SDA Newsletter Spring 23

FEBRUARY •

2023 School

DISTRICT ACHIEVEMENT REPORT

T h e S c h o o l D i s t r i c t o f A m e r y h a s E X C E E D E D

E X P E C T A T I O N S e v e r y y e a r t h a t t h e D e p a r t m e n t o

P u b l i c I n s t r u c t i o n h a s u s e d t h e S t a t e o f W i s c o n s A c c o u n t a b i l i t y R e p o r t C a r d

I n a l l b u t t w o o f t h e s e y e a r s , e v e r y s c h o o l i n t h e S c h o o l D i s t r i c t o f A m e r y h a s e i t h e r E X C E E D E D

E X P E C T A T I O N S o r S I G N I F I C A N T L Y E X C E E D E D

E X P E C T A T I O N S .

I t i s a l s o i m p o r t a n t t o n o t e t h a t A m e r y s t u d e n t s h a v e e x c e l l e d i n w a y s t h a t c o u l d

n e v e r b e m e a s u r e d b y a s t a t e - m a n d a t e d s c o r e c a r d . Details on pages 6 - 8.

THE MISSION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF AMERY IS TO FOSTER ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, LIFE-LONG LEARNING AND CITIZENSHIP.

72.1

CAPTURING WARRIOR MOMENTS

FRANK NOVAK, AHS SENIOR , has become a regular on the sidelines of Amery Warrior athletic events. Novak can often be seen crouching on the perimeter of the basketball court, the soccer field, the football field, and just about anywhere Amery athletes are competing. Almost everyone recognizes Frank, and chances are most students and parents have seen and been impressed with his photos and his hype videos.

Novak always had an interest in photography, and after a string of injuries that kept him off the field and court, he pursued that interest with a focus on sports photography. He officially started his study of photography as a sophomore in Photography I class with AHS Art teacher Ms Schmidt. He bought his first camera in March of 2021 and began regularly shooting soccer games in fall of 2021.

He knew he liked photography, but he soon came to realize that he was pretty good at it.

Novak’s hobby became more of a career aspiration in spring of 2022 when he upgraded his gear, started a website, and created a logo. He has now completed Photography II and III classes and is currently enrolled in Independent Study Photography. According to Novak, “I’m going to estimate that I have taken 75,000+ photos in my two years for Amery. I don’t have a good estimate, but it has been a lot!”

In addition to his photography classes, he has studied numerous YouTube tutorials about cameras, lenses, gear, and photo editing. He also viewed wedding-photography and general portrait tutorials which then led to videography tutorials.

He attributes much of his success to Ms. Schmidt, who he often goes to for advice, and he has connected with a Baldwin-Woodville student photographer who specializes in graphic design. Novak follows many sports photographers on social media, which helps with ideas, creativity, and editing styles.

Becoming a great photographer takes more than classroom study and YouTube videos, it is an art, and creativity is required. One look at Novak’s pictures is proof that he has an artist’s eye.

None of it is easy. Novak’s challenges have included the expense of gear, balancing school and work and photography, finding time to edit photos, finding an online platform for sharing photos, and setting up an online storefront.

Time is especially a challenge because it takes more time to edit photos from a game than it does to to attend a game and shoot photos, although he said his editing speed is improving. Novak said, “Recently, I have been taking around 400-800 photos per game. I get around 90-150 that I post on my website. If I sit down with no breaks, I can transfer, sort, edit, and upload them all in 1.5 hours.

I do take breaks though, so usually it will take 2.5-3 hours if I am uninterrupted. It’s perfect during NFL or NBA games, I have them on in the background and I can edit photos too.”

He has also been challenged by shooting new sports. Each athletic event has unique lighting, angles, and areas of action. He has to consider the tendencies of the sport and where to position himself to get the best shots. And of course, it is always a challenge to select which photos to highlight afterwards.

Overcoming challenges leads to success. His successes include the great improvements he has made in the quality of his pictures, the State Powerlifting meet as his first big ‘media pass’ event, other schools asking him to take photos, students from other schools following him on social media, other Amery students taking an interest in photography, his Amery Library Art Show, selling a decent amount of his photos, and the support he receives from everyone.

“Frank has impressed me from the first class he took with me. He is talented, dedicated, and a very thoughtful person. He is always working on some photo project, with gusto, and navigates full speed ahead. Over the years I have seen him overcome hurdles and have been impressed with the progression of his skill in his art. Frank is a determined, creative young man who is going to realize his dreams. I could not be prouder of him and the excellent work he does.” – Stephani Schmidt, AHS Art Teacher

In addition to photography, he has improved his ability to multi-task and to organize. He has also become more outgoing, more comfortable talking to strangers, and improved his social networking skills.

When asked what is most rewarding, Novak replied, “I always wanted cool shots of me playing sports, so it’s fun for me to see what cool angles and moments I can freeze for others. It’s rewarding when people share my photos and keep them as memories, it sounds cheesy but it’s true. It’s rewarding when people enjoy the photos I take and share them to their friends and family.”

Novak plans to attend Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa to study Sports Communications and work in the Athletics

Communications Department as a photographer. He is hoping to secure a semi-pro athletic experience/internship this summer.

What is Novak’s ultimate dream? To become a professional photographer for a sports team (preferably soccer). He would also love to be a band/performing-artist photographer.

You can view Frank’s photos and purchase online at https://franknovakphotos.com/home and follow him on Instagram at franknovak_ .

Is Photography Art?

When you look at a painting or a sculpture, you’re seeing the results of the artist’s own skill, experience, and vision. When you look at an image made by a photographer, even if it was taken by someone with little or no experience or vision, you’re still seeing the results of their decision-making.

Their personal choices about which lens to use, where to stand, what time of day to take the picture, how long the shutter should be open – these are all decisions made based on their skill level and what they knew at the time.

There is more to photography than simply pointing a camera and pressing a button. A photographer is an artist.

Source: filmlifestyle.com

STUDENTS MAKE & DONATE FLEECE BLANKETS

Bags packed with comforting fleece blankets were delivered to the Amery Hospital & Clinic Oncology Department thanks to the hard work of Amery Middle School seventh grade students.

Students in Mrs. Hailey De Leon’s seventh grade Family & Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE) classes (formerly known as Home Economics) are making the blankets as a community service project.

De Leon, new FCSE teacher at Amery Middle School, was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2017. When she had her very first chemotherapy treatment at the Amery Hospital & Clinic, she was given a lap blanket courtesy of a local church, and De Leon said, “I took that blanket with me to every chemo treatment that I had. It was something tangible that I was able to hold onto.”

She battled through treatment, but in 2020 the cancer returned as stage 3. De Leon resumed chemotherapy and radiation treatment and was then given a clean bill of health in summer of 2021.

After teaching at Unity for 14 years and Shell Lake for 8 years, she accepted a job in her hometown of Amery to take over for Kathy Vincent who retired in spring of 2022. Mrs. De Leon is the mother of five children.

For the seventh grade class community service project, De Leon wanted to keep it local. Her students knew about her cancer journey and the lap blanket she was gifted. When she presented her idea about making more lap blankets for

local oncology patients, the seventh graders were very excited. Students work in pairs to make a blanket. The fleece blankets are sewn on two sides and tied on the ends. Most of them are roughly 3 ½ x 2 feet. Materials are purchased and cut to size before students begin. They work together to pin and sew the two sides, turn the blankets inside out, cut the ends into strips, and then knot the strips to close the ends.

Students also use the Makerspace Cricut to design and cut labels and use a heat press to adhere a label to each blanket.

According to student Chase Prindle, “The most important thing about making the blankets is that we give back to the community and help people in need. I also learned how to design and cut vinyl and practice new skills in sewing.”

Seventh grader Macie Warner said, “I felt that the most rewarding thing about making the blankets was knowing that I was helping someone out, and that really makes my day! I learned a lot about sewing and sewing techniques, which I think is an important skill to know.”

Research suggests it is easier to foster an emotional connection to a single person in need than to multiple people or a general cause, and De Leon believes that her personal battle has inspired the students to pay it forward to other patients.

Amery Middle School FCSE students, in addition to making blankets during their six-week class, also study nutrition, cook and bake in the school classroom kitchen, and learn about alcohol prevention.

If anyone is interested in donating fleece for future blankets, please email deleonh@amerysd.k12.wi.us

In late January, Mrs. De Leon and students Chase Prindle, Beau Fisk, Keiko Holm, Macey Melberg, and Macie Warner delivered the first batch of twenty-five blankets to hospital employees Cathleen McGinnity, Sheila Mevissen, and Kevin Just.

FROM THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

I am proud to share that the School District of Amery has once again earned a rating of Exceeds Expectations on the state of Wisconsin Accountability Report Card. The district has Exceeded Expectations for all nine years there has been a report card. Further, nearly every year, each of our four schools in the district has Exceeded or Significantly Exceeded Expectations. Leading the way this year was the performance of Amery Middle School (AMS). AMS Significantly Exceeded Expectations earning the 13th highest score of 384 middle schools in Wisconsin. Amery students and staff shine on standardized assessments, and just as much in ways which could never be measured by a test. We are humbled by our terrific students and staff and equally proud of who they are as people.

This newsletter features Amery High School student Frank Novak, a budding superstar in the world of sports photography. Frank is a fixture at district sporting events capturing some of the best moments of Warrior athletes. In addition, our kindergarteners took part in National Read Aloud Day, and our Montessori students learned about the Chinese New Year. Under the guidance of instructor Mrs. De Leon, middle school students are making blankets to donate to the hospital oncology department. There is great work happening all over the School District of Amery. Thank you to the Amery staff for putting our kids in a position to show the best of who they are. And, thank you to our Amery families for sharing your children with all of us.

In April of 2022, the Amery community passed two referendum questions that will bring tremendous change to the landscape of education in Amery. There will be significant upgrades to the mechanical systems, math and science classrooms and labs, and the commons area of the high school. At the elementary school, there will be added elementary and childcare classrooms, needed safety and security upgrades, and improved opportunities for alleviated traffic patterns. The district’s chosen architectural firm LHB has provided an innovative design in both buildings, and Kraus Anderson, seasoned and experienced construction contractor, is ready to do the work. Construction will begin in May of 2023. The great news is that bids are currently coming in under budget. It is an exciting time for School District of Amery students, families, staff, and community members. For more information regarding the School District of Amery referendum, please visit www.amerysd.k12.wi.us.

Dr. Shawn Doerfler District Administrator School District of Amery

Seventy-one Amery students performed ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ under the guidance of Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre hosted by Amery Community Education.

PHOTO CREDIT BOB JOHNSON

The Wisconsin Forward Exam is designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be college and career ready. The graphs below indicate the percentage of students who are proficient and advanced in the specified subject areas

The Forward Exam is administered online in the spring of each school year to Grades 3-8 in Reading/Language Arts and Math, Grades 4 and 8 in Science, and Grades 4, 8 and 10 in Social Studies

BEYOND classroom walls and BEYO

The School District of Amery is proud of student achiev is also proud of the following examples of educational classroom walls:

BEYOND classroom walls and BEYOND test scores

BEYOND classroom walls and BEYOND test scores

The School District of Amery is proud of student achievement IN the classroom and is also proud of the following examples of educational opportunities OUTSIDE the classroom walls:

• An Outdoor Classroom space at Lien Elementary furnished with natural materials to support active learners with sensory needs and to help teachers provide hands-on learning, STEAM activities, nature appreciation and integration, and a unique environment for all students.

An Outdoor Classroom space at Lien Elementary furnished with natural materials to support active learners with sensory needs and to help teachers provide hands-on learning, STEAM activities, nature appreciation and integration, and a unique environment for all students.

An Outdoor Classroom space at Lien Elementary furnished with na with sensory needs and to help teachers provide hands-on learning and integration, and a unique environment for all students. Career and Technical Education Academies (CTE) at the high scho reflect the contemporary workplace. CTE Academies are offered i Catering and Entrepreneurship. In the Construction Academy, stu Additional lots of land have been purchased so students can cont process of building a house.

• Career and Technical Education Academies (CTE) at the high school prepare students for careers that reflect the contemporary workplace. CTE Academies are offered in the areas of Construction, Agriculture, Catering and Entrepreneurship. In the Construction Academy, students have built and sold four houses! Additional lots of land have been purchased so students can continue participating firsthand in the entire process of building a house.

Career and Technical Education Academies (CTE) at the high school prepare students for careers that reflect the contemporary workplace. CTE Academies are offered in the areas of Construction, Agriculture, Catering and Entrepreneurship. In the Construction Academy, students have built and sold four houses! Additional lots of land have been purchased so students can continue participating firsthand in the entire process of building a house

Youth Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning opportunities for high school students

Youth Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning opportunities for h Hands-on Horsemanship classes for high school students who are p training them at a local farm.

• Youth Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning opportunities for high school students.

Hands-on Horsemanship classes for high school students who are paired with horses and spend eight weeks training them at a local farm

Abundant outdoor spaces on the school campus including a school forest, wetland, lake, prairie and vegetable garden Students learn about forestry, tap maple trees, plant and harvest vegetables, manage an apple orchard, plant trees, monitor bluebirds, study water quality, practice survival skills, snowshoe, and hike An additional 35 acres has been purchased next to the school campus for expansion of hands-on agriculture education

• Hands-on Horsemanship classes for high school students who are paired with horses and spend eight weeks training them at a local farm.

• Abundant outdoor spaces on the school campus including a school forest, wetland, lake, prairie and vegetable garden. Students learn about forestry, tap maple trees, plant and harvest vegetables, manage an apple orchard, plant trees, monitor bluebirds, study water quality, practice survival skills, snowshoe, and hike. An additional 35 acres has been purchased next to the school campus for expansion of hands-on agriculture education.

Abundant outdoor spaces on the school campus including a schoo vegetable garden. Students learn about forestry, tap maple trees apple orchard, plant trees, monitor bluebirds, study water quality, p An additional 35 acres has been purchased next to the school cam agriculture education.

An annual, 2-day environmental education trip for all 5th grade students where they experience the diverse, rich, and unique region in which we live It is an exciting opportunity for students to create connections and gain a deep understanding of the social and ecological dynamics that shape our area

• An annual, 2-day environmental education trip for all 5th grade students where they experience the diverse, rich, and unique region in which we live. It is an exciting opportunity for students to create connections and gain a deep understanding of the social and ecological dynamics that shape our area.

We are also very proud of our unique EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS for Amery students and families. These programs are outlined on the next page.

An annual, 2-day environmental education trip for all 5th grade stu rich, and unique region in which we live. It is an exciting opportunit gain a deep understanding of the social and ecological dynamics

We are also very proud of our unique EDUCATIONAL PR for Amery students and families. These programs are next page.

Innovate. Lead. Succeed.

Points of PRIDE . . . Program OPTIONS for Amery students & families

POINTS OF PRIDE Program Options for Amery Students & Families

Program OPTIONS for Amery students & families

LEGACY/TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS: Amery’s Legacy/Traditional classrooms are available to all children in 4K Preschool through Grade 12. These classrooms utilize a variety of innovative teaching tools allowing students to engage within a balance of choice activities, projects, small groups, integrated technology, exploration, and more.

LEGACY/TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS: Amery’s Legacy/Traditional classrooms are available to all children in 4K Preschool through Grade 12. These classrooms utilize a variety of innovative teaching tools allowing students to engage within a balance of choice activities, projects, small groups, integrated technology, exploration, and more.

LEGACY /TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS

MONTESSORI: The Montessori method of education is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Students make creative choices in their learning while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Amery offers Montessori as a multi-age option at the following levels: Children’s House for 4K Preschool & Kindergarten; Lower Elementary for Grades 1-3; and Upper Elementary for Grades 4-5.

MONTESSORI: The Montessori method of education is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Students make creative choices in their learning while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Amery offers Montessori as a multi-age option at the following levels: Children’s House for 4K Preschool & Kindergarten; Lower Elementary for Grades 1-3; and Upper Elementary for Grades 4-5.

Amery’s Legacy/Traditional classrooms are available to all children in 4K Preschool through Grade 12. These classrooms utilize a variety of innovative teaching tools allowing students to engage within a balance of choice activities, projects, small groups, integrated technology, exploration, and more.

All children are unique in how they learn, develop and grow. Each program here offers strengths for the academic, social and emotional growth of children. Parents have the opportunity to choose the best learning environments for their children

All children are unique in how they learn, develop and grow Each program here offers strengths for the academic, social and emotional growth of children. Parents have the opportunity to choose the best learning environments for their children.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by investigating and responding to questions, problems, and challenges and then presenting their findings.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by investigating and responding to questions, problems, and challenges and then presenting their findings.

MONTESSORI: The Montessori method of education is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Students make creative choices in their learning while the classroom and the teacher offer age-appropriate activities to guide the process. Amery offers Montessori as a multi-age option at the following levels: Children’s House for 4K Preschool & Kindergarten; Lower Elementary for Grades 1-3; and Upper Elementary for Grades 4-5.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by investigating and responding to questions, problems, and challenges and then presenting their findings.

Amery Inquiring Minds (AIM) is a multiage, project based learning school offered as an option for students in Grades 3-5. Students enrolled in AIM learn in a collaborative setting which incorporates one-to-one technology, 21st century learning skills, Habits of Mind, and environmental stewardship.

• Amery Inquiring Minds (AIM) is a multiage, project based learning school offered as an option for students in Grades 3-5. Students enrolled in AIM learn in a collaborative setting which incorporates one-to-one technology, 21st century learning skills, Habits of Mind, and environmental stewardship.

• A Grades 1-2 multiage project based learning-centered classroom at Lien Elementary.

A Grades 1-2 multiage project based learning-centered classroom at Lien Elementary. Project based learning is also a focus in Grades 6-8 as teachers infuse PBL instructional units throughout the school year. Middle School students participate in a Genius Hour PBL initiative, and 8th grade students have the option to enroll in an applied technology PBL class called CREATE.

Amery Inquiring Minds (AIM) is a multiage, project based learning school offered as an option for students in Grades 3-5. Students enrolled in AIM learn in a collaborative setting which incorporates one-to-one technology, 21st century learning skills, Habits of Mind, and environmental stewardship. A Grades 1-2 multiage project based learning-centered classroom at Lien Elementary Project based learning is also a focus in Grades 6-8 as teachers infuse PBL instructional units throughout the school year Middle School students participate in a Genius Hour PBL initiative, and 8th grade students have the option to enroll in an applied technology PBL class called CREATE

• Project based learning is also a focus in Grades 6-8 as teachers infuse PBL instructional units throughout the school year. Middle School students participate in a Genius Hour PBL initiative, and 8th grade students have the option to enroll in an applied technology PBL class called CREATE.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READY: Amery High School offers several programs to ensure students are college and career ready:

COLLEGE AND CAREER READY:

Advanced Placement (AP) courses, additional Advanced Offerings, and Dual Enrollment college credit courses

COLLEGE AND CAREER READY: Amery High School offers several programs to ensure students are college and career ready:

Amery High School offers several programs to ensure students are college and career ready:

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses, additional Advanced Offerings, and Dual Enrollment college credit courses.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses, additional Advanced Offerings, and Dual Enrollment college credit courses.

Youth Apprenticeship, Industry-Recognized Credentials, Work-Based Learning, and Embedded Technical Diplomas

• Youth Apprenticeship, Industry-Recognized Credentials, Work-Based Learning, and Embedded Technical Diplomas.

Youth Apprenticeship, Industry-Recognized Credentials, Work-Based Learning, and Embedded Technical Diplomas.

• Career & Technical Education (CTE) Academies in Construction, Agriculture, Catering and Entrepreneurship. Students in the academies earn college credits and industry-recognized credentials. Many of the academy students are also in the Youth Apprenticeship program developing valuable workplace skills.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Academies in Construction, Agriculture, Catering and Entrepreneurship Students in the academies earn college credits and industry-recognized credentials Many of the academy students are also in the Youth Apprenticeship program developing valuable workplace skills

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Academies in Construction, Agriculture, Catering and Entrepreneurship Students in the academies earn college credits and industry-recognized credentials Many of the academy students are also in the Youth Apprenticeship program developing valuable workplace skills

THE CLUBHOUSE provides quality care for infants, toddlers and school-age children in 4K Preschool through Grade 5 It is a safe, supervised, enriching environment for all children The Clubhouse is conveniently located on the school campus and is recognized by Polk County as a reimbursable childcare provider through the Wisconsin Shares program

THE CLUBHOUSE provides quality care for infants, toddlers and school-age children in 4K Preschool through Grade 5. It is a safe, supervised, enriching environment for all children. The Clubhouse is conveniently located on the school campus and is recognized by Polk County as a reimbursable childcare provider through the Wisconsin Shares program.

THE CLUBHOUSE provides quality care for infants, toddlers and school-age children in 4K Preschool through Grade 5. It is a safe, supervised, enriching environment for all children. The Clubhouse is conveniently located on the school campus and is recognized by Polk County as a reimbursable childcare provider through the Wisconsin Shares program

REQUESTING PROGRAM OPTIONS FOR THE 23-24 SCHOOL YEAR

4K Preschool Registration Information

To enter 4K Preschool, your child must be 4 years old by 9/1/2023.

Amery offers 4K Preschool all day every day with a parent’s choice of a Legacy classroom or Children’s House Montessori. Montessori has an enrollment limit. If a child is not selected through the lottery, he/she will automatically be placed in a 4K Legacy classroom.

4K Preschool registration information will be mailed soon. If you have a child who qualifies for 4K Preschool this fall and you are new to the district, or if you do not receive information in the mail by the end of March, please call Lien Elementary at 715-268-9771 ext. 262.

Program Options for 4K Preschool through Grade 5

The School District of Amery is proud to provide families the opportunity to choose the best learning environments for their children. In addition to the Legacy and Traditional classroom settings, we offer the following multi-grade classroom choices (see previous page):

• Montessori Children’s House for 4K Preschool & Kindergarten

• Project Based Learning (PBL) for Grades 1-2

• Montessori Lower Elementary for Grades 1-3

• Montessori Upper Elementary for Grades 4-5

• Amery Inquiring Minds (AIM) Project Based Learning for Grades 3-5

Until March 15, families can request program options for students entering Kindergarten through Grade 3 using forms that were sent home.

WHAT IS OPEN ENROLLMENT?

The inter-district pubic school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend public school in a school district other than the one in which they reside.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Any Wisconsin resident in 4K to grade 12 may apply to attend a nonresident school district under the open enrollment program. However, a child may transfer to a nonresident school district for early childhood education or 4K only if the child’s resident school district offers the same type of program and only if the child is eligible for that program in the resident school district.

WHEN CAN PARENTS APPLY?

The regular open enrollment application period for the 23-24 school year end at 4:00 pm on April 28, 2023. The best way to apply is online using the URL link above and on the School District of Amery website on the Enrollment page.

An alternative application procedure allows pupils to apply for open enrollment at any time during the school year if certain criteria are met. For additional information, call the district office at 715-268-9771 ext. 272.

WHAT OUR CLASS LEARNED DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

By Elizabeth Hill (5th grade Montessori student) and Paul Johnson (4th grade Montessori student)

The Upper Montessori classes in the Amery Intermediate School have been working on and learning about the Chinese New Year. This celebration happens over the fifteen days counting up to the new moon. It started on January 22, 2023 and ended on February 5, 2023. They celebrated by watching informative videos prepared by 4th Grade Montessori student, Paul Johnson. The students also learned about the Chinese zodiac, the great race, and the zodiac’s supposed personality. Thanks to Paul and his mom (Mrs. Johnson), Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Larson and Mrs. Montana, the students were able to make dumplings in the Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE) room at the high school! Two high school students from the FCSE program also helped the students prepare the dumplings. The Montessori students celebrated and learned about this exciting holiday for people all around the world. They had fun learning about this piece of Chinese culture.

A SPECIAL DAY IN KINDERGARTEN

Mrs. Eastep’s Kindergarten students celebrated two special events that landed on the same day . . . GLOBAL DAY OF SCHOOL PLAY AND WORLD READ ALOUD DAY!

The morning started with WORD READ ALOUD DAY and their weekly visit from The Wordplay Readers. Mrs. Turcotte read two stories to Eastep’s class. The students were full of giggles and lots of questions. The Wordplay Readers take turns visiting the Amery kindergarten classes each Wednesday and sharing their favorite read alouds. The students look forward to their visits! The Wordplay Readers include Don Hansen, Denise Johnson, and Turcotte.

Kindergarteners also listened to a book on the Storyvoice website where every half hour a new author reads one of his/her stories and then shares additional information. It is live, and the authors are from all around the world.

Mrs. Eastep’s class also celebrated the GLOBAL SCHOOL PLAY DAY by joining over 1.5 million students from 75 nations in a day of play while at school.

The grassroots effort was created by educators in support of unstructured playtime for students around the world. In his TEDx lecture, Peter Gray clearly argues the case that today’s kids do not grow up playing, which has negatively impacted them in many ways. Therefore, it is time to return the gift of play to this generation. Mrs. Eastep couldn’t agree more!

Many skills are learned through play such as taking turns, following directions, using the imagination, handling winning or losing, and solving problems. The goal of the movement is to have unstructured play all day and not organize anything for the students -- do not tell them how to play with the toys/games, and do not interfere unless the play could lead to harm.

Mrs. Eastep said, “Since I teach kindergarten, I didn’t totally follow the rules, but the students had a wonderful day full of play!”

Earlier in the week they read the book “Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza.” Eastep, with the help of her student teacher Amelia Pietz, set up a dramatic play area as a pizza shop. Students made chef hats, wore fake mustaches, and played in a pretend pizza parlor! They were able to take turns being the pizza chef, the customers, and the cashiers. It was fun to see their creativity.

They also made pizza out of various shapes that were identified and counted, and they ended the day of play with board games and puzzles. Kindergarteners enjoyed playing all day, but what they did not realize is how much they actually learned.

Eastep was worried about the next day of school after a full day of play, but it turned out to be one of their best days of learning. They were happy to be back to school and ready for their normal school routine.

AMERY COMMUNITY EDUCATION ALWAYS LEARNING!

Gymnastics: Classes for ages 3+

Tumbling Warriors at 5:15p & Beginners at 5:50p or 6:35p on Tuesdays, Feb. 28 - April 4. Fun; recreational! Register online before the spots are full!

Instructors Premier Complex Gymnastics

Blacksmithing Workshops

For all levels of experience: Beginners & Intermediate. March 4-5 or April 1-2. Sat. from 8a-12p & Sun. from 12-4p.

Instructor Rick Tolliver $139

Estate Planning Workshop:

Learn how to leave your heirs what you want, when you want, and the way you want.

Tuesday, Mar 21 at 6p.

Instructor Joe Earley $9

Butter Believe It!

Learn to make butter, peanut butter, maple peanut butter, almond butter, mixed nut butter, and ‘Nutella’ at home. Go home with samples of what you make! Thurs, Mar. 23 from 5:30-7:30p.

Instructor Jon McBride $59

Memoir Writing for Seniors.

You will learn how to best tell the stories from your life and begin the process of recording those stories so they can be passed on to children and grandchildren. Thursdays, Mar 23 – May 4 (no class April 6) from 7-8p.

Instructor Sharon LaCour $59

Cookie Decorating ‘Spring’ Designs:

A hands-on cookie decorating class. For ages 12+. Go home with 8 cookies, pre-mixed & colored royal icing, a scribe tool, an edible marker, a paintbrush, tipless piping bags, and recipes. Sat., Mar 25 from 9-11a.

Instructor Zoe from Chaos & Coneflowers $45

Painting Spring & Summer!

Paint an 11x14 canvas under the step-by-step guidance of art teacher Renee Anderson. All artistic levels welcome. No pressure . . . just art therapy! 6-8:30 pm; supplies included

‘Strawberry Patch’ Mar. 27

‘Shine Bright Like a Tulip’ Apr. 17

Instructor Renee Anderson $32/class

Hunter Education DNR Certification

3 traditional courses offered. Must have DNR ID# to register; register through Community Ed.

1. Mar 27, 30, April 3, 4, 6 5:30-8:30p

2. June 12-15 8:15-11:45a

3. June 12-15 12:10-3:30p

Instructor Darrel Rothe $10/course

Dance Classes for Adults

Tuesdays, March 28 & April 4

For all levels of experience and for ages 14+.

• Country Line Dance: Electric Slide, Four Corners line dance, Southside Shuffle, the Scoot, and more from 5:30-6:30p. Partner not required.

• Country Western Two-Step for couples/ pairs only: Learn the two-step, the threestep, and the swing, all with a little bit of country from 6:30-7:30p.

• Beginning Standard Ballroom: Foxtrot, the basic box-step, Ballroom Waltz, and East Coast Swing from 7:30-8:30p. Partner not required.

Instructor Victor Albrecht $21/dancer/class/2 nights

Babysitter Training

for ages 10-15 on Sat, April 1 from 9a - 3:45p.

Instructor Wendy Carlson $45

Wild Mushrooms: Spring Edibles

Learn to identify and prepare ramps, fiddleheads, nettles, and many more. Thurs, April 6 & 13 from 6-9 p. Instructor Tavis Lynch $29

ATV Safety: DNR

April 11, 13 & 17 from 5:30-8:30p. Must have DNR ID# to register; register through Community Ed.

Instructor Darrel Rothe $10

Steak

— You’re Cooking that Wrong!

Learn to cook beef and pork cuts - the correct way AND the wrong way for a side-by-side comparison! Tuesday, April 11 from 5:30-7:30p. Includes a digital probe thermometer.

Instructor Jon McBride $55

BOAT Safety

MAY 15, 16 & 18. Must have DNR ID# to register; register through Community Ed.

Instructors Jeff Hahn and Ryan Jordan $10

Pre-register for all classes through Amery Community Ed. For details and online registration, visit the school website at: www.amerysd.k12.wi.us and go to Community Ed Or email: commed@amerysd.k12.wi.us Or call: 715-268-9771 x220

• BASKETBALL OPEN GYM FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES

Sundays through March 12 from 1:30-3:30p in the Middle School. For youth grades 4-12. Younger welcome with parents. Church groups welcome. Bring your own basketball and clean shoes for the gym (no outside shoes please!). Enter through North doors. No fee.

• PICKLEBALL OPEN GYM

Wed nights from 6-8 p through March 8 at the high school. Play the fastest growing rec sport in the nation! Don’t know how? That’s OK - we’ll teach you. Bring a paddle if you have one. Balls provided. No fee.

• OPEN GYM FOR FAMILIES SPONSORED BY POWERUP:

Looking for an indoor space to run, jump and play with your whole family? Come to the Intermediate on Sundays, Mar 5 & 19 from 2-4p. Bring clean shoes for the gym. Parents/Guardians must stay in the gym with the children. No fee.

• INDOOR WALKERS

Walkers are welcome in the school hallways from 4:30-6:30 pm on days that school is in session.