Connecting the Elmbrook Schools Community Inside this edition:
March 2019
• Board of Education Candidate Profiles • Preschool Accepting Applications • Kindergarten Enrollment in Progress • Become What’s Next • Herb Kohl Scholarship Recipients • Brookfield Jaycees Award Winner
HeritageFest – A Celebration of Cultures Elmbrook’s 3rd Annual HeritageFest celebration of cultures, languages, traditions and food from over 35 different countries attracted nearly 1,100 people to Brookfield East High School on Tuesday, February 19. Hosted by Elmbrook “This event continues to be Schools in partnership with Elmbrook’s Parent Network, the event showcased the diversity in our a powerful experience for community, with students and families sharing Elmbrook families.” different aspects of their culture and heritage. “This year’s event far surpassed our expectations,” said Mary Beth Bauer, Swanson Elementary English Language Teacher. “The passion that presenters put into their booths and performances demonstrated the importance of this diverse cultural celebration, further highlighted by the community’s incredible turnout.” In addition to engaging families relatively new to the country, this year’s festival featured beautiful and informative cultural displays from students, staff, and community members. Many students and community members wore traditional ethnic clothing, and 19 different cultural performances took place on two stages including a Chinese Dragon Dance, Celtic Flute performance, Bharatanatyam Indian Dance, K-Pop performance, and musical instrument performances from around the world. “I am thankful for the opportunity to honor the heritage of our families and to provide an opportunity for others to learn about the many cultures that make up our community,” said Silvia Pasquini, Elmbrook Parent Network President.
Message from the Superintendent Spring is finally here! It is always exciting to see the snow melt and feel the momentum build towards the end of a school year, especially following an extraordinary winter Mark Hansen, Superintendent with so many weather-related school closings. A state championship in boys basketball, several significant community service/impact projects, and a planned (2020) new location for our District Office on the Fairview South campus, further add to the excitement in and around our schools. Our diverse community’s commitment to excellence and opportunity continues to attract new families to our schools. In February, we launched a 32-member Facility Planning Task Force charged to design a 10-year plan to address the growth in student enrollments in our elementary schools. We appreciate those in our community who are willing to share their time and talents and help position our district for long-term success. Thank you to our entire community for your support of the Elmbrook Schools!