School District of Baraboo

Dear Thunderbird Families, I am excited to welcome you all back as we gear up to begin the 2023-24 school year. I hope this letter finds you all well and excited to return to school. In just a few days the 2023-24 school year kicks off, and it holds a lot of promise to be an exceptional one. Much of that is because of YOU as families, staff, and community members. Thank you for your continued commitment and engagement as a community. You all are essential school community members. We will continue to focus this year on building our beloved community through our district-wide vision and mission. Our Vision: What we aspire to be: A leader in education through innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on the whole student. Our Mission: What we aspire to do: Engage, challenge, and inspire every student, every day, in every way. Students and staff will utilize the power of community across every learning environment. As educators, we understand the importance of belonging as a key driver in an ever-changing world. We want to make sure EVERY STUDENT, FAMILY, and STAFF member understands they are a part of our beloved learning community. We also want to make sure that this happens EVERY DAY, not just every once in a while. We are committed as the School District of Baraboo to ensure CommUNITY in EVERY WAY! Always Onward, Dr. Rainey L. Briggs Superintendent

The back-to-school open house nights in the BSD were a resounding success, igniting excitement and fostering family connectedness! These evenings offer a vibrant opportunity for students, parents, and staff to unite, sharing in anticipation of the upcoming academic journey. Information and interactive displays showcase innovative teaching methods and curriculum highlights, sparking curiosity. Teachers warmly greeted families, forming crucial connections, and establishing a collaborative atmosphere. These open house nights embody our district's commitment to engaging every student every day in every way while setting the stage for a year of mutual growth and achievement. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

BHS Link Leaders were working hard earlier this week getting ready for tomorrow's first day with 9th readers and new students to the building! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Did you see the great article in Tuesday's BNR about the amazing Lambers Bus Lines drivers? 22 dedicated drivers transport nearly 900 BSD students each day to and from school covering more than 300,000 miles a school year. You can be one of them! Contact Lamers Bus Lines today to learn more about becoming a bus driver for the 2023-24 school year. You will make a positive difference in the lives of BSD students every day in every way. Article Link: https://bit.ly/3OVdADf #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Discover excellence at Baraboo School District's Open House tonight! Join us for an evening of important information, building tours, and meet our dedicated educators. Elementary Schools & BELC 4K - 4:00-6:00 pm Jack Young Middle School - 4:30-6:30 pm Baraboo High School - 5:30-7:30 pm Elementary and Jack Young Middle School students are encouraged to bring their school supplies with them today. Baraboo High School students should bring supplies on their first day of school. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Homecoming is early compared to recent years and will take place the week of September 10, 2023. The week of school spirit and Thunderbird pride will include the following events: Sunday, September 10, 2023 Powder Buff Volleyball 5:00 - BHS Gym Powder Puff Football 6:30 - BHS Flambeau Field Friday, September 15 Homecoming Parade 3:30 - Downtown Baraboo Football game vs. LaCrosse Riverhawks 7:00 - BHS Flambeau Field Join us in the fun! Please also note the adjusted early release schedule for the week. 4K-12th grade students will attend a full day of instruction on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, and have an early release on Friday, September 15, 2023. 4K students do not have instruction on September 15, 2023. #T-BirdTidbit #AlwaysOnwardBSD

"Nothing that's worth Anything is easy." - Barack Obama #AlwaysOnwardBSD #MotivatioanlMonday

Are you looking to build a new home in Baraboo? The BHS Building Trades Class would love to help you build a place to call home! Unfortunately, their project did not work out this year and the class is in need of a project for School Year 2023-24. Please contact Mr. Mark Weiss, Tech Ed Teacher, at mweiss@barabooschools.net or (608) 355-3940 Ext. 2227. Just look at the amazing craftsmanship and talent of our Building Trades students and staff! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

To help reduce the anxiety that can often be experienced with attending the first day of school, the first day of school for the 2023-2024 School Year will be different for 6th-12th-grade students than in past years. Baraboo High School • 9th-grade students and new 10th-12th-grade students to BHS report Friday, September 1, 2023. More information will be sent by Baraboo High School. • Returning 10th-12th grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. Jack Young Middle School • 6th-grade students and new 7th and 8th-grade students to JYMS report Friday, September 1, 2023. Further details will be shared by Jack Young Middle School. • Returning 7th and 8th-grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. #AlwaysOnwardBSD All Elementary Buildings All kindergarten-5th grade students report Friday, September 1, 2023, for their first day of school. Baraboo Early Learning Cooperative 4K and Early Childhood Program All 4K and Early Childhood students report on Thursday, September 7, 2023, for their first day of school.

This week BSD welcomed new educators to Baraboo and held a new educator orientation, often called Camp Thunderbird. The schedule for the week was packed with a variety of activities and training. Some of the highlights included a welcome breakfast and a tour of our district and the greater Baraboo community to see all that it has to offer. BSD is committed to supporting our new educators and building a culture of belonging which is why five days are dedicated to team building, training, and learning as the District focuses work on building the Beloved Community. The support new educators receive will be ongoing, embedded in daily practice, based on best practices, and will provide them with ample opportunities for experimentation and reflection. Read more stories like this one in today's Thunderbird Thursday! Link: https://conta.cc/3P6SC5H #AlwaysOnward

This week BSD welcomed new educators to Baraboo and held a new educator orientation, often called Camp Thunderbird. The schedule for the week was packed with a variety of activities and training. Some of the highlights included a welcome breakfast and a tour of our district and the greater Baraboo community to see all that it has to offer. BSD is committed to supporting our new educators and building a culture of belonging which is why five days are dedicated to team building, training, and learning as the District focuses work on building the Beloved Community. The support new educators receive will be ongoing, embedded in daily practice, based on best practices, and will provide them with ample opportunities for experimentation and reflection. Read the complete story in today's Thunderbird Thursday! Link: https://conta.cc/3P6SC5H #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Earlier this month Summer BSD Kid Stop students and staff had a field trip to Bello's Circus Extreme. They even got to take part in some of the show! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

BSD is excited to announce that our district is participating in a Free Breakfast and Lunch program for the 2023-2024 school year through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows economically challenged schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting Free and Reduced Meal applications. Schools and districts that take part in this program are reimbursed for the food services costs using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other programs such as FoodShare, also known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. All students enrolled at the following school(s) may participate in the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program at no charge: Al Behrman Elementary Household applications are required to receive free or reduced-price meals at the following site(s): Baraboo High School, East Elementary, Gordon L. Willson Elementary, Jack Young Middle School, North Freedom Elementary, and West Kindergarten Center. Visit the Parent Portal to complete a Free and Reduced Meal application. Link: https://baraboowi.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/baraboo.jsp #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Back to School Reminders! Please visit our website for more details! (www.baraboo.k12.wi.us) First Day of School To help reduce the anxiety that can often be experienced with attending the first day of school in a new building, the first day of school for the 2023-2024 School Year will be different for 6th-12th-grade students than in past years. This year will look as follows: • 9th-grade students and new 10th-12th-grade students to BHS report Friday, September 1, 2023. More information will be sent by Baraboo High School. • Returning 10th-12th grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. • 6th-grade students and new 7th and 8th-grade students to JYMS report Friday, September 1, 2023. Further details will be shared by Jack Young Middle School. • Returning 7th and 8th-grade students report Tuesday, September 5, 2023, and do not need to attend Friday, September 1, 2023. • All kindergarten-5th grade students report Friday, September 1, 2023, for their first day of school. • All 4K and Early Childhood students report on Thursday, September 7, 2023, for their first day of school. Open House Details Open Houses will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2023. • Elementary School Open Houses - 4:00-6:00 pm • Jack Young Middle School Open House - 4:30-6:30 pm • Baraboo High School Open House - 5:30-7:30 pm #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Earlier this week the School District of Baraboo held its first Data Summit for the year at Baraboo High School. Data-informed decision-making plays a critical role in the development and implementation of multi-leveled systems of support (MLSS) and the Continuous School Improvement Teams (CSIT) to ensure collaborative structures are in place to support collective responsibility in supporting students, who are at the center of all we do. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Each summer the BSD building and maintenance and summer custodial crews kick things into high gear by deep cleaning all of our district buildings. We would like to give all crew members a huge shoutout and thank YOU for all the work they have been and will continue to do to keep our schools clean and safe. In addition to the cleaning, they have been moving classrooms and completing various other summer projects such as working on modifying the JYMS front office to better support students and families, as well as maintenance on the Indoor Pool. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

This morning nearly 160 incoming 6th-grade students took part in their JYMS orientation! The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from elementary school to middle school a positive one for all students and to help familiarize them with the building. The event is led by English Language Arts Teacher Ms. Teresa Kamps and 36 WEB leaders. Ms. Kamps said, “Many teachers and staff volunteers help with the planning and delivery of this day, and I am so appreciative of all that they do to make it a success!” Eighth graders students serve as WEB (Where everyone belongs) leaders and mentors to the 6th graders. The students took part in large and small group activities that were designed to address students’ needs and concerns in an enjoyable manner. Activities included name games, tips for success at JYMS, and get-to-know-you opportunities. During this time the sixth graders made new friends and connections from across the Baraboo School District. Way to go 6th graders and WEB leaders! We can’t wait to see you this school year at JYMS! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Get Ready, 5th graders! It’s almost time for 6th Grade Orientation! The staff and students of Jack Young Middle School invite you to our 13th annual Sixth Grade Orientation with our 8th-grade WEB Leaders 8:00 AM -11:30 AM Thursday, August 17, 2023 JYMS Main Gymnasium/Commons Area The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from elementary school to middle school a positive one. Eighth graders will be serving as WEB leaders and mentors to the sixth graders. Large and small group activities are designed to address students’ needs and concerns in an enjoyable manner. Wear comfortable clothes and don’t bring all your “stuff”...travel light! If you have any questions, please contact the WEB Coordinator: Ms. Teresa Kamps tkamps@barabooschools.net Please RSVP for this event using the link below. This form is to get an idea for attendance and to organize any transportation needs. If you are unable to complete the form, your student can still attend the event. Link: https://bit.ly/43z5ndd 8th-grade WEB Leaders! Remember you have training on August 15th and 16th from 8:00 AM- 11:00 AM

This week members of the BSD Administrative Team, Administrative Assistants, SAFE's, and Instructional Coaches took part in The Ho-Chunk Nation SEED Project Retreat. SEED stands for "Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity" and the group partners with communities, organizations, and schools to train leaders to facilitate their peers in conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward social justice. SEED seminars which are grounded in personal reflection and testimony, listening to others' voices, and learning together in the context of intersecting identities and systemic analysis so participants work in large and small groups, as well as independently. “It has been wonderful to take part in SEED training,” said Pat Doty, Director of Student Services. “The small and large group discussions have helped us connect as a team and listen better to all voices.” #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Connect with your student's teachers at Open House on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. - Elementary Schools - 4:00-6:00 pm - Jack Young Middle School - 4:30-6:30 pm - Baraboo High School - 5:30-7:30 pm Visit our website to learn more about the start of the 2023-24 School Year! https://www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/ #AlwaysOnwardBSD