Gordon L. Willson Elementary -

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

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

BSD has begun engaging stakeholders in the long-term facilities planning process by re-forming an Elementary Facilities Advisory Committee (EFAC). The committee is expected to work through December 2023, reviewing data and providing feedback to the Board on potential facilities options. During its first meeting on August 7th, the EFAC was presented with information regarding the state of the District's elementary facilities. BSD faces capital maintenance costs estimated at over $27 million at the elementary level. More than $11 million of these capital maintenance costs are associated with near-term projects. Capital maintenance includes basic infrastructure and building operating systems including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Read the complete article in today’s Thunderbird Thursday! Link: https://conta.cc/44afRQt #AlwaysOnwardBSD

The first day of 4K is one month from today! Do you have your student registered for the 2023-24 school year? The Baraboo Early Learning Cooperative, more commonly known as BELC, is a 4-year-old Kindergarten program offered by BSD in partnership with various community childcare providers. Learn more and register your student today! Link:https://www.baraboo.k12.wi.us/o/belc #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 1! Congratulations to Mr. Damion Beth Baraboo High School Math Teacher who has been named a 2023 Herb Kohl Teacher Fellow! There is a saying that math is a journey, not a destination, and for BHS Math Teacher Mr. Damion Beth it has been an exhilarating 23 years of helping guide students to be positive members of society. Mr. Beth considered himself more of a traditionalist when he first started his career. However, when a colleague introduced him to the concept and philosophy of standards-based grading, it planted a seed that changed how he approached his students, lessons, and grading practices. Mr. Beth said, “I believe students grow most from experience, discussing, and getting feedback about the material presented rather than constant grading.” Because of this, in recent years Mr. Beth has been spending less time grading lessons and more time giving authentic feedback. “I want my classroom to be a place where students feel safe and want to come and enjoy learning. I want students to be able to experience mathematics, run into a problem that puzzles them, and wonder what the solution to the problem is.” Raising achievement for all of his students is and has always been a top priority of Mr. Beth. After teaching for 15 years in the Baraboo School District Mr. Beth took on an instructional coaching role in the distinct. While the position gave Mr. Beth the opportunity to work with teachers across the learning community, he missed the daily interaction with students, and seeing the joy they experience when students accomplish something they thought was impossible. The Kohl Teacher Fellowship program recognizes and supports teaching excellence and innovation in the state of Wisconsin. Their goal is to support Wisconsin teachers in the pursuit of their unrealized goals for their classrooms or professional development. The 100 Herb Kohl Fellowship recipients and the 100 Wisconsin schools of those teachers will each receive a $6,000 grant. Congratulations Mr. Beth we are thrilled and honored to have you as a Thunderbird! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 2! BSD is thrilled to announce that GLW is a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School! GLW is 1 of 297 schools nationwide and 1 of 8 in Wisconsin to be selected as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School. GLW will be formally recognized with the other 297 NBRS 2022 schools at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC on November 3 and 4, 2022. Click the link below to read the complete media release. https://bit.ly/3BMExnt #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 3! Check this out! 🔟 Thunderbird educators were nominated for NBC15 Madison's Crystal Apple Awards. Thank you for your tremendous work of engaging, challenging, and inspiring every student, every day in every way! 📒📚📝 More than 700 nominations for over 400 educators from school districts across South Central Wisconsin were submitted this year. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

In-Person Registration and Meet & Greet Today! In-Person Registraiton 11am to 6pm @ BHS Do you have questions about your student’s transportation, fees or school meals? BSD will have our staff and partner experts on site to help answer any questions. We will also have bilingual staff on-site to provide support if needed. Meet & Greet with Principal Considine 5-7pm @BHS Principal Considine would love the opportunity to meet students and families. On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, he will give tours of BHS for new students to the school beginning at 5pm until the 7pm Fall Sports Parents meeting. Please enter the parking lot off Draper Street or Berkeley Blvd. The Ninth Avenue entrances will be blocked off for maintenance. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 4! Today Jack Young Middle School students and staff hosted first responders from the Baraboo community in remembrance of Patriot Day. The community heroes, students and staff enjoyed lunch together before getting outside to enjoy some of the endurance equipment! Thanks to the amazing JYMS Food Service Team (Tammy, Sandy, Sally, Danna, Mary, Mary, & Nennette), for working to provide extra portions today and for supporting our tradition. Baraboo Fire and EMS, and Baraboo Police Department thank you for spending some of your afternoon with us. Mostly, thank you to those who have served, and continue to serve for our community and beyond! #AlwaysOnwardBSD #NeverForget

Do you have questions about your student’s transportation, fees or school meals? Get them answered at In-Person Registration tomorrow, August 1, 2023, at Baraboo High School (1201 Draper St., Baraboo) from 11am to 6pm. BSD will have our staff and partner experts on site to help answer any questions. We will also have bilingual staff on site to provide support if needed. Please enter the parking lot off Draper Street or Berkeley Blvd. The Ninth Avenue entrances will be blocked off for maintenance. Can’t attend In Person Registration? Complete the Online Registration form https://bit.ly/3Os6h4B to review and update your contact information today. If you need help remembering your login information or assistance creating an account please contact the District Registrar at 608-355-3955 or email registrar@barabooschools.net. We look forward to seeing your student(s) next school year! #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 5! Ray Prindle, an eighth grader at Jack Young Middle School, was recognized at Monday’s Board of Education meeting, on World Mental Health Day, for his recent heroic actions. Interim Police Chief Rob Sinden presented Ray with a commendation from the Baraboo Police Department and celebrated his actions. In late September Ray was talking to a friend online who had been working through some difficult times. Ray’s friend shared that they were not doing well, had access to a firearm, and intended to hurt themselves or others. After checking in with his friend and not hearing anything, Ray turned to an adult he trusted, his school counselor, Ms. Christina Olson. Ms. Olson and Rey worked with School Resource Officer Sabol to contact Canadian authorities, because Ray’s friend lives in Canada, to conduct a welfare check. The information Ray reported was found to be valid. Ray’s friend was thankfully found unharmed and is now receiving medical treatment. “Ray’s actions were courageous and undoubtedly saved human lives,” said Interim Police Chief Sinden. He went on to say, “I commend you for your actions because we strive to have individuals do what you did in this type of situation.” The School District of Baraboo thanks Ray for speaking up and his heroic actions. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with mental health issues or considering suicide, there are resources available. Calling 988 nationwide will connect you to the Suicide and Crisis Line. Texting HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, will connect you to the Crisis Text Line. Sauk County maintains a 24-hour Crisis Line at (800) 533-5692. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top Ten Post 6! In the 4th grade Wit & Wisdom curriculum, the first module is entitled "A Great Heart." With their teacher, Mr. Cory King, North Freedom 4th graders discussed the figurative and literal meanings of the word "heart" because the heart and circulatory system were part of their learning. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Top 10 Post 9 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 that 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. #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing the Top 10 posts from the 2022-23 school year, as well as highlights that we were not able to showcase earlier this year. Top 10 Post 🔟 Can you hear the music Baraboo? The Baraboo High School Music Department returns to the Al. Ringing Theater March 17 (7:00 PM) March 18 (7:00 PM) and March 19 (2:00 PM) with the Mama Mia! ABBA's hit songs tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. A large cast of thirty students will keep you entertained with non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers throughout the show! Director Tina Lang has returned to the helm for the 12th year to assist the student production. The production would not be possible without the talented work of the Orchestra composed of current and former BSD staff including Mrs. Lynn Gunnell, (BHS Choir Director), Mr. Griffin James (BHS Band Director), Mr. Greg Lang (retired), Mrs. Sue Lappin (retired), Mr. Dakota Mellen (East Music Teacher), and Mr. Tim Wagner (JYMS Choir Director). #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 a WEB Coordinator: Ms. Teresa Kamps tkamps@barabooschools.net OR Ms. Joel Anich at janich@barabooschools.net Please RSVP for this event using the link below. This 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 #AlwaysOnwardBSD

Students are doing a variety of activities so they are better consumers of information in Ms. Chappetto’s Current Events course. As a group they explored the front page of a newspaper, they have practiced visual literacy, and are working on reporting on a topic of personal interest, but also connecting it to Baraboo. Copies of the newsletter will be sent home with participating students. Check out this sneak peek of a few of the articles! Link: https://bit.ly/44Chbww #AlwaysOnwardBSD