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the cardinal From the Superintendent
Dr. Brad Saron Dr. Saron (left) at the CVTC Manufacturing Show in 2014
This is a super exciting issue of the Cardinal Line! It highlights Career and Technical Education (CTE) and focuses on our students and their awesome stories! Kurt (the student to the left) is a fantastic example of the wonderful students who attend the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. Kurt is involved in soccer and track and field. He has taken a wide variety of classes, ranging from AP Psychology to Accounting to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD). In order to support students like Kurt, we’ve been working very hard on a strategic plan. The arrangement of this Cardinal Line is designed to be a student-centered expression of the School Board’s mega result and that plan! Of note for this issue, we are partnering with the community to respond to local needs by preparing all students to be college and career ready (mega result) and retain these talents in Chippewa Falls. We do this through a broad selection of challenging, relevant and rigorous courses that integrate technology to improve student-learning, producing creators and critics rather than just consumers. We are building relationships that promote belonging and nurture personal and social responsibility. We stress the importance of hands on, problem-based learning that support inquiry and student engagement. We promote an environment where all staff and students care about the quality of their work and where innovation and creativity are fostered! In addition to these courses, we offer a diverse selection of activities where students can collaborate and draw from their individual backgrounds, interests, and academic strengths. As always, if you ever have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!
MEGA RESULT Students will graduate prepared to succeed in post-secondary education and careers, having the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to achieve their personal goals and
CTE provides quality workbased learning programs, relevant academic skills, and workforce skills and behaviors necessary for successful postsecondary careers.
contribute to the common good. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
GROWTH
OUR PEOPLE
➧ INSPIRING TODAY’S STUDENTS TO BECOME TOMORROW’S INNOVATORS ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Student Achievement Promoting high achievement through a variety of rigorous courses
“
Chippewa Falls High School pushes
you to meet the goals you set for yourself. Through athletics, I have become a
“
We are graduating students
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better runner. Through a variety of hard
to pursue careers that have not yet
classes, I have been preparing for college.
been created, and which will require
Through Orchestra and Wire Choir, I
innovations in technology that our
have built my self-confidence. Being FFA
students will design to solve problems
(agricultural program) president has
that will enrich our community”
helped me build my leadership skills.”
– Angela Stokes, Career and Technical Education Coordinator
– Molly McIlquham, senior
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BAC KGR OUND : EL LI DA NI EL S A ND HA NNA H COWA N, FOR ENSIC S C AT EG ORY, SC IENCE OLYMPIAD COMPE TITION
Chippewa Falls offers a wide variety of rigorous and relevant classes to challenge students and to prepare them for post-secondary education and careers. We applaud our teachers for the extra effort they put into teaching, guiding, and challenging our students in a caring environment. We commend our students who embrace the challenge to achieve new academic heights as they prepare for post-secondary work.
Shelby Lanners | JUNIOR Shelby was part of the Chippewa Falls High School team that won the Eau Claire and Chippewa County soil contest at Fiddy Farms in October. Shelby learned how to judge soil from her Agricultural Science teacher, an experience that was complicated, but fun, she said. The skills Shelby learned in class will be useful if she pursues her goal of becoming a game warden. They will be good memories if she decides to be a video game designer. “My Outdoor Education teacher made the
learning fun and really cares about me as a person.”
Dustin Schuh | SENIOR
Wyatt Hubin | SENIOR Wyatt recently earned a merit scholarship and is planning on attending UW-Platteville to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Wyatt has taken a wide variety of coursework from AP Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus to CADD (Computer-Aided Drafting & Design) and the ABCs of Engineering. Wyatt balances sports with other extracurricular activities and a job. A member of the school’s Baseball Team and Auto Club, he is currently making the metal patches for restoring a Ford Mustang. “The best
thing about Chippewa Falls High School is the options you get with so many different classes in so many different subjects that are open to anybody.”
Dustin’s counselor helped him choose classes that would best prepare him for post-secondary education as well as for life after high school. As a result of the three Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) classes he’s taken, which utilize the same software used at CVTC, he feels well prepared to pursue a degree there in Architectural Structural Design. He’s also taken Physics, four years of mathematics, and Personal Finance. Dustin is part of the Senior Leadership Team and the National Honor Society, and he volunteers at the Eau Claire Humane Society, Chippewa Falls Boys and Girls Club, Pure Water Days activities for kids, the RCU Christmas parade, and many other community events. He operates an all-season yard maintenance business and works as a Real Estate Sales Assistant for Edina Reality. “My math teacher goes out of her way to help me be
successful. I can come in early for help – at lunch or during her prep time.”
Megan Moucha | SOPHOMORE Megan has taken a variety of different technical education and AP classes including Woods II (Shaping and Refinishing and Cabinet Making), courses on rebuilding engines, Welding I, Small Animals, and Fish and Wildlife Management. Next year she plans to take Human Anatomy and Physiology and AP Chemistry, in preparation for attending Point University in Georgia where she will pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. Megan is a member of FFA and 4H, and she recently joined Junior Holsteins. She enjoys going on mission trips with her church and working with her dad to rebuild their Mustang
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Fastback. “We have a really great teaching staff who love what they do and know how to teach really well.”
Equestrian Team Won the State Championship
Noah Mutter-Schultz | SENIOR Noah is an elected state leader of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), who helps to plan state leadership conferences, and has attended several national conferences. Noah loves volunteering. After logging nearly 300 hours of community service in a variety of volunteer activities, he recently won the Barbara James Service Award. Noah’s high school coursework in Health Science Occupations, Medical Terminology, and Human Anatomy and Physiology has prepared him to pursue a major in nursing with a minor in Spanish. “Because of
all of the unique opportunities in my coursework in high school and through HOSA, I plan to start out as a traveling nurse and would eventually like to work in pediatric oncology.” cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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Molly McIlquham | SENIOR Molly has taken a number of Agricultural Science courses as well as AP Psychology and four years of mathematics. She participates in the Orchestra and is a member of the school’s Wire Choir, the Equestrian Team, Athena (a community service club for girls), and the National Honor Society. Molly recently placed 2nd in the FFA Job Interview Competition, qualifying her to move on to Sectionals. She logs many hours volunteering in and outside of school. NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
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“
There are enough classes that I can take art all four years. The art instructors are really engaging and ready to help support our interests.” Alicia Thomas | SOPHOMORE Alicia is taking Advanced Computer Imagery and Animation. She has taken a number of art classes, including Ceramics, Sculpture, Animation, and Drawing. Alicia wants to pursue a career in drawing.
“
I love everything about my Animation class. The teacher is my favorite and takes time to really explain and genuinely cares about our learning.” Andrea Barile | JUNIOR
s
Andrea wants to create her own television show. She has taken Animation classes and Drawing Studio. Andrea particularly likes perspective work. She plans on taking Advanced Animation, Ceramics and Sculpture.
“
Our program has already started to grow technologically, so that we can have students not only create quality artwork but also photograph, document, and share their artwork as a professional artist would. We are striving to get more quality work out of our students.” – Harry Kellogg, art teacher
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
s
“
My goal is to create experiences for students that broaden their skills and intelligence in many categories: social/cooperative, global vision, visual literacy, media literacy, technical art, creativity, problem solving, analysis, self-assessment, emotional intelligence/expression, time management, work ethic, and a path to personal success and happiness.”
– Jennifer Handrick has been working in the district since 1999. Jennifer was the 2013 Outstanding Art Educator – Secondary Division, for the State of Wisconsin
“
My art teacher is great because she teaches technique and allows us to be creative and expand our imagination. There is something in the art department for everyone.” Danica Leos | SOPHOMORE
Danica wants to study computer animation and imagery after high school. For the last two summers, Danica attended an art camp at UW-Stout where she stayed in the dorm, studied different types of art, and learned about how to look for colleges, registration, and funding. She hopes to attend UW-Stout after graduation. She has taken a number of art electives and participates in fall and spring theater productions at Chippewa Falls High School.
“
Our art teachers are very talented and model what they want us to do. They offer suggestions but really let us pursue what we want. There are requirements, but we can really personalize our work.” Clara Johnson | SENIOR
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CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
+
CVTC grants help Chippewa Falls High School students
prepare for college Fourteen of our Chippewa Falls High School juniors and seniors had the option this year to take Intermediate Algebra for free on the Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) campus thanks to a grant CVTC received from the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) subject areas: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Business
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) has been awarded a $75,476 College Ready Grant from the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation. In keeping with Great Lakes’ goal of improving graduation rates for students from traditionally underserved backgrounds – students who have the most to gain from higher education – the grant will be used for CVTC’s Collaboration for Achieving Post-secondary Success (CAPS) program.
Information Technology
college instructor, attend two sections of an Intermediate Algebra course at the Business Education Center on CVTC’s Eau Claire campus. They also receive peer-to-peer support from CVTC students to help them navigate their way on campus and adjust to the college experience. Upon successfully completing the program, students earn both high school and transferable college credits.
Family and Consumer Science Health Science Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship Technology and Engineering
“
CTE is dynamic, flexible, and responsive to changes and advances in technology, education, the workforce, and the economy. It incorporates methods, ideas, and resources to remain relevant and contemporary.
The CAPS program provides extra mathematics instruction for eligible juniors and seniors from Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Altoona public high schools to better prepare them for success in college. (Eligible students are identified by each school district.) “We know,” says Kristen Raney, CVTC’s Dean of Academic Development and Services, “that if we can help students prepare for college before they are out of high school, their chances of college success greatly improve.”
Adapted from: celebratecareers.com/documents/CTEImportance.pdf
PHOTOS BY MARK GUNDERMAN, CVTC
Students in the CAPS program, which is team-taught by a high school teacher and a
“
The students are not only learning Intermediate Algebra but also experiencing many of the services that CVTC offers, such as how to use E360, CVTC’s learning management system. They are advocating for themselves and managing their time.”
Working with Kennedy Schultze is Joy Wachwitz, Chippewa Falls High School teacher and CVTC instructor. BOTTOM: Working with Cheyenne Wood is CVTC instructor Ruth Carlson. TOP:
– Joy Wachwitz, Intermediate Algebra and CVTC teacher cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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CHIPPEWA FALLS GRADUATES [ DIRECTLY OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL ]
Top Four Institutions of Enrollment CVTC 34%
UW-Stout 12%
UW-Eau Claire 24%
UW-Madison 7%
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Service Excellence Ensuring a positive and caring environment
“
What makes success is different
people with different abilities and interests, all working together.”
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District provides a safe, positive, and caring environment where everyone works together for the common good. We work on existing and new partnerships with parents, local businesses, service clubs, and nonprofit organizations.
“
The biggest piece of our
success is that the students know we genuinely care about them.
Kyle Hinke is a greeter in the library.
Community Conversation, 1-Year Anniversary, February 2015
We have created relationships that support and nurture academic growth, as well as life in general.” – Rebecca Davis, high school principal
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My favorite thing about school is working in the library because I get to talk to other kids.” Maddy Martin enjoys working with Kyle and watching how all of the students in the high school support one another.
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BACKG R OUND PHOTO (L TO R ): TEC HNOLOG Y COAC HES C A R A SCHUE LLER AND SAR AH R ADCLIFFE WITH STUDENT ISAAC WISTI
– Dr. Jim Madsen, UW-River Falls Physics Department Chair
}
Coming to Chippewa Falls High School in the Fall of 2015
To better prepare students to pursue degrees in engineering-related fields, Chippewa Falls High School will be offering Introduction to “I’m excited about the Engineering and Design (IED), a pre-engineering course that will allow opportunities PLTW offers students to use sophisticated three-dimensional modeling software to students planning careers improve existing products, invent new ones, and communicate product in engineering. It allows details to others. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication for ‘dipping of toes’ in methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and the waters for the entire technical documentation. Qualifying students can earn undergraduate engineering field.” credit at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents also has adopted a policy for accepting – Kathy Strecker, parent. Her son is signed up for Introduction to approved Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses for Advanced-Standing Engineering and Design next year. Credit. IED is the first in series of engineering courses that will build on one another. A number of Wisconsin higher, education institutions have partnered with PLTW to provide students with such benefits as college For more information credit, scholarships, and more. on PLTW, visit the website at pltw.org
“
I am extremely excited about PLTW because it will add design elements we currently don’t have. We have strong drawing aspects, but now we can add the design piece and kids can apply their drawing techniques to their designs.” – Tim Pomietlo, teacher trained to teach IED
Hannah Faris | SENIOR Hannah is planning to attend Columbia College in Chicago next year to pursue a double major in Cinema Art and Science and Television Production, with a concentration in Writing. She was accepted to the school after submitting a portfolio of her work, including a short film that she made during an independent study opportunity in cinematography with a teacher who helped her with post-production and editing work. Hannah’s wide range of coursework and participation in extracurricular activities will serve her well next year. She is interested in pursuing a career in film, in part, because of the video presentations she completed for her Spanish class.
“Being the president of the Spanish Club honed my leadership skills and, in my opinion, contributed to my receiving a scholarship for next year. Taking AP English helped provide discipline and perseverance in writing. My participation in Wire Choir and touring Wisconsin to play for hundreds of people has been unique and has helped me step outside my comfort zone.”
Students have several opportunities to earn college credit while at Chippewa Falls High School. Our District partners with CVTC to provide transcripted credit classes, grant-funded classes, and Youth Options classes. We currently have seven transcripted CVTC classes that our teachers are certified to teach directly to our students in our classrooms. We look to add more opportunities next year. Some of our students are going to CVTC for a class designed to specifically teach our students Intermediate Algebra. In addition, we continue to have students participate in the Youth Options program, where they take classes directly from CVTC.
Joe Krause | SENIOR
TECHNOLOGY – Integration and Innovation The Student Technology Innovation and Integration course at Chippewa Falls High School is a hands-on study of technology integration in an educational context. Students have opportunities to assess problem sets throughout the day and define the best approach to address or solve the problems. Students also work on several running projects that address problems or solutions in educational technology integration. Pursuing an independent learning pathway in one of four areas – innovation, design, entrepreneurship, or applications that students develop a project that positively impacts their school or community. We are working on creating opportunities for students to collaborate with outside businesses and organizations as well. Students will be heavily involved in working at a student help desk in the high school library to help students troubleshoot problems with their Chromebooks and learn to make simple hardware repairs. Steve Herriges, Human Resources Business Partner, JAMF Software cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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INVESTIGATING
courses in computer coding and programming
Joe was accepted by UW-Eau Claire’s music department after a rigorous audition process, and he plans to pursue a degree in Music Education. A flute/piano duet and a song that Joe recently composed for the Orchestra was played, with Joe conducting, for the winter concert and the spring break tour in Dallas, Texas. Joe has also taken AP coursework in Music Theory, Physics and Calculus. He is a member of the school’s Tennis Team and played Prince Charming in the school’s musical, Cinderella.
“Chippewa Falls High School allows you to have a lot of influence over what you do and to create from your own ideas,” says Joe. “I composed a piece for the Orchestra, and they played it. That was not really listed as an option in the course catalogue, but I did it!”
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Our People
“
If my time helps the students develop a clearer
vision of their future and take advantage of the opportunities before them, my invested time will have produced returns.”
Tim Wolter, MD
Tim has been a volunteer teaching the Robotics class (Voyagers after-school program for middle schoolers) for the past fourteen years.
– Gale Sorum, volunteer
Engaging and empowering Our employees and volunteers choose the district and remain here because they feel engaged and empowered to grow and make valued contributions to our mission. We provide access to necessary tools and resources, opportunities for shared leadership, and focus on process improvement to support efficiency and innovation.
“
Nick Gagnon (high school) and Angela Southworth (middle school) were named as Herb Kohl Educational Foundation 2015 Fellows.
The Physics teachers at Chi Hi let us voice
our opinions, they are
patient, and they make real-world connections
Nick Gagnon
AP Physics Teacher
and know their content really well.” – Physics student at Chippewa Falls High School
Dr. Joe Hupy
UW-Eau Claire Geography and Anthropology Department
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Dr. Jim Madsen
UW-River Falls Physics Department Chair and Director of Education and Outreach for the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center
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Donna Goodman | Instructional Coach
Gale Sorum | Balloon Launch Volunteer Gale became involved with the Chippewa Falls High School Altitude Balloon group in January of 2014. He is a retired Computer Engineer and now extends those technical skills for the balloon club projects. He enjoys being able to help the students define tasks and problems,
Donna’s favorite part of coaching is supporting staff through problem-solving, power planning, and providing information about professional development
propose solutions, and convert those proposed solutions into physical things. “Technology
opportunities. “The District’s greatest strength
is the commitment to its stakeholders (school, community, parents, teachers, businesses, board), its community-driven vision for education, and the dedication of its educators to preparing students for careers and college. Everyone I have worked with in this District works hard and believes in students.”
changes very fast, therefore one of the priority things I think people interested in it must master is the ability to truly study and learn. If you stop studying in the technology field, you will quickly be left behind. An understanding of theoretical and applied mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology all provide the knowledge base that technology careers are based on.”
Allison Fisher | Transition Coordinator Allison works directly with students with identified disabilities to help them reach their post-secondary employment, education, and independent living goals. Her primary role is to develop experiences (job shadows, work experiences, volunteering, business tours, college tours, etc.) for students to build job skills and awareness of post-secondary opportunities, and to connect with helpful community organizations like Workforce Resource. She recently coordinated the Job Olympics for the entire county. “I receive incredible
support from community members, families, teachers and administration.”
Ruth Buchner | Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher
OUR PEOPLE
Nick Gagnon | AP Physics Teacher Nick feels lucky to be surrounded by students at Chippewa Falls High School who love learning, want to advance their education, and are supported at home: “I’m teaching future engineers, doctors,
lawyers, etc. I have it easy!” His favorite thing about teaching is when he knows that he has challenged his students and pushed them to become better, and when he hears from them after they have graduated. “Our
school has close relationships with businesses, technical schools, and universities in the area with whom we can connect our students before they graduate. We also offer many AP Science classes to our students: Physics and C, Mechanics, Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences.”
population. “When I was hired at the high school almost
22 years ago there wasn’t a Health Science pathway. I am so glad that we now have the opportunity to give our students the background to make a decision if health care is the field they should go into and provide ways for them to prepare for whatever career they choose.”
Dr. Melanie Graham | 1995 Graduate Melanie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota. She shared that for most high school students it is somewhat difficult to predict what the future holds, but exposure to unique professional experiences and challenging coursework, can help form a foundation from which they can explore, follow their intuition, accept new responsibilities, and inspire their imagination. “As a researcher and professor, it is easy for me to ‘connect
Lauri Malnory | Family Service
the dots’ between the experiences I had at Chippewa Falls High School and where I sit today. Besides offering an advanced science curriculum that prepared me for rigorous college and graduate coursework, the CTE (Career and Technical Education) program offered opportunities to explore medicine and a ‘culture of care.” Melanie feels that the only way to do
Lauri provides support and resources to families of students who have preschool through high school children with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Lauri loves working with families and supporting them as they navigate the systems of education, health, community, and employment. She finds Chippewa Falls to be a wonderful community.
truly great work is to love what you do, and these experiences led her to do what she loves – ground-breaking medical research that changes the lives of patients suffering from disease while also improving and protecting the welfare of the animals that make the research possible.
“When you’re here, you’re family” is a motto that sums up her experiences of working with the school system and the community. cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
Ruth has the opportunity to teach Health Sciences, which offers many courses and has evolved to meet the needs of our changing
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PARKVIEW ELEMENTARY
Trama and Loss in Children The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC) is an international authority on trauma-related behavior and treatment in children. The programs and resources of TLC help K-12 school and agency counselors, social workers, teachers, and psychologists better understand the effects of childhood trauma, while providing tools to guide children through critical times. It was established in Michigan by Dr. William Steele in 1990. The premise of the program and its resources is: “It’s NOT what’s WRONG with you, rather it’s what HAPPENED to you.” Julie Petersen, School Counselor from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, is a Certified Trainer for TLC as well as a Level 2 Consultant. She attended five years of training, during the summer in Detroit. Because Julie is a Certified Trainer, she has trained all of the district school counselors and social workers, most school district’s psychologists and K-12 teachers from all schools in the research and procedures to help children of trauma through the use of sensory techniques.
STUDENTS ATTEND Job Olympics
Counselors at Parkview Elementary School and the Middle School 5th-Grade Summer School have also used TLC resources to establish a sense of safety for students in our schools.
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Students work on the announcements (general school happenings, weather, Pledge of Allegiance, etc.) before school, during lunch recess, and whenever else they can find time. Announcements are pre-recorded and made available to the staff and for students to play at a time that is convenient in their schedule.
The Counseling Department uses TLC materials to support students in developing the characterdevelopment skill of resiliency, teaching all students to become survivors in the world. Concerned parents who feel their child may be a victim of a circumstance that is interfering with school performance are encouraged to contact their school counselor for support. More resources for parents on a variety of topics can be found at starrtraining.org.
Chippewa County recently held a Job Olympics, coordinated by Allison Fisher, Transition Coordinator for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. Students from five school districts participated in this competitive event at Horizons (in Tilden), which was designed to build job skills, raise self-esteem and confidence, and simulate realistic job situations. Local business leaders and agency volunteers
Charlie Walker (right), President/CEO of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), participates in a practice interview at Horizons.
Fifth-grade students from Parkview Elementary can choose to be part of WPVW.
Lori Hebert, Instructional Coach, with fifth-grade student from Parkview Elementary School
served as judges. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Career Development Center, ContinuUs, Workforce Resource, Chippewa River Industries (CRI), Center for Independent Living, United Cerebral Palsy, and the Chippewa County Economic Development Center all participated.
Students participate in practice interviews with Brenda Swododa (from the Wisconsin Transition Improvement Grant TIG).
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A student participates in ‘job readiness’ with a volunteer from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
PHOTOS BY ANGELA STOKES, CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Last November, the staff of Parkview Elementary School received training on how trauma affects children and ways to move children from being victims to being survivors.
“I Feel Better” groups, an eightweek Children of Trauma group, is offered in many of our Elementary Schools as well as Julie Petersen and Bill Grimes, at the Chippewa School Guidance Counselors Falls Middle School. Students work through a series of sensory activities to transition from being a victim, which gets in the way of their schooling, to being a survivor. Through the school counseling process of small-group instruction, students are referred to groups by parents, teachers, and counselors using the premise that a barrier exists that doesn’t allow them to achieve their full potential.
Morning announcements produced by WPVW Channel 7 News Crew
INSPIRING TODAY’S STUDENTS TO BECOME TOMORROW’S INNOVATORS
ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
“
Our philosophy for technology education at the Chippewa Falls High School is to show students the vocational opportunities available to them after graduation and then to prepare them to succeed in whatever avenue they choose. We believe in providing students a range of educational opportunities, from traditional hands-on technology to the latest in high-tech engineering and design.” – Brian Hefty, Department Head for Technical Education
AUGUST ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– August 25 – 27
Teachers back to school
SEPTEMBER –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– September 1 September 7 September 25
School starts Labor Day – No School Early Release – Teacher collaboration
OCTOBER –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– October 23
Early Release – Teacher collaboration
NOVEMBER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– November 23 – 24 Secondary PD – No School November 23 Elementary PD – No School November 24 Elementary Work Day – No School November 25 – 27 Thanksgiving Break – No School
DECEMBER ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– December 23 Early Release December 24 – 31 Winter Break – No School
JANUARY –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– January 1 January 21 January 22
New Year’s Day – No School Early Release – Teacher collaboration Elementary PD and Secondary Work Day – No School
FEBRUARY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Students from Scott Sikkink’s Yearbook Class videotape Jerry Jacobson (President, Northwestern Bank) for an Augmented Reality ‘Aura’ (electronic advertisement) for the Chippewa Falls High School yearbook, Monocle.
Employees volunteer at
Agnes’ Table
February 11 February 12
Early Release – Teacher collaboration Elementary PT Conferences Secondary PD / Curriculum Work – No School
MARCH –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– March 21 – 25 Spring break – No School March 28 Elementary PD and Secondary PT Conferences – No School
APRIL –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– April 13
Early Release – Teacher collaboration
MAY –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– May 30
Memorial Day – No School
JUNE ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– June 3 June 4
Last day of school High school graduation
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PD = Professional Development PT = Parent-Teacher
Elementary = Kindergarten – Grade 5 Secondary = Grades 6 – 12
Visit our website for the school calendar. cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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a local welding company over the summer, led me to pursue a career in welding. It
Growth
really builds a work ethic because you have to be there at 6 a.m. and often don’t get done until 4 p.m. You learn communication skills and how to work with others.” – Preston Kromrey, senior
The Automotive Technology program qualified to compete at the Ford / AAA State competition in May. Competing will be Wyatt Hubin and Ryan Dick.
2
Schools
Skills
On December 12, 2014, eighth grade students who demonstrated an interest and aptitude for manufacturing were invited, along with their parents, to participate in our Schools2Skills program. By partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, we were able to take thirty-five students to W.S Darley and Company and to Nordson EDI for tours to gain a better understanding of the scope and sequence of career opportunities in the manufacturing industry in the Chippewa area. After the tours, students headed to CVTC in Eau Claire for hands-on demonstrations of some of the post-secondary training and skills needed to pursue manufacturing careers. Students shared that, “seeing the machines in action, learning about
Known as the premier PreK-12 school district We foster innovation in our staff and students by nurturing critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. We build these skills by promoting community collaboration, valuing challengeseeking learning, and cultivating a culture of excellence.
“
The future success of Chippewa Falls area
businesses relies on the education of the students in our schools. The partnership between our
schools and the Chippewa Falls Chamber helps to create a positive foundation for future employment and growth in our community.” – Mike Jordon, Chippewa Falls Chamber President
the salaries in manufacturing jobs, talking to actual employees, learning about robots, and seeing the different classes at CVTC” was very helpful in building their understanding of post-high school opportunities. Our District, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, will take tours focused on Health Care and Information Technology in the Spring of 2015.
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BACKG R OUND P HOTO: T R AV IS TAI NTE R (R I GHT ) , AUTOMOTIV E TE CHNOLOG Y TEACHER, WITH STUDENTS (L TO R) PRESTON KR OMRE Y, DYLAN WATERS, AN D RYAN DICK
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My hands-on work experience, with
Cheyenne Wood | JUNIOR
Isaac Wisti | SOPHOMORE
Cheyenne currently takes a college-level Math class for free at CVTC two evenings a week as part of a grant written last year by the Chippewa Falls School District in conjunction with CVTC. In addition to her Math class, Cheyenne is taking a wide variety of art and design electives at the high school: Photography, Painting, Graphics, Ceramics and courses that utilize Adobe Photoshop software. She is considering taking her general coursework in a smaller setting and eventually transferring to a four-year university so she can participate in a study-abroad program. Cheyenne is considering utilizing Youth Options to pursue more college-level courses on the CVTC campus next year.
Isaac hopes to take the new Technology Integration class next year because of the real-world application it makes between technology and customer service. Isaac has taken Electronics and Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) electives, as well as some online courses. He has also taken Personal Business and Law because he might want to start his own business. In fact, he has already created his own website: Not So Headline News. Isaac enjoys the time he spends as a member of the school’s Science Olympiad Team and looks forward to taking Physics. He hopes to see courses in Java Script, the main programming language on the web, and he would like to see the formation of a computer club. “I like
computers – the way they work is very intriguing.”
Ryan Dick | SENIOR Ryan plans to attend UWPlatteville to study mechanical engineering. He is currently the president of the school’s Auto Club and works locally for Hudson Electric, where he started in the shop scrubbing rust off the floor and said he learns new things every day. “The things you learn on the
job aren’t really taught in school. I have really built up my communication skills and have had to learn how to be professional.” Related courses like Electronics I
Dylan Waters | SENIOR
and II have given Ryan the theoretical knowledge necessary to make practical connections and to do more at work. He balances full-time summer work with part-time work during the school year while playing both golf and hockey.
GROWTH
Dawn Paukner | SENIOR Dawn plans to attend UW-Eau Claire next year to pursue a biology degree that will prepare her for medical school. Dawn balances a diverse course load while working a part-time job. She has taken a variety of courses to prepare her to study medicine, from AP Biology to Anatomy and Physiology to Medical Terminology. Dawn started out her education being home schooled.
Dylan plans to study architecture at either UW-Stout or CVTC (depending on the outcome of this spring’s baseball season). Dylan has taken four years of Math, Woodworking, Auto Tech, and ComputerAided Drafting & Design (CADD). His CADD classes complemented his interest in architecture, and
“hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes allowed me to create my own projects and designs and to make learning my own.” Dylan works long hours in the summer for Country Jam and for his family’s catering business, and he appreciates the value of working hard while carrying a rigorous course load.
“I’ve learned to work collaboratively in public school. There is a lot you can be involved in here that I would not have had if I were home schooled, like Band, the musicals and taking AP lab courses.” This year, she played the stepmother in the school’s production of Cinderella.
Kennedy Schultze | SENIOR
Preston Kromrey | SENIOR Preston plans to pursue a career in underwater welding. After high school, he plans to complete a certification program for commercial diving in Jacksonville, Florida. He has taken a wide range of courses to prepare him for his future career: Welding, Machine Shop, Auto Shop, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD), Woodworking, and four years of mathematics. cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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Kennedy plans on attending UW-Barron and then transferring to UW-Stout to complete a degree in social work. Kennedy, who takes Intermediate Algebra at CVTC, feels prepared for college-level coursework. “The
opportunity at CVTC has helped me a lot. Being on a college campus and getting a feel for what it is like has made me feel more confident about going to college next year. I don’t think I would feel this way if I had not had this opportunity.” NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 13
: Where innovation happens every day!
OPEN ENROLLMENT
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If you are interested in experiencing a positive and caring environment, rigorous and relevant courses that engage and empower students, and a wide variety of unique activities we would love to provide your educational foundation! cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
1:1 Technology Initiative
We call our 1:1 program the Cardinal MILE (Mobile, Integrated Learning Environment). The purpose of the Cardinal MILE is to implement technology that enables all students to speed up the acquisition of knowledge, to enhance and expand their ability to interact and collaborate, and to eliminate place and time as limitations on education. Our goal is to provide access to technology so that each student’s ability to learn is enhanced by his or her selection of appropriate technology tools for the learning task at hand. The Cardinal MILE helps students to search for, access, and assess information capably so that they are prepared for our highly technological society and its workplace opportunities. Similarly, the Cardinal MILE focuses on the development of the lifelong ability to utilize technology as a tool to enhance future learning experiences.
Chippewa Falls Unified School District
What makes this experience unique in Chippewa Falls is our dedication to making the technology as invisible as possible, with a robust wireless network to support online work. Troubleshooting support is available on the spot, and backup devices are readily available so students can return to the classroom as soon as possible after experiencing difficulties with their device. In addition, teachers have unique opportunities to participate in professional development to continue to learn how to integrate technology into the classroom to support curricular learning targets.
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Computers allow me to talk to people around the world, look up information, create new things. I love that we have Chromebooks in school because it helps with Writing, Chemistry and History.” – Isaac Wisti, sophomore
Cardinal MILE :
GRANT FOR TEACHERS GOAL: To support successful technology integration in the classroom that enables high levels of student achievement by fostering the development of 21st-Century Skills (e.g., critical-thinking and problemsolving skills, communication skills, collaboration skills, creativity and innovation), engagement, and authentic learning.
Creating
Emma Burlingame competes in Code Busters at the Regional Science Olympiad.
Makerspace
Emma chose to open enroll in the Chippewa Falls School District to take advantage of the wide range of rigorous coursework offered. She is currently taking three AP courses: English, Government, and U.S. History. Next year, she plans to take four more: English, Psychology, Environmental Science, and Biology.
”Taking tough classes in high school helps me learn better. I have someone to help if I need it.” Chippewa Falls High School also offers Emma better language choices. She currently takes Spanish and hopes to add French next year. Emma enjoys participating in the Science Olympiad Team. Her categories are Code Busters and Astronomy and Astrophysics. She is still deciding where she would like to attend college.
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Emma Burlingame | JUNIOR
Hillcrest Elementary
Chippewa Falls library media specialists, in conjunction with our technology coaches, are working to create Makerspaces. “Makerspace” is a space for students to create, design, experiment, and tinker. Our goal is to support students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and foster creativity and innovation. These spaces are being designed to offer diverse activities in which students can collaborate and draw from their individual backgrounds, interests, and academic strengths.
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
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cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
STEAM education prepares students (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics)
STEAM education prepares students: ■
for successful employment, post-secondary education, or both, that require different and more technically sophisticated skills, including the application of mathematics and science skills and concepts ■
to be competent, capable citizens in our technology-dependent, democratic society
STEAM education in high school: ■
provides a challenging and rigorous program of study focusing on the application of STEAM subjects ■
offers courses and pathways for preparation in STEAM fields and occupations ■
bridges and connects in-school and out-of-school learning opportunities ■
provides opportunities for student exploration of STEAM-related fields and careers, especially for underrepresented populations ■
prepares students for successful post-secondary employment, education, or both
STEAM Night
The goal of STEAM night is to promote the high school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics areas that enhance post-secondary readiness and promote related career clusters. This is an opportunity for businesses and organizations to showcase STEAM-related post-secondary options and careers in the Chippewa Valley and to connect students with local professionals.
Balloon Launch: Design, build, track, recover, and analyze
In January, the Chippewa Falls High School High Altitude Balloon Club launched it’s third payload from the TTM facility in Chippewa Falls. The balloon was tracked using the APRS network along with a SPOT tracking device to a location North East of Antigo, Wisconsin. The balloon covered over 140 miles, traveling 125+ miles/hour at times and burst at 85,000 feet. This was a multi-disciplinary project. The payload box was drawn in 3D CADD and machined with the CNC. We partnered with TTM and had Gale Sorum, retired Computer Engineer, mentoring the students. The goal is to have students work with actual data and apply what they are learning in class (torques and rotational motion) to solve real problems.
Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center – Dr. Jim Madsen
Dr. Madsen, Professor from UW-River Falls came to Chippewa Falls High school in January. Our students Skyped with students from India, St. Louis, and Puerto Rico and connected to the Nehru Science Center, at the South Pole, where they were able to ask scientists questions about their work studying neutrinos. Students asked a wide variety of questions from what life is like in the South Pole to whether energy from neutrinos can be harnessed and why the research was being undertaken. Dr. Madsen gave Physics students a history of his work and his education and career path.
Geospatial Technology – Dr. Joe Hupy
Dr. Hupy, from UW-Eau Claire’s Department of Geography, recently came to talk with high school physics students about geospatial technology. He shared his career path, including education and current research. The goal is to have students collaborate with UW-Eau Claire students to do original research. Our collaboration with UWEC’s Material Science Lab currently includes remotely accessing the Scanning Electron Microscope.
Engineering EXPO 2015
In April, students will have the opportunity to join 10,000 other students at the Engineering EXPO 2015 on UW-Madison’s campus. Students will interact with Fortune 500 industry leaders and with engineering student organizations on campus, and will see all of the engineering project and idea displays of current students. For more information, visit engineeringexpo.wisc.edu.
Eighth-grade students to attend UWEC Blugold Beginnings
In May, eighth-grade students from the Chippewa Falls Middle School will participate in a wide variety of hands-on activities in science, math, engineering and technology while exploring career options at UW-Eau Claire. In the past, students built rockets and explored answers to such questions as, Can we walk on a liquid?
Educators from our School District are working as part of a collaborative team of representatives from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, other post-secondary institutions, businesses, and industries. This team will create a pipeline between schools, communities, businesses, and industries to build the future for the Northern Wisconsin STEM workforce. cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ART MATHEMATICS
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
STEAM LOGO: drpineda.ca/classroom/lettingoffsteam.html
See Facebook for more STEAM pictures SPRING 2015
Cardinal Line 15
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Administrative Office
Challenging businesses to become partners with the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District to support, teach, and encourage students to seek technical careers. For more information, contact Angela Stokes, Career and Technical Education Coordinator, at 715.738.2669, ext. 3016 or stokesad@chipfalls.org.
1130 Miles Street
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
EAU CLAIRE, WI PERMIT #1557
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
**ECRWSS** POSTAL CUSTOMER
SCAN THE CODE TO VIEW THE ONLINE BROCHURE THE CARDINAL LINE published by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District n DISTRICT OFFICE 715.726.2417 n SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Brad Saron HUMAN RESOURCES & PUBLIC RELATIONS Michelle Golden
CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
E-MAIL cardinalline@chipfalls.org
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cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
LAYOUT/DESIGN Des Sikowski-Nelson
Coffee with the Board 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. 4:30 AM Coffeehouse Chippewa Falls
DAT E
Coffee with
May 12, 2015
the Board
Jim Dimock President
Amy Mason Vice President
Staish Buchner Clerk
Pat Allen
Jerry Smith
Peter Lehmann
Treasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Melanie Sinclair-Schaller Board Member
WE’RE LISTENING
How to contact us
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
Spring Extravaganza – Booster Club Fundraiser
1130 Miles Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-1923 Phone: 715.726.2417 Toll Free: 866.701.5864 Fax: 715.726.2781
Teen Mental Health Summit Wednesday, June 10, 2015
April 18, 2015
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Chippewa Falls Middle School
Doors open @ 5:00 p.m. Dinner 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
For information on OPEN ENROLLMENT or REGISTRATION, contact Peggy McKillip at 715.720.1850 or at registration@chipfalls.org.
Registration for this event will begin on April 13, 2015 on the district website
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Open Enrollment for 2015 – 2016
SUPERINTENDENT
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
saronbg@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417, ext. 1808
starckjl@chipfalls.org 715.726.2785, ext. 3000
BUSINESS SERVICES
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
trowbrcm@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417, ext. 1806
kowalssj@chipfalls.org 715.720.3753, ext. 3753
HUMAN RESOURCES & PUBLIC RELATIONS
ASSESSMENT, QUALITY, AND BB4C
February 2 – April 30, 2015
Dr. Brad Saron
Summer School ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
High School Graduation June 5, 2015 @ 7:30 p.m. Chippewa Falls High School Gymnasium
June 15 – July 2, 2015 July 13 – July 31, 2015 MIDDLE SCHOOL:
July 15 – July 2, 2015 July 13 – July 24, 2015
VISIT THE DISTRICT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
Chad Trowbridge
Michelle Golden
goldenmr@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417, ext. 1910 PUPIL SERVICES & SPECIAL EDUCATION
Christine McMasters
SPRING 2015
NEWS FROM CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC T
Scott Kowalski
Dana Sommerfeld
sommerdm@chipfalls.org 715.726.2785, ext. 3004 BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, & SAFETY
Randy Knowlton
knowltrc@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417, ext. 1904
mcmastcl@chipfalls.org 715.726.2785, ext. 3003
FOOD SERVICE
Susan Lang
langsr@chipfalls.org 715.726.2400, ext. 2790
Tons of opportunities. . . more things to love! 16 Cardinal Line
Jenny Starck
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