School District of Baraboo

The Juneteenth holiday began on June 19, 1865, when "some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as 'Juneteenth' by the newly freed people in Texas." Juneteenth is our most recently declared federal holiday. Check out the quick resource guide in last week's Thunderbird Thursday to get to know the holiday, to deepen your knowledge, and to honor the history of Juneteenth. Link: https://conta.cc/3NGolKx #AlwaysOnwardBSD

A heartfelt congratulations to the incredible staff of the Baraboo School District on reaching a remarkable milestone anniversary! For years, your unwavering dedication, expertise, and passion have shaped the lives of countless students. Your commitment to education is truly inspiring. Thank you for your invaluable contributions and for creating a nurturing learning environment. Here's to celebrating your accomplishments and to many more years of success and fulfillment in your journey! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

All students at Jack Young Middle School had an opportunity to sign up for a summer journaling kit. Students who indicated they were interested in a kit were invited to a journaling introduction workshop. They left the session with information about different types of journals, ideas for journaling topics, a personalized journal, and supplies for journaling throughout the summer. Over 150 students signed up this year. We hope they enjoy recording their thoughts in whatever way they choose! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Congratulations to the remarkable Baraboo School District staff on your well-deserved retirement! Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have positively impacted countless lives. Thank you for shaping minds, fostering growth, and creating a nurturing environment. Enjoy this new chapter and may it be filled with joy, relaxation, and wonderful adventures ahead! Steve Argo - Social Studies Teacher, Baraboo High School Glenn Bildsten - Principal, Baraboo High School Mary Bildsten - Special Education Teacher, East Elementary Bernie Borkenhagen - Administrative Assistant, Baraboo High School Diane Flesch - Physical Education Teacher, Baraboo High School Robin Goeb - Food Service, Gordon L. Willson Elementary Laurie Kowalke - School Counselor, Jack Young Middle School Jane McMahon - Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning Shelley Mordini - Transitions Plus Teacher, Baraboo High School Sue Poniatowski - Special Education Paraprofessional, Jack Young Middle School Ann Renn - School Counselor, Baraboo High School Kathy Thornburgh - K-12 Alternative Education Teacher, WINGS Michele Yates-Wickus, Director of Student Services #AlwaysOnwardBSD

🎳 Fun Alert! East Elementary wrapped up the school year with a fantastic bowling field trip! Strikes, laughter, and memories were had to celebrate a successful school year! 🎉 #EndOfYearTrip #BowlingFun #MemoriesInMotion #AlwaysOnwardBSD

On Friday, May 26th, the North Freedom fourth graders began their day with a visit from Representative Dave Considine as a follow-up to their field trip visit to the Capitol. He talked about the best parts of his job and answered many questions that the fourth graders had regarding Wisconsin government, the Capitol building itself, and what a typical day is like in the life of an elected official. We are so appreciative that Representative Considine took time out of his busy schedule to pay North Freedom a visit! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Al Behrman Elementary School was abuzz Tuesday, June 6th for the much-awaited End of Year Field Day!! ABE students and staff had a day of thrilling games, friendly competition, and tons of fun. They celebrate the end of the school year with a bang! 🎉🏆 #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Celebrating our little graduates! Baraboo Early Learning Cooperative (BELC) held end-of-the-year events to celebrate the conclusion of 4K, It was a milestone celebration for our 4K students at BELC. The students have grown, learned, and accomplished so much. Congratulations, little graduates! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Did you know that BSD helps to address food insecurity during the summer through the Summer Food Service Program? Kids and teens can get a free healthy meal Monday through Thursday at Al Behrman Elementary School and Baraboo High School starting next Monday! ABE Breakfast: 7:30-8am ABE Lunch: 11:30am-12:30pm BHS Breakfast: 7-8:30am BHS Lunch: 11:30am-12:30pm In 2021 4,780 Sauk County residents experienced food insecurity and 427,830 Wisconsinights were food insecure. Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue. (Feeding America) #AlwaysOnwardBSD

On Thursday, May 25th the BHS T-Bird Marching Band put on a special performance for the students of Gordon L. Willson Elementary. The fantastic performance was filled with music and school spirit! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Please join the School District of Baraboo to learn about the 2023-26 Strategic Plan and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and share your thoughts on how we should go about achieving them. Feedback sessions will be held at Baraboo High School on June 14th and June 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Electronic feedback options will also be available at www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/. Community feedback on the KPIs and how to accomplish them is essential to creating a strategic plan that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our learning communities. Please join us to help shape the future of the Baraboo School District! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

The School District of Baraboo is delighted to announce Ms. Rita Ehlert, English Language Arts Teacher at Jack Young Middle School, as the recipient of this year's highly esteemed Excellence in Education Award for Secondary Teacher of the Year. Her unwavering commitment to her students' academic growth and holistic development sets her apart as an exceptional educator. Ms. Ehlert, a beloved member of the faculty at JYMS, has consistently gone above and beyond to engage and inspire her students. With her dynamic teaching methods, she brings the subject matter to life, fostering a deep understanding and love for learning among her students. “Her creativity is on display in her teaching, but also on her walls--a classroom that always turns heads for its appeal and focus on learning,” said Ms. Jane McMahon, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Ehlert actively contributes to the school community as the lead tutor for an after-school program that provides academic support services for students who identify as Native American. Her dedication to their success extends beyond the academic realm, ensuring that his students develop essential life skills, including teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. The Excellence in Education Award was established in 2006 by the Baraboo High School Class of 1956, on the occasion of their 50th reunion, and in honor of the dedicated educators who taught, guided, and inspired them during their years together at BHS. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin on behalf of the BHS Class of 1956. The Baraboo School District oversees the nomination and annual selection of the recipient. Read the full story in this week's Thunderbird Thursday: https://conta.cc/3WYCiWT #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Did you know that BSD offers a free summer food program to kids and teens from June 19th to July 20th? Free breakfast and lunch is served Monday through Thursday at Al Behrman Elementary School and Baraboo High School. ABE Breakfats: 7:30-8am ABE Lunch: 11:30am-12:30pm BHS Breakfast: 7-8:30am BHS Lunch: 11:30am-12:30pm #AlwaysOnwrdBSD

The School District of Baraboo proudly announces Mrs. Charlee Sarnow, Special Education Teacher at Gordon L. Willson Elementary, as the recipient of this year's prestigious Distinguished Elementary Teacher Award. Recognizing her exemplary commitment to education, Mrs. Sarnow’s passion for teaching and innovative methods have left an indelible mark on her students' lives. With nearly two decades of experience, Mrs. Sarnow has created an engaging and inclusive learning environment that nurtures each student's unique abilities and talents. Her dedication to individualized instruction ensures that every child reaches their full potential, fostering a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls. Under Mrs. Sarnow’s guidance, her students have achieved remarkable academic success while developing essential life skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Miss Sandra Conley, a Fifth-Grade Teacher at GLW, said, “Mrs. Sarnow works tirelessly to develop lessons which meet the needs of students while guiding each student to their fullest potential.” In addition to her exceptional teaching skills, Mrs. Sarnow is known for her genuine care and support for her colleague's well-being. As a mentor she fosters a nurturing and inclusive learning community, promoting empathy, respect, and understanding. The Distinguished Elementary Teacher Award was established by Andy Hauge, a Baraboo native, a member of the Baraboo High School Class of 1956, and a retired elementary school teacher who recognized the extraordinary value of the job that elementary teachers do. The award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching skills, leadership, and dedication to the young people of the Baraboo community. Funds are managed by the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin. Read the complete story in this week's Thunderbird Thursday: https://conta.cc/3WYCiWT #AlwaysOnwardBSD

On Friday, May 26th, the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd-grade classes got the opportunity to ride a vintage train built in 1917. Students walked down to the Mid-Continental Railway Museum and boarded the train. They were given tickets to be punched by museum volunteers, an activity book about railway safety, as well as the opportunity to ask questions throughout the trip. Halfway through the journey, the train stopped and students were given the opportunity to meet the engineer as well as see inside the locomotive. Older students were also allowed to attend if they had not gotten the opportunity before. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

East School hosted its end-of-the-year picnic on Wednesday, May 31st. The picnic was a vibrant celebration filled with laughter, games, and delicious food. Students, families, and staff reveled in the warm sunshine, bidding farewell to another successful academic journey. Educators and caregivers celebrated the collective achievements as an East School learning community. Memories were made, friendships strengthened, and anticipation for the next chapter ignited. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Earlier this spring Ms. Tessa's students took a break from testing and played human battleship. It was a great way to take a brain break and move around for a bit! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

8th graders at JYMS recently completed a Novel Study Unit on Night by Elie Wiesel, a survivor of the Holocaust, in their English Language Arts classes. As a culminating project, the students created a map of Elie’s journey and included important events, significant quotes, symbols, and themes. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Students from BHS’s HOSA Future Health Professionals attended the state leadership conference at Chula Vista Resort in April this year. A great group of students competed in health care issues like: medical law and ethics, human growth and development, behavioral health, and a series of community service announcements emphasizing mental health awareness, and the effects mental health has on drug use in teens. A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Brady J., Hailey H., Olivial H., Kylie J., Shay C., Regan H, and Payton P. on their amazing performances at HOSA State! HOSA is a student-led group that learns about our vast healthcare careers, performs community service, fundraising efforts, conducts a food drive that supports our very own BHS student population, and spreads awareness to our students about good health habits. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

On Thursday, May 18th, students in 4th Grade across the district were able to participate in an amazing program called Link-Up. Sponsored by Carnegie Hall, our students along with approximately 30 other area schools took a trip to the beautiful Overture Center in Madison for a unique concert experience where they were both audience members as well as performers. Students have worked hard all year to learn the materials on recorder, singing, and dancing in order to "Link-Up" and perform them with lots of other students. It was quite a show!