News from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School Distric t
S U MMER 2 0 1 4
the cardinal From the Superintendent
Dr. Brad Saron
Let me start by saying “Thank You!” for taking the time to read this newsletter. This is a new endeavor for us. Our goal is to substantially increase the frequency and quality of communication between the school district and the community we serve. This newsletter is one of the ways we intend to strengthen our relationship with our community, parents, and other stakeholders. As I write this column, I have to say that I am struck by the realization of how incredible it is to be a part of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. Recently, I had the chance to attend STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) night at the high school, and I was so inspired by our students, teachers, businesses, and other partners! During the last eleven months, any time I have walked into any of our schools, I have immediately sensed the energy and enthusiasm of a healthy school system. In this issue, you will find valuable information on a variety of topics, from test results to facility updates. It’s not easy to capture the detail of any initiative in a single article in a single newsletter. I personally invite you to contact me or any of my colleagues if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like more information. Chippewa Falls is a special place, and the kids and families of the greater Chippewa Falls area represent our most treasured asset. Our goal is to serve our youth and community in an exceptional way and to deliver Educational Excellence for a Changing Tomorrow!
Dr. Saron visits with students at the STEAM night in March.
Tons of opportunities...more things to love!
2
BB4C
The Chippewa Falls BB4C (4-year-old kindergarten) program partners with community child care centers, Head Start, and the McDonell Area Catholic Schools to provide a collaborative quality preschool model that makes services and resources accessible, decreases the number of transitions during the day for children and families, and supports the belief that our entire community is responsible for the growth and education of our children.
Building Bridges For Children
BB4C follows the public school calendar and offers both morning and afternoon sessions. District bus transportation is available.
Building Bridges For Children (BB4C), is a state and nationally recognized community-based preschool program for any child residing or open enrolled in the Chippewa Falls School District who is 4 years old on or by September 1st.
BB4C Sites
More information about BB4C can be found at cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/bb4c/index.cfm
CESA 11 Head Start 2820 E. Park Avenue, Chippewa Falls 715.723.1211
Circle of Friends Early Learning Center 1750 Hallie Road, Chippewa Falls 715.552.9696
Monkey Business Early Educational Community 1300 Lowater Road, Chippewa Falls 715.723.7444
Rhymes-N-Rainbows 5051 171st Street, Chippewa Falls 715.723.8000
St. Charles Borromeo (MACS) 429 W. Spruce Street, Chippewa Falls 715.723.2161
Kids USA Learning Center Inc. 656 Lakeland Drive, Chippewa Falls 715.726.1507
YMCA Early Learning Community 630 Miller Street, Chippewa Falls 715.723.5135
123 Look@Me Early Learning Center 2964 County Road F, Eau Claire 715.874.4779
CONTAC T INFORMATION
SCHOOLS in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District 2013–2014 1
8
6
1
1
1
Early Childhood Center
BB4C / 4K Partner Sites
Elementary Schools
Middle School
High School
Alternative Learning Center
BB4C (4-year-old Kindergarten) Dana Sommerfeld Director of Assessment, Quality, and BB4C 715.726.2414 n sommerdm@chipfalls.org
News from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
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S U MMER 2 0 1 4
Past Passed Here
THE
This year the Chippewa County Historical Society began its second decade presenting the popular annual living history event called The Past Passed Here. It was held May 8–11 in the historic Allen Park, in Chippewa Falls, once the site of Native American and French fur-trade camps. Fourthgrade students participated in day-long, hands-on activities. Students explored authentic French fur-trade era re-enactor camps and participated in hands-on camp activities. Many re-enactors traveled from surrounding states to share their knowledge, skills, and foods typical of the 1800s. n
Jack
THERAPY DOG
their day gets brighter. They just love reading aloud to Jack. An idea from Halmstad principal Wade Pilloud brought Jack in to the school, a first for the Chippewa Falls School District.
S
tudents at the Chippewa Falls elementary schools are improving their reading and smiling more since a special visitor, Jack, started stopping by. Jack is a Golden Retriever. He was once neglected, but was later adopted by his owner of more than seven years, Staish Buchner, a retired educator.
CONTAC T INFORMATION
Jack has been going to Halmstad Elementary twice a week since the start of the year, and kids say that after a quick visit, they’re more focused and
“In the short time we’ve seen him, kids are very excited, they want to spend time with him. It improves their behavior because they know through good behavior, they get to see him. On the other hand, we do have some kids with emotional needs, and that calming atmosphere that Jack can provide can help relax kids and get them better prepared to learn in the classroom,” Pilloud said. “Jack likes being petted; he likes being with the kids,” Buchner said. n
PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework or approach for assisting staff in adopting and organizing evidence-based behavioral interventions. These interventions enhance academic and social behavior outcomes for all students. PBIS supports the success for ALL students. It is a framework for staff to: ● create an environment conducive to learning, ● help students understand behavior expectations, and ● provide positive reinforcement feedback for desired behaviors. Last year Hillcrest and Stillson Elementary Schools were each recognized by the Wisconsin PBIS Network as a School of Distinction for the tremendous work accomplished through the implementation of PBIS! This year, all six elementary schools, and the middle school were able to apply to be recognized as Schools of Distinction. Schools are recognized as Schools of Distinction based on an application process that includes team and meeting information, implementation and outcome data, as well as narrative questions and answers that describe the data, systems, and practices of PBIS implementation. n
HALMSTAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
JIM FALLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SOUTHVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
565 E. South Avenue 715.726.2415 n pillouwh@chipfalls.org
13643 198th Street 715.720.3260 n sarauejl@chipfalls.org
615 A Street 715.726.2411 n denurese@chipfalls.org
HILLCREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARKVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
STILLSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1200 Miles Street 715.726.2405 n vanderrj@chipfalls.org
501 Jefferson Avenue 715.720.3750 n hoytsa@chipfalls.org
17250 County Highway J 715.726.2412 n wilczecl@chipfalls.org
Wade Pilloud, principal
Robert Vanderloop, principal
Jennifer Sarauer, principal
Samantha Hoyt, principal
Sara Denure, principal
Carol Wilczek, principal
ide int of Pr Fisc al Po has a growing he district ns T ctio t with proje enrollmen th. w ro g d e of continu
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WEBat Crew
Chippewa Falls Middle School
Middle school students helping elementary students transition to the middle school
by WEB Coordinators: Angie Southworth, Jim Thornton, Dean VanAmber
WEB Leaders and continued support for their sixth-grade mentees. WEB leaders serve on committees that focus on academic, social, or service.
Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) is the sixth grade transition and mentorship program at the Chippewa Falls Middle School (CFMS). WEB is in its third year of welcoming and supporting sixth graders. The WEB activities for the 2014-15 school year kick off in September with a sixth-grade-only first day of school. Eighth grade mentors, selected for their leadership and commitment, plan an exciting first day for their mentees that includes an enthusiastic welcoming assembly, team-building, small group activities, campus tours, and a mini bell schedule run. The WEB program also has a year-long component that stresses leadership for our
The academic team trains to teach lessons in sixth grade homerooms. Academic WEB leader teams train not only on lesson content, but presentation techniques as well. Some lessons include emphasis on academic strategies, such as study skills, organization, and asking questions. Other lessons focus on the social aspects of middle school life, like not spreading rumors, working as a team, and being positive. The WEB leaders on the social committee organized two sixth-grade events this year. They sponsored a holiday movie night during the month of December. They also planned a hot chocolate and cookie morning. The entire sixth grade was invited to each of these events. On Thursdays, WEB leaders stay connected to sixth graders by visiting homerooms to play games and socialize. In April, the service committee helped create meals for families in need. They also serve as study buddies for sixth graders who need extra help. In May, WEB leaders wrote letters and cards for the Freedom Flight Program,
which honors veterans by sending them to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials dedicated to their service. Leadership in our school and our community is an integral part of WEB’s contribution to CFMS; however, part of the WEB experience is learning about the leadership of others. Throughout the school year, WEB leaders have studied the lives and work of other youth leaders, including historical events like the Birmingham, Alabama Children’s March of 1963. Through this study, WEB leaders learn about the power of positive action that students can use to make their world a better place. WEB isn’t just a program. It is a frame of mind. WEB leaders have been seen doing undirected and unexpected services towards others like helping other students with their lockers, welcoming new students, going out of their way to create positive relationships with other students, helping parents at after school events, and creating posters of encouragement for the school. Together, WEB leaders are working to make CFMS a positive place for all students and are establishing the middle school experience as an integral part of the Community of Chippewa Falls. n
STUDENTS in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District 2013-2014 CONTAC T INFORMATION
413
+
2135
+
1080
+
1441
=
5069
CHIPPEWA FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL Heidi Taylor-Eliopoulos, principal 750 Tropicana Boulevard 715.726.2400 n taylorhe@chipfalls.org
Pre-Kindergarten (Early Childhood Center and BB4C / 4K Partner Sites)
Kindergarten – Grade 5
Middle School Grades 6 – 8
High School and Alternative Learning Centers, Grades 9 – 12
Total Enrollment
News from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
Second time.
Van Isaccson
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S U MMER 2 0 1 4
Up, Up, and Away
Isaiah Strassburg
David Arneberg
Conner Polzin
The Chippewa Falls High-Altitude Balloon Club had its second balloon launch of the year on Friday, April 18th, at 7:30 am. The balloon reached an altitude of just over 85,000 feet, traveled 120 miles, and reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour, finally landing in Lake Petenwell, a man-made lake in central Wisconsin. From launch to “splash down” the total flight time was over 2.5 hours. The Adams County Sheriff assisted in the water recovery!
BALLOON SPECIFICS: The balloon payload was designed and constructed by the students from start to finish! Using a CAD program, the students drew the payload and then imported that file to the computerized router in the wood shop. The CNC router cut the 1.5-inch foam board to perfectly fit the electronics, in a three-palette layout. The electronics included three separate GPS units, an event data recorder, and a video
camera. One of the GPS units was used to send signals over shortwave radio so the students could track the payload. A second GPS, aka SPOT, was used as a backup tracking mechanism in case the shortwave radio failed. The third GPS was used to record longitude/latitude/altitude data on an SD memory card, along with pressure, temperature, and light intensity. n LAUNCH www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3yXmby2KHY&feature=youtu.be www.youtube.com/watch?v=96AjRRBTzQ4 APEX www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkFz6NXBHk4 LANDING www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TLz1e_00O4 RETRIEVAL www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aBf8n0PikQ ADAMS COUNTY SHERIFF’S FACEBOOK www.facebook.com AdamsCountySheriffsOffice
CHI-HI RANKED BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT – One of Wisconsin’s Best and Leader in the Nation
352 TOTAL TEACHERS
TEACHING STAFF in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District 2013–2014 171
Bachelor Bachelor Degrees Degrees
181
Master Degrees
=
5069
CONTAC T INFORMATION
To read about the U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/wisconsin/rankings?int=c0b4c1
CHIPPEWA FALLS HIGH SCHOOL Rebecca Davis, principal 735 Terrill Street 715.726.2406 n davisrr@chipfalls.org
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Wisconsin Knowledge and Concept Examination
The EE System completed its second year of pilot testing in 2013–14. The system will be implemented statewide beginning in 2014–15. The EE System, along with the Common Core State Standards and the continuous use of data for school improvement, are key initiatives in Wisconsin’s effort to improve student learning. In the coming year, educators in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District will be preparing to implement the EE system across the district in 2014–15. The system will be implemented incrementally, with additional measures being added in the coming years. The bottom line, however, is that more professional support for our District’s educators means better outcomes for the students of Chippewa Falls. n
CONTAC T INFORMATION
For more information about Educator Effectiveness in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, please contact Michelle Golden, Executive Director of Human Resources and Public Relations.
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Michelle Golden
Executive Director of Human Resources and Public Relations 1130 Miles Street 715.726.2417, Ext. 1910 n goldenmr@chipfalls.org
45.1 41.3
46.3 48.6
43.9 41.9
41.7 39.7
48.8
36.1
32.8 38.9
40.4 44.5
Students in grades 3 through 8 CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT and 10 take tests in reading and Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) Comparison Scores mathematics. Students in grades Percentage of Students Proficient or Advanced 4, 8, and 10 take additional tests 50 in science, language arts, 40 writing, and social studies. The 30 reading and mathematics test 20 results are used to measure 10 student achievement in the School 0 READING READING MATH MATH READING READING MATH MATH Report Cards issued by the District-Wide Elementary School Middle School Grade 10 Wisconsin Department of Public 2012–13 2013–14 Instruction. This year the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District demonstrated gains in both reading and mathematics, with marked gains at the elementary level. We are proud of the efforts our students and staff have made toward increasing student achievement. We also recognize that the WKCE is just one measure used to monitor student achievement. The Chippewa Falls School Area Unified District will continue to use these results, along with other student learning data, to create an instructional plan that will meet the individual needs of our students. n 38.5 40.5
Educator Effectiveness (EE), Wisconsin’s comprehensive evaluation system for teachers and principals, was designed collaboratively by Wisconsin educators and education leaders. It is made up of multiple measures of evaluation to balance an educator’s practice with evidence of student achievement. EE is designed to support the continuous improvement of educator practice that leads to improved student learning. More detailed information about the EE system can be found at the Department of Public Instruction website at ee.dpi.wi.gov.
he Wisconsin Knowledge and Concept Examination (WKCE) is a standardized achievement test administered to all students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 10. The results provide students, parents, and teachers with information about student attainment of subject-area proficiency; information to support curriculum and instructional planning; and a measure of accountability for schools and districts.
Programs for Students with
SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES Specific learning disability (SLD) means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or perform mathematical calculations. When someone suspects a student has a SLD, a referral for a special education evaluation is made. A team, which includes the student’s parents, conducts the evaluation and decides if the student meets state and federal eligibility criteria for special education. Wisconsin’s SLD eligibility rule was revised effective December 1, 2010. Before an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team can determine a
student has a SLD, it must document the student, after intensive intervention, demonstrates inadequate achievement and insufficient progress in one or more of the following areas: oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, basic reading skill, reading fluency skills, reading comprehension, mathematics calculation, and mathematics problem solving. The IEP team may not identify a student as having SLD if the student’s achievement problems are primarily due to one or more exclusionary factors. If the SLD criteria are met, the IEP team goes on to determine whether the student needs special education (Wisconsin Legislative Document PI 11.35). n
If you have questions regarding your child’s progress in school, please contact your child’s teacher or guidance counselor for more information.
ide int of Pr Fisc al Po wa Falls Area The Chippe ol District o Unified Sch ee. b e d is t fr
CONTAC T INFORMATION
EDUCATOR ACCOUNTABILITY
T
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District PUPIL SERVICES CENTER Christine McMasters
Executive Director of Pupil Services and Special Education 1130 Miles Street 715.726.2785, Ext. 3003 n mcmastcl@chipfalls.org
News from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
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S U MMER 2 0 1 4
Southview Expansion Southview Elementary students and staff will start the school year in a newly updated building. Due to a substantial increase in student enrollment, Southview is expanding by 25,000 square feet and undergoing an extensive remodeling of existing spaces over the summer. With the floor plan firmed up, the infrastructure of the addition and remodel is now being finalized. Communication sessions with the teaching and support staff have garnered input on layout and accommodations to meet student needs. The renovations will bring Southview up to three classrooms per grade, building-wide updates, and updated mechanicals and security. The district is extremely proud of the new and updated space, which will allow for smaller class sizes. n
Safe Schools! FOR YOUR CHILD’S PROTECTION Over the summer, the district will be remodeling the main entrances of all elementary buildings and the middle school building. One of our main goals is to ensure the safety and security of ALL children in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. Last summer, entrances at the high school and Halmstad Elementary School, were updated. A secured entrance that allows each school to closely monitor anyone entering and exiting the building. Hillcrest’s remodel began this spring, and the middle school will follow shortly. Jim Falls, Stillson, and Parkview will begin this summer. Southview’s entrance will also be completed as part of the expansion project. Features of the secured entrance model are a secured vestibule, separate staff and student access to the office, nurse office proximity, controlled reception area, updated sound system, and increased exterior visibility. n
REGISTRATION for 2014–2015
High School Registration & Information
Preparation for the 2014–2015 school year registration is underway. High school students will receive a registration packet in the mail by August 1st. Middle school registration packets will be available at middle school registration. Elementary school students are automatically enrolled in the school they currently attend, unless parents notify the school of any changes. Elementary information packets will be sent via mail by August 22nd.
Monday, August 11th (for seniors).................................................................9:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday, August 12th (for juniors).................................................................9:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday, August 13th (for sophomores/freshmen)............................9:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday, August 14th (for new students, by appointment only)......12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Make-up Registration)........................................6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
MIDDLE School Registration & Information
Tuesday, August 12th...................................................................................... 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 13th................................................................................ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Anyone living outside our district may also be eligible to attend through an open enrollment process. Questions regarding summer registration or open enrollment? Call: 715.720.1850 Email: registration@chipfalls.org Website: cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
ELEMENTARY School – Welcome back DAY
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District PUPIL SERVICES CENTER Jenny Starck
Executive Director of Instructional Programs 1130 Miles Street 715.726.2785, Ext. 3000 n starckjl@chipfalls.org
On the first day of school, September 2, 2014, parents and students will meet their teacher and turn in information packet forms. Students will also have their class photograph taken on September 2nd.
ide int of Pr Fisc al Po a Falls Area
w The Chippe trict holds an Dis l o o Unified Sch ting of Excellent. a R d n Aa2 Bo
CONTAC T INFORMATION
CONTAC T INFORMATION
If you know of any incoming families who would like to attend our district, have them call our District Office or the school office to be added to our mailing list.
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Chad Trowbridge
Executive Director of Business Services 1130 Miles Street 715.726.2417, Ext. 1806 n trowbrcm@chipfalls.org
8 CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Administrative Office
ChiHi produces a Lip Dub!
1130 Miles Street
n
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
What in the world is a “lip dub” you ask? It is a type of video that combines lip syncing and audio dubbed to make a music video. ChiHi made its lip dub by filming various groups of students representing curricular and co-curricular activities at ChiHi. The groups of students lip synced while listening to a song. The original song was then edited out and the original song dubbed over the ChiHi video. Check it out – it’s fun. Find the Lip Dub at: cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us//high THE CARDINAL LINE published by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District n DISTRICT OFFICE 715.726.2417 n EMAIL cardinalline@chipfalls.org n n SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Brad Saron PUBLIC RELATIONS Michelle Golden LAYOUT/DESIGN Des Sikowski-Nelson
n
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
The School Board The School Board members represent and act for the state in providing the district with the kind of education programs and facilities required or permitted by state law. The School Board can act officially only in duly authorized and legally held meetings. The School Board members are committed to maintaining an open line of communication with residents of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District.
Jim Dimock President
Amy Mason
Staish Buchner
Pat Allen
Jerry Smith
Peter Lehmann
Vice President
Clerk
Treasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Emma McIlquham was the 2013–2014 Student Representative. A new Student Representative is selected each year.
Employment Opportunities
21.81
FOURTH GRADE
CLASS SIZE FACTS
21.18 KINDERGARTEN
The average class size for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, kindergarten through grade 5, is 21.68 students. This average includes the elementary schools of Halmstad, Hillcrest, Jim Falls, Parkview, Southview, and Stillson.
21.00
Facts as of January 2014
THIRD GRADE
Board Member
Anyone who has specific questions relating to board policies or actions should contact the Board of Education office at 715.726.2417 or by mail at: Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, Attn: Secretary of the Board of Education, 1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
FIFTH GRADE
22.19
Melanie Sinclair-Schaller
22.00 FIRST GRADE
21.88
Wisconsin Education Career Access Network The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District uses the Wisconsin Education Career Access Network (WECAN) website for advertising and accepting applications for job vacancies. When the District has positions available, those vacancies may be found by accessing the WECAN site. All applications must be submitted electronically via WECAN. Please do not contact building principals.
To access the WECAN, visit our website at:
SECOND GRADE
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us//Employment.cfm ANNUAL REPORT-BUDGET BOOK
For more information about the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District, check out the Annual Report-Budget Book 2013 or visit our website at: cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
WECAN
The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. With respect to employment and personnel operations, the district does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital or parental status, physical or mental handicap, arrest or conviction record, sexual orientation, source of income, creed, membership in the armed forces, or any other status protected by law, or the fact that an individual is a student.