our school day begins at 7:45 am. Morning activities are important in setting the stage for
the day. With the winter weather and hectic morning routines, it is easy for families to get in the habit of running a little late. Most of our homerooms begin their day with reading or math, and missing out on even a few
of the introductions in these key academic areas can have an impact on reading skills and math foundations for
future learning.
There is a definite relationship between the amount of time spent in school and a student's academic performance. Research shows that students with a good attendance record generally achieve more academically than
students with a poor attendance record. Thank you for making it a priority to get your child to school on a regular basis and on time. It makes a big difference!
There is still time to pre-register for 2015-16 K4/K5 classes!!! On February 10th, the Wisconsin Heights
School District pre-registered students for its 2015-16 K4 and K5 classes. There is still time to pre-register your
child! Please contact the Black Earth Elementary School office at 767-2251 and we will be happy to help you!
March Elementary Events:
2nd
Jump Rope for Heart begins
5th
Wisconsin Heights Jazz Tour to BE/MZ Elementary Schools
WHPTO Meeting, 6:30 pm, BE
6th
WHPTO Fun Night, MZ gym
End of Second Trimester
10th
th
11
Early Release, K-5 dismissed at 11:25 am
No K4 classes
12th
Mazomanie Elementary Spring Concert, 1:30 pm/6:30 pm
Report Cards will be sent home in backpacks
19th
30th
SPRING BREAK through April 3rd
Library News
KIRSTEN ROGERS, Youth Services Librarian
Early Release Wednesday at the Black Earth Library
March 11 at 2 pm
LEGO Club for all ages. Snacks and drinks will be provided, but children should have lunch before attending.
Spring Break at the Black Earth Library
All Programs begin at 2 pm
Monday, March 30: Movie—Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (rated PG)
Tuesday, March 31: Wii Games (all ages)
Wednesday, April 1: April Fool’s Day Crafts (all ages)
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
National Geographic Bee
MELISSA HILL, Library Media Teacher
Mazomanie Elementary National Geographic Bee was held on January 20, 2015.
Congratulations to the Mazomanie Elementary Top Ten National Geographic Bee finalists who competed in the
all-school bee on January 20.
During the first weeks of January, students in grades four and five competed in classroom bees and a tiebreaker
round. The ten students who made it through this process to become the school bee competitors were, in alphabetical order, Devin Brabender (grade 5); Casey Campbell (grade 4); Sydney Groshek (grade 4); Carson Hosking
(grade 5); Cayden Miller (grade 4); Sophie Reader (grade 5); Matthew Russell (grade 5); Carmen Sertzel (grade
5); Hudson Smith (grade 5); and Bailey Wolf (grade 5).
On the 20th, the finalists competed in front of an audience of their peers and parents. After several rounds of
questions, two competitors along with Devin Brabender were left in the final round. Devin answered more questions correctly in this round and became the school's GeoBee winner. Devin will advance to the next level of
competition, a written examination to determine the state competitors.
The ten contestants:
Front Row from left to right: Bailey Wolf, Cayden Miller, Casey
Campbell, Hudson Smith, Sydney Groshek
Back Row from left to right: Matthew Russell, Devin Brabender, Carson Hosking, Carmen Sertzel, and Sophie Reader
School Champion: Devin Brabender
Notes from Foodservice
AMANDA GRIEP, Food Service Director
Spring is almost here! We have a lot of fun activities coming up at all of our schools. Lemon is our Harvest of the
Month for February, so we will be serving “Frozen” Lemonade at the Elementary schools the last week in February.
Breakfast is available daily at all schools and we encourage you to have your students eat a healthy breakfast
each day.
Reminder that your students share a “family” lunch account, so one payment per household is all that is needed.
District policy has an automated phone message that goes out to all parents in the district when your balance
drops below $20.00. Please make sure to keep a balance of $20.00 in your child’s account and make payments
promptly. Please call your Foodservice Director, Amanda Griep, if you have any questions or concerns.
Think SPRING!!!!!!!!
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
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National Spelling Bee
MELISSA HILL, Library Media Teacher
On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, Mazomanie Elementary School held its all-school
Scripps National Spelling Bee. This
year’s Spelling Bee Champion is fifthgrader Braden Ripp. He’ll move on to the
Regional Spelling Bee in Stoughton on
March 4. Edie Bollenbach, grade 5, was
the runner up. Congratulations to all the
spellers!
First row, left to right: Eli Gillitzer (3); Alyssa Parrell (3); Violet Bollenbach (3);
Levi Hellenbrand (3). Second row, left to right: Sydney Groshek (4); Mason
Muschitz (4); Abigail Walz (4); Jillian Statz (4); Brett Droessler (3). Back row, left
to right: Edie Bollenbach (5); Sophie Reader (5); Alex Brueggeman (5);
Braden Ripp (5); Cayden Miller (4); Derek Adler (4) (participants not pictured:
Hailey Amble and Bailey Wolf)
Champion Photo: Braden Ripp (5)
Runner up: Edie Bollenbach (5)
Wisconsin Heights High School Receives Career Awareness Grant
Accounting teacher Dave Haas has been awarded a WICPA Educational Foundation Accounting Career
Awareness Grant for 2015. WICPA is giving Wisconsin Heights High School $900 to programs who are involved with promoting accounting as a career. The accounting class will be taking a field trip to Miller Park
and Baker Tilly, CPA in Milwaukee, WI on March 6 to explore opportunities in the accounting profession.
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Battle of the Books Competition
MELISSA HILL, Library Media Teacher
The Wisconsin Educational Media and Technologysponsored Battle of the Books competitions took place
at Mazomanie Elementary and Wisconsin Heights Middle School on Feb. 4, 2015.
At Mazomanie Elementary, The Apple Pies (fifth graders Natalie Bartel, Madeline Henne, Brooklyn Lemke,
and Ashley Mickelson) edged out The Dewey Decimals
(Edie Bollenbach, grade 5; Coleman Frost, grade 4;
Libbie Louis, grade 5; and Sophie Reader, grade 5) for
the win. The Apple Pies will complete in the State Battle of the Books competition on February 26.
The Middle School Battle was dominated by 2014 winners. This year’s Middle School champion team is The
Questionizers II, made up of seventh graders Cody Amble, Kassidy Frame, Jenna Meili, and Brennan Zander.
They took second place in the middle school Battle last
year. This year, as champions, they’ll move on to the
State Battle of the Books. Close behind the Questionizers II at the Middle School were the Korageous Vicious
River Scouts: sixth graders Sydnee Duhr, Violet Laznicka, Riley Lynch, and Kaya Teela. KVRS was the
champion team at Mazomanie in 2014.
.
The Apple Pies from left to right: Brooklyn Lemke, Ashley
Mickelson, Natalie Bartel, and Madeline Henne
Questionizers II left to right: Kassidy Frame, Jenna Meili, Brennan Zander, and Cody Amble
Dewey and the Decimals from left to right: Libbie Louis, Edie Bollenbach, Coleman Frost, and
Sophie Reader
KVRS from left to right: Kaya Teela, Violet Laznicka, Riley
Lynch, and Sydnee Duhr
Middle/High School News
ASTA SEPETYS, Middle/High School Principal
Warm weather is just around the corner—next will be the school musical, spring break, music department trip to
New Orleans, field ecology trip to Yosemite, prom, and then...graduation! With the Midwinter week and dance
over, our year is speeding by. The HS Student Council and FFA sponsored a wonderful Midwinter Week with
lots of friendly competitions and activities, and now our school’s musicians and artists are getting ready for Fine
Arts Month in March.
Please take note of the following upcoming events:
Thursday, Feb. 26-Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-8:00 pm
Friday, Feb 27-Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:00 am-12:00 noon (Students-No School)
Saturday, Feb. 28-District Solo/Ensemble Festival at Marshall-8:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday, Mar 8-Junior Prom Fashion Show-2:00 pm
Tuesday, Mar. 10-End of 2nd trimester for MS “specials”
Tuesday, Mar. 10-MS/HS Band/Choir Concert, 7:00 pm
Wednesday, Mar. 11-Early Release-11:45 am (for MS/HS)
Friday & Saturday, Mar. 20, 21-HS Musical Production, Sound of Music-7:00 pm
Sunday, Mar. 22-HS Musical Production, Sound of Music-2:00 pm
Friday, Mar. 27-End of 3rd quarter
Saturday, Mar. 28-HS Forensics District meet at UW-Platteville
Sunday, Mar. 29-Band/Choir students trip to New Orleans (return 4/2/15)
Monday, Mar. 30-Apr. 3-Spring Break-NO SCHOOL
Onward!
The Vangarden
KIM HOUSER, Agricultural Ed. Instructor/FFA Advisor
Interested in beautifying your landscape with annuals or perennials? Need a hanging basket? Want to start an
herb or vegetable garden? Search no further, because the Vangarden has the answer to all of these gardening
needs.
The Wisconsin Heights High School Greenhouse Management class has been hard at work the past few weeks
transplanting annuals and perennials to be sold at their spring greenhouse sale!
You will be able to purchase flowers such as dahlia, fuchsia, and impatiens; as well as fresh herbs from dill
and rosemary to basil and tarragon. Take a gander at the petunias and Miss Ruby Butterfly Bushes. If you are a
vegetable fan, there will be plenty of tomatoes and peppers for you to choose from.
The spring sale will run from Saturday, May 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 10, from 11:00
a.m. until 2:00 p.m., as well as the following weekend.
Hope to see you stop out!
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
2015 Child Find Activities
VIVIAN HEATWOLE, Director of Pupil Services
The Wisconsin Heights School District will be conducting their annual “Child Find” activities in March 2015 for
children between the ages of two and five years old. The District mailed screening questionnaires to the parents
and guardians of preschoolers whose names were obtained from the school census.
The questionnaire asks about the preschooler’s skills and developmental history. Upon return of the questionnaire, the District’s Child Find staff will review the information and contact parents if they have any questions or
concerns. If there is a cause for concern by either the parent/guardian or a staff member, there will be an opportunity to have a face-to-face screening during an activity day in March. This face-to-face screening takes about
30-45 minutes, and there is no cost to the parents. If parents are unable to schedule an appointment for the day of
screening, other arrangements may be made.
Under a federal program called “Child Find,” school districts are required to offer screenings and evaluations to
help identify children who need specialized instruction in motor, social, communication, self-help and/or learning
skills.
If you have a preschool child who will turn three years old by March 1, 2016, and have not yet received a questionnaire in the mail, please call Kim Melzer at the Wisconsin Heights District Office (608) 767-2595, ext. 1005.
We need YOU!
For: PTO Mazo FUN Night
When: March 6, 2015
What: Baked Goods, Running Games, Baking Cakes for Cake Walk, working in Cafeteria for Dinner, taking Tickets for Prizes etc…
Please contact Renee Lamberty if you can help
Thank you!!
Renee Cell: 608-513-1676
Email: rtw27@hotmail
From the Guidance Department
KURT WONG, Counselor
Congratulations to senior, Josh Schoenmann, the 2015 class valedictorian, who
has been honored with a nomination for the Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Wisconsin Heights High School is proud to announce that Ella Cashman is the salutatorian for the Class of
2015.
Seniors
The WHEF and Other Local Scholarship Booklet and information has gone out to the senior class. These
scholarship applications are due to the guidance office by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16th. Late applications will not be accepted.
Please check the binder in the guidance office for other scholarship opportunities. Currently we have a variety of
random scholarships in the binder.
Scholarships Received from College or Other Outside Sources
On Scholarship Evening, we would like to recognize students who have been awarded scholarships from the
school they will be attending next year or from other outside sources. If you have received notification of a
scholarship from a college or group not included in our WHEF and Other Local Scholarship Booklet, please see
Mrs. Hoene for an Outside Scholarship Award form. All forms are due to the guidance department no later than
Monday, May 12th.
Taking the ACT or SAT
The ACT and the SAT are national tests which colleges use as part of the admission process. All of our juniors
will take the ACT with writing on March 3 and the results may be used for college admissions. Later tests will
be offered outside the school in April, June, September, October and December. Many students will take a test
more than once, in an effort to improve their score. Most schools in the Midwest prefer the ACT. However, you
should check with any school you are considering applying to, to find out which they would like you to take and
whether they require the writing portion of the test. All juniors interested in attending a four-year college or a
UW system school should take one or the other. Students are encouraged to take the practice tests to familiarize
themselves with the test. Madison College (formerly known as MATC) does not require the ACT although it
could be helpful when applying for certain programs.
Registration information for the ACT and SAT tests is available at www.actstudent.org or
www.collegeboard.com.
NEW – FREE ACT and SAT test preparation materials are now available on-line to our students through this
website http://knowhow2gowisconsin.org/ . Students should contact Mr. Wong if they have any questions.
ACT Test Dates:
Test Date Registration
April 18, 2015
June 13, 2015
Deadline
March 13, 2015
May 8, 2015
(Late Fee Required)
March 14 – 27, 2015
May 9–22, 2015
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Notes from the Music Department
GINA ADEMINO, Library Media Teacher
March is “Music in Our Schools Month.” The Music Department has a number of activities and performances
planned to celebrate including:
*March 5th
MS/HS Jazz Band & Choir Elementary Schools Tour (during school day)
Winners of the MIOSM poster contest to be announced at assemblies.
*March 10th
Music In Our Schools Month Concert & Art Show: Gr. 6-12 Bands & Choirs, 7:00 p.m.
Winners of MIOSM poster contest to be announced.
*March 12th
Mazomanie Elementary Music Program @ 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. in the Mazo Elem. Gym
*March 20th-22nd
HS Drama presents the “Sound of Music” 7pm on the 20th and 21st and 2pm on the 22nd. (see flyer)
*March 23rd
HS Trip meeting is on Monday, March 23rd at 7pm in the Cafeteria. All students who are going on the trip need
to be present with a parent. All chaperones also need to be present.
*March 29th-April 2nd
HS Band/Choir/Drama Trip to Memphis/New Orleans
*During March the 5th Grade Band members will perform a cafeteria concert during lunch, announce a “musical”
version of the daily menu and have a music trivia contest.
Music Boosters News…
*Thank you… This month we’d like to recognize The Wisconsin Heights Music Parents Association executive
board members for all of their behind the scenes work to support the music students of Wisconsin Heights
through scholarships, new instruments, accompanists and awards for Solo & Ensemble, and transportation to music events. Members include: Dixie Biser (President), Jenny Bailey (Treasurer), Joanie Haugen (Secretary), committee members: Pam Cashman, Sarah Crittenden, Karen Elworthy, Renee Lamberty, Kris Muschitz.
*March 2nd will be our next Music Boosters meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Band Ensemble room.
*Save the date! Our biggest fund raiser of the year is our “Evening of Jazz” spaghetti dinner & silent auction on
May 9th, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Congratulations to…
*On February 13th-14th, WHHS Band members traveled to UW-Platteville for the Tri-State High School Honors
Band. Devan Brekke, Ben Kirchman, Nathan Haugen, Sophie Elworthy, Kayla Fisher and Moze West rehearsed
with over 80 other area high school students on Friday, then attended a concert given by the UWP Wind Ensemble and Jazz I that evening. On Saturday, the students rehearsed more and performed in a concert at the UWP
Center for the Arts. These students also had a chance to work with composer/arranger Gary Gilroy.
*Congratulations to all of the instrumentalists and vocalists that participated in the District Solo & Ensemble Festival at Marshall on Saturday, February 28th. Watch next month’s newsletter for a list of participants and results
for Wisconsin Heights’ students. Thank you to our accompanists: Lisa Montelbano, David Bicknase, Quinn
Huebner and Asta Sepetys.
Looking to donate?
*We are still collecting used 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, acoustic guitar, keyboard and music stand off your hands and put it into the hands of a music student.
Contact Gina Ademino, Middle School Director, 767-2586 x3402.
Noteworthy Quote: “Music not only impacts academic achievement, it also shapes the way our students understand themselves and the world around them. Let's think beyond the bubbles™ and educate the whole student.”
Music students learn important 21st Century skills including: creativity, collaboration, communication and critical
thinking. Learn more at: www.broaderminded.com, National Association for Music Education.
Wisconsin Heights Drama Club Presents Rodger & Hammerstein’s
Show times:
Friday, March 20th @ 7:00pm
Saturday, March 21st @ 7:00pm
Sunday, March 22nd @ 2:00pm
Ticket Prices:
Adults-$7
Children (10 and under)-$5
*Tickets will be sold in the WHHS office starting March 11 as well as at the door*
Doors open Friday and Saturday @ 6:30pm &
Sunday @ 2:00pm
Drama Club bake sale items will be sold before the show and during
intermission.
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
Tips for Taking the ACT
•
Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.
•
Read the directions for each test carefully.
•
Read each question carefully.
•
Pace yourself—don't spend too much time on a single passage or question.
•
Pay attention to the announcement of five minutes remaining on each test.
•
Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil with a good eraser. Do not use a mechanical pencil or ink pen; if you
do, your answer document cannot be scored accurately.
•
Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones if you have time
remaining on that test.
•
On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated
guess among those remaining.
•
Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of ques-
tions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.
•
If you complete a test before time is called, recheck your work on that test.
•
Mark your answers properly. Erase any mark completely and cleanly without smudging.
•
Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test or continue writing the essay after time has been called. If
you do, you will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored.)
WISCONSIN HEIGHTS NEWS
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WISCONSIN HEIGHTS SCHOOL DISTRICT
10173 US Highway 14
Mazomanie, WI 53560
Phone: (608) 767-2595
Fax: (608) 767-3579
Email: [email protected]
“Every Child...Every Class...Every Day”
MARCH ATHLETIC EVENTS
Spring Sports Mee)ng
Wednesday, March 4th
Boys’ Basketball
3—Regionals TBA
6—Regionals TBA
7—Regionals TBA
12—Sectionals TBA
14—Sectionals TBA
19—21—State Tournament TBA
HS Track
26—V @ Lancaster 5:00
Girls’ Soccer
31—V vs. Sauk Prairie
Girls’ Basketball
5—Sectionals TBA
6—Sectionals TBA
7—Sectionals TBA
12—14-State Tournament TBA
Athletic Practice Starting Dates
March 9
High School Track practice begins.
March 16
High School Softball practice begins.
March 23
High School Girls Soccer practice and High
School Baseball practice begins.
April 6
Middle School Track practice begins.
V = Varsity
JV = Junior Varsity
7/8/9 = Indicates Grade
MS = Middle School
BOLD indicates a game played at home
Softball
21—V scrimmage vs. multiple 9:00
24—V @ Riverdale 5:00
26—V @ Argyle 5:00
31—V @ Wautoma 4:45