FALL 2014
No. 2
BACK SCHOOL CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Welcome from the Superintendent!
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Dr. Brad Saron Superintendent
t is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2014–2015 school year! As summer winds down, we know your thoughts will turn to school supplies, bus schedules, and lunch accounts. In order to make your life a bit easier, we’ve put together a “Back to School” informational newsletter. We hope this information will support you and your family for a wonderful start to the school year.
Many of our faculty have devoted their summer to teaching summer school, writing new curriculum, learning about new technology applications, and participating in staff development. Our technology department has been working tirelessly on updating our website, so when you have a moment, please visit our newly designed website and let us know what you think!
We want to help you in any way we can as you enter the 2014–2015 school year. If you have questions about our excellent academic options, our personalized experience, our outstanding faculty, our co-curricular options, our support, or about our facilities, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let me say again that I am so excited to welcome the students and parents back to school. Your continued engagement and support are very important to the success of the children of Chippewa Falls. We will continue to effectively communicate with you and engage you as we work toward Educational Excellence for a Changing Tomorrow!
Brad Saron Sincerely,
Bradford G. Saron, Ed.D. District Administrator Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
CHILD SAFETY & SECURITY:
New School Entrances The Chippewa Falls School District has spent the summer gearing up for a safer environment for our students. Our ultimate goal is to have you, our parents, feel a sense of calm when dropping your children off at school. Across the nation, despite many of the headlines, there has been a decline in school violence. According to researchers on school violence, this decline can be attributed to a handful of measures [USA Today]: n
Heightened awareness of a school’s culture, including how safe students feel there and how well they get along with teachers and classmates. n
A renewed focus on bullying and mental health issues.
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Simple security steps such as locking exterior school doors and requiring all visitors to check in at the front office. n
Offering students easy, anonymous ways to report classmates’ threats.
As part of the secured entrance renovations, we will be training our office staff on proper procedures for allowing people to access our school. We will provide our staff clear guidelines and protocols on the proper questions to ask. While we want you to feel comfortable entering our building, we also want you to feel confident in the new safety measures.
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BACK SCHOOL No. 2
FALL 2014
ATTENTION STUDENTS / PARENTS / GUARDIANS
NOTE
!
CHANGE IN START/END TIMES REGUL AR SCHOOL DAYS SCHOOL
D R O P- O F F
S TA RT T I M E
END TIME
Elementary School
7:25 a.m.
7:48 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
Middle School
8:15 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
3:44 p.m.
High School
8:15 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
3:45 p.m.
TEACHER COLL ABOR ATION / L ATE-START SCHOOL DAYS L AT E - S TA RT DAYS
SEPTEMBER 17 OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER 15 NOVEMBER 5
NOVEMBER 19 DECEMBER 3 DECEMBER 17 JANUARY 7
FEBRUARY 4 FEBRUARY 18 MARCH 4 MARCH 18
SCHOOL
APRIL 1 APRIL 15 MAY 6 MAY 20
D R O P- O F F
S TA RT T I M E
E N D T IME
Elementary School
8:20 a.m.
8:35 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
Middle School
9:20 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
3:44 p.m.
High School
9:15 a.m.
9:23 a.m.
3:45 p.m.
School meal prices for 2014–2015 SCHOOL YEAR This year the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District meal prices are as follows: BREAKFAST LUNCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL................ $0.35.........$2.00 MIDDLE SCHOOL............................ $0.85.........$2.25 HIGH SCHOOL.................................. $1.00.........$2.25
MILK is served with all meals or can be purchased separately for $0.35. DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS can be made for students with a food-related allergy/disability. PAYMENT INFORMATION: Deposits can be made online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, under the Payments menu. Payments can also be mailed or dropped off at the District Office, 1130 Miles Street, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or turned in at any school. After hours, please place your payment in the District Office After-Hours Drop Box. Payments cannot be made through the Infinite Campus mobile app.
More detailed information will be mailed to your home soon.
FREE and REDUCED-PRICE Meals Available
The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District participates in the free and reduced-price meal program for children unable to pay the full price for meals served in schools under the National School Lunch Program. If you are currently registered in the District you will be receiving information in the mail the first week of August. Any information you provide is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility.
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CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
2014 – 2015 SCHOOL CALENDAR FEBRUARY 23 – 27
Mid-winter break
APRIL 3
Spring / Holiday Break
SEPTEMBER 2
MAY 25
First day of school for students
Memorial Day / Holiday Break
NOVEMBER 24 – 28
JUNE 5
Thanksgiving / Holiday break
DECEMBER 23 – JANUARY 2
Last day of school Senior-high graduation
Winter / Holiday break
SCAN TO VIEW SCHOOL CALENDAR
JANUARY 30
No school (elementary only) Parent-Teacher Conferences (elementary only)
To access the 2014–2015 school calendar online, visit cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/DistrictCalendar.cfm
REGISTRATION 2014–2015
HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRATION & INFORMATION Monday, August 11th (for seniors)......................................................................9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
High school students should have
Tuesday, August 12th (for juniors)......................................................................9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
received a registration packet in the mail by August 1st.
Wednesday, August 13th (for sophomores/freshmen).................................9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Middle school registration packets will be available at
Thursday, August 14th (for new students, by appointment only)........... 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
middle school registration.
(Make-up Registration)..............................................6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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.
INCOMING FAMILIES: 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.
OPEN ENROLLMENT: Anyone living outside our district is able to attend our schools through an open enrollment process.
MIDDLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION & INFORMATION Tuesday, August 12th.............................................................................................1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 13th.......................................................................................2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – WELCOME BACK DAY 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 this day. They are then free to go.
QUESTIONS REGARDING SUMMER REGISTRATION OR OPEN ENROLLMENT?
Call: 715.720.1850
Email: registration@chipfalls.org
Website: cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
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SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST: Where to Find School supply lists for BB4C, elementary, and middle school students are available on the district website, at cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us. Click on the Back To School icon. School supply lists are also available at area local retailers or by calling the District Office at 715-726-2417. High school students can purchase standard school supplies such as pencils, notebooks, and folders based on their organizational style and needs. SCAN FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT HOME PAGE
Fun with Facebook on the first day!
DISTRICT
WEBSITE
On the morning of the first day of school, grab your Cardinal Pride pennant off the kitchen fridge, and take a picture of your kids holding it before they get on the bus or are dropped off at school. Post the picture to your Facebook page and tag the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. We will share your picture, and our entire community will be able to share in the excitement of the first day of school! SCAN FOR DISTRICT FACEBOOK PAGE
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
Have you seen our cool Cardinal Pride pennants? If not, pick one up at the Pure Water Days Parade, on Saturday, August 9th, or stop at the District Office!
REDESIGN THIS SUMMER
The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is rolling out a new website this summer. The site is being redesigned to focus on the wonderful students and staff that make the magic happen within the district. Staff contact information, calendars, and stories showcasing the district will be highlighted on the new website. Download the FREE Chippewa Falls Area School District App through Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Tag Photo SCAN AND BOOKMARK
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CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Is your child riding the bus? The Chippewa Yellow Bus Company will send information to your home by August 14th regarding bus stop locations, morning pick-up times, and afternoon drop-off times. If you have not received bus number, location, and time information from the bus company, by August 21st, please contact the bus company. If your child is taking an alternative way home, any given day of school, such as riding their bike or getting picked up when they would normally ride the bus, a parent/guardian must provide a written note to the school. Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us. Parents needing alternative drop-off locations for their child in the afternoon (such as a daycare facility) are required to fill out a Bus Deviation form at least one week prior to the start of school. The form is available from the school office or the Chippewa Yellow Bus Company. CHIPPEWA YELLOW BUS COMPANY | 510 E. South Ave. Phone: 715.726.2454 | Fax: 715.726.2455
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Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
SAFETY FIRST!
When Riding the School Bus
KEEP CHILDREN SAFE!
TIPS FOR PARENTS: 1. Please review bus numbers with your child. In addition, it is a good idea to have younger students wear or carry some form of identification with the child’s name, address and telephone number, as well as the bus number(s). This will assist teachers and drivers in making sure each child gets on the correct bus at the end of the day. It will also help drivers get a child home if the child boards the wrong bus. 2. Remind children about safety on and around buses. Classroom behavior is expected, but talking in a normal speaking voice is allowed. Students should understand that drivers need to concentrate on driving in order to get everyone to their destinations safely and on time.
Top 10 Bus Rules 1. Be at the bus stop early. 2. Respect the bus driver and listen to instructions. 3. Take your seat right away after boarding the bus.
3. It is a good idea to provide a book bag or backpack for younger children to carry artwork and papers home from school. Placing these items inside a book bag reduces the chance that a child will drop a piece of paper as he or she gets off the bus. Though school bus tragedies are rare, too often they occur as a child tries to retrieve an object that has fallen under the bus. Also, make sure book bags and backpacks do not have straps or other dangling items that can get caught in bus doors.
4. Stay seated at all times.
4. Please be aware that unauthorized entry onto a school bus is considered trespassing. For the children’s safety, please check with the bus driver before entering. Our school buses make hundreds of stops each day. During the first few days of school, students may occasionally not be picked up at their bus stops, or there may be a delay in getting children home. Parents should call the Chippewa Yellow Bus Company 715-726-2454 with any concerns or questions.
8. Look both ways before crossing the road.
5. Always get on and off the bus at your bus stop. 6. Get off the bus carefully, using the handrail. 7. Keep your head, arms, legs, and hands inside the bus.
9. Wait for the bus in a safe place away from the road. 10. Keep away from the bus if you drop or forget something.
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K E E P I N G I N TO U C H W I T H T H E
WE’RE LISTENING
How to contact us Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District 1130 Miles Street Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-1923 Phone: 715.726.2417 Toll Free: 866.701.5864 Fax: 715.726.2781
OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACTS Superintendent Dr. Brad Saron saronbg@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417 Ext. 1808
Assessment, Quality, and BB4C Dana Sommerfeld sommerdm@chipfalls.org 715.726.2785 Ext. 3004
Human Resources & Public Relations Michelle Golden goldenmr@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417 Ext. 1910
Pupil Services & Special Education Christine McMasters mcmastcl@chipfalls.org 715.726.2785 Ext. 3003
Business Services Chad Trowbridge trowbrcm@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417 Ext. 1806
Instructional Programs Jenny Starck starckjl@chipfalls.org 715.726.2785 Ext. 3000
Educational Technology Scott Kowalski kowalssj@chipfalls.org 715.720.3753 Ext. 3753
Food Service Susan Lang langsr@chipfalls.org 715.726.2400 Ext. 2790
ATOD & Voyagers After-School Programing Jennifer Andress andresje@chipfalls.k12.wi.us 715.726.2588 Ext. 2588
Buildings and Grounds & Safety Coordinator Randy Knowlton knowltrc@chipfalls.org 715.726.2417 Ext. 1904
Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District The following is a directory of important contact information to help you keep in touch with your school. You may also visit each school’s web page by visiting the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District web page, at cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us. n n n n n n n n
n n n n n n n n
BB4C (4-Year-Old Kindergarten)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS HALMSTAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Dana Sommerfeld
Director of Assessment, Quality, and BB4C 715.726.2785 Ext. 3004 sommerdm@chipfalls.org
BB4C Collaborative Partners 123 LOOK@ME EARLY LEARNING CENTER 2964 County Road F, Eau Claire 715.874.4779
565 E. South Avenue, Chippewa Falls Wade Pilloud, principal pillouwh@chipfalls.org Dianne Marquardt, secretary 715.726.2415 n marquadm@chipfalls.org
HILLCREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CESA 11 HEAD START
1200 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls Robert Vanderloop, principal vanderrj@chipfalls.org Rosemarie Hoepner, secretary 715.726.2405 n hoepnera@chipfalls.org
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS EARLY LEARNING CENTER
JIM FALLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2820 E. Park Avenue, Chippewa Falls 715.723.1211
1750 Hallie Road, Chippewa Falls 715.552.9696
KIDS USA LEARNING CENTER INC. 656 Lakeland Drive, Chippewa Falls 715.726.1507
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
YMCA EARLY LEARNING COMMUNITY 630 Miller Street, Chippewa Falls 715.723.5135
13643 198th Street, Jim Falls Jennifer Sarauer, principal sarauejl@chipfalls.org Paula Monpas, secretary 715.720.3260 n monpaspj@chipfalls.org
PARKVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 501 Jefferson Avenue, Chippewa Falls Samantha Hoyt, principal hoytsa@chipfalls.org Stacey Perret-Bowe, secretary 715.720.3750 n bowesa@chipfalls.org
SOUTHVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 615 A Street, Chippewa Falls Sara Denure, principal denurese@chipfalls.org Debbie Tilton, secretary 715.726.2411 n tiltondk@chipfalls.org
Board of Education
STILLSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 17250 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls Carol Wilczek, principal wilczecl@chipfalls.org Jessica Larson, secretary 715.726.2412 n larsonjj@chipfalls.org
n n n n n n n n
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHIPPEWA FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL 750 Tropicana Boulevard, Chippewa Falls Heidi Taylor-Eliopoulos, principal taylorhe@chipfalls.org Connie Luer, receptionist 715.726.2400 n luercm@chipfalls.org
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HIGH SCHOOLS CHIPPEWA FALLS HIGH SCHOOL 735 Terrill Street, Chippewa Falls Rebecca Davis, principal davisrr@chipfalls.org Patrina Gunderson, receptionist 715.726.2406 n gunderpa@chipfalls.org
CHIPPEWA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Street Address: 2820 E. Park Avenue 1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls Dave Schaller, principal schalldp@chipfalls.org Heidi Kuepfer, secretary 715.723.5542 n kuepfeh1@chipfalls.org
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS Regular meetings are held monthly as designated on the board meeting calendar and are open to the public. All meeting dates are posted, and all meetings start at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise specified, in the District Office Board Room, 1130 Miles Street.
AGENDAS Agendas are posted on the school district website under District and Board of Education. Hard copies are available in the District Office, library, and city hall.
MINUTES The minutes are published on the school district website under District and Board of Education and in the Chippewa Herald.
ADDRESSING THE BOARD To address the Board, sign up on the sheet that is provided at 7:00 p.m. at the entry table. GOVERNANCE Governance for Excellence is a results-oriented framework used by the Board to ensure a system focus on our school district’s vision and results policies. Both our school district’s vision and our results policies are based on authentic community feedback. Through our Community Conversations, we have opened clear lines of communication with community stakeholders, and we have embraced community feedback and embedded it into our operational expectations and results policies.
BOARD MEMBERS Jim Dimock...................................President Amy Mason............................Vice President
Pat Allen.......................................Treasurer Staish Buchner.....................................Clerk Pete Lehmann...................... Board Member
Melanie Sinclair-Schaller..... Board Member Jerry Smith........................... Board Member
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CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Kids Facing Anxiety
Resource Information School is almost here! Returning to school often means seeing old friends, back-to-school shopping, and fun times for many students. However, for some students, going back to school can cause some anxiety, especially students who are new to a school. Here are some tips to assist in an easy transition for your children:
Just as it is often difficult for adults to get back into a routine, it can be difficult for students as well. Toward the end of August, start getting back into the routine by having your child go to bed and get up earlier. n For elementary students organize and label school supplies and pack the backpack with your student so they can see what they are returning to school with. This may help build excitement and will help an anxious child ease into the reality of going back to school. n For older students talk with them about what is going to happen and how they feel about it. Review their schedule and make a plan for success for each class. Contact the teacher(s) if necessary. CHIPPEWA COUNTY n Remind your child that there are adults to help them at school. If they HUMAN SERVICES need anything have them seek out a teacher, guidance counselor or a trusted adult for support. n
If your child is encountering more significant issues including threatening harm to self or others, or has highly erratic or unusual behavior, contact your primary care provider. OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE: Chippewa County Crisis Line, at 888-552-6642 Visit the Chippewa County Department of Human Services website, at www.co.chippewa.wi.us/government/human-services Click on Children With Differing Abilities.
MANDATORY
ACTIVITY CODE MEETINGS
DISTRICT-WIDE COMMUNICATION The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District strongly supports parent-school communication. We encourage parents and members of our community to become involved and to take advantage of various modes of communications we have developed. INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL
Each parent/guardian is granted a Parent Portal account. For instructions, please contact your child’s school office. This portal gives you access to lunch payments, attendance, grades, assignment due dates, and much more. Other private messages and information regarding your child are also available here.
INFINITE CAMPUS MESSENGER EMAILS / CALLS OR TEXTS
Schools and teachers utilize Messenger to contact parents via email or phone using voice or text messages. Messages include grade reports, upcoming events, communicable disease notices, newsletters, and much more.
INFINITE CAMPUS MOBILE APP
This mobile app is for parents wanting the convenience of monitoring their child’s progress away from home. Check real-time information from any mobile device. To access, download the free Infinite Campus app and enter the school district’s ID: KBPZSY.
DISTRICT WEBSITE
This public website can be found at cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us. School calendars, parent/student resources, newsletters, Board information, and other updates on new and exciting educational trends can be accessed. Websites for specific schools are accessible through the home page, along with other community information.
DISTRICT MOBILE APP
MIDDLE SCHOOL* Co-Curricular (IN THE AUDITORIUM)
Monday, August 11, 2014..................... 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2014......................6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
* Attendance on one of these nights is a requirement for any student (and parent) who is planning on participating in sports or clubs at the Chippewa Falls Middle School.
HIGH SCHOOL* (IN THE AUDITORIUM)
Monday, August 4, 2014........................6:30 - 7:15 p.m. * All students planning on participating in a sport at Chi-Hi MUST have attendance at a code meeting on file. Fall sport athletes will meet with coaches at 7:15 p.m. following the meeting. Fees can be paid in Student Services during the evening.
This mobile app has all of our district information, including our website and Facebook page. The district has a mobile app that can be downloaded from iTunes/ Google Play.
The Facebook page offers regular updates on events, student activities, school closings, timely information about our district, and adult education opportunities. The Facebook page is accessible through the district website or by searching for the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District.
Follow items of interest – share your insights. We are tweeting such things as updates on sports, new projects in our schools, reminders, and information of interest to parents. Twitter can be found by selecting the icon on our district website.
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FALL 2014
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Employment Opportunities
CHIPPEWA FALLS AREA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Administrative Office 1130 Miles Street
n
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
EAU CLAIRE, WI PERMIT #1557
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
WECAN Wisconsin Education Career Access Network **ECRWSS** POSTAL CUSTOMER
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 WECAN, visit our website at:
BACK SCHOOL is published by the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District No. 2
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us//Employment.cfm
DISTRICT OFFICE
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.
715.726.2417
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cardinalline@chipfalls.org
cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Brad Saron EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & PUBLIC RELATIONS Michelle Golden LAYOUT/DESIGN Des Sikowski-Nelson
FOLLOW US ON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Volunteer Information The following convictions may disqualify you from volunteering:
VOLUNTEER Volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of our students, offering a different lens for them to learn through. Please consider making a difference by applying to become a volunteer. A background check will be required for anyone who would be working unsupervised with students one-onone or in small-group settings.
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drug related within 5 years
n
violence related within 5 years
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child endangerment/abuse
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felony conviction
multiple (more than 1) felony charges within 10 years n
history of criminality/multiple arrest records n
Disclosure of violations of law other than minor traffic violations is required. Please download and complete the form located on our website. Return the form to the main office of the building at which you wish to volunteer and someone from,
the school will get back to you with more information. The results of background checks are strictly confidential and all are processed in Human Resources.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT FORM The form may be found on the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District website, at cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us. Under Human Resources, choose School Volunteer Agreement. SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION
VOLUNTEER WEB PAGE
SCHOOL VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT FORM